Author's note: My darling readers, I am so sad right now. We only have one chapter left. I know. I KNOW. But all of my attempts to lengthen this story fell through and I realized, that's okay. This story was about righting a wrong and finding a way to bring these two together. I've accomplished that and I feel like, with the next chapter, it tells their story - how they found one another against all odds. I like that. But that doesn't mean you won't see more of these two. I'll have a series of one-shots that come as the muse strikes and we'll see them live out their lives in snippets. I promise.
As always, I don't own Harry Potter. Any and all recognizable traits belong to the one and only J. K. Rowling. I sincerely hope you enjoy this chapter. You waited long enough for it. Have I mentioned lately just how much I love you? No? I love you so, so, so very much. Each and every one of you.
For the first time in recent memory, Draco woke with a smile on his face. The early morning sunlight was streaming through his bedroom window, and the wizard indulged in a luxurious stretch - from the tips of his fingers all the way down to his toes. Still, the grin never faded. How could it? Draco Malfoy felt on top of the world.
He still found it hard to believe that Hermione Granger saw him for who he was, not the mask he wore for the majority of his young life, and miraculously she liked what she saw. Tapping on his window as the wizard rubbed the sleep from his eyes drew his attention to the glass and the regal owl waiting there. With a bit of a groan, Draco pushed himself out of his cozy bed and made his way over, opening the window for his Mother's owl. The owl nuzzled his hand affectionately as Draco took his mother's letter and waited, meaning his mother wanted an immediate response.
Of course.
Tearing the envelope open, the wizard made his way to his bathroom reading as he went. His mother missed him and would like very much to have him home for tea that afternoon, seeing as the new school term was set to begin in a handful of days. Draco turned over her request in his mind as he showered quickly, he'd promised Hermione that he'd be waiting for her this morning and he would be. But, as he prepared for the day, he also knew he didn't want to go home by himself. After he finished dressing in black trousers and a black button-down, he hastily wrote a reply telling his mother he'd be there but hopefully, his girlfriend, Miss Hermione Granger, would be able to accompany him, as well. And either way, he'd prefer to have tea in the gardens.
Now if he could only convince Hermione to come with.
Draco clipped the antique pocket watch his recently departed Godfather had left him to his belt loop and slid it's heavy weight into his pocket, before grabbing his wand and running a nervous hand through his damp hair. He took a deep breath in to settle his sudden bout of nerves and popped each individual knuckle before making his way out into the hall and down to Hermione's door. Leaning as casually as he could against the opposite wall, Draco briefly wondered if he had enough time to run out to the greenhouses and collect a small number of wildflowers for his witch, before resolutely shaking off that thought.
Perhaps tomorrow he'd wake a little earlier, he grinned at the thought.
Draco felt anxious, he wanted nothing more than for Hermione to open her door. He longed to see her; he felt a physical ache from her absence. Another nervous hand ran through his rapidly drying hair at the thought. He was in so much trouble with this witch. Draco knew he had to convince her to come with this afternoon, he wasn't sure he had the strength to be so far away from her for any length of time just yet. He also knew he needed to rein those feelings in, because it was far too much, far too soon.
Even if it wasn't. Not for him at least.
Just when he thought he'd truly lose his mind, Draco heard Hermione's footfalls approaching her door and a moment later her sparkling topaz eyes met his, immediately a smile lit up her face and he was wrecked. He knew a smile that rivalled her own curved his lips, but for the life of him, he couldn't contain it. Draco didn't want to. Hermione pulled her door closed and his arms were around her before she could take a step.
He couldn't help but sigh when their lips met in the sweetest kind of hello.
"Good morning," Hermione breathed against his lips and her minty breath washed over him, making him smile into their kiss.
"Morning, love," Draco murmured as he pulled back and tucked one of her crazy curls behind her ear. "Did you sleep well?" He was genuinely curious, as his own sleep had been untouched by nightmares for the first time in years. Draco was surprised he wasn't literally walking on air. Taking Hermione's hand in his much larger one, the pale wizard brought her close to his side as they began the trek to breakfast.
Her eyes twinkled, seriously twinkled up at him, and the smile never left her face when she responded, "Best sleep I've had in a long, long time."
His heart did a little turn in his chest and he sighed before pressing his lips to her forehead. Would this witch ever truly know the effect she had on him? She could knock him over with a look, ensnare him with a word, and ruin him with her kiss. And he'd gladly surrender to the sweet torture again and again because he saw all the stars, swirling galaxies, and heaven itself in her eyes.
"So no second-guessing?" Draco teased with a smirk, though he did feel his heartbeat accelerate and found it hard to swallow around the sudden lump caught in his throat. He watched as Hermione's eyes narrowed, almost imperceptibly, before she rolled them in an over-exaggerated fashion.
"Of course not, Draco. Though I presume I should ask the same? Any second thoughts on your behalf?" Her deadpan stare and tone brought a chuckle from him, even as his cheeks heated.
"Touché, Granger," and Draco would swear he felt his heart swell in his chest when she brought her head to rest against his shoulder just as they began their descent down the stone path was relatively clear, the pair only stumbling into Neville Longbottom on the way down. Draco had been prepared to defend them both when Longbottom blinked at their entwined hands for a moment but was surprised when he only met his eyes and extended his hand to shake.
"Clean slate, yeah?" Longbottom asked in a voice much surer of itself than Draco had ever remembered it being. He shook the proffered hand with a solemn nod, still reeling a bit from Neville's easy and honest acceptance.
"Please, though I can only accept your offer if you accept my apology. I was a right arse to you for years, Longbottom. I was cruel for no other reason than being cruel and you didn't deserve any of it. I can't apologize enough I'm afraid," Draco's tone was soft, yet serious and there was no denying the honesty shining in his pewter eyes.
A slow smile spread across Neville's face as he turned his attention to the witch pressed against Draco's side, "I was going to ask what brought this about but I think I understand now. You guys headed to breakfast, yeah? Mind a bit of company?"
Draco watched as Hermione's entire being seemed to brighten and silently sent his thanks to the young man he'd tortured for years. Longbottom's ability to move forward from their mutual past's without animosity was a gift Draco hadn't thought to ask for. And he'd make sure he appreciated it all the more for that reason alone. The pale wizard wore a quietly content smile as he listened to the two Gryffindor's catch up and it didn't falter until they were steps away from the entrance to the Great Hall.
Hermione and Neville looked back in confusion when the witch was jerked to a stop as she made to enter the hall. An ashen and absolutely terrified Draco could barely meet their questioning gazes. Hermione glanced at Neville briefly before stepping close to Draco and ducking to meet his lowered eyes. "Sweetheart?"
Draco winced at the term of endearment falling so sweetly from her lips. How could he deserve someone like Hermione, if he was scared of facing a small group of their peers by her side? Really, he was more concerned with his witch catching hell because she chose to be with him more than anything his fellow classmates could throw his way. Draco knew he deserved whatever vitriol they spat in his direction, but Hermione?
She deserved nothing but their thanks and love. Without her, they wouldn't be living in a world free from the threat of Voldemort. Without her, they would have nothing.
"Draco?" His witch repeated, her countenance darkening with worry with each second he failed to respond.
"I don't want them to judge you because of me," he whispered brokenly. Biting down hard on his suddenly quivering bottom lip, Draco huffed an angry exhale. "We'd all still be living in fear if it weren't for you and Potter and even Weasel. But if they see your hand in mine," Draco squeezed her hand in his, to strengthen his point. "What do you honestly expect to happen?"
"I don't care," Hermione immediately responded. Shaking her head with defiance painting her delicate features she reminded Draco of the stubborn witch he'd spent years battling and he couldn't help the affectionate smirk that twisted his lips.
"I know it's none of my business," Longbottom interjected, pulling both Draco and Hermione's attention to him. "But this is exactly what we fought a war for." Gesturing between the couple with a small, kind smile, Neville shrugged. "It gives me hope. If the two of you can see past your differences and learn to value and care for one another? Then what's holding everyone else back? No one will say a word to you two today. Or they'll have to deal with me."
"Oh, Neville," Hermione breathed as tears clouded her vision and Draco wrapped his free arm around her middle, resting his chin atop her wild curls. Exhaling shakily, the fair-haired wizard nodded his thanks at Neville, which he returned easily.
"Thanks, mate. It means quite a bit," Draco finally choked out. Longbottom waved the words away and grinned a cheeky smile that made Hermione giggle into her wizard's chest.
"Think nothing of it, but get a move on will ya? I'm starving!" The unlikely trio laughed and made their way into the Great Hall in much better spirits. Other than a few confused and slightly disgusted stares, they were left alone to eat in peace at the otherwise empty Slytherin table. Granted, Longbottom would fix an arctic glare on anyone who dared eye them too long or with too much disgust. It was odd for Draco, being protected by not just one, but two passionate Gryffindors.
He decided he rather enjoyed it. Longbottom's company as well, for that matter. The two discussed several herbology articles and argued the finer points of many potions and whether dried or fresh herbs were better when brewing.
Hermione simply watched the boys with a fond smile as she buttered and spread marmalade over her toast. When Draco expertly poured and added the perfect amount of milk and sugar to her tea, the witch may have swooned a bit. Each time his thundercloud eyes would flick in her direction and his lips would quirk up ever so slightly, Hermione could swear she felt her heart skip several beats. One simple look and she was wrecked.
The closer they drew to finishing their meal, the more nervous Draco appeared to be. His knee was bouncing under the table, slightly jarring Hermione with each bounce. After several long minutes of suffering through it, the witch placed her hand on his thigh. Draco choked on his pumpkin juice and whipped his head around to stare at her so quickly, Hermione worried over whiplash.
"What's got you so nervous?" She whispered to him with an amused grin. Draco grimaced and then sighed, realizing she could see right through him.
"I need to ask you something and I really want you to say yes, so of course I'm worried that you won't." He watched with no small amount of amusement as Hermione's nose scrunched up adorably at his vague response. Draco took a deep breath before speaking softly and carefully, "My mum invited me for afternoon tea today and I would very much like for you to attend with me."
He watched as Hermione's eyes widened, vestiges of fear-laced panic clear in her gorgeous amber eyes. No longer worried about appearing rude to Longbottom, Draco spun, draping one leg over each side of the bench to face Hermione head-on and went on, hoping to quickly assure his witch. "We'd be in the gardens, you wouldn't have to set foot in the Manor if you don't want to, Hermione. I'd never do that to you, I swear it. It's just that the new term begins next week and she would like to see me before then and I -" Draco swallowed thickly and forced himself to finish. "I don't want to be away from you right now. You don't have to come, I'll understand, but I really wish you would."
Hermione glanced down where his large hands had come to rest just above her knees, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles against the soft skin found there. Her entire body felt both heavy and warm from the innocent gesture and she had to blink away the dazzling effects her wizard had on her. Giving herself a once-over, she decided the off-white sundress she'd chosen for the day, with pale blue roses embroidered all along the flared skirt and bust would certainly meet the standards for afternoon tea. She might need to grab her periwinkle quarter-sleeved cardigan just to play it safe, but one look at Draco's pleading expression, Hermione knew she'd ultimately give in.
It wasn't that she feared his mother, or the Manor really. She'd certainly lived out some of the worst moments of her life there, but she also knew that Draco would do everything in his power to make and keep her comfortable. And really, she was more than interested to meet Narcissa Malfoy free from the oppressive restraints of her husband and his affiliations. Draco loved his mother fiercely, and that alone told the witch that her first impressions had been clouded and wrong.
"I'll go," Hermione whispered, reaching up to cup his cheek. Leaning forward and pressing her forehead to his, the witch smiled softly and shrugged her shoulders at his bemused expression. "You made a really compelling argument."
His answering chuckle and his arms sliding around her back made Hermione feel lighter than air. "Thank you, love." Draco breathed, his relief palpable, before pressing a gentle, loving kiss to her lips.
The trip to the Headmistresses office, as Hermione refused to leave the school grounds without explicit permission though they both were of legal age, had been as nerve-wracking as it had been amusing. The entire way there, Draco worried. He worried that McGonagall would curse him the second she realized the Princess of Gryffindor Tower was willingly on his arm. Or she'd curse him the second she figured out where they were headed, simply for what had happened to her favorite student the last time she happened upon the Malfoy family home.
In reality, the schoolmarm had stared her students down for several minutes in silence. Her face might as well have been carved out of stone, her expression was blank and gave nothing away as to her internal thoughts. Though her spritely and sparkling eyes, reminiscent of Dumbledore himself, offered a slight ray of hope. Just as Hermione began to fidget nervously, chewing her bottom lip and twisting the hem of her delightful dress in her free hand, McGonagall tilted her head to the side and a slow, but bright smile stole over her features.
"I always did believe if you two could see past your differences, you'd make quite the match," the Headmistress announced with a sharp nod of her head, flabbergasting Draco to the point his mouth fell open and his incredulous expression brought about a round of laughter from the women in the room.
"Really, Mr. Malfoy what did you expect? You're both adults and while it behoves me to remind you to conduct yourself with grace and understanding while attending your classes, your personal relationships are just that. Your own. Quite frankly I think you'll be good for each other. And it's remarkably hopeful, seeing you two together in spite of the past you share. I can only hope other's take the same leaps of faith you two have done." McGonagall cleared her throat, ridding herself of the shake apparent in her voice. "As you know the gates close at 9 o'clock sharp. Return before then, or make preparations to stay elsewhere for the evening. Have fun."
The couple blinked at the headmistress for a moment before taking the dismissal for what it was, and their mutual relieved laughter echoed in the spiral staircase around them as they descended.
The sound of apparation alerted Narcissa to their arrival and the witch was up and moving towards them, one hand over her heart as she took in the pair together. Hermione was floored by the Malfoy Gardens in full bloom, but the regal witch with tears shining in her eyes as they raked over her son and Hermione herself stole her full attention. The witch couldn't help but shrink slightly into Draco's side, unsure and slightly overwhelmed by the emotional response.
"My baby boy," Narcissa crooned, and Draco huffed but refused to release Hermione's hand even as his mother pulled him into a bone-crushing hug. Hermione could hear the mother and son murmuring softly to one another, but couldn't make out what they were saying to each other. She watched the happy reunion with a small grin, and then Narcissa pulled away from Draco and turned her attention to Hermione. The smile Narcissa Malfoy offered her was near blinding and full of happiness as the Malfoy matriarch wrapped the younger witch in an embrace and kissed each of her cheeks.
"And Miss Granger, I am so delighted you could join Draco this afternoon. I must apologize for the atrocities you experienced in my home but you have my word you have nothing to fear in our home or from our family from this moment forward." Narcissa cupped her cheeks and shook her head before whispering conspiratorially, "I've never seen him so happy. Thank you for that."
Hermione was certain she resembled a sun-ripened tomato but her grin widened in response to Narcissa's welcome and the tense set of her shoulders finally relaxed. Narcissa led the way to a lovely table overlooking row after row of roses and other beautiful flowers in full bloom, and Draco pulled out both his mother's and Hermione's chairs before seating himself. "Pimsy," Narcissa called softly and a moment later a small house elf appeared, wearing a classic black and white maid uniform.
Hermione blinked in shock at the sight of the elf, but Narcissa only smirked. "Please bring the tea and biscuits, Pimsy. Is there anything you two would like, darlings?" The blonde witch raised a questioning brow at the pair.
"Pim, could you add those cucumber sandwiches I adore so much?" Draco asked with a charming smile and again Hermione looked on in wide-eyed confusion. Narcissa smothered a chuckle behind her hand and explained, "The first thing my dragon did when we returned from the Ministry after your testimony freed him of course, was free our house elves. Oh, they wailed until he explained they had the choice of taking their freedom and leaving the family or remaining and accepting a uniform and wages. They all agreed of course."
Lady Malfoy did not miss the adoring gaze the young witch turned on her son or the way her son's cheeks and ears pinkened. Draco had ranted over the entirety of the Christmas Holidays one year about Miss Granger and her house elf initiative she'd formed at the school. Narcissa knew exactly why her son had taken such an absolute stance on the subject of the Malfoy's house elves as soon as he had the authority to do so.
"Draco," Hermione breathed, squeezing the hand closest to her on the table
"It's really no big deal," the wizard murmured in a rare bashful moment that had his mother forcefully holding back childish squeals of glee.
"It is a big deal," Hermione argued. "It's a very big deal. At least it is to me, and you know that."
Draco rubbed the back of his neck before raking a hand through his hair, "Well, on the off chance I was finally able to tell you how I felt, I thought it would be easier to convince you that I had changed through actions. You always seemed like someone who would value actions over words."
"I am," she whispered before leaning over and pressing a lingering kiss to his cheek, one that promised more later when they were without an audience. "Thank you, Draco."
"Yes, well." The wizard dropped his gaze to the table but the smile overtaking his face could not be missed.
Pimsy was gone and back before anyone noticed and Draco once again poured Hermione's tea, adding sugar and milk before passing it to her. She could find herself getting used to such loving treatment from her wizard. Taking two biscuits and sandwiches for herself, Hermione allowed herself to get lost in the conversation between mother and son. Their mutual love and admiration were apparent in every look and touch, and Hermione felt an intense longing for her own parents that nearly overwhelmed her entirely.
Narcissa must have noticed something amiss with her expression because the older witch frowned with concern and leaned forward as if sensing her distress. "Are you quite alright, Hermione? You look like you might be ill."
"Oh," Hermione mumbled and ducked her chin. "I was just lost in thought."
"Are you sure, love?" Draco queried, looking her over with a considerate amount of worry.
"I'm certain," she whispered through her suddenly tight throat. "I was only thinking of my parents. Seeing the two of you together just reminded me of how much I miss them."
Draco's eyes widened and darted to his mother's icy gaze as his spine stiffened. Swallowing thickly, he wrapped his arm around Hermione's shoulders and toyed with the curls he found there. "You haven't talked much about your parents, did something happen to them?" His tone was wary and he prepared himself for the worst but found himself fervently hoping for the best.
"Yes," Hermione choked on the admission, turning her haunted, tearful brown eyes to Draco.
"Love?" Draco breathed before pulling her into a tight embrace. He stared over her shoulder to meet his mother's horrified stare. One shaking hand covering her mouth, Narcissa pushed away from the table and rounded on the couple. Crouching down beside Hermione, she took one of the younger witch's hands in her own, offering what little comfort she could to the emotional witch in her son's arms.
"I obliviated them before I left with Harry to search for the Horcruxes," Hermione hiccupped through her tears. "I planted false identities and a desire to move to Australia because I knew they would be a target. I didn't realize they would just disappear off the face of the Earth. I know Monica and Wendell Wilkins travelled to Australia, arriving in Sydney. After that, they headed towards the Gold Coast and simply disappeared. My visitor," Hermione paused to lift her gaze to Draco's, heavy with implication - she didn't feel like explaining the time travelling version of herself just now. "She told me she looked everywhere for them, but they were just gone. I don't know if I'll ever find them. I so desperately want to give them themselves back and apologize, but I'll likely never get the chance. I'm a horrible daughter."
Draco crushed Hermione in his embrace, battling his own tears and watching them fall unchecked from his mother's eyes. His witch's hard sobs shook them both and he felt lost in how to comfort her. The only solution he could come up with was to tell her the truth.
"You saved them, Hermione. You're right, they definitely were a target and you're brilliant planning saved their lives. I know Mother and I would have absolutely no problem hiring private investigators to follow what leads your visitor may have given you. I know for a fact your parents were never found by Death Eaters, love. We would have heard about it, or worse. Maybe the travel bug really bit them and they decided to make Australia the first stop of many?" The wizard felt like he was rattling on, but kept his tone as soothing as he could and ran his hands up and down her spine in long, sure strokes.
"Yes, I can get in touch with Monty as soon as you leave, dear. He's the best tracker we have in our employ. We'll do everything we can to help reunite you and your parents, Miss Granger. I promise you. And in the meantime, if you ever need someone to speak with - though I know no one can replace your own mother, please consider reaching out to me? You are important to my son, and therefore, you are extremely important to me. Do you understand?" Narcissa's kind words, paired with her sympathetic smile and watery eyes had Hermione lunging for her motherly embrace a moment later, a fresh round of sob wracking her small frame.
"Oh, you poor, sweet child. There, there, little love." Narcissa crooned in that voice all mother's eventually master. Hermione's broken, quiet 'thank you's' were muffled into the older witch's shoulder, and her son watched the most important witches in his life console one another with no small amount of gratitude warming his heart. Once the emotions pouring out from all of them calmed, Hermione pulled back from Narcissa's embrace and hastily wiped at her eyes.
"Oh, I just ruined what was a lovely afternoon tea with my hysterics!" She bemoaned and covered her face to hide her embarrassment. Narcissa clucked her tongue and Draco gently pulled her hands from her face with a comforting and loving smile. "You haven't ruined anything, sweetheart. I'm glad you told us. I hate that you've been suffering through this alone," at this he levelled her with a pointed stare, but cupped her cheek affectionately nonetheless. "I hate that you have to suffer this at all, but I'll do everything in my power to make it right, Hermione. You have my word."
"And mine," Narcissa reiterated, finally standing and placing a steady hand on Hermione's shoulder. "We'll take care of you, darling girl. Malfoy's take care of their own."
Draco's nod of agreement was aristocratic and tickled something within his witch causing a quiet chuckle to bubble up and burst forth, which only made him smile that smile and she melted.
"Thank you," she whispered to both of them as she held Draco's captivating stare.
"You don't need to thank us, you silly witch. This is what you do when you love someone." Draco said it so casually, as he stood to pull out his mother's chair that when both witches froze and turned to stare at him through unblinking eyes, at first he wasn't sure what he'd done to cause that reaction. His mother's shrill squeal piercing his eardrums while her arms wrapped around his neck in a near strangulating hold clued him in.
Sheepishly staring at his witch over his mother's shoulder, he was knocked breathless by the depth of emotion swirling in her soft brown eyes. One hand over her chest and eyes radiating joy and affection and another emotion Draco refused to name, Hermione beamed a trembling smile just for him and Draco felt his world stop, tilt and right itself for the first time in years.
'I love you,' he mouthed with answering grin. And he'd tell her again, once they were alone. And again. And again. Until one day, when she'd hopefully return the sentiment and he'd have everything he'd ever dreamed of.
He decided he couldn't wait for that day to arrive, he would, of course. But inside, he'd be eager and impatient to hear those three little words that meant so much, fall from her perfect lips. Meanwhile, he'd bask in her obvious affection and appreciation and thank all the gods known to man that they deemed him worthy of such a witch.
Endnotes: One more to go. I hope you'll be there with me when we draw it to a close. I'm very emotional at the moment. I really only have the beginning and the end of the last chapter to write. I have over 2.5k words written and I think you all will love it, at least I'm very hopeful for that outcome. Was it worth the wait? xx - otterly
