Meet the Malfoys

Disclaimer: Having some fun with characters that aren't truly mine. No Galleons forthcoming though. Sigh.

Big thanks go to my original beta, Charmed Nay, and also, to CocoaChristy, who kindly agreed to help me dust this off and make it presentable.

Draco had never known such happiness. He awoke each day holding his wife, and they made love every chance they got. Her parents made an effort to get to know him better whenever possible. He really liked them and felt at home there. It was strange how a Muggle home was more cozy than his own. Each time he thought of Hermione as his wife, he felt a little giddy inside. He was married! He used to think on marriage and shudder with dread, but he'd never expected it to be anything like what he experienced with Hermione. Though they had only truly been together for a few months as a "couple," he knew that she was the one for him

They had one last day before returning to Hogwarts. "What should we do today?" Hermione asked in a lazy voice. "I'm feeling up for something to get me out of this room."

"Hermione, we could go to Malfoy Manor if you'd like. My mother keeps owling to see if we will go before school starts."

His eyes seemed to be pleading with her. She didn't really want that much of an adventure, but if it meant so much to him, then she would do it. "Will they not be angry with us for not going sooner?" She was truly afraid that the woman would not like her.

He grinned. "No, she'll just be glad to see us. Let's get our things together. I have a Portkey that always takes me home if I need it to."

She nodded and went to let her parents know that they had made other arrangements to get back to school. After everything was packed and they'd bid goodbye to her parents, Draco took out a long, skeleton key. "I'll activate it. Be ready to touch it in ten seconds."

She saw light flare up around her and felt a tug just behind her navel moments after she'd placed her fingers upon it. The sensation of being pulled forward was so powerful that when they stopped finally, she landed in a heap at his front door. He laughed and pulled her to her feet.

"Lord! You're a bit clumsy, aren't you?" He ruffled her hair.

Quickly smoothing down the mess he'd created, she replied curtly. "You don't have any complaints at night, now do you?"

"No, ma'am. You've got me there, Mrs. Malfoy." Just as he bent to kiss her lips, someone opened the door.

"Oh, Draco!" a female said excitedly. "I didn't know you were going to be here so soon. Oh, and is this the little Mu... er... wife-to-be?"

Hermione nearly recoiled. She looked at the woman and felt herself instantly dislike her. Hermione could see through her false smile. Her eyes were cold, and the expression on her face made her look as if she had smelled something horrible.

Hermione saw that Draco was looking at her in a rage. "She is my wife now. We were married by a Muggle minister, remember? If you are going to act as you are now, we will leave."

Mrs. Malfoy laughed. "Oh, nonsense! Do come in. You know that we feel it's not truly a wedding until it's been done the Malfoy way." She flashed a saccharine smile at them. "I'll have servants ready your rooms. She can have the one directly next to you."

"She'll be staying with me," Draco said firmly. His mother simply shrugged.

Hermione felt Draco's hand tighten on hers. His mother still looked her up and down as if appraising her. "Oh, that will not do. Where is your Malfoy cloak?"

"It's packed," Hermione said, not giving an inch. She gazed defiantly at her new mother-in-law. She hated to think of Draco growing up in a home such as this. No matter how grand it was; things were definitely lacking.

"We'll go into town this evening to celebrate of course." She said celebrate as if it were a foul word. "After, we will stop off to get a few things for you," she told Hermione, not caring she'd upset her. His mother looked at him.

"Draco, marriage by a Muggle in one of their ceremonies does not hold up in the Wizarding world unless you want it to. Of course," she coughed lightly, "you can file papers. I daresay if you change your mind before that, it can be reversed easily."

"I'll not be changing my mind," he retorted in an annoyed tone. "We will also have a Wizarding ceremony so that both families are satisfied."

"Yes, yes, of course, you will." Narcissa Malfoy's eyes gleamed. "You will do well to tell your wife how the Malfoy women behave, and you will show her how to present herself. No matter her background, if she is to be a Malfoy, she will act like one."

With that being said, she turned on her heel and walked off. Hermione was stung. He was right. They were definitely not like her family at all. "Do you want to leave?" he asked her softly. She shook her head. "Hermione, I'm so sorry. Her letters made it sound as if..." His face heated. "Just tell me if you want to leave, and I'll see it done. We don't have to stay here."

Hermione knew she would have to do this sooner or later, so she took a deep breath and got ready for whatever awaited them once they were inside. They went to Draco's room first to put their trunks away. She was just commenting on how nice it was when she heard his father come in.

"Ah, the happy couple. I trust you find everything in order?" He was smirking.

She nodded and tried to smile, but her face felt frozen. This man intimidated her. All the things he'd done to Harry, her, and her friends in the past had not left her mind. She watched in trepidation as he cocked his head to one side, appraising her. He'd not acted this way when he'd been in her home and in front of her parents. There was something different about him.

He walked around her so slowly that she felt as if she were on display. "Very nice. Good thinking, Draco. This will bring an unlikely alliance with Potter. We simply need a Wizarding ceremony to seal the deal." He stopped behind her. "She is one of his closest followers. Not hard to look at either, son. I do approve." The tone of his voice made her feel extremely uneasy. He boldly reached out to touch her hair, bringing a thick lock up to his nostrils. She couldn't read the expression on Draco's face, but she saw that one of his fists had curled up in anger.

"It's got nothing to do with an alliance, Father. It's how I feel, as I've told you already...many times." Draco's stony gaze didn't waver. "She is my wife. Don't even think of invoking the old Malfoy tradition."

Hermione gulped. Tradition? What in the world was he talking about? Draco moved forward possessively and clutched her to him. She nearly fainted when his father spoke again.

"Well, how am I to know if she is worthy of my name, boy? Surely you didn't think you could bring her here and not allow me to find out."

She couldn't meet his gaze, but she clutched at the wand in her sleeve. He and Draco were talking about him wanting to touch her. She would hex the bastard before he could even take another step towards her if he meant to put his hands on her.

"Make no mistake, Father. Your name means a lot to me, but I'll not have anyone lay a finger on my wife. If I have to unattach myself from this family, so be it." She could feel him shaking. Adrenaline was pumping through his veins no doubt.

Hesitantly, she looked up at Lucius Malfoy and saw the proud smile play upon his lips. "Well done, son. Apparently, I have my answer. If you've gone as far as to marry her amongst Muggles only and in their way without allowing us to be present, then she must be exceptionally pleasing. I'll not invoke tradition of course. I merely wanted to gauge things for myself." His father patted Draco's shoulder. "And, like it or not, there is an alliance now." He looked at his timepiece.

"Thank you, sir," Draco said.

"Well, I think we're safe to say you have an hour at most before we will make way to town. Do as you will until then while I go inform your mother."

Hermione watched his cloak swish around the corner before she looked at Draco. "Did you know that he would want to do that?" she asked, hating the hurt in her voice.

"I had heard tell of it, but I never dreamed he would actually try anything...especially since he didn't allow it to go on with my mother. Worry not. He was only testing us. I'll bet Mother was as well." He smiled and sighed in relief. "I thought we would have to leave. I meant what I said to him. I'd leave here before I'd let him touch you or have them mistreat you." He kissed her lips in reassurance. "I'll live with the Muggles if need be."

She grinned. "I was worried that I'd have to hex your father. Not exactly a perfect meeting, was it?"

He nodded. "I felt you move to grip your wand."

"I'll unpack our things," she said, hoping he didn't realize how disappointed she truly was about her reception.

"We've house-elves for that," he said quickly, pulling her over to the large bed. "Maybe we can just laze about and... uh... talk for a little while."

"Talk, eh?" she said incredulously, raising an eyebrow at the hand that moved up to cup one of her breasts. "Perhaps I'd like a tour of your house instead."

His cheeks reddened. "Sorry. I just can't help myself." His lips moved to press against hers, but a shuffling behind them interrupted the motion.

Narcissa Malfoy walked into Draco's room with a young woman at her side. "Go on then," she urged the girl. Then she turned to meet Hermione's eyes. "I'll have her fix you up in no time, dear. You will be absolutely stunning with your colorings in the Malfoy robes. I do hope you like what I have planned for you." She seemed much more affable than when Hermione had first met her. Maybe it was the prospect of having her way with Hermione, thinking that she could sculpt her into a perfect, dutiful wife.

"I think I'll search out my father and summon my robes from there. You two might be at this for a while," he said casually, but Hermione could see the pleased expression upon his face.

She smiled and stood still, uncertain about what they had planned. If it made him happy, she would do what needed to be done. The young woman approached and took her time casting spell after spell. Each time Hermione would feel a warm heat glide over her.

"I must know," began Narcissa snootily, "how it feels to land a worthy heir such as my Draco?"

Hermione blinked. "I love him. I don't care about his money."

"Oh, I'd forgotten about that. Lucius said you've always been around money, but surely since you see how things are in the Wizarding world, you know that we...above all others...have the most clout in society...under normal circumstances anyway. How does that make you feel?" His mother waited for a reply.

She chose her words carefully. "Well, ma'am..."

"Mother Narcissa. There is no need for such formality between family," Narcissa interrupted.

"Thanks," Hermione said, smiling uncomfortably. It felt odd to use a motherly endearment with another woman, especially when she did not have those types of feelings towards her. "If society ranking mattered to me, I'd be extremely honored that he is with me and not someone else, someone who cares about such rubb... er... standings. However, I think what makes me happiest is that he chose me, knowing full well that I am not a pureblood, pushing his prior prejudices aside and seeing me for who I truly am."

This seemed to satisfy the woman, though she sniffed at the mention of Hermione not being a pureblood. "Oh, darling, you truly are beautiful. Well, now, I do see why he was drawn to you. Have a look." Hermione turned to the mirror.

She gasped. Her hair was down, yet it was no longer a bushy mass of waves and curls. It was straight with a few long curls near the ends, and it felt silky. She noticed a few light highlights throughout, blending with those she'd already had from the sun. Having been somewhat straightened, it lengthened considerably. Her face had just enough make-up on to look natural. She had never felt so pretty before in her life...save the time she went to the ball in fourth year with Viktor Krum.

"Exquisite," the mirror approved with a chuckle.

"I don't know what to say. I... I don't look like me."

For the first time, she saw a genuine smile on Draco's mother face, warming her demeanor greatly. "Just a few changes and it makes you someone else completely. I think you will do my son proudly. And us. Now, your new style will last roughly..." Her voice trailed away, and she looked at the young woman who had styled Hermione.

"Six months, Mrs. Malfoy."

"Yes, six months. You can change it then or have it renewed." She ran a finger through Hermione's hair. "Lovely, and the best thing is that you needn't do a thing aside from casting a drying spell after you wash it. The magic will take over."

"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy. I really appreciate this."

"Mother Narcissa," she corrected her again. "You are bound to him in name already, and although not by Wizarding laws, we shall still consider you his wife until it's done the Malfoy way. Here. Try this." Narcissa summoned a silky, full-length, yellow dress that had a low dip in the front and small straps.

Nervously, Hermione shed her clothes, not liking that both women were watching, and put on the new dress as quickly as she could. After Narcissa's assistant flicked her wand, it fit to her body perfectly. "I love it."

"It was made by an exceptional half-blood designer who sells Muggle and Wizarding attire." She summoned a small pouch to her outstretched palm. "This is a gift from me. Do not take it off. It brings its wearer the ability to find something positive in each day. I have one just like it." She clasped an elegant gold chain around her neck. It had a rather large, yellow-tinted diamond pendant on it.

"Mother Narcissa, I don't know what to say." She was speechless. Though she'd never wanted for anything, she'd never had such finery before. Nor had she ever imagined such a necklace.

Narcissa's eyes watered. "I remember my wedding day. I had such high hopes that I'd live happily ever after and that each day would be filled with such joy." Her eyes clouded over. "I found out soon that I was but a pawn in a game. I learned to do my duty, and as such, I have lived an acceptable life. I sincerely hope that you will be more fortunate with your husband than I have been with mine."

There was no reply that Hermione could give her. She suddenly felt very sorry for the woman in front of her. How many years had she suffered? Did she ever have good days and find something positive to live for on her own, or did she always use her pendant?

"Now, remember," Narcissa continued, "do not do anything that would displease Draco or his father publicly. As the senior Malfoy, his father still has a lot of say in things. I'd not want to see you or Draco punished for something avoidable."

"Punished?"

"Lucius can sometimes be... overbearing and quite adamant about how things should be done. We make certain to not upset him," she said quietly. "He seems pleased with your match, however, so I think that you'll do all right. And, honestly, Draco seems to adore you."

"I promise to make him happy," Hermione said. "We get on well."

"This pleases me greatly. It's all I could ask of my son's wife. I admit that I was looking forward to his nuptials with Pansy Parkinson. I had some things planned already, but I do believe that he's made an excellent choice. I'd also like to thank you for helping him escape from those... pursuers last year. Regardless of what people think of me, he's my only son, and I love him like nothing else in this world." She smiled beatifically. "I'd never want to see him hurt or suffer."

"Thank you." Hermione felt guilty about this. The woman was grateful for something she didn't truly do. They'd simply made up that story so that people would think they'd been together much longer than they truly had been.

"Now, we mustn't really discuss things such as posture or attitude. Common sense will guide you there. I want you to think for yourself and act accordingly." She took her robes from the young woman who'd helped, quickly pulling them on and keeping them partially open to show off her dress. "If it helps, you can question yourself by asking: What would Mother Narcissa do in this situation?"

"Fair enough," Hermione agreed.

Narcissa nodded. "Come. They are likely waiting on us."

The advice she was given sunk in slowly. She knew Draco would not ever hurt her, but she was not so sure about Lucius. The man was cold and calculating. She'd put nothing past him. She put on the clear slippers that had been set out before her, and she donned her thick Malfoy robes. She immediately felt more confident about herself. Beautiful. As if the world were at her feet. She looked down at the ring Draco had bought for her. Looking into the mirror one last time, she saw a completely different person and felt truly as if she was born to be Hermione Jane Granger Malfoy.

Narcissa went ahead of her to the flight of stairs and descended regally as if she were a queen. Hermione easily picked up on her style and held her head just as high. She'd not give Lucius Malfoy anything to be displeased about. When she approached Draco and Lucius, she noted that two sets of blue-grey eyes were watching her every move. Both seemed pleased.

Lucius approached her first and placed a kiss upon her hand to show approval. "Very nicely done." She nodded graciously. He turned to his wife. "Well done." She nodded as well.

Draco kissed her cheek and whispered, "My God. You are beautiful, Mrs. Malfoy."

She blushed slightly and took his extended arm. After donning their cloaks, they used a Portkey to get into town. She tried not to look around the fancy restaurant as if she'd never seen such a beautiful place before, but it was hard. Draco helped her take off her cloak and gave an appreciative glance at her dress when she pulled off her robes.

"Ah, who do we have here?" A sophisticated looking man had approached Lucius; his eyes were on Hermione though. He had a much younger woman attached to his arm. She didn't seem to take notice of much and just smiled blankly.

Lucius stood and bowed. "Parkinson. Narcissa and Draco you know, but may I introduce the newest Malfoy? This is Draco's wife, Hermione."

"Wife..." The man choked for a moment.

Hermione suppressed the urge to giggle. This must be Pansy's father.

"I see..." He tried to compose himself. After all, she was the girl that Draco had run out on his daughter for...according to the story they'd all told. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Malfoy."

"Likewise," she said in a casual tone.

His airy wife spoke. "Oh, is she the one that filched Draco from Pansy? Why, she is adorable."

Narcissa looked up, expression of distaste apparent. "Surely you could keep such comments to yourself," she said disdainfully.

The other woman just smiled.

"Of course, she will. Won't you, my dear?" her husband admonished as if speaking to a child. She began humming loudly as if keeping rhythm with the beat of a song.

When they walked away, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, but she couldn't help staring at them with a look of dislike...one that mirrored that of Narcissa's.

"What's wrong?" Draco asked.

"What was wrong with that woman?"

Lucius chuckled. "Got in the way of a bad potion, I'd say. More like a child than a woman."

Narcissa smirked while Draco grinned openly. "And, you father, wanted to place me with her daughter."

"Yes, well, I was thinking of adding to your inheritance, now wasn't I? However, you've found someone with something just as powerful as money. She's got connections." Lucius saluted Draco with his wine glass.

She hated feeling as if she was not even here. How did Narcissa stand it? She decided to speak. "And just what are those connections, sir?"

He raised an eyebrow at her, but he merely looked amused. "Harry Potter, of course. Dumbledore. Ministry Connections." He smiled innocently. "Thanks to you, our name is once again respectable. After all, would the pure Miss Granger, friend of Harry Potter, dare to marry the son of a Death Eater had his family not reformed?"

He was toying with her, and she knew it. She saw Draco's eyes narrow, but she couldn't help but to ask one more question. "Have you truly reformed, Father Lucius?" she retorted, sipping her wine slowly.

He leaned forward and smirked. "Define reformed," he said, polished voice taking on a playful tone.

"Enough!" Draco said hotly, unconsciously scooting his chair closer to his wife. Lucius simply shrugged while Hermione looked slightly abashed.

They dined virtually in silence for the rest of the meal, and then it was time to leave. At the exit, they bumped into Cornelius Fudge. He had two other wizards with him. Fudge seemed very uncomfortable. Though he was no longer the Minister of Magic, he still worked there as one of Scrimgeour's advisors. He wouldn't want to be seen mingling with a Death Eater gone free.

"Well, hello, Cornelius," Lucius drawled, extending the gloved hand not holding his cane.

"Ah... Lucius, hello. Had dinner, eh?" He seemed nervous. The other two wizards were looking at Draco and his father with contempt.

"We're celebrating." Lucius said casually. "Draco's been married recently."

"Oh, how nice to hear. Who is the lucky young lady?" Fudge asked, eyeing Hermione oddly, lime green bowler hat nearly tipping off his head.

"Oh, my, Cornelius. Have you never met Hermione Granger...now Malfoy?" Lucius said, tone politely incredulous. "I would have thought that everyone knew her on sight. Why, I do apologize." He motioned to Hermione.

"Eh?" Cornelius replied dumbly. "Hermione Granger, did you say?" He put on his glasses for a better look at her. "Oho."

"Hello, Mr. Fudge. I've not seen you in over a year," she said cordially, extending her hand. He took it and shook it rapidly.

"Why, it has been a while. Look who is a Malfoy now," he said turning to his companions. They looked at her with interest. "Hermione Granger. She's Harry Potter's friend."

The attitudes of the two men changed drastically. They warmed to the Malfoys immediately.

"Nice to finally meet you."

"Great wandwork...read about how quick you are."

"Pleasure," she said softly.

Cornelius patted Lucius' shoulder. "I'm right glad of it, Lucius. Right glad. Bout time you saw things our way. Have a good evening."

Hermione saw Draco's father give his wife a look of triumph as he took her arm to lead her out. Draco smiled oddly at her and shrugged. She took his hand in hers, and they followed his parents into the street.

"We'll go right across here to buy her things," Narcissa instructed her husband.

*******************************************

Draco watched in disbelief as his father and mother pawed over Hermione. Apparently, they were both impressed with the affect that her name had with those Ministry jerks. Hermione had never looked more beautiful or poised before. He could really get used to this newfound confidence that she had, but she was no longer the same Hermione that he had fallen in love with. She had changed in only a matter of hours. He knew that she was just trying to give his parents a good impression, but she shouldn't have to work so hard for one. They should have welcomed her openly as her parents had welcomed him.

He could see his father looking at her as if she were a new toy. He'd kill him if he ever touched her. Why, his father had taken to openly flirting with her at the table...or as much flirting as he'd ever seen him capable of. His father was giving him credit for thinking of an alliance with Potter. That had been the last thing on his mind. He loved her. As she was. She didn't need all of this. They were buying out the store. New dresses, new robes, new shoes. And her new hairstyle was enough to make him want to get lost in her long locks, but he'd grown found of her thick mass of waves. Thankfully, they would be off to school the next day. Things would hopefully revert back to normal.

Once at home, his father called them into the study. "I've come to the conclusion that we mustn't wait another moment to bind you as Wizarding man and wife." He opened a small box on a shelf and pulled out a small dagger with a bone handle. "Narcissa?"

"I have it," she said softly.

Draco saw Hermione eyeing the dagger warily. "Are you ready for this?" he asked. She nodded. He squeezed her arm reassuringly. He watched as his father took three empty vials out.

"Draco," Lucius said. "You first." Mumbling something, he brought the dagger to the inside of Draco's palm and made a cut. He gathered up a small amount into a vial then his mother came forward with a dark green ribbon. "Hermione," his father called. They did the same thing for her. She had a white ribbon tied around her wound instead.

He watched as his mother swiftly tied their hands together, both ribbons melding together via magic. His father opened a cabinet and took out a liquor bottle...or so he thought. He poured a bit into the last remaining vial. Lucius then added just a drop of Hermione's blood and just a drop of Draco's blood. He shook it up and poured half into a goblet and half into another goblet.

"Drink it all. Both of you."

He saw Hermione grimace, but she swallowed her drink entirely. He followed suit. Lucius summoned a parchment from his shelf. He cut his own palm without flinching. He took his quill and dipped it in his blood easily. Draco saw that he signed his name as witness. His mother moved forward and did the same. "All right. Now each of you dip this quill in your own vial, and sign your names." After they signed the parchment, Lucius rolled it up and sealed it with the Malfoy insignia. Holding his wand at both of them, he bellowed, "Matrimonious Completio!" A blinding purple light hit them both. Draco's eyes closed.

************************************************

Hermione was silently watching Draco. He hadn't spoken all that much since they'd boarded the Hogwarts Express for school. They had nearly missed the train, waking at the last minute. She hadn't seen Harry or Ron yet even. Something was wrong. "Draco?"

"Mmmmm?" he said not looking at her.

"Is something wrong?" He didn't reply. "Draco, please look at me. Have I done something to displease you?"

"You sound just like her. Don't you see it?" he said irritably.

She blinked. What was he going on about? "Who?"

"My mother! In only a day, you've become one of them, Hermione. Where is the woman that I love?"

His eyes met hers, and she was startled at what she saw. "I'm still me, Draco. I was only acting the way I thought I was supposed to. The way I thought you wanted me to." She frowned. She thought he would be pleased.

"I don't want a perfect wife or a docile little woman to control. I want Hermione Granger back. The one who would tell me to sod off if I said something she didn't like." He sighed. "Don't get me wrong. I love you, and I love how you look. But I loved you before the alteration. You don't have to change anything to make me happy."

"Draco, I will always be me underneath. I just don't think it hurts anything to make them think that I am what they would have liked as your wife. It will certainly keep your father off of me, and your mother will have a friend to confide in. Lucius won't make you suffer for my blunders." She scooted closer. "Can't you understand that? Who cares if I have to shake hands with Ministry people or smile at arrogant family friends? It's still me."

He smiled sadly. "I just wish they would be like your parents. Warm. Accepting. I didn't have to become anyone other than who I was already when I met them. You have become..."

"Your wife, Draco. Hermione Malfoy. I'm still me. I'm just wrapped a bit differently is all." She kissed his cheek. "Besides, I thought you would have liked my new look. I like it. It makes me feel good about me."

"I love it, but you didn't have to change a thing. You should have been confident already. You are the cleverest witch of the age, Hermione. Everyone says it. You are good on the inside. You see everything as it should be seen. I've learned so much from you." He kissed her. "I've lived my entire life being the dutiful son, and this past year I've been trying to do my own thing. I just thought that with you I had escaped them. I don't want you to be like them."

"You have my promise as your wife to never change on the inside. Only when we are near them will I assume my new poised, Malfoy personality. Agreed?" She giggled. She could understand how he was feeling. It had been a big change for her as well and in such a short amount of time at that! Some insane part of her liked the way it felt to walk into a room and command attention...just as when they'd walked into the restaurant. She'd have to be sure to keep that hidden. She didn't want to change on the inside. Just how she appeared on the outside.

"Who the hell is this?" a voice asked from the door of their compartment. It was Ron. She smiled at him when she saw recognition in his eyes finally. "Bloody hell! Hermione! What's his lot done to you?"

He walked in uninvited and sat down across from them. Pansy, Harry, and Ginny followed him in. "Hi," Pansy said softly. "Father tells me that you two have been... er... married?"

"That's right." Draco said evenly as if waiting for a challenge from someone.

"Well," Harry said with a chuckle. "That would explain the big picture on the front page of the Prophet then." They all started laughing. "I guess congratulations are in order." He met her eyes questioningly. She smiled trying to show him this is what she wanted.

"Thanks and what are we doing on the front page of that ruddy paper?" she said softly.

Draco had an idea. "I wouldn't put it past my mother to have tipped them off."

"Wow, Hermione, you look great. Married life must change a person!" Ginny said, ogling her.

"It does indeed," Draco drawled, but he looked at her with a wry grin and squeezed her hand tightly. "I'm the luckiest bloke alive."

"Anyone ever been married while still in school before?" Ron asked, putting a candy in his mouth. "Will you get your own room?"

"I just assumed that we'll share my room," Hermione said, shrugging. "This sort of just happened. Our parents thought it would be a good idea," she explained. "Each for their own reasons," she added under her breath.

"Wow!" Pansy snatched at her hand. "It's beautiful. All of it. The ring. The hair. The make-up. The Malfoy robes. Thank you, Hermione. You and Draco have shown my father that good can come of odd alliances. I think Ron and I will be next."

Ron gulped. "Eh? What's that?"

"To be married of course. My father wants to devote more time to my mother, what with her illness. You will be needed to run things, but I want a grand wedding. We'll have to wait until school is out at least. My father has more time during summer months."

Ron looked at Draco and Hermione as if he had no idea what she was going on about, but at the same time, he looked pleased. "Er... all right?" he replied apprehensively, though it sounded more like a question.

Hermione looked to Harry. "And you two... All right?"

"Yes, but we are taking things much more slowly," he said quickly. Ginny just giggled.

Hermione smiled at her friends. They'd all overcome so much these years. Draco and Pansy had each made a stand on their own. Ron had finally gotten over her. Harry and Ginny finally realized what they were missing out on and became a couple.

~~~~~~~~~~EPILOGUE~~~~~~~~~~

Draco woke before his wife and kissed her naked back softly before rising. He walked over to the room adjoining theirs. His young son, Dylan, lay sleeping comfortably in his toddler bed. The past eight years of marriage had done him well. Hermione had given him a son three years before, and she would hopefully be expecting another child soon. They sure put in enough practice. He smirked.

He owed most of this to Harry though. It wasn't until Harry had strong words about loyalties with Lucius that his father had finally realized the value of Hermione and her friends. He ceased seeing them as connections and saw them as an extension of his family. Proudly, his father had given Harry and the Order a bit of information to finding missing Death Eaters. Draco would always be grateful for that. Perhaps, though, it was Hermione's change that had changed them all. She walked into their lives and showed them that all witches and wizards were equal. Purebloods were not better than everyone else after all.

Harry and Ginny were married with a child one on the way. He had gone on to play Quidditch for England and was still their Seeker. They rarely lost in all the years he'd played for them, giving England the Quidditch World Cup for six years in a row. Harry was pretty much his best mate now. Ron came close, but it was mostly Harry that he conversed with. Crabbe, Goyle, and Zabini all seemed to drift off, each doing their own thing. It was interesting how the Gryffindor lot made it a point to stay in touch and remain close.

Ron was quite busy keeping up with Weasley tradition and didn't visit as much as he'd have liked, although the Parkinson estate bordered theirs. They had three little Weasleys already. Motherhood suited Pansy well though, so Draco felt that she had done the right thing in choosing Ron as her husband. It turned out that Ron had an extremely good business sense. Pansy's family business was finally thriving.

No matter how busy they all were with their own lives and their own families, they came together at least twice a month...usually on a Sunday. He looked forward to those times. It did both him and Hermione some good to see their mates.

Draco crept back to bed and snuggled next to his wife. She was still the most beautiful, cleverest witch in the world in his eyes. True to her word, she'd never wavered from his side nor changed her views, but in the eyes of the public, she was the perfectly poised Malfoy Princess. She had done his family proud. When she held their son or showed their son new things, he could nearly burst with the emotion he felt. That fateful day that they'd made the mutual deal to get rid of their possible futures had sealed their fates. He couldn't be happier. He gathered her close and drifted back to sleep

Southern's Notes: Quite fluffy, but... I like it. Happy endings always make me smile. **Picks up OOC Draco and Hermione and cuddles them.** Had I realized that this was the last chapter, I would have tried to get it out sooner. I was thinking that there were two chapters left. Hmmmm! Oh, well.

Thanks so much for reading the story. I hope you liked this bit of fun.

Christy's Notes: I loved the fluffy goodness! Sad to see it end though. I just love happy endings, too! Well done, Southern!