Chapter 6- Hogwarts
The ride to the great Hogwarts castle passed on uneventfully. Draco noted that Hermione was much quieter (which was a feat he himself couldn't believe she triumphed.)
"I'm fine." She would say then turn her gaze back to the window.
They talk of things like the weather, their soon-to-be jobs, how noisy the children were (well, Draco did most of the complaining.), and trivial things like his robe color decisions, or whether they'd have complications with their baggage.
All in all, the ride was… polite. And that bothered Draco to no end. Sure, they were never as close, but he liked to think that they already passed that stage wherein they could talk like friends. He liked to think that she herself considered him her friend, if not husband.
And so, with this in mind, he walked right in front of her, minutes before they'd make their entrance in the Great Hall. (They'd be using the front door because Draco so adamantly wanted to check if their baggage was complete before going inside, resulting to their tardiness.)
"Granger, would you just tell me what's wrong? I'm you're bloody husband for Merlin's sake, and whether you like it or not, we're stuck together, so might as well unload to me before you blow up in front of somebody else who doesn't give a damn, because right now, I do."
Hermione was stunned to say the least.
"…, so might as well unload to me before you blow up in front of somebody else who doesn't give a damn, because right now, I do."
Did that mean that he cared for her?
No bloody way, the man all but professed his undying care for her. She thought sarcastically. Hermione's eyes softened and reached for his arm. She smiled, what she hoped to be, a reassuring smile, before gently guiding him to her side. It was time for them to make an entrance, and she didn't want them to be caught in a 'lovers spat'.
"I promise, I'll unload later… That is, if you can hold out your concern till then." Hermione said, a small smile on her face. Draco was surprised for a while with her actions, but soon straightened his back and tucked her hand under his arm. He looked at her in what would have looked like an emotionless gaze, however she knew better.
"I'll always be concerned." He stated simply, averting his gaze. Hermione smiled subtly and straightened her shoulders.
"Even when I'm an annoying know-it-all?" She teased. Draco looked away, trying to bite back the smile that was making it's way to his face. Hermione smiled slightly and faced forward.
Let the show begin.
(Insert Break-Line Here)
"It's not real, the ceiling. It's just bewitched to look like the night sky. I've read about it in Hogwarts: A History." Hermione recited, walking into the Great Hall, Draco by her side.
"Of course, love." Draco answered in a bored manner. Hermione scowled at his insouciance, but quickly plastered a smile as they made there way to the staff table.
"We apologize for being late." Hermione said, looking at Draco pointedly. "Draco here is rather precise about our luggage." Draco gave his wife a frown. The feast now was obviously forgotten as hundreds of pairs of eyes watched them in interest. McGonagall rose from her seat and spread out her hands in welcome.
"Students, I would like to introduce all of you to your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers. The Malfoys most graciously took the position, and I believe all of you are in good hands."
Hermione and Draco took a seat once McGonagall finished, Hermione smiling kindly at the students while Draco just nodded in acknowledgment.
"Now, continue with dinner." McGonagall dismissed their stares, and took her seat. She turned to the couple and smiled.
"I thank you both for coming. I'm sure you both will do well." McGonagall said, before returning to her food.
Dinner passed by uneventfully, the couple getting reacquainted with the rest of the staff, and catching up (mostly Hermione) with Hagrid, who was seated beside them.
"Fang's been doin' well, I tell ya'. Right ol' beast he is, all the same. Bu' nuff abou' me, how are things with you, Mione? Malfoy treatin' ya' righ'?" Hagrid asked amiably. Hermione laughed quietly, glad of the familiar company.
"Everything's been great Hagrid. I'm glad to be back." Hermione said. She glanced at Draco, who seemed rather distant, prodding his string beans with his fork. She excused herself from her conversation with Hagrid, who graciously complied, turning to Professor Trelawney to ask whether or not she thought it a good idea that Firenze change the lesson plan for the semester.
"Everything alright, Draco?" She asked, her brows furrowing. Draco looked up, as if snapped out from his reverie.
"Hm? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. No need to worry." He mumbled. Hermione however didn't seem convinced. Draco loved string beans. Hermione's lips formed a thin line, but decided to dismiss the matter, not wanting to bother him in front of everyone.
'After dinner.' She stated in her head, as she went back to her meal, of course after telling Draco that he had to eat. Draco just sent her a strained grin, and began eating his supper.
Dinner soon ended, with McGonagall instructing the Prefects to lead their houses to the common rooms. She then turned to Draco and Hermione, and led them to their quarters.
"The password is Serpens Scriptum. You may change it if you wish." She said, and with a smile, she bid them goodnight, making her way to her office for some last minute paper work.
They entered their quarters, and looked around in content. It surely did fit Draco's ideal living space.
'The color choice could have been better though.' He mused in his mind, fingering the plush red couches.
"Well? Is it to his majesties liking?" Hermione teased, crossing her arms over her chest playfully, plopping herself on the couch facing him. Draco raised a brow, lips still set in a firm line as he looked around.
"It would have to do I suppose." He said. There was a beat of silence till he allowed a small smile to break through his face. Before he knew it, he was laughing along with Hermione on the couch. It had been so long since he could just laugh. No inhibitions. No barriers. No image he had to uphold. He could just be Draco.
They quieted down after a while, Hermione's feet curled up to her chest as she unconsciously leaned against Draco, feeling the fatigue catch up to her.
"It's good to be back… Isn't it, Draco?" She asked tiredly, eyes closed. Draco looked down at her tired form, his fingers carefully playing with her chocolate brown locks. He was quiet for a while, before nodding in agreement.
"Yes… Yes it is." He said. He gazed at the crackling fire, then back at the woman leaning against his chest. Today, he felt such protectivity over her. The rage that filled him when he saw her sadness overwhelmed him that he didn't know what to think.
'She really is getting under my skin.' He thought to himself. He gently touched her hand. No response. She was asleep. He smiled softly and hooked his arm under her legs and the other around her torso gently lifting her from the couch.
"Merlin's beard, Granger. You just had to fall asleep on me." Draco murmured, cracking his neck. He quietly placed her on the bed, transfiguring her clothes into a night gown. Hermione stretched in her sleep, blindly grappling for a pillow. Draco quickly retrieved one from his side, and placed it beside her. She grabbed the pillow and snuggled up to it, fast asleep.
Draco chuckled in amusement at how child-like and innocent she was when in slumber.
He quickly changed into his night clothes and padded silently towards the bed. He smiled at the sight of his wife, curls splayed over her face and pillow. He carefully tucked the stray curls behind her ear, before joining her in bed.
"Good-night, love." He whispered, before extinguishing the lights in the room.
Several beats of silence reigned.
"Good-night, Draco." Came a sleepy reply.
(Insert Break-line Here)
AN: HEY GUYS! Oh my gosh, I'm so happy I finished this. Happy Valentines day! I know it's a day late, but…
Anywho, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. It really meant a lot to me that you guys reviewed, and I hope you review more! It makes me happy, and gives me more motivation in my writing.
ANOTHER THING!
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With love
Miss Serendipity