10. Thursday

Hermione.

Hermione woke up with a big smile on her lips, yesterday night had been really fun and she was still thinking about the handsome man that was taking roots in her heart.

When she exited her room she was surprised to see Narcissa Malfoy sitting comfortably in her living room reading a newspaper.

She was wondering why everyone had the brilliant idea to come in her house at the early hour of the morning. Harry, Ron and now even Narcissa decided to visit her!

She smiled politely "Good morning Narcissa. Can I ask what are you doing here?"

Narcissa smiled "Good morning Hermione. Well, yesterday we had a brief talk and I gave a superficial approval of you. Today, I'm here to discuss the matter further with you. I know that you like my son and he likes you back but I want to make certain things clear between the two of us."

Hermione was now a bit scared. "Sure, let's talk about anything you wish."

Narcissa's smile widened. "I would like to know if you are planning to go on working after the marriage."

Hermione eyed her with surprise "Uhm. Yes, I'm planning to work at least until I don't have children. After that a part-time work will do. I want to give my children all the attention that they deserve."

Narcissa nodded "Do you know that as a Malfoy wife you won't be working after the birth? I don't know how it works with muggles but you will have to be a mother full-time in the wizarding world."

Hermione started to get a bit annoyed "Narcissa, I will be honest with you. I am a muggle-born witch and for as much as I like Draco I won't change who I am. Now, if you want someone who will definitely don't resemble my personality at all, we may just stop here. I won't give up anything of my heritage for him. He has to accept me the way I am."

Narcissa stood up and approached Hermione. The younger witch was scared and she wasn't expecting Narcissa Malfoy's embrace.

"Hermione, I definitely think that you are the girl for my son. He needs someone strong and determined. I like the way you don't want to change in order to make things better. As a pureblood witch they told me that I had to accept everything my husband ordered me and it almost make me lose my son." Said the older witch.

Hermione was happy. "Narcissa, I promise that I will always consult you before doing something under the Malfoy's name but I can't promise that I will accept your suggestions."

Narcissa smiled "I wouldn't want you in any other way and I think that my son finally made a good choice. Isn't it ironic to think that he wanted a fake wife and instead picked the most suitable for him?"

Hermione giggled "Well, to tell you the truth he wasn't on my favourite list of candidates to be my man either."

After a bit more chat the two witches saluted each other. Narcissa wanted Hermione to spend the Saturday with her and Draco at Malfoy's Manor and she told the younger witch to expect the invitation soon.

Draco.

Draco woke up with a slight headache. He groaned remembering the evening with the two women of his life.

He got out of bed and took a potion in order to clear a bit his mind. He sighed thinking about the confrontation that he was going to have with his mother today.

When he got down for breakfast he was surprised on not finding her there. He groaned again, this was not a good sign.

He called for Nibby. "Nibby, where is my mother?"

The house-elf replied "Mrs. Malfoy went out early today. Nibby don't know where she went. Sorry, Master."

He nodded distractedly and after a quick coffee and a toast he left for work. Today, he was going to meet Potter.

He was almost regretting the letter he had sent to him the day before but what was done couldn't be undone.

He sat in his office waiting for Potter but he was doubting that he would come anyway.

He was startled by a knock at his door. "Come, in." he said and Harry Potter appeared in his office.

The two wizards eyed each other for a while. The silence was starting to progress far too long for both their liking but none of them wanted to speak first.

Draco sighed, he had to do the first step. "Have a sit Potter. I need to talk to you."

Harry nodded and sat in front of him "What do you want Malfoy? I just would like you to know that I came because you said it's about Hermione."

Draco tried to calm himself. It wasn't going to be easy for him. He had the feeling that he would rather hex him than trying to befriend the black-haired wizard.

"I know Potter. The only reason I called you is because of Hermione." Said a very serious Draco "I know that she informed you about our little trick for my mother."

Harry nodded and Draco went on "I must admit that I didn't expect to like her for real."

Harry gasped "Are you telling me that you like Hermione?"

Draco seemed a bit embarrassed "Yes. I think she is the right woman for me and I need help from you to make her realise that I'm the right one for her."

Harry tried hardly to remain serious but at the end burst out laughing. "I don't believe I heard you right. For a moment I thought that you were asking for my help to make Hermione fall in love with you."

Draco cleared his throat and with an annoyed look said "Potter, I'm trying very hard to be polite here. I don't like you and I'm sure that the feeling is mutual but I need your help. So, what do you say?"

Harry looked at his nemesis "Malfoy, give me one reason for why I should believe that you are serious about her."

Draco sighed "Potter, I mean Harry, I really appreciate Hermione not only as a woman but as an intelligent witch. I think she is the right match for me because I think we are very similar. Both of us has never considered to have a relationship and we both run far away when someone spoke to us about feelings. Now, I'm here saying that I have feelings for her and for once in my life I want to face them. I think she needs to face hers too and I'm here just asking a chance with her. Please, believe me when I say that I haven't got any intention to hurt her."

They remained silent after Draco's speech for quite a while. Harry was mulling over the information that Malfoy gave him and about Hermione's behaviour. It was obvious to him that unfortunately she had feelings for the ferret.

Draco was slightly shocked about his admission to someone about his feelings for Hermione.

Harry sighed "I want to say two things, first that I still don't like you and this will never change. Secondly, I think that you may be right about Hermione. She had always run away from feelings but I believe she likes you. I don't know how that happened and I want to see her happy. So, how can I help you?"

Draco was relieved and told Harry what he needed him to do for him. The two wizards talked until lunchtime. They agreed about a plan of action.

Harry would go and talk to Hermione on Friday and will send Ron to talk to Draco on the same day.

Draco was a bit worried to meet Weasley. He knew that he was the toughest to get through but he prayed that Potter would soften him a bit before the meeting.

They departed agreeing to write to each other after the talks.

AN: Thanks for reading.