A/N: It's the wrong time of year for a holiday chapter, but I hope you enjoy this anyway :)
Disclaimer: All rights to their respective owners (aka J.K. Rowling)
Chapter 11 – Dancing with Danger
Hermione's stomach rumbled so she turned to the tray laden with a teapot, two cups and saucers, cream, sugar, finger sandwiches, and scones with jam. For the moment she was ignoring the fact that she was stuck sharing a room and bed with an irate Malfoy. Once her hunger was sated, however, Hermione found herself in a mental debate. She felt tired, lonely, and very out-of-place, but she knew Moody would want her to snoop around.
Hermione could not figure out why her conscience was choosing to feel guilty now, but she slipped out of the room and into the dimly lit hallway unsure of where to begin. Hermione wandered around aimlessly for a while and found nothing, though admittedly she spent a little too much time prowling through the books in Draco's study. She was just about to give up when she heard voices floating up a nearby staircase.
Hermione crept down the stairs and positioned herself behind the marble bust of (according to the engraving) Abraxas Malfoy.
"-embraced the girl! Damn it Narcissa what were you thinking?" Lucius's voice was no longer curt, and it carried easily into the hall, but Hermione had to strain her ears to hear Narcissa's response.
"You are being pig-headed Lucius. The girl is alone and in danger and I think that welcoming her into our home is the best way to proceed. Whether you like it or not she will be marrying Draco, the Dark Lord has ensured that. Do I want my son marrying a Muggleborn? Of course not, but we can either push her away and risk her turning against us or-"
"Please Narcissa! Turn against us? What do you think the girl is capable of?"
"Her friends abandoned her, she cannot speak to her family without putting them in danger, and she is being forced to marry someone she does not love," Narcissa said. "The greatest threats are people who have nothing to lose and she has lost everything." Hermione could have kicked herself. She was thinking like a schoolgirl not a spy. Of course Narcissa's hug was not a friendly gesture.
"I guess we have that in common." Hermione was startled to hear Draco's voice.
"You have nothing in common with that Mudblood!"
"Don't call her that." Hermione was shocked that Draco would defend her and to his father no less. His angry tone changed into a snide one and she could imagine his sneer as he said "she'll be a Malfoy soon thanks to your mistakes and that makes her as much of a pureblood as any of us."
Hermione was even more surprised when he opened the door and stared straight at her horror-struck. Barely pausing he let the door slam shut behind him, grabbed her arm, and dragged her back to his room leaving behind Lucius's muffled curses about not allowing a Mudblood to taint the family name.
"How much of that did you hear?"
"I was just going to say goodnight to your mother. She was so kind to me earlier...I didn't mean to overhear," Hermione mumbled hoping her lie was convincing.
"Bollocks," Malfoy snapped. "I know you were listening and never mind I don't even want to know what you heard." He proceeded to turn his back to her and strip down to his boxers. At least Hermione hoped he was still wearing them, he was before she turned around, her face beet red.
"Honestly Granger," he said, sounding almost amused, "you're going to see me naked eventually." Hermione chose to ignore his comment and stalked into the bathroom with as much dignity as she could muster.
When she was finished she climbed into the other side of the bed, leaving as much space between them as possible, but she could still feel his laughter shake the bed.
"I don't have cooties."
Hermione hesitated, wanting to talk to him, but not wanting to ruin the good turn his mood had taken. "Thank you for what you said to your father." Draco did not respond and since Hermione knew he was still awake the silence was deafening. Hermione knew he was embarrassed that she heard him defend her, but she still fell asleep with a smile on her face.
The next morning Hermione woke to an empty room. She showered and dressed and met a house elf in the hall that led her to the dining room. The table was set for two and Hermione waited uncomfortably until Narcissa entered.
"Good morning Hermione," she said as she settled into the seat across from the one Hermione occupied. Hermione smiled tightly and as they exchanged uncomfortable small talk over breakfast she attempted to fit the role of the vulnerable girl Narcissa believed her to be.
"Lucius and Draco are out this morning," Narcissa said. "I was wondering if you wouldn't mind assisting me with some preparations for the Christmas party we are hosting."Narcissa did not say that the party was on Voldemort's orders, but Draco had already mentioned it to Hermione on the train along with his usual order of keeping her mouth shut.
The morning passed quietly with Hermione helping Narcissa finalize the menu, arrange table settings, and choose the accent colours. Apart from learning the difference between gold and maize, Hermione had also gotten a clearer picture of Narcissa Malfoy. As much as she tried to hide it behind her immaculate taste and manners she was terribly unhappy.
"Do you always host a Christmas ball?" Hermione asked.
"We always have family and friends over for dinner and dancing and we do gift exchanges, but this year we are entertaining more people than we've had in the past."
"Are all the Death Eaters coming?" Hermione asked as she adjusted a table runner.
"It is not strictly a Death Eater gathering," Narcissa replied. "The Dark Lord likes to maintain a certain amount of secrecy so no one will be masked, and there will be guests not involved with him at all. Or at least not directly."
"Why bother having them all here? Why don't they spend Christmas with their own families?" Hermione said causing Narcissa to sigh in annoyance and stop what she was doing.
"Once you are involved with the Dark Lord it's best to not ask any questions and just follow orders," she answered stiffly. Hermione got the message loud and clear: conversation over.
That afternoon Draco returned and, as instructed by Narcisssa, Hermione met him in an unused ballroom. This ballroom was smaller than the one being prepared for Christmas. It had hardwood floors instead of marble and large windows looking out to the front gardens. Hermione was curious as to why she had to meet Draco, and in a ballroom of all places, and her curiosity only intensified when he entered carrying two swords.
"Why do you have swords?" Hermione blurted out completely forgetting her previous anxiety over seeing him after the previous night's discussion.
"My day was fine dear. Thanks for asking," Draco said sarcastically. Hermione made a face and he continued. "I am going to be teaching you swordsmanship at the Dark Lord's request."
"Why would he bother wasting time with a sword? He can do enough damage with a wand," Hermione said.
"The Dark Lord has decided it would be interesting to experiment with Muggle weapons. Apparently we are supposed to prove anything Muggles can do wizards can do better." Hermione could tell from the tone of his voice that Draco thought the idea was stupid.
"So why swords and not guns or bombs? They would do more damage."
"I chose swords because Malfoys have excelled at swordplay since the middle ages. I learned how to use a sword when I turned fifteen so I figured I could teach you," he explained as he handed her a sword. It was lighter than she expected, but Hermione felt unbalanced as she tried to swing it like she'd seen in the Muggle movies she used to watch with her parents. She stumbled and her sword hit the floor with a clang.
"Wrong type of sword for slashing," Draco explained retrieving it and handing it back to her. "These are called rapiers. They are a type of double-edged sword used for thrusting maneuvers." Draco motioned for her to raise her sword and then lunged forward thrusting his sword towards her and it clattered from her hand once again.
"Should we be doing this with real swords?" Hermione asked, retrieving her sword again.
"Don't worry I've been doing this for a few years," he reassured her, "I'm not going to hurt you." It turned out Hermione did not have to worry about Draco hurting her because she just kept injuring her self.
"Ahh!" Hermione yelled in frustration as the sword fell from her hand once again. They had been at it for hours and she was still not getting the hang of it. She was sore, sweating, and irritable, but Draco seemed to be enjoying himself immensely, which only annoyed her more.
"Why don't we switch things up?" He asked offering her some water. "You could try to disarm me instead."
"How do you expect me to disarm you when I can't even keep hold of my sword?" Hermione snapped.
"Relax," Draco coached. "You are trying too hard. You're fighting your own sword instead of me. You have to keep it balanced."
"Could you try not to sound so condescending? It's like you are enjoying my pain." Hermione replied.
"I love to sword fight," Draco said, "and I never have anyone to practice with. I used to have the elves help-" he paused here as Hermione choked on her water, "but father says I can't engage in combat with lesser beings. Plus I haven't had much time. Being a Death Eater is a full-time job you know, all that bowing and grovelling is a lot of work." Hermione held back a smile. She secretly enjoyed when Draco mocked the Death Eaters. It gave her hope that if he ever found out that she was a spy, which was unlikely, he would not completely despise her.
"Alright," Hermione said attempting to sound cheerful for Draco's sake, "I'll try to disarm you." Draco grinned as he raised his sword and beckoned for her to approach him. She lunged forward directing her sword just above the hilt, like Draco had taught her. Mid swing she stumbled and realizing that she was going to hit Draco instead of his sword she let go of the handle just as he parried the blow. Hermione's sword went flying straight through the window and glass rained down on them. Draco covered Hermione's head with his arms until the hall was silent.
Hermione looked up, surprised at his protective gesture. He removed his arms and brushed some fragmented glass out of her hair. Hermione felt her heart stutter as his hand grazed her cheek. He was moving in closer, and even though they had kissed once before this seemed more real and Hermione panicked. Her breath hitched as she turned away abruptly just before his lips met hers. They met her cheek instead, and for a moment Hermione wished she had not turned away.
"I don't think swords are my weapon," she said quietly. Draco's hand fell away from her and Hermione could see the rejection wash over him.
"You're right," he said in a clipped tone. "I'll try to find something else. Why don't you go change for dinner I'll clean up here." Hermione recognized the dismissal and left without another word.
She was cursing herself while she dressed for dinner. Every time she took a step forward with Draco something always seemed to push them further apart. She needed him to trust her. But Hermione was afraid to trust him, and the more time they spent together the more she did. She knew he was dangerous and involved too deeply with Voldemort, even if he did not want to be, which Hermione was just beginning to consider. However, Hermione quickly realized how foolish her actions were. Their marriage was inevitable. She could not let her emotions run away with her. Especially because she knew soon they would have to do more than kiss. The thought made Hermione blush furiously, so she pushed it aside.
Hermione took special care choosing an outfit for dinner that night, hoping to undo the damage she had done in the ballroom, but Draco never showed up. Hermione fought the constant urge to look at the door every time a house elf entered with the next course. She barely touched her food, and was relieved after the trifle was served and she could finally escape the awkward dinner alone with Narcissa and relief was short-lived, as soon as Lucius left the table, throwing down his napkin in irritation, Narcissa pounced. "Hermione, would you like to go for stroll this evening? I don't think you've seen the gardens yet."
"Isn't it a little cold?" Hermione asked.
"I meant the greenhouse," Narcissa amended. "Herbology was one of my favourite subjects when I was at Hogwarts. It wasn't something the Black family bragged about, but there were many skilled herbologists throughout our history. " Hermione followed her out of the dining room and was surprised when Narcissa led her to a door leading outside. As Narcissa led her out she said "the walkway to the greenhouses are enchanted to stay at a moderate temperature and keep out precipitation so I can still go out on cold or rainy days."
"Wow," Hermione said. It seemed so surreal to Hermione; to be walking along the stonewalled path surrounded by snow flurries and not be cold at all. The greenhouse was beautiful. Unlike the pungent aromas in the greenhouses at Hogwarts, this one was fragrant. The aroma, no doubt, came from the climbing roses that were sprawled across an archway leading into a section dedicated to flowers. "I'm surprised you have so many flowers," Hermione said "most greenhouses are filled with magical plants."
"Flowers are often underestimated," Narcissa said as she sniffed a blossom "even though they are not magical in nature, many have magical properties. I've used every plant here in at least one potion. Daisy and dandelion roots are both common potions ingredients, I'm quite sure you would have used them in class."
Hermione nodded, "I've used those before, but what do you use the roses for?"
"Rose thorns can be used to make love potions more potent" Narcissa explained "I've used them occasionally, for some reason the Dark Lord is insistent that they are a weapon." Hermione nodded vaguely, not wanting to give away her knowledge of Voldemort's conception. "Actually while we are on the topic of love, there was something I wanted to speak to you about."
"Was there?" Hermione asked quickly moving away from the roses. As she browsed the variety of plants she saw fluxweed and knotgrass and wondered how often Narcissa supplied Voldemort with Polyjuice Potion.
"I've noticed things are a bit tense between you and Draco, and I was hoping to offer some advice," Narcissa said. Hermione pretended to take a closer look at a belladonna plant careful to avoid touching its poisonous berries. "I know how stubborn he is, but don't give up hope. Arranged marriages can be difficult to manage at first, but one day you'll wake up and realize that you couldn't imagine your life without him." Hermione wondered if Narcissa was referring to Draco or Lucius.
"I really don't think it will be like that for..." Hermione trailed off remembering that she was supposed to be convincing every one that their relationship was real, but it was difficult with Draco disappearing every chance he got.
"Give him a chance," Narcissa said. "I may be biased but he is a good boy and though blood status means little to you it does make him quite the suitor. He's just not quite himself lately. Life hasn't been easy since...Lucius was in Azkaban." Hermione was pretty sure things had been tough before that, but she did not say anything. "I can imagine how you felt about Harry Potter-"
"There was nothing between me and Harry!" Hermione interrupted quickly. "We were always just friends." Narcissa regarded her in some disbelief. Hermione forgot she was not talking to Draco. Narcissa could never have known that Hermione's childhood crush had been Ron not Harry. Instead Hermione said "at least I thought we were friends. They left me here all alone."
"Then maybe your betrothal is for the best" Narcissa suggested quietly, even though Hermione was sure Narcissa did not think it was best for her son.
"Maybe you're right." Hermione turned away and her eyes fell to the only section of the greenhouse bare of plants. There was a large marble counter, a shelf filled with potions ingredients, and a row of cauldrons, some which simmered softly as they passed. "You brew potions here!"
"Yes, I find it easier to work here where all my ingredients are nearby" Narcissa said, "plus it's an excellent escape when Lucius is in one of his moods."
Hermione smiled guiltily then said "I'm sorry if I'm making things worse. I understand why Mr. Malfoy wouldn't like or trust me."
"Don't be absurd" Narcissa said airily "Lucius doesn't know you enough to decide whether or not he likes you. And don't worry about gaining his trust, it is Draco you need work on. He is very loyal and he appears to like you despite your unfortunate heritage, but you have to understand what a difficult position he is in."
"I'm trying, but if you haven't noticed he's avoiding me," Hermione responded, avoiding the comment about her Muggle parentage.
"Give him some time," Narcissa said. "He's going to be away for a couple of days but he will be back for Christmas, maybe you could try to patch things up then. But until then I was hoping you could work on something for me. The Dark Lord requires several batches of the Draught of Living Death and I was hoping you could brew it. Severus mentioned you were well on your way to becoming an adept potions mistress."
Hermione agreed and the following days in the greenhouse working on the potions. It was a relief to escape the manor, without Draco around Hermione felt lonely and out of place, especially with all the people coming to visit before the holidays. At first Narcissa had insisted that Hermione stay for these visits, but after the first two hostile encounters she gave up. With all the commotion in the manor the days passed quickly and before Hermione knew it Christmas had arrived.
Draco wrapped a towel around his waist and left the bathroom. His bedroom was blissfully quiet and a welcome escape after spending days abroad furthering their negotiations with the goblins. A purple dress was laid out next to his black dress robes. His mother had given it to Hermione as a Christmas present that morning. Draco had snooped through her packages and was mildly surprised to see that Hermione had received a gift only from her parents in addition to the ones his mother had sent, no doubt putting his name on them. She was not pleased that he had missed Christmas morning, so now he was avoiding both his mother and Hermione.
Just as Draco had finished dressing he heard the doorknob turn and mentally swore. He knew he would have to face Hermione eventually, but he was hoping it would be in a crowded area where they did not actually have to speak to each other. She paused, startled, in the doorway. Draco purposely avoided her gaze.
"I, um, didn't realize you were back," she said. Draco's pleasure at her discomfort lasted only a moment before she pulled herself together. As she shut the door behind her she turned abruptly to face him. "Look Malfoy," she said and he almost sighed in exasperation. After all this time she still could not use his first name! "I know you've been avoiding me and I think it's ridiculous. I mean we are getting married sooner rather than later and you are going to have to deal with the fact that we are going to be spending a lot of time together."
"Yes because that is clearly the problem," Draco said sarcastically. "It couldn't possibly be your inability to look at me much less come near me. And speaking of our soon to be nuptials, what do you plan on doing once we reach the part where 'you may now kiss the bride'?"
"You can't seriously still be upset over that!" Hermione exclaimed. "I didn't mean to hurt your apparently very delicate feelings. It had nothing to do with you."
"Right," he said "refusing to kiss me had nothing to do with me? I bet you were just wishing it was Weasley instead." His words were harsh and mocking, but Hermione did not even look fazed.
"In case you hadn't noticed," Hermione said in the calmest voice she could muster, "Ron abandoned me, and I've already realized that there was never a future for us so you can stop getting so jealous over him."
"I'm not jealous!" Draco said quickly, but Hermione continued as if he had not interrupted.
"I don't know what you want from me," she went on. "I'm trying to make this work, but you need to give me more time. Everything is happening so quickly. I've never even had a real boyfriend and yet here I am meeting your parents and choosing china patterns with your mother. And that's not even taking into account that there is a war going on all around us." Draco, against his will, began to calm down. He had been so caught up in her rejection that he had not been thinking clearly. He could not allow his bruised ego to rule his actions when the Dark Lord was watching them so closely.
"Fine," he conceded "but tonight no one can suspect that you feel that way. We are only still alive because the Dark Lord has plans for us and if you are anything less than a blushing bride-to-be there will be consequences."
"Alright," Hermione agreed "I'm going to shower." Draco watched her gather her things and heard the bathroom door lock. He sighed and made himself comfortable on the bed fully intending to wait there until she finished just to annoy her. Unfortunately his plan was disrupted and he was forced to go down stairs to escort some of his mother's friends to the ballroom.
"Oh Draco I do wish you could have waited longer to announce your engagement," Madame Greengrass simpered. Draco gritted his teeth and attempted to smile. "Daphne and Theodore make such a handsome couple, but Astoria will be of age soon enough and you would make such a charming addition to our family." Draco smirked recalling a time several months ago when the Greengrass family had begun to cut ties with his family. "Doesn't Astoria look lovely Draco? I think the pink brings a nice rosy glow to her cheeks."
"Yes she looks…" Draco trailed off as a flash of purple distracted him. "Amazing," he finished as he watched Hermione approach the stairs. Hermione's hair had been styled into elaborate curls and Draco's gaze slid down a spiral that rested on the smooth skin of her shoulders. She seemed to sparkle in the dim lighting. Draco could not help but recall how stunning she had looked at the Yule Ball in their fourth year.
If she was nervous it did not show,although Draco could feel her eyes seeking him out. He turned back to his companions. "Excuse me for a moment Madame Greengrass, my fiancée has arrived and I have to show her off. You know how Gibbons needs to be introduced the loveliest lady in the room or else he spends the evening pouting." He left without another word leaving all three Greengrass ladies standing gobsmacked behind him.
Draco met Hermione as she was halfway down the stairs and offered his arm. Draco felt every eye on them as they descended and felt Hermione stiffen. "Relax. You look amazing."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Hermione asked and he was surprised to hear how anxious she sounded.
"You have nothing to worry about," Draco said in attempt to reassure her. "The Hermione Granger I grew up with wouldn't be intimidated by a bunch a pureblood socialites only judging her on her blood status."
"Really?" Hermione said. "With all the whispering and dirty looks I was getting, I thought they must be saying something more interesting than the usual insults about me being a Muggle-born."
"I'm sure some of the girls are trying to find something wrong with your dress or hair or something else equally ridiculous," Draco said. He waved purposely at Pansy who had a sour expression on her face. Pansy had all but begged Draco to propose, and since the Parkinsons were not officially Death Eaters she had a cow when she found out about his engagement to Hermione.
Draco stopped suddenly, pulling Hermione to an abrupt halt, regretting it instantly as she teetered in her heels. He held her steady making a show of putting his hand on her back as they came to face a tall gentleman in bottle green dress robes."Rookwood, I didn't realize you were coming tonight?" Rookwood was the perfect person to introduce Hermione to. Unfortunately Draco did not realize that the two had already met at the Department of Mysteries two years ago. "I'd like to formally introduce you to my fiancée Hermione."
"It's a pleasure to see you again Hermione," Draco felt Hermione squirm when he spoke her name and hoped it was not visible. "I believe the last time I saw you was at the Ministry. Weren't you fighting to protect Potter's prophecy?" Draco tried to hide his surprise. He had heard rumours of the prophecy of course, but his father had never confirmed them.
"I was," Hermione replied.
"You say this without shame," Rookwood said, a nasty glint in his eye.
"We all make mistakes," Hermione said, and Draco could tell she was weighing her next words carefully. "I believe that night you also made some errors in judgement. I can't imagine the Dark Lord was pleased." Rookwood turned red and Draco smirked triumphantly. Hermione could not have made a better first impression. Death Eaters were notorious for attempting to one-up each other. After that Draco felt almost at ease. He introduced Hermione to several other Death Eaters and Ministry Officials as well as some of his extended family and it was clear that everyone was reassessing her.
"There is no way I am going to remember all those names," Hermione said, but Draco had a feeling she was more perceptive than she let on. He could tell by her expression when he introduced her to Victor Greengrass and his associate that she had realized the two were having an affair. And she was quick to redirect the conversation when someone made underhanded accusations about the Gringotts takeover.
"You'll be fine," Draco said as he guided her towards the dance floor, eager to escape further introductions. "I never thought you of all people would be a natural socialite." Hermione made a noncommittal sound as she focussed on the steps to the waltz as Draco led her around the floor. Draco was surprised at how warm and familiar Hermione felt in his arms. It was not the first time he held her. He recalled the night they flew together, and more recently when glass rained down on them in the ballroom, but it had never occurred to Draco that he might become accustomed to having her so near.
Draco forced his thoughts to a less dangerous path and his mind returned to his curiosity over her interactions that evening. All night he watched her as she took everything in with a subtle calculating gaze. He could picture her mapping out everything she had learned on pieces of parchment, though why she would do that he had no idea. All he did know was that Hermione's loyalty was not as swayed as it appeared, and Draco dreaded the day when he would have to choose between her and the Dark Lord.
Coming Up in Till Death Do Us Part:
He turned away and pulled out a long gold cord wound into a loop. "I bought you a whip."