Last time:
"It's beautiful." she said in awe
He laughed, "Nothing but the best for a Malfoy."
Now:
"Are you joking? Fifteen people are watching binding?"
Her shriek could be heard throughout the headmasters office clear down to the surrounding corridors. Today was turning out to be a horrible day for her already and it was only 10 in the morning. The day started off with her being startled awake by a rude, black owl that pecked on the window as if his beak was on fire – the letter it carried didn't help either. She opened the letter to find it was from her dear father in law, insisting on she and Draco visiting the manor for a cup of tea so he could get to know her better.
"yeah and people in hell want ice water." she mumbled, throwing the letter in the trash.
The next thing was Pansy. Pansy had waited for Hermione to leave the shared dorm so she could have a little chat with the new Malfoy. Hermione was hesitant to talk to her so she kept her answers short and simple as she could tell Parkinson was trying to get information out of her. Unfortunately, the slight questioning led to Pansy having a melt down as soon as she noticed the Malfoy ring on her finger.
And now it was this... She had sat down with Draco to eat breakfast when he gave her a small smile and a shake of his head, "Dumbledore wants to see us after breakfast. He didn't say why exactly but I have a feeling it has to do with the marriage."
Hermione let her head fall down the table with a thump, "It doesn't end does it?" She raised her head again, "So far today, your father has invited us to the Manor for tea and Pansy was trying to get information out of me. I just wish everyone would leave well enough alone.."
Draco raised an eyebrow, "You didn't accept the invitation did you?"
Hermione's eyes went wide, "Do you think I'm an idiot? There is no way I'd step foot in your Manor right now – I probably wouldn't leave alive."
Draco ran his hands over his face, "You're right, you probably wouldn't and neither would I for that matter."
When they finally noticed Dumbledore leave the great hall, they both grabbed their bags and followed. They reached his office shortly after he had arrived and invited them to sit.
"You wanted to see us sir?" Hermione asked sweetly.
Dumbledore smiled his loving smile and sat back in his chair. "I just wanted to ask the two of you what you have decided about the binding?"
Draco cleared his throat, "I'm letting Hermione decided if it is something she wants to do. I feel I have already asked too much."
Dumbledore gave Hermione a quick smile, " Have you decided Mrs. Malfoy?"
Hermione unintentionally grimaced at being called Malfoy but managed to hide it well. The entire situation was still far from being comfortable with.
"I uh" she stared nervously, "I've decided I will consummate the marriage if it is required but I would rather wait until we have no choice in the matter."
Dumbledore let out a sigh, " As a matter of fact Mrs. Malfoy, this is why I called for the two of you. You see, Mr. Malfoy requested I check to see if there had been any inquires regarding the marriage. I already figured there would be one or two but when the clerk handed me the paper I was floored to see that fifteen people are waiting this out and Two people, one being Malfoy Sr, have already filed a motion to get the marriage turned over."
And that is what led to the mighty shriek from the young brunette. Fifteen people were watching this thing play out, two of which had already filed a motion to end the marriage.
"Who was the second to file?" Draco asked calmly once Hermione regulated her breathing
Dumbledore shook his head, "It appears the Parkinson's have also filed stating that you were forced into marriage by Hermione."
"Yeah like I could" she snorted in contempt.
Dumbledore grasped his hands together and looked to the two young students. "This entire situation is... difficult to say the least. Most marriages start out by getting to know one another, then falling in love, then marriage. Unfortunately, this marriage is started backwards and out of order."
He turned his head towards Hermione. "You have a decision to make Mrs. Malfoy. I have no doubt in my mind that if the marriage is not consummated, more will file against it and it will be dismissed rather easily due to the amount of people already filing or inquiring. I understand this isn't a pleasant spot for you to be in but this is the only marriage that Lucius Malfoy cant end with a few phone calls and favors from people associated with you know who in the ministry."
Dumbledore turned his attention back to both, "I am giving the two of you the rest of the week off from your classes. I want you to spend the next couple days with each other, getting to know how the other works and so on. I will also require the both of you to meet with Professor Snape after dinner each night to partake in trust building exercises.."
"What do you mean sir?" Hermione asked
"I'm saying Mrs. Malfoy, that you and your husband need to build some trust within each other if this is going to work... not only for the marriage itself, but I am considering you two as partners within the order and trust is something you must both have if you wish to stay alive."
"When do we start?" Draco asked
"After dinner tonight. Professor Snape has already been informed and will be expecting you."
The teens both nodded and stood to leave. "Thank you sir, for keeping us up to date on the situation."
"Not a problem Mrs. Malfoy, not a problem." Dumbledore stated as he stood and followed them to the door, "I know this is difficult, but I hope you decide to go through with this. I strongly believe that the two of you could be something great if you applied yourselves, after all, it took a great deal of strength from you both to lead up to this considering your past."
Hermione gave a proud smile, "Thank you sir. It really means a lot that you are supportive of this."
The headmaster gave them both a pat on the shoulder and sent them on their way.
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After dinner that night, Draco and Hermione made their way down to the dungeons where Professor Snape was waiting. He still had the trademark scowl on his face when they arrived but he was secretly pleased that Hermione had helped his godson out in such a way and was determined to help them along as best he could.
He approached them with a small smirk, "I hope you two are ready for this." he stated in a monotone voice.
"We are Severus" Draco stated, "We have to be if this is going to work."
"Indeed" came his dry reply. "Now the first thing I want to try in the trust building involves a blindfold."
Hermione quirked an eyebrow at him causing him to laugh. "Mind out of the gutter Mrs. Malfoy."
She huffed, "My mind was not in the gutter... I was just curious."
Draco couldn't help but grin at the blush that covered her face. "Into blindfolds?" he asked with his smirk.
Hermione rolled her eyes and ignored him. " Can we just do this?" she asked in a slight whine.
Severus chuckled again and walked towards her with the blindfold. "This exercise is fairly simple and a good first step in building trust. I will tie the blindfold around your eyes and you will fall. You have to trust Draco to catch you."
Hermione turned to Draco and pointed her finger, "Let me fall and you will be sorry." she smirked
He was amused but agreed. Hermione allowed the blindfold to be tied and she took a deep breath. Draco had walked up behind her, prepared to catch her without a problem when she let out the breath and started to fall backwards,
Draco reached out and caught her about a foot from the floor, secretly pleased when he fear turned into ...fun?"
They continued the exercise for about an hour with each taking turns on catching the other as they fell. Draco had no problems in catching Hermione, but Hermione usually had to sturdy herself before a blindfolded blond fell on her and crushed her.
They thanked the professor and started up towards their room to get some rest for the night. They had a feeling it was going to be a long week.