Disclaimer: I don't feel like doing these anymore. You guys all know I
don't own this stuff.
Previously on PS:
"What are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing?"
"But I thought Mum was addressing."
"Not the people I'm inviting, just the ten thousand people we've never met, but are in some way related to." Draco looked amused.
"Oh. And... who will I actually know?"
"Pansy... and Ginny if they agree to come. I'm inviting Harry and Ron, as I said... but I'm beginning to think you're right. They'd have written or something..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... hold the phone. Did you just admit that I might possibly be right?"
"Don't let it go to your head," Hermione said, although she knew it was in vain. Draco, smirking, knew as well.
"Already there, love... already there."
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER FIVE: First Date
The two weeks prior to the wedding went by much more quickly than Hermione would have liked. When her last weekend as a single woman approached her, she found herself doubting many things. First of all, there was the overpowering feeling of dread toward the actual wedding. Despite her protests, Madeline and Narcissa had left her out of the loop for a majority of the proceedings, and, although they assured everything was going according to plan, Hermione couldn't help but be nervous. She had convinced herself that something would go wrong... she'd misplace her dress... the flowers (which were fake) would wilt (which was impossible), the caterer or photographer would be late... or never show up...
Along the same lines, Hermione was beginning to doubt herself in the entire department of marriage. It had already been decided that once the wedding was over, she and her groom would retire to their new home for a night, and then leave for their so called 'honeymoon' the next morning. Once they returned home, Draco and Hermione would be pretty much on her own. A few months ago, her biggest fear had been child rearing... but now that she'd gotten a taste, she realized it was worse than she ever could have imagined. This got Hermione to wondering if her judgment had been good in other areas. Perhaps Draco had been right... this was going to be much harder than they'd bargained for. Hermione was feeling slightly unprepared.
As if wedding jitters and marital nightmares weren't enough, Hermione still hadn't heard from Harry and Ron. She had ended up sending Ginny an invitation as well, but the only she'd received back was from Pansy. It seemed her so-called friends couldn't understand something so important as keeping her safe.
With a sigh, Hermione shook her head. It wasn't fair to blame them. She'd lied to them for seven years... and they'd trusted her with their lives on various occasions. This was big... a tremendous lie. She'd shielded her identity... lied about her birthright... and conveniently forgotten to mention the exact reasoning behind why she refused to date anyone. Victor Krum had never been her boyfriend. She'd gone to the dance with him in forth year, and never spoken to him again. Yes, they'd shared a goodnight kiss... but it was merely a peck on the cheek. If that counted as cheating, then she was guilty, but otherwise, Hermione had remained entirely faithful to Draco... even when opportunity came knocking.
Ron had definitely had his eye on her for quite some time. He had his share of girlfriends, but they never lasted more than a week... and always seemed to despise Hermione when their relationships ended. She wasn't stupid, but she played the part well. Ron was probably heart broken... she really shouldn't have expected him to understand.
Hermione had never much been able to deal with problems alone, and shared all her fears with Draco. She had first made him promise not to laugh... but he broke it straight away, and left her to tears. This, of course, changed Draco's mood, and he'd quite understood and whispered soothing words to her while letting her cry in his arms.
On Saturday, exactly one week before the Malfoy/Boyce wedding, Hermione found herself alone. Narcissa had finally convinced Lucius and Hunter that they needed to take Draco and get tuxes as soon as possible. Hermione had to agree that it was nearing the deadline... and the fact that that was one more thing that might not be finished was another factor in her toe-tap worthy nervousness. Draco, knowing she really would like to have twenty- four hour comforting, apologized profusely, although he knew she wanted him to go and get it over with, and promised he'd take her to dinner... the first real date-like situation they'd be in. Hermione had thought it unnecessary, but Draco had insisted, and you simply don't argue with a Malfoy.
~*~*~*~
Hermione sat in her bedroom that sunny Saturday, flipping though bridal magazines and asking the pictures what they'd suggest she do with her hair. Of course, she knew she would in the end have absolutely no say, but it was nice to have an opinion. It was just after she'd cracked open the fourth one with a sigh that a loud crack, somewhat like a gunshot, sounded right next to her ear and she screamed, falling off the bed as she jumped in alarm. With wide eyes, Hermione looked up to see Ginny Weasley perched on her bed with a smirk, waving innocently.
"Bloody hell, Ginny! You scared me to death!" she exclaimed while she stood, and Ginny giggled.
"Sorry, Mione." It was only then that Hermione realized the seriousness of Ginny's arrival. She squealed and lunged at the girl, trapping her in a hug.
"Ginny! I can't believe you're here!" The red head laughed.
"Well, why shouldn't I be? My best girlfriend is getting married; it's my job to throw you one killer bachelorette party. Now, where's the groom? I think I need to have a chat with him." Hermione laughed.
"First of all, it's good to see you, Gin. I was beginning to feel unwanted. Secondly, a party is unnecessary, although I do believe Draco has one planed for Wednesday, and three... he's getting tuxes with our dads. Why didn't you reply to my invitation?"
"Because Ron wouldn't let me use Pig. He's actually quite angry about this... but you shouldn't blame him, Mione. This is big. He'll get over it, though, I promise. Harry understands everything, but is undecided on whether to side with Ron or agree with me. I think he's leaning toward Ron, if only because he knows he'll overreact if he does otherwise. And, hog swallow about the party. We're going. Tonight." Hermione shook her head.
"I can't tonight. I'm going on a date with Draco," she recalled, and Ginny lifted an eyebrow. Hermione gave a little smile. "We've never really been on one before... and I was feeling a bit depressed about you lot, so he wanted to cheer me up. I can't cancel, it'll make him think I don't appreciate it." Ginny, although a bit put out, nodded and bit her lip.
"Alright, here's what you do. You haven't slept with him, right?" Hermione scrunched up her nose and shook her head, causing Ginny to laugh. "Alright, judging by that reaction I don't think that'll be a problem... so just come home early. Have dinner, and then say something like 'we better get back, or my dad'll kill me'. Then we'll have plenty of time." Hermione laughed and shook her head.
"I'm not going to lie, Gin. I'll just tell him; he'll understand. The whole point of the date was to get me to stop thinking about you guys not answering, but now that you're here, that seems rather pointless. I still want to go, though... we can't have all night." Ginny nodded.
"Fine, fine... whatever you want. You know him better than I do. Gosh, this is so weird..." Hermione smiled sadly.
"I'm sure it is for you, but what about me? I have to marry Draco Malfoy... and other than that fact, he's been my absolute best friend for my entire life. That'd be like you marrying Ron... except without the blood connection." Ginny pretended to gag. "Exactly," Hermione agreed. At that, Ginny shook her head, and looked around. Hermione's room, although very simplistic, was still quite elegant and charming. High ceiling, immense walk-in closet, a huge bed, and dozens of knick-knacks.
"Nice place you've got here, Hermione. I've always sort of wondered why we never came to your house... ever... I assumed it was something like Harry's problem, except not as severe... like, your parents were iffy about wizards, but, being offspring, you didn't count." Hermione laughed.
"Did I forget to mention they ARE wizards?" Ginny tilted her head.
"Really? Ron wouldn't let me read the letter, all he said was 'Hermione's marrying Malfoy! They've been betrothed since childhood!' and I haven't heard a word from him since. I kind of had to piece things together myself."
"Well, my parents are wizards, Gin. I'm a pureblood... actually, a very influential pureblood. I'd say on equal ground to the Malfoys at the very least." Ginny raised an eyebrow.
"I'm assuming Granger isn't your real name then?" Hermione shook her head.
"Nope. I am Hermione Renee Boyce. Pleasure." Ginny's eyes widened.
"B... Boyce? But... they disappeared... almost..."
"Eighteen years ago?" Hermione provided with a smirk, and Ginny nodded numbly.
"But the Boyce's have NEVER in the history of wizards had a female offspring!" Hermione smirked.
"I know. My dad must have gotten some rotten genes," she said, with a slight laugh. "Anyway, that's why we had to keep it a secret. If everyone knew... I'd have suitors up to my eyeballs. Being so alike in power, the Malfoys were good friends of ours. Draco's mother and mine were pregnant at the same time... they bonded. We couldn't just disappear from them as well... so, we moved here... which I've heard is much less extravagant than our old home, and Draco lives just down the street. Evidently, my parents thought it fate that Narcissa birthed a son just months before my mother birthed a daughter, but for some reason, they didn't betroth us. I guess they just ASSUMED we'd fall in love or something... it wasn't until we were about five and we started making other friends that they started thinking... and they asked us. It was completely unfair. I don't exactly recall it, but they said something like 'Hermione... do you want to spend forever with Draco?' which made me, as a child, think they'd take away my best friend if I said no, so I agreed... and poof. That's what happened." Ginny's eyes were wide.
"Oh... wow."
"Yeah, I know. If I had a choice now, I wouldn't marry him. I love him, of course, but like a brother... this is just so weird. I'd rather we stay single forever and continue to live where we are... but then he'd be too much like his brother... living at home, waiting on Narcissa hand and foot. I'm sure she loves it though," Hermione said, giggling, but Ginny looked confused.
"Draco has a brother?" Hermione nodded.
"He's twenty three... went to a school in America. He has a sister too... oh, you have to see her, she's the cutest little thing. Five months old just yesterday. Come on," Hermione said and took Ginny's hand, pulling her toward the door of her room.
"What? Wait... me? Malfoy Manor? Won't I be spliced at the door or something?" Hermione laughed.
"Gin, Gin, Gin... Draco isn't how he acted, his father doesn't hate muggles or what he called 'lower wizards'... I mean, come on... they betrothed their son to the light side princess. How bad can they be?"
"Alright, Mione... if you say so."
"Don't worry. Narcissa's the only one there... all the men are with Draco. It'll be fun."
~*~
"Cissa!" Hermione called as she entered the house, and Ginny flinched. A reply came from the kitchen, and the girls immediately started there. Ginny walked as if tramping through a minefield.
"Good news, love," Narcissa said as she sent a scouring spell at the dishes in the sink. "Erild, the florist, had a cancellation. He should be able to be there early, which is good for us, as it will be a much less stressful morning." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Cissa, you never told me he wouldn't be on time!" Narcissa turned to her daughter-in-law and bit her lip.
"Oh... right... I didn't want to worry you, love. Oh! Who's your friend?" At this, Ginny's amused smile dropped and her eyes grew wide. Hermione sighed.
"This is Ginny Weasley, Cissa. Ginny, this is Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mum." Ginny lifted a hand and gave a nervous wave.
"Hi." Narcissa gave a gallant smile.
"Ginny, dear, so nice to finally meet you. How is your family?" Ginny sighed softly.
"All right... Ron's a bit off, but..." Narcissa frowned.
"Yes... I've heard." This comment was followed by an awkward silence, accompanied by sad looks to Hermione, courtesy of her best friend and mother-in-law.
"Cissa, where's Hazy?" Narcissa shook herself slightly and replaced her smile.
"She's napping now, love... but you can wake her, if you like. If she doesn't get up soon, she won't sleep tonight," she predicted, and turned back to her pan, which was now in need of a rinse.
"Come on, Gin," Hermione prodded, taking Ginny's wrist and pulling her toward the staircase.
"Do you know where you're going?" she asked, and Hermione laughed.
"Of course. That's the drawing room... Uncle Lucius' office... swimming room, entertainment room, music room..." she listed, pointing to each door she passed. "The bedrooms are down this way... that's Lucifer's, Draco's brother, Draco's room, Guest room." Hermione turned another corner. "Then this is Cissa and Uncle Lucius' room... followed by... shh..." The girls stopped in front of an un-coincidently hazel colored door, which bore a silver plaque, proclaiming the room beyond to belong to one Hazel. Ginny did as she was asked, keeping her lips tightly closed, and Hermione opened the door. Contrary to maternal belief, Hazel was in no way unconscious.
Hermione grinned and pulled Ginny inside, creeping up to the crib. Hazel was lying on her back in bed, watching the magical mobile that spun each time she kicked at a certain bar of her crib. Hazel had discovered this months ago, and had originally started sucking it... but soon found that kicking worked much better.
"Hello," Hermione cooed in a sing-song voice, alerting Hazel to the fact that others had entered the room. She squealed and reached out, which caused Hermione to laugh in return. "Ginny, this is Hazel, the newest of the Malfoy clan." She explained and lifted the baby onto her chest. Hazel, as she was fond of doing, rested her head into the crook of Hermione's neck and watched Ginny with innocent eyes. Smiling, Ginny gave a playful wave.
"Aren't you a cutie? And look at all that hair." Hermione laughed at this comment, as it had coincidently been a running joke throughout both the Boyce and Malfoy homes. Hazel, although small, had already acquired a good four inches of thick blonde hair. "Of course, you had to be a blonde."
"Of course," Hermione agreed. "Want to hold her?" At this, Ginny's smile disappeared and she shook her head.
"No... I'm alright. You go ahead." Hermione laughed
"Oh, come on, Gin, she won't bite. You have a turn, I hold her practically everyday," she insisted, and hoisted the baby into Ginny's arms before the girl could protest again. Ginny was quite tense, but held the baby with care.
"This feels so wrong... I keep getting this fear that Malfoy's going to burst through that door and curse me to death for even touching a member of his family," Ginny shared, but held Hazel as if she felt sorry for her, close to her chest. Hermione sighed and shook her head.
"You know, that's what I hate most about this arrangement. It's not that I had to lie, it's not that I could never date... or that I changed my identity... What I hate is what Draco had to do. Everyone is afraid of him... but he's really nothing like that. I swear to you, Gin. I've known Draco my entire life... he's a month and a half older than me, and we've been together since before we could move. The Malfoy you know is absolutely nothing like the Draco I'm going to marry. You have to meet him whenever they get home, Gin... I'll show you."
"I believe you, Mione... I do. It's just so hard to forget all that, you know? If I'd known all along it was an act..." she sighed. "But I understand." Hermione, without a thought, leapt forward and trapped both Ginny and Hazel in a hug.
"Thank you, Gin... that's what I needed to hear."
~*~*~*~
Hermione and Ginny, after a rather lengthy play session with Hazel, retired to Hermione's room for some traditional, pre-wedding girl chat. They spent hours planning Ginny's wedding, surprisingly, as Hermione knew she couldn't change anything now. Ginny had laughed at the idea, considering she had no one who even remotely close to proposing to her, but gave up and agreed. Hermione had a field day. She'd picked out everything down to Ginny's shoes, and then charmed things around the room to dress her.
"If that dress weren't a drape, it'd be perfect for you, Gin."
"Can I take it off now?" she whined, and Hermione laughed before sending a charm toward her friend.
"Aw, I was enjoying that," said another voice, which made Ginny spin around in alarm, but Hermione just shook her head.
"Hi Draco," she said without even bothering to look up from her magazine. Ginny looked entirely confused, as Draco was nowhere to be seen. She gave Hermione a puzzled look, but her question soon answered itself, as a blonde head appeared above the windowsill. Ginny was slightly taken aback; Draco was smiling... something she'd always thought him anatomically incapable of doing, and his hair fell naturally over his face. Hermione looked up a moment later, when she finished her article, and seemed entirely unfazed. "Please, please tell me you're finished." The already large smile on Draco's face grew.
"Of course, aren't I always punctual? AND we got a dress for Hazel. Evidently, Lucifer knew EXACTLY what Mum wanted. Of course, he was right, but that's not the point." Hermione sighed.
"Sometimes I worry about your brother. That's just not... normal." Draco laughed out loud.
"Since when has Lucifer EVER been normal?" he agreed, then turned his head slightly to see Ginny, who was standing with an entirely shocked look upon her face. Evidently, seeing Hermione and Draco conversing like equals coupled with the shock of seeing him climb through her window was a bit much for her to fathom. "Hello, Ginny," he greeted, smirking slightly, and she snapped out of whatever funk she was in.
"Erm... hey."
"Did you want something, Draco?" Hermione asked, and Draco turned toward her, feigning hurt.
"Since when do I need a reason?" he teased and she shrugged, turning back to her magazine.
"Just wondering if you had one."
"Actually," he said and smiled at Ginny, "I came to pick you up, but it seems my services are unneeded." Hermione looked confused.
"But it's only four o'clock..." He shrugged.
"Yep. Later, then, ladies," Draco said, nodding toward each of them, and then started back down the trellis.
"Wait, Draco!" Hermione called, scrambling up and leaning out the window, but Draco ignored her and jumped the last few feet down, then started toward the street. Hermione gave a frustrated sign. "Excuse me a minute, Gin." Ginny numbly nodded as she watched Hermione rush to the door and then down the stairs.
~*~
"Draco!" Hermione called when she caught up to him. Either he'd been expecting her to chase after, or was simply walking abnormally slow, as she caught him before he made it to the next block. When Draco heard Hermione, he spun around, with a smirk on his face.
"Yes?"
"Wha...er..." Hermione stuttered, realizing she had no idea what she should say. Draco laughed and lifted his eyebrows expectantly. After another frustrated sigh, Hermione managed a sentence. "Are we still on for tonight?" Draco smiled and shook his head.
"Why would we be? If Ginny's here, I'm not about to take you away. Go have some girl time," he suggested, brushing her chin with the backs of his fingers. Hermione gave a slight smile.
"You're not angry?" Draco furrowed his eyebrows, but kept his smile.
"Of course not. Maybe a little disappointed, but that's okay. Have fun, I'll see you tomorrow," he said before leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on her lips. Hermione stood stock still as he spun and started away.
"You're not supposed to do that!" she called after him once she regained herself, and Draco turned, but continued walking backward.
"You didn't stop me."
~*~*~*~
A/N: Do you guys hate this story? Is it boring? There isn't much conflict, except that Ron is being an arse... ::sigh:: I'm sorry. I expected it to turn out better. At least it shouldn't take that long.
The last chapter was called pigs and mice because she had pigs in a blanket (two buns on her head) and he called her a mouse because of it. Oh...
I'm trying again. Make sure you put the www. Before it and take out the spaces
Dress: Lindsay fleming . com /cara . htm # Lindsay fleming
Sleeves: Lindsay fleming . com / arran . htm # Lindsay fleming
That's all, then
Previously on PS:
"What are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing?"
"But I thought Mum was addressing."
"Not the people I'm inviting, just the ten thousand people we've never met, but are in some way related to." Draco looked amused.
"Oh. And... who will I actually know?"
"Pansy... and Ginny if they agree to come. I'm inviting Harry and Ron, as I said... but I'm beginning to think you're right. They'd have written or something..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... hold the phone. Did you just admit that I might possibly be right?"
"Don't let it go to your head," Hermione said, although she knew it was in vain. Draco, smirking, knew as well.
"Already there, love... already there."
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER FIVE: First Date
The two weeks prior to the wedding went by much more quickly than Hermione would have liked. When her last weekend as a single woman approached her, she found herself doubting many things. First of all, there was the overpowering feeling of dread toward the actual wedding. Despite her protests, Madeline and Narcissa had left her out of the loop for a majority of the proceedings, and, although they assured everything was going according to plan, Hermione couldn't help but be nervous. She had convinced herself that something would go wrong... she'd misplace her dress... the flowers (which were fake) would wilt (which was impossible), the caterer or photographer would be late... or never show up...
Along the same lines, Hermione was beginning to doubt herself in the entire department of marriage. It had already been decided that once the wedding was over, she and her groom would retire to their new home for a night, and then leave for their so called 'honeymoon' the next morning. Once they returned home, Draco and Hermione would be pretty much on her own. A few months ago, her biggest fear had been child rearing... but now that she'd gotten a taste, she realized it was worse than she ever could have imagined. This got Hermione to wondering if her judgment had been good in other areas. Perhaps Draco had been right... this was going to be much harder than they'd bargained for. Hermione was feeling slightly unprepared.
As if wedding jitters and marital nightmares weren't enough, Hermione still hadn't heard from Harry and Ron. She had ended up sending Ginny an invitation as well, but the only she'd received back was from Pansy. It seemed her so-called friends couldn't understand something so important as keeping her safe.
With a sigh, Hermione shook her head. It wasn't fair to blame them. She'd lied to them for seven years... and they'd trusted her with their lives on various occasions. This was big... a tremendous lie. She'd shielded her identity... lied about her birthright... and conveniently forgotten to mention the exact reasoning behind why she refused to date anyone. Victor Krum had never been her boyfriend. She'd gone to the dance with him in forth year, and never spoken to him again. Yes, they'd shared a goodnight kiss... but it was merely a peck on the cheek. If that counted as cheating, then she was guilty, but otherwise, Hermione had remained entirely faithful to Draco... even when opportunity came knocking.
Ron had definitely had his eye on her for quite some time. He had his share of girlfriends, but they never lasted more than a week... and always seemed to despise Hermione when their relationships ended. She wasn't stupid, but she played the part well. Ron was probably heart broken... she really shouldn't have expected him to understand.
Hermione had never much been able to deal with problems alone, and shared all her fears with Draco. She had first made him promise not to laugh... but he broke it straight away, and left her to tears. This, of course, changed Draco's mood, and he'd quite understood and whispered soothing words to her while letting her cry in his arms.
On Saturday, exactly one week before the Malfoy/Boyce wedding, Hermione found herself alone. Narcissa had finally convinced Lucius and Hunter that they needed to take Draco and get tuxes as soon as possible. Hermione had to agree that it was nearing the deadline... and the fact that that was one more thing that might not be finished was another factor in her toe-tap worthy nervousness. Draco, knowing she really would like to have twenty- four hour comforting, apologized profusely, although he knew she wanted him to go and get it over with, and promised he'd take her to dinner... the first real date-like situation they'd be in. Hermione had thought it unnecessary, but Draco had insisted, and you simply don't argue with a Malfoy.
~*~*~*~
Hermione sat in her bedroom that sunny Saturday, flipping though bridal magazines and asking the pictures what they'd suggest she do with her hair. Of course, she knew she would in the end have absolutely no say, but it was nice to have an opinion. It was just after she'd cracked open the fourth one with a sigh that a loud crack, somewhat like a gunshot, sounded right next to her ear and she screamed, falling off the bed as she jumped in alarm. With wide eyes, Hermione looked up to see Ginny Weasley perched on her bed with a smirk, waving innocently.
"Bloody hell, Ginny! You scared me to death!" she exclaimed while she stood, and Ginny giggled.
"Sorry, Mione." It was only then that Hermione realized the seriousness of Ginny's arrival. She squealed and lunged at the girl, trapping her in a hug.
"Ginny! I can't believe you're here!" The red head laughed.
"Well, why shouldn't I be? My best girlfriend is getting married; it's my job to throw you one killer bachelorette party. Now, where's the groom? I think I need to have a chat with him." Hermione laughed.
"First of all, it's good to see you, Gin. I was beginning to feel unwanted. Secondly, a party is unnecessary, although I do believe Draco has one planed for Wednesday, and three... he's getting tuxes with our dads. Why didn't you reply to my invitation?"
"Because Ron wouldn't let me use Pig. He's actually quite angry about this... but you shouldn't blame him, Mione. This is big. He'll get over it, though, I promise. Harry understands everything, but is undecided on whether to side with Ron or agree with me. I think he's leaning toward Ron, if only because he knows he'll overreact if he does otherwise. And, hog swallow about the party. We're going. Tonight." Hermione shook her head.
"I can't tonight. I'm going on a date with Draco," she recalled, and Ginny lifted an eyebrow. Hermione gave a little smile. "We've never really been on one before... and I was feeling a bit depressed about you lot, so he wanted to cheer me up. I can't cancel, it'll make him think I don't appreciate it." Ginny, although a bit put out, nodded and bit her lip.
"Alright, here's what you do. You haven't slept with him, right?" Hermione scrunched up her nose and shook her head, causing Ginny to laugh. "Alright, judging by that reaction I don't think that'll be a problem... so just come home early. Have dinner, and then say something like 'we better get back, or my dad'll kill me'. Then we'll have plenty of time." Hermione laughed and shook her head.
"I'm not going to lie, Gin. I'll just tell him; he'll understand. The whole point of the date was to get me to stop thinking about you guys not answering, but now that you're here, that seems rather pointless. I still want to go, though... we can't have all night." Ginny nodded.
"Fine, fine... whatever you want. You know him better than I do. Gosh, this is so weird..." Hermione smiled sadly.
"I'm sure it is for you, but what about me? I have to marry Draco Malfoy... and other than that fact, he's been my absolute best friend for my entire life. That'd be like you marrying Ron... except without the blood connection." Ginny pretended to gag. "Exactly," Hermione agreed. At that, Ginny shook her head, and looked around. Hermione's room, although very simplistic, was still quite elegant and charming. High ceiling, immense walk-in closet, a huge bed, and dozens of knick-knacks.
"Nice place you've got here, Hermione. I've always sort of wondered why we never came to your house... ever... I assumed it was something like Harry's problem, except not as severe... like, your parents were iffy about wizards, but, being offspring, you didn't count." Hermione laughed.
"Did I forget to mention they ARE wizards?" Ginny tilted her head.
"Really? Ron wouldn't let me read the letter, all he said was 'Hermione's marrying Malfoy! They've been betrothed since childhood!' and I haven't heard a word from him since. I kind of had to piece things together myself."
"Well, my parents are wizards, Gin. I'm a pureblood... actually, a very influential pureblood. I'd say on equal ground to the Malfoys at the very least." Ginny raised an eyebrow.
"I'm assuming Granger isn't your real name then?" Hermione shook her head.
"Nope. I am Hermione Renee Boyce. Pleasure." Ginny's eyes widened.
"B... Boyce? But... they disappeared... almost..."
"Eighteen years ago?" Hermione provided with a smirk, and Ginny nodded numbly.
"But the Boyce's have NEVER in the history of wizards had a female offspring!" Hermione smirked.
"I know. My dad must have gotten some rotten genes," she said, with a slight laugh. "Anyway, that's why we had to keep it a secret. If everyone knew... I'd have suitors up to my eyeballs. Being so alike in power, the Malfoys were good friends of ours. Draco's mother and mine were pregnant at the same time... they bonded. We couldn't just disappear from them as well... so, we moved here... which I've heard is much less extravagant than our old home, and Draco lives just down the street. Evidently, my parents thought it fate that Narcissa birthed a son just months before my mother birthed a daughter, but for some reason, they didn't betroth us. I guess they just ASSUMED we'd fall in love or something... it wasn't until we were about five and we started making other friends that they started thinking... and they asked us. It was completely unfair. I don't exactly recall it, but they said something like 'Hermione... do you want to spend forever with Draco?' which made me, as a child, think they'd take away my best friend if I said no, so I agreed... and poof. That's what happened." Ginny's eyes were wide.
"Oh... wow."
"Yeah, I know. If I had a choice now, I wouldn't marry him. I love him, of course, but like a brother... this is just so weird. I'd rather we stay single forever and continue to live where we are... but then he'd be too much like his brother... living at home, waiting on Narcissa hand and foot. I'm sure she loves it though," Hermione said, giggling, but Ginny looked confused.
"Draco has a brother?" Hermione nodded.
"He's twenty three... went to a school in America. He has a sister too... oh, you have to see her, she's the cutest little thing. Five months old just yesterday. Come on," Hermione said and took Ginny's hand, pulling her toward the door of her room.
"What? Wait... me? Malfoy Manor? Won't I be spliced at the door or something?" Hermione laughed.
"Gin, Gin, Gin... Draco isn't how he acted, his father doesn't hate muggles or what he called 'lower wizards'... I mean, come on... they betrothed their son to the light side princess. How bad can they be?"
"Alright, Mione... if you say so."
"Don't worry. Narcissa's the only one there... all the men are with Draco. It'll be fun."
~*~
"Cissa!" Hermione called as she entered the house, and Ginny flinched. A reply came from the kitchen, and the girls immediately started there. Ginny walked as if tramping through a minefield.
"Good news, love," Narcissa said as she sent a scouring spell at the dishes in the sink. "Erild, the florist, had a cancellation. He should be able to be there early, which is good for us, as it will be a much less stressful morning." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Cissa, you never told me he wouldn't be on time!" Narcissa turned to her daughter-in-law and bit her lip.
"Oh... right... I didn't want to worry you, love. Oh! Who's your friend?" At this, Ginny's amused smile dropped and her eyes grew wide. Hermione sighed.
"This is Ginny Weasley, Cissa. Ginny, this is Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mum." Ginny lifted a hand and gave a nervous wave.
"Hi." Narcissa gave a gallant smile.
"Ginny, dear, so nice to finally meet you. How is your family?" Ginny sighed softly.
"All right... Ron's a bit off, but..." Narcissa frowned.
"Yes... I've heard." This comment was followed by an awkward silence, accompanied by sad looks to Hermione, courtesy of her best friend and mother-in-law.
"Cissa, where's Hazy?" Narcissa shook herself slightly and replaced her smile.
"She's napping now, love... but you can wake her, if you like. If she doesn't get up soon, she won't sleep tonight," she predicted, and turned back to her pan, which was now in need of a rinse.
"Come on, Gin," Hermione prodded, taking Ginny's wrist and pulling her toward the staircase.
"Do you know where you're going?" she asked, and Hermione laughed.
"Of course. That's the drawing room... Uncle Lucius' office... swimming room, entertainment room, music room..." she listed, pointing to each door she passed. "The bedrooms are down this way... that's Lucifer's, Draco's brother, Draco's room, Guest room." Hermione turned another corner. "Then this is Cissa and Uncle Lucius' room... followed by... shh..." The girls stopped in front of an un-coincidently hazel colored door, which bore a silver plaque, proclaiming the room beyond to belong to one Hazel. Ginny did as she was asked, keeping her lips tightly closed, and Hermione opened the door. Contrary to maternal belief, Hazel was in no way unconscious.
Hermione grinned and pulled Ginny inside, creeping up to the crib. Hazel was lying on her back in bed, watching the magical mobile that spun each time she kicked at a certain bar of her crib. Hazel had discovered this months ago, and had originally started sucking it... but soon found that kicking worked much better.
"Hello," Hermione cooed in a sing-song voice, alerting Hazel to the fact that others had entered the room. She squealed and reached out, which caused Hermione to laugh in return. "Ginny, this is Hazel, the newest of the Malfoy clan." She explained and lifted the baby onto her chest. Hazel, as she was fond of doing, rested her head into the crook of Hermione's neck and watched Ginny with innocent eyes. Smiling, Ginny gave a playful wave.
"Aren't you a cutie? And look at all that hair." Hermione laughed at this comment, as it had coincidently been a running joke throughout both the Boyce and Malfoy homes. Hazel, although small, had already acquired a good four inches of thick blonde hair. "Of course, you had to be a blonde."
"Of course," Hermione agreed. "Want to hold her?" At this, Ginny's smile disappeared and she shook her head.
"No... I'm alright. You go ahead." Hermione laughed
"Oh, come on, Gin, she won't bite. You have a turn, I hold her practically everyday," she insisted, and hoisted the baby into Ginny's arms before the girl could protest again. Ginny was quite tense, but held the baby with care.
"This feels so wrong... I keep getting this fear that Malfoy's going to burst through that door and curse me to death for even touching a member of his family," Ginny shared, but held Hazel as if she felt sorry for her, close to her chest. Hermione sighed and shook her head.
"You know, that's what I hate most about this arrangement. It's not that I had to lie, it's not that I could never date... or that I changed my identity... What I hate is what Draco had to do. Everyone is afraid of him... but he's really nothing like that. I swear to you, Gin. I've known Draco my entire life... he's a month and a half older than me, and we've been together since before we could move. The Malfoy you know is absolutely nothing like the Draco I'm going to marry. You have to meet him whenever they get home, Gin... I'll show you."
"I believe you, Mione... I do. It's just so hard to forget all that, you know? If I'd known all along it was an act..." she sighed. "But I understand." Hermione, without a thought, leapt forward and trapped both Ginny and Hazel in a hug.
"Thank you, Gin... that's what I needed to hear."
~*~*~*~
Hermione and Ginny, after a rather lengthy play session with Hazel, retired to Hermione's room for some traditional, pre-wedding girl chat. They spent hours planning Ginny's wedding, surprisingly, as Hermione knew she couldn't change anything now. Ginny had laughed at the idea, considering she had no one who even remotely close to proposing to her, but gave up and agreed. Hermione had a field day. She'd picked out everything down to Ginny's shoes, and then charmed things around the room to dress her.
"If that dress weren't a drape, it'd be perfect for you, Gin."
"Can I take it off now?" she whined, and Hermione laughed before sending a charm toward her friend.
"Aw, I was enjoying that," said another voice, which made Ginny spin around in alarm, but Hermione just shook her head.
"Hi Draco," she said without even bothering to look up from her magazine. Ginny looked entirely confused, as Draco was nowhere to be seen. She gave Hermione a puzzled look, but her question soon answered itself, as a blonde head appeared above the windowsill. Ginny was slightly taken aback; Draco was smiling... something she'd always thought him anatomically incapable of doing, and his hair fell naturally over his face. Hermione looked up a moment later, when she finished her article, and seemed entirely unfazed. "Please, please tell me you're finished." The already large smile on Draco's face grew.
"Of course, aren't I always punctual? AND we got a dress for Hazel. Evidently, Lucifer knew EXACTLY what Mum wanted. Of course, he was right, but that's not the point." Hermione sighed.
"Sometimes I worry about your brother. That's just not... normal." Draco laughed out loud.
"Since when has Lucifer EVER been normal?" he agreed, then turned his head slightly to see Ginny, who was standing with an entirely shocked look upon her face. Evidently, seeing Hermione and Draco conversing like equals coupled with the shock of seeing him climb through her window was a bit much for her to fathom. "Hello, Ginny," he greeted, smirking slightly, and she snapped out of whatever funk she was in.
"Erm... hey."
"Did you want something, Draco?" Hermione asked, and Draco turned toward her, feigning hurt.
"Since when do I need a reason?" he teased and she shrugged, turning back to her magazine.
"Just wondering if you had one."
"Actually," he said and smiled at Ginny, "I came to pick you up, but it seems my services are unneeded." Hermione looked confused.
"But it's only four o'clock..." He shrugged.
"Yep. Later, then, ladies," Draco said, nodding toward each of them, and then started back down the trellis.
"Wait, Draco!" Hermione called, scrambling up and leaning out the window, but Draco ignored her and jumped the last few feet down, then started toward the street. Hermione gave a frustrated sign. "Excuse me a minute, Gin." Ginny numbly nodded as she watched Hermione rush to the door and then down the stairs.
~*~
"Draco!" Hermione called when she caught up to him. Either he'd been expecting her to chase after, or was simply walking abnormally slow, as she caught him before he made it to the next block. When Draco heard Hermione, he spun around, with a smirk on his face.
"Yes?"
"Wha...er..." Hermione stuttered, realizing she had no idea what she should say. Draco laughed and lifted his eyebrows expectantly. After another frustrated sigh, Hermione managed a sentence. "Are we still on for tonight?" Draco smiled and shook his head.
"Why would we be? If Ginny's here, I'm not about to take you away. Go have some girl time," he suggested, brushing her chin with the backs of his fingers. Hermione gave a slight smile.
"You're not angry?" Draco furrowed his eyebrows, but kept his smile.
"Of course not. Maybe a little disappointed, but that's okay. Have fun, I'll see you tomorrow," he said before leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on her lips. Hermione stood stock still as he spun and started away.
"You're not supposed to do that!" she called after him once she regained herself, and Draco turned, but continued walking backward.
"You didn't stop me."
~*~*~*~
A/N: Do you guys hate this story? Is it boring? There isn't much conflict, except that Ron is being an arse... ::sigh:: I'm sorry. I expected it to turn out better. At least it shouldn't take that long.
The last chapter was called pigs and mice because she had pigs in a blanket (two buns on her head) and he called her a mouse because of it. Oh...
I'm trying again. Make sure you put the www. Before it and take out the spaces
Dress: Lindsay fleming . com /cara . htm # Lindsay fleming
Sleeves: Lindsay fleming . com / arran . htm # Lindsay fleming
That's all, then