Chapter Eight

Requests

Hermione couldn't believe her eyes. Row after row of books stood before her, more than she'd ever seen in a personal library. The sea of shelves full to the be with books was a worthy rival for the Hogwarts library.

She genuinely hadn't thought her amazement from earlier could be topped but boy was she wrong. She was in book heaven. Turning to face Malfoy he ushered her away before the words could leave her lips.

"Go ahead, Granger. Knock yourself out", he released a chuckle but she couldn't begin to analyse it due to the excitement she felt. Immediately she trailed her fingers across the spines protruding from the shelf closest to her as she took in the whole area that surrounded her, her neck on rotation.

"Where do I even begin?", she asked genuinely troubled by the query as she still processed her surrounding. "This is so surreal!", she looked at the winding staircase situated in the middle of the room and wondered where it led. "Is this yours?", she asked, once again looking in his direction. She noted he looked rather proud.

"Well, technically it's the manor's library, but nobody really uses it except me", he shrugged and her shock returned.

"Wow, I've never been more envious of someone in my life", she said truthfully, eyeing up the titles of some near by books, a few already piquing her interest. On that thought… "So this is you first interest? I'm impressed", she replied genuinely.

"I thought you might be", he replied, moving toward her. "Believe it or not Granger, I do enjoy reading. Maybe not as much as you, but I'd say I'm not far behind", he joked and she laughed with him. She couldn't believe it but thinking back to Hogwarts, he'd always been second to her. She'd just never thought too much about it because she knew her studying would always equate to her being on top.

"I feel like Belle from Beauty and the Beast", she murmured to herself, with not intention of him hearing. However, she missed the way Malfoy frowned at her words.

"Does that make me the Beast?", he asked with a raised brow and his question took her by surprise. She'd only placed herself in the story, not him. Not to mention, she'd not actually anticipated his understanding of the reference. "Are you my captured damsel in distress?"

"I hadn't expected you to understand that", she mumbled, looking down at the dark marble floor as she tugged at the sleeve of her cardigan, her nervous tick.

"Why? Beauty and the Beast is a classic wizarding novel. I used to have it read to me as a child often at night ", he looked perplexed at her words, but internally she was just as much, if not more, confused "it's literally about a magical curse. Of course a witch wrote it. Probably because the crazy bint most likely was writing about true events.", she didn't know if the crazy bint he referred to was the witch or Belle herself, she preferred the former. "Besides, Muggles don't have the range to write a decent book with magic", he remarked and she didn't like the superiority complex which he spoke with.

"Excuse me", she began, "there are plenty of successful muggle authors that have wrote about magic!", she insisted.

"Name one", he tasked with a shrug, a smug shrug at that. She resisted the urge to growl at him.

"Shakespeare", she announced proudly but his quick response took her aback.

"Wrong. Shakesqueer was indeed a wizard", she rolled her eyes at his childish insult, "ghosts, witches, fairies, prophetic apparitions, honestly Granger, the list is endless! He wasn't one for tact", the ended with his lips twisted in disgust.

"I can't believe it", she shook her head with closed eyes, stubbornly, "Shakespeare is a muggle classic! I feel like my life is a lie", she said with a hand on her forehead, honestly distressed by the news.

"He's only a playwright", he rolled his eyes at her theatrics, "wait until you find out the secrets of the British monarchy", her eyes widened at his words and he laughed, he full on laughed at her. "Granger, you've been in this world for almost half your life, but there's so much you don't know". His words made her feel … inadequate. She didn't like the feeling. She pulled out a nearby book and pretended to read it's blurb as she replied,

"How could I forget? You had no problem reminding me during our school years", she stated simply, not looking at him but she heard him sigh.

"It's how I was raised, I didn't know any better", he attempted to defend himself but his voice didn't hold the usual conviction which he spoke with. He approached a chaise located near her. The chaise housed two opposing seats with a dividing armrest. She sighed as she felt almost a magnetic pill to make her way to that opposite area. Hermione had a few things to get off her chest.

She sat with her eyes trained on the book on her lap. "Yes, I know that. But it doesn't mean it didn't happen", she felt embarrassed by the confession but persevered with what she wanted to say, "I understand you had… difficult circumstances", she tried to word this as eloquently as possible, "but you made mine and my friends' school lives hell, especially the first few, Malfoy. And then the war happened, you took the dark mark, for Merlin's sake, you let Deatheaters into Hogwarts and then…", she inhaled shakily as she forced herself to go down the dark path she usually stayed away from, the dark path she frequently visited during her nightmares, "your aunt tortured me.", her voice was small and she hadn't still looked up at him, "Here. She tortured me here.", she mustered all her Gryffindor courage and looked up at the boy whose mere presence was enough to taunt her mercilessly.

He was looking away, a frown etched on his otherwise flawless face. "So it's hard. I thought I'd moved on, but does one ever recover from the horrors of war?", she posed her query rhetorically yet he still answered her.

"Only the dead see the end of war", her eyes lit up at the quote whilst his carried a dismal aura.

"Plato", she acknowledged and in an attempt to lighten the mood, "don't tell me he was a wizard do".

His chuckle was mirthless, "No, he was as muggle as they come. We learnt about him in Muggle studies", after the war it had become mandatory for the Slytherin's with ties to the Dark Lord to take the class, "No wizard would endorse science", he said as if disgusted by the idea. Hermione knew he would only disregard her argument so decided not to stress the importance of science. And that magical studies massively overlapped.

"You still hate muggles", she stated rather than asked. She hated the pang that struck her chest.

"I've never hated muggles", she blinked in surprise, "I don't know enough about them to hate them, all I know is that they are inferior to magical beings. Even you can't dispute that, Granger", she thought about his words, a mindful expression of her face as she tried to formulate a response.

"There are many instances where muggles are more advanced than wizards, Malfoy", but her efforts were futile she realised by the snort he made.

"Yeh, right. They're simple minded and I could best a room of them with a swish of my wand. They're helpless against wizards", his response irked him. How ironic, he was just as simple minded as he claimed muggles to be. She felt an incessant to prove her muggle heritage wasn't as worthless as he made it feel. Worse part about it was that he didn't even intent to make her feel this bad, it came naturally.

-xXx-

Granger had met him at 6pm and it was fast approaching 7:30pm. And he'd yet to tell her the second reason why he'd bought her. The wonder he'd seen in her eyes when she had set sight on the library was indication he'd made the right decision by bringing her. However the other part of the evening was something he'd prefer never to bring up. It was even more daunting than coming to his home.

She had finished inspecting the aisles a little while ago and had sheepishly requested to pick out a few titles she'd found intriguing. Of course he indulged her. So there she was, a pile of around a dozen books on a side table near her as she thumbed her way though her first title.

He'd left her for almost three quarter of an hour after climbing the iron wrought, spiral stair case. Up there was a desk, a fireplace to floo and more books but it also overlooked the first floor. So that's how he found himself standing at the balcony, watching her as he contemplated how to go about this.

He decided on the route most natural to him, he lied. "Granger", he announced as he began his descent down the narrow stair case, she looked up expectantly at him, "my mother is insisting you stay for dinner", he missed out the most crucial part. "Her house elf just came and told me", lies.

"Oh, erm", she visibly swallowed, "well I can't really say no can I?", her reply honest, "I suppose I could eat, when?", she enquired and Draco was shocked how easily she'd agreed.

"Dinner is served at 7:30", he told her, now leaning against the bottom of the stairs. It was 7:26.

"Oh. Right", she stood and ran her hands down her white dress in attempt to smooth out wrinkles that weren't even there, "Do you think I look… presentable?", she asked tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She was nervous.

"You look fine, Granger", he nodded at her, trying to bring ease before the storm that was sure to come. Though the reassurance hadn't been a lie. He felt guilty for not telling her but he wasn't sure she'd agree otherwise.

"Thanks", she replied but her face was showing a frown, had he said something wrong? Hermione sighed before making her way over to him, "I don't know what sounds worse, apparating again or walking five miles to dinner", she exaggerated the later.

"I think apparating would ensure punctuality", he offered as he pushed himself off the stair case, he also knew she was a stickler for being punctual, he couldn't recall an event or lesson she'd ever been late to.

"Then I guess the decision is already made", she grasped his arm, not his hand, and closed her eyes before he apparated them away.

As they rematerialised Hermione kept her eyes closed but he felt her grasp tense up at the following words that were spoken.

"Miss Granger", the unmistakable drawl greeted them, "I was wondering if I'd ever be fortunate enough to make your acquaintance", her strength of grip hadn't faltered by the time Lucius Malfoy finished his greeting.

There at the head of the table, Lucius Malfoy sat and had clearly been awaiting their arrival. Draco turned to the witch by his side and I'm hushed tone spoke so that she'd only hear, "Granger, I had no idea he was going to be here", he lied as easily as he breathed.

Her big brown eyes opened and looked at him with… worry? "This wasn't the plan", she hissed at him before releasing his arm and composing herself with a deep breath.

"Mr Malfoy, my apologies", she gave a tight smile.

"Well that seem appropriate considering you've been gallivanting round my home the past few days", he raised an icy brow as he spoke and Draco could almost feel Hermione's magic thrum beside him. Before Draco could speak she already had.

"I would hardly use the word gallivanting in these circumstances", her reply strained.

"Oh?", he raised both eyebrows this time in mock shock, "Miss Granger, pray tell, what wou-",

"Lucius, that is enough.", in entered his mother with a chin tipped upward and cutting off her husband's words,"stop acting like a petulant child. Hermione is our guest, we are lucky she is here at all", she directed a small smile in the direction of Granger who was watching the scene unfold.

Lucius Malfoy had been put in his place by his mother and he didn't actually seem fazed by it. Draco knew this to be due to the fact behind closed doors, the relationship of his parents was vastly dissimilar to the one they presented to the public eye. "Yes, yes", he muttered looking directing at Granger with squinted eyes, "very lucky", his father agreed though his face opposed his words.

"Hermione, do take a seat", his mother still smiling, had approached a seat to the left of Lucius and gestured at a seat on the opposite side to hers. The seat next to his. He made his way to his place whilst Granger momentarily lagged behind before walking to the appointed chair.

"Thank you for having me", she said even as her tone contradicted her words. The tension was so thick in the air, it could be cut with a knife. Draco realised there was a lot of false pleasantries being directed in the room.

"It's our pleasure", his mother replied before taking her own seat opposite him. "I hope you like steak, I had no idea what you'd prefer so I'd asked Draco and he'd said he was sure you ate it at Hogwarts", Narcissa explained and Draco felt a mix of feelings at her words. All bad. Not only were her words an admission to him watching her when he was younger, but also exposed that the impromptu invitation was a scam.

If she picked up on either, however, she didn't show it. "No, I do. Thank you", she smiled at his mother before looking at her surroundings, unwilling awe in her eyes. Draco watched his father watch Granger with shrewd eyes as if studying her like a foreign species. Though he supposed, the status of her blood did make her different to them.

Soon after, the food had magically appeared at the table and silently everyone plated their dinners with swiftness. Draco realised Granger barely put anything on her plate but didn't rectify it. The only sound that was heard was the sharp scrapes of cutlery and the lack of any talk was deafening.

Draco decided to intervene at the awkward interval by clearing his throat with a cough before speaking, "Father, did you know Granger is involved in the Wilkinthrop Vs Centaurs case? Her department in the ministry are working in favour of the centaurs, she's actually the leader of the case", he glanced at Hermione who looked a mixture of confusion and thankfulness.

"Really?", his father looked impressed which was the aim, "Wilkinthrop is a good for nothing scoundrel", he lip turned in disgust which piqued Hermione's interest.

"It seems we are in agreement, Mr Malfoy", Hermione inputted losing her reserved aura, "all in the name of expanding his factories into centaur territory! Completely undignified", she responded.

"Wilkinthrop is a low life, Hermione. You do best to stay away from him", his mother now added with a tilt of her goblet and concerned eyes to which Lucius nodded.

"The man is indeed scum.", he sneered, "his company is predicted to rival Malfoy and Son within a few years, winning this case is in the families best interest", Draco was shocked at the words and so it appeared was Hermione. Has Lucius Malfoy… referred to Hermione as family ?? Wonders never cease.

"It seems our interests have aligned", Granger inputted, "Though, I don't recall telling Draco about the case", she looked at him with furrowed brows and it hadn't escaped him that she'd called him by his given name. Interesting.

"Well, you know, Granger, news travels fast", he shrugged nonchalantly. She didn't look convinced at his words but dropped it anyways.

"Speaking of news", his father added after taking a sip from his wine goblet, "I believe congratulations are in order, the pair of you are officially engaged", he added with calculating eyes, "or so I've read in the papers", his tone completely unreadable. Draco had become accustomed to his fathers mannerisms but right now he was at a loss. He glanced at Hermione who was once again looking down, that plump bottom lip between her teeth. He was rather concerned with the direction he his was going in, considering they'd pointedly ignored that topic of conversation.

"My apologies, Lucius. Draco had given me the pleasure of informing you,", his mother added much to his relief. "I've been so busy planning, it had completely slipped my mind", she smiled vapidly at him.

"I'm sure", he drawled in response, before looking once again at Draco and the squirming witch by his side, "Miss Granger, I have a request", he stated to which of course she urged him on, "after the celebrations, you must reside here. At the manor", Draco stilled at the words, his eyes solely trained on the half empty plate in front of him. He similarly felt Granger completely freeze by his side, as silence filled the room once again. And then she exploded.

"Must", she repeated mockingly.

"Did I stutter", he quipped swiftly his face indifferent, yet his eyes held a hint of amusement.

"I will do no such thing", she replied head on, perhaps she had more bravery than he'd given her credit for. Once again, he was about to comment but they were too fast.

"Miss Granger, I'm sure Draco has told you about the blood oath regarding Malfoy's residency in the manor?", his father asked with a quirked brow.

"Yes, he did", she replied briskly.

"Well then, let's call it practice for the real thing. I don't want you to be… overwhelmed when it becomes compulsory.", he said with a proud, upward tilt to his chin. "Not only will the consequences be dire to yourself, but also to my son. We can't have that, now, can we?", He had won. Also made evident by Granger's dejected response.

"No. We can not.", her voice losing the fire that had been present. Draco looked at his mother, she had a similar sad glint to her eyes as she looked wistfully at Granger. The sadness twisted his gut, unwillingly.

"I think easing into it would be best", Draco finally commented and when Granger's neck twisted to shoot him a grateful look, he knew he made the right decision. "Hermione should be comfortable at the manor if she's to live here. That's only going to happen if she stays at her own accord and not forcibly", he directed the last part at his father who glared at him in response.

"Thank you", Granger muttered and something seemed to shift in her honey glazed eyes.

"Now that's settled", his mother added with a clap, "Hermione, you must clear your schedule tomorrow, we're going dress shopping", those honey eyes filled with dread.

-xXx-

AN: I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and is enjoying the holidays !!