CH. 8 - May I?
They rode back to Hogwarts in contented silence. Hermione's head laid on Draco's shoulder as he absentmindedly played with her hair. They were both reflecting on the events of the day so far. After a slightly rough start to the meeting, it went rather swimmingly, what with Lucius accepting Hermione and Draco receiving his father's first words of fatherly advice since he started Hogwarts. Narcissa had the air of a doting mother-in-law almost about her. As the carriage reached Hogwarts entrance and the two departed, Draco spoke.
"Hermione are you busy?"
"No, why?"
"Are sure you don't have an essay waiting to be triple-checked?" He ribbed.
Ignoring the quip about her study habits, she reiterated, "No Draco, I'm free all day today."
Draco smiled. "Good, come with me."
And he led his girlfriend to the edge of Black Lake and sat them down on the grass next to it.
"Draco, what are we doing here?"
"Shh," he placed a finger on her lips. "Let's just sit."
Hermione was confused, Draco's romantic side has come out more often since they've been together, but it usually follows a harden and well laid-out plan. He isn't one for spontaneity. But despite her confused train of thought she did what Draco asked. Soon they lapsed into a comfortable silence, similar to the one on the carriage, but Hermione could feel something different in air surrounding them, something about Draco. With Draco sitting with his arms supporting him from behind and legs stretched out and Hermione having shifted to her favorite position of laying down with her head on his lap, the air about them became more and more palpable. Draco not decided to to play with her hair again, his face had a relaxed, mirthful smile painted on it. Hermione looked at his eyes, that was the one place she could really read what he was feeling even if his body and words showed otherwise.
Finally after nearly a half-hour together and not a word spoken between them, Draco spoke, "Hermione, do you love me?"
This question shocked her to say the least, because it came out so easy, so casual. "Of course, Draco. Whatever would make you doubt it?"
He didn't answer her instead asked another question, "Would you leave me for any reason?"
"Absolutely not! Why would you even think I would do something like that?" Her tone bordering on annoyance.
"Hermione, do you know and understand the consequences of Semper Amamus?"
"Of course I do," she said softly after careful thought.
"So you see a future for us?"
"I'm not Professor Trelawney, but yes, yes I do."
He chuckled. "What do you see?"
Hermione thought about it, she started to chew on her lower lip and Draco look down at the sight of it, "Well... I see us. Both of us extremely successful. Living in large manor somewhere, with our three children. I see you extremely emotional the day our oldest goes off to Hogwarts, and extremely proud when he or she is sorted into Slytherin."
Draco chuckles, wrapping a loose tendril around his finger and releasing it. "Hmm, it seems you have our future pretty mapped out."
She giggles, "I guess I do, but that's still a long ways away."
"Not as long as you may think, love," he whispers.
This jolts Hermione up, "What do you mean?"
Smiling at her, "Nothing, just making conversation."
Hermione rolls her eyes, "Oh please Draco," she says sarcastically, "You never 'just make conversation'. Now out with it."
Draco chuckles again, "Let's just say that I can picture our life together, too."
Hermione's eyes narrow, "Stop being so cryptic."
"Patience, love. Patience is all I ask."
She relaxes at this and they resume their quiet lounge by the lake.
(***)
That night, Draco wrote to his parents. Asking for Grandmother Malfoy's ring.
Dear Mother and Father,
I have spoken to Hermione, she knows about the after-effects of Semper Amamus, also it seems that she has our future essentially plotted. The only obstacle is time. I, too see a future with her, it may not be as clear as Hermione's, however as long as my future includes her I'm happy. Which brings me to the reason for this letter, as Father has told me the eventual result of Semper Amamus is marriage; now that I know where Hermione sees us, I'm ready for it as well. I plan on proposing to her on the night of the Yule Ball. Which is why I wish to be sent Grandmother Malfoy's engagement ring. I look forward to receiving it.
Love,
Draco Lucius Malfoy
P.S. I thank you for accepting Hermione and thinking of my happiness.
He sent his owl Pegasus out with the letter.
Content, he went to bed thinking about the upcoming Yule Ball and the night he hopes they will both remember forever.
(***)
Two days before the Yule Ball, Draco received the ring from his parents at breakfast. Delivered by a family owl, the package had a note attached as well.
Untying the small package from the owl's legs, he pet it once, before letting it fly away.
Pocketing the package and opening the letter he began to read.
Draco,
Your father and I are quite excited at the prospect of Miss Granger joining the family. She may not be a pureblood, but we will persevere. The times are changing and I believe our family should finally change with them. While we do not expect a wedding anytime in the immediate future, we do expect you and Miss Granger to act as responsible young adults, which means NO PRE-MARTIAL RELATIONS. Do not force me to send a howler or worst, your father to Hogwarts.
Congratulations again Draco, we are looking forward to a future with very bright, witty and beautiful grandchildren.
As you requested, enclosed is Grandmother Malfoy's engagement ring. Treat it well, we know Miss Granger will look brilliant with it.
Sincerely,
Narcissa Malfoy
Draco blanched a little at the thought of kids so young, but a small smile appeared hidden behind the letter. He took one quick bite of his toast downed his pumpkin juice and headed out of the Great Hall. Sneaking behind a hidden alcove he unwrapped the package to take a look. He flipped open the ring box and smile down at the platinum band with small intertwining emeralds flanking a large diamond. Satisfied he closed it, pocketed the box and headed to Potions.
After Potions followed by History of Magic, Charms, then lunch; Draco was glad he only had one more class for the day, Transfigurations.
And he smiled as he headed to class because it was with Hermione. Walking into class he nodded friendly toward Harry who sat behind Hermione and took a seat next to Hermione kissing her on the cheek in greeting. Ron who sat at the end of the table next to Dean Thomas looked on in disgust.
Draco had struck up a tentative friendship with Potter and three of the four Weasleys currently attending, in the last few weeks. Especially the Weasley twins. The "outcast" Weasley wasn't too fond with Malfoy's increasing friendliness with his sister and brothers especially after he had in Ron's words "stolen my girl". As a result, he would always refuse any invite to anything that included the Slytherin.
With Draco as her partner in class and out Hermione was happier, more social, and according to her a lot more productive in class. He didn't bother her, asking for notes or homework help, not like Harry or Ron. No, Draco easily kept his own, in fact while he was second to her in grades, the margin was quite small. She smiled at the thought as she wrote down more lecture notes. Once Professor McGonagall excused them to start work on their in-class assignment, Hermione turned to Draco.
"Can you meet in the library tonight?" She asked.
Draco shifted in his seat slightly, "Sorry Hermione, I've already made plans."
"Oh," she replied disappointedly.
"It's nothing really I just need to ask someone for something. If it goes well, I can still meet you if want," he said trying to placate his girlfriend.
Hermione shook her head, "No, no that's all right, I need to focus on OWLs anyway."
"Umm, they're not until next year," sending her a disbelieving look.
"It never hurts to start early."
Draco chuckled, his girlfriend's bookworm-ish ways were always amusing to him. "Well don't study too hard."
Hermione looked at him as if he grew another head, "There is no such thing as 'studying too hard'," she admonished.
"Whatever you say, love. I just don't want you too tried for the Ball."
Hermione smiled, "Don't worry, I won't and you're going to love my dress."
He raised an quizzical eyebrow, "Really, on you or off?"
She slapped him playfully before turning around and focusing on the assignment at hand. He chuckled and did the same.
At the head of the room, Minerva McGonagall watched the exchange inconspicuously and smiled behind the text that she was reading. She noticed a significant change in both Draco and Hermione since the start of the year and more so now, with Draco's budding friendship with several close Gryffindors. Perhaps Albus was right, maybe these two will show the Wizarding World a thing or two about blood prejudices.
After class, Hermione and Harry waited for Draco, Ron had already left.
"Draco let's go, I'm famished." Hermione said.
"You two go without me, I need to speak to McGonagall about something.
The two Gryffindors wondered what he needed from there Head of House but shrugged it off.
"Okay, see you later," Hermione said blowing him a kiss, while Harry waved slightly.
Once they exited and Draco was sure they were gone he approached McGonagall's desk.
"Yes Mr. Malfoy?"
"Professor, I have a favor to ask."
This got Minerva's attention, she removed her glasses and focused on the boy in front of her.
"And what actually is this favor, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Actually, I wish to discuss this with Professor Dumbledore as well, so could you come with me?"
"This is highly usual, Mr. Malfoy, especially coming from you. Is something wrong?"
Instead of answering her questions, he implored, "Please Professor I'll explain everything in the Headmaster's Office."
Sighing, seeing how she's not going to get anything from Draco, Minerva relented. "Very well Mr. Malfoy, follow me."
(***)
Once settled in Dumbledore's Office, with Draco seated on one end and Dumbledore on the other with McGonagall standing next to him, Dumbledore spoke, "Now Mr. Malfoy to what do I owe this pleasure?"
Mentally Draco rolled his eyes, while he was more tolerant of others, he still didn't quite like the old man; but he didn't let it show. "Professor, I have a favor to ask Professor McGonagall, but I need your approval to see it through."
"And what my dear boy, would that be?"
"I request for Professor McGonagall to accompany me to Watford via Apparition tonight."
This certainly shocked the two professors to say the least.
"And what exactly do plan on doing in Watford?" McGonagall asked, still reeling a bit.
"I plan on formally asking Hermione's parents for her hand. I plan on proposing at the Ball in a couple days time."
A wide smile made itself known on Dumbledore's face, "And your parents know and agree to this?"
"Yes, as you may know Professor, the ultimate end of Semper Amamusis marriage and I plan on doing just that. Hermione is my future so why put off what is the inevitable?"
Still beaming Dumbledore asks, "And Miss Granger is aware of this?"
"Not exactly, she knows about the effect of Semper Amamusso she knows and has agreed to marry me someday, in fact she pretty much has our life together mapped out. This is but a formality, but I want to do it right. In addition, she doesn't know that I'm proposing at the Ball, she thinks it'll be when we at least graduate or are a few years removed from Hogwarts. But again, we love each other, she has our lives planned out to the number kids we plan to have so I figure why not. Who cares if is an extended engagement."
"What do her friends think of this?" McGonagall asked.
"They know nothing of the spell final effects, the only thing Potter and the two youngest Weasleys know is that it is a forever love spell and that it wards off any attempt of infidelity forced or otherwise. Should Hermione say 'yes' at the Ball we plan on telling them all including the elder Weasleys."
The professors looked at each other, marveling in the confidence and forthright approach the young Slytherin has shown.
"Mr. Malfoy, one last question, you just said 'should', if Miss Granger knows about Semper Amamus why would she say 'no'?" McGonagall asked.
"Well I'm sure she'll feel that we are too young to be engaged even if we both know where are lives are leading, she may want to wait a couple more years, but I do not. Therefore, if she does say 'yes' at the Ball we will be engaged, otherwise I will ask at a later date when I feel she and I are ready, even if I'm ready now. I do not want Hermione to feel as if an engagement means the end of her ambitions, if that's how she feels then I will wait, otherwise, come Monday Hermione and I will add a new dynamic to our relationship."
Dumbledore's smile returned again in full force, "Well said Mr. Malfoy. I light of this and seeing how you have thought this through, I hereby grant you, your request. You may use my Floo to floo to the Three Broomsticks then from there Side-Along Apparate to Watford. However, I expect you back no later then 10 as it is still a school night."
Draco nodded, looking at the clock he noticed it was just after 7. "Professor, shall we go?"
McGonagall simply nodded and followed after Draco after he called out his destination and disappeared with a flash of green flames.
Before she stepped into the Floo Minerva turned to Albus, "Looks like you were right, as always."
Dumbledore simply smiled, as McGonagall called out her destination.
(***)
After getting a light snack at the Great Hall and staying to get some studying in. Hermione, Harry, Ginny and Ron were now enjoying dinner and conversation. Well, everybody but Hermione, she had been searching the hall for the unmistakable flash of platinum blonde that belonged to one Draco Malfoy. But he had yet to make an appearance. Hermione looked over at the others and especially at Ron who was acting as if nothing was wrong. He was laughing, cracking jokes interacting, basically being the "old Ron" as long as in wasn't in Draco's presence.
Craning her neck to look toward the Slytherin table, she saw nothing.
Ginny having noticed Hermione's searching for the past few minute tried to calm her friend.
"Don't worry Hermione, he's probably just in the library or something."
Ron scoffed at this, "Bet you he's snogging one or both of the Greengrass sisters," he said as e grabbed another turkey leg.
Hermione frowned. Harry seeing Hermione's expression narrowed his eyes. Ginny shut him up.
"Don't be stupid, Ron. You of all people should be well aware that the spell Hermione placed on them protects against cheating. Or do you not remember the several blasts of blizzard winds blowing you back? And let us not forget the howler."
"That was your doing!"
"Exactly. And don't think I won't report to Mum what you do again if need be."
A week following the ill-fated "date", during which Ron ignored Hermione, he received the second Howler in four years, once again at Breakfast.
A silence descended, thankfully among the quartet. It was a while before Hermione spoke up.
"I'm really worried about Draco, dinner is almost over and he still hasn't come in."
"I'm sure he's fine," Ginny reassured.
That when Neville spoke up, "Sorry to interrupt, but I think Malfoy got himself in trouble, real deep."
"Why what happened?" Hermione asked concerned, hoping that he wasn't another fight caused by people who didn't like their relationship.
"I don't know exactly, but I was talking with Professor Sprout when I saw Malfoy being led up to Dumbledore's Office by McGonagall."
Hermione looked at the Head Table, sure enough neither Dumbledore or their Head of House was seated at dinner. Hermione shook her, head, wondering what Draco did this time.
"I told you, 'Mione, Malfoy's trouble," Ron said.
Hermione gave him her best shut-your-trap-or-i'll-shut-it-for-you death glare, as did Ginny. Harry leaned in and whispered, "You need to learn when to shut up."
(***)
Presently, two figures were standing in front a modest, yet well-appointed English house in Watford. Draco and Professor McGonagall had transfigured their robes into muggle clothing just shortly after arriving as it was still too bright out and with plenty of people still out and about to be seen in wizard robes.
Draco took a deep breath, whilst giving the house the once over.
"Would you like to come with me, Professor?"
McGonagall shook her head, "No, I believe this is something you should do alone as it is a private matter. I'll wait in the park for you," she said before she headed across the street to a nearby park bench.
Seeing his professor leave, Draco began the slow trek up the porch steps. He took another deep breath before knocking. He waited several moments before a petite woman in her early-40s with a mess of curly brown hair and a heart-shaped face with soft features opened the door.
"Good evening, Mrs. Granger," Draco greeted.
She was surprised at the visitor standing in front of her, "Oh Draco what a surprise, come in, come in," Sarah Granger ushered him in. "Richard, Draco's here!" She called for her husband once they had entered the cozy living room. Soon a tall, lean man in his early-40s with glasses, a brown cropped head of hair, brown eyes and a beard came from the kitchen to greet his young visitor.
"Draco my boy, wonderful to see you."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Granger."
Richard invited Draco to sit on the couch as he took the recliner.
"So Draco to what do we owe this unexpected visit, and without Hermione?"
Sarah who had left once Richard came in reappeared from the kitchen, "Draco, we were just about to have dinner would you like to stay?"
Truthfully, Draco was starving, he'd taken off just before dinner, but he didn't want Professor McGonagall to wait any longer then she had to. "That's very kind but I'm afraid I'm needed back at school shortly. I just came to ask you two something."
That got Sarah and Richard's attention, Sarah turned off the heat on the cooktop in the kitchen and settled next to her husband.
"Now what is it?" Sarah asked softly.
Draco gulped. For several moments he didn't say a word. This had the Grangers worried.
"Is this about Hermione?" Richard asked.
"Oh no, did something happen to her, is she all right?" Sarah asked fearing the worst.
"No, no, no, Hermione is fine. It has to do with my relationship with her." Draco said, quickly dispelling her mother's worst fears.
That calmed Sarah down, but captured Richard's attention, "What is it, son?"
Draco took another breath, better get it out now, he'd wasted enough time. "I formally ask your permission for Hermione's hand in marriage," he said boldly.
That shocked his girlfriend's parents.
Sarah was the first to recover, he immediately walked over to him, smiled brightly and engulfed him in a bear hug. She knew how much her daughter loved this boy, and she knew how much he loved her back. He was her intellectual equal. He was remorseful for the way he had treated her in the past, but owned up to it. Sarah Granger knew that Hermione was treated very well by Draco, she saw that over the summer visits he had made. He had certainly won them over. His manners, intelligence, looks (although only mother and daughter liked that), and clear sense of love for Hermione were all they needed to approve of him upon meeting him.
"Yes, yes you may."
Richard upon hearing his wife's words snapped out of his initial shock. "Slow down there, Sarah. They are only 14 they are too young."
"I don't care, they are going to give such beautiful-looking grand babies."
Draco mentally chuckled, as those were his mother's exact thoughts as well.
"G-grandchildren?" Richard stuttered. "No, absolutely not. He will not not soil my little girl like that!"
"Oh pish-posh, she's growing up, and I highly doubt they plan on having kids while still in school."
Richard looked at Draco, narrowing his eyes, "You haven't done anything inappropriate to prompt this little request, have you?" Growing more suspicious of the boy by the minute.
"No sir, my intentions are pure."
"So why ask for her hand in marriage now when you are still children?"
"Because I truly love Hermione, she means everything to me, she is my world. I don't see any reason to put off the inevitable."
"Isn't that a bit presumptuous? You've only been dating for a short while."
"I don't think it so, in fact it was Hermione who has pretty much mapped out our lives together. From what we'll be doing to where we're living to how many kids we'll have. I don't have such a blueprint, all I know is that my life includes Hermione in it. And whether we are engaged now or later or how long our engagement lasts I know that Hermione will be my wife one day."
Hearing this Sarah asked what Richard was thinking, "So she has already agreed to marry you?"
"Not formally, which is why I'm here I want to follow etiquette and do this properly. But she has, just not expressively."
There was something to be said for a young man who follows tradition and etiquette.
"And when did she agree to this?" Richard inquired.
"Several weeks ago, she reaffirmed it upon meeting my parents for the first time just a few days prior."
"And your parents agree to this?"
"Yes, in our world it's not unheard of for wizards and witches to marry so young. However, Hermione and I don't plan on getting married immediately. We can stay engage until such time as she deems appropriate, that way she doesn't feel as if marriage or even an engagement is the end of her dreams and ambitions. I want her to pursue whatever dream she wants and I'll be right there to support her all the way."
"So even though you want to get engaged now you still don't want to get married right away?" Richard asked.
"No sir, that's not what I meant; if Hermione thinks that she is ready to be my wife tomorrow than we will get married tomorrow. I simply leave it up to Hermione to determine when because I don't want her to feel pressured into giving up her dreams and any ambitions she has."
"That's very sensible of you, Draco," Sarah commented.
"Indeed. Hermione is independent and she does have a tendency to feel trapped if given such narrow options, I'm surprised that you are willing to wait and are willing to let Hermione dictate your relationship in such a way," Richard put in.
Draco smiled, "What can I say, I'm just a fool in love."
The Grangers smiled, it's obvious that this boy no, young man in front of them clearly cares for and loves their daughter to the point where he willing to put most relationship control in her hands. The Grangers, especially Richard, stared at the young man in front of him, internally debating whether to accept his request or not. Finally…
"Yes, Draco, you have my blessing," Richard said, stood and extended a hand.
Draco immediately returned it with a firm shake and a note of thanks. Then Sarah hugged her soon-to-be (whenever it happens) son-in-law once more.
Removed for her embrace, Draco excused himself to leave. He had taken up enough of their time, they lead him to the front door said their final good-byes as he began to cross the street and they shut the door.
Meeting up with McGonagall, with a smile on his face, "I trust that the meeting want well?" The normally stoic professor gave a small smile.
"Yes, Professor."
E/N: I know this chapter seems long-winded and kinda repetitive, but that's because I wanted to put more description in and also, because Draco is essentially explaining the same thing two or three times, but it gets better. Next chapter is the Yule Ball.