With a turn of the bronze doorknob, Hermione opened the door. Standing on the stoop were Todd and Evelyn Granger, looking expectantly happy at their daughter. Hermione noticed immediately how her father's eyes narrowed a bit at the sight of Draco lurking behind her in the doorway.
"Hi Mum, hello Dad. Come on in." Hermione smiled, moving to the side so that her parents could easily enter through the doorway.
Draco moved back as well, giving room so that Granger's parents could enter the foyer with ease. Almost instantly Draco could see how Hermione was related to the couple standing before him.
Her mother was a petite woman like her daughter, with honey colored hair that was almost as voluminous as Granger's. Her eyes were a deep hazel, and her cheeks were rounded and rutty. She had a fuller figure, much like Hermione, and a kind demeanor about her. She was dressed in a floral printed dress that ended at her knees, and small kitten heels.
Hermione's father was her mothers opposite entirely. He was tall, with striking caramel eyes, which Hermione had obviously inherited. They were hidden behind a pair of wire rimmed spectacles, and his gaze was paused strongly on Draco. Hermione's father's complexion was olive toned, which Draco could see reflected strongly in Granger. He was dressed in a blue button down, and pressed khakis. His gaze was a repetitive jump between Hermione and Draco, questioning in nature.
Once her parents had shuffled into her apartment, Hermione closed the front door with a soft click. There was an awkward pause of silence, before the young witch spoke up and made the proper introductions.
"Mum and Dad, this is Draco Malfoy. He will be joining us for dinner. Draco, these are my parents, Todd and Evelyn Granger." Hermione relayed the news with pushed enthusiasm, trying to settle the conversation.
"A pleasure to meet you both." Draco extended his hand to both her parents. Evelyn immediately shook it, smiling graciously. When Draco shook her father's hand, Hermione could tell that her father had put the pressure on.
"Let's get some appetizers! Draco has laid out a glorious spread." Hermione quipped, leading everyone out of the foyer and into the living room, opening the room and giving some much needed air.
Draco gave Hermione a reassuring smile as he approached the kitchen to retrieve the pre-meal spread, while the young witch welcomed her parents to take a seat on the freshly hoovered couch.
"So Hermione, love, did you and Draco just recently start dating? You didn't mention anything about him in your last letter." Evelyn was not hasty in immediately jumping into the Draco/Hermione situation. Hermione's face tried to stay nonchalant, but inside her gut was twisting.
"It's a fairly recent happening, but we've established a strong foundation for our relationship. Here we are. Please enjoy." Draco swooped in to save the day, answering her mother's questions and placing a delectable looking charcuterie board on the coffee table.
"I know the name Malfoy. I've heard it before, and not under good pretenses." Todd Granger finally spoke, and Hermione could see Draco's spin go rigid in the chair that he had seated himself in. A feeling of discomfort filled the small living room, and Hermione kept herself from wringing her hands together nervously.
"I assure you now, Mr. Granger, that I am a different man than I was when I was a child. Things have changed. Circumstances have changed. Anything that you know, be it truth or rumor, is no longer in my interest." Draco's words were eloquent, as they always were, but there was a firmness behind them that was unfamiliar to Hermione. Mr. Granger's expression was not one of impressment, but one of unease.
"What I've heard is that you were in the room when one of your relatives carved that malicious slur into my daughter's arm. That you called her that awful name all through her childhood, and stood opposite her on a battlefield. What I know, Draco Malfoy, is that you were a part of a group that worshiped a genocidal maniac. Am I correct in these assumptions?" Mr. Granger's words cut through Draco like an icy blade. Hermione found herself trying to keep her jaw from dropping as the words continued to spew from her fathers mouth. Evelyn Granger's expression was almost as shocked as her daughter's, quite taken aback by her husband's bluntness.
Silence filled the living room. Hermione could see Draco as he filtered through many emotions at once. His slender hands clutched the arms of the chair he was seated in, obviously trying to regulate himself before speaking. But it was Hermione who took control of the situation. She had to.
"Dad. That was completely uncalled for. Now, I know this entire situation is foreign, and uncomfortable, for everyone involved. But in my home, the flat that I pay for, you will treat everyone with respect and dignity. Draco, despite the past, has become very important in my life, and you will do good to respect him. Now, Draco, you need not to defend yourself to my father and his accusations. He was just apologizing. Right, Dad?" Hermione spoke her piece brilliantly, overcome with the confidence that she often kept subtly tucked away. Her father's expression turned from a cold calm to that of sudden rage in a moment.
"You will not speak to me in such a way, Hermione Jean Granger! You are still my daughter, and you would do well to respect me in such a way." Mr. Granger shot to his feet, his voice raising in volume as he spoke. Evelyn Granger turned from her husband, apparently distressed by his sudden change in demeanor.
Hermione hated when her father was mad. He could be terrifying when he was angry enough. All her childhood, she had always known not to do one thing; make her father angry. So she didn't. She was the perfect child. Straight O student. Dutiful friend and daughter, who dedicated herself to others. In every way, she had been the daughter that every parent would dream of having. But now she had changed, and was evolving. War had changed her, and now she was standing up for the women she was becoming.
But Draco stood this time. Cool and collected, he spoke.
"The only thing Hermione will be treating you with is the door, sir, if you don't allow your temper to simmer and collect yourself. She may be Hermione Jean Granger, but in a few short months, she will be Hermione Jean Malfoy. And if you cannot treat my future wife with the love and respect that she not only has earned, but deserves, you can leave. Am I clear?" Draco's voice was like shards of glass hitting the floor. Each little moment was a new pinch of reality.
Had he just revealed their engagement in a flair of passion? Yes.
But Hermione didn't care. For once, someone had stood up for her. Draco had defended her, without a second thought. And she loved it.
But her thoughts were back to her surroundings when her mother's timid voice finally spoke up, asking the question that Hermione had dreaded hearing all night.
"You're getting married?" Evelyn squeaked, pulling attention away from a stewing Todd and bringing herself into the heated conversation. Hermione turned to her mother, adjusted the ring that had been turned into her palm, and revealed the glittering diamonds that tied her to Malfoy.
"Surprise?" Hermione weakly managed. But there were no words of congratulations or joy that filled the room. Instead, anger once again filtered in, and Mr. Granger's face turned redder than before.
"So that's it, then? You're going to marry a war criminal? Instead of a good man, like Harry? Or even Ronald?"
Her father had always been obsessed with the idea of Harry and Hermione together. Probably because young Harry reminded Todd of himself. Hermione had tried many times to tell her father that Harry was like a brother to her, and that he was in love with Ginny, but to no avail. Mr. Granger had begrudgingly accepted Hermione's affection for Ron, after a few meals at the Weasley's. Molly had worked her magic. But those days were over, and this was now. She was marrying Draco Malfoy, and she wasn't changing her mind because of her father's preferences or prejudices.
"He may have made mistakes, but those in the past. I have forgiven him. Now there are circumstances, things that we cannot control that bring us together. But despite those, we have chosen to go into this together. And I was hoping, as my parents who raised me, that you would be there for me on one of the biggest days of my life. Can you do that?" Hermione's tone was crisp. She was taking no more argument, no more strife. This had been her decision, and she was standing with the man she was going to call her husband, even if her parents disagreed. For once, she was choosing Hermione. No one else.
There was not a response from her father. He simply closed his eyes, shook his head, and walked out the front door. It slammed viciously behind him. Evelyn looked to her daughter, her only child, sadness filling her eyes, before she spoke.
"I am sorry, my love. But you fought a war to save us from people like him. And now you're choosing to marry him, despite everything he's done. We can't support you on this. I love you, but no. Just….no." Mrs. Granger had to keep the tears from spilling onto her cheeks, before she dropped her head and followed her husband out the door.
Hermione stood in shock, watching as two of the important people in her life left her standing in her pristine living room, dinner on table and food untouched. She didn't feel herself falling, until Draco's strong arms encircled her. It was a cold numbness, a familiar yet foreign sensation. They fell to the floor, arms around one another, Draco whispering soft comforts in her ears, but she barely heard them. Instead, she did something that she hadn't done in months.
She cried.
—00000—
Sobs wracked Hermione's body for what seemed like an eternity. Draco held her tightly, comforting her as all the sadness, anticipation, and adrenaline left her small body. He stroked her caramel curls, not caring if they became frizzy and undone from their carefully pinned coif. The only thing that mattered was letting Hermione know that she was safe, and that he was there for her.
After nearly thirty minutes of uncontrollably crying, Hermione quieted down to small hiccups, before silencing entirely. Draco sat with her still, waiting for her to initiate the next step. Finally, with a small voice she said something that made Draco warm inside.
"I'm really hungry." Hermione said softly, and the Malfoy heir had to keep himself from laughing at how innocent she sounded. But he kept his composure, and offered to help his fiance up from their crumpled position on the floor. She obliged, and got to her feet, straightening the skirt of her dress before approaching the kitchen.
Draco knew from past experiences that Hermione would talk about what had transpired earlier when she was ready, and that there was no need to push the subject. For now, keeping her happy and getting her fed was his main priority.
Hermione surveyed the vast assortment of food, before picking up a random plate and piling it high with food. Draco watched as she plated herself a hearty serving of everything, even dishing out a large slice of the desert that Narcissa had sent. With her plate and glass of wine in hand, Hermione avoided the perfectly laid tablescape of the dining room and headed straight to the living room. She placed her meal and wine on the coffee table, and plopped herself on the couch before hastily digging into her meal.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Hermione asked, looking at Draco. Her mouth was half full of the roasted vegetables he had prepared. He had been too busy watching Hermione to fix himself a plate. But he was starting to get hungry himself.
"Don't choke on the coq au vin while I'm gone, alright?" Draco teased her, and Hermione rolled her eyes, but continued to eat.
Draco quickly made himself a plate, dishing out bigger portions that he normally would, since their intended guests had left earlier than planned. Even then, there was no need for such delicacies of food to go to waste. He gathered his dinner, got himself a drink of wine, before joining Hermione in the living room to dine.
Their dinner conversation was a collage of different topics, from discussing their time at Hogwarts to what investments Draco planned on making in the markets that following Monday.
"Blaise's quidditch stock will definitely be going up with the semi-finals coming for the professional leagues. I'll need to send an owl to purchase more shares." Draco mused aloud, but Hermione had input.
"Be careful that you don't purchase too closely to the games though, especially since you've already invested in teams in the professional leagues. You don't want it to seem like you're supplying and gathering for a specific team. The Ministry Division of Sports and Games is cracking down on that. " Her point was very well made, and Draco altered his investment plan with her advice. She knew quite a lot about the marketing of things, and Draco took them into strong consideration.
They spoke about how Crookshanks had been giving Draco the side eye all night. The furry feline was not too impressed by another male entering his territory, and had been hiding away in the broom cupboard for a majority of the evening. Hermione had tried to lure him out with treats, but to no avail.
A menu for their upcoming nuptials was another discussed topic. Hermione was insisting on a traditional seared roast with a multitude of supporting dishes, while Draco wanted to lean more into the art of French cuisine. It would all come down to what Narcissa wanted to fund, of course, but Hermione had a strong feeling that the two could compromise on something.
"Lemon cake with buttercream? Are you serious? That sounds absolutely dreadful." Draco insisted, as he and Hermione discussed a flavor for their wedding cake. The young witch had insisted on citrus, but Draco was appalled by the choice.
"That was what Bill and Fleur had at their wedding, and it was phenomenal!" Hermione argued, and Draco shook his head.
"We are not having the same wedding cake flavor as a Weasley, whether it be citrus or not! Come on Granger, think of something original." Draco encouraged. Hermione sighed, but went back to the drawing board.
The decision was made to have a spice cake, filled with candied apple filling and coated in buttercream. It was traditional, but held the preferences of both parties. Plus, it was seasonal to the Christmas timing of the wedding.
The hours had passed quickly, as had their evolving conversations. Wedding decisions had been made, along with other plans. Even after tonight's social disaster, Draco had cautiously agreed to attend a Weasley Sunday brunch sometime in the future. It has been a happy evening, despite earlier events.
Both Hermione and Draco worked together to tidy the kitchen, packing up leftovers and washing dishes. Unused china and flatware were restocked, and pots and pans were put back in their homes. The wine was re-corked, and Draco Vanished it back to his flat with a wave of his hawthorne wand. When the time came, and the kitchen and living room were restored to their former states, Draco decided it was time for him to return to his own home.
But Hermione had other plans.
It took some Gryffindor courage, but she mustered it. With a hesitant breath, she asked the question.
"Will you stay the night?"
Draco's hands, which he had been drying with a dish towel, stopped. His shoulders went rigid. He hadn't expected Hermione to ask such a question. Certainly not this soon. Taking a breath, he chose his words carefully.
"Do you want me to stay the night, Granger, or are you asking me to stay the night? Because I thought I had already made myself clear on my intentions concerning such a topic." Draco replied, and Hermione gave him a meek smile.
"I just don't want to be alone tonight. That's all. Pure innocence, I swear." Hermione responded.
Draco was hesitant. He knew what such actions could lead to. But Hermione was right. After tonight, she didn't deserve to be alone. She needed someone, and that person was him. So he nodded, accepting her proposal. Hermione gave him a bright smile, and instantly he knew he made the right choice.
He finished up clearing the kitchen, and headed back to Hermione's bedroom, where she was preparing for bed. Hermione had changed out of the dress she had worn earlier, draping it across the bench that rested at the foot of her double bed. She had changed into an oversized t-shirt, and a pair of cut off sweatpants. It wasn't the most glamorous look, but it was perfectly Hermione in a way. She was brushing her teeth in the bathroom.
Draco quickly realized he had absolutely nothing he needed to prepare himself for bed. With a quick apology to Hermione, he stepped out of her bedroom and made a quick call to his house self. The elf materialized instantly, and Draco instructed the elf to bring him the required items he needed. Within a few minutes, the elf returned, all of Draco's belongings packed into a sleek leather duffle.
Entering Hermione's room once again, he found the witch tucked into what he assumed to be her side of the bed, reading light on and book in hand.
"Did you send a house elf to get your things?" Hermione asked accusingly, and Draco shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. He needed certain things to prepare for bed, and he wasn't going to forfeit without them, even if he was in a change of location.
"It's their job, Hermione. One day, when we are married, they will serve you as well. Now, can I please get ready for bed?" Draco did not wish to discuss the topic further. Hermione just shook her head, and motioned for him to go into the bathroom.
He entered the small tiled space, taking in every bit of the clutter and mess that was Hermione. Different bottles of hair potions and creams, makeup scattered across the counter. The hand towels hung half askew off the towel bar. It wasn't dirty, but it was lived in. She probably had been too tired to clean up after the day's events, and he didn't blame her. She seemed like a more tidy type when it came to other aspects of her life.
Draco quickly did his usual routine of washing his face, brushing his teeth, and used his wand to remove the hair products from his hair. He took down the knot at the base of his neck, letting his platinum strands fall loose around his face. Brushing his hair, he changed into the silk pajama pants he normally wore. Repacking away his belongings, he turned off the bathroom light before entering the bedroom once again.
Hermione looked up when she saw the light of the bathroom turn off, watching carefully as Draco exited the bathroom. The first thing she noticed immediately was that his hair was down and he was shirtless. She could see every scar and mark that decorated his skin, including the Dark Mark that adorned his arm. The scars left behind by Harry's Sectumsempra were also present, plotted across his chest like a piece of modern art. He was sculpted like a god. Hard abs and cut muscle, he looked like he had been carved from marble. She had to keep herself from staring too long, but Draco had caught her.
"See something you like?" He teased, and Hermione had to keep herself from blushing. But she answered confidently.
"Yes, I think I do." She smiled, and Draco smirked at her response. He placed down his language, unzipping it and pulling out a leather bound volume with gold script. It seemed ancient, and Hermione was instantly intrigued.
"And what will you be reading tonight, Mr. Malfoy?" Hermione asked, and Draco willingly showed her the cover of his chosen read.
"The Guild of Potioneering Textbook?" Hermione asked, peaked by such a choice. She had known that Draco had always been good at Potions, but was surprised that he would want to further his education with such a book. But who is she kidding? They were similar in that way.
"It's actually a very challenging read. When I finish, I may let you borrow it." Draco smiled. Re-zipping his overnight bag, he looked to Hermione to confirm that the right side of the bed was in fact his. She motioned for him to get in, even opening the covers to invite him to get under the quilt.
Of course, with his height, it was a little bit of a squeeze for him to fit on a double-sized bed. but Hermione scooched, trying to accommodate the long limbs of her fiance. Once they were both settled, a small bout of silence existed. But Hermione was quick to end it, asking whether or not Draco was comfortable. He confirmed that he was, and once again the quiet overcame them. Draco decided that it was now or never, and that they needed to talk about the events that had happened earlier that night.
"I know that tonight has been overwhelming, but I was wondering if you would like to talk about it?" Draco asked calmly, looking at Hermione as if she might suddenly break. She took a deep breath, and moved to place the book that she had been reading onto her night stand.
"What would you like to know?" She sighed. This conversation had been coming, but that didn't mean that she didn't dread having to have it. Her parents had always been a touchy subject, whether it had been about having to destroy their memories, or about the real reality of her childhood.
"Has your father always had a temper?" Draco knew it was risky to ask, and that it might bring up some unpleasant memories. But if they were going to be married, he wanted to know absolutely everything he could about Hermione and her past. Her parents were going to become his family, and if Hermione needed to be protected from them, he wanted to be able to make that happen.
"I don't want to say that they were terrible parents. They weren't. They took care of me, and they raised me. They loved me like every parent should love a child, but that doesn't mean that they didn't have their own demons. My dad has always had anger issues. He struggles when he can't be in control of situations. He and my mom have gone to counseling for it, and they've worked through their issues, but my father likes control. I was always terrified to let him down when I was a kid, so I was always perfect." Hermione began. Draco leaned closer, letting Hermione know she had his complete attention.
"My father always expected perfection. For me to be the best at everything. I think he never fully accepted that I was a witch. And when I took their memories, I broke a bond of trust that I don't think was ever fully repaired. And now, with me choosing to marry you, I've broken their trust even more. I always knew, as a child, to not upset my dad or I would face the consequences. And now I've gone and done it again. and now I don't think they'll ever forgive me." Hermione could feel the overwhelming emotion fill her again, and a singular tear began to escape. But Draco was instantly there, placing a large hand on her cheek, and wiping away the tear that leaked from her eye. What he said next changed her entire course of thought.
"Hermione, if you take anything away from what has happened tonight, I want it to be this. You are an extraordinary young witch. You are so bright, and you are so bold. My entire time of knowing you, I have always been jealous of your selflessness and dedication. You have always given your all to everything you've ever done, and everyone you've ever loved. You are so strong. Whatever your parents think of your choice and our marriage, that's their burden to carry. Don't let their expectations ruin what you have built for yourself. I am honored to call a woman like you my wife. I am so lucky that that tapestry chose you to be my forever. Don't ever doubt that you are loved." Draco poured every ounce of admiration and feeling he had into the words that he spoke to Hermione.
She needed to know that there was someone in her corner, supporting her in any decision that she wanted to make. And that would be him. As a Malfoy, he had always been taught that family was the most important. and now Hermione was his family. Those same terms applied to her now.
Hermione looked at him, a sense of overwhelming belonging feeling her heart. She never thought a man like Draco Malfoy could say such damning words. But she was so happy that he did.
"You know, you can be a real Prince Charming sometimes." Hermione laughed, Her tears suddenly gone. Draco gave her that fashion smile that she had become ever so familiar with, before placing a small kiss on her cheek.
"Can you do that a little closer to right here?" Hermione tapped her index finger to the corner of her lips, a flirty smile now gracing her face. Draco gave her a smoldering grin, but happily obliged. With a deep kiss, Draco pulled away.
"We need to go to bed. So turn off your light."Draco instructed, and Hermione did as she was told. turning off her light, she plays draco's book on her nightstand, and they both snuggled up together. It was a good feeling, being able to be close to someone.
"Good night, Draco malfoy." Hermione mumbled, as she draped an arm across Draco's chest. She felt him shift slightly to wrap his own arm against her t-shirt clad shoulders.
"Good night, Hermione Granger." Draco placed a kiss, to the crown of Hermione's head. With that, they settled into one another's warmth.
Their night may have been filled with a few miserable and heartbreaking moments. But deep down, Hermione knew that everything was going to be okay. All thanks to the man she was using as a pillow.