Two weeks passed since Valentine's day. While it was within Draco's preference to see Hermione on a daily basis now that they were living in the same country, it wasn't always plausible to do so. They managed on a every other day schedule. On days they would see each other in person either they would go out for lunch or meet in the evening. On the days they did not spend time together, he made sure to write a note or letter. Having recalled her desire for such a act, it didn't have to be overly extravagant.
Just enough to convey effort was made to let her know he cared to do so; just for her to feel loved.
Love. That word had been lingering in his head since the eve of Valentine's day. His little speech had included that word. They both admitted to having feelings of love for each other. But neither had exactly had been ready to outright say it directly. Their
conversation that evening had his mind pondering about the future. About a future that included her with him indefinitely.
He had a stable career as the Director of the Alchemy Centre of England. She had a stable yet expandable career
within London at the Ministry of Magic. In pursuit of rising through the ranks within the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical
Creatures for that elvish welfare notion of hers. Distance was no longer a concern for either of their careers to
place strain on a relationship.
Physically they were beyond compatible. They were both brilliant intellects and worked well together. From past conversations they both seemed fond of the idea of having a
child or children someday. Although it was agreed that expectations should not be established in regards to such
an idea. Science and magic had limitations. Draco had made her aware of his probable Malfoy family
blood-curse that ensured Malfoy's had a first born male heir child Whether that was effective with a non-pure
blood spouse or if it effected the possibility of having more than one child was unknown. She was respectful of this. He was respectful to the fact she had muggle parents and
a wizarding family made up friends that included but was not limited to the Weasley's, the Potter's, his cousin Teddy Lupin and Aunt Andromeda
Tonks. He knew these people would be apart of her life forever. To have a future with her beyond courtship, he
came to terms with the fact he would have to be cordial if not mildly pleasant with these individuals on a regular or at least annual basis. He
decided that was something he was willing to do.
He found himself in muggle London on Monday evening of March first of the year two thousand and four at
the Granger home. He knew Hermione would not be there. She took Sundays to either visit her parents, Potters', or Weasleys' each month. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and
Saturdays were days they met as a couple to spend time together. While Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays were spend apart and letters had to
suffice. As if Mondays weren't already terrible enough...
Dressed in his usual black custom tailored suit and tie attire. Hair slightly potioned so the short strands stood a bit upright on top while the
side and back hair lay flat neatly trimmed short but well blended. His chin and upper lip had a neatly trimmed hair that was a bit darker than his natural pale blonde hair. It
was not scruffy stubble but not exactly a full traditional beard. Just enough to give himself the appearance of age twenty four. Rather than the youthful face he had in early young adulthood. Draco knocked on the door and was greeted with a surprised but welcoming expression from Mr. Granger.
"Well isn't this a surprise. Good evening, Draco Malfoy. To what do I owe this honor of a visit? If you are looking for Hermione, I imagine she
is with Harry or Ron's family this evening, as she was here last Sunday. Of course you probably already know that. She did tell us about you and
your work transfer from Egypt to England. I can imagine the closer distance has been beneficial for your relationship." Her father spoke with a tone that faired positive to Draco.
"Actually Mr. Granger I am here to speak with you, if you are available?" Draco asked and the man motioned for him to enter. "Of course. Come in.
We can speak in my office." He stated with understanding.
Draco followed the man through the modest upper mid class home and came to a stop at a study. Like Hermione's it had comfortable seating, a record player, bookshelves full of various literature, and a desk with some as sort of muggle device that was different that the television he knew muggles used to watch moving pictures. Mr. Granger and Draco each took a cushioned chair that allowed them to see each other
comfortably. "Is everything alright?" Mr. Granger asked a shadowed look of concern on his face.
Draco nodded, "Not to worry. Everything is splendid." He hesitated a moment before continuing a bit nervous. "Mr. Granger, I have been in courtship with your daughter for a relatively short time. However, her and I, have known each other for over a decade. With your permission, I seek to ask her to marry me in the near future?" Mr. Granger looked amazed at this revelation. Not because he didn't think his daughter
and Draco were not capable of this level of commitment; rather, surprised Draco was putting forth the formality of seeking permission.
"Hermione mentioned your family was more traditional. I didn't quite understand what she meant by that, but I see now. For what it's worth even when you two were in different countries and were only permitted to see each other once a week; come the
Sunday she would visit us she seemed...enchanted. Not in a magical way. Enchanted in a way that has nothing to do with magic in your..." Mr. Granger waved his hand in emphasis mimicking wand use. "...way of magic. Rather, I recognized as what happens when someone has a special soul who makes them happy, who promotes them to be their best self, and most of all makes them feel loved. My daughter never achieved
that complete balance with any other blokes of her past. As her father, it pleases me to see she has that. I can
imagine you have achieved that complete balance as well since you are here having this conversation with me. You have my permission
to ask her. I trust Hermione's judgment as to what answer she gives you." Mr. Granger concluded with a supportive smile on his face.
Draco felt a lot less nervous than he had in the beginning of this endeavor. "Thank you Mr. Granger. Your permission and your words are appreciated. There is one more matter I wish to address, a dower." He reached into his inner suit jacket pocket and withdrew a hand sized black velvet drawstring pouch and a piece of parchment that was rolled up and neatly tied with a red ribbon. Mr. Granger looked confused as Draco offered it to the older gentleman and cautiously the man took the pouch and the scroll. Draco nodded signaling
for the man to continue.
He first unrolled the scroll of parchment and his eyes widened in disbelief. It read:
I, Draco Lucius Malfoy, present this dower to Mr. and Mrs. Hermione Jean
Granger's parents as a token of my appreciation and insurance Should your daughter accept my hand in marriage, once we are lawfully wed
may use the brown, black, yellow, and orange diamonds as you deem fit at any point in life to make sure your life
is comfortable and secure. I ask that the pink, blue, green and red diamonds remain in your custody, so long as either of you live. Should something happen to me rendering me dead or incapable to be her husband, they are insurance that Hermione's living relatives, herself, and any possible children we may have are taken care of in my absence.
Here is a list of the diamonds
and their value:
Brown diamond- 4,443 British
pounds GBP ($6,000 USD
conversion)
Black diamond- 4,443
GBP ($6,000 USD conversion)
Yellow diamond- 36,940 GBP
($50,000 USD conversion)
Orange diamond- 73,880 GBP
($100,000 USD conversion)
Pink diamond- 369,400 GBP
($500,000 USD conversion)
Blue diamond- 591,040
GBP ($800,000 USD
conversion)
Green diamond- 74,027,760
GBP ($1,200,000 USD
conversion)
Red diamond- 74,397,160
GBP ($1,700,000 USD
conversion)
At the very bottom it was signed by Draco, witnessed by the Malfoy family lawyer and notarized.
Mr. Granger put down the scroll. He open the pouch and carefully poured the contents within onto his open palm. Eight gems fell into Mr. Granger's open palm. Each one carat in size and either rectangle, circle, or
oval shaped, and in fancy vivid color.
All together the eight gems were worth about 295,520,000 GBP or the equivalent of four million U.S. dollars.
Slowly and in shock the man put the gems back into the pouch. He was as careful as he would have been when doing care on a human patient during dentist work. Draco decided it was time to speak, "I come from a very traditional very wealthy family, Mr.
Granger. Not that I plan on anything happening to me, but should something happen, it would bring me great and reassurance that Hermione
will be cared for. That pouch and scroll has a charm upon them. Only you, your wife, myself, and Hermione will ever be the only beings able to read the scroll or open the pouch. Any other being, human or animal, who
attempts to so much as touch them will be physically unable to and will find themselves cursed. So no need to store it beyond the confines of your
home. Should she reject my proposal or deny agreement during the wedding ceremony, the gems and contract will disappear from your custody. Do we have an understanding and a accord Mr. Granger?"
Mr. Granger got a concerned look on his face, but said nothing when the young man mentioned curses and
such. Draco was incredibly daunting in that moment, almost scary. But it also reassured Mr. Granger how serious Draco was about the commitment and welfare of his daughter. "Of course, Draco. I am curious however about what happens under a circumstance you failed to
mention. What of divorce?" The adult gentleman asked of him.
Draco nodded, "That is a fair question, Mr. Granger. As I said my family is traditional. I personally will never consider that an option. Should
Hermione ever reach that point and nothing can be done to make amends, clearly by then I have done wrong by her and no longer deserve her love." He pulled out his wand and whispered an incantation over the scroll and gems. "Be that the case the gems will still stay and serve the same
purpose. I love Hermione, Sir. I would not love another in my lifetime or whatever existence awaits after death." Mr. Granger seemed pleased
by this answer his expression
and nod of approval and understanding said it all.
Both men stood and shook hands,
concluding their business. Mr. Granger stored the gems and scroll in a small safe he had in the office and then accompanied Draco to the front door and closed it as the young man took his leave and turned to go upstairs. Mrs. Granger stood at the
top of the stairs, when Mr. Granger reached halfway up the stairs. She was wearing a robe and had damp hair that suggested she had just gotten
out of the shower. "Everything alright, my dear? I expected you to come upstairs earlier."
"Not to worry. Everything is splendid." He answered simply giving his wife a kiss.
Draco returned to Wizard London then apparated back to Malfoy Manor. The last task he did before retiring to bed that night was sent Potter and Weasley a invitation to meet him at the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade Village on Wednesday for
lunch and be descreet about it.
"Harry, look at this," said Ron, handing a letter to his friend. It was Monday just after lunch, a very odd time to be receiving a visit from Ron.
Harry took it and adjusted his glasses. "It's from Malfoy. Weird." Harry gave it a once-over look and handed
it back. "What's weirder," Asked Ron,
"The fact he sent me an invitation to lunch or that it's at the Hogshead in Hogsmead?"
"Neither," Responded harry flatly, "due to the fact that I got one just like it." He held up an identical letter from behind his desk.
"What do you think he wants?" Harry shrugged, "Probably just something to do with Hermione."
"What like, 'oi, mind if we get hitched?" Ron said mockingly in his best Draco impression, despite the panic in his voice.
Leaning back in his chair, Harry laughed. "Yeah, and he's going to ask one of us to be his best man."
Ron put his hands on the desk. "C'mon Harry, this could be serious!"
"Ron, it's Malfoy. How bad could it possibly be?"
Ron sighed. "I supposeyou're right."
Wednesday morning, just as the clocks struck noon, Harry and Ron apparated in front of the Hogshead pub. It was much more vacant than the last time they'd been there,
most of the usual crowd having suffered in the war.
Aberforth Dumbledore was at the bar, cleaning glassware when he spotted the two. "If I didn't already know why
you were here, l'd tell ye the bugger off. Don't need my pub being used as a high traffic area for refugees again."
"Good to see you too, Aberforth," Harry waved. Aberforth snorted and smirked a little. Harry and Ron searched the pub for any sign of bright blond hair. Ron spotted it first,
in the furthest booth in the back, and they approached. "Well Malfoy," Harry began, scooting in so Ron could
sit, "What can we help you with today?"
"You couldn't have picked any
other pub besides this?" Ron complained, "place still gives me the heebie jeebies."
"You two can help yourselves to eating before we discuss the reason for this meeting. It is lunch break after all." Malfoy answered Potter just
as Aberforth brought over what appeared to be four large platters. One with an appetizer of red pepper
hummus and grilled pita bread. Another with Duck and orange pata with thick bloomer toast. One with beer battered fish and chips. Glasses of water and serving plates were already served at their designated booth. Malfoy's had a lemon slice
while Potter and Weasley were simply ice and water.
"As for picking another pub, this one works well for keeping Potters' face off the front page of the Daily Prophet
when he goes out in public." Malfoy answered Weasley as the three tentatively began to eat. In all reality Potter's face was known, but no
longer often necessary to be captured when he went out in public. But him and Malfoy in the same place would draw necessary attention that Malfoy did not want.
Malfoy indulged in the red pepper hummus appetizer and the duck with orange pata on toast. A few minutes
into the meal he finally spoke again. "I'm not here for me. I'm here for Hermione. You two are her best mates
and I have come to an understanding. I respect that you will always be in her life. Which is why out of respect
for Hermione I asked you two to come here today, not to seek your approval because that doesn't matter to me. But
rather prove that I love her to respect you two and hope you can give me the same courtesy of respect."
There was a momentary pause as he awaited for that to sink in before he gave his final statement, "I intent to ask for her hand in marriage in the near future. I would appreciate of
you could keep this information between us. Besides us only her father knows and has given me permission. I suppose l am telling you two because the three of us need to come to a understanding and respect one another for the rest of our lives, for her sake. She loves you both and
your families. My presence as her significant other will not be a hinder that if either of you don't make it so."
Ron looked absolutely dumbstruck. His face showed he was mortified by this a idea. "Harry, he is joking right? Tell me he is kidding. You've been dating Hermione for all of what two maybe three months and you think
you 'love her' to ask her to marry you. What the bloody hell is wrong with you?"
Draco knew Weasley was going to be the hard one to convince to play nice.
Given his failed relationship history with Hermione. Still something within Malfoy couldn't resist stating a fact, "I could aask you the same question Weasley. You dated her for all of what four years and didn't think you loved her enough to ask her yourself."
Ron started after Draco, like he was going to crawl over the table to sock him in the teeth, but Harry's sudden grip on Ron's shoulder stopped him.
"Ron, sit down," Harry ordered Ron grumbled something that sounded more like a growl. He stabbed at his duck a couple times.
"Honestly," Harry started, keeping an eye on his compatriot, "I don't see a problem." If Ron's head turned around at him any faster, Harry would have sworn it would have
spun right off. "Just who's side are you on, mate?"
"Hermione's obviously." Harry insisted. "I mean, the Last time I talked with her, she wouldn't stop talking about him. Congratulations on the promotion and move, by the
way." Harry nodded to Draco. "But it's Malfoy!" Ron argued like the person in question wasn't even there.
"I know, it's weird for me too. But think about it: when was the last time Hermione was wrong about something?"
Ron went silent for a few moments, picking at his lunch.
"Thanks, Potter." Malfoy responded to Harry when he was congratulated on his promotion and move back to England. Draco found himself
supressing a hairline grin that wanted to peek out of the corner of his lips when he saw Potter convince Weasley to cool off just a bit, based in the logic of Hermione being right. It was a rare occurrence that Hermione was ever wrong. Even then Draco would not
be one to state to her directly that she was wrong without substantial evidence to support such a claim.
Draco was confident that he was the right man for her. Well more right in
comparison to Weasley or even Viktor Krum, that was rather easily done. Even so, with all that they had in
common and chemistry, her acceptance of a marriage proposal was no guarantee. He was Draco Malfoy and she was Hermione Granger. He would strife to be a worthy companion to her, despite his
faults. And she may not be ready for such a step in life. He was certain they could still keep excelling at their chosen careers, if or when they decided to pursue expanding from a from family of two to a family of more. Not that that was a concern for now. They weren't venturing into actions that held potential for creating a child of their own until they wed.
"...You mean l'm going to have to tolerate seeing him and her together...at every Christmas dinner for the rest of our lives?" Ron asked Harry in a mumble ignoring that Draco was still there.
Draco gave a light cough, ending the charade so Ronald Weasley looked at him, "If that is where Hermione desires to spend the holiday, I will
oblige. Although, I speculate every other year will suffice. As my mother and aunt would want to enjoy celebrations of our own. The idea is odd for me too, but for Hermione's
happiness I will do anything."
Ron looked between Malfoy and Harry, eventually he gave a sigh of defeat. His eyes gained in its place a look of fierceness that Malfoy had
never thought possible on the ginger man. "Alright, if Hermione thinks you are right for her I will not argue. But...if you ever make her regret thinking so, I will personally make sure you suffer for making her unhappy. Understand Malfoy?"
"Understood, Weasley. I am certain Potter and several others, would be forming a line behind you to do so." Malfoy stated and stood up leaving more than a few galleons to cover the meal and tip Aberforth generously.
"Thank you gentlemen for your time today. For what it's worth, Hermione values your friendship beyond anything I have ever known or understand. However, if I were her, I wouldn't want to have to choose between friendship and companionship. I am pleased we could achieve an understanding for her sake, so that wasn't necessary. Remember the future actions to be done by me mentioned in this conversation l'd prefer to stay between us, if you would
please. Have a good day."
"Yes, of course. Farewell, Malfoy." Harry stated and gave Ron and encouraging nudge with an arm. To which Ron mumbled, "Right. Goodbye."
Malfoy was satisfied neither of them would spill his near future plans and a moment later apparated back to the
Alchemy Centre of England to resume work. Now came the part he figured to be easier than the conversations he had undergone: An engagement ring.
The ides of March were fast approaching, Hermione thought to herself, typically bringing ill tidings. They did for the Roman Caesar, but
not for her. The new London alchemy center opened up, bringing Draco closer to her, she doubted anything could go wrong. At least, she couldn't
think of anything that could go wrong. The future was difficult to predict and she always thought divination was a rubbish subject, especially after her experience with
professor Trelawney.
After her Valentine's date with Draco, however, despite the lack of worry, Hermione couldn't help but feel like
something was missing. Or like something had changed. Perhaps the lack of worry is what was missing, replaced by a wonderful feeling of
completion is what she was feeling.
She didn't suffer from anxiety, normally that is. Hermione was actually quite adept at time management and handling any unexpected surprises, but she knew
that when things started to go well, bad things weren't far behind.
But that was when she was younger, less experienced than she was at that point. Whatever came, she'd be able
to handle it. On the first Friday evening of the month, Hermione got
together with Ginny Potter like she always did, to catch up and have some girl time at a lively cafe they frequented.
Ginny had been ill with a severe fever and hadn't been out of bed for a while. They told each other about
their Valentine's experiences and other goings on. For Ginny, harry had taken time off to take care of his child
and sick wife, making her soup and making medical options for her. None quite did the trick, but soothed her
nonetheless. Hermione told of all the places they went, the things they saw, but left out 'all the good details' as
Ginny put it, about the last event of their Valentine's Day. "Come on, Hermione, at least give me something!" Ginny pleaded.
Hermione shook her head, exasperated. "I gues...you could say we are compatible." Ginny's eyes opened up wide. "Oh? He's into what
you're into?"
"He's open minded, but..." Hermione made a face, trying to find the words.
"But?...Good but or bad but?" Ginny inquired.
"I'm not sure exactly. So, we didn't
get very far that night, or any night since. He voiced he wanted to wait until marriage for...yeah." Hermione explained.
Ginny gasped and squealed, grabbing hermione's hands and shaking them, "You know what this means, right?"
Hermione giggled and smiled, excitement filled her. "I think so, but tell me just so I'm sure."
"He's serious about your relationship and there might be a ring in your near future!"
Simultaneously they squealed and bounced in their seats. Once calmed down, they ordered cheesecake for
desert and further discussed
hermione's situation. "So when do you think he'll propose?" Hermione asked Ginny, since the younger married woman had already experienced that.
Ginny shrugged, "It's hard to tell with aristocratic types. They do as they please mostly. Could be tomorrow, months, or years from now."
"Hopefully not years," Hermione sighed.
Ginny laughed. "Isn't it a better reward if wait?"
Hermione gave Ginny a coy look, "Is that so? I don't recall you and Harry waiting. You graduated from Hogwarts and got married soon after."
They both had a sensible chuckle as they finished their desserts and discussed other goings on in life and future possibilities.
With permission from Hermione's father and her two best friends, it was time inform the final person necessary before he 'popped the question', his mother.
The following day, Friday, after work he returned to Malfoy Manor. Keeping to their usual routine as to balance work, other obligations, and time with each other he knew he would be spending time with Hermione on Saturday. Draco found his mother playing the piano in their ballroom. He had fond memories of her doing so when he was younger. He was taught the skill as a lad, but was never fond of of it like she was.
"Good evening, Draco darling." Narcissa spoke as she momentarily cast her gaze at him.
"Good evening, Mother." Draco answered in return approaching to stand beside her. She scooted over and he knew that was an invitation
to sit upon the bench beside her. He sat down and she began to play a familiar tune that he knew to be a duet that required four hands to play.
Recalling deep within the recesses of his mind the many times they played this in his youth. He put trust in his muscles to remember his part as he placed his hands on the keys and began to play along with her.
For a while they played seemingly without a care in the world. When they reached the conclusion and
their fingers stilled as the final notes echoed within the ballroom, he spoke. "Mother, I am going to ask for Hermione Granger's hand in marriage."
A hairline grin hid itself at the corner of her lips. "I trust you have taken proper actions with her father to ensure such a proposal is approved?"
She asked of him. They were aristocrats and had traditions to uphold after all.
"I have." Draco answered and this earned him a proud grin from his mother. "Very good. Since all the Malfoy heirs have been male for many generations, as such there is no female family heirloom ring you can
present her with. Each Malfoy male has designed a ring for their intended and had it crafted for the occasion."
She picked up her wand and gave it a wave, summoning quill, ink, and parchment. The quill scribbled on the
parchment and it landed in Draco's hands. "This is the name and address
of the metalsmith that has served us for many years on various occasions." She said and leaned over to give her
son a kiss upon his cheek. "Congratulations, my son. I am happy for both of you."
Draco looked confused, "But I haven't asked her yet. Isn't it a bit soon to be proclaiming congratulations? There is no guarantee she will say yes."
Narcissa's grin turned into revealing a rare smile, "A mother simply knows these things." She stood and he did as well. They bid their goodnights to one another and he departed to his chambers with the parchment in hand.