One week later

By now, everyone in Hogwarts knew about Hermione and Draco's engagement, even the professors. They shuffled carefully around them, eying them and whispering behind their backs when they thought they weren't looking.

There were some various ways of reaction among the Hogwarts students. Both Gryffindor and Slytherin were furious and betrayed by them, and some girls were jealous or disappointed because Draco was taken. But there was no support or happiness from anyone, even Hermione's and Draco's closest friends. They were alone.

There had been no drama, emotion, or recognition in public between the two of them since Draco's mother had attempted to kill Hermione. They avoided each other greatly, and never kissed or held hands. When they had to talk, they did it in an awkward and formal way and never discussed their marriage.

Draco and Hermione had already met on that bench and planned their marriage. They would be wed on the afternoon of the last day of school, no matter what would happen. Neither was allowed to back out.

But on this spring day, Draco pulled Hermione aside by her elbow and leaned forward to whisper hurriedly in her ear, "Mother wants you to come to the manor. She wants to talk to the both of us."

They exchanged frightened looks as Hermione received the news. "What?"

"Don't worry, I'll stay with you the entire time. We have to go this weekend or she'll never leave us in peace, I swear."

Hermione gave him a quick nod, their gaze lingering as they confirmed it, and they headed opposite ways for their classes. She headed off towards Potions as she received another round of whispers and stares.

Suddenly, she felt hands quickly push her back and a shouted, "Boo!"

"Ron!" she turned around to look at their faces. "Harry!" They smiled, but there was a slight look of sadness behind their eyes.

Ron asked her, "What are you doing this weekend? Please tell me you're not just going to study when it's going to be our last weekend together here."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "And why do you ask?"

Harry gave her an exasperated look. "So we can do something fun together? I dunno, do you want to get butterbeer or something?"

"Well…" Hermione couldn't bear to see what they would look like if she told them the truth. But she told them anyway. "I'm going to be introduced to Malfoy's parents as his finance."

They gave her shocked and betrayed looks. She explained quickly, "I know, I'm sorry, but this has to happen. This is happening, like, for real."

They still looked hurt. She looked back at them pleadingly. "I'm sorry! Don't be mad, please? Now I have to go to class… See you soon."

flash forward

Hermione was nervous. Dress nicely, and do something about your hair too. Dress like you're rich and have confidence. Pretend if you have to. Draco had told her.

She looked in the mirror and saw a young woman in a black blouse, black and white skirt, and short black heels. Her lips were a small, thin streak of dark red and her hair gave down in a barely contained wave. Her skin was white, and her fingers fiddled with the small gold necklace that rested on her neck. Was she okay? Was this good enough?

She grabbed a silver clutch and stepped out, trying to look dignified although she felt like a little girl playing dress-up. After a couple minutes of waiting, Draco apparated next to her. His blond hair was sleeked back, and his skin was pale. He wore a dark green cloak over a soft white sweater and gray trousers, showing off his slight, long body. His pointed, oval face was emotionless but tense. He didn't look at her.

Finally, he looked down to her and offered her his elbow. She took it, and after a moment's hesitation, they disappeared together.