I own no characters in this story I am simply borrowing this world for my own plot.
Chapter 3 – The rules of the game had changed.
The heels were the first thing to come off as Hermione shut the door of her little flat. It wasn't much but it was more than some people had after the war. Without conscious thought she settled into her familiar routine, a glass of wine poured and taps of the bath left running. The smell of lavender was already drifting around engulfing every part of her home. Dipping into the bubbled water Hermione gave in letting this afternoon's chaos invade her mind.
Three times before tonight, that's how many times her lips had ever been kissed. Krum's had been the first and a result of too much butter beer the night of the yule ball. It was never mentioned again. Ron's kisses were clumsy and half-hearted, protesting that it was her fault for not knowing how to kiss properly. Which always resulted in a fight. Then there was Dean Thomas, it had been nearly 2 years since she ran into him in diagon alley. After several drinks and a lot of catching up he made a pass but it was awkward. Lucky both of them had been able to laugh it off. Putting it down to just been happy to see an old friend. Draco's had made her feel alive there was something raw and demanding about the way he kissed.
''Oh merlin I can't believe I'm actually comparing them. It was a mistake a big big mistake.'' With that she plunged her head under the water trying to wash it all away.
On the way to work the next morning a decision was made. To just tell Draco that the kiss was a onetime accident,a sumptuous accident with his perfect lips. Cursing her mind Hermione willed herself not to think about him again.
Draco had made it into work early, wanting to be in the room first. After running last night he knew she was on edge and wanted to catch her of guard. Hermione was on fire last night. Now he needed to see if in the cold light of day she regretted it. The nauseous feeling in his gut had already told him the answer but he needed to see it on her face.
'' Well you decided to return then little witch.'' Perching on a desk, Draco looked ever so smug.
'' Of course. I work here Draco why wouldn't I return?''
So that was the game being played. He couldn't believe she thought it was going to be as easy as pretending it didn't happen.
''After you got all hot and bothered last night I thought you might not want to work. In case you can't keep your hands to themselves.''
Hermione froze. Unable to believe he brought up last night so soon. '' Draco look last night was an accident ok I didn't mean for that to happen.''
'' What did you mean to happen then?'' The tone of his voice cold.
''I don't honestly know. I saw how much pain you were in and wanted to comfort you. Then the next thing I know is you're kissing me. I didn't think or plan anything to happen ok.''
So that was it. His gut feeling was right. '' So it was a pity kiss then Hermione?''
Her head dipped. Hermione looked down at the ground clearly wishing it would swallow her up.
Striding across the room, standing in front of her Draco's hand found her cheek.
'' Look at me.'' Still nothing. He tilted her face to look at him.
'' Was it a pity kiss?''
Draco felt her head nod into his palm. Sighing he leant down, his lips so close to her own even he wasn't sure if he was going to kiss them again but instead he spoke.
'' Don't ever kiss a man the way you kissed me if you don't mean it. Do you understand?''
Again she nodded.
Dropping his hand from her face he began to space back across the room. Moving quickly knocking a box full of objects off the table in the process. Sending them gliding across the floor as she grabbed his arm.
'' Draco please I'm sorry.''
He pulled away, ignoring her. All morning he had prepared for her regret but not pity that stung more than he would let her know.
'' Please talk to me, don't ignore me. We have to work together. It's not like it meant anything to you either.''
She was frustrated with his ignorance now.
'' Stop been such a baby and answer me.'' Raising her voice she tried once more. '' Draco Lucius Malfoy bloody answer me.''
'' What do you want woman? You want to sit around and discuss how my pride has taken massive hit. Well no thanks I'm going to keep what little pride I have left and refuse to discuss this with you any further. That ok with you Hermione Jean Granger.'' Mocking the full use of his name.
His voice was so loud it had taken over the whole room filling the smallest of cracks until even the walls could hear him. He was shaking with anger and it was her fault. They just stared at each other for a minute before they noticed one of the objects laid out on the floor had started to come to life. As Draco out stretched a hand to pick it up a thick deep purple smoke engulfed the room and a high-pitched voice with commanding tone started to speak.
'' The engagement of Mr Draco Lucius Malfoy and Miss Hermione Jean Granger has been accepted. By speaking your name into the expeditious espousal you here by both agree to the long-standing terms and agreements of this ritual. You now have 10 days in which to complete the marriage ceremony and the consummation. A letter which the minor terms on your marriage is now on its way to you. Congratulations on your betrothal and good luck in your future.''
The door opened and in flew the post. Just one letter addressed to Mr Malfoy and Miss Granger. Dumbstruck the pair both sat in silence until the door crashed open nearly pulling it off the hinges.
'' What the hell have you two done.'' There heads whipping around to the look at the minister of magic in astonishment.
'' I just got an espousal order in my office saying that you two were to be married. How the hell did that happen?''
'' We're not getting married.'' Draco looked at Hermione her voice was quite she was obviously in shock.
'' I don't understand what's happening Kingsley. One minute we were in the middle of a fight and then the next that old little box over there with the speaker woke up and announced that… that me and Draco are we are getting..'' She trailed off unable to finish the sentence.
'' Married, we are getting married.'' He finished it for her.
'' Little boxes don't just decide two people are getting married that's now how marriage works Draco.'' he could hear the pleading in her voice. Kingsley sat her down and knelt in front of her.
'' Hermione the box didn't decide it. It's just a device that's used to give a voice to the magic that's been used. Magic that is as old as time.''
''But I don't understand. Marriage isn't magic Minister.''
'' In this case my dear it is. An expeditious espousal used to be very popular back in the day with certain witches and wizards.''
Draco snorted. '' What he means is popular with pure bloods Hermione.''
'' Not the way I was going to put it but yes. Not all marriages were and are based on love. I don't need to tell either of you how much pure blood wizards liked to keep the blood pure by only marrying other pure bloods that part is obvious. It used to be the tradition in these families that once a pure blood witch came of age a suitable match would be made for her. With neither lines seeing the need to wait they would rush it through using an espousal.''
Kingsley paused not sure how to break the rest of the news.
'' Carry on, there is no point dragging it out you might as well tell her it all. She isn't made of glass.''
Nodding the minister carried on. '' These were not normal marriages Hermione, they are unbreakable. You don't have a choice now the contract has been made. If you didn't marry the fate is said to be worse than death. It also comes with certain rules placed on it.''
'' What rules?'' Needing to know all the facts of her situation.
The letter was handed to her, with trembling fingers Hermione broke the seal. Scanning the note for the rules of her new life.
Rule 1. You have 10 days for the wedding ceremony to happen and to be consummated in.
Rule 2. The named pair must live in the same residence.
Rule 3. Cheating is not allowed. This includes before the ceremony.
Rule 4. Ending of the marriage is not an option.
Rule 5. The marriage must bare at least 1 child.
Rule 6. An unbreakable vow is taken so you cannot break any of the rules.
Standing Hermione moved towards Draco, her eyes studying him. She's looking at her husband…husband he pondered the word turning it over in his mind. He had never considered marriage before. Not that he had much say in this but still the term husband had some appeal for Draco Malfoy it seemed.
'' We're going to married Draco.'' The words had barely slipped out of her sensual mouth before her legs gave in. Quickly Draco caught her in his arms as she fainted.
'' Yes my little witch we are.''
Authors note: By the looks of this chapter the story is going to be a faster pace than I intended but oh well. Kisses xox