Chapter Six

Exclusive

I'm sorry.

The piece of parchment arrived the next day with a single deep red rose and Hermione knew exactly who the sender had been. Even if she hadn't known, the personalised parchment would've been a dead giveaway.

The majestic bird arrived at her office little over half an hour ago, leaving the items with her before soaring away. She'd been staring at them since with mixed emotions, her chin resting in her intertwined fingers as her elbows were on the desk.

She knew she was just as much to blame for the situation as him and that's why she felt even more guilt. It didn't escape her that Malfoy apologising first was a big deal, and she never thought she'd see the day. Yet, the guilt of the situation gnawed at her. Shouldn't she be apologising too?

Without too much thought she started scribbling on the same piece of parchment,

I'm sorry too.

And she handed it to her barn owl, Misty, who was perched in her open cage, hastily before she could back out. Hermione found it hard to concentrate on any work after the bird had taken flight yet she tried to get through the piece of research in front of her. The events that transpired the night prior were on her mind ever since she'd cried herself dry last night and were proving hard to abandon. The way he'd spoke to her, it hurt, and the abrupt dismissive manner that he'd regarded her with, she didn't know what to think but she wasn't ready to act as if nothing had happened, as if her emotions weren't a complete jumbled mess. Then there was the case of his mother, she'd actually enjoyed the conversation she'd had with the older witch but then just like with her son, things soured quickly. The random hug she'd embraced her with was also on repeat in her mind, she didn't know what to think of it or the family she was finding herself intertwined with.

She picked up the rose and inhaled it's scent, curious of its origins. She was sure it must've been clipped from Malfoy manor, but she hadn't recalled seeing any like it, this rose resembled the shade of blood, as morose as it sounded, but there was beauty in the shade none the less. Hermione supposed there was beauty in everything, even Malfoy was rather beautiful to look at in his own way. When he wasn't being a prat. She banished the thought as soon as it appeared.

It felt longer than it took, but when Misty returned it was with a parchment. Hermione traded treats from her desk for the note a braced herself before reading the contents, this time on a new piece of parchment. Her fingers ran over the border and to the Malfoy crest imprinted round the edges as she read, why they felt the need for personalised stationary was beyond her.

Meet me for lunch. There is a place at 152 Diagon Alley by the name Garden of Eat'n. How does 12:30pm sound?

She knew that any sane person would've went and tried to work things through, but her sanity was at an all time low and she couldn't bring herself to face him yet. Not very Gryffindor of her, yes.

Her nerves got the better of her, and she hesitantly picked up her quill and jotted her reply, the ink glistening on her plain parchment.

-xXx -

Thank you for the offer, but I have to decline. I have lunch with Harry on Mondays.

Kind regards, Hermione.

Draco read the piece of parchment with a sneer twisted on his lips. He had no doubt she was ignoring him, he felt as if they were back at square one. Kind regards, the words mocked him. Of course she'd be meeting her precious Potter but he supposed that he was still preferable to the Weasley as he seemed rather besotted with Pansy. He had no idea how that one had occurred and had yet to see Pansy and discuss it.

"Draco, dear, was that from Hermione?", his mother called from her gardens as she pruned her flowers, a hobby most would be surprised by. Draco was sat in his mother's presence, as he'd asked her for advice on his situation. She'd tutted as he repeated to her the events from the night prior and insisted he wrote immediately with an apology. Which he did, he'd even plucked one of his mother's favourite roses, much to her annoyance, but clearly she hadn't appreciate it.

"Yes. She's rejected my lunch proposal", he tried to keep the bitterness from his voice. His mother made way over to him, her cape flowing behind her. He completely did not understand her love for gardening, especially as they had house elves who could do what took her hours in seconds or even literal magic, not to mention her attire was entirely inappropriate for such activities.

He handed her the note after she asked, and her face screwed in contemplation, "Perhaps you need to make a bolder proposal.", she said nonchalantly before taking a sip of water.

He began to ponder her words for while and his silence prompted his mother to return to her work. Then an idea struck, one that was definitely bold but could be just what they needed, plus she'd have no choice but to speak to him. The idea, he had to admit, was rather Slytherin of him, but he was a man with a vision.

Walking to her desk and pulling out a piece of parchment and a quill, he called, "Mother, what are you doing on Saturday?", as he began to write his letter.

-xXx-

Hermione was disturbed the next morning to a persistent knock on her door. She was thrashing away enraptured by her nightmares and felt relief wash over her that it was cut short as her eyes opened to the assault of sunlight filtering through her gauze curtains. She looked at her clock. 7:06am, almost half an hour before she usually woke up.

The knock had no indication of stopping and her eyes rolled as she huffed before hoisting herself out of bed. Wrapping her robe round herself, she shouted at the person, "Hang on, I'm coming!", the rapping instantly halted.

Quickly splashing some water on her face, she hoped to both fully wake up and look slightly more presentable before quickly swilling some mouthwash. After she spat, Hermione padded to the door and opened it without a second thought, but who she saw was definitely not who she'd expect to be at her flat at 7:09am on a Tuesday morning.

Pansy Parkinson stood there, looking immaculate as always. "Good morning!", she greeted before looking Hermione over, "oh, Salazar, did I wake you?", at least she actually looked concerned, Hermione thought before replying.

''Morning, Pansy. Yes, but it's fine I was waking up any minute now, anyways", she replied, "come in, do you want anything?", she asked hoping she'd decline the offer.

"No, no. I'm fine", she waved off much to Hermione's relief, before making her way into the apartment, Hermione watched her look around and wondered what it looked like through her eyes. Her small apartment had a living space with an adjoined kitchen and only one bedroom and her bathroom.

She knew Pansy and Malfoy and all their friends came from a life of aristocracy and manors and generational wealth, but before Hogwarts, Hermione herself had had an exceptionally comfortable upbringing, both her parents being dentists and all, but she knew that their wealth was nowhere near the same level. Even to her standards, the apartment wasn't great but it wasn't like she needed anything nicer, she was content in the cosy apartment with the overflowing bookshelves in any crook that they would fit in. She lead Pansy to the brown leather coach and the pair sat.

"I'm so sorry for the intrusion, but after I read the paper this morning I just had to ask Harry where I'd be able to find you, I couldn't help myself!", Pansy gushed much to Hermione's confusion, "I can't believe you kept it such a secret! From Harry, and even all us when we asked you about it at Ginny's birthday!", Hermione didn't have the energy to hide the perplexed look from her face.

"Excuse me, what on earth are you talking about?", she asked, her brows drawn together as she looked at the newspaper that she held in her hand

"Your engagement party! So soon as well! You and Draco are the first to announce an engagement party after all this marriage law stuff, you know. Rather iconic behaviour, Granger.", Hermione had to stop her jaw from hitting the floor as she instantly grabbed the Daily Prophet out of the lithe girls hands. As she read, she began to feel faint.

DAILY PROPHET EXCLUSIVE:

HERMIONE GRANGER, WAR HEROINE AND DRACO MALFOY, EX DEATHEATER ANNOUNCE OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT PLANS.

It has been 50 days since the ministry released their plans of a nation wide marriage law. The law that has effected many and stated that all wizards were to be paired with a witch with whom they'd have to marry and produce 2 children with, all within 5 years, as a bid to replenish the wizarding population after the second wizarding war. 30 days later, the matches were allocated albeit confidentially.

We can exclusively reveal that, despite many speculating the Golden Trio may be exempt from the law, brightest witch of our age, Hermione Granger has matched with none other than Draco Malfoy! Sources say the official engagement celebration are to occur this upcoming Saturday, which we can confirm will be the first of the celebrations to arise from the new marriage law.

With Hermione Granger giving the law the green light, it's being predicted that many will follow suit and announce their own festivities. However, as a past fellow student with the new couple, I must say this pairing is quite the shock when you consider the house rivalry from a young age to fighting on opposite sides during a war. Perhaps it is true what they say and opposites do in fact attract. Though, some are starting to doubt the accuracy of the extensive tests that determine these matches.

Most shocking, I must admit, is the fact Hermione Granger is set to become not only the first muggle born Lady Malfoy to be recorded but also the first muggle born to be happily welcomed into the renowned pure blooded ancient and noble House Black. My source has revealed that the Malfoy family isn't concerned in the slightest by this and that Draco Malfoy himself has said he, and I quote, 'is excited to see what the future holds'.

It seems all of the childhood animosity has subsided and I wish the pair my congratulations and the best for the future.

Written by Parvati Patil.

"Hermione?", Pansy said as her eyes scanned over the words in front of her for the tenth time, "Hermione are you okay?", she utterly was not her heart racing significantly more rapid than usual, her breath was getting more and more shallow, her mind was swirling 1000 mile an hour.

"I'm not feeling so good", she announced before darkness overwhelmed her.

-xXx-

"Hermione", She felt as if she was underwater, the voice extremely muffled. "Hermione, please wake up", the blurred voice pleaded.

She felt as if her brain had rebooted suddenly as her senses slowly returned to her, her eyes fluttering against her eyelids. Suddenly she was blinking rapidly and her sense of smell was bombarded with a familiar scent. A smell of spice and pine and a hint on mint. As her brain registered the information, her mouth moved almost in sync, "Harry", Hermione's eyes opened and indeed there say next to her was her best friend, he smiled softly at her, "What happened?", she asked hoarsely, her face scrunched in confusion.

"You fainted. Pansy came to get me straight away", everything was coming flooding back to her and her face blanched paler than it already was, "apparently you didn't take the news very well", he attempted to joke but she was caught up in what she'd read prior.

"That's good. That she called you, of course", she swallowed the lump in her throat, "It was quite the shock", she said simply, her eyes trained on the books that sat on her coffee table. "I can't believe I bloody fainted", she muttered. "How long was I out?", she said as she touched her head with a wince.

"About 20 minutes, you hit your head off the sofa's armchair, by the way", well that explained the throbbing in her head, "You've been though a lot lately! It's bound to take its toll eventually, I just can't believe the git would do this", Harry sighed as he placed a hand on a now sat Hermione's arm, "If you don't want to go through with it, if you're not ready, nobody can force you.", his reassurances fell short and Hermione felt helpless. This situation was daunting enough with this added stress. She'd barely processed it and now everyone knew. It was public knowledge that she was to marry Draco Malfoy, she groaned at the thought.

"It's not that, it's the fact this whole situation is completely out of my hands. You're right, I am stressed and I'm completely overwhelmed and now it's progressing without my consent? I just don't know what to do!", her frustration evident by her flailing hands. "Malfoy and I aren't even speaking, I don't understand how I'm meant to be with him, we can't even be civil for two weeks, how am I meant to last five years?", she voiced her query with an unsteady voice. If the thought of her impending nuptials was enough to make her faint, she didn't want to think of the effect thinking of procreating with Malfoy would do.

"The pair of you really need to talk and work something out", Harry advised, "the situation isn't ideal but it's the only way we can remain in the wizarding world. Even Astoria agreed to let Ron take her out, you should give Malfoy the same courtesy.", Hermione hated the advice she'd received but her mind instantly went back to her rejecting to meet him. She felt guilty but wouldn't admit that.

"Harry you're so annoying, your making my head hurt even more. I feel sorry for Pansy", she rolled her eyes jokingly at him before she attempted to locate his impromptu fiancé but to no avail, "where is Pansy, anyways?", she asked in time with her front door opening. Both Harry and herself immediately looked to the door and in she walked, Malfoy in tow. Her impromptu fiancé. Suddenly the ache in her head intensified as she took him in. He was dressed in black suit and a white shirt, yet he didn't seem as pristine as usual, as if he'd been dragged here mid getting dressed. It was still impressive in comparison to her dressing gown, she internally thanked Merlin that her bun she'd tied before bed the previous night was intact.

"Hermione!", Pansy exclaimed rushing over before sitting next to Harry yet angled toward Hermione, "thank Merlin you're okay, you gave me such a fright". But Hermione was focused on Malfoy, she was furious. She immediately stood up and stormed over to the blonde git, the object of all her turmoil.

"Woah, relax Granger!", he recoiled from her path.

"Relax?!", she repeated with a dry chuckle, "how can I relax when you've lied to the paper about me", her arms crossed over her chest she tried to not think about the fact she was in her fluffy robe in front of him. "And what are you even doing here?", she asked, annoyed.

"Pansy dragged me to your hovel", ouch that stung but he continued before she could retaliate, "and who said it's lies?", he replied smugly and the urge to hit him reappeared. "The celebration is on Saturday, I expect your attendance Granger", he replied dryly, his eyebrow raised. This stupid prick was getting on her last nerve, it was like the personality transplant was here to stay. Much to her vexation.

"The only think you should expect from from me is a kick up the-", she was unfortunately interrupted by Pansy.

"Guys, guys!", she once again made her way over this time Harry standing up too with a huff and following, "I didn't bring Draco here for you to fight! Harry and I have decided to volunteer as your mediator.", she beamed.

"We have?", Harry asked dumbfounded as he approached them, to which she slapped his arm harmlessly as if to shut him up before linking their arms together. Hermione wondered what it was like to have that ease with someone which internally left a hollow feeling at the pit of her stomach, she sure as hell wasn't going to have that with Malfoy. She'd never actually thought of all the affection she was going to be robbed of, in her prime years as well.

"Yes we are! Draco is a dear friend of mine and Hermione of yours", Pansy directed at Harry before turning back to the feuding pair, "We are all going for breakfast together, a favourite place of mine, Draco you know where Delilah's is right?", she asked and he nodded in response. Her clap of excitement was followed by, "right, you apparate Harry there first and get us a table, and I'll wait as Hermione's gets ready and then we'll meet the pair of you there!", she decided swiftly for everyone.

There was a momentary silence as everyone seemed to digest the orders. Hermione felt as if everyone knew not to argue with Pansy hence the cooperation. Who was she to oppose her?

"Yes, fine that works for me.", Hermione answered first with a sigh, "I can be ready in ten", she said before turning away and not giving Malfoy a second glance.

As she walked away she had a feeling she hadn't been supposed to, but she heard Pansy mutter to Malfoy under her breath, "you're such a idiot!", followed by and ow! Which Hermione could only presume she smacked him like she had Harry. Good, he deserved worse.

Hermione sat at her vanity, looked at her reflection and deeply exhaled, processing the events that had transpired during the little time she'd been awake. She totally should've requested more than ten minutes considering she'd need infinitely more time to just think.

But time is not what she had, so she kept it simple. Ideally she'd have showered, but a quick Scrougify would have to do to freshen up. Then she applied the minimal to her face. Moisturiser, a bit of concealer for her dark circles and mascara before entering her adjoining bathroom to brush her teeth. When she returned to her bedroom, Pansy was sat on her bed, "have the boys left?", she asked as she took out her bun from it's hair tie and began brushing it, her curls were now manageable due to the new potions she put in it as she showered.

"Yes", Pansy replied, she bit her lip as if internally decided whether or not to continue but she decided to anyhow, "I'm sorry. For coming here. And for bringing Draco here. I have a tendency to act on a whim", she apologise sheepishly.

"No, don't be daft!", she replied as she braided her hair to the side, "how were you to know Malfoy had lied, he's such a typical Slytherin", she rolled her eyes but missed the way Pansy's face fell at her words, "And about bringing him here, I know you have good intentions", she shot her a small smile through the mirror. But Pansy still looked down.

"Yes, you Gryffindor's love to see the good in people", she replied rather sadly as she fiddled with her hands, "I don't know why", she said simply and something seemed to click in Hermione's mind. How had she been so dense? The girl in her presence has also been a Slytherin and she'd hurled the word out like an insult.

"Oh, Merlin, Pansy. I'm sorry!", the guilt she felt was genuine, "I didn't mean you of course! I can't speak for my full house, but I like to believe everyone has some good in them, and whilst it may be a struggle to see any in Malfoy, I seriously don't think anything ill of you. I will admit, it was a shock to see you with my best friend at first but I trust his judgement, I have no doubt you are full of good if Harry is so accepting of you", Hermione replied thoughtfully and truthfully as she tied her braid, but Pansy still wasn't her usual self, clearly Hermione's previous words had struck a nerve.

"I just- I don't know what he sees in me", the dark hair witch replied and Hermione was shocked by the candid way she was speaking, "I'm not exactly a nice person, Hermione. I'm selfish and I'm a Slytherin in every way whilst he is so good and pure. Not to mention he's the bloody saviour of the wizarding war.", Pansy sounded, dare she say it, insecure. Something Hermione wasn't accustomed to. Hermione who had now turned around on her seat to face the other witch. She'd had a similar conversation with Harry, his opinion so different to his betrothed. He was grateful for her, yet she clearly wasn't realising that.

"You know, the sorting hat was so close to putting Harry in Slytherin", Hermione revealed to which Pansy lifted her face, her eyes in shock, "there's nothing wrong with being in Slytherin, Pansy, there's nothing wrong with being in any house. Harry is a very good person, I agree, but he has flaws just as you do, just as I do-"

"Just as Draco does", Pansy interrupted and Hermione had to suppose it was the truth. Those first few days they'd spoke had been… nice. "I can't believe Harry was almost a Slytherin", Pansy changed the subject, "I'm glad he wasn't, he wouldn't be the man he is today. And we wouldn't be in the situation that we're in." Her words made Hermione think, and she posed a similar question to one she'd asked Harry before.

"How do you feel being matched with Harry? Your life.. is going to change forever once people find out." Hermione watched the thoughtful expression creep onto her face until she opened her mouth to reply,

"I'm… I'm so happy", she smile her lips stretched into evidence of her words, during their Hogwarts years, Hermione was sure she'd never once seen her smile, "Harry is the man of my dreams, that I didn't even know I was dreaming about. Everyone I've been with before pales in comparison. He's bought light to my grim life.", Hermione could tell she meant it and her heart fluttered for her friend.

"Do you think there's truth in the matches being perfect?", she asked curiously, her own match in mind and Pansy must've realised what she was getting at.

"I do", she answered, "even you and Draco. You're both too stubborn for your own good but the pair of you are actually more alike that you realise", she seriously doubted that.

"Hmmm", she replied as she processed her words, "I'm scared", she admitted, deciding she owed Pansy the same candour she'd received.

"I'd be worried if you weren't", she smiled at Hermione and she returned the sentiment despite her forlorn interior before rising and walking to her wardrobe and contemplating what to pull out.

"I'm glad we had this chat, Hermione. Truthfully, it meant a lot to me.", she couldn't disagree and thought this was just the start of a very unlikely friendship.

-xXx-

AN: I really enjoy writing this story but probably because I know how it ends hahaha

I hope you enjoy reading and if anyone is reading, please review so I can see, it would mean a lot!

I promise DRAMIONE NEXT CHAPTER :)