I apologize for taking so long to get this out! I've had this written up for a few months now but forgot it was ready! As a late Christmas present my family brought me Hermione's wand from the theme park. You'll be getting a detailed version of her magic and training in the next chapter! Enjoy!
The house from the outside looked to be just a simple country home. The stone fence lining the road they had walked up on was weathered and had an old rustic charm about it. There were chickens in the yard as well as a few geese. Hermione could see a barn behind the house and a pasture next to it where a few horses and cattle grazed in the afternoon sun. Upon walking up to the house she could begin to see the minor details of the house. The windows were all dark and the door looked to be simple, with just a small brass knocker on the front. Harry stepped ahead and held open the door for her as she stepped inside. Once inside Hermione was able to truly marvel at the wonders magic could do for a home. It was more than triple the size that it looked from the outside. The front hall being massive and more ornate than the entrance hall to the palace. Marble floors and mural painted ceilings assaulted her vision and a pleasant smell of fresh cut flowers came from seemingly nowhere.
"I think I shall like it here Harry." Hermione said smiling.
Abigail appeared shortly after Hermione had toured the lower floor, orienting herself with the kitchen and the sitting room, as well as the library and potions chamber in the cellar.
"Come Miss! We must get you ready! Master Potter if you will excuse us." Abigail grabbed Hermione's arm and pulled her up the stairs. Abigail walked comfortably through the halls and led Hermione to the second to last door on the right.
"These are the guest quarters currently. Once you're married to Master Potter your things will be moved to the other wing with the family." She explained then began preparing Hermione for the evening.
Hours of primping later with the help of Winky, the Potter's house elf, Hermione slipped into her lavender gown as Abigail tightened her laces in the back.
"Now Miss, your hair should hold through the apparition, if not you know the spell to fix it. You're to apparate to your quarters as if you have been there all afternoon preparing for the party instead of here."
"Yes I know Abby, quit worrying, everything will be fine. I'm confident everything will go smoothly."
"Good luck Miss, Master Harry is a lucky man." Winky said.
"I'm lucky to have him" Hermione whispered as she apparated to her room.
She landed easily and as she walked to the mirror she was pleased to see that not a hair was out of place, Abigail was that good. A knock sounded on her door and she went to open it.
"Oh Hermione dear you look lovely" Her mother exclaimed gushing over the fine silk of her dress and how neatly Abigail had curled and pinned her bushy hair.
"Thank you mother." Hermione smiled.
Not long after Hermione and her mother were walking towards the ballroom. She was to meet Harry there. Then they would present themselves to the King for his official blessing.
Not long after speaking with the King Hermione found herself being pulled away by some of her schoolmates as well as a few muggle girls of court.
"Hermione how did you manage to snare Harry Potter?' Lavander asked.
"We've always been close friends. It just seemed right." Hermione replied diplomatically. She didn't trust these girls and couldn't figure out what they wanted.
"Yes I do remember you to being quite close in school." Lavander commented. "Though I heard that you turned down Draco Malfoy for Harry."
"Like I said, we've always been good friends. It seemed more practical"
"Must have been difficult to get Harry to agree. Pray tell how far a long are you?" Lavander snickered, hiding her smirk behind her fan.
"Miss Brown! I'm appalled that you would insinuate that Harry and I were laying together before we are wed! Coming from you who would lift her skirts for anyone just to try and make a connection. Excuse me I must go find my fiancée!" Hermione marched away smiling to herself. She'd been waiting for a time to knock that girl down a peg and after she insinuated that she and Harry and been more then friends in school was appalling!
"Hermione dear there you are! I was wondering where you had gone off to!" Harry reached out to her and pulled her to his side, wrapping an arm comfortably around her waist.
"Cedric I do believe you remember my fiancée, Hermione?" Harry spoke to the gentleman next to him. Cedric Diggory had graduated a few years earlier than them. He was now married to the Asian beauty that Harry had pinned over during their fourth year.
"Yes I do remember her! Hermione how lovely it is to see you. You are glowing. Congratulations." Cedric smiled.
"Thank you. Though I believe that some congratulations are in order to you also! Cho is positively radiant. Pray tell how long until the baby is here?" Hermione asked.
"Two months or so, we're quite excited." He smiled placing his hand over Cho's bulging belly. "When should we expect little Potter's to be running around?" He asked jokingly.
"Not for a while I suppose." Harry laughed. "We haven't discussed it really; still a little too early to be thinking about that!"
Hermione remained silent. It was the first time she had really thought about that aspect of their future. Of course she would be expected to bear Harry's child, the only question was how soon. He had said that she would become a spy like his family. Perhaps that would push the time frame back. Most girls were expecting within the first year of marriage if their husband was an only child.
"Well if you will excuse us. I believe it is time for me to take my wife for a turn around the dance floor." Cedric said. They bid them their goodbyes and Harry and Hermione went to take their seats and be served dinner. It was wonderful; no less was expected in the Royal Court.
"I think I'm ready to retire Harry. Let us say our farewells to our parents." Hermione said quietly, Harry nodded and they started to make their way to the other side of the ballroom. They were stopped though when a pale arm shot out and grabbed Hermione's elbow.
"I'm surprised at you Potter." Malfoy sneered. "I knew you hated me but I didn't think you would go as far as to steal my bride."
"She was never yours for the taking Malfoy. Now if you will excuse us we need to go speak with our parents. Good evening." Harry said calmly before grasping Hermione's hand and attempting to pull her away from Draco.
"Not so fast Potter. I want to have al little chat with little Lady Granger here. Seems to me that I deserve an explanation as to why I was turned down."
"I don't want to talk to you Malfoy. Now if you will excuse me." Hermione tried to pull her arm from his grasp.
"Not quite yet." Malfoy held tighter. "You didn't answer my question."
"And I shall not! Unhand me!" Hermione shouted drawing people's attention. Harry was now between them prying Malfoy's hand off of her.
"I'll tell you one more time Malfoy. Unhand her or you'll be meeting your aunt tonight." Harry threatened quietly. It was well known among the Wizarding community that Draco's Aunt Bellatrix was killed. She was insane and had killed hundreds of muggles before she was stopped.
"This isn't over Potter." Malfoy dropped Hermione's arm and walked away. Hermione looked around at all the stares they were receiving. Lily Potter was next to her in an instant.
"Come dear, lets get you out of their sight." Lily took Hermione's free hand and led her through the room, Harry following closely behind.
They made to the Potter's rooms before anyone spoke again.
"I'm fine, just rather shaken up." Hermione insisted. Harry didn't look quite convinced.
"I still want to take you back to the Manor. You'll be safer." Harry insisted. He wanted her safe, and there with other wizards and people he trusted.
"I agree with you dear, I do think you should go back tonight Hermione. I also think I should begin your training tomorrow Hermione. I will teach you more protection spells among other things." Lily said.
"I'll go back, though I think I shall need to side-along with someone. I don't quite know where I'm going yet." Hermione glanced at Harry.
"I'll take you back."Harry offered immediately.
"Harry I don't know if that is a good idea." Lily said.
"Mother it shall be fine. I'll make sure Hermione gets there safely and it will let me be sure that all the wards and spells are still in place. I'll stay the night and be back here early in the morning.
"Very well, take care of her Harry." Lily hugged the both of them and she watched as Harry wrapped Hermione in his arms and they disappeared.
Malfoy is just vile isnt he? And this is just me getting started...Depending on the amount of review I get I will update sooner! Your reviews motivate me!