I am so glad you guys enjoyed the last chapter, especially since I wasn't sure how it would come across. So thanks for all of you that let me know that you liked it.

Now, I wanted to comment on the purge fanfiction is supposedly going through. I am sure it's more a self-policing thing but I still debated on rewriting the smutty parts. I'd hate for this story to get deleted because I am very close to finishing it, but I would repost an edited version if I had to. But for now I decided to take my chances and not change any of it as it would certainly interfere with my regular updating schedule.

Anyway, I enjoy the chapter.

EDIT: Sorry, but the first paragraph of the chapter was missing.


Chapter 29

"Let me get this straight," Robert Granger got up to refill his coffee cup. As he slowly poured sugar into his black coffee he watched the man that had tormented his sweet Hermione all throughout her time at Hogwarts. Noticing the young man's discomfort he smiled to himself. Robert Granger may be a muggle but he knew that for any man there was nothing more frightening than posing the question this young man had just asked.

"You're asking me permission to marry my little girl," he finally continued, "when you're practically living with my daughter after only dating for a few weeks, your mother is already planning the wedding and you've been betrothed to her since birth? No offense, but what do you need my permission for?"

Draco gulped loudly. How did this muggle manage to intimidate him with just a few questions? After living with Voldemort, this should have been cakewalk.

"Well, Mr. Granger," he swallowed heavily. "I just want her to have some say in this whole thing. And before I ask her to be my wife, I think it's only proper to ask you permission to marry her."

"You think she doesn't have any say in this," Robert tilted his head to the side.

"I want to marry her more than anything," Draco responded anxiously. "Despite what she is saying, I am worried she's only doing this because she has no other choice than to go through with this wedding."

Robert Granger put down his cup and chuckled. The young blonde seemed to love Hermione very much but was still clueless as to what she was capable of - especially with the right termination.

"I knew you were good for each other the day I met you at the Burrow," the older man explained, "Ron... He loved her but was never right for her. Don't get me wrong, he's a good kid. But a bit simple and easily sidetracked. Hermione is complex. She's smart, loyal and will put other's before herself without hesitation. I've also met that Oliver bloke. She looks at you very differently, there is love and happiness in her eyes when she's around you.

My Jeanie and I tried many things over the past couple of years to get her to enjoy life a bit more. You see, Hermione can be very serious at times. People often misjudge her because of it and don't take the time to get to know her. Yet, you managed to get through those walls of hers rather quickly - well since reacquainting yourself with her. But you also put her first, something neither of those two men ever did," he paused to assess the young man sitting across from him.

"I am glad she finally gave you a chance because she has never been happier. There may not be a magical way out of this marriage but my daughter would have figured something out if she really didn't want to marry you. My wife does have some influence over your mother and Hermione refused her help. I am certain my daughter wants to marry you and that's good enough for me. You do have my blessing ... as long as you stop calling me Mr. Granger. It's Robert, son."

"Thanks, sir. I mean, Robert," Draco was taken aback by the man's friendliness. His own father would have made him sweat and suffer for as long as possible, probably thrown in a few sneers in there just for extra measure. Hermione's dad, on the other hand, was kind and understanding.

"Well, Hermione is smart enough to know what she is doing," Robert rubbed his hands together. "Plus I am afraid she would rip my head off if I dared to interfere. You've seen her temper, it's scary. Also, I would be a hypocrite, I married my Jeanie after only knowing her for three weeks."

Draco felt relieved. Somehow Hermione's dad's approval meant a lot to him and while the man couldn't really prevent their wedding, it was nice to have his blessing.

" So, I've met your mother, tell me about your father," Robert smiled at him.

The Grangers were going to stay at the Manor after Hermione felt the safe house wasn't safe anymore. They were currently at Hermione's townhouse, the men remained downstairs while mother and daughter had went upstairs to pack Hermione's things. The two women had argued with each other about the move and Jean Granger had wanted to keep things as normal as possible. That included keeping their dental practice open. The stubborn Gryffindor had argued against it and finally won after Jean insisted that her and Draco move to the Manor as well.

"Lucius," Draco huffed. "I am not saying he doesn't love me or my mother but he isn't wholesome and good either. Hermione thinks we can trust him but I still worry that the man that taught me prejudice and hate is going to make a return. He usually doesn't do things for selfless reasons. I was told I am above everyone else because I come from a long line of powerful wizards and witches. I used believe all that. I am surprised you're this nice to me after my history with your daughter," he ran his hands through his hair nervously. "Merlin, I wonder sometimes if Hermione is going to realize she's too good for me."


"Hermione," Draco walked into his room at the Manor to look for his girlfriend. She was standing in his walk-in closet and putting her clothes away. Walking up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Pokey is packing your parents' stuff up at the safe house as we speak. Your parents' room is set up as well."

"Thanks, babe," Hermione turned around in Draco's arms relaxing the second she inhaled his scent. She really hoped all this would be over soon.

"I love your home because - well it is so you," he placed a kiss on her forehead. "But, I like the idea of you living here at my ancestral home."

"You want me to live here once we're married, don't you," she muttered into his chest appreciating how safe she felt in his arms.

"This isn't a bad place. I know bad things happened here, but I also grew up here," he looked down at her curls. "I'd love to live here, raise a family with you. Let's see how things go over the next couple of weeks."

"Can I think about it," she wriggled in his arms to look at him. Draco nodded. He had done so much for her in recent weeks, she was sure she could at least consider living at the Manor. "Guess what, Lucius was very pleasant toward my Dad. They're now downstairs in one of the many sitting rooms bonding with each other."

"You're Dad is an amazing person, he could have made Voldemort love muggles. No wonder you turned out to be such a do-gooder," he paused to look at her. "So, they're all busy downstairs," Draco ran his hands along her back toward her bottom, squeezing it gently. "I fucking love muggle jeans. They make your arse look amazing."

"Honestly, Draco," Hermione scoffed. "We're all hiding from my crazy father and his brother, affecting every aspect of our life. We're living in the same house as both of our parents and all you think about is sex?"

"Granger, the Manor is big enough to have the entire Weasley clan move in with us without it seeming crowded," Draco kissed her neck while trying to unbutton her pants. "Lucius agreed to talk to us before dinner. Until then, nobody is going to miss us. So, I am planning on taking advantage of you until then."

"Malfoy," Draco smirked at her as he finally succeeded in undoing her pants. Her indignant tone only riled him up more. After all, he loved her sexy temper. She was a bit on edge over the entire situation but he wanted to get her mind off of her biological father and his of his own father issues. A good shag would just be what they needed. However, his witch had other ideas. Pulling away from him slightly, Hermione's eyes narrowed as she studied his face. She now knew him well enough to realize he was avoiding something.

"I was planning on spending some time in the library to do some research," Hermione re-buttoned her pants and smacked his hands away when he tried to unbutton them again.

"You know that's another one of my fantasies," he ignored her. "Mhm, shag Gryffindor Princess Hermione Granger in the Malfoy library. Shit, I wish you had your Hogwarts uniform with you. I am sure it still fits you."

"Draco Malfoy," Hermione increased the distance between them reluctantly. "I wish I could pretend everything was alright but the mere fact that I am now living at Malfoy Manor is proof enough how upside-down everything is. But I also think we need to talk before we approach your father."

"Well, we already know he's going to use this for his own benefit," the blonde gave up on seducing her. "I may still harbor a lot of resentment when it comes to him. Unlike you, I am having a hard time trusting him."

"You're not like him," Hermione ran her hand over his left forearm. "This scar right here means more than that you were made a Death Eater at 16. You had to pay for your father's sins. But it also means that you took on an incredible burden to ensure your mother's safety. Just like Harry, you were thrust into a situation that no child should have to deal with... Maybe I am a bit naive or too optimistic. But I am working hard on trusting him because I'd like to believe he's sorry for what his sins meant to you and your mother. He's not perfect and probably will never be even close to it but he's trying. If whatever he wants in return for his help is something we don't want... well, we'll figure out another way to catch them."

"Bloody Gryffindor," Draco snarled. "I am going to make sure our children are raised to be Slytherins. One trusting optimist is enough for me to deal with. I'd prefer them to be cynics and skeptics. Now, you want me to walk you to the library, my bushy-haired bookworm?"


"So what exactly is it you want me to help you with," Lucius looked at the two young people in front of him.

The young Slytherin tensed and Hermione took his hand reassuringly. Draco looked down at her. He still had father issues but reminded himself that she was the reason they were here.

"Lucius," the senior Malfoy was shooting his son a disapproving look. "Father... We need your help. Hermione and her family are in danger. You are one of the few we can trust to help us catch the Lestranges."

Lucius quirked an eyebrow at the revelation. He looked at Hermione and his resolve faltered. After everything the young woman had been through - a lot of her suffering had happened at the hands of his own family - he felt like he owed the young woman and knew he would never be able to deny her anything for as long as he lived, especially now that she was unknowingly carrying his grandchild.

"Alright," he hid his weakness with a sneer. "What is it you need?"

Hermione watched Lucius Malfoy as Draco explained the situation with the Lestranges to him. Despite their past, Hermione realized that Lucius' attitude toward her had changed drastically. The constant sneers and looks of disgust on his face had been replaced by a mask of indifference. Nevertheless, she observed the occasional weakness that grazed his features when the former Death Eater looked at his wife, son and even herself. She had also noticed the way his eyes had softened for a fraction of a second when he had looked at her. Then, when Draco had informed him that she was in danger, his eyes had widened slightly before returning to his indifferent facade.

"Of course I will help," Lucius continued. "However, I am sure you're aware that it will come with conditions," Draco huffed loudly. "I'd like to talk to Hermione alone."

"No way, I am staying by her side," Hermione squeezed Draco's hand. Despite encouraging Draco to forgive his father, she still wasn't sure how she felt about this man herself. She knew her boyfriend hated this whole situation but she hoped he could get over his daddy-issues long enough to get Lucius to help them.

"I'll be alright," Hermione looked at him. "We need your father's help. Please?"

Draco nodded before throwing his father a threatening look. Lucius responded by simply shrugging.

"So," her future father-in-law looked at her after his son left. "This is what this has all been about? That's why your parents are staying here? Hermione, the Lestranges are dangerous. They were among the most violent of all the Death Eaters. I am not innocent but I never killed - it's too ... messy. But they relished the feel of death in the air. Torture was a game, killing a pastime. We used to worry about your mother and you. Narcissa and I spoke about taking the two of you into our house, granting you protection but we knew it would have led to conflict and I didn't want to risk angering the Dark Lord. Just when your mother took you, we got his permission to take the two of you in. Unfortunately, it was too late. I looked for you but your mother's magic was too strong."

"So," Hermione fidgeted nervously. Lucius Malfoy still managed to make her feel like the lowly muggle-born that had to prove herself to be worthy of being a witch. She was also anxious and wanted to get straight to the point. "What are your conditions?"

"I know you and Draco are going to get married without me meddling," he pressed his lips together tightly. "What do you remember of your torture?"

"Not much," Hermione didn't feel like elaborating on her torture. She was going to make sure to avoid the room it had happened in. "Everybody thinks I am nuts but I don't know if I want to remember anymore, not if the few memories I regained gave me the most terrible nightmares possible."

"The day you were brought to the Manor," he started carefully not wanting to reveal too much. He would take the fact that he oblivated her to the grave. Nobody needed to know, especially not her. "Bellatrix and I argued about what to do with you. She refused to believe that you could be Alexandra. I am sorry but I believe the viciousness with which she tortured you was due to that argument."

Hermione gulped. It felt awkward talking about these things with the man in front of her.

"I'd like your move to the Manor to be permanent. I want to be part of my son's and future grandchildren's lives and I know Narcissa would be beyond happy," Lucius finally announced. "I hope in time Draco forgives me and I am sure you can help move that along."

The young woman looked at the elder Malfoy man and nodded. She had expected many things, yet his requests were reasonable instead. She was already hoping Draco would be able to forgive his father eventually and she had told him she would at least consider living at the Manor.

"How come you're not asking to be the Head of the family again," Hermione inquired. "You currently have no control over the Manor, any of the Malfoy ventures or the accounts at Gringotts. He'd give you almost anything at the moment."

"Except his forgiveness," Lucius responded curtly. "We Malfoy men aren't perfect but we do anything for the ones we love. He'll listen to you."

Hermione studied Lucius briefly. She hoped to Merlin she wasn't too gullible but she really hoped he was serious. She didn't want this man to disappoint Draco again.

"I think the best way to get there is by helping us," she finally agreed. "He's very protective when it comes to me. Helping him to keep me safe is most definitely going to help regain his trust."

"Thanks, I have an idea how to get to them already," Lucius bowed his head. "I have one more request, though. You're not going to be used as bait."


"What did he say," Draco was leading Hermione back to their room. He was sure it would take her some time to get used to the place. In the meantime, he enjoyed escorting her whenever she needed him to.

"He doesn't want me to act as bait," Hermione muttered darkly deciding to not divulge the rest of it.

"That's his condition," Draco relaxed significantly next to her. "I can definitely live with that. There may be hope for him after all. So, how are we going to catch them then?"

"He's going to brew some Polyjuice Potion - apparently that isn't violating his parole," Hermione grumbled as she thought about her conversation with Lucius. "For whatever reasons he has, he doesn't want me in harm's way. He wants you to pretend to be me and he's going to contact them to turn me - or you - over. He'll claim that he doesn't want me in the family. Well, then you two can overpower them and take them to the Aurors. I am going to let your father use my wand since his magic is still restricted. It'll give it credibility too, he'll say he took my wand from me."

"Sounds easy, too easy. How's he going to know where they are," Draco stopped midstride. He still couldn't shake his suspicions against his father.

"Apparently there are a few houses that belonged to Bellatrix that never went to your mother after her sister's death," Hermione explained. "He thinks they may be hiding in one of them, he has a contact who's going to do some snooping around for him since he can't leave the Manor... Draco, I hate his plan. I can't just sit by and do nothing."

"Really, that's the part I like about it," Draco was relieved that Hermione agreed to his father's terms of not being the bait. He personally had fought her stubborn resolve to be the bait. "What did you research in the library earlier?"

"Traces," Hermione explained. "I had the idea when I thought about your father. That's how the Aurors would be able to track him down if he chose to violate his parole. I figured it could be helpful. We should put one on me - just in case something does happen to me. I would have to be able to activate it without a wand because if they do manage to somehow get to me, I won't most likely have one. So, I'll have to practice wandless magic a bit. Maybe you can help me with it!"

"Why not just keep it active," Draco inquired.

"Apparently an active trace could possibly be discovered," she looked at him. "We don't want them to remove it and then don't know where I am at."

Hermione felt her boyfriend tense next to her. She knew that he still didn't like the idea of his father helping them. Despite realizing that they needed to change tactics to catch the Lestranges, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about what they were about to do.

"Babe, it's just in case something goes wrong," Hermione put a reassuring hand on his arm. "It's about time to stop waiting for things to happen and go on the offensive. Even if I have to sit on the sidelines. Anyway, the Polyjuice takes a few weeks so isn't going to be ready until the day after my 'birthday'. Your mother is planning our engagement party for that day. She loves the idea of having it take place on the day my Mom and I disappeared. It gives us enough time to plan everything. I don't want to spent any longer worrying about what could happen to my parents. I hate having a babysitter in public - albeit a very sexy one. I love you but I can't have you come to work with me every day. And as I said, I'd prefer them caught before we get married."

"So you are sure you want this," he pulled her closer.

"I am sure," Hermione responded. "You know I have dated other guys, I've been with Oliver for six months," Draco growled at the mention of her ex-boyfriend. "I've had this unrequited crush on Ron for almost five years..."

"I'd prefer we didn't talk about the men from your past," he felt something unpleasant bubble in his stomach at the mention of her crush on Weasley. But Hermione put her arms behind his neck and kissed him gently.

"Says the man who's dating live sold many, many Prophets over the past four years... Draco, nobody compares to you," she whispered. "You're stuck with me as I am completely incapable of spending another day without you by my side. It's sad really because your an unbearable git, arrogant and cocky. But at least your easy on the eyes ..."

Draco cut her off with a passionate kiss. He was happy with her answer. They had come a long way in the past two months and he absolutely agreed with her. He didn't want to spent another day without her either and didn't see any valid reason to wait any longer. The fact that this woman was going to be his wife in four months made him more than happy.

"Let's go back to our room," Draco muttered huskily as they walked down the hallway toward his wing. "You know this place isn't all bad. I have made lot of good memories here. Mother tried to erase as many bad memories as possible by redecorating but I believe making new, happy memories is the best way to erase that year completely. I think that's why she's so adamant about this wedding and grandchildren."

"To make new and happy memories," Hermione repeated as they reached Draco's bedroom door.

Draco opened the door for Hermione and placing his hand on her lower back, he ushered her into the room. Hermione shot him a teasing look as he closed the door gently behind them. He kissed her cheek before turning her around to face the room. Hermione gasped at the sight in front of her.

"Draco," she turned back to face him. "What is this?"

"I had something else planned but under the circumstances decided against it. Pokey helped me with this," he smiled at her. "It's time to make some new and happy memories for you in this house."

Hermione looked around the room. A fire was lit in the fireplace and candles were placed all around the room giving it soft and romantic lighting. In front of the fireplace were a blanket and comfortable looking pillows, red rose pedals strewn across. Hermione was completely overwhelmed by it all. Draco took her hand and led her toward the blanket. With another swish of his wand a bottle of champagne and two flutes along with dinner, fruits and desserts appeared in front of them.

"Remember the picnic we had at your office," Draco asked her after they made themselves comfortable. Hermione nodded not sure she could trust her voice at the moment. This man somehow always managed to make her feel special and beautiful.

"I was completely enamored with you at that point, really I think I've been feeling this way since the groundbreaking. I almost forgot to breath the second you stepped on stage to make your little speech that very first day. I didn't know who you were at the time but I think we would've ended up together regardless of that little fact. The day of the picnic, you agreed to be my friend but I couldn't wait to be more to you," he continued as he placed a hand on her leg. He suddenly wished she wasn't wearing those jeans wanting to feel her soft skin instead. "I think today you're going to agree to something else."

Hermione's heart leapt as Draco handed her a glass of champagne and gave her a confident smirk. She now loved this smirk as it often was more playful and challenging than arrogant. His free hand cupped her cheek, his thump tracing gently along her bottom lip. Leaning her head into his touch, she shot him dazzling smile. Her hands were trembling and she quickly put down her glass. As he pulled her closer, her hands found their way into his hair, messing it up in the process. Letting her lips brush against his, she let out a small whimper as his tongue darted across her lips. Before she could deepen the kiss, the Slytherin pulled away and leant his forehead against hers. Hermione sighed contently. Draco Malfoy had turned out to be an amazing man who not only made her happy but also made her laugh, challenged her and feel safe at the same time. He was her equal in every aspect and while they may appear to be complete opposites at times, they were actually complementing each other perfectly.

"Hermione," he pulled away further and looked into her eyes. Those greys managed to melt her insides, making her feel lightheaded and dizzy. Placing his champagne down on the floor, he took her hand. Her skin was tingling with anticipation and she remembered how not too long ago this man made her feel the exact same thing. She had fought her feelings but once she let herself fall for him, her life turned out to be much better.

"I know there is nothing ordinary about our relationship. We were betrothed before we even knew each other, we were fierce enemies at school before finally coming together. I've never had these kind of feelings for anyone. Never had anything even close to how I feel about you. I can't explain it but you mesmerize me, you're smart and beautiful, feisty and sexy. I am amazed every day that despite our childhood, you gave me a chance and love me. There are still obstacles to overcome but I believe as long as we stick together, we can accomplish anything. I love you, Granger."

Hermione grinned at him. Her throat became suddenly very dry and her heart was beating faster than ever, threatening to burst out of her chest. Despite knowing what was going to happen she was nervous and excited at the same time. She knew the question that was going to come just as much as Draco knew her answer.

"I am most certain that I don't deserve you," Hermione made a small sound of protest but was silenced when he got something out of his pocket. "Yes, I changed and became a better man but I am still not good enough for you. You, on the other hand, are perfect, kind and compassionate. However, I am selfish enough to not care. As long as you will have me, I will make sure to make you happy. I want to spend my life with you, I want to make blond and bushy-haired babies with you. Granger, I am going to be overprotective because I can't bear being without you ever again. I will tease and infuriate you just so I can see your hair crackle with anger and to have that passionate make-up sex with you. But most importantly, I promise to love you for the rest of my life and make you happier than humanly possible. Hermione Granger, will you do me the honor and be my wife?"

"Yes," Hermione didn't even hesitate for a second. She happily flung her arms around his neck, happy tears threatening to emerge from the corners of her eyes, and kissed him deeply. Yes, their relationship was fast, unconventional yet it was one of the most amazing things she had ever experienced.

"Couldn't wait to do that, huh," he cocked an eyebrow as he pulled away from her to put the ring on her finger. "You should at least let me put the ring on first."

"You're terrible," she swatted her fiancé's chest and took the opportunity to look at her engagement ring. It was a white-gold ring, small bead-set diamonds were delicately placed around a beautiful round diamond. She was grinning from one ear to the other, all doubt about the rushed relationship to the man in front of her gone. "It's beautiful."

"Yes," Draco agreed staring at her instead of the ring.