Chapter 6: The Grangers
It was December 20th and classes had just finished for the holidays. Hermione hugged both Harry and Ron goodbye in the Entrance Hall and wished both of them a happy Christmas. Both of them had opted to stay at the school for the holidays. Harry was watching both Crookshanks and Draco's owl for them so they'd be pet-free for a few weeks. Her friends wished her luck and told her to have a happy Christmas also.
Giving them each a final hug she turned to Draco and took a deep breath to calm the sudden rush of nerves. He saw this and smiled. "Don't worry, it'll be fine."
"I hope so."
He smiled again and steered her out the door with a hand to the small of her back. The carriages to Hogsmeade were all lined up and waiting so he directed her to the closest one. Thankfully it was empty. Once they got settled, and with all of their luggage shrunken down in Draco's pocket, Hermione broke the silence.
"Um, Draco?"
He looked at her expectantly, his gaze kind. She only started conversations like that when she was really unsure of something. "Yes?"
She fiddled with the fabric of her skirt and blushed. "Um, I know we're not actually dating or anything, but I told my parents you were my boyfriend. It was just easier to explain why I wanted you to come with me that way. I'm sorry, I should have asked you, but"
He held up his hand to silence her. He had been surprised at first but had gotten over it. "Don't worry about it, Hermione. It's okay." Relief was evident on her face and he smiled. "While we're on the subject though, will you go out with me on Saturday?"
Her eyes widened in surprise then she opened her mouth and shut it again when no words came out. Finally she just settled on nodding.
He laughed at her reaction, making her smile in the process. "I take it that was a little unexpected."
She nodded. "Just a little."
He laughed again. "Saturday it is then."
Just then the carriage pulled up to Hogsmeade and they disembarked. After double-checking to make sure he had all of their luggage he put an arm around her waist and pulled her to him. "Ready?"
She nodded. "Let's get this over with."
He closed his eyes and with a pop they disappeared and reappeared in a small pub in the suburbs of London. The patrons turned to look at them to see if it was anyone of interest, but most turned back to the bar. One wizard, however, did not.
"Hey!" he exclaimed and staggered over to them. "I've seen you before!"
Draco moved protectively in front of Hermione and glared at the inebriated man. Instead of replying to the man's declaration, Draco moved to get around him, making sure to stay between Hermione and the drunk. The man didn't seem to take the hint though and followed them.
"Yeah, you're that Death Eater's kid, ain't ya? The one who murdered his wife! Been readin' all about it in The Prophet." The drunk continued babbling, unaware that Draco had frozen and was clenching his fist looking positively livid.
Hermione, however, noticed it right away and put a hand on his shoulder. "Draco, it's not worth it. He's just a stupid drunk. He doesn't know what he's saying."
The man apparently wasn't done though. "Stinkin' Death Eater. And I bet you're just like him, ain't ya? Prolly runs in the family."
Hermione's eyes narrowed dangerously. "On second thought maybe he is." Then she whirled around and socked the guy square on the nose. The guy looked at her stupidly, still not sure what had hit him. His nose was bleeding freely but he didn't seem to notice.
"Don't you dare say that about my boyfriend, you slimeball!" Hermione yelled then turned and stalked out of the pub, dragging a bewildered Draco behind her.
When they reached the sidewalk she crossed her arms and tapped her foot, fuming silently. Finally Draco snapped out of it and grinned. "Hermione, that was bloody brilliant! You were amazing!"
She snorted. "I can't believe that guy! People like that make me sick! Honestly, the nerve of him!" She would have gone on, but Draco stopped her.
"Hermione, it's okay. Like it or not, I'm used to that reaction from some people. It happens. I'll live." Then something she had said registered. "Did you call me your boyfriend in there?"
She opened her mouth then shut it again. "I—well, yeah. I guess so. But you asked me out already so"
"Yes, but that was in the carriage when we were alone. This was in public so now it's official." He grinned and started doing a little happy dance and singing, "Hermione's my girlfriend, Hermione's my girlfriend!"
She giggled then smacked his arm. "People will think you've gone mental. They'll ship you off to the loony bin for sure!"
"Oh, we already do think he's gone mental so there's no harm there," a masculine voice said off to their left.
Hermione spun around at the familiar voice. "Daddy!"
Her father laughed and scooped her up in a hug. "Hi, Precious!"
Her mother was next in line and finally Hermione turned back to Draco with a grin, motioning him closer. "Mum, Dad, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Draco Malfoy. Draco, these are my parents, Robert and Judith Granger."
He shook their hands, relieved to see that they looked genuinely happy to see him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Hermione's told me a lot about you."
Instead of replying directly, Robert pulled him closer. "Let me see your teeth."
Draco looked taken aback for a second, though he was glad Hermione had warned him ahead of time, and gave her father the cheesiest grin he could.
"Not bad. Not too bad at all," her father assessed. "I'd say he's a keeper, Hermione." Then he gave Draco an impish grin and shook the boy's hand again. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Draco," her father replied, then gestured to their car. "Now how about we move this reunion off the sidewalk and get home? We're blocking traffic here."
Hermione laughed at Draco's expression and took his hand to lead him to the car. She held his hand the entire ride home, drawing on his unspoken support. Draco caressed the back of her hand with his thumb and sent her a smile of encouragement. Everything would be fine, he just knew it.
