Chapter 36 Trying To Make Things Right
Last Chapter: (Letter written by Daphne) He wants a divorce. We have to move the timetable up. Meet me in the usual place tomorrow morning at 9. Tell your friend that I have a present for him. This time he'll get what he's always wanted. Two birds with one stone. D......Daphne put her hand on her distended belly. "Don't worry baby. Mummy won't let anything happen to you."
Hermione was in Gringotts Wizarding Bank making a withdrawal. She had accounts in a muggle bank in London to take care of household expenses and Emmie's daycare, but needed to pick up some Galleons to go shopping in the wizarding world. Her Gringotts account was quite healthy. Her uncle had helped her make sure that part of her inheritance had been exchanged into wizarding funds when she had lived with him and the money coming in from her book sales padded the account nicely.
Her book was selling well among those interested in magical theory. Several wizarding universities, which intended to use her book as a text for classes, had put in orders with her publisher for multiple copies. She had written the book from an academic perspective on the theory of manipulating magical energies and how that applied to sustaining multi-spell sequences and spellsongs. It was actually quite dry. To the disappointment of many, it did not actually give directions on how to spellsing. Hermione didn't know if she wanted that information in the wrong hands.
The Ministry of Magic had approached her about writing a training manual about spellsinging that would only be available to law enforcement agencies. They were also interested in a manual consisting of all of the "games" that she had invented to train her friends for battle. It seemed that the ones that Harry, Ron, and Draco had shared were extremely popular with the aurors. They were offering quite a hefty sum of money for those two pieces of literature.
Ginny was waiting for her by the entrance of the bank. She had taken the afternoon off from her apprenticeship at St. Mungo's. They were going to look for wedding presents for Ron and Luna, who were going to be married in two days. The two were going to move into Luna's tower afterward. Her father, Xenophilius, had decided that he was going to travel for a few years to see if he could get his creative juices flowing. He would be back for frequent visits to bring his articles back for The Quibbler and to see his grandchild. Hermione didn't know quite what to get for the couple but knowing their personalities it seemed that something unconventional would be appropriate.
Hermione was waiting for the goblin that had guided her to and from her vault to come back. Upon their return to the lobby, he had asked her to wait for a moment as there was a note to contact a manager when she next accessed her vault. A short while later he stepped back up to the counter with a goblin who appeared to be a more senior member of the bank. Nodding respectfully to her and his superior, the original goblin retreated.
"Good day, Miss Granger. I have some papers that need your approval. I do believe that you are the parent and legal guardian to one Miss Minerva Eltanin Granger. You will need to sign these with your magical signature so that she will be able to officially lay claim to her funds. It will also be necessary for you to bring her in one day so that the vaults can be keyed to her specifically."
"Vaults? I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken. I haven't requested any monies to be put into her name, though now that you mention it that would be a good idea for me to do that," Hermione said thinking of school funds for Emmie. "What funds are we talking about, sir? I am quite confused about the vaults you are talking about."
"Miss Granger, two vaults were placed in Miss Minerva's name. I assure you the funds were transferred quite legally."
"Who opened these accounts?" she asked though she knew the answer immediately. Draco.
The bank official lowered his voice, "The patron said that you would know who he was and that he while he was willing to make the knowledge public, he would leave it as your decision if you want me to name him aloud here." She looked around and noted that there were a few interested ears trying to listen in on the conversation. She shook her head.
In a more normal voice he continued, "There are two vaults: one which contains actual cash and a smaller one which contains various jewelry and items that are to belong to Miss Minerva. I have a full inventory for you. He asked me to make sure that you understood that there were no strings attached to any of these things. The funds are solely Miss Minerva's though you will have access to them, as her guardian, to use for her needs until she is of age. He will never have access to the vaults or be able to take back any of the items or monies in the future."
Hermione thought quickly and asked, "Do any of his family members know about this or can they find out?"
"Unless you or he inform them that would be an impossibility; our confidentiality is world renowned. He used only his personal accounts not the family vaults." The goblin sounded offended at the question.
"I meant to cast no aspersions on the integrity of the bank, I am just worried that this might be...awkward... if they knew," she said. He nodded accepting her explanation. Lucius would not be happy if he knew Draco was giving away Malfoy money.
She and Draco had talked about what had happened last Thursday. He had guaranteed Emmie's safety. He told her about his mother's desire to meet both of them and how she wanted to spend some time getting to know them. Hermione had told him that she would think about it. There is no way in hell that I am going to bring Emmie to the freaking Manor! He didn't say Lucius wanted to meet Emmie, so we're just going to stay as far away from him as possible.
Draco had also hinted that he had some surprises for her and Emmie, but she didn't know what they were. Maybe this was one of them. Hermione wasn't sure what was going on in that Slytherin head of his. She knew in Draco's mind that he thought he was doing a good thing. He wasn't trying to buy Emmie's affection, even he knew she was too young to care about that. Hermione decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and interpret this as him trying take care of Emmie in a way that he understood. She wished money wasn't so important to him. Mentally shrugging, Hermione made up her mind to accept it in the spirit that it was given.
"Very well, sir," she said aloud. "Though I would like you to change the stipulation that I will have access to the vaults. They may remain closed until my daughter reaches her majority. I can comfortably care for her until then." I never wanted his money, and I don't want him thinking that I'm using it now.
The goblin shuffled some papers to the top of the pile and said, "The patron said that you would probably say just such a thing and had me prepare an alternate version of the contracts with just that change." Of course Draco should know that by now, she thought.
The banker slid the papers towards her and as she read them over, she realized that they weren't to open new accounts. Draco was actually transferring his personal vaults to Emmie's name. She looked at the goblin in shock and exclaimed, "He can't give her all of his money."
"He said you'd say that too," the goblin muttered. "He left me this to give to you if you brought up that point or made any protests." He handed her a sealed parchment. Hermione opened it and read:
Hermione,
Let me do this for her. For once don't argue with me. Everything else is entailed to the male heirs. You know I have access to more since I'm the current male heir and I do have my auror salary. I'll be fine. I just want to make things right for her. Please.
Draco
She sighed and used her wand to sign where indicated. Her signature glowed and then melted into the paper. The goblin slid one more parchment towards her and said, "Thank you Miss Granger. Here is the inventory of the vaults. Remember to bring in Miss Minerva so we can link the vaults to her. Have a good day." He nodded his head and walked away quickly lest she have any more protests.
Hermione looked down at the parchment in her hand. She nearly fainted at the amount listed. Emmie definitely qualified as an heiress now. Glancing at the inventory, she raised her eyebrows at the tiara with forty-two karats worth of diamonds on it. Ginny hurried over to her asking if she was all right. Hermione nodded her head mumbling about ridiculous Slytherin men.
As they left the wizarding bank, Hermione didn't notice the the figure that watched the two of them as they walked down Diagon Alley. He followed slowly behind them.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"So," Ginny said as they sat at a restaurant having afternoon tea. They had successfully found gifts and were relaxing before they had to head back to the the Burrow where Molly was watching Emmie. "What's been going on with Marcus Flint? You've been spending a lot of time with him lately. Are you two having a hot and heavy affair?"
"He's a nice man," Hermione said. "We've only been out to dinner two times and had lunch once. Oh, and we met for coffee a couple of time. It's not a hot and heavy affair. At least not yet." She grinned at Ginny when she said the last part.
"Yeah, but he's only been back for a short while and I didn't know about the coffee. That's five meetings in a week and a half," Ginny told her. The red head asked her curiously, "How far have you gone with him?"
"What are we, back in school?" Hermione joked trying to skirt the issue.
"Quit stalling, Granger, I want the juicy details."
"Oh all right! You're so nosy," she told her friend. Ginny just shrugged and gave her a you know me look. "We've kissed a few times, you know, hellos and goodbyes, and we made out a little bit last night when he brought me home. He gave me a fabulous back massage when I said I'd pulled something. Don't get that grin on your face! It's nothing too serious," Hermione told the other woman with a slight blush.
"So how was he?"
"Actually he's quite good. He has really good hands and his kisses aren't too shabby. I really like being with him. He's so sure of who he is and he doesn't give a damn about the whole pureblood-mubbleborn thing," Hermione answered. "Marcus wants me and Emmie to come to his place around noon on Sunday. He promised to make us lunch and then take us for ice cream or something."
"He knows about Emmie?" Ginny asked amazed.
"Yeah, I introduced Emmie to him on our first date before I brought her to your place. That's why I had to floo away so quickly. After he met her, I asked him to wait at my house while we floo'd to you. I said I'd understand if he wasn't there when I got back. What's the point of going on a date with someone if they can't handle the situation? Marcus was great though. He seemed a bit surprised, but he hadn't run away before I got back. "
"Does he know who she belongs to? What does Draco think of all this?"
"I'm pretty sure Marcus suspects, but he is too much of a gentleman to ask. Draco has no say in any of this. He can see Emmie if he wants and spend time with her, but he knows that I won't play with a married man."
Ginny nodded understandingly. "Are you bringing Marcus to Ron's wedding?"
"I thought a family wedding might be a bit too much this early in the game, so I didn't ask him. We need to let things progress naturally without that kind of stress and I don't want to screw this up. Besides, I'll be up front with all of you most of the time," Hermione said with a shrug. Glancing at her watch she added, "Look at the time, Gin, we told your Mum we would be back by now. We'd better go."
The two women paid and left, but the man following Hermione didn't bother to go after them. He knew where they were going. He thought about what he had heard and was a bit confused. Daphne had sworn that her husband was in love with the mudblood and that she would make the perfect bait to trap him. Now that Malfoy wanted to ditch Daphne right away, they didn't want to wait for the child to be born to get rid of him. But Granger had been talking about fooling around with Flint. He wasn't sure what that meant, but he wouldn't have been surprised to hear that she was doing them both. She was such a whore anyway. She always had been.
It sounded more like Malfoy was interested in this Emmie woman, whoever she was. It seems like she was one of the mudblood's friends. Maybe Daphne had misunderstood what Malfoy had been talking about. It didn't matter though, he'd heard enough information. He and his partner could make a new plan.
Granger had said she and the other witch would be at Flint's place on Sunday. They could just snatch both women. Whichever one was with Malfoy, they would have her. Then he would do exactly what they wanted. He really hoped it was the other one. He didn't give a fuck about her and that would mean that he could have Granger. He'd been wanting her for such a long time. She owes me. I should be able to have my pick of witches and it's her fault that I don't. She had started the whole thing and I'm going to make her pay.
Granger's house wards had been too strong for them to penetrate. They couldn't even get a glimpse of the inside and she never seemed to be alone. Her fucking friends were always in and out of her home. They would have to check out Flint's home. It would probably be their best chance. He shouldn't be too much of a problem to deal with. He's just a fucking blood traitor anyway.
That's right, you mudblood bitch. You thought you could get away with what you did, but I'll have my revenge soon. He smiled at the thought of having her in his power. His mouth moved into such a broad smile that the waitress thought the handsome wizard must have just received some excellent news.
"Aren't you looking happy today," she said to him as she picked up the bill.
"Oh," he said. "I just found out that I'm going to be seeing an old friend soon." He smiled again but this time the waitress shivered. Up close, the smile didn't quite reach his eyes.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Ronald Weasley and Luna Lovegood were married on a crisp cool autumn day. It was late afternoon and there was not a cloud in the sky. Luna had wanted to be married outside, so the Weasleys had transformed the yard behind the Burrow into a wedding wonderland. There were rows of white chairs divided by an aisle with a white runner down the middle. On the other side of the yard was a large white tent with tables and a dance floor for the reception to follow the ceremony. Flowers and ribbons bedecked everything. The family had put warming charms on the whole area so that the the wedding party and guests didn't have to bother with outer wear.
Hermione gave Luna one last embrace before walking out through the kitchen doorway on her cue. She blamed it on the wedding atmosphere, but she was already feeling overly sentimental today. Dahlia had already exited before her and Ginny was patiently awaiting her turn as she was Matron of Honor. The witch made her way down the aisle towards the men up front. The two sexes had been separated for the past twenty-four hours and this was the first she had seen of them. The men had decided upon a stag night at Harry's house yesterday, while the women had bunked at Hermione's place.
Ron, Harry, Draco and Neville were waiting in a line looking very handsome in their formal black dress robes. They stood together as a united front and more than one guest commented that though their physical features were so varied, something made them seem like brothers. The groom looked quite dapper, a far cry from the ragged maroon clad boy from the Yule Ball of fourth year. He smiled distractedly at his favorite female friend, but his eyes were clearly searching behind her for his bride-to-be.
Hermione's brown eyes were drawn to Draco's silver ones. They were looking at her with admiration and longing in his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat in her chest and she allowed herself to daydream for an instant that this was their wedding and he was waiting for her. Her eyes misted and she had to look away from him lest she start bawling right then and there.
A squeal of "Mum mum," cut through the music of the string quartet bringing a round of chuckles from the assembled guests. She looked to see her daughter standing on her Grandma Minerva's lap bouncing and waving at her. Her white dress was already a bit rumpled and her headband was slightly off kilter, but she was still an adorable sight. She was holding a thornless red rose that she waved like flag accidentally whacking Severus Snape, who was seated next to Minerva, in the face. He didn't say a word, just gently shifted the rose in her grip so that it wasn't flinging around quite so energetically.
Hermione reached the front of the aisle and took her place next to Dahlia. She turned to wait for Ginny to join them and for Luna to take her last walk as an unmarried woman. Her eyes looked towards the groomsmen to see Draco staring at her again. He had eyes for her alone and he let her see all the emotions that he held for her. If she had been in front of a mirror, she would have seen that her face held a poignancy that was breaking his heart. Luckily only one person, Severus, noticed their expressions. Everyone else had turned to watch first Ginny and then Luna as she made her way down the aisle on her father's arm.
Draco and Hermione managed to bring their expressions though not necessarily their emotions, under control during the magical ceremony that bound their two friends together for life. In a display of perfect timing, the official of the ceremony cast the final spell so that it lit up the two just as the sun began to set. Hermione would never admit it, but she had missed most of what went on as her attention and mind had been on Draco the entire time.
When the ceremony was complete, Ginny had to nudge her to get her moving. She walked towards the center aisle again though for the return trip she was to meet and traverse it with Draco. This time she couldn't meet his eyes as she linked her arm through his. As they made their way towards the Burrow, she could feel the tension in his arm. As soon as she was able, she slipped away from him and hurried into the house ignoring his whispered, "Hermione."
~*~*~*~*~*~
By the time the whole wedding party reconvened outside, twilight had ended and night had fallen. The tent and yard were lit by hundreds of floating mage lights giving a fairy tale appearance to the scene. Everyone applauded as the newlyweds joined the festivities. Dinner was served and all enjoyed the meal to the accompaniment of much laughter and many toasts. Ron and Luna sat at a table for two up front in full view of everyone. To the amusement of the guests, George announced that all it had taken was the love of a good witch to make Ron finally learn some table manners. Ron had laughingly thrown a piece of asparagus at his older brother.
Hermione took this time to feed Emmie and sit at one of the small tables with Minerva and Severus. She avoided Draco, who ended up sitting with Neville, Dahlia, and a couple of his auror buddies. Throughout the meal, she could feel his eyes upon her.
Daphne was not present. She had avoided contact with Draco since their last talk. In any case, she would not have chosen to attend a wedding where the press had been banned and guests were primarily aurors, Order of the Pheonix members, and ex-Griffyndors. He was just glad that she wasn't there. The elder Malfoys had not been invited nor had they expected an invitation to a Weasley wedding.
By the end of the meal, the DADA professor was cradling the Emmie in his arms. Her little face was smudged with the remains of her meal and she was soundly asleep having been completely exhausted by the busy day. Snape's face had a relaxed expression and the normally fastidious wizard ignored the crumbs and smears on his dress robes. Hermione thanked both of her mentors and was about to take the child back to the house to put her to bed, when she heard Mr. Weasley calling for the members of the bridal party.
Fleur came over and took Emmie, saying that she would bring her to the house with her own sleeping daughter. Victoire was being carried by Bill. The Veela was going to stay inside and rest for a bit, she told them rubbing the small bump on her stomach. Feeling Emmie was perfectly safe, Hermione smiled and headed towards the dance floor.
The string quartet, which had relocated to the corner of the tent, began a melody so that the newest Weasley couple could have their first dance as man and wife. They actually moved about quite smoothly, Ron having finally outgrown his awkward gangly adolescence. After a while, Mr. Weasley announced that the bridal party should join the new couple in a dance. Hermione felt a touch on her arm and knew without even turning that it was Draco. She let him pull her onto the dance floor to take her in his arms as she saw first the Potters then Neville and Dahlia do the same. They moved in silence aware that everyone's eyes were on the four couples; Hermione refused to look higher than her partner's chest. After a few minutes of feeling like they were in a fishbowl, Mr. Weasley freed them by declaring that everyone was welcome to join in the dancing. The guests quickly flowed onto the dance floor.
"Hermione," she heard Draco say. "Will you look at me now?"
The witch turned her face towards him to see the same emotions on his that she had read during the wedding ceremony. Her heart contracted at the feelings that were rushing through her at this moment. She took an unsteady breath to calm herself.
"I want to talk to you," he told her in a low voice that was filled with anticipation. "Will you come with me?"
"Can we finish the dance first?" she asked wanting to stall being alone with him. I'm just too emotional today. I don't know if I can do this again tonight.
Draco nodded seeming to understand her reluctance to go with him and was willing to give her a little time. He had so much to say to her, and he wanted to do it right this time.
"You're a good dancer, Hermione," he said trying to put her at ease. She just looked at him with a strange expression on her face. "What's wrong? What did I say?" he asked wanting to wipe that look off her face.
"Do you know this is our first dance?" she answered softly. "I used to watch you dance at school. I've always wondered what it would be like."
Merlin, she's right, he thought feeling a flash of regret. They had never gotten the chance during that disastrous Valentine's Day Ball in sixth year and despite all the dances that they had planned together as Heads, they hadn't been able to be friendly in public, let alone dance together. He mentally kicked himself as he realized that it was just one more thing that he had cheated her out of.
He pulled her closer and whispered in her ear, "Then let's make it one to remember." He smiled at her getting a mischievous look in his eyes. Taking control, he took full advantage of the years of dance lessons that all the males in his family's social tier were forced to endure. He expertly guided her around the room for the last part of the dance taking her breath away. By the time the musical piece reached it's conclusion, he had actually forced a peal of laughter from her when he dipped her.
He saw that people were watching them, but he and Hermione had been too lost in each other during their dance notice. His fellow coven members were smiling at them. The Order members and Hogwarts friends had curious, if slightly puzzled looks on their faces. Only some of the aurors from work were giving them odd looks since they knew he was married, but not much else about his relationships. Hermione blushed at the attention they were receiving, but Draco pasted on a casual look and waved as if there was nothing out of the ordinary going on.
He led Hermione in the direction of the bar as if they were going to get drinks after their exertions on the dance floor. However, once everyone's attention had moved on, he quickly tugged the witch with him outside of the tent. There were knots of people around the area where the ceremony had taken place.
"Blast it," he muttered. "I want to talk to you in private, Hermione, but I don't know where to go."
"Let's go inside and check on Emmie," she suggested.
She brought him into the Burrow and up the stairs. She found Fleur asleep in the twins' old room with Victoire curled up next to her. The Veela opened her eyes when Hermione peeked into the room.
"Emmie iz een Percy's room," she said still half drowsy. Hermione nodded and closed the door on the two. She led Draco across the hall to Percy's room. Draco cast locking and silencing spells as soon as they were inside. Emmie was sleeping peacefully in a crib that Fleur must have transfigured from the desk that was usually in that spot. She stirred, but didn't awaken when Hermione tucked a blanket more securely around her.
Draco drew her over to the bed and sat her down next to him. He turned to her and said, "I'm sorry I haven't been around much this week. I've been busy trying to make arrangements for us."
"What arrangements, Draco? Is this something else like the accounts for Emmie? I know you want to do things for her, but she doesn't need any more money. She loves you for you and that should be enough."
"It's not like that," he told her earnestly. "I don't want her known as a bastard. I want to legally claim her as my daughter. I want to legitimize her and give her my name."
"You would do that?" she asked. She was amazed that Draco would be willing to go public and face the censure of his father.
"Yes. I checked it out with my lawyers. I would have to recognize her formally and I could adopt her at the Ministry. Her being my natural daughter is reason enough for them to automatically approve it."
"What?" Hermione said jumping up. "You can't have her. I'm not going to give you custody of Emmie! How could you even think that." She was instantly furious at his plans.
"No, Hermione," he said standing up also and grabbing her by the shoulders. He was shocked that she would accuse him of that. "It's not like that. I would never try to take her away from you. I'm trying to tell you that I want both of you to be with me."
"I don't understand, Draco. You're still married to Daphne," Hermione reminded him.
"Not for long," he said. "I told her I wanted a divorce and custody of our son. I had my lawyers look into that also. They said there shouldn't be any problems since we didn't use wizarding bonds. It's just a paper marriage."
Now it was Hermione's turn to look shocked. "You did? What's changed?" she asked him coincidentally using the same question that Daphne had used last week.
"When I talked to Mother last week, she asked me what would make me happy. All I could think about was you and Emmie," he told her. "Harry and Ron also said some stuff to me."
Her heart had softened when she heard that all he wanted was Emmie and her. However, she was still worried about what Lucius might have done when he found out. "What about your father? I'm sure he must be in a rage!"
"Don't worry about him at all. It's been taken care of," Draco assured her pulling her close.
"What do you mean? What did he say when you told him? Is he going to disown you?" she asked. Hermione was suddenly excited that Draco had stood up to Lucius. She felt something in her chest relax. She had waited for so long for him to be courageous enough to risk something for her. He finally chose me! "If he does, I have the money from my books. We'll be fine," she told him with in a determined voice.
"Actually, he doesn't know yet," Draco explained as he smiled at her words. "Don't worry, though. My mother told him that she would leave him if he ever hurts you or Emmie. He won't do anything that might cause her to do that."
Hermione felt her elation suddenly subside. She realized with a sinking heart that Draco hadn't actually risking anything. He had his mother's approval and she was blackmailing his father into cooperating. Draco had not even bothered to talk to him. She felt like he wasn't really choosing her. He was ready to be with them now because it was easy. Everything was being handed to him on a silver platter. She stepped back from him and just looked at him.
She knew that Draco adored their daughter. His love for Emmie was not a lie. Hermione would not stand in the way of him claiming Emmie if that was what he really intended to do. As long as Draco wasn't attempting to take her daughter away from her, she would fully support their relationship. He had been completely honest in his dealings with her about Emmie and had always tried to adhere to her wishes. He would never hurt or deny their child.
However, the brown eyed witch didn't know if she could trust him to do the same for herself. Do I love him? Yes. Does he love me? I don't know. She tried to see their relationship clearly. Throughout their interactions, Draco had always claimed to love her when it was easy for him. The physical chemistry between them was so intense. They had great secret romances but whenever there was any type of opposition, he folded. Why do you want to be with me now? Do you love me for me or is it because it's convenient for you to be with me now?
She thought of Marcus Flint briefly. They had only been reintroduced to each other barely three weeks ago. He was from exactly the same type of background as Draco, yet he had already proved to her that he didn't care about blood status. He had proudly taken her out in public and unashamedly shown his interest in her. He also was sweet to Emmie and was willing to include her in their activities. Tomorrow's planned date was proof of that. She didn't love him. It was too soon for that and her emotions about Draco were too tangled. However, she did respect Marcus and was attracted to him. Sadly, she realized that she didn't know if she respected the wizard in front of her, at least when it came to his dealings with her. If she took him like this, she would always wonder if he really would choose her above all others.
All these conflicting thoughts had gone through her mind in a matter of mere seconds. She looked at Draco's smiling face and asked him carefully, "Are you going to tell Lucius?"
"That's the beauty of the whole thing! I don't even have to bother and he won't do anything," Draco answered happily, not realizing that was exactly the opposite of what she wanted to hear. "Everything is finally falling into place and we can be together now."
He tried to take her into his arms, but Hermione backed away from him. She felt suddenly cold inside. All her good feelings from earlier had completely disappeared. Her face must have shown the change because he asked, "What is it? I thought you'd be happy that all our problems are behind us."
"Draco, do you love me?" she asked him wanting to believe him.
"Of course I do. I missed you the entire time you were gone. We have a daughter together. I practically want to rip your clothes off every time I see you," he told her.
"But would you have chosen to be with me if your parents hadn't seen Emmie in Diagon Alley? If your mother hadn't given Lucius that ultimatum?"
He didn't know quite what to say to that so he asked her instead, "Why are you being like this? I thought it's what you've wanted for so long."
"I've always loved you, Draco," she answered him slowly, "but I want you to want me because you can't live without me...because you love me enough no matter what."
"I do love you, Hermione," he exclaimed.
"I'm not so sure of that," she said to his dismay. "You never once tried to see me when I was in the States. I've been back home for months and you never planned on leaving Daphne or defying your father until this happened. I don't think you ever would have if your Mum hadn't stepped in. You only love me when it's easy, and life isn't always easy. Can I trust you not to leave me again if things became difficult? I want you to love me no matter what hardships we face."
"But where does that leave us now?" Draco asked her as his plans seemed to be crumbling around him.
"I don't know yet," she said honestly. "I have to think about it. I do know you're going to have to convince me that you want me, and not just because I happen to be Emmie's mum. Otherwise I'll never be sure that you value me or our relationship. I won't stop you from legitimizing Emmie; you've earned that."
Hermione's brown eyes gazed into Draco's silver ones resolutely. "You haven't earned me."