Chapter Seven:

Acceptance

"First things first", Pansy began, her tone rivalling a Hogwarts Professor, "communication is key. You need to stop assuming things and simply ask", Draco sipped on the mimosa Pansy had insisted on ordering for everyone as they waited for their food to arrive, he couldn't believe he was actually sat at a breakfast with her, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. If his younger self could see him now.

His present self, however, was completely consumed with watching Granger as she paid rapt attention to ever single word Pansy was saying, as if she was her actual professor. The way she chewed her bottom lip and the way she was constantly fiddling with something. The fiddling irked him whilst the biting… intrigued him, much to his annoyance. He was low-key glad that their table was circular and therefore he hadn't had to sit directly next to her.

"Second thing, you need to accept each other", this caused a frown to form on his face and he realised she'd mirrored his expression, "so, Hermione, you need to accept that Draco is occasionally a prat and will get annoyed if everything doesn't do his way", he couldn't disagree.

"No shit", she replied with an eye roll.

"Hermione!", Pothead interrupted causing Draco to smirk, before directing those emerald eyes on him, "And Malfoy, you need to accept Hermione is a know it all who has to be right about everything. She's also bossy but it's just who she is", as if he didn't already know that about her, he did go to school with her for Salazar's sake.

"Tell me something I don't know",he remarked and a second later Pansy sighed exasperatedly.

"Okay third, both of you stop being so snarky! We're not in Hogwarts anymore, we're not in rival houses! Like it or not, you're getting married, so you need to accept that too", she was speaking facts but that didn't mean he had to like it. To be honest, he had accepted it, he'd known before hand it was going to be Granger after all, but she had to go ruin it. He hadn't realised how easy it was going to be for her to get under his skin and irk him.

"I was beginning to accept it", Hermione's words shocked him but he didn't show it, "but then he had to ruin it by being a completely unreasonable prat", her words irritated him and instantly he had to retaliate, naturally.

"Sorry if I wasn't okay with you being all over the bloody Weasel", he sneered even though deep down he knew now that it probably wasn't as it seemed, but he was too petty to admit it.

"That's ridiculous! Me and Ron are just friends. And even if we weren't, I'm stuck with you now, aren't I?", it's as if the sneer was becoming a permanent expression on him, as her rhetorical question boded a response.

"Oh, Granger you s-",

"This is exactly what I mean!", Pansy's frustration was audible in her interruption so Draco snapped his mouth shut but felt his jaw tick in agitation. "Draco, you need to realise that Hermione has male friends, it's not a crime and it's not reason enough to spark a feud like this! Hermione, whilst I believe your intentions were pure, I get why Draco reacted the way he did. If I caught Harry in a similar position with Ginny I'd have reacted worse, let's be real", she said, slyly giving Harry a subtle warning look who raised his hands in innocence. Draco thought him wise to keep quiet. "Where as, if I saw him with you, that'd be a different story completely, there's never been any romantic history or link so I'd immediately know it was completely platonic", Pansy's words made sense, Draco had to admit as he glanced at the woman in question.

Hermione looked conflicted. Her brows were furrowed and her lips were pursed, he could almost see the cogs turning in her head. "I'm sorry", she sighed looking at Draco who raised an eyebrow in question. "I didn't think it a big deal but I understand now why you reacted how you did". Draco had to give her credit, it can't have been easy to admit being wrong, so he tried to ease her no doubt wounded ego.

"No, I over reacted, I'm sorry.", her golden eyes staring directly at him, "And I apologise for leaking the information to the Prophet", he broke eye connect, unable to admit it directly. "You wouldn't speak to me after what happened at the manor and-"

"Wait, what happened at the manor?", asked a perplexed Harry Potter, interrupting the most genuine interaction he'd ever had with Hermione. Draco's eyes rolled instinctively at the tactless wizard.

"Nothing, it doesn't matter," Hermione replied with a tight smile, "it's dealt with now. I accept your apology".

Soon after the breakfast was rolled out and served and the foursome ate with no problem, actually conversing with each other and having a genuine good time. Pansy had scooter her chair so close to Potter he thought any closer she'd be sat on his lap. Granger, however, kept an extremely comfortable distance from him, which he didn't mind. Draco half felt like he was about to wake up from a dream at any second. This whole ordeal was completely bizarre, yet this was clearly his new reality.

"I have an idea", Pansy started much to Draco's curiosity.

"Go on", he replied, he saw the same intrigue written all over Granger's face, he thought her so easy to read she had no control over her expressions, something that wasn't mutual. Draco much preferred to conceal his feelings by generally presenting an expressionless face, something he'd done his whole life.

"I think the best way to understand each other would be for you to experience each other's interest. So you each need to pick three things that you enjoy doing and partake in them together", she announced pridefully.

"Pansy, you realise we're not at school anymore, you can't give us… homework", Granger sputtered and he was inclined to agree.

"It's not!", she pouted, "I whole heartedly believe it's going to help you bond", she turned to Harry, "Harry, what do you think?", she asked, her hands on his forearm.

"I don't think it will do any harm", he shrugged as he ate a piece of his croissant.

Draco sighed and all three pairs of eyes were on him, "I'm down, I'll even volunteer to go first", and Pansy smiled at him gratefully, but to be honest this was purely for his own gain. He believed what Pansy was saying had potential to work and he knew what exactly the first thing he'd share with her was.

"Okay", Hermione agreed with a nod, "I guess it probably will do more good than harm", she briefly glanced at him but he didn't miss it.

-xXx-

After they'd eaten, Malfoy had told the waiter to charge the bill to his regular Gringotts account, much to Hermione's annoyance. She'd wanted to pay for herself, something which she always insisted on doing.

"Relax, Hermione", Pansy had said as she linked arms with Harry, they'd walked out of Delilah's and into the August sun whilst Malfoy had lingered inside, "Draco always insists on paying for everyone when we go out, even though it annoys the boys", Hermione never pegged him as the generous type.

"Well I'm not complaining", Harry joked but Hermione just couldn't feel the same way.

"Honestly, this is one of the nicer places to eat, but what we spent is barely Knut's to Draco. Don't sweat it",' Pansy advised her with a shrug, "plus, his money will be yours soon", and Hermione felt the blood drain from her face. She'd never actually thought of that before. "The Malfoy's prepare vaults for future Lady Malfoy's generations in advance and every day they continue to grow. Merlin knows how much will be in yours.",the sinking sensation in her stomach continued to drop further and further with each of Pansy's words. "And then, of course, there's the Black family vaults. Just be glad Harry here inherited some, or otherwise it'd all be left to you and Draco", she laughed but Hermione thought the situation was anything but funny.

"Oh, Merlin", she muttered, trying to comprehend the full extent of the revelation.

Harry released a low whistle at her words, "Just think of it as compensation for all those years of torment from Malfoy at school", he laughed at his own joke but Hermione was too shook to be amused whilst Pansy clearly had a habit of playfully hitting him on his chest, the action barely making an impact.

"Hermione, your life is going to change, maybe more than mine, once you marry Draco", Pansy's words echoed Hermione's own earlier. "You need to realise, the Malfoy name has power and holds influence."

"But I don't want it", she blurted out what she was thinking just ask Malfoy himself walked out the door and joined them outside.

"You don't want what?", he enquired, shielding his eyes from the sun. Hermione's mind couldn't help but think he looked rather dashing with the golden rays beaming down, highlighting the white hues in his hair and giving his skin some warmth.

"Nothing", she mumbled immediately diverting her eyes down to the ground.

"How secretive, Granger", he stated as she looked up and at Harry and Pansy, the pair weren't even paying them any attention, they were now having their own conversation and they seemed so happy to bask in each other's presence. A stark comparison to how she was stood awkwardly near Malfoy and a reminder to how awkwardly apart they'd sat whilst Pansy and Harry were practically on one chair. "Remind me to never remain behind, the manager was offering me his congratulations", his hands were on his pockets as he rocked back rather ashamed, good he should! She wasn't sure if she should broach the subject of their 'engagement party', purely because she didn't know how she felt about it.

She took a deep breath, "I didn't realise how… affluential you are, Malfoy", she said initiating conversation as she wrapped her arms round her waist. She watched him look her up and down and internally thanked Merlin (and Pansy for approving her outfit) that she'd put on a simple white blouse, black pencil skirt and pair of black heels.

"I'm a man of many surprises", he shrugged and continued rather randomly, "are you free tonight, Granger?"

"Yes, after I finish work", she responded, indeed he had surprised her.

"Good, meet at our usual spot?", he asked with a smirk that, dare she say it, seemed flirtatious.

"Six o'clock?", she enquired.

"Perfect", and that was that.

Soon after, Harry and Hermione apparated together to the Ministry after both Pansy and Malfoy had left. She was slightly late, but she didn't really care. Her department was rather laid back and knew she'd have no issue with her tardiness. However, they might've had an issue with the lack of work she was doing. She loved working, truly she did, but the anticipation of meeting up with Malfoy consumed her. Twice in one day, it was almost too much to handle. Not to mention the dozens of people bombarding her with congratulations, it was impossible to escape Malfoy today it would seem. That, and the fact she had her copy of the Daily Prophet laid on her desk to keep rereading the article about their engagement.

Hermione was deputy head of her department, the youngest ever deputy in the history of the ministry, so most of the department knew her personally and not just as a war heroine. She liked to think she got the position due to her work, but she wasn't a fool. After the war, Harry, Ron and herself had been besieged with offers, perks and war reparations, she had all certainty her work title was one of them. She thought back to the article, War Heroine and Ex Deatheater. Is that how the world would always see them? The query never escaped her mind.

The clock seemed to move agonisingly slow, but sure enough, as always, the time eventually passed and 5:30pm arrived, meaning she could leave. So she promptly used her personal floo and proceeded to floo to her apartment as she always did before meeting Malfoy. She stepped out of her skirt and removed her blouse, swapping them for a simple white dress, one that fell just before her knee and was wholly appropriate for the August weather. She paired it with her trusty cardigan as she knew the likelihood was they'd once again be sat in the garden on their bench. Their bench. She shook the thought from her head.

At exactly 5:59 she took a deep breath, before she felt herself disappear and recompose in a matter or seconds, her head started throbbing as it always did.

"Well, well, you're right on time", Malfoy was leaned against a wall close to the apparition point, as if he'd been awaiting her appearance. He had swapped his suit for a casual black pant and shirt.

"Aren't I always?", she asked mockingly with crossed arms

"Indeed, you are, Granger", he sighed as he approached her, it'd been less than a week since they'd met here, but it felt… different this time, "I have a theory", he posed as he beckoned her to walk beside him, this time moving in the opposite direction of their usual bench and the familiar Stargazer lilies.

Hermione approached him, "Do enlighten me", she replied whilst looking down on the gravel she was stepping on, to get to him.

"We were civil to begin with because we hadn't seen each other in years, and now we're reacquainted, the old habits are resurfacing", by the time he'd finished, she'd arrived near him and they'd started walking. His words… made sense. He had a point. The first days they'd met up were full of small talk and pleasantries, but nothing personal and nothing of their past. Now it felt like she was talking to the actual Malfoy that she'd known.

"A theory I may believe in", she replied with an approving nod, "Tell me, Malfoy, do you theorise about our… relationship often?", she asked with a raised brow, looking in his direction.

He in turn twisted his neck to face her as he continued to escort her to Merlin knows where, "I met Blaise a few hours ago, he came to see me at work, and he mentioned it. I, personally, hadn't given it much thought", he responded nonchalantly with a shrug, which slightly annoyed her.

"Fair enough", she replied simply, "and how is Blaise? I heard he's matched with Luna.", she asked innocently and made it a point in her head to organise a meet with blonde girl. When they'd returned to Hogwarts to redo their final year, Luna had become somewhat of a close friend to her, catalysed by Harry and Ron's absence.

"Apart from being annoyed he didn't get an invite to Weaslette's party, he's fine. He's still coming to terms with Lovegood, although after meeting with her a few times, I think he likes her", he shrugged.

"I didn't think he'd want an invite, but I suppose all his friends were there so of course he would've", she rambled on as she felt her face grow warm."But really? I'm glad, Luna is an exceptional person, she's truly one of a kind. What makes you think he likes her?", she enquired, hoping it was true because her words had been genuine.

"He doesn't let us call her Loony Lovegood anymore", just as she'd seen Pansy do, she instinctively slapped his arm but he didn't even flinch at the impact.

"That's cruel, she's a special person", she argued back, not liking what she'd heard.

"Blaise seems to think so too", he agreed with a nod, and he must've thought it appropriate to stay quiet because that's what he did. They walked in comfortable silence, leaving Hermione able to think. She genuinely felt bad for not inviting Blaise and especially Luna to Ginny's party, an oversight she'd try not to make again as well as the happiness she felt when she'd been reassured that the pair were hitting it off, hopefully more than her and Malfoy.

Her last thought prompted her to restart the dwindled conversation, "Where are we going, Malfoy?", she asked as she took in the topiary around her, to her left she could see the edge of the sprawling lake which she assumed was the one visible from Narcissa's drawing room.

"You're so impatient, Granger", he was now the one rolling his eyes, she realised they both had a bad habit of doing that clearly. "Just give me your hand", he held out his own palm down and she stared at it. His slender fingers, the protruding veins showing he worked out and his nails were so clean he had to have had them manicured. She'd never really seen his hands this up close and in this much detail but as she took his hand in hers she realised they were a perfect fit.

-xXx-

After the loud crack whipped through the air signalling their successful apparition, Draco opened his eyes with Hermione still holding his hand as they now stood at the ornate front door of the manor. She needed a few extra seconds to recuperate, but once she was stable and registered where exactly they were, she turned to face him with a mix of anger and fright in her eyes. He almost regretted the decision to bring her here now. But he had to, it had to be done.

"What are you doing", her voice escaped her quietly as she momentarily squeezed his hand before dropping it completely.

Draco cleared his throat before he replied, "I had the wards changed. I need you to open the door", he instructed and he watched her hand twitch at her side but didn't move to do as he'd said. Not giving her the chance to argue back, he continued, "please", he head snapped to to look at him in shock as the word left his lips, "you have to do this so I can show you my first interest, remember Pansy's task", he resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

"You actually want to do that?", she asked shock colouring her warm brown orbs. At least she wasn't immediately shutting his idea down.

"Of course. I want to understand you, Granger", he replied genuinely which he almost regretted but after the small smile she directed up at him, he knew it was worth the admission.

"You sound like Pansy", she mocked and he released a small chuckle at the words but it didn't take away from the fact the task in front remained.

"Never thought I'd see the day.", he sighed in jest before restarting with his aim, "Hermione", her name rolled like honey off his tongue, smooth and with ease and it seemed as if the shock in her eyes was here to stay tonight, "whether we like it or not, we're stuck with each other not and everything's been building up to this. It's time.", his words simple and quiet but not as quite as she remained.

He watched her internally struggle as her hand twitched by her side, her face scrunched up. He hated putting her in this position, the trauma she'd experienced in his home never had escaped him and despite seeming like he wanted her to be here, he wanted nothing more than to leave this place behind and take her else where. Anywhere else. He cursed his ancestors for how difficult they'd made his present life.

"You know", she said before clearing her throat, "when I came here to shout at you, I was so mad that I didn't even give walking in a second thought", she exhaled deeply with closed eyes as if grounding herself. "But now, with a clear mind, I can't feel anything but dread", she looked up at him, the golden flecks in her eyes thrumming in worry, "I don't want to feel like this, but I can't help it", her frankness was like a rush of cold water over him, Draco didn't want to feel bad for doing this to her, but he couldn't help it either, that's just how the human body is computed. There was more to that story at Malfoy Manor that day than what she'd experienced, maybe one day he'd tell her. However, the current guilt was eating away at him and he had to find a way to make it stop.

Taking a deep breath, he picked her lithe hand and placed it on glistening, silver door handle with his remaining on top, "When you're ready, Granger", he instructed as his hand just remained there, acting as somewhat of a support system. His hand seemed to engulf hers, he hadn't realised how dainty Hermione Granger actually was before this. He'd guessed he was a few inches short of a foot taller than her.

Minutes passed, and Draco watched her breath shallowly all whilst staring at their joined hands, she looked scared but in a split second her expression transformed to determination, she took a deep breath and pushed the handle down, his hand following suit. He watched her brace herself by closing her eyes as the door swung open.

Draco didn't take his eyes off her as her lids fluttered open and she took in the sight of the entrance hall of the manor. He watched the awe in her eyes appear and felt somewhat prideful at her reaction.

"Wow", she stated simply as she walked in, her eyes darted around, surveying her surroundings. He knew she would've liked it. The foyer walls were painted, not an inch bare. The illustrations almost celestial and definitely timely. Directly opposite, a grand staircase stood with an ornate runner directly through it which branched off into two separate stairways, toward the East and West wing of the manor, with elaborate marble banisters. But she had yet to see his favourite part.

"Look up", he uttered and she did as told, the wonder in her eyes tenfold. She moved in a circle, taking in the view. The paintings continued, consuming the huge ceiling not to mention the trio of immensely elaborate chandeliers located in line with the central staircase. This was one of his favourite parts of the manor, so ethereal and almost spiritual. He thanked Salazar that it had remained untainted by the horrors of the war.

"I had no idea the manor was this beautiful", the words slipped through her plump lips, "no wonders you were a spoilt brat", she joked and he released a chuckle in response.

"It's entirely too beautiful for its history", he looked down at the alternating black and white tiles on the floor, not wanting to meet her eyes.

"Malfoy?", he realised she wanted him to look at her when she didn't continue so he did, "I'm glad I'm here now. I'm… infinitely less frightened knowing this resides behind the doors and not a gloomy, dark dungeon", she gestured at her surroundings.

"See, there's that famous Gryffindor courage", he jibbed, "I knew you'd appreciate it", he smiled tightly at her, the expression foreign to his face when genuine. He knew she was probably one of the only women he could think of that would be so entranced by the foyer. At Hogwarts she'd always been one for wanting explanations, to understand everything at its root, for even the most complex things.

"It's fascinating! I can't wait to learn the history of it", he took the hint but they weren't here for a history lesson so he tutted as he simultaneously shook his head.

"I'll tell you one day, don't worry", he promised at her crestfallen expression, "but I'd rather get on with showing you my chosen interest!", he exclaimed as playfully as he could and her eyes brightened up instantly as her posture perked up.

"Okay", she sighed looking wistfully around the vast entrance hall before aiming those big eyes at him, "I don't think anything will top this, but I'm ready", her face fully transformed when she smiled and he realised that was a smile reserved for her friends. Had he actually become a friend in her eyes? He doubted it. It was probably a glitch.

"Don't be so sure, Granger", he cocked a brow before extending his arm out as if to apparate them out but the words that left her tongue and reaches his eyes made him blink in confusion.

"I'd rather walk", she offered with a meek smile.

"Of course", he nodded before leading her to toward the right of the manor, the East Wing, more specifically the wing he'd spent most of his life in.

She was walking by his side, too busy looking around in awe to speak. They passed paintings, portraits, rooms. The manor was truly rich in antiquity, in every corner there was something with a back story. He'd probably spend the rest of his life explaining them to Hermione. With that thought, he realised something. This was only a five year deal. More specifically an after 2 children deal. But he was a Malfoy and Malfoy's didn't do divorce. Once married, they'd be bound to each other, meaning she couldn't very well leave after a few years. Is that what she's want to do to him? Give him an heir and leave him a divorcee? After all she was the golden girl; war heroine and brightest witch of their age. Surely she thought she could do better than him. Ex-deatheater. The earlier Daily Prophet article came to mind. Is that who they'd always be? His gut constricted at the thought of the day he'd tell her she'd be unable to leave, he doubted she'd take it well.

His self sabotaging thoughts were interrupted by the golden girl herself, "I can't believe I'm going to live here", her voice was little more than a whisper and they caught him by surprise.

"I'm sorry. If there was anyway to but an end to that stupid blood magic I'd-", he began but was interrupted once again.

"No. I didn't mean in a bad way. Of course… terrible things happened here. But like you said before, that area no longer stands. I actually meant… it's just bizarre. I've never seen anything like it.", even though her words weren't directed at him, he still felt a sense of pride rush though him.

"It is rather… extravagant", he replied with a curt nod.

"Indeed", she deeply inhaled as she replied. "But I must admit, I'm going to need to improve my stamina", she huffed and laughed, the noise echoing through the corridor they were currently coming to the end of.

"Granger, that's why we apparate", he stated simply and she gave him a look in response. "But anyways, don't cry yet, we've arrived", he announced as he halted in front of a set of double mahogany doors.

"About time", she grumbled and braced herself as he placed both hands on the handles of each door.

"Welcome, Granger, to my favourite place in the manor", he pushed the doors open and watched her mouth drop in shock.

-xXx-

AN: thank you for reading!! Updates should be coming weekly yay

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