Chapter Eleven

New Memories, Old Memories

Narcissa paraded her round the ballroom, introducing her to dozens of people whose name she couldn't recall. However, they all had something in common. Everyone oozed old money, their mere aura able to radiate the sentiment. As she dutifully followed her future mother in law's steps, Hermione was sure she wasn't cut out for the life of the elite. "Miss Granger, have you given any thought to a wedding date?", a woman as old as professor McGonagall enquired with a tight pursed lip and raised brows.

"No, Draco and I are yet to decide", she smiled politely at the woman she just knew was judging her right now.

"Hmm I do hope you manage to keep your muggle heritage at bay. Wouldn't want to ruin the whole affair", she remarked condescendingly with a tight smile on her leathery skin. For most, the fact she was a war heroine overruled her blood status, but for a select few she could feel their disgust emitting. Hermione had to bite her tongue so hard in order to not make the quip that immediately formed in her mind. Thankfully Narcissa stepped in before she could let it slip.

"Dorothea", she tutted, "how dare you say something so abhorrent in my home. In Hermione's new home. I suggest you leave in haste and best believe this is the last event you'll be attending at my behest", Narcissa declared before turning on her heel, her formal attire swishing behind her, officially dismissing the vile woman.

Hermione felt as shocked as the woman she left behind looked, she had to resist a parting comment but thought Narcissa had put it so eloquently. Once they were away from the disgrace of a woman, she addressed Narcissa, "Thank you", she offered genuinely to the woman she was forming an unlikely bond with.

"Do not thank me!", she insisted, " If there's one thing Malfoy's do not tolerate, it's slander", her words were spoken as she turned to face Hermione, both hands on either of her shoulders. "And you, my dear, are soon to be one of us", us. She thought of the time she'd spoken to Malfoy when they'd been freshly matched and told him she wouldn't be taking his family name. Perhaps she'd spoken in haste as she considered a hyphenated surname.

Hermione looked at the older woman and hoped she'd be able to retain as much beauty as the current Lady Malfoy in her older years. From her perfectly coiffed hair to the way her skin still looked smooth and radiant, she was truly a beautiful woman. Hermione felt none of the fear that Narcissa had once been able to evoke out of her. It was no wonders Malfoy was so handsome, even she couldn't deny the obvious. And suddenly she was once again flooded with her earlier thoughts of her current situation. She was simply… overwhelmed. Narcissa seemed to sense her panic and promptly led her out of the ballroom, insisting she had something to show her.

Hermione finally felt like she could breath as she walked beside Narcissa, lost her in thought, she hadn't even bothered to ask where she was being lead. She was just glad to be away from the eyes, the whispers and most importantly, Malfoy.

"You danced wonderfully, Hermione", Narcissa started the conversation after moments of silence, "You were much better with Draco than Blaise. More… natural", she added. Hermione marvelled at her word choice. Natural. There was nothing natural about their situation.

"Draco is an excellent dancer", she agreed.

Narcissa chuckled, "Yes, he has always excelled in dance", she agreed before changing the subject as they found their way into the foyer and began to climb the main staircase, Hermione loved the way her silver dress cascaded behind her as she moved up the steps. Once they reached the top, she led Hermione to the right along an ostentatious corridor, past more doors than she could keep count of.

As Hermione admired the numerous paintings adorning the walls and statues and art propped on columns, Narcissa once again began to speak, "I'm not sure how much Draco's told you about the manor, Lucius and I reside in the West Wing but the East Wing.. will be yours.", Hermione recalled something of the sort being said but the reason for this little expedition was becoming clear, the realisation daunting, "After the, erm, bargain you struck with my husband about your living status", for the first time since the she'd become Malfoy's match, Narcissa actually looked uncomfortable as she spoke to her, "I took it upon myself to have a room set up for you", and almost like it was planned and rehearsed perfectly, Narcissa stopped at a door. She knew this was her room.

Then she pushed it open, and Hermione followed the family's matriarch into the room. The first thing she thought … it was very big. Then she really looked round the room. One of the things she loved about the room was the panelling creating intricate designs in the walls and ceiling which held a lavish chandelier along with dozens on spotlights. A bed with a quilted headboard, crystals embedded within the crevices. It was more elaborate than any bed that she knew existed, the whole theme of the room was white with gold accents. She genuinely thought the room was fit for royalty. There was a mirror so large, it almost touched the roof joined by a dressing table, Hermione wasn't sure she'd use that much.

Narcissa led her across the glistening floor, and to an open doorway. She had to blink, the sight unbelievable to her. Matching the interior of the bedroom was a mostly loaded walk in closet, robes that she daren't even touch, shoes she'd never dreamed of owning and a whole glass cabinet dedicated to jewels, though that remained mostly empty. Then she looked to the left. More specifically, at the male clothes that hang there. Robes, shirts, trousers, jackets and shoes, the list was endless. For Malfoy. Was she being expected to share a room??? Her panic invisible to his mother.

"I've left some sections empty for your muggle clothes. I'd asked Emiko for your measurements and picked up some… appropriate robes and other attire", Narcissa stated before looking back at Hermione, she must've seen where she was looking because she then continued, "Draco is still in his own room, though when you're ready", she gestured toward the other side of the closet, where another archway was, "his new room is through there.", Hermione felt relief wash through her at the words. "It is not uncommon for husband and wife to have separate rooms, especially with arranged marriages".

She'd never actually thought of their impending nuptials as an arranged marriage, though it certainly fit. She found herself wondering what his room was like, if he'd decorated it himself or if he'd allowed his mother to chose. She doubted it was the same white and gold theme of her future room.

"Hermione?", she asked, her face etched with concern, "Dear, are you okay? You're awfully quiet", her hand was placed on Hermione's arm. "Is the room not to your liking? Feel free to change whatever you like"

Visibly gulping before she spoke, "No of course not, it's perfect", it really was. "Everything's just moving so fast", her voice quietened as she spoke freely, before Narcissa sighed and pulled her to sit with her at the ornate bench at the end of the bed. Well, her bed.

"Hermione, I know Lucius insisted you stay at the manor tonight, but if you'd prefer to be at your own home I can cover for you", she realised Narcissa wasn't one for comforting others and she released a mirthless chuckle at her suggestion.

"Staying tonight isn't even on my mind", she now sighed this time, "even though I'm grateful for all your efforts, Narcissa, the more I see, the more I'm reminded that this never should've been my life. And when Malfoy gave me this", she pushed her hand adorning the new ring that lay their in view, "It was a reminder that I'm.. I'm trapped. There's no way out", she knew speaking so candidly to the man in questions mother was a risk, but she was past caring at this point. "I feel like an imposter. Imposing myself and my muggle heritage on you all. But it's who I am, I can't erase or change that and I certainly won't apologise", she stated, not daring to look at the older witch's face.

"Dear, nobody is asking you to apologise for your heritage. I'm truly sorry you feel like this but I can't imagine a more perfect woman for my son", Hermione looked up finally in shock at Narcissa, "You challenge him intellectually, you aren't afraid to speak your mind and you most certainly are no push over. Truthfully, you remind me of myself when I was younger oh so many years ago. You are definitely no imposter, Hermione, you are the the best thing to happen to this family in a very long time.", she was taken aback my her words, never expecting such a confession yet agreeing with her sentiment. Perhaps she was right and there was hope in such a bleak situation. Maybe she had to just hear some pros in regard to her being with Malfoy and block out the cons she was subconsciously drowning in. Many people would literally kill to be with Malfoy, the thought bizarre to her.

"I've always found it hard to accept this law", she disclosed, "even after the extensive testing, it was was hard. I suppose my match being Malfoy didn't help". And then she found herself dwelling on Malfoy's earlier words… how did he know about their compatibility? She sure as heck didn't tell him.

"This month has been the start of the rest of your life, Hermione. You have five years to fulfil the requirements of this barbaric law, remember that. Move at a pace which you're comfortable with", Narcissa reassured her. "It's going to be hard, you and my son completely moving on from the past, as well as the public scrutiny you'll be under, but I find myself certain it will happen and everyone will be happier for it", she smiled and Hermione smiled back, feeling inspired by her words. She wondered if she actually would be able to find happiness in her new life, the life she'd been condemned to. True and genuine happiness.

"And I suggest calling him Draco might be a step in the right direction", Hermione thought perhaps she was onto something.

-xXx-

Draco danced with Pansy with ease as she was one of the few stragglers to remain at his home, the soirée having ended some time ago. Even his parents had retired to bed, after the early hours of the new morning crept in. Pansy had her head thrown back in a laugh, her dark hair reaching where his hand was placed on her waist. They'd been discussing the drunk behaviour of several guests and Pansy had found Mrs Hastings tipsy dancing hilarious.

"And when she fell", her eyes wide as she continued laughing, "I almost spat out my champagne right on Blaise", Draco found the imagine conjured in his mind rather amusing.

"On his finest robes? The vein his neck would've popped right through his skin!", he replied before twirling the laughing Pansy, her burgundy dress whirling in response.

"Oh, Salazar", she attempted to calm herself down with a straight face that made Draco burst out laughing and she followed suit, "this is so improper", she said and he watched her once again struggle with her composure, no doubt the alcohol she'd consumed herself effecting her abilities to do so.

"There's barely anybody here. Definitely nobody to berate you, unless Pothead has an issue with his intended having a good time", he raised a brow in question, genuinely intrigued.

She rolled her eyes, "You need to stop with the names! I'm going to be a Pothead soon as well", he knew she wasn't offended by the tone in which she spoke, "And, of course not, Harry… is Harry. He's as laidback as they come", she shrugged through their dance. "I can't imagine him ever having an issue with anything I do", Draco had to agree with her, he was genuinely glad Pansy would have someone who appreciated her, something she'd never had before.

"Oh yes, Pansy Pothead does have a ring to it", he joked and continued after the warning eyes she shot at him, "Pansy Potter", he amended, "a very powerful name", he offered in truth. He really meant it.

"Not as powerful as Hermione Malfoy", she jibed back and instinctively his eyes went to scour her out within the dozen of people that remained. She was engaged in conversation with Ginny Weasley, her intended having retreated home due to having quidditch training early the next morning. "Now, that is a powerful name", she finished and he looked back at his friend. He found it completely bizarre that they'd once dated but glad they had because it had allowed their friendship to develop.

"Yes, my father would agree", he added, remembering his father using the exact word to explain how she'd be an asset to the family. Now, he hated that his father had only accepted her for her reputation. "He's giving her a hard time but, trust me, he couldn't be happier with the outcome", he told her as he watched Hermione bid Ginny goodnight as she left before she moved to a table and sat where a selection of both their friends had gathered.

"Hmmm, I expected nothing less, Lucius Malfoy has always been an unpredictable man", Pansy replied as she strained her neck back to look at what had caught his attention. "What a sight. Sometimes I feel like pinching myself, our lives are that surreal now", her voice thoughtful and low in volume.

He had to agree.

-xXx-

Hermione'd watched Pansy twirl, dip and sway with Draco but that didn't bother her in the slightest. What bothered her, was the smile he bore on his usual stoic face, he'd never given her the same expression, not as free and natural as it seemed at that moment. She was aware of their friendship and never doubted anything of it, Pansy was completely infatuated with Harry after all, but weren't they supposed to be friends too?

"Granger, what are you frowning at now?", she blinked out of her thoughts at the voice, as if she'd materialised him before her.

"Nothing", she mumbled, embarrassed she'd been in such a trance. He'd walked over with Pansy on his arm who immediately went to where Harry sat on the table and plonked herself down right near him, a few empty seats down from her.

"Could've fooled me", Malfoy replied as he took a seat, Blaise on one side and her on the other. She instinctively shuffled away from him and cursed herself internally for her reaction. If he noticed, he didn't acknowledge it as he struck up conversation with one of his best friends.

Having nobody to talk to, Hermione diverted her neck to look at the dance floor, the only couple remaining and swaying to the music being Theo and Daphne. Her white dress a stark contrast to his black robes, as well as her blonde tresses to his dark hair. Her face was pressed into his chest and her hands rested on either side of her face whilst his chin laid atop her blonde hair and hands clasped at the small of her back. Hermione couldn't hear, but Theo had said something to his girlfriend and she smiled into his chest before looking up and directing that perfect smile at him. When he leaned down to kiss her, Hermione promptly looked away not wanting to impose on such a beautiful moment. Whilst they differed physically, they complimented each other perfectly.

She now allowed her eyes to roam over everyone around the table. Harry and Pansy sat to her right and Ron sat alone beside Harry, she wondered when Astoria had went home, hoping Pansy and Harry had made some headway with their latest scheme. Next to Ron sat Neville who she was glad had stayed, despite seeming awkward around the former Slytherins. He was currently engaged in conversation with Ron and Luna who sat beside Blaise. Tonight had been the first time Hermione had been able to see the unusual pair together, Hermione had thought the height difference between her and Draco was great. And then she saw Luna and Blaise. She also saw the way Blaise always wrapped a protective arm around her through the evening, and the way he was having to chase her round, Luna even more eccentric than the exuberant wizard.

Which bough her back to Draco (she was taking Narcissa's advise and making the effort to address him by his name), the last person at the table. She felt awfully reflective of the evening, stuck in the haze of not wanting an event to end. Soaking in the last moments before the room would be cleared and all evidence of the event occurring would be void. It would all be reduced to a memory. Despite all the uncertainty she'd felt in regard to her situation with Malfoy, tonight had definitely been an evening she'd want to remember.

"Daphne!", Pansy stood and yelled at her friend, "Stop bloody dancing and get your arses over here", the pair in question stopped and made their way over, Daphne laughing as she held hands with Theo and practically ran to the table, their drunkenness shining through.

"Seeing as most of our friends are finally together, we have an announcement", Pansy proudly declared as she gestured for Harry to stand up beside her and he did so, with a hand resting behind her back. Daphne and Theo sat down near Hermione, the only seats available.

"Pansy and I, we're getting married!", Harry announced excitedly, and more confidently than usual thanks to all the champagne he'd consumed. Nobody spoke until Blaise whooped and Daphne shot back up with a squeal to her feet and hugged the smiling witch by his side.

Theo then made a declaration, "Let the drinks flow! It's on Malfoy after all", he laughed and Malfoy shook his head in humour but complied as he summoned a house elf who moments later conjured bottles and glasses on their table. As Blaise shook and then popped a bottle with a hoot and began to drink the foam straight from it and everyone laughed at his antics, Theo being the most responsible of the three, popped another bottle open and, with a flick of his wand, it hovered in the air and magically poured glasses for everyone else.

As everyone wracked up their glass count, Hermione made way to her friends and hugged them both at the same time, her head between them, "I'm so happy for you", she told them truthfully excited for the pair. Pansy squeezed her back tightly in response whilst Harry verbally replied,

"I know you thought we were moving fast before, Merlin knows what's whirling through that brain of yours right now", he laughed as he took hold of a levitating glass that was coming toward them.

"Nothing but positive things", she assured him, "I really am happy for you two and I'm even more glad that you were able to find happiness with each other", she smiled and was reminded of her earlier thoughts of wondering if she'd ever find it.

"Aww, Hermione", Pansy interjected as she went in for another hug, " I can't wait for the day I can return the sentiment", she whispered for her ears only and Hermione wondered if that day would ever come.

-xXx-

The next few hours passed in a drunken haze, Draco had enjoyed those hours of not needing to be proper and just letting loose. It was a bizarre sight, the unusual mix of people getting hammered in their formal attire. Time blurred together and eventually people began to depart until only he and Hermione remained. Even she'd been able to let go and drink at least half her body weight.

Her arms were wrapped around his body as they aimlessly swayed, albeit no music played, the charm on the orchestra instruments had come to end and nobody had renewed it. They weren't sober enough to even care. "Hermione", he muttered, "I think it's time for bed", he told her and she lifted her head and looked directly at him, her doe eyes solely looking at his. He could get lost in those eyes, so much so, he wasn't sure how long they'd been staring at each other.

"I think you're right", her words a whisper, "but you feel so good", she'd taken her heels off earlier so was able to snuggle her face into his chest and he internally groaned. This witch was going to be the death of him. He never though he'd ever see a moment like this in his life, Hermione Granger with her arms wrapped round his body and face smiling. He hoped he'd retain the new memory of her like this when he was sober.

"What did you mean earlier when you said everything is wrong?", he asked, randomly remembering her earlier words.

"This is so wrong", her explanation wasn't a very good one.

"Is it?", he pushed.

"Yes. Somebody ought to throw me in Azkaban", she laughed at her own words before she detached herself from him and then she ran. This time he outwardly groaned before he began to chase after her.

"You're never going to catch me!", Hermione taunted him and laughed as he pursued her. Her dress, flowing ethereally behind her and illuminating his path in the darkness that met them as they left the ballroom and made way to the main staircase. She made it all the way up until she tripped over the last step, right on the landing. Her giggle was continuous as she rolled over and lay on the cold floor.

"Oops, you caught me", she said coyly as he sat down on the top step next to where she lay, still giggling.

"If anything, you were your own downfall. Literally", he smirked at her playfully and suddenly all the playfulness vanished from her eyes and a serious look replaced it.

"Kiss me", she stated simply.

-xXx-

Before Hermione could compute what she was saying, Draco was leaning down and she met him half way, her lips eagerly accepting his. She was pulling him closer to her, her hands urging him to fully brace himself atop of her. Until she needed air and he began to administer his kisses to her neck, to her clavicles to the teasing tops of her breast, visible over her corset. Then she pulled him back up to reclaim her lips, her body surging up to feel some contact between them. Draco's fingers skimmed over her waist, her breast, her hair. It was sensory overload, her inebriated brain bursting at the magnitude of his caresses and touches.

But then, like she was dowsed in ice cold water, she panicked. His body that once felt delicious against hers, now felt suffocating. As if his arms and legs were pinning her down. All those unwanted memories flooded back, freezing her veins. In the manor. Her back against the polished marble like it was now. The darkness. Bellatrix leaning over her, leaning over her just like her nephew was now. This time instead of the Cruciatus Curse, he was inflicting other sensations of fire. Her body felt like it was on fire and she couldn't breath. Her chest rapidly strained again his and she ripped her lips from his before she screamed at him, "Get off me!",hitting at him as she went. "Let me go!", she cried.

Draco recoiled immediately in shock and she scurried away from him, "Hermione, what's wrong?", he asked, his voice so tender it only hurt her heart more.

"This. I can't do this", she gathered her skirt as she stood, her eyes bewildered. "How can I forget what happened to me here?", she sobbed and he didn't even rebuttal her sorrows so she turned away, climbing the second shorter staircase to the right. Once again she ran, but this time he didn't chase after her. She felt like time moved in slow motion as her dress billowed around her as she ran, glad Narcissa had bought her to her room early so she knew where she was going.

Hermione slammed the door behind her and slid down the side of it, her body wracking with drunken sobs. She convulsively gasped with each sob that escaped her, accepting she was in the most beautiful prison she'd ever seen.

-xXx-

AN: Omg the story has hit 50 followers :o

THANK YOU !!

Also I really enjoyed writing the second half of this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it!

Lastly! Apologies I'm late once again! Hopefully next chapter will be uploaded on time at the weekend, fingers crossed !!