A/n: Yes, I'm back. I am truly sorry it has taken this long to update. I have been busy. Life and all. Hope everyone is doing well. And I sincerely thank all of you who will be reading this chapter. Thanks for sticking with me. Now, ON WITH THE STORY!
Chapter 22:
Pure-blood Thanks
Hermione was sitting in her rooms, when an owl tapped on her window. It had been a few days since she'd heard anything substantial from Draco, and it was beginning to wear on her nerves.
Hoping the beautiful owl carried good news, Hermione lept from her spot in her comfy chair and raced to the window to allow the Malfoy owl entrance. The owl entered and perched itself on her desk, then looked at her expectantly.
Hermione reached to take the roll of parchment that was held in the owl's talons. She fed it a treat from her bowl set aside for such matters. She quickly scanned the outer edge of the scroll. It was sealed with the Malfoy crest.
She broke the seal and unrolled the parchment with a quickness that would have made the fastest seeker proud. She began reading.
Dearest Hermione,
I know you are just about to burst with questions, so I will get right to it, and save my endearments for last.
As you know, I informed Mother of your findings and she looked into the contract.
You will be more than happy to hear, yes the contract was magically binding.
The Ministry cannot go against said contract, regardless of their want to.
My Father's "Last Will and Testament" was also magically binded, and so completely legal.
Although, none of it really mattered. The results from the blood tests came in the same time Mother was speaking with the lawyers regarding the contract. I am, always have been and always will be a "Malfoy". I am my father's son.
Not just in heart. We are bond by blood. I guess one of his swimmers actually made the long journey. *smirks*
My mother and I have been completely re-instated as Mistress Malfoy and I am again the Malfoy heir.
Mother is so ecstatic that she is planning a party in your honor, for all of you hard work and the dedication you showed to your future family.
Don't get that look on your face. I know how much you hate being the center of attention.
But this is Mother's way of saying thank you.
And she knows you will take the place of Mistress of Malfoy Manor with style and grace.
I will be returning to Hogwarts soon and will give you all the details, and answer the questions I know are still lingering.
Until I return,
All My Love,
Draco
P.S. I've missed you so much. I plan on making my absence up to you in a very Draco-ish way. *wink.
By the end of the letter Hermione was crying. She was so happy that all of her hard work had payed off, and even more so that it was never really needed. She couldn't wait for Draco's return. She had a few ways of her own to 'make up the absence'.
Hermione had been on pins and needles waiting for Draco to return. She didn't get one wink of sleep last night. She tossed and turned for hours before giving up and deciding to take a long luxurious bath. She had pampered herself, then settled down with a book until it was time for breakfast.
On her way down the corridors to breakfast, she was just passing the tapestry that secreted a hidden alcove, when someone reached out and pulled her behind it.
She immediately went for her wand, but before she could reach it, she heard. "It's me love. Please don't hex me. I've missed you so."
She turned and looked into her love's eyes. "Draco!"
She lept into his arms and crushed him with a hug, and began raining kisses along his jaw-line.
Draco chuckled. He loved this witch, and her emotional responses.
"Calm down love. I didn't pull you in here for a mid-morning shag." Draco teased with a smirk.
Hermione stopped her assault, and laughed. "Sorry, but it's been a while."
Draco smiled at that. A true smile. "I know. But I'm afraid our making up for lost time will have to wait until after classes. It is after all a weekday."
Hermione fiegned a pout, and then smiled. Dragging him from behind the tapestry, she said "I'm hungry, let's go have a spot of breakfast."
"Yes, dear." Was all he responded, and allowed her to pull him to the Great Hall.
Draco and Hermione were finished with their "making up for lost time session". And making thier way back toward Hermione's rooms, when Head Mistress McGonagall stopped them.
"Pardon me, but I'm afraid I need the see the two of you in my office immediately." She said with a grave expression on her face. "I have been looking all over for you two for the past hour. Where in the name of Merlin have you been?"
"Well, uh- we were just, um." Hermione was not fast thinking at the moment.
"Nevermind, its of no consequence. I've found you now come along." She said, and began the treck to her office. Robes swirling around her.
Draco and Hermione shared a look. Then Draco spoke, "Um, Headmistress. May I enquire as to what the immediate need is?"
"Mister Malfoy, please keep all questions until we have reached the confines of my office. I wouldn't want anyone to overhear." She again said with destitude lacing her voice.
Hermione was getting nervous. What ever could be so pressing that they were needed immediately, and why was the Head Mistress so stressed?
Draco squeezed Hermione's hand in an attempt to re-assure her. She clenched back, letting him know it was understood what he was attempting to do, but that it was also not helping.
They had arrived and were following McGonagall up the spiral staircase. It still un-nerved Draco to no end how it traveled up on its own, but to Hermione it was like a Muggle escalator, that was in so many Muggle Malls.
When the reached the door to her office, McGonagall turned to them. "Now please do not be alarmed. I assure you there is no eminate danger behind these doors."
Hermione's eyebrows rose. Now why in Hates name had McGonagall needed to mention that?
McGonagall opened the door and entered her office. Draco stepped in first, and had to tug Hermione through the door.
Once inside, all of their parents, close friends and teachers jumped from hiding places around the room.
"SURPRISE!"
Hermione stood shocked. What was this? Then as if to answer her question, McGonagall clapped her hands together and a banner fell from the ceiling.
It read:
Happy Engagement Hermione and Draco!
Hermione turned to see Draco with a smug smirk on his face, and she knew. He'd known.
"What's all this?" Hermione questioned no one in particular.
Narcissa was the first to speak. "Well now, Hermione dear. I know how much you despise being the center of attention. So Draco and I thought a party here would be best with just close friends and family in attendence."
Hermione thanked them, and blushed when Narcissa continued. "You see, I at first had my sights set on the Room of Requirement. But it seemed to be in use when everyone arrived, so Head Mistress McGonagall was kind enough to lend us her office."
At this Hermione blushed.
Before long the party was in full swing. Music supplied by the Magical Gramophone. Drinks and snacks on a table to the side.
Everyone was having a good time and enjoying themselves.
They stayed and partied for quite some time before yawns were heard and weary eyes were being rubbed.
Draco and Hermione thanked everyone for coming, for their gifts, and McGonagall for the usage of her office.
As they were saying goodbye to Narcissa, she hugged Hermione, and whispered, "I can never thank you enough. I am more then pleased you are to be Draco's wife. Please write to me soon, and be prepared. This was small compared to the wedding you will have."
She smiled, kissed Hermione on the cheek, said her goodbyes. And left.
Draco looked at Hermione expectantly.
"I think your mother just thanked me in an odd way, but threatened me just the same." She said with a somewhat perplexed look on her face.
Draco smiled. "It's ok love. I'll be there to protect you." And they thanked the Head Mistress again, and Draco walked Hermione to her room.
She was getting ready for bed, and all the while thinking about what Narcissa had said.
Hermione could feel it deep in her bones. Narcissa was going to give her headaches when it came to wedding planning.
End chapter
A/N: Ok everyone. Sorry it had been so long, and I hope this chapter wet your appetites. I will try to update again soon. Hopefully alot sooner then months from now. Please hit the review button and let me know what you think.
Hugs and much love. Happy Reading. B :)
