Chapter Three

Disclaimer: Same as always…I still don't own Harry Potter. Big shock. I know.

It was one of those cool, October days as Hermione Granger sat out by the lake, looking out into the distance. It was a Saturday, and only about nine in the morning, so many of the other students had chosen to stay in their warm beds. But not Hermione. It had been almost three weeks since she and Malfoy had come up with their plan and the Slytherin boy hadn't even spoken to her. The brunette didn't know if it was done intentionally, or if there was nothing more to talk about at the moment. She didn't know what to do in all honesty. Most nights Hermione just laid in bed, thinking of everything that was about to happen. On one hand, she had no idea why she agreed to help him in the first place. Mostly she was still uncertain as to whether or not he did indeed kill Dumbledore. Second, he had been her enemy for years and all of a sudden she wanted to help him. Why?

Turning to look back towards the castle, Hermione guessed that it was partly from sympathy and pity, and partly because it might actual be for the good. Yes, the plan in itself, from Voldemort's point of view was purely to wreck havoc on the wizarding world, but what is she and Malfoy actually pulled through with their plan? They might even stand a chance of defeating the Dark Lord right behind his back. Hermione knew, however, that their intentions wouldn't do unnoticed, but that didn't seem to matter. The Gryffindor girl knew, at that moment, that it truly was the right thing to do.


Sighing, Hermione walked into the dark Entrance Hall near eight on November first. It seemed that Malfoy senior had changed his mind and didn't want the two escorted to the manner. He feared that someone, namely Professor McGonagall, would find the situation suspicious and dictate that they were not allowed to leave. Not wanting this to happen, Lucius had written Draco the previous week, informing him and Hermione that they should meet together, then walk up to what had been Professor Dumbledore's office, but now belonged to the Headmistress, Professor McGonagall. In his letter, Lucius stressed the importance of making them seem legitimately in love as to not get a curious look from McGonagall. Hermione thought that the learned woman might suspect something, what with the waltzing up and signing a marriage license, but she hadn't come to find them yet.

Malfoy was standing at the bottom of the staircase, hands in his pockets and leaning against the stone wall. Both had agreed to not make this occasion overly important, so Malfoy was seen wearing a simply pair of black slacks, a long-sleeved, black, button down shirt and his customary black robes. In all, he looked to Hermione like he did this every other day of the week and this day was nothing special. In truth, the Gryffindor herself hadn't even put any real effort into it. She two wore a pair of black pants, except with short heels, and a red blouse. Nothing two special and nothing screaming that this was what she wore everyday. Both looked like this was the most ordinary thing in the world.

Hermione walked down the last few steps, coming to stand next to Malfoy. She gave a sort of half smile, as if she was trying to take it all in without getting emotional. She had two many things going through her head, so Hermione's smile was less the encouraging. Malfoy noticed this, so he simply nodded. It was no time for an emotional break down, and both knew this. They had to pull of the façade of a couple in love and they couldn't do that with an angry Slytherin and Gryffindor looking as is she's about to break into tears.

Draco slowly grabbed hold of Hermione's hand and started leading her up to the old Headmaster's office, giving her hand a small a small squeeze of encouragement. As much as he hated the girl standing next to him, Malfoy hated Voldemort even more. He was determined to come out on top, whatever the costs. It would sure be a long and hard road, but it was the only choice. Let someone else live your life, or live it for yourself. It was one or the other, no middle ground.

The two seventh years reached the stone gargoyle much quicker then they had hoped, and Draco muttered the password ("licorice wand") that McGonagall had sent him in an unmarked letter that morning. The boy almost dragged Hermione up the stairs leading to the large door, and knocked twice.

The door swung open as soon as he knocked and Hermione was surprised to find the interior exactly how it had been when it was Dumbledore there instead. The many different objects whirled about and the pensieve sat in the far corner, emitting an eerie glow. The one difference was the large portrait of Dumbledore, hanging amongst the rest of Hogwart's previous headmasters, and that it was McGonagall sitting behind the large desk.

The Headmistress in question sat straight in the chair, her eyes stern as she looked at the couple. She continued to say nothing as Hermione and Draco took seats in front of the desk, just then decided to let go of each other's hand. They looked expectantly at the older woman, hoping that she would speak up first, and speak she did.

"It has come to my attention, through the means of your father Draco, that you and Miss Granger wish to be wed as soon as possible. I have to honestly ask myself why this is, but have agreed that it is none of my business. You are both of proper age and have the legal right to do so".

Professor McGonagall looked down at the two, her eyes piercing through theirs, trying to detect any flicker of resentment. Inside, Hermione's world was crashing down around her, but she wouldn't let it show on her face. Their whole plan depended on them keeping up a front and it was no time to let their guard down. Finally, the witch decided that there were no objections, and continued on.

"I do hope the two of you realize the seriousness of what you are doing. Marriages in this world are binding and cannot be broken for any reason. I hope that the two of you have thought long and hard about this decision before signing this contract".

It was then that the two noticed the long roll of parchment laying along the desk. It was about two feet in length, detailing all conditions of the marriage. Surprisingly, Hermione was the first to respond to McGonagall's statement.

"Professor, I know exactly what Draco and I are doing and know all the consequences of it….". Hermione could hear Malfoy move a bit uncomfortably behind her and knew that it was time to wrap things up. This shouldn't have taken quite so long, or so much thought. Leaning forward, the girl grabbed the large eagle feather quill, dipped it in the ink, and signed her name at the bottom of the contract. Turning, she gave an overly encouraging to Malfoy and, without saying anything, he took the quill from Hermione and signed his name on the bottom as well.

"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, it's about time the two of you returned to your house dormitories". McGonagall got up quickly, grabbed the parchment, and tapped it with her wand, wrapping it up and sealing it.

"Goodnight Professor", the two students said in unison, Draco leaving the room after Hermione.


Hermione and Malfoy walked down the moon lit corridor, back to Gryffindor tower. Hermione had protested that she could make it alone, but Draco had insisted that it was the 'husbandly' thing to do, causing Hermione to laugh a bit, despite herself. Walking down the dimly lit corridor, she tried to wrap her mind around everything that had happened so far. It was hard to believe that she was no long Hermione Granger, but Hermione Malfoy now. That wasn't something she was ready to announce to the world yet, or even the rest of Hogwarts. She was happy that Draco had agreed with her and decided that they should wait until the time was right.

After what seemed like hours, the two silent teenagers reached the Gryffindor portrait, leading into the common room. Hermione was about to walk straight up to her dorm, without a word, when she felt a strong hand pull her back.

"I thought you should have something, just to make this whole thing seem as legitimate as possible", Draco stated simply, pulling a small black box out of his pocket. Hermione was shocked, not expecting an act like this. It must have clearly shown on her face because Malfoy started to laugh.

"What? Never gotten a gift from a boy before?" Malfoy shook his head and opened the box to reveal a beautiful ring inside. The band was white gold with a large diamond in the middle, two smaller ones on each side. Picking up the ring and taking Hermione's hand, he placed it on her left right finger.

Hermione didn't know what to say. She was shocked and amazed, to say the least. She never expected something like this and wasn't ready for it when it hit her. Of course, he didn't get on one knee but acted as if this was an everyday occurrence. That didn't really matter to Hermione though, the thought was there.

"Thanks, it's beautiful", she finally managed to speak up, looking down at the ring, and, for some unknown reason, she leaned forward and pulled Malfoy into her, wrapping her arms around him. There was no way for her to explain her emotions, so Hermione opted for a more physical approach. She was surprised when Draco didn't pull back in obvious disgust, and was even more surprised when he too wrapped his arms around her.

Hermione could feel a swift rush of emotions and couldn't help but tear up a bit. Everything had happened so quickly and the Gryffindor hadn't been able to let it all at. She felt a bit ashamed, not to mention embarrassed, crying into Draco's chest, but he didn't let on that he was uncomfortable, and for that she was grateful

After a few minutes of silence, the two lost in the moment, Hermione felt Draco pull from her and look down into her eyes, his arms still around her tightly. Hermione tried to read the look in his eyes, but gave up; she had never seen that look before. She wasn't sure what it was…she knew that Malfoy had no real feelings for her, and this was just a charade, but Hermione still wished she knew what he was thinking.

Mid-thought, Hermione was suddenly interrupted from her thinking process when a pair of soft lips came down and met her own. Hermione didn't know how to react, but felt herself leaning into the kiss, deepening it at once. She could feel Draco's body reacting to this, pulling her closer to him. Hermione had no idea what to do but she was too wrapped up in the moment. The Gryffindor girl hadn't even realized how close they were to the stone wall when suddenly her back met it, Draco using his body to hold her up to the wall. She could feel herself melting in his arms, mentally willing him to deepen the kiss, when the portrait hole suddenly swung open.