I felt a tight, uncomfortable squeezing sensation before appearing in front of the Malfoy Manor. Involuntarily shuddering, I saw Malfoy lower his grip from my arm to hold my hand in what seemed like a comforting way. My face heated up at his gentle touch, something I was not used to with him. He smirked.
"Come on Granger; we don't have all day." Placing his other hand on the door, he paused. "Perhaps, under the circumstances, I should at least attempt to call you by your name. Shall we go inside, Hermione?" To say I was shocked would be an understatement.
"Y-yes," I stammered. His gray eyes locked onto mine.
"Yes who?" He asked, staring down at me.
"Yes, Draco." I sighed, looking down. Smiling for once instead of smirking, Draco pushed the door open.
"Mother?" He called. "Father?" Receiving no answer, he pulled me to the dining hall with a puzzled expression. "Oh my gods…" I looked into the room to see decorations all over and Draco's parents standing next to the table. Narcissa had a smile of pure happiness on her face, while Lucius had one of…worry? Odd.
"Welcome home son, Hermione," Narcissa greeted warmly, walking over to pull me into a hug. Lucius stood by awkwardly until his wife was done, then proceeded to put one arm around his future daughter-in-law.
"We're so excited to have a new addition to the family," he stated, letting go. Confused, I smiled cautiously.
"We thought Draco would never settle down!" Narcissa agreed, causing Draco to scowl.
"Mother," he complained. "I'm sure Hermione would rather sit down to dinner instead of becoming a victim to your excitement." His mother smiled at his embarrassment.
"Of course." She sat down in her seat, indicating for me to sit across from her with Lucius on her right and Draco to my left. A house elf immediately walked over to us carrying goblets of wine.
"Excuse me Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy?" I asked quietly. "I don't drink…" Narcissa smiled at my shyness.
"Call me mom," she insisted "and I know just the thing." Calling the house elf over, she whispered something in his ear. He nodded and walked back to the kitchen, quickly returning with another goblet fun of a clear, bubbly liquid. Hesitantly, I took a sip of the drink, grinning as I swallowed.
"Ginger ale!" I giggled. Who'd have thought that they had muggle drinks in the household? As if reading my thoughts, Narcissa explained.
"I had a few muggle treats added to kitchen hoping that they would make you more comfortable. We have candies, soda, pastries, and these odd little things called bubble gum…" She paused. "I tried that, but honestly I have no idea what to do. Do you swallow it? Perhaps you can teach me?"
"I'd love to!" It wasn't a lie. Narcissa seemed genuinely excited to have me here, and she even wanted me to call her mom! This was so weird, but in a way that calmed my nerves. The meal passed quickly, and the conversation was pleasant. Draco's parents asked me every detail about myself while he himself stayed silent. I think he was uncomfortable.
"Draco, show Hermione to her room!" Narcissa ordered, winking at me. I wondered what that was for.
"You mean my room, Mother." I gasped, causing the others to look at me like I'd lost it. Coughing in attempt to cover it up, I looked down. Lucius actually laughed, which surprised me.
"Now, Draco," demanded the apparently-not-so-mean Death Eater. He nodded, gesturing for me to follow him.
"Goodnight dear!" Narcissa told me, giving me a hug while also whispering "If you need anything or have a craving for one of those little treats, the kitchen is quite easy to find from your room." I smiled.
"Thank you," I whispered back "Mom." Her contentment was visible to everyone within a five-mile radius.
"Goodnight Mr. Malfoy," I told Lucius, still a little worried about him. He repeated Narcissa's actions, whispering "You can call me dad, if you want." Following Draco, I grew fearful. What would happen when the two of us were forced to share a room?
Hey guys, I worked really hard on this chapter, and I'm going to the Bahamas this week but I will try my hardest to do some writing! I have to say I love you all! I wasn't expecting so many reviews, but I loved the response. I only wanted to know if you guys were still interested in this story after my lack of updating, but apparently you are! Thank you so much, and I'd love it if you continued to review!
-Love, OnceUponABrokenFairytale