Most ardently, by Swift Night Chapter 22, the borough's
inhabitants were just beginning to stir as Hermione snuck back
inside. It would be another half an hour
before Missus Fig would start bringing breakfast into the
dining room, so Hermione scurried up the stairs to her
bedroom before any Weaseleys emerged to start their day.
After sneaking back into her bed chambers, she made sure the door
clicked shut and cast a silencing charm for good
measure. While she had no intention of
warning the rest of the family about the morning's surprise
visitor until he made his appearance, Hermione's
conscience could not withstand keeping the truth from Luna for
another minute. Good morning.
Her sister chirped from where she sat in the front of the
vanity as Hermione appeared. Did you have pleasant walk?
Hmm. Oh yes.
She hummed, looking away as her cheeks flushed at the thought of
how pleasant her morning had been.
Luna, might I have a word before we head for breakfast?
Of course, is it about Mr. Malfoy?
Hermione's eyes snapped to her sister at the question.
How? How did you know?
Up until that point, Luna had not brought up the wizard out of
a silent agreement between them, but Hermione had long since
suspected her sister had her own theories, even if not openly
discussed. Luna tilted her head to the
side, her blue eyes appraising Hermione with a gentle smile.
Their experts gave you a way. They started appearing after you
saw Mr. Malfoy at Wiltshire. They often gravitate towards
people who are conflicted. When I saw them surrounding Mr.
Malfoy as well during his return to the borough, it was easy to
deduce that he was the culprit of the thoughts plaguing you.
But now the Raxperts are gone, so I must assume that you
made-up your mind about him. While Hermione didn't believe in
Raxperts, she did believe that her sister's concern for her was
genuine and chose to focus on that instead.
Yes, I have never been more sure about anything in my life.
I wish to finally confess to you the reason for my deceit and
apologise for not confiding in you sooner.
Hermione came to sit by her as she began.
I told you that I saw Mr. Malfoy well in Kent, but I left out
what transpired between us. My, that sounds ominous, but I
assure you this tale has a happy resolution, though that is a
more recent development. To begin, I must start with the
fact that Mister Malfoy proposed to me last spring when I was
staying with Cousin Ron and Lavender.
Surely you must jest? Luna cried out.
When we spoke before you left for Kent, you still claimed to
despise him. How could things change for you
in such a short time? Her stomach churned with
anxiety. If she could not assure Luna of
her happiness with Draco, what hope did she have of convincing
the rest of the Weaseleys? And truth be told, until his
proposal, I only sought out more faults in him.
I shall not mince my words when I say I met his offer with the
harshest rebuke, for I had just discovered less than an hour
prior that he was the one responsible for separating you
and Mr. Zabini. Luna appeared startled by the
truth Hermione laid bare before her.
That very evening, after my firm rejection of him, he delivered a
letter to Shell Cottage in which he attempted explanations and
offered sincere apologies for his transgression against myself
and our family. She continued.
Leaving off how long that list had been at the time, it gave me
a perspective I had not been open to acknowledging before.
When I finally encountered him in Wiltshire, I felt I was truly
able to see him clearly now, without my own past prejudice
towards him clouding my judgement.
I was able to glean his good nature and more amiable
qualities. Hermione thought back to
discovering that Dollop and the other Malfoy elves had been
freed, the way his father's portrait was admonished for his
bigotry and the gentleness he held for his mother.
They were all actions that spoke highly of Mr. Malfoy's character
and reflected the honesty of the words he had written to her in
his letter that day in the sitting room, before Mr. Sabini
came to propose to me, you said you had been blind when I
brought up Mr. Malfoy. You had finally realized you
loved him, hadn't you? She nodded in confirmation.
I was so afraid I was too late that by the time I discovered my
feelings for him had evolved into something new, he had moved
on and forgotten me. But you were not afraid of that
possibility any more? It wasn't a question, but a
statement of understanding, no? She sighed.
I suppose I have Lady Greengrass to thank, though she would
loathe to take any credit in the matter.
How do you mean? I had never disclosed that
Mister Malfoy proposed to me to anyone else, so you must imagine
my utter shock when Lady Greengrass came all the way to
confront me about the rumour that I was engaged to him.
Luna gasped, her disbelief apparent in her tone.
That was the purpose of Lady Greengrass's visit.
But how did she learn of it? And why would she care to ride
across half of England to speak to you directly?
The how remains a mystery, but she insisted that Drake, Mr.
Malfoy was to be engaged to her daughter Astoria.
But I do not believe either of them desired the match.
She explained. When I would not bow my head and
agree to her demands, Liddy Greengrass went to London and
spoke with Mr. Malfoy. Hermione could feel the finality
of her confession coming to the surface, bubbling out of her
without any semblance of control.
The stress of the day had overtaken me at last, and it was
impossible to sleep. I rose early to find some peace
on a walk nearby, but I was not alone for long.
Mr. Malfoy was waiting for me. He flew through the night on a
broomstick to reach the Burrow after learning what I said to
Lady Greengrass, and while she hadn't said everything she felt
about the wizard, it was enough to spur Draco into action.
He had always been a Wizard of action, and his actions this
morning revealed their mutual affections in the light of day.
Never again would she withhold or hide them from him or anyone
else. Luna.
Oh how I love him. I never thought it was possible
to love anyone so deeply, and he confessed to loving me still and
proposed to me once more. We are engaged, a sister.
He's coming this very morning alongside Mr. Zbeeni to ask
Father for my hand. Oh, Hermione.
Lena exclaimed, leaping forward to wrap her in a crushing hug.
I had only hoped to one day see you so openly in love.
Hermione felt herself let out a laugh, tears of joy beginning to
stream down her face as she held on so tightly to her sister.
Thank goodness I have you. She said through her blubbering.
I shall need an ally when I tell the rest of the family, for I
worry they will think me mad. Luna poured back, fixing her
with a stern expression. You're just as sane as I am.
She insisted, the words bringing Hermione some much needed
comfort. Before she could reply, Charlie
banged on the door to inform them that Missus Figg had laid
out eggs and Missus Weasley was waiting on them.
Luna gave her hand another reassuring squeeze as they stood
heading downstairs with no more secrets between them.
Breakfast was usually a quiet affair at the Borough, but since
Luna's betrothal, Missus Weasley had become an early riser and
used the assembly to get a head start on whatever wedding
preparations were on the day's itinerary.
Her focus for the morning was primarily on the wedding's guest
list as the final invitations were being sent out this
afternoon, and Hermione was grateful for the distraction for
the duration of the meal. Her mother only addressed her
once to remind her that they would be hosting Mr. Zabini for
a family dinner tomorrow, and she was expected to wear one of
her nicer dresses to celebrate the occasion.
Hermione simply nodded in agreement, knowing her mother
would likely repeat the instructions once it was
discovered that Mister Malfoy was also included in the head
count as a future family member. After breakfast, the Weaseleys
and their wards moved into the sitting room to wait for Mr.
Sabini. Missus Weasley fussed over
Luna's hair while Mr. Weasley read the paper and grumbled
about the room being too rowdy. Finally, the sound of a carriage
was heard making its way up the road and they all looked up in
eager anticipation. Hermione kept to her seat with
her eyes on her book, already knowing the number of Wizards
expected to arrive. It appears Mr. Sabini has
brought Mr. Malfoy again. Her mother said with disapproval
from where she was unsubtly peeking out the window.
Why bother coming if he insists on ignoring us all?
He has something important to discuss with you, father.
Hermione announced, drawing the attention of the room.
Mr. Weasley's eyebrow quirked upward from over his paper, but
in his silence, his wife began her interrogation.
What business could he possibly have?
And how would you know of it, Hermione?
She regretted saying anything at all as she scrambled for how to
broach the subjects. Luna came to her aid.
I'm sure the matter must be very important for him to come all
this way. I heard a rumour he plans to
introduce a household reform bill in the next Wisengemot
session. It is likely to ask for my
support. Mr. Weasley said unexpectedly.
Hermione had not heard that he intended to pass such a law, but
jumped at the misdirection her father had unknowingly offered.
He recently freed his house elves.
She informed the room. They are now paid members of his
household employing freed house elves.
But where did you learn such a thing?
Missus Weasley continued to pry. Hermione was saved from
answering when the Wizards walked in to join them.
Good morning Weasleys, Miss Lovegood, and Miss Granger.
Mr. Sabini greeted them with an abundance of cheer.
You all look well. Hermione's focus remained
transfixed on Draco. He had washed up since they had
said their goodbyes and had traded his riding Leathers for a
more traditional dark green morning coat.
In her opinion, he was rather dashing and her heart fluttered
again when he caught her admiring him.
Mr. Sabini, now, it is always so pleasant to see you.
Her mother preened at the wizard before shifting focus to his
companion, though with less enthusiasm.
And you too, Mr. Malfoy, we had not known to expect you, seeing
as how we thought you had returned to London.
Draco was forced to look away from her to address the
matriarch. Alas, ma'am, I am happy to say I
was awarded a reason for my swift return.
Missus Weasley seemed quite stunned by the wizard's
unexpected charm, and Draco shifted to direct it towards her
father. If I could trouble you, Mr.
Weasley, could we please speak privately?
Hermione felt the moment stretch on as Mr. Weasley deliberated on
his reply, but he agreed with a nod and asked Draco to accompany
him to his study. Draco sent her a reassuring
smile on his way out the door, and Hermione failed to notice
that Mister Zabini had come to stand by her and Luna.
Miss Granger? It took a moment to register
that the wizard had spoken and another to realise that she had
missed his question. Apologies, Mr. Sabini.
Hermione blushed from being caught unaware.
What are you saying? No apologies needed.
I can see how much you have to occupy that brilliant mind of
yours this morning, but I am sure that you have no reason to
worry. Is it safe to assume your sister
has been informed of the news? I would hate to keep secrets
from my betrothed. Oh, I have already offered
Hermione my congratulations. Luna shared.
We shall need that gold fabric after all.
The father hasn't agreed yet. She reminded them.
Now that Hermione knew the gentleman had gone, her mind
raced through every possibility, even the most illogical ones.
What would she do if Mr. Weasley denied them?
Would she be forced to choose between the family that raised
her and the wizard she had grown to love?
The Weasleys had already endured 1 scandalous elopement, and she
was convinced another would ruin the family's reputation for
good. To willingly risk her sister's
futures for such selfish gain was unconscionable.
Luna and Mr. Sabini tried to reassure her, but she barely
heard a word of it as she kept her eyes on the door to the
hallway. Only 10 minutes had passed
before Draco returned, but he was unaccompanied by Mr.
Weasley. Hermione could not quell her
panic any longer, rushing to his side.
What did he say? She asked louder than she
intended, ultimately drawing the attention of everyone present.
Your father assured me that I would have my answer in the
course of the morning, but not before he spoke to you first.
Draco mumbled softly to keep the others from overhearing.
He is waiting for you. She did her best to slow her
breathing. Her father's indecision was not
an outright refusal, but it left her feeling anxious.
All right. Hermione nodded in a daze and
made her way to the door. She only made it a few paces
before she turned back to look at him.
Go on. He encouraged.
I'll be waiting here when you return.
His reassurance propelled her from the room down the hall to
the door to her father's office. It had been left slightly ajar,
but she still knocked softly to alert him as she entered, seeing
him standing with his back to the door as he looked out over
the garden from the window behind his desk. close the door,
Hermione. He instructed without turning
around. His tone left her feeling
younger than she had in years. It brought back memories of when
she'd been sent to his study after getting into arguments
with her mother or sisters. Aside from Luna, the witches in
the family were all quick tempered and prone to arguing.
Her father had always been the mediator between them, listening
as an impartial judge to their grievances, ultimately restoring
peace within the house. Would he listen to her in this
instance? Could she convince him that now
it had become a tangible possibility?
The mere idea of being denied the chance to marry the wizard
she loved would leave her devastated beyond belief?
She remained silent, but did as he asked.
It was only when he heard the door click shut that her father
finally turned to face her, concerned, covering his
features. Hermione, are you out of your
senses? He fell into his chair, his
exhaustion apparent. I thought you hated the wizard.
Hermione cursed herself internally.
She'd been right to assume her family would think her foolish
after all her secrecy. I still retain my wits.
She bristled. And no, I do not hate him.
He is certainly rich and powerful.
You would have more wealth and influence than Luna, but those
things have never been of consequence to you before.
Would that be enough to make you happy?
Do you have no other objection than your belief in my
indifference towards him? I do not believe I can object to
such a gentleman on any other grounds.
While we all know him to be a proud, often disagreeable
wizard, these traits can be pardoned if you genuinely liked
him. I do like him.
She readily admitted. Father, I love him.
Each time she said it, she felt it deep in her bones.
Mr. Wees's eyes widened in response, but Hermione knew she
must continue on before he could interrupt.
He is not proud. I was wrong about him, we've all
kept him at arm's length, but if you knew him, if you knew his
true character, the things he has done for me and our family.
She rambled until her father was compelled to cut her off.
What has he done? Hermione smiled, staring down at
her hands just as she had done with Luna this morning.
She told Mr. Weasley of Draco's deeds, including those she had
previously left out in regards to Mr. Potter and Ginny.
Her father did not speak again, allowing her to dictate the
entirety of events that had occurred over the last six
months. When she finished, he stared up
at her, stunned. Godric.
He said, regaining his words. How am I going to pay him back
for all of that? No, you must not attempt it.
You would insult him if you tried.
He had no expectation that you were I would ever learn of it.
It appears I misjudged him. Her father declared.
We all have me more than anyone. Hermione agreed.
How I failed to see it only baffles me.
Of course, he was a fool about Luna and so many other things,
but then again, so was I. Our similarities blinded me to
the obvious. We are both so stubborn and able
to get out of our own way. Mr. Weasley snorted before
breaking into a laugh. I dare say that you must love
him. I do.
She said sincerely. Very much.
Her father sighed before summoning her to him with an
outstretched hand. When she placed her hand in his,
he placed his other hand on top of hers.
While I am convinced no wizard could ever deserve you, it
appears you would disagree. Her father returned to his
previously serious expression as he spoke.
So I have no recourse other than to heartily give my consent.
Hermione leapt at him, rushing to embrace him as tears of joy
leaked from her eyes. For the second time that
morning, he held her close, seeming reluctant to be the one
to end the contact. When they finally separated, she
saw that he too was crying. I could not have allowed myself
to be parted from you, my dear Hermione, for anyone less
worthy. Her giggle escaped her.
It was impossible to not be happy, and the smile she wore
was sure to make her face ache. It would be a small price to pay
for such joy. Thank you.
She said once she recovered from her laughter.
Off you go. He responded.
You've already left him alone with your mother for too long.
She did not need to be told twice.
As she dashed back into the hall, he called after her.
If any young Wizards come for Priscilla or Charlie, for
Merlin's sake, please send them in.
I am at my leisure. Hermione rolled her eyes at her
father's jesting. It was probably for the best
that no new suit has appeared. She was already worried that she
was about to give her poor mother a heart attack by
announcing her engagement. The least she could do was make
sure the witch was seated in case she fainted, which she
concluded was a very real possibility as she entered the
sitting room to find Missus Weasley shooting a glare at her
betrothed for daring to speak with Mr. Zabini with an
abundance of enthusiasm. She gave no further warning
before blurting out that she was engaged to Mr. Malfoy.
And as predicted, the room erupted into chaos.