The Marriage Law

Chapter 13

Hermione and Draco had picked a date for the wedding (February 24th, a Winter wedding, but not so close to Valentine's Day as to be corny,) had finally agreed on a guest list, and had booked a band. That is to say, they had finally agreed on a band and were hoping that the Weird Sisters would be available. That task was on their to-do list along with dozens of other things which were all making Hermione very anxious, and therefore, cranky. Draco was anxious as well, but not due to flower types or colour hues. He had written to his mother out of a sense of duty, informing her of his impending wedding, but urging her to feel no obligation to come. He had hoped that she would get the politely veiled message, but apparently she hadn't. His owl had quickly returned with a hastily scribbled note, containing a single line.

I am coming.

All that Draco could now do was hope that she would be cordial and courteous to his bride-to-be. He was quite nervous, though hopeful. His mother had always been the more open-minded of his two parents, and she had allied with Potter during the Great War, albeit for selfish reasons. What's more, his wedding day would be jam-packed with things to do and with people. If she was sour, she wouldn't have time to dwell on it. Yes, everything would be okay. He did however, keep the news of his mother's RSVP to himself, there was no need to further worry an already stressed Hermione about something that she could not control.

The day after Draco had received the letter, he and Hermione were holed up in their room pouring over the draft seating plan Hermione had created, looking for any "problem pairings," which was proving to be a very difficult task given the multitude of Slytherins and Weasleys invited. Draco was grateful for the respite offered by the knock at their door, until he opened it and saw who it was.

"Mother!?"

"Hello son," Narcissa greeted regally.

"What in Merlin's name are you doing here?" Draco exclaimed.

"I told you I was coming, I'm here to help," Narcissa replied evenly, though her gaze was fond as she gazed at her only son. It sharpened considerably, however, when she looked past him and caught sight of Hermione, who had been sitting there observing the exchange sporting a shocked expression. When she saw Narcissa looking at her, she got up from the desk and politely greeted her with a,

"Hello Mrs. Malfoy."

Narcissa appraised her from top to bottom, and continued to Draco as though Hermione had not spoken. "Clearly, much help is needed," she sneered, voice cold, as she stared at Hermione in the way one might examine a piece of gum stuck to the bottom of one's shoe. It was clear to both Draco and Hermione that she wasn't referring to help with wedding details.

His mother's attitude towards Hermione was much like the attitude Draco would expect from his father., and with a sinking feeling, he began to wonder just how much his father had to do with his mother's surprise appearance and hostile behaviour.

"Hermione," he began quietly, "might I have a moment alone with my mother?"

"Of course," she replied shakily, probably thrilled at the opportunity to escape Narcissa's piercing glare. As she passed by him on her way out, Draco made a show of squeezing her arm in what he hoped appeared to be a display of affection.

As soon as Hermione had left, Draco rounded on his mother.

"What is your problem?!" He spat.

"My problem, is that my son is not only marrying a mudblood, but doing so without a shred of despair!" Narcissa responded hotly. "The shame of your actions is sickening!"

"Do you hear yourself?" Draco cried. "The war is over! There is no reason for this continued hostility or prejudice. Furthermore, Hermione is treating me more kindly, more lovingly, than you or father ever have. I know that these are his words, not yours mother. I don't know what sick ideas he fed to you during your last visit to him, but do not listen to him! He is lost to you forever, locked up in Azkaban for his sins. You must move on, you are free from him and his twisted ideals. Please." he begged.

Narcissa stiffened at his words, though for a moment, her eyes softened. Draco thought that he had gotten through to her, and relief flooded through him, though it was quickly abated, for her eyes hardened once more and she stalked up to him and breathed a terrifying message in his ear, making him shiver. "It isn't over. If you do not take care of your bushy-haired problem, I will, my son, for your good as well as for the good of the family's reputation. It has already been unfairly tarnished enough over the past couple years, and I will not let the Malfoy name be further tarnished by a marital union with a mudblood, you mark my words." Whirling away, she swept out of the room, leaving Draco alone but for his spinning head and his worries.

Hermione soon returned, anxiety plaguing her face, and demanded to know what was going on. Wearily, Draco relayed his mother's threats. Hermione sat silently for several moments, digesting the news, before turning to him and asking seriously, "Am I in danger?"

Draco considered carefully before replying, "Yes. It has become clear to me that my father must be behind this, and he will not hold back from such a 'threat.' Oh Hermione, I'm so sorry!"

"It's not your fault Draco, but we must deal with this. Let's go to McGonagall immediately."

So the pair did. She listened carefully, clearly taking them seriously. When they were finished, she said,

"This is most definitely something about which we must be concerned. But let it trouble you no further, for I will go immediately to summon a ministry official who will fetch Mrs. Malfoy for questioning. No matter what the outcome, she will not be allowed near either of you, and will be banned from any upcoming wedding ceremonies."

Thanking her, the pair bid her goodbye. As soon as they had left the Headmistress's office, Hermione burst into tears.

"Whatever is the matter?" Draco asked her desperately, utterly confused.

"We've barely been engaged a month and already I'm tearing your life apart further."

"No! Absolutely not, Hermione." Draco said firmly. Though inwardly he was distressed about his mother, he placed no blame on Hermione. If anything, this reminder of his twisted family made him more grateful for the life and opportunities his wife to be was opening him up to. If any doubt or prejudice had remained regarding Hermione and her blood status, they had been eradicated by his mother. Though he would have to mourn for the effective loss of both of his parents, he felt comforted knowing that he would have Hermione at his side.

"I don't blame you in the slightest. This is simply proof of how they and their ideals were wrong, and of how lucky I am to finally have someone like you in my life."

"That you do, Draco," Hermione smiled up at him. And for the first time, she leaned up and initiated a kiss.