Title: On Their Own Terms
Author: MJade
Rating: Mature
Genre: Angst and Feels
Time Era: Post-Hogwarts, Post-Battle of Hogwarts, Post-War
Warnings: Psychological trauma, PTSD, panic attacks
Draco/Hermione
Please read, review, and enjoy!
Chapter Two
It Was At That Moment That She Saw Him
Harry and Hermione apparated onto a gravel driveway just outside the gates of Malfoy Manor to a multitude of wizards and witches dressed to the nines already forming a line to enter the enormous estate.
Fortunately, Ron and Luna found them rather quickly.
"There they are!" Ron exclaimed. "Oi, Harry! Hermione!"
Ron was wearing navy blue dress robes looking quite dapper and handsome himself and Luna looking as charming as ever wearing a champagne colored sequin gown with a fuzzy trim.
"Hello, Ron! Luna!" Hermione said when she reached them, embracing them both and Harry followed suit. "It's so great to see you. It's been far too long."
"Likewise, Hermione! I didn't think Harry was serious when he said you were coming," Ron said seeming pleasantly surprised. "And you look beautiful!"
Hermione smiled in thanks but didn't know how she felt about Ron's earlier remark.
"You really do, Hermione! And you as well, Harry!" Luna chimed in. "Just gorgeous!"
"Thank you, Luna. No wrackspurts or nargles on me this time?" Harry joked.
Luna gave him a quizzical look. "Goodness, no, Harry! Not that I'd see wrackspurts anyway without spectrespecs and as for nargles, it's an odd time of the year to have mistletoe."
Harry and Hermione shared a look and exchanged grins. Despite everything that had happened during the war, they could always rely on Luna being Luna.
"Ready to head in mate?" Ron said to Harry as they neared the gate, a step closer towards the manor's front doors.
"Just about," Harry said. He looked towards his other best friend. "Hermione?"
The towering, curved yew hedges that lined the gated entrance made Hermione feel a sudden sense of claustrophobia. The memory of the last time she had been brought to these imposing wrought-iron gates flashed through her mind.
She paused abruptly and visibly tensed. Harry took her hand and whispered to her, "Just breathe, Hermione. I'll be by your side the entire time. The moment you feel overwhelmed, you let me know, okay, and we can head back to Grimmauld Place."
Ron gave her a supportive smile and Luna briefly placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as to say they would never think less of her no matter what she chose to do. They understood as they were both there when it happened.
Hermione took a few deep breaths, steeling herself, then nodding and the four of them entered the grand doors of Malfoy Manor.
The Malfoys certainly spared no expense.
The entrance hallway was now a magnificent foyer that was brightly lit and vibrantly decorated but that did not prepare Hermione for the extravagance of the newly renovated dining hall.
Golden ten seater round tables with crystal goblets and elaborate centerpieces lined the entirety of the hall, massive ten feet tiered glass chandeliers adorned the ceilings, and overly ornate sculptures decorated every corner of the expansive room. In the center, an area was cleared to present a starlit illuminated dance floor.
Instead of house elves, wizards and witches were hired as immaculately dressed servers and went around with trays of numerous wizarding cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while what seemed like a never ending throng of attendees indulged.
Hermione could see a live jazz band playing and Celestina Warbeck, who must be over 80 years old by now but looked as glamorous as ever, belting out a popular number with her chorus of backing banshees. The Singing Sorceress was almost impossible to book for events but it was common knowledge that she regularly supported raising funds for St Mungo's, which were one of the honorees at the gala.
As war heroes, Harry, Ron, and Hermione did not go unnoticed either as several wizards and witches came up to shake their hands, thank them, or strike up a conversation with them. They were also met with a barrage of flashes from magical cameras from every wizarding news organization fortunate enough to secure an invite to the event.
Hermione was getting overwhelmed, alright, but for an entirely different reason. She stayed close to Harry, Ron, and Luna as they made their way through the crowd.
Still holding Harry's hand, it took several minutes to get through the myriad of guests and then the crowd parted…and there Narcissa Malfoy stood at the foot of the stairs.
The lady of the manor was wearing a dazzling platinum gown with a slight train. The neckline included intricate embroidery attached to a decorative cape that went the entire length of her dress. Her hair, perfectly coiffed. She looked absolutely stunning.
"Harry, Ronald, Luna," she greeted them warmly. "How lovely to see you. And Hermione, dear, absolutely thrilled you could make it. You look exquisite."
Hermione gave a slight start at how graciously Narcissa greeted her as well as the familiarity of how she said her first name. She wasn't sure what she was expecting but it wasn't that. Was this really the same woman that treated her with unbridled disgust last year? She shook off the surprise quickly.
"Thank you, Mrs Malfoy," Hermione said. "And thank you for your invitation. I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit previously."
"Please, dear, call me Narcissa," she responded and clasped Hermione's free hand. "And no need to apologize. I'm sure you've been very busy…but you are here now."
Harry said, "The renovations you did to your home, Narcissa, were amazing. But you've outdone yourself this time."
Hermione had to agree.
Granted, she had only been to their home once for the worst of circumstances but Malfoy Manor looked unrecognizable. No ministry gala could hold a candle to this event. With all the attendees, lights, and attractions…maybe she wouldn't even notice the drawing room if it still even existed.
Narcissa smiled and released Hermione's hand, "Thank you, Harry. I was wondering if I could steal you away for a moment. There are some people I'd love for you to meet."
Harry turned to Hermione, "Hermione, will you be al–"
"Yes, Harry. Go on, go, I'll be fine," she whispered to him. "Ron and Luna are here."
Harry squeezed her hand gently before releasing it and allowed Narcissa to lead him away.
Ron grabbed three flute wine glasses from one of the many serving trays handing Hermione and Luna a glass each as they walked away from the stairs and towards the dining hall. Superior Red wine from the Malfoy Apothecary no doubt, Hermione thought as she raised the glass to her lips.
Hermione only took a few steps when she accidentally treaded on the front of her dress causing her to almost trip.
She steadied and caught herself just in time and managed to keep her drink upright. The attempt, however, had caused her to turn back around facing the stairs once more and it was at that moment that she saw him.
At the top of the staircase stood none other than Draco Malfoy.
Welcome back to Malfoy Manor and enter Draco Malfoy.
Next up, the reunion of our favorite couple and another unlikely pairing (IMO).
Please let me now what you think in the box below.
Thanks again to my lovely beta, Free L!