It wasn't until two days later that Draco received a response from his parents in regards to the letter he'd sent them. His Mother had been the one to write on behalf of his father and herself, and as expected, they were thrilled with the news.
Then Lady Prewett's owl arrived the following morning and rather unceremoniously dumped her reply right in front of Draco, hooted angrily and then flown away.
Draco swallowed as he reached for the missive, his eyes glancing up briefly to see Hermione's face paling slightly, as he tried his very best to remain calm—giving her a wink, which had her rolling her eyes at him.
He could feel the stares coming from pretty much everyone else in the Great Hall.
Apparently Pansy and her mouth, had decided to shout her displeasure to anyone who'd pay her a lick of attention over the past two days, and Draco was at the breaking point.
He really wanted to hex her.
It was only his Pureblood upbringing that was making him refraining from doing so.
Hermione was also doing her level best to ignore Pansy—as well as Therese Rowle, Olivia Shardlow and Millicent Bulstrode. All four witches seemed to be in cahoots with each other, and Draco had to wonder what in Salazar's name he'd ever seen in either Pansy or Therese.
Both witches were vindictive vipers on a good day.
Draco placed Lady Prewett's letter into his book bag, finished his breakfast and headed off to class. As much as he was curious about Lady Prewett's response, he wasn't stupid enough to read it in front of a bunch of gawpers who didn't have anything better to do than meddle in his private affairs.
He eventually found himself in Charms, sitting next to Theo and Blaise, who were both giving him the stink eye.
"Aren't you going to read the letter?" Theo whispered, once Flitwick had finally finished lecturing and left them to work on their assignment.
"Yes, eventually."
"Aren't you curious?" Blaise murmured after a few more moments of uncomfortable silence, causing Draco to quell his mate's stupidity with a caustic glare.
More silence hovered over their group until Flitwick excused them, and when Draco walked out of the classroom, he immediately noticed Hermione standing at the end of the corridor, clearly waiting for him.
As he sauntered towards her, he couldn't help but admire the way in which her hair was pulled back...showing off her long slender neck and the cute diamond stud earrings she'd taken to wearing after Christmas hols. Her long, perfectly shaped legs were covered with tights, and her fitted flared skirt was sitting just above her knee while her Gryffindor jumper and tie completed her ensemble.
She always looked beautiful, but he definitely noticed that her school robes this year, fitted her far better than in previous years.
Hermione always had the propensity to buy her robes a bit too large, but then she wore those Muggle trousers that hugged her arse like...
Shaking his head away from those unhelpful thoughts, Draco moved next to his witch and smirked.
"Hey, love? What are you doing here?"
She shrugged and bit her lip, her eyes focusing on his book bag and he sighed in resignation. "I haven't opened it yet."
"Oh!" She whispered, her blue eyes tracing his with a hint of worry, "Okay?"
Sighing too, Draco grabbed her hand and walked down the corridor looking around—trying his best to ignore the interested stares coming from those in the hallway. He did eventually find an empty classroom, and led Hermione inside before he locked and warded the room against nosy intruders.
Then he saw his witch waving her hand and felt her magic, as she placed a few more wards of her own.
He just chuckled and shook his head, setting his book bag down on the closest desk and pulling the letter from its hiding place, fiddling with it for a moment before his eyes locked once again with the worried stare of his little vixen.
"Do you want to do the honors?" He quipped, but she just shook her head in the negative.
"No, you can do it but we don't have much time before next class starts."
"Fine..fine..." he mumbled, using his wand to check for curses, hexes and other nefarious spells.
He heard Hermione giggling softly, and he blushed slightly at her amused grin.
"You really think my Grandmother would..."
"Yes." He blurted out and winced apologetically, noticing Hermione's eyes widening comically—so he rushed to clarify, "Muriel Prewett has been known to be rather unforgiving and vindictive when properly motivated."
Hermione sat down and noticeably gulped. "Really?" Her voice was pitched slightly higher, and he nodded.
"Yes."
"Oh..."
"Yes, oh..."
"So the letter?"
"Is clean."
"Well that's good, right?"
He didn't reply, as he didn't want to give any false sense of security at this exact moment.
Taking a fortifying breath, he opened the flap of parchment and started to read...
Dear Scion Malfoy,
I have received your declaration of intent in regards to my Great-Granddaughter. Whilst I wasn't surprised by the missive, the tone and tenor was rather unexpected, although not unwelcome.
I have spent the past several years hearing of your more notable exploits from my family; my Great-Niece in particular. Reports of your propensity for unkindness, especially towards those you viewed as coming from inferior birth; I found especially troubling. Not because I don't agree to an extent that Muggles can pose a risk to our society, but it was the way in which you felt the need to assert your status amongst your peers that I found severely lacking.
In tone and in subtlety.
Especially for one of your noble birthright.
Now you wish to court my Granddaughter. A witch whom, if I'm not mistaken, you've been rather brutish to on more than one occasion.
I feel as if I'd be remiss in my duty as her Grandmother not to bring this to your attention.
Know this Draco, if my Fabian were alive today, he would not have given his blessing.
At least not before maiming you good and proper, then obliviating you afterwards.
And Marlene? I will only say that her propensity for vindictiveness when wronged was only second to your dear departed aunt.
I'm sure you know the one I mean.
Now that I've said my peace, I also know that you have made efforts to undo your past misdeeds and have asked for, if not absolution, a level of forgiveness from my Hermione. She has given this to you, because that is the kind of person she is.
Loving and forgiving.
I don't think I need to remind you what will happen if you cross her, yes?
Her Father and Mother purposefully, wanted Hermione's magic to choose her best match and for this reason alone, I am giving my blessing. Not because I feel you deserve her.
You don't.
But because for some reason only the fates understand; you and she are meant to join our families together.
I would expect you to honor the words, sentiment and intent behind your letter. As a Malfoy, I would hope you are fully cognizant of what that means.
Please advise your Father that I will expect to hear from him soon in this regard.
Regards,
Lady Muriel Prewett
Draco's hands were shaking, as he sat down heavily on the nearest chair, almost missing it entirely and had to catch himself suddenly, the dread in his stomach sat there like a stone—after he'd finished the letter.
He didn't even notice Hermione approaching him until she took it from his trembling fingers and he glanced up, noticing her blue eyes reading through the words, her brow furrowing heavily as she continued to bite her lip in consternation.
When she was done, she sighed in resignation and then proceeded to plop herself down on his lap and wrap her arms around his neck...the letter now dangling behind his head in her left hand.
He could barely make eye contact with her—the shame in his gut was a living, breathing presence.
"I feel as if I should apologize." Hermione whispered, and he shook his head, readjusting her a bit more firmly on his lap.
"No, I don't think that's the proper response at all, love."
There was another moment of uncomfortable silence until he cleared his throat.
And when he spoke—his words were heavy with regret.
"I've often wondered how in Salazar's name, I ever got so lucky to be your chosen mate. Sometimes, I sit in my bed at night and replay snippets of our past on an endless loop."
"And?" She asked after he paused, seemingly having a difficult time getting his thoughts into words.
"And..." he gazed up and quirked his lips down, "I don't know if I can expect forgiveness, when I can't really forgive myself."
"You know I've forgiven you, Draco."
"So you've said, and I suppose only time will continue to show you that I'm a changed wizard."
"You haven't changed a lot about yourself, and I know some of your prejudices are still there inside you. It's hard to rethink things you've been taught as truth your whole life."
He hummed in agreement, "True, but you can change how you act upon those feelings. Prejudice is inherent in all of us. The way Slytherins are viewed here at school is a testament to that."
Hermione bristled as she glared down at him, but he just held her gaze with his own.
"I'm not justifying how many of my classmates, including myself have behaved over the years, but you have to admit that the prejudice runs both ways. Merlin, Hermione! Your friend Weasley told Potter on the train first year, before he'd ever met a Slytherin—that we were all inherently evil. If that's not prejudice, than I'm unsure what is. Potter refused to shake my hand because he'd believed Weasley's words."
"And you didn't help it by insulting Ron, Draco."
Another belabored sigh, "Fine, that's fair I suppose—but can you at least admit I have a valid point?"
She gazed into Draco's stormy eyes, and saw the truth of his words reflected back at her.
She wasn't ignorant.
The prejudice here at Hogwarts wasn't completely one-sided.
"Yes, I will admit it."
"Maturity is a hard life lesson, love, especially when you realize what a little shite you were."
Hermione giggled, "You definitely were that."
He lifted his hand behind him and retook the letter from Hermione's grip and grimaced before lifting his witch off his lap and placing the letter back into the envelope. He was about to put it back into his bag, when he felt it fly out of his hand and watched in shock as it hovered between them in the empty classroom.
Before he could ask what she was doing, the letter burst into flames.
He watched in horror as the ashes fell like black snowflakes onto the ground and then with a wave of her hand, they were gone.
"What?!"
Hermione moved back into his embrace and smirked, lifting herself up and placing a gentle kiss on his lips—which he deepened instantly.
They remained like that for a few moments, before she pulled away with a soft smile.
"No more dredging up our past, Draco. If we're going to have a future together, we have to put the past where it belongs. We can remember it, learn from it even. But I can't see the wisdom of beating ourselves blue with it. We can't change it, right?"
He just nodded dumbly, wondering how in the fuck he'd ever done anything in his life to deserve such selfless consideration from anyone.
Let alone Hermione.
She was far, far too good for him.
He allowed her to take his hand as she silently unwarded the room with a casual wave of her wrist and as they moved out into the corridor together, they both chuckled realizing they were both late for their next period.
Thankfully they had it together.
"Do you think Severus will give us detention?"
Draco grinned and replied, "I think it's a fairly safe assumption."
And sure enough, he was right.
Chapter 59: Mind Magic's
Summary:
Snape gives Draco and Hermione detention.
Notes:
A short, but important chapter.
Chapter Text
Hermione was sitting across from Draco in Professor Snape's office, the two of them were serving their detention together.
Well...sort of...
When they arrived, their Defense Professor placed two sitting chairs across from each other on the other side of his desk, where he was currently ensconced—grading essays. His red quill scratching furiously over the parchments, like they'd offended him personally.
Hermione didn't know how long she and Draco stood there waiting to be addressed, but they both figured it might behoove them to exercise a bit of patience.
When Snape finally did acknowledge them, his brow was furrowed with irritation.
"Sit." He growled out, and they both parked their arses down simultaneously, warily facing each other with trepidation as they didn't know what to expect.
Severus moved stealthily from around his desk and stood to Hermione's left side, staring his rather prominent nose down at them.
"For this evening, we will be working on your Occlumency in a different way, Miss Prewett." When Hermione's expression registered momentary confusion, Snape just sighed, "Mr. Malfoy will be the one attempting Legilimency on you. He is aware of the basics of the craft, having worked with me since the beginning of last term. Normally, I would recommend you try and block him from your mind, but that is not the purpose of this lesson. I wish for Mr. Malfoy to guide your mind to a specific memory of his choosing."
"And that will do what?" Hermione asked, intrigued.
"Your magic has been feeling off, except for those times when Mr. Malfoy is able to have direct contact with you, yes?"
Hermione nodded.
"But you can't be with each other day in and out, correct?"
Again she nodded.
"My theory is such, that I suspect as we get closer to Mr. Malfoy's seventeenth birthday, your powers will continue to express more and more often as your magic senses its mate's magic reaching full maturity. Therefore, it may become more difficult for you to diffuse these outbursts without some kind of anchor to ground you."
"I'm confused, Professor..." Hermione began hesitantly, "I do have the ability to speak telepathically into your mind as well as Theo's. I haven't attempted to do so with Draco, but how is what you're proposing any different?"
"Because in those instances you are asserting your mind into others but in this case, Draco will be your anchor," Severus drolled out with just the right amount of exasperation, his tone suggesting the answer was obvious, "he will be directing your thoughts."
Hermione sighed but then nodded, ignoring the smug smirk from her newly minted intended, as he was watching her.
"Fine." She acquiesced reluctantly, glaring at Draco—who couldn't even manage to pretend he wasn't enjoying this.
Snape lifted an eyebrow at the petulant tenor of her voice, but didn't reply.
He then deferred his attention to Draco and drawled in his bored manner, "Do you have a memory you wish to seek?"
Draco nodded immediately, causing Hermione's eyes to narrow slightly before he lifted his wand and made eye contact...saying the word legilimens softly, and entering her mind.
Hermione noted almost instantly, the differences in how Draco's magic flowed into her mind compared with Professor Snape's.
Where Severus did so with an evident design to break down her defenses in an insidious manner, Draco's technique was completely non-threatening. It was almost like he was an innocent bystander perusing through a photo album, lazily flicking though each page until he got to the one he wanted.
And when he got there, she didn't realize it until it was too late.
They were back in Professor Slughorn's class first day of Potions this year, and she could see herself at the front of the room, identifying each potion as in slow motion. She felt Draco's amusement when she got to the final one of Amortentia, her head bent down slightly as she took in a gentle whiff of the pearlescent swirls lifting off the cauldron.
Hermione could see her former self's eyes glaze over for a moment, before she recited the first two smells she'd picked up on from the love potion.
When it got to the third, right before her former self spoke, she heard Draco's voice in her mind.
And the vision stopped like a Muggle photograph, the words 'spearmint toothpaste' just waiting to fall from her lips...
"Right here..." Draco's voice hovered between them as smooth as sin, and she felt her exasperation spike, but hearing Draco chuckling in her mind made her wonder just how badly he'd been wanting to know what it was she'd smelled that day.
"You fibbed, Princess," his easy drawl continued to flow into her mind, "there was a brief pause, as if you couldn't reconcile what it was you were actually smelling, but this time, you're going to tell me the truth."
Hermione could hear her mental scoff, but Draco's mind just hovered over her prickly feelings like a warm blanket. She could feel his amusement, but she could also feel other emotions coming to the forefront too.
There was a cursory academic interest, a light smugness, a needful pleasure, amused indulgence...but the overriding emotions were comfort and safety.
It was as if his mind was letting hers know that it was safe to share the truth with him.
She gazed around the room in her mind and noticed Draco's former self eyeing her with a keen interest, his breath holding as if he was anticipating her answer with something akin to need.
Hoping...
The memory slowly picked up again, and as Hermione's former self pulled away completely from the cauldron, the words...green apples...came tumbling unbidden from her mouth.
Her shock was only mitigated by the happy chuckle of her intended, before he pulled from her mind even more gently than he'd entered...
...leaving her feeling slightly bereft at the loss.
When the moment broke—Hermione's face went scarlet, but Draco just had a pleased lopsided grin plastered on his face.
Snape's eyeroll and disgusted shake of his head, let them both know he'd rather not be privy to the particulars of their shared experience.
"I take it was a success?"
"Yes, Professor." Draco replied, his voice controlled even if his expression wasn't.
"Good," Severus droned, "you will need to practice this technique at least twice per week for now and as we get closer to June. I am hopeful you will be able to do this Draco without need of a wand or oral recitation of the spell itself. It should become fairly instinctive."
"And you think this will help?"
"I believe it will buy the necessary time for you both," Snape's voice was even, "as there is very little in the way of information about Sorcery and the binding of an ancillary. I do believe the better your minds are prepared—the easier it will be to cope with the inevitability, when the time arrives."
Both Hermione and Draco nodded, as it seemed like sound logic.
Neither one realizing at that very moment that they'd end up owing everything to their Defense Professor's due diligence when that fateful time arrived.
Chapter 60: Planning for the Future
Summary:
A little bit of snogging, and a little bit of plotting.
Chapter Text
Hermione was stomping down the hallway after leaving Severus office with Draco sauntering behind her, silently enjoying her flustered self, as he watched her arse sashay in those blasted Muggle trousers she favored.
And although she didn't wear them often anymore, he couldn't help but notice it when she did.
As did many of his fellow wizards.
His little vixen and grown into a shapely witch this past summer, and her arse was a thing of beauty.
"Princess?"
Hermione huffed again, hearing Draco's amused, self-satisfied drawl.
She didn't even need to turn around to know he was smirking smugly at her.
"Get your eyes off my arse, Malfoy!"
"Oh, I'm Malfoy again, am I?"
She whirled around quickly, her eyes ablaze, lifting her pointer finger at him in warning.
"You just couldn't ask me? No! Not Draco, Slytherin snake extraordinaire Malfoy!"
He could see his laughter was really starting to piss her off.
Sensing his impending doom, Draco grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her into the nearest broom closet, immediately shutting the door, not giving her a moment to collect herself before his lips were on hers.
Her immediate response had him happily growling as he pushed her further against the wall and deepened the kiss, his tongue silently demanding permission and receiving it instantaneously.
It was a few moments before he felt her ire abate enough to pull back slightly and soften the kiss into something more languorous, but just as needy. He groaned when her hands gripped into his hair and tugged slightly, so he moved his lips from her mouth and traveled down her neck in earnest—her breathy moans doing wonders for his libido, which was already rock hard and ready.
Draco allowed his body to fall completely into the softness of his witch and instinctively, his thigh pushed open Hermione's legs, holding her aloft and she rubbed brazenly against him, seeking her own measure of relief.
When his lips melded against hers once again with more force, Hermione's breathy moan of his given name nearly had him coming in trousers right then and there.
"Draco..."
"Hmmm..."
He bit her lower lip and pushed his tongue back into her mouth: playing...cajoling...tempting a more passionate response...
...which he got.
It was hard to know how much time had passed since he'd pulled her with him inside the broom closet, but he frankly couldn't be bothered with such trivial semantics when Hermione's right hand was currently grabbing his arse, rocking herself against his thigh more forcefully.
Oh fuck...
With what amounted to a Herculean effort on his part, he pulled away ever so slightly and tried desperately to pull in copious amounts of air in a last ditch bid to get his desire under control.
"Love...we need to stop..."
He really fucking hated formal Pureblood courtship etiquette right about now.
"What?"
Sighing in resignation, he cupped Hermione's cheeks and placed a swift kiss on her lips before trying to soothe her.
"We need to get you back to Gryffindor."
It was a good thing he couldn't make out her expression, because he'd probably just say fuck it and Theo would kill him.
Potter too.
Fuck!
"Did I do something wrong?"
He groaned again, tipping his head back, silently counting to ten and pleading for the fates to give him strength.
"No, my love, you are perfect. However, as much as I'd like to stay here with you, I'm fairly certain if I don't get you back to your dorm before curfew—Potter and Theo will hex first and ask questions later."
There was a beat of silence, before he felt Hermione's body shaking within his embrace.
"Are you laughing?" He asked incredulously.
Her giggles lifted in volume and he rolled his eyes, before he felt his trademark smirk settling into place.
"Well, it is ridiculous," she sniffed with irony, "who'd have thought that Draco Malfoy and Hermione Prewett would be in a broom closet snogging."
Now that comment did cause him to chuckle.
"A year ago, if we'd been caught together?" He shivered at the thought.
Hermione sobered, and he felt her body deflate at his words, so he decided it might be a good time for a confession of sorts.
"Did you know, fourth year, that I tried to warn Krum off from you?"
He could feel her shock, and he wished he could see her expression a bit better in the darkness.
"Why?"
"Well, if you'd have asked me prior to this year, I would've given you some pumped up answer that would've been more about protecting my dubious reputation than admitting the truth."
"Which was?"
He sighed and pulled her lips to his for another swift kiss before admitting, "I was jealous."
"Really?" Her voice cracked, causing him to snort.
"Yes, really." He pulled out his wand and cast several spells to readjust them to rights. Gazing down into blue eyes that were staring up at him in wonder, his lumos lighting the small space between them. "I was a git. We both know this, but I wasn't a blind git, despite what you might've thought. Everyone at the Yule Ball noticed you. I spent the entire night watching you, much to Pansy's displeasure. I tried to warn Krum off and then you were chosen to be his treasure. I know much of what I said that year was very unkind, but I didn't know what to do by that point. I'd noticed you, and didn't know what to do with it, so I did what any teenaged boy does when confronted with the one thing he wants, but can't have."
"You acted like a bully."
"Got it in one."
"Draco..."
He shook his head and shushed her, "Don't make excuses for my behavior, love...there is none to be made, I'm afraid. However, I don't intend to muck this up either. The problem is you're too tempting, especially when you wear these bloody Muggle trousers. Do you even have any idea how good your arse looks in those things? Every wizard in this infernal place has his eyes glued to your backside, when you strut around school wearing those things."
"I do not strut."
He grinned lecherously, "Yes, you do."
His smile widened at Hermione's blush.
"You like my arse?"
He groaned then waggled a finger at her, "Playing with fire..."
Her laughter stopped him. "Nice turn of phrase."
"I do my best." He snickered, before setting her down and opening the door, checking the hallway for any signs of life.
"No one is out there."
His eyebrow lifted with interest. "You can sense that?"
She nodded. "Enough to know where people are."
Draco watched her for a second then asked, "Can you just sense people in general, or can you sense specific people?"
There was a pause, as she considered his question...but ultimately she offered, "I don't know if I've ever specifically sensed certain people. When Pansy and her cronies attacked me, I could sense they were witches, and I knew what spells they'd cast but I don't think I knew it was them, until I faced them directly."
Draco nodded thoughtfully, "Maybe that might be something to work on?"
"Maybe."
He moved them down the corridor and over to the stairs, checking the time. There was fifteen minutes until curfew.
"I don't have time to walk you back to Gryffindor, and it's not my night to patrol."
"It's okay." She winked, before giving him a kiss goodnight. When she stepped back, Draco watched in awe as flames erupted along her body and in a flash, she was gone.
"Bloody hell!" He whispered in awe.
He'd never get used to the fact that his little minx could apparate within the schools wards.
When he entered Slytherin, the common room was empty save a few of the older students and he strode over to where Theo, Blaise and Daphne were sitting—setting up a few privacy wards.
"Hey, mate," Blaise quipped with a grin, "how was detention?"
"It was fine."
"Hermione get back to Gryffindor okay?" Theo inquired, and Draco nodded.
"Safe and sound."
"Good."
Daphne just shook her head in amusement. "Theodore, you are worse than Harry Potter when it comes to being an overprotective brother."
Theo blushed but didn't deny it, and they all were smiling at his embarrassment.
"Do you ever wonder what might've happened had the Dark Lord fallen sooner?" Theo asked quietly, and the rest of his friends just sat there staring at him in horror.
"Where the fuck did that come from?" Draco blurted out in horror.
Theo shrugged, "I just keep thinking about what our lives would've looked like had there been no Dark Lord. Hermione would've had her parents, and we would've grown up together."
"True," Blaise interjected, "but sometimes I think things happen the way they're supposed to. For good or bad, and we can't second guess it. Hermione's heritage being revealed has taught me one valuable lesson.."
"Which is?" Daphne asked, intrigued.
"That we can't judge a book by its cover," Blaise replied sheepishly, "we all misjudged her based on what we thought she was...not who she was. We never gave her a chance to show us whom Hermione Granger was, because we were all so obsessed over her blood status—which turned out to be untrue. So we based our dislike on a false premise. I for one, feel like a dolt."
The rest of their small group was quiet, thinking seriously about Blaise's words.
"I think that's why it's been so good this year, trying to be more accepting of those outside of our House. I know we can't change small minds overnight," Daphne lamented with a heavy sigh, "but at least it gives those like my sister, a chance to be friends with whomever she wishes. She won't be held to the same ludicrous standards we were, and maybe in time things will change for the better."
"You truly believe that?" Draco asked wearily
"I want to believe it," Daphne replied, "isn't it enough?"
"I think it's a start." Theo agreed with a nod.
"You know, Theo," Draco said after a few moments of silence, "sometimes I wish I could go back and do things differently, and maybe if there hadn't been the Dark Lord, I might've had more freedom to do so, but our parents are all still fairly prejudiced in their views, so who knows."
"But we don't have to be," Daphne stated firmly, a hard glint in her eye, "Draco made a good point back at the beginning of the school year. We here in Slytherin House hold a lot of sway within Magical Britain. Draco—you and Theo will inherit your ancestral seats on the Wizengamot when the time comes. I will inherent my family's. Hermione will have the Prewett seat. The Black seat is vacant, but it might be a good idea to persuade Potter to take it. He's only a half-blood, but many view him as the Savior of the Wizarding World twice over. Longbottom, Weasley, Shacklebolt, Abbott, Macmillan, Slughorn, Fawley, Ollivander and Shafiq would all be fairly easy to get onside. The Gaunt, Lestrange, and Crouch lines are gone. That only leaves..."
"Avery, Burke, Bulstrode, Carrow, Flint, Parkinson, Rosier, Rowle, Selwyn, Travers and Yaxley."
"Well—Yaxley, Travers and Avery are in Azkaban. Two of them will die there with no heirs. Avery had a nephew. He starts Hogwarts next year." Theo's eyes lit up with the possibilities.
"Parkinson, Bulstrode and Rowle are likely losses," Daphne moued with distaste, "Selwyn possibly too. The Rosier Heir is in his fourth year? Flint?"
They all shook their head at the thought, except Draco.
"Adrian and Flint are still fairly close. Marcus plays Quidditch, but I don't think he'd care one way or the other. Besides, once Adrian finishes his Magical Law Apprenticeship, my guess is he's going to be a gifted solicitor."
"So that just leaves the Burke family and the Carrows, right?" Theo eyed his Slytherin mates, and they all nodded.
"Flora and Hestia and fairly level-headed, but their Father and Aunt were staunch followers of the Dark Lord."
"And Burke and Borgin are both heavy purveyors of Dark Artifacts, so it's unlikely they'll be easy to persuade."
"But still," Daphne sat back with a slightly pleased expression, "That's only four families against the majority of the Sacred 28?"
Draco nodded. "We would have to play the long game, but I'm thinking by the time we are our parents age?"
"We could have control of the Wizengamot." Theo grinned.
"It's an intriguing idea," Draco agreed, with a predatory gleam in his eye, "just one thought, though?"
"And that is?" Blaise queried flippantly.
"Who would be our erstwhile Minister for Magic?"
Three heads turned simultaneously towards the fourth, and Zabini grinned, bowing his head in silent agreement.
It seemed as if they had a tentative plan.
Chapter 61: Clarification
Summary:
Hermione goes to Daphne for an explanation.
Chapter Text
It was just Hermione's luck that Valentine's Day fell on a Hogsmeade weekend.
It was also the same weekend as the Gryffindor Quidditch Match against Ravenclaw.
As everyone knew, Hermione had never been a fan of the brutal sport, but now her brother and her intended were on a crash course literally—to play each other in the Quidditch Final sometime later this spring.
Draco being whom he was, was training his team relentlessly, while Harry seemed to be working just as hard—but with far less intensity.
Intense...
There was the cognizant word of her life the past month or so.
Everything with Draco was intense...
He was as much of a perfectionist as she ever was, but he also found time to pull her into random broom closets for a bit of a snog here and there. He said it was because he'd often see her getting overworked or overstressed—and snogging helped to unruffle her prickly demeanor.
They were still working with Severus twice a week on their combined mind Magic's. They talked most times telepathically from across the Great Hall and at night before lights out. Hermione had come to discover that Draco's biting wit and ability to rile her wasn't as irritating now that most of the sting had been taken out of their everyday interactions. Oh...he still enjoyed poking and pushing her buttons—but now it was primarily just to see her blush or get flustered when he'd say something saucy...
But what amazed Hermione was how easy it had been this past month to spend time with Draco and how much she enjoyed doing so.
He always kept her on her toes and challenged her, which made her want to snog and strangle him in equal measure.
Her Grandmother had written recently to let her know that the betrothal contract negotiations were moving along at the pace of a flobberworm. Apparently Lucius Malfoy's nature at playing his little mind games was nothing in comparison to how her Grandmother parlayed his volleys.
Why just yesterday morning, Draco had received a letter from his Father that left him scowling all day.
When she'd asked him about it, he'd just scoffed and said that his Father had a streak of Gryffindor stubbornness when it came to negotiations and left it at that.
It left Hermione wondering what kinds of things would be negotiable in such contracts.
So that was how she found herself accosting Daphne after the Quidditch Match (which Gryffindor had easily won) as they walked back from the pitch to the castle.
"Daphne?"
"Yes?"
"Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
The blonde witch side-eyed her curiously, but nodded nonetheless.
"What's this about?"
"Betrothal contracts. My Grandmother told me a bit about how that works over the summer, but Draco nearly bit my head off yesterday morning when I asked him about it. He didn't seem too happy."
"I see."
"He mentioned something about Lucius being stubborn, but I'd imagine my Grandmother can be just as mulish."
"Oh, Muriel Prewett has quite the reputation for being obstinate."
"Lovely."
Both girls smiled, then Daphne asked, "What specifically did you wish to know?"
"Well, explain to me about the customary token of good will?"
"That's a pretty straight forward one actually," Daphne mused, "usually, the family of the wizard...Draco's in this case...would offer a token of good will as a preamble to the final accepting of the betrothal. The token is based upon what the wizard's Family feel the value of the witch in question brings to their line."
Hermione's eyebrows lifted in disgust.
"That's a bit barbaric," Hermione groused out unhappily, "like how many horses or camels I'm worth?"
"What?"
"Never mind." Hermione mumbled as she noticed Daphne giving her a rather strange look, "So, token?"
"Yes," the blond witch demurred as they entered the castle together, "tokens are not something to be taken lightly, but usually carry a familial significance. For example...my Father's family offered a coral tree as a token for my mother."
Hermione's eyes widened, "They're extremely rare."
"They are. Both of my Grandfathers are Herbology buffs, and the Greengrass Family has one of the rarest collection of plant specimens growing inside our magical greenhouses at our estate."
Biting her lip in contemplation, Hermione couldn't even imagine Lucius Malfoy parting with anything of value for her, especially based upon their antagonistic history.
Daphne, noticing her new friends abject look of disgust, smiled.
"Hermione, your Father-in-Law to be, is not a stupid wizard. The entirety of the Sacred 28 knows or suspects of your powers. The man will be hard pressed to not only find something worthy for you joining his family, but something that wouldn't offend your Grandmother nor yourself in the process."
"Do families negotiate the token of good will?"
"Oh no," Daphne smirked wickedly, "that one is all on Lord Malfoy."
"Okay." Hermione's body shivered at the unwelcome thought but decided to forge ahead, "The Gift of Fidelity?"
Daphne's eyes darted around making sure no one heard the question before she pulled Hermione into an empty classroom and shut the door.
"That is a very personal thing between a wizard and his betrothed. In some cases a wizard may give a witch jewelry, but that fell out of favor over a century ago. No one ever speaks of the gift..."
"What do you mean?"
"It's something that is considered sacred." Daphne clarified lowly, "I asked my Mother once, about it two years ago after I read likely the same book your Grandmother gave to you—and all she told me was that the giving and receiving of the Gift of Fidelity is such an intensely personal moment between the wizard and his chosen witch, that to speak of it...in a sense, cheapens the meaning behind the gift."
Hermione sighed and shook her head, "You know, there are times that I wonder what my life would've been like had I grown up with my magical parents. I feel in times such as these, that I've missed out on so much."
Daphne took her hand and gave it a sympathetic squeeze.
"I can't imagine how hard this has been for you, Hermione, but I'm happy to answer any questions I can?"
"I do appreciate that."
Both girls smiled together, and as they left the room Daphne inquired, "So Valentine's Day? Do you and Draco have plans?"
"Brewing most likely," Hermione grinned, "I abhor the holiday, always have really. Draco doesn't seem to be any more enamoured of it than I am—thankfully."
"Most witches love it."
"I'm not most witches."
"No you're not, and that's a good thing." Daphne giggled, "I'm sure Draco appreciates it. He does have a bit of a romantic side when he wants to employ it, but he's fairly reserved. Gets that from Lucius."
"And Narcissa?"
"She adores her son, loves him more than anything," Daphne replied easily, "and there isn't anything she wouldn't do for him too. I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but Draco had a baby sister...Cassiopeia, who died from crib death when Draco was nearly five. It devastated him, and he didn't come out of his sister's room for a month. Cried for her too, for nearly as long."
"How do you know this."
"It's one of my first memories, actually." Daphne frowned sadly, "I clearly recollect my mother talking to her mother about it. Theo's Mum died around the same time too, and I just remember my smiling friends didn't smile all that much after that. It's why Draco is so fiercely protective of the things and people he truly cares about. It's also why he doesn't let too many people in."
"He's afraid to lose them?"
Daphne nodded and Hermione could see the pain in the other witch's expression.
"Thank you for telling me," Hermione's voice was soft, "I will keep it between us."
"I know you will."
The Gryffindor witch watched the other girl walk off towards the dungeons with a heavy heart.
For all she thought she knew about Draco, Hermione realized that there was still so much she needed to learn.
But at least his behaviors made a bit more sense to her now, and try as she might—her curiosity was peaked about the Gift of Fidelity.
She couldn't help but imagine what Draco might share with her that he'd consider so special and sacred that he'd only want to give that to her...and her alone...
Chapter 62: Be Mine
Summary:
Draco and Hermione spend Valentine's Day together.
Chapter Text
"Hi!"
Draco glanced up and smirked when he saw his lovely witch walking into Severus brewing room, dressed in those blasted trousers again. His heated gaze purposefully lingered, before his eyes locked with Hermione's and she was smiling mischievously at him.
"Hello," his voice was husky and he licked his lips for effect, getting the blush he was looking for before turning his attention back to his cauldron, "are you here to tempt me, or brew with me?"
Hermione huffed, but her eyes sparkled as she came over to his workbench, "I'm great at multi-tasking."
"Oh?" His raised eyebrows held a mocking edge to them, but were diffused somewhat by the lifted quirk of his lips, "So you wouldn't mind grabbing me a silk string, would you?"
She glanced down at Draco's cutting board, where he was dicing up Moly Plants perfectly.
"Dreamless sleep?"
He nodded.
She went into Severus cupboard and got the item for Draco, bringing it back to his work station. She noticed he had his potions book open to Wit-Sharpening Potion.
"What are you thinking?"
Draco finished up his chopping, before he gave her his undivided attention.
"There are several parts of wit-sharpening potion that allow the drinker to have a clearer ability to think properly, and as you know, it's an antidote for the Confundus Charm. Dreamless sleep has addictive qualities as everyone knows, so I'm trying to combine the basics of both potions to see if I can fabricate something less addictive."
Hermione gaped at him and he chuckled, amused.
"Close your mouth, Princess. You'll catch lacewing flies."
"Prat."
"Of course." He hummed, starting his preparation of the scarab beetles, "I should be done with prep time here in a bit, and then I just have to wait the hour before I can bottle my finished product."
"Don't you have to get special permission to brew Dreamless Sleep?"
"Severus brews for the Mind Healers at St. Mungo's, but this is part of my apprenticeship studies. I'm modifying six potions trials and hopefully of those...two will be approved and patented by the time I'm done with my Mastery."
Hermione shook her head again, even as her heart fluttered at how sexy Draco was when he was discussing academics.
His self-satisfied grin told her he knew she was turned on by his intelligence.
"Have you given any thought to that Mastery you were discussing over Yule?"
Checking Draco's beetle chopping technique, she hummed in the affirmative, "Some. Charms and Runes have always been my best subjects, so it does seem like a natural progression to be the first to develop anti-animagus wards."
"Well, if anyone can do it, it'd be you, Princess."
She smiled and blushed again, pleased at Draco's praise of her abilities.
"Are you really thinking about getting another Mastery in Charms?"
He nodded. "I am." He then gazed up and noticed Hermione's thoughtful expression, asking, "What's that look for?"
"Huh?"
"That look?" He pointed at her expression with a frown, "You look as if you're unsure about something?"
She pursed her lips together, contemplating if she should tell Draco what she'd been thinking lately. Her thoughts had been more focused with him in her life, and even though her emotions were still somewhat unpredictable, she could definitely tell he grounded her magic and settled that overriding sense that left her feeling off.
But would that change permanently once they were bonded?
And therein lain the crux of her inner musings as of late.
"Theo mentioned to me before Yule about the bonding process a Sorceress would likely have with her ancillary. I hadn't given it much thought until recently, because I have noticed my magic feels more stable when I'm with you."
Draco nodded again, wondering just where Hermione was going with this.
"Did you know we'll be essentially married when the bond manifests?"
"I'd suspected something to that effect, why? Are you not happy with the idea?"
She looked down and shuffled her feet, unsure how to verbalize her feelings. Draco however, wasn't going to allow her to wallow, as he moved over and wrapped an arm around her waist while the other tilted her head up so he could see her face.
"Yes, we will be bonded and from what limited knowledge there is on Sorcery, I suspect an ancillary bond is higher than even a soul bond."
"Soul bonds are very rare."
"They are," Draco paused and then his expression cleared as he considered the options and then went on, "you're worried that if an ancillary bond is anything like a soul bond—once the bond is sealed, it will mean we won't be able to be away from each other for any great length of time?"
She was amazed at how smart Draco was sometimes.
That was it exactly.
"Yes. I don't want to stop you from following your dreams, but I would like to be included in that too. I have no idea what our parental units are negotiating for our future. I don't want to be exclusively a stay at home witch, but I do want a family and I do want a career."
Draco sighed and pulled her into a soft kiss. "I get that but, love—we don't know what to expect. Maybe instead of looking for trouble, we just deal with what comes? I know how you like to prepare for every case scenario, but in this one instance—I don't think we have a choice. If you want to do a Charms Mastery, we can talk to Severus together. It's not completely unheard of, for a Master to take on two apprentices simultaneously. Whatever happens, we will make it work."
"You really believe that, don't you?"
"We don't exactly have a choice."
"Nice."
"It is what it is, and for myself, I'm rather chuffed with the idea that I get to be bonded to you in such a manner."
She stared up at Draco stunned.
Did he really just admit he was excited for them to be bonded?
His laughter at her expression caused Hermione to pout, but he just kissed it away and then moved back to his brewing.
After silently working together over the next hour—Draco's final potion was bottled and labeled and his station cleared. He grabbed his book bag and led them out of Severus office.
"What would you like to do with the rest of our afternoon?" He asked, "Hogsmeade?"
She shrugged, "I wouldn't say no to Honeydukes and dinner at the Three Broomsticks."
"Fine. Let me put this away and grab a few things and we will head on down."
"Okay."
She followed Draco into Slytherin, where thankfully, the common room was empty. She waited until he returned a few minutes later in his overcoat, gloves and scarf. He wrapped his scarf around her neck and pulled her into a heated kiss, which he deepened instantly. After a few moments, he moved back with a wicked smirk and then pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to her.
Her shock was palpable, as she stared at the gift.
"Open it, witch."
"You got me a gift?"
"What was the first clue?" He snarked, and she pushed his chest playfully as a rebuff.
"Git."
"Swot."
"Prat."
"Know it all." He chuckled fondly and then demanded, "Open it, Princess."
Her gaze narrowed, but she took the box and did as requested—her eyes then widening at the pretty sapphire earrings.
"What's this?"
"I think they're called earrings," he bit back with a smug grin, "and they go in your ears and you wear them."
"Draco!"
"Don't Draco me, witch! I'm allowed to spoil you with gifts as your intended. They are demure, dainty and exquisite. They are also your birthstone, if memory serves."
"They are." She swallowed heavily, gazing down at the goblin silver and tear drop blue sapphire earrings.
"Will you wear them for me today?"
She sighed and nodded, taking them out one at a time and placing them in her ears. When she was done, Draco smiled pleased with himself—as he cupped her cheeks and kissed her one final time.
"Happy Valentine's."
"But I didn't get you anything."
He just shook his head and gave her an incredulous look, "Princess, you don't need to get me anything but your time and attention. Well that, and a snog here and there."
She did smack his chest then, and laughed at how open and adorable he was in that moment.
"You're incorrigible, Draco."
"Yes, and you're stuck with me."
"Apparently."
He took her arm within his and they headed out of the Slytherin Common Room together—making their way into Hogsmeade, blissfully taking in the clear day and enjoying each other's company.
Completely unaware, that they were being watched.
Chapter 63: Trouble
Summary:
Just another manic Monday.
Chapter Text
Lavender of course, was the first person to notice Hermione's new accessories the next morning at breakfast. It was Monday, and Hermione had decided since she didn't have potions on her schedule for the day, that she would wear the lovely gift that Draco had given her.
A decision she was now, regretting.
"Ooh, Hermione!" Lavender gushed with a pointed look, "Are those new?"
The nosy witch, whose hair was even curlier than Hermione's used to be, was grinning at her and gesturing at her ears from across the table.
The inward groan as well as the warning glare, didn't seem to deter Lavender at all, as she cooed some more...
"Did Malfoy get you those for Valentine's Day? I did hear a rumor that you both were officially courting!"
Hermione's left hand went instinctively to her ear, while her gaze caught the smirking face of her intended, as he was watching her reaction closely.
Along with nearly everyone else.
Lavender wasn't exactly being subtle...nor quiet.
"Yes." Was all the answer Hermione felt bound to pay, but when the witch tittered again like some lovesick fool, Hermione put her hand up and said, "Lavender?"
The other Gryffindor witch smiled and answered in her sickly sweet voice, "Yes..."
"Leave it alone."
The witch pouted, but turned her head and started whispering in earnest to Faye and Pavarti, while Hermione just took a sip of her tea and stared down her wizard.
That was until a voice cleared from next to her.
When she turned her head, Harry was eyeing the earrings with a pursed grimace.
"Those are something." He offered, before stabbing at his kipper and poking it into his mouth, chewing like it'd personally offended him. Ron, who was sitting across from them, looked like he wanted to be sick.
"Oh, stop it both of you!" Hermione hissed lowly, "You both knew this was coming and now you're acting like petulant, whinging..."
"I'm not whinging!"
"What's petulant mean again?"
Both Harry and Ron spoke simultaneously, causing Hermione to snicker, even as she rolled her eyes for effect.
"Is this really going to be an issue?" She asked worriedly, and to Harry's credit—he just sighed and shrugged helplessly.
"No, I suppose not."
"Speak for yourself, Harry." Ron muttered with a mouth full of food, causing Hermione to glare at him.
"Manners, Ronald."
The red-head swallowed hastily, and then took a fortifying sip of his pumpkin juice but didn't reply.
"I'm going to head to class," Hermione bit out as she grabbed her book bag, "and until you both can behave and act like mature adults, don't expect me to help either one of you with your homework!"
"Mione!" Ron blurted out, while Harry just stared at her morosely as she stood up and stormed out of the Great Hall.
Glancing back over to the Slytherin table, Harry could see Malfoy's narrowed gaze and Theo shaking his head at him in exasperation.
Retuning their stares with one of his own, Harry just bit down through a rasher and chewed it mutinously, refusing to be chastened by the likes of Malfoy or Nott.
He knew that Hermione's future with Malfoy was all but a certainty, but it didn't mean he had to like it.
The blonde was still a ferrety git as far as he was concerned, and even Ron seemed to be in agreement.
"You both are being ridiculous." Ginny's hard voice broke through Harry's staring match and he turned to look at the youngest Weasley, who was glaring at both her brother and him.
"Leave it, Ginny." Ron mumbled, but the witch just shook her finger at them both.
"Hermione—whether you both want to agree or not, doesn't get a say in this. Not really. For some reason you both are going to have to accept, her magic has chosen it's likely mate, and whether or not you like Malfoy plays no part in it. It's obvious he's changed this year, and so has Slytherin House. If they are willing to try and do better, then we all should too."
"You're just saying that because you've been spending time with Vaisey lately."
"I have, and he's a rather good bloke once you get through all the Slytherin bravado. Plus he looks fit in his Quidditch kit."
Harry rolled his eyes, while Ron snorted in disgust.
"All I'm saying," Ginny pushed forward, "is you both love Hermione like a sister. You do want to see her happy, right?"
Both Harry and Ron nodded sheepishly after a few moments.
"It didn't really hit either one of you until just now, did it?" Ginny asked, amused.
"What?" Harry replied, confused.
"That your sister and Malfoy are really going to be bonded at some point. I think you both were living in a kind of denial, hoping that Malfoy would end up like Pucey, but seeing her wearing those earrings woke you both up to the truth."
Harry's eyes widened in understanding as he glanced sheepishly over at Ron, who hung his head down in shame.
Ginny was right.
Neither one of them had really thought Hermione would ever end up choosing Malfoy in a million years.
"Shite." Harry murmured, causing Ginny to hum in satisfaction.
"Go find your sister, Harry—and make this right."
The Boy who Lived nodded, grabbing his book bag and heading out of the Hall, ignoring the stares of everyone as he went to find his sister.
Luckily, they had their first class together.
When Harry walked into the History of Magic classroom, he took his normal seat next to Hermione and noticed her stiffening slightly as he set his book bag down and took out his supplies, before giving her his undivided attention.
"I'm sorry," he whispered out contritely as he sighed in defeat, "I suppose there was a part of me that hoped Malfoy would end up like Pucey, but there was a smaller part of me that instinctively knew deep down that you both are fairly compatible."
Hermione's blue eyes considered him for a moment before she too, sighed heavily, "I know this wasn't what either of us thought might happen, but here we are, Harry. I've spent the better part of this school year denying what my magic was telling me because I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that it was Malfoy."
Harry nodded, understanding that sentiment, before asking, "And now?"
"And now, as strange as it's going to sound, I can't imagine it being anyone but him."
"Really?"
"Yes, Harry...really."
"Bloody hell."
"Language, Brother mine!"
Harry smiled as he pulled Hermione into his embrace and gave her a hug. "I'm sorry, Sister mine."
"You've already apologized and we both know I can't stay mad at you for long. I know you're just worried about me. Frankly, I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm worried too."
Harry was about to inquire as to what she meant by that comment, when their class started filling up. Luckily, they had this class with the Puffs, so he didn't have to see Malfoy or Nott until Defense later on that afternoon.
When class time was over, Harry gave his sister another hug and watched her leave for Ancient Runes, while he headed off to the library to study during his free period before lunch. As he rounded the corner, Harry was somewhat surprised to see Malfoy waiting for him, and the expression on the blonde Wizard's face was clearly not happy.
"Potter."
"Malfoy."
"You have a minute?"
"Barely."
Draco nodded and moved effortlessly in step with him, as they headed down towards the lower levels.
"You don't approve." Malfoy stated matter-of-factly, and Harry just pursed his lips and shrugged.
"It's not my position apparently, to approve or disapprove."
"That doesn't answer my question."
Harry stopped walking and gestured for Malfoy to follow him into a corridor off the main hallway where he cast several privacy charms, causing the ferret to smirk.
When he was reasonably reassured they were safe from prying eyes and ears, Harry turned on Draco with a scowl.
"Look, Malfoy," Harry began with an even tone, although Draco could tell Harry wasn't happy to be having this conversation with him, "you and I don't like each other. We never have. True, I refused your offer of friendship back during our first year, but you were a smarmy git looking to assert your wealth and privilege. It wasn't me you wanted to be friends with...it was Harry Potter...the fucking Chosen One."
Draco stared at Scar-head impassively, but didn't refute the challenge laid at his feet.
"Being from Gryffindor and Slytherin respectively, we weren't exactly meant to be friends. It's taken a set of circumstances neither one of us could've ever foreseen for you and I to have to learn to tolerate each other. Hermione is my sister, and I just want her safe and happy. She seems to think you can do that for her, and who am I to get in the way of her happiness."
Draco's eyes widened slightly, as he listened to Potter's impassioned speech with a quirked eyebrow and a slight frown on his face.
"Do you think for one moment, Potter—that this hasn't been hard on me as well?"
"In what way, Malfoy?" Harry demanded, scoffing in disbelief but Draco chose to ignore the other wizard's pettiness for the moment.
"I don't care for you or Weasley, it's true. I think you both are too brash, hard-headed and judgmental. Everything is black and white with you two and frankly, it's annoying. The world isn't filled with only good people and Death Eaters...Potter. We all have both light and dark within us and yes...it's what we choose to act upon that defines who we are."
Harry paled as he swallowed uneasily at Malfoy's words., which sounded so much like Sirius in that moment, it made his heart race and his stomach drop.
Draco, seeing the Chosen One's face crumple, titled his head questioningly, "You alright?"
Harry nodded and took a deep, fortifying breath, "Yeah...it's just—someone told me something to that effect once not too long ago."
"Who?"
"My godfather."
Draco nodded, his expression solemn as he thought about his cousin whom he'd never gotten the chance to know, but was also Hermione's godfather.
"Well, I didn't know my cousin obviously, but he sounds like a smart wizard."
"He really was."
Both boys were quiet for a moment before Harry checked the time and waved his wand, bringing down the wards and heading out towards the main corridor—but before he left, he turned to Malfoy one last time and said seriously, "Just remember that for all her tough exterior, Hermione just needs someone to understand her and accept her. She doesn't need fancy jewelry Malfoy; she just needs your support."
"I do understand that, Potter—but I can't help it if I choose to spoil her from time to time. Something tells me she's never had anyone put her needs first. Not even you."
Harry blushed in shame, but to his credit he just bowed his head at the Slytherin and headed for the library, leaving Draco standing there watching him leave and shaking his own head ruefully.
Fuck!!
Did this mean he and Potter were friends now?
Deciding that it was probably best not to dwell on such things, he headed towards Runes, which he had with his witch. When he arrived, there was an open seat next to her and he smiled softly as he took his spot just as Professor Babbling entered the classroom.
"Good morning class," she began brightly, "if you all would get out your homework and pass it to the front of the class, we can get started on todays lesson."
Draco took his assignment out of his book bag and reached for Hermione's, which she gave him with a small smile. He then passed it forward to Theo and then got out his Spellman's Syllabary and his copy of Advanced Rune Translation by Yuri Blishen before getting his quill and ink.
Once their assignments were collected, Professor Babbling handed out their new assignment for the class period.
"Today you will be working in pairs with your table partner. The runic translations are quite complex as you'll see, and you may not finish during the class period. If not, please continue on with them as homework and turn them in next week for credit."
Draco took both his and Hermione's parchments from their Professor and handed his witch her's, which she took with a quiet 'thank you.' When he looked down at the translations, his eyes widened at the complexity of some of the conveyances that they were expected to do, and by the expression on Hermione's face, it would appear she knew it too.
"These are rather complex."
Draco hummed his agreement, opening up his Syllabary to the first set of Runes, but Hermione stopped him as she eyed the parchment with a frown.
"I've seen some of these symbols before, but they're not Anglo-Saxon Runes..."
"Oh?"
"Mmhmm," she pointed to the first line, in particular the second rune and said simply, "these are old Norse."
Draco's eyes widened in shock, "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"How do you know this?"
Hermione gazed up and saw Theo looking at her, as he too had recognized some of the Runes on the paper.
"When I went to McKinnon Manor this past summer, I found a few books that were written in Old Norse and these Runes were in them. I'm certain of it."
"Okay. I'm sure we can work out the parts of this that aren't Norse and then check in the Library to see if we can find a resource?"
Hermione bit her lip for a moment and reluctantly acquiesced to the idea, "That's fine."
Together they got through about two-thirds of the translations before the class period ended. When they left the room together, Theo wasn't far behind.
"Hermione?"
She turned and smiled at her cousin. "Hey, Theo. You noticed too?"
"I did. Are you going to check in the library?"
Considering the alternatives, Hermione just shook her head, "It might be easier to go back and see if any of the books we found might be useful?"
Theo shrugged. "Or you could call Bunny?"
"I remember that name," Draco admitted with interest, "wasn't she the elf left to tend McKinnon Manor?"
"Yes, along with her family," Hermione admitted, "but it might be easier if I go there myself."
"Hermione!" Theo's voice held a warning edge, but she just bumped her shoulder into his.
"It'll be fine."
"You're not supposed to leave the school, Princess." Draco bit out.
"I'm not going to go right now!"
"Oh, so that makes it okay?"
"Trust me."
Draco glared at his friends and said coldly, "Theo, Blaise? I will see you both in the Great Hall."
Theo went to protest, but Blaise knew that look on Draco's face and pulled Theo with him—the Nott Heir protesting the entire way.
Hermione for her part, had her arms folded over her chest defiantly, as she stared fiercely at her intended.
"Did you have to scare them away like that?"
"Yes!" Draco growled as he pulled her into an empty alcove for privacy, "Do you really mean to go to McKinnon Manor alone?"
"Well, no..." she paused for effect, and almost laughed when she saw Draco eyes narrowing, "I thought maybe you might like to break a few school rules and come with me?"
The hard expression on Draco's face gave way to shock, then to exasperation as he rolled his eyes.
"You really expect to tempt me into flouting school rules with you so egregiously?"
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she tilted her head up innocently and pouted playfully, baiting, "I thought Slytherins liked to break the rules."
"Slytherins are inherently self preservationists, but something tells me that's going to fall to the wayside rather spectacularly dealing with you and your Gryffindor sensibilities and penchant for trouble."
"Who? Me?"
Draco chuckled and nodded. "Yes you, my diabolical witch," he then sighed in defeat, "but if you're seriously intent on going, then I will tag along if for no other reason than I can't abide letting you go unchaperoned."
"Does that mean that Theo will have to go as well?"
Draco leant his head back and groaned, but concluded that it probably would mean exactly that.
"Are you sure it's wise to try and abscond with so many people at once?"
"Well, I could just take Theodore with me and leave you here?"
"Absolutely not!" Draco cupped her cheeks and kissed her swiftly, "I will be going with you."
"Fine."
Draco's gaze narrowed at how utterly guileless his little hellion looked in that moment, and he shook his head at how easily she'd played him.
"You're trouble."
"And?" She kissed him back and then headed out of the alcove, her hair flying behind her leaving a scented trail of vanilla and plumeria in her wake, "You like trouble."
Draco just watched his little witch sashay down the hall, her hips swaying in perfect rhythm and he couldn't help but grin to himself.
Hermione Prewett would be the death of him.