Granger, Zabini, or Malfoy?

By: Keshia Kay Mansell

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Last Time:

"You'll soon learn not to talk to me that way, Gr-Zabini." he scowled.

"Oh, and why do you think that I'd do a stupid thing like that?" She snorted. But soon his scowl turned into a mischievous smirk.

"You haven't told her yet?" he asked Mr. Zabini with amusement.

"Told me what?" Hermione asked in a confused tone.

"I'm your fiancé." he said smugly. Hermione promptly fainted.

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Chapter 4: The Talk

To say that Hermione was angry would be a sad understatement. In fact, she was absolutely furious. After she had regained consciousness, she and Draco had gotten into a verbal spar that had ended with Hermione slapping him and shouting about how he'd once again managed to ruin her life. Currently, she was lying on the bed in her room allowing herself to soak in her tears of misery.

After awhile, she calmed down a bit and her fitful sobs reduced into minor hiccups and a slightly unsteady breathing pattern. She tiredly rolled over on her bed and stared at the ceiling as she thought over her situation. She heard someone knock on her door and replied in a hoarse voice, "Come in."

Her door opened to revile an upset Mrs. Zabini whom was being closely followed by a rather bored looking Mrs. Malfoy.

"How could you embarrass us like that!?" Aurora shouted as she shook in rage. "Do you know how long we have known the Malfoys? You should be ashamed of yourself!" Hermione would have retorted with an equally angry shout had she not been busy gaping at her mother who was now lifting her arm to backhand her. Hermione flinched, but the blow never came. When she reopened her eyes, she was shocked to see that Narcissa had caught Aurora's hand in mid-swing.

"You obviously don not know of our children's past." Narcissa commented cooly. Then she added, "Draco deserved it."

Both Hermione and her mother stared unbelievingly at the calm, collected blonde woman before them. Narcissa, however, looked the same as ever. Her stature betrayed the fact that she had said anything remotely out of place. Then she turned to Aurora and said, "I would like to speak with Annika alone."

Aurora pursed her lips into a tight frown before adhering to her request. Hermione could tell that her mother was less then pleased about the immediate dismissal. After the door had been closed properly, Narcissa sighed to herself and sat on the bed next to Hermione.

"You could have handled that situation so much better." Narcissa said, referring to the battle Hermione and Draco had started during dinner. "He was only trying to rile you up as he always does. Lucius used to do the same to me.

"Well, he's damn good about it!" Hermione seethed as her mind recalled every little thing Malfoy had done just to piss her and her friends off, which was quite a bit at that.

"True, but that's just life." Narcissa reasoned. "Besides, if you always allow him to see you weaknesses, he'll expose them for his entertainment as he did tonight."

"But why do I have to marry him of all people? Can't I have a say in all this?" Hermione asked as a tear streaked down her tan cheek.

"Annika, you must understand that Draco is the safest choice for you and your family." Narcissa explained, "He will protect you regardless of you past. Other suitors would take advantage of you and turn you in to the Dark Lord for their own personal gain and if you were to marry the Weasley boy, you would automatically be sentenced to death along with your family. My child has more sense then to turn you in. I've raised him to be above such petty trifles to gain other's good graces."

Hermione grew pale and frightened at the mentioning of being turned in to Voldemort. Narcissa saw this and put a motherly arm around her shoulders. "This is why Aurora's so angry with you. She believes that without this marriage, you will die. We can't loose you again, Anni."

"Oh, I feel so stupid!" Hermione cried as she hugged Narcissa. "Mum and Dad only want what's best for me and I've already shoved it in their faces! I don't even know the first thing about being a Pureblood. I'll stick out like a sore thumb and all their hard work will be for nothing." she moaned sadly.

"No you won't." Narcissa assured her, "I won't allow it!"

"What in Merlin's name are you on about? Look at me, I'm a bloody hopeless mess! I've been raised as a Muggle, for Merlin's sake!" Hermione exclaimed, shaking her head in doubt.

"Nonsense, child! You were raised by Wizards who were acting as Muggles." Narcissa pointed out. "That in its self means that there's bound to be a few kinks in your Muggle ways. How would you like it if I were give you Pureblood etiquette lessons? Then you'd be sure to blend in with the crowd!"

"Really!? You'd do that for me?" she perked up a little bit upon hearing this.

"Of course, I'd be delighted to." Narcissa smiled kindly.

"Narcissa, why are you helping me?" Hermione asked suddenly.

"Well, can you promise not to tell Draco?" Hermione shook her head 'yes.' Narcissa whispered to Hermione a secret she had kept for years. "When I was pregnant with Draco, I wished that he would be a baby girl."

After that, the mood lightened considerably as the room filled with amused laughter. Hermione gave Narcissa a warm hug and thanked her sincerely.

"No problem, dear." she replied with a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, bright and early!"

As Hermione watched Narcissa leave, she gained a new respect and understanding for her family and the Malfoys. With this in mind, she traveled through the Manor's great halls to find her parents and to apologize for her bad behavior. Then she sat down and shared with them the long stories and dangers she had experienced throughout her life.

When she was done, her mother was in tears and her father was smiling proudly. Each gave her a hug and a kiss. Her mother also apologized for her harsh words the hour before. All and all things went well and when Hermione retired for the night she felt happy and relaxed. That night, Hermione slept peacefully.

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A/N: I know it's kind of a short chapter, but it'll do for now. Thank you for all of your kind reviews! You guys are the best!