A/N - This is a little bit of a longer chapter. Nothing else to really say except to remind anyone reading that I do own the characters, all ownership rights go to JKR.
Happy Tuesday!
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Sunday dawned brightly; Draco and Hermione did not. Both rolled out of their beds groaning that the daylight was already pouring into their respective rooms. Hermione stumbled into the shared bathroom not noticing the high level of steam. She stood in front of her sink brushing her teeth with her eyes closed. She didn't have to watch herself to check that she scrubbed each of her teeth adequately and that she didn't miss anything in between them. All those years with dentists as parents and she could, literally, do this with her eyes closed. She opened her eyes after spitting and looked in the mirror. The sight shocked her.
Draco had come out of the shower and saw Hermione brushing her teeth. She must have just gotten out of bed as her hair was a rat's nest. If Draco had been introduced to more muggle history or again if the Muggle Studies had actually been useful, he would have said she looked like the bride of Frankenstein. It was bad. As his eyes trailed down her body, the mess of brown hair was quickly forgotten when she bent over the sink. Her sleep shorts lifted just a little and there before him was the most perfect ass he had ever seen. Time seemed to stand still. Then she stood up.
"Draco! What are you doing in here? I'm not dressed!" Hermione was blushing and failing to notice that Draco was barely covered in his bath towel.
"You are wearing more than me, if you haven't noticed."
Hermione still hadn't noticed. Well, not until Draco brought it to her attention. Her eyes suddenly flickered from Draco's face and realized only a towel covered him at the waist. Draco was naked and she was within an arm's length of touching the chest that haunted her dreams. Without permission her hand began to move and reach toward it.
Draco wasn't paying attention to Hermione's hand he was focused on her face. The shock in her eyes had turned into desire. He realized she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Draco remained still as her warm fingers touched his chest. His pectoral muscles twitched. Her touch was softer and more electrifying than anything he had ever felt. The jolt worked its way through Draco and back into Hermione's hand and to her heart.
Draco reached and ran his fingers along her jaw and onto her cheek. Draco felt Hermione's shiver as it ran through her body. In the far reaches of each of their brains, each knew they needed to stop; however, the portion of their brains currently in charge were trying very hard to ignore the screams to slow down. Draco seemed to be far more in control than Hermione. He slowly removed his hand and took a step back.
"I promised you I'd go slow and not pressure. I'm going to head to my room and get ready for breakfast. You can get ready and I'll see you in the common room in a little bit." Draco had noticed Hermione hadn't blinked. He leaned in toward the shell of her ear.
"It wasn't a dream and I am yours." Hermione gasped as Draco walked out of the bathroom.
"Mine? Did he just say that he was mine?" Hermione was in a daze as she got ready. That morning she learned that she could do more than brush her teeth with her eyes closed.
Forty-five minutes later a completely dressed and mentally focused Hermione walked into the common room.
"Morning 'Mione" Draco had been waiting to see how she would handle the morning encounter. He was pleasantly surprised at her demeanor.
"Morning Draco, before we leave. I want to apologize for my actions. I really didn't realize that you were in the shower and I shouldn't have touched you." Her eyes were downcast by the end of her statement. Draco wanted to laugh but stopped himself. He knew she would take it the wrong way. What he did was to lift her chin and wrap his arms around Hermione.
"You don't have to apologize. You did nothing wrong." Draco stared deeply into her eyes hoping she saw that he was being completely open and honest with her. She saw it. They headed down to breakfast.
Draco and Hermione got there early so there were only a few students eating. As it was the weekend they had been given permission to sit with their friends. Weekend meals had taken a much lighter formality since the war. Professors often sat with students and would answer questions regarding their classes or extra credit options or even ideas about professions the students may enjoy. Hermione and Draco had just acknowledged their friends at their respective tables when McGonagall cleared her throat.
"Draco and Hermione, would you both please see me after you finish eating?" After a quick nod of acknowledgement they started in on their breakfast. When Hermione finished her last sip of pumpkin juice she looked up to see that Draco was watching her. With a quick tilt of her head they stood and headed toward McGonagall's office.
"You needed to see us Professor?" Draco took the lead.
"Yes, Draco your mother owled me early this morning and asked if you and Hermione had some free time today. She would like to spend some additional time with you. I know you picked up Pomona's rounds last night so your rounds for the weekend are done; your studies are caught up and your lesson plans for the upcoming week are complete. So if you would like I'll let you visit again today. This is highly unusual but as you are both considered professors I will give you the same freedoms as the other professors. I expect you to both maintain the level of excellence I've seen thus far this year."
Hermione was shocked, she really hadn't thought of herself as a professor. Well, not yet. She had wanted to live in the world and experience things. But now having the word professor floated in front of her, Hermione realized that she wanted it. She wanted to be the next Transfiguration professor. Draco was having similar feelings except that he wanted to be the Potions Professor. The same excited smile graced all three faces.
"So I suspect by your expressions that you both like the idea of being a professor. I've spoken with the board and they are tentatively in agreement. You both, must receive an O in your subject NEWT, during the summer take assigned classes at university and continue your courses over the next few years while you teach. You've each only been responsible for first and second year students. Next year you will retain the second years as they become third years and gain the new first years. We are giving you both six years to complete your University studies before receiving tenure here. I expect that you will both finish before then and excel in this new endeavor."
Hermione and Draco nodded.
"One additional item before I send you off. Both Severus and I attained our masters just prior to or at the beginning of our tenure. The courses you will be taking will also count toward part of the mastery program. Assuming either of you want that. If either of you are interested, let me know and we can work on finding a master to assist in your training."
Hermione and Draco stood dumbfounded. Masterys had fallen to the side during the last thirty years in Britain. Most Masters had to leave in order to gain the title. To have this along with professor positions floated in front of them was thrilling.
"Now that I've given you quite a bit to think about I'll send you off. You have an appointment with Cissy. The floo in your common room has been connected to the floo network. I ask that you do not tell others of this. It is a benefit the teaching staff has and should only be used by students with my express permission."
Hermione and Draco thanked her and quickly made their way to Malfoy Manor.
' - - - - - - '
As Hermione entered the receiving room she felt more relaxed than the day before. This time Cissy was waiting for them in one of the high back chairs.
"I'm so glad that you accepted my invitation." Narcissa noticed that Hermione was holding Draco's hand with interlaced fingers. Her plan was working. "So I wanted you here for a couple of reasons. First of all, I miss my son. Secondly, I would like to thank Hermione for all she has done for us in the only way I know." Narcissa seemed overly excited. Hermione had no idea what was being inferred; however, Draco did.
"Mother I'm not sure that Hermione wants to go shopping. I would think she'd prefer to spend some more time in the library." Draco was trying very hard to let his mother know that he wanted to spend time with Hermione and not to go shopping. To be more specific to spend more time alone with her.
"Nonsense, I expect you to both be at the holiday ball and she needs a new gown. So we are going and you are welcome to come."
Hermione was stunned. She was invited to the most sought after event on the wizarding world's calendar? Turning to Narcissa, "I'm invited to your ball?"
"Of course my dear!" Narcissa cooed happily, now for the final piece. "Draco will be escorting you as you and he will be hosting."
Draco stood stunned blinking slowly.
Hermione's head had rolled to the side and she was at a loss for words.
Narcissa looked like the cat that got the canary.
Slowly the realization dawned on Draco. He would have the chance to have his dream witch on his arm. He would be able to be seen publicly with Hermione. They would be talk of the ball. By the end, he hoped, she would see how perfect they would be together.
"Hermione if you are ok with what my mother said it would be my honor to host and escort you to the annual Malfoy Holiday Ball."
Hermione smiled and nodded. "What do we need to do Cissy?"
"Good now that you are both in agreement we need to find a dress." Narcissa took Hermione's arm and led her toward the floo. Draco followed closely not wanting to miss this.
They arrived at Diagon Alley and immediately headed towards the many shops. Hermione was poked, prodded and measured more times than she cared to count. Draco and his mother stood stoically watching Hermione appear and disappear in different gowns and robes. It was finally decided since it was a winter ball with a blue and silver theme Hermione's gown and robes should match. After deciding on color the next step was to pick shape and style. An elegant off the shoulder gown with a beaded bodice was selected. The matching robes were light as to not put too much additional weight on Hermione as she would be expected to dance and mingle the entire evening.
Hermione was feeling a little overwhelmed. She had never tried on such amazing dresses. There was one dress that both she and Draco loved. The bodice was a sweetheart neckline and beaded with crystals and pearls. The waist had ruching from under her left arm to her right hip and the skirt, while hanging sleekly down would billow as she walked or danced. When Hermione walked out and looked at Draco; the vision they shared was her in this white dress standing next to him and before their friends. After Narcissa moved onto the shoe selection, Draco asked for the second dress to be added and sent to the school. He paid for it himself. If Merlin and the gods were going to show him a glimpse of the future, he would take them up on that knowledge.
Having decided on almost everything the last stop was at Gringott's Bank. Narcissa walked in with an air of confidence. As the goblin came forward, he was instructed on which vault needed to be accessed and the group headed into the depths of the bank. At the vault Narcissa decided it was time to inform Hermione where they were.
"Dear, this is the vault where all the family jewels are kept. This holds the entire Malfoy family and my portion of the Black family jewelry. I would like for you to pick something to wear for the ball. I'll allow you to take it to school. You need to be comfortable wearing the pieces and not playing with them the entire night. I'm not being haughty here; the jewels are amazing enough but drawing attention to them by playing with them will be thought of as uncouth. Draco will help you so that you carry yourself as the amazing witch you are and not as a gawky teenager."
Realization hit Hermione and she became very nervous. For the first time in her life she would be the true center of attention. She always had Harry to hide behind. The brains of the trio was happily superseded by the boy-who-lived-twice. Her breathing started to increase and she couldn't seem to control it. Draco knew she was hyperventilating.
"Hermione, it's not as bad as my mother makes out." Draco was holding Hermione and rubbing her back. A few minutes later Hermione had calmed enough to turn to Narcissa.
"I'm sorry Cissy. That was not expected."
"There is nothing to be sorry about. The first time I did this, I locked myself in my room for two days before I was able to carry on."
The door to the vault opened and Hermione gasped. It held an amazing the amount of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, along with the gold, silver and platinum. The amount was overwhelming and truly mind boggling. Not knowing where to look first, Hermione started at the back table and saw a ring sitting in a small black velvet box. It was beautiful. When she blinked it was gone.
"Draco did you see that ring?" She pointed in the general direction of the back right corner. Draco kept his surprise hidden.
"No, I didn't where did you see it?" Hermione walked to the now empty table and pointed.
"Here. I swear it was right here, in a black velvet ring box. It would have matched my dress perfectly." Hermione seemed very sad that the ring wasn't there. Like it was hers but had been taken away. Or more precisely, like it was supposed to be hers.
Narcissa and Draco looked at each other in astonishment. That corner kept all the wedding jewelry including the engagement rings. Neither knew exactly the significance of Hermione seeing a ring. Narcissa suspected Draco of being more deeply in love with Hermione than either realized.
"Well, I'm not sure which ring you saw how about we look over there?" Narcissa led Hermione away while Draco stood and looked at the table. A sapphire ring flickered on the table before disappearing again. Draco realized the ring would be one he gave to Hermione. He knew it was a ring that could only be worn by a powerful witch. And his witch was one of the most powerful in generations.
"Mother, what about the sapphire and diamond set over in the far corner?" Draco knew the stones would match the dress. As he strode to her side she lifted her hair while he clasped the necklace. Narcissa charmed Hermione's hair into a French twist. The necklace hung perfectly and the large pendent laid flat on her sternum. Hermione slipped on the sapphire and diamond chandelier earrings. Draco added the bangle bracelets.
"You look amazing. I cannot wait to see you in the dress." Draco was only half talking about the blue gown currently being hung up at the Manor. The white gown was now in his armoire at Hogwarts. When he thought it was a better time he would come back and get the sapphire ring. He thought it perfect for Hermione. Power and knowledge. Love and Honor. That is everything Hermione represented to him.
"Thank you Draco. Do you need to get new robes too?" Hermione was hoping to watch him go through the pain of finding the perfect outfit.
"No, I ordered mine while you were changing into dress number five. I'm a bloke so it's pretty simple." Hermione started to remove the jewelry to have Narcissa stop her.
"These will be yours, you can keep them on." Hermione had to think quickly. She was worried about wearing them in public.
"Cissy I would love to wear these; however, I would like the fact that I'm wearing pieces of the Malfoy jewelry to be a surprise. That way I have time to practice wearing them before being seen in public for the first time."
Hermione didn't mention that she didn't want to lose a diamond while walking around.
Draco laughed, inwardly of course, at how Slytherin Hermione could be. Sometimes he truly wondered how the witch had ended up in Gryffindor. Everyday she seemed more and more Slytherin.
Narcissa seemed to think the surprise idea was excellent.
"Yes, I can agree with that. Now, once the invitations have been sent everyone will suspect you will be wearing some sort of family jewelry at the ball. But I do very much like the idea of people trying to guess what they will be. Agreed. I think we are done and should head back to the Manor for lunch."
Hermione had no idea the entire morning had gone until it was mentioned. While she was still very nervous for what was to come, she was greatly enjoying her time with both of the Malfoys. Draco carefully removed each piece while allowing his fingers to linger on Hermione's skin. Narcissa gave them a few moments alone before hurrying them out of the vault. After signed for the jewels and having Draco added to the vaults as owner, which took an extra half hour, Narcissa confirmed Lucius could not access any of the Malfoy vaults. The goblin in charge of the Malfoy vaults wanted to give the witch a reproach, but as his family had been the Malfoy vault guardians he knew it would not be a good thing. He also wanted to mention the Ministry asked monthly if the rogue and former Lord had accessed the vaults. Those people; however, did get his distain.
The trio exited the bank and onto the sunny street. It was one of the few sunny days in December and while it was cold the sun gave a feeling of hope and warmth. Hermione was very aware of the people staring at them. Some in disgust but most in confusion; no one had expected to see Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy walking peacefully together. Hermione was very careful to not grab Draco's hand but did brush hers over his a few times as they walked. As they got closer to the apparition point the sudden sound of screaming could be heard.
A moment later Hermione and Draco found themselves in the middle of a battle. Or what was intended to be a battle. Since the battle in Diagon Alley, the residents had decided to protect their street, lives and families.
With the help of Harry Potter (for his strength), Hermione Granger (for her intelligence) and Ron Weasley (for his strategy), Diagon Alley had become a place where battles would be impossible. It had been decided there should be some points that would allow magic. Only a handful of people knew the exact locations of these points. Hermione knew, she grabbed Draco and Narcissa and ran to the closet point. She spun and took down three of the four wizards. The fourth wizard, who appeared shocked and confused, turned toward Hermione.
"I will get you when you least expect it you little mudblood. Not even my son will be able to protect you next time." With that closing remark Lucius apparated away.
The aurors arrived a few moments later followed closely by Kingsley. Hermione recounted the story while Draco and Narcissa added their comments. Kingsley said he would come by the Manor later to have them read and sign their statements. Kingsley was concerned with the bold nature of Lucius' recent actions.
'- - - - - - - - -'
At the Manor, Narcissa decided she needed to lay down in response to Lucius' attack. What she needed to di was find a way to protect Hermione. Lucius would stop at nothing to destroy her. Narcissa only hoped his reference to Draco protecting her had to do with his actions during the final battle and not the obviousness of Draco being in love with her.
Draco and Hermione ate a light meal and decided to spend a little time in the library. Hermione had hoped to find some books that would be helpful for studying. Now that McGonagall had dangled the professor position Hermione wanted it. Becoming a mistress in a subject had been a goal since finding out they existed. It would mean additional study and then finding a master or mistress to guide her. But, oh, how she wanted it. It would be something to discuss with Draco. If they were both teaching and getting their masters together she would have someone who understood the stresses she would be under. Then to think she had the possibility to be a Transfiguration Mistress and a tenured professor before being turning twenty-five. In that short stretch of time she knew what her future plans were. Now she just had to reach the goal.
Having spent so much time in the library yesterday Hermione had started to figure out how the books were sorted. She immediately went to where she thought books on Transfiguration would be.
Draco laughed when he realized what she was doing. "Starting to study already? McGonagall just told us about this opportunity this morning."
"What can I say? Great minds think alike." Hermione pointed at the potion books that Draco was clutching in his hands. Draco nodded and sat next to Hermione. They both started reading quietly.
One hour into the impromptu study session Draco broke the comfortable silence.
"You want the mastery don't you?"
"Yes, more than I can explain. But I think you may be the only person who could understand. You want the mastery as well. And probably for far better reasons I would."
Draco closed his eyes and nodded solemnly.
"It is the subject I love the most. Severus had told me as a child, if I wanted it, when I was done with my schooling he would do whatever it took to get me an apprenticeship. I had always hoped to learn from him. You know? When you look at the world of potions masters they all looked to him as the brightest one. The way he thought of potions was so different from everyone else. He understood the history of the field and why each potion had been created. Then he was able to twist existing potions into whatever he needed. He was teaching those theories before I started Hogwarts. I miss him."
Hermione wrapped an arm around Draco and hugged him. She didn't have the same feelings for Severus Snape as Draco. But Draco saw a side of Severus that was reserved for very few. Whatever the man's faults were, in the end he was a good man. The world was a worse place with him not in it. With a new goal in their sights the duo continued their reading and preparations.
Three hours later Narcissa entered the library and heard Draco and Hermione discussing, rather loudly, the merits of using manual versus magical means to prepare ingredients. Narcissa chuckled knowing they were intellectually similar and that would give them something to discuss forever. The sound of her chuckles stopped the discussion and both turned to look at the elder witch.
"Now, I assume you've eaten. And have gotten a few hours of studying done. Would someone like to explain to me why you are studying subjects that are beyond what is currently offered at Hogwarts?"
Hermione was ashamed to remember that neither she nor Draco had informed Narcissa of what Minerva had told them. Draco spoke up first.
"Mother, I apologize I had forgotten our news with all the excitement today. This morning, before we left the grounds, the Headmistress made Hermione and me an offer."
Narcissa was very interested at what could have been offered that would make both of them so excited. Hermione continued.
"As you know, we were both offered positions as quasi-professors. With the loss of Professor Snape and Minerva taking over as head of the school the Transfiguration and Potion classes needed new teachers. The upper level classes are being handled by Ministry staff but we are responsible for the 1st and 2nd year students."
Narcissa nodded and Draco took up the story.
"We have been offered the chance to become professors. There are a number of requirements, but when we succeed we will be youngest professors Hogwarts has ever seen."
"What are these requirements?" Hermione and Draco alternated as they checked them off.
"Get O on the NEWTS for our subjects."
"Take three courses at University over the summer and pass with a B minimum."
"Next year we are to include the third year classes into our responsibility."
"Each subsequent year we are add new first year students along with retaining the ones we already teach so that by the time the current second years finish their final year we will be responsible for the entire coursework."
"We are to take a minimum of four University courses over next year; two each term and maintain a B average."
"We have to complete our University coursework in six years and then we will be tenured professors."
"And, the most exciting news, if either Hermione or I desire, we have the option to expand the study and earn our mastery in the respective fields."
"Is this what you both want?" Narcissa had expected Draco to end up as a potions master or professor or honestly, both. But that would be after he ran the family business for a few years and discovered he didn't love it enough to spend his life doing that.
"Yes Mother. I have not figured out how to address Malfoy Holdings yet, but I plan on having that determined by this spring. I think I may allow the Muggles to run it and act as the CEO."
Narcissa nodded in agreement. She liked that plan. The muggle who had taken over the day-to-day management portion had excelled and brought in more profits than either Lucius or his father.
"Cissy, I've always thought I'd end up teaching. I just didn't think it would be this soon. I had originally thought I'd work at the Ministry for a few years, get frustrated than beg Minerva to allow me to teach. This is an opportunity I can't let pass by me."
"Well then we need to celebrate tonight. Twinky?" The small house elf popped into the room.
"Twinky, I need you to start preparing a celebration dinner. I will need you to send out a couple of letters I will write. I need to get some permission, but then I would like you to invite Mistress and Young Master Nott, Master and Miss Zabini, Miss Parkinson, Mister Potter and Miss Weasley. Please let them know to dress appropriately."
The house elf quickly left to do as Narcissa had requested. After sending her notes to Maria and Minerva, requesting permission for the to be allowed an evening away, Narcissa prepared for dinner. As this was Hermione's first formal dinner, she did not know all that would be involved. Narcissa's guidance gave the young witch comfort that while she would be dressed up, it would just be a normal dinner. The witches left Draco to his own devices. He quickly went to his suite and prepared for dinner. He had just finished getting ready and returned to the Receiving Room, to await the guests, when Blaise and Theo came through the floo.
"So what is the party about?" Blaise asked while looking around the room for the drink station. Having found the firewhiskey he helped himself to a glass. Only after finishing the first one did he offer some to others.
"Blaise, we will each have one. It looks like Drake could use one. What happened today? Mother owled me about something happening in the Alley. She seemed very shaken and isn't going to attend tonight. Tell me what is going on."
"Well, you are here for dinner. Hermione and I told mother some news and she felt that a party was warranted. You both remember how much my mother loves to throw parties. As for the Alley; we were there, preparing for the holiday ball, and Lucius attacked us. Hermione saved us all. Lucius threatened her." Before Draco could continue Harry, Ginny, Anna and Pansy entered through the floo.
"Malfoy, I got a note from Kingsley and having heard you say Lucius threatened someone I would like to hear the entire story." The witches visibly paled having heard the elder Malfoy's name.
"There isn't that much to say. Mother, Hermione and I were walking back to the apparition points after completing some errands, when Lucius appeared and tried to start something. The odd part was none of them were able to throw any curses, although they were all trying. Hermione grabbed and pulled us to a wall. She was able to throw spells and took down three of them." Draco looked to Theo.
"Your father was one of the three that Hermione subdued." Theo nodded. Draco assumed that Louisa had informed him of the apprehension in her letter. Draco knew that he would be there when the House of Nott was bestowed to Theo. Theo and Blaise were the only friends who stood when the House of Malfoy had been ceded to Draco. Hermione and Potter were there as well, but at the time, they remained on the sidelines to not make the proceedings an even bigger circus. Like with the Malfoy name, the Nott name would need some damage control.
Draco turned back to Harry to finish the story. "Lucius was shocked but quickly regained himself. He threatened Hermione and then was gone. Kingsley and his aurors were there a few moments later."
Harry nodded. Both men were worried Lucius had made a second and more visible attack on his family. He paused a moment wondering if he should provide the extra detail to Malfoy. A moment later he decided to share part of the information. He and Draco stood off to the side to finish their discussion.
"After the battle at the alley the people who lived there wanted Diagon to be safe so Hermione, Ron and I did a few things. The main one was that spells or curses intended to harm cannot be thrown; however, there are a few places that allow it. Only a handful of people know those locations."
Draco understood. He was consistently amazed at what those three Gryffindors had been able to do. Suddenly though Draco and Harry realized the areas that allowed magic would need to be changed. Anything Ron had been privy to was now at risk.
"Kingsley also said that he would be over later today for Hermione, mother and me to sign our statements." Harry understood that this would give him a few private moments to discuss how to handle the Ron situation. It was time to bring someone else in and Kingsley was one of the few people in the Ministry trusted by the new trio. Both Harry and Draco knew Hermione would not want the existence of the map be exposed yet.
With that Kingsley announced his presence and requested permission to access the grounds. Kingsley, to his credit, realized a party was going on. He quickly finished his official business and happily discussed polite topics of conversation with the "mixed" group of students. Before he left, Harry and Draco spoke to him in private. They quickly explained what had transpired and their fears. Kingsley agreed to look into a few things and complete some favors for Harry.
Pansy, Anna and Ginny had been standing quietly in the corner since arriving at the Manor. Anna, having been resorted to the Gryffindor, had grown close to Ginny. She was finding her place in the world and her housemates were doing their best to show the young girl what all Hogwarts had to offer. Ginny had been wondering why Hermione, Draco and Narcissa were in the alley. Really she wanted to know why Hermione was with either of them. She knew that they were friends but given the amount of press Malfoy commanded when he went to the alley the addition of Hermione should have brought the place to a grinding halt.
"Why were you there anyway?"
"Mother wanted to get some items for the holiday ball." Pansy's eyes lit up.
"Your mother is hosting the ball?" Narcissa and Hermione entered the room.
"I won't be hosting this year Pansy. I'm turning those duties to Draco and Hermione."
There was a gasp from the young witches and wizards. Hermione hadn't noticed as she was spellbound by Draco. He had changed into a muggle suit and dress robes. Everyone had turned to their attention to Hermione, who in turn, had stunned each of her friends. She was wearing one of Narcissa's gowns with a corresponding robe; they had been magically altered to fit Hermione. The emerald necklace and earring set was stunning against her skin. Her hair was piled on her head with strategically placed curls framing her face. Draco forgot how to breathe. She was an absolute vision. Harry was the first to speak.
"Wow 'Mione, you look really nice." Harry walked up and kissed her hand. It was a joke between them since the Yule Ball in fourth year. Whenever she allowed herself to be dressed elegantly they pretended to be royalty. Harry realized, not for the first time, Hermione would be royalty someday. At the very least, she would be the next Lady Malfoy.
Blaise and Theo followed suit, each man bowing before placing a chaste kiss on Hermione's knuckles. Pansy, Anna and Ginny, giggling the entire time, curtseyed to Hermione before standing with the guys. Finally, Draco walked up to Hermione. She had been nervously watching him while their friends joked. When Draco started to move toward her, Hermione noted the air in the room became heavier. There was an electricity everyone felt. All the giggles and snickers abruptly stopped as Draco reached Hermione. Instead of lifting her hand, as the others had done, he dropped to his knee, bowed his head and placed a kiss on the third finger of her left hand; silently he promised himself the next time his lips touched that finger would be when it held his ring. Standing he touched the emerald necklace.
"They hold nothing to your natural beauty."
Narcissa smirked; Draco's actions and reaction to the necklace confirmed her thoughts from the vault. Draco was already in love with Hermione. Narcissa was very pleased at his choice. The emeralds were a surprise to Draco. He had only seen pictures of the set and hadn't realized Narcissa had removed them from vault. They hadn't been in the Manor since before he was born.
Taking Hermione's hand, Draco led her to the dining room. The rest of the party followed in stunned silence. Blaise walked to Narcissa and escorted her while Theo had Pansy and Anna and Harry followed with Ginny.
"Harry, I think Malfoy may be in love with Hermione."
"I agree. I think Hermione is as equally enamored."
"This will be fun to watch." Harry and Ginny laughed quietly as they entered and took their places.
Dinner was a pleasant affair. After telling everyone about the offer to become professors the conversation turned to the upcoming ball. Narcissa had informed the young wizards and witches that they would all be invited and expected to attend. Anna had not been presented and typically would not be included on the guest list; however, as she had grown close to Hermione and the others it was decided she would attend. Xavier Zabini's return had already been announced and society was aware of his family. Narcissa had already discussed allowing Anna to attend, along with Xavier and Celeste, with Maria.
Finally Narcissa brought up what she knew would be a touchy subject. She trusted Hermione to address her friends. "Hermione had selected her dress for the ball this afternoon. I have already spoken with the designer on making time to visit Hogwarts. This will give Pansy and Ginny a chance to find a dress." Ginny, suddenly aware, more than ever, of her financial situation, was shocked. Narcissa knowing this didn't know how to address it with Ginny. Narcissa looked to Hermione for help.
"Gin, Narcissa said that we all needed to have dresses that were complimentary to each other and since she was requiring me to use her designer she would take care of all our dresses. I told her that was ok. I hope that you and Pansy are ok with me making that decision."
Again, Hermione's hidden Slytherin side eased the slight tension in the room.
Hermione looked at both women trying to get them to agree. She knew neither would be able to afford a gown and would then both decline attending.
Ginny was relieved and gratefully accepted Narcissa's offer.
Pansy had never been more pleased that Hermione spoke for her. She knew going to the Malfoy ball would not be something she could have done without some help.
"Now I believe you all must get back to school before it gets too much later. I know it is still light out but Lucius is getting bolder and I don't want anything to happen to any of you."
Hermione started upstairs to change into her own clothes when Narcissa stopped her.
"Keep the dress it looks lovely on you and I won't wear it again. I'll have Twinky clean and send your clothes to the school."
Draco, loving that the school was going to see him with Hermione, wrapped his arm around her waist and led her to the floo. Arriving in the Headmistress's office the elegantly dressed group bid the professors good night and left.
Albus and Minerva were equally pleased to see how happy they all seemed. Severus was shocked to see the emerald necklace Hermione wore. The rest of the students were stunned when the two professors, a mixed group of 8th years along with Ginny Weasley and Anna Zabini walked into the Great Hall. They had decided to spend some additional time with each other before retiring.
Hermione quickly became the most envied witch at the school. Not only was she the brains of the Golden Trio, best friend to Harry Potter, she had seemingly entranced the one and only Draco Malfoy. To top it off, the Gryffindor was currently wearing the Malfoy emeralds. The last time the set, or any portion of the set, was seen publicly was when Narcissa and Lucius' betrothal was announced. Hermione did not have an engagement ring but the necklace was enough to tell every eligible wizard that Hermione would soon be permanently off limits. Draco was pleased with the reactions. Most of the ogling wizards had never given Hermione a second glance but now seeing her in the gown they were cursing themselves for their oversight. They also knew they would never have a chance at her now. Draco smiled realizing this all had to be part of his mother's plan. As curfew drew near everyone headed to their rooms. Harry took Ginny to the tower before leaving to quickly discuss a few things with Draco.