Weeks had passed and Hermione hadn't heard much from her Grandmother other that negotiations with Lord Malfoy were still progressing and for her not to worry about anything other than her school work.
Draco had gotten the same exact same response to his letters as well.
So with that in mind, both of them decided to let it go for the time being and just spend this time working on their classes and learning more about each other.
Theo and Luna were spending quite a bit of time together as well, and even Harry had started dating too. He was seeing Katie Bell and even though she was a year ahead of Harry, the two had the same interests.
Primarily Quidditch.
As Easter hols loomed, Hermione was spending most of her free time on the weekends brewing with Draco, which had proven to be fortuitous as she also got to spend a bit of time with Professor Snape. She and Draco had discussed their concerns about their eventual bonding with him, as well as the fact that they both wanted to get Mastery's in Charms. Severus had listened, and lamented, then snarled at how unfair it was that he would be required to teach them—and wasn't he doing enough having to put up with their other extracurricular endeavors too?
Draco had pulled his godfather aside—after Hermione had left the room nearly in tears—and had taken him to task for being such a brooding, insensitive dunderhead. Severus had sneered at Draco and then left the room, robes billowing behind him—while Draco had smashed his forehead onto his desk—never having in all his years, spoken to his godfather in such a way.
Over a week had gone by until Severus had spoken to him again and it hadn't even been a proper conversation. He'd just handed Draco a stack of parchment with the word 'here' and left the potions lab.
But when Draco read over the papers, he'd felt his body sag with relief.
It would seem that his godfather, for all his insistence that he didn't have a heart—had actually capitulated and agreed to allow Hermione to apprentice their shared seventh year in Charms.
When he'd given Hermione the information, which was essentially an intensive schedule for the following year from Severus—she'd taken one look at it and burst into happy tears, snogging him repeatedly throughout the day and telling him what a wonderful wizard he was.
Of course, Draco had been chuffed and righteously smug for weeks afterwards.
Gryffindor had also won their next match against Hufflepuff, which set up the final match of the year between Slytherin. If Draco hadn't been nearly stretched to the limit between classes, perfect duties, his apprenticeship, his witch and Quidditch? He was feeling the stress fraying his normally stoic facade some days.
That was why when Easter hols finally did come, it was a huge relief to be returning home for a much needed break from his school work.
He was also looking forward to just spending time with Hermione without the other distractions.
So it was somewhat of a surprise to find both his Father and Mother waiting for him on the train Platform at Kings Cross, both looking inordinately pleased.
"Father, Mother?"
"Hello darling." Narcissa kissed her son's cheek in greeting, before nodding to his Father.
"Not that I'm not thrilled to see you both, but is something wrong?"
"No Draco," his mother was quick to reassure, "we are having dinner at Fosgate Hall this evening and we thought it might be nice for us to all go together."
Draco wasn't adverse to the idea, but he was also wary. Turning his head, he glanced over his shoulder and noticed Theo speaking with his Father—who was with Harry and Hermione.
"Is everything alright?" Draco inquired again, quieter this time. "Lady Prewett isn't here."
"She's attending to dinner preparations and asked Thoros to bring the children. He and Theo will be dining with us as well."
Draco nodded, because he had nothing to say to that comment.
"Shall we go?" Lucius demanded haughtily, as he offered his arm back to his wife—who took it with years of practice born of their union—while Draco followed his parents over to his intended and her family.
Once they'd reached them, Hermione's smile had Draco feeling a bit better—his uneasiness fading a bit. He didn't know why he was feeling unsure, and it was probably his imagination but he just felt apprehensive.
That feeling didn't abate once they'd reached Fosgate Hall, and made their way to dinner. Draco escorted his witch and made small take with Theo and Potter—trying his best to ignore the feeling of anticipation settling in his gut.
When the meal was done, and they were all seated in the solarium—enjoying the clear night sky—his Father stood and addressed the room.
"Narcissa and I want to thank you first off Muriel, for inviting us into your home this evening."
Muriel bowed her head at the concession, while Hermione and Harry just sat there perplexed. Theo however, gave his mate a knowing nod.
Draco now finally realized what was going on...
Shite!
He watched his Father pulled two wrapped packages out of his robes...the one on top a bit smaller than the one on the bottom.
"As I'm sure you've become aware Miss Prewett, it is customary for the Patriarch of a wizards family to offer a token of good will. Something of this vein, signifies not only respect for the witch, but her family as well. As such, tokens are never to be taken lightly but given and received in the spirit in which the token is intended."
Hermione glanced at her Grandmother, who's own expression was a strange mixture of veiled curiosity and...satisfaction?
Strange.
Lord Malfoy cleared his throat and handed Hermione the first package. She took it with a sincere 'thank you' and opened the wrapping, her eyes widening as she stared at the antique book.
"This is beautiful Lord Malfoy." Her blue eye lifted to silver as she inquired, "Might I ask what it is?"
"That book Miss Prewett, has been in the Malfoy Family for four centuries. One of my ancestors, married into the McKinnon family and that book you hold there came from the McKinnon library. As you can see, the writings are runic in nature, and while I understand some if it—I would imagine the only translation books available are within your ancestral home."
Muriel smirked, as she now understood a bit better just why Lucius wanted access to McKinnon Manor.
"This is..." Hermione swallowed heavily as she gazed at Draco, who was smiling softly at her. "Thank you Sir."
"You're welcome Miss Prewett, but I must admit...whilst I'm happy to return that which is rightfully yours...that is not the token itself." Lucius then handed her the second package which Hermione took with a bit more grace. "This is."
Taking a moment, Hermione nodded to herself as she opened the wrapping and then stared down at the book in astonishment, her eyes widening comically at the title...
The Life and Lies Of Albus Dumbledore
By: Rita Skeeter
"What?"
Harry glanced down at the book, his eyes darkening in suspicion before they landed back on Lucius.
"I know you must be wondering why this book would be consider a token of good faith?"
Hermione nodded, clearly confused and somewhat dismayed.
"Due to our unfortunate past associations, it became glaringly obvious once your history and my subsequent vow was revealed and made, that there were things at play that I simply hadn't foreseen. As I spent these past months pondering those things, it became clear not only to myself, but Lord Nott and your Grandmother—that certain truths were kept hidden. That book there, seeks to expose some of those truths and perhaps will give you more context as to why certain things were allowed to happen. I, as Draco's Father, and your future Father-in-Law—refuse to idly sit by any longer as we are all played as pieces on a chess board of another's making. That book you hold, will be published come the morrow. I waited until you, Mr. Potter and Draco were safely returned home, so that you could read what has been written and understand who is most likely responsible not only for the death of your parents, Miss Prewett—but others as well."
Hermione's hands were shaking and she felt Harry's hand cover hers, as he stared down curiously at the book before he remarked shortly, "Skeeter isn't exactly known for being truthful with her words."
Lucius smirked and bowed his head in agreement. "Perhaps not, but her sources are irrefutable."
"Such as?"
"Bathilda Bagshot primarily, as well as Elphias Doge. Thoros and I even got special permission to visit Gellert Grindelwald in Nurmengard, and he confirmed much of what was written from Dumbledore's early years. He isn't used as a direct source, but he did help us discover a few things we didn't think to look for ourselves."
"And how did you know to ask him, Father?"
"He is Bathilda Bagshot's great-nephew."
"Merlin!" Theo whispered, and Draco nodded. "And she just willingly shared all this?"
"Most of it." Lucius replied with a gleam.
"You gave her Veritaserum, didn't you?" Hermione's expression was hard and Lucius just smirked at how intelligent his Son's intended was. He nodded, seeing no reason to lie.
"Severus brewed it himself."
All the children sat there, mouths agape. "Uncle knew?"
"Don't be ridiculous Draco," Lucius answered haughtily, "you know Severus would've never asked for the particulars...he can't claim plausible deniability if he did."
Draco chuckled and nodded, while Harry and Hermione just sat back stunned.
"Is that legal?" Harry wondered, and Theo snorted.
"Does it really matter Harry? Do you think for a single moment, that the Headmaster would be so concerned over proper procedure if there was something he desperately needed?"
Harry didn't know how to answer that, as he'd had doubts for a while about Dumbledore's motivations. Especially after Hermione's heritage was discovered and Sirius death at the Ministry.
Lucius gestured to the book. "Read it Miss Prewett and prepare yourself. When you return to school, you may find the Headmaster not as agreeable as before. There will be those who will look upon this as a blatant fabrication, but there are others who will see the truth of the words written therein."
"Why Skeeter?"
"Because it will be assumed that she was the instigator behind this expose and frankly, if there is any backlash, I'd gathered you wouldn't be adverse to the witch having to deal with such considerations."
This did get a brief smile from Hermione. "You've thought of everything, haven't you?"
"A token as such given—shows great thought and care for the witch it's meant for. I only wished to convey not only my contriteness for the past, but hopefully show you my sincerity and ability to protect you as the future wife to my Son and heirs to the Malfoy Family."
Hermione stared down at the book again, her mind swirling with thoughts, but the most persistent one was simply voiced as, "I don't know whether to be abhorred or impressed by your thoughtfulness, Lord Malfoy."
Lucius chuckled. "If it hadn't been for your parents being such lions, Miss Prewett—I'd imagine you would've done well in the House of Snakes."
"Now you're just being cheeky."
The genuine laugh that fell from the Malfoy Lord shocked those within the room, but his expression was filled with mirth as he considered the young witch before him.
"I don't think in all my years, I've ever been accused as such."
"Not true, darling..." Narcissa lamented with a conspiratorial wink to the young witch, who shared a genuine smile with her future Mother-in-Law.
Theo then cleared his throat and gave his cousin a questioning look, and both Harry and Draco knew what Theo was asking silently. Hermione sighed, but nodded as she turned to her Grandmother and said seriously, "Grandmother, I have something I need to tell you."
