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The Decree (But Why ME?)	By : RougeSnake Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 21507 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or anything in the Harry Potter storyline. Any resemblence to other people or characters are unintentional and these depictions are based off my own imagination. I also make no money on this.

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Draco Malfoy was lounging in a chaise in one of the Malfoy vacation homes in France as his mother reviewed his marriage contract. She occasionally paused to ask her son's opinion on a certain aspect or another but for the most part was completing it herself on behalf of her late husband to ensure her son was matched with a suitable witch. Draco knew how few choices he had for a wife, his options a mere 8 women of which not a single one had been on the side of the dark lord. While a couple were of the Ravenclaw and Slytherin house it did not bode well for Draco to secure himself with an appropriate wife seeing as it was well known what side the Malfoys were on during the war.

"Mother..." Draco began hesitantly, awaiting her slight nod of acknowledgement before continuing, "What if none of the options for marriage accept? Wouldn't it be beneficial to have some sort of back up plan in preparation should that happen?" The blonde witch sighed in an exasperated manner before turning to respond to her son with the best aristocratic look she could muster.

"Are you doubting all you have to offer a woman? Any witch should be grateful to have you as a husband- we have the money to survive in this post war society and we can use that to boost our social status that has deteriorated due to the results of the war being not what your father expected, bless his soul." Draco awkwardly looked out the window and feigned a look of mourning. His mother was right however, any woman should be honored to be even considered as wife material for a Malfoy."

"Could you remind me again the main points of my contract, Mother?" the young Malfoy said, changing the subject to something of mutual interest. Narcissa's look softened and she pulled out an official looking sheet from the stack of papers in front of her.

"It is similar to the traditional Malfoy prenuptial agreement passed down through generations, understandably with changes to reflect the current times. On top of providing for your wife's basic needs of food and shelter to your discretion she also has a monthly allowance for clothing and such fit for a person of the Malfoy's standing in the wizarding world. A condition of course is that the wife is viable and produces at least one male heir to the Malfoy lineage. Should this not occur then it is acceptable for the filing of divorce and in the agreement the woman in question would be required to pay back every single knut given to her by the Malfoy family through her monthly allowance. She must also be able to upkeep all values of the Malfoy family including poise and self-preservation." Draco nodded but inside felt doubtful that any witch could meet those expectations and still have what it takes to affect him emotionally. In his many years at Hogwarts only one woman had been able to get under his skin however that very woman would be one of the first to deny his offer.

Draco shook his head, he had to stop his thoughts about the so called 'brightest witch of his year' for it would do him no benefit. Not only would she reject him, Potter and his sidekick would do all they could to prevent that union including taking her for themselves... Although... Only one could have her... In a surprisingly empathetic moment, the blonde pondered marriage options from the Gryffindor with in question's point of view. There was of course himself but past rivalries would deem that most impossible and his actions of saving her during the war paled in comparison to how many times he had insulted her during school. As for the other seven boys that Granger could pick from he quickly eliminated Goyle, Blaise, and Ernie Macmillan for a variety of reasons. Terry Boot could be considered an options for her due to his intelligence but it was well known that he was interested in the Patil twin from Gryffindor. Draco also doubted that the frizzy haired witch could see Longbottom as anything more then a friend. On that note she probably thought the same about Potter although more of a sibling like relationship was likely. Despite the many romantic rumors about the two there was never any solid proof that either thought of the other in an intimate sense. It was far more probable for her to be interested in the redhead of the trio although Draco had no idea why.

"Hmmm..." Draco mused to himself, "That means my main competition is the Weasel... I have more money, better looks, and I am a smarter and more rational individual then him- and that is saying something considering my temper but... He was her friend for seven years whereas I was her tormenter." Narcissa pinched the bridge of her nose and reached for a folder that had previously been untouched. She had obtained the profiles of each witch in her son's grade and there was no doubt of whom he was referring to in his comments. As a pureblood it was inappropriate for the Malfoy heir to end up with such an inferior partner in regards to blood. She opened the file which contained a picture of the girl luckily on a good hair day. The girl was certainly pretty in a plain sort of way. Shifting her glance, she took in the other information contained. She sneered at the mention of her heritage in the muggle world but was slightly surprised at her school scores which were of course the highest in her year despite her not being sorted into Ravenclaw. Narcissa had heard stories from her late husband and sister of the quick thinking and determination in situations from the war- while before considered exasperating this was now a slight asset. Quite surprisingly her character and image would have made a perfect match for Draco- had she not been muggleborn.

Draco suddenly sat up and rose to his feet, causing his mother to look at him with a concerned glance. He walked purposefully towards the table she was working on and leaned in with both hands flat on the table. Bewildered, Narcissa asked him to speak what was on his mind. He took a breath as if to gain courage for what he was about to say then looked into his mothers eyes as he said "Can one buy out a witch's marriage contract so that she has something of an arranged marriage obligation to said person?"

Narcissa blinked rapidly but otherwise remained unfazed. Her son somewhat guiltily looked away. She herself had never thought of something such as that, especially since a boy such as Draco should have no trouble finding a suitable wife without. She knew however it was not about only a suitable match... It was about a match that exceeded expectations in all ways but one and still would not accept under traditional methods. Silently, the blonde woman browsed through a couple books on wizarding law as her son stood still and silent, waiting. Evidently she found what she was looking for because she let out a sigh.

Ït is Granger, isn't it."Draco stiffened, she was correct in her guessing then. "While it is allowed, your buying out of a contract that is, I want to know your reasoning for choosing her. Also keep in mind I am only giving you a chance to voice your opinion because by buying out a contract it is acknowledging you are still superior and in every aspect but her heritage she is... acceptable."

Draco's eyes seemed to shine as he recounted how her strengths and personality drew him to her and tried all he could to boost his mother's approval of the girl. While her son spoke of the many things of this girl she let a small sad smile creep out. While Draco might not even realize it yet she could see he genuinely had feelings for the mudblood despite everything. Perhaps this was just what the Malfoy family needed to reestablish their place in wizarding society. The union between her boy and one of Harry Potter's best friends could be the most influential thing that the two remaining Malfoys could do at this point. She held up her hand and Draco fell silent again, a very slight red tinge to his cheeks.

"Alright Draco. You have my blessing to go through with this scheme but remember just because you have a monopoly on the girl you must still woo her or face the consequences of public rejection. This will lead you to be punished by the ministry if you cannot find a different wife by the end of the school year so for your sake I hope this works out. As for now, I will consult Gringotts to negotiate costs of purchasing her contract." Narcissa said and strode out of the room, leaving the mess on the table for a house elf to clean up. As soon as he was left alone a huge grin broke out uncharacteristically on the young Malfoy's face for the first time in years.

A week later, the headmistress pulled Hermione out of her charms class. She furtively explained that not only was someone interested in fulfilling her marriage contract but had requested to buy it and had done so.

"So.... basically someone is paying to court me? What if I say no?" Hermione asked, full of questions about this odd turn of events.

"Well a sum of 10,000 galleons was deposited in your Gringotts account for you to do as you wish with, it is only required that you put this suitor into your considerations." The headmistress answered and let the girl process the information. Hermione was dumbstruck that anyone would spend that amount of money just for the chance to become her husband. If she rejected them it was basically as if they were throwing money away which was not a favorable idea for the muggle born. Noting her extended silence, the headmistress reached into her robes and pulled out two envelopes, one from Gringotts and the other sealed with a crest that Hermione didn't recognize.

"These are for you. I know that some of the boys in your year are from different walks of life but don't forget that people can change if one simply gives them a chance. Good luck, Ms. Granger." The grey-haired woman said before leaving the seventh year standing in the empty hall. Hermione broke the bank's seal and read the confirmation of what her headmistress had said, a man in her year unquestionably with the money to spare for this had bought out her contract at the large sum of 10,000 galleons. Not only did they accept her extensive contract but were actually serious in getting her attention. She turned the unopened letter over and gingerly touched the wax on the back. Slowly she opened the letter and read.

I know this is the only way I could ever be able to court you due to your friends and my past. Just know that how I acted in school was not the true me but rather remember the battle of Hogwarts instead. I propose a face to face meeting so that we can discuss the possible next steps. Meet me in the tallest tower still standing at eight before curfew on Saturday. Yours sincerely, Draco Malfoy.

Hermione flushed red and crumpled the paper in her hand. How dare he. Was this some sort of joke for him? She knew that he did save her life at the cost of his father but despite all that she still at least deserved an apology for his horrendous actions during school before she could even seriously consider his offer. With that thought in mind she quickly cast a spell that set the words aflame before returning to her class, planning to keep this a secret from both Ron and Harry.
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The Decree (But Why ME?)