The Rosier estate was in general terms, just as opulent as many of the other Pureblood estates that Hermione had visited over the summer. She'd been reluctant to come to this event tonight, because she was fairly certain the news of her non-relationship with Adrian, was more or less the hot topic of conversation amongst the Pureblood elite over the Christmas Holidays.
There had been a few other events this past week since she'd been home, that she'd not attended. An afternoon tea gathering at Rowle Parkland Manor and the Yule Ball, which had been held on Christmas Eve at Greengrass Garden Estate.
But her Grandmother had insisted they would need to attend Evelyn Rosier's New Years gala, as it was the main event of the Holiday season.
So Hermione had picked out an iced-blue strapless chiffon ball gown her Grandmother had gifted her for Christmas. The silver snowflake overlay on the full skirt shimmered like glittering crystals as she walked. The matching silver heels, were a nice touch, as were the goblin silver inlaid aquamarine and diamond necklace and drop earrings—that were also a gift from Muriel.
As Hermione and Harry followed Muriel through the floo, they were immediately ushered to the receiving line by the Rosier House Elves and Hermione felt her nerves spiking uncomfortably.
Harry, who could feel his sister's body tensing—gave her arm a reassuring squeeze.
"It's going to be okay, Sister mine."
"I hope so," Hermione murmured lowly, "I just don't want there to be any awkwardness tonight."
"Have you heard from Adrian at all?"
Hermione shook her head in the negative, "No. I didn't really expect I would, though. At least, not right away? He did say he wanted to remain friends."
"Well, you did stay friendly with Viktor after fourth year?"
She hummed thoughtfully.
She and Viktor had maintained a friendly casual correspondence, it was true. He wrote to her every few weeks, regardless of where he was playing at. He would share details about some of the sights as well as local Magical literature. Most people assumed Viktor was nothing more than a Quidditch player, but he was fairly well read and had a disarming intelligence which had left her utterly surprised.
But he was truly more of a physical being.
"Viktor knew me as Hermione Granger though, not this newer version of me."
Harry lifted an eyebrow at his sister's melancholic expression, and the tinge of wistfulness in her voice hadn't been missed either.
"I think Viktor would've liked either version of you."
This caused Hermione to smile fondly and she nodded, then noticed that they were nearly at the head of the receiving line.
When they reached Evelyn Rosier and her husband Tarven—Muriel just nodded politely at the couple.
"Muriel, dear..." Evelyn smiled graciously, "It's lovely you could make it this evening. I was just telling Tarven earlier, I was worried you might've taken ill, as we haven't seen you at all this season."
"Yes. I was a bit under the weather but thankfully, I had my lovely Granddaughter and Nephew here to attend to me. Have you formally met Mr. Potter and my Granddaughter, Hermione?"
"No, I don't believe I have." Evelyn smiled, but the warmth didn't quite reach her eyes as her gaze settled on Harry, who just stood there politely and bowed. When the woman's gaze flitted to Hermione, her smile became more genuine, "Welcome to our home."
Harry nodded while Hermione offered, "We are pleased to be here. Your home is lovely."
"Thank you, dear." Evelyn turned her attention back to Muriel and smirked, "I heard from Siobhan that dear Cormac, has a horrid case of laryngitis and the Healers can't seem to cure it. Strange."
"Yes, I do believe I've heard the same thing."
Hermione was always amazed at how simultaneously polite and indifferent her Grandmother sounded when discussing pretty much anything she found distasteful.
Or amusing.
"Well, I do hope you all will enjoy the evening." Evelyn replied at last, and Muriel nodded.
"I'm sure we will, as you always do such a splendid job hosting these things."
Evelyn smiled indulgently, while her husband hummed in what Hermione could only describe as supreme boredom.
Thankfully, their son was a few years younger than Hermione and it seemed the Rosier Family didn't feel the necessity of trying to throw their heir in her general direction.
Harry led her into the main ballroom, where the majority of the Pureblood society was already present and she couldn't help but sigh in resignation.
Would she ever get used to these ridiculous parties?
"No."
"What?" Hermione's startled gaze flew to her Grandmother's, whose own expression was amused, "Oh? Did I say that out loud?"
"Indeed you did, dearest."
Flinching in shame, Hermione blushed, "Sorry, Grandmother."
"Hmmm," Muriel shook her head subtly, and Hermione couldn't help but feel suitably chastened, "I suppose now probably isn't the best time to inform you both we will be required to host an event at Fosgate Hall come the summer," chuckling at her Granddaughter's horrified expression, Muriel just tutted knowingly, "it is only proper, after all. We will have to decide on what kind of event might work best."
Hermione turned her attention to her brother, who was silently laughing next to her and she growled lowly before a wicked smirk appeared on her lips.
"Are there some events that Harry and I could co-host together, Grandmother?"
Harry's sharp intake of breath and dismayed expression almost caused Hermione to laugh out loud, but Muriel just nodded once.
"There are! And I'm so gratified you both can do this together," Muriel eyed her adopted nephew with a predatory gleam in her eye, "as Harry here will be turning seventeen during the height of the summer season, it would only be seemly that we do something to honor that occasion."
"But..." Harry whimpered, and then flinched when he felt Hermione's talons gripping his arm tightly.
Aunt Muriel's expression also disabused him of any notion that he'd have any say in the matter.
"You both are evil."
"But you love me anyway." Hermione's voice was playful and Harry just groaned, but didn't refute the statement.
"There you both are."
Hermione looked over her shoulder and smiled at Theo, who was walking towards them.
"Hey, Theo." Harry said, and held out his hand for the other wizard to shake.
"I almost thought you both were going to skip out on this event too."
Muriel didn't say anything as she patted Theo's arm and then headed into the room to mingle.
"Grandmother insisted."
"I see." Theo grinned knowingly before his expression sobered, "I just wanted to forewarn you, cousin—Adrian is here and he brought someone."
Hermione's face fell and her eyes widened in shock, "Who?" She asked shakily, "Please don't tell me it's Shardlow?"
Theo shook his head in the negative. "No, it's an old family friend who attended Beauxbatons. Her name is Claudette Harcourt."
"I see." Was all Hermione could say, but inside she was confused and hurt.
They'd just broken up a bit over two weeks ago, and Adrian was already seeing someone else?
"Theo?"
"Yes, Hermione?"
"By bringing her here, are they courting officially, or would it be assumed that they are?"
Theo just did that shrugging thing of his, "Not exactly." At his cousin's look of confusion, Theo elaborated, "Her family is visiting the Pucey's. Armand and Claudette's father Pierre, work in the same positions within both Ministry's. Since Adrian is now eligible, it would've been expected of him to take Claudette as his date."
"I see." Hermione bit her lip hard, trying to keep herself from reacting negatively to this bit of news. "I would appreciate knowing what the gossip is in regards to who ended our courtship."
Theo's eyes fell, and he heard Hermione's sharp intake of breath.
"Are you kidding me?" She whispered angrily, "It was a mutual decision!"
"I think everyone knows that, Hermione," Theo placated easily, "everyone knows that your magic will only choose its best match. The fact you and Adrian ended things let's everyone know he wasn't that wizard. However, you both were together for however brief a time, speaks to his eligibility and that your magic did consider him?"
Hermione stood there stunned.
Why in the fuck had no one thought she needed to know about this?
"Is this some antiquated Pureblood crap, I should just be expected to know?"
"No," Theo murmured lowly, "it's more of a Slytherin thing." Shaking his head, Theo just rubbed his hand behind his neck. "It's a status thing within Slytherin House. I know Adrian discussed the Pureblood hierarchy a bit, yes?"
She nodded, because Adrian had indeed, tried to explain it to her early on in their relationship.
"Hermione," Harry interrupted with a concerned frown, "I know what you're thinking and I know for a fact Adrian desperately wanted this to work with you. I think you know it too. You can't fault the wizard because of how these ridiculous Pureblood rules work. If his social standing see's a boost because of your relationship with him, what harm is there? Your magic didn't choose him and I'm sure he's fairly unhappy with that fact, but we both know from Theo what kind of masks those in Slytherin are expected to wear, and I'm sure Adrian is no different."
Hermione pondered over Harry's words for a couple minutes before sighing in resignation.
"Fine! But we aren't staying here any longer than strictly necessary, Theodore. Once the appropriate amount of time has passed, I'm relying on you to come and rescue me and get me out of here."
"Done."
It didn't take long however, probably only thirty minutes or so, until Hermione saw Adrian with his parents and a beautiful witch that had long black hair and bright blue eyes. She was tall, thin, elegant and everything that Hermione wasn't.
When her gaze locked with Adrian, she could see his initial surprise and then what she could only describe as a brief flash of sadness in his eyes, before he nodded politely to both she and Harry. Her brother returned the gesture, but she couldn't help but feel like someone had punched her in the gut.
So she looked away, and didn't acknowledge him at all.
Harry sensing Hermione's discomfort, led her to another part of the ballroom that had to be twice the size of the Great Hall at Hogwarts—where the refreshments were located.
"Do you want something to drink?"
Hermione nodded, so Harry went off to get her something while Theo stayed by her side.
"Theo," she began stoically, "you don't have to babysit me, you know?"
"I'm not," he admitted with another one of his patented shrugs, "I'm not much for socializing at these events."
Hermione turned and fully faced her cousin with a questioning look, "Why didn't you invite Luna?"
Her cousin's reaction was exactly what Hermione expected.
Theo looked utterly speechless.
Then embarrassed.
"What?" He sputtered, and she rolled her eyes.
"Theodore Nott! Please don't tell me you're not interested in Luna?"
Blue eyes glittered warily at her, but to his credit...he didn't deny it.
"I do like Luna," he admitted softly, "but I'm just not sure what my Father is going to think about it."
"Why?" Hermione asked, genuinely confused, "She's a Pureblood, right?" Then her expression darkened as she asked harshly, "Is this because she's not Sacred 28?"
Theo's put upon sigh, told Hermione that was exactly the issue and she folded her arms angrily over her chest as she glowered at her cousin, who was trying very hard not to flinch away from her anger.
"It's not that I care, Hermione," Theo pleaded, "but my Father does have some say in whom I court officially," she went to speak, but Theo put up a hand to stop the rant he knew was coming, "besides, Luna isn't even close to being of age yet and I would prefer to take things slowly. I'm just enjoying getting to know her informally."
"If the Lovegood's had more wealth and standing, would it really matter that she isn't Sacred 28?"
Damn that shrug!
"Probably would to my Father—but I couldn't care less."
Hermione's face fell at the sad expression on her cousin's face and their conversation stalled as Harry came back with some sparkling juice.
"Thanks, Harry."
Her brother nodded and then he and Theo started talking Quidditch, which left Hermione feeling a bit left out so she excused herself and decided to go and powder her nose.
As she made her way to the loo—her gaze caught sight of a head of platinum blonde hair and as she walked by—she noticed Malfoy standing with Zabini, and several witches she didn't immediately recognize.
Her expression tightened when she saw one of the witch's place a flirtatious hand on Malfoy's arm, and the words he'd said about courting her came rushing back with a vengeance.
Why did all wizards have to be so complicated?
Shaking her head, she turned to leave the ballroom...missing the set of slate gray eyes following her out, as well as the worried expression on Draco's face.
Luckily she found the ladies lounge rather easily and just spent a few moments staring in the mirror, trying to get a semblance of her emotions under better control.
She was really regretting coming tonight and just as she was about to walk out of the loo, the door opened and in walked Therese Rowle and Pansy Parkinson.
Deciding to ignore them both, Hermione went to leave when Pansy's caustic voice broke her reverie, "You really are a piece of work, Prewett!"
Hermione just shook her head, but Therese Rowle's next words stopped her cold.
"I don't know what kind of game you're playing, Prewett, but no one is impressed with your faux distress over your break-up."
Turning around, Hermione glared at the two witches, biting out, "I don't know what you're talking about, Rowle. But if you have a point to make, get on with it before I hex you bald."
The older witch paled, her hand flying protectively to her hair, while Pansy just scoffed.
"She's talking about the fact no one believes you don't know who your future bonded is going to be! It seems the wizard in question already suspects it, and it didn't take Therese and I long to figure it out either." Pansy just glared spitefully. "So for the Brightest Witch of the Age, you surely can't be that obtuse not to suspect who the wizard might be?"
Hermione just stared at the two witches, before she burst out in laughter.
"I'm sorry," she gasped in humor, "you both have somehow come up with some conspiracy theory on who my future ancillary is going to be?"
Based on the two Slytherin witch's evil sneers, Hermione supposed they probably did have an opinion.
"Then tell me, oh Seers! Who is my future one?" Hermione mimicked in her best Trelawny impression.
The look the two exchanged had Hermione's hackles rising in defense, but then Rowle smirked in triumph.
"Tell me, Prewett? Do you know what a talisman is? Or what they're used for?"
Hermione paused momentarily, but then nodded once.
"They're different based on the intent of the giver and the receiver. Some are imbued with luck, some protection; but they all enhance the magic of the possessor."
"Very good, Prewett," Therese replied scathingly, "a text book definition, but not quite accurate." The witch then smiled in a very predatory way as she moved closer, her voice low and throaty. "A talisman can only be given by the Head of House to a direct Heir. It's for protection. House protection, and can stave off some hexes and curses that intend harm to an Heir. Back in olden times, a talisman was given to an Heir if the Head of House felt his son's life was in peril. So explain to me why Lucius Malfoy would feel the need to give his only son and Heir—such a gift? Malfoy's are notoriously magically powerful, so why would Draco Malfoy need to be protected?"
Hermione's eyes widened at this new information, but she didn't immediately connect the dots until Pansy laughed.
"Draco ended our dalliance within weeks of your heritage being revealed. I know for a fact Lucius Malfoy was at the Ministry the night of the Dark Lords demise. My Father may not have been a branded follower, but I hear things. Dumbledore spared the Malfoy Family. Now why do you think Albus Dumbledore, leader of all things light and good would spare a wizard like Lucius Malfoy from going to Azkaban?"
Hermione folded her arms protectively against her chest, returning Pansy's glare—but her heart was beating a mile a minute as the questions she'd had for months, were just now starting to fall into place.
"I don't know, Parkinson. Why don't you tell me why you think Dumbledore might've done such a thing?"
Both Slytherin girls just sneered at her in tandem and then Rowle asked harshly, "You do understand about House Magic? Right?"
Hermione didn't immediately answer, so Rowle went on and explained how exactly House magic worked in the case of a Lord and an Heir—and what would've happened to Malfoy if his Father had been sent to Azkaban.
The more she heard, the more Hermione realized that the truth was staring her smack dab in the face and as she quickly went over every interaction she'd had with Malfoy over the last five months, she realized belatedly the truth of her situation.
Her bonded—her ancillary—in all likelihood was going to be Malfoy.
However, as she considered the two witches in front of her, Hermione just stared at them impassively.
She could see that they were just waiting for her to lose her temper, but she wouldn't give them the satisfaction.
All she inquired was, "Are we done here?"
Whatever the two Slytherin's were expecting her to say—that was not it. As Hermione turned again to walk out, she could sense Rowle reaching for her wand and she warned coldly, "If you draw that wand on me, Rowle...be prepared. Unless you're willing to try and cast an unforgivable, nothing short of that is going to work on me and you'll find yourself at my mercy."
Hermione glanced over her shoulder and saw the witch gripping her wand tightly before lowering it.
"Smart choice," Hermione bit out scathingly, "I am just curious, Rowle? Was there really a wizard at Durmstrang that you were going to be betrothed to, or were you hoping to snag Malfoy for yourself?"
The blonde witch's pinched expression let Hermione know the truth of what Rowle intended to do.
Moving around and facing the other witch fully, Hermione warned lowly, "Stay away from him. Both of you. I don't know what game you're both playing at, but this is my life you're trying to fuck with. If I think for one moment, either one of you are a threat to me or mine, I will have no problem dealing with you accordingly."
"Tough words." Therese scoffed hatefully, but Hermione just chuckled before she held out her hand and allowed the flames to erupt from her core...watching in amusement as both witches eyes widened.
As the flames engulfed her entire body, Hermione moved closer to the two Slytherin's, watching them retreating in fear.
"You'll find I can back up those words." Hermione taunted, as her magic pulled in and the flames disappeared as quickly as they'd come, leaving her as pristine as before.
With a final look of disgust, she left the lounge and headed back to the party.
She had a wizard to find.
Chapter 50: Getting a Vote
Summary:
Hermione deals with her immediate past and as such, grapples with her present and future.
Notes:
And now for dramione!
Chapter Text
Walking swiftly back towards the ballroom, Hermione's emotions were all over the place.
While a part of her wanted to believe that Rowle and Parkinson were just two jealous witches that were full of shite, she knew on a deeper level that what they'd shared was likely spot on.
And it made her wonder just how many of those in her life suspected the truth.
Obviously there was Lucius Malfoy and Dumbledore.
Which meant Snape probably did as well, as nothing got by that wizard.
Her Grandmother.
Fuck!
Her Grandmother had tried to forewarn her of this very thing not too long ago. Muriel had told her that when this moment came, and she discovered just whom her likely bonded was—to not act rashly.
As her footsteps echoed off the tiled floor, Hermione slowed her pace considerably, pondering just how she was going to deal with this newfound information.
Malfoy knew, or at least suspected, and if Pansy was correct...he'd suspected for a while.
He'd watched her date Pucey, and not said a thing.
He'd snogged Rowle...
She pulled up short, her eyes narrowing at that little factoid.
He'd snogged that bitch, when he'd suspected that he was her likely ancillary?
Frowning heavily, Hermione felt her hackles rising as she remembered clearly what she'd felt that night on patrol.
She'd been upset, a bit tense, jealous?
Angry?
Stopping completely and leaning up against the nearest wall, she tried to catch her breath, because she didn't know what to think about any of this!
How in the world was she supposed to confront Malfoy?
Hey, ferret?
Guess what?
It would seem we're to be bonded?
Right!
That wasn't going to go over well at all.
Right?
Running her hands over the smooth, cold, stone wall—Hermione tried her very best to keep a lid on her emotions—which were beyond scattered.
How did she feel about the idea of Malfoy being her future one?
As she pondered it, she found herself going over all their interactions over the last few months. How Malfoy had behaved in regards to everything that had transpired and truth be told, she couldn't exactly fault him for his actions in the least.
There was no way Malfoy could've known absolutely for certain about their likely connection—it was probably an educated guess at best. The facts did seem to support that line of thinking but if she knew anything, it was that the only person who probably knew unequivocally was Dumbledore, and the idea of confronting the Headmaster wouldn't be her first choice.
So dealing with facts as they stood at this very moment, Hermione had to admit—she wasn't at all that surprised nor truly upset about the possibility. She very much enjoyed getting to know Draco this year, and watching him trying to become a better wizard. He'd changed quite a bit from the hateful prat he'd always been, and even though she was still a bit wary of him, it didn't change the fact he was an attractive, intelligent wizard, who'd always managed to get under her skin.
Sighing deeply, the thought rushed back that the only way to deal with this was to confront it head on. But the other part of her brain was screaming at her to run home and not deal with this tonight.
Or ever.
Would there ever be a good time to confront this particular situation?
Leaning her forehead against the cool stone wall and trailing her hands over the crags in the creases of the masonry, Hermione didn't immediately hear anyone coming towards her until a voice spoke her name.
"Hermione?"
Turning her head to the side, her eyes widened when she saw Adrian standing there—looking at her with concern shining from his brown eyes.
Turning around fully, and running her hands down her skirt, she stared at the handsome wizard in front of her.
"Hello, Adrian."
"Hey, little witch." He murmured softly, as he took another step closer to her, "Are you alright?"
Breathing in deeply through her nose, Hermione turned her head down and away—not sure if she could cope with this too.
"Hermione," Adrian's voice was soothing, "talk to me. I know something's wrong," he paused and then asked, "are you upset that I brought someone tonight?"
Hermione's head flew up and her lips pursed for a split second, but then she just sagged against the wall in defeat.
"Was I supposed to be alright with it?"
Adrian's expression was pained, but to his credit his tone was calm as he replied, "It was my Father's idea."
"Theo mentioned that was probably the case."
He nodded, relieved—but then his brow furrowed when he noticed that she was still upset.
"Did something else happen?"
"If I told you it did?" She began hesitantly, "If I told you, I finally figured it out?"
Adrian seemed confused, until he registered what exactly she'd meant by that statement and his face paled significantly.
"Your bond-mate?"
She nodded, a short laugh forcing its way through her lips, before replying harshly, "Yes."
The older wizard nodded to himself, but she could see the tension in his face, jaw and body as he paced a bit before he asked emotively, "Who?"
Closing her eyes, as she didn't want to see Adrian's reaction and knowing she was a coward for doing so—just whispered, "Malfoy."
Silence.
Then heavy breathing.
When Hermione opened her eyes, she could see the myriad of emotions in Adrian's eyes.
There was disappointment, anger, hurt, confusion and reluctant understanding.
"How?"
"The short version? Apparently Rowle and Parkinson felt the need to confront me in the ladies loo. Malfoy is wearing a talisman that Lucius gave him. My guess? Rowle noticed it at some point while they were snogging each other. It's why Dumbledore spared Lucius Malfoy at the Ministry. He was there the night Voldemort fell. My Grandmother guessed too, I'm fairly certain of it. She warned me not to overreact, when I figured it out."
"Shite." Adrian murmured darkly, as he ran a hand through his hair, "What do you want to do?"
"Run? Cry? Scream until I'm blue in the face? Smack the ferret for keeping this to himself?"
Shaking her head, she choked out a pained sob and felt Adrian's arms encircling her.
And she clung to him desperately.
"The truth is I've been in denial for a while," she admitted on a sniffle, "something deep inside me knew it...but I didn't...wasn't ready to deal with the truth." Her blue eyes met concerned brown ones and she cupped Adrian's cheek softly, "Does it make me a bad person that I refused to see it?"
Adrian thought about it for a moment, then replied, "No, little witch. It makes you human, I suppose. Perhaps you're not quite as perfect as I thought you were."
Laughter bubbled out of Hermione as she smiled adoringly at Adrian, and his answering smile warmed her heart.
"You're such a good wizard, Adrian Pucey. I'll admit, I wasn't happy seeing that witch Claudette on your arm, but she's beautiful. Do you like her?"
He shrugged, "Well enough, I suppose. She's not you, but then no one is. However Claudette is fun, sweet and has an adventurous spirit."
"Then perhaps you might see where it goes?" Chuckling softly to herself, Hermione asked, "Would I like her?"
"I think so, why?"
"Because I'd probably want to turn the witch to ash if I didn't."
Adrian's expression was stunned for a split second, before his face broke out into an ear-splitting grin.
"Minx."
"Maybe," she admitted with a wink, "but tell me what to do about Malfoy?"
"Do you want to talk to him tonight?"
"Yes and no."
"Understood," Adrian replied with a snicker, "but how about this? You head outside to the gardens. There is a large hedged area that you can't miss when you leave the balcony and head down the steps to the right. Walk inside about fifty feet and turn left. After another fifty feet, you'll come to an open garden and there will be a bench on the right under a large willow tree near the pond. Go there, and I'll send Draco to you."
She nodded reluctantly and leant up to kiss Adrian's cheek in thanks.
"You're a good man, Adrian Pucey."
"Draco's a lucky wizard."
Hermione sighed, as she watched her former boyfriend turning back towards the ballroom—so she took the opportunity to disillusion herself before heading the way Adrian had told her to go.
It didn't take long to find the spot, and once she was there...she waited anxiously for Malfoy to show.
About ten minutes later, the object of her thoughts came sauntering around the corner, his eyes widening when he noticed her sitting there.
"Malfoy."
"Prewett."
"Sit down, please. I think we need to have a talk."
She saw Malfoy swallow slightly, but he nodded as he glided over like a panther and sat down next to her. His gray eyes calculating her every mannerism, as they considered each other in silence.
Then she blurted out, "How long have you known?"
To Malfoy's credit, he didn't blanch nor act surprised in any way—he just tilted his head at her and replied evenly, "Since the summer."
She then inquired after a momentary pause, "Your Father gave you a talisman?"
Now his eyes did widen slightly, but he nodded and pulled out a chain from around his neck and whispered a spell which made the talisman visible to her.
She eyed the jeweled stone, her eyes taking it in and she chewed on her lower lip—her eyes lifting to gray ones that were watching her intently.
"If I may?" He asked and she nodded after a moment, "How did you figure it out?"
Shaking her head, she replied scathingly, "Parkinson and Rowle confronted me in the ladies. Told me about that," she lifted her chin at the jewel, "and then accused me of playing games with Adrian's affections too. They were rather..." her voice fell away, but she could see Malfoy's sneer of disgust.
"I'm sorry," he replied sincerely, "I'd hoped to find a better way to tell you. Theo figured it out right before we left school and he insisted I come clean or he would. Please don't be too upset with him. I think he was going to discuss it with Potter first, but Theo worries about you. He hates seeing you upset."
"I know, and I'm not upset. Not exactly," she clarified at Malfoy's disbelieving look, "I'm just unsure how to do this."
"What do you mean?"
"Everyone is assuming something that may or may not be true," she stated emphatically, "the facts may indicate it's likely, but I'm not 100% convinced of it."
"Oh?" Draco drawled, "And why is that? Is it due to our past?"
"No, and don't go there Malfoy," she warned, "we've managed to find common ground recently, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I find there is much about you that intrigues me."
His smug smirk was to be expected.
"However," she went on, "I thought Adrian might've been the one, and clearly he wasn't."
"How did you figure it out?"
"My magic," she sighed, "when he kissed me this past summer it seemed really happy and pleased, but before the hols at Slughorn's party when he kissed me again..." her voice fell away and she saw Malfoy nod thoughtfully.
"Your Magic didn't feel the same?"
"No it didn't."
"And when you're with me?"
"I don't know." She blushed a bit as she stared into gray eyes that were bright and curious.
"Then perhaps you might indulge me with a slight experiment?"
"What kind of experiment are we talking about?"
That infernal smirk made a reappearance and her gaze narrowed as Malfoy moved closer to her, his eyes locked onto hers.
"Let me kiss you," he whispered deeply, and Hermione desperately tried to suppress the shiver that moved throughout her body at the seductive tone, "and if your magic doesn't like me, I'm sure you'll know fairly quickly, yes?"
She huffed softly, shaking her head in exasperation.
"Is this just some cheesy way of getting me to kiss you, Malfoy?"
His answering lopsided grin was sexy as hell, and she felt her stomach swooping with butterflies at how utterly sinful he looked all confident and in control.
"Maybe?" His chuckle made goosebumps appear down her arms, and then she felt his hands move up to cup her cheeks—he kept eye contact with her, his deep voice pleading, "Let me kiss you, Hermione Prewett. I've wanted to kiss you for far longer than you could possibly know."
Blue eyes widened in shock but before she could reply, Malfoy's lips pressed firmly onto hers...
And then everything else came into sharp relief.
Her magic—that had always felt agitated and a little bit off...
Hummed...
Pulsed...
Heated...
Groaned...
Or maybe that was just her...
It was hard to tell what was her and what was her magic, but one thing she did know for certain was that Draco Malfoy could kiss...
And she was in heaven.
Her hands were in his hair, and she didn't remember putting them there.
His tongue was in her mouth, and she couldn't remember how that happened either.
Her hands were hot—her stomach a volcano and her core was pulsing with a yearning sensation she'd never experienced before...ever...
It was that sensation that made her pull back with a gasp, as stormy eyes stared at her in unbridled want.
In need...
Fuck!
She was so screwed!
Clearing her throat primly, Hermione sucked in her lower lip and heard Malfoy's answering growl as he pulled her lip from her teeth in warning.
"So?" He drawled out huskily, "Should we try that again, or has your question been sufficiently answered?"
His smug expression had her rolling her eyes, but she stood up immediately and stared him down.
He didn't seem to be intimidated though. He just grinned wolfishly up at her, a knowing gleam in his steely gaze.
"You're a smug prat."
"And you're a stubborn witch."
Shaking her head, Hermione turned and headed back towards the Manor, but didn't get too far when she felt a gentle hand reaching for her arm, halting her steps.
"Where are you going?"
"Home," she admitted evenly, "I have a lot to process."
"Really?"
"Apparently."
Draco sighed. "Hermione," his voice was cajoling as he asked softly, "might I call on you this week?"
Her breath stuttered, staring up into his eyes in shock.
But Draco just smirked again in that oh, so infuriating way of his.
"I told you before, I intend to court you. Is that not what you want, Princess?"
She groaned in exasperation and was just about to speak, when the balcony door opened and Theo walked out with Harry, Blaise and surprisingly...her Grandmother, Adrian and Lucius Malfoy.
"Shite." She whispered lowly and Draco snickered, humming in agreement.
"Dearest, there you are." Muriel's voice echoing in the silence as she and the others walked down the steps, and Hermione just grimaced when she looked up at the balcony again, and saw Narcissa Malfoy standing there with Theo's father.
It would seem the cat was out of the proverbial bag.
"Yes, Grandmother."
Muriel's eyes locked onto the young Malfoy Heir, and she hummed thoughtfully as the young wizard bowed respectfully to her.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Grandmother. Draco and I were just talking."
"I see," Muriel demurred haughtily before glancing over at Lord Malfoy, whose expression was impassive even if his eyes were glittering with amusement, "and what conclusions did you both reach?"
Hermione's gaze met Adrian's, then Theo's, but Harry was openly grimacing quite unhappily, as he stared at Malfoy in horror.
"Don't look like that, Brother mine."
Muriel turned her sharp gaze on Harry, who mumbled contritely, "Sorry, Hermione."
Draco sneered at the other wizard, but his Mother's not so subtle cough had him backtracking immediately.
"Awkward." Blaise piped in and Theo snorted, while Adrian just rolled his eyes.
"Can we go home now, Grandmother?"
"I suppose that would be fine." Muriel agreed easily enough, before her attention was focused back on Lucius.
Then his wife.
"Lady Malfoy, perhaps yourself, husband and son might see fit to come to tea the day after tomorrow at three in the afternoon?"
Narcissa smirked and nodded in agreement, "We would be honored, Lady Prewett."
"Indeed," the older witch replied and then turned to Thoros, "please join us Thoros. Both you and Theodore. It should smooth the way, yes?"
Thoros chuckled deeply, and even Lucius seemed pleased.
"Probably wise." Thoros replied.
"Don't I get a vote?" Hermione groused petulantly, causing Draco to shake his head in amusement.
"Turning me to ash doesn't count, Hermione."
Blue eyes locked with gray and she grinned wickedly, "You're going to spoil all my fun, Draco."
The joint laughter of those in the garden that night was light and free, but unfortunately...no one noticed the small rat hovering beneath the hedges, staring beady-eyed at the ensemble of clueless individuals that had no idea they were being watched.
Chapter 51: No Time to Die
Summary:
The afternoon of the Malfoy's visit to Fosgate Hall brings about a few surprises.
Chapter Text
Hermione stared at her reflection in her mirror for a good ten minutes, as she twirled this way and that—fussing over every fine detail from her hair to her shoes. For some unfathomable reason, which she couldn't fathom or admit to, she actually wanted to look her very best today.
She still couldn't believe Draco Malfoy was coming over with his parents, and she would be sitting down and breaking bread with Lucius sodding Malfoy!
Was it too late to feign illness?
She'd spent the better part of yesterday going over every minute detail from the party the evening prior, from the confrontation with the pampered parasites, to the talk she'd had with Adrian, and finally the kiss with Malfoy—and all of it left her feeling completely overwhelmed.
But in different ways.
It was hard to explain it to herself, and even more challenging to justify how in Godric's name her magic decided to chose Malfoy as it's likely mate. There was still a small part of her logical brain that simply refused to accept the very stark reality where she possibly ends up bonded with the Slytherin Prince.
But fucking Morgana...the wizard could kiss!
Just thinking about it now?
She smirked, fanning herself with both hands and humming pleasantly at the tingling sensations and pulsating throb of heat working its way throughout her body.
Thankfully a short knock on her door prevented her from engaging in such fantasies long term.
If last night were any indication, she would be having a difficult enough time trying to curb her baser desires.
It was the first time she'd ever made herself climax by her own hand...to wanton thoughts of Draco Malfoy—of all wizards!
Another knock sounded, and giving herself one last appraisal and a short nod of acceptance, the words, "come in" fell from her lips.
The door opened and Harry's messy black hair preceded his smiling face, as he peered around the door frame.
"Hey, Sis! You ready yet? Theo just got here with his Dad."
"I'm ready." She demurred, spritzing on a splash of her favorite perfume that her parents had gifted her last year.
She really needed to go to Muggle London to check up on them.
Harry must've noticed something was off because he asked, "Everything alright? Cause if not, we can run off and hide somewhere and let Aunt Muriel deal with the ferret and his family."
"Harry!" Hermione admonished with a snort, "No calling Draco that name. Especially in mixed company."
"Fine," Harry groused, plopping himself down on the edge of her bed, staring at her critically, "and you look too pretty. Please tell me you didn't go through all that effort for Malfoy?"
Hermione looked at the put upon expression on Harry's face and sighed, sitting down next to him and nudging his shoulder with her own.
"Is this really going to be an issue, Brother mine?" Her voice wavered slightly, and she could feel Harry tensing up minutely next to her, before he sagged in defeat.
"No," he replied lowly, "I don't like it, but I won't make it an issue either."
"How generous of you." Hermione snarked, and Harry just chuckled at his sister's cheek.
"I'm a generous wizard." He bit back playfully, before he tilted his head to the side and laid it upon his sister's shoulder. "Of all the wizards though, why did it have to be Malfoy?"
"I'm still not 100% convinced it is but..." she was quick to add, when Harry lifted his head up with a hopeful look, "but...I'd be lying if I didn't admit my reluctance has more to do with my own preconceived feelings about Malfoy, than how I instinctively feel."
"Oh...joy." Harry pouted, causing her to giggle at how ridiculous he was being.
"Stop it, Harry."
"Fine," he stood up and offered her his hand, which she took without hesitation, "but if he so much as puts a single, solitary toe out of line, I'm going to hex his pasty arse into next year."
"Good to know."
The two shared a quick laugh before Harry escorted her downstairs to greet their guests, who were probably waiting for them with her Grandmother.
Thankfully, when they arrived into the blue room, only Theo and his Father were present.
"Hey, Theo." Hermione moved over and gave her cousin a hug, which he was getting better about tolerating, as he actually hugged her back. When she pulled away, she smiled at Lord Nott and curtsied respectfully, "Hello, Sir. Has my Grandmother been down yet?"
"Not as such," Thoros smiled as he bowed over the young witch's hand in greeting, "Sabbo led us here, and I must say you look very lovely today, Hermione."
"Thank you," her blush was endearing, as she gestured for them all to sit, "and I appreciate you both being drafted into service for today."
Thoros chuckled deeply, while Theo just grinned.
"We wouldn't have missed it."
"Do you think this is a mistake?" Hermione inquired, gazing at Theo questioningly, and her cousin sighed, "Draco told me he'd mentioned I'd figured it out before hols?"
"He did and I'm not upset, Theo. I just don't understand why my magic would choose someone who's spent the better part of five years tormenting me."
Theo took in his cousin's melancholic expression and glanced over at his Father, who seemed to be thinking too—as his eyes were averted towards the doorway, brow furrowed in thought.
"I wish I had an answer that makes sense, Hermione," Theo offered with that damnable shrug, "but I don't know. There's so much about this that's mysterious. I wish there was a book or something I could gift you which might offer some answers."
She nodded and bit her lip, her blue eyes downcast as she felt Harry's hand gripping her own in solidarity.
"I suppose I'll need to learn to trust in my magic more, and not try and overthink everything so much?"
"That would be wise, dearest." Her Grandmother offered evenly as she glided into the room, waving both Thoros and Theodore still when they went to stand in greeting. "Please stay seated, you two...we are family after all, and there's no reason for such formalities amongst family."
Hermione smiled softly while Thoros chuckled, "Far be it for me to defy your wishes, Muriel."
"You'd be wise not to do so, Thoros." Muriel snarked back before her heavy gaze landed on her granddaughter, "As for you, dearest; magic isn't logical and often challenges us in ways we don't understand until well after the fact. Perhaps, if you'd actually grown up here with me, your Father and Mother...you wouldn't be struggling to accept—but I feel a certain culpability in that I haven't taken the opportunity to tutor you as I should, because I wanted you to feel some measure of control over this new life which has been thrusted upon you."
The room was silent as Muriel's words fell like weighted bricks upon everyone—but eventually Hermione just inquired, "I know this hasn't been easy for you either, Grandmother. But if I might, I'd like to ask a favor?"
"Which is?"
"I'd like to take Harry and go into Muggle London tomorrow."
Hermione noticed Thoros flinch while Theo scowled, but Harry seemed confused.
"Why?" Muriel demanded and Hermione replied pleadingly, "I need to check in on the Granger's. My parents. I need to know if they're okay and to see for myself firsthand they're really lost to me. I want you to know it's no reflection on my time here. You've been more wonderful than I could've ever imagined, Grandmother. But I need to do this to find some closure. If nothing else, I just want to know they're safe and happy."
Muriel's blue eyes bored into her own, and Hermione could see several emotions present.
There was frustration, understanding and a tinge of fear.
She knew her Grandmother didn't want to lose anymore family and truth be told, neither did she.
Unfortunately, an answer wasn't forthcoming as Sabbo came into the room, leading their three guests, who looked utterly impeccable.
Everyone stood, and Draco couldn't help but feel the tension within the room—and glancing over at his parents—he knew they'd sensed something was amiss too.
"Lord and Lady Malfoy, welcome to Fosgate Hall." Muriel moved towards her guests and placed the perfunctory air kisses on Narcissa's cheeks in greeting, before Lucius bent over her knuckles with a polished bow.
When Draco moved forward, the platitudes were repeated in introduction before he moved confidently towards Hermione, who looked simply stunning in her periwinkle day robes.
"Hermione." He drawled, causing her to smirk up at him, and he could see her desperately trying not to roll her eyes at his heavy-handed chivalry as he placed the softest of kisses on the back of hand.
"Draco, welcome to my home."
He bowed again and Muriel offered them seats, with Hermione sitting next to Draco on the smaller loveseat while Theo and Harry sat to Hermione's left and the Malfoy's sat on Draco's right.
Muriel and Thoros sat across from Hermione and Draco.
"I do believe it has been sometime since you've had the opportunity to visit, Narcissa."
"I believe so," the regal witch demurred, "I think the last time was after my final year at Hogwarts at the Summer Ball. I do remember the rose gardens being particularly lovely that year."
"Hmm," Muriel nodded, "the gardens were quite something that year, but nothing compared to this past summer."
"Oh?" Narcissa asked, intrigued. She'd heard from Lucius second-hand that the lands at Fosgate Hall had been simply enchanting when Thoros had visited after Mr. Potter's grafting into House Prewett. "Such a shame to have missed it. Will you be holding any events here during next summer season?"
Muriel smirked knowingly, while Hermione grimaced and Harry just coughed awkwardly.
"I see." Narcissa returned Muriel's expression, then turned her attention to the Prewett Heiress. "You don't seem too well pleased, Miss Prewett, to be hostessing an event?"
"I wouldn't say I'm entirely adverse to the idea and Harry is going to help me," Hermione glanced at her brother with a wicked grin, "aren't you, Harry?"
"You're evil, Sister mine."
Everyone laughed at the clearly panicked look on the Chosen One's face.
"Nonsense, Brother mine. You'll be turning of age this summer. We must do something to commemorate the occasion properly."
"Don't act like my birthday is your sole motivation for commandeering me into service," Harry pouted, "you just want to see me suffer."
"Maybe," Hermione winked, "after all the adventures I've followed you on throughout our early school years, I think you owe me a favor or ten."
More laughter, but Draco had a predatory gleam in his eye as he asked, "So what kind of adventures are we talking about?"
Harry's expression darkened a bit, but Hermione just tutted at Malfoy's blatant volley.
"Pish-tosh, Draco..." Hermione's voice held an conspiratorial tone, though she wanted to scoff when Malfoy just smirked at her like he knew what was coming, "You can't expect a witch to not be reticent in revealing her secrets on the very first formal meeting," she tutted cryptically, "that wouldn't be very Slytherin of me."
"You're not a Slytherin, Hermione."
Waving her hand obliquely, she just quirked an eyebrow at—whatever he was and said, "I'd like to think we all have the personality traits of all the four Houses within us. Some, more than others."
"And what traits would you believe recommend you as a Slytherin, Miss Prewett?"
This question came from Lucius Malfoy and Hermione smirked before replying, "Oh, I suppose in due course of trying to keep Harry out of trouble over the years, I might've done a bit of larceny, blackmail, and liberating wronged parties from certain death."
Lucius Malfoy's eyes narrowed as Hermione's smirk deepened almost challengingly, while everyone else including her Grandmother, was just staring at her like she'd lost her mind.
"Sister..."
"Oh, Harry..." Hermione teased indulgently at her brother and he shook his head as if to say, "whatever you want," which she silently agreed to.
She would have a bit of fun alright.
She'd earned this.
"What am I missing?" Theo leant forward, giving both his cousin and Potter the stink eye.
They hadn't told him anything about blackmail, larceny or liberating of criminals.
"Black?" Thoros guessed, and Hermione grinned and nodded.
"Buckbeak too."
"What?!?" Draco's voice elevated, and Narcissa cleared her throat at her son with a silent head shake of warning. The blonde just glared at his little spitfire before demanding lowly, "You freed that chicken?"
"He's a hippogriff, Mal...Draco..." Hermione caught herself as she grinned triumphantly back, "and yes! I freed both Sirius and Buckbeak...with Harry's help of course."
"Don't bring me into this." Harry mumbled lowly, as he sat back with a moue of exasperation.
"Don't be silly, Harry. You were with me when I used that time turner. Don't try and claim plausible deniability."
Hermione wiggled her fingers playfully at her brother, ignoring the several gasps and in one case, a severe glower at this new piece of information.
"Time turner, dearest?"
Hermione's gaze met her Grandmother and she nodded, "Professor McGonagall obtained permission from the Ministry for me to use a time turner third year, so I could take all the offered classes."
"Bloody Hell." Theo murmured, then flinched at his Father's disapproving glare.
"Dumbledore knew this?"
Hermione nodded again, and Muriel scowled, pursing her lips together angrily.
"Grandmother?"
It wasn't hard to miss the dark expression on Muriel Prewett's face and Lucius Malfoy could only imagine why she was upset. Dumbledore had allowed her granddaughter to use a device which would have sped up her aging process. Not having access to her family magic, Hermione Prewett was left unaware of what such a thing might've done to her magical core, and it was even more appalling since she was a Sorceress.
Had Dumbledore purposefully hoped that Miss Prewett's magical core would've been unable to sustain her powers due to manifesting early?
Harry and Hermione stared at each other confused, while the rest of the room went deathly silent.
Theo however, was pissed!
"That bastard!" Theo snarled, and Hermione's eyes widened not only at the profanity, but at how murderous her cousin appeared.
"Indeed." Thoros replied darkly, giving Lucius a knowing look.
Hermione didn't know what the fuck was going on, but by Merlin and Morgana someone needed to tell her post haste!
"Grandmother?" Her voice was emotive as she pleaded, "What am I missing?"
Muriel's blue eyes locked with her granddaughter, and then she explained exactly what the issue was in full.
As she finished, Hermione's face was ashen while Harry barked out in rage, "Are you shitting me!?"
"Harry!" Muriel reprimanded her nephew, but he just turned to his sister and could see her body shaking with adrenaline, and tears starting to well in her eyes as she stared at him in shock.
"Hermione?"
Her body started to react to the swirl of thoughts and emotions moving through her mind.
Had Dumbledore wanted her to perish?
If she hadn't been cursed by Dolohov and left for dead, would her magic have consumed her in the end?
She was near death and had it not been for her powers manifesting—she would have in all likelihood, died.
Harry could see how distressed Hermione was. She'd been similarly distraught fifth year when her magic was all over the place.
"He knew," she whispered brokenly, "you tried to talk to him about my magic fifth year, and he lied and said he didn't understand what was happening to me."
Big blue eyes filled with tears and then she stood up suddenly, her body trembling terribly. "Grandmother, I need to be excused."
Muriel nodded and watched as the last part of her Fabian dashed out of the room hastily.
Harry went to leave too, but Muriel's voice stopped him cold, "Harry, please explain to me what you relayed to Dumbledore fifth year?"
Green eyes looked at Theo pleadingly and the Slytherin sighed and nodded, getting permission to follow Hermione while Harry explained the particulars of what had happened.
"We went to McGonagall when Hermione's magic starting acting erratic, and she went to Dumbledore personally. We took Hermione to Madam Pomfrey and she did some magical scans. The results showed her magic was increasing, but Dumbledore wasn't convinced. However, by the time it became a critical issue, Dumbledore had disappeared from Hogwarts due to Umbridge."
Muriel Prewett wasn't the kind of witch to sit idly by and allow anyone to harm her family. Back during the first Wizarding War both Fabian and Gideon had been loyal members of the Order but even so, Fabian never trusted anyone completely except Marlene and his brother.
For all of Fabian's stubborn willfulness, he loved his family with the fiercest of devotion. It had been hard for Muriel to not know why her Grandson had refused to allow his only child and heir to remain safely at Fosgate Hall.
He had never told her directly of the Prophecy, but she was no fool.
Because she'd known something didn't add up.
Now as the pieces of the puzzle were starting to fall into place, Muriel Prewett knew for a fact that there was more to this secret Prophecy than her Great-Grandaughter being a Sorceress. More than her being bonded to the Malfoy Heir, but for the life of her, she couldn't figure what piece of the puzzle she was missing in all of this.
"What are you thinking, Muriel?" Thoros inquired with concern and she turned to him with a deep frown marring her elderly features.
"That there is something I'm fundamentally missing. Why would he wish Hermione dead? Why would he play with her life in such a way, if there wasn't more to this than what we know?"
"And what do we know?" Narcissa asked, her voice tight.
"We know there was a Prophecy in regards to Hermione's heritage, and that was why Fabian absconded with Marlene and Hermione and placed them somewhere where he'd hoped they'd be safe. We know Dumbledore most likely knows of this Prophecy in its entirety. He may be the only one left alive who does."
Lucius steepled his fingers as he nodded thoughtfully, "I would tend to agree."
"And he knew enough to decide to save you from Azkaban, my friend," Thoros drawled unhurriedly, "he likely did so to spare your Heir a worser fate."
"But why?" Draco asked in confusion and all eyes landed on him, "We know Dumbledore hates the Malfoy Family, so why would he spare Father and me by extension? Wouldn't it be more beneficial to him to see the Malfoy Family fall into magical ruin?"
Everyone considered that factoid, and even Harry had to agree that Malfoy was spot on.
He was learning the hard way that Dumbledore never did anything without an ulterior motive.
So what was the reason?
"Why do you think he had the McKinnon family leave their ancestral home?" Harry asked the one question that had been bothering him for months, "I've been there and the wards are formidable. So why would he have done such a thing?"
Muriel's gaze locked with Thoros, and she could see him pondering the question too.
None of this made a lick of sense.