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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
- 23
- 24
- 25
A/N:
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Good news Less future delays and no more update shenanigans!
Bad news is that some of the good bits that you're waiting for in this chapter got pushed into the next one because the word count was already at 11000.
I know this update was a long time coming so lets just get into it:) But I just want to say thank you for your patience! Let's get this stories conclusion going!
Here is Chapter 24: Until Death Do Us Part
Eris

  Despite the number of times she had repeated her agreement, Hermione wasn’t quite sure that Draco had heard her. He was still holding her close but looked as though he either didn’t understand the words she had spoken or had gone into complete shock.
            Hermione sincerely hoped that it was the latter of the two, and that he was going to be happy. It had been a solid month since the proposal though and she didn’t even know if the offer was still there.
            Oh merlin, I’ve waited too long. Hermione panicked when he didn’t respond and she immediately started to feel sick to her stomach. What had she been thinking? It was a marriage law ordained by the ministry; of course he had asked someone else. He couldn’t risk losing his magic just because...
            Draco hoisted Hermione up against himself and spun with her in his arms. “About time!” he declared, his eyes sparkling with mirth. He set her back on her feet in front of the couch after a long bought of celebrating and cupped her face in his hands.
            Hermione was so elated by his reaction that she wanted to cheer herself. But Draco kissed her then, his lips settling on hers so soundly and swiftly that she couldn’t even catch her breath. It was sweet, tender, yet all-encompassing and she felt as though she could feel his love pouring out to her in waves.
            It. Was. Brilliant.
            When he finally released her, Hermione’s knees wobbled and her vision swam. Draco only laughed at her though and then pulled her even closer with a bright smile on his face.
            “Damn right you’ll marry me Granger.”
            When Hermione came home from work the next day, she was a bundle of euphoric excitement. Mrs. Draco Malfoy, Mrs. Draco Malfoy, was all she could think. The words building in her and pushing her to new levels of joy she hadn’t even remembered existed.
            Somehow she had managed not to mess this one important thing up. Somehow she had managed to secure this bit of happiness for herself and it was quite possibly the best thing she had ever done.
            They had spent the night huddled innocently together on her bed, not needing anything more than to be with each other.
            Hermione knew that they should have talked about what had been going on between them for the past few months, but it had been so much better to listen to him discuss everything else under the sun.
            It turned out to be one of the best nights of her life and when she woke the next morning, Hermione felt more rested than she could ever remember. She had studied Draco’s sleeping form for a long moment before getting dressed for work and when she came out of the bathroom, he was awake and waiting for her.
            Draco had taken one look at her before rising from the bed and immediately closing the distance between them. Slipping his hands into her hair, Draco lowered his mouth to hers and gave her quite possibly the most desperately passionate kisses she had ever received.
            His body pressed hers into the bathroom door and when he pulled away he simply brushed a thumb against her lip.
            “That was just in case last night wasn’t real Granger. Last time I woke up alone you avoided me for weeks.” Then he grinned, gave her another soft kiss before picking up his clothes and leaving the room.
            From that moment on, the week seemed to pass in a blur of stolen moments. Despite their newly established nuptial arrangement, life enforced a rude awakening and all the inhabitants of Grimmauld were encumbered with responsibilities at work.
            By the time Tuesday came with relief in the form of their holiday break, Hermione was more than ready to escape London.
            Draco was switching nervously between tapping his feet, straightening his collar and smoothing back his hair, outside the door to her parent’s home.
            He had agreed eagerly to meet them for Christmas Eve but was more anxious than Hermione had ever seen him at the prospect and she couldn’t help but rile her usually suave fiancé.
            “You have nothing to worry about, they met you already. Remember?” Draco made sure to straighten the cuff links on his shirt before tugging his jacket into place.
            “Yes well that was before I was going to marry you. Your father didn’t look like the type to take something like that lightly.”
            They had decided to keep the news of their engagement completely secret until the very last minute. Once the wizarding society found out about their arrangement, there would be no end to the inevitable questions for a very long while.
            Draco hadn’t even told his own parents and intended to make the announcement at their Christmas party the following evening.
            “Well there’s no time like the present!” She declared suddenly, reaching for the handle and bursting into the warm home. Hermione shot Draco a devious little smile as she left him by the door and began to kick off her shoes. “Mom? Dad? We’re here!”
            Draco looked downright mortified and a flush ran up his neck. But Hermione was enjoying his apprehension far too much to show him mercy. It wasn’t very often that Draco wasn’t his usual calm and collected self.
            Her mother came into sight first “Ah it’s nice to see you so soon again dear. Draco! Come in, come in! It’s freezing out there!”
            Hermione noticed her father sitting on the living room couch watching the news and refrained from laughing. It was going to be a highly amusing night between a petrified Draco Malfoy and her intimidating father.
            “How long are you two staying?” Her mother asked offhandedly. Draco cleared his throat and looked to her in a panic but Hermione was still enjoying his discomfort too much in order to help him.
            “Just tonight for Christmas Eve Mrs. Granger, we’ll have to leave tomorrow afternoon to spend Christmas with my parents.”
            Hermione could not fathom why the simplest things were putting Draco on edge but this was a story to bring back home and tell everyone. “Well we’re delighted to have you; Mia was there anywhere particular you had in mind for Draco to stay tonight?”
            “On the couch!” Her father’s booming voice called out, Hermione laughed but reached out and led Draco to the living room.
            “Nonsense, he can stay in the room next to mine.” Her father frowned and she shared a grin with her mother. It was going to be a long night for her very own Slytherin prince.
            Dinner was a stagnated affair to the point where even Hermione was no longer enjoying herself. She couldn’t even imagine what had gotten into her father but the interrogation he put Draco through made her even feel uncomfortable.
            The most interesting thing however was that her mother didn’t seem the slightest bit perturbed at her husband’s behavior. It was highly unusual for Jean Granger to let him get away with things like this.
            Poor Draco Hermione thought as she twirled the spaghetti around her fork. Maybe I shouldn’t have told father that Draco was the one that bullied me at school. This was clearly some sort of intensive scare tactic her father had cooked up as a method to ensure that Draco would treat her right during their marriage.
            After a long while the questions finally stopped and they were all allowed to eat their dinner in peace. Hermione wanted to say something reassuring to the quiet blonde at the table but figured she would get her chance later that night.
            Well at least he hasn’t run out on us yet. Hermione mused as she met Draco's striking silver gaze over the rim of her glass and for the briefest moment he smiled at her and she felt her heart pound in her chest.
            It was almost as if he was trying to convey that for her, he would endure anything.
            Draco had a hard time falling asleep that night. He had made the mistake of having the spare thought of Dan Granger strangling him if he closed his eyes and bam, there was instant insomnia holding him captive.
            Once Draco had understood that Granger’s father knew about how he treated her in school, he supposed he deserved the interrogation. But the complete change in the muggle was startling.
            Gone was the gentle man that had been kind and gracious at the hospital, replaced by ruthless father clearly unhappy about his daughter’s choice in men.
            Draco knew he had a lot of things to make up for where Granger was concerned. But he had fully intended on making every waking moment of her life a happy one. He had somehow secured the woman of his dreams and there was no way that he would jeopardize that.
            He studied the ceiling for a long silent moment, taking in the sounds of the house and loved the absolutely serenity the quiet brought him. It wasn’t often that he found himself comfortable in unfamiliar places but right then and there in that moment he was absolutely at peace.
            Rising from bed still fully dressed, Draco stretched for a moment before sliding open the glass door behind the curtain and stepping onto the balcony. The instant chill was refreshing and numbed out all of the tension from the evening he had just survived.
            He took in the moon and the stars inking the night sky and his eyes fell to the rows and rows of well-manicured homes. Despite the wind the snow had settled on everything evenly, creating almost a white sparkling sheen that only served to highlight the very best parts of the night.
            Draco wondered how he could have ever let his father make him think that muggles were any less than they were. They lived beautiful lovely lives that were peaceful and did it all without magic somehow.
            They continued to thrive and surpass magical kind on a day by day basis with the sheer power of their persistence and despite any form of tragedy they still persevered. Life would be so simple if he gave it all up. Being a muggle almost seemed like a novelty. He’d never have to worry about the pressures of being pureblooded again.
            Draco could imagine himself living with Granger in a house like this, intimidating any of his daughter’s boyfriends if they came, just as he was, begging for his blessings. There would be no arranged marriages, no forced laws for his children, just love.
            His lips curved into a small smile at the thought of their daughters. He hoped more than anything that they would inherit their mother’s large brown eyes, wild hair and lovely facial features.
            Then his sons would all resemble him as was the Malfoy trait and he and Granger would have the most strikingly amazing family together.
            He could almost picture it, the entirety of the life that they could have as muggles. Everything would be perfect, peaceful and carefree.
            There was the sound of someone clearing their throat to his right and Draco looked over to see Granger watching him as she sat on her lounge chair with a book. He was a bit startled at first but recovered quickly. “Can’t sleep Granger?”
            “What were you thinking about just then? Right before you saw that I was here.” Draco feels heat flood his cheeks, of course she would pick up on such intimate thoughts. He pushed away all thoughts of beautiful happy children and crossed his arms.
            “Nothing in particular. It’s rather cold out and I was about to head in.”
            “Liar” she called out rising slowly and setting down the book she had been holding. Draco felt the immediate hum of arousal shoot through his veins as he took her in and noticed that Granger was wearing a simple strapless white silk slip.
            The soft material flowed down to her knees and hugged her shape smoothly. But what was captivating him the most was the expanse of skin exposed by the cut outs in the material lining her waist.
            Draco immediately recognized the similar style to the dress she had on earlier and realized that she must have been wearing this underneath all along.
            “Aren’t you cold Granger? It’s winter.”
            Saying her last name leveled him. Draco had to distract himself from the fact that she was finally his, because if he thought about the fact that she was going to be his wife there would be nothing that stopped him from apparating on her balcony and taking her.
            He loved the contrast of her dark hair against her skin, the curve of her hips on her small frame and the way her mouth called to him.
            “Aren’t you a wizard Malfoy? Warming Charm.” He saw the devious little light in her eyes and wondered what was making her so playful. Ever since they had arrived she had been in such a lighthearted mood and he loved when she used her intellect to challenge him.
            It made him want her all the more.
            Draco found that he preferred this carefree version of her, even though she had essentially tossed him to the wolves where her father was concerned that evening.
            Granger made her way over the ledge nearest him and leaned her elbows on the railing. Her creamy breast pressing together and falling forward provocatively in such a way that he had to force himself to look into her eyes I order to keep focused.
            “What were you thinking about?” she repeated brushing snow away from where she was resting.
            Draco closed the distance between them and looked down the 20 foot drop between their balconies. “It was nothing to concern yourself with Granger. Why are you up this late?”
            “I leave my best books at home so that I always have a reason to come back. I was just catching up since I’m not really tired. It’s rude to lie to someone who is to be your wife you know.”
            But she didn’t sound angry, instead she just smiled and Draco wondered if she was possibly drunk and just hiding it well. It wasn’t like Granger to be this… confident, in control and bold.
            It excited him but made him feel cautious at the same time. “Are you feeling alright?”
            “Are you?” she returned quickly, shifting just so that her long hair fell forward. Draco watched the movement like a hawk and coveted just a single kiss more than anything in that moment. “You seem different tonight Granger. Why is that?”
            She shrugged and stood up straight but ran a finger down the rail as she walked to the ledge that faced the rest of the town. “I’m just being myself Malfoy, there’s nothing different about me.”
            He felt stuck in place watching her though, almost as if he was under her thrall. Just the way she was talking was awakening something within him. Granger angled her head toward him and fixed him with a look. “What seems different?”
            “You seem… happier” he finished lamely, not wanting to list out all the differences that he was really seeing; the things that were causing adoration for her to swell to near bursting within him.
            Granger seemed to know though because she came right up to him, reached out across the foot of air separating their balconies and put her hand on his. “I am happier Malfoy; I’ve finally gotten you figured out.”
            That piqued his interest and the challenging nature of her statement spurred him into action “Oh?” Granger nodded and met his gaze, “yes and it’s amazing because I’ve finally gotten myself back to normal because of it.”
            He stroked her fingers with his thumb keeping her exposed hand protected rather than cast a warming charm of his own “and now that you’re normal…?”
            Granger leaned even further over the railing, the warmth radiating off of her causing his senses to go haywire. She was close enough that he could just kiss her and Draco was having terrible time thinking past the need to taste her.
            “And now that I’m no longer a confused mess of a woman, you should probably watch out Malfoy.”
            That brought a smirk to his face even though all he could think about was the fact that he could probably successfully pull her across the railings and take her to bed. “And why is that Granger?”
            Her eyes flicked down to his mouth and rested there for a moment but her tongue ran across her bottom lip in a way that made him lean even closer.
            They were but a breath apart and he could smell the sweet honey and vanilla scent that was all Hermione Granger. Her mouth was so close to his that he could almost feel them, and his eyes began to drift close in anticipation of the bliss to come.
            But at the last minute, her eyes rose to meet his and she leaned back pushing him away as she went, massaging small circles on her cold hand. “Because “goddess” wasn’t just a nickname Draco and you’re going to have me as your wife.”
            Then she grinned at him and went back to her chair to retrieve her book, bending in such a way that he could see the smooth skin of her thighs just before she disappeared into her room with a small click of her door.
            Draco expelled a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding and took a step back. “What the hell just happened?” But he couldn’t help but grin at the memory of what had just happened between them.
            Granger was opening up to him in ways that he had never expected and Merlin how it was lovely.
            The next morning, Draco woke up to the delicious smell of breakfast wafting up from the kitchen. Cleaning himself and changing into different clothes with a wave of his wand, he made his way downstairs to find all of the Grangers sitting at the table already.
            Dan handed him a plate and Jean explained about her husband’s cooking prowess but Draco eyed his plate suspiciously until the older man burst into laughter and explained that he was just giving him a hard time the previous night.
            “What kind of man isn’t afraid of their fiancé’s father?” Dan joked earnestly
            “I just wanted to see how you would hold up. You’ve changed into an intelligent man that can clearly take care of Hermione and I want you to know that I accept you no matter the things you’ve done in the past.”
            Draco took his seat and Granger beamed proudly at him across the table but then her father did something unexpected and teared up. Draco looked around to the women on either side of him but neither of them seemed alarmed.
            “Hermione told us about that company of yours. She left us in a rush but came back later to get your ring and explain. You managed to find the cure for cancer and without it my wife would have died. I am forever indebted for you saving both my girls and I would be honored to have you as my son.”

            Draco froze on the spot and Hermione almost felt as though she could cry at the moment unfolding right before her eyes. Her mother placed a hand over her father’s and thanked Draco as well as she told him her story.
            Rising from her seat, she went over to the clearly humbled man and wrapped her arms around him from behind. Draco leaned back against her, bringing his hands up around her arm as he listen to her mother.
            And all Hermione could think in that moment was how lucky her life had turned out to be and that maybe the marriage law wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
            They returned to Grimmauld Place in the late afternoon and quickly showered and changed before meeting in the sitting room. Hermione hoped that she looked presentable in her simple blue evening robes.
            But when Draco saw her and smiled she knew that it must’ve been acceptable. “Nervous?” He asked reaching out to take her hand.
            Hermione brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and sighed. “I’d be a fool if I weren’t. I’m pretty sure I’m not who your parents had in mind as the next Lady Malfoy and telling them at their own function like this can turn out disastrous.”
            Draco pulled her close but “tsked” at her. “You’re the one I choose Granger and you’ve been sorely misinformed if you think my parents have any say in that. Plus it’s best to deliver news like this at an event of this magnitude. My parents are so concerned with their image that even if they disapproved, they wouldn’t dare challenge me in front of so many guests.”
            His mouth split into a reassuring grin. “But all of that aside, I’m pretty sure my parents already approve of you. My mother was raving about your return to London months ago. If anything marrying you will only improve the Malfoy status.”
            Hermione couldn’t help but laugh at that sentiment. “So there it is then. The real reason for as to why you chose me, to improve the Malfoy status.” Draco laughed with her and kissed the top of her head before pulling out his wand, “you know it.”
            They landed in the manor foyer almost instantaneously and Hermione took a quick second to let the effects of apparition wear off before smoothing her hair into place. She could hear the music coming from the ballroom as well as the accompanying chatter of what sounded like hundreds of guests.
            Draco took one look at her before pulling her into his embrace.
            “You’ll be fine Granger, I think you’ll find the large group of purebloods much friendlier than you are imagining. It’s been a long while and the attack on the ball is bringing a lot of them together in ways you couldn’t even begin to imagine.”
            Hermione had to agree with that. It was silly of her to think that Draco would be leading her into a large room full of racist purebloods that were ready to stick their nose up at her. A lot had changed in four years
            She nodded to let him know that she had heard him and disillusioned the ring on her finger. “I’m ready then Malfoy.”
            “Draco” he corrected almost immediately, Hermione looked up to him confused so he elaborated. “From now on you’ll call me Draco or husband or whatever endearment you prefer but no more Malfoy.’
            Hermione was pleased with this command of his but still opted to give him a hard time of it.
            “Well I think of you as Malfoy and Granger is what I’m used to from you. You and Harry aren’t on a first name basis and I don’t think that’s something required for a marriage.” She responded sarcastically tossing his own words back at him.
            Draco remembered that conversation immediately and smirked. “Don’t be difficult Granger. You’re dying to call me by my name. If you would recall that entire conversation, you were the one to ask me to use my name. I’m merely granting you permission now to do so.”
            This was the Draco she adored. “Well only if you call me Hermione then. It’s only fair considering we’re to be married.” But he shook his head and took a step away from her. “All in good time Granger. You’ve got to earn it.” Then he turned away and began to head toward the party.
            She just shook her head and ran to catch up with him, sticking out her tongue when he looked down to her.
            “Better refrain from doing that Granger. Seeing that tongue of yours makes me want to do things to you that will most certainly not endear you to my parents should they catch us here in the hall.”
            Oh Merlin yes, she thought not bothering to respond. They arrived outside of the large doors to the ballroom and Draco held up his hands to stop the doormen from announcing them just yet.
            “There’s going to be talk enough because we’ve arrived together until the official announcement but tonight should be relatively tame. After that spectacle with Weasley in Diagon Alley, the majority of my parent’s peers already suspect that there is something between us.”
            Hermione shrugged, “I’ll be fine Draco.” She reassured him placing emphasis on her use of his name. Her fiancé smiled brightly and pressed a sincere kiss to her lips. “Alright let’s get this show on the road. Would you like me to hold your hand?”
            “No that’s alright, if we go in hand in hand your parents will know almost immediately what’s going on.” Draco nodded thoughtfully at this “good point”, before nodding to the door men.
            She could hear their names being announced on the other side of the door as well as the music coming to an abrupt halt, and then the large wooden doors swung open to reveal the entire room full of people looking at them.
            “Congratulations!”
            The chorus of felicitations went on for a long while. The group cheer so loud and unanimous that Hermione was stunned, wide eyed and slack jawed. Clapping rang out at their entrance and she could do nothing but take it all in.
            Despite the fact that Hermione knew without a doubt in her mind that this was the very same room she had been tortured in all those years ago, she would have been hard pressed to recognize it had she not been worried about her first return to the place that had haunted her long after the war.
            But still there it was, a space completely transformed. Gone was the dark and dreary room with all the stone column work. Instead the entire room had been redone with a lighter color slate for the walls and marble for the floors.
            Instead of the chandelier, that immediately would have reminded her of Dobby, was a bright open ceiling charmed just like that of Hogwarts and Draco's wing of Grimmauld. The room was comfortably warm but just from glancing up one could tell that it was in fact snowing.
            The frost settled on the highest balconies, but disappeared completely before reaching even 50 feet above the guest’s heads.
            There even was a large white Christmas tree that was so incredibly muggle that Hermione would have laughed had she not been on the verge of tears. It was jam packed with gifts of all sizes around the bottom and even the newly arriving guests were still adding to it.
            There was a band directly to the left of the lit up tree as well as large banquet tables full of food where some guest resided, engaged in pleasant conversation.
            To top it all off there were large banners hanging that depicted a large lion and a serpent wound together quite ingeniously and even though she didn’t have a clue as to who the majority of the guests were, Hermione could feel the genuine elation coursing through the air.
            It was a charge that sent her system into overdrive and soon she was crying like a fool beside Draco Malfoy in front of all his family and friends.
            His parents were the first to come forward with large smiles on their faces and Hermione prayed that she hadn’t ruined her makeup.
            “How did you know?” Draco questioned dumbfounded as he took in the obvious blend of Slytherin and Gryffindor decorations in the usual matrimonial style. But then Harry, Luna and Blaise stepped forward and every single question that they had was answered.
            Narcissa Malfoy clapped her hands and music began anew and soon dancing couples were gliding across the room.
            Draco's parents went to him along with Blaise and congratulated him and Harry went to Hermione taking her in his arms and wiping away her tears. Luna smiled brightly at them, just as Harry looked down into her eyes.
            “I know that you’ve always struggled with asking people to do things for you and I know that you never want to accept help. You’ve always been someone who’s made every moment of your life about helping someone else. So Blaise and I told the Malfoy’s about the bit of happiness you two managed to find and they were more than happy to change this event to a last minute engagement party.”
            They stared into each other’s eyes and Hermione smiled at her best friend. There were no words for what she was feeling. This was an amazing gesture on his part.
            “We’ve lost a lot more than we bargained for in the past few months. So for once in your life I want everything you do to be about you Hermione. I want you to have these special moments because you are one of the very best women that I have ever known.”
            Harry kissed her forehead and Hermione instantly knew that he meant Ginny and Ron. But she pushed all thoughts of the siblings away almost immediately.
            Luna took her hand. “Have fun tonight Hermione. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world.” Hermione hugged her and looked at the pair of them, “thank you for this.”
            As soon as Harry moved on to talk to Draco, Narcissa Malfoy pulled her into an embrace of her own. “I’ve always wanted a daughter Hermione dear, and you are the best addition to this family that I could have ever hoped for.”
            Hermione thanked her but was shocked when Lucius reached out and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
            “For everything we were in the past we beg your forgiveness Miss Granger. I know that it takes a certain amount of action to right our wrongs but we hope that you’ll do us the honor of considering us your family and give us time to prove that we are sincere.”
            Hermione nodded at them both, her eyes dangerously close to overflowing again “of course.” Never in a million years would she have thought that this would be the way that the Malfoy’s found out about their engagement to their son.
            She had expected thinly veiled insults and obvious disappointment but never this. It was truly a moment where Hermione found that she preferred reality so much more to anything she could have ever imaged.
            Narcissa smiled and studied her appearance for a moment. “Blue is such an ordinary color and the robes don’t really do you justice. Tonight is all about you, so how about standing out hmm?”
            Hermione didn’t say anything but watched as Narcissa began to wave her wand in intricate weaving until the garment Hermione wore transformed into a sheer gold silk gown.
            Narcissa even changed her shoes to match and shortened the length of the pendent with a temporary spell so that it hung perfectly with the dress. “Ever get to ask your “friend” about that pendent.” She asked as she moved to Hermione’s hair.
            Draco frowned when he heard this though. “You’ve seen it before tonight?” Lucius smirked at his son and crossed his arms.
            “Of course we have, the night of the Masquerade ball to be specific. It wasn’t a very convincing costume considering your dear fiancé had a blatant Malfoy heirloom that practically screamed “Draco has claimed me” for anyone that was paying attention to see.”
            Hermione looked between the blonde pair in front of her. “Wait, you knew it was me?” Narcissa nodded, “almost immediately. I had my suspicions from your choice in company but once I saw the pendent I was sure. It was my mother’s very own; saw it almost daily during my youth.”
            “But you weren’t wearing it when I saw you.” Draco questioned. Hearing Narcissa’s reply shed a whole new light on her encounter with them during the ball. It explained practically every odd thing about their behavior once they saw the pendant.
            Harry conjured a small mirror so that Hermione could see her new ensemble and she immediately fell in love with the look. It was truly befitting the next Mrs. Malfoy.
            “They caught us right when Hermione was trying to give it to me to hold for the evening. She didn’t want you to see it but we hadn’t thought that your parents would recognize the piece.”
            Lucius laughed, “You cannot pull anything on us. We are far more observant than you give us credit for.” Narcissa nodded, taking her husband’s hand and turned toward the room full of guests. “Let’s eat shall we?”
            The small procession made their way to the dining area and the newly engaged couple was granted seats side by side at the head of the table.
            Hermione could already feel herself blushing by the time she sat down but Harry and Luna sat to her right and Blaise to Draco's left making it easier to cope with being the center of attention.
            The food was delicious, the deserts were to die for and the company of everyone celebrating their union was entertaining at best.
            It was nothing like she would have expected from a room full of pureblood families and Hermione loved how incredibly down to earth they were all being. Even Mr. Greengrass had only good things to say and was proving to be the life of the party as he told hilarious story after story.
            “Do you know how to dance Granger?” Draco asked suddenly as Harry took Luna‘s hand and led her to the dance floor.
            Hermione set down her fork and turned to the man that was focused on her completely with an incredulous look on her face. “We spent an entire night dancing at the ball Malfoy, you know that I do.”
            His mouth quirked to the side to reveal a dimpled half smile, “do I? I recall dancing with a Mia Déesse, who knows if Hermione Granger can dance.”
            Hermione pulled the napkin off her lap and stood. “Fair enough, let’s see if you can keep up.”
            Astoria’s eyes were shooting daggers at her as Draco took her hand but Hermione didn’t pay her any attention as her fiancé drug her into the crowd of dancing people. The joined during an upbeat song and were soon moving in time with the music like old pros.
            It reminded Hermione distinctly of the Masquerade ball and she was elated by the fact that it was her, Hermione that Draco couldn’t take his eyes off of. Not some persona she had invented for the night.
            They spent the majority of the next hour laughing and dancing around the ball room, engaging in the most randomly interesting conversations with the occasional well-wisher. As the evening wound down, a new slower song began and she lifted her hands from his and brought them around his neck.
            Hermione sighed happily in his arms “This is better than anything I ever imagined.” She admitted quietly into his shoulder. “I have to agree with that Granger. Who would have ever thought we’d get this figured out.”
            She only grinned “not very confident there Draco. What ever happened to the Slytherin Sex God, enchanter of all things female? I would have thought you’d have some grand master plan and spend the first few months of our union bragging about how it worked.”
            Draco spun her suddenly and pulled her flush against himself far more tightly than ever before.
            “Don’t push your luck Granger. Sex God is an accurate title and I’ve been dying to have you under me. I want nothing more than to rip that dress off of you and bury myself balls deep in your deliciously wet and plump quim. But I refrain, because having you in front of so many guests would make a spectacle.
            The look on his face spoke volumes about just how serious he was and Draco slipped a hand down to her hip in order to press her tight against the heavy length of himself through his dress robes.
            Hermione felt her breath catch in her throat at his dark promises and could feel the liquid fire pooling low in her gut. How had they managed to make it this long without ever actually sealing the deal?
            Draco was without a doubt the most alluring man she had ever met and the way he was inching closer and closer to her mouth made her not even care about what the others saw. Just so long as he touched her and didn’t stop until she came.
            “A spectacle of what Draco?” they heard his mother’s voice ring out behind them. The dancing pair split apart clearly caught out but Draco didn’t let Hermione get to far, his fingers holding hers securely in his own.
            His parents were both sporting clearly knowing looks on their faces but Hermione’s main thought was to deny, deny, deny. “Nothing of import mother, we were just discussing what a lovely job you did with this party.”
            Narcissa looked up to her husband as though she clearly didn’t believe them and Lucius wasn’t going to let them off the hook that easily.
            “Just remember to be careful son, it’s a fact that pureblooded males tend to be far more virile than they can ever imagine. If you’re not careful, there might be another addition to the Malfoy family long before you can even make it to the alter.”
            If Hermione could have hid in a hole right then and there, she would have done so gladly. His parents shared a laugh and began to discuss potential names for grandchildren and all they could do was stand there mortified until Draco recovered himself enough to end the conversation.
            He took her hand and led Hermione toward a side door. “Won’t the rest of the guests miss us?” She asked looking over her shoulder to his parents.
            Draco shrugged, “after the conversation we’ve just endured we can use a break. Plus they’ll probably think we’re off to make good on their assumptions and get a head start on their grandchildren.”
            Hermione laughed at the thought and allowed him to lead her from the room. They followed a short winding hallway until they emerged into a large garden. He led her to the thick of it before letting go of her hand.
            Considering the moment they had shared before his parents joined in, she was ready for him to make good on his promises. What she didn’t expect was for Draco to turn around with a serious look on his face.
            “What happened the night of the thunderstorm?” Hermione immediately groaned, “we don’t have to talk about that.” She turned her back to him, and went to a nearby bush, reaching out to stroke an Osiris rose full in bloom.
            Draco came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Oh but we really do Granger. In fact we should talk about everything but that’s what I want to know the most. Why did you leave?”
            How am I ever going to get out of this conversation? Hermione wanted to be the strong enticing woman that she had been the night of the ball. She had shed the majority of her insecurities and was ready to be the best version of herself.
            But openly discussing the things that she had done in the past still wasn’t something she wanted to do. Hermione knew from the tone in his voice that Draco wasn’t going to let her leave without an answer, so she opted for the vaguest one she could think of.
            “I really thought you would prefer to sleep in your bed alone.” Draco turned her in his arms so that she faced him. “Why would you have thought that? I don’t recall even hinting that I wanted anything other than for you to stay.”
            Hermione didn’t want to meet his gaze, they were entering territory that she didn’t want to have deal with. Why couldn’t they just carry on with their lives, without revisiting every insecurity that had plagued her in the past? “I just wanted to be considerate of you.”
            Draco frowned, “then why did you avoid me after it?” You might as well talk to him about it Hermione.
            Sighing, she wrung her hands nervously “I’ve seen all the women that you’ve brought home Draco, and I fell asleep on you. It was mortifying and I didn’t want to have to deal with you being awkwardly polite to me because I disappointed you.”
            Draco took her chin in his hands and forced their eyes to meet. “You thought that you disappointed me? Why would you think that?” Hermione was starting to feel incredibly embarrassed by his questions.
            So much for being a goddess. “I’m nothing like those women you bring home Draco. I don’t know all the things they do about that particular subject.”
            His frown deepened. “What would that have to do with anything?” Hermione knew that she should just explain to him about her lack of experience outside of her encounters with him. But she just knew that it would be an incredible turn off if she brought up her virginity.
            “It just didn’t seem life something that you would find attractive. It was a wonderful night and I didn’t want you to feel awkward because we were roommates.”
            She clearly had said the wrong thing because Draco looked downright pissed.
            “So you rather me be incredibly self-conscious instead. It sucked waking up without you Granger! Your mixed signals have driven me mental since you’ve come back and for what? Because you assumed I would feel awkward after having quite possibly the best night of my life?”
            Despite what he had just confessed Hermione took exception to his tone. “Of course I did! How could I possibly know those things? And you paraded women in front of me in and out of your room directly after so I assumed that I had been correct.”
            Draco laughed sarcastically. “Those conclusions make an incredibly amount of sense Granger, you should really be proud of them. Why not just talk to me? I would have told you how incredibly unreasonable you were being!”
            “Talking about these things are not so easy! Even after every single kiss me I waited for you to tell me it all meant nothing. After every single morning we spent talking in the kitchen I waited for it to all end. You’re a playboy Draco! Why would I want to discuss sex with a man like you? I didn’t want to seem like one of those bloody clingy women you make fun of!”
            Hermione stormed past him to sit down on the bench and looked down to the ring adorning her left hand finger bidding herself to calm down. Yelling would get them nowhere and now that he had gotten her started there was so much she had to get off her chest.
            “It blows my mind that you proposed and even more so that I accepted. How could I possibly believe that you want me for anything more than sex? I wait for the moment where I give myself to you and suddenly it’s all over.”
            Draco looked as though she had confounded him. He shook his head for a moment as if to clear it and turned to face her.
            “But you can’t possibly feel that way now right? I mean I’ve done my damnedest to prove that this is more than sex to me Granger. It’s not all gonna change once I have you. So why would you even worry about me changing my mind? You know that I want you.”
            “But why though? Why me? I’m ordinary and plain and you hated me. I represented everything that you ever resented and when I came back to London you still hated me. So why should I have faith in this? This whole entire night has been a dream but I’m constantly scared that everything is going to change come midnight and I don’t want to be some fairy tale princess. I want this to be real. So why would I believe any of that to be true.
            “Why? Why? Because I want to worship you, day and night Granger! You make me so crazy for you I can barely think. I’m practically useless at work and I spent the majority of my days praying that you’d talk to me! There’s nothing more that I want than you every waking moment! If you would let me I’d get on my knees right now in front of you on that bench, push your dress up past your hips and taste you until you screamed”
            He stopped and roughly pulled her up to her feet in front of him. “But it’s more than just sex. You’re everything to me. If you would let me, I’d make it so that you would never want for anything. You could spend your entire life doing all of the things that you loved and I’d make it so that you’d never have to worry. It’s been this way for months Granger! There is no one else but you!”
            Hermione didn’t know how to respond to that, she stayed silent for a long moment looking down to her hands. How could she possibly explain that she felt completely the same?
            She knew it was a coward move but she changed the subject instead. “No altering time in order to get out of an argument or change our lives if we’re going to make this work. I need to be able to trust you.”
            Draco seemed as though he didn’t mind the sudden change in pace the conversation had taken. “But just imagine all the trouble I can avoid Granger.” There was a mischievous glint in his eyes and Hermione shook her head.
            “It’s not a joke Draco. It won’t be real if you make our lives perfect by changing every single problem we have. We have to agree, no time magic will be used to alter our relationship.”
            Hermione was staring at him with the most serious look that she could muster and Draco held his hands up in surrender once he realized that she wouldn’t budge on the issue.
            “I swear on my magic that I will not use time magic to alter our relationship Granger. But now you’ve got to promise me something.”
            “And what is that?” she asked, crossing her arms. It was only fair that he would be able to make a request after she delivered her own ultimatum.
            “Don’t ever doubt me Granger. Don’t ever doubt the fact that I want you or that there is no one else that I want. Don’t ever doubt that my feelings for you are real and that I consider you to be my perfect match.”
            Hermione’s hands dropped to her sides, he kept shocking her with all the things he was saying and she couldn’t even question the sincerity of it all because it was so very clear that Draco meant every single word.
            He brought his hands to her shoulders and wound a hand in her hair. “I mean it. Don’t doubt me Granger or my intentions. Just stay by my side and let me make all of your dreams come true”
            He was staring in her eyes intently, holding her hands tight in his as though he were worried that she really would leave him.
            “I'm pretty sure that I'm in love with you Draco.” She replied honestly and Draco looked genuinely pleased. His mouth curved up into his trademark smirk and he crossed his arms smugly.
            "Well how could you not be? I’m perfect.” Hermione hit him playfully but they laughed despite themselves and the tension between them seemed to dissipate all at once.
            Draco brushed his thumb against her ring finger and leaned down to kiss her softly on the lips. He wore a thoughtful look for a moment but refocused on her a quick moment later.
            “I know my proposal wasn't something that you expected and honestly it wasn't my best effort and so I think I'll have another go at it.”
            Hermione could tell that he was trying to be incredibly nonchalant about it but there was a telltale flush rising up his neck and he dropped slowly to a bended knee. Hermione felt her eyes widen to the size of saucers. Was he seriously going to…?
            “Will you be mine Hermione? Will you let me care for you and cherish you with everything that I am? There is no one else in the entire world that I would rather have by my side so will you do me the honor and become my wife?”
            Her mouth fell open but she was nodding vigorously her agreement for the second time that month and pulling him up into her arms.
            They held each tightly for a long while and just as Draco began to pull back to look into her face. She saw the words stamped clearly into his expression before he even said them. “Truth is Granger, I’m in love with you too.”
            By the time they had gotten all the important things off their chests. Hermione was fully confident in her decision to accept him.
            It was the greatest kind of relief to finally be able to tell Draco exactly how she had been feeling. Every single insecurity and worry that she had been harboring, gone in the space of an hour.
            Smiling and happier than they could ever remember being, they returned to the ball room hand in hand. They danced together just as they had before but this time it was as though no one else was in the room.
            They only had eyes for each other.
            By the time guests began to leave and come up to the betrothed couple to bid them a good night; Hermione was pleasantly surprised by the geniality of the majority of the guests she encountered.
            They congratulated her and wished their marriage well and the large warm family atmosphere of the room full of pureblood families pleased Hermione greatly.
            She had the sudden memory of all the holidays she had spent with the Weasley’s and would have never guessed in a million years that it would have all turned out this way.
            Here she was enjoying herself with the Malfoy’s and even Harry was with her. It was truly a testament to the changing times
            But more than anything it was proof of the depth of their sacrifices. Fighting the war had been well worth it for moments like this.
            They had managed to pave the way for a slightly more harmonious world and for the first time since she joined the magical world, Hermione Granger felt as though she truly belonged.
            They were married on New Year’s Eve at the Malfoy Manor and despite the short amount of time from the engagement announcement; Narcissa managed to surprise them all by already having planned her son’s wedding in advance.
            Everything the woman envisioned was something out a dream and even the dress that she showed Hermione first out of a selection of over a hundred was perfect. From the diamond encrusted pews to the ice and white lace decorations Hermione was sure that this was a occasion like no other.
            It was a beautiful ceremony in which Kingsley Shacklebolt himself was the granting official and Harry, Luna and Blaise stood by their sides. Her parents were close at hand and the majority of her old school friends had been invited.
            “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls Draco Lucius Malfoy and Hermione Jean Granger”
            For the span of a single second Hermione missed Ron’s presence greatly as the minister began. Everything was perfect but she really hadn’t believed that he would really neglect to show up to the most important day of her life.
            Hermione pushed the foolish thoughts away; it wouldn’t have mattered to the redhead that she was happy, Ron was most likely never going to forgive her for choosing Draco. At least the rest of the Weasley’s were in attendance.
            “…And do you Hermione Jean Granger take Draco Lucius Malfoy to be your lawful husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?”
            Hermione looked to the man standing beside her and met his eyes. Marriage law or no, he was everything she wanted in a husband. It would be an honor to stand by his side for as long as she possibly could “I do.”
            Draco smiled at her then and Hermione felt it all the way down to her toes. The way he was looking at her spoke volumes and if this was the way it was going to be for the rest of their lives she would gladly be his wife.
            They presented their left wrists to the minister and watched as he dutifully tied the simple cotton cloth around them both. “I now pronounce you bonded for life.”
            Kingsley tapped his wand on the center of the cloth and they watched as it seemingly melted down on their skin, imprinting it’s self upon their flesh as a white tattoo before disappearing completely.
            But a chorus of gasps rang out throughout the entire room when a blinding light formed between them.
            Kingsley reached forward and clasped his hands over both of their own in a way that was completely unusual for a traditional ceremony but the look in his eyes held them both entranced.         He glanced between their faces and tightened his hold on their wrists almost trancelike. “Never in all my years have I seen a bonding this strong. This marriage will stand the test of time and you will emerge victorious.”
            Then with a flourish Kingsley took a step back and smiled. “You may now kiss your bride.” Their mouths seem to meet somewhere in the middle and cheers erupted all throughout the room.
            It was official; they were finally husband and wife.
            The reception was to be held out in the courtyard directly after the ceremony, Narcissa helped Hermione transform her large gown into a dress that would be much easier to maneuver in but was still befitting a queen.
            But that wasn’t all that the older woman had done, when Hermione stepped out into the courtyard with her newly appointed husband she was completely blown away.
            The entire area had been transformed into something reminiscent of a royal wedding. There were Veela playing the harp and magical fireworks going off above their heads.
            The water shooting out of the fountain shone bright and white roses had entwined themselves onto almost every surface filling the air with a lovely floral scent that Hermione was sure she would never be able to smell again without being reminded of her beautiful wedding day.
            Not to mention that there was enough food to feed an entire army. Every conceivable delicacy lined the long glass tables and as if that weren’t enough there had to be at least one of every single desert ever created.
            Hermione couldn’t even imagine how Narcissa managed to incorporate so many little muggle details into the wedding and reception but it was extremely comforting to have a bit of both worlds present.
            After the initial dance with Draco, her father took his place. They stayed together for two songs before Blaise requested a dance. “You were made for him you know.” Hermione adjusted her hand in his and smiled at the comment.
            “Five years ago, I would have begged to differ.” Blaise grinned, “five years ago doesn’t matter. Only the present and the future are relevant and what’s clear to everyone here tonight is that you two are quite possibly soul mates.”
            Hermione laughed at his choice in words “and why would you think that?” Blaise looked to his left and she followed his line of vision to see Draco dancing with her mother. The picture they made brought and immediate smile to her face.
            “Aside from the fact that your love for each other is almost tangible, I heard the minister himself say it. First time in over a century the bonding light was as strong as anyone had ever seen it.” Hermione found that she liked the sound of that. “Well it would be lovely to “quite possibly” be Draco's soul mate. Only time will tell.”
            Blaise nodded and dipped her low before bringing her back up abruptly. “Thank you Hermione.”
            “For what?” she inquired as the song came to an end. Blaise took a step back and bowed to her just as Harry came into view. “For making my brother the happiest man alive and for loving him as well as I know you will.”
            Suddenly Hermione realized that Blaise was telling her goodbye in his own kind of way and her grasp on him tightened. “Blaise wait…you can’t…”
            The Italian leaned down and kissed her hand. “Don’t even think about it. Being an international fugitive will be fun and I’ll only be gone until this law is annulled or expires.”
            “But that could be years and we won’t get to…”
            “Be happy Hermione, that’s all I ask. I’ll send you my address if it will make you feel better. Send me letters but stay in England. International apparition is tracked and if you’re caught you know good and well our government is likely to press some sort of charges.”
            Hermione felt completely helpless, “Blaise I…”
            Harry asked for the next dance and Blaise winked at her “take care of him for me”, before disappearing into the crowd.
            “Finally a dance with the bride!” Harry teased as he took her hands and she was forced to quell the sudden melancholic pull low in her stomach
            “You would think “best friend” would be pretty high up on your dance card but I guess now that you’re a Malfoy there isn’t any more time for little ol’ me.”
            Hermione gave a small smile as they began to move and pushed away thoughts of Blaise. It wouldn’t do her any good to ruin the mood of the reception. She just hoped that Draco knew that Blaise had left. “Don’t be silly Harry. There will always be time for you.”
            She noticed Jeremy Burbage out of the corner of her eye talking to a man who wasn’t familiar to her but Hermione was simply glad that Narcissa had thought to invite the man who had personally healed both Harry and herself.
            Hermione danced for hours going from felicitous guest to guest. She thought offhand how intense it was to entertain hundreds of guests that all wanted to congratulate her and was glad that she would only have to go through this once in her life.
            Draco on the other hand, was a natural at it and between his many dances with her and his wooing every guest that came up to him, Hermione was impressed.
            Around midnight a countdown began and the crowd began to cheer as the firework finale began to usher in the new year.
            “Blaise left” Hermione noted quietly as her husband wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. Draco kissed the top of her head and sighed “gone but never forgotten.” They shared a drink in his honor and lamented the severity of the marriage law.
            Despite the wonderful day they had, they couldn’t forget that there were hundreds of witches and wizards fleeing their homes right that instant in order to avoid prosecution for an unjust law.
            Shortly after the end of the firework display, Draco turned Hermione in his arms and looked down into her eyes. “Would you like to retire for the evening?” She agreed almost immediately, it had been a wonderfully celebrated day but Hermione was past the point of wanting peace and quiet.
            Draco kissed her on the forehead. “Let me say good night to our guests and then I’ll meet you upstairs?” Hermione nodded and said her own goodbyes for the night.
            Hermione thanked Narcissa and Lucius for all their hard work and checked in with her parents before heading into the manor. Following the path she had become familiar with in the past few days, Hermione made her way up the stairs to Draco's wing.
            Pausing outside his door, she pressed a palm to the cool wood and closed her eyes. Her wedding night had arrived much sooner than expected.
            Entering the room and shutting the door quietly behind herself, Hermione was completely surprised to see that his large bed had been completely redone in white and that there were red rose petals as well as sweet smelling candles floating in the air giving the room an ethereal glow.
            The light of the moon shown in from the balcony and it there seemed to be silver glowing dust making the air sparkle with every step she took.
            Suddenly Hermione was nervous. More nervous than she knew she had any right being. How many times had she been completely prepared for Draco to take her? For him to do her in the most obscene of places?
            Somehow she had managed to survive, virginity intact, until her wedding night, and now she didn’t know how she could go through with it. This was so premeditated whereas everything else had been in the moment.
            Passion’s guiding hand had robbed her of her senses in the past making her willing and ready for anything. But now she was thinking clearly and common sense was screaming at her.
            Hermione knew that she should she tell him. Virginity was a big deal for some men but she didn’t want to ruin the mood of their evening. “Draco might not even noticed once he get started.” She tried to convince herself.
            Hermione began to pace and plan out the best informing him of her status. She wasn’t worried about how they would get started but once he went to finally claim her, should she tell him then?
            Or would he prefer if she told him in the beginning?
            The door opened behind her and in came her stunning husband. He looked remarkable in his black dress robes and brushed back hair.
            From the hint of a smile gracing his lips to the way he walked into the room; there was a levity about him that Hermione would never forget.
            Draco Malfoy was the embodiment of a man in love.
            Their eyes met across the room and Hermione couldn’t help but feel like a deer caught in the headlights and despite how desperately she had tried to calm herself down, it all came rushing back up in an instant.
            This was it. Tonight would be the night that she became his wholly and truly.
            “Come here” he commanded simply, extending a hand in her direction. From the look in his eyes, Hermione could tell that he knew just how she was feeling. He used his free hand to unbutton his jacket and then repeated his request “Come here Hermione”.
            Her breath caught at the sound of her name leaving his lips and she was coming forward without a second thought, going toward her husband with full faith in his intentions.
            Somehow everything would work out just fine. All she had to do was let her dashing Slytherin Prince guide her.
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A Match Made In Convenience