Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

A Match Made In Convenience	By : ErisNight Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 47188 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 9
Disclaimer: The entire universe of Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. I make no profit from writing these stories. I am only borrowing her inventions for my fiction.

Chapter List
- 22
- 23
- 24
A/N:
Review Replies and Discussion are up at: http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php/topic/49940-a-match-made-in-convenience-review-replies-and-discussion/
I have the most fun reading your reviews at all hours of the day and night haha! You guys are really insightful and hilarious:) Thankyou so much for sharing your thoughts!
This is one very long, very information dense chapter but it offers some closure on some of the earlier little plot points that a lot of you probably missed. You'll be frustrated with Hermione for sure with this one but I think she redeems herself:)
So without further ado here is Chapter 23: A Match Made In Convenience
Eris:)

  She must not have heard him correctly Hermione decided. There was no possibly way that Draco Malfoy had just proposed to her.
            They stood there for a long moment in silence until he repeated his request, so slowly and clearly that there was no way she could misunderstand him.
            “Marry Me Granger.”
            Her bag dropped to the floor and she wondered if this was all some sick joke even as her pulse began to race.
            Considering his attitude that morning she wouldn’t put it past him to joke with her about something like this. There was just no possibly way that he was serious.
            He was Draco Malfoy; bachelor of the century and constantly voted most handsome man of their generation by Witch Weekly.
            Sure they had something going on between them, but his parents most certainly had to have a list of women already picked out for him to choose from. A list that she would bet money didn’t include her name.
            Hermione completely understood that they renounced their blood supremacist ways but there was no way that they wanted the Malfoy line to continue with a Muggleborn. So what was Draco playing at? She brought her hand up to her pendant nervously.
            “Why would you want to marry me? Surely there are others that are dying for you to choose them.” Draco fixed her with a look as if he was trying to appraise her current mood. Ultimately though, he crossed his arms and answered her.
            “It’s convenient for me to have you Granger. You’re intelligent, attractive and you fit the bill of Muggleborn. Out of all my other options, you will probably prove to be the least exasperating. We’d make a striking pair. Plus Potter is in agreement that we’re well suited for one another.”
            Hermione frowned at this; it had been Harry’s idea? She knew Draco wouldn’t consider her for something as serious as this himself. For a shag, sure, but for marriage and forever? Definitely not.
            So why would Harry think that she was a suitable long term choice for the blonde?
            Hermione knew that Harry only had her best interests at heart, so she wondered just what it was about Draco that he thought would make him a good match for her.
            A millions questions ran through Hermione’s mind, all of them beginning and ending with Draco Malfoy.
            “You realize who you’re asking right? This isn’t some temporary partnership or a business deal. Marriage is forever. Why would you want me to be the mother of your children, the woman you’re with for the rest of your life? Why would you choose me to fulfill that role? I know we have to find someone but a marriage between us would be a gamble at best. Sure we clearly are more than attracted to each other but we can’t…”
            “You are everything I could have ever asked for in a woman and there is no one else that I’d rather spend my life with.”
            Oh my… god.
            Hermione felt the word “yes” swell up so quickly inside of her that she had to take a step back for fear of exploding her agreement to his proposal. That was all her heart needed to hear in order to go along with it.
            Hermione was quite certain she had never felt so strongly for a man in her entire life and having Draco as hers would be a dream come true.
            But her mind beat down her rampant feelings. She couldn't just agree because of some law. Wizarding marriages were for a lifetime and she couldn't make a choice like that lightly.
            No matter how strongly she was attracted to him, she couldn’t just agree. Even though she knew she loved him, she couldn’t just walk blindly into that level of commitment with him.
            Yes she wanted him, yes she really wanted to be the next Mrs. Malfoy but this was something Hermione had to think long and hard about. She had to explore every avenue of her relationship with Draco and decide if it would be something truly worth pursuing.
            She didn't even know that much about him and despite her turbulent relationship with Ron, he was still someone she could build a good marriage with provided they both were willing to try.
            Hermione was quiet for a lot longer that she knew she should have been and when she looked up she could tell Draco was already getting discouraged.
            “Can I have some time to think about it?”
            Draco felt the urge to shout “no”, rise so swiftly within him that he immediately told her yes. It wouldn't do him any good to scare her off by being possessive and despite how incredibly frustrating her answer was to his proposal, he wasn't going to let her deny him so easily.
            “Thank you for being considerate of me in this.” He nodded “of course.”
            “Well I'll see you later then Malfoy?”
            He bent and picked up her bag, handing it to her with a level stare “absolutely.” She smiled and thanked him again before quickly making her exit.
            He watched as she went but frowned once she was out of sight. “Why can’t things ever just be simple with her?”
            Draco picked up his glass of whiskey from the mantle and finished it with one deep gulp.
            Time to call in the cavalry he thought just as he disappeared into thin air.
            The ministry had officially decided to wait until The Valiant’s next move before continuing the investigation. With little to nothing to go on they were forced to admit that they were just grasping at straws.
            Despite this, Harry had his researchers looking out for clues of the group’s activity 24/7 but it was on a much smaller scale than the past few weeks.
            By December 1^st the minister was clearly frustrated with the lack of contact from The Valiant. He ordered Harry to ramp up the investigation and find them as soon as he could. But short of a search and seizure of every magical home, Harry’s hands were tied.
            By December 10^th Harry was more than willing to shift his priorities toward his roommates. Granted he was constantly on alert for anything relating to the vigilante group but whatever was going on in Hermione’s head was throwing him for a loop.
            Harry had been more surprised than anything to see her huddled in the living room with none other than Ron Weasley when he arrived home from work one evening. He knew it was terrible of him to wonder what the hell Hermione was doing, considering the red head was still one of his best mates.
            But Harry had been feeling partial to Malfoy where Hermione was concerned and it wasn’t just because of the oath.
            What worried him the most though, was that the brunette wouldn’t tell him a single thing about what was going on between her and Ron. If she was seriously considering his proposal over Malfoy’s, Harry thought that he would be the first person she would have come to.
            Intrinsically, Harry knew that he should be happy for her either way, Ron was a good man and he had cared for her for a long time in his Ronald Weasley fashion.
            But Malfoy had done more than proved himself in Harry’s eyes when he saved her life, and the blonde very clearly loved her in a way that was forever.
            Harry had been stressing about how to break the most likely inevitable bad news to his oath mate when Malfoy walked down the hall from the sitting room and saw them for himself.
            Much to his credit, Malfoy didn’t show any indication of the scene bothering him. In fact, Harry just felt the deep rooted rage flare for a moment before quickly being stifled.
            Then as though nothing were wrong, the tall wizard greeted them, discussed a new idea about Grimmauld with Harry and was off without a second glance.
            It was the very same that night as well. Malfoy arrived home from work in a flourish, finishing a phone call that was most likely from Blaise, greeted them and went off to his wing of the house.
            Hermione watched as Draco made his way upstairs and held back a sigh. Despite the fact that he had agreed to give her time to think about it, Hermione knew that the anticipation was killing him. She hadn’t expected to use the majority of the time she had left to decide and Draco obviously hadn’t either.
            To make matters worse Ron came over pretty much daily to see her and while she could tell that her blonde roommates presence bothered him; Ron did his best to either ignore Draco or be sickeningly polite.
            Draco returned the favor in kind but Hermione and Harry were always on edge when both of them were in the room together. She knew that Ron was only being so reasonable because he was convinced he would have her in the end.
            The red head didn’t even know that Draco had proposed to her and Hermione was certain that there would be no way he would be acting so incredibly polite had he been informed.
            Harry had even agreed that Ron was acting rather smug lately, although he had confided to the Head Auror that he had a few back up witches lined up, if Hermione turned him down for some reason.
            Truth be told, that little tidbit didn’t even bother Hermione. Given her feelings for Draco, it was probably safer for Ron to have a few backups.
            “Bloody git, walking in her as tough he owns the place. I hope that vigilante group takes him out first.” Hermione jumped to her feet and pointed toward the fireplace.
            “Go home Ron. I hate your prejudice views. Malfoy has done nothing but improve these past few years while you’ve stayed ignorant!”
            Ron looked as though he wanted to say something but opted not to. “Alright, alright, I’m going.” He rose off the couch and walked past her, but instead of leaving he turned to face her, his arms outstretched as if a peace offering.
            “Meet me for lunch Friday? We both have off work for that ministry holiday and I want to talk to you about something important? I promise not to upset you.” Hermione sighed at the pleading look in his eyes and dropped her arms to her sides.
            “Fine, let’s go to Diagon Alley, I haven’t been in a while.” Ron smiled at her agreement and kissed her on the cheek. “See you then.”
            Hermione watched him leave and shook her head in disappointment just as the green fire took him away.
            Would he ever change?
            Hermione’s work week was so hectic that by the time Friday came, she was actually eager to have lunch with Ron. He had been very kind and sweet as of late and it was just like the old days when they had been happy.
            She hadn’t realized just how much she had missed her best friend until he started coming around more often. It was almost as if amidst all the chaos of their freshly damaged world, fate was still doing its best to try and right certain wrongs.
            Hermione smiled at the thought as she wrapped her scarf around her neck and shoved her stocking clad legs into knee high boots. The Golden Trio was back.
            She walked into the circle surrounding her bed and apparated directly outside of Florean Fortescue's. Rushing inside quickly to avoid the cold, she was immediately surprised to see the familiar face of her dark haired roommate.
            “Harry!” He looked up from their usual spot and stood “Mione! What brings you here?” she accepted his hug and pulled the hood away from her face. “I’m meeting Ron for lunch since we’ve got off, you?”
            “I’m meeting with Malfoy to discuss the particulars of him becoming a consulting Auror. But I’m really here because I have been craving the stew.” Hermione laughed at this. By the time Harry left, there would probably be at least four large owls of the stew completely scraped clean on the table.
            She could remember the happier times when they would spend their lunches together almost daily. She would make sport of watching him devour his favorite menu item as though he hadn’t eaten for weeks.
            “Just try not to eat yourself into a coma ok. Luna wouldn’t like that I’m thinking.” Harry only grinned, “no promises, but speaking of which, we’ve decided when we’re going to get married.” Hermione took the seat across from her best friend eagerly, “when?”
            “This Sunday.” Hermione couldn’t contain her smile as Harry explained the rest of the details. His wedding was something to look forward to in a time where they could exist in a where uncertainty loomed over them.
            The door to the shop opened and in came Ronald looking more handsome than Hermione could remember in a long while. “Harry! What brings you here mate? The media will have a field day if they realize we’re all in the same place at once.”
            Harry stood to great their friend and Hermione followed suit, allowing him to pull her into a hug. “I’m meeting Malfoy to go over some work related things.”
            Ron’s eyes narrowed slightly at the Head Auror’s response and as if on cue Draco walked in and made his way over when he spotted them.
            “Afternoon, Potter, Weasley…Granger.” Hermione felt shivers run the course of her spine at the way he said her name in an unusually deep drawl and watched as his eyes lingered on her for longer than they should have.
            Ron noticed the look too and took her hand possessively. “Well we’ll just leave you to it Harry, see you later.” He led her to the other side of the restaurant. Hermione waved to her roommates as she went and sent them an almost apologetic smile.
            Ron sat her so that her back was to the other too and glowered for a moment before turning his attention on her. “What will you be having? I’m thinking the roast beef.”
            She studied him for a moment, “my usual, but I’m wondering what you wanted to talk to me about today.” Ron motioned for the waitress to come over, “all in good time Mione.” Hermione was frustrated with that answer but decided to let it go for now and ordered her lunch and desert.
            They ate their meal in an amicable silence and Hermione watched the snow fall as Ron was lost to the world. She heard booming laughter from behind them but didn’t even have to turn and look to recognize Draco's voice.
            The sound of his mirth made her smile automatically and she wondered what her roommates possibly could have been talking about when Harry joined in seconds later. Ron looked up from his plate at the sound and then saw her expression.
            Straightening in his seat, Ron pushed his plate to the side and ran a hand through his unusually tidy hair. Sensing that he was finally ready to discuss whatever was on his mind, Hermione set her spoon down and looked up to him.
            “I wanted to bring you here today to talk about our future. There’s only a little over two weeks left and I wanted to hear your answer.”
            Hermione knew that it had to be something like this “Ronald…”
            “I love you Hermione, I have for a long time and there is no one else that I would rather spend my life with. We can have the future that we’ve always wanted; we can even look for our own place since I know you weren’t too keen on staying with mum at the manor.”
            “It’s not that Ron. I…”
            “We don’t even have to have kids for a few years yet because I know that you want to get set up in your career first and that we have a lot to set right between us.”
            “Ron, that all good and well but…”
            “I have the best feeling about us Mione; we really can have something together that would....”
            “Ronald!” She all but shouted, smacking a hand to the table so that he would stop cutting her off. Hermione knew that he was nervous but it was infuriating not to be able to say get in one word edge wise despite the fact that he was the one to ask her for her answer in the first place.
            “We still have time to decide on this Ron, I haven’t made my choice yet. I’m glad you’re willing to compromise on the issues that were most important to me but I’m not ready to say yes to you yet.”
            Ron frowned and sat back in his seat. “Well why not? It’s been about a month since I asked you and I’ve paid you all the attention in the world. We both know that you’re going to end up with me so why delay it now? Mum wants to help plan the wedding and we can have to official announcement in time for Saturday’s paper.”
            Hermione just stared at him as though he were daft. “Why would you assume that I’m just going to accept you Ron? Has it ever occurred to you that other wizards may find me desirable? I hesitate to accept you because you’re my best friend; it’s not easy to take a step like this when we have so much at stake.”
            Ron scoffed and crossed his arms. “Yeah right Mione. Who else asked you? I don’t get why you’re always so difficult about this. We could have been married ages ago and not even have to worry about these things. It’s almost as though you want to ruin our happy ever after. You’re never considerate of how I feel about things. It’s no fun waiting a month for someone to...”
            “Draco Malfoy!” The words were out of her mouth before she could even hold them and she immediately regretted speaking.
            It was just that Ron’s belief that she should be grateful for his attention and all his ramblings about her not being considerate of him made her want to shut him up in the most effective way she knew how.
            “What?”
            “Malfoy asked me to marry him.” Ron stated at her for a long silent moment, looked to where the blonde was sitting with their best friend but ultimately broke into laughter.
            “He’s probably just trying to rile me up since he heard me ask you. Was that supposed to mean something to me Mione? You aren’t seriously going to marry that Death Eater.”
            Hermione looked to the amused man incredulously. How could he treat her so? As if any other man couldn’t possibly consider her for his wife. “He was serious Ronald and I was seriously considering both of your proposals.”
            The laughter stopped immediately, “you’re kidding me right Hermione?” There was an edge to his voice that would have worried her in the past. Ever since he had left them in that forest during the war, Hermione had taken to backing down whenever Ron was angry.
            She had never wanted him to be that angry with her again, but not this time. She couldn’t believe the man he had become. What had gotten him so far off the correct path?
            “I’m not.” She answered simply looking into his bright blue eyes.
            Ron’s nose flared and he got red immediately but instead of saying a single word, he threw money down on the table and stormed out of the restaurant. Hermione sighed and watched as he slammed the door behind him. Her eyes meeting the sharp silver of Draco's as they went.
            He held her gaze for a moment but she quickly looked away and gathered her things. It was probably best to let Ronald cool down for now, but she could visit Flourish and Blotts and calm her own frazzled nerves with a new book.
            Draco’s eyes met Grangers across the way and he felt the look deep in his bones. She looked so incredibly helpless in the wake of Weasley’s ire and all he wanted to do was comfort her. She broke their gaze and gathered her things, before rushing out moments later.
            Potter frowned as she left without saying a word but sighed. “I’m sure whatever it is, they’ll figure it out. They used to argue like crazy when we’re in school so it’s no surprise that it’s the same now.”
            Draco shrugged not really knowing what to say and after a time Potter began to push away his bowls. “Well once again, thank you for even considering this Malfoy, I know that you don’t really want to have anything to do with the ministry but we can use all the help we can get.”
            The blonde shrugged on his jacket, “honestly I feel this compelling need to help you Potter and you know it. Being a consulting Auror is necessary because you need me but as soon as all of this is over I quit.”
            Potter nodded “Fair enough but thank you anyways. Oath or no oath I have a feeling you would have helped either way.” Draco smirked at this and placed more than enough money on the table. “Just because your hero complex is warped, don’t think it extends to all of us.”
            Potter stood from his seat and added even more money to the pile. “Who are you trying to kid Malfoy, you’re hero complex is way worse than mine and do you want to know why that is?”
            They left the shop but stopped outside the door. “I’ll bite, why is that Chosen One?” The dark haired wizard only grinned “because you don’t even acknowledge that yours exists.”
            Then the Head Auror began walking away. “I’m going to visit the joke shop, I’ll see you later.”
            “Later” Draco called out wondering if what his roommate said was true. He didn’t really have a hero complex. Did he?
            Draco immediately thought of Granger and groaned. If he did act like a bloody hero it was all her fault! She always needed saving! “I’m turning into such a ponce” He lamented for a moment, shaking his head.
            Heading down the freshly shoveled road Draco pushed the distressing thoughts from his mind before toward Madam Malkin’s.
            The holiday was coming up and he could use some new robes. Draco had been wearing a lot more muggle clothing as of late and while they were comfortable, he would definitely need some wizarding garb for his parents Christmas party.
            He had just crossed the street, when suddenly he was spun around with a rough grab at the shoulder and then shoved down into the snow.
            “You are the reason for all of this! You stole her you Death Eater scum!”
            Draco immediately stopped reaching for his wand when he recognized the blotchy red face of Ronald Weasley and groaned. “You have got to be kidding me.”
            The more than inept wizard began to yell about whom Draco assumed to be Granger and attempted to kick him.
            Draco rolled out of the way and was on his feet in an instant. “I’m NOT the one you want to fight with Weasley. Whatever issue you’ve got going on with Granger is your own business. Leave me out of it.”
            Of course he didn’t listen to him though and after a time Draco clenched his fists and counted to 10 as Weasley continued his tirade.
            He had successfully managed to tune him out but when he got to 10 the insufferable bastard threw another punch. Draco moved out of the way but pushed the incensed man down into the snow. He couldn’t fight with the wizard if he even hoped for Granger to consider him.
            In fact even harming Weasley now would probably guarantee that she turned down his proposal. Weasley got to his feet and held his fists at his sides.
            “I bet you think you’re hot shit Malfoy, just because you and your filthy family managed to avoid the kiss! I wonder how many people your father had to pay off and your whore mother had to fuck just to save themselves.”
            Draco clenched his fists at the wizard’s insinuations but still he said nothing. The fool was causing a scene right in the middle of Diagon Alley and if Draco were to do anything to the lesser war hero, the entire wizarding community would paint him the villain again.
            A small crowd had begun to gather in a wide arc around them and he knew he had to get out of there. Taking a step back, he ignored all the insults Weasley was hurling at him and caught someone moving closer out of the corner of his eye.
            Potter rushed to the forefront of the crowd and just shook his head going over to his roommate.
            Potter sent him a worried glance but Draco ignored it, the Head Auror would be no help in putting a muzzle on the filthy red mongrel. Relaxing his fists, Draco turned on his heel and began walking away.
            There was a sudden collective gasp and he could only guess Weaslebee had pulled his wand. It was quite dishonorable for a wizard to do that when his opponent had his back turned. But none the less it made Draco smile inside.
            He had the advantage. He had cast a wandless shield charm on himself the moment he turned his back in preparation for the inevitable attack. Weasley was if anything predictable, and there was no way he was going to let Draco walk away from a fight.
            Once the mediocre spell hit, Draco would be free to give the weasel a taste of his own medicine and more. There would be no way the Daily Prophet could portray him in the wrong, seeing as there would be too many witnesses.
            Oh yes, this is exactly what he wanted, a chance to show the pathetic little wizard what real skill with magic was. The bastard had upset Granger one too many times and Draco couldn’t wait to duel him.
            Granted, Weasley wouldn't have a chance in the world of winning but Draco would drag out his “defense” for as long as possible and break every bone in that fool’s body.
            He slowed his steps down just a fraction and felt his anticipation rise as he waited for the shield to reverberate with the deflecting of a curse.
            But it never came; instead there was “Expelliarmus” and another collective gasp. Draco turned quickly to see Potter standing over Weasley’s prone form.
            “Stop causing a scene Ron, none of this is Malfoy's fault. He was walking away and you are well aware that you cannot attack someone when their back is turned. I could take you in for attempted assault.”
            Potter reached out his hand to help the wizard up, but Weasley's face turned a deeper shade of red at the lecture. He swatted away the offered hand and got to his feet.
            “Once again you side with a Death Eater! What a fucking joke! You're no hero, you hide away and play best friends with a piece of shit who would have killed you given the chance. I'm your best friend! I was there while he was on the other side kissing Voldemort’s ass!”
            Potter took a step back as though physically assaulted by Weaslebee’s words. But soon he recovered and walked right up to the redhead. There was a fierce cold expression on his face and Weasley seemed to falter for a moment when Potter looked him in the eyes.
            “So that's what you think? Giving up 17 years of my life, losing my parents before I even knew them, Sirius, Dumbledore, Remus, Tonks, any and EVERYBODY THAT EVER LOVED ME. I LOST THEM ALL AND YOU THINK I GIVE A FUCK ABOUT BEING A HERO? IS THAT'S WHAT YOU TRUELY THINK?”
            Potter took a step back and then forward as if completely undecided on how to proceed and Weasley even looked startled for a moment. But the shock wore off and he settled into sour grimace again.
            Draco saw Granger come out of Flourish and Blotts with a new book in her hands. She was smiling as she looked at it and he loved that expression on her face. But that smile dropped when she noticed the crowd and saw the three of them in the center.
            She rushed forward through the throng of people and ran to Potter’s side “What is going on you two? What's wrong? Let's settle this inside” She took Potter's arm and tried to take Weasley's hand to lead to lead them away toward the bookshop.
            But Potter stood frozen in place, a dark expression on his face and he continued to stare down Weasley. He was on the edge and the blonde could see it. Draco decided to be a good friend in that moment and took a step toward the group of them to get Potter to back off.
            But as soon as Weasley saw him move, he glowered. “That's exactly what I think you traitor, how can you take up with the likes of that filth?!”
            “Ronald please! Not here, let's…” Granger squeezed gently on her friends hand to get his attention. But as soon as he registered that she was there a look of disgust captured his features.
            “And you, you dirty slag! How could you consider someone like him?” He yelled pointing at Draco.
            “He’ll do nothing but call you a Mudblood as he ruins you! I’ve done nothing but try my best to show you that I care and still I’m not good enough!? Well fine, have your scum. Don't come begging back to me to take you once he done. I won't have anything to do with you!”
            “Ron...” Granger began and Draco felt his jaw twitch at the hurt tone her voice had taken. One look at her crestfallen face had him pissed off on her behalf. Drawing his wand swiftly he began forward at a quicker pace. “Get off, you fucking tease.”
            The Head Auror watched in stunned disbelief as Ron shoved Hermione down into the snow. Her book flew from her hand and she cried out in pain as she landed. Harry saw red and was swinging at the redhead without a second thought. But before his fist even made contact, Ron was thrown backwards.
            Malfoy appeared next to Harry, glaring angrily at the red headed man that was sprawled out in the street. Ron had been stunned that much was apparent, but boils, blisters, warts and green ooze were starting to sprout from him. He was turning into some unsightly monster right before everyone's eyes.
            A poignant sickening smell began to waft around the immediate vicinity and the boils began to burst. Underneath it all Harry could see bruises forming and despite being rendered unconscious, Ron’s body was still twitching from the impact of spell after spell.
            Malfoy went to Hermione and knelt down beside her. He didn't say a word but he handed her the book after cleaning it off and helped her to her feet. She met his gaze, equally as silent and they stood there lost in one another.
            Studying the transforming Ron, Harry figured that it was the outcome of the combining of at least twelve different spells that Malfoy had used on him to create this outcome. Fortunately the blonde had done it all silently.
            Harry sighed, dreading the cleanup that was going to be involved once he got Ron to St. Mungo’s, and turned to his roommates. “Get Hermione out of here Malfoy, I'll make sure he gets where he needs to go.”
            Draco heard Potter’s words and nodded but didn't take his eyes off Hermione. She was looking at him with a mix of emotions in her eyes that he couldn't decipher. He didn't know if she was extremely pissed or grateful but he found himself not caring either way.
            Pulling her close, Draco relished in opportunity to do something he had wanted for a long while and apparated home with her in his arms.
            They landed steadily in the sitting room, Hermione’s body pressed tight against Draco's. She inhaled the deep musky scent of him and held her eyes closed for a moment as she absorbed the feeling of their bodies that incredibly close.
            They stayed huddled together for an indecently long period of time until Hermione felt the evidence of Draco's arousal pressed against her stomach. “Thank you Malfoy” she mumbled awkwardly extracting herself from his embrace.
            Draco pocketed his wand and turned to retreat once she had put some space between them. She had backed up nearly a foot away from the couch and was trying to reign in her rampant hormones. It had been so long since she had had any physical contact with him.
            “Wait Malfoy!” she called out, right before he reached the door. He stopped and turned around, “yes Granger?”
            “Thank you” she said again despite the fact that it was a sentiment that she had already expressed. Malfoy frowned at her and crossed his arms. “You’ve said that already.”
            Hermione looked away from him toward the fire. “I know, I just really meant it that’s all.” He studied her hard for a moment, his eyes sweeping over her appearance as if he was trying to discern her true feelings.
            After a moment of silence, he turned to leave again but she found herself calling out to him for a second time. “I’ve got a busy night as it is Granger. I’ll see you when you’re truly ready to talk.”
            He left the room and Hermione was torn between wanting to follow him and being afraid to. “I wish you would just tell me what you expect of me Draco. What you want!” she called out even though he had already left.
            She stared at the spot where he had been until Draco suddenly walked back into the room, this time pulling off his jacket and dropping it to the floor with a flourish before coming straight toward her.
            Hermione panicked for a moment at the savage expression in his eyes but was completely surprised when he pulled her tight against his body and kissed her.
            She moaned when her body burned to life. Her blood pumping in her veins, coloring her all over in a tell-tale blush, Merlin how she missed him. The self-imposed distance between them had been killing her.
            His deft fingers found the zipper on her coat and Draco had it off of her in the short seconds to follow, his mouth dipping to her chest as soon as he exposed it. He took his time kissing her, paying attention to whatever part of her, he could reach.
            The back of her knees hit the arm of the couch and her body moved closer to his in order to avoid falling over it.
            Draco growled in response, his arms squeezing her even closer. He reclaimed her lips urgently. One of his hands sweeping up to bury his fingers in her hair, holding her in place as he plundered her mouth over and over again.
            The taste of him made her dizzy, the rasp of his tongue against hers sending delicious shockwaves straight in between her thighs.
            Almost as if he knew Draco pulled back and grasped the hair at her nape tight. “You want to thank me Granger? Well do it properly. I’m nobodies’ bloody hero and there is a now a fee associated with me always rescuing you.
            His words, no matter how threatening they sounded, excited her. He was holding her so tightly in place that Hermione felt as though he completely owned her.
            For somewhere in the span of a moment, Draco had made the switch and the thought of him ravaging her turned her on even more.
            Suddenly, he let her go completely and her body fumbled to regain balance. But Draco caught her and spun her so that she was facing the couch. Grabbing her wrists from behind he pressed them into the soft material of the arm and directed her darkly to “hold on.”
            Hermione knew what was going to happen even before he moved but was somehow still shocked when he used a knee to spread her legs apart and flipped up her skirt. He pressed a hand on her upper back until she was leaning forward as far as she would go and commanded her not to move an inch.
            What a sight she must’ve made for him; bent over, bum up in the air with the most secret part of her exposed and dying for his attention. Draco’s fingers slipped between the waistband of both her stockings and knickers and he worked them down past her hips slowly, kissing the flesh he revealed as he went.
            Draco pulled them free from both her legs and tossed them on the couch, rubbing small circles up her calves and thighs. Without a second thought he cupped her mons in his hand, his middle finger pressing between her folds to stroke against her clit.
            Hermione cried out at the sensation and he rewarded her by playing with the little nub until she came, her entire body convulsing rhythmically in time with his ministrations.
            Suddenly he dropped to his knees behind her and ran his tongue down the entire length of her. His fingers spreading her open as he tasted her.
  He feasted on her, eating her up and licking her dry and soon he was thrusting against her slit with his tongue. Damn the consequences, Hermione had the wild urge to beg him to just take her.
            “No one else will do Granger, no one else but you.” He told her, rising from his knees and biting the left cheek of her bum as he went. “No one else makes me feel this strongly and so when you ask me what I expect from you…”
            He paused and Hermione could hear the slide of the zipper on his slacks. “What it is that I want from you…” she heard the rustle of material as his pants fell to the floor. “I think you should know by now that the answer is everything.”
            Draco stepped closer and she could feel him hovering behind her. “I want everything you have to offer Granger, your happiness, your ire, your smiles and laughter. I want your tears, your defeats and every single triumph."
His words carressed her skin like silk. "I want any and everything that you have going on in your life because I want any and everything to do with you. I want you time Granger, your attention and your passion. But most importantly I want your trust, your loyalty and your love.”
            Hermione was quaking on the inside; the sensitive center of her begging for more than just what his tongue and fingers could give her. His words were pushing her over the edge and she didn’t know how to ask him for what she needed while vocalizing the words.
            All she knew was that there was no one else in the world that could make her feel this incredibly wonderful and there was no one else that she wanted to share her everything with.
            “I want you to say yes Granger.” He told her plainly and just hearing him tell her that nearly did her over. Draco moved closer and replaced the warmth of his nimble tongue with the heat of the head of his arousal.
            “Fuck Granger, you're still so wet.” She moaned and pressed herself against him, rocking her hips so that he was pressed somewhat inside.
            “Tell me yes Granger. Tell me that you’ll be mine.”
            Draco took rubbed himself against her core brushing his way up to her clit and back down to where she needed him.
            “Let me love you Granger, from now until forever.”
            “Draco…” she whispered her eyes screwed shut. Was it possible that he wanted her this much?
            “Say yes Granger” he commanded, poised at the very heart of her. His hands slid down to her hips to hold her in place and he pressed forward slowly.
            “Tell me yes Hermione.”
            The fireplace roared to life behind them and much to her horror there stood Harry. It took him a moment to register the scene in front of him but once he did his face broke into a smug little grin.
            Draco shifted to block the woman under him from Potter’s view and cursed under his breath as the mortified Granger scrambled to straighten herself before rushing from the room.
            He pushed his painfully stiff cock back into his briefs before zipping up his pants and sitting on the arm of the couch where Granger had just been. “Great timing Potter”
            The wizard’s grin only widened “oh I think so,” and then he left the extremely frustrated Draco alone in the sitting room.
            Hermione was too embarrassed to even think about leaving her room for dinner that night. It wasn’t just getting caught by Harry that kept her behind the black door, but the fact that she had once again been primed and ready to lose her virginity to Draco Malfoy as though she had sex before!
            Merlin, him practically begging her to accept his proposal had been the sexiest thing she had ever encountered. Even now, all she wanted was to go down the hall to his wing and continue from where they had left off.
            Hermione stayed in her room for the entire night but woke up extremely early to get some food in hope that the boys were both still asleep. If she could somehow avoid them both today, she might’ve mustered up the courage to face them for Harry’s wedding tomorrow.
            She crept through the halls as silently as she could and celebrated her small victory until the boy who lived himself was sitting in Draco's usual seat, seemingly waiting for her.
            “Rise and shine beautiful” he called out immediately offering her a cup of what she assumed was tea.
            “Not one word Harry!” she chastened immediately, accepting the drink and looking anywhere but his face. Much to her embarrassment he laughed, “I don't know why you're so uptight dear; you seemed so undone yesterday where did all that go?”
            She blushed and set down her cup “Oi you prat! Don't make fun of me! I have no clue what to do with myself! I was about to let him...” Hermione couldn’t even say the words.
            “I know” Harry acknowledge with a smirk. “And I’ve never done that with another …”   “I know” he repeated happily, fixing her with his amused green gaze. “It's alright, truly. Nothing to be embarrassed about, the rooms with the fireplaces may not be the best place for that but either way I thought it was hilarious. Didn't know you had it in you to be that wanton, well to be technical you almost had it in you…”
            Hermione felt as though her cheeks were on fire. “Don’t make jokes! He must seriously think I’m a slag! This is like the third time I’ve almost allowed it. How can I possibly explain my behavior if I agree to marry him? He’ll think I’ve been sleeping around this entire time if I’m always so easy with him!”
            Harry shook his head “Trust me; slag is the last thing on Malfoy’s mind.” The memory of the previous night made her squirm as delicious stirrings began between her legs. She could almost hear Draco commanding her to accept his proposal.
            “I’m surprised you care about what he thinks though Mione, with as interested as you seem in Ron, I’m pretty sure Malfoy doesn’t really think he has a chance anyway.”
            Hermione sighed “I’ve got to weigh my options equally Harry, we weren’t all as lucky as you to find the love of our lives right before this marriage crisis hit.”
            The Head Auror just shrugged. “I think we both know that may be a lie Hermione” before rising from the table, pushing in his chair and leaving.
            Harry and Luna’s ceremony was so simple and elegant that it brought tears to Hermione’s eyes. They had gone about the entire affair covertly, announcing alias’s for the official wedding roster so that the media wouldn’t catch wind.
            It turned out to be a grand affair with the majority of their schoolmates attending. Hermione was elated to see Neville after so many years; he had grown up to be quite the established Herbologist and was nothing like she remembered.
            Harry had invited the Weasleys of course and Hermione was relieved when Ginny didn’t show and cause a scene, but was saddened that Ron would miss this no matter how upset he was.
            Mrs. Weasley hugged both Harry and Luna to her and told them to come by more often before pulling Hermione just as close and telling them that they would always be her adoptive children. Mr. Weasley nodded his confirmation and smiled at them.
            Harry and Luna made their exit together shortly after this and Draco found her by the drink table.
            “I figured it would be nice to give them Grimmauld for the evening at the very least, considering Potter can’t very well leave on a honeymoon right now. So I wanted to let you know that you could spend the night in a spare at the manor if you would like Granger.”
            Despite the number of heated encounters Hermione had shared with the blonde, getting caught by Harry had humiliated her like no other. She couldn’t even look at Draco without blushing.
            Smiling kindly so that he wouldn’t think that she was upset with him, she declined. “I already booked a room at the Cauldron and have my stuff there, but thank you for the offer.”
          Draco nodded but reached forward and took her hand when she turned to leave. “If you reconsider, you’re more that welcome to come.” Hermione nodded but pulled away from him and made her escape before she changed her mind.
            Later that night, in the familiar Leaky Cauldron bed that had been her refuge before moving into Grimmauld, all Hermione could think about was Draco.
            Every single thing that he had told her that past Friday replayed in her mind until she was a mess of emotions.
            More and more he presented her with glimpses into what their life would be life should she choose to marry him and Hermione could no longer deny that she definitely liked what she saw.
            Harry landed in the sitting room of Grimmauld and carried his bride up to his wing of the house. Setting her down gently in front of the bed, he stood to his full height and just took her in.
            She was a vision in her off white gown and his ring. Luna Potter was all he could think, over and over again until he felt the joy ready near bursting in his heart.
            Harry wished that he could have given her a proper honeymoon. He wished that he was just a normal bloke and that he wasn’t the Head Auror. Taking her hand in his Harry kissed her knuckles and smoothed his thumb over her palm.
            I’m sorry that I can’t take you away from all of this. I hate that I have to stay because of work. It’s our wedding night and you deserve…”
            Luna reached up and pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him, and pulled her hand free from his before undoing the zipper on the side of her gown. The dress fell in a heap to the floor with a soft ‘whoosh’ and Harry was blown away by the sight before him.
            She stepped out of the dress in her heeled feet and walked over to his bed completely nude except for the sheer white thong she wore.
            Waving her wand, Harry watched as she cast spell after spell, dimming the lights, playing soft music and bringing one of the sweetest aromas that he had ever smelled to his nostrils.
            Luna met his gaze and kissed her ring before lying right in the center of his bed, pretty as you please, with the most inviting smile on her face.
            “I’m not your everyday girl Harry Potter; I don’t need fancy honeymoons and promises. I don’t need your fame, your money or prestige. I am the happiest just being by your side.”
            Harry felt her words rock his very soul as he listened and couldn’t deny just how incredibly complete she made him feel.
            There they were, the words Harry hadn’t realized that he had wanted to hear the most.
            I am the happiest just being by your side.
            Harry went to the edge of the bed and bent over his waiting bride. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks and nose then finally her mouth. “I love you Luna, you and only you.”
            Her arms wound up around his neck and she pulled him in for a long kiss. “And I you, Harry, now and forever.
            Monday morning was a disaster for Hermione, she had spent the entire night tossing and turning thinking about Ron’s outburst and her interlude with Draco on Friday.
            By the end of her work day she was positive that she needed to go anywhere but to Grimmauld and had the last minute idea to request a couple personal days.
            Her boss was surprisingly accommodating and just told her to report to work Thursday morning.
            So without a second thought, Hermione wrote sent an owl to Harry so that he would know where she went and left to apparate to her parents’ home.
            She landed in on the front step and immediately pushed the bell. It was much more colder there than in London and she couldn’t wait to get inside.
            “Mia! This is earlier than expected what brings you home?” Her mother exclaimed when she opened the door and saw her daughter.
            Hermione accepted her mother’s embrace as she ushered her in but immediately headed for her room. “I needed to get away that’s all. So don’t mind me but I need to think.”
            She missed the look that her father sent to his wife and their mutual shrug. “Well dinner will be ready in a short while come down and get some when you’re ready.”
            “Thank you” she called out just as she closed her bedroom door behind her. But she wasn’t all that hungry and while she wasn’t in the throes of some great emotional tizzy, Hermione wanted nothing more than to be left alone.
            Hours later, Hermione was still dwelling on the same exact topics with no comforting resolution in sight.
            She could not believe that Ron had pushed her Friday. Sure she knew he had a temper but the things he had said to her were out of line and what was worse was that he had completely meant them.
            She knew in his true Ronald Weasley fashion, speak first think later, that were she to go to him, he would apologize profusely with whatever excuse he could invent. But was that something she wanted on her conscious?
            Hermione had worked so hard at becoming the kind of woman that she had always dreamed of being and THAT kind of woman always stood up for herself.
            So why was she still considering Ronald as a possible contender for a husband? What was wrong with her?
            How could she be afraid of all the wonderful things Draco made her feel? Why was it, the more amazing he got and the more she loved him, the more she seemingly wanted to get away?
            When Hermione didn’t come down for dinner Monday night, her parents opted to leave her alone. But when she stayed in her room all day Tuesday, they had apparently had enough of wondering what was going on with her.
            The knocking came early in the afternoon long before she wanted to wake up. “Hermione! It is unacceptable that you hide away here from whatever has happened in your life! Open up!”
            The brunette witch just groaned and slid further under her blankets; thank merlin for magical locking spells. But despite her mother’s inability to get into the room it soon became clear that Jean Granger meant business and was not leaving until her daughter talked to her.
            Hermione sighed “I’ll be out in a minute! I smell breakfast; I’ll come down and eat promise!” This seemed to work because shortly after that the stairs could be head creaking as her mother went down to the kitchen.
            Hermione grudgingly got out of bed and got herself ready for the day. About a half an hour later she was settled on the opposite side of the table from her parents and ready for the interrogation to begin.
            “So what’s this all about Hermione? You’ve never been the type to run from things. Moving back in with us was different seeing as you had just fought a war and needed a break but this is clearly abandoning your responsibilities in lieu of being holed up in that room of yours.”
            Hermione accepted her cup of tea from her father and was thankful that he didn’t seem to concerned with the issue as her mother.
            “I’ve only got a couple weeks left to decided who I’m going to spend my life with and I’ve unfortunately only received two serious offers. I think running away for a bit to think on it isn’t uncalled for mother.”
            “Well then why aren’t you eating? A decision like that isn’t something you starve yourself over.” You got me there. Hermione thought as she scooped food onto her plate.
            Truth was, she was incredibly distraught over Ronald’s behavior and even more so over the fact that somehow their afternoon in Diagon Alley had even happened, considering that they were supposed to be the best of friends.
            She debated telling her mother about Friday but thought against it. “I was thinking about what my life would be like should I accept Ron’s proposal. I had to take time and envision what every aspect of my life would be like. Turns out I just wasn’t hungry yesterday.”
            Her father sent her a look as though he didn’t believe her but allowed Hermione’s excuse to pass. Her mother however wasn’t as forgiving.
            “If it’s something you’ve had to think about this hard for nearly two whole days then why choose Ronald dear? I’ve heard nothing negative about a union with Draco and he seems quite interested in being with you.”
            Hermione only sighed and thanked her lucky stars that she had refrained from telling them about Friday. Her parents would be less keen to listen to her musings had they known the true nature of the red head’s temper and it was something she was confident she could deal with if she chose.
            “It’s convenient for me to choose Ronald; he is a solid safe choice that I think may work out in the long run. His only fault is that he’s rather possessive of me and if I marry him that should be alleviated.”
            “Yes but that is what concerns me” her father began. “I like Ronald, I really do, and while I understand you’ve have your up and downs with him, safe isn’t always the best choice for marriage. He hasn’t done anything but given you words for as to why you should marry him but all of his actions give me pause.”
            Her father reached for the orange juice and shrugged “I would hate to see you tie yourself to a man that doesn’t have your best interest at heart just because he’s the safer choice.” His wife nodded “I especially don’t appreciate how many times he’s made you cry over the years.”
            Hermione looked up into the mirrored large brown eyes, startled that her mother knew such a thing. “Well… he…”
            “Don’t even bother denying it, I could tell every time he did something to upset you dear. I just didn’t want to make it worse by confronting you about it. However wizards use the English language as well dear and so it wasn’t all that hard to read the headlines on your copies of the Daily Prophet.”
            Hermione stabbed at her eggs in shame, it was embarrassing for her parents to know of Ronald’s indiscretions while she had been away. She had taken them as personal marks against her character and her ability to be an alluring, worth-the-wait woman.
            “Even so, I came here to think out everything and I think I’ve made my choice.” Her mother perked up at that and straightened in her chair. Hermione set down her fork and looked at her parents seriously.
            “I have known Ronald for over the past decade and we’ve survived the impossible together. He was the very first person to love me and we’ve had some amazing times together. He’s someone that you would approve of and his family loves me as well. Ron is who everyone expected me to end up with and he is exactly the kind of guy that I expected to end up with. Ron is the safe choice in all aspects. There is no real risk with choosing him because I know all the good and bad of him already and that fact alone is comforting to me. Marriage is forever and I would rather know exactly who I’m tying myself to for a lifetime.”
            Hermione finished her tea, “that being said our marriage would require work from the start. Ron is a wonderful man and many adore him but he holds grudges and has a temper that I would have to walk on eggshells in order to avoid. He’d also be dependent on me running the household if he ever opts to move out of the Weasley manor.”
            Hermione looked into her tea dregs and wondered if somehow she could divine her future with her best friend. “I’d probably end up losing myself with a life of being a Weasley woman. Choosing Ron almost seems like a life sentence but we could make it all work and that is what’s important. I’d have a secure future.”
            Hermione sighed “Now as for Draco, I don’t really know much about him. Sure he’s charming, intelligent and handsome. But there was so much bad blood between us for the majority of our lives and while I’ve seen glimpses of who he is now, I don’t fully know if he’s someone I can risk accepting.”
            Without another thought Hermione poured herself more tea and looked up to her parents. “He was the bane of my existence in school and even his involvement in the war was iffy. Who knows what’s really on his mind? The man has more secrets than the entire ministry as a whole and he could probably be the single most dangerous man in London should he put his mind to it.”
            Her mother had the hint of a smile on her face as she listened and Hermione wondered just what she had said that was amusing.
            “Not to mention that he’s a complete playboy. He’s been much better as of late but when I first moved in he had so many women coming in and out of his life it was almost as though he were holding auditions.”
            Hermione tapped her fingers on the rim of her cup as she thought of all the things that worried her about Draco. The list got bigger and bigger the more she thought about it but for some reason it didn’t seem to bother her as much as it probably should have.
            “That all being said, Draco has changed in ways that I would have never imagined. He’s noble, sweet and courageous. He’s defended me even at the cost of his own reputation and has been there for me even when I didn’t realize it.”
            Oh bother, now that she was thinking about all the good things, the list seemed to keep filling up with every amazing thing she knew about him, until Hermione had to force herself to stop talking.
            She was positive that she had just spent more than 10 minutes laying out Draco's good qualities and by the time she caught herself, Hermione could feel the embarrassment settling in.
            “Sorry, I live with him so it’s easier for me to see the positive things.” Her mother wasn’t letting her off the hook that easy.
            “Well you’ve known Ronald for over 10 years dear, surely you were holding back with his list of good qualities if this is what you’ve discovered about Draco in a few months.” Hermione was stumped; sure she had more good things about Ron.
            “Well we know Ron would do his best to take care of you. His possessive nature is a problem though.”
            Hermione could only agree with that sentiment but it reminded her of something else positive about her blonde roommate. “Well Draco is just as possessive if not more but in a way that is endearing and makes me feel safe.”
            “He also respects boundaries” Her father suddenly added “When he called us to the hospital, he left the room every time we came. Even though your mother insisted that it was alright for him to stay, he was determined to give us our time with you. I can respect him for that.”
            Hermione could only smile in response, it meant a lot for her father to approve of Draco.
            She pulled the black velvet box out of her pocket and opened it. The grand diamond ring in the white gold setting, practically screamed Malfoy heirloom in the kind of way that Hermione loved.
            It had history behind it. It had all the meaning in the world and Draco had chosen to give it to her.
            “Draco has helped me grow these past few months by just being himself. Being near him and spending the time we have together has transformed me. I’ve gotten back just exactly what I lost in the war and it’s wonderful. I’ve never felt so confident and self-assured than when I’m with him. Sure my insecurities have taken me for a spin but then there he was reaffirming every amazing thing that I ever believed of myself.”
            Hermione sighed happily as she thought back to Draco's proposal and pulled the ring from its place in the small black box.
            “I want more of that. I want more of him and every amazing thing between us that makes me feel so wonderfully alive. I can’t care how risky it is, I can’t care about anything other than how much I’ve grown to love him.”
            Her mother laughed as she watched Hermione slip on the ring. “You sneaky girl, you already knew who you were going to choose, you led us on with all that about Ronald just to suss out our feelings on the matter.”
            Hermione nodded in confirmation as she looked down to the sparkling jewelry on her left hand.
            “I’ve known for a couple weeks now, but I just wanted to pretend as though I was considering Ron in order to give him the proper respect he deserved as my best friend. The more and more I saw of him though only confirmed that it would never work between us.”
            She watched the ring shine in the light for a moment and then twirled it with her fingers.
            “Draco and I on the other hand have fallen into this completely backwards. I know it’s terribly immature of me to have made him wait this long when I knew that I would accept him but I wanted to see if he was sincere, or if he would get tired of waiting and move on to someone else.”
            “And did he?” Her mother asked. A smile came to Hermione’s face and she shook her head.
            “Not even once, Draco has been so single minded when it comes to me, that there were many times when I was ready to just tell him yes. I love it how sincere he’s been.”
            Her father cleared his throat and set down his glass. “I approve of him Mia, but bring him over before you get married. I’m not gonna make it this easy on him.”
            Her mother laughed and stood suddenly, clapping her hands in a way that Hermione immediately recognized as the beginning of a dinner party idea. “How about for Christmas Eve!? It would be nice to include him in our family feast!”
            Hermione smiled at both her parents “that sounds lovely. I don’t know when I’m going to tell him I agree though, he’s waited so long already and I have no clue how to broach the subject.”
            Her father came around the table and set his plate on the counter before clasping her shoulder in his hand. “Weren’t you just gushing about how confident he makes you feel? Buck up Mia, before he changes his mind about you.”
            Hermione paled at the thought, a month WAS an exceptionally long time to wait for the answer to a proposal. Maybe Draco had someone else in mind as a backup just like Ron. “Right then, I’ll tell him tomorrow when I get off of work.”
            “Good thinking dear” Her mother agreed pouring herself some more tea and taking a seat across from Hermione.
            “Well since that is all settled and you’ve confessed something rather important with us, it’s about time your father and I share something with you too dear.”
            Hermione looked up between her parents and was immediately worried when her father sighed and stood over his seated wife with his hands on her shoulders. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
            Hermione looked around the room for any sign of a trap or danger and pulled out her wand. “Has someone threatened you? Are your lives in danger?” Her mother reached across the table and placed a steady hand over hers, drawing Hermione’s attention back to her parents.
            “Not anymore dear, I am no longer in danger of losing my life.” Hermione didn’t like the sound of that and immediately cast silent protective spells around herself and her family. “What does that mean?”
            She was listening for the sound of any intruders or threats and on guard for any form of attack. “I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer about a year ago dear, I almost died.” Hermione felt as though the air was knocked from her lungs.
            She rose to her feet so fast that the chair was knocked back to the floor. “What!?”
            The tears were almost instantaneous and she was having such an extreme emotional reaction to it all that she could barely formulate an entire sentence even though her mind raced with questions.
            “I didn’t want to tell you because we knew it would be hard on you dear. In fact your father wanted to tell you immediately but I made him promise not to.” Hermione set down her wand and wiped her eyes.
            Despite the fact that it wasn’t every day that you heard that one of your parents almost died, it wouldn’t do her any good to make her mother feel guilty about it. Especially if there was the possibility that she may still have the disease.
            Hermione picked up the chair with shaky hands and forced herself to sit. “So when you were hospitalized in March that was…” her mother nodded.
            “Why wouldn’t you tell me? I could have handled it had I known. I was with you in that hospital room thinking you had a really bad flu or something and you were dying! How could you not tell me?”
            Her eyes darted back and forth between her parent’s faces. “That’s something important that I would have wanted to know. I know that I’m an only child but I want to be there for you.” Her voice broke off and her eyes dropped to the table. Warm hands found hers and she looked up into her mothers eyes.
            Her parents explained about the diagnosis and how the scans failed to detect the cancer in time despite the fact that her mother had a mammogram in early August of the previous year.
            “So by the time they discovered the reason for my symptoms, there wasn’t anything anyone could do and I didn’t want to even try with the chemo. The doctor had given me five months tops and I wanted to live the rest of my days with your father in peace.”
            Hermione couldn’t understand why her mother was smiling throughout telling her story when all she wanted to do was cry.
            But come to think of it, her mother had clearly stated that “she was no longer in danger of losing her life.”
            “So does that mean…”
            “Yes I’m cured!”
            Her father and mother beamed at one another but that hadn’t been what Hermione had been expecting. Stage four breast cancer didn’t just get cured in a year. Hermione expected her mother to tell her that she had more time or that she was possibly in remission.
            “But you said that you didn’t accept chemo, were there other treatment methods you chose? Stage four is incurable; you would have died without any form of treatment.”
            Her mother sighed but was still smiling happily. “That's just the thing, I WAS dying honey. When I was hospitalized in March the doctors told me that I was down to about a month left and had wished me all the best. We were going to tell you then but I couldn’t bear the thought of giving you that news.”
            Her parents shared a wistful look. “I was a coward Mia, I didn’t want to make you worry. Not when you had been so happy about moving back to London. I knew that if I told you, you would have put your life on hold for me and I really wanted you to resume your life. Especially since you had worked so hard on finding yourself.”
            Hermione wanted to tell her parents just how flawed their logic was but refrained; it wouldn’t do her any good to show them just how disappointed she was in their decision to keep her out of the loop. Instead she just finished her cup of tea and poured herself another one.
            “So what did you do instead? How did you get cured?”
            “Well long before I was hospitalized again, I had started to feel weak every day and so I asked the doctor if he could prescribe me anything for the fatigue so that I could at the very least spend my last days slightly more coherent. I knew that I would tell you before I died but I didn’t want to make it harder by looking horrible and I couldn’t bear the thought of your father seeing me that way.”
            Dan Granger squeezed his wife’s shoulder and kissed the top of her head “So the doctor prescribed me an energy supplement. I had heard about it from one of my support groups and was willing to try anything at that point.”
            Hermione froze “an energy supplement? Like a pill?” Her mother nodded and reached for her purse. She pulled out a small dark green bottle with silver script above the prescription sticker and read “Second Wind, energy supplement” and extended her hand to her daughter.
            But Hermione couldn’t move and her mind didn’t seem to be able to get past the fact that her mother had taken energy boosting pills.
            “It’s rather interesting really,” her mother continued, not noticing Hermione’s current state. “The pills have no brand and despite the fact that the English is “Second Wind”, the Latin script directly under reads “Secundo Casu” which is really translated into “second chance”.”
            Her mother set the green container down next to the black velvet box. Hermione picked up the pill bottle tentatively almost disbelieving of its existence here in her parents kitchen.
            “But anyway I felt better taking them day one and I had so much more energy. As the days went by I felt better and better. Even you couldn’t tell the difference when you saw me. Then all of a sudden my scans got better, my symptoms disappeared and I went into remission in early June. The doctors couldn’t even believe it, scan after scan and every time I came back my cancer only got better. Months later and am now fully cured!”
            The cup of tea Hermione had been holding went crashing to the floor as she examined the small green bottle and she felt as though the room was spinning. Her father rushed around the table placed a hand on her back.
            “Mia, we sincerely apologize for not telling you. At the time we thought we were doing what was in your best interest.” Hermione barely heard him though, tears were falling freely down her face and she couldn't believe all that she had heard.
            “I have to go.” She announced suddenly, rising in her chair and cleaning up the broken glass with a wave of her wand. Hermione knew that she should be happy at the story but there was no way to slow her tears.
            Her eyes caught on the both the shiny diamond ring on her finger and the dark green bottle clutched in the same hand and she just knew that there was no way this was all a coincidence. “Hermione dear please talk to us. We need to get through this together.”
            “I need to go now; I can’t wait a moment longer.”
            Her mother reached out toward her “I know your upset dear but we can…”
            “I'm not upset promise I just have somewhere I need to be” and then without another word, Hermione ran to her front door and apparated away.
            Malfoy was standing by the fire in the living room with Blaise and Harry discussing the subject that was on the forefront of all their minds. "Well thank Merlin for Luna Lovegood, well Luna Potter that is." Harry grinned at the two Slytherins and leaned back in his chair.
            “Lucky bastard" Malfoy muttered, resting his arms on the mantle. "It's been a month and she still hadn't said anything about it."
            Blaise sighed "at least you have a prospect. I'm in danger of getting my magic stripped. I don't know too many acceptable Half-bloods or Muggleborns that will just jump into a marriage and settling is not my style."
            "Well there are still two weeks left" Harry noted, straddling the line between a ministry official and their friend. He didn’t agree with the law that had been imposed on them and would rather help his friends find a way to circumvent it.
            Blaise turned toward the brooding blonde. "Well we could leave it to your mother. She could hold interviews and I'm sure we'd have plenty to pick from."
            Malfoy only groaned. "What form of government sees fit to do something like this? This is insane. I'm gonna lose my magic because I refuse to comply and tie myself to some woman I'll never want.”
            “We could go to Italy, France or the Americas" Blaise added thoughtfully. Malfoy sighed but resigned himself to that more than likely future and nodded. “It seems as though we have no choice, not until this all blows over that is. They can't touch us there."
            Harry had to agree. “That’s probably going to be the best plan. The ministry has no official jurisdiction in another country and I could tell you when is safe to return.”
            Blaise leaned back in his chair" I'll make the arrangements Drake” Malfoy looked into the fire for a moment completely silent but turned to face them after a short while.
            His eyes met Harry’s seriously and the Head Auror could almost feel the gravity of Malfoy’s impending request weighing on him already.
            “Just make sure she doesn't marry Weasley please, anyone else but him. Granger deserves better.”
            Harry wondered for a moment, if he was being disloyal to his oldest friend but still he nodded “agreed.”
            There was the sudden sound of something rushing down the hallway and the three men were instantly at the ready, wands drawn.
            “I’ll take point” Harry called out quietly to the other men. They both nodded and shifted around the room ready for whatever was coming.
            A loud crash rang out and the living room doorway was suddenly filled to reveal a breathless Hermione Granger, with a tear strewn face and wild messy hair.
            She took a moment to look at the three of them, as they stared at her in complete shock before she charged toward Malfoy so fiercely he took a step back.
            Harry wondered what she would possibly do next but was completely surprised when she wrapped her arms around the clearly confused wizard and began to cry.
            Harry took a step forward and met his roommate’s eyes over the top of her head. "Hermione what's wrong?" He asked just as Malfoy slowly lowered his arms around her and held the sobbing witch tight.
            “What’s in her hand?" Blaise asked going closer he pulled out the dark green bottle from her grasp and read "Jean Granger" from the label.
            But his eyes widened at the familiar product and when Malfoy caught sight of it in his friend’s hand, he paled.
            "Granger…" he began quietly but she cut him off, "yes."
            His eyes flashed up to Harry's panicked, but the puzzle had already solved itself for the dark haired wizard the moment Blaise had read her mother's name off the bottle. Not to mention, neither of the two Slytherins had noticed the ring she was wearing.
            "Yes.” Hermione repeated into the blonde’s chest, but Harry could tell that Malfoy still didn't dare hope that she meant what he thought it did.
            Harry was elated at what was very clearly unfolding right before their eyes and motioned for Blaise to follow him out the room.
            The Italian tossed the bottle on the nearest couch before following the Head Auror grinned broadly at his best friend before disappearing around the corner.
            "Yes" Granger said again, her breaths calming. She wiped her eyes and tried to smooth down her hair but still she repeated that one affirmative word.
            "You saved her Draco, My mother was dying, I didn’t even know it but still you alone saved her.” She said clearly, finally looking up, her large brown eyes meeting his. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
            Draco didn’t want to say anything and potentially ruin this moment, but even though she had resumed crying, this was quite possibly the most beautiful he had ever seen her.
            Even with her hair a wild tangle of brown, her cheeks blotchy and eyes red, Granger was still the most gorgeous woman in the world.
            She wound her arms around his neck and pressed her soft tentative lips against his for a moment before pulling away slightly from him and gracing him with one of the most beautiful smiles he had ever seen.
            “The answer is yes Draco Malfoy I will marry you.”
            Out in the hall Harry and Blaise couldn't resist high fiving each other as they listened in on their best friends. Blaise leaned against the hallway wall and grinned, "guess it will be a ticket for one to Italy”
            Harry couldn't help but grin himself.
            Finally
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A Match Made In Convenience