VIII
—
The girl looked Hermione up and down, her eyes calculating. Hermione tried to mirror her expression, but struggled to keep the awe out of her face.
Delilah had warm brown hair that fell to her waist in big, soft curls, the kind of hair Hermione had often wished for but had never quite been able to charm her own locks into. Her slightly upturned eyes were a russet so intense they almost seemed to peer straight through you, giving her a fox-like stare. The more Hermione looked, the more the girl seemed to be something out of a myth, a goddess blessed with the beauty of the stars.
Her fiance bent to place a kiss on the hand the girl raised, shaking Hermione out of her trance. Remembering herself, she did her best to school her features into one of casual welcome, releasing her intended and stepping forward to kiss the girl on the cheek.
"Delighted to meet you. We will be fond companions, I'm certain."
Delilah returned the gesture, then directed her attention back to her father and spoke in a voice reminiscent of chimes.
"I suppose you ought to be going; be safe, father, and farewell."
The man sighed, then cupped his daughters face and kissed the top of her head.
"Take care, my darling."
Alpheus nodded to Draco and Hermione before turning to Lucius, the two making their way from the guest wing. The young Malfoy stared after them for a moment, only pulling his gaze away when Delilah cleared her throat.
"You both ought to start dressing for your little press conference. I'm sure it's going to be quite a spectacle," the girl sang, looking between the pair as if searching for something. Draco caught her analytical expression and straightened. He brought Hermione's hand to his lips, then bowed to the manor's newest resident.
"I'll see you both very soon," he stated, hurrying off in the same direction the older men had gone. Hermione watched him go, then turned back to the girl who was to be her "companion."
The two witches held each other's gaze for a long moment, their positions formal and faces rigid. Then Delilah heaved a sigh and turned, starting towards her new quarters.
"We'll meet out here at 2:30 and proceed to the front lawn," she drawled, though the lazy tone still sounded like a song. The girl then disappeared into her suite and shut the door, leaving Hermione to gawk at her brazen lack of formality for a few seconds before shaking herself and entering her own rooms.
Crookshanks sat on the window seat and meowed when he saw her. The girl stroked the cat's ginger fur, which momentarily reminded her of the Weasley family, sending a spike of anguish through her. Trying to swallow the lump in her throat, she began undressing.
Hermione stared at herself when she had donned the silver dress Miss Eaglehyde had brought. Carefully applying a few charms, she made her lips appear more red and plump, then blackened and extended her lashes before tilting her head back and forth and turning to view herself from all angles. Sighing, she added a shining and taming Glamour to her hair, then sat at the vanity and began playing with different styles and pins.
—
It was nearly 2:30, and Hermione had decided her usual half-pulled style would do just fine for her hair. Just as she was standing to leave her room, a house elf she hadn't yet met popped into her quarters, carrying a black velvet box.
"Mistress Granger, the young Master Malfoy is wishing to give this to you!" The elf said excitedly, holding the parcel out to her. She took the case and warily opened the lid, raising an eyebrow at what she saw inside.
It was a hair clip, but one that had probably cost more to create than The Burrow three times over. A peacock elegantly draped its tail over the clasp, diamond after diamond glittering in the bird's plumage. It's eyes were rich blue sapphires that nearly seemed to glow. It was a work of art.
Looking up, Hermione closed the case softly. "What might you be called?"
The elf bowed low. "I is Migo, Mistress Granger, humblest of elves belonging to house Malfoy."
"Migo, please express my deepest and sincerest gratitude to the young master Malfoy. You may leave now."
The little creature disappeared, and Hermione reopened the case in her hands, staring at the clip with a sigh. Lifting it from its bed, she pinned it just above her ponytail, adding a quick fixing charm just to make sure the bloody thing didn't fall, it was so heavy.
Exiting her room, Hermione found Delilah already waiting in the hallway. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she appeared decidedly bored.
Catching sight of the Muggle-Born witch, Delilah appraised her and gave a seemingly satisfied "hm," then turned and started towards the front lawn.
The two of them said nothing as they made their way through the manor, Hermione's posture formal while Delilah's hands swung casually at her sides. Until they reached the foyer, however.
At the sight of the Dark Lord attired in his full dress uniform, the young Pureblood straightened and mimicked the girl beside her in giving a low curtsy to their leader, who nodded in the direction of the two witches.
"Miss Burke, so glad you made it in time. We shall need you. Now, Miss Granger, do you remember our discussion from the other day?"
Hermione bobbed her head. "Of course, my lord."
"Good. I gave detailed instructions to Draco as well, so we should all be on the same page."
Just as Voldemort was speaking, the aforementioned blond appeared, apparently struggling with his cufflinks. He paused to give a proper greeting to the other three occupants of the room, then went back to fiddling with the jewelry. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Draco, let me," she huffed, not waiting for permission before grabbing his wrist and fastening the clasps. "Honestly, you pick now of all times to forget how to handle yourself?"
He gave her a sheepish glance. "They're new, I didn't think they'd be this difficult."
She turned her attention back to the Dark Lord, the boy at her side doing the same.
Narcissa appeared standing beside Voldemort, giving him a bow. "Everything is set up outside, my Lord, and the reporters have been here for an hour already. I'll let them through whenever you say."
"Perfect. Now, let me tell all of you exactly what will happen out there. Draco, you and your intended will exit the house first; make sure to stop on the landing for a moment, give them lots of lovely pictures. After you've made your way forward, I will emerge and say a few words about the new marriage policies, after which you will begin taking questions. When I deem it appropriate, Draco, we will depart to join our brethren in their current task. Miss Burke, you will follow Narcissa onto the platform once Draco and I have made our exit, and will escort Miss Granger back inside whilst Mrs. Malfoy disbands the reporters."
Everyone nodded in confirmation, though Hermione silently wondered what "current task" the Death Eaters were undertaking. Voldemort studied the few of them once more, then looked to Narcissa.
"I suppose, then, that you may allow in the reporters."
Closing her eyes, the woman pulled out her wand and began whispering a long incantation, and everyone felt the magic in the air quiver as the wards surrounding the manor were altered.
Draco offered Hermione his arm, but she shook her head, extending her hand instead.
"Proper, but adoring, remember? Linked arms is too formal; we need to appear as though we're thrilled to be announcing our engagement."
The boy smirked at her firm tone, taking her hand and kissing it. "Yes, ma'am."
Hermione narrowed her eyes but said nothing, as Narcissa motioned them forward.
"I'll open the doors at exactly three. Draco, my love… this is your last chance."
Draco gave his mother a hard glare and simply hissed "Enough."
The two Malfoys shared a tense moment, then Narcissa turned her back to her son and crossed her arms.
Hermione watched a flash of hurt pass over her fiance's face at the clear spurn, and placed her other hand on his arm with a squeeze. He dazedly turned his gaze to hers, but seeing the tender look she wore, he swallowed and schooled his features into neutrality. The two of them faced the large main doors.
"You look beautiful, by the way," Draco murmured. She mumbled a thank you and self-consciously fussed with her hair for a moment, drawing his attention to the diamonds nestled amongst her curls, and he gave a tiny grin just as the entryway swung open.
Hermione nearly lost her composure upon glimpsing the sheer number of reporters on the lawn. It was obvious that every wizarding publication in England had sent someone, and the girl was certain she saw representatives from France and perhaps even a few from America.
The pair beamed regally at the vast crowd, flashes blinding them as the noise began to rise. Hermione held her chin aloft and batted her eyelashes, attempting to appear as haughtily Pureblood as she could, but with a pretense of humility. Draco aired the same semblance of modesty, and the press snapped photograph after photograph.
After a few moments of posturing, a chilled breeze almost seemed to push them forward, so the couple moved from the landing to stand off to the side and bowed respectfully as the doors opened again.
The chattering and shouting of the reporters immediately ceased, but the flashes continued, as the Dark Lord made his appearance.
Voldemort cast a broad silencing charm over the assembly for good measure, then strode up to the podium that had been erected.
"Several weeks ago, I issued a decree stating that wizards and witches of pure bloodlines would no longer be allowed to intermarry, in order to preserve the integrity of our magical community. In testimony to the new policy proclaiming all magical persons as equal, I can say I am genuinely pleased to present the witch my heir, Draco Malfoy, has chosen to be his bride; she is none other than Muggle-Born Hermione Granger."
Hermione stood a little straighter at the announcement, staring out at the crowd with a serene expression as the flashing suddenly intensified. She felt Draco ghost his fingers up and down her arm, and she leaned back into him, both tiny little displays of affection that were quite significant in Pureblood society. The Dark Lord continued speaking.
"I know many of you will wonder why I have granted her leniency, when she was once a friend to my opponent and supporter of the terrorist group known as The Order of the Phoenix. It is because I am a merciful man. My ranks welcome all who would demonstrate themselves as my ally. Miss Granger has renounced her old allegiances, and sworn fealty to the cause of the Death Eaters. She has also agreed to tie herself to the young master Malfoy in the Eternal Binding, as a show of her loyalty. To be clear, I do not expect this of all marriages going forward; the circumstance here is a unique one. I instead encourage all Muggle-Borns and Half-Bloods to not fear applying for the Fortification Program, as it can and will bring great strength to our wizarding world. The young Master Malfoy and Miss Granger will now begin taking questions."
The lawn exploded into a clamour when the silencing charm was released. Draco and Hermione stepped up to the podium, as the reporters shouted over each other trying to get answers from the couple. Inquiries were made as to how Hermione had been found, as she'd reportedly been missing for weeks; had The Order expelled her? Had she secretly been a Pureblood all this time? It went on for several minutes, with the two of them answering in turn, until at last someone asked Draco why he had chosen her.
That final question sent a hush through the crowd, as they waited to hear the answer. Draco looked to Hermione, admiring her for a moment, before turning back to the mass of reporters with carefully selected words.
"I chose her because she is, without a doubt, the most brilliant, powerful, and beautiful witch I have ever met. When the Dark Lord offered me the privilege to select a wife of my own choosing, I knew she was exactly who I wanted. She will hold a place of high esteem amongst the Death Eaters, not because of who she marries, but through her own skill and cunning."
Voldemort, seeing the thrill ripple through the press, decided that enough had been said to give the papers a fortnight's worth of content at the very least. That was plenty for now.
The same cold wind rushed over the couple, and they moved back as the Dark Lord again came forward.
"Thank you all for coming today. It is my hope that we shall see you again soon, bearing the joyous news that The Order of the Phoenix has been defeated once and for all." He turned to the couple behind him. "Mister Malfoy, if you are ready?"
Hermione couldn't keep the panic out of her eyes, as Draco took both of her hands in his and brought them to his lips. With a lingering gaze, he turned and joined Voldemort at his side, and the two of them Disapparated with a burst of black smoke.
When the haze cleared, Narcissa was standing at the podium, her expression cold. Delilah appeared next to Hermione, who swallowed and looped her arm through the other witch's. The pair headed back into the manor as Mrs. Malfoy began ordering away the reporters.
The girls withdrew their arms as soon as the doors shut behind them. Trying to ignore the gnawing at her gut, Hermione started towards the library, hoping to distract herself with something in the Malfoys' vast collection. Her companion followed closely, her brows furrowed in suspicion.
—
Hermione glanced out at the sky for what had to be the fifteenth time in five minutes, growing increasingly nervous. The clouds had taken an ominous turn not long after the Dark Lord had left with Draco, and in the few hours since then, it had only gotten worse. Giving up the pretense of reading, she set her book down and stood at the window, watching as rain streamed down the glass in thick, heavy drops. Delilah, who had been noticing the girl's anxious behavior, huffed and closed her book as well.
"What has you so worried, Miss Granger? It's not like you actually care for Draco, so why are you so bloody concerned?"
Hermione didn't answer right away, her fingers worrying her bottom lip. Lighting streaked across the sky, followed by an exceptionally loud boom of thunder, and she cringed.
"Draco is familiar, even if he's not exactly a friend. He's also the only one keeping me alive. Perhaps that gives you some perspective?"
"To be perfectly honest, Miss Granger, now that the Dark Lord has publicly declared his approval of you, I think you're fairly safe from immediate slaughter. What kind of image would it paint if he killed you so soon after showing you mercy?"
There was more silence from the Muggle-Born witch. Another bolt illuminated the darkness, but this time the thunder that clapped wasn't merely thunder.
About fifty Death Eaters suddenly appeared on the rear lawn, and Hermione paled when she noticed how many of them were being supported by others. Swearing, she made her way from the library and hurried towards the great parlour, Delilah at her heels.
They heard the back entryway bang open, and they rounded the corner, both of them gasping at the sight.
The witches and wizards now streaming into the Malfoy residence were all injured, some more severely than others, but no one was free of bruising or scrapes. At the front of the pack, Draco was dragging forward an unconscious Lucius, who was clearly in very dire straits.
"Mother! Get Olympia!" Draco shouted, his voice raw. Narcissa arrived in the room and let out a strangled noise when she caught sight of her husband. She fiddled with something on her wrist, then lunged ahead and helped the boy pull Lucius into the parlour.
Hermione set her jaw and strode forward into the room to see if she could help. She watched as Draco and Narcissa carefully draped Lucius onto a settee, then the boy summoned a medkit and began pouring potions down his father's throat. As he reached for another one, he noticed Hermione and cursed, shoving the potions case into his mother's hands and making for the girl, his expression dark.
Draco grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the parlour, barking for Delilah before Apparating them up to his bedroom.
He released her and immediately walked over to his desk, yanking open a drawer and rummaging around it for a moment before removing what looked like a small jewelry box. There was a knock at the door, and he hastily jerked it open and pulled an annoyed Delilah into the room.
"Calm down, Draco, there's no need to be so rude," the girl drawled. The boy opened the lid on the jewelry box.
"You first," he ordered.
"And where are we going? I hardly think this is the time to be abandoning our brethren."
Hermione watched Draco's chest heave. "I don't have the fucking time for this, Delilah. Grab the damn portkey."
Delilah narrowed her eyes, but reached out and touched the contents of the box, disappearing when she did so. Hermione crossed her arms in front of her as the boy approached her.
"I insist you tell me where we're going," she stated firmly.
"The Descendant Manor. Now come on," he growled, shoving the little jewel chest towards her. She glanced down to see several gold buttons gleaming up at her. She furrowed her brows.
"Will you be following behind me?"
"Not for some time, probably."
"Then I think I'll stay here."
Draco swore again and slammed the box of portkeys back on his desk, breathing heavily. He strode forward purposefully, then cupped his hands on either side of Hermione's face, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"Listen to me, Granger. The Dark Lord is logical, and when he's had time to think over things, I have every confidence that he will not harm you. But right now, he. is. angry. And… I don't trust him not to kill you on sight because of your past allegiances."
His gaze softened, and he dropped one hand, turning his other to caress her cheek. "I need you to be safe."
Hermione didn't move for a moment, studying the intensity in his mercurial eyes. Then she nodded.
Sighing in apparent relief, Draco retrieved the case of buttons again and opened it. Taking a deep breath, Hermione stretched out her fingers and touched one of the portkeys, closing her eyes as she felt it whisk her away.
—
Draco stared at where she'd been for a moment before snapping the jewelry box shut and shoving it back into its drawer. As he did so, movement outside the window caught his attention, and he looked out to see the Dark Lord landing on the rear lawn, furiously marching towards the house.
The boy swallowed, thinking of the long, torturous night that lay ahead, and silently thanked the stars that at least he'd gotten Hermione away.
—
AN: Forgive me for not updating last week, this chapter just would not come together for me in time. I hope you enjoyed it!
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