Chapter Text
It was no surprise to Hermione that Draco was a wonderful gift giver. He was thoughtful, sweet and generous.
They were celebrating their first Christmas together. Hermione had spent Christmas Eve at the Manor with his mother. His ancestral home was resplendent. A mixture of antique, holiday heirlooms and modern-day Christmas decorations graced the elegant, foreboding architecture.
He surprised her with an ancient potions book that night. She traced the faded, gold-inlay cover with trembling fingers. The book creaked when she opened it and she took a nice, long sniff. He smiled as he watched her.
Christmas morning was spent at her flat where they lazed around half naked listening to holiday music. Hermione had prepared a full English breakfast later that morning after they took a nice, long shower together and sipped spiked hot chocolate by the fire afterward.
Then they opened gifts. She had made Draco promise he wouldn't go overboard with presents which he reluctantly agreed. However, there was still a pile of presents crammed underneath her tiny tree. Inside beautifully wrapped boxes were a pair of luxurious leather boots with matching gloves, an outrageously expensive work satchel (with an undetectable extension charm, of course) and a slinky, silk nightgown that was as soft as air. Then he handed her a card that had an obscene amount of credit to Flourish & Blotts.
She had plopped herself on the arm of the chair he sat in and kissed him breathless. Then, nervously, she placed a small box in his hand.
She knew, even with his assurances of restraint, he would go big on Christmas and she knew she wouldn't be able to match his generosity. Instead, she drew from her strength. She researched. And after a entire month of covert reading and two months of painstakingly building up layers of complex charms, she had finally finished with his present.
He opened the box and stared down at a pair of simple, elegant silver cufflinks. He picked them up carefully, tilting his head, as if he sensed the magic inside them.
“They're charmed,” Hermione said, excitement in her voice. “It's based off the potion, Felix Felicis.”
Draco's eyes widened as he stared up at her in amazement. “Liquid luck?”
“Not as potent or strong,” Hermione said quickly. “Not even close but, unlike liquid luck, it won't fade. It doesn't make things happen or give you a result you want exactly, but it will give a tiny bit of luck if or when you need it.”
He stared down at the cufflinks in his hand. “Hermione,” he murmured. “I don't know what to say. It's...” His throat bobbed. “The effort it took to make these...”
She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “You're worth it, Draco.”
“I love you,” he said, his eyes bright with emotion.
She nodded. “I love you too.”
He grasped her hand, running his thumb along the inside of her palm. He seemed to be on the verge of saying something, then his expression shifted and he grinned at her.
“What do you say...” he said, gripping the cufflinks lightly. “We go to your bedroom...”
Hermione snorted a laugh. “Let me guess, you're going to say you're feeling lucky, aren't you?”
He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “Because I'm feeling very lucky.”
“You're such a gorgeous prat.” She kissed him on the tip of his nose. “We can't. We have to stop my parent's place then to Harry's.”
“To Harry's?” he groaned. “Why? He still despises me.”
“What? He's perfectly civil to you.”
“It's fake civility and he's terrible at it. I'd rather have him be outright rude,” he said, grimacing. “It's creepy.”
Hermione wrinkled her nose. “I agree it's a little weird,” she admitted. “But I don't think he despises you anymore. He's trying for my sake. And Ron's.”
“Fine, we'll go to Harry's,” he sighed. “But you owe me...”
Hermione raised an eyebrow. “I owe you what?”
He brushed his fingertips down her throat and traced the delicate skin of her collarbone. Hermione's body thrummed.
“You know what I want,” he said softly.
She bit back a smile. “Again? You already got some this morning.”
He leaned in and brushed his lips along her neck. “So?”
“It depends on how good you are.”
He gave her throat a light nip. “Oh, I'm always good.”
Christmas afternoon was pleasant at Hermione's parents house where her mother doted on Draco like she normally did and her father discussed football (Draco's new obsession) for hours. The pinnacle of the visit was when Draco surprised them with an enormous and obscenely expensive TV.
They left her parents house with a pile of gifts and enough food to fill a horse cart which all fit very nicely in Hermione's new satchel.
It was snowing when they apparated near Grimmauld place. Snowflakes swirled around them as Draco wrapped an arm around Hermione's shoulder, tucking her in close to his side. It was a pleasant stroll, cold but refreshing and as they approached the steps to Harry's home, Draco pulled them to a stop and dropped his arm from her shoulder.
She turned to him, confused.
He seemed to hesitate. “Hermione...” He ran his hands over the front of his suit jacket. “Would you...” he started, then he cleared his throat, his cheeks flushed. “I...”
“Draco...” Hermione watched him with growing concern. “Is everything okay?”
He swallowed once then his mouth quirked into a smirk. “How serious was the gift rule with your friends?”
She gave him an exasperated look. “You mean, the rule where we only get gifts for the children and not for the grown ups?” she asked pointedly.
His smirk slid into a cocky grin. “The very one, love.”
She crossed her arms. “What did you do?”
“What do you think?”
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “What did you get them?”
He snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “It's a surprise.”
“A surprise?”
He straightened to his full height, his expression a mixture of haughty and playful. “I'm filthy rich and a Malfoy.” He shrugged a shoulder and bit back a smile. “It's in my nature to be ostentatious and unpredictable.”
Hermione smoothed down the lapels of his jacket. “This is the opposite of being good, you know.”
“Oh no, I've been bad,” he said, grinning down at her shamelessly. His hands caressed her hips, fingertips brushing up against her bum. “What will you do to me?”
She tried to scowl at him but it was impossible with him touching her the way he was.
“No sexy time for you,” she said, her voice faltering slightly.
His smile widened. “You are brilliant at many things, Hermione Granger,” he said softly. “But bluffing is not one of them.”
She attempted a withering glare but failed miserably as he tilted her chin up and kissed her gently. Her heart rate spiked and a little whimper escaped her lips, much to her annoyance.
He moaned quietly, pulling her even closer, tilting her head to deepen their kiss. Hermione's knees literally weakened. Would he always have this power over her? His hands slipped inside her coat, skimming her waist, up her ribcage then up her—
“Get a room, you two.”
Hermione jumped, breaking away from their kiss to turn and see Ginny standing on her stoop. She was smiling at them, rubbing her hands over her burgeoning baby bump.
“I see you two are still in the 'can't keep your hands off each other' phase,” Ginny added, holding the door open for them.
Draco snorted as he and Hermione approached the front door. “You're one to talk.” He pointed at Ginny's belly as he passed her. “You're on what—baby number 4...or is it 5?”
Ginny smacked his arm playfully. “Happy Christmas, prat.”
Harry met them in the foyer and sure enough, he was sporting his fake, grimace-like smile. He shook Draco's hand stiffly, muttering some robotic greeting. Draco glanced at Hermione and gave her the, see I told you look. Fortunately, Harry's face relaxed into a more natural expression when Hermione greeted him with a hug.
They were soon joined by Molly who was wiping her hands on her apron, ushering them in excitedly. The house was already packed. Most of the Weasley clan and their families were there. Hermione smiled when she saw Pansy who was sprawled on a couch, looking very pregnant and very uncomfortable.
Hermione sat down next to her. She gave Pansy a quick peck on the cheek. “Can I get you anything? A drink, maybe?”
Pansy gave her a long-suffering look. “If you can get this baby out, I would be eternally grateful.”
Hermione smiled. “Still no sign that she wants to come out?”
Pansy shook her head miserably. “She's stubborn like her father,” Pansy said without a shred of irony. “I've tried everything: eating spicy food, going on walks, though I can't stay on my feet very long.” She sighed. “Ron's been shagging me rotten. At least three times a day.”
Hermione winced. “Oh, I-I don't really need to know—”
“Molly told me that's what she did when one of her children didn't want to come out,” Pansy said bluntly.
“Wow, okay—”
“Though I'm not sure how Ron can get it up,” Pansy continued. “I look like a beached whale!”
Hermione quirked her head, staring at her lovely, miserable friend. “You look very pregnant and also very beautiful too, Pansy. And Ron's crazy about you.”
Pansy smiled at her gratefully.
At that moment, Draco came by with a glass of wine for Hermione and an enormous glass of water for Pansy.
“There's barely any room for a baby much less all that water,” Pansy complained.
“I don't care,” Draco said firmly. “It's important for you and the baby. Now, drink up.”
She glared up at him and took the glass reluctantly. “You're very bossy,” she pouted. “Will you be like this when Hermione gets pregnant someday?”
Hermione choked on her wine. Pansy patted her on the back while she continued to glare at Draco.
He looked poised—as he usual did—except for the soft blush of color on his cheeks. His mouth tightened. “Yes,” he said. He bent down and rubbed Pansy's belly. “How is our little princess today?”
Pansy forced down some water. “She's huge.”
Draco laughed quietly then he met Hermione's gaze and gave her a rare, shy smile before walking away to join Ron.
She watched him from across the room. He was relaxed and at ease, laughing with Ron at something George had said. She bit back a smile. Merlin, she was in love with him. Her heart felt like it might burst from her chest.
“You know, I've never seen Draco so happy,” Pansy said, smiling. “Oh, I've seen him miserable plenty of times. And sometimes I've seen him cheerful. But I've never...” She shook her head, like she was pleasantly surprised. “I've never seen him this content before. It's like the happiness has seeped into his bones.” She gave Hermione a soft, grateful look. “I'm so happy he found you.”
“I feel the same way,” Hermione said quietly.
Pansy nodded, her gaze resting on Ron. “It's wonderful, isn't it. Finding a love like that.”
Hermione smiled.
It is.
The evening went by quickly. There was an abundance of food and drinks and it was fun watching the children tear through their presents. Finally, almost everyone left with the exception of Ron, Pansy, Draco and herself. Harry and Ginny's two children were passed out on the floor while Hermione held their youngest next to Pansy on the couch.
That's when Draco surprised them with his gift—tickets to the next Quidditch World Cup in Italy, the best seats in the house, travel expenses covered and luxury accommodations. Ginny whooped with excitement while Ron stood next to her and openly wept tears of joy.
Harry stared at Draco like he had grown another head for a long moment. Then he blinked once and marched toward Draco, flinging his arms around him. He didn't let go and Hermione had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing as Draco awkwardly patted Harry on the back.
When Harry finally let him go, Ron was next with a hug though it was a little different with Ron crying unabashedly into Draco's shoulder.
“I can't believe it,” Pansy griped, scowling at her husband. “He's crying harder now then when I told him I was pregnant.”
After the third group hug from Harry, Ron and Ginny, in which Draco looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him up, it was time to leave.
The evening air was colder when Hermione and Draco stepped outside, the snowfall heavier. Fat snowflakes floated gently to the ground where a good thick layer of white carpeted the sidewalks and streets. They strolled down the sidewalk with Hermione burrowed into Draco's side.
“That was a very nice gift you gave them,” she said, peering up at him.
“Which gift to whom?” Draco asked, his voice lofty. “The one I gave to your parents or the one I gave to our friends?”
“Our friends?” she said, bumping her hip into his.
Draco squeezed her shoulder. “Yes, our friends. Blaise will, of course, be joining us at the World Cup.”
“It would be weird if he didn't,” she said. “As for Harry, I think the days of him being awkward around you are over.”
“Yes, I'm sure Harry and I will be best mates now,” he said sarcastically.
“Don't be so flippant,” she said. “Remember Pansy and Ron? Who knew you both would get along so well. And now with Harry—you're in.”
“In? Merlin, help me,” he muttered. “I would have rethought my gift if I knew Harry would hug me for so long. And Ginny too.” He made a face. “Ron I'm used to, though the bawling was a bit unsettling.”
Hermione rolled her eyes. “Oh, please, you can't fool me,” she scolded. “I can see through your Slytherin act.”
“Act??”
“Where you pretend not to care.”
“Pretend?” he scoffed. “I'll have you know, my shoulder is still wet from Ron crying all over it. And Harry embraced me for over ten minutes straight.” He gave her a look of dismay. “And it was full body!”
She laughed loudly. “It was only a minute and he gives everyone full body hugs.”
“It felt like ten bloody minutes,” he grumbled. “Also, the only person I want to give me a full body hug is you.”
“That's so adorably uptight of you, my love.”
He smirked down at her. “Is it uptight that I want our full body hugs to be naked?”
She rolled her eyes. “Are we going back to my place or the Manor for this full body hug?” she asked, using finger quotations on the words full body.
He pulled her close. “Let me surprise you.”
With a dizzying tug, she was pulled out of existence and flung into another. Draco's hands gripped her waist, steadying her.
She blinked and took in her surroundings. They were at the Manor's gardens. It was beautiful—even more so than usual. The ground was covered in a soft layer of snow, as were the garden's elegant trees and ornate topiaries. Thousands of fairy lights sparkled around them. The tall, intricate lamps that surrounded the walkways illuminated the falling snow. The entire image had a dreamy, romantic quality.
“Wow,” she breathed.
“Hermione,” Draco said softly.
She peered up at him.
He visibly swallowed. “I...I wanted to...” His face was flushed under the glow of the fairy lights. “On Christmas Eve I wanted to...then earlier today but...”
His hand went to his wrist—fingers ducking under the cuff of his jacket. It took her a moment to realize he was fiddling with the cufflinks she had given him. He cleared his throat. There was a snowflake stuck to his eyelash.
She watched him, confused.
He stuck his hand in his jacket pocket and pulled something out of it.
Hermione caught a glimpse of it. It was a small, dark box. Her heart stopped.
Draco fumbled the box, dropping it before catching it. “Oh, fuck,” he muttered.
Her brain stuttered, eyes narrowing in on the box in his hands.
He groaned loudly. “I can't believe I just said fuck while I'm trying to...Merlin, I'm cocking this up!”
“It's okay, Draco. It's okay,” she heard herself say.
He stared at her and ran a nervous hand through his hair. Slowly, he dropped to one knee. “Hermione.” He took a deep breath. “Hermione, I know we haven't been together that long but...”
She could barely understand a word he was saying.
He took another deep breath, steeling himself. “But I...I know you're the person I want to spend the rest of my life with and—”
Hermione began to nod—slowly at first then frantically.
“Uh huh, okay,” she blurted. “Sure!”
“Sure?” he repeated, staring up at her.
Her heart was hammering in her throat. “I know what you're going to ask, Draco,” she said in a shaky voice.
He huffed a laugh. “Well, I'm glad the answer is sure, but I would still like to officially ask you.”
“Okay.”
“Because I practiced a lot. In the mirror.”
“Alright.”
“I even practiced with Blaise and now he won't stop making fun of me.”
“I understand.”
“Okay, good.” He glanced down at his knee. “My pants are getting soaked.”
Hermione bit back a smile.
“Alright. I'm going to ask you now,” he stated seriously, though she could she see he was much more relaxed by the set of his shoulders. He gazed up at her and smiled softly. “Hermione Granger, you are the most incredible, the most brilliant, the most beautiful, kindest witch I know and I ...” His voice broke and he looked down.
Hermione's chest swelled, her eyes filling with tears.
He took a long moment to steady himself then gazed up at her. He lifted the box and opened it. His eyes glistened in the dim light. “Will you do me the great honor of marrying me?”
She stared into the tiny box. There sat a ring with a single large, round diamond perched in a silvery setting so delicate and thin, only magic could've held it together. It was elegant and simple and utterly perfect.
Draco cleared his throat, drawing her attention. “Uh, this is the part where you say sure.”
She beamed at him, tears now falling freely down her cheeks. “Sure,” she whispered.
He jumped to his feet and pulled her into a hug, lifting her off her feet. His breath was hot against her ear as he whispered thank you over and over again.
He set her down and he kissed the tears on her cheeks. They gazed down at the ring.
“It's beautiful,” she said in a hushed voice.
“It's goblin-made,” he said. “I thought about giving you one of the family heirlooms but...” He shook his head. “But I wanted a fresh, clean start.” He plucked the ring from the box. “Old, outdated beliefs are done with.” He grasped her hand with trembling fingers. “New traditions for us starts now.”
Hermione was smiling so wide, her cheeks were starting to hurt. “Okay.”
His eyebrows jumped. “Okay? You really are having a way with words tonight, Granger.”
“Granger? So you're okay with me keeping my name?”
He blinked at her. “Uh...”
“I'm just kidding.” She brushed the snowflakes from his face then kissed him on the cheek. “I'll hyphenate.”
“Hyphenate?” he murmured to himself.
“Okay, I'm ready for my ring now.”
He nodded and slid the ring onto her finger. It was a little loose and Hermione was just about to comment on that fact when the ring's delicate band slowly shrank down to fit her finger perfectly.
“Oh,” she gasped. She wondered if magic would never cease to surprise her.
“It looks gorgeous on you,” Draco said with a smile.
She lifted her hand to inspect it closely. It sparkled like fire under the fairy lights.
“It's charmed,” he said, taking her hand. “Like a portkey. If you're ever in trouble, or without your wand, it'll transport you here—where you will be safe.” He squeezed her hand. “Your home.”
She smiled up at him, her eyes filling with tears again. “My home.”
His hand slipped behind her neck, thumb skimming her jawline. Gently, he tilted her head back and kissed her softly.
Hermione melted into him, whimpering when his lips parted her own. His hands slid down her back and gripped her hips tight.
He pulled away, resting his forehead on hers. “I think you should try on that little nightgown I got you,” he said, breathing hard.
She rubbed her nose against his. “Mmmhmm.”
“Maybe we try out that Caelesitia Sensatio too?” He smiled and kissed her temple. “That sounds like fun.”
“That's very presumptuous of you,” she said, grabbing his arse and rubbing against him. “What makes you think any of that's going to happen?”
He huffed a surprised laugh. “I don't know. A lucky guess?” He kissed her again—this time hard and needy. “Or maybe I cast a nice, little warming spell and I take you right here.”
Hermione moaned and nodded.
“DID SHE SAY YES, DARLING??” a voice shouted behind them.
Hermione jumped so hard, her forehead banged into Draco's chin. His head snapped back. He winced and clutched his chin, glaring in the direction of the voice.
“Mother??”
Narcissa Malfoy peeked around an enormous, dragon-shaped bush. She was surrounded by a small army of bundled-up house elves.
He gave her an exasperated look. “Were you eavesdropping?”
“What??” she exclaimed righteously. “Eavesdropping?? Malfoys never eavesdrop!”
Around her, all the house elves shook their head in unison.
She strode toward them and Hermione marveled at her regal bearing considering she had a light dusting of snow covering her hair and clothes and that she had been clearly sneaking around and then lied about it.
“I felt you enter the wards,” she explained simply.
The tiniest house elf stepped forward and squeaked, “Yes, and us house elves did the eavesdroppin' not the missus.”
Narcissa gazed at her son innocently. “See. I told you.” She rubbed her hands excitedly. “Now, I'm guessing from those happy smiles you said yes, Hermione.”
“Yes, I did,” Hermione said, feeling shy suddenly. She still was a little nervous around her future mother-in-law.
“Oh, that's wonderful!” She rushed over to Hermione and hugged her. “I was hoping Draco would propose to you here.” She squeezed Hermione again and then walked to Draco who kissed her dutifully on the cheek.
Narcissa was practically shaking with excitement. “Oh, there is so much to do!” She snapped her fingers and a quill and piece of parchment materialized next to her.
“Uh, Mother...” Draco murmured. “Let's not scare her off.”
Narcissa waved him away. “Nonsense! There is nothing to be scared of! Honestly, Draco!” She grasped Hermione's hands. “At 10 o'clock sharp tomorrow morning, we'll all have a nice, long breakfast together.” Next to her, the quill scribbled furiously on the parchment.
“Then, you and I will go dress hunting,” Narcissa continued in a rush. “There are several boutiques I think you might like. That will take several hours. We'll take tea afterward and discuss venues. I have many ideas about that as well. Then, of course, we must discuss when the wedding should be!” Narcissa laughed like she said something hilarious.
Hermione stared at the quill which was now moving at a blazing speed. “Uh—”
“I think springtime is quite lovely, don't you? Oh Salazar, that only gives us several months to plan!” Narcissa exclaimed delightedly.
“Afterward, we'll have Draco treat us to a delicious and outrageously expensive dinner.” She squeezed Hermione's hand. “We must show off that ring!”
Hermione could only nod at the overwhelming onslaught.
Narcissa glanced at her son and Hermione, her eyes filling with happy tears. “Oh, I can't believe it,” she gushed. “My son is going to marry a future Minister of Magic!” Her eyes narrowed in triumph. “I can't wait to rub it in Lady Greengrass's face!”
“Okay, thank you, mother, that will do,” Draco said as he gently crowded his mother away from Hermione. “We'll see you at breakfast tomorrow.”
“Wonderful!” she said, kissing Hermione on the cheek then Draco. “I have so many letters to write. Goodnight, my darlings!” She snapped her fingers and the quill and parchment vanished. Then she whirled around and swept away toward the direction of the Manor.
The house elves bowed to them both, then followed after their mistress.
“She already has the dress chosen, doesn't she?” Hermione said, watching Narcissa's retreating back.
“Yes, I'm pretty sure she does or at least a few dresses to choose from. She'll give you the illusion of control, which is nice, I suppose. Oh, and the venue too, probably.” Draco sighed. “She's just really excited,” he said apologetically. “She's been planning my wedding for decades.”
“I get it.” She glanced up at him, smirking. “Next, you'll tell me she has a nursery already to go.”
Draco bit his lip. “Uh, would it terrify you if I said she did?”
“Seriously? I was joking.”
“Maybe more than one nursery?”
Hermione blinked. “What?”
Draco held out his arms and gave her a tentative smile. “Welcome to the family.”
She gave him a look. “Mmhmm...”
He looped his arms around her waist. “Look, if my mother gets too intense, I'll tell her to ease up,” he said. “She loves you, Hermione. She won't want you to be uncomfortable.”
She gave him a small smile. “Does she really love me?”
He peered into her eyes. “She's crazy about you,” he promised. He pulled her closer. “Now, where were we before my mother jumped out and scared us half to death?”
“You mentioned something about a warming charm and shagging me here on the grounds,” she said, snuggling into his body. “Although I'm thinking that's not the best idea since there's a chance your mother may show up again.”
“No, that's out,” he sighed.
She smiled up at him and nuzzled his neck. “I guess we'll just have to go back to my flat then?”
“And maybe have you try on that nightie?” he asked hopefully.
“Of course. We have to see if it fits.”
Draco made a pleased sound. “And that purple dildo Ginny inappropriately got you?”
“Yes, I hear it has lots of variations.”
He pulled away to look down at her. “You haven't tried them all?”
She gave him a look. “There are 238. No, I have not tried them all.”
“Well, then...” He took ahold of her hand, thumbing her new ring before kissing her knuckles. The ring glittered like a star. “We have a long night ahead of us,” he said with his trademark smirk.
She rolled her eyes then paused. His tone was light—snarky like it usually was but there was something else in his voice. He often did this, said something that seemed insignificant but was actually meaningful. It was very Slytherin of him.
She gazed up at him and he smiled at her, soft and vulnerable.
“Was that supposed to be a metaphor?” she asked. “That we have a long life ahead of us?”
His smile widened, eyes crinkling around the corners. Her heart skipped.
“Sure,” he said, pulling her into a kiss before apparating them away.