CHAPTER FIFTEEN- The In-Laws
After dinner Draco had all of their bags brought outside to the carriage that would take them to Hogsmede. It was not a far walk but the illusion of a romantic relationship had to be ever present.
Malfoy was waiting by the carriage and tapping his foot impatiently waiting for Hermione who was running late. When she arrived and saw the carriage, the extravagance made her cringe.
She also did not think to see so many people wanting to watch them leave. All of Draco's friends were there as well as a dozen girls flocked behind Draco to send him off, all wishing they were the ones headed to Malfoy Manor instead of Hermione.
Malfoy helped Hermione up inside after all the bags were put away. "Bye Hermione! Have fun!" The trio of fourth years shouted after them, trying to show they were friendly with Malfoy bride.
"Do you know them?" Draco asked. "Not a bit," she replied. The rest of the carriage ride was silent and they arrived to Hogsmede quickly. "How exactly are we getting there?" Hermione said.
"Portkey until we've completed our Apparition lessons are completed," he said walking past Honeydukes. "What about the bags?" Hermione asked. "They'll get there. Now hold on," he said grabbing a gardening spade.
Hermione had never traveled by portkey before and grabbed at the last moment. The next thing she knew she was flat on her face outside of a monstrous house. Malfoy had landed gracefully on his feet and was walking to his home without her.
Struggling to get up and cursing Draco under her breath she hurried along after him. Her eyes were taking in Malfoy Manor. Once they were past the giant gate and heading up the long driveway, she could really admire the details.
The gardens were elaborate and green with fountains and a few pure white peacocks. The lights inside glistened off the diamond pane windows and ivy was growing around the manor.
It was the most beautiful and massive home Hermione had ever seen. "Don't embarrass me," Malfoy said when they got to the front door. The inside of the manor was just as glamorous as the outside.
As soon as Draco shut the door Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy came down the sweeping staircase. "Drakey, you're home," Narcissa said. She barely noticed Hermione at first because of how happy she was to see her son.
Seeing Malfoy's parents happy and healthy made Hermione angry as a hornet. "This must be the girl," Lucius said with his nose downturned towards her. Hermione could feel their eyes inspecting every inch of her body. They were not even attempting to hide their examination.
"Yes, this is the girl. Hermione Granger," Malfoy said uninterested. After the elder Malfoys pried their eyes off Hermione, Narcissa said, "Let's go to the drawing room, shall we?"
Hermione had never been in a drawing room before but found it to be boring. It was just a sitting room with a table for tea. Everyone was awkwardly silent and Lucius was not trying to hide his distaste.
"I guess we have planning to do," said Narcissa who decided to speak first. "They are to be wed here at the Manor over the Christmas Holiday. What else is there to plan?" Lucius said to his wife.
"Everything, Lucius. Everything must be planned," she replied. The three sat as patiently as they could while they listened to Narcissa's extensive preparations. "I believe we can continue this tomorrow, it is quite late," Lucius finally said.
Hermione would be glad to get away from the Malfoys and Lucius' hateful stares. Draco got up and left as soon as Lucius suggested it was time for bed, leaving Hermione alone with her future in-laws.
"I'll show you where you'll be sleeping," Narcissa said. When the women got up to leave Hermione could still feel Lucius' cold eyes behind her. They had to walk up two flights of stairs and down a hall before they reached Hermione's bedroom.
Narcissa opened the door for her and showed her in. It was the most sophisticated bedroom she had ever seen. All of her bags had made their way here and Hermione was eager to be done for the night.
Hermione was ready to go to sleep but Mrs. Malfoy lingered. After an uncomfortable silence, the older woman said "You'll be fitted for your dress on Sunday, maybe it would be best to skip breakfasts." And with that, Narcissa left.
Reality started to fill Hermione's thoughts. Involuntary tears spread down her face when she imagined herself in a wedding gown. In less than one month she would be Malfoy's bride and be married to a horrible man.
Not even bothering to change into pajamas, she crawled into her new fluffy bed and let her tears lull her to sleep.