Hermione felt the urge to get up to somehow comfort Malfoy for his realization. But she didn't know how. She figured it was a side effect of the rings, so she stayed seated. She stared at him, willing her magic to reach out to him instead.
But the minute he realized she was getting close it was like her magic hit a wall and bounced back. She blinked, looking at him. He was putting up walls to keep her out. He stared back, his face hard. She saw him scratch at the fabric of his sleeve on his left arm.
"We need to tell McGonagall about this," Hermione managed, pulling her eyes away from him, "and the rest of the Order." She took a drink from her glass to calm down.
Theo looked confused. "The Order's still in operation? I would have thought it would have disbanded after the war…" He took out his wand as he spoke and waved it at the fire whiskey bottle Hermione left abandoned on the other side of the room. It soared over and began refilling everyone's glasses.
Hermione was surprised by the lack of house elves but attributed it to the lateness of the night. She wouldn't guess the Malfoys to have gotten rid of their help completely. She hoped Draco was at least nicer to them than his father had been to Dobby. She shuttered, but then remembered that she was now a Malfoy too. Maybe she could free the elves if they were still being mistreated...
"On the contrary, I consult the Order when the Aurors can't get any further in particular cases," Harry said. Pansy was still not talking and Ginny kept watching her. She drank her fire whiskey quickly and leaned into Luna. Luna didn't seem to mind at all.
"And McGonagall is part of it?" Cormac's voice was skeptical as he smiled thinking of the old witch.
"She is," Hermione said, watching her glass fill again as the bottle made its way to her, "along with Flitwick, Sprout, Slughorn, the majority of the Weasley family, to name a few. Moody's in charge of it all."
"Kingsley's supposed to be a part of the Order too, though I doubt anyone knows where the real him is," said Ron, looking irritated. "Who the hell is impersonating him? Do you have any idea where your father is Malfoy?"
Draco stiffened. "Don't you think I would already be halfway there if I knew Weasley?" he said smugly. "It could very well be my father, but he wasn't giving away any clues to me if that's what you're asking."
"Excuse me for not being completely ready to trust you," Ron said harshly, standing up to his full height.
"Ronald," Hermione's voice was sharp.
"What? Just because he's suddenly your husband and you're all fine holding hands doesn't mean we're all best friends. You know what he's done. All this knowledge of some Clarity Project sounds suspicious."
Hermione saw Theo's hands twitch and Cormac shift uncomfortably. She felt Malfoy's anger rise with her own. She knew Malfoy wouldn't have apologized if he didn't mean it; that was part of his aristocratic upbringing and Ron's accusations were far from unbiased. She sighed irritated, preparing to calm him down.
But Draco responded before she could. He kept his voice controlled, "If you honestly think I would allow my friends to be married off to strangers of the likes of you, then you have forgotten just how loyal Slytherins are to one another. Not to mention thinking I would volunteer myself to be married to stubborn know-it-all Granger."
Hermione glared. "Thank you for the eloquent description Malfoy, but I must remind you I'm on your side." Ron grimaced at her words. Theo smirked.
Draco wasn't done yet though. "Lucius never won any 'Father of the Year' awards. I endured enough of his shit for one lifetime. You wouldn't see me itching to join his ranks now, Weasley."
"And that's the first time you haven't called her mudblood," Ron was quiet in his sarcasm. "Must be nice to see she's already eating out of your hand with such a simple change." His face was red with irritation and alcohol.
Hermione fumed. She hated when Ron got like this and she hated them both for making this about her. "Enough!" Hermione said loudly, feeling Malfoy's oddly fast moving magic flow through her words. It stuck to her lips and her fingers tingled as it raced. She felt suddenly more powerful and she wasn't sure she liked it.
She raised her brows at Malfoy and he scoffed but took the hint. He walked away and took a few deep breaths. She felt the magic retreat slightly, but it was still full of rampant energy just under her skin. She watched as Daphne took a step away from Ron's side and she was glad of it. Pansy had finally come back to reality; she sat up straight and was eying Ron with aggression.
When Hermione finally looked at Ron, she frowned. He was watching her behind a strand of red hair. He looked suddenly ashamed. "Ron, I think it's time for you to go," she said evenly. He let out a long breath but didn't say anything to her, just looked at her with sad, tired eyes. She turned to Harry, hoping he would help. Harry stood and Ginny followed his lead.
"Come on mate, let's move on and go home," Harry said to Ron, walking over and putting an arm on his shoulder. "Sleep it off, yeah?" Harry said under his breath. "I know you didn't mean it all."
"I-I didn't…" Ron was saying quietly, "Not really, you know I care about her and I just…"
"I know mate," Harry said to him as they walked past Malfoy towards the door. Draco felt a flicker of jealousy at Ron's whispered words, wondering just how much Weasley did still care about Granger... and wondering why he cared.
Ginny straightened and walked over to Hermione. She huffed at her brother and leaned in to give Hermione a hug. Ginny squeezed her tight. "You'll be okay tonight? Sorry about… all this," she said quietly to her.
Hermione gave a weak smile. "It's okay, really."
Ginny nodded with a smile and a roll of her eyes. "He is a right prat at the worst times, but… so is Malfoy. Just be careful Hermione."
"I will. Your brother means well," Hermione smiled sadly. "Go, before Harry forgets you." Ginny squeezed her hand and when she got to the doorway, Malfoy was standing there offering to show her the way. Harry and Ron were nowhere in sight. She eyed Hermione briefly before following Malfoy into the darkness. Hermione hoped he wouldn't do anything stupid if Harry and Ron hadn't left yet.
And then she felt a sudden change in the atmosphere. The quick magic from before that made her skin practically vibrate felt like it was being pulled out of her. She looked back at the empty doorway with a frown. She didn't want to keep thinking about this connection she shared with Malfoy, but it was becoming obvious theirs was stronger, almost more sensitive. And much more emotionally driven. She worried about what that meant for them…
Realizing she was still standing awkwardly, she came around to an armchair by the fire. It was warm and made her forget the slightly empty feeling of Malfoy's absence. Instead, his flippant comments about marrying her came to mind and she was annoyed all over again. She sighed.
"Well this has been fun," Theo laughed, watching her. "Who knew so much about… so much?" Daphne blinked at him.
"Come on Daph, you can stay at my place," Pansy said then and patted the seat beside her. The girl still looked nervous but walked the short distance to the sofa and sat.
Hermione gave Daphne a sympathetic look. "Sorry. He can be really charming, when he's not being an arse and drinking too much."
Pansy chuckled. "Is that what you're calling it? I'd say he's just jealous."
Hermione looked to Pansy confused. "Jealous? Of Malfoy? You can't be serious."
"Oh, certainly," Theo said, "Draco's rich, has a stable career and company, has this," he gestured to the room and the house, "and now he's got a personal connection and marriage with the Golden Girl. Everything's coming up daisies for him again."
Hermione laughed. "That's ridiculous! You heard Malfoy, it's not going to be a walk in the park, this marriage of ours. So much for compatibility, I think the only thing we have in common is our stubbornness. He's pretentious and proud, it's so irritating how he keeps a going rebuttal on every little thing I say!" she huffed.
Theo, Pansy, and Daphne laughed as she listed off the characteristics they obviously knew too well. "Oh you aren't wrong," Pansy stated, "you're just the type who won't put up with it. Partially because you're overly proud too. Annoy really, but that's why it'll work for you, trust me." Hermione gave her a quizzical look.
"And to be frank, Daphne's a much better pick for Weasley than you," Theo said. "You're too opinionated and confident Granger, wounds Weasley's pride. Draco has too much pride, so you won't have to worry about wounding his," Theo laughed again. Hermione just sat in wonder.
"Daph is just relaxed enough that she won't take Weasley too seriously unless he needs it. And she's learned to ignore Draco anyway," Daphne's cheeks turned red as she watched her hands in her lap.
"Sorry, didn't mean to talk about you like you're not here," he said then, looking at Daphne and giving her a warm smile. "You're a prize and it will just take a little for the idiot Weasley to see it."
Daphne gave him a smile back. "Thank you Theo," she said. "I'm not sure I believe you yet, but... he's been pleasant all evening, at least to me he's been rather… kind, fun. Except for that last bit."
Hermione sighed again. "I hope you two can get past this," she said to Daphne, "we wanted different things, that's sort of why it didn't work out but… he can be sweet, a lot of fun and he'll put his all into this, into you. I know it."
Daphne's cheeks grew red again as she smiled shyly at Hermione. Theo had his eyebrows raised but sipped at his drink instead of saying anything. Daphne sighed. "I just hope he can get past the whole Slytherin thing. The past always finds a way to screw things up for us, it's dreadfully unfair."
"Well it seems those are the cards we've been dealt. And we'll just keep working to figure them out," Theo said calmly, taking Cormac's hand in his. Cormac gave a small smile as he stared at the fire. Hermione watched them with interest as Pansy shot Daphne a tentative smile.
A silence overcame the remaining six for a short while before Theo broke it again. "You going to be okay here Hermione?" he said, contemplation in his light blue eyes.
She sighed. "I think I'll manage," she sipped from her glass as she stared at the flames, ignoring the anxiety bubbling in the background of her mind. "What with my stubbornness and all." Theo chuckled.
Pansy shifted on the couch. "Just be smart Granger. You see me and my reaction to my mother being involved... well, he's not going to be much better." Hermione looked at her. She was frowning back.
"He is already assuming his father's involvement which may or may not be true," Theo stated seriously.
"Oh, it's got to be true," Pansy said under her breath. Theo glared at her and she shrugged. "What?"
Theo rolled his eyes. "Just, give him space if he needs it. He'll probably need it." Hermione nodded her thanks at the advice.
Pansy shifted again, she looked uncomfortable. When she ventured to look at Hermione, she could see the worry behind Pansy's brown eyes. Luna was watching Pansy intently. They sat for another minute or so until they heard the click of Malfoy's heels on the hallway floor.
Hermione looked to the doorway before Draco even appeared. He entered seconds later, pulling at the tie still knotted at his throat. His lips were pressed together tightly and his shoulders held onto the tension from before.
She was still angry at him for all that happened, but the return of his presence also brought the return of his magic. It filled back into the spaces inside her that it had vacated moments before. It was calming and that added to her annoyance.
Theo stood, draining his glass. Cormac followed. "I think we're headed out mate," Theo said, gesturing at Pansy to do the same. "It's been a long night. I think we could all use some time to think." He put his hand out to Draco and they shook.
"And we'll be in touch, Mclaggen," Draco said pointing. Cormac smiled at him and Theo led them to the door.
"Who says we're keeping his name?" Theo scoffed as they disappeared.
Draco chuckled and came over to the fire. Pansy and Luna were standing right beside the couch, Daphne just a step behind them. "Don't mourn our past too much Drake," Pansy smirked. "We can get through this," and she raised a hand to his cheek. Hermione frowned, wondering if there was some secret to all her dramatics.
Malfoy pulled her in for a hug then. Hermione didn't see Pansy lean into his ear, "Be nice to her Drake. She may be annoying, but she's just being her."
Draco rolled his eyes when they parted and then looked awkwardly at Luna. She smiled in that lofty way of hers and he returned it, somewhat confused. The pair headed for the door but waited just inside as Daphne stepped into Draco's view.
"Sorry about-" he stared, but she just smiled.
"Don't be. I'm staying at Pansy's. Thanks for always being there for us," she said kindly. She turned to look at Hermione. "And thank you too Hermione."
She touched Draco's arm as she passed him and joined the girls in the doorway. They waved once more and were gone. And then Hermione was aware just how alone they were.
The fireplace crackled and she shivered, listening to the sound of footsteps disappear down the hall. She stared at the flames, willing herself not to turn and look at the man on the other side of the room. The one whose presence had relieved the small bit of emptiness in her chest.
Draco walked slowly to the cabinet to fix himself another drink. When he'd finished, he took the chair directly across from her, one leg bent up, his whiskey glass resting lazily over his knee. His gray eyes met hers and she held his gaze.
Draco took a sip, his eyes not falling from her. He studied her, thinking about Ron Weasley's jealousy and prejudice, even after all these years. It reminded him of his father and all the awful things he'd said about her and muggleborns. He wondered what Lucius's plan could fully be and if there was any trace of it remaining in the house…
"Can I help you?" she challenged, because it was the only thing she could think to say and she didn't want to look stupid. He was still staring and she seemed to knock him out of his reverie.
Draco chuckled hollowly. "Possibly," he paused, the quietness of the room making his tone degrade, "I leave you alone for five minutes with my friends and they already appear to like you more than me. How is that?"
She blinked. "Must be that Golden Girl charm I throw around," she shrugged, crossing her legs and realizing all too late how much of her it exposed. His mouth twisted into a smirk and, although she felt a flash of his magic again, she wasn't sure if it was from the dress or the night's events. She stared at him clenching his glass tight.
"We're married," he stated, his voice still holding a bit of surprise. "Of all the matches I envisioned, yours I passed over every time." He looked at the melting ice in his glass, almost bored. A challenge.
Hermione scowled. She felt the alcohol moving through her system and she wasn't quite sure why his comment made her so mad. Was he trying to provoke her?
"Was it because I'm a stubborn know-it-all or because of my blood?" she said then. This was the opposite of what Theo and Pansy had said about giving him space, but she didn't care.
"If those are the options, the former," he drawled, "but really it was because every time I pictured the war heroine married to an infamous ex-death eater like myself I thought about how difficult your life would get. I didn't think the Ministry had it in them to do that to you. Guess I was wrong."
Hermione blinked at him. "Maybe because it wasn't the Ministry."
"Maybe," Draco echoed her, something between a scowl and a smirk playing at the corner of his lip as he took a sip. "Or some sick joke."
"Why would you care how difficult my life would get?" she asked then, feeling a flicker of his magic. Draco tried to keep his features unreadable.
He sighed. "I'm not a monster anymore Granger, I know too well the war was hell for you. Least I could ask for is that you don't suffer any more in this world," he stated obviously and she looked away embarrassed.
"I wouldn't have considered you a monster to begin with," she tried, thinking about the position his family had put him in as a child during a war. But he just laughed.
"Oh I was. Don't kid yourself. But I've always wondered if, in a different world, I could have made you fall for me. Looks like we'll see. Compatibility charms, those of which you helped place, have to be accurate, you know. We were paired for a reason."
Hermione felt her face flush and tried to laugh at his comments, unsure of their sincerity. "Apparently Ron will be there to challenge you," she joked. She took a sip of her drink as she watched him and sighed.
Draco eyed her suspiciously, but he hid it behind another smirk. "Do you get off to jealousy then Granger? Because that's what fuels Weasley more than anything. Although I don't know why, Daphne is a fine face to look at," he considered. "and you are, how did you put it? A stubborn know-it-all?"
When his eyes flashed to hers, her cheeks were red again. At which comment he didn't know, but he took pleasure that it riled her up. He smirked at her.
"Why does it matter if he's jealous? You're the one that's married to me, you've got the ring," she let the bitterness seep into her words.
Draco laughed. "I know I'll have to do more than wear a ring to win you over Granger. Is that why it didn't work with Weasley? He equated a meaningful relationship to shacking up after quidditch games and gifting jewelry? Not hard to follow that."
Hermione's mouth hung open. She could feel her magic fire up under her skin. She hoped he felt it too. Her eyes narrowed. "Jealousy doesn't look good on you Malfoy."
Draco's jaw tightened. He knew she was watching him, the look she was giving him an inviting challenge. "I am not jealous Granger," he mused, though he couldn't stop the twitch of his magic. He tensed and she scoffed at him.
"Funny your words don't match what I feel." She raised her eyebrows at him and held up her left hand. It was her turn to smirk.
Draco looked annoyed as he glanced down at the ring on his left hand too. He drained the rest of his glass and set it carefully on the table. Then he slid the ring off easily and placed it beside his glass.
The connection that had tethered them together pulsed and faded into almost nothing. It was an unsettling feeling after the steady hum that carried through their conversation. She looked down at her own ring as it lost its luster and sat as a dull silver on her finger.
"Now you don't have to worry about interpreting my feelings," he said as he stood. She looked up at him and he looked back, his gray eyes mesmerizing. "Or do you like being connected to me, Granger?"