"What?"
"You heard me!"
"That's not possible."
Harry stepped between them and passed something to her. Taking it Hermione gasped seeing the spoon hand in her palm. Draco was staring back at her with a smug look, "Oh gods..."
"Yes. They've done something! We need to get you back home!" Ron reached for her again but Hermione stepped back still staring at hand she was holding leaving Harry to play referee.
"Ron, mate, you can't prove they've done anything to her."
The color returned to his face, "How else can you explain how she is so comfortable being here?!"
"Don't start that Ronald, not again," she warned calmly over Harry's shoulder.
He bit his cheek and she thought he would concede to her wishes so she let herself become distracted once more by the hand with Draco still smirking at her. She didn't see him pull his wand, nor did Harry, "I'm sorry Mione."
Confused Hermione looked up at him just as he cast petrificus totalus. She had no time to react, though she attempted to go for her wand. Instead she watched as the spell come at her only to bounce off an invisible shield and hit the fireplace.
"What the hell Ronald?"
He didn't reply immediately as he was staring at the place his spell had rebounded. When he moved to look at Hermione he saw white in the doorway and tried to grab her again, "Mione we need to leave, now!"
"No!" she retched herself from him, "You tried to take me kidnap me! Bloody hell."
"Weasley, I think it's time for you to leave." Hermione looked behind her and felt relief wash over her. Draco was there with her, "You attack a guest in my home, you're no longer welcome."
"What did you do to her?"
"Nothing she didn't ask for," Draco smirked moving further into the room before stopping beside her.
Hermione gasped, "Draco!"
Ron however plowed over her, "I will have the Aurors here in seconds if need be Malfoy. Tell me what you did!"
"What is he talking about?" Draco asked her tilting his head to look at her.
Hermione closed her eyes, "Nothing but I need to go to the Burrow."
Draco raise an eyebrow, "You're sure?" She nodded. Just like minutes before he didn't look happy about it, "The ball starts at five. Mother will want to start on you around three."
"I'll be back long before then," she pacified, "Please Drake, go help your mother."
He looked at Harry who was silently lecturing Ron by the fireplace and scowled, "Come home if you need me, Princess."
She smirked, "Of course Dragon," he took a relieved breath. Squeezing his hand she moved to the fireplace, "Let's go boys. We can talk at the Burrow."
She didn't wait for them to say anything as she grabbed a handful of powder and disappeared into the painless green flames. Draco crossed his arms over his chest watching the pair of Gryffindors shuffle to follow her, first Weasley, then Potter who turned to give him an appraising look before nodding and leaving too.
The chaos Hermione encountered in the living room of the Burrow immediately overwhelmed her. Ron and Harry both stumbled into her but Harry caught her before she fell face first on the floor.
"Thank you," she whispered right before she was bombarded with questions.
Hands raised she tried to quiet the room but it was to no avail. Charlie, finally home for the holiday, took her hand and guided her to the couch.
"Enough," he called silencing the room when she was seated. "Godric, let her talk!"
"There is no need to yell," Molly chastised.
He shrugged, "Ron went over there and no doubt did the same while causing a scene. She knows what we all want to know, we just need to let her speak."
When no one spoke Hermione gave Charlie an appreciative look before looking at Harry for encouragement. Taking a deep breath she started, cutting right to the chase.
"I have a soul bond, with Draco. It activated when we were in the Manor," Bill and Remus both nodded like it made all the sense in the world, "He does not know about it, or at least he's never mentioned it so I'm assuming he hasn't found his mark. The Malfoy's are being hospitable because they want to be, not because they think they have to."
"So, you didn't elope?"
Hermione smiled at Molly, "No. I would never."
The matron seemed to relax in her seat. Beside her Arthur winked at Hermione to show his encouragement.
"How long have you known about it?" Ron seethed.
"Since Madam Pomfrey did our examinations."
"He's why you chose Slytherin."
"For the last time, I didn't choose Slytherin."
"I don't believe you," he spat.
Hermione shrugged, "I find I don't need you to anymore."
Before he could open his mouth again Ginny walked up to Hermione with a frown fixed on her brow. When she got within reach, she slapped Hermione on the back of the head like she would her brothers.
"Malfoy! You should have told me! Now it all makes sense!"
Rubbing her head Hermione rolled her eyes, "It's not what you think."
"It is," Ginny plopped down beside her, "But I understand."
"Does this mean our Mione is off the market?"
"I would think so Forge."
"Disheartening that Malfoy got her of all people Gred."
Molly shushed them with a smirk when Hermione chuckled. Percy shocked them all by asking the next question.
"Can it be reversed?"
Ron looked suddenly interested again until Hermione shook her head, though Bill answered for her.
"No. A soul bond, even one activated in moments of extreme stress or turmoil, are permanent. Nothing short of death will sever a bond. Just like when couples marry and blend their magic."
Something about that statement calmed Hermione's racing heart. The solidity of it, the permanence of it had her cheeks heating with a blush.
Ron yelled, "Malfoy!" No one said anything they just watched him, his face an unattractive color puce. "Bloody fucking Malfoy! You bonded with Malfoy!"
"It was unintentional Ronald, but yes. I bonded with-"
"Don't say it," he snarled, "And you're playing house with him. Godric it's disgusting! Do you actually think he'll accept your bond? That he would ever except you, a mudblood, as his soul bond? I'd bet as soon as they found out you'll be dead in a month." Molly gasped and his siblings were no quiet in their anger but he continued, "You'd be better off."
Hermione's heart broke as she felt the reminder of the thin string that was her friendship with Ron shatter. She closed her eyes to process the finality of his words barely feeling the hand on her shoulder for support or hearing the argument that began around them. She just focused on her breathing, trying not to cry. When she finally opened her eyes she looked directly at Ron and stood.
"I wouldn't be so sure Ronald," in her mind she heard the whispers of her and Draco's conversations in the middle of the night, "But if this is what you choose to believe, I don't care to try and change your mind anymore. I'm done."
Ron's eyes were unwavering as he glared at her.
"I was still planning on coming over tomorrow, but I understand if anyone else feels uncomfortable. In which case I can stay away. My bond happened and I can't take it back, but I also wouldn't change it now if I could. The Malfoys and the Weasley's have a long history, if that is too much, I do understand and I won't ask you to compromise your feelings for my sake. That being said, I really have to go, I promised Narcissa I would help putting the finishing touches on things." Looking at Sirius who had been surprisingly quiet she gave him a half smile, "Would you mind checking the tapestry at Grimmuald?"
"Anything for you Kitten." He said it with enough flirtatiousness she finally smiled, "Welcome to the family."
Her eyes watered as he wrapped her in a tight hug, not letting go until she'd taken three deep breaths. Steadying herself against Sirius she sighed.
"I would appreciate it if no one mentioned it either. Draco doesn't know and I still want him to have a choice."
"That's rid-"
Remus shot a silencing hex at Ron, "You've got it Mione. And I think I speak for everyone, including Molly," Hermione looked at the woman to see she was crying, "when I say you are still family and we expect you over tomorrow."
Molly nodded vigorously, "You can even bring Draco, he was very sweet last time."
Tonks grinned shifting Teddy to her hip, "Yes please, bring the tyke." Sirius laughed beside her.
Hermione shook her head while maintaining her smile. "I'll ask him, I promise."
Standing Molly dismissed everyone with a wave of her hand, all of them leaving to resume their usual activities but for Harry, Ginny, and Ron. She hugged Hermione, "Go on now, we've taken enough time away from you. Ginny has been talking about this ball all week!"
"There is apparently a lot to do but Narcissa has Drake, Theo, and Blaise all helping too so I expect it will be done before lunch."
"Are they treating you right?" she asked putting her hand on Hermione's cheek. The action briefly reminding Hermione of her own mum.
"I know it sounds batty," Hermione started, "but I feel at home there, just as I do here."
Molly smiled, "That's a bit of the magic. Arthur said the same when he would visit my family Manor. The magic of the familial house recognized him. No doubt it's the same. Was this one of the things you wrote me about in your letters?"
Hermione nodded, "I've been very conflicted about it..."
"My dear that's understandable. You and Draco have not had the best past and by all means it doesn't make a lick of sense. And I would have told you as such but the young man I saw the other day, that is not the spoiled boy I remember either in Diagon Alley or the train station. He's changed and it seems for the better. If you see good in him and he is good to you, I will never forsake you or your choices."
"I'm scared," she glanced over Molly's shoulder to see Ginny dragging Ron from the room, Harry watching them with his hands in his pockets trying not to listen, "I'm scared of what Ron says being true. What if Draco finds his mark and I'm not enough? I'm not a pureblood or even half-blood. I'm not beautiful or remarkable in anyway. I'm just me. Bookish, Hermione. What if he doesn't want me when he knows? What then?"
"Oh, my sweet girl, Draco would be a fool to reject you. You are brighter than any witch or wizard I have ever met, your lineage doesn't and shouldn't matter. And if I ever hear you say you aren't beautiful or remarkable or anything like it again, I will ground you. You're not too old for it and I am sure Narcissa will agree."
"Yes ma'am," Hermione blushed.
"Now go on, you have a ball to get ready for. Do offer Narcissa an invite to tea too." Molly kissed her cheek and with a final pat on the cheek she left for the kitchen, presumably to start lunch preparations.
Harry shifted on his feet when she left, his hands still in his pockets. "Are you okay?" he asked after a stretch of silence.
She nodded, not trusting her voice because the way he was looking at her had her eyes watering.
"You're sure?"
Another nod.
"When he comes to his senses, he'll regret it."
"Don't defend him," she scoffed looking up at the ceiling to keep from crying, "He said me being dead would be better than bonded to Draco. I can't forgive that, even if he comes to regret it."
"I wouldn't expect you to," he countered calmly. Harry was always so calm. "Part of me will never forgive that either."
"I really need to go," she wiped her cheek, biting on her lip. Harry drew her into a bone crushing hug.
When he released her he helped her to the floo, "Are you going to explain the whole 'Dragon' thing?" At her surprise look he grinned, "I'm smarter than you think and while you're the bibliophile I can read Hermione pretty well."
She felt her blush creep further up her neck, "Not right now."
He chuckled, "As long as you're being smart Mione. The last thing I want if for you to be hurt." She gave him a curious look, "More," he added.
"I know," she whispered, "But I'm in too deep already Harry. I know I'm falling in love with him and I can't...I can't help wishing.."
Harry looked optimistic, with an infernal smile that reminded her of a mix of Sirius and Dumbledore, "If what's happening is what I think is happening," Hermione blushed and his smiled widened, "Malfoy's not a fool Hermione, he'll figure it out eventually."
"What do you think is happening?" she whispered.
"That you are much closer than you're letting on. When your ready to admit it without blushing like a Weasley, I'll be here." Gasping playfully she smacked his ar but turned serious with a single thought, "When is the last time you looked at your own mark?"
Hermione stilled as she thought about it. It had been months now, at least October. Seeing her eyebrows furrow with concentration Harry smirked.
"Maybe you should remove the glamour and take a peek."
"How you know it's glamoured," she gave him a curious look. He only shrugged. "I'll think about it. What of Ron? He's most likely say something."
"I'll take care of that. Don't worry."
Looking at the clock on the mantel Arthur kept she cursed under her breath, "You'll be there tonight?"
"Ginny wouldn't let me miss it," he scowled but she knew his heart wasn't in it. He'd do anything Ginny asked for with a smile on his face and a 'can do' attitude. At that he kissed her forehead and pushed her through the floo.
Hermione stood in parlor with her eyes closed replaying the past hour in her mind. It had gone by quickly but so much had happened. Her stomach flipped upside down hearing Ron in her inner ear.
You'd be better off.
It hurt so badly her chest ached. Swallowing thickly, she shook herself as she started towards her room. She doubted the boys were done in the ballroom and by the sound of their voices, arguing over what sounded like the placement of the main table, she was right.
In her own room she found she didn't know what to do with herself. What she was doing with Draco was wrong. It was cheating. She wanted to give him the option, but she was also interfering in his choices.
All their nights spent together. Talks of the future she wanted that he thought was merely a childhood game. Yet Astoria's name was still on her skin, not that she cared to look, and she'd considered it nearly every time she bathed. Removing the glamour and seeing if her own name was there. But the thought that it might still be Astoria's name kept her from doing it each time. It would hurt too much. Bringing her hands up she cradled her head she cursed into the empty room when she couldn't run her hands through her hair.
The more she thought about it all the more her anxiety rose in her chest, pressing into her throat.
Her bedroom door opening went unnoticed. As she stood in the middle of the room hands shaking like mad with her head cradled in her hands, Narcissa watched her. Just for the briefest of moments. When the older witch saw Hermione's hands trembling, she quietly shut the door in search of her son.
Narcissa found him in the ballroom with Theo and Blaise still arguing over the garland Darcey and the other elves had helped them put up.
"You can't put it there, it looks like a droopy tree!"
Theo snorted as he leaned against one of the tables, "You two are utterly ridiculous."
"Oh, says the one whose brilliant idea was icicles, like the yule ball fourth year."
"Warm and woodsy," Narcissa interrupted, "All you need to do is make it look inviting and warm." Blaise and Draco turned to look at her while Theo only tipped his head back enough to see her. She looked around the room exaggeratedly, "You're well on the way. But I'm afraid Hermione is back and Draco," she looked at him, "she needs your assistance."
He raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
"I'll finish up here with your brothers," Blaise scoffed like he always did but she could see the tint in his cheeks.
Draco frowned at his mother, "Alright..." Pointing a finger at Blaise he warned her, "He wants a ridiculous number of trees. Fair warning."
Maturely sticking his tongue out at Blaise, he left the room leaving his mother to talk sense into his two best friends. He took the stairs two at a time wondering why Hermione hadn't come to find him when she'd come home. He'd assumed she would. The fact that his mother had come to get him in her steed was worrisome.
He didn't even knock when he entered her room but finding it empty did nothing to help his concern. Not until he heard water from the bathroom. For a second time he didn't bother knocking. He didn't even think of the possibility of seeing her naked, he just needed to see her. Thankfully she was standing in front of the mirror looking down at her hands as they shook. That didn't happen often anymore. Aside from the train, he'd only seen it happen three other times and always when she woke up from a nightmare. Never in the middle of the day, not since the train.
She was in his arms before he knew what he was doing.
Albeit stunned by his sudden appearance Hermione sobbed into his chest, hands gripping his shirt roughly.
Somehow this time was different. Draco knew that. In the other times when she'd burrowed into him, she'd never sobbed like this. Something had happened.
"What is it Princess?"
Her sobbing got worse.
Unsure what to do he picked her up, cradling her against his chest as he slid down the wall to sit on the floor with her in his lap. When her sobs calmed enough to speak she whispered, completely and utterly broken into his neck.
"We can't do this anymore..."
Ever calm Draco sighed, "Why?"
"It's not right, not fair," to you, she left unspoken.
Draco just pulled her tighter against himself, hoping to Merlin she wasn't going to leave.
"Tell me what happened."
"They found out about the bond."
"Ah," he leaned his head back on the wall, "and they assume I am keeping you from him." Hermione looked up at him with a frown, her tiny nose scrunched up. Withdrawing his wand, he shut off the shower before setting his wand back down and wiping her cheeks, giving her a soft look, "That's why Weasley accused me of doing something to you. He thinks I'm keeping you from your intended."
Putting her forehead on his chin she tried to keep her lip from quivering, "Something like that."
"If you really want to Princess, we will never do it again," it hurt to say it but Draco knew he would always respect her wishes. But he'd be damned if he wouldn't at least try. With a finger under her chin he made her meet his eyes, "But I will always welcome you into my bed. I will always hold you when you need it. I will do whatever you ask of me. That won't stop."
Her golden eyes looked so sad. "Dragon," she whispered, "This...it...we're fooling ourselves. You have Astoria." His own eyes flashed with a bit of what she thought was regret, "Our nights, they're perfect but they're shrouded in lies. Children, a house, marriage, everything we've considered or mentioned, it's all just an elaborate lie to help us through the night and it's starting to bleed into the day."
"It isn't."
"It is," she countered, "We keep calling each other our names around others and they've noticed. Not to mention we keep getting caught in bed together."
"You think I give a damn who sees?" he growled not looking away from her, "If you do, I understand but don't think for a moment that I do. Because in those moments you are mine and with you I can be someone I've never dreamed of because you make me a better person, even if only for the time we're together. I'm better. You, Hermione Jean Granger, make me better. Whether you are my Princess or you are the witch I can't have. The future mother of my children or my fellow Head. The witch I want to spend every night with or the witch I know is settling for me, you make me better."
Hermione put her hands on his face, "Don't say those things. You're...gods Dragon you're everything. But this isn't fair to you."
"Let me decide what is fair for me," he put a hand under the infernal scarf she still wore. Her curls were impossibly silky, "Because I picked you. Every night I pick you and that is what I care about. Even if in the end, weeks or months from now, I am not your choice."
Getting close enough to put her nose on his, their eyes locked in an intense gaze she spoke, her breath tickling his lips, "What if you are my choice too?"
"Then you have me. Never doubt that I will choose you Princess. You want our nights to bleed over into the day. Done. You want me to escort you tonight. Done. You want to run away and forget everything. Done. Princess, with you I will do anything."
"That sounds very...real Dragon." He nodded. "Draco," she paused head tilting to the side just so, hoping he would respond.
He did. His own head tilted in the opposite direction, their lips a hairs breath away from one another.