I'm a little late in finishing up but here we are! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and I'll see you in the New Year! Please read and review. :)
Nine
Draco stepped through the floo into Hermione's flat, dusting off his dress robes as he did so. He glanced about the quiet living room at the neat stacks of packing boxes that a few elves would be moving while they were gone. He knew Hermione didn't approve of asking them to do such tasks but he'd assured her that Pippen and Scroggs would receive extra chocolates in their Christmas stockings as a reward. It was their favorite after all.
He smiled as he spotted a small pile of presents under the glittering Christmas tree. She'd waited until the last minute to put them out, claiming she didn't trust him not to snoop. He shook his head at the tiny charmed reindeer flying in circles around the top of the tree. She had an odd leaning towards whimsy on some holidays, Christmas especially, and the reindeer must have been a last minute addition. However, the best part of her decorating was the ornament he'd given her last year. He tapped the glass ball and the two turtle doves within took flight together.
With Hermione nowhere in sight, he moved on down the hall toward the bedroom. The door was open and a shaft of light flooded the otherwise darkened hallway. Draco crept forward quietly, hoping to catch a glimpse of her before she realized he was there.
Standing in front of her vanity mirror, Hermione smoothed out the long skirt of her dress. Dressed in crimson material, a sweetheart neckline gave just the slightest tease of what was concealed. The silk material clung to her waist before it flared out all the way until it brushed over her toes.
"Merlin…"
Hermione glanced over her shoulder at the breathy sound and found Draco standing in the doorway, his mouth open and his eyes wide as they trailed up and down her form.
Her mouth twisted into a grimace as she turned back to the mirror. The star necklace he'd given her rested just over her breastbone but she'd not bothered with any other jewelry minus her rings.
"I wasn't sure about it after I put it on the second time," she admitted without meeting his gaze.
Draco swallowed and stepped fully into the room to stand behind her. He gazed at her reflection in the mirror before leaning down to press a kiss to her cheek where he took a moment to nuzzle against her, the floral scent of her perfume intoxicating him in the moment.
"You're bloody perfect," he breathed out. He lifted his head to meet her eyes in the mirror. "Seriously, Hermione, there's nothing my mother could have suggested that would be more perfect on you than this."
She bit her lip as she fought a full blown smile and turned her head to meet his lips. She sighed heavily when they parted and finally turned to face him.
"I suppose there's no point in delaying this any longer. It started a half hour ago and I'm sure she'll be wondering where you are."
"She can kiss a hippogriff for all I care," he muttered.
She took his arm and he led them to the fireplace. They emerged in the central most sitting room and Draco led them through the maze of hallways until they were upon the main ballroom. The sounds of chattering and music wafted around them and he gave her a gentle squeeze.
"Ready?"
"As I'll ever be," she nodded.
Draco held his head high as ever as he escorted his wife into the room already full of life and holiday cheer. Trays of holiday themed drinks levitated amongst the guests while faerie lights zoomed around lighting the room in a wash of magical light. No less than ten Christmas trees flanked opposite walls collecting presents which would be donated to children staying at St. Mungo's for the holiday season.
It was a grand event and had been growing in strength every year since Draco had begun making headway on polishing the family's reputation. This was only bolstered by his mother's change in the event. Instead of being a lush showing of only the most elite and old wizarding families, the purpose was now charity. Well, and an opportunity for Narcissa Malfoy to show off her prowess in throwing a soiree of the finest scale. However, just as the Ministry holiday event they'd attended there had always been those who were torn on which side to take—admire the Malfoys for their changes or despise them for what they once were. This year seemed different as the room was bursting with attendees, some Draco was certain were only there to have a front row seat for his first public appearance with Hermione Granger on his arm.
Heads turned and whispers mixed in with the normal chatter as Draco and Hermione made their way into the room. Draco shot a dark glare at Pansy Parkinson as they passed her and her fiancé. He planned to have a word with her about her part in blowing their privacy with that blasted article in the Prophet.
Draco leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Would you be comfortable if I leave you with your friends for a moment while I get drinks and chat with Blaise?"
Hermione gave him a calm smile and nodded. "I'll be fine, Draco."
He nodded as they approached her friends all gathered at a table off to the side. Lavender was poking at Ron's side, pestering him to dance now the band was playing but the ginger wasn't interested.
"Lav, you know I don't dance," he grumbled.
"Just once," his wife begged.
"Hermione," he exclaimed in thinly veiled relief. "Harry…Ginny, Hermione and Malfoy are here."
"About time," Ginny smirked from Harry's side.
"My wife was taking her sweet time in the mirror," Draco quipped. He laughed openly when she elbowed him and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "I'll only be a moment."
Hermione bit her lip as she watched him make his way through the crowd. Everyone was staring at her when she turned back to the table. Granted, the whole room was likely staring at her. This should be less pressure.
"Well, the dress looks great," Ginny offered with a smile. She pinched Harry until he nodded quickly, nearly spilling his drink in the process.
"Yeah, you look great," he agreed.
Hermione shook her head at them. "Well, have you enjoyed yourselves thus far?"
"How could we not," Ginny asked. "All I've been hearing across the room is people talking about you and Malfoy."
"Ernie Macmillan reckons Malfoy has you under some sort of curse," Ron informed them. "I wouldn't put too much stock in what he says though. He's taken one too many hexes to the head working in the field in the Spell Reversal Office."
Hermione merely rolled her eyes at this news. It wasn't like she didn't hear the gossip at work. Some clearly put more stock in her judgement than others.
"I'm just waiting for the fireworks with the Greengrasses," Lavender waggled her eyebrows at Ginny. "You know that the gossip for the last year has been that Narcissa Malfoy planned to obtain a marriage contract between him and Daphne's sister, Astoria."
Hermione scowled at that reminder and the fact that the witch was likely somewhere in that very ballroom because there was no way Narcissa wouldn't invite all of her closest friends.
"Which is exactly what prompted this," she admitted as she held her left hand up, her ring facing them before she took her seat.
The thought of the way his mother had been pressuring him made her stomach turn. Her mother was right and she didn't regret eloping with Draco but she just didn't particularly like that he felt pressured to secure his own choice in a wife before his mother could marry him off like some sort of cattle.
Lavender's eyes widened considerably as it was the first time she'd seen Hermione's ring. She couldn't stop herself from reaching across the table and tilting her head for a better look.
"Merlin, he didn't just do a simple diamond but a canary diamond," she gushed.
Hermione pulled her hand back as gently as she could, shooting a rather perturbed look at Ron. She wasn't going to knock his choice in a wife but she and Lavender weren't exactly close.
"What's the big deal," Ron muttered around a cookie. "It's yellow. Isn't that supposed to be a flaw?"
Lavender made a show of rolling her eyes and Ginny snickered at the whole scene.
"No, Ron, canary diamonds are rare."
His mouth twisted into a scowl and he shoved the remainder of his cookie in his mouth instead of commenting. He knew better at this point than to dig himself into that sort of hole.
"Is that true though," Harry asked. "Was his mother really going to push him into a marriage contract without his input?"
"This Christmas to be exact," Hermione nodded sadly. "I'm not saying I wouldn't have said yes if the situation wasn't so pressing but it certainly happened a bit sooner than either of us anticipated."
"Speaking of anticipation," Ginny interrupted and pointed across the ballroom, "I think you can anticipate an apology from Parkinson if Malfoy has anything to say about it. He and Zabini just approached her. She was the one that leaked the article to her mother and then his mother."
"Oh Merlin," Hermione moaned, "I just hope he doesn't make a scene."
Across the ballroom, Narcissa was holding court and soaking up praise for her successful showing this year. She was also silently gauging reactions toward Draco and his new wife as some were less inclined to broach the subject to her face. But only some.
"I saw your new daughter-in-law with Draco just now," Endora Greengrass commented as she sipped her champagne.
Narcissa pressed her lips in a tight smile and tipped her head in the smallest of nods. "Yes, she looked lovely."
She wouldn't dare admit that she'd been both taken aback and offended when the dress robes she'd chosen had been sent back unopened with a letter pinned by her own son telling her to back off.
"Rather bold choice in attire for the evening," Endora added. "I know their marriage was quite the shock for you. How are things between you and Draco?"
"We're doing well," she fibbed with a graceful smile. "Hermione really is rather lovely so I understand why he was so taken with her."
Endora looked doubtful of that statement but smiled nonetheless. It was a careful game navigating social relations amongst purebloods.
"Well, Astoria was rather disappointed when the news broke of course. I think she'd grown quite attached to the idea of joining the Malfoy family."
"Astoria is a lovely girl. I have no doubt she'll have other prospects in no time."
As if on cue, Astoria approached the women. She was fussing with her dramatic set of plumb colored robes and looking quite put out over something.
"Mother," she whined, "I absolutely hate these robes. They're horrid!"
"Astoria," Endura gritted her teeth in an effort at patience. "Do show your manners and greet Mrs. Malfoy."
The young woman's cheeks pinked when she realized the Malfoy matriarch was standing there and she forced a smile of her own.
"My apologies, Mrs. Malfoy. Your ball is lovely as always. I especially love the trees this year."
"Thank you, dear," Narcissa smiled. Was she always so petulant? She'd not noticed that in the past.
"And what is the matter with your robes, darling," Endora asked.
"They're so stuffy," she whined. Her eyes scanned the room past all of those dancing and conversing and she pointed discreetly. "Why can't I wear something like Draco's new wife? Muggle clothing is in style, you know."
Narcissa followed her pointed finger right to her own daughter-in-law who was conversing politely with her friends and were soon joined by Draco and Blaise Zabini. She lifted a sculpted brow curiously and tipped her head as she studied the dress she was wearing more closely.
"Perhaps, I'll have to inquire with my daughter-in-law as to where she shops for her attire. Maybe then we can speak with Madame Malkins about possibly importing some styles from these designers. I imagine it's something Draco could help orchestrate as well. He has contacts now in the muggle world now."
Astoria's eyes lit with excitement at this idea and Narcissa got the distinct impression that the girl was no longer that put out over losing a possible marriage contract with her son, if she ever were.
"That would be so lovely. I'll have to tell Daphne. She wears muggle clothes at times and will never take me shopping with her."
Astoria lifted her chin indignantly and stomped off through the crowd, her mother hot on her heels to help stop any sort of sibling argument.
"Perhaps a bludger dodged then," Narcissa muttered to herself and lifted her champagne to her lips.
She busied herself with making her way around the room, glowing under all of the praise for the ball. She was a bit surprised though that most of the congratulations was regarding her son snagging such a desirable witch. A few appeared stunned that they were together but from what Narcissa could tell, all of the praise for Hermione was genuine. And she knew a thing or two about fake praise.
Narcissa watched them dance when the band struck up a slower tune. She couldn't remember the last time she'd seen her son actually enjoy himself while dancing at this event and it was enough to warm her some more.
She caught up with them at the end of one of the songs when they stopped to get something to drink. People were congratulating them as they passed and it appeared that Hermione was more than a little uncomfortable with all of the attention.
"You look lovely, dear," Narcissa complimented her.
Hermione's eyes widened considerably as she detected no hint of deceit in her voice.
"Thank you," she nodded, actively choosing not to acknowledge the dresses she sent back without trying on.
Narcissa studied the younger witch for a moment and ultimately sighed to herself. It was going to take some getting used to but she couldn't deny that her son was happy. The rest of the wizarding community seemed to be coming to terms with them being together.
Draco braced himself for anything as he watched his mother. It wasn't like her to be so quiet when he knew she would likely have something to say.
"Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Should I expect you both for dinner," she asked.
Hermione glanced at Draco for guidance as they'd not discussed what he'd be telling his mother about how they planned to split the holidays between their two families.
"Actually, Mother, we planned to have dinner with Hermione's parents. We were reserving Christmas morning and lunch for you since that's always been the crux of our holiday celebration."
She pressed her lips into a neat line as she processed this new information. She wasn't used to having to share her son. Had he married a pureblood witch, his family would have taken priority as tradition dictated. The fact that his wife hadn't even taken his surname was hard enough to understand. Now she had to share him with his new muggle in-laws?
She gave a nod and forced a smile. Maybe one day it wouldn't have to be. "I see. Well, I'll instruct the elves accordingly. And you'll be spending your first night in the London townhome?"
"Yes," Draco responded, the look in his eyes imploring her not to argue.
"Well, I hope you enjoy it then." She focused her gaze on her daughter-in-law who'd remained silent until this point. "I can't say I've set foot on the property in years. I do hope you'll let me know if you require any assistance in the redecorating. I can coordinate some of my best contacts for you, Hermione."
Hermione swallowed; the depth of meaning in that simple offer wasn't lost on her at all. It was an olive branch of sorts. One that she imagined didn't come lightly from Narcissa Malfoy.
"I will," she promised.
Narcissa gave her a brief smile and nodded towards the large clock at the entrance. "It's getting late in the evening. If the two of you disappear early, I'm sure no one will take much notice now that they've seen you together."
Draco's mouth lifted in a small smirk. That was surely his mother's way of making peace to the best of her ability.
He nodded and dropped Hermione's hand as he stepped forward to embrace his mother in a hug. He felt her take a sharp breath before she wrapped her arms around him in return.
"Thank you, Mother," he whispered at her ear.
Hermione bit her lip as she withheld a smile. She and Narcissa still had a long way to go in their relationship but she was relieved to see Draco hadn't hurt his with his mother.
He stepped back and took her hand again. They slipped back into the crowd silently and he wove them through the mass of bodies. He didn't speak until they had escaped and stood alone in front of the floo where they'd originally arrived.
"Are you okay," she asked as he paused a moment to catch his breath from the brisk walk.
Draco let go of her hand and took a deep breath as he ran his hands through his hair. He graced her with his best smile when he met her eyes again and pulled her to him gently.
"The best I can ever remember being, Hermione."
She bit her lip as she stared into those familiar grey eyes. So much had changed in such a short period of time.
"I love you, Draco. Let's go home."
And finally, they did go to what would be their forever home.
Upon emerging on the other side of the floo in the London townhome, it was clear the elves had moved quite literally everything from her small flat. The tree was situated near the large bay window. The curtains were partially drawn but just enough moonlight spilled inside and they could see the snow falling outside.
Her pictures that were once displayed at her flat, now decorated the length of the mantle. A mixture of furniture decorated the room and Hermione knew she'd like have to take Narcissa up on her offer if she wanted the place decorated quickly.
Draco led them up the stairs to their new bedroom. The elves had moved his belongings as well as his pajamas as well as hers were laid out on their bed for them.
"They really think of everything," she muttered in slight awe as she looked around the room. Her candles and blankets were all there. The large walk-in closet was bigger than her childhood bedroom and divided in half for them.
"They do," Draco agreed. He loosened his bowtie and couldn't help a slight smirk at her awestruck expression. "I'm going to change and then we can read before bed."
"Do you honestly expect me to read you a children's Christmas story every year," Hermione laughed.
She'd promised to read him The Night before Christmas, after all, a nod to her own childhood. He'd taken to requesting she share these things as much as possible during the holidays, hoping he'd be prepared for the day they finally had children.
"Be serious," Draco chastised as he dumped his outer robes over a chair. "This is research for me. I need to know the proper voices and intonations throughout your muggle literature so I can be prepared for when we have children. I'll have to do the same for you with Babbitty Rabbitty and the like."
He disappeared into their bathroom before she could respond and she merely shook her head. She'd never need to question him about the fact that their children would be half-bloods. He was very clearly anticipating the day when they had them.
When Draco returned from the bathroom with the remainder of his dress robes neatly folded, he found his wife sitting up in bed, a tattered children's book resting on her lap.
"Pippin wouldn't take no for an answer on the hot chocolate and cookies," Hermione smiled as he joined her on their bed. The elf had made a short appearance while he changed and left the treats on their nightstand. "She told me it was one of your Christmas traditions. Who am I to argue?"
Draco grinned as he snatched a decorated snowman and bit the head off in one large bite. "Pippin is a smart elf. You'll have to learn to listen to her."
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him in challenge. "I asked them both to take tomorrow off and enjoy the chocolates I bought for them from the shop near my parents."
Draco lifted a curious brow as he continued to munch on his cookie. "And she didn't argue?"
Hermione shrugged as she opened to the first page of the book. "She said that though I didn't take your name, I'm still her mistress and she should do as I ask. I may have detected a slight grin as well when I happened to add that some of the chocolates are caramel or crème filled."
"Devious," Draco smirked at her and turned to rest on his side. He maneuvered himself to be as close as possible so he could see the illustrated pages. He wasn't familiar with The Night before Christmas but was quite looking forward to it. She mentioned some muggle films might even be on the agenda after dinner with her parents and he was rather excited for those as well, given his limited exposure to them.
Hermione cleared her throat and glanced over at him. He looked quite boyish with his hair giving way from the product he'd used earlier in the evening and his grey eyes wide and excited. She leaned over and pressed a kiss to his forehead before she started reading aloud.
"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…" she read.
They fell asleep not long after she finished the lengthy poem, wrapped around one another in their new home. Christmas Eve brought time with her parents where her mother indulged Draco's need to tease his wife with a viewing more of her baby pictures, which may or may not have included at least one mortifying picture of her covered in chocolate while helping bake a cake.
"About time you woke," Hermione teased behind her coffee mug when Draco finally emerged Christmas morning.
He glanced at the clock over the mantle and then glared at his wife looking all too chipper in her place on their sofa.
"It's seven in the morning, Hermione," he grumbled.
She smiled as she set her coffee aside and held her hands out to him. He mumbled something about cheerful witches and marriage before he acquiesced. Draco slumped down next to her, not fighting it when she pressed him back against the sofa.
"Why are you so bloody chipper anyhow," he grumped.
"Why are you so moody," she retorted quickly. She shrugged when he continued to glower at her. "Note to self, the holidays don't make you anymore of a morning person than usual—which is not really at all."
Hermione reached for her wand on the coffee table and flicked it towards the tree. A tiny package lifted out of the branches and settled on the low table. With another wave of her wand, it grew in size.
"I like Christmas as you well know, Draco. That being said, I'm just so relieved that things have improved with your mother. I'm sorry if I've been rather agitated this month. I guess my nerves were just a bit frayed."
Draco softened considerably at the reminder and shook his head. "You don't need to apologize, Hermione."
She lifted a leg to curl under her as she turned to face him better. "No, I really should. You've been terribly kind throughout all of this and haven't gotten upset with me at all."
He snorted at that but shrugged. "Hermione, after the little git that I was to you growing up, I think I can let this one slide. Now what's in the box?" He waggled his eyebrows teasingly.
Hermione laughed, happy to see him perking up. "Open it."
Needing no further encouragement, Draco leaned forward and reached for the package. He was surprised by the weight of it as he settled it on his lap. When she nodded her head enthusiastically, he reached for the first corner of the paper. He paused though.
"Love, if this one of your knitted projects…"
"Oh you," she swatted at him. "Just open it, you prat."
He snickered to himself as he did so, knowing it couldn't be knitting as it was too heavy and he'd not actually seen her knit anything new in the last six months. He ripped the paper away easily and his mouth dropped when he saw what had been concealed within.
"You went back for it," he asked, still surprised.
Hermione ripped away the rest of the paper and tossed it aside revealing the record player he'd spied on their outing with her mother.
"Of course, I did, Draco."
She flicked her wand again and another package sailed through the air towards him. This one was smaller and lighter. She helped him set the record player on the coffee table and watched as he tore into the wrapping.
"Merlin," he breathed in awe.
"I hope I found the right ones. I wasn't really listening to the Weird Sisters before I got to Hogwarts. I threw in a few muggle bands I thought you might like, too. Something for you to explore."
Draco carefully set the records aside and pulled her across his lap. He cut off her laughter with his mouth as he drew her into a heated kiss.
She licked her lips as she pulled back to see him. "I want us both to let go of the past. I know the papers aren't going to bugger off until they get bored and find something more interesting…"
"Or realize I've not put you under some sort of curse," he muttered dryly.
"Or that," she agreed with a gentle smile. "Your father isn't here to dictate your life and your mother seems to be coming around. I want the new year to be about us moving forward, not looking back."
Draco studied her eyes and the warmth he saw there. Just like that first night in Paris, he knew he wanted her forever. Only now he could actually say it.
"I love you, Hermione."
She lifted a hand to stroke across his cheek and leaned in for another soft kiss. "I love you, too, Draco."
