Next morning, Draco woke up with a resolved mind. He was going to talk to his father, cancel the ridiculous engagement and declare that he would be joining Hogwarts for his final year.
Lucius would have to agree, or Draco would just tell him about his plan of moving out and living at the Hog's head in Hogsmeade till Hogwarts regained functionality. He didnt think his father would be fine with the Wizarding World finding out that his only son and heir was living in such a place. He knew that the Malfoy name was much too high for his father and this plan just might make him give up on the stupid betrothal. Feeling hopeful, he quickly showered and dressed for the day.
After returning from Australia, Hermione had avoided Harry and Ron and even Ginny which was kind of impossible as they shared a room. She stayed in bed for a long time pretending to sleep so that they wouldn't ask her too many questions. She didn't want to lie to them, or tell them anything that had happened.
They tried to talk to her again at dinner but she just threw them off saying it hadn't worked as her parents were out that day and so she returned. They didn't need to know anything else.
Mr. Weasley mentioned the rumors about the engagement he had heard at work but Hermione pretended to be very involved in her book. She knew maybe she was overreacting, it was just a crush after all and they had just become friends. It wasn't Draco's fault. He had the full right to date, court or marry whoever he wished. But she was hurt that he had allowed them to get closer, and hinted at a possibility of something. She had wanted to explore that possibility, she had never felt like that ever, even with Ron. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. Maybe she had wished for too much too soon. But it wasn't fair on her part to just abandon him and come back from Australia when it had been him who was helping her with her parents.
She looked over and caught Ron and Harry hurriedly looking away in different directions. She was sure they had been talking about her, and waved them over.
Ron took a seat on the chair opposite while Harry sat next to her.
"Hermione, we were wondering if..." Ron began but looked at Harry to continue.
Harry decided it was best to be blunt and ask her the real question. "Hermione, is there something going on between you and Malfoy? You seem really upset since you came back and you haven't made any plans to visit your parents again."
"Guys relax! Everything is fine and I haven't contacted him because I thought he would be busy with his upcoming.. umm.. engagement.." Hermione hesitated, not wanting to talk about this further.
Ron wouldn't stop though. "Yeah about that.. Did he ever mention his plans to you? You are okay with this engagement?"
Hermione punched him on the arm. "What are you implying Ron? Why should I have any feelings regarding what he is doing? I have a lot of other things to worry about!"
But she couldn't stop the rant that had started inside her. "He is free to do whatever he wants, date whoever he wants! Its not like we were seeing each other or were even friends actually. We had just begun being friendly and cordial.. Its not like I would ever even consider him as... as..." she stuttered, not finding the word that she wanted to say.
Harry and Ron looked at each other. What Hermione hadn't said, was staring right at them, obvious on her face. She was taken with Malfoy, and hurt that he was going to be with someone else. This was the reason she had seemed so upset since a while.
Ginny, who was nearby and had everything continued, "As a boyfriend? A male partner? Lover?" Just say it Hermione, its obvious you have feelings for him! Just accept them, and tell him. Maybe it will change his mind."
Hermione stared at the youngest Weasley, wanting to murder the girl she considered her sister. How could she say these things in front of Harry and Ron! They didn't need to know, especially now that she knew her feelings were all one sided.
Harry spoke quickly, "Look 'Mione, we all can see you like him. And I know you think too much about us but we would want the best for you and to see you happy. If things were different with his.. uh... situation, we would've been cool with you both being together. Innit Ron?"
Ron nodded, "As long as you are happy Hermione. We would never want to cross you, you really do throw a nasty punch." He winked at her, rubbing his arm but smiling all the same.
Hermione felt herself going pink and bent over her book again. "Thanks guys, all of you but since the topic of interest is not going to be anywhere near me from now on, I guess your approval won't be of much help." She tried to hide behind her curls and look immersed in the book.
Harry, Ginny and Ron got up and walked away to give her some space, knowing well that only she could nurse her broken heart.
Draco had waited all day but his parents hadn't been back to the Manor, so he had not gotten the chance to talk to them. Andromeda had been busy with Teddy and his vaccinations that day and so Draco had been mostly on his own, thinking about his reasons for not wanting to go ahead with this arrangement. He couldn't ignore or deny it any longer. No matter how many other reasons there were, the main reason that stood out was a certain witch who seemed to have entrapped his heart. He wanted to see her, to tell her, but he would wait till he had cancelled his father's plans.
They were finally home in the evening. They both looked tired and extremely shaken.
"Father, I have been waiting all day to hear from you. Where have you guys been?" Draco asked.
Lucius sat down on one of the arm chairs, pulling another chair beside him for Narcissa. He looked weary and a little old, "We were summoned by the Ministry early morning today. They found more dark objects, some with the Malfoy crest on them. There were many other things belonging to the Lestranges, along with the Dark Lord's. I don't understand when will I ever be rid of him, even after he is gone he seems to be hovering above me." His fingers kept brushing along his left arm as he said this, and Draco couldn't help but feel recoiled by the same mark branded on his arm too.
Narcissa sighed, "Lucius, we made our bed a long time ago.. now we are bound to face the consequences. It wont matter that we regretted and tried to get out of it, we still stood by and watched as everything happened. Now its upto all of us, to keep a brave front and come out of this together."
Draco had found his cue and said, "And for us to show how deeply regretful and reformed we are, we need to gain trust and respect in the Wizarding world. And not like last time Father, not because we have money and riches. We need to do good work, help with the communities affected by the war, help with Hogwarts and the families of the war victims. Getting me betrothed and throwing a fancy party is not the solution to your problems Father. I am sorry but I am not interested in this engagement and I do not think this will be the right path for any of us."
Lucius and Narcissa looked at their son's earnest face. Lucius realized he had never much tried to know his son on a deeper level. Perhaps what he was saying was right, maybe it really was time to put the old ways to rest and bring in a new age for the Malfoys. Maybe opening their hearts and minds to the rest of the Wizarding world would really be their rebirthing. He was old now, and he wanted nothing more than to live his life peacefully with his wife. He may not deserve a second chance but his wife and son sure did.
Lucius opened his mouth to speak but Draco interrupted him, "Father, if you are unwilling to agree then I am sorry but I will be left with no option but to leave home. I won't be forced to do anything that I don't want to.."
Lucius looked at Narcissa's surprised face and said, "There will be no need for you to go anywhere Draco, this is your home and we would never force you into anything. I'll inform the Greengrass family. Perhaps you are right. We will start rebuilding the Malfoy name from the ground up and try to do some good with what we have."
Draco could feel all the knots in his stomach relaxing and his muscles loosening. He couldnt stop himself and moved forward to hug his very much shocked Father. "Thank you" was all he could manage before he flew out of the room on a sprint.
Draco went down to meet his mother before leaving. She looked him once over and realized he was dressed to go out. She had a wild guess as to where, but she didn't want to sound inquisitive.
"Mother, I will be gone for a few hours but I will come back soon. I wanted you to know, unlike last time."
Narcissa smile warmly at him and pulled him into her arms. "You have fun Draco, be happy and take care of her. It will do you good to have some one like her in your life."
Draco opened his mouth to say something but she shushed him and left, leaving him to wonder how mothers always seemed to know everything about their kids.