My Ferret 7
"Marriage, of course."
Hermione's mouth dropped open as shock rolled through her body. She felt like she had just run into a solid brick wall going at a fast pace, perhaps on a Nimbus 2000. Not that she rode brooms. No, she just didn't feel comfortable being way up there with only a thin piece of wood keeping her aloft and the ground so far away. Still, if she did ride them and hit something she was sure that it would feel something like this minus the pain. The fact that she had sort of guessed it had softened the blow somewhat but still…
/He expects me to marry Draco…/
The thought was circling in her mind, repeating itself. She liked Draco well enough and she thought he was handsome with those silvery eyes and the pale fringe of hair … but marry him? She didn't know him that well yet. Most of her reasons for liking him were based on observations. As of yet the two never even had a proper conversation. She knew very little about him when it came down to it: what his favorite foods were, his favorite book, where he lived or what his dreams for the future was. Oh, sure she knew he lived in Malfoy Manor; the entire school knew that. But where was the Manor? What part of England was it in or was it somewhere else all together? Students at Hogwarts came from all over the UK, not just England. In a way she supposed she should be thrilled to be marrying him. He was what almost every girl at school dreamed of with his wealth, good looks and charm. Yes, Draco could be very charming and even funny when he wasn't insulting someone!
/But I never even dated before…/
That was true enough. She had never gone on a real date with anyone and here she was getting married already! Hermione's lips pressed together tightly and her chocolate eyes narrowed. It just wasn't fair! Every young girl was supposed to look forward to going on dates and here it all had bypassed her! There would be no Hogsmeade weekends spent together, no evening walks, no gazing up at the stars while holding hands, no nothing! Who did he think he was demanding her to marry his son when they didn't even properly know each other yet?
/Stupid Death Eater!./
Just because he was a Death Eater and Governor of the school not to mention owning more money than Gringotts Bank didn't mean he could order her around like a slave! She wasn't one of his poor abused house elves! She was a human being with her own thoughts and feelings. At the moment those feelings were leaning towards Draco but she didn't know if she wanted to marry him. Marriage was a big commitment; to devote your life to just one person. Why, she wasn't even sure what career she wanted yet so how could he expect her to marry? The bushy-haired Gryffindor focused her chocolate eyes on the Death Eater and glared at him boldly. "You can't be serious!"
"And why not, Miss Granger?" Lucius asked from where he stood in front of the sofa. He appeared very calm and had most likely expected the tirade of protest. "It's what honor demands. Unlike others, we still have honor and morals, something which I refuse to let slip into the gutter."
"Look, we didn't do anything." Hermione tried pointing out once again, her frustration growing. Why was he so thickheaded? Couldn't he see they didn't know each other that well?
/Right. We just kissed in front of him is all!./
That certainly punched a substantial hole in her argument, not to mention Draco confessing his undying love for her! She felt her free hand tighten into a fist, the other still locked in an embrace with Draco, fingers intertwined. For someone who didn't know each other well they certainly were acting like a couple. She supposed their behavior made him suspicious, as if they were lying to him when they weren't.
"It matters little if you did anything or not." Lucius explained as he shifted his steel gray eyes from one teen to the other. "The rule simply states that if you're alone together for any amount of time than you must marry. It's what society expects."
Hermione's mouth dropped open. "But that's so stupid!"
She thought about all the times she had been alone with Harry and Ron in the Common Room at Hogwarts, not to mention the sneaking around after hours. Arthur certainly wasn't demanding her to marry his son! A cold shudder passed through her at the awful thought of being forced to marry that Ronald and she silently vowed she'd choose Draco over the redhead any day! The pale-haired Slytherin was much nicer than her two friends, actually. Both Ron and Harry suffered from short tempers; something she'd never have to worry about with Draco. Nor did the blonde fight with his fists, so she'd never have to worry about him striking her. "Look, I've been alone in the Common Room many times with Ron and Harry…"
A smile crept across the Death Eater's face. "And you didn't notice the paintings watching? I beg to differ, Miss Granger, but you weren't alone with them. Hogwarts is very well watched. Between the paintings and the ghosts almost every square inch of the school is observed."
Hermione sighed. Her logical approach wasn't working very well. Lucius was too stubborn and set in his ways, but perhaps she should just be thankful he wasn't trying to curse her. As it was, things weren't all that bad, were they? And she still had one good argument left; the best one in fact. "We're too young to get married. Surely you must agree with that, don't you? Perhaps if we were finished with school, but we're not; Seventh Year still remains."
"That may be true," Lucius replied with a smirk on his face, still one step ahead of her. "But you can become properly engaged."
000
/Engaged … to Granger?./
Draco had been so surprised by the statement that he had reverted to his old habit of calling Hermione by her surname. He had really thought that the Gryffindor would be able to talk her way out of it, to make his father see reason. But rules were rules and Draco now knew Lucius wouldn't budge for anything. That's just how he was.
Like Hermione, Draco had been surprised by the announcement that they were to be married. Of course, growing up a Malfoy he knew the proper codes of conduct, what could and couldn't be done. Still, he had thought since he had been turned into an animal certain rules would be wavered. Did it really count to see Hermione in her underclothes if he had been a ferret?
/Of course, my mind wasn't that of a ferret…/
If he were honest he would be forced to admit he had enjoyed looking at her, even if he had known it was wrong. He supposed he could have shut his eyes tightly and turned away, but he didn't want to get sat on, either. Hermione had been extremely busy with the dress and powder that she might have forgotten he was there. And it didn't matter in the end because whether he looked or not he still would have to marry her.
And he did want to date her. Perhaps this whole marriage thing was a blessing in disguise? He knew most likely otherwise his father would never allow him to date her. Nor would Lucius have ever seen Hermione dressed up like a Pureblood. His father perhaps had the mistaken idea that she dressed that way all the time when she wasn't at school but Draco knew the truth. She had just been practicing and really knew nothing about being feminine. And the lucky girl had just practiced at the right time, too. If it wasn't for this extremely lucky bit of timing, he'd probably end up with Pansy and that he could live without.
/But am I ready for marriage?./
Like Hermione had said, they were still awfully young to be considering such things. Growing up as a Malfoy, Draco knew that people had often gotten married at a much younger age way back when. The idea of getting married would frighten a lot of men as they saw it as some sort of trap and they loudly vowed that it would never happen to them. As the only heir, he had grown up knowing someday that he would get married. He just never thought it would be so soon! He had just recently turned old enough to socialize the way the adults did and now he'd miss it! True, he'd been a bit nervous about it all but then he was a Malfoy. He knew that he was the best catch of his decade and unlike the other boys at Hogwarts, dancing with a girl didn't frighten him. In fact he quite enjoyed it.
A slight frown creased his pointed face and he gazed up calmly at his father. Now that he knew he wasn't going to get punished for his rash actions, he felt more at ease. "Father, surely you're not going to make me miss the whole Season, are you? This was to be my first."
"Of course not, Draco." Lucius replied as his cool gray eyes once again studied the bushy-haired Gryffindor. "She'll just have to have a Season, too…"
000
/A season - now what in Merlin's name are they talking about?./
Hermione didn't have the slightest clue and it annoyed her as she was used to knowing everything. She worked hard memorizing things and learning as much as she could, often passing up free time in favor of reading thick tomes that weighed several pounds each. She and the Librarian had been on a first name basis since the first month of her First Year. Unlike others at the school she took her education seriously and was going to make something of herself. Although just what, well, she hadn't decided that yet. She did know what she didn't want to do and that helped narrow the field somewhat.
"I do hope we can do something about that hair…" Lucius stated as he slowly stroked his chin with a black-gloved finger, deep in thought. He paused and seemed to realize what he was doing, quickly lowering the offending finger. His cool gray eyes stared into hers. "I do presume you can dance?"
"Dance? Well, we had the Yule Ball Fourth Year…" Hermione automatically replied, her voice trailing off into silence. Why was he asking her that? Was he so eager to marry his only son off to the first female he could find that he already had the wedding planned, dancing included? Her eyes narrowed and she slowly rose to her feet, letting Draco's hand drop from her grasp. Lucius was still taller than she was and she was slightly nervous facing him as he was a Death Eater, but she had to do something. If she just sat there meekly he'd have her married within the week! Brashly staring into his cold gray eyes, she found the famous Gryffindor bravery and pulled it forward. If she didn't, she'd most likely never face him down one on one. "Don't tell me you have it all planned already, dancing included? I didn't even agree to it yet!"
Lucius smirked. "I wasn't speaking of dancing at a wedding, Miss Granger, but at the various balls and parties you will attend."
"Balls?" She asked, surprised. Now what was he talking about? She had never heard anything about balls or parties during the summer and her mind drew a complete blank.
000
Draco's heart skipped a beat when he realized that Hermione was rebelling against the idea of marrying him, although he could understand why. From what he knew of her and her reputation as a bookworm, she really had no experience with boys. And now with his father saying she was to be married, well, she was freaking. Not to mention the edge of hostility between the two. Hermione no doubt knew Lucius was a Death Eater and possibly still suspected some sort of attack. And if she did worm her way out of it somehow, why, then his father may very well expect him to marry Pansy.
/And that's the last thing I want…./
Sure, he may friend with Pansy at school but that didn't mean he loved her. And not once had she really shown concern for him with the whole Death Eater thing. Hermione had more compassion in her little toe than Pansy had in her entire body. And if he was given the choice between the two, he knew which he'd pick. And not only was Hermione breathtaking when she took the time to dress up, but she was smart as well. They were both intellectuals really and were well suited.
/Now if only I can make her see it that way…/
The thought surprised him and his silver-gray eyes widened in shock. Did he really want to marry Hermione? Still, he had to admire her bravery for trying to take his father on wandless, even if the confrontation was just words. But he knew the Gryffindor wasn't one for remaining silent. She stuck up for what she believed in very vocally at school, often letting the entire student body know. Nor did she care what others thought of her or so it seemed to him. Many had made remarks about her house elf thing – what had it been called? Yes, Hermione had a lot of spirit and that was to be admired.
/And she's going to be mine…/
The thought pleased him to no end and he relaxed on the sofa, enjoying the show of her glaring at his father. Of course, that didn't bother Lucius at all. It would take a lot more to get his old man upset that a harmless glare or even a few words. And that threat she had made earlier; Lucius had no doubt found it very amusing. When he made threats, he made real ones. Of course, one had to consider the fact that she was a Gryffindor and threats were not second nature to her, so one needed to make allowances. His mind momentarily turned to his fellow classmates and their shocked expressions when they discovered the truth.
/Oh yes, I'll definitely be looking forward to telling Potter and Weasley I'm engaged to their precious Hermione…/
Climbing to his feet, he reached out and gripped Hermione by the hand. "I'll explain it to her, Father."
Not waiting for a reply, Draco dragged her into the relative quite of the dining room doorway. His stride had been fast and long, causing her to trip in the unfamiliar shoes. But he caught her easily and steadied her on her feet, his strong arms going around her waist. The smallness of her house still amazed him and even more so now that he was a human again. To think that a few measly steps had already taken him across her entire living room to the dining room! His silvery gray eyes lingered a moment on a large black box in the corner and he frowned. Drat Muggle things were everywhere. Once they were relatively alone in the doorway, Draco smiled brilliantly at her with perfect white teeth. From practicing in front of a mirror, he knew the smile brightened his entire face and made him look very sweet.
/Girls fall for it all the time…/
000
And Hermione Granger, being a girl, was no different.
She was very aware of his arms around her waist, holding her tightly in his embrace. Her heart fluttered in her chest and she could feel heat rise up into her face. She still couldn't believe she had tripped like that and in her own house, too. Normally she wasn't a klutz at all but she just wasn't used to wearing these shoes and with Lucius spouting all that stuff about getting married, well, she just wasn't herself at the moment. His hands were splayed on her back and she could feel the warmth of his touch through the velvet of her dress, each hand sending pleasant warmth into her body. His arms formed a sort of cage and she was trapped within them. She knew she should step back and pull away lest she encouraged him in this marriage nonsense.
And it was nonsense, wasn't it?
/Are you a fool? This is Draco Malfoy we're talking about! You'd be a fool to pass that up…/
But the truth was she was enjoying the sensation of being held in his arms all too much and she was loath to give it up just yet. Slowly she lifted her eyes upward and found him smiling brilliantly at her. He looked so handsome with his platinum blonde hair hanging in his silver eyes, like an angel. It was all too easy to see why the girls thought him attractive, but she was the one in his arms, not them. And even despite her Muggle heritage, she could marry him if she so chose.
"Hermione, I suppose you think the Purebloods just vacation all summer or whatever your Muggles do, but that's not true." Draco said in his usual drawl. "We have the Season. It's when we socialize. I'm speaking of the upper class families, mind you, the wealthy ones that rule Wizarding society. Of course, it's not what it used to be in the grand old days but its still quite grand from what I've been told. One can't enter it officially until you're sixteen so this summer was to be my first."
"And what does this have to do with me?" She asked, still unsure. But a nervous tremble was in her gut making itself known and she feared she had already guessed the answer.
/Please don't say I'm going to be dragged into this society thing…./
The thought was unbearable.
"As my betrothed, you'll be expected to attend all the balls and parties, of course." Draco explained. "I expect it to be rather boring really…"
"And you just expect these people to accept me?" Hermione asked, her chocolate eyes widening as realization sunk in. Many of the girls her own age would probably hate her for snatching Draco away and the older ones would look down at her in disgust for her Muggle heritage. It would be a real disaster! And then add in the fact she really knew nothing of clothes or hair…
/How am I ever going to handle this…./
The idea of rubbing elbows would all those rich pureblooded snobs, why; it was more than she could stand! And she knew nothing of their customs or things like that, either. What if she made a faux pas accidentally and they all laughed at her? And what would the conversation topics be? And if they were all Purebloods…
/The whole place may be filled with Voldemort's followers…/
Why, she might not even get out of there alive! It was very well known that she was one of Harry Potter's best friends and she was sure most of the people at the party would know that as well. Would they allow a Gryffindor into their midst?
/Oh, how did I ever get into this thing…./
"Of course, you'd be expected to host a ball as well…" Draco was saying.
Hermione's head snapped up at those words. She had been so busy contemplating the new situation that she really hadn't been paying attention to everything he had said. The nervousness in her stomach grew from a light tremble to a raging hurricane. "What? I thought I just heard you say that I'm expected to host a ball? I'm sure I misheard you."
Draco's silvery eyes flittered around her tiny Muggle house. "Well, obviously you can't host it here…"
"Draco, you can't be serious!" She exclaimed as her chocolate eyes took on a new larger size due to alarm. "I can't host a ball!"
Dread rolled through her at the thought of hosting a ball. Her parents were dentists and made a nice profit, but there were nowhere wealthy enough to host such a thing as a ball! Her hand flew to her mouth as she suddenly remembered her parents. How would she ever explain this mess to them? It had been hard enough with the Voldemort thing, but she had kind of skimmed over most of that. They knew there was some evil wizard about doing things, yes, but they didn't really grasp the entire situation clearly. They just saw the nice part of magic, the wonder of Diagon Alley. And if the Malfoys were still here when her parents returned from shopping…
/They'll kill me…/
Her parents were easy-going and let her stay with the Weasleys most summers, but if they heard that a boy had been in her room. A grimace crossed her face at the thought. She really didn't think they even knew wizards could turn into animals. They'd be shocked, outraged and who knows what else? And Lucius looked so dignified they'd probably believe him! Worst, they could be coming home at any minute…
/I'll be grounded for sure…/
And that was a truly horrifying thought, as she'd never been grounded in her life. She'd always been the perfectly behaved daughter her parents had dreamed of. If they believed the story that the Death Eater would be spouting, they'd feel betrayed and deeply hurt. She could imagine the hurt look in their eyes all too easily. The reason they let her go off to the Weasleys' during the summer was because they trusted her judgment one hundred percent and knew she would behave properly. They never worried as other parents of teen girls did. No, their daughter was a bookworm and just wasn't interested in boys and as far as she knew, that was just fine with them. At least, neither had broached the subject of dating with her yet. And to have them come home to this…
Once again Hermione wished she could sink through the floor and just disappear so she could avoid the upcoming scene. It would be horrible, that much she knew.
/They'd never trust me again…/
"You'd be expected to." Draco drawled as he gazed at her. "When a girl enters polite society it's expected that she holds a Coming Out ball. And you're to have a female guardian attend all the parties with you, to act as your chaperone. It needn't be your mother. Any older female will do, preferably one already introduced to society."
"Oh, that's just great!" Hermione scoffed. "You know very well both of my parents are Muggles!"
"I'm sure Narcissa would be more than willing to be your chaperone." Lucius remarked from where he stood in the living room idly gazing at the assorted Muggle things that filled the room. "She enjoys socializing as you can imagine. And she'll take you shopping for all the gowns that you'll need."
Turning to look at the Death Eater, Hermione fingered the velvet of the skirt. "But I already have a dress…"
"My dear," Lucius smirked, amused by her Gryffindor way of thinking. "It'll be expected for you to have a different gown for each ball I'm afraid…"
"But that's so frivolous and wasteful!" Hermione exclaimed, outright shocked at the amount of money people would waste on clothes.
000
Draco grinned. It was obvious to him Hermione wasn't used to having real money. But more importantly, he knew she didn't love him because of his wealth. And that was vastly important to him. He watched her bottom jaw drop open as she gawked at his father in outright shock, no doubt thinking it was wasteful. The Gryffindor was so easy to read with all her feelings pasted on her face for all to see. Not a deceitful bone existed in her body. Of course, she could be tough when she needed to be and he admired her for that, too. Yet it was clear that the idea of attending all the social events was nerve-wracking to her.
/I need to reassure her it won't be all that bad…/
"Hermione, we'll have fun at the balls. Really." He smiled at her when she turned to face him again, an uncertain expression on her face. "It'll be like going out on dates sort of…"
"I really don't think my parents are going to accept all this…" She stated, worried as she nervously bit her bottom lip. "Maybe this was common two hundred years ago, but this is the Twentieth Century. Muggles just don't live this way anymore. I'm not sure they'll understand the reasons your father wants us to marry. They're more likely to get the wrong idea. I'm not even sure they know people can change into animals…"
The Slytherin teenager frowned. He had to admit he knew nothing about Muggles or how they'd react to such a thing. He knew that most Muggles didn't like witchcraft and feared it. Years ago they had burned witches or people they had thought to be witches. Who knew what they would do these days? Yet apparently Hermione's parents were OK with magic as they let her attend Hogwarts. Still, people were people, weren't they? Surely they'd be glad that their daughter had made such a fine match? Making a match was really what the Season was all about, after all. It allowed young people to meet each other under the watchful eyes of their elders and discover who suited who well. It broke his heart to see her worried over what should be a joyous occasion. Any pureblooded girl looked forward to her Coming Out ball and the upcoming season, yet Hermione was acting just the opposite. "I'm sure your parents will be happy that you made such a fine match…"
Reaching out, Draco lifted her chin so she could look at him. "Don't worry. Father will explain it to them when they get home."
"And that's what I'm worried about!" Hermione replied, apprehension clear in her eyes.
Just then the front door opened and her parents entered, their arms full of groceries. Their eyes landed on the Death Eater standing in their living room and they paused, surprise clear on their faces. Her father put his sacks down and stepped closer to the silver-haired man. "Who are you and what are you doing in my house?"
To be continued…
Author's Note: Sorry I didn't get this up yesterday, but I was too sleepy to do this chapter justice.