A/N: There really are no words to express my appreciation whenever there is a review or a favorite or a follow to our story. I'm extremely thankful to White Bishop for giving me this opportunity to collaborate. This has been a wonderful experience so far and I can't wait to see how it's going to turn out.
Awkward Interventions
Shrill cries pierced Hermione's ears as she stepped out of the fireplace into the former ancestral home of the Black family. She cringed at the sound clamping her palms on her ears. Taking a deep breath, she popped one of her eyes open and roved it over the entire expanse of the living room in her best friend's house.
Everything was out of place. Cushions were strewn over, a vase with its flowers was lying broken on the floor, and there was debris of bits and pieces everywhere on the floor. Hermione's eyes widened as she looked at Ginny who was slumped on one of the armchairs with two hands protecting her ears.
As the shrieks came to a halt Hermione breathed, "What in the name of Merlin has happened here?"
"What do you think?" Ginny huffed.
"Ginny," Hermione said bunching her eyebrows. "Is it Kreacher?" It started to happen quite often. Whether it was because of his old age or something else, she didn't know. Whenever the elf started crying, the whole place would become a mess.
"Who else?" Ginny said. "I don't know what to do with him. Harry had ordered him to go back to Hogwarts. But any time we go near that damn wall of heads he pops back, claiming he's too old and wants his head to join the legacy of his mother."
"Oh, the poor thing," Hermione sighed.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Sometimes I wish Harry would listen to him and grant his wish. At least we would be rid of this nuisance."
"That's barbaric Ginny," Hermione sighed casting a concerned glance towards the stairs. "What did you do now? No, let me guess. Your infamous 'Reducto' again?"
"What infamous?" Ginny smirked. When Hermione glared she twirled a red lock with her finger. "I just wanted to make Harry happy."
"Nice try," Hermione growled. "I'm not Harry-the-boy-who-is-madly-in-love-with-you-Potter. What did you do?"
Ginny cast a downward glance and mumbled, "Not me. Mum said she had an idea."
"We talked about it," Hermione said moving towards the stairs. "He's been in this house for a very long time. You should consider his feelings before you try anything."
"Harry cringes whenever he looks at that disgusting display. I was just trying to help," Ginny said following her up the stairs. "Besides, it's mum's idea. They work almost every time."
"Almost," Hermione said under her breath as another set of cries reached her ears. "Kreacher," Hermione hurried.
She gasped when she saw Molly Weasley standing in front of the elf with her wand stretched out, while the old elf stood there bawling its eyes out. "Dirty blood traitors, sacrileging the ancient noble house of Black and master does nothing. Oh, what would my dear old Mistress say!"
"Step away," Molly brandished her wand. "Don't make me use this on you."
"Molly, please. That's enough," Hermione said rushing to the elf. "Just look at him," She pointed to the whimpering elf, trying to take his frail hand into hers.
"The Mudblood wants to help Kreacher. She's touching Kreacher with her dirty hands," Kreacher drew back, placing his hands protectively in front of the elf heads that were proudly displayed by Walburga Black. "You can't do anything to the prized possessions of my mistress as long as Kreacher's alive."
"You don't know anything about them, dear. That thing is insulting you. Each and every time you come to its rescue and that wretched thing hurls slurs at you," Molly said with a sigh shaking her head.
"Not it Molly, him," Hermione said raising her chin. "I'm sorry to say but I actually know quite a bit about them now," Hermione said stepping away from the elf. Kreacher sniffled away giving her a wary look. "Kreacher has every reason to defend his old Mistress. After all, it is only because of her he's been able to live this long."
"Well, that makes me hate that screeching banshee in the portrait even more," Ginny scrunched her face leaning on the wall that was far from the elf.
"That is all hogwash, my dear," Molly scoffed. "That vile woman abused this delirious elf and drove him into insanity."
"Actually," Hermione said folding her hands. "According to the earliest records, elves were one of the most vulnerable magical beings. They were very weak and very susceptible to disease. Helga Hufflepuff was the first to acknowledge the potential benefit to both elves and wizardkind by creating a magical connection between the two. The symbiotic partnership between an elf and a bonded witch or wizard is really quite fascinating. In fact, Helga was the first person to 'own' or rather 'partner' with a house elf."
"Hermione," Molly stopped her with an exhausted expression. "That's lovely, but it has nothing to do with this," Molly scrunched her face and pointed to the elf. "This is going to be Harry and Ginny's home. If they wanted these blasted things out of their home, they should be able to do it. As a friend, you should help them in achieving that, not interrupt them."
"Mum," Ginny's curt tone cut through the silence that pervaded like a dagger. "I agree with Hermione; let's leave it be for now."
"Of course dear. After all, it's going to be your home. I can only suggest," Molly said moving down the stairs. "Do join us for morning tea Hermione," her voice trailed off as the older lady moved further away towards the kitchen.
Hermione found it difficult to move her feet. All of a sudden, she felt like an outsider in her best friend's home. She bit her lip as the corners of her eyes crinkled. She saw Ginny consoling the elf, saying they wouldn't do anything to the wall. The elf nodded his head gingerly and vanished with a pop. Ginny then turned to Hermione and winked. "There, happy? Come on, let's have some tea. Mum brought treacle tarts."
"Ginny, I should go," Hermione said feeling uncomfortable.
"Don't you dare Hermione, you are always welcome in this house and you will always be family. Mum's just still upset that you and Ron didn't work out your differences," Ginny started to say holding her hand.
"I don't want to do this again," Hermione said pulling her hand back.
"Will you let me finish?" Ginny said keeping a tight hold on her hand with her Weasley temper dancing in her eyes. "We all made peace with the fact that you both are happy like this. The awkwardness of that evening at Leaky Cauldron was a very good eye opener for all of us. Unfortunately, she didn't see that and still hanging to that little thread of hope."
Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose. "You know I'm not upset about Molly. It's just that, why is she thinking that I'm solely responsible for this?"
Ginny gave out a throaty chuckle. "Believe me, she's not. Ron got a good earful last Sunday. Compared to that, this is nothing. Now stop those churning wheels in your brain and come on. We have loads to do this afternoon. The appointment at Twilfitt and Tattings is going to start soon and I don't want to be late. I hear the new wedding collection is simply amazing and Luna said she's okay with whatever we pick." Ginny babbled away garnering Hermione's attention. Hermione schooled her mind, thinking about her promise to her friend to be a good maid of honor.
Hermione slowly took out her notepad and a pencil and started taking notes, as they got themselves seated around the dining table. One glance at the living room told her that it was back to its normal condition with everything in its own place, clearly showing Molly's work.
"About the cake," Ginny said taking a large bite of her treacle tart. "I was thinking about an ice cream cake from Florean Fortescue. I heard they are a huge hit nowadays."
Hermione nodded her approval. After the war, Florean Fortescue's grandson reopened the famous ice cream shop honoring the name of his grand father. He introduced a variety of new flavors and was an instant hit. She made a quick note thinking about scheduling a tasting as soon as possible.
"Ginny, you shouldn't be spending that much on a cake. Those hideous ice-cream cake monstrosities are overpriced," Molly interrupted.
Hermione bit back a retort, as the elder Weasley's words were still buzzing in her ears. That wasn't the first time Molly had made her feel out of place. But there was truth in Ginny's words. Molly was extremely disappointed when Ron and she called it quits and she still believed if they put effort into their relationship, things would get better.
Hermione cut a small sliver of her own tart and placed in her mouth. "This is delicious Molly."
"Take a big bite, Hermione. You hardly eat anything. I would love to see some meat on those bones," she admonished in a heart warming tone.
"You are right, mum," Ginny said grabbing a small cake from the plate and shoved into Hermione's mouth.
"Gnn," Hermione mumbled, glaring at her friend, who was laughing at the sight of Hermione with her chipmunk cheeks.
"Enough with your childish tactics, Ginny. Can you believe this girl is getting married in two months?" Molly whimpered brushing away few tears from her eyes. "I still remember you as that tiny little girl, blushing at the very sight of Harry Potter on platform nine and three-quarters. And here you are marrying him, your first love."
"Stop it, mum."
Hermione noticed twin red spots on Ginny's cheeks at her mother's words and she nodded her head in agreement. "Yes. They both have grown into these wonderful people, who are going a start a beautiful future together. I'm so happy for you, Gin."
"Not you too, Hermione," Ginny said with a pout. "We have to go."
"Of course, dear," Molly said encouraging the girls to help themselves to a few more bites.
It was getting difficult for Hermione to stomach any more food. She didn't understand if it was Molly's words about first love or her own state of mind that brought on this feeling. There was a tiny bit of anxiety in her, looking at her friend's blissful state. Will she ever find that kind of love?
Interrupting their discussion, an eagle owl swooped through the open window and landed on Hermione's side. The three women at the table jumped a little at the sudden intrusion, while the owl gave an exasperated glance extending the letter in his beak towards Hermione. As the letter got transferred to Hermione's hands it didn't wait for another second, taking off in the same direction.
"Is it work, dear?" Molly asked looking skeptically at the letter.
"Yes," Hermione said looking at the curved M, emblazoned on the wax seal.
"It's Saturday for Merlin's sake. Who is trying to get a hold of you on a weekend?" Ginny said eyeing the cream colored note.
"It's Draco Malfoy," Hermione breaking the seal. She unfolded the missive, completely unaware of the skeptic glances the Weasley women shared. A smile tugged her lips as she read the words. Malfoys and their propensity towards extravagance. Seriously, who would get a reservation at an expensive restaurant for a business dinner? She folded it back and tucked it into her bag. She lifted her gaze catching on the confused expressions on Molly and Ginny's faces. "What?"
"Why is Malfoy writing to you?" Ginny asked pointing to the letter.
"It's about a business meeting," Hermione waved it off. "I already told you the Malfoys are funding my project. We are meeting over dinner to discuss few things."
"Dinner?" Ginny's eyes widened.
"A business dinner."
"Hermione, are they funding your project for elves?" Molly asked pouring tea into their cups.
"Yes," Hermione said taking the cup. "I had my doubts, but Malfoy seemed really dedicated. He lent me books to improve my understanding of them. I can honestly say, they have been a great help."
"Hermione, you know I always considered you as my daughter," Molly said with a concerned look.
"Of course, Molly," Hermione smiled.
"Don't believe them, dear. I don't know about Draco, but Lucius and Narcissa can never be trusted. They are arrogant, conniving, and prejudiced. Even though Voldemort is defeated they are still rolling in their pureblood practices."
"I appreciate your concern, Molly. But I'm not dealing with his parents. My meeting's with Draco. He had been nothing but helpful since the time we started this collaboration."
"Yes, Mum. Hermione's right. Even Neville told me the ferret helped him during the school year. I'm sure, if he tried to pull any kind of bigotry nonsense, Hermione can put him right back in his place."
Hermione blushed when Ginny took her down the memory lane back to their third year when she'd punched Malfoy's face. Yes, he certainly wasn't that boy anymore.
Ginny's new status as an esteemed player of Holyhead Harpies gained her a lot of attention. On top of that, she didn't hesitate to flash her new ring as the chosen one's Fiancé to get things done right. As a result of that, they were now seated in a special chamber on the upper floor in Twilfitt and Tattings with bubbling Champagne in their hands, looking leisurely at the brochures that displayed a lovely collection of wedding dresses.
Molly's exhilaration was clear whenever she came across a dress with lots of puffy layers or stuffed with shiny gems and beads. Ginny rolled her eyes and moved on.
"They all look so stuffy," Ginny said, closing the third brochure. "How can anyone stay in them?"
"What exactly are you looking for?" Hermione asked looking at the last brochure in the pile, that sported unconventional styles. "You might like one of these," she said taking it into her hands.
"Hermione, a traditional wedding dress is supposed to be white, not cream or gold or silver," Molly said with a look of distaste, as Hermione turned over each page.
Ginny bit her lip and looked over each new page with a renewed curiosity. Her eyes shone whenever a beautiful style unveiled. "Forget tradition, just look at this, mum."
Even Molly's mouth dropped open when they saw beautiful off shoulder cream dress.
"Beautiful," she whispered, running her fingers on the page. "But I still say, it would've been divine if it was in white."
Ginny placed a smacking kiss on her mother's cheeks and rushed to the girl who stood there patiently waiting for Harry Potter's Fiancée to choose a dress.
Hermione smiled happily checking 'wedding dress for bride' off her list, as the mother and daughter talked excitedly to the bridal consultant. Her eyes wandered to the front of the shop as she heard raised voices. She walked towards glass windows and took a peek at the reception area. To her shock, it was none other Draco Malfoy. He stood there silently, his hands tucked in his pockets and his expression bored. He didn't notice her, his concentration else where.
Hermione recalled the letter she received earlier that afternoon and thought about of giving her answer in person. "Ginny, I'll be back in a minute." She snorted looking at the excitement of Ginny, as she nodded her head absent mindedly.
"How dare you talk to me in this way?" a sharp voice reached Hermione's ears as she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Do you know how much business you've had thanks to our family?" Hermione stopped in her step seeing Narcissa Malfoy speaking to the lady in a cold tone. "I demand to see your Madame, right away. Tell her, Narcissa Malfoy wishes to speak with her."
"Of course Ma'am. Please take a seat," a trembling voice replied.
Hermione immediately took a step back sensing it was neither the right time nor the right place to have a conversation with Draco Malfoy, especially in front of his mother. Unfortunately, her movement caught Draco's attention and he raised an eyebrow at her. She gave an awkward smile and started to turn away.
"Granger."
Hermione stopped in her step and sighed. Now she has to face the judgmental looks of the Lady Malfoy while trying to carry on a civil discussion with her son. She bit back the curse that tried to slip out of her mouth and plastered a smile, "Malfoy." Hermione knew from her peripherals his mother was waiting for an introduction.
But to her astonishment, Malfoy spoke in the same baritone voice, "Mother, you remember Hermione Granger?"
"Quite well Draco," Narcissa spoke with an appreciative glance towards her son. "How do you do, Ms. Granger?"
"Quite well. Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy. What brings you here today?" Hermione asked politely.
"It's a usual shopping day," Narcissa said flippantly. "and yourself? I presume the same."
"Well, not exactly. I'm here with Ginny Weasley shopping for her wedding dress."
"How lovely," Narcissa said going back to her cold voice. "Then don't let us keep you then. Draco why don't you escort Ms. Granger back to the wedding section."
"Oh, no. That's not needed," Hermione said with wide eyes.
"Mother?" Draco asked narrowing her eyes.
"Don't keep the girl waiting, Draco. She had taken time from her friends to come and greet you," Narcissa turned away ending the discussion.
Hermione cringed at her wording and looked at Draco. She saw he was in no better position. "Let's go," he said in a resigned tone, leading the way.
Hermione closed her eyes and slowly fell into step with him. "Do you always accompany your mother for her shopping?" she asked not a minute later. She expected him to get all embarrassed about the situation but his posture remained stoic as he answered without even looking at her.
"Seeing that she no longer has the advantage of going anywhere she wants unless accompanied by someone, I see no other option, Granger."
"What do you mean?"
"She fell victim to her own actions, Granger. She should've anticipated the consequences of lying to the Dark Lord."
"About Harry," she gasped. "Did someone attack her?"
Draco nodded providing no further information.
Hermione stopped herself from asking more. "Did you contact the Aurors about it?"
Draco scoffed at her words. "Do you think the ministry would've bothered enough to provide her with security? Wake up, Granger. According to them, we are second class citizens."
"That's horrible. I'll have to talk to Kingsley about this." Hermione was baffled. She didn't know things were this pathetic.
"Don't bother," Draco said curtly avoiding her gaze.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know," she immediately said with concern.
"You didn't cause it, why are you saying sorry?" he smirked.
"It's called courtesy, Malfoy," she snapped and skipped up the stairs, moving in front of him.
"Why did you come to meet me?" he asked from behind her.
"Oh, right. I forgot," she stopped and turned towards him. "I received your owl. I just wanted to say I'm fine with it."
He nodded and asked, "When should I arrive to pick you up?"
Why was he being this courteous as if he was picking her up for a date? "I know the place. It's actually quite close to where I live. Don't worry about it," Hermione said nonchalantly. Draco seemed frozen in his spot at her answer. "What is it?" she asked confused by his reactions.
"Not important, I'll see you then?" Draco said quickly ascending the last few stairs and opened the door that led to the wedding section.
"Thank you," Hermione smiled and proceeded inside, while Draco retreated towards the reception area.
"Was that the younger Malfoy?" Molly's voice drew her back to the reality. "What is he doing here?"
"He's accompanying his mother. He told me that his mother needs to be accompanied because of threats."
"Serves them well," Molly said with a huff. "If you ask me, their punishments are quite moderate for all the awful things they have done."
Hermione didn't quite agree, but she kept quiet. Narcissa Malfoy was definitely held in some esteem in Hermione's eyes after learning of the risk she took by lying and being partially responsible for saving Harry's life. That was the reason she supported Harry and his testimonies that played a major role in the Malfoys' case. She looked beyond Molly and inquired. "Where's Ginny? Do they have the dress, here?"
Molly's face brightened instantly. "Oh, yes! The dressers even agreed to make it in white. But Ginny is adamant that she needs it in cream color. Come on, Hermione. You are the only one who could convince her."
She pushed her thoughts about Malfoys into the recesses of her brain and dragged her feet, considering her thoughts of whether to talk to Ginny that white would be better or talk to Molly to let her daughter decide what would be the best. Both of them seemed equally daunting.
A/N: I just wanted to take a minute here and share something with you. Today I've completed a year on fanfiction and I'm extremely grateful for the loving support I've received from all of you. I want to dedicate this chapter to all you wonderful people who ever read any or all of my stories, followed my attempts, marked them as their favorite and last but not the least dropped a review. I've learned so much and made wonderful friends, who have been a tremendous support in this journey. I thank you all, from the bottom of my heart for this beautiful experience.
