Once Loved

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at

http://archiveofourown.org/works/50982520.

Rating:
Mature

Archive Warning:
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Category:
F/M

Fandom:
Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling

Relationship:
Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy

Characters:
Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter, Narcissa
Black Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Ron Weasley, Molly
Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Percy Weasley, George Weasley

Additional Tags:
Marriage Law trope with twist, Not Epilogue Compliant,
Miscommunication

Language:
English

Stats:
Published: 2023-10-20 Completed: 2024-03-24 Words: 24,973 Chapters:
21/21
 Once Loved
by RebelVale

Summary

When the ministry introduces a ‘marriage law’ it is publicised as the

most Romantic law in history but will the extended Weasley clan and
their ‘adopted’ children be happy with their matches?

Notes

I love the marriage law trope and, although I have written one before, I
wanted to write one with a twist.

This work is complete so will be posted at regular intervals.

 The Burrow -Saturday August 22nd 1998
The extended Weasley clan sat around Molly and Arthur’s kitchen table.
The atmosphere tense. Ron couldn’t sit still. Hermione felt like she might
vomit. Harry clung to Ginny’s hand, as if that would make any difference.

As part of a suite of new laws called the ‘Recovery Bill’ the Ministry had
introduced what was commonly called the marriage law. It had been trailed
as the most romantic law in wizarding history, the chance for a whole
generation of witches and wizards to find their perfect match. Now they
were all waiting, praying that all the tests they had taken would indeed
produce their prefect partner.

Any moment now the owls would arrive and their fates would be sealed.
There was no escaping this. It was marriage or 30 years in Azkaban. Even
retreat into the muggle world was not an option, unless you wanted some
Ministry official to scramble your grey matter as they extracted all your
memories.

Hermione knew she could not walk away from the magical world. Not after
all she had given to it. Not when these people were the only family she had
left. But she prayed to Merlin the Ministry had got this right.

There was a sudden shift in the air as a squadron of owls came into view.

“Oh Bloody hell!” Ron exclaimed as he half stood and then sat down again.

The owls flew in firing their envelopes like grapeshot. Hermione’s letter
slid across the bleached wood of the well worn kitchen table and came to a
halt. She looked at it as if it was venomous. All around her there was the
sound of paper tearing.

“Yes!” Harry fist pumped the air as he pulled Ginny to him snogging her
soundly, careless of her parents and siblings being in the room.

George smiled quietly to himself, gently folding the letter back into the
envelope without comment. Hermione supposed he would share when he
was ready, but he was clearly content with the choice.

“Bloody Hell!” Ron said again.

“Ronald!” his mother chastised.

“Well she’s...” he said slapping the letter in Ginny’s face so she could read
it too.”

“Oh!”

“I’m sorry Hermione,” Ginny turned quietly to console her friend, fearful
that Hermione might be hurt that she wasn’t paired with Ron.

“Who?”

Ginny passed her Ron’s letter.

Astoria Greengrass.

“Isn’t she...”

“Malfoy’s fiancée or ex-fiancée since all this was announce.”

“Shit, Malfoy will be pissed.”

“Won’t he just!” Ron’s face spread into a shit eating grin, clearly gleeful at
getting one up on the Malfoy heir for once.

“Percy dear, who have you got?” Molly asked at the confusion on Percy’s
face.

“Penelope Clearwater but I’ve never even spoken to her...” he trailed off,
his brows knitted with confusions.

“She’s very nice Percy.” Hermione sought to reassure him.

“What about you Hermione dear. You haven’t opened your letter yet.”
Hermione immediately regretted not acting sooner. Now all eyes were
focused on her. Hermione swallowed and carefully ran her finger under the
seal to lift it. She edged the Ministry headed notepaper out of the envelope
and carefully opened it.

She read the name. Then shook her head and read it again.

-o0o-

“There has to be some mistake it must be an administrative error.” Lucius

Malfoy concluded as he scanned the note his son had received. “I’ll send an
owl to the Minister immediately.”

“Don’t bother father,” Draco said despondently, “they won’t listen.”

Though it pained Draco to do it, it was better to remind his father now that
he lacked the influence he once had. He didn’t want his father to face the
humiliation of having his owl returned unopened once again.

“You don’t mean to go through with this?”

Draco didn’t answer. He was too lost in the maelstrom of his own thoughts
to give his father heed.

“We always knew this was a possibility Lucius. We discussed it

remember?” Narcissa intervened.

“Yes, yes and I suppose she is not without merit. Her public profile will
help the family re-establish itself...”

“Stop it!” Draco snapped, “I don’t care about her public profile...I...”

“Calm yourself Draco. I know you are disappointed...”

“You have no idea how I feel Father,” truly no idea, no idea at all of what
this will mean, what it will put me through, he finished silently.

Draco retreated to his room unsure if he could bear this. She would hate
him whilst he...he would continue to feel as he had done for a long time. It
had been bad enough to struggle with his feelings from a distance but if he
had to see her, day in, day out, knowing what he did about her. He wasn’t
sure it wouldn’t break him.

Draco pulled in a shuddering breath. I will have to make the best of it. I will
have to put it right. He told himself. Maybe, if he was lucky, they might
learn to be cordial with each other. One thing he was sure of though: it
would not help if she thought his father was trying to manipulate her. He
would have to try to manage that.

Steeling himself Draco sat at his writing desk and drew out a quill and
parchment. He would write to her first, perhaps he could pave the way for
the eventual face to face meeting and hope it would be less difficult as a
result.

-o0o-

“Malfoy!” Ron had lost it, his face puce with rage. “This can’t be right, they
can’t give her to Malfoy. He’s a bloody Death Eater, he should be in
Azkaban. He’ll torture her.” He looked around pleading to the room in
general. Looking at Harry. “Harry?”

“I don’t see what I can do Ron. He was acquitted...” Harry responded

running his hands through his already dishevelled hair. As he once again
reminded Ron that Malfoy was not actually a criminal, despite what Ron
might think.

“Remember Hermione,” Arthur interrupted, “the law will demand a bond,

like an unbreakable vow, to do no harm. If he harms you he harms himself.”

“And what about his father? Will the law protect her from him?” Ron
hissed.

“Lucius Malfoy is still on probation. He can not leave Malfoy Manor and
he does not have his wand.” Arthur pointed out. Though none of this
reassured Hermione.
“What do you think they will demand?” Hermione asked biting her lip, “I
can’t live with him in that house...” Hermione had to take a deep breath to
avert her panic.

“You know you are like a daughter to me Hermione. I will not let the
Malfoys make your life a misery. They will not take advantage of you.”
Arthur reassured her.

Hermione gave him a watery smile. All she could do now was wait for the
pre-nuptial discussions.

-o0o-

They had all left the table settling in quiet nooks around the Burrows.
Mostly alone with their thoughts. The quiet was disturbed by the hoot of a
large eagle owl as is bore down on the residence, hopped through the
kitchen window and landed on the back of a chair adjacent to Hermione.

Hermione eyed the unfamiliar bird cautiously but it seemed well trained.

“Is that for me?” She asked. The bird cocked its head and hooted.

“Would you care to give it to me?” Hermione enquired of the bird. The owl
merely blinked. Hermione huffed in amusement. “I think you may be
spoilt.” She laughed as she held out an owl treat to the bird before he finally
dropped the letter.

The letter was addressed simply ‘Granger’. That was the only clue she
needed as to its origins. With trembling hands she broke the seal and read:

Granger,

I know the thought of marrying me must be the stuff of nightmares for you.
Believe me I would spare you this if I could but, it is what it is, all I can do
is to try to make the best of it.

First I want to apologise, but I would like to do so in person, so please

nominate a time and place for this. I am at your disposal.
Secondly, I don’t want to hurt you anymore and would like to make this
marriage as bearable as possible for both our sakes. So know that I will not
allow my father to manipulate this situation to his own ends. Will you meet
me at your lawyers to discuss terms? I will come alone, you may bring
whomever you choose for support. Though I beg please, in the spirit of the
cooperation I hope to engender, no one who will try to antagonise me.

I await your response.

Hopefully yours,
D.M

Hermione didn’t know what to think. He seemed sincere, his apology was
certainly long overdue and he was right to understand that he needed to
make it in person rather than uttering a few platitudes on paper. That he
would allow her to chose the lawyer for the pre-nuptial discussions and
come alone, well that was a great risk and it spoke of a willingness to trust
her and that he would acquiesce to her demands. Then he had signed it
‘hopefully yours.’ Had he understood the meaning there she wondered?

-o0o-

In the spirit of the cooperation Malfoy had hoped for, she would ask Arthur
to accompany her to the meeting with the lawyer but first she needed a time
and place to meet him. Somewhere not too public because it would cause a
media stir but not too private that she wouldn’t feel safe.

In the end Hermione booked a table at a high end muggle restaurant,

knowing that she should be safe as he would not dare use magic due to the
Statue of Secrecy. Also the muggle world had the added advantage that no
one would know them there and they need not worry about their meeting
ending up on the front page of ‘The Prophet’.

Who knew perhaps, if he could get past being in the muggle world, may be
even Malfoy would relax. She mused
She wrote to him with the time and place noting that: ‘the venue may make
you feel uncomfortable but I will take it as a sign of your sincerity that you
will step into the muggle world in acknowledgement of my heritage.’

All Hermione needed to do now was wait and see if he showed.

—o0o-
 Friday 28th August 1998 -evening.
Chapter Notes

All the events in this story happen very quickly. The characters
emotions reflect the turmoil of the rapidly developing changes in their
lives.

Hermione had dressed with care. She chose a black shift dress with a square
neck line. It was simple and elegant. She knew she didn’t need to impress
Malfoy but the establishment she was taking him to expected a certain
degree of elegance. Perhaps I should have warned him? Hermione worried.
Whilst a small part of her would have been gleeful to see the incredibly
well put together Draco Malfoy (‘Witch Weekly’s’ best dressed Batchelor)
make a fashion faux par it was too late to warn him now. They were
scheduled to meet in fifteen minutes.

“It’ll be alright I can quickly transfigure what he is wearing if it’s

inappropriate,” she told Crookshanks. Would he be offended? Hermione’s
nerves were getting the better of her, she was clearly over thinking this. She
needed to get a grip.

“Wish me luck Crooks,” she said to the aged cat as she prepared to
apparate.

-o0o-

The Maître d' greeted her as soon as she stepped through the door.

“Ms Granger the table you requested is ready. Your guest has already
arrived.”

“Thank you,” she said as he helped her out of her coat and guided her to her
seat.

Draco, like a true gentleman, rose from his seat as he saw her. Hermione
almost didn’t recognise him. Dressed in a summer weight pale linen suit,
which she suspected was charmed not to crease, he looked like he had
walked off the cover of GQ. The blue shirt he wore picked out the blue in
his irises. He looked perfectly at ease and very striking.

As she approached he pulled out a chair so she could sit beside him.

After ordering drinks they decided to go for the tasting menu. Seven elegant
courses. Hermione was pleased she had skipped lunch to make room.

They sat in awkward silence as they waited for the first course to arrive.
Hermione sipped her wine. It was an excellent vintage.

“The wine is excellent, don’t you think?” She asked trying to break the
silence.

“The ‘95 is better but it has good body.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow, whilst she shouldn’t be surprised that he knew

his wines this was a muggle vintage.

“I didn’t know you were familiar with muggle oenology.”

“We have extensive vineyards, the Wizarding World has a relatively small
economy. We needed other markets.”

“ You mean to say you do business with the muggle world selling wine?”

Draco could have made some sarcastic comment but he knew it wouldn’t
help so he contented himself with a simple:

“Yes.”

“Well colour me astonished!” Hermione said with a small huff.

Draco smiled. Hermione couldn’t help but recognise how his face was
transformed when he smiled genuinely.

“It’s nice to see you smile.” She told him honestly, “I’ve seen it so rarely.”
“I hope we will both have cause to smile often.” He replied.

Hermione tipped her wine glass towards him, a tacit acknowledgement that
she hoped so too.

Draco knew now was the moment, he knew all she remembered of him was
his cruelty and he needed to address that but still his mouth went dry. He
steeled himself for what he knew he needed to say and began.

“I need to apologise. I know that my behaviour and attitude towards you

was inexcusable. I regret it. I recognise that there is nothing that I can do to
take away the hurt that I caused. I do not ask for your forgiveness. You are
fully entitled to hate me but I beg you to allow me to try and make amends.
I will, if you will allow it, do all in my power to make the best of the
marriage that has been forced upon us.”

“I...”

Draco held up his hand to forestall her, to signal he had not finished.

“Also, I want you to know that I never hated you. I was a weak willed
coward, parroting the hurtful words I had heard from others who should
have known better. I should never have repeated them. I should have known
better. I am sorry.”

Somewhere, around the point where Draco had admitted that he did not hate
her, tears had welled in Hermione’s eyes. Now they spilled.

Draco was unsure what to do. He had not intended to make her cry. He and
his family had caused her too many tears. Instinctively he knew he needed
to comfort her. It would after all be his role. She would soon be his wife.

“Please don’t cry. I didn’t want to make you cry. I didn’t want to make you
sad.” He offered.

Hermione shook her head. If he was sincere, as he seemed to be, that was
quite some apology.

“I’m not sad.” She told him. “I found your apology moving. Thank you.”
She offered no forgiveness but she was prepared to accept that he would try
to make amends and she was happy to see him try.

-o0o-

The rest of the meal might have been awkward but, as if some great weight
had been lifted, Draco seemed to relax. The conversation became more
natural. He told her more about the vineyards. Offering to take her on a tour
of them after they were wed. Though there were topics they avoided. There
was no mention of the war or of their time at school together. They explored
their mutual interests. They both read a lot. They debated who was the most
successful mystery writer. In the end it was like a first date would have been
if they had had no prior history.

Would she have agreed to another date if the situation were different?
Hermione asked herself. In the end she decided that ‘yes’ she would.

“Thank you for a lovely evening.” Hermione said as they prepared to leave.

“No, thank you. Will you allow me to get the cheque?” Draco enquired.

“Oh No, No! I insist I pay my share.”

Draco smirked.

“What?” Hermione questioned not sure if she liked him smirking at her.

“You do realise that it doesn’t matter who pays. Very shortly what I own
will be yours and vice versa.” He reminded her.

Hermione was about to protest but then she realised he had a point and all
she would do was antagonise him if she insisted.

“Okay, you can pay. It’s not like you can’t afford it.”

He merely smiled before turning to the Maitre d’ and saying:

“Please but this on my account.”

Hermione stared at him open mouthed. He had eaten here before. He had an
account.

“Don’t look so surprised Granger.”

Problem was she was surprised. She didn’t understand him at all. How
could he eat in the muggle world? His family do business in the muggle
world? And yet he had still belittled her for her heritage.

“You are a complete contradiction Draco Malfoy.” She stated.

Draco chortled. Hermione turned to glare at him but he was much closer
than she had thought. He had clearly intended to help her with her wrap.
They both froze. She had never been this close to him before. She could
smell his cologne. It was clean, crisp and expensive. Hermione couldn’t
help but breathe it in. She shivered as he placed the wrap across her
shoulders. A strange sense of familiarity spread over her, though she could
in no way account for it.

“You might find I’m full of surprises.” He whispered, his words brushing
her ear, before he stepped aside to offer his arm.

-o0o-

Like a perfect gentleman Draco walked her from the apparition point to her
door.

“Well, thank you again.” Hermione said somewhat awkwardly as they

reached her doorstep. Briefly she wondering if she should mention the pre-
nuptial meeting but she thought better of it. Instead she awkwardly held out
her hand. Draco took it and in a courtly gesture, reminiscent of another age,
he kissed her knuckles.

“Goodnight Hermione.” He offered as he straightened before apparating

away.

Hermione stood there stunned. He had said her name as if...well certainly as
if he was accustomed to speaking it, but the way it rolled off his tongue…
Somehow, through her confusion she managed to unlock her front door and
make her way inside. Hermione leaned against the inside of her door.
Looking at her knuckles and wondering what had just happened. Why it
was that her heart was beating so quickly? Her brain could offer no
explanation.

-o0o-
Tuesday 2nd September 1998-Pre-nuptial Meeting
The Ministry did not expect matched couples to dawdle. The expectation
was clear that marriages would take place as soon as practically possible.
There were of course, especially in the case of an heir to a substantial
estate, certain legal issues to address.

So it was that Draco found himself at the offices of Hermione’s lawyers

ready to sign the prenuptial agreement. Truthfully he knew it didn’t really
matter what it said. Malfoys did not divorce. So as long as they were happy
with arrangements for the wedding and married life he was fine with
whatever Hermione wanted.

“Draco,” Arthur Weasley was the first to greet him as he entered the
lawyer’s office.

“Mr Weasley, Hermione.”

Hermione couldn’t help it. Though she tried to will it away a blush rose to
her cheeks at the way her name rolled from his lips. All she could manage
was a small nod by way of greeting.

Draco settled himself beside her. She was hyperaware of him. His thigh was
so close to her own she could feel its radiating heat and as she breathed a
steadying breath his scent engulfed her. Merlin he smells divine. She
inwardly acknowledged. Get a grip! She chastised herself at that thought.
She needed to focus.

Her lawyer, Mr Monroe, joined them. Mr Monroe was what Hermione

would have called a beige man. There was nothing about his person of note.
Perhaps that was an asset for a lawyer?

“Is this everyone? Well shall we begin?” He asked beginning before anyone
replied.
“Firstly Mister Malfoy, my client insists that she not be required to live at
Malfoy Manor. Miss Granger requires the main marital residence to be
elsewhere. Due to certain unfortunate incident...”

“Agreed.” Draco said cutting off any further description of the incident the
man was doubtless alluding to. “ I have a town house in London which I
can offer as our main residence and should Hermione find this unsuitable
we will purchase something else.”

“Indeed.” The lawyer commented looking a little put out. Gathering himself
Mr Monroe continued, “secondly, my client will continue to pursue her
career until such a time as she sees fit to no longer do so.”

“And when there are children?” Draco asked.

“You seem awfully confident of that fact.” Hermione spoke for the first
time.

Draco sighed.

“My apologies but as this is indeed the entire purpose of the Recovery Law.
I naturally assumed…allow me to rephrase. If there are children.” He
amended.

“Then we will find suitable childcare.” Hermione clarified.

“As you wish.” Draco agreed, “I merely sought to enquire if, as a

muggleborn, you might prefer a more hands on role.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She snapped.

Draco prayed for patience, he had not intended any insult but clearly he had
put his foot in his mouth already.

“I meant no offence. It was just my understanding that muggle parent

preferred to care for their own children. I have no issue with other child
care arrangements. I was in the care of my nanny for my first five years.”
“And look how that turned out.” Hermione muttered under her breath,
wondering if she might need to specify muggle childcare but before she
could Draco continued.

“I am more than happy for you to follow your career Hermione and seek
whatever childcare you regard as suitable. I just hope being married to me
does not damage your reputation and by extension your career. I would
however like to stipulate that I would like to play a role in the upbringing of
our children and would be willing to stay home to care for them myself.”

“ You would?” Hermione looked astonished.

“Yes, why not?”

“Very modern of you Mister Malfoy,” the lawyer interjected, “shall we

continue?”

When no one spoke Monroe continued.

“Now to the question of the legal status of the children. My client insists
that any children be acknowledged as Malfoy heirs.”

“Ah, I’m afraid I can not agree to that.” Hermione looked ready to explode
so Draco hurriedly sought to explain. “Unfortunately the Malfoy estates are
entailed to the pureblood line. If I could change this archaic situation I
would but it appears to be legally watertight. The estates will go to the
nearest pureblood relative on my demise. However,” he paused for
emphasise. “ I will acknowledge our children as my heirs and as I have a
substantial fortune in my own right, and estates from the Black family line,
our children will be heirs to a significant inheritance. Your lawyer is of
course free to look at the legalities of the Malfoy estates inheritance. I will
not oppose this.”

“Oh!” Was all Hermione could manage for a moment. Then looking at
Arthur for reassurance she concluded. “Agreed.”

“Now to the wedding. My client wishes to marry in the muggle tradition but
understands that you may wish to marry in a traditional wizarding
ceremony. Therefore she proposes you marry twice.”

“Agreed so long as the wizarding ceremony is first.”

“Why?”

“To satisfy the law.” Draco confirmed. Though in truth he wanted to secure
her to him as soon as he could.

“Agreed.” Hermione responded.

“In the event of a divorce. My client wishes only that suitable provision be
made for the maintenance of your children and to house her until such a
time as a suitable property is available,”

“Is that all?” Draco asked her gobsmacked. Though he failed to point out
there would be no divorce, he couldn’t believe she would demand so little.

“I don’t need your money nor do I want it. Further, prenuptial agreements
are a matter of public record. I will not be made to look like a gold digger.”

Draco smirked.

“What?” Hermione demanded.

“You would rather it appear you married for love?”

“What? No...I mean...”

“Agreed.” Draco announced sparing her further embarrassment. Though he

added in a whisper, “you are allowed to love me you know.”

He expected some cutting comeback. To his utter astonishment his wife to

be blushed. Something inside Draco kindled. Had he been a less cynical
man he might have called it hope.

-o0o-
 Wednesday September 3rd 1998.
Chapter Notes

Very short chapter so I am posting chapter 5 too as a bonus!

“So he agreed to all that?”

“Yes,” Hermione replied, “he was surprisingly reasonable. The only real
issue was that he couldn’t pass the Malfoy estates to our children because of
a legal entail stating they had to go to a pureblood. Though it did occur to
me afterwards, after all this ‘social engineering’ the Ministry is carry out
they may be hard pressed to find a pureblood heir.”

“I don’t know. Ron’s children will be pure bloods!” Harry offered.

“Oh how Malfoy would love that if the only distant heirs to the Malfoy
estates were Weasleys,” Ginny crowed.

“So your children won’t get anything?” Harry enquired.

“Apparently Malfoy has his own estates and fortune. Some from the Black
line. So they will get that.”

Harry who was himself a beneficiary of the Black family looked intrigued
but for the moment let it pass.

“And he agreed to a muggle wedding?” Harry continued.

“Yes, so long as we have a wedding here in the Wizarding World first to

satisfy the Ministry.”

“Oh Godric, can you see Malfoy in a muggle morning suit?” Harry
chortled.
“Actually yes.” Hermione responded, “he wore a muggle suit when I met
him for dinner. He seemed surprisingly comfortable in the muggle world.
He seems to have more knowledge of the world beyond his narrow
pureblood up bringing than I supposed. In all honesty he has done nothing
but surprise me so far. In a good way.” She added for clarification.

Ginny cocked her head to the side as she studied Hermione carefully.
Whatever she was thinking she didn’t share stating instead;

“So you lucky girl, you get to have two weddings. I feel the need to go
shopping.”

Both Hermione and Harry groaned.

-o0o-
 Friday 5th September 1998
Chapter Notes

Hope you haven’t missed Chapter 4. It was short but I hope you didn’t
miss it.

So it was that two days later Hermione found herself participating in the
first of what she suspected would be many shopping trips. After three hours
straight of gowns and wedding favours she begged Ginny for a lunch break
before she expired. Wedding discussions continued as they sat outside the
cafe across from Eeylop’s Owl Emporium on Diagon Alley.

“So do you think you will go for traditional marriage vows?” Ginny asked.

“Muggle or magically?”

“Magical.” Ginny clarified.

“I’m certainly not having traditional muggle vows. I would have to promise
to obey Malfoy...”

“Perhaps it is time you began to address my son by his given name?” A cool
cultured voice interrupted them.

“Mrs Malfoy.” Hermione choked out as a blush spread up her throat and
across her cheeks.

“May I join you ladies?” The Malfoy matriarch asked, though neither of the
younger witches would dare deny her.

Narcissa Malfoy sat with all the grace and elegance of her pureblood
breeding.
“This is a fortunate meeting Hermione, I may call you Hermione?” Narcissa
enquired.

Hermione, too scared to deny her anything, merely nodded.

“Good and you must call me Narcissa. We are to be family after all.”

Ginny gave an inelegant snort then coughed and spluttered as she all but
choked on her tea.

“Are you well Miss Weasley?” Narcissa enquired in what was clearly a
polite chastisement.

“Yes, thank you,” Ginny managed catching her breath.

“I must congratulate you on your betrothal to the ‘boy who lived’. I’m sure
the press will see that as something of a coup. I understand that you were
already dating?”

Ginny nodded her confirmation.

“Then you are fortunate indeed.” The unsaid implication hung in the air.
That her son had not been so fortunate. Perhaps Narcissa realised this for
she turned to Hermione with a kindly smile and added, “though I think my
son is well pleased with his match.”

Hermione’s eyebrows rocketed into her hairline. She almost had to

physically clamp her hands over her mouth to stop the ‘are you joking’ from
exploding out of her mouth.

“Yes,” Narcissa continued as if talking to herself, “ I believe Draco and

Miss Granger will do well together.”

Hermione was stunned. She consider pinching herself under the table to see
if she was dreaming. She couldn’t believe what her future mother-in-law
was saying.

“Have you given much thought to the wedding plans yet?” Narcissa
enquired, “I understand that you intend to wed twice. That will be quite
some undertaking. I had hoped…” Narcissa paused and sighed. “Forgive
me Miss Granger this is all so difficult for me. I had been so looking
forward to planning my son’s wedding. I’m a silly old woman but it was my
greatest pleasure and as with so much else…well it is what it is but if you
need my help in anyway…”

Later Hermione wondered if she had been foolish but she didn’t want her
future mother in law to be disappointed and besides perhaps extending an
olive branch to the Malfoy matriarch was no bad thing.

“Though Draco and I have not discussed it yet I doubt he would object to
your planning our magical wedding.” She offered.

The older woman beamed at her. “Well perhaps when you have discussed
with Draco what you would like?”

“Yes,” Hermione agreed.

“Well I will leave you ladies to finish your lunch. We will meet again soon
Hermione. Good day.”

“Good day Mrs Malfoy,” Hermione managed as she watched the older
witch glide away.

“Merlin!” Ginny let out on a gasp of air.

Hermione said nothing for a moment.

“Draco and I. It sounds so…weird.”

“Well you better get used to it. I think you had better send him an owl so
you can discuss the wedding before his mother has it all planned.”

“Perhaps that would be easier,” Hermione said dispassionately.

“Oh Hermione I didn’t mean… do you really not care?”

“It’s not as if I ever had dreams of my perfect marriage but still… it’s just
odd to think in a few weeks I will be married to Malfoy.”
“Speaking of whom…” Ginny trailed off.

“Hermione, Ginevra,” Draco greeted.

“You’ve just missed your mother.” Hermione told him.

“I know. It was she who told me you were here.”

“Oh!”

“I’m sorry about my mother. I know she will try to bully you into letting her
plan the wedding. You don’t have to agree Granger.”

Merlin who was this man. Hermione thought again.

“I… it’s okay. Is it okay…with you? I mean.”

I would marry you dressed in a burlap sack if it was the only way I could
have you. Draco thought but he said:

“Could we meet for dinner? So we can discuss it properly. My treat?”

“I seem to recall you said it didn’t matter who paid last time we met.”

“True.” he conceded, “my choice of venue then.” He paused for thought a

moment. “Are you prepared to go public or should I find somewhere
discreet? I don’t believe the banns have been read yet.”

“Can we keep it discreet until we…discreet please.”

He nodded in understanding.

“I’ll owl you.”

He nodded to Ginny. “Ladies.” He acknowledge then left.

“Good Godric!” Ginny let out a whistle. “What happened to him?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well shit Hermione he’s…” Ginny shook her head.

“Ginny,” Hermione growled at her friend, frustrated by the fact she had
started a sentence she had not finished.

“When did Draco Malfoy get so…well hot! I can’t believe that he’s the
same pointy faced ferret we knew in school and his manner towards you.
Dear Godric are you in trouble.”

Hermione frowned at her friend.

“What?” Hermione began but clamped her mouth shut. She was about to
deny it but…suddenly Hermione realised there may be some hint of truth in
Ginny’s words.

-o0o-

“I really don’t mind allowing your mother to plan the wedding as long as
there is not a cast of thousands. I don’t think I could cope with the nerves.”
Hermione said as she sat swirling her wine around the bowl of her wine
glass later that evening.

“I’m not sure you know what you are letting yourself in for.” Malfoy sat
opposite her a slight smirk fighting to break across his lips.

“Does it matter?” She asked him wearily.

“Doesn’t it?”

“It’s not like it’s real.”

“Isn’t it? Are you so sure? So sure you will ever marry again?”

Hermione looked at him intently, bitting her lip but she didn’t answer.

“Are you so sure we could never work?” There was a deep sadness behind
his eyes as if it hurt him to think that she would never love him. For a
moment it squeezed her heart. For a moment she felt she was missing
something important, something she needed to remember but couldn’t.
Nonetheless she was not sure if she could answer him honestly.

“I'm not sure Draco.” She admitted.

As she sat with him over dinner Ginny’s earlier words played across
Hermione’s brain. She looked at her husband to be in a way she had never
looked at him before. Ginny was right. Somehow he had softened at the
edges. His features had rounded as he had matured and she had to admit, if
she was objective, Draco Malfoy was handsome and there was a gentle
strength to him that he had not shown her before. Hermione wondered if he
was a better man than she thought. She had a sudden strange feeling that
she knew that he was.

There was an awkward silence. It was Draco who broke it.

“Just don’t let her bully you.” He concluded then added as an after thought,
“but by all means let her deal with the boring paper work.”
 September 6th 1998

Hermione was looking forward to a quiet Sunday morning. She had not
been sleeping well and after all the stress of the previous week she wanted
to do nothing more than to spend a morning with her book and a cup of tea.
Sadly it was not to be.She had just settled in her comfortable armchair when
a taping at the window alerted her to a message. She opened the window to
a pretty tawny owl that she had never seen before. Absently she offered the
bird a treat as it delicately held out a talon with the message attached.

Hermione’s heart dropped as she recognised the Malfoy seal on the

expensive parchment.

Dear Miss Granger,

We would be honoured if you could join us for family dinner this evening…

Hermione didn’t bother to read the rest she groaned. She knew it was true
they had precious little time to plan anything but still she could think of
nothing worse than spending the evening with her future in laws in that
house. A pall of panic descended upon her.

-o0o-

Hermione thought she might choke on her own air as she stepped out of the
floo and into the travelling room at Malfoy Manor. She didn’t recognise the
place. It was light and airy where as on her last visit it seemed dark and
oppressive. Before she had taken three steps Draco was there to meet her.

“I’m sorry,” he apologised, “I had intend to be here to meet you.”

When Hermione didn’t immediately answer Draco drew in a shaky breath.

She watched as his fist clenched and unclenches. Was he nervous? She
wondered.
“If you’re uncomfortable Granger I can see you home but there is no need
to be afraid Hermione.”

Hermione froze, ‘don’t be afraid Hermione,’ his voice, his tone, it crashed
into her with a sense of unnerving familiarity. Almost like a muscle
memory, her brain recalled those words whispered like a gentle caress
across her ear.

Hermione shook herself with a slight shiver that she hoped Malfoy took as
fear.

“Are you alright?” Draco asked looking at her as if she was a spooked deer.

“Fine!” Hermione finally responded walking forward to move past him.

Draco almost couldn’t breathe; what had she been thinking? What did she
remember? He silently asked himself.

“Ah Miss Granger,” Malfoy senior greeted before his son had had the
chance to catch up with her, “how good of you to join us.”

Hermione wondered that Lucius Malfoy could lie with such

sincerity.Though Hermione didn’t think she could greet him with equal
candour. What greeting could she give that would not be a lie? It’s lovely to
see you? It’s wonderful to be here again?

“Good Evening Mr Malfoy. I see you have redecorated.” Though not

openly hostile her response made it clear she had neither forgiven nor forgot
their last interaction.

“Please join us for an aperitif. You have of course met Narcissa my wife.”

At least with Mrs Malfoy she could answer honestly;

“Mrs Malfoy how lovely to see you again so soon.”

Social niceties observed an awkward and stilted silence descend. Finally

Narcissa cracked.
“Draco darling won’t you take Hermione on a stroll across the gardens.
Perhaps show her the gazebo?”

“Of course mother. If you will join me Hermione?”

“But don’t be too long dear. You know how Tiggy gets up set if dinner is
late.”

Tiggy, Hermione assumed must be a house-elf.

“Don’t worry Granger, “ Draco whispered, “Tiggy is a free elf.”

-o0o-

The gardens were beautiful even at dusk. Heady with the fragrance of lilies
and night scented jasmine. They walked the yew hedged paths in silence,
both lost in their own thoughts.

“It will be soon,” Hermione surprised herself by breaking the silence.

“Yes,” he told her, a hint of condolence in his tone.

“I’m sorry,” she offered though she knew it was not her fault.

“For what?”

Hermione fiddled with the bracelet at her wrist unsure what she should say.
In the end she decided to be honest.

“I can’t imagine you wanted to be my husband.” She told him.

Draco simply scoffed. You have no idea what I want. He told her silently, no
idea what I have given up.

“We can marry here in the gardens at least for the magical ceremony.”

“I’m sure it will be fine.”

Draco gritted his teeth at her lack of enthusiasm. It wasn’t that he could
reasonably have expected any different but…he had hoped she might feel
something for him beyond indifference.

“If it pains you so much perhaps it would be best to leave it all to my

mother.”

Hermione couldn’t help but hear the notes of bitterness and hurt in his
voice.

“What do you want Draco?”

Draco swallowed, he didn’t dare tell her, he couldn’t tell her not yet.

“It doesn’t matter we will let my mother arrange it. At least that way
someone will garner some pleasure from all this.”

They were silent again. Hermione wondering how the Ministry could
imagine this policy would ever be a success if it caused such bitterness. She
worried if that bitterness would fester, turn to resentment. Could it ever
become love? She doubted it.

“I will agree to whatever your mother wants. As you say at least she will
have the pleasure from it.”

-o0o-
 September 8th 1998
Chapter Notes

So here comes the twist in the tale…

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Objectively Hermione knew the dresses were beautiful but she couldn’t
build up the enthusiasm. Narcissa was being kind. Generous with both her
praise and her money but Hermione couldn’t help thinking that her own
mother should have been here with her.

In the end it was Narcissa’s kind words that broke her.

“Yes!” The older witch had exclaimed, as Hermione exited the dressing
room in a simple elegant gown that flattered her figure. “This is the one,
you look so beautiful my dear. Draco will be bewitched. Your parents will
be so proud…”

Hermione burst into tears. Narcissa stilled perhaps realising for the first
time that Hermione had made no mention of her parents.

“Your parents are they…” dead? The final word hung silently unsaid.

“Narcissa I…they don’t know me anymore. I sent them away.”

Narcissa’s lips thinned. Her spine straightened as realisation dawn. The

Malfoy matriarch was a very clever woman, she understood immediately
what Hermione had done. Coming up to the younger woman and taking her
in a motherly embrace she asked gently.

“And it can not be reversed?”

“No! I did it too well. For once why couldn’t I have been less than
outstanding?” Narcissa knew it was a rhetorical question and all she could
do was offer comfort.

“I’m sorry my dear,” she told her quietly, before adding cryptically: “we
have all done, for love, things which we regret.”

-o0o-

“Draco a word!” His father called imperiously as he crossed between the

breakfast room and the library.

Draco’s shoulders stiffened. He knew that tone, something was amiss and
his father wasn’t happy about it. With a rising sense of dread Draco
followed his father into the older man’s study.

“Sit down Draco,” Lucius Malfoy said in a clipped tone that brooked no
disagreement.

Draco sat.

“Your mother sent me on an errand today.” His father paused watching

Draco’s face carefully, though Draco couldn’t guess for the life of him what
reaction his father expect to such bland news. “She sent me to the Ministry
to get the marriage licences.” He paused again, suddenly Draco felt a little
less comfortable. “Imagine my surprise when the licences were refused.”

“Father I can…”

“Explain?” His father interrupted.

Draco shrank back into his seat. He had not considered this problem, this
difficulty. It had been stupid of him.

“Yes Draco do explain. Tell me how it is that no licence can be issued

because my son is already married!”

“She doesn’t know.” Draco blurted out.

Now it was his father’s turn to be surprised.

“Pardon? What do you mean she doesn’t know?”

“I needed to protect her. It was the only way to keep her safe.”

“She was Potter’s M…”

“Don’t say it father,” Draco turned on the older man vehemently.

“She was Potter’s closest ally. She always had a target on her back.”

“And I added a noose around her neck.”

“You foolish boy,” Lucius said shaking his head before adding with wistful
fondness. “So like your mother.”

Draco was so surprised he was made mute.

“Tell me about it. Tell me what happened.”

Draco took a deep breath;

“It began with a confrontation. It was the year of the World Cup the day
Death Eaters attacked the camp. I had meant to taunt her but in the end…”

‘Hadn’t you better be hurrying along, now? You wouldn’t like her spotted,
would you?’ He had nodded at Hermione, and at the same moment, a blast
like a bomb had sounded from the campsite, and a flash of green light
momentarily lit the trees around them.

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ Hermione had asked defiantly.

‘Granger, they’re after Muggles,’ he had said. ‘D’you want to be showing

off your knickers in mid-air? Because if you do, hang around … they’re
moving this way, and it would give us all a laugh.’

“Potter had sought to defend her but I pretended not to care.”

‘Have it your own way, Potter,’ I had told him, ‘If you think they can’t spot a
Mudblood, stay where you are.’

‘You watch your mouth!’ Weasley had threatened.

‘Oh, come on, let’s go and find the others.’ Hermione had said. She’d
looked at me with such disgust momentarily I felt ashamed.’

‘Keep that big bushy head down, Granger,’

“Those were my parting words. I had meant it as a slur but it came out as a
warning. As she walked away I was over come by a sudden gut wrenching
fear. A realisation I didn’t want her to come to any harm. Though I knew I
shouldn’t care I couldn’t help myself. She was so brilliant, so feisty.
Suddenly she looked back and I had to do something.”

“‘Run Granger’. I mouthed to her. For a moment we starred at each other. I

didn’t know what that meant but something about the way she looked back
at me made me feel better…like I was worth something more than my
pureblood heritage. A couple of weeks later, back at Hogwarts, she
confronted me…”

“Why did you care?” She challenged me out of the blue.

“What?”

“Why did you care? Why did you warn me?”

“Don’t flatter yourself Granger.”

“You don’t believe it do you?” She challenged.

“Believe what?”

“All the blood status rubbish.”

“I hadn’t known how to respond to that. I didn’t answer but my silence was
enough, it had sown the seeds of doubt in my mind and perhaps intrigue in
hers.”

“By the time we reached the end of our fourth year I was in love with her.
Of course I was too young to either recognise or acknowledge the feeling
but I know now that that is what it was. I know now that it was jealousy that
I felt as she dance with the Krum at the Yule Ball. Somehow, later that same
evening, I found myself dancing with her outside the doors to the Great
Hall. No one knew, no one saw us. No one saw when I buried my face in
her curls, when I lost control and kissed her.”

“From there, well things escalated. I knew she was it for me and I wanted,
selfishly, to hold her to me. To cut a long story short when I was 16 I
proposed and incredibly she said ‘yes’. I don’t know why she agreed,
perhaps she could see as I could where the world was going. Perhaps she
understood this was the only chance we would ever have to be with
someone we cared for. For what it’s worth I believe she genuinely loved
me. It was not that she thought our name would protect her. She was never
that naïve. We eloped, on a Hogsmeade weekend. We married in a muggle
civil ceremony. I should have known that the Ministry would know.
Somehow I didn’t think…”

His father had said nothing, not a thing, he had not even sighed.

Until he asked;

“And she knows none of this?”

“No! When I took the mark…I was ashamed. I could see what my future
would be. I didn’t expect to survive and I didn’t want her to suffer. I
obliviated her. It was the most painful thing I have ever had to do. And now
well… things are a mess.”

What Draco did not say was when he had done it. When he had panicked
believing he had no choice.

“So what do you plan to do?” Lucius asked his son.

“What can I do? If I tell her she might never forgive me. If I don’t and she
remembers…Merlin what a mess!”

“Perhaps you need time.”

“But we don’t have time. The marriage is supposed to be in four days. Can
it even go ahead?”

“I don’t see why something can not be arranged. Your original marriage was
a muggle one. You plan to wed in both traditions. The magical vows will be
genuine and I don’t believe you break any muggle law if you marry your
own wife twice.” Lucius confirmed, “ but Draco,” he warned, “you need to
tell her. I see now that she is important to you. If you want her love you can
not lie to her. Believe me I learnt that the hard way.”

“I will. When the time is right I will tell her.”

-o0o-

Chapter End Notes

The more observant of you will have spotted some of J.K. Rawlings
original words. I take no credit for these!
 September 10th 1998

In three days Hermione would be wed. She woke that Thursday morning
and to her surprise found she didn’t mind too much. Malfoy, Draco, she
corrected herself was more pleasant than she had supposed. He was
certainly not the boy he had been at school. She was increasingly confident
that they would at least tolerate each other. With time they might be
companionable, though she dare not hope for more.

She looked around her little flat at the boxes packed and ready for her to
leave and sighed. This really was the end of an era for her. Still she
wouldn’t mope, she was not the only one in this position and today she had
the first of many weddings to attend. It would also be her first public
appearance with her fiancé.

Though the law was public knowledge the matches it had produced were
not. It was at the discretion of couples when to announce their engagement.
Many had chosen to announce their up coming nuptials with their wedding
invites. Draco and Hermione had asked their guest to maintain discretion.
They knew their match would be explosive and they wanted to keep it quiet
as long as they could, but time was up. Today was the day.

Hermione looked at the pretty blue silk chiffon dress she had chosen for the
day. Her mother in law had helped her with a new wardrobe for all the
weddings to come but Hermione had chosen this dress herself. It was the
same colour as her ball gown from the Yule ball. Somehow it felt
appropriate.

Hermione spent the morning getting ready. Taming her hair, doing her make
up. She knew they would be photographed. She didn’t want to take the
limelight from George and Angelina but by the same token she wanted to
look like she belonged on Draco’s arm.
Draco arrived to collect her at 10am. An hour before the wedding was due
to begin. Soon enough to not be considered late but not so early that they
would cause disruption.

“I have something for you.” Draco announced before they left the flat. He
took out a small box which he enlarged. Hermione sucked in a breath. It
was clearly a jewellery set.

“My engagement gift to you. I should have given it to you sooner.” He told
her as he handed the box to her.

Tentatively Hermione lifted the lid. The box contained several items of
jewellery. Matching necklace and ear drops. A bracelet and engagement ring
and two very simple, very plain gold bands.

For all the splendour of the gems it was the plain gold bands that grabbed
her attention as if they called to her.

“These are so plain.”

“You don’t like them?” He questioned, rubbing the back of his neck.

“No it’s just…how did you know they are just what I would have chosen.”

“Good!” He smiled.

Hermione had the feeling he was deflecting. Perhaps he was embarrassed,

she thought and let it pass.

“Here you should wear this,” he held up the aquamarine and diamond
necklace.

Awkwardly Hermione attempted to hold up her hair and fasten the necklace.

“Stubborn witch,” Draco gave a small laugh, “allow me.”

Draco stepped close behind her. Hermione shivered as his fingertips grazed
her neck.
“You are so very beautiful,” Draco whispered.

Hermione looked up in surprise. Her wide eyed expression in the mirror

snagging her attention. There again, there was that sense of deja vu as she
caught his reflection standing behind her. It felt like he had done this before
and she stood paralysed as he lifted a lock of her hair and kissed the tendril
tenderly. For a moment there was such longing in his eyes as if he wanted
nothing more than to burying himself in her skin. But then the spell was
broken. Crookshanks knocked a bottle from her dresser and it spun loudly
across the floor.

“We should go,” Draco announced, pulling himself together.

-o0o-

Through out the ceremony Draco sank deeper into his own mind.
Remembering how he had proposed to Hermione. How she had worn that
same blue at the Yule ball. She was so stunning. He recalled as he spilled
into his memory:

Draco knew there time was limited. He had almost completed his task. He
knew what was left to be done but he had stalled a little longer because he
didn’t want to say goodbye. He feared when he did it might be forever. They
would be on opposing sides. Once his task was complete they could not be
together anymore. He could not take her with him and even if he could he
doubted she would come. He didn’t want to lose her. He couldn’t lose her.

“Marry me!” He blurted out impulsively.

“What!”

“Well I have to admit that was not quite the reaction I was looking for,” he
said with self-depreciating humour.

“That’s not what I…are you serious…why?” She asked in apparent

confusion.

“A sign of good faith.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to but you put yourself at even greater risk. If it
were discovered.”

“If we marry in the muggle world it won’t be,” he rushed out.

She bit her lip he could tell she was considering it. He hoped she would
agree.

“I don’t want to lose you,” finally he admitted, “I’m afraid. Afraid that
when all this is over…”

He had been afraid she wouldn’t want him. Afraid, if Potter won, she would
distance herself, be embarrassed by her association with him and though he
wouldn’t have blamed her he selfishly wanted to hold her to him. He would
find some means to protect her if Voldemort won.

Perhaps she had understood this. Perhaps she had shared his fears. He didn’t
know, but she had agreed to marry him. They were barely of age. They had
performed a confundus on the muggle registrar to cover for the fact that in
the muggle world they were not old enough to wed without parental
consent. It was madness, he smiled to himself as he reflected but Merlin he
would do it all again. He only wished she remembered.

-o0o-

The press had been kept at bay but it had not skipped their notice that Draco
had Hermione on his arm. Uncharacteristically the ladies and gentlemen of
the press had shown some restraint. George and Angelina remained the
focus of attention as the photographs were taken but as the bridal party
moved to the wedding feast the clamour began.

“Ms Granger are we to understand that you and Mr Malfoy are engaged?”

“Hermione are you and Draco to be wed.”

As the cacophony of noise rose Draco’s thoughts became somehow

dissociated. He wondered how many ways there were to ask if they were to
be wed and what they would say if he told them they already were.
-o0o-
 September 12th 1998

Hermione woke exhausted. She thought it must be the stress of the build up
to the wedding but she had slept ill; her rest plagued by the reoccurring
nightmare of a faceless lover who screamed in his sleep and could not be
comforted. She never saw his face but she knew she loved him beyond
reason but he always left her and she always awoke feeling as if her heart
had been broken and it would never mend.

She had considered therapy, she had even thought about consulting a seer
(even though she believed most of their pronouncements were bunkum) to
interpret the dream for her. May be when this was all over, if the dreams
persisted, she would seek help.

She dressed and readied herself slowly. It was as if the dreams had sapped
the soul out of her and she could not shake the despair the dream always
brought. Finally, an hour later, she looked around her empty flat. So this
was it, she told herself. Tonight she would sleep at Malfoy Manor and
tomorrow she would be wed. Although she had already returned to the
Manor somehow the thought of sleeping there terrified her.

When she finally stepped out of the floo Hermione had been amazed by
how much Narcissa had accomplished in so short a time.

“Hermione my dear,” her future mother in law called from the other end of
the imposing entry to Malfoy Manor. “Where have you been I expected you
an hour ago.”

“I’m sorry Narcissa I had to take Crooks to a cattery. He was not happy.”

“Well never mind you are here now. Tiggy will show you to your room then
we must do your final dress fitting.” Narcissa regarded her tilting her head,
“Please tell me you have not lost weight.”
Hermione didn’t answer, already overwhelmed by everything. She was
marrying Draco Malfoy. She was staying at Malfoy Manor which was
currently resplendent. Bedecked with thousands upon thousands of tiny
white blooms that looked almost like snow fall.

To give her credit Narcissa was not oblivious to Hermione’s feelings.

“It will be alright Hermione. When it comes to it it will be just you and
Draco. None of this,” she signalled around, “ no one else, matters.
Remember that Hermione.”

Hermione took a deep breath and nodded.

“It is all very beautiful. Thank you Narcissa.”

The older witch smiled.

“I only have one son my dear and I am a selfish mother. I want tomorrow to
be memorable for myself as much as for you. Forgive me!”

Hermione smiled. Despite everything she couldn’t help but like Draco’s
mother. Besides, as she had said, at least someone should get some joy from
this.

-o0o-

Hermione studied herself in the mirror after her final fitting. Her dress was
beautiful. Though the style was simple and elegant the fabric was exquisite.
It was ivory but it bled to flecks of gold at the hem. She loved the gold it
reminded her she was a Gryffindor. She knew it would be matched with a
bouquet of red roses. The red of the petals and the green of foliage symbolic
of the union of two rival houses.

It was all very clever but in the end Hermione wasn’t sure she could bring
herself to care because she was truly terrified. She was not terrified of
Draco, nor even his parents, she was terrified that once she took the
wizarding wedding vows there was no going back. These traditional vows
were as good as unbreakable. She would truly be tied to him for better or
worse.

Though Hermione couldn’t believe his behaviour towards her was an act
you could never know. She scoffed at herself. It doesn’t matter. There is
nothing I can do. She reminded herself. Draco could be the cruelest dark
wizard on Earth and there would be no escaping her fate. Wearily she made
her way to her suite for her last night as a single woman.

-o0o-
 September 13th 1998-Last dance/first dance.

Draco wasn’t sure if this would be a mistake. He almost put the document
back in the small safe he kept in his rooms.

No, he convinced himself. It could not be helped. He would not build his
future on a lie. They had once loved one another. If he wanted her to love
him again he had to tell her the truth. Decisively he placed the muggle
marriage certificate in the shallow box and used his wand to wrap it in
silver gift paper. He would give it to her tonight.

-o0o-

Hermione had slept better than she had thought she might. She rose to a
flourish of activity. A bath had been drawn for her. A beautiful deep tub
strewn with red rose petals greeted her. On any other day she would have
relished luxuriating in it but today her nerves were wired.

As she emerged from her bathroom an entire entourage of stylist awaited

her. She was brushed and polished to within an inch of her life but when she
thought she would scream, when she thought she could bear no more finally
they pronounced her ready.

Ginny, her Maid of Honour, beamed at her.

“You may be the youngest widow in Malfoy history.”

“What?” Hermione asked sudden anxiety flooding her system.

“Malfoy is going to die when he sees how beautiful you are. You look like a
goddess Hermione.”

Hermione couldn’t speak. She took a calming breath. If she cried and ruined
her make up… gods they would start again. The horrid realisation steeled
her. She would not cry.
-o0o-

Draco tugged at his collar. He was sure his tailor had not measured him
correctly. His collar felt far too small. The room had suddenly stilled. This
was it.

“Sweet Salazar!” Blaise let out with a low whistle.

Draco was so nervous. He had promised himself he wouldn’t look at her

until she was by his side. He was afraid he would look a fool but he
couldn’t help it. At Blaise’s exclamation he turned.

Circe help him. She was so beautiful. He knew that this vision that glided
towards him, on a cloud of gold, would be the last thing he thought of with
his very last breath. He was overcome. What fortune had brought her back
to him? Brought her back to be bound to him again. He couldn’t take his
eyes off her. He didn’t want to blink fearful that if he did he might wake
and find it all a dream.

Hermione began to panic. She wasn’t sure she could do this. The weight of
expectation, as she walked alone down that aisle, seemed as if it might
crush her. Then he looked at her, his grey eyes alight with emotion. He
looked…like a bridegroom ought, like he couldn’t wait to marry her. How
could that be?

Draco took her hand, he was both warm and gently. She looked up into his
eyes entranced by his expression. She couldn’t look away. Hermione knew
she said the words. Her responses echoing those of the Minister. As the
marriage spell was cast an awed gasp came from the congregation.
Hermione didn’t notice and if Draco did he gave no indication of doing so.
Hermione watched as the golden spell wrapped around their wrists,
disappearing into her skin. She felt the warmth of the spell sink into her, a
feeling of contentment settling in her heart. She had heard that magical
marriage vows were designed to encourage love within marriage but she
had not expected to feel this. She had not expected to feel wanted,
cherished. It was mad! Logically nothing had changed, they meant nothing
to each other, so why?
She was so lost in her reverie she did not appreciate that the ceremony was
over.

“Hermione?” She startled at his voice.

Cautiously he raised a hand to lift her chin. She was so dazed she didn’t
understand what he meant to do until he bent down towards her. Hermione
flinched and she felt Draco stiffen turning his head at the last to brush her
cheek.

She hadn’t wanted to embarrass him. She feared she had offended him. She
would not have rejected his attentions, it was just that he startled her. She
wanted to explain but before she could they were turning to face their
guests, to walk down the aisle as Mr and Mrs Draco Malfoy.

“Draco I…” she wanted to apologise, explain but they were engulfed by
well wishes. The moment was lost.

-o0o-

Draco was in agony. He had thought he would taste her lips again but she
had shrunk away at his touch. She didn’t want him. She couldn’t bare his
touch. Draco’s dream now felt more like a nightmare. It was their wedding
night. How would he…he couldn’t. He couldn’t lay with her while she
flinched and stiffened at his touch. He was a fool. Perhaps it was just
recompense for what he had done. For taking her memories against her will.

-o0o-

Traditional wizarding weddings were not big on public displays of affection

but the couples first dance was historically their first chance for any degree
of intimacy. The first chance for the witch and wizard to openly hold one
another.
Hermione was nervous. She knew all eyes would be on them and she wasn’t
sure what she felt about getting up close and personal with Malfoy, despite
the fact he had been nothing but a gentleman since they had been matched.
She knew her hands trembled as he walked her to the dance floor. With an
elegant bow he swept her into his arms as the first bars of the music began.

He danced beautifully. Led her competently across the floor. Hermione

didn’t know why she was surprised he was a pureblood heir after all. As the
final phrases of the music rang across the room Hermione began to relax. It
was almost over, they could sit back down but if Hermione expected her
new husband to let her go so quickly she was mistaken.

As the first strains of a French waltz began Draco whirled her around the
floor once more. The sensation of spinning quickly made her giggle. Her
laughter seemed to delight Draco. Hermione remembered this dance, she
remembered dancing it at the Yule ball. Draco took her waist and lifted her
effortlessly. She seemed to slid into his personal space as he placed her back
on her feet. Merlin the scent of him. Hermione let out a sigh.

“What?” He asked her with a smile.

“You smell,”

Draco raised a brow.

“I think perhaps you intended to finish that statement?” He suggested.

Hermione blushed.

“No I didn’t mean… you smell…” exotic, enticing, edible, she silently
sought the right word.

“You smell wonderful,” she settled on not wishing to offend him again.

“Thank you, you smell beautiful and alluring,” he whispered into her hair.

Draco remembered this. The scent of her hair and another Waltz on another
day in an old deserted classroom. Their last dance. The old gramophone
playing. Hermione’s head resting on his shoulder. So trusting, so naïve,
never suspecting that he would raise his wand behind her and wordlessly
utter that heart shattering spell. ‘Obliviate.’

Now here he was again, he would do anything to gain back that trust. He
doubted she would ever give it. He knew he didn’t deserve it.

Hermione thought she would happily drown in the scent of this man. He
was beyond alluring. She missed a step and stumbled.

“Are you alright?” He took her elbow to steady her an action that seemed at
once both familiar and alarming.

“Hermione?” Draco furrowed his brows.

“I just felt…”

“What?”

“Like we have done this before but that’s silly…”

Draco swallowed.

“Yes how could we have done it before. When would we ever have danced
together?” He asked as if the notion was some how ridiculous but inside
Draco was panicking. Did she remember? Did she remember that first time
he danced with her outside the Yule ball? He had to tell her.

“Hermione…” he began

“Excuse me Draco I think it’s time you allowed me to dance with my new
daughter in law.” Lucius interrupted forcing them to change partners and
leaving Draco to take his mother for a turn around the floor.

“What is it Draco? You seem nervous. Surely you don’t have wedding night
nerves?”

“Mother I need to tell Hermione something but I can’t.”

“I thought you had already apologised.”

“For the war yes but not for…my other transgressions.”

Narcissa raised her brow.

‘What have you done?”

“Father didn’t tell you?”

Narcissa shook her head slowly.

“Not here, come into the garden with me.” Draco said swallowing deeply.

-
 You are My Wife
Hermione was looking for Draco. It was time for them to cut the wedding
cake but she couldn’t find her new husband.

“Have you seen Draco?” She asked Blaise as she passed him in the grand
entrance.

“He and Narcissa went into the garden.” Blaise offered indicating their
direction.

She found them quickly. Mother and son were deep in conversation.
Hermione didn’t want to interrupt. She approached quietly, skirting the edge
of the yew hedge.

‘What have you done?” Hermione heard Narcissa ask. Her footsteps
faltering, Hermione held her breath as she waited to hear what Draco had
done. She could never have expected what she heard.

“I’m already married.”

Hermione couldn’t breathe, she reeled backwards her senses blurring as her
panic mounted. How could he already be married? Had he committed
bigamy? She had trusted him. She had begun to believe in him. She had
begun to fall for him and he had lied to her. She had to get out of here.
Hermione fled.

-o0o-

It was only as he returned to the party that Draco realised something was
wrong. Ginny Weasley gave him a strange look but it was not until Blaise
asked:

‘Did Hermione find you?’ That his unease turned to panic as he looked
around and realised his new wife was nowhere to be seen.

Draco scanned one room after another a smile plastered on his face as he
made discreet enquiries if any one had seen his wife. A sick dread began to
overwhelm him at the thought that she had married him then fled. His
emotions were strung out, fluctuating between humiliation and fear.
Humiliation (that she cared for him so little she would rather run and risk
the wrath of the ministry) chased fear, that she had come to some harm,
through his system.

“What’s the matter Draco?” His father asked.

Draco scanned the room before taking his father by the elbow and pulling
him into the library.

“What on Earth?” Lucius demanded, shaking off his son’s grasp.

“She’s gone.”

“Who’s gone?”

“Hermione, my new wife has left me before the reception is even over.”
Draco forced out through gritted teeth.

Lucius said nothing. He paced towards the window, his back to his son who
he sensed was becoming increasingly agitated.

“Is this some form of punishment?” Draco asked rhetorically. “Is pubic
humiliation some sort of revenge. Has she married me to make me suffer?”

“Calm yourself Draco. We need to find her. Her motivation can wait. If we
don’t find her, and quickly, not only will your guests begin to ask questions
but so will The Ministry. There are consequences for deserting your new
Ministry appointed spouse. We need to avoid a scandal if you’re to have
any sort of future.”

“I can’t lose her again father. I can’t go through it again.”

Lucius placed a firm hand on his son’s shoulder.

“We’ll get her back. In the meantime stay here. If you are both missing your
guests will assume an amorous liaison. I will find your mother. We will find
reliable friends who might help us find your wife.”

Draco sank into a library armchair as his father left him alone. This is all my
fault, he rung his hands, I should never have done it, never have taken her
memories now…how will I ever make this right. Before he could sink any
deeper into his reverie his mother arrived with Blaise, Potter and Ginny
Weasley.

“What did you do?” Potter immediately accused thinking the worst of
Draco as usual. Draco didn’t have the wit not to look guilty.

“Nothing, at least not today.” Draco admitted sheepishly.

“What do you mean not today?” Harry demanded to know.

Though Draco knew they would find out eventually he couldn’t bring
himself to tell the others collected in the library before he told Hermione.
Still he had to tell them something.

“I have hidden a secret about our past from Hermione. I will not tell you
more, not before I tell Hermione. She does not know.” He told them firmly.
“Can you be sure of that my dear?” His mother interrupted as she joined the
group.

“How could she…” Draco paled. Blaise had seen her coming to find him,
had she overheard his conversation with his mother? “She overheard!” he
said in panic. “We have to find her…”

Though the others didn’t know what he worried about they could
nonetheless sense his urgency.

“Where would she go?” Draco asked pushing his hands through his hair.

“I have an idea,” Harry said, “though I may be wrong!”

“Lead the way Potter,” Draco answered reaching for Harry’s arm so they
could side along apparate.

-o0o-

Hermione’s feet had barely touched the ground before she regretted her
actions. Why should she run? She had done nothing wrong, she had nothing
to be ashamed of. Malfoy was the one in the wrong. She was not a coward.
She would go back and confront him.
Before she could spin to apparate multiple cracks of disapparation
surrounded her.

“Hermione,” Draco lurched towards her clear relief on his face.

She took a step back holding out her hand to ward him off, showing any
acknowledgement of her best friend where he stood behind the blond.

Draco looked anxious now. Hermione took a deep breath. Draco swallowed
deeply anticipating anger from his new wife.

“How could you.” She accused, her hair beginning to crackle with magic. “I
trusted you!”

As calmly as he could Draco asked:

“How is it that you believe I have broken that trust?”

Momentarily she looked stunned by the question but she straighten to her
full height and stared him down.

“You are already married!”

“Yes,” Draco said simply.

Harry had quietly withdrawn his wand. He prepared now to cast a shield to
protect the blond as he watch the ire rise on Hermione’s face.

“And you didn’t think you might need to tell me. You are a bigamist! How
did you even manage it? How did you even get matched with me? Is this
some plan to humiliate me again.”

Draco could have lost it. Could have asked her if she had planned to
humiliate him but he knew ultimately he was at fault. He had oblivated her
so he attempted to answer her calmly.

“I was going to tell you tonight but it is not what you think. I am not a
bigamist there was only ever one witch for me and I married her years ago.”

Hermione crinkled her brow looking from the blond to Harry.

“And you’re alright with this?” She rounded on her friend as if Draco’s
words had not fully registered.

Harry held his hands up in a universal gesture of nonaggression.

“Hermione you need to hear him out,” was all Harry said.

Draco sighed.

“I’m sorry Hermione I shouldn’t have done it. I was ashamed and I thought
there was no future for us.”

“Who is she?” Hermione demanded

“Who?” Draco asked looking suddenly as confused as Hermione had a

moment before.

“Your wife!”

“You are my wife.” Draco confirmed

“Your other wife!” Hermione yelled stomping her foot.

“I don’t have another wife.”

“Don’t lie to me.” Hermione was all but vibrating in anger now.

Attempting to defuse the situation Harry stepped forward.

“Hermione come back to the manor. Let Draco explain properly. When you
have both calmed down. He is not making much sense and you are… not
listening.”

Hermione went to interrupt but Harry stopped her.

“Trust me Hermione when I tell you Malfoy hasn’t committed any crime.”

Hermione bit her lip studying the two wizards before her. Slowly she
nodded her agreement. Taking no chances Draco side along apparated her to
the manor before she could change her mind.

Eventually they all reconvened in the library. Hermione glared at her new
husband who stood flanked by his father and best man. Harry and Ginny
stood behind Hermione. The other members of the search party stood
leaning against the library stacks.

“I would like to speak to Hermione alone.”

“Oh no Malfoy you can’t have anything to say to me that can’t be said in
public.”

Draco winced at her acidic tone.

“I was going to give you this this evening.” Draco told her as he held out
his hand and accio’d a slim silver box.

“Open it!” Draco handed the gift to Hermione.

“You can’t buy me!” She yelled.

“What..oh…no it’s not that kind of gift. Please Hermione just open it.”

Though she glared at him. Hermione took the proffered gift. Slowly, as if
she thought it might rear up and bite her, Hermione unwrapped the silver
paper, opened the box and unfurled the paper that nestled within.

“This is a muggle marriage certificate, ” she said knowing that to some of

those assembled this might not be self evident.

“It is,” Draco responded, his heart all but beating out of his throat.
Hermione’s brow furrowed.

“Why…” her words died on her lips as she read the second name on the
certificate.

‘Hermione Jean Granger’

“How… but this was…is this real?” Too shocked to form coherent speech
Hermione stared at her ‘new’ spouse.

Cautiously Draco stepped towards her.

“There is much I need to explain but please, not here.” He all but begged.

At this point Lucius chose to intervene. “My son is right Hermione. He

needs to explain but not here and not now.”

But Hermione could not face their guest in this state of agitation.

“Could we have a moment alone?” Hermione asked them all quietly.

Slowly their friends and in laws filtered from the room.

“Why don’t I know any of this?”

Draco’s face twisted in pain. He knew he would need to be honest with her
whatever the cost.

“It wasn’t safe, I was ashamed… of myself not you.” He added hastily
knowing he was already making a terrible mess of this. Draco drew a deep
breath and started again.

“I’m sorry. As the war grew too close I oblivated you. I didn’t want you to
endure the pain of what I would be forced to become. I didn’t want you to
be in greater danger. I know it was wrong. It was both the most selfless and
the cruelest thing I have ever done. Believe me when I tell you I suffered
for it. My heart broke a little each time I heard your name, each time I
remembered what we had been to each other. I never expected another
chance…I had hoped…but I know that’s not possible now…”

Hermione was looking at the blond in open mouthed astonishment. She

could see the open vulnerability, the hope and longing. She had no idea
what to say or what to feel.

“I never stopped loving you.”

“I can’t…I need time,” Hermione said still stumbling over her words.

Draco dropped his head, his eyes focused determinedly on the floor.

“I think we should return to our guests.” The despondency in his voice

made it clear he had given up hope.
 Chapter 12
Hermione didn’t know what to do, she was confused. How could she have
married at such a young age? According to the documents they had been
married for 5 years.

She snapped out of her reverie as his hand rested gently on her lower back,
guiding her through the crowd of guest towards the cake.

His hand trembled as he placed it over hers for the ceremonial slicing of the
wedding cake. Draco thought he was going to be sick. She would never
forgive him. He knew she was stunned by the news they were already
married. He knew when she processed this news, when she fully understood
the implications, he would be lucky if she didn’t ‘Arvada’ him. If Draco
were honest with himself he wanted to curl up in a corner and cry. He felt as
though his life had been destroyed again.

Applause rang out as the ‘happy’ couple cut through the elaborate filigree
icing. It shattered like shards of ice. Brittle like their future together.

The rest of the reception went by in a blur of congratulations, some of

which Hermione imagined might even be sincere. Finally Narcissa ushered
them towards their suite to prepare for the evening’s events. Finally they
would have time to talk.

-o0o-

Draco followed Hermione into their suite. Once inside she stood immobile,
staring out the window. Draco didn’t know if he dare break the silence. He
took a deep breath and began.

“When I was 16 I purposed to you. It was ridiculous I know. For some

reason, that I still don’t understand, you accepted my proposal. We eloped
on a Hogsmeade weekend. We confounded the registrar because we were
barely of age and certainly couldn’t have married without our parents’
consent and Merlin knows that would never have been forthcoming.We had
a few weeks of bliss until the summer holidays came. We spent nights
together in the Room of Requirements. You worried that Potter would find
out but by some miracle he didn’t.

Then on the summer break I returned home to find a madman living at

Malfoy Manor. With my father in Azkaban there was no one to defend me.
He threatened me Hermione…but you know all this. What you don’t know
is how ashamed I was, how tainted I felt, how I felt I would poison our love
and ruin your life by association. In truth I still fear I will! In the end I
couldn’t bear that you would know what I had become.

It was our sixth month anniversary. I planned a romantic meal. I bought you
the aquamarines as a gift, we danced. Then, as we swayed gently to the
music, as I held you for what I was certain would be the last time, I cast the
spell.

It was like tearing out my own heart. I knew it was wrong but I couldn’t see
a right path. I know you can’t forgive me but I never stopped loving you.
Never stopped hoping.

When I was matched with you I thought the stars had blessed me. I see now
I was wrong. The Fates have damned me for my sins, made sure you
overheard before I could tell you myself.”

The silence was oppressive when he finished. Hermione still said nothing.
Draco couldn’t bear it.

“Please say something!”

Hermione turned then, tears glistening against her lower lashes.

“What do you want me to say? I don’t even know if I can trust you. I don’t
know if I believe you.”

They stood facing each other for what seemed like an eternity of silence,
eyes locked together.

“I understand,” Draco responded turning his back and leaving her alone.
-o0o-
 Evening September 13th -Wise Words
Hermione felt unmoored. For the first time in her life she had no notion
what to think or how to react to the revelations Draco had made. She had
begun to trust him but…rationally she understood that he had not betrayed
her, at least not in the sense she had at first thought. He had not committed
bigomy. Hermione was undoubtedly his wife but she couldn’t recall
anything of their relationship. Hermione shook her head as if it would get
her thoughts straight. She wondered fleetingly if there was anything left of
what he had meant to her?

Darkness had fallen. Hermione sat in the gloom on their marriage bed, still
in her wedding gown. Draco had not returned and she in turn had made no
effort to change in to her evening dress. No one seemed to have missed her.

There was a tentative knock on the door. Hermione ignored it but whoever
had knocked was undeterred by the locked door.

“Hermione dearest you’re not ready? Your guest are waiting.”

Hermione wanted to tell her mother-in-law that she didn’t care but she
couldn’t. Narcissa had gone to such lengths to make the wedding beautiful.
Hermione would not throw her kindness in her face. She stood and picked
up the emerald green ball gown.

“Let me help you.” Narcissa Malfoy offered.

Hermione wanted to say ‘no’ but the older witch’s expression told her this
offer was not negotiable. At first they worked in silence. As Narcissa
unlaced her wedding gown Hermione realised this was something that
Draco ought to have done. For a brief moment she felt regretful. Had she
robbed them both of a memory they might never get back?

“He was young. He knows he has made too many mistakes. He is my only
son and I would do anything to see him happy so I ask you please try to
forgive him.”
Hermione sighed.

“I don’t know if I can.” She told the blonde witch honestly.

-o0o-

Hermione joined the guest for the evening reception. She tried to pass off
her reluctance to dance as tiredness but her new father in law was
undeterred. Lucius all but dragged Hermione to the dance floor.

“I know my son is not what you wished for but clearly, at some point, you
must have felt differently. I know you are angry with him but I ask you,
please, don’t do anything you might live to regret.”

Hermione said nothing. Lucius sighed before continuing:

“If you must blame someone Hermione then blame me. I am a proud and
foolish man. Were it not for my pride, my hubris, Draco would not have
suffered as he did. None of this,” he moved his hand expansively to indicate
the situation in general, “would have happened. But I beg you now, putting
aside all pride, do not humiliate my son. You are rightfully indignant,
rightfully angry but I beg you…he can not bear it. He has borne enough.”

And what of me, what of what I have borne? She was about to interject but
before she could Harry whisked her away.

“I know you are not alright Hermione,” he whispered as he took her gently
in his arms and guided her across the floor, “but I have known you for a
long time and I have always trusted your judgement perhaps it is time for
you to trust your own.”

Hermione pulled back so she could look up at her friend.

“What do you mean?”

Harry gave her a wry smile,

“Though Draco is the last person I would ever have expected you to be
involved with, and Merlin knows he is as slippery as a bag of eels, you must
have seen something that the rest of us did not. The Hermione Granger I
knew would not have been seduced by charm, and he would never have
managed to confound her, but…it took me a long time to realise it but
Draco is at heart a good man. I guess what I’m saying Hermione is that you
must have seen this long before any of the rest of us. What he did was
wrong but his reasons for doing it? I think he loved you Hermione and he
did his best, like all of us, to protect those he loved.”

Hermione swallowed deeply, fighting back the tears that lined her eyes.

“Harry…” she began but she couldn’t get the words out.

“If you would excuse me Potter I would like to dance with my wife.” Draco
insisted in a cold drawl.

Harry could hardly refuse and Hermione, well she had decided on one thing
at least, she would not embarrass Draco in front of their guests.

Draco pulled her to him. Though he looked calm and self assured she could
feel the tension in his upper body as he framed her in his arms. Neither of
them spoke.

As the first chorus of the song end Draco sighed and whispered into her ear;

“The first time I danced with you you were angry too. At least that time it
was not me you were angry with. I had intended to comfort you, well at
least in part. You were glorious that night and I unashamedly wanted to
bask in your glow.”

As his wife remained stoically silent Draco nervously rambled on;

“I lost my head. You were so lovely, so soft, your lips so sweet and pink. I
just had to taste them. ‘Just once’ I had reasoned, after all in the morning all
could be excused as drunken indiscretions. So I leaned in. I still don’t know
if it was you or I that closed that final distance but before I knew it I was
drowning. I wanted to breathe you in like oxygen, drink you like a fine
wine and I knew I had made a mistake. ‘Once’, I quickly understood, was
never going to be enough.”

“It was beautiful…”

“And yet you stole it from me.” Hermione broke in bitterly.

If Draco had hoped that telling Hermione something of their past together
might soften her he had seriously miscalculated. As he finished his tale
Hermione all but bristled in his arms.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered into her hair like a beatitude. Draco prayed he
would get to hold her again, worship her as she deserved but he knew he
was not so blessed. This might, he reflected, be the last time he would ever
hold her.

Hermione felt him breathe her in, his breath gently caressing her jawline on
his exhale. It was, she thought, as if he was memorising her. Was this how it
had been that last time, as he held her in his arms and oblivated her. Had he
breathed her in just so. Had he tried to hold what he could in his memory?
She might have felt some sympathy was it not for the fact it was her
memories he had stollen.

-o0o-

The night was growing late. Draco knew that soon as newly weds they
would be expected to retire, expected to consummate their match. He also
knew she would not allow it. Still he resigned himself to give her time. He
would give her all the time the law allowed at least.

Gently he took her elbow.

“We should retire now. It is expected.”

She made no protest as he took her away. Cat calls followed them as they
descended the grand staircase towards their suite. Draco only wished their
guests good humour reflected the reality. As Draco closed the bedroom door
behind him he was certain it would be a long cold night.

-o0o-

She had not forbidden it but Draco seemed to sense his presence in her bed
would be unwelcome. He transfigured one of the blankets into a feather
mattress, stole some pillows and settled himself to sleep at the foot of the
bed.

Hermione couldn’t sleep, though she was terribly tired, she had been too
shocked to process all that had happened that day. Now, now her mind
churned over everything that had happened and the man who now lay
soundless at the foot of her bed. She wondered if he had cast a silencing
charm, she couldn’t even hear him breathing and she wondered what need
he had of silence.

Harry’s words suddenly came back to her: ‘Draco is at heart a good man’,’I
think he loved you Hermione and he did his best, like all of us, to protect
those he loved.’

Something about those words rang true. Though her head told her she did
not know Draco Malfoy and not to trust him, her heart remembered him and
for the first time she wondered if she had been too harsh.

“Draco,” she whispered. There was no response, either he could not hear
her or he would not answer.

-o0o-
Draco lay at the foot of his marital bed curled like cat but sobbing like a
child. His dream had turned to a nightmare. He ought to have known better
than to hope. Now he would be lucky if she would ever let him touch her.
Even though she knew they would go to Azkaban she was stubborn
enough… ‘No’, he told himself he would not allow it. Some how he would
find a way.
 September 14th -Hypocrisy

When Hermione awoke Draco was gone. Without him, alone in Malfoy
Manor, her confidence evaporated. She was unsure if she dare leave their
suite. She dressed slowly. Staring balefully at her reflection in the glass, she
looked more like a widow than a new bride.

Suddenly her heart dropped, was Draco the terrified lover from her dreams,
the one she couldn’t comfort, the one who always left her behind. She was
overcome by the irrational thought that Draco wasn’t here because he was
dead. Panicked she fled the room.

‘Where is Master Draco?’ She asked the first house elf she met.

The house elf didn’t know.

Hermione felt her panic rising. Where was everyone, where was her
Husband, why wasn’t he here?

“Hermione!” A calm tone called from behind her.

Hermione spun to face her mother in law.

“Where’s Draco?” Hermione asked barely able to keep the panic from her
voice.

Narcissa’s brow rose slightly in response but she replied calmly:

“Draco left before breakfast,”

“Left?” Hermione exclaimed in clear alarm.

Ignoring her outburst the older woman asked;

“May I have a word Hermione?” She held out her hand gesturing towards
the small sitting room to her right.

Nodding her ascent Hermione followed the other witch.

Without further ado Narcissa Malfoy began:

“I do not know where Draco has gone nor what he has gone to do but I do
know that I must, if I can, ease the bad blood between you.”

“Narcissa I don’t think…”

The Malfoy Matriarch held up a silencing hand.

“I know it is not my place to interfere but I can not see my son suffer. So I
will ask you but one question.”

Hermione’s jaw clenched but she dipped her head in acknowledgement of

the older woman’s request.

“Did you not also take a loved one’s memories in order to keep them safe?”
It had not been a rhetorical question but when Hermione failed to respond
her mother-in-law ploughed on: “forgive me my dear but you must see the
hypocrisy of your position. Did Draco really do anything that you did not
do yourself?”

Hermione wanted to burst out in protest. Wanted to tell Narcissa that it was
not the same but then wasn’t it?

With a deep shuddering sigh she conceded the truth. What Draco had done
was wrong just like what she had done. She didn’t doubt his reasons were
the same. She didn’t doubt he too rationalised his actions in the same way
she had.

Slowly Hermione shook her head.

“No,” she admitted quietly, “he did not.”

“Then perhaps…”
“But I don’t remember,” Hermione burst out. “There have been times over
the last few days when, fleetingly, I recalled things: a familiar scent, a
recollection of a touch, the cadences of his words, the way he said my
name. Things that seemed as though I had done them before but reason told
me I couldn’t have. Now I find that perhaps those feelings were real but I
can never know.” Hermione closed her eyes. Desperate for guidance.

“Would it be so hard to start again?”

Hermione raised a brow in response but said nothing, the older witch
continued;

“Put the past behind you. Many other couples will wed, under this new law,
without knowing each other at all. Could you not wipe the slate clean with
Draco, start anew?”

“No!” Hermione responded bluntly.

Narcissa’s lips thinned.

“I see! I had not thought you so intransigent.” The older witch stated coldly.

“I will not start again. It would be a pretence. I do not want my future to be

based on a falsehood. I do, however, give you these assurances; while ever
he is loyal to me I will return the favour. I will never humiliate your son,
never allow others to belittle and accuse him and never play him false. I
will try to somehow make it work but I will not forget what he has done
though I, of all people, understand full well why he did it.”

“Then that will have to be enough.” The words sounded neutral enough but
Narcissa’s eyes blazed as she stared her daughter-in-law down. ‘I will
destroy you if you hurt him,’ they threatened.

Hermione didn’t think (until this moment) she had ever truly understood
how formidable Narcissa Malfoy was, truly she was Bellatrix’s sister.

-o0o-
Draco left Malfoy Manor before dawn, sneaking away before their
remaining guest stirred. He had apparated directly to his town house and
then for an indeterminate amount of time he simply sat and stared at the
four walls. He didn’t know what to do. Some part of him, the coward,
wanted to give in to despair, another part refused to give up hope. He had
longed for her so long and he would be damned before he didn’t give it one
last try.

“I will win you back!” He told his absent wife.

“Tippy!” He called

“Yes master Draco.” The house elf answered almost before she had
materialised.

“I would like you to move Hermione’s things to the town house please.”

“Yes Sir.” The elf snapped her fingers and he assumed it was all done.

“I would also like you to make up the spare room.”

For a moment the elf looked like she might say something but stayed silent,
snapping her fingers to complete his request.

“Will that be all Sir?” The diminutive figure asked.

“Please return to the Manor and ask my wife to join me at her earliest
convenience.”

The elf disappeared with a loud snap and Draco was alone again with
nothing left to do but wait.

-o0o-

Hermione had barely return to their suite before she was again wracked
with anxiety. He couldn’t have gone far, she told herself, they had Blaise
and Luna’s wedding to attend today. Draco was his best man. Perhaps he
was off performing best man duties?
Hermione supposed she ought to consider dressing. Wasn’t today the lovely
chartreuse robes? She considered, making a mental inventory of the outfits
she and Narcissa had purchased.

“What the…?” The dressing room was empty. Hermione looked into the
cavernous space that was her and Draco’s closet and then looked again. It
was completely and utterly devoid of all clothing.

“Tippy!” She called, unable to account for this strange turn of events she
called Draco’s house elf. “Tippy where are my clothes, Draco’s clothes?”

“Master Draco had everything moved to the townhouse this morning

Mistress Hermione. He asked that you join him at your earliest
convenience.” The elf informed her.

“Did he indeed?” Hermione supposed he felt she wouldn’t want to remain

at the Manor any longer than necessary. “Well then you had better take me
there.” Hermione responded holding out her hand for the elf to take.

-o0o-

“Ow!” The exclamation was accompanied by a loud crack. Hermione

cringed. Draco’s head had made contact with the corner of the kitchen
cupboard.

“Are you okay?” She asked rushing towards him as a small trail of crimson
trickled down his parting. “You’re bleeding, let me have a look.”

Draco might have been dismissive and brushed her off but he recognised
the kernel of tenderness in her offer.

“I didn’t mean to startle you. Tippy said I should join you as soon…and
there is Blaise and Luna’s wedding…please let me look at that, sit down.”
Draco nodded his assent but didn’t move. As Hermione came closer,
carding her fingers through his hair to find the wound, he held very still but
he could not help the shiver that ran down his spine at her touch.

“It’s only superficial, I’ll just clean it for you,”

“All done!” She exclaimed, moments later, bending to kiss his brow.

He looked up startled. Hermione blushed.

“It’s a muggle tradition,” she sought to explain, “kiss it better,” her blush
deepened as she tried to back away. He didn’t let her. Draco took a hold of
her hand not breaking eye contact, not breaking the spell that his proximity
to her spun.

“Thank you.”

Hermione couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move, couldn’t think. If he had placed

an imperious curse on her she couldn’t have been more in his thrall. She
could read the longing in his eyes and for a moment something deep inside
her responded.

The clock chimed, the spell broke.

“Hadn’t we better be getting ready?” She asked, pulling against his hold.
Draco let her go but momentarily he couldn’t move, his heart was beating
out of his chest. For a moment he could have sworn she leaned in towards
him, dare he hope? But he quickly stamped that thought out. It was too
soon he must be patient and hope that, in the end, she would come to him.

-o0o-
 Picking Sides
Chapter Notes

Sorry this is short.

Blaise and Luna’s wedding had been beautiful. Despite the inevitable
eccentricities (it wouldn’t have been Luna’s wedding without them) the
wedding had left her feeling joyful.

Blaise had stood handsomely, waiting for his bride, a study in perfect
contrast to his Best Man. Hermione had not noticed the bride arrive. Her
attention was fixed on her husband, his fine blond hair, his sharp jaw, his
high cheekbones. He cut a stunning figure. Hermione reflected that if she
could do as Narcissa suggested, if she could have started again, if she had
met her prospective spouse for the first time at the altar (as so many others
would) she knew she would be drawn to him.

Now there was a magical tether, a rope that held them together and she
knew that inexorably she was being reeled in. Hermione knew she would
fall for him again but did she want to? The magic of their marriage vows
was drawing them together but Hermione wanted to resist. At least her brain
told her to but her heart…well that was another matter. All she had known
in that moment was that Draco Malfoy, in his grey morning suit, left her
breathless.

-o0o-

“I can’t help thinking they will be happy.” Hermione concluded as they

returned to the town house that evening.

“I’m sure you’re right. Outwardly they seem an unlikely pair but Blaise is
so laid back. I’m not sure anyone else would cope with Luna’s whimsy like
Blaise will.”

“Hm,” Hermione acknowledged as she eased her feet out of the too high
heels her Mother-in-law had insisted went best with the chartreuse dress.
“Perhaps there is something to this marriage law after all?” Draco
commented mischievously.

Hermione looked up at him, about to tell him not to be ridiculous but she
froze. Draco was rubbing his neck, stretching, his shirt pulled tight across
his pectoral muscles. He had loosened his tie, undone his top button, she
could see his smooth skin as it stretched across his clavicle. Hermione
swallowed deeply as heat pooled between her thighs. It’s just the magic, she
told herself, get a grip, it’s not real.

“I’m going to bed,” she announced abruptly, her jaw tight as she marched
towards the stairs. It was only as she made it to the first floor corridor that
she realised she didn’t know where she would sleep.

She spun on her heels ready to march back down the stairs but he was right
behind her.

Draco smirked, “can I help you?”

She glowered at him.

“Where am I sleeping?”

Draco sighed, “well that is the question isn’t it?”

He flicked his wrist, a small display of wandless magic, a door opened to

his right.
He indicated that she should lead the way.

“This is the master bedroom,” he announced dispassionately, “ this is where

a man and wife should sleep.”

Hermione clenched her fists, it was a small movement but he noticed.

Draco sighed.

“Though if you are not ready for that there is a guest room down the hall.”

She moved to leave immediately. Draco closed his eyes desperate to hold
back the sting of rejection.
Hermione reached the door but then she stopped. Fleetingly she saw her
husband’s expression and she understood what it had cost him to offer her
that reprieve.

“Draco can I ask you something?”

He nodded but stayed silent as if he knew his voice would betray him.

“Have we,” she hesitated, “before when we first married. Did we…”

He huffed, “if you are trying to ask if we consummated our marriage before
then the answer is no.”

“Why?” She hadn’t meant to ask that but it slipped out before she had a
chance to stop it.

“Because you weren’t ready, because I respected that, as I do now.”

She looked at him then and bit her lip. He had no notion what she was
thinking.

“What are you thinking?”

She was silent for so long that he thought she wouldn’t answer.

“What side of the bed do you sleep on?”

“You intend to share a bed with me?”

“Yes”

“Why?”

“Because we both know where this must lead. We have no choice. I suppose
we should begin to get comfortable with each other. So we will sleep in the
same bed.”
 17th September-Confrontation
Draco had been sure that he wouldn’t sleep, with a scant foot of space
between them he had lain stiffly at her side. Hermione had braided her hair.
Draco had hope to see it spread in all its glory across the pillow, a glorious
halo of curls. She seemed determined to keep her distance, even in this
small thing.

Imagine his surprise when he awoke to find he had slept the sleep of the
dead. He awoke refreshed and tangled in blankets and limbs. He hardly dare
breathe as he felt her breath brush across his shoulder. Draco wanted to
tighten his grip, pull her closer but he did not dare. The most he dared was
to watch her peacefully as she slept.

She mewled and burrowed into his warmth. Draco knew she would be
mortified if she were conscious of what she were doing. He hoped that her
unconscious actions were a sign that she was still attracted to him.

-o0o-

Hermione awoke with a start. She had been enjoying a feeling of warmth
and wellbeing but as she resurfaced from her dreams she realised that she
was in Draco’s arms. Embarrassed, she didn’t dare move.

“I know you’re awake Hermione.”

“I’m sorry…” she began.

“Why are you apologising? We are married after all.”

She looked like she was about to say something biting, but her expression
changed.

“What time is it?” She asked urgently.

Draco looked at the time.

“Oh shit, Astoria’s wedding.”

“And Ron’s” Hermione added though Draco didn’t acknowledge the

addition as he rolled out of bed.

“Get dressed Granger we can’t be late.”

She would have argued, would have reminded him that she wasn’t a
Granger any more but he was right they didn’t have time.

They dodged each other in a strange ballet of tooth brushes, coat hangers
and discarded nightwear.

“Can you help me with this?” Hermione begged as she struggled with her
zip.

Draco cursed that they were short of time as he starred briefly at the
expanse of delicately freckled skin. How he would have loved to taken his
time kissing down that beautiful spine.

He turned away before he embarrassed himself. He was almost ready when

Hermione gave a frustrated huff.

“I can’t go, not like this, my hair…”

“Is beautiful,” he finished for her.

“You don’t understand this is Ron’s wedding…”

Draco gritted his teeth, was she really suggesting she wanted to look nice
for her former boyfriend?

Hermione watched the tightening of her new husband’s jaw, realising too
late what he must assume.

“I want to look like I belong on your arm,” she sought to clarify, “I know
you and Astoria were close. She is a beautiful woman, she will be a
beautiful bride. I didn’t want to look…I didn’t want the inevitable
comparisons to be unfavourable.”
“It doesn’t matter what others think Hermione but, if you will allow, I know
a spell that will tame your curls.”

She nodded.

Draco took a deep breath, it had been a while. A flick of his wand and her
hair fell into gentle, smooth curls to her waist.

“You’ve done this before haven’t you?”

“Yes,” he replied cautiously.

“How much more have you robbed me of?”

“Hermione,” he pleaded his voice pained, “please, can we at least try?”

“I promised your mother I would not humiliate you and I will not. I will
present a united front with you in public.”

Little did she know how quickly that resolve would be tested.

-o0o-

Ron and Astoria’s wedding had perhaps the largest profusion of red hair
Wizarding Britain had ever seen. Draco was aware that the Weasley’s had a
large brood but, when the extended family was included too, the
congregation was transformed into a sea of auburn and ginger locks
punctuated by islands of brunette and blond.

Draco thought he might drown in the lake of glares that were sent his way.
Though he had hoped that having Hermione on his arm might defuse the
situation somewhat, the enmity the Weasley’s displayed towards him could
not be mistaken. Whilst Ginevra politely acknowledged Draco, and Bill and
Charlie appeared ambivalent, the rest of the Weasley clan were openly
hostile. The bridegroom himself even took the time to sneer at Draco as he
waited at the altar.
“Charming,” he huffed under his breath. At his side his wife bristled.

Draco clamped his lips closed he couldn’t afford to give Hermione any
further cause to dislike him. He would keep his peace.

-o0o-

Astoria was, as Hermione had predicted, a beautiful bride. Wistfully Draco

reflected that he would have been proud to call her his wife. She was a
sweet soul and he hoped Weasley treated her well, but she was not
Hermione. She was not the brilliant, fearless woman his wife was. He could
never have loved her, not really, not in the way he loved Hermione.

He realised Hermione was watching him intently. Watching his reaction as

the woman to whom he had been betrothed was wedded to another man.
They were all watching him. What was it they expected? He considered
rebelliously, what did Hermione think she would see?

Alright you bastards, you want a show? Before she could object he pulled
Hermione to him kissing her tenderly on her temple. He would have done
more, he would have taken her there and then bent her over the pew, his
urge to claim Hermione was almost irresistible, but he had some sense of
propriety.

The ceremony was over far too soon and the wedding feast he had been
dreading was upon them.

“Do we have to stay long?” He questioned Hermione.

She didn’t answer she seemed deep in thought.

“Hermione?”

-o0o-

Hermione was seething. She couldn’t help but notice the way Ron had
sneered at Draco. The way he almost swaggered past her husband as if he
had won the lottery and Draco was a mere pauper.
Draco was clearly uncomfortable but she quickly realised it was not
because of Astoria. The kiss he had given her all but confirmed that. It was
the way the Weasleys looked at him. She knew that there was a long
standing feud between the families but couldn’t they let bygones be
bygones? It was Molly, however who incensed her.

“Of course we are rather pleased with the matches the Ministry has made.
My youngest is to marry Harry Potter you know. Of course Ron is thrilled.
Astoria is quite the catch and of course their children will be purebloods.”
The Weasley matriarch bragged as she held court in the centre of a group of
well heeled wedding guests. Hermione couldn’t believe what she was
hearing but it was what came next that sent her into a rage.

“Of course,” Molly Weasley ploughed on, unaware of Hermione’s ire, “not
everyone has done so well. Poor Hermione married to that Malfoy boy. His
father a convicted criminal and the boy himself, well we all know he barely
escaped Azkaban himself.”

Hermione was dimly aware that Draco was speaking to her but she had a
word or two to say to Molly Weasley.

“Excuse me a minute,” she told Draco.

“Hermione?”

Hermione didn’t acknowledge him as she marched towards Molly Weasley.

“I don’t believe what I just heard. I thought you were different. All of you!
That Malfoy boy,” she interrupted, “ is my husband. What is more the
Wizengamot found him innocent.”

Molly Weasley looked momentarily like she had been hit by a freight train.
Draco looked at his wife stunned. The entire room had stilled into an
awkward silence.

“Oh Hermione my dear, I didn’t mean to suggest… well what I mean is that
we all know that you would have rather married Ron and…”
“I would never have married Ron. What is more I could not have married
him.”

“But my dear…”

Molly Weasley was clearly uncomfortable now, a flush gathered at her

throat. Draco thought it might be best if he intervened. Perhaps now was the
time for them to leave but before he reached her Hermione dropped an
explosive device on the gathering.

“I would never have married him because I was already married to Draco.”

“Salazar’s teeth,” Draco cursed to himself as he made his way towards his
wife.

“What?” Ron Weasley spoke up, “what do you mean you were already
married to Draco? How long…you were married to him and dating me?”

Astoria had turned white. Did the fool not realise that this level of concern
for Hermione was humiliating to Astoria?

“Tend to your wife Weasley and leave my wife to me.”

Of course, Draco should have known with hindsight that this would be like
the proverbial red rag to a bull for the mercurial Ron Weasley.

It all happened so quickly, Ron drew his wand. Draco caught unawares
didn’t have time to defend himself. Astoria screamed, the spell dissipated
against the hastily erected shield that Hermione had thrown up to defend
her husband.

“What was that spell you cast Ronald Weasley.” Hermione

demanded.“Harry, I demand you arrest him.”

“What?” Harry asked not quite following what was going on.

“That curse would have killed my husband. Check his wand Harry.”

“What are you saying Hermione?”

“I’m saying that that curse would have exsanguinated Draco.”

“What? Ron,” Harry said shaking his head in disbelief at his old friend.

“Now I think we all need…” Arthur Weasley attempted to intervene.

“I will not calm down. He just attempted to kill my husband.”

Ron was now puce. Astoria looked like she might faint.Harry looked
completely torn. With a deep breath he held out his hand. “Your wand
Ron,”

“Harry you can’t be serious.” Ron protested.

“Hermione’s right. As an Auror I have no choice.”

Astoria was in tears. Molly Weasley was looking stone faced. Draco was
conscious that this was his former fiancée’s wedding day. He couldn’t do
this to her.

“I don’t wish to press any charges Potter.” Draco announced.

“But he still broke the law in front of all these witnesses,” Harry responded
in hushed tones, “what am I supposed to do?”

“We both know that unless I press charges you are just making paper work
but if it really worries you arrest him after the wedding festivities?” Draco
suggested quietly.

“Christ!” Harry cursed running his finger through his already slightly
dishevelled hair.

“You could caution him pending further investigation.” A quiet voice, that
had so far gone unnoticed, suggested. God bless Theo!

Draco’s old friend looked at Potter, he was entirely serious.

“It’s entirely legal,” Theo continued reassuringly. Harry simply nodded,

clearly relieved that he had a get out.
“Hermione,” Draco turned to his wife, “I think we should go.”

She nodded and Draco took her hand before she could change her mind.

-o0o-

No sooner had their feet touch the floor than she began to sob.

“What have I done? They were my only family. I have no one left.” She
managed to get out between gasping breaths.

Draco pulled her to him and she buried her face in his shoulder. All he had
intended was to give comfort but he couldn’t stop himself from saying;

“You are not alone. I am your husband.”

“And I don’t know if I can trust you,” she replied but there was no venom
in her voice.

Draco wanted to rail against her lack of faith, though he knew he deserved
it. In the end he contented himself with reminding her:

“I am your husband Hermione, I vowed I would not hurt you and those
marriage vows are all but unbreakable. I can not hurt you. Nor would I ever
want to.”

She continued to sob but she did not pull away. At least that was something
for which Draco could be grateful.

-o0o-

They went to bed and, after their usual fashion, they started the night with
12 inches of space between them. Hermione was not content to settle for
this tonight. She wanted his comfort. Boldly she crossed the gulf that
divided them. Draco stiffened but, as she rested her head on his shoulder, he
tentatively closed his arms around her.
“Thank you for defending me today,” he whispered into the softness of her
hair.

“I couldn’t do otherwise. I swore I would defend you…”

“And yet?”

“You saw what it cost me.”

Draco felt heart broken. Was this another barrier between them? Something
else for which she would never forgive him.

“I don’t regret it Draco. I know you are a better man than most would
credit.”

Draco closed his eyes and swallowed down the sob that formed at the back
of his throat.

“Thank you,” he whispered again as he place a gentle kiss atop her head.
 18th September-Truce

Hermione woke in Draco’s arms again. He was already awake, drawing

gentle circles across her shoulder.

“What are you thinking?” she asked

Draco startled, he had not been aware she was awake.

“I was thinking that we don’t have long,”

“We’ve hours before we have to be at the wedding.” Hermione said, clearly

misunderstanding what he meant.

“That’s not what I meant,” Draco sought to clarify, “ I meant we don’t have
long before we have to consummate our marriage or face the
consequences.”

“Oh!” Hermione exclaimed, “I…

“I would like to kiss you. If you will allow.” Draco interrupted.

Hermione knew he was right, knew they would have to be intimate. Perhaps
it was better to take small steps.

“Alright,” she agreed nervously.

Draco leaned in. His lips a hair’s breadth from her own. She could feel his
breath ghost across her skin but he hesitated.

“I have wanted to do this again for so long,” he confessed.

Gods the longing in his eyes. It made her heart clench. When their lips
finally touch it was like drowning. Though her mind did not remember his
touch her body did and suddenly this small touch was not enough. She
carded her fingers through the hair at his nape and pulled him closer. Draco
groaned with want.

They might have gone further had it not been for the chime of the floo.
Languidly Draco backed away, snatching up a robe to go see who it was
and what they wanted.

-o0o-

“Astoria?” Hermione heard her husband question as the floo whooshed to

life. “What are you doing here?”

Silently Hermione slipped into the room behind her husband.

“I’ve come to apologise.” Astoria began. “What Ron did was unforgivable.”

Draco huffed, now two members of the golden trio had tried to kill him.

“I know he was your friend,” Astoria said turning to Hermione, “it’s just…
well after all we have all been through. I beg you, please let bygones be
bygones.”

Draco sighed, “I’ve already told Potter I wouldn’t press charges but I have
to be honest Stori, it will be a long time before we will be accepting any
invitations to dinner chez Weasley.”

Astoria looked despondent.

“I understand,” Astoria responded and she turned to leave.

“If he ever hurts you…” Draco began.

“Don’t worry Draco. He won’t, anymore than you would ever consider
hurting Hermione.”

Draco nodded.

Hermione stood preternaturally still.

“It’s not what you think,” Draco began sensing Hermione’s discomfort,
“she is like a little sister to me.”

“Yet you were going to marry her?” Hermione asked her voice giving away
no emotion.

“No,” Draco said flatly, “clearly I could not.”

“Then what…you were betrothed, were you not?” Hermione was clearly
confused.

“It was a ruse. Neither Astoria nor I were ready to marry. Astoria because,
though she was a dutiful daughter, she had her hopes…clearly that was not
meant to be.” Draco said sadly. “I needed time to find a way out of the mess
I was in before my father found out.”

“I see…” Hermione clipped.

“Do you?” Draco responded at her tone. “I never gave up hope yet I was
completely conflicted. You seemed to have found happiness with Weasley. I
took legal advice. I was told because it was a muggle marriage and as the
match was not consummated, after all this time, I would find no
impediment to an annulment. Yet I couldn’t do it. If you and Weasley had
become engaged I would have quietly made sure you were free but I hung
on more in hope than expectation. What a fool!” He finished turning and
lifting muggle jeans and a sweater from the neatly fold pile Tippy must
have left for him.

Hermione was shell shocked. She stood unmoving as Draco made his way
back to their room. Ten minutes later she heard a loud crack as he had
clearly apparated straight from their room.

“Draco,” she whispered after him,”I’m sorry.”

-o0o-

He had lost his temper. He knew he shouldn’t have but he was beyond
frustrated. In 2 days they had to have consummated their marriage yet he
felt they were no closer to doing that than they had been 5 years ago. The
consequences didn’t bear thinking of. He felt completely hopeless. Still
there was one last trick he had up his sleeve. He had been planning this
since the day he knew they would wed but he still wasn’t sure if it would
help or do untold damage. Still, he consoled himself, what did he now have
to lose?

-o0o-

Hermione waited patiently for Draco to return. Today was Neville and
Pravati’s wedding and Hermione wondered if she might have to go alone
and make Draco’s excuses for him. She had dressed with care hoping that if
she looked nice…who was she kidding it wouldn’t help! She had done
untold damage. Hermione paced in front of the floo wondering how much
longer she dare wait. Just as she took a handful of floo powder a crack of
apparition sounded behind her.

“Draco where were you.” She moved towards him in her relief but at her
approach he stiffened.

“I need to change.”he said his voice stoic.

“Of course,” Hermione responded tentatively.”I’ll wait.”

“As you wish.”

“Draco,”

He stopped but didn’t turn.

“I’m sorry.”

She heard him draw in a deep breath but he said nothing instead continuing
on his way to change.

-o0o-
As with all the other weddings they had attended Neville and Pravati’s
wedding was a wonderful affair. As the evening drew on in a nod to
Pravati’s cultural heritage a large informal ‘Bollywood’ style dance was
held. Hermione roar with laughter as she tried and failed to follow some of
the dance routines. As she straightened from her hysteria she caught her
husband’s eye. With a deep sigh she made her way towards him.

As always Draco looked devastatingly handsome. Taking hold of some of

her Gryffindor courage she decided she would tell him.

“Have I ever told you how devastatingly handsome you are?”

“No”

“Are you still angry with me?”

He sighed.

“Hermione, have you ever considered how many times I have wished I
could go back and change the things I have done? How many regrets I
have? Yet if I could go back and change only one thing it would be to give
back what I took from you.”

Hermione looked up at him and bit her lip. She didn’t know what to say to
that but she knew she could not keep punishing him for the past, not if they
had any hope of a life together.

For once lost for words she instead took his hand and cupping it in her own
she raised it to her lips. It was a tender intimacy and it was at that moment
all that she could offer. Draco sighed and pulled her forward placing a
chaste kiss on her brow.

Hermione hoped it meant a truce.

 September 19th

Hermione awoke the next morning to find herself alone. If Draco had come
to bed she had not heard him. She looked at his side of the bed it did not
look as if it had been slept in.

Without dressing Hermione slipped from her bed and headed for the
kitchen. He wasn’t there.

“Draco?” She called hesitantly.

“Happy Birthday Hermione,”

Hermione spun as her husband emerged from his study.

“Come this way I have something to show you.”

Hermione wasn’t sure what to expect. She was unaccountably nervous. As

she stepped into the study she noted the pensieve at the centre of the room.
She looked up questioningly but Draco would not meet her eye.

“I can not give you back what I took from you. I can only give you my own.
I hope…”he trailed off and swallowed hard before he began again. “Only
know that I loved you. I still love you.” Draco finished walking towards her
and placing a small vial in her hand.

“I will leave you.” He concluded as he walked out and silently closed the
door behind him.

Hermione stared at the pearlescent liquid in her hand. Not knowing quite if
she really wanted to see this. She understood what this gift meant though. It
was an olive branch and she had to chose if she wanted to accept it.

With a deep breath she moved towards the pensieve. She unstoppered the
vial and pour the liquid in. It swirled beautiful and cloud like. Hermione
dipped her head before she lost her courage.

Hermione immediately recognised the entrance to the Great Hall. She saw
herself sitting on the steps sobbing. This was the night of the Yule Ball in
their fourth year. She was sobbing because Ron had ruined everything, she
remembered this.

“Granger, are you alright?”

She had never heard Draco speak so gently to her. She did not recall him
speaking to her at all that night.

“What do you care?”her alter ego asked through hiccuping sobs.

“You looked so beautiful tonight. It is a shame for you to end the night in
tears,” Draco responded ignoring her question.

Her other self huffed.

From inside the hall she heard the orchestra strike up a gentle waltz. Draco
held out his hand in invitation.

“Dance with me?”

She looked like she was going to laugh at him but as she saw the sincerity
on his face her expression changed.

“You’re serious?” Hermione’s past self questioned this younger Malfoy.

“You’re the belle of the ball Granger, of course I want to dance with you.”

“You’re not worried you’ll catch some muggle germs?”

He shook his head but his hand remained out stretched towards her.

“I can’t I have no shoes on.” She protested allowing her naked feet to peek
out from under the hem of her gown.

He was undeterred.
“Come my bare foot Princess. I promise not to step on your toes.”

Hermione watched as her younger self cocked her head and considered the
blond before her, as if she was appraising him for the first time.
The figure before her was barely in his teens but even then Hermione could
have seen the beginnings of the handsome man her husband would become.

“Why not?” She finally conceded, “who’s to know.”

“Indeed,” Draco agreed as he took her hand and guided her into his arms.

The scene shifted it was clearly later the same evening. Somehow this young
Hermione found herself smooching with Draco Malfoy. The sound of a love
song, crooned by some artist Hermione did not know, bled out into that
hallway. Draco’s cheek rested on top of her head. Hermione smiled
inwardly. How well this younger couple fit together, she thought as she
watched them lost in each others embrace. The music ended.

“I should go.” The younger Hermione stated stepping away from her dance
partner.

“Better now?” The young blond asked.

“Thank you,” she said smiling at him.

“You are welcome,” he said smiling as he drew her hand to his lips and
kissed it gently.

Hermione’s younger self blushed. She had clearly expected him to drop her
hand because she looked confused when he didn’t let it go.

“Malfoy?”

He didn’t respond instead he pulled her closer and before she could object
he raised her chin and kissed her.

It looked like the sweetest kiss. Everything a first kiss should be because,
Hermione realised with a shock, this was her first real kiss. Not the one that
Viktor would give her a few days later. Draco Malfoy had been her first kiss
and she didn’t remember.

Hermione focused back on the memory playing out before her. She watched
as Draco sneaked a look back over his shoulder as he walked away.
Watched as he smiled to see Hermione touch her lips as if she wasn’t sure
what had just happened.

“Thank you Granger,” he whispered to the night, “it was beautiful I will
never forget that kiss.”

The scene shifted.

“What’s wrong with you?” Hermione watched as Pansy Parkinson berated

the boy who was now Hermione’s husband.

“Just leave it Pans, I’m just not interested today okay.” Hermione cringed
as she watched a younger Parkinson try to gain the blond’s interest. Her
less than subtle attempts at seduction now laughable.

“Who is she?”

“What?” Draco looked up colour flushing his cheeks.

“The girl you’ve got a crush on, who is she?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,”

Hermione knew the blond well enough now to see he was trying to play it
cool but that Parkinson had guessed correctly.

The scene shifted.

“You shouldn’t be here Granger, it’s late and you’re all alone. Whatever will
you do if the big bad Slytherin comes along?”

“You wouldn’t hurt me.”

“Could you be sure of that Granger?” He questioned as he spun her until
her back rested against the book stacks.

She watched her younger self. Noted the bravado as she straightened to her
full height trying to show more confidence than she truly felt.

“You won’t hurt me,” she told him.

“No?”He questioned crowding her, caging her with his arms. “I don’t
believe I will,” Draco whispered in a husky drawl.

Hermione watched the younger blond as he lowered his head to nuzzle her
throat.

Her younger self gasped.

“So beautiful,”young Draco murmured, “so delicious.”

“Draco…” the younger witch moaned as the blond wizard feasted on her
throat.

The scene shifted once again, rippling into what she assumed to be the
Room of Requirements.

Draco knelt before the young Hermione.

“Marry me,”

The younger Hermione’s eyes went wide but Draco appeared not to be
discouraged.

“We can not know what the future holds but I want to spend what time
remains to me with you. Please Hermione say you’ll be mine.”

Young Hermione nodded.

“You mean it?” She questioned.

Draco nodded.
“Then yes.”

Hermione watched the young couple celebrate. The younger witch flying
into the wizards arms who spun her until they both collapsed giddy.

Another scene shift saw the pair standing before an anvil, hands clasped as
they said their vows. Gretna Green Hermione realised. They had run away
to marry at Gretna Green. She wondered if Draco had understood the
significance of a marriage ceremony here of all places.

The scene rippled. The young couple danced together. Draco’s head pressed
to Hermione’s temple. Fleetingly she saw the turmoil in his eyes. Eyes lined
with tears. Instinctively Hermione knew this was it the moment he had cast
the fateful spell.

She watched as Draco fled the scene. He made it to the dungeons but before
he reached the common room he sank to the floor. His knees hit the
flagstones and he howled in agony. There could be no doubt Draco Malfoy
was broken. As she looked on at this young man, he trembled with impotent
despair.

Hermione broke free of the memory. She could hardly find her breathe.
What pain he had suffered.
 Chapter 19
She desperately wanted to speak to Draco but there never seemed to be
time. No sooner had Draco returned than they were rushing around again
dressing for Harry and Ginny’s wedding.

“Draco…” she attempted as he walked out of the expansive dressing room.

“Have you seen my cuff-links?” He asked as if he was oblivious to her

attempts to speak to him or as if he was avoiding the conversation they
must inevitably have.

Hermione sighed. “Which ones?”

“Oh, it’s alright I have them.” Draco turned round to put on his shoes.

It hadn’t skipped her notice that he couldn’t make eye contact with her. Was
he afraid?

“Are you ready?” Draco asked breaking her reverie. Formally, he offered
his arm to apparate them to the Burrows.

-o0o-

After the debacle at Astoria and Ron’s nuptials Hermione was worried
about the reception they would receive from the Weasleys, but she would
not miss Harry’s wedding. Draco fidgeted at her side, as if he knew he
couldn’t be sure of his welcome.
Still George, acting as an Usher, saw Mrs and Mr Malfoy politely to their
seats. Draco sat ramrod straight, as if he might bolt at any moment.

“Draco,” Hermione attempted a soothing tone and placed her hand gently
on top of his, “it’s alright.”

Draco wondered briefly what she was referring to but, before he could ask,
the bridal procession began.
Love shone from Harry’s face as his bride walked towards him. Hermione
could not hold back her tears. She was so happy for them.

Watching Hermione, misunderstanding her tears, Draco felt hollow inside.

He had robbed her of that. Would she ever feel that joy?

“Je suis désolé,” he whispered, the French feeling somehow more apt to
express how he truly felt. If Hermione heard him she didn’t react but neither
did she move her hand, which still sat gently on top of his own.

-o0o-

At the reception Molly Weasley greeted the couple formally, with a cold
smile that did not reach her eyes. Hermione suspected she held her tongue
for Harry’s sake alone. Nonetheless Hermione was thankful for small
mercies. She would not willingly leave but Harry was like a brother to her
and she wouldn’t ruin his day. Inevitably she knew this would mean she and
Draco would be leaving the reception early. It was only a matter of time
before Ron or one of the other Weasleys would try to push Draco’s buttons.
All it would take was a modicum of inebriation and wands would be drawn.

After what she felt was a decent amount of time Hermione rose to make
their excuses.

‘I’m sorry Harry,’ she told her oldest friend, ‘we can’t stay, our presence is
only causing tension.’

Harry looked ready to argue but then he nodded. ‘I’ll see you soon
Hermione,’ he told her as he squeezed her hand in reassurance.

‘Look after her Malfoy,”

It was a redundant request but Draco responded anyway.

‘Of course,’ he took Hermione’s hand turned apparating them both away.

-o0o-
They were out of time. If there had been tension at Harry’s wedding it was
nothing compared to that she faced as they reappeared in the London Town
house. They had not spoken of his birthday gift. Draco seemed as if he was
not willing to discuss it. In fact he seemed as if he would avoid her
altogether, for no sooner had he slipped his outer robes off than he
disappeared into his study. Hermione considered following him but she
wasn’t sure what she would face. ‘You need to be brave Granger’’ she told
herself as she made her way into his study.

“Draco,”she addressed him from the door, unsure of her welcome. Draco
stiffened but didn’t turn her away. “We need to talk.”

“No!”

“What!”

He sat with his back to her and she sensed he didn’t want to look at her.

“What did I do? Why are you angry with me?”

He didn’t answer.

“Draco?” She tried again approaching him like a wounded animal. She
knelt down before his chair and looked into his face. Tears lined his eyes.
“Draco?” She asked more softly, gently taking his hand. He still didn’t
answer but he didn’t pull away. She had never seen him like this. So
broken, so vulnerable, something inside her melted.

“Please” she begged him. He swallowed deeply fighting back the sob that
fought its way into his throat.

“We are out of time Granger and I can’t do this. I wanted so much to make
this work but look at what this has meant already.”

Hermione bit her lip willing him to keep speaking.

“You have lost friends and family because of me and now I’m expected to
consummate this marriage whether you want to or not. I can’t ask that of
you.”
She thought to tell him it was only sex but she thought better of making
such a dismissive response. Draco was hurting deeply and she wanted to
ease his pain.

“Draco look at me,” she insisted as she lifted his chin so she could meet his
eyes, “none of this is your fault.”

He scoffed.

“Did you write the Recovery Bill? Did you encourage Molly Weasley’s
comments?”

“Did I encourage Ron to hate me?” He continued her speech with the raise
of a brow?

“Well, you may have a point there,” she said a slight smirk on her lips.

“What are we going to do?”

“We are going to make the best of it. My brain may not remember Draco
but my body does. Since you stood on my doorstep and took my hand my
pulse has raced at every touch. I have clung to you in my sleep like a spider
monkey. My body remembers Draco.Trust me,” she whispered as she
dragged Draco to his feet and led him gently towards the master bedroom.

Draco’s expression was difficult to read, as she pushed him to the edge of
the spacious bed, somewhere between anxiety and longing.

“You have no idea how sorry I am for how I have behaved. What a
hypocrite I have been and I will not have you blame yourself because of my
pride. I know you did what you thought was right, just as I did with my
parents. I won’t lie, I wish I could remember but I can’t.”

“I’m sorry…” he began to apologise again but she cut him off.

“I can’t remember but I want to make new memories. I want to make this
marriage work. You are much more than I ever thought you were. You are
attractive, intelligent, interesting and I want to love you. Let me love you
Draco. Let me make love to you.”
Draco couldn’t speak. He closed his eyes and leaned towards her so their
brows rested one against the other.

“Gods Hermione,” he exclaimed as he pulled her to him. “I don’t deserve

you but Salazar knows I can not deny you anything.”
 September 20th

Soft light crept across the room, dust mites frolicked in its beams.
Hermione felt beautiful. She had never been worshipped. Draco had
worshipped her. His every touch had been a prayer, his every kiss an
offering. She turned now to look at her husband, his face gilded by the early
morning sun. So handsome, so passionate. She thought and she knew that
she was falling in love with him. The world will give you your due Draco
Malfoy, she vowed as she ran a gentle finger across his stubbled jaw line,
they will know you are braver, kinder and more loving than they ever
believed. I promise you this, no matter what it takes, you will walk with
your head held high.

Draco stirred.

“Good morning beautiful,” he greeted almost shyly.

Hermione realised he was uncertain. Uncertain of their relationship this

morning. It was as if he thought last night was a one off, a means to satisfy
the law, never to be repeated. It was enough to make her want to ease his
doubts.

She leaned in to kiss him, immediately he groaned and deepened the kiss.

“This must be a dream,” he murmured as he came up for air.

Hermione kissed his throat, long languid kisses that made his head fall
back. She kissed the hollow at the base of his neck, along his clavicle to his
shoulder. His head fell back. Hermione believed she would remember until
her dying day the look of bliss that over took Draco Malfoy’s features as he
laid himself out before her.
The night before he had worshipped her, brought her to orgasm twice before
he had even thought about himself. This morning she wanted to be selfless,
wanted to leave him stated, bones like jelly, just as he had left her the
evening before.

She trailed kisses down his chest, between his pectoral muscles towards his
naval, continuing south. As she picked up the trail of fine golden hair that
traced his groin, she laved his skin, her tongue salving his flesh as if she had
scorched it.

Draco groaned his hands fisting in the bedsheets at his side as he fought the
urge to rest control from his wife. She had reached his groin now, her small
hands grazing his erect manhood. He was going to embarrass himself if she
didn’t stop.

“Hermione,” he warned seeking to remove her hands, she resisted.

“Let me,” she pleaded.

He was proud and flushed pink and Hermione was salivating with the desire
to take him in her mouth. She licked the long length of him, swirling her
tongue at his tip, never breaking eye contact. Draco’s pupils were blown.
She could sense that he was trying to hold back.

“Let go Draco,” she coaxed, “you do not always have to show restraint, you
do not always have to hold back your feelings and passions.”

Draco drew in a shuddering breath as she lowered her mouth to his tip. She
couldn’t mean to surely…Draco’s thought process short circuited.

“Sweet Circe, Hermione…” he began somewhat incoherently as she took

him in her mouth. She sucked hard, her small hands coaxing him to climax
while her tongue did wicked things.

“Please,” Draco pleaded, “please Hermione.”

She didn’t know what he was begging for. Whether it was release or
forgiveness but she continued her ministration’s unrelentingly.
“Gods Hermione,” he sobbed as his body arched and stiffened, “Hermione
I’m…” he tried to warn her, then he half heartily tried to push her back but
Hermione would not yield, she wanted him to come inside her.

“Hermione!” He roared as he pulsed furiously, his hands grasping her hair

as he chased his pleasure.

Silence hung heavily around them in the aftermath. Hermione worried she
had offended him. Was it all too much for his more traditional sensibilities?

“I’m sorry,” he finally whispered as he lay there spent, “I lost control.”

“Don’t apologise to me for your pleasure Draco. Believe that what I gave to
you was given freely with no expectations, no obligations and no regrets. I
wanted to see you fall apart for me. It was my pleasure.”

Draco starred at her for a longtime. What he was thinking Hermione could
only imagine before he finally spoke:

“Thank you, it was glorious.”

They lingered in bed for a time, Draco boneless in her lap, as the sun
brightened marking the days advance towards noon.

“ We need to get up,” Hermione pointed out reluctantly. Seamus was

marrying Susan Bones today. They had another wedding to attend, another
wedding where Draco could not be sure of his reception, where he had
undoubtedly been invited as Hermione’s spouse. Hermione began to move
but Draco caught at her hand.

“I need to know, what are we now?” It was, on the surface, a strange

question and the open vulnerability on his face was heart breaking but
Hermione understood what he meant. He was unsure of their relationship
and he needed clarity. Hermione chose her words carefully:

“We are husband and wife,” she began, Draco tensed. Hermione softened
her voice to a near whisper before she continued; “and I am falling in love
with you. I must have loved you once and you are very much in danger of
making me love you again,”As Hermione said it she knew it was a lie, she
loved him already.

She watched as her husband closed his eyes and swallowed. The tears he
had attempted to hold back squeezing out anyway.

“Come on you,” Hermione said, her tone much lighter, “shower.” She took
his hand and dragged him to the bathroom.

-o0o-

The shower together was a mistake, they were running late. Any hope of
arriving unnoticed had slipped by twenty minutes ago. As they prepared to
apparate to the venue, Draco ran a finger round his collar, fidgeting in
discomfort. He was nervous.

Hermione reached out and interlaced her fingers with Draco’s own larger
hand and squeezed. Even as they enter the venue Draco did not let go. His
thumb traced gentle circles across the back of Hermione’s hand. As the
couple took their vows Draco raised his wife’s hand to his lips and place a
chaste kiss on the delicate skin.
Still as they left for the reception they held hands. It was an outward notice
that they stood together. That they would remain together regardless of what
the world might throw at them.

As the couple faced the press again, on the steps of the 18th century hotel
where the reception was being held, they present a united front. A front that
proclaimed the ‘marriage law’ was, as advertised, the most romantic law in
Wizarding history.
 24th September
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

Draco would fulfil his promise to his wife today. Though technically there
was no need, and all plans for the second marriage had been dropped when
it was revealed they were already married, he had promised her a muggle
marriage ceremony. With the help of Tiggy and surprisingly his father
Draco had arranged a secret ‘elopement’.
He knew Hermione could not remember their first marriage and he wanted
to give back what he could.

“Get dressed Sweetheart we are going out,” he greeted her with a hot cup of
tea.

“Must we?” She questioned. “This is the first day we have not had a
wedding to attend in weeks.”

Draco smiled indulgently at his somewhat dishevelled looking wife, bent

down and kissed her brow.

“I have a surprise for you.” He said walking from the room with a smirk on
his face, “wear something nice.” He called back matter of fact.

“Damn!” Hermione wanted to scream but she would not spoil Draco’s fun.
It had clearly amused him to plan this surprise so she had better go along
with it.

Forty minutes later she was dressed in comfortable jeans and a sweater.

“Hmm…” Draco said on an exhale as she entered the kitchen, “I’m afraid
that just won’t do.” He proclaimed.
“What won’t do?” Hermione asked confused. He didn’t answer he merely
took her hand and dragged her back into their closet and began to riffle
through her clothes with a chorus of ‘no,’ ‘maybe,’ followed by ‘perfect!’

“Wear this!”

“But it’s almost winter!”

“Hardly Hermione!” Draco replied.

“Where are we going?” She asked

“Well that would spoil the surprise. Quickly now we can’t be late.”

Shaking her head, but deciding to humour him, Hermione returned to their
suite to redress.

Just before noon Draco held out a horseshoe to Hermione.

“Take hold,” he encouraged indicating the silver horse shoe he held towards
her. Draco smiled to himself at how appropriate it was that the port key was
a horseshoe. To muggles they represented good luck and we’re forever
associated with a smithy.

As the repaired, Hermione stumbled slight. Draco was there to steady her.
She smiled up at him, her heart soared at the sight of this caring, handsome
man who was now her husband.

“We’re here,” he spoke gently, breaking her reverie.

Hermione looked around her. A white washed cottage stood before her,
resplendent with later flowering briar roses by its door. Then she saw it, the
sign. ‘Gretna Green’

Draco had remained silent as she looked around. Now he examined her face
closely, trying to read her thought.

“Why are we here?” She asked him hesitantly. Hermione racked her brains,
was there a marriage she had forgotten?
When Draco sank to his knees she understood.

“I can’t give you back those memories but we can make new ones. Marry
me again Hermione.”

“Yes,” she whispered, breathlessly, stunned that he had gone to the trouble
to do this again.
As they entered the tiny space, where the anvil rested a sea of faces made
way so they could place their hands upon the anvil.

There, in the presence of their closest friends, they said their vows again.
Finally, Hermione admitted a truth she had withheld even from herself,
brow pressed to brow she confessed; “I love you Draco Malfoy.”

Draco smiled.

How long had he longed to hear those words? He knew he didn’t deserve
her love but gods would he accept it and appreciate it. She would want for
nothing. No one would hurt her again, especially not him, he vowed it.

“I love you too.”

The End

Chapter End Notes

That’s all folks! Thank you if you have read this far and put up with
my terrible proof reading. Please leave kudos if you enjoyed it.
Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you
enjoyed their work!