Chapter 5
Invasion
Last time: "He frowned, his features becoming darker as he approached the young Muggle prostitute in his bed with golden brown ringlets..."
)*()*(
Malfoy Manor
Lucius was pissed. He ended up having to read the article after Draco had shown up ranting about how he wanted to absolutely DESTROY that Skeeter woman in court, and for good reason too. Narcissa was angered to the point of tears, that their engagement had been announced without first telling her, Lucius & presumably Harry, as Hermione's Lord of House. He itched to take his wand to the bitch himself, but his lifelong parole meant that he wasn't allowed to use his wand, or that of anyone else for casting any and all of the unforgivable curses. The elder Malfoy had a special kind of Trace on him to monitor his spell work, and he had to report to the Ministry every two months to get it renewed. Failure to report without good reason (death of spouse or heir) meant a one way ticket to the Kiss.
Now, Hermione and Draco were going to have to release two statements, one a traditional engagement notice, in both The Quibbler & The Daily Prophet, and the second again in both magazine and paper, detailing their anger and sadness about such intimate photographs being taken without their knowledge or consent, and how they were intending to fully pursue legal action against Skeeter, the as yet "unnamed source" & photographer, individually and as a whole.
Less than a week later, The Quibbler sold out in three hours and needed a reprint when the following announcementappeared:
*Lord Harry James Potter, of the Noble and Most Ancient Houses Of Black & Potter, in conjunction with Lord Lucius and Lady Narcissa Malfoy of the Most Ancient & Noble House of Malfoy are pleased to announce the engagement of Lady Hermione Jean Granger-Potter to Lord Draco Abraxas Malfoy. Lady Granger-Potter and the younger Lord Malfoy will be planning to announce the date of their magical bonding & nuptials within the next month.*
A beautiful photo was beside the announcement of a beaming Draco holding Hermione in a close embrace, her ring proudly on display with her hand resting on his chest over his heart, Harry & Ginny standing behind Hermione, with Lucius and Narcissa standing behind their son. All six of them were holding expressions of complete joy. Harry had personally made sure that Molly & Arthur had a copy of a photo of just the happy couple, much to their delighted surprise. Molly had immediately sent a tear stained letter to Hermione & Draco congratulating the couple and asking if they had chosen a date. She had also told them that she was very proud to call Hermione her daughter, and welcoming Draco to the Weasley family as a new son.
Later that month, Lucius drafted a carefully worded announcement for The Quibbler: *
Lady Hermione Jean Granger-Potter and Lord Draco Abraxas Malfoy wish to announce that they are taking legal action against the Daily Prophet for the disgraceful violation of their privacy in the November 14th's edition of The Daily Prophet. Lady Granger-Potter and Lord Malfoy ask the public to respect their privacy at this difficult time.*