Chapter 11
Itinerary
Hermione's eyes widened. Malfoy was too close, far too close.
Yet she couldn't force herself to look away. They were locked in a silent battle of wits, a who-could-out-stare-who glaring competition. Hermione refused to bow to defeat.
As her eyes strained to hold their focus, Draco's grew in strength, sharpening. He drew vitality from watching Hermione struggle piteously.
It was for the second time in her life that Hermione considered Malfoy to be enjoying torturing her.
At last, watery eyes burning with the desire to blink, Hermione broke the steely gaze. She turned in an attempt to mask her bitter disappointment. Humble as always, Draco accepted his victory with the civility of a troll.
"What's the matter Mudblood? Can't handle a little confrontation? Or maybe you're just out of practice. When was the last time you looked into the eyes of man?" He jeered.
Hermione pushed her embarrassment aside.
"If you're quite done Malfoy, maybe you had better leave, so you can go and practice your pathetic glares on yourself," she chided.
Draco narrowed his glinting eyes.
"Oh, come now, no need to go all Moaning Myrtle on me. You're so goody-two shoes. A bore. And here I was, thinking you looking so…" he searched for a word, "so bold today in Slytherin greens no less, would be up for a little fun."
Hermione balked. She glanced down at the clothes she had chosen to dress in. There was no denying that they were definitely Slytherin colours.
Malfoy smirked triumphantly. Hermione gave an involuntary shudder.
"Charming colours, makes you look so…out of character."
Hermione turned to face Draco again.
"Out of character?" She echoed hollowly. Thoughts of the fairytale book, and its baffling coincidences swelled.
"Well, it conflicts with your normal persona, doesn't it? Miss Priss all done up in bad tones. You rebel you."
So that's what he meant, she thought vaguely, he wasn't referring to the book at all.
Hermione had a strong urge to pull the dress over her head and toss it at the infuriating Draco. She settled for quiet seething.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? Or should that be snake, seeing as it is Slytherin you're supporting."
Draco paused to cackle. He glanced at Hermione to check for a reaction. She remained silent.
"I suppose we could chat over tea and crumpets all day long but I really do have things to do, elves to punish…"
Hermione bit her lip.
"…So let's get down to business as such. It's a week from today that we are to-"
Draco stumbled on the words.
"M-marry. Now I know you, being a dirty Mudblood, wouldn't have been to a Wizarding wedding ceremony before. You haven't a clue what this silly charade involves, which is to say, work. A lot of work. I have here an itinerary with a list of everything that we have to do in preparation."
He produced a roll of parchment from his black robes. Gingerly, he passed it to Hermione. She accepted it, perched on the end of her bed. With some dispassion, she un-scrolled the list.
It read:
Traditional W.W Itinerary
The following tasks are to be completed in the week leading to the Wedding of One Draco Malfoy and One Hermione Granger.
Waltz of the Weiler
Wykesteral Wails
Wedding Vows
Wishful spell of the Wand
Wedding robes
Wistful Well Ball
The couple MUST learn, and practice the traditional Waltz of the Weiler. The couple MUST have a sound knowledge of the Wykesteral Wails. The Bride and groom MUST each complete their own individual Wedding Vows. Each MUST create a Wishful spell of the Wand for their partner. The Bride MUST design her own Wedding robes. The couple MUST attend the Wistful Well Ball on the eve of their wedding.
We, the Bride and Groom, wholeheartedly agree to complete the above traditions in a declaration of dedication to honouring the W.W laws, revised edition, as duly contracted by the twenty-eighth Minister for Magic Maid Miralda Mirinda.
Draco Malfoy
Hermione noted the two spaces reserved for signatures. One had been filled; a large, scrawling piece of handwriting stretched to the end of the allocated room. A bookworm, and so naturally a handwriting enthusiast, Hermione couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the autograph. Ruefully, she admired Draco's handiwork.
The sound of Draco's drawl bought the return of Hermione's senses.
"Any questions?" He asked.
Hermione analysed the paper quizzically. Yes, she longed to answer, plenty. Such as, why do you, of all people, have such lovely handwriting? You illegitimate baboon.
Instead, she settled for, "What is the Waltz of the Weiler?"
Draco groaned, "It's a dance."
Hermione nodded, thoughtful
"And we will be learning it, correct?"
Draco gave a curt nod.
"What about Wykesteral Wails?"
"In short, they are the 'I do's.'"
"Wedding Vows…obviously are vows…but we have to write them ourselves? Really? Is that necessary?" Hermione inquired.
Draco groaned again. Yes, he replied, they were necessary. Yes, they would each have to write one about the other.
Hermione laughed, "And what, pray tell, am I supposed to say? Shall I ramble on about how much I hate and loathe you? Or about how much you wish I were dead?"
Draco glared, "No, Granger, you're supposed to talk about how much you love me!"
Hermione nearly collapsed into hysterics.
"Me- love- you? I would never, could never love you! And I don't think, not for a minute, that anybody else could either!"
Draco flinched. Hermione noted this and ceased her laughing.
"I have more chance than you do, ugly," he spat.
Hermione scowled.
Draco growled, "Is that all?"
"Wishful spell of the Wand, what is that?" she asked tetchily.
"You have to create a spell, for your lover," Draco replied.
Hermione contained herself. The harsh comments thrown at her before served as a cold reminder of the cost of laughing at the idea of Malfoy, el fiancé.
"Then I am to design my own robes. Quite understandable. What about this last item? The Wistful Well ball?" queried Hermione.
Draco looked panic stricken.
"The engagement party. It's held the night before the wedding. I-it's," he faltered.
Hermione frowned, "yes?"
Draco shook his head.
"It-it's a masquerade," he finally stammered.
Hermione tilted her head to the side. What's he hiding? She wondered.
"Is that all?"
Draco uttered a disgusted, yet firm, "yes."
Hermione clutched the parchment to her person.
What a busy week I have ahead, she thought, a busy week in which I must dance, recite, write, design, and masquerade. All whilst I solve the most challenging problem I have ever faced. It's more challenging than a thousand O.W.L examinations, or confronting Dolores Umbridge. I have to save Harry and Ron from impending doom. I have to create a fool-proof, Malfoy-proof plan.
Hermione glanced at the now sullen Draco.
What a busy week I have ahead, indeed.
