Bright and early Sunday morning, Hermione arrived at Malfoy Manor for the engagement photo session that Narcissa had scheduled and planned. She had forgotten to eat breakfast, and her empty stomach growled as she stepped out of the Floo and into the hallway. Tooney, the house elf that had assisted her on her previous visit to the Manor, was waiting patiently by the fireplace for arrival.
"Hello, Miss. I will take you to Mistress." The creature greeted Hermione, who nodded with a smile at the house elf's declaration. It was still strange responding to the elf, seeing as Hermione wasn't the biggest fan of such practices.
Though she had done her research. Many changes had occurred after the war. The Malfoy elves were now paid a substantial amount for their service, and were housed and treated fairly. Dobby would be proud of the strides that had been made in his former home. It still wasn't her favorite thing, but she supposed she would have to get used to it.
Hermione motioned for the elf to lead her to her intended destination, and followed her into the depths of the grand manor. Once again Hermione was mesmerized by the incredible ornate furnishing that filled every nook and cranny of the halls that she walked down. She noticed as they wandered through multiple passages, eventually the decor and fixings of the manor became lighter, almost more feminine.
Finally, they arrived at a pair of carved wooden doors, which Tooney opened with a snap of her fingers. The house elf gestured for Hermione to enter first, which she meekly complied. Upon entering the room, the young witch was promptly greeted with the sight of an elegant sitting room, outfitted in white and spring green textiles and dark wood furniture. It was obvious this room was one of Narcissa's, which was established when the matriarch of the Malfoy family glided into the room.
Per usual, Narcissa was dressed to the nines in a structured yet stylish gray set of robes, a pair of emerald studs in her ears. Her particolored hair was styled in an elegant side part, sweeping over her slender shoulders and draping down her back. The epitome of Pureblood refinement that Hermione knew she would never be.
"Good morning, Ms. Granger. I hope you're doing well?" Narcissa greeted her with a gleaming smile, and Hermione nodded, giving the older witch a small smile.
"Lovely. We should get started. Tooney, you may go. Please tell Wallace to bring Ms. Granger and I some tea and scones. I'm sure with this early morning affair that she is famished." Narcissa instructed the small elf waiting next to Hermione, who nodded eagerly, bowed, and quickly disappeared.
"Should we get started then?" Narcissa suggested, pointing to a rack of clothing and a vanity that Hermione hadn't noticed when she had first entered the room. She was a bit confused, as she had already come dressed and with a face of light makeup. Her hair was acting up a bit, yes, but she had somewhat tamed it into a soft bun at the nape of her neck. Hermione thought she looked alright. Apparently not by Malfoy standards.
"Of course, Mrs. Malfoy." Hermione responded, and approached the array of dresses that were hung from the rack in the corner of the room. Narcissa gave her a curious look at the formality of her addressment, but continued behind her.
"Now, I got your measurements from Madame Malkins. I hope you don't mind. Blythe has known the Malfoy family for years, and happily passed them along. Now these gowns are actually from Twilfit and Tattings, as they carry more formal fabrics this time of year." Narcissa explained as she perused the rack of clothing. It didn't surprise her that Narcissa had been able to obtain her measurements. The woman was a powerhouse after all.
"That's perfectly alright. I appreciate your kindness." Hermione reassured her, and Narcissa smiled. The older witch continued to browse through the rack until she let out a stratified hum, drawing Hermione's attention to the dress that she had pulled free from the rack.
"This is the one. What do you think, Ms. Granger?" Narcissa held up the gown in question, and Hermione couldn't help but admire its beauty.
It was a stunning silver piece, made of a fabric that was very reminiscent of what Fleur Delacour had worn to the Yule Ball. While it was fashionable, the dress was also modest, with bishop style sleeves that buttoned closed with numerous buttons at the cuff. A flowy skirt that seemed to be at about tea length, and a small dipping neckline overall made the garment a very desirable choice.
"It's beautiful. Perfect, actually." Hermione admitted, and Narcissa gave the young witch yet another glimmering smile.
"Well, come try it on." Narcissa beckoned Hermione, showing her behind a dressing screen that had also been set up in the opposite corner of the room. Hermione took the hanger from Narcissa, who backed away to give her some privacy as she changed.
Placing the dress on a peg that was on the frame of the screen, Hermione edged free from the buttercup yellow dress that she had originally worn, as well as her worn brown sandals. Thankful that she had at least had the propriety to wear the proper undergarments, Hermione slipped the silk dress over her head.
It fell like a waterfall of liquid silver over her skin as the dress settled, and Hermione was instantly in love with the fabric that swathed her. She buttoned the sleeves closed at the cuff, but struggled to get the zipper closed all the way. Stepping out from behind the screen, she revealed herself to a waiting Narcissa.
"Oh, you look wonderful, Hermione! It fits you like a glove." Narcissa complimented her, and Hermione tried not to blush. She had never liked being the center of attention. It was also strange hearing Narcissa address her by her first name. It was intimate.
"I need help zipping it up all the way, if you don't mind." Hermione motioned to the back of the dress, and without hesitation Narcissa stepped around to finish zipping her up. Adjusting the bodice of the dress, Hermione awaited instructions for the next part of her impromptu makeover.
"Shoes. You need shoes." Narcissa looked back to the rack of clothing, and scanned the bottom for the perfect pair of footwear to complete the ensemble. She finally landed on a pair of sensible silver kitten heels, and handed them to Hermione to put on.
Settling down on the couch, Hermione slid her feet into shoes, buckling the delicate strap around her ankle. She rose from her seated position and tried to gain her balance, and soon was able to adjust to the new height. Narcissa nodded her approval, and decided that it was time to tackle the most important thing. Hermione's hair.
"Do you mind if I assist with your hair? I can help tame the curls, if you would like. After all these years, I've picked up a few helpful skills." Narcissa offered. While Hermione was a bit hesitant about something so involved, she knew she was not great at managing her own unruly mane, and help would be much appreciated.
"I would like that. Thank you." Hermione took a few small steps over to the upholstered stool that was placed in front of the vanity. She adjusted herself so that the silk of her skirt would not wrinkle. Narcissa came to stand behind her.
"How about pulling these pieces away from your face, and then we leave the rest down?" Narcissa motioned to Hermione's somewhat frizzy hair, and the young witch nodded her approval. Removing her wand from within the folds of her robes, Narcissa began a fervid routine of spells, each one doing a different task.
With one sweep, Hermione's hair came undone from the slightly messy hairstyle she had attempted that morning. Another motion applied a cream that held a delectable floral scent, as well as a few dollops of the ever potent Sleakeazy's. Narcissa flicked her wrist, and automatically Hermione's hair transformed from a crimped nightmare to a sleek coiled dream.
"How did you do that?!" Hermione exclaimed in awe, and Narcissa let out a gentle chuckle at her enthusiasm.
"As I mentioned before, I have had many years of practice." Narcissa laughed, the sound similar to tinkling bells.
"You have to teach me that, if you don't mind." Hermione caught Narcissa's eye in the mirror in front of her, and the elder witch nodded.
A few more swishes of her wand, and Narcissa had entirely restyled and tamed Hermione's hair. The front was pulled away from her face with two elegant silver pins, and the back part flowed down to her mid-back in perfectly formed ringlets.
"This looks amazing, Mrs. Malfoy. Thank you." Hermione turned to thank the Malfoy matriarch, who waved her hand in dismissal.
"It's completely alright. And it's Narcissa, please. You're going to be my daughter-in-law, after all." Narcissa instructed, and Hermione let the request settle in. She was right. This elegant example of a perfect Pureblooded woman was going to be her mother-in-law.
"Narcissa, then. Please, call me Hermione, if you would like." Narcissa smiled enthusiastically at her offer, and Hermione returned it with a smile of her own.
"I almost forgot. I have something that I would like you to wear." Narcissa quickly scanned the vanity that Hermione sat in front of, finally finding the object that she was in search of. It was a square, black velvet box. Hermione looked at it in curiosity, wondering what could possibly be inside.
"This necklace was a gift from Lucius to me on the day we had our own engagement portrait painted. I always knew I wanted to pass it on to my future daughter. But since I was only blessed with a son, his wife will become the inheritor. That is you, Hermione." Narcissa opened the box to reveal a stunning emerald necklace, with three rows of expertly cut jewels. It was a fine example of what Hermione assumed was goblin craftsmanship.
"Oh Narcissa, I couldn't. It's beautiful, but I don't trust myself to wear something so magnificent." Hermione couldn't imagine how much such a thing cost.
"You can, and you will. Please, Hermione. I would be honored if you would." Narcissa encouraged her, and Hermione finally nodded in defeat, and Narcissa smiled. Removing the necklace from its protective case, she unclasped the delicate chain. Placing it around Hermione's neck, Narcissa fastened it with a small click.
"It's perfect." She whispered, and Hermione couldn't help but admire how absolutely stunning the piece really was. It hung perfectly with the neckline of the dress that had been selected.
"Thank you, Narcissa." Hermione offered her appreciation to the elder witch.
"No, thank you, Hermione. For saving my son. For taking a chance on him." Narcissa caught her gaze in the mirror, and Hermione could not help but notice how a small tear had escaped from Narcissa's eye.
Their tender moment was interrupted by the arrival of who Hermione assumed to be the elf named Wallace, pushing a small cart ladened with tea and scones. The small creature greeted both women with a small bow, offering them refreshments.
"Well, my dear. Please help yourself to a scone and some tea. I am going to check on the photographer and painter." Narcissa excused herself.
Left to her own devices, Hermione arose from the bench to take a peak in the full length mirror. She was once again enchanted by the person she saw. Taking in everything from the dress and the shoes, to the stunning necklace that adorned her neck, Hermione could not help but think of a single statement.
She felt beautiful, all thanks to one Narcissa Malfoy.
—00000—
Draco hated cravats. Ever since he was child he had despised them. But his mother had selected one to accompany his outfit for the engagement portrait. Narcissa's choice had been an excellently tailored three piece suit made of a fine black Italian wool, with silver pinstripes woven in a pattern that were almost unnoticeable.
The youngest Malfoy was adjusting the piece of silk fabric in the mirror of his childhood bedroom, the silver of the fabric stark against the white of his dress shirt. The emerald stones of his silver cufflinks shimmered in the light of candles that illuminated his room.
Draco finally succeeded in tying the cravat around his throat, and finally slipped his signature snake pin into place. Making the final adjustments to his attire when he heard the door to his chambers open, and heavy footsteps fell behind him. Draco knew those footsteps like the back of his hand.
"What can I do for you, Father?" Draco turned to greet Lucius, who was also dressed in his usual dark finery. He was casually leaning on his cane, observing his only son with a keen eye.
"You look good, Draco. Your mother has outdone herself once again." Lucius commented, and Draco tried not to roll his gray eyes in disdain. His father was the thorn that would always remain in his side, no matter what happened.
"Thank you, Father."
"I have to be honest, son. I am truly impressed that you pulled it off. Getting the Granger girl to agree to the marriage." Lucius disclosed, and Draco gave his father a stony glare.
"Granger came to the decision on her own. She is an independent thinker. She can make her own choices. I had nothing to do with her choosing to go through with the marriage." Draco reminded his father that Hermione could in fact form thoughts and make decisions on her own.
"No need to get defensive of the girl. She's saving your life. That's all that matters. And with the proper guidance and training from both your mother and yourself, she will be a perfect Malfoy wife." Lucius' comment struck something in Draco that made him feel a sense of anger that he had not felt in a long time.
"She will be more than a Malfoy wife, Father. She will be my equal." Draco informed his father of the reality that was coming to be. Granger would not be a trophy. She would be his partner.
"Women are not equal to men, Draco. I have taught you this before. Your wife is not your partner, she is your companion. She is there to make your life comfortable. She is there to keep your home and give your heirs. Nothing more." The tone of Lucius' voice was hard. Draco finally let himself break, giving his father a seething glare before laying down the law of what was to be.
"Times have changed, Father. And so have I. Hermione is to be my wife, and you will treat her with the respect she has earned and deserves. She is becoming a member of this family. I do not care about the history we all share. That is being forgotten. From this day forth, and if you step even one toe out of line in regards to Hermione, I will kill you myself. Am I clear?"
Lucius looked at his son in disbelief.
"So it's Hermione now, is it?" He taunted, and Draco scowled at his father.
"One toe, Father." Draco emphasized his warning once more, leaving Lucius to stare at his own reflection.
—00000—
Hermione was trying to keep herself from fidgeting with the hem of her dress. She had been waiting patiently in what seemed to be one of the many sitting rooms of Malfoy Manor as Narcissa directed the setup of the engagement photos.
A small fire had been lit in the marble fireplace, which was guarded by an ornate golden screen. The light of the room was reflected by a large gilded mirror which sat atop the mantle of the fireplace. A detailed bouquet of white roses cascaded down from in front of the mirror. Narcissa had positioned an armchair a few feet in front of the fireplace, where Hermione assumed she would be seated with Draco standing behind her.
She had yet to see her fiance. Narcissa had informed her that he was getting dressed in his own chambers, somewhere else in the Manor. She had encouraged Hermione to take a seat in the corner of the sitting room to await the start of the session, but Hermione's nerves wouldn't allow her to stay stationary.
The sound of a door opening drew Hermione's attention to the far side of the room, where Draco entered. Closing the door behind himself, Hermione got the full extent of his ensemble. He was dressed in the finest of wizarding formal wear, in a suit that hung on him like carved marble. She noticed that the gray coloring of his cravat matched her dress exactly, and the fact made her smile. His platinum hair was styled away from his face, the ends defined by a slight curl. Once again, the small knot at the base of his neck was present, held back by a silver band.
He is gorgeous. Absolutely fucking gorgeous. Hermione couldn't help herself. The man in front of her looked like he had just stepped off the runway at Paris fashion week.
Hermione barely had time to adjust her sense of reality before Draco approached her. His eyes scanned her body like a lion looking at its prey, and she couldn't help but blush.
"You look stunning, Hermione." Draco complimented her as came to greet her. Hermione offered him a tight lip smile before thanking him.
"Thank you. It was all your mother, by the way. She's incredible with hair charms." Hermione tried to keep herself from rambling.
"That she is." Draco replied with a laugh. He knew how skilled his mother was when it came to beauty charms. Years of social events had prepared her for such things.
"I have something for you, by the way." Draco was anxious to give Hermione the small box that was tucked into the pocket of his waistcoat.
Slipping his hand into the pocket, he removed the velvet jewelry box. Hermione's eyes widened at the sight of it, knowing exactly what Draco was about to give her. She had known that a ring was normal when it came to an engagement, but she hadn't been expecting something so soon.
"It was looked over by a Cursebreaker and deemed safe. I know it's probably not what you dreamed of as a girl, but you can't be engaged without a ring, now can you?" Draco was trying to be light about the subject.
Opening the box, he motioned for Hermione to give him her right hand. She gave it to him shly, almost unsure if she should. Removing the ring from the box, he slipped the silver bauble onto Hermione's bare ring finger. To both of their surprise, it fit perfectly.
Please like it. Was all that Draco could think.
Hermione looked down at the piece of jewelry that now graced her finger, her heart beating rapidly. When her eyes finally landed on it, it was like a wave of euphoria washed over her. It was perfect. A stunning stone, not too large, adorned with two smaller diamonds. The floral filigree silverwork of the setting reminded Hermione of the vines that decorated her wand, and her heart swelled at the thought.
"Draco, its perfect. Thank you." Hermione thanked her fiance softly.
"Really?" He asked, amazed that she liked it.
"Yes, really." Hermione assured him, and Draco grinned.
Narcissa broke their small moment of tenderness when she called to them, letting them know that everyone was ready to begin. Offering her his arm, Draco led her to the seat in front of the fire. Narcissa made a few adjustments, placing Draco where he needed to be behind her. Taking one final deep breath, she whispered to herself.
"Let's do this."