Chapter Seven
Hermione sat in complete silence on the car ride home. She stared out the back window not really seeing anything as they passed. Her father drove, giving her the occasional stern glare in the rearview mirror.
Hermione did her best to ignore her father's glances. She had expected some hesitation on her parent's part but never resistance of this caliber. Her father seemed downright angry with her. Her mother was upset as well, which made Hermione a bit mad. Hadn't her mother been pushing her to get more serious with Draco? Why was she upset now that Hermione had taken her advice? It didn't seem fair.
When they arrived at the house her father carried her bags in without a word. Hermione followed her parents into the kitchen where they all stopped and looked at each other for a few silent moments.
"Well, let's hear it," her father said. "I'm sure you have an explanation for this."
"In the Wizarding world this is a perfectly acceptable and natural part of life," Hermione began. "I know it seems like we're very young, but Draco and I really are in love. His parents have already given us their blessing."
"Of course they have," her father snapped. "They're not the ones who'll have to pick up the pieces when this doesn't work out."
"What are you talking about?" Hermione demanded. "Why are you so sure this won't work out?"
"Herrmione, you are seventeen years old. You have absolutely no idea what marriage is like. You're barely old enough to take care of yourself let alone manage a household," her father pointed out. "And I don't particularly care if this is a perfectly acceptable practice in the Wizarding world, you live in this world and it would do you well to remember that."
"How can you say that?" Hermione asked. "For the past seven years of my life I've spent the majority of my time in the Wizarding world, preparing to live the rest of my life in the Wizarding world. You can't just erase that from me."
Her father was completely silent. He gave Hermione a disappointed look and walked out of the room. Hermione turned helplessly to her mother.
"He's having a hard time with the idea of you living in the Wizarding world for the rest of your life. For the past seven years we've given our daughter away to complete strangers to live in a world we barely know anything about. We know that's where you belong and we've always tried to do what's best for you, but it's very hard on us as parents to let you go. Now that you're going to graduate it's become even harder." Hermione's mother sighed. "And with this engagement nonsense, it's just too much."
"Engagement nonsense?" Hermione repeated, incredulous. "Mom, weren't you walking around the house all summer telling me that Draco could be the one?"
"Well, Hermione, I didn't expect it to happen right away, I thought you had more sense than that!" her mother replied. "I thought you would go off to college and maybe in a few years you'd decide to get married."
"Mom, there is no Wizarding college," Hermione sighed. "This is how they do it. They get married right out of Hogwarts. Every one of my friends besides Harry is engaged too. It's not a big deal."
"I am not hearing this," Hermione's mother shook her head. "Go to your room, we'll talk more about this later."
"Fine," Hermione snapped. She took her bags and headed up to her room. This reaction was absolutely absurd. Even her friends hadn't reacted like this and she had anticipated a horrible reaction from them.
After visiting Malfoy Manor, Hermione had gone immediately to Gryffindor tower where she found Ron and Harry playing a game of Wizard's chess while Ginny was talking with some sixth year girls. She had herded them all into a semi-quiet corner.
"I have to tell you something and you might be upset," she prefaced her announcement. Ginny's eyes grew wide.
"You're engaged!" she shrieked, grabbing Hermione's left hand to look at the ring which had caught her eye almost immediately.
"Oh, congratulations, Hermione," Harry said as Ginny gave Hermione a big hug. Ron glared at the ring.
"He would pick the biggest stone in the world," he scoffed. Harry nudged him. "Sorry, Hermione, congratulations," he said.
"Thank you," Hermione said, her cheeks a pale pink.
"So, Lucius Malfoy picked you?" Harry mused. Hermione shrugged.
"I guess so," she said uncomfortably.
"It doesn't matter," Ron dismissed. "As long as our Hermione is happy, that's what matters."
"Exactly," Ginny agreed.
Hermione smiled at the memory. She had the best friends a girl could ask for. Naturally the rest of Hogwarts was thrilled with the news too, especially Daphne who only wanted to talk about wedding plans. Even Professor Snape had been unusually friendly.
"I expect an invitation to the wedding, Miss Granger," he said in potions class, taking Hermione's hand to examine the ring. His hands felt rough and leathery.
"Of course," Hermione murmured uncomfortably.
"I have a bit of a sweet tooth, you see, and wedding cake is one of my favorites," he added. Hermione didn't know what to say, so she just gave him a weak smile.
"We'll be sure you save you some," Draco had said, taking Hermione's hand away from Snape. Professor Snape glared at him, but for a second Hermione thought she could see a twinkle in the old man's eye.
"Dinner," Hermione's father grunted on the other side of her bedroom door, tearing Hermione from her memories. She sighed and headed downstairs where her mother was setting a freshly baked lasagna on the table. Hermione's favorite. She took her usual seat at the table and passed her mother her plate so she could put some lasagna on it.
Hermione's mother handed the full plate back to Hermione who reached for it with her left hand. Her mother caught sight of the ring again and set the plate down abruptly. Hermione glared at her and picked it up.
They spent the meal in total silence, which suited Hermione just fine. It was better than having to defend herself constantly. She skipped dessert, which was chocolate cake, and went back to her bedroom. It seemed as though she would be spending a lot of time there this break.
Fortunately, the week went by quickly and before Hermione knew it she was stepping out of a chauffeured car at the front steps of Malfoy Manor. No sooner had both of her feet touched the ground than Draco came rushing out the front doors and swept Hermione up into an enormous hug. He spun her around twice before setting her down again.
"I can't believe how much I've missed you this last week," he said. Hermione smiled and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.
"I've missed you too," she said, happily allowing him to put one arm around her waist. "You have no idea how happy I am to be here," she sighed contentedly.
"We're delighted to have you, Miss Granger," Lucius Malfoy's familiar voice rang out. Hermione turned to see him standing in the front door next to Narcissa. Though she hadn't thought it possible, her smile got wider. It felt nice to be so welcomed, a sharp contrast from the battleground she had been living in for the past week.
"Please, call me Hermione," she said as Draco led her into the house.
"Hermione it is," Lucius repeated, giving his wife an amused look. "We'll let Draco help you settle in, but please don't let him distract you too long, my wife has planned an exhaustingly long list of activities for your weekend as I believe we're scheduled to go over them in about an hour."
"I know, I know," Draco waved his parents away and guided Hermione up the grand marble staircase. "You'll be staying in my room," he said proudly, showing her to a set of heavy walnut doors.
"Is that really appropriate?" Hermione asked. Draco held one of the doors open for her.
"We're engaged, aren't we?" he replied. "It's fine," he insisted. "I couldn't bear to think of you all the way across the hall in one of the guest rooms."
"Oh, yes, what an injustice that would be," Hermione rolled her eyes. Draco pulled her into a tight hug.
"I'm so glad you're here," he whispered, kissing the top of her head. Hermione smiled, allowing herself to relax against him. She gazed up at him, wondering how she had managed to survive the past six days without him. Draco leaned in to kiss her and Hermione closed her eyes, relishing the sensation of his lips against hers.
Without much warning at all, the tender kiss turned into a passionate embrace. Exerting little effort, Draco lifted Hermione off the floor and carried her to his bed where he crawled on all fours over her, kissing every inch of her neck and face. Off came their clothes and underclothes until there was just skin against skin.
Hermione's back arched as Draco buried his face between her legs. Her soft pink nipples pointed upwards and her breath came in little pants as his tongue moved in little circles around her clit. She came quickly, eyes rolling upwards and every muscle shuddering. It wasn't enough. She needed more. She needed him.
Pushing Draco off her, Hermione sat up and forced him to lie down. She straddled him, slowly easing herself down, taking in one inch at a time. It was delicious torture for both of them, both wanting so badly to just go wild. At last Hermione felt all of Draco inside her and she let out a deep moan. Then, she held on for dear life.
When the final throes of orgasm had subsided, Hermione collapsed at Draco's side. He wrapped his arm around her sleepily, wishing they could spend the entire weekend in bed together.
"We mustn't fall asleep," he insisted, yawning heavily. "My mother has plans."
"So I hear," Hermione smiled, absently dragging one finger along Draco's chest. "We should probably get out of bed."
"Yes, in a minute," he agreed, pulling her closer. Hermione laughed and threw the covers off. She collected her clothing and dressed quickly.
"We'll announce your engagement formally at tonight's party," Narcissa was explaining. A pair of reading glasses adorned her narrow nose. The elegant silver frames matched her pinstriped pantsuit.
"Tomorrow afternoon is the philanthropy tea so I thought we could spend the morning making arrangements for the wedding. You'd be surprised at how quickly these things sneak up on you. There's just so much to do and I want your input on as much of it as possible, Hermione," Narcissa smiled briefly. "We'll have a late dinner that night with some family friends and then you'll be leaving in the morning," she finished. Hermione felt as though she should have taken notes.
"I took the liberty of having some outfits sent over for you. A dress for tonight, and one for dinner tomorrow, as well as two outfits for tomorrow during the day. Draco helped with sizes so be sure to see that they fit properly. I hope you don't mind, I just wanted to be sure you would have something suitable to wear," Narcissa added.
Hermione looked down at her sweater and jeans. She hadn't been worried about her clothes because Pansy had helped her pick out her outfits for the weekend but now she supposed it didn't matter. It was the first time she'd felt like Draco's parents thought she wasn't good enough for Draco.
"Is Miss needing any help with her dress?" a small house-elf by the name of Mindy peered anxiously up at Hermione. Mindy had been, despite Hermione's numerous protests, assigned as Hermione's personal assistant for the duration of her visit. "Mindy likes the dress very much."
"Thank you, Mindy, I can dress myself perfectly fine," Hermione insisted. The little elf looked crestfallen so Hermione motioned for her to stay. "You can watch if you like," she offered. That seemed to cheer the elf up a little bit.
"Mindy hopes that Miss will trust Mindy to help," the house-elf said, taking a seat as Hermione slid a pale pink ball gown over her head. The full tulle skirt stood out stiffly, making it difficult for Hermione to sit down.
"I trust you, Mindy," Hermione insisted. "I just don't see why I should trouble you if I can do these things perfectly fine on my own."
"Trouble Mindy?" the house-elf suddenly became distraught. "Miss is no trouble to Mindy at all."
"Oh, Hermione, let it go," Draco counseled, breezing through the door in jet black dress robes. "You've insulted her."
"How have I insulted her?" Hermione demanded. "And you shouldn't be in here, I'm trying to get ready."
"Well, the guests have started arriving and my mother would very much like for you to join her," Draco informed Hermione. "And by forbidding the house-elf to do anything for you whatsoever is an insult to her abilities. She thinks you don't trust her."
"Alright, Alright," Hermione conceded. "Let me just do my makeup and I'll be down."
"Try to make a mess. Give Mindy something to do," Draco advised before he left the room. "I'll meet you outside the ballroom."
Hermione sighed and made sure to spill a little bit of her powder on the vanity. She headed down the stairs and made her way to where she remembered the ballroom being. The decorations helped, of course. Tall white flower arrangements situated in pillars of ice lined the hallway and small fairy lights floated overhead. A white runner had been laid over the stone floor marking the path to the ballroom. Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Hermione started to let herself into the ballroom.
"Wait!" Draco grabbed her arm suddenly and pulled her away from the door. Hermione rubbed her arm where he had grabbed her. "You must absolutely never walk into a party like this without being announced first."
Hermione felt her stomach turn over. She had seen this happen before in movies and understood that every eye in the room would be on them as they came in. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever imagined that she would have to make an entrance like that.
"It's alright," Draco assured her. "Just hold my arm and smile," he instructed, holding his arm out for Hermione. She took it and took a deep breath. Draco knocked on the door lightly and a house-elf came out. "Draco Malfoy and his fiancée Hermione Granger," he said to the elf. The elf nodded and went back into the ballroom.
A few seconds later both doors opened giving Hermione her first full view of the ballroom. It was decorated completely with white fabric, more towering white floral arrangements, and more ice. The result was absolutely breathtaking. Draco led Hermione into the room, confidently. She forced herself to smile as everyone turned to look. From somewhere she couldn't see, a voice repeated what Draco had said to the house-elf earlier.
"Presenting Master Draco Malfoy and his fiancée Miss Hermione Granger," the voice called. The guests gasped in unison and broke into thunderous applause. Apparently this news was unexpected. Draco led Hermione down the stairs and straight to where Narcissa and Lucius were waiting with identical smiles on their faces.
"You look wonderful, both of you," Narcissa approved, giving them the once-over. "Hermione please come with me, there are a few people I would like for you to meet."
The night dragged on for Hermione as Narcissa insisted on introducing her to every single guest. Hermione forgot most of their names as she was introduced to each new guest. She felt an overwhelming sense of relief when at last Narcissa guided her over to Blaise Zabini and his parents.
"Hermione, you look wonderful tonight," Blaise complimented. "I don't suppose I could steal you for a few minutes?" he asked Narcissa, rather than Hermione who the question was directed at.
"Just a few minutes," Narcissa permitted. "I have a few people I would like to introduce Hermione to."
"We'll be quick," Blaise insisted, leading Hermione away from Narcissa. "I thought you could use a break."
"Thank you," Hermione said gratefully. "I've met everyone in the wizarding world tonight," she lamented.
"Oh this is nothing. Consider this an intimate gathering," Blaise informed her. He handed her a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter's tray and guided her a little farther away from the other guests.
"Where's Daphne tonight?" Hermione asked, realizing that she hadn't endured one squeal of wedding planning all night.
"Oh she's around here somewhere," Blaise shrugged. "Listen, Hermione, I wanted to talk to you before things got too hectic with the wedding plans and whatever else Narcissa has in store for you this weekend."
"Um, sure," Hermione smiled. She couldn't imagine what Blaise felt was so important. He started walking and Hermione followed.
"It's just that I know you're not really prepared for life in our world," Blaise began. "By that I mean the pureblood high society world, not just the wizarding world. It's very different, I think you'll find, than the world you've encountered on your visits with Ron's family. And completely different to have to live in it all the time rather than just visiting like you've done in the past."
Blaise and Hermione were now just outside the ballroom on the terrace. Hermione noticed right away that the temperature hadn't changed as they left the ballroom and wondered what sort of enchantments were in place.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is that I know it's not going to be easy for you. It will probably be overwhelming and very frustrating. I just want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you," Blaise finished, touching Hermione's arm ever so gently.
"Hermione!" Narcissa's voice hissed across the terrace. Hermione turned around and realized that she and Blaise were all alone outside. Narcissa motioned frantically for Hermione to come back inside. Hermione gave Blaise a quick smile and headed in. Narcissa grabbed Hermione's arm as soon as she was within reach.
"Ow," Hermione was surprised to feel how painful Narcissa's grip was.
"We will discuss this later, Hermione, but for the rest of the evening please kindly refrain from leaving the room with any men who are not your fiancé or father in law," Narcissa spat under her breath as they returned to the ballroom. Even Narcissa's powder blue evening gown seemed to swish angrily as they walked. Hermione reeled. How could an innocent moment be taken so out of context?
Narcissa didn't let go of Hermione's arm until they reached Draco's side. Draco extended his arm to Hermione immediately and if Hermione hadn't wrenched her arm away from Narcissa and placed it securely in Draco's she was sure Narcissa would have done it for her.
"There," Narcissa pronounced. "Now if you two will come with me I have just a few more people I would like for Hermione to meet."
Draco gave Hermione a reassuring squeeze and followed his mother. Hermione wasn't exactly sure what it meant that Draco held fast to her arm for the rest of the night.
"Personally, I've always preferred lilies for a spring wedding, what do you think, Hermione?" Hermione barely heard Narcissa's question the next morning. The wedding planner was showing Hermione picture after picture of floral arrangements. Hermione had lost her concentration after the first fifty or so pictures she had looked at. After so many examples they all started to look the same to her.
"Hermione?" Narcissa asked again. Hermione tried to focus.
"Lilies are nice," Hermione agreed. Narcissa looked at her sharply and Hermione's breath caught in her throat. Had she given the wrong answer? "I just mean," Hermione struggled to think of something to remedy the situation. To her utmost surprise, Narcissa smiled.
"Oh, Hermione, I should have known any woman who could capture my son's heart as you have wouldn't settle for something as common as a lily," she laughed. "You're so right. Show us something rare," she directed the wedding planner, who smiled and rifled through her portfolio.
"I know just the thing," she promised, turning to a picture of a strange black flower Hermione had never seen before. As soon as she saw it, Hermione knew it was perfect. "It's called a Tacca," the planner said.
"A bat flower," Narcissa said, smiling approvingly. "That's exquisite."
"I think with some black orchids and tulips it will be lovely," the planner suggested. Narcissa looked briefly at Hermione for her approval and got it almost instantly.
"See, that wasn't so hard," Narcissa said happily. Hermione glanced at the clock. They had only been looking at flowers for three hours and that was after Narcissa had already "pre-selected" the best arrangements to show Hermione a few days prior. At this rate it would take years to plan the entire wedding.
"Let's talk colors," the wedding planner suggested. Narcissa agreed. "Mrs. Malfoy and I have already discussed red and black."
"No," Hermione said immediately. Narcissa looked taken aback. "Daphne and Blaise are having red and black."
"Good to know," Narcissa said gravely. "We need to get these finalized today then so no one ends up with our colors." Hermione laughed and was immediately greeted by glances of shock.
"You don't want someone stealing your wedding colors," the wedding planner insisted. Hermione raised her eyebrows. They were very serious about this.
"How will I be able to prevent that?" Hermione asked. "Last time I checked colors were pretty much free domain."
"Because once we finalize the colors for your wedding it will go in the official registry. Any other bride who shows up after you will know immediately that she has to change or risk looking like she's copying your ideas," Narcissa explained patiently.
"So all of the details about my wedding will already be written down somewhere?" Hermione asked, slightly scandalized. Why bother showing up if you already knew what kind of cake there would be?
"Not all the details, of course, just the colors and location," the wedding planner reassured her. "You'll have custom designed dresses and catering so there's no need to worry you'll end up with the same dress or menu as someone else."
"Oh," was all Hermione could think to say. Blaise had been right. There was far more to all this than she had ever imagined.
"Okay, so black and emerald," the wedding planner wrote down.
"Midnight black," Narcissa corrected. Hermione raised her eyebrows again. "That's important. If someone wants Jet black and Kelly green, they're welcome to it."
"Even though it's basically the same thing?" Hermione asked. Narcissa and the wedding planner exchanged glances.
"I think it's time you and I started to get ready for our tea," Narcissa sighed. "I can explain the subtleties of color another day."
"Just let me get your measurements," the wedding planner said, jumping to her feet. "So I can get to work on the dress."
"The dress?" Hermione was hesitant.
"You'll get to approve everything, don't worry," Narcissa assured her. "I'll be sure to send you the sketches as soon as they're finished. Now run upstairs and get changed, we have to leave in thirty minutes."
"So the most important thing to remember, Hermione," Narcissa said as they got out of the car outside a very formal mansion. The driver shut the door behind Hermione. "Do not say a word unless someone asks you a direct question."
"Alright," Hermione agreed. She smoothed her soft pink tea dress and followed Narcissa into the building. A sign in the lobby announced that the Northampton Ladies Society would be meeting in Room A. Narcissa glided confidently along the plush carpet, Hermione following right behind.
"Bellatrix, how good to see you," Narcissa cooed softly, giving her sister air kisses on each cheek as they entered the room. "You haven't gotten to meet Draco's fiancée yet, have you?"
Bellatrix gave Hermione a tight-lipped smile and quickly pulled Narcissa out of Hermione's hearing range. Hermione pretended to be studying the room, but instead she observed the hushed conversation between Narcissa and Bellatrix. If there was one thing she would never get used to it was being in such close quarters with known Death Eaters and not immediately calling for help. As it was, Bellatrix looked incredible out of place among the other women in their pastel-colored tea dresses. Though Christmas was right around the corner, the room reminded Hermione more of Easter than anything. Bellatrix was wearing a deep plum colored dress, still in the same a-line style as everyone else's, but the pale pallor of her cheeks and dramatic eye makeup made her stand out. Her long black hair had been smoothed into a neat bun at the nape of her neck, identical to Narcissa's blonde one. When the two women were standing next to each other, Hermione could see the family resemblance.
After a few more minutes where Hermione was left to stand awkwardly by herself, Narcissa and Hermione took seats at one of the many round tables in the room. Hermione was relieved when Bellatrix took a seat at a different table, but her reprise was short lived when Daphne Greengrass and her mother approached.
"Narcissa, mind if we join you?" Daphne's mother asked. Narcissa smiled graciously and motioned for the women to sit down.
"I love that shade of lavender on you, Elladora," Narcissa complimented. Daphne's mother smiled.
"Why thank you, Narcissa," Elladora replied. She gave Hermione a brief once-over and turned her attention immediately back to Narcissa.
"Have you met my son's fiancée, Hermione Granger?" Narcissa asked.
"Daphne has told me all about Hermione," Elladora said. "Has the wedding date been chosen yet?"
"Yes, it will be June 24h," Narcissa said casually. Elladora and Daphne both turned identical shades of white. Hermione gave Narcissa a questioning look but got no answer.
"Well, isn't that exciting?" Elladora remarked. She took a sip of water. "Daphne's wedding is the 30th."
"I got my save the date card," Narcissa smiled and gazed around the room. Hermione tried to make eye contact with Daphne, but for some reason Daphne wouldn't look Hermione in the face.
"Oh, there's Lucienne," Elladora said, waving at one of the women who had just walked in. A slender woman with dark coloring acknowledged Elladora's wave and made her way over to sit at the table.
"Lucienne, what a pleasure to see you again," Narcissa's voice changed tenor. Hermione could tell immediately she wasn't sincere in the least but she had no idea who this woman was or why Narcissa disliked her.
"Narcissa has just told us that Draco's wedding will be on June 24th," Elladora said immediately. Lucienne raised her eyebrows but said nothing.
"This is Draco's fiancée, Hermione Granger," Narcissa said. Lucienne gazed briefly over the top of Hermione's head, not really seeing her at all. Hermione bit her lip. Why were these women being so nasty to her?
"Excuse me," Daphne said suddenly, getting to her feet. She hurried toward the door where Pansy Parkinson and her mother had just walked in. Hermione watched as Daphne grabbed Pansy by the wrist and the two girls left the room. Mrs. Parkinson made her way over to where Narcissa and Hermione were sitting.
"Good Afternoon ladies, so sorry we're running late today. I promise we'll get started in just a minute," she said. The ladies smiled back at her as she headed towards the front of the room where she took a seat at the presenters table.
"Oh no," Elladora said, her eyes toward the door. "Look who just walked in."
"Oh dear," Narcissa commented. She grabbed Hermione's handbag and set it in one of the two empty chairs. Hermione turned to see who everyone was talking about and saw Millicent Bullstrode and her mother heading straight for their table.
"Hellooooo," Millicent's mother said as she got closer. Hermione could see a striking family resemblance.
"Ursula, how are you?" Narcissa asked, using the same syrupy tone she had used for Lucienne.
"We are just fabulous today," Ursula replied. "Can we join you?"
"Gosh, so sorry. We've just got one empty seat left," Elladora apologized, gesturing to Hermione's purse.
"Oh how sad," Ursula looked crestfallen. "We'll just find another place to sit."
"Maybe next time," Narcissa smiled. Ursula and Millicent walked around the room until they finally had to settle on seats at an empty table. Hermione felt a little bit sorry for Millicent who looked so clearly uncomfortable in her tea dress.
"Excuse me," Hermione said, getting to her feet. She had too many questions to wait any longer. Grabbing her purse, Hermione headed straight to the bathroom where she knew she could find Pansy and Daphne.
"Come on, Daphne, it'll all be fine in the end," Pansy was saying through one of the bathroom stalls when Hermione came into the room.
"You know, I never thought I'd say this, but I think I really hate her," Daphne's voice was tight. It was obvious she was crying.
"You shouldn't hate her for this, she probably doesn't even know what's going on," Pansy rationalized. Hermione took a few steps closer and Pansy finally saw her. "Oh, hey Hermione," she said loudly. Hermione felt a knot form in her stomach. Daphne had been referring to her.
"Hey, Pansy," Hermione tried to sound casual. "I was hoping I could talk to you but I guess you're a little busy."
"Slightly," Daphne's strangled voice came from the other side of the bathroom stall. "You'll just have to wait your turn for a change," she added, softer.
"Excuse me," Hermione said, and turned to leave. Pansy caught her arm.
"Later," she mouthed. Hermione nodded and left the bathroom. Grudgingly, she found her seat again and waited for the program to begin.
Try as she might, Hermione could not stay focused on the topic for this month's discussion which was "Disenfranchised Squibs: Helping those who Cannot Help Themselves." Though it had sounded interesting when Hermione agreed to come along, the events of the past hour had taken all her attention. Why did Daphne suddenly hate her? And why wouldn't anyone look Hermione in the eye?
Once all of the tea and sweets were gone, Hermione waited anxiously for Narcissa to get up. It felt to Hermione like it took ages, but Elladora and Daphne finally got to their feet. The rest of the women seemed to take this as a sign and got to their feet as well.
"Well, Narcissa it's always a pleasure," Elladora said, giving air kisses to Narcissa before she and Daphne left.
"I will see you tonight," Lucienne said, also giving air kisses to Narcissa. Hermione watched as Narcissa's eyes narrowed but her smile widened.
"Oh good," she said in her syrupy voice. "Hors d'oeuvres are at 6."
"Hermione," Pansy was behind her. Hermione turned around expectantly but Pansy just smiled. "It was good to see you," she said, placing her hands on Hermione's forearms. She elegantly leaned in and touched her cheek to Hermione's briefly then repeated the gesture on the other side. Hermione was astounded.
"Wait," she said. Pansy shook her head.
"Later," she said, rushing to catch up with her mother.
"Hermione," Narcissa said, letting Hermione know that she was ready to leave. Hermione sighed and followed Narcissa out the door. It took them approximately thirty minutes to leave the room because Narcissa had to keep stopping to talk to everyone. It was the same every time. Narcissa would introduce Hermione, but no one would even look at her. She didn't understand at all.
"Well, that was nice, wasn't it?" Narcissa asked once they were back in the car.
"Yes, it was," Hermione agreed. She didn't bother trying to sound enthusiastic.
"Do you think that's something you would be interested in doing?" Narcissa prompted. Hermione took a deep breath, wanting to phrase her answer just right.
"I might," she said finally. "I guess I'd like to try some other activities too."
"Of course," Narcissa agreed. She quickly launched into descriptions of other groups Hermione might try, but Hermione wasn't listening. Was this what her future as Draco's wife would be like? Being driven around in a fancy car, going to parties where no one spoke to or looked at her. Hermione was starting to think she was in over her head.
"I hope you're excited about tonight," Narcissa said suddenly. "I've picked out some fun dishes for the party."
"Party?" Hermione asked. Narcissa gave her a look.
"We're having a dinner party tonight," Narcissa reminded her. "I told you this."
"Yes, that's right," Hermione agreed. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright," Narcissa said gently. "You're probably tired. It's been a pretty taxing day."
"A little," Hermione said, wishing she could be honest with Narcissa.
"Well, you'll have a little while to rest before the party," Narcissa said. "Oh, and before you leave tomorrow we're going to meet with the designer who's going to be doing your wedding dress. He's absolutely brilliant, I promise, you'll just love him."
"Great," Hermione said, staring out the window. She wasn't ready to think about her wedding dress just yet.
"Miss got a letter today," Mindy said after Hermione had changed into a pair of sweatpants. Hermione took the letter and was immediately cheered.
Dear Hermione,
Ginny and Ron passed on your good news. Congratulations dear! I'm very happy for you. I hope you have a very Happy Christmas and that you'll have time to come and visit before your wedding. Please let me know if I can be of any help. Good luck with your classes and have a safe rest of the school year.
Much love,
Mrs. Weasley
Hermione could feel her eyes welling up with tears. Of course Mrs. Weasley would understand more than her own mother. It just wasn't fair. Why couldn't she be engaged to anyone in the normal wizarding world where people were kind and friendly? Hermione folded the letter and set it on the table. She stretched out on Draco's bed and closed her eyes.
"Do you ride horses, Hermione?" Lucius asked at breakfast the next morning. He took a sip of his coffee.
"No, not at all," Hermione said, shaking her head. Lucius smiled.
"Then it's good you're a fast learner," he said. "Draco is taking you on a very exciting outing this morning."
"An outing?" Hermione asked, turning her head to look at Draco. Draco nodded.
"As soon as we finish eating," Narcissa put in as though she were reminding everyone.
Regardless, Hermione found she could hardly eat. Lucius and Draco kept exchanging excited looks. Even Narcissa seemed barely able to act like herself. Hermione was grateful when Lucius summoned a House Elf to prepare the horse-drawn carriage and have the breakfast dishes cleared.
"Miss will be wanting these," Mindy hoisted a thick set of furs into the carriage. Hermione thanked the elf and snuggled under the furs. To her great astonishment, Draco crawled into the driver's seat.
"Just trust me," he insisted. Hermione raised her eyebrows but smiled widely. Draco gently urged the horses into motion and they were off.
In no time at all, Malfoy Manor vanished from sight. The carriage was surrounded by miles of empty moorland, making the trip a very bumpy one. A dense fog pervaded the land and made Hermione glad for the thoughtful Mindy who had brought her the furs.
"Here we are," Draco said at last, stopping the carriage. He turned to look at Hermione. "What do you think?" he asked. Hermione looked around.
"Where are we?" she asked. Draco grinned and got down from his seat. He helped Hermione out of the carriage.
"This, my dear, is the future site of the new Malfoy Manor," he announced proudly. Hermione looked out at the thick fog that obscured everything that wasn't within five feet of her. She smiled weakly. Draco laughed. "Give it some time to grow on you. I promise this is the right place." He took Hermione's hand and they walked slowly through the fog. As they walked, Hermione noticed the fog was beginning to dissipate.
"Close your eyes," Draco insisted. Hermione did. She waited what seemed like ages to hear Draco say, "Okay, open them now!"
Bright sunlight was streaming through the clouds overhead. Emerald green grass lay all around them. The most beautiful part was the cliff and the view of several large islands in the distant water below.
"Oh, Draco, it's fabulous," Hermione breathed at last. "It's absolutely perfect."
"I told you this was the right place," Draco said happily, wrapping his arms around her. Hermione leaned her head back so that it was resting against his chest. If only every moment of her life could be as perfect and right as this one. It was the first time since she had first arrived at Malfoy Manor that she truly believed she was making the right decision by marrying Draco.
"Come on," Draco said, tearing her from her thoughts. "We have to get you back in time to meet with the dress designer," he reminded her. Hermione sighed heavily and permitted him to tuck her back into the carriage.
The trip back was more pleasant than the trip out had been, but this was because the fog had cleared and Hermione could see the miles and miles of empty green land all around her. It didn't seem to take nearly as long to get back as it had to get out there. Hermione could feel her heart sinking as they approached the existing Malfoy Manor.
Draco helped her down from the carriage and gave her a quick kiss before ushering her inside. Hermione approached the drawing room with a sense of dread. As much as she hated it here, she certainly didn't want to go back home.
"Oh, bravo!" a male voice shouted as Hermione walked in the room. She froze in her tracks as the man she assumed had to be the designer approached her with his arms wide open. "You are just fantastic," he proclaimed.
"Hermione, this is Christophe. He'll be designing your wedding dress," Narcissa said from her place on the sofa. Hermione smiled weakly at Christophe who was busy circling her and making notes on his note pad.
"I am thinking something spectacular," he said. "Something ultra-modern, and very flashy."
"Not flashy," Narcissa said calmly. "Something sophisticated," she said, rising from her seat to stand next to Christophe. They both looked at Hermione with appraising eyes.
"I am seeing something sleek and form-fitting. Very sexy," he insisted.
"Not too sexy," Narcissa countered. "But what if we had some beadwork? Maybe some pearls and lace?"
"Lace," Christophe repeated, scribbling furiously. "What about a train? How long? I think very long."
"Yes, a long train," Narcissa agreed. "What color?"
"Pink," Christophe said.
"Pale pink?" Narcissa asked.
"No," Hermione said loudly. Narcissa and Christophe both stared. "I want my dress to be white," she said. "Not pink. Not flashy. Not sexy."
"Not sexy?" Christophe repeated.
"No," Hermione said. "Not sexy. And I don't want it to be form-fitting. Maybe just at the top, but I want a full skirt. And a short train. No beads. No lace. Just plain."
"Plain?" Christophe said the word as though it were an Unforgivable Curse.
"Plain," Hermione repeated. "Very simple, very elegant. Nothing over the top."
"But Hermione, you could have something to add interest," Narcissa suggested.
"Yes, you are the new Dark Princess," Christophe said, half-jokingly.
"Stop that," Narcissa glared at him.
"But this wedding is important," Christophe whined. "Surely you do not want to look so blah."
"Not blah," Hermione sighed. "Just simple. I don't want it to be fussy."
"But fussy is so fun!" Christophe exclaimed. Hermione shook her head resolutely. "I cannot work with this girl."
"Hermione, please, sit down," Narcissa said. "Christophe, I'll walk you out," she offered, leading him from the room.
She returned a few minutes later and sat down on the sofa next to Hermione. Narcissa took one of the teacups that was sitting on the coffee table and offered it to Hermione. Hermione accepted it and Narcissa picked up another one.
"He's going to work on some sketches and send them to you for your approval. You'll be able to make your comments and suggestions and send them back. We won't do anything without your permission," Narcissa said.
"Thank you," Hermione said quietly. Narcissa set her powder blue teacup back in the matching saucer. She looked sharply at Hermione and set the teacup and saucer down on the table.
"It's not that I don't think you can handle our lifestyle, Hermione," she began. "I just think that you're not fully prepared for what is expected of you."
"What is that, exactly?" Hermione asked. She was beyond frustrated. All she had heard from anyone was that there were all these expectations and she wasn't meeting them, but no one had bothered to inform her of exactly what they were.
"Well, to begin with, you must remember that absolutely everything you do reflects on the Malfoy family and it has since you put on that engagement ring. You cannot, as you did so carelessly two nights ago, be alone with any man who isn't your fiancé or married. By doing that you open yourself, and this family, up to scandal. Even if nothing is going on, people are going to talk," Narcissa explained. "And I think you understand what I mean by that."
"Yes, I do," Hermione agreed. This was insulting. She knew it wasn't Narcissa's intention, but Hermione couldn't help but feel like a child.
"Good," Narcissa gave Hermione a tight-lipped smile. "Well, keep that in mind. I know it's time for you to leave so I won't keep you any longer. But please, if you have any ideas for the wedding, don't hesitate to send me a letter. And I'll be in touch as well."
"Alright," Hermione said, getting to her feet. "Thank you for having me. I've had a really nice time," she added before she left the room.
"You're welcome," Narcissa said as warmly as she ever managed to sound.
Hermione headed up to Draco's room to make sure all of her things were packed. She found Mindy in the middle of trying to zip herself into Hermione's suitcase.
"Mindy wants to come with Miss to Hogwarts," Mindy said immediately. "Then Mindy can show Miss that she can trust Mindy."
"I do trust you, Mindy," Hermione said gently. "Besides, you belong to the Malfoys. Don't you think you should stay here?"
"Stay here?" Mindy pulled herself out of the suitcase and disappeared with a pop.
"I suppose you didn't hear," Draco said, leaning against the doorframe. Hermione turned around to look at him. "Mindy has been reassigned."
"Reassigned?" Hermione asked. Draco crossed the room to stand in front of her.
"Yes," he said. "She's going to be part of our household from now on."
"Our household?" Hermione suddenly felt faint. Hearing those words felt very strange to her. Heavy, almost.
"Yes," Draco said. "She's going to be in charge of your things."
"Oh no," Hermione shook her head. "No, I don't need a house-elf. Any house-elves."
"Hermione, please," Draco sighed. "You're just going to have to accept it. This is the way we live," he insisted. Hermione sighed. "It's time to go."
"Fine," Hermione said. She turned to her suitcase and finished zipping it up. Draco grabbed it out of her hand as she tried to carry it from the room and followed her down the stairs with it.
"Goodbye, Hermione," Lucius was standing in the foyer. "Please, come visit again soon."
"Thank you," Hermione said, letting him give her a hug. Draco followed her out to the car where he handed the suitcase to the driver. Hermione turned to kiss him goodbye.
"I'm coming with you," he said. "I thought you might like the company."
"Oh," Hermione said. She got into the car and waited for him to join her. Hearing him tell her that she was just going to have to live with the house-elves was really the end of her goodwill. She was sick and tired of living like a Malfoy, and though she was really in love with Draco she just wasn't sure she could marry him.
