Chapter 8

"After some consideration, I think the only way to remedy your complete lack of decorum is for me to issue a statement on your behalf. Taking your cue from the example set by the Greengrasses, you both felt that it was inappropriate to hold an extravagant celebration of your Bonding in the midst of such devastation throughout the Wizarding world. Therefore, with the blessing of those present at the Greengrass Fundraiser Ball, you held a private Bonding ceremony, witnessed by the Minister himself, and are now spending a quiet honeymoon at an undisclosed location. This should satisfy the gossip-mongers as well as appease the Greengrasses, who must be terribly insulted to be upstaged in such a manner. No, I do not wish to hear anything from either of you, unless it is an apology! You are to spend the next two weeks getting better acquainted with one another in one of the villas in either France, Italy, or Germany, and you will not leave the grounds or be seen in public. You will also reflect on your disgusting behaviour and return eager to be models of comportment for other aspiring couples."

Hermione knew that postponing the inevitable would only make it worse, so prior to their exile, they dutifully arrived at The Burrow to cheers, jeers, and tears. The latter came, not surprisingly, in the form of Mrs. Weasley, whose motherly affection for Hermione overruled her doubts as to the young witch's choice of husband. By the end of their eventful visit, Draco managed to acquire a modicum of respect through some spectacular moves against Harry during a Quidditch match.

After viewing the three villas, the newlyweds decided that they would be most inconspicuous in Germany. They spent two quiet weeks together and made their first public appearance at the Ministry's Ball. Being the pride and joy of the Minister, they were paraded around. Hermione had warned Draco to be on his best behaviour, and he willingly played the part of the affectionate husband - downright vomit-inducing, according to his friends.

Narcissa wisely refrained from insisting that they move into the Manor, knowing that their newly formed bond was tenuous and needed time alone to solidify. So, they settled into a spacious abode in the outskirts of Wizarding London.

Although Hermione soon found a balance in her new life between work, family obligations, friends, and time at home, she began to feel increasingly dissatisfied. She began to be jealous of the time Draco spent with his friends and in pursuit of his interests. While he would come home at decent hours and not once excuse himself from their obligatory appearances as a couple to the various social gatherings, she felt somehow excluded from his life. It was as if having a wife did not interrupt his accustomed lifestyle in any noticeable way. She tried to make an effort to find ways they could spend time together, and she did find a few new hobbies that interested both of them, but she still felt alone and increasingly frustrated.

Draco occasionally noticed her despondence, but not being accustomed to catering to another's needs, he was unable to get to the root of the problem. Small fights and bickering often ensued and a habit of avoidance began, with either Draco storming off to his rooms at the Manor or Hermione fleeing to the comfort of her parents' house. They were promptly sent home by their respective elders within a few days to "sort out their differences because marriage wasn't all fun and games". Both learned to swallow their prides and seek reconciliation, often involving make-up sex, and several days of peace and happiness would settle in their nest. But treating the symptoms of the illness was not a cure, and things began to slowly unravel.

Unbeknownst to either of them, the Grangers and Narcissa Malfoy began arranging meetings to discuss their concerns for their children's future happiness. They kept each other informed whenever one or both households were forced to play host to a disgruntled offspring.

One cool evening, a solace-seeking Hermione arrived at her parents' doorstep to find them enjoying a cozy after-dinner chat with her mother-in-law. Too embarrassed at first to reveal her reason for seeking help, the careful prodding by all three soon released her pent-up emotions in a flood of tears. She could not stand to be alone another night. She had tried and tried to mend things, but she was tired of being the only one who cared. She was a total failure as a wife. She wondered if time apart wouldn't put things into perspective. She needed to somehow take control and make things better, but she didn't know where to start.

She was scared: she was pregnant.