One Destined Summer Chapter 3
Author: Cornette
Disclaimer: J, K,
Double French door with delicate ornament opened in front of her, making Hermione tensed. She thought this was an informal dinner! She thought she was over dressed! The term "dining room" didn't say enough for Hermione entered a vast hall with crystal chandelier and long table and matching chairs. There were actually silver trays, fresh flowers and perfumed candles upon the table.
Hermione's jaw only widened as she saw Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy. She was one of the most beautiful woman Hermione ever met. They've met before, but she sure looked different in those silly Quidditch World Cup, which were loud and crammed with people. Mrs. Malfoy walked across the room with easy grace. Then when they came face to face, Hermione found out that she was lost in words.
"Hello, dear. Welcome to our manor." greeted Mrs. Malfoy warmly, all of sudden give Hermione an embrace and kiss on both cheek. She smelled like flower, and her voice fit with her appearance.
"Good evening, Mrs. Malfoy. I'm Hermione Granger." said Hermione, now relaxed.
"Ah, sure I knew you, Hermione. All Hogwarts teacher often speaks about you, and Draco told me too. You are a brilliant student." said Mrs. Malfoy, smiling, made Hermione's ears tinged. "Did you have a nice journey, dear? It must be tiring, isn't it? Let's take a seat first."
So Hermione sat with Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy, whom are really really sweet and kept talking lightly. They were still chatting when Malfoy came into view, wearing an extremely sullen expression in his face. Hermione had prepared for a fight when his mother spoke.
"Draco, dinnertime is minutes ago, where have you been?"
Hermione could not sense any reproach in Mrs. Malfoy's , but Malfoy's manner told her. He began smiling too cheerfully, rushed to kiss his mother's cheek.
"I'm writing a letter, Mother. Sorry I am late." said Malfoy in a polite tone Hermione never heard before. He didn't spoke like that to teachers, or to Dumbledore…
"It's alright as long as you don't forget to rest." replied Mrs. Malfoy.
"I see you've met Hermione." said Malfoy with same nice tone, but his eyes raked mockingly at Hermione, who looked back. Hermione? Hahaha. Spoiled brat!
Malfoy took a seat beside her mother and the appetizer was served. Hermione couldn't take her eyes off the mother and son before her. They had same striking appearance. No wonder Malfoy was so good looking, decided Hermione. She scowled herself seconds after. There was no point to have good looks and zero personality. Though now Hermione made out Draco Malfoy could act tolerably too. In fact, he was all kind and pleasing all afternoon, under her mother's nose. Hermione was wondering- amazed by this odd behavior- when Narcissa Malfoy began an interesting topic; her tutoring Malfoy.
"I hope you can think this as a holiday, Hermione. You go to your friend's house over the summer and do your homework together. We have many books and instrument that perhaps you will find helpful in your NEWT preparation. I believe you can make it easier to Draco, as you are schoolmate. It's just a small compensation I'll give later, so you can buy fancy dresses and such things." explained Mrs. Malfoy.
"Oh Mrs. Malfoy, I'm not very sure myself. Malf- Draco may find studying with me uninteresting." whined Hermione in her utmost syrupy expression.
"No, of course no. I highly urged him to study at least five hour a day or more." cried Mrs. Malfoy thoughtfully. Hermione grinned in secret. "Draco will have to explain to me if he done less."
"But Mother-"
"Dear, this is important for both of you. When you two get bored you can rest and walk around Malfoy Manor. We have several nice view here." said Narcissa, addressing Hermione. Draco's protest went unheard, so he simply glared at Hermione, forgetting his former attitude. "I was young years ago, so I know that Hermione prefers having fun to lockup in this old Manor. You would kindly escort her to London to dine and entertain sometimes, wouldn't you Draco?"
"I will, Mother. I will." answered Malfoy
.
It was Malfoy himself who accompanied Hermione to her bedroom. Hermione was still ready for any argument, but she basked in Mrs. Malfoy full support. Malfoy was silent as they walked side-by-side, tall and grave by the hanging lamps. Hermione realized that he was wearing a shirt and trousers. Both were worn in a manner exactly like his school uniform; as if they were just ironed. She wondered whether she ever came across so formal family like this.
"Granger, what did you say to Alfred?" asked Malfoy, breaking the silence suddenly. Hermione had to consider what to say before answering. Well, she was not a liar...or chicken.
"I said that you were a nightmare."
"You said what?" choked Malfoy, flabbergasted.
"A nightmare." repeated Hermione firmly.
"Night…mare? Well, it… sounds like you." paused Malfoy. For a split second Hermione thought there was a flicker of smile in Malfoy's eyes. It was pleasing to see. "No wonder Alfred was very shocked."
"Really? You made him believe you are a model young man, didn't you?" scoffed Hermione as Alfred crossed her thought. Malfoy stopped dead, raised a hand to block Hermione.
"Listen, Granger, I'd give you my five precious hour everyday without complaining. Don't you dare telling my mother and Alfred tell-tales about me. So we could pass this two hard months and get back to our own life." offered Malfoy sternly.
"Very well, deal then." agreed Hermione quickly, seeing a great chance to stay away from danger of magical fighting. They walked again, and Hermione couldn't keep her mouth from blurting out.
"Why do you do that, though?"
"…Let's just say I have standards to accomplish." Malfoy answered slowly.
"Whose standards?"
A pause hung.
"My father's."
Lucius Malfoy was long gone with the Death Eaters, after breaking down Azkaban year ago. Hermione had forgotten him! What did Malfoy feel about his convict father?
"Good night, Granger."
Before Hermione knew, they had reached her bedroom. Malfoy went without another word, leaving Hermione alone in this alien area. Malfoy was the only person I'm familiar with, thought Hermione, out of the blue. That night, she unpacked her belongings, got ready for the next morning.
To be continued….
So, Hermiones staying at Malfoy Manor over the summer. What could possibly happen? I'll tell you…in the next chapters. Heehee -. They will be full of tragedy, epic and mystery…(Nah, just kidding!). I'll try to update very soon. Do tell me what do you think about this one!
Harry Potter mania out there, have you pre-order Half Blood Prince yet? I want it VERY much, but my father won't let me order one before I passed my final…
T-T.Whoa, can't waiiiiitttt XD. See you in chapter 4!
