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And so Hermione and Draco return to school...

The ninety minute train journey from Wiltshire to London, seemed endless but at the same time seemed to speed by.

Lucius was going to say goodbye to Hermione at the Manor, she seemed happy enough to be returning to Hogwarts but he had a feeling that some of it was bravado and the façade might fade a little when it came to saying goodbye. An urgent owl from the Ministry of Magic had changed his plans, he was needed for a meeting later in the morning, and so the easiest thing to do, logistically at least, was to travel into town with his wife and son.

By the time the small train arrived at Kings Cross, Hermione certainly looked like a Malfoy, her usual rosy cheeks more than a little pale. Her bright honey brown eyes, looking tired and more than a little sad. The smile she wore did nothing to hide any of this from Lucius, he too wearing a smile that didn't quite reach his pale grey eyes. He kissed her tenderly but passionately before moving through the barrier onto the main concourse, the most unusual public display of affection from the dark wizard turning many heads and causing more than a few whispers.

She had finally joined Draco on the Hogwarts Express just before 11am when the train departed for Scotland. He had managed to get them a carriage to themselves, Hermione didn't ask how, but she had a feeling nothing good was involved, she was thankful none the less. For a while they sat in silence, Hermione gazing aimlessly out of the window, with Draco pretending to read a copy of the Daily Prophet. It was only as the Honeydukes Express trolley came around that they spoke to each other.

"Would you like something Granger, you look like you could do with something sweet."

Hermione shook her head, she really was looking forward to returning to school, but the thought of not seeing Lucius every day, of waking up in her small dormitory bed instead of wrapped in his warm embrace was making her feel physically sick. She knew she had snap out of it, she had made her decision to return to Hogwarts, twice now and she knew it was the right thing to do. She also knew if she'd stayed at Malfoy Manor she would be feeling equally as bad about not going back to school.

Draco had brought himself a bag of jelly slugs and was busy opening the bag.

"So Ferret, a Malfoy in Gryffindor, who'd have thought."

Draco bit the head of a poor unsuspecting jelly slug. "Perhaps we could keep it quiet." He suggested chewing hard on the confectionery.

Hermione laughed, that might be difficult, other than the fact Minerva McGonagall was my Matron of Honour, I would imagine more than one person has read Rita Skeeter's poisonous column this morning.

"I am sure my father will have something to say about that."

Hermione laughed again, more heartily this time, the colour returning to her cheeks. Draco's words reminding her of the hateful little boy she had grown up with, always threatening everyone with the wrath of Lucius Malfoy. Believing that this was the same boy was almost as hard to believe that she were returning to her school as a Malfoy.

"What? What did I say?"

Hermione's amusement had gone completely over his blonde head, A blonde head, she mused that was looking more like his father's every day, as he continued to let his hair grow.

"When you say things like that, it just reminds me of when we were first at Hogwarts, and it was always my father will hear about this, or you wait till my father hears about this."

"Hey I can still say it you know Granger." He chomped the remainder of his slug before tucking the bag away in his pocket.

"So I guess I will always be Granger to you then Ferret."

"As long as I am Ferret you will be. Do you mind?"

"No of course not. Not sure I'd answer to anything else after all this time. It's hard enough remembering that the house elves are talking to me when they say Mistress. I think I might stay Granger at school, it might be simpler. I'll talk to McGonagall when we arrive."

"Is this a good time for me to say my father will hear about this." He teased.

Remembering how Lucius had corrected Snape after their wedding, Draco might have a point. She loved the fact that she was Mrs Malfoy, but getting her head around that as well as everything else she had to contend with this term, remaining Granger might just make life a little bit easier and she was all for that. She would see what Minerva McGonagall thought.

By the time she and Draco arrived at Hogwarts, Hermione was utterly exhausted. Two train journeys, coupled with the mental stress of the day had left her feeling drained. So much for a Christmas break, she felt like it should be the end of term not the start. The conversation with the Headmistress, could wait until tomorrow, she was even too tired to eat. Much to Draco's consternation, telling him she was going to grab a shower and just crawl into bed.

Hermione didn't linger in the shower, finding it just reminded her of Lucius and how much she missed him, and after only a few hours. She shuffled dejectedly back into her dormitory, she would have to snap out of this if she was to have any chance of passing her exams. Tonight she would wallow, tomorrow she would knuckle down. Tonight she was Hermione Malfoy, missing her husband. Tomorrow should would be Hermione Granger swat extraordinaire.

The fire in her dormitory was blazing and Hermione thought perhaps she would read for a little while, before actually climbing into bed. She noticed a tray of sandwiches had appeared on the small table, along with a glass of chilled pumpkin juice, she wondered who she had to thank for them, either Minerva McGonagall or Draco she mused, quite possibly both. But thankfully both had left her in peace, not lecturing her about missing meals or moping around. She had to admit they were most welcome, but she would unpack her small case first, before finally curling up in front of the fire with a book.

She took out all of the items she had slipped into the enchanted bag and put them away, sending the small selection of items to their respective homes around the room. About to stow it away under her bed until Easter, Hermione discovered there was something else at the bottom of the bag. An oddly shaped package tied with a very familiar strand of green silk. Slid under the securing bow was a piece of parchment with some equally familiar handwriting on it. For a moment Hermione just stood looking at it. A ridiculous joy spreading through her body before she had even read it. Slipping the paper from the parcel, she opened it…

"I know what a cold place Hogwarts can be, I thought you might need an extra jumper. Oh and a little something to remind you of your favourite room. I miss you already L"

Hermione was as intrigued as she was thrilled at Lucius' romantic gesture. Tugging at the tiny strand of green silk, which tingled at her touch. Smiling she tied it loosely around her throat where it tingled once more. The charm that had been placed on it still very much in evidence. She had Lucius' ring on her finger, but this gave her a special feeling of his protection. The paper on the parcel fell open. Inside was a black cashmere sweater and a small heart shaped box, not a jewellery box it was too big. Opening the lid she discovered it was completely empty. The gentle sound of music drifted into the air. Hermione's smile widened as she recognised the music that played in Lucius' study, moving her hand over the soft fabric lining it changed to another favourite tune. Hermione realised that if she moved her hand back and forth over the small box the tunes changed, if she moved them up and down the volume increased or decreased.

What a wonderful, thoughtful gift. She left the lid open allowing the beautiful sound of Core Ngrato to fill her room and picked up the soft sweater. It was Lucius' sweater, the one he had been wearing that same afternoon they had been snuggled up in his study. She held it close to her, his scent engulfing her. She instinctively knew that the scent wouldn't fade, whether she was wearing it or simply holding it. Hermione slipped it over her head, revelling in its softness and its fragrance. For the first time today she felt relaxed and happy, it was as if she were wrapped in Lucius' arms. Curling up in her chair, she munched on a sandwich, washing it down with the still chilled pumpkin juice.

Fatigue finally overcoming her. The melodic music her husband loved so much unobtrusively filling the air, as she drifted off to sleep, the deep comforting scent of the husband she loved so much, filling her nostrils.

Still missing waking up in the arms of her husband but none the less feeling a lot more refreshed, with her mind ready for herbology, Hermione put on her school uniform. It seemed an age she had worn it, instead of a few short weeks. So much had happened since she has taken it off, she still found most of it hard to believe.

With the tiny strand of green silk securing her hair, Hermione went in search of the Headmistress and the conversation she had put off the previous evening.

"Of course Hermione, whatever you feel is best. From a personal perspective it will save this old brain an awful lot of confusion."

Hermione raised a speculative brow, there was nothing wrong with Minerva McGonagall's brain, old or not, the younger witch wishing she was half as sharp as the formidable Scot.

"As well as being a married woman, being a senior here at Hogwarts, and one who has done so much for our school and way of life. I consider you a friend and that comes with a few privileges of its own. So if there is anything I can do or that you need, you only have to ask."

Her green eyes twinkled as she walked Hermione to the door.

The raised brows being replaced by a warm smile, knowing that being Mrs Lucius Malfoy and the wife of the chair of the school Governors, clearly had its advantages, but being classed as a friend of McGonagall's was rather special. She couldn't resist hugging the older woman, before leaving her office and going in search of Draco.

He greeted her with a wry crumb laden smile, munching on a piece of toast as she slid in next to him.

"Excellent timing Granger. Want some?" He gestured the plate in front of him.

"Cheers, Ferret."

Hermione took a slice, feeling more than a little peckish, a couple of sandwiches, didn't exactly make up for the dinner she had missed last night.

"I just spoke to McGonagall, she says she happy to comply with whatever I want."

Draco laughed though his munching. "I bet she is, the Malfoy name does still carry a little weight you know, and of course my father is a school Governor."

"Hmmm you and I thinking the same things Ferret that is a little scary…She"

Hermione was interrupted by the arrival of the post. Two very familiar owls headed in their direction and she had the distinct feeling of déjà vu. The large noble bird, was carrying two notes, it gave one to Draco, who looked more than a little surprised. Other than important news, Lucius rarely wrote to his son. The other was of course for Hermione who blushed furiously, noticing an instant rise in chatter and the noise level around them. The other was the white owl, so like Hedwig. Hermione glanced at the note then back at Draco.

"I don't suppose this will be anything congratulatory or filled with good wishes."

"Does it matter?" Asked the young blonde.

Hermione shrugged her shoulders: "Not really, I suppose it would have just been nice to know that at least one of my friends was happy for me."

"They are." Draco responded, opening his own owl carefully, as if it were a howler or about to explode.

Hermione gave him a questioning look. Ronald Weasley certainly hadn't been happy for her, not in any sense of the word. And whilst Mr Weasley and McGonagall were pleased enough, they were hardly her old school friends.

"I am really pleased for you. If I count that is."

Hermione found herself shocked at his words, for more reasons than one. She knew he hadn't minded her marrying his father, but it was the first time he'd expressed his approval outright, or quite so openly. The fact that he thought his opinion might not count, or that perhaps he wasn't so readily included amongst her friends, both shocked and hurt her.

"Of course you opinion counts Draco. Quite probably more than anyone else's."

His blues eyes widened at her words, a bashful look colouring and settling on his face.

"I told your father, I would only marry him if you approved. It wasn't a hollow threat Draco. I meant it."

She covered his hand with her own to enforce her words. Suddenly aware that several pairs of eyes had fallen on them, she didn't remove it. Hermione was way beyond caring what people said or thought. That included Harry, the irony of it was, Draco was possibly her closest friend now. Ron had made his feelings abundantly clear and no doubt, Harry and maybe even Ginny shared his feelings. The unopened letter would only serve to reiterate that.

"You better open it." Draco advised, obviously avoiding her revelation.

She looked at the owl from Harry, the one from Lucius could wait. She wanted to read it when she was alone and it would give her something to look forward to, especially with Defence Against the Dark Arts, the last lesson of the day.

"Together." She suggested to Draco as he toyed nervously with his own note.

He laughed, nodding his head as they opened their respective owls, with it would appear, equal trepidation.

Whilst Hermione's face fell as she read hers, Draco's seemed to be etched with yet more surprise. He was the first to finish, looking at Hermione expectantly as he squirrelled the parchment away in his pocket. Odd thought Hermione, finally looking at him. Notes from Lucius, she recalled, usually ended up as a pile of ash. She pushed her note in his direction.

"He might just as well have sent me a howler. I hardly expected hearts and flowers but…well, Ginny sends her love at the end, rather amusing I thought."

"Are you sure?" Draco asked, picking up the parchment.

"Of course." She sat in silence watching him read. Toying with the gold band on her finger, she watched his anger rise.

"Charming, Potter." He said finally, his thin lip curling in disgust as he all but spat Harry's name.

"And he has the cheek to call himself your friend. Are you going to meet him? I'd tell him to go…"

Hermione stopped him mid flow, knowing exactly where his words were heading and not exactly suitable for the group of clearly intrigued first years, sitting behind them.

"It would be childish not to I suppose. If he wants to travel all this way to give me his seal of disapproval, I guess that's up to him. But why should I subject myself to that? Come on Ferret, we'll be later for herbology, we don't want Professor Sprout setting the mandrakes on us."

Draco didn't push it any further, jumping up to accompany Hermione to the greenhouses. He could see she was hurt by Potter's words, even if she said it didn't matter.

He thought about the owl he'd received from his father. He felt like sending it on to Potter with a few choice words of his own added, like. "Does this sound like a man who doesn't care? A man who is using your so called friend for his own gains, to give himself credibility?" Potter knew nothing about his father or his feelings and clearly he knew even less about his friend. Draco was spitting fire like a horntail. He was used to Potter being derisory about his father, he'd never know him be anything else. But to be so harsh on Granger. He found his concentration severely waning during Professor Sprout's lesson, which considering his grades in herbology, wasn't a good thing. He doubted Granger's was much better, she hardly partook in the lesson, and spent most of the time either twiddling her wedding band, or stroking the tiny strand of green silk that he noticed held her hair in place.

Draco had Quidditch practice that evening, so Hermione was able to slip off back to her room without further inquisition on what she intended to do about Harry. Much like the previous evening, she showered, slipped on Lucius cashmere jumper and curled up in front of the blazing fire. The little heart shaped box, once more filling her dormitory with music as she read finally read his owl.

"I am not going to tell you how much I am missing you, because I am sure you feel the same. All you need to know is how much I love you and that I am only ever an owl away. Never be afraid to ask, I will always be there for you."

Hermione read the note over and over again. She had only seen him yesterday morning, but already it seemed like forever ago. She reached for her quill and wrote a simple reply.

"I think I miss you more! You don't need a written invitation…I am always here for you."

Putting on her coat, she wandered over the owlery.

"Hermione…..Hermione."

She heard the deep rumbling voice calling her, and hated being rude, but after Harry's owl, she really couldn't take any more criticism or harsh words. Hermione pulled her coat around her and continued to walk back to the castle.

"Hermione."

The ground practically shook beneath her feet as in a few faster, larger steps Hagrid caught her up.

"Hermione. Didn't you hear me calling you?"

Turning she looked up to face the beaming half giant.

"Sorry Hagrid…I, I was miles away, I didn't hear you."

Hermione assumed the fact that he was still speaking to her, news of her marriage hadn't reached him.

"I thought you might be ignoring me."

Even in the darkness Hermione could see his ruddy face was suddenly downcast at the prospect.

"I think it's more likely to be the other way around Hagrid." Pulling her coat tighter Hermione shivered.

The gentle giant of a man smiled ruefully at her. "You might be a Malfoy now, but you are still Hermione, and I hope it won't stop you sharing a cup of tea with your old friend."

A huge smile lit her face: "Oh Hagrid I would love to."

They walked back to Hagrid's Hut. Fang, his now ancient boarhound snored loudly in his oversized basket. Just about managing to open an eye as his master returned. Hermione crouched down beside him, stroking his large, soft head. She had missed them both, she had missed this.

Hagrid made the tea and placing a large red spotted cup on the table along with a plate of rock cakes, he filled it with the steaming brew. Hermione couldn't help but wonder if the cakes had improved, taking a small bite she discovered they were still very much rock cakes in every sense of the word, but she persevered gamely.

"So why did you think I wouldn't want to talk to you Hermione?"

"None of my other friends want to, Ron made his feelings very clear when he was at the Manor and I got a really nasty letter from Harry. I thought, well I thought you would feel the same."

She looked into Hagrid's kindly bearded face, his own mass of wild untamed hair resting on his huge broad shoulders. She remembered all of the times she'd sat in the very spot with Ron and Harry.

"Hermione, I remember the day you and Harry brought Ron here after he'd tried to curse the young Malfoy for calling you a Mudblood. I remember it like it was yesterday."

His big fat fingers curled around the spotty cup as he enjoyed the warming brew. His soft gentle eyes hardening.

"I remember that too, and the slugs." She shuddered at the recollection, her stomach lurching.

"Malfoy Senior was here when Cornelius Fudge came to take me to Azkaban, the day they suspended Professor Dumbledore. I wanted to boot his blonde, pureblood arse out of my house, 'scuse my choice of words. Things have changed a bit since then. Professor McGonagall keeps me up to date with all the gossip, we have tea from time to time, her shortbread is much better than my rock cakes."

He glanced at the partially nibbled cake in front of Hermione and smiled.

"Like Professor Dumbledore before her, I know she knows what's what. But I don't just take people's word for stuff. When she told me Lucius Malfoy had changed, I was as cynical as the next wizard, but you only have to look at the school to know every word is true. And he insisted that my hut be rebuilt and that I should remain here as gamekeeper. So I speak as I find."

He smiled affectionately at Hermione, making her feel she was still twelve years old.

"Hermione are you happy?"

She returned his warm smile. "Yes." she said simply.

"Then that's all that matters, you don't put any stock in what other people say, even if they are your friends. They are entitled to their opinions but it is your life. If Lucius Malfoy makes you happy then that's all there is to it. But if he ever makes you unhappy, I will have something to say about it."

Hermione jumped from her seat flinging her arms around Hagrid's neck, they didn't quite meet, but she hugged him tightly.

"Harry was right about something, Hogwarts isn't Hogwarts without you Hagrid. Everything feels so much better now."

The giant of a man chuckled, his laughter rumbling through Hermione.

"Come on Mrs Malfoy, I don't want to get in trouble with the Headmistress for keeping you out late or worse still that husband of yours. I will walk you back to the castle."

Hermione patted Fang on the head, his large eye opened slowly again, before dropping back down and resuming his loud snoring. Hagrid pulled on his moleskin coat and they made their way back to the school.

Hermione felt content with her decision to return to school. Even if she did miss Lucius like crazy, in more ways than one.