Chapter 18. Tea
POV Hermione
"Draco are you sure I look okay?"
She was pacing frantically in the kitchen, Draco sitting at the counter eyeing her carefully.
What if I'm not dressed properly? What if I say the wrong thing? What if I talk too much? I always talk too much, everyone always says so! I must make sure I don't talk too much!
"Granger, you look lovely." He said, knowing she didn't hear him, "But even if you didn't, it wouldn't matter, my mother will like you no matter what."
She may act like she likes me, but I am still just a muggleborn witch. You can be not prejudiced and still have preferences for your child's choice of partner. This is a bad idea, maybe we should postpone. I don't think that I can--
He pulled her against him, wrapping his arms around her, and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. She relaxed against his chest, relishing the feeling of his warmth. She had noticed he was always incredibly warm, as if dragon fire, not blood, pumped through his veins.
Okay. If he promises to hold me like this forever, I'll meet whomever he wants.
A pop beside them startled them apart. "Merlin, Leaf! You scared me half to death!" Draco shouted.
"Leaf is sorry baby brother! Maman wanted me to let you know she was going to be late. She is in a meeting with Ragnok and it has taken longer than she thought. She said she would be here in 20 minutes."
Draco sighed, "Alright, thank you Leaf."
"Leaf will start making tea and biscuits."
Hermione sat down on the couch, Draco dropping beside her. She turned on the telly, switching the channels until she found what she wanted to watch. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was the choice for the day it seemed. It had become her new favorite over the past week.
"Such a terrible depiction of vampires." Draco chided, rolling his eyes, "Their faces don't morph like that!" he said gesturing to the screen.
Too bad.
"Its just for entertainment Malfoy. It's made by muggles who don't know what real vampires look like."
He huffed, "Clearly."
She rolled her eyes and settled back against him. It had been a whole week since coming home and some days it still felt like a dream.
Dream or nightmare? No. Dream. Draco is a dream. What brought this all about was and is a nightmare, but not him. Can it be both?
Truth was, if she could go back far enough in time, she would change it. She would go back to the first day of 8th year and talk to Draco.. no.. all the way back to 4th year when he first noticed the bond. She could save him from getting the mark and all sorts of other pains she could only imagine.
He works to take my pain, how can I take his?
"You alright?" he whispered beside her, startling her.
She craned her neck to look up at him, "Yes, sorry I was just thinking."
"About what?"
He brushed a stray curl from her face and placed it behind her ear. She wanted so bad to tell 12 year old her who would be the one to make her feel happier than anyone ever had before. She wondered how much the bond influenced their emotions. McGonagall said I wouldn't, but how else could she explain how much she already felt for him.
What do I feel for him?
"Granger, you're doing it again."
She shook her head.
Pull it together!
"I'm sorry Draco. I don't know what's wrong with me today. Nervous, I guess."
"I promise. She will love you."
Love. Such a silly word. Don't. Don't get lost in thought. Change the subject.
"Leaf calls your mother Maman, that's French for mum, isn't it?"
"It is." He could sense she was unsatisfied with the response, "Leaf?"
He appeared beside the couch, "Yes?"
"Hermione is curious as to why you call my mother maman."
"Leaf has just always done so. When we was little, baby brother was given French lessons, and he started to call her maman. She never wanted Leaf or Daisy to feel like an outsider so we did not have to call her by a title, and when baby brother started using maman, so did Leaf."
"That's really sweet."
"Thank you Leaf, that's all we needed."
With a nod he disappeared. Hermione felt a little guilty for being shocked that Narcissa would allow any informality in her house. From what Draco had told her, she was an incredibly kind and loving woman, who cared for her children above all else. She smiled sadly, thinking about what it must have been like to grow up with a doting mother. Hermione was sure that her parent's had loved her in their own way, they were just afraid of her, afraid of what her magic meant for their lives. It made it easier to have sent them to Australia, letting them live out their lives with no knowledge of the magical world... or her.
Now you have no family, nobody that loves you. Harry and Ron used to. Am I the problem? Maybe I'm unlovable. No…. Draco.. he--
They heard tapping on the window in the kitchen. Hermione hopped up to investigate, Draco close behind her. A tawny owl she didn't recognize was sitting on her window sill, a scroll tied to its leg. She opened the window and took the scroll, scratching the owl's head and feeding him a treat.
"Who sent it?" Draco asked.
She flipped the scroll over and noticed the wax seal in the shape of a beetle.
"Rita."
She tore the seal open and unrolled the scroll.
Little Miss Entomologist,
I have heard from my spies what happened to you in December. It is appalling to me and I would like to make sure the right story hits the public now that the trial is coming up this week. I'm surprised it hasn't been leaked already if I am honest, and I don't know how much longer we can go before someone else takes the scoop. If you would grant me an interview I will make sure that we are the first people the public hear.
All my best,
The Beetle
She handed the letter to Draco, grabbing a fresh piece of parchment to send her reply.
"You don't have to do this" he said, placing his hand gently on her back, "Rita Skeeter is ruthless, always looking for an opportunity to get ahead."
"I'm not bothered by her, we share a mutual… understanding. She respects me and I trust her not to turn her back on me."
"How can you trust her? She wrote all those nasty articles fourth year."
"I know her secrets and she knows what I'm willing to do to protect those I love. Originally it was respect out of fear, but over the years we have helped each other and I trust her more than many others." She turned her attention back to the parchment, "Besides, she learned years ago what happens when you cross me."
Beetle,
I am free tomorrow, come by my home whenever it's convenient for you, I have no plans. Do you remember the address? I want them to pay, I trust you can do that.
The Bug Catcher
She sealed the scroll and gave it to the owl with a second treat, and he took off.
"What do you mean?"
"Huh? Oh! You said yourself that she wrote all those articles about me fourth year. Well, she slipped up, publishing information I knew I only said once in a very private setting. So I deduced that she was an unregister animagus, set up a sting, and captured her in a jar. Kept her in there for 6 months."
"What?!"
"She was scared of me for a long time, but over this past summer when all the articles about the end of the war were going out, I made some deals with her and.. well honestly I think she was just changed by it all, like the rest of us."
Hermione shut the window and they heard the floo roar to life, the regal form of Narcissa Malfoy stepping out of the flames.
"Mother!" Draco called, crossing the room and wrapping the Malfoy matriarch up into a hug.
"Draco, my darling, I'm so happy to see you!" she said, rubbing her hand on his cheek. She turned towards Hermione and gave her a soft smile, "Miss Granger. I am so happy to meet you properly, and thank you for inviting me into your home."
"I feel the same way Mrs Malfoy." She said as the two women kissed each other on the cheek.
"Please, dear, call me Narcissa. Mrs Malfoy just reminds me of people I prefer to forget."
Lucius I assume.
"Alright Narcissa, then I ask you to return the same sentiment to me and call me Hermione."
"Of course dear."
"Would you like a tour? I know its not much compared to the manor—"
"Oh don't you worry about that, Hermione! The Manor is nothing to be impressed by. It's part of what I need to talk to Draco about today before I leave; and yes I would love a tour dear."
Hermione took Draco's hand as they led Narcissa through the home, showing her each room just as she had done for Draco, saving the best for last.
"I figured we could take our tea out here." She said, opening the door to the sun room.
"My goodness! This room is stunning Hermione, you must spend all your time out here!"
Hermione blushed at the thought of the amount of luxury Narcissa was used to. Her home was nice, but it paled in comparison to what she must have been used to.
"It is my favorite room, but I imagine the Manor has a conservatory which must be incredible!"
"I can see why you would think so, but the Manor is so cold and sterile and that feeling leaks into even the best rooms."
"I can understand that."
They took a seat and Leaf and Daisy appeared with their tea and a tray of treats.
"Thank you Daisy, Leaf, this looks wonderful." Narcissa said softly taking Leafs hand in hers and kissing his hand. It was a strange and sweet moment for Hermione to witness. She could see that the twin elves meant the world to her, it warmed her heart.
"Would Mistress like for us to make lunch?" Daisy asked, straightening the bottom of her dress.
"That would be lovely Daisy, thank you." She said, and Daisy curtsied before she disapparated away.
She noticed that Daisy was always more proper than Leaf. Hermione figured it was from her years emulating Narcissa, whilst Leaf bonded with Draco. She wanted to spend more time with her and try to get her to come out of her shell.
"Leaf, I left my gift for Hermione in my room, would you grab it for me?"
"Yes maman."
He popped away and the three of them sat and sipped their tea awaiting his return.
Oh no. A gift? Should I have had a gift for Narcissa?
"How is your healing coming along, Hermione?"
"Its going well, Madam Pomfrey doesn't want me doing anything on my own that would risk me falling, and I'm not allowed any heavy reading until April, but other then that I don't have any lasting damage that we have seen so far."
"I'm glad to hear that. When Draco wrote to me that night, I was so worried and outraged at what had happened, and I want you to know that if you need anything, all you need to do is ask. I have unlimited resources at my disposal. Lawyers, therapists, healers, hit-wizards… whatever you need." She winked at her on the last offer and it made Hermione chuckle.
"Thank you."
Leaf appeared with the wrapped package, and handed it to Narcissa. "Thank you again Leaf."
"Would you care to join us?" Hermione asked.
"Leaf would love to Miss Hermione, but we must be getting back to help Daisy with lunch." He gave a quick bow and disappeared.
Hermione eyed the gift as Narcissa reached her arm out to hand it to her.
"Oh. You really didn't need to get me anything, truly."
"Oh my dear, don't worry yourself about it. It's tradition. But if you want, you may think about it as a "get well" gift."
Placing it in her lap, she slowly began to unwrap it.
Oh my God!
She flipped the book around, inspecting every inch as delicately as possible.
"Narcissa! Is this a first edition?"
"Its not just a first edition. It is the very first printed copy."
Hermione gaped at the woman in front of her.
I can't accept this! This book is priceless!
"Oh, Narcissa, I can't accept this! It must have cost a fortune!" She said, even as she gripped the book for dear life.
"My dear, that book was sitting in a glass case in the back of my library, being appreciated by no one. It will fare a much better life here with you."
It will. I will put every ward I know on it!
Tears stung her eyes. It was such a thoughtful gift, she knew Draco must have had a hand in it as well and it further confirmed for her just what she thought a relationship was supposed to be. She didn't remember telling him what her favorite book was, which mean to her that he was paying attention, which is all she has ever wanted from anyone.
"Thank You. Truly. I'm going to go place this somewhere safe, with a hundred wards; I'll be right back."
--
When she returned a few minutes later, she noticed Narcissa had pulled out a file of papers. She sat herself beside Draco, taking his hand in hers.
"Alright, now, I don't want to put too much of a damper on our tea time, but I do have official papers that I need to talk with you about. I would have just sent them for you to sign but I wanted to go over things with you and Hermione."
"Me?"
"Yes, dear, this is more than just about the Malfoy wealth, this is about Draco becoming the head of the estate. I would wager and hope that you are here for the longest of hauls and so you should be included in this, even if you don't agree."
Narcissa handed the file to Draco, and felt flicked it open, laying the contents out on the table.
"The first and quickest thing to get out of the way," she paused, reached into her pocket, and pulled out something small wrapped in cloth.
She extended her arm out, placing the object into his hand. Draco pulled back the cloth, revealing the glistening silver signet ring that held the Malfoy family crest. He had a smaller one already with his initials, but Hermione knew this was the official "heir of House Malfoy" ring. Draco just stared at it, frozen in place. She looked back and forth from Draco to Narcissa, unsure of how to help him process the moment.
What do I do? Is he angry? Scared? Sad? Think Hermione! Is he self-conscious? Does he not feel worthy? He's clenching his jaw, help him!
Slowly, she reached her hand up, taking his into her own and pulling it down into her lap.
"Draco? What's wrong?"
"I… I'm sorry. It just didn't feel real until now." He said, lifting his head just enough to look at her, "There's just so much evil connected to my name, and taking charge of it feels wrong. What does it say about me if I put this on and step into my father's place?"
He was feeling unworthy! But he so feels like his family is so tarnished it can never be repaired. I need to make him understand how perfect he is, how worthy he is. How much I… I…
"Draco, listen to me. You are not your father; you weren't before and you certainly aren't now! You are kind, and funny, and smart. You are everything he wasn't and more. Look at me." She leaned her face down to catch his gaze, "You are a good man. It was you who saved my life, its been you who has cared for me every single day, you who has been patient with me through all my attacks! It's you who saw me when nobody else could! There's no one more deserving to take up the mantle of House Malfoy and change what that name means then you!"
She took the ring in her hand and slipped it on his middle finger. His eyes were piercing, locked with hers, sending a flash of heat across her skin, prickling it. Lowering her head, she placed a kiss to his ring, symbolic in her belief in him; she knew that in pureblood culture it had been done as a sign of servitude from those beneath them, but Hermione hoped he would understand her sentiment as a sign of trust and loyalty. A sign of complete and unwavering faith in who he could become. She could see tears stinging his eyes and knew she had touched him in a way he never expected.
"Hermione… I…" His mouth snapped shut, cutting off whatever confession he'd been about to make, "Thank you."
What was he going to say? It almost—no Hermione, don't think that. No matter how much you wish it was, it's too early. Wait—wish it was? Do I? I mean. He's perfect. He's kind, and funny, and caring. He's the most wonderful person I have ever met, and I want to be with him. I want a future with him. I want..
"Next item on the agenda," Narcissa's voice snapped her out of her spiraling thoughts, "The Manor."
"Burn it."
"Draco!"
"What? It isn't home. Horrible things happened there, Hermione, you know that as much as I do."
His gaze bore into her. He was right, but it was still his childhood home.
"I am not opposed to tearing it down either," Narcissa chimed, "The real question is do we want to keep the property and build anew or do we want to sell?"
"I don't have a desire to own the property mother, but if you would like to stay there in a new home, I'll oblige you."
"As long as I can still be an active member in whatever future you two decide," she glanced at Draco.
"Mother.." he said in a warning tone.
"Let me finish. Whatever happens here between you, I just want you to know I want to see the both of you as much as possible and I want to be involved in your lives."
"Of course, Narcissa."
The women smiled at each other and Hermione pondered on the implied future Narcissa had suggested. She had been raised with wealthy parents, but they had been married to their work, always too busy to be doting. She had dreamed of a large family, brothers and sisters, cousins and friends. The Weasley's had been that for so many years. It seemed strange at times knowing that was over and she was alone again.
But I'm not alone. I have Draco, Theo and Pansy. I have the twins, Charlie and Narcissa. It wasn't the family I thought it would be, but I am not alone.
They spent another hour eating lunch and discussing the fate of different aspects of the estate, signing papers for Narcissa to return to Gringotts. Narcissa would be moving to a property in France, insisting they must come for tea once a week and visit monthly. Hermione offered her the same and they parted for the evening.
They spent the remainder of the day lazing about, eating take-away for dinner, and cuddling on the couch watching TV. As Draco began to doze off, Hermione thought about the events of the day. She had kissed his signet ring, desparate to prove to him his worth. Her younger self would have been appalled at the idea of kissing the ring of an heir to a fortune, which is exactly why she did it. It had meant more to him, she realized, than she had initially anticipated. He had words on his tongue, she knew, but he silenced himself.
What had he been about to say? I swear it almost sounded like…But no, there was no way. It was too soon, right?
The thought saddened her. Unsure as to why, she attempting to rationalize her feelings, wracking her brain for the answer for his unsaid words and why they affected her they way they did —she shot up.
Oh my god!
She quietly and gently untangled herself from him and rushed to the bathroom, closing herself into the room, pressing her back to the door. She ran her hands through her hair, suddenly aware of every strand, and pulled it up into a bun atop her head. She darted across the room to the sink, splashing her face with water and glancing at her reflection in the mirror.
I am in love with Draco Malfoy