* Hello faithful readers. You made me so happy with all of your lovely reviews. My thanks to all of you! And to those who have added to favs and alerts! Whenever I have doubts, you squash 'em all :) So, I'm going to try to make all of you happy. I've been thinking about how I wanted this chapter to go for a while now. So many directions I could have gone. Hopefully, this one works.
haven't done a disclaimer in a while: JK Rowling rules! these characters are not mine, I just like making them have sex ;)
(sorry, no lemon this time) R & R
Draco picked up the note on the small round table in the common room he shared with Hermione. He smiled, knowing it was her handwriting.
Meet me in the Astronomy Tower at noon
-Hermione
A simple, to the point note. Draco glanced at the clock above the mantle. Eleven thirteen. He wasn't sure exactly what Hermione had in mind. The Astronomy Tower had been an extremely important part of their relationship, but he didn't think she was intending they relive that particular moment. At least not in broad daylight. Suspecting, since the meeting time was typically lunch time, that she had planned a picnic of some sort, he decided to change into jeans and a casual silk t-shirt. Only Draco could possibly consider silk casual.
It was a beautiful Spring day. Mostly sunny and moderately warm, it was the sort of Sunday one wished for all year long.
Draco strolled leisurely through the castle, knowing he had plenty of time, even after changing and preening a bit, before he had to meet Hermione. He thought about how much his life had been altered in the past six months. Ever since he realized his feelings for Hermione, and acted upon them.
Of course, there was the bad to go along with the good. His mother had recently informed Draco of his father's indictment and upcoming trial. It was a formality really. He was all but convicted, the evidence too strong against him. Malfoy Manor would eventually be auctioned off, along with much of the family's belongings. Draco was planning to go back to collect personal items that fine Sunday, but after seeing Hermione's note, decided it could wait.
Climbing up the staircase to the top of the tower, Draco could hear Hermione humming happily to herself with her back to him.
Draco eyed up the spread Hermione had prepared for their picnic lunch. He spotted the pâté he loved, along with a raw crudités plate and somehow, the chocolate morsels from the New Year's Eve party. It dawned on him, then, that it was a mini recreation of that night.
Perhaps he was wrong about reliving that fateful moment after all.
He cleared his throat. "Well, it seems this is the place to be. I'm having a case of déjà vu."
Hermione smiled and turned to face Draco. He seemed to be more handsome every time she saw him. His version of casual-well fitting dark designer jeans, butter soft, moss green silk t-shirt that hugged every muscle of his gracefully slender body and Italian calfskin suede boat shoes-put most people's dressy to shame. But then, she thought he could probably pull off wearing a potato sack.
"I see you got my note," she said, the butterflies swirling around her belly. Hermione sat down and patted the blanket spread out on the floor for him to join her.
They sat cross-legged facing each other, nibbling at the fare Hermione had collected.
"This pâté is my favorite. Did you have the house elves make it?" he teased.
"No. I did this myself. Well, I mean, I put it together myself, but I bought it, most of it, in Hogsmeade," she admitted. "I haven't the slightest idea how to make pâté."
Hermione smudged a bit on a cracker and took a bite, making a sour face. "You really like this?" she asked. She quickly washed it down with a glass of champagne.
"It's an acquired taste, I suppose." He popped a tidbit in his mouth.
The cheese and fruit were much more to Hermione's liking, so she mainly nibbled from that plate. Though, in reality, she barely ate anything at all.
Spying the chocolates, Draco lifted one to Hermione's mouth. "I remember the first time I heard you moan. It was when I fed you one of these. I almost kissed you right then and there."
Hermione opened her mouth in order to accept the morsel, but Draco popped it into his own mouth.
"No fair," Hermione pouted, then smiled. She picked up a chocolate and placed it in her own mouth, making a big show of how decadent and delicious it was. She closed her eyes and moaned loudly, then licked the slightly melted chocolate from her fingers one at a time.
"Now that's no fair," Draco said, leaning in to kiss the chocolate off the last finger. He caressed the side of her face and brought his lips to hers, each tasting of lingering chocolate.
"Mmm, sweet," he murmured. Sitting back, he asked, "So what's the occasion?"
With that question, the butterflies were back.
"I have a few things to tell you," she said.
Suddenly sobered by her words, Draco nodded, "All right. Let's have it then."
"Well, first off, I've been accepted into the barrister's program at the Ministry. I'm still planning to take the N.E.W.T.s, but they're taking me on faith."
Sighing with relief, Draco congratulated her, agreeing with the Ministry that Hermione's N.E.W.T.s were a formality at this point.
"They'd be fools not to accept you into the program. You know you'll score all Outstandings."
"I hope to. It's an intense program that begins shortly after the end of the school term. I'll only have two weeks between them this summer. Then there will be long training days and some weekends. Actually, a lot of weekends. It's a two year accelerated course." She bit her lip, wondering if he was getting the gist of what she was saying.
"So, in other words, once you begin, I won't be seeing much of you."
"I'm afraid not. We'll have nights and some weekends," she said trying to sound cheerful.
"That's all right. I'll be busy with Auror training anyway," Draco said, rather casually.
"What? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm telling you now."
"But you didn't even tell me you were applying," Hermione said.
"Truthfully, I didn't think I'd get in. And technically, it's all pending on my N.E.W.T.s, unlike you," he grinned. "If I don't pass, the spot goes to someone else."
"Hmm," Hermione mused. "I didn't think you had any interest in becoming an Auror. You mentioned coming back here to teach. You'd be an excellent Potions professor. Or Dark Arts."
"Because I have first hand experience?" He absentmindedly ran his hand over his left forearm.
"No, because you excel in those classes. You're better at potions than me."
"And Hermione Granger does set the standard," he teased.
She blushed. "Oh, I didn't mean it like that."
"But you do. Even my father has to admit you're the most talented wizard at Hogwarts." He paused. "I was considering becoming a professor. But in light of having been given a second chance, I feel I must pay some sort of penance. What better way than to help rid the world of Deatheaters and violent criminals."
"You don't need to pay a penance. You were forced-"
He cut her off. "Let's not talk about this now. I haven't completely made up my mind. Now you said you had a few things to say. That was only one."
Hermione sighed. "All right. Well, I've also decided to keep my parents' house and live there. It really was a lovely place to grow up and . . . I'm not quite ready to let go of it yet." Hermione's eyes began to well up before she blinked away the tears.
"I think that's wise. I was hoping you'd make that decision," Draco agreed.
"Really?" The house she grew up in wasn't exactly the country home of Draco's vision, so she was somewhat surprised by his reaction.
"I was afraid you'd come to regret giving it up too soon. I suppose there's something sentimental about one's childhood home. Even the Manor, which holds memories of my worst nightmares, is going to be difficult to see in the hands of another family."
"Oh, no. Is it certain then? Is the house set for auction?"
"Not yet. Unless my father can pull off a miracle, though, it's inevitable."
She put her hand on his. "I'm so sorry."
"It's all right. I'll have a place to go, remember?"
"You're going to stay at Sirius'?"
"If Harry's offer still stands," he said.
"Well, of course it does. He wouldn't take it back. Although . . ."
"What?"
"Nothing. I think it's a great idea. He's applied for Auror training as well. You'd keep similar hours," she smiled.
Draco leaned closer, looking her in the eye. "There's something else, isn't there? Something else you want to tell me. Or maybe something you don't want to tell me, based on that nervous finger tapping."
Hermione took in a deep breath and stood up before speaking.
"Ever since I was a young girl, I've had a plan." She laughed, "Im sure you're shocked to hear that. Anyway, I had my life planned out-get high marks in school, go to University, get a job, find a young man, date for three and a half years, get married, buy a house and have two children. Perhaps get a cat or a dog. All in that order and all by the time I've turned thirty. Then I got my letter from Hogwarts. My plans changed slightly. Obviously, I still planned to get high marks. And my career choices had changed. However, all in all, the plan remained much the same."
There was no reaction from Draco as he sat looking up at Hermione. He watched as she paced, patiently listening, unsure where the anecdote was leading.
"As I completed each year, I felt confident that I was on the right track. Feelings for Ron and of course, fighting Voldemort side tracked me a bit. But after the War, I was easily able to continue, adapting the big plan as needed along the way."
"I still saw myself passing all the N.E.W.T.s."
Draco chuckled.
"Okay, scoring Outstandings," she smirked. "Dating Ron for three and a half years, securing a job in the Ministry, getting married, having two children. The same as always. It never wavered. I always had a plan, since I was a child."
Draco stood, apprehensive. Hermione faced him and took a step closer.
He hadn't been nervous before, but as he stood facing Hermione, Draco wasn't at all certain of the point she was trying to make.
Hermione continued. "Then you came along. And messed up my plan."
Subconsciously, Draco took a half step back. Hermione reached out for his hands, holding them tightly in her own.
"For the first time in my life, I feel like I don't really have a plan. Other than my training, I don't have any idea what's going to happen,"
"I only know that I love you. And I want to find out what's going to happen . . . with you by my side."
Slowly, Hermione sank down to the ground, still holding Dracos' hands. She came to rest on one knee.
"I don't know if I deserve to ask, but," she paused. "Will you marry me?"
Looking down at her, looking up at him, Draco closed his eyes. Hermione watched him take a few deep breaths through his nose. He let go of her right hand.
Feeling like she was waiting an eternity for an answer, Hermione closed her eyes. She suddenly had an appreciation for men who put themselves in the position she was now in. Her heart ached at the thought of Draco on his knees, holding out a ring, amongst candles and flowers, and the cruel slice of her single word answer. She wouldn't blame him if he did the same to her.
Something cold and smooth brushed her hand and Hermione opened her eyes to watch Draco place a ring on the third finger of her left hand. The same magnificent ring he'd tried to give her before.
"Positively, one hundred percent, absolutely, I will." Draco's voice broke slightly at the end as he attempted to keep his emotions in check. He sank down to the floor with her and kissed her to seal the deal.
"A simple yes would have sufficed," she smiled.
"Oh, no. I don't want there to be any doubt as to my answer. I have to admit, when I first came up here, I thought you were going for a quick shag. But this is even better."
"Really," Hermione said skeptically.
"Really. I'll get to shag you every single night. Anywhere I want to. Without worrying that McGonagall is going to walk in on us any minute." Draco leaned close. "I want to shag you right now, in fact."
She put her hands on his chest and gently pushed him back, catching sight of the sparkling ring on her finger.
"So, how is it you just happened to have a ring on you?" Hermione asked.
Draco sat back on his heels and smiled bashfully. "I've been carrying that ring in my pocket every day for the past two months, trying to muster up the courage to ask you again. This wasn't exactly the proposal I was envisioning, but it'll be a good story to tell our children."
Hermione's heart skipped a beat at that. It was heartwarming to hear Draco speak about their future.
"We'll leave out the part about shagging," she grinned.
Draco pouted.
"Oh, we're still going to shag. We just won't tell them."
He leaned forward, grabbing her bottom to pull her closer. "I love you, Granger," he whispered, then kissed her sweetly.
"Malfoy," she murmured.
"Hmmm?"
"Malfoy," she repeated. "Not Granger."
He smiled. "You sure you want that name? Maybe I should take yours."
"Draco Granger?" Hermione laughed loudly. "That would never do. Though, Hermione Malfoy will take some getting used to."
Hermione got up and with a wave of her wand, miniaturized the food and drink, and wrapped it all up in the blanket.
"Why don't we take this back to our room?" Hermione suggested.
"I like how you think, love."
They made their way down the tower staircase and wound through the castle towards their chambers. Rounding a corner, they very nearly bumped into Professor McGonagall.
"Oh, I've been looking for you," she said frantically.
"Is there a problem?" Hermione furrowed her brow. It's always something, she thought.
"Draco, dear, your father is here, in your common room waiting for you."
"Shit," Draco cursed. "Oh, sorry, Professor," he blushed.
"I said worse than that when I saw him coming, believe me," McGonagall deadpanned.
Hermione got the feeling she meant it.
"Better get it over with," Draco said, striding towards his quarters.
McGonagall and Hermione followed, a pace or two behind, unable to keep up with Draco's long legs. When they reached the portrait, the Headmistress put a hand on Hermione's arm.
"Maybe it's best not to go in yet. Give them some time alone," she suggested.
"I have no intention of leaving Draco alone with that man." Hermione gently pulled her arm back and gave the password.
"Absolutely not!" Draco was yelling as Hermione stepped into the room, quickly followed by McGonagall.
"Draco, they're going to take everything," Lucius' voice was almost pleading. A sneer crossed his face as he spotted Hermione. "This contract is much less constricting than the last one. I promise you."
"No," Draco said firmly.
"But you didn't even look at it." Lucius held out a piece of parchment.
Snatching the paper from his father's hand, Draco ripped it down the middle without even glancing at it. "I don't need to look at it. I'm not signing any contracts you have drawn up."
"Think of your mother. She-"
"-will get along fine. I'll take care of her myself if I have to," Draco interrupted.
Hermione and Professor McGonagall stood silently watching as Lucius pled his case and Draco held his ground while pacing the room.
Frustrated, Lucius looked about the room. He knew he would get no support from the Headmistress or the Granger girl. Again, he sneered at her. How a mudblood gets to be Head Girl, he would never understand.
The look in his eye suddenly turned from disgust to anger.
"What do we have here?" Lucius took a few slow steps toward Hermione. Draco stopped in his tracks. "A thief?"
Her eyes as big as saucers, Hermione stood still as a deer in the headlights. "Wh-wh-what?"
"I thought you were supposed to be so bright," Lucius said sarcastically. "Flaunting stolen jewelry doesn't seem very bright to me." He pulled out his wand. "Especially that which belongs to the Malfoys."
Closing the small gap between them, Lucius grabbed Hermione's wrist and pulled it up, twisting it as he did. Hermione winced in pain.
"Expelliarmus!" The Headmistress was quick to act, but not as quick as Draco.
He had crossed the distance between him and his father in three long strides. His wand was out in a flash, the tip held firmly against the elder Malfoy's neck. All in the time it took the professor to pick up Lucius' wand.
Hermione's eyes never left Lucius' for a moment. Lucius, however, directed his gaze at his son in utter confusion.
"Get. Your." Draco paused, restraining himself from saying filthy, goddamned or fucking. "Hands. Off. My. Fiancee." Draco's words were slow and deliberate. He wanted to make sure his father understood every single syllable.
Lucius blinked, then shifted his attention briefly to Hermione before turning back to his son. Surely, he must have misunderstood.
Draco pushed his wand further into his father's flesh.
"You should do as he says Lucius," McGonagall said. "I don't think I 'd be quick enough to stop him, should he feel the need to defend the woman he loves." The Headmistress smirked.
Slowly, Malfoy released Hermione's arm. Draco reached out and pulled her behind himself. He reluctantly lowered his wand.
"What's going on?" Lucius asked. "You can't possibly be serious."
"She didn't take it. I gave Hermione the ring. I'm going to marry her," Draco told him.
"See what happens when you let mongrels into this place?" Malfoy directed his attention toward McGonagall. "She's bewitched my son. Do something Minerva. I want them separated!"
"Mr. Malfoy, I needn't remind you that I cannot interfere in private family matters. A fact you reminded me of when it worked in your favor. Both Draco and Hermione have earned the position of Head student and all the privileges that go with it. I'll not take that away from either one. And as far as the engagement goes, this is the first I'm hearing of it. Congratulations to the both of you." She smiled brightly at the pair.
"Don't congratulate them for Merlin's sake! They are not engaged. This little mud-"
"Don't." Draco's wand was back up, pointed at his father. "Don't you call her that. I will marry Hermione, whether you approve or not."
"I forbid it!"
Draco laughed humorlessly. "I'm an adult, you can't stop me."
"I'll disown you if you do," Lucius ranted.
"That could only help my reputation," Draco stated calmly. It only infuriated his father more.
Lucius could do nothing but growl in frustration. He knew Draco was technically correct. There was nothing he could do to prevent his son from doing as he pleased. Draco didn't even seem to care about his family legacy. Not that there would be much left by the time the Ministry took their recompense.
Making a concerted effort to keep himself calm, Lucius appealed to Draco. "Please, can we discuss this at home, rationally?"
"There's nothing to discuss."
"Draco, my boy, please come home with me. You know it's only a matter of time before I'm found guilty and sent to prison."
Draco turned toward Hermione. "No," she said. "Don't go. What if he tries to keep you there? Or does something worse?"
"Do you see how she's trying to poison you against me?" Lucius pointed out. A glare was Draco's only response.
Returning to Hermione, "I want to talk to my mother in person. I don't want my father to be the one to deliver our news. I'll be careful. And safe. I promise."
Draco faced McGonagall. "Professor, may I be allowed to leave for a few hours to attend to this matter?"
"Of course, Draco," the Headmistress said. "However, I would heed Hermione's words if I were you."
"I will," Draco assured her. "May I have my father's wand?" He held out his hand to McGonagall. She handed it to him.
"Oh, thank you son," Lucius smirked.
"I'm keeping it for now," Draco told him coldly. "I'll return it when I'm ready to leave the Manor."
"But-"
"You may leave here either with me or the wand. Take your pick."
Malfoy sighed. "Fine," he answered through gritted teeth.
"I'll be back as soon as I can," Draco told Hermione. He kissed her gently, ignoring the noises of revulsion coming from his father. He whispered in her ear, "I love you. We'll pick up where we left off, later."
Hermione blushed even though she knew no one else heard what he said. "Hurry back," she said softly.
Lucius followed his son out of the room. He gave Hermione a parting glare as he left. Even unarmed with a wand, the man sent shivers up her spine with the hatred in his eyes. She worried for Draco and felt helpless.
Professor McGonagall tried her best to give Hermione a confident smile. "He was able to stand up to his father for you. He'll be all right." In truth, she was just as worried for the boy as Hermione.
* Yay! Hermione finally came to her senses! So, how many of you girls are going to ask your boyfriend to marry you :D
Daddy doesn't seem thrilled, but you know I can't let any of them be happy for too long lol