Disclaimer: I own none of these characters. I just use them for own amusement and often make them do things JK Rowling would hate me for. Alas I thank her for letting me have my fun. I make no money off these stories. It's purely entertainment and no copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Post war. Hermione is 23, young and carefree. At least in her spare time. She leads a double life, hiding her true self from her friends and colleagues at work. Deep inside, she's still struggling over the aftermath of the war, the loss of her parents, and a failed romance with Ron. She meets up with someone she didn't expect to meet, who is also fighting their own post war demons. None other than Draco Malfoy. What will happen between them? Can two enemies come together or will they still bear grudges over the past?
Authors note: This story is somewhat similar to another story I started but sadly lost the muse and did not finish. I wanted to tell a somewhat darker tale about loss and self destruction and finding oneself when the world as you once knew it no longer exists. I wanted a story about two people who are in pain and self loathing, coming together in mutual self destruction. I know it might sound terribly depressing, but I do like a happy ending. But I think these two characters need to work for it. So this story is what I really wanted to write. It won't leave my head, so I hope I can stop letting the romantic in me take over and do the story the proper justice. Rated M for a reason. No actual smut, but plenty of sexual situations. Mentions of rough sex and non consensual sex, but no actual non-con takes place. Bad language, drinking, smoking. It's a dark world, but I still believe in redemption. And that's what this story is ultimately about. Lyrics by Alanis Morissette, Three Days Grace, Poe, The Perfect Day, Lifehouse, and Simple Plan.
Hey dad look at me
Think back and talk to me
Did I grow up according to plan?
And do you think I'm wasting my time doing things I wanna do?
But it hurts when you disapprove all along
I try not to think
About the pain I feel inside
Did you know you used to be my hero?
All the days you spent with me
Now seem so far away
It had been a week since the wedding and things were running smoothly between Draco and Hermione. They both had lost some of the insecurities they had about their relationship. He had been worried that wasn't good enough for her, and she had worried that she didn't mean as much to him as he meant to her. But with his declaration of love, it seemed to set everything straight. It was still a bit scary though. Especially for Draco. He'd never given his heart to anyone before and now she held it in her hands. It was vulnerable position to put himself in and he hoped that he wasn't being a fool. She worried that she wasn't the long haul girl, but he worried more that he wouldn't be her long haul guy. After all, on paper, they were completely mismatched and all wrong for each other. But somehow that didn't really matter when they were together. Their feelings didn't match the stupid paper and they both felt happier in each others arms than they'd ever felt in anyone else's arms. Maybe no one would ever understand, but understanding wasn't necessary to happiness.
They lay in bed together, cuddled up, after a particularly enjoyable encounter. They were both breathless and just relishing the feel of each others bodies pressed against one another.
"Hmm, it never ceases to amaze me how you always know exactly how to push my buttons in all the right ways," Hermione purred as she kissed him softly.
"Really? I guess I just know what you like," he smiled at her.
"Definitely. It's like you read my mind. You're not reading my mind are you?" she wondered curiously.
He laughed. "No, I'm not. I'm afraid I'm not very good at Legilimency. Are you?"
"No. To be honest I've never really delved too deeply into it. I don't wish to know what everyone is thinking. And I'd hate for anyone to see inside my mind."
"Why? Is it really so scary in there?" he asked.
She shrugged slightly. "Depends on who's doing the looking. You might not be scared, but some other people might run screaming from me."
"I highly doubt that. You're simply human. We all have dark thoughts occasionally," he assured her.
She looked into his eyes. "I have them less now. Now that I'm with you, it's not as dark as it once was."
He smoothed the hair out of her face. "I'm glad. Looks like I'm capable of good deeds occasionally, even when I don't try."
"I think you're capable of a lot, if you really set your mind to it. You're not as irredeemable as you imagine you are," she said seriously.
"Really? Tell that to your friends. I could probably rescue a litter of kittens and a bunch of starving orphans from a raging fire, and they'd still think I was an asshole," he lamented with a sigh.
"Don't mind them. They just aren't very open minded, that's all.
"Eh, it doesn't really matter I guess. It's not like I need their approval," he shrugged.
"No, you don't. And neither do I. They might not understand me, but they still haven't written me off at least. We didn't get thrown out of the wedding," she reminded him.
"True. I don't know. I guess I'm just a bit preoccupied at the moment about seeking approval where I know I won't ever get it," he admitted to her.
"Why?"
"My birthday is in three days."
"What? It is? How come you never told me?" she admonished him with a playful slap to the chest.
"Because it's not a big deal really. I'm just turning twenty three. Not a milestone by any means. Plus, you never asked me when my birthday was," he said giving her a slightly disapproving glare.
"I'm sorry, I never thought about it. I should have asked," she said apologetically. "Now I barely have time to buy you a gift."
"I don't need a gift. I already have everything a man could want."
"Why do you seem so down about the birthday? Why does this make you think about seeking approval?" she wondered confusedly.
"Because my mum expects me to visit on my birthday. It's sort of a requirement. After all, she's the one who gave birth to me. I can't say no," he explained.
"Oh. Of course. I'm sure your parents would wish to see you on your special day."
"Yeah, but I don't want to go this time. Things are different. I'm not sure I wish to go alone," he admitted.
"You aren't suggesting I come with you, are you? Because that's a horrible idea," she said shaking her head.
"I know it is. But it was a horrible idea for me to go to that blasted wedding too. But I did it. Your side of the coin knows all about us and no one from my world knows a thing. I've not told a single friend or my parents. I'm still in the closet like some sort of gay person," he sighed.
"Well being in the closet isn't so bad sometimes. Is it?"
"Yes it is. Who wants to live in a bloody closet? Ask your buddy Potter how he enjoyed his cupboard under the stairs for ten years."
"I didn't even know you knew about that."
"Harry's life is well documented. He's famous. But that's not the bloody point. The point is, shouldn't I tell someone the truth?" he asked.
"I don't know. Maybe you should try a friend first. Someone less likely to actually kill you," she suggested.
"My father won't kill me. Not literally anyway."
"But he's going to have a conniption. I'm not just a mudblood to him, I'm one of the people who got him arrested before. I'm one of the people who brought down his idol. He's going to freak out," she told him seriously.
"First off, Voldemort was no longer an idol of my father's once you helped take him down. He was just as relieved as everyone else that he was gone. Trust me," Draco told her.
"Still. Do you expect your parents to accept me?"
"No, but what shall I do? Never tell them? Are we to someday get married and have children and not tell them? Shall I just shove the children in a cupboard when they visit and pretend I'm still a bachelor forever? Eventually they have to find out. There's no getting around it."
"Well that's a long way off. You don't have to tell them now," she insisted.
"Why not? Are you too chicken to face them? I thought you had more stones than that," he goaded her.
"I'm not chicken! It's not me they'll disown, it's you. I'm thinking of you, not me."
"If I ask you to come, will you?" he inquired softly.
She thought on it for a moment and then nodded her head. "Yes. If that's what you want. God knows you subjected yourself to my judgmental friends. It's the least I can do."
"Then I want you to come."
She took a deep breath and let it out. "Alright. If you're certain."
"I am. I have to know what will happen. I can't just keep hiding from them forever."
Draco knew his parents already didn't approve of his choices that he'd made. When he moved out and into the city, they'd been horribly disappointed in him. He was supposed to stand at his father's side and help run the family empire. But instead he ran off and did whatever struck his fancy. He expected then to be cut off, but his mother wouldn't allow it. She told his father to let Draco have some freedom and assumed he'd eventually come back and fall in line and do his family duty. But that was never going to happen. And they had to understand that. He'd made choices in his life that went against everything he was ever taught or forced to believe in. And he wouldn't apologize for it. His parents views were archaic. As a child he wasn't taught to think for himself, he was simply instructed how to behave and told what to believe. But he was a grown man now and he'd lived life away from all of that negative influence and he wasn't the same anymore. He never would be. And he needed to know if his parents would accept that or not. He was not going through a phase or simply having careless fun before his real life started. This was his real life. He chose it. And he had no regrets. How could he regret something that made him so happy for the first time in his life? He couldn't. They'd just have to deal with it or else let him go forever. He was not keen to lose his trust fund, yet he'd rather be poor than live a life he didn't choose for himself. That was a lesson he learned by being on his own. That he'd rather live honestly and true to himself than try to live up to anyone's expectations. Perhaps his life wasn't exactly righteous or full of meaning, but it was his own. And he vowed to himself that he'd rather be dead than live by someone else's rules.
When the day of Draco's birthday arrived, Hermione was incredibly nervous. But she had gotten him a small gift, whether he wanted one or not. She wasn't sure how he'd like it, but she handed it over to him as they sat on the couch waiting to leave for his parents and the disaster that likely awaited them.
"Here you go," she said rather awkwardly, handing over the small box.
"What is this? I said no gifts," he admonished her with a small smile.
"So sue me. In my world, it's polite to give birthday gifts. Besides it's nothing special. You'll likely think it's stupid and hate it," she rambled, playing with her hair.
"I won't hate it. It's just, I already have everything. You should have saved your money."
"You don't have anything that came from me, now do you? So just open it and stop being all noble. I'm hardly broke. And sorry to burst your bubble but this didn't cost me very much anyway," she shrugged.
"So it's just some cheap piece of crap eh?" he chuckled slightly.
"Oh shut up. I didn't get it out of gumball machine, but I didn't break the bank. It's just a trinket. Open it, will you!"
"Alright, alright." He ripped open the paper and opened the box. Inside was a necklace with a small pewter dragon dangling from it. He held it up.
"Do you like it? It's a dragon. You know, Draco? Dragon? Is it too hokey?" she wondered.
"No, I love it. I don't own a necklace. It's rather manly and interesting. I think it's great. Thank you," he told her, as he kissed her nicely.
"You're incredibly hard to shop for. I had no idea what to get. But this struck my fancy," she explained.
"Well it's great," he said as he pulled it over his head and put it on. "How does it look?"
"Perfect. Just think of me when you wear it. You're my dragon," she whispered as she kissed him again.
"Hmm, I like being your anything. Perhaps we should skip dinner and drinks with my folks and just stay here and get drunk and naked?" he suggested, playfully nibbling her ear.
"No, stop. We can't. They're expecting us. Or at least expecting you. Did you tell them about me at all?" she fretted as she pushed him back.
He sighed. "I told them I was bringing a guest. I didn't tell them it was you. Why scare them off before we actually get there? They're less likely to throw us out than they are to simply tell us not to come at all," he reasoned.
"I'm scared, Draco. They're gonna be so cross and just simply detest me. This is a horrible plan."
"Remember, I went to the Weasel's fucking wedding where every guest there wanted to murder me. You can handle this. They're just two old people," he explained.
"Old people? They're hardly old. And they're certainly not incapable of murder. I've seen them both fight."
"Love, I swear they won't fight you. And if they should try, well you've seen me fight too. I will defend the both of us. I'm not daft. If we have to fucking run away we'll do it. But it won't come to that."
He hugged her tightly and then pulled her up to stand with him. "Just trust me. Now let's go, okay?"
She nodded her head and they both apparated out of her apartment and onto the grounds of Malfoy Manor. The place never failed to look eerie and foreboding, even when nothing was actually happening there. Draco grew up there, but he didn't miss living there. Not one single bit. This place stood for his oppression and the outside world was his freedom. This didn't feel like coming home, it felt like visiting a prison. But thankfully it wasn't a prison to him any longer.
"I'd forgotten how big it was, " Draco muttered as they stood at the gates and just stared at it.
"Is it still creepy inside?" Hermione wondered.
"Well it's less creepy without the Death Eaters and the innocent hostages locked in our cellar," he said dryly.
"Right. Yeah, I guess that's a good thing."
"Come on, let's go." He took her hand and pulled them along towards the front door. They walked slowly and once they reached the door, it swung open without anyone even attending it. That startled Hermione and she looked for a house elf or someone else at the door. "The door senses when someone welcome has arrived. It's a little charm my father put on the door."
"Oh. Well then it didn't detect me then did it?" she laughed slightly.
"No, just me. And it can sense whether I'm under duress, so if you were a kidnapper or something, it wouldn't open and an alarm would go off."
"Very interesting. And advanced. But what else would I expect right?"
He just smiled and pulled her inside and they walked into a large empty foyer. The place was beautiful, Hermione had to admit. But it was like entering a museum and not a home.
"Mother? It's me!" Draco called out.
It took a moment, but Narcissa rushed out from another room to greet her son. She ran up and hugged him tightly.
"Oh happy birthday, Draco! I'm so pleased you came," she told him happily, as Hermione just watched awkwardly. They pulled out of their hug and Narcissa saw Hermione standing there. "Hello. Have we met? You look very familiar."
"Mum, this is Hermione. She's the one I wanted you to meet properly," Draco introduced them.
"Hermione? Hermione Granger?" Narcissa was taken aback.
"Yes, the one and only," Hermione smiled despite her nerves.
"Oh. Well, this is a surprise. I didn't realize you and my son hung out in the same circles."
"We didn't. At least not before. But things change," Hermione explained.
"Yes, apparently they do. Draco, this is the girl you wished for me to meet?" Narcissa asked with confusion.
"Yes, Mum. She's a great girl," Draco explained.
"But I rather thought you were bringing by someone serious. I even told your father that perhaps you'd finally decided to settle down. You know how much he wishes for you to get over your silly exploits and start a proper life," Narcissa told him.
"Mother she is serious to me. Did you think I just picked her off the street and made her come along?" Draco told her.
"Serious? But Draco, she's not one of us," his mother whispered to him, but not out of Hermione's earshot.
"One of us? Do you mean an insufferable snob? Then no, she's not one of us. But she is a witch. A damn fine one, at that. And I do believe she helped kick our asses in the war. Without her help, we'd still have Voldemort sleeping in our guest room right now," Draco said with much irritation.
"No need to get snippy. I was simply pointing out that her parents are Muggles. It's not a secret," Narcissa sighed.
"Did I say it was a secret? No. Now do you want us to leave, or shall we find Father?" Draco asked.
Narcissa looked highly uncomfortable, but she forced a smile. "Sure. Let's go into the sitting room. I believe he's enjoying a brandy right now."
She led the way and Hermione looked like she wanted the earth to swallow her whole so she could disappear.
"It'll be alright," Draco assured her quietly.
"Your mum hates me already."
"No, she's just in shock. Give her a moment."
They walked into the sitting room and found Lucius sitting in a large arm chair with a drink in one hand and his cane in the other. He looked polished and perfect and nothing at all like the broken, unshaven man Hermione had last seen years ago. He looked back to his normal intimidating self and he made no polite motion to rise when they entered. In fact, he didn't even look at them and merely took a sip of his drink and said, "Draco," in a soft but commanding voice.
"Father. You look well."
Lucius finally looked up and took in his son's appearance. "You look tired. Have you been off gallivanting around the city as per usual?"
"No, I've actually been staying home a lot more."
"Good. Who's this with you? She looks familiar. Is she the Forrester's daughter?" Lucius wondered.
"No, she's not. She's Hermione Granger," Draco informed him.
Lucius looked at the both of them and then he just started laughing to himself. He shook his head and laughed some more and then he downed the rest of his drink wordlessly, then held it up for his wife to refill. She took the glass and filled it and handed it back to him. He said nothing and simply stared into his drink.
"Has he gone mad? Why is he laughing?" Hermione whispered to Draco.
"I don't know," Draco admitted, feeling just as confused as her.
Finally Lucius spoke. "The Granger girl? Oh how lovely. My son and the mudblood he told me he detested for what six years? Do you realize how many times I had to listen to him complain about you? It was worse than his obsession with Potter. I should have realized it then," Lucius said, shaking his head and drinking some more.
"What are you talking about, Father? How drunk are you?" Draco asked him curiously.
"Not drunk enough for this. You brought this girl to our home, Draco? Have you lost it? I should have realized you spoke of her with such hatred that it could only mean one thing. But I figured you had more sense than to fall for the girl. Have you gone completely mad?"
"I'm not mad. And what do you mean that my hatred could mean only one thing?" Draco asked him.
"Boy, a man doesn't obsess that much over a person they claim to hate unless they're actually obsessed with them. I only hoped you'd never show up at my door with Potter on your arm. Your grandfather would have rose from the dead and murdered you before I could even get a chance."
"Lucius, I think you've had enough brandy," Narcissa said, attempting to take the glass from him, but he yanked it away.
"Leave my drink alone. I'll say when I've had enough, Cissy. You must realize how ludicrous this picture is. The boy thinks he's in love with a mudblood. No, Draco, it's not love. It's obsession. Grow up and grow out of it. Don't stand there and wait for my approval because you won't get it," Lucius told him seriously.
"Obsession? Is that what you think this is? You're ridiculous. I know the bloody difference between obsession and love. And I love her. I don't need your bloody approval. And by they way, my birthday has been fantastic. Thanks for asking or have you forgotten that's why I was here," Draco shot back at him angrily.
"Oh I'm sorry. Your birthday. Happy birthday, Draco. I wasn't aware it mattered if I remembered or not since you don't seem to need or want anything from me," Lucius told him.
"Look, I'm not here for your approval nor do I give a damn if you care it's my birthday. Mum asked me to come, so I did. She also told me to bring someone, should I wish to. So I did. But if you can't be civil or respectful, then we're leaving," Draco informed him.
"But Draco, I have gifts for you," his mother chimed in.
"I don't want them. Not if he had anything to do with them," Draco said, giving his father a glare.
"I rather think you're too old for gifts, myself. Lord knows, you've got enough money to buy whatever you wish. But your mother feels birthday's are still special. So take the gifts. I had nothing to do with them," Lucius informed him haughtily.
"Maybe I should just leave?" Hermione piped up, feeling highly uncomfortable with the whole situation.
"No, if you go, I go," Draco told her seriously.
"Alright, enough! This is a happy occasion! Twenty three years ago I gave birth to my shining star. The one good thing I've ever done in this life. And I want some peace and celebration, not fighting! Does everyone understand me?" Narcissa shouted as she stomped her foot and glared at everyone in the room.
"Cissy, how are we to celebrate when our son has no respect for us or our values? He brings home this girl and dares us to react. I was simply reacting. Did you expect me to embrace her and welcome her to the family? She's a mudblood! Draco knew this would upset both of us and he did it to get a reaction. It's part of his so-called rebellion. Mingling with Muggles, living with them. Debasing the family name. It's disgraceful!" Lucius shouted.
"Listen to me you old windbag, this is still our son! Our flesh and blood! The one whom I would have died to protect. I don't care if he runs off and joins a bloody Muggle circus if he wishes to. He's still my son! And he's yours too. So wake up and get over yourself before he decides to shut us out altogether. He barely visits and when he does, he gets nothing but grief from you. Who do you think he's rebelling against? It's you! Not me. It's you," Narcissa said angrily.
"How dare you speak to me in that way! What has gotten into you? You would actually speak to me in such a way and blame me for our son's bad decisions? How dare you!"
"What are you going to do about it, Lucius? Will you throw me out too? Am I not a proper wife just because I won't be a doormat?" she challenged him.
"Both of you stop! This is my bloody birthday! I didn't come here to fight. Nor did I come here to upset anyone. This is just who I am now. And this is the girl I love. If you can accept that, then fine. But if not, then I will walk out and I won't come back. I spent my whole life listening to you, Father. Doing everything you asked of me. But I'm a grown man now. I make my own choices. And they're not made from spite. Obviously Father thinks more highly of his own opinions than I do because I didn't bring Hermione here to get a rise out of him or to rebel. She's simply part of my life now. And I thought you two would do well to meet her properly. But if we're not welcomed, then we'll go," Draco told both of his parents.
"Of course she's welcome here, Draco. I'm sorry if I was rude earlier. I was simply surprised. To be quite honest, I never imagined Hermione here would want anything to do with the likes of us," Narcissa admitted quietly.
"The likes of us? What's wrong with us?" Lucius wondered with irritation.
"As if you don't know. Lucius, we were war criminals. We harbored Lord Voldemort in our bloody home. Don't act so innocent," Narcissa reminded him.
"We are innocent, as I believe Ms. Granger can attest to," Lucius reminded her.
"Look, I'm in love with a wonderful girl who treats me like a king. I don't care if her parents were bloody aliens from another planet. She's still a witch, which makes her one of us. And anyone who doesn't agree with that needs to either shut up and accept it, or risk me walking away. That's all there is to it," Draco shrugged.
"So nothing I taught you as a child matters anymore? You deem a mudblood worthy of your affections?" Lucius asked with confusion.
"Can you please stop using that word? It's insulting. She's a witch. And if I set her loose on your stuffy boring old ass, she'd probably wipe the floor with you," Draco informed him.
"Um, I hardly think I'm good enough for that, Draco. Let's not suggest this as an option please. I'm not fighting your father," Hermione chimed in, tugging on his sleeve.
"At least the girl knows her limitations," Lucius said somewhat smugly. "But I'm not fighting anyone. The last thing I need is to explain how the Granger girl ended up dead in my house. I'd probably not wiggle my way out of that one so easily."
"As if you'd kill her. You'd never dare. You're just saying that because you're angry with me," Draco told him.
Lucius sighed. "Fine, I'm not going to kill her. But I should kill you. You bloody well deserve something for the hell you've put upon me."
"The hell I put upon you? Are you very high? What about the hell you put upon me my entire life? Haven't you beaten me down enough? Or is the fact that I'm still standing and have a mind of my own such a disappointment?" Draco demanded.
"I raised you the way I was raised. I taught you to behave in a proper manner. To uphold our beliefs and everything we stood for. And you ran off and thumbed your nose at us. You've not been part of this family for years and yet you expect me to continue to support you financially. Don't you think we worry for you all the time? Do you ever give your parents a second thought when you're out there doing God knows what, with God knows who?"
"Honestly, not really. I tried to live the life you set forth for me, but I was miserable in it. The last thing you asked me to do almost got me killed and thrown in prison. So forgive me for not considering your feelings enough as I live my life. You two were stifling me to death with your rules and obligations. I don't want to be what you want me to be. And if you don't wish to give me the trust fund that is rightly mine, then so be it. I'll find another means to live. But I'd really like it if I could just be me and have that be enough for you," Draco informed him.
Lucius was quiet for a bit as he just sipped his drink and swirled it around the glass.
"You really felt we stifled you?" he asked finally.
"Very much so."
"It's true that the last thing I told you to do almost got all of us killed or put in prison, I'll grant you that. I made a grievous error. But at the time I thought it was the only choice."
"Yeah, maybe it seemed like it. Maybe it was? I don't know. I just know it was the wrong choice."
"Yes, it was. I think we can all agree there. But I'm not asking you to practice the Dark Arts or become the next Voldemort. Not even remotely. I simply wish you to live like a proper Malfoy. Is that so much to ask?" Lucius wondered.
"What is a proper Malfoy? All my life, you did practice the Dark Arts and you remained a faithful servant to a serial killer. Plus you were an elitist snob. Is that a proper Malfoy? Tell me, because I want to know."
"I don't know," Lucius admitted quietly.
"I think what your father wants is for you to marry a girl of your breeding. I'm not up to par. And Draco, we both knew that walking in here tonight. It's not you who's unwelcome, it's me," Hermione told Draco softly.
"That's nonsense," Narcissa chimed in. "Perhaps you threw us off, but you're not unwelcome. And frankly, I think arranged marriages are a bit archaic these days. And breeding shouldn't matter unless you're raising dogs or thoroughbreds. We're all simply people here, right Lucius? Be thankful Draco brought home a witch and not an actual Muggle. Can you even imagine? Now that would be a disaster," Narcissa implored her husband.
"That would have given me a massive heart attack. An actual Muggle? Lord help us. Please tell me you never considered such a thing," Lucius asked Draco.
Draco sighed. "No, I never considered bringing home a Muggle. But if I did, I'd expect you to like her."
"Please. My generosity can only stretch so far. I suppose I can support this dalliance with Ms. Granger."
"It's not a dalliance. It's important," Draco insisted.
"Fine. I shall say no more," Lucius threw up his hands. "Cissy, is dinner ready? Because if not, I need another drink."
"I'll refill your glass, then I'll go to the kitchen and check." Narcissa filled his glass and walked out of the room and suddenly it became even more uncomfortable than before.
"Perhaps I should go check on your Mum?" Hermione offered after a few moments.
"I'm sure she's fine," Draco insisted, not wanting to be left alone with his father.
"Right. Besides I'd probably get lost trying to find her," Hermione muttered.
"Was it always this uncomfortable for us to share space together, without your mother as a buffer?" Lucius wondered curiously.
"Honestly? Yes." Draco admitted.
"That's a pity. I do recall days when you used to look up to me," Lucius sighed.
"I did. Once upon a time. But things change."
"Ms. Granger…"
"Please, it's just Hermione."
"Alright, Hermione. Do you think I'm an awful parent? Do speak freely. I'm curious."
"Um, I don't even know you sir, so I have no idea," she admitted.
"Does Draco never speak of me?"
"Not really."
"Ah, well, then I guess you wouldn't know, then would you?" he sighed. "What of your parents? What are they again? Doctors?"
"No, dentists. Sort of like doctors, but for teeth. But they're no longer in the picture, I'm afraid," she explained.
"Oh? Did they die?"
"Something like that, yeah."
"That's a pity. I still think family is important."
"I do too. But unfortunately we don't all have one."
"Draco does. Do you think he should shun us?" Lucius inquired.
"It's not my business. I certainly never asked him to. That was his choice."
"Father, please stop interrogating her," Draco told him.
"I'm not. I'm simply asking questions," he told Draco. Then he turned back to Hermione. "Am I man you'd allow into your children's lives one day?"
"My children?" Hermione choked out.
"Father, we're not having children right now. We're just dating. Don't give her a panic attack," Draco admonished him.
"I just want to know if she's going to keep my grandchildren from me."
"No, I wouldn't do that. I mean, it's not my choice. It's Draco's. If there are ever to be children, it's his decision, not mine," Hermione explained.
"Would you accept my children if she was their mother?" Draco inquired curiously.
Lucius sighed. "What choice would I have? You've made yourself clear. It's either your way, or no way. And since you aren't a child any longer I can hardly bend you over my knee and spank sense into your head. And seeing as how you're still sitting in my lounge with me, I've not disowned you. So what else is there left to do but accept?"
"Well thank you. I expected much more of a fight. I honestly thought you'd toss me out," Draco admitted.
"I still can. But your mother would throttle me. And honestly the woman deserves a medal for putting up with me all these years. But do you think she'd pick me over you? You're her little boy, no matter how grown you are. I don't stand a chance. You've seen her angry. I'm too old now for battles. I just want to grow old in peace and perhaps have my son be a part of my life once in awhile. You know how much your mum looks forward to your visits and usually I ruin them and then it's months before you come back. I thought perhaps this time I'd shut my mouth sooner before you disappeared and didn't come back this time," Lucius explained staring into his drink.
"You actually sound sincere. Are you feeling ill?" Draco wondered.
"No, I'm simply tired of fighting you."
Narcissa walked in and was pleased that the place was still standing and no one had run off and left. She smiled.
"Dinner is served. It's your favorite, Draco. Rack of lamb," she told him.
"Sounds delicious," Draco smiled and took Hermione's hand and led her toward the dining room. Draco's parents stayed behind for a few moments.
"Were you horrible to them?" Narcissa asked somewhat stiffly to her husband.
"No, I was not. I give up, Cissy. I've tried and I simply give up. Happy now? Draco has inherited your stubbornness and derision for rules."
"I seem to recall those traits being part of the reason you fell in love with me, all those years ago," she smirked at him.
"Yes, yes. It was. Do you remember the things we did that my father would have murdered me for if he knew?" Lucius wondered with a nostalgic smile.
"I never forget anything. I rather thought it was you who'd forgotten what it was like to be young and stupid," she sighed.
"No, I never forgot. It was my mistake believing I'd have more control over my son than my father did over me. I was a fool."
"Yes, you were. Be glad she's pretty. And she is a very good witch."
"I know. I fought her once. She holds up. Pity we were fighting on opposite sides, but you can't have everything."
"Just be nice and enjoy the meal. And stop being a liar. You picked out those gifts just as much as I did. Make sure Draco knows that."
Lucius sighed. "Fine. But he may not want them if he knows."
"He will. He's still here isn't he? Now let's go celebrate his birthday." She took his hand and pulled him with her to the dining room.
They sat through dinner and it was pleasant, if somewhat quiet at first. But Draco's mother passed around the wine and everyone loosened up a bit eventually.
"Do you cook for Draco?" Narcissa asked Hermione curiously.
"Um, sometimes. We eat out a lot," she admitted.
"How long have you two been an item?" Narcissa wondered.
"Not too long. We sort of casually saw each other at first, but then it became more serious. I actually attended a Weasley wedding with her. Can you imagine?" Draco laughed slightly.
"A Weasley wedding? That must have been dreadful. Why on earth would you go there?" his father asked with some slight horror.
"Because she asked me to go. You should have seen everyone's faces. I was not anyone's favorite guest. But I managed to survive it," Draco shrugged.
"Who got married?" Narcissa asked.
"Oh, my ex, Ron," Hermione informed her.
"Oh dear, your ex? No wonder you took Draco. I bet that got under his skin."
"That's not why I took him. But yeah, it sort of made a few waves."
"Well he was daft to let you go. But then again the Weasley's aren't known for their intellect," Narcissa said offhandedly.
"Mother, be nice," Draco reminded her.
"Sorry. I thought we could insult them. She's no longer with the boy. Does it matter?"
"Yes, it matters. She's clearly still friendly with them or we wouldn't have gone to the wedding."
"It's fine. I'm not offended. They had some choice words for you lot as well," Hermione shrugged as she took a bite of her dinner.
"Really? Well I can imagine. No love lost there," Lucius said with a wave of his hand. "Now if Draco had brought home a Weasley, Cissy and I would be dining alone this evening."
"You'd rather me bring home Hermione than a Weasley? They're pureblood," Draco reminded his father.
"Blood traitors, more like it. And they're just simply beneath you, Draco. Plus do you want five hundred ginger children running around? And can you even imagine us being in laws with those awful people? No thank you. I'd rather stick my head in a dragon's mouth. So Hermione, do tell us, what was it like to grow up as a Muggle? Was it dreadful?"
"Dreadful? No. I didn't know any better. At least not until I got my Hogwarts letter," she explained awkwardly.
"But still, living as a Muggle. How completely mundane. Did you know you were different?" Lucius inquired.
"Uh, sort of. I could do things. Weird things. I thought I might be insane. My parents took me to a shrink once," she admitted.
"A shrink? What on earth is that? They shrink you? How do they do that without magic?" Narcissa wondered as she gulped down her wine.
"No, they don't actually shrink you. It's a figure of speech. It was psychiatrist."
"A what? A crazy person doctor?" Narcissa was aghast.
"Yes. But I wasn't crazy. Obviously. But when I told my parents the things I did they thought I was making up stories and needed help or more attention. It was embarrassing really."
"I imagine it would be horrendous to have your own parents think you mad and force you to see a crazy person doctor," Lucius agreed. "That's why Muggles are so wretched. They can't grasp anything that isn't explained by science or the like. It's probably a blessing your parents are no longer with you."
"Father! That's a horrible thing to say," Draco scolded him.
"What? They thought she was mad. What good would they be?"
"They didn't think she was crazy after they understood everything," Draco explained.
"Well, I'm sorry they're gone. But Muggles do get themselves into trouble easily. How did they die?" Lucius wondered.
"They didn't exactly die. I obliviated them. It's a long story. But they don't know who I am. So really it was me who got them in trouble. They had no idea," Hermione explained softly.
"Oh. Obliviated them? Did you really wish to be free of them that badly? Last I heard a grown woman could simply just go her own way," Narcissa said feeling uncomfortable.
"As I said, it's complicated. Can I have more wine?" she asked, holding up her glass.
Narcissa refilled it and then there was uncomfortable silence for far too long.
"Well, obvliated is better than dead, I suppose. At least now I don't have to meet them," Lucius said as he took a hearty sip of wine.
"Yes, well I'm sure that would have been a lovely moment for the scrapbooks," Hermione said with annoyance as she glared at Draco's father.
"Father must you be so insensitive? My God, and you call yourself a gentlemen?"
"I'm simply speaking a truth. It would have been bizarre to say the least to meet a bunch of Muggle tooth healers. What on earth would I say to them? Shall I show them my teeth? Is that how Muggles greet one another in their line of work?"
Draco just sighed and held his head in his hands. He shook his head.
"My God, you must hate my parents so much," Draco whispered to Hermione with embarrassment.
"It's fine. People don't change overnight. Plus I think they're both drunk. I know your father is," she whispered back.
"This is humiliating," Draco lamented with a sigh.
"What are you whispering about over there?" Lucius asked curiously.
"Nothing," Draco informed him.
"Don't be making secret plans to run off yet. We've not had the cake or presents yet," his mother reminded them both.
"I can hardly wait."
"Well let's get this mess cleared away and we'll get on with it," his mother said calling over a house elf to clean up the table.
The cake was brought out, as were the gifts and Draco hid his face as his mother sung Happy Birthday to him, with Hermione chiming in. There was a time when he relished this sort of attention, but not any longer. He felt foolish. But he let them do it and clapped when they finished. Lucius just sat back and observed and didn't really say anything. Draco opened his gifts and most of them were clothing or magical knick knacks that he could put on a shelf or something. But there was one gift that was in a large package and was very heavy.
"You don't have to open that one. It's from me," Lucius admitted before Draco unwrapped it.
"I thought you said I was too old for gifts?"
"Yes, well, I lied. But if you don't want it, just leave it on the table."
"What is it?"
"Open it and see."
Draco peeled away the wrapping and opened the box and found a sword inside with the family crest on it. It was gorgeous and extremely old and valuable.
"It's amazing, Father. This used to hang in the library. You're giving it to me?" Draco asked with confusion.
"I thought you might enjoy it. Not that I expect you to be sword fighting out in Muggle London, but it's a beautiful antique. Its been in the family for generations. I thought perhaps you'd want it," Lucius explained.
"I do. I love it. When I was a kid I'd ask you to take it down and let me stab things with it and you always yelled at me and wouldn't let me touch it," Draco laughed slightly.
"I wasn't going to hand over a sword to a child. And you better not stab anyone with it. Not unless they really deserve it. But it's more of a treasure than a useful item. Keep it safe," his father smiled at him.
"I will. Thank you, Father. This means a lot to me," Draco said sincerely.
"Well, you should have it. You're old enough now to appreciate it."
Draco just nodded his head and didn't know what else to say. It was clear his father had put a lot of thought into the gift. Draco had not expected such a thing. Especially since they'd been so estranged for so long. If he was looking for a sign of a peace offering, this was probably as good as it got. That and the fact that he hadn't thrown him out when Hermione showed up on his arm.
After some more small talk, it was deemed that Draco and Hermione were ready to leave. His parents showed them out and his mother hugged and kissed Draco.
"Don't be a stranger! Come back soon. Not months from now. And bring your lovely girl," she smiled at Draco.
"I will. Thanks for a great birthday, Mum. And thanks for the gift, Father," Draco said as he held out his hand for his father to shake. He shook it and patted him on the back.
"Do as your mother says. Come back soon. And if that sword gets stolen from your filthy Muggle flat I will murder you with my bare hands. Put up security charms, if you've not already," his father told him.
"I will, I promise. No one's gonna steal it. And I promise not to roam the Muggle streets waving it around stabbing things."
"Good man. Now off you two go. The night is still somewhat young. Go do whatever it is young people do these days."
"Thanks for everything. Both of you. It's been a pretty good birthday," Draco admitted.
"Yes, it was lovely. Thanks for welcoming me to your home," Hermione smiled at them both.
They all just nodded and the two of them took off and apparated away from the Manor and landed in Hermione's flat.
"Now that was a weird night," Draco admitted as he put down his presents and sat on the couch.
"It was weird. They didn't hate me that much. At least I'm not a Weasley, eh?" she laughed slightly.
"If you were I'd probably question my own judgment," Draco admitted.
She poked him playfully. "Hey now, I happen to like the Weasley's."
"Yeah, well good on you. The Weasley's and my family have a long and colorful history of detesting one another. Let's not try to change that. One truce is another for tonight."
"Were you really obsessed with me?" she wondered curiously.
"What? No. Of course not," Draco scoffed.
"Are you sure? Your father said…"
"I don't care what he said, I wasn't obsessed. I was annoyed. There's a difference."
"I don't know. You seemed rather obsessive when I first met up with you again. Following me around and such," she said with a playful smirk.
He groaned. "It wasn't obsession. It was just you were there. I don't know why I kept after you."
"Obsession. Kinda cute, in a creepy stalker way."
"Alright, alright. Perhaps I was a bit preoccupied with you. Not obsessed. But in school you were bloody annoying and when I met you again, you were just too fucking hot for me to walk away. What was a man to do?" Draco held up his hands.
"Nothing I guess. You were helpless against me. I never knew I had such wily charms," she grinned.
"Like hell. You know you have them. You know how to use them too. You knew I'd fall in love with you eventually."
"I did not! I had no idea. Not even a slight clue. You were completely weird and moody and I thought you hated me," she explained defensively.
"I did hate you. But then you changed my mind," he shrugged.
"How did I change your mind?"
"By being fucking adorable as hell and looking at me with those big brown eyes and that unruly mop of hair. The night I took you home and cared for you, I was a goner. You were so sad and needy. I was helpless to stop my heart from opening up."
"I wasn't needy. I would have been fine without you," she scoffed.
"No you wouldn't have. You needed someone. And I was there. No one else was. Just me. And you gotta admit, you were kind of glad it was me, weren't you?"
"No. Why would I have been glad of that?" she protested.
"Because I was the only person you trusted."
"You got me there," she admitted quietly.
"Hey, the way I see it, some things are just meant to be. We don't ask for it. We sure as hell don't see it coming. But it happens anyway. You can resist it, but you're really only fighting with yourself. Just be happy I was there that night. If not…"
"If not, I don't even want to hazard a guess what would have happened to me. I already know. You, Draco Malfoy, are my hero," she smiled at him.
"Hero? Are you as drunk as my parents were?" he laughed.
"No, I'm simply stating a fact. But don't worry, I won't tell anyone about it. I know you have a disaffected image to protect. But inside, you're a closet superhero," she smirked.
"Superhero? Like that man who flies around and wears tights? No thank you. I'd rather be me. A hero has too much responsibility. Isn't that the saying? Being a hero is a great responsibility?"
"No, it's 'with great power, comes great responsibility'. And that was said to Spiderman and not Superman. Two different movies."
"Well either way, I only did what was right that night. Anyone else would have done the same," he shrugged it off.
"I don't know. Maybe. But not just anyone would have taken me home and cared for me and held me all night. That was all you. And that was the sweetest and kindest thing anyone's ever done for me. Probably in a moment when I least deserved it. That was the night I knew I'd fallen for you," she admitted as she smoothed his hair and kissed his cheek.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. You saw me at my absolute worst and instead of running, you stayed with me. You didn't lecture me. You didn't get angry. You were just there. And yes, you were the only one I trusted to see me that way."
"Is that because I was important, or because you didn't care what I thought of you?" he wondered curiously.
"It's not because you weren't important, dummy. I just said I was glad it was you. But I don't know. Maybe part of me didn't care what you thought because I wasn't sure I'd see you again."
"Did you really think I'd disappear?"
"Yes."
"Then you're the dummy, not me. You're the first girl I ever actually slept with, like actual sleep, and you thought I took it lightly?" he wondered.
"I dunno. Like I said you were weird and moody. I didn't understand you."
"Do you understand me now?"
"I think so."
"And even after spending an evening with my drunk bigoted snobbish parents, you still wish to be with me?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
She leaned over and kissed him. "Even more now because I see what you struggled not to become. But they aren't all bad. That was a very special gift your father gave you."
"It was. He's known for years I've coveted it. But I thought he'd bury it with him rather than give it to me. I have no idea why he did that."
"He loves you. And so does your mum. They may be a bit obnoxious but be thankful you have them. I don't have mine. You're lucky," she admitted.
He pulled her over to him and just held her tightly. "I'm so sorry you miss your family. I wish I could help."
"Don't worry. Perhaps your mum will take a liking to me? That is if you're really going to keep me around."
"Of course. You're stuck with me, princess. A few years ago you would have thought that was utter madness. And now look at us?" he smiled.
"It's still utter madness, but I've come to embrace madness from time to time," she laughed slightly.
"I love you."
"I love you, too," she whispered back.
And they just held each other tightly on the sofa and no more words were necessary. Draco didn't know where they were heading exactly, but they were heading there together.
To be continued….Sorry it took awhile for this chapter. I had some real life drama to deal with and I had a plot bunny I explored that crashed and burned, so it took a bit to get this together. I hope you enjoyed it. Please review! And thank you all for following. I'll try and be more timely with the next update.
