A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series. This story is a product of my pure imagination.
Baby, we're the new romantics.
Come on, come along with me.
Heartbreak is the national anthem.
We sing it proudly
We are too busy dancing.
To get knocked off our feet
Baby, we're the new romantics.
The best people in life are free
~ New Romantics by Taylor Swift
*~*~* May 7, 2005 *~*~*
Another month, and Kingsley had asked her to go to another ball. This time, in his stead since Andromeda was still not 100%. She would have told him no if it wasn't the Wands for Warriors Charity Ball. To make matters worse, she had just received a fire call from Draco's assistant.
"Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy regrets to inform you that he cannot attend the Ball tonight. He strongly advises you not to go without him for your safety. He has arranged a day at the spa for you, and here is his credit card to cover any expenses."
Hermione looked at the card handed to her through the floo. Setting it to the side, Hermione looked back at the mirror. Being explicitly told by him not to go, as if he owned her, was the final straw. Checking her makeup, she ran her hands down the corset top that Lavender and Pansy had made for her. A small bit of midriff was visible, but Pansy was going for the shock of her wearing a pantsuit again. It had been altered. Instead of the suit jacket on her upper body, it was around her waist, and the cummerbund was around her hips. The buttons hung down her legs with shortened sleeves, and the back of the jacket was lengthened into a train.
Hermione left her bedroom with a determined look and walked down the stairs where Ron sat with Teddy.
Ron glanced up at her, "Where are you going?"
"To the ball. Draco or not, I'm going," Hermione told him, determined.
Ron looked at her, "Look, Harry said there was a possibility of something big going on tonight. Just… be careful."
The new hotel in Hogsmeade was beautifully decorated for the event. Tonight would be the first event held within the hotel. It reminded her of the Ritz Carlton in New York as she entered the hotel. It was a revolutionary hotel in the wizarding world, powered by electricity. Solar energy. As Hermione entered the ballroom, the air glittered with magical lights.
Moving through the crowd, she engaged in various conversations, asking her questions about the final battle. She felt a growing sense of melancholy as people asked her about her memories and experiences. Most of Dumbledore's Army was not in attendance as the price per plate was so expensive. Hermione looked up at Rolf's large poster on the wall and sighed.
With Harry working tonight and Ron having to stay home, Ginny was invited but had a game. Luna was still in mourning, and Neville had been excluded as always. It was just Hermione, Anthony, and Lavender tonight.
Seeking a moment, she excused herself from the wizard she was talking to and headed to the refreshment table when she saw a familiar flash of blonde hair. Her heart skipped a beat. Was that Draco? What would he be doing here when he told her not to come?
She approached the man and the girl he had left the ballroom with. Careful to keep a safe distance, they led her down a dimly lit hallway toward the rooms. She rounded a corner and saw him enter a room with a woman. Pressing her ear against the door they had entered, she heard, "Oh, Mr. Malfoy, you surprise me."
Gasping, her back found the wall behind her as her mind raced. Who was this woman? Was the reason Draco didn't want her to attend that he was planning on bringing this woman tonight instead?
Betrayal stabbing her in the heart, Hermione hitched up the train of her outfit and went to the front desk. Trying to hold back her tears, she looked at the front desk witch, "Do you have a public floo?"
She nodded, pointing to the fireplace behind her.
"Thank you," Hermione said as she ran to it and threw powder into it, closing her eyes and saying, "Dragon's Lair."
Walking out of the floo, she looked around for a piece of parchment. Finding one, she scribbled out a note to leave for Draco.
Draco,
You CANNOT tell me what I can and cannot do. I refuse to be with a caveman. How dare you play me as a fool.
Hermione
Blippy stepped into the room, "Miss Granger!"
Hermione looked at him, "I'm sorry, Blippy. Make sure that Draco gets that note."
She picked floo powder and threw it into the fireplace, "Prongslet's Manor."
Ron looked up as she stepped out of the floo, "You're back early. Harry just got home."
"It wasn't a good night. I am heading to bed," Hermione told him as she walked up the stairs.
Harry poked his head out of his room as she reached the first floor, "You look amazing tonight." Harry leaned on his doorframe, "Hermione, why the tears?"
"Please tell me something so I don't murder Malfoy right now," Hermione told him.
"There are no books in Azkaban, Hermione," Harry stated, inviting her into his room.
Hermione sighed as she sat on his bed, "Thank you."
"Now, what did Draco do?" Harry asked.
"We were supposed to go to the ball tonight together. Instead, he slept with another woman," Hermione told him as the chime of the floo echoed through the house, and then Draco's voice shouted her name from downstairs. Hermione looked at him wide-eyed, "Don't let him know I'm here," she told him as she opened the door to his wardrobe and hid inside.
She heard Draco's voice from outside the wardrobe, asking Harry if he had seen her. Without thinking, as she felt one of Harry's sports jackets, she shed the pants on her suit and unzipped the corset. Putting the sports jacket on, she stepped out of his wardrobe.
"What the hell, Hermione?" Harry gasped, seeing her.
"Help me make him jealous," Hermione told him.
"You know he's never going to buy that," Harry told her.
Looking in the mirror, she unclipped her hair and ruffled it. Slapping her cheeks, she bit her lips to make them red.
Turning to him, Hermione looked at him wide-eyed, "Quick! Give me a hickey."
"What!? No!" Harry reeled back, nearly tripping over his own feet.
"Look, it's not a big deal. Just give me a hickey," Hermione said, looking at his door as she walked toward him.
Harry backed up, his back hitting the wall, "It's a very big deal, and I'm not-"
"Harry James Potter! Put your mouth on my neck right now!" Hermione told him.
"If Malfoy believes I would do that to you, he would…" He trailed off, swallowing hard, "He's my partner, Hermione!"
"Traitor," Hermione bit out as she walked over to his bed and rumpled his bedsheets.
"What are you doing?! He's not going to come back into my room," Harry told her, "What the hell happened between you two?"
She hurled a pillow at him as she heard footsteps coming down the stairs from her room, "Stop it, Harry!" She giggled as she faked a moan lying on his bed, "Oh!"
"Potter?" Draco questioned, throwing Harry's bedroom door open.
Sweeping her hair out of her eyes, "Oh! Draco! I can explain," Hermione said, pulling Harry's jacket closer.
Draco glared between her and Harry, "What's going on?"
"Nothing," Hermione said as Harry replied, "She's trying to make you jealous for some reason. I haven't exactly got the reason behind it yet."
Hermione glared at Harry, "So helpful."
"What the hell is this?!" Draco asked, holding up her note.
Harry held his hands up, "For some reason, she thinks you slept with someone else. I swear I didn't touch her."
"Harry!" Hermione cried, "How dare you lie."
Draco walked over to her, "Why would I cheat on you when I already have the most beautiful woman in this world?"
Hermione folded her arms over her chest, looking away from him, steeling her jaw.
"Come on, talk to me," Draco told her.
If looks could kill, Hermione's eyes would have struck Draco down as she glared at him, "I went to the ball tonight and saw you."
"Fuck," Harry said wide-eyed as he looked at Draco, "I thought you said you told her not to go!"
"No one is going to treat me like a second-class citizen. It's barbaric, and no one tells me where I can go," Hermione tiffed out.
Draco motioned to her with the note, "And that is what this is about?"
"I saw you. I saw you go into that room with her and heard her say your name through the door," Hermione spat out as she slapped him.
Harry opened his mouth, but Draco cut him off, "It was a mission, Hermione! She was a target. A black-market dealer that my father used to deal with. I got her hook, line, and sinker, then knocked her out of the room. Nothing happened."
"He's right," Harry told her, "I was there outside and didn't even see you come in. How did I miss you coming in?"
Draco approached her and touched her face, "It was only an assignment, love. You are the only one for me. There is no one else."
*INSPIRED BY A Tumblr prompt*
*~*~* May 21, 2005 *~*~*
Landing together at the Zabini Winery in Tuscany, Italy, Hermione gasped at the estate's grandeur. She knew, of course, that Blaise came from old money. Still, arriving at the centuries-old estate where he and Daphne were getting married, she realized that she had gauged his wealth much lower than she originally thought.
Similar to Potter Manor was a small castle-like home nestled with ancient trees, vines, and flowers blooming everywhere. Since Draco had worked late, they had been unable to arrive early. Inhaling the smell of the flowers around them as they walked through the natural aisle to where chairs were set up. Most of the chairs were filled with guests, most wore robes, and they were sitting so prim and proper that it was obvious that they were amongst old Pureblood families.
Pansy found her a more traditional wizarding robe in a deep green, and Draco grinned when he saw her. Telling her that she had never looked more Slytherin. Glancing at Draco in his tailored robes and dress trousers with a bow tie, they turned many heads. Hermione was unsure whether it was because of who they were or who SHE was. Her left hand was in Draco's, and she used her free hand to smooth down her elegant robes. Draco squeezed her hand, "Don't worry about any of them. You are gorgeous, and they are jealous," Draco whispered.
Hermione smiled at him, "Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself."
Finding their row, they sat with Pansy, Theo, and Narcissa. Hermione recognized other Slytherins, such as Tracey Davis and Millicent Bulstrode. Draco leaned over after she had taken her seat next to Narcissa, "Want me to see if Milli has more cat hairs?"
Hermione hit him, causing Draco to laugh and make people look at them. That is when the whispers started.
"Ignore them," Narcissa said, taking Hermione by the arm and patting her hand.
An officiant witch came out, walking up to the altar that looked ancient as the property and was covered in runes. She pulled out her wand and cast a glowing circle around the altar, quieting the guests. Four marks were cast on the circle as she called for the four elements of the goddess, air, water, and fire, to be present to bless the ceremony.
Hermione pulled on Draco's arm, and he leaned down, "I thought Luna's ceremony was a Pureblood ceremony, but this is different."
"This is old world Pureblood. Most don't do this one," Draco whispered as Daphne and Blaise approached the altar from opposite sides.
Meeting at the altar, Daphne smiled as she held out her left hand, and Blaise held out his right. The witch cast a spell, and a gold ribbon wrapped around their hands.
Hermione wiped her eyes as they started their vows to each other, then exchanged rings. The gold ribbon still pulsed around their hands as they jumped over a broomstick together. Holding their palms up, the witch sliced their palms, and they pressed their hands together. The gold ribbon bound tighter around their wrists and then pulsed in a dome of showering stars over the guests.
Narcissa gasped and glanced at where she and Hermione's arms touched. Narcissa's body was glowing, and Hermione's skin glittered. "So pretty," Hermione said in awe.
The witch turned to the guests, "I now pronounce them bonded for life!"
Hermione looked at Draco as he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her gently.
Their reception was held inside the manor in a grand hall with more flowers and twinkling lights. The tables were heavy with food and wine as a live band played beautiful music.
After Daphne and Blaise had shared their first dance, the guests took to the dance floor.
"My lady?" Draco asked, holding his arm out for her.
"Thank you, kind sir," Hermione said as she took his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor.
Together, they moved gracefully to the rhythms of the music.
"This is so lovely," Hermione mumbled, resting her head against Draco's shoulder during a particularly slower song.
"It is," Draco agreed as he rubbed her side, resting his hand on her waist, "I'm happy you are here with me."
Blaise and Daphne danced towards them a few more dances later, "Mind if I cut in, Draco?"
Draco smiled, "Only if I can switch partners."
Hermione smiled as she switched to dance with Blaise, and Daphne danced off with Draco, spinning her.
"Thank you for coming, Hermione," Blaise said as he guided her along the dance floor effortlessly.
"Thank you for inviting me. The ceremony was beautiful," Hermione said as he spun her, and she laughed, coming back into his arms.
"It means a lot to us to have our friends here. Good friends are few and far between," Blaise told her.
They danced silently for a moment before Blaise leaned in, "So when will you and Draco be getting engaged?"
Hermione chuckled, "If you had asked me that six months ago, I would have laughed in your face."
Blaise laughed with her, "Amazing how things change, don't they?"
"They do," Hermione agreed as she glanced at Draco and met his eyes warmly, "Maybe, just maybe, in the future."
Blaise followed her gaze, "You two make a great couple. I'm happy for you."
*~*~* May 27, 2005 *~*~*
It had been a long week for Hermione. Alecto Carrow was spotted in northern Scotland near Inverness on Sunday, and all hands on deck were called out, pulling Draco out of bed while they were in Italy. Hermione suspected she was having fun with the Aurors because she was nowhere to be seen when they arrived. Then, she was spotted in Hogsmeade on Monday, where she wreaked havoc by lighting a store on fire. She must have apparated across the channel to Belfast on Tuesday, where she shot off the Dark Mark, scaring a whole market where the Aurors had to obliviate muggles.
On Wednesday, she bewitched Bludgers at the Harpies' practice, nearly knocking Ginny and her teammates from their brooms before lighting the pitch on fire. Thursday, she was spotted in Diagon Alley, causing the Ministry's first wanted poster to be posted since the war, which caused panic amongst the citizens.
It did one thing positive; she had been quiet, with everyone now watching for her. Yesterday, there were no sightings of her. Nothing had happened, so the A-squad of Aurors were allowed to head home last night.
Hermione had been lying on the couch after putting Teddy to bed when the floo lit up green, causing her to sit up and launch Hope off her lap, much to her disagreement. Harry stumbled out, looking exhausted. He assured Hermione that everyone was safe and unharmed. Unless Carrow appeared, he, Draco, and the rest of the A-squad had off until Monday morning. He relayed that Draco would love to have dinner with her after she got off work the next day.
So, after work, Hermione left work on time for once, went home, and showered. Changing into a nice dress, she said goodbye to Ron and Teddy. Harry was asleep on the couch, dead to the world, not even noticing Ron and Teddy playing their game next to him.
Stepping through the floo, she stepped out into Malfoy Manor. Blippy appeared and bowed to her, "Miss Granger, ma'ams, Master Draco is in the library."
Hermione smiled, "Thank you, Blippy. I am afraid that I may get lost. Could you help me find it?"
"Of course, ma'ams," Blippy said, holding his hand out for her.
Hermione took it and appeared in the hallway outside the library, "Thank you, Blippy."
"Yous are welcomes, ma'ams," Blippy said as he disappeared.
Opening the doors, Hermione smiled, walking into the library. The smell of books hit her, making her feel at home. Books had always been her sanctuary. A library, a place where she could escape into another world with the books at her fingertips. Worlds where she could live amongst the characters and put herself in their lives. She didn't feel lonely anymore as a child in the library. She felt alive.
Draco was nowhere to be seen, so she decided to explore further. Candles were lit within the sconces along the walls, giving a golden shine to many of the shelves lined with books with now glittering titles. Inhaling, Hermione realized that under the old books were also the scents of rose and lavender, with a hint of vanilla. Looking around, she noticed the path of rose petals for the first time.
Following them, she found the table where she and Draco had made love, but a single book lay on it. It was bound in a deep emerald-green leather and had gold detail. Beside it sat a single red rose. Picking it up, she sniffed it and noticed the book's title for the first time.
Her name was in fancy script. A book by an author, H.D. Opening the cover to the first page, she saw Draco had written within it as if the dedication.
To Hermione, my love.
Turning to the next page, he had to have the book rebound as it contained pages from what appeared to be a journal with memories they shared from his perspective. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she reached what should be part way through the book, and inside, the pages were hard and cut to hold a box within.
Under the opening was written:
My Dearest Hermione,
From the moment you decided to give me a second chance, you have been the protagonist in the story of my life, the heroine of my heart. Our story is one that I never want to end. There are so many more chapters that I want to write with you.
This book is the first chapter of our journey. I want to add more to our story starting tonight. Will you turn the page with me and say yes to forever?
With love,
Draco.
Hermione gasped as she saw Draco kneeling next to her.
"Hermione Jean Granger, will you marry me?" Draco asked.
"How could you!" Hermione gasped out.
Draco looked concerned, "Because I want to have you as my wife? Why do you-"
"No! Cut a book into pieces?!" Hermione picked up the book as the ring box fell out, saying, "The author worked very hard on her work."
Draco looked up at the ceiling, "Hermione, did you notice what was within the book?"
Hermione gasped at the realization, "Yes, but why did you cut a book?!"
"Yes?" Draco repeated, "You say yes?"
"Yes," Hermione breathed out.
"Thank Merlin," Draco stated as he grabbed the ring box and stood up to open it. "I had a curse breaker look at it. There are no curses. If you want something different, we can make something, but this was from the Black side, not Malfoy. It is an opal stone with 16 diamonds surrounding it."
Draco took it out of the ring box and slid it onto her left hand. Swallowing hard, Hermione felt warmth coming from it, "It's beautiful."
"My great-great-great grandfather had it made because an opal reminded him of a star," Draco told her as he leaned down and kissed her, "I think we need to celebrate."
Hermione opened her mouth to speak when her stomach audibly growled.
Draco laughed, "Well, I guess we will be eating first. It's a good thing I had Mother prepare dinner." With an offered arm, Hermione took his arm in hers, her hand and ring on display. In the back of her brain, she felt a nagging feeling that she couldn't place.
Biting her lip with a smile as they walked down the manor halls, a few portraits clapped within their frame, and others scowled when they passed. Walking down the stairs to the dining room, Narcissa stood outside the doors as they approached.
"Did she?" Narcissa asked as her gaze fell on Hermione's hand. Seeing the ring on her finger, Narcissa let out an uncharacteristically high-pitched squeal, abandoning her usual Pureblood composure. Rushing forward, she embraced Draco, "Oh Draco, I am so proud and happy for you, my dragon. You've found the love you wanted."
Hermione released his arm so Draco could hug his mother, "Thank you, Mother. It means the world to us to have your support."
Narcissa wiped her eyes and hugged Hermione, "Welcome to the family."
Draco sighed as he saw his family portrait above the fireplace when he was younger. "I just hope Lucius doesn't find out."
Narcissa's expression hardened as she took Hermione's hand, "Don't worry about Lucius. You are the head of this family now, not him. This is your life to live, and your happiness matters most."
Turning to Hermione, Narcissa smiled, "Hermione dear, I insist on helping with the wedding planning. There is so much to do, and it would be an honor. I would love to coordinate with your mother as well."
Feeling slightly overwhelmed, Hermione nodded, "Of course, Narcissa, I would love your help."
Narcissa clapped her hands together, "Wonderful! We shall have tea tomorrow with your mother after you tell her to start planning the engagement announcement and party immediately. I want to have it within the Sunday Prophet."
Hermione stared in disbelief as Narcissa dashed off, murmuring plans and ideas to herself. She turned to Draco, eyebrows raised, "This is going to be a huge production, isn't it?"
Draco chuckled, pulling her close, "Yes, but don't worry. I'll make sure that she doesn't go too far." He leaned down and kissed her, "Let's get you some dinner."
Hermione bit her lip, "I'm not necessarily hungry for food right now."
Grinning, Draco picked her up bridal style, "My beautiful, smart witch. I cannot wait to see you in only that ring."
Hermione giggled as he yelled for Blippy to put a stasis charm over dinner, then ran for the steps towards his personal wing, which he rarely used. Her laughter echoed through the halls as he raced them to his room. Carrying her over the threshold, he shut the door behind them, tossing Hermione onto his four-poster bed. Running her hands over the dark green silk sheets that felt cool against her skin, she settled back against the soft mattress.
Draco stood at the foot of the bed, staring at her, "Never did I think that Hermione Granger, Gryffindor Princess, the Golden Girl, would be in my bed wearing my ring. You look gorgeous, love."
Hermione smiled as she beckoned him with a finger, "You don't look too bad yourself. Why are you all the way over there?"
Draco grinned, reaching down to grab the hem of Hermione's dress. Slowly, he began to pull it up. Hermione's breath hitched as she felt the cold sheets on her body, feeling her nipples hardening in response.
Throwing her dress to the floor, Draco reached and tore her knickers, then banished her bra with his wand, leaving her completely bare.
Hermione pouted, "That was my favorite bra."
"I'll buy you 50 of them," Draco said as he leaned down and kissed her.
Moaning, she wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling the roughness of his shirt against her hardened nipples. Draco's hands roamed her body. He broke their kiss, and his lips trailed down her neck and collarbone. Hermione gasped, grasping his shirt as his teeth nipped at her sensitive skin. One of Draco's hands slid down her body, cupping her breast as the other pulled her closer to him.
Slowly, he made his way down her body, his lips and tongue leaving a trail of fire in their wake that warmed her body. Her legs fell open as he reached her core, and she couldn't help but lift her hips off the bed as she felt his breath hot against her.
"You're so beautiful and all mine," He said as she gasped when Draco's tongue began to explore her.
Licking and sucking at her clit, his fingers teased her entrance before one, then another, started thrusting inside her. Her orgasm hit her like a freight train as the first wave of pleasure crashed over her. He did not stop and quickly brought her to another orgasm. Writhing in bed, she tangled her fingers in Draco's hair, "I need you inside me!"
Draco kissed her knee and then got off the bed. Stripping down, he climbed back into bed and kissed her as he settled between her legs, his hard cock pressing against her entrance.
"I love you," Draco said as he slowly pushed inside her.
Hermione gasped as Draco filled her, her legs wrapping around his waist, as she pulled him close, "I love you too."
Slowly, steadily, he made love to her in a way he had never had before. With each drag of his cock, he brushed against her G-spot. Fingers dug into the skin of his back as she felt another orgasm building. Draco's thrusts became faster and harder as he chased his own orgasm. Hermione saw stars as her third orgasm hit her hard, walls clenching tight around him.
"Fuck!" Draco swore as he came, collapsing onto the bed.
Hermione hugged her to him, taking his weight as they caught their breath.
"I can't believe you are mine," Draco mumbled against her neck.
Sighing, Hermione relaxed and couldn't help but feel a nagging feeling in the back of her brain.
*~*~* May 28, 2005 *~*~*
Stepping out of the floo, Hermione brushed the ash from her clothes. Draco followed close behind her and gave her a quick kiss, brushing her cheek. "You didn't have to follow me," Hermione told him.
"I know. I'll see you later, love," Draco said.
Hermione smiled, her heart fluttering. "I'm going to shower and change and then head over to my Mum's to tell her the news. I'll let you know if plans change, but if not, I'll see you around three."
Draco rubbed her arms, "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
Shaking her head, he nodded, "Alright, have a good time with your Mum."
He smiled at her as he stepped back into the floo, disappearing in a swirl of green flames. Hermione glanced at her hand and sighed. Feeling a surge of energy, she ran upstairs to her room. After a quick shower, she stepped out, found a nice dress, and applied light makeup charms.
Humming to herself, she descended the stairs. Hearing someone in the kitchen, she stepped inside and was surprised to see Harry making himself lunch.
"Harry, what are you doing here? I thought no one was home," She stated.
Harry turned around, "Ron took Teddy to Luna's to play with the boys. I slept in." He paused, "What are you so happy about?' He asked, grabbing his Butterbeer and his plate.
Unable to contain her excitement any longer, Hermione held up her left hand, showing her engagement ring, "He asked me!"
Harry's eyes widened with shock, the Butterbeer bottle slipping from his grasp, shattering on the floor. The noise made Hope, eating at her food bowl, screech and run out of the room. Hermione gasped, hand flying to her mouth as she realized, "He didn't tell you! I thought he would have told you!"
Harry's initial shock was worse, and his face quickly morphed into anger, "Are you out of your mind?!" He shouted, his face turning red. "This is insane, Hermione! You've only been together for six months!"
Hermione flinched back at his outburst, "Harry, I know it's fast, but-"
"Fast?! It's reckless! You are jumping into marriage without thinking this through!" Harry interrupted, "You barely know him, and now you are engaged!? Have you thought about what this means? Purebloods are going to put a death sentence on your head!"
Tears welled in her eyes, her happiness only moments ago overshadowed by Harry's words, "Harry, I love him. I am going to marry him, Mudblood or not."
Harry scoffed, "Is the sex really that good?"
Hermione didn't even think before she walked up to him and slapped him across his face, "How dare you!"
Turning, she stormed out into the backyard and disapparated to her mother's house.
She tried the back door, opened it, and stormed inside. Juliet was sitting at the kitchen table when Hermione saw her, and she burst into tears.
"Hermione! What's wrong?" Juliet asked as she came over and hugged her.
"He ruined it," Hermione sobbed, "Draco proposed, and he ruined it!"
Juliet took her face into her hands, "Who ruined it?"
"Harry, I thought Draco would have told him about wanting to propose, but he didn't know," Hermione sobbed.
Juliet ran over Hermione's hair and sighed, "Oh, Hermione. You reacted just as bad when you found out he proposed to Ginny."
Hermione sniffled, wiping her eyes, "That was different."
Juliet sighed, "Sit down, I'll make some tea."
Hermione wilted into the chair, "We are supposed to have tea with Narcissa. Are you available at three?"
"She already called me. Draco got her a phone, and she called me inviting me," Juliet told her, plugging the kettle in.
Hermione inhaled a shaky breath, "I just don't get why Harry reacted that way. I think I will stay with Draco for a couple of days. Maybe he will calm down." Putting her face in her hands, she sighed, "I need to go over to Luna's. Ron and Teddy are over there."
Juliet brought her a cup of tea and sat beside her. "Just drink your tea, calm down, and then you can do that before we meet Narcissa."
********I know that usually, Draco portions are in Snow on the Beach, but this is important to the story, so Harry's POV, then to Hermione's**************
Harry was sitting in the sitting room, the glass for the Firewhiskey long forgotten. He drank from the bottle as his floo lit green and Draco Malfoy himself stepped out.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry spat out, his voice slurred as he stood up.
"You upset Hermione," Draco stated.
Harry's fist shot out without warning, connecting with Draco's jaw. Harry watched as Draco stumbled back, not falling, and then touched his lip, feeling the blood coming from his mouth.
"What the hell is that about, Potter?" Draco asked.
"Is she just a trophy for you? Just another way to make your name better?" Harry bit out, his eyes blazing with fury.
Draco stared at him, "Is that really what you think of me? I thought we had moved past that, and you knew me better than that now."
Harry fired off more accusations, each one more hurtful than the last. His words were filled with bitterness and jealousy, fueled by alcohol that was coursing through him. When Harry swung again, Draco caught his fist, causing Harry to nearly lose his balance.
"Take a sober-up potion and calm the fuck down, Potter, before you lose her," Draco warned, his voice steady.
Harry scoffed, pushing Draco away, "I'm not going to lose her over you."
Draco looked at him, "I'll see you at the office, hopefully sober."
Draco stepped into the floo and saw Harry hurl the Firewhiskey bottle at the fireplace. The bottle shattered as the flames swept him away back home. Emerging from the fireplace on the other side, glass remnants crunched under his feet.
Hermione was walking past, and her eyes widened in shock at the sight of blood on his face and glass at his feet, "Draco, what happened?"
Draco shook his head, wiping blood from his fattening lip, "I went to talk to Potter." Draco sighed after giving her a rundown of what happened: "He's drunk and angry. I can't believe he asked me if you are just a trophy to me, another way to improve my name."
Hermione's gaze dropped to the floor, "I never thought he'd react like this."
Draco held her face, "Hermione, you are naïve if you think he just wants to be your friend. Potter has feelings for you. He always has."
Hermione looked at him in disbelief, "There is no way. He thinks of me like a sister. I've heard him say it myself." She sighed and fell into his arms, "I don't know what to do."
Draco kissed the top of her head, flinching at the pain in his lip, "You need to talk to him. Let him calm down first, but you need to be clear that you are with me, and that isn't going to change."
Hermione felt a sadness take over her heart and swallowed hard, "You're right."
.
. *~*~* May 31, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione was walking through Diagon Alley, which was alive with shoppers. It was the Spring Bank Holiday, and many people, including herself, were off work. Unfortunately, Draco and Harry had to work. After Harry's reaction to their announcement, she worried about how today would go for them. She had plenty to do as Pansy and Lavender expected her to be fitting for an engagement dress in thirty more minutes at the Phoenix Boutique.
Stopping at a paper stand, the paper boy smiled at her, "Congratulations, Miss Granger."
Hermione smiled as she picked up the copy of yesterday's paper, "Thank you."
Daily Prophet Editor Exclusive: A Union of Remarkable Minds
In a surprising yet joyous turn of events, Draco Lucius Malfoy has formally asked for Hermione Jean Granger's hand in marriage, and she has graciously accepted. This union marks a significant milestone in postwar life, bridging two prominent yet distinctly different legacies within the wizarding world.
Draco Malfoy, known for his steadfast dedication to his family and recent contributions to the magical community, has found a partner in Hermione Granger, whose brilliance and courage during and after the Second Wizarding War have earned her a place in history. Their engagement signifies a personal bond and a symbol of unity and progress in our society.
Details of the forthcoming wedding are yet to be disclosed. Still, it is anticipated to be a grand affair befitting the stature of the Malfoy family. The groom's mother, Narcissa Black Malfoy, has expressed her delight in welcoming Hermione to their family. In a heartfelt statement, Mrs. Malfoy said, "We are overjoyed at this wonderful news and eager to anticipate the happiness and harmony that this union will bring."
Stay tuned for more updates on this momentous occasion as the Daily Prophet will continue to bring you exclusive insights and coverage on the preparations and festivities leading up to what promises to be the wedding of the year.
Hermione shook her head, refolding the paper.
"So, will it be the wedding of the year?" The boy asked.
"It won't be this year," Hermione stated, glancing at today's paper covered in photos of her and Harry. Draco, she, Ron, and Victor were just below the fold, only the top of his head still showing.
She looked towards Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and decided to catch up with George and Ron with her remaining time. Before she could get much further, a rough hand grabbed her arm as she walked closer to the shop, yanking her into a narrow alleyway between stores.
Gasping as she saw who grabbed her, she went to grab her wand. "Nah, nah nah," Alecto Carrow said, holding her arm. "Well, well, if it isn't the future, Mrs. Malfoy," she sneered. "Quite the headline maker you are."
Hermione's heart raced as she looked around, hoping someone would notice them. Alecto's grip tightened on her arm, and her smile grew more menacing. "Lucius was not happy to hear your happy news," she hissed. "He thinks you need to be punished."
Hermione tried to pull away as Alecto leaned in closer, her breath hot on Hermione's ear, "I've been trying to get the Aurors all worked up to distract them. Lucius hasn't been happy with what he has heard about you and your mudblood ways dirtying up his son. So, I've been hoping that one of your boy toys would leave you alone," She smiled an evil teeth rotting grin, "Finally, it's just us girls."
Hermione's mind raced, and she pulled her arm away and attempted to disapparate. But nothing happened.
Alecto's laugh echoed off the walls of the small alley, "Oh, did I forget to mention? No Aurors will be helping. You aren't leaving. There is an apparition block on the alley today."
Hermione ran into the alley, and two wizards in Death Eater robes appeared out of Knockturn. Hermione's heart pounded as she realized she would have to fight her way out. Without hesitation, one of the wizards fired a stupefy at her, and she started casting spells, deflecting curses from the three of them, and firing back at her attackers.
Diagon Alley erupted into chaos as people screamed and ran for cover. Hermione fought, muscle memory kicking in from the years at war, taking on all three wizards at once. Carrow kept trying to grab her, taunting her all the while, "Lucius wants you dead. He'd pay a pretty Knut for your head."
Hermione dodged and countered their spells and was starting to feel slightly fatigued when she saw a familiar shock of red hair. Stunning and binding one of the Death Eaters, Ron ran to her.
"Ron!" Hermione called out, relieved as she blocked another spell.
He shouted, back-to-back with her, as they battled the remaining two, "Looks like you could use some help!"
Finally, Hermione sent a quick Everte Statum at the last Death Eater, making him stumble as Ron cast Ferula to bind the wizard. He fell, hitting his head and knocking him out.
Alecto finally attempted to grab Hermione, realizing her advantage was slipping away. Hermione quickly cast a slicing hex, and Carrow screamed in pain, blood flying on impact. Carrow must have lifted the disapparation block because she vanished with a loud crack and left behind a hand.
Breathing heavily, Hermione looked around. Ron put his hands on her shoulders and asked, "Are you alright?"
Hermione looked at herself as more pops echoed through the alley, and the Aurors appeared, yelling for them to get down. Their wands are at the ready.
"I'm Ron Weasley!" Ron yelled, "Carrow left!"
"Ron?! Oh my God, Hermione!" Harry's voice yelled, but Draco got to her first.
"Hermione, are you alright? What happened?" Draco asked frantically.
Harry was behind him, pale as he took in the scene, "Hermione, are you hurt?"
Hermione pushed them both away as they tried to grab onto her, "No, I'm not hurt. Yes, I am covered in blood, but that's not important right now," she said, her voice steady despite the fear she was feeling.
She looked at Draco, "Draco, Lucius put a hit out on me. That's what Alecto was trying to do. She's been trying to distract you two to get to me. Our engagement just gave her more reason."
Draco's face hardened, "Lucius did what?" He growled, his fists clenched.
Harry's eyes flashed with anger as his grip on his wand tightened, and it sparked, "We'll deal with Lucius, but first, we need to make sure you are safe, Hermione."
Draco glanced behind them, "Robards!"
A tall older wizard approached them, "Miss Granger, we meet at last. Mr. Weasley gave me his statement and said you were taking on three wizards by yourself when he arrived. Impressive, sure you don't want to be an Auror?"
"Positive, sir, Lucius Malfoy put out a hit on me. Alecto is trying to send the Aurors on a wild goose chase to get to me," Hermione informed him.
Robards' eyes narrowed, "That's impossible. Malfoy is in the high-security area of Azkaban. No one can talk to him."
Ron walked over, "I heard her say it myself. That Lucius would give a pretty knut for Hermione's head."
Harry turned to Robards, "Sir, I want to put Hermione under protective custody."
"No! I'm not running away, Harry. We need to make a plan. It won't stop her from coming after me. If she can't find me, she will go after Teddy or, heaven forbid, Mum," Hermione told him.
Ron looked at Harry, "You know she's right. We need to be proactive."
Draco sighed, watching the two Death Eaters be taken away to the Ministry, "What about my Aunt? That house has what? Ten rooms? It's unplottable. It is protected."
Robards looked at him, "Who is your Aunt?"
Draco grinned, "The Minister's girlfriend."
Robards shook his head, "That would work."
Ron looked at Hermione, "I'm going to get your Mum. Explain to her what happened. I'll have her pack a bag and, just in case, come to Andromeda's."
Hermione nodded, "Thank you." With a nod, Ron disapparated away.
Harry looked at her, "Let's get you cleaned up at the Ministry." Harry turned to Robards, "Talk to the Minister. He won't disagree, but we must go through the channels." Harry saw someone walking towards them, "Patterson, report."
"That's my job, Potter," Robards told him, "Patterson, report."
"We've secured the area, sir, and taken statements. The two Death Eaters have been taken into custody to be questioned at the Ministry. We will interrogate them and see what else we can find out," Patterson stated.
Draco grabbed Hermione's arm, causing her to gasp and pull away from him, "I can walk," Hermione stated.
With Draco and Harry flanking her, Harry looked at her, "I'm going to grab your arm now so that we can disapparate straight into the Aurors office."
Hermione nodded, and Harry grabbed her arm gently. Closing her eyes, they disapparated to the Ministry, and Draco appeared beside them.
One of the Death Eaters had woken up and was yelling. "Go," Draco told Harry, who nodded and ran off to help deal with him.
Draco bit his lip and cupped Hermione's cheek. "Hermione, you need to be careful. I can't lose you," he said.
Hermione swallowed hard, "I'll be careful, Draco, but I can't live in fear again. This time, I am facing this head-on."
Harry walked back over, "Dumbass just turned on Carrow. Everything Hermione and Ron said is true. Your Dad offered Carrow a lot of money to kidnap, torture, and then kill Hermione."
"Fuck!" Draco yelled, "Bloody Fucking Hell. Why can't he leave me in peace?"
"Draco, we will do this together. No one is going to take Hermione away from us, okay?" Harry said, looking between her and Draco, "Let's just get her cleaned up, make sure none of the blood is hers, and then we can plan our attack."
Draco sighed, "He has a mole inside. He has to."
"That's what we figure. Now, I'll watch the door to the Auror showers. Take her in there, clean her up, and check her out," Harry told him as he looked at Hermione, "I just hate this."
"I do, too," Hermione said as a tear fell down her cheek.
"It's like none of it was worth it. Everything we sacrificed, we thought it would end, but it was a lie. We are still getting hurt," Harry said.
Throwing her arms around Harry's neck, he pulled her to him, "I'm so sorry, Hermione. I shouldn't have said-"
"I'm fine, Harry. I'm okay, and you are still my best friend," Hermione said as she looked at Draco, "You have to be our best man, of course."
Harry looked at Draco, "Really?"
Draco scoffed, "She's the bride. What she says goes. I just make sure that I'm there on time."
The adrenaline of the fight was starting to wear off, and Hermione's limbs suddenly felt like they were turning to lead as the reality of the afternoon began to hit.
Harry gave Draco a look as he caught her sagging weight and picked her up, "We need to get her checked over now."
Draco nodded as they guided her towards the showers. Harry carried her inside as they entered the tiled room. Draco shut the door behind them as Harry entered a shower station and sat her down on the bench. Draco turned the water on, adjusting it until it was the perfect temperature.
Hermione's teeth were chattering, and she was not even wet yet as Harry assisted her in stepping under the water. "You are going to get wet," Hermione told him as he used a flannel to wipe down her face to clear the blood.
"That's what drying charms are for," Harry told her as he rinsed her face clear of blood, "Most of the cuts are superficial. I will stand in front of the door so no one comes in while Draco checks the rest of you over." Harry said, looking up at Draco, who nodded.
Hermione slowly nodded as he went to get up and leave them, but she had a tight grasp on his hand.
"Hermione, I don't think you want me or any of the Aurors to see you naked. I'm just going to be outside that door guarding it, okay?" Harry told her, touching her face.
"Okay," Hermione whispered, letting go of his hand so that he could leave the room.
Helping her stand, Draco began undressing her. Her clothes hit the wet tile of the shower and the water ran around them, making the water tinged with red, washing away the remnants of the battle. Still fully clothed, Draco tilted her head under the stream of water. Grabbing his personal shampoo, he scrubbed her head to cleanse the blood from her curls. His hands moved tenderly, massaging her scalp, checking for any cuts, and easing her tension.
Gently tilting her head back, he washed the shampoo from her hair, grabbed the flannel that Harry had set down, and wiped down her neck and arms. He continued to move down her body, cleaning her and checking her over for injuries. He found only bruises on her arms and a small cut on her cheek, and Hermione heard him sigh in relief.
"Is she okay?" Harry's voice echoed in the room, making Hermione jump.
"She's going into shock, I think, but other than bruises, she got lucky with just a small cut to her face. Dittany will clear it up," Draco responded.
As the warm water washed over her, Hermione's composure finally broke. She fell into Draco's arms, sobbing against his chest. Pulling her tightly, he kissed the top of her wet head, "I've got you. Don't worry, I won't let him get to you."
Turning the water off, he grabbed a towel and gently dried her off. Walking her towards the lockers, he had her sit, then pulled out a pair of his joggers and a sweatshirt. Helping her dress, he cupped her face and looked into her eyes, "Are you feeling better?"
Hermione nodded, "Yeah. I don't know what happened for a second."
"You started going into shock. You aren't alone in this, Hermione. We're in this together," Draco assured her as he grabbed her shoes.
Stepping out of the shower room, they found Harry standing guard now dry, waiting for them with a mixture of concern and relief on his face, "You, okay?"
Hermione nodded.
Harry glanced at Draco, "Kingsley says to take her straight to his house. Ron already has Mum there. He's going to our house and getting Crooks and Hope. It's going to be one big sleepover until we catch her. We won't let her slip away."