"How are you feeling?"
Hermione laughed nervously. "A bit weird to be honest…this is rather surreal."
Draco nodded.
She sighed.
"This'll never come out." she said randomly.
He followed her eyes, noticing a few stray drops of blood on the skirt of her dress.
"Oh." His voice caught in his throat, "Sorry."
She shook her head quickly, taking his hands in hers. "I kinda hate this dress."
He gave her a strange sort of smile.
"You two are pretty awkward for a couple who's about to get married." Astoria teased.
Draco grinded his teeth, trying to ignore her.
"Astoria? Would you happen to have a spare change of clothes?" Hermione asked.
"Do I look like a charity?" she snarled.
"Astoria." Draco's voice was cold.
Astoria scoffed. "I don't owe you two anything. I don't even know why you're still here."
Draco was about to start an argument, but Hermione spoke up.
"She's right," she said, then, turning to Draco, "Shall we head out?"
Draco looked from Hermione to Astoria. "Fine."
Hermione was in one of the Malfoy bathrooms, wiping the heavy makeup off her eyes, Draco waiting for her in the guest room. With her dress off and now dressed in just a plain shirt and pants, she felt much more comfortable. She stepped out of the bathroom, sighing and patting her face with a towel. "Well," she said, "We have a lot to figure out."
He opened his arms, inviting her in.
She sighed, falling into him and dropping the towel on the bed. He kissed the top of her head.
They sat like that for a while, enjoying the feel of finally being together. Draco pressed his lips against her neck, and the goosebumps that had been absent for nearly a year reappeared along her skin. She shivered, nuzzling into him.
"Draco Malfoy." She mumbled into his chest, breaking the silence. The vibrations of her voice tickled him, and he laughed softly.
"Yes, Hermione Granger?"
She looked up at him. "Yes."
He scrunched up his features. "Yes, what?"
"Earlier today, you asked me to marry you. That's my answer."
He scooped her up in his arms and pressed his lips fiercely on hers, not letting her go. She laughed into the kiss, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing tightly.
She inhaled, taking in his scent, her eyes fluttering closed. It had been so long. Too long. And after everything they had been through, she refused to let go ever again. She pulled back, so that she could look at his sharp, grey eyes.
"What?" he whispered.
She shook her head, smiling. "Nothing…I just…" she blushed, looking down quickly before returning her gaze to his, "I just really love you."
He smiled at her before dropping down to one knee, and again pulled out the black box. "I've had this for a long time…" he admitted.
She smiled down at him and wriggled her fingers. "Then no more use in waiting, is there?"
He chuckled, slipping the elegant ring on her finger, and stood back up to kiss her deeply.
He kissed her again a few more times, before sighing somewhat sadly. "We really do have a lot to figure out."
She nodded. "We should probably deal with Mark and my parents first."
Draco agreed.
"Together," she smiled, extending her hands. He took them, and they apparated.
Upon arriving in the middle of her small living room, Mark let out a shrill scream.
"Oh Hermione," her mother said, putting her hand over her heart, "You had us worried sick."
Hermione made her way over to her mother, hugging her. "I know. I'm fine though."
They pulled away and all eyes fell on Draco. He cleared his throat. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger." He said curtly.
"Hermione what the hell is going on!" Mark was curled up on the couch, unable to wrap the concept of magic around his head.
Draco pulled out his wand, ready to erase his memory.
"Draco wait!" Hermione said.
He looked at her. "It's policy, Hermione. You know that better than anyone."
"Hermione…" Mark's voice was shaking with fear, "Wh-what does that mean? What does all of this mean? Please don't let him hurt me."
She smiled sadly, "It won't hurt, Mark. I promise." She nodded to Draco, who enacted the spell.
With Mark taken care of, and safely sent on his way home in a cab, Draco and Hermione were able to sit down with her parents to explain everything.
There was a slight pause as they finished their story, and Mrs. Granger was the first to speak up.
"Well…that is all…rather exciting." Mrs. Granger cleared her throat. "Isn't it?" she nudged her husband.
Hermione's father groaned and massaged his temple. "I don't like this. I know things are different with…magic…" he paused, looking at his daughter. "Hermione. Is this what you want?"
She squeezed Draco's hand tightly and nodded at her father. "Yes." She said simply.
Hermione's mom clapped her hands happily, her bangles jingling as she did so. "Well I've always liked you! Welcome to the family!" She got up to hug Draco.
"Well hold on they're not married yet!" her father interrupted, then looked at Hermione. "You're not married yet, are you?"
Hermione laughed shaking her head. "No, not yet."
"Oh but you will be!" Mrs. Granger was excited now. "We'll plan a wonderful wedding! Oh! That reminds me! You really should update Harry and Ron, sweetheart. They were going mad, fussing over you."
Hermione blushed, slightly embarrassed at her irresponsibility. "I'll owl them soon," she said softly, "But mother. We don't want anything big. It has to be rather soon…and simple." She explained.
"What do you mean?" Mr. Granger asked.
Draco cleared his throat, and began to explain the concept of an unbreakable vow. Both Mr. and Mrs. Granger seemed to pale.
"I don't like this Hermione…" Mr. Granger began.
Hermione placed her hands over his and squeezed. "It's fine, Daddy. I can take care of myself."
He looked from his daughter to Draco, and spoke seriously. "You take care of her, you hear me?"
"Oh darling," Mrs. Granger nudged her husband roughly. "No use in scaring the poor boy." She smiled kindly at Draco.
He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Thank you, Mrs. Granger."
"Well then!" she seemed extra perky, "Shall we start planning this wedding of yours?"
"Um-"
"Actually, mother. We have a few things to handle first…we still have to speak to Draco's mom…"
Mrs. Granger nodded. "I should like to meet her." She said.
"Perhaps at the wedding." Draco cringed.
After sending an owl out to Harry and Ron, Hermione and Draco apparated to Malfoy Manor. Hermione wasn't counting on Narcissa being in the exact room they had landed in, though.
"Draco?" Narcissa said coolly.
"Mother."
"What's she doing here?" she stared menacingly at Hermione.
"W-we're getting married." Hermione spoke up.
Narcissa noticeably gasped. "You insolent little—did you not understand anything—"
"Mother!"
Her head snapped towards her son, angry tears lining her eyes.
"Please, sit down. Let us explain."
Narcissa clenched her hands into fists and let out a shaky breath. "Very well." She said softly.
They sat down, making themselves comfortable, and a house elf brought them some tea and light pastries.
After slowly and carefully explaining every detail to Narcissa, they sat in silence for an extended period, as she deliberated it over, taking long sips of her tea. She sighed and looked at Draco. "You really love her?"
"I do."
She placed her tea down carefully, a small clink being heard as it hit the plate.
"Take a walk with me, Ms. Granger."
"I don't hate you, despite what you might think." Narcissa began, leading Hermione out into the gardens, the space beautifully lit by the moon.
Hermione remained silent, trying to not be intimidated by her future mother-in-law.
Narcissa sighed. "Draco was always a rambunctious sort of child. He was impossible to handle. Spoiled rotten, though I know that's my own fault." She laughed, as though recalling a memory, "He really was hopeless, getting himself into all sorts of trouble."
"I can picture that," Hermione smiled softly.
"He looked up to his father," Narcissa's smile faded, "And that was something even I couldn't protect him from. My husband had a very low tolerance for…everything." She cleared her throat. "I was worried Draco might end up the same way."
Hermione nodded, recalling how cruel Draco had been before the war.
"It was our duty to serve the Dark Lord. It was not the life I wanted for him. Things got complicated. Life always gets complicated. Draco is all I have left now."
"You wouldn't be losing him." Hermione said carefully.
Narcissa looked at her. "I will, if this, if what you did, doesn't work. And if it doesn't…I won't ever forgive you."
Hermione cleared her throat. "It will work."
Narcissa pressed her lips together. "He cares about you deeply. Don't think me so blind as to be unable to see that. And you've changed him. For the better. He smiles now." She said it slowly, as though she wasn't sure how much information to disclose.
Hermione took Narcissa's hand in her own. Narcissa seemed surprised at the sudden contact.
"He's changed me too," she began, "And it's crazy. I know that. He knows that. But this will work. I won't let him die."
Narcissa gave a faint smile. "Very well."
The ceremony was a small one, with just their parents and themselves. It was held the day before the vow was set to end, so that they could all be together when the contract expired. Hermione wore a simple white and gold summer dress, and carried a bouquet of baby's breath flowers. It was a happy occasion, for the most part, but it was shadowed by the tension and anxiety of what midnight would bring.
As the marriage was sealed, the room broke into smiles and Hermione hugged both her parents and Narcissa.
"Well now we're all officially family." Mrs. Granger beamed.
"Yes," Narcissa said, "It would seem so."
Shortly after, they all arrived at Malfoy Manor, and waited for Astoria and Jason. Once they were here, all that would be left to do was wait until midnight.
"Well," Astoria said as she arrived, stepping out of the fireplace, "This'll be exciting. Either these will be my last hours in this world or the first hours of a new life."
"Can you please stop being so dramatic? You put everyone on edge." Draco snarled.
Astoria rolled her eyes and looked about the room. "Narcissa. Lovely to see you again."
Narcissa gave a single nod. "As to you, my dear."
"You must be Hermione's parents," Astoria said, offering her hand, "Pleasure to meet you."
Hermione's parents greeted her and Jason, and some food was brought out while they all sat in anxious waiting.
"Gosh I'm so nervous," Hermione admitted, twirling her fingers around.
"Don't be," Astoria said, "It'll work."
Draco squeezed Hermione's hand in encouragement, the diamond of her ring digging into his palm.
"For better or worse, yeah?"
She smiled at him. "I'm definitely hoping for better, in this particular situation."
He let out a mangled chuckle. "Yeah. Me too."
As the clock read 11:58, everyone seemed to hold their breath.
"Now or never." Astoria muttered.
Hermione held onto Draco tightly, burying her face in his neck. "I don't regret it," she whispered, "Any of it."
He kissed her hair, rubbing her arm and he pulled her in closer. "Neither do I."
11:59
"I'll stay with you." He said suddenly.
She inhaled sharply. "I believe you."
As the minute hand ticked over to the twelve, the elegant chimes rang about the room. Astoria and Draco sat just as they were, frozen with fear.
Hermione laughed, covering her mouth with her hands, tears slipping from her face. "Th-that's it then! It worked!"
Draco cupped her face, sparing no time in kissing her.
Astoria scoffed, a few tears slipping from her own eyes. "Geez, that was anticlimactic."
Jason enveloped her. "I'm glad for it." He told her.
Narcissa let out a shaky breath, jumping slightly as Mrs. Granger held her hand. "I can't express how relieved I am."
Narcissa nodded, smiling weakly at the kind woman. "As am I."
Hermione laughed again, embracing Draco happily. Finally, she thought, finally.
Draco stirred awake, noting the anxious vibes seeping from his beloved wife.
"Can't sleep?"
Hermione jumped slightly upon hearing her husband's voice, and she turned over to face him. She had been tossing and turning, but she had been doing it carefully, trying not to wake him.
"I'm just nervous. He's never been away for so long."
"Hermione," He pulled her into his arms, embracing her. "He's half Malfoy and half Granger. He'll do just fine."
She sighed into his broad chest. "I keep feeling like maybe we forgot something. Are you sure it's all packed?"
Draco chuckled, caressing his wife's messy curls. "We went over your list four times, Mione."
"Maybe I'll get up early. Double-check one last time."
He tightened his grip on her. "Breathe, darling. You need your rest." He kissed her cheek.
"But Scorpius-"
"Leave him be, darling. We've raised him well enough, wouldn't you say?"
She murmured against his skin.
Draco chuckled, his voice vibrating against his chest. It was a feeling she loved the most. She allowed her eyes to flutter closed as she relaxed in his arms.
"Draco…" she murmured.
"Mmm?"
"Do you remember when we first met? Really met, I mean?"
"That night at the dance?"
"Mhmm." Her voice was sleepy.
He pressed his lips against her forehead. "I do."
"That was a good day."
"Yeah, it was."
"Thank you." She whispered.
"For what?"
"I don't know what made you decide to check on me…but I'm glad you did."
His face broke into a smile, and he embraced her once more, kissing her sweetly on the lips.
"I'm glad too."
She laughed softly, nuzzling into his chest.
"Thank you," he said, repeating her words.
"Mmm..for what?"
"For giving me the life I always wanted."
She lifted her head so that she could kiss him, their lips brushing over each other sleepily and happily.
Draco gave his wife a final kiss on the cheek before wishing her a good night. She hugged him tightly, as she did every night, and he held her lovingly, as the two fell asleep.
A Slytherin and a Gryffindor, Hermione thought, just before nodding off, who would have guessed it?
A/N: I know this took over a month to finish. I do apologize for that but I hope it was worth the wait. I can't thank you all enough for all the comments, favorites and follows. When I started this story it was just going to be a oneshot, but it turned into my first novel-esque fic. That being said, it was suggested to me that I enter this in a contest. It's under the same title on inkitt, if you guys could just go ahead and click on the little heart, I'd be forever grateful. No account is needed :) Some of my original stories are on there too, if you want to check those out :) Thank you for all of those who will take the time to do this! It's my first contest so I'm not sure what to expect haha. A big thank you to everyone, really! There's nothing better for a writer than knowing people have enjoyed what you've written. It was a long journey with this one, but I'm glad you guys stuck with me. I'm sad to see it end, but with Thanksgiving break and Winter break, there will be new stories to write and read ^^ I love you all! I especially appreciate all the kind comments and encouragements, those truly made my day. And thank you to those who I had chats with, stuff like that is always fun...I think I've talked enough for now, so I won't get any sappier, lol. Until next time~
Mrs. Malfoy