It All Started At a Lake

Chapter 11

Friday, September 20th, 1998

Hermione and Draco stood together outside of the Headmistress's office shortly before their classes would start.

"Well, we don't want to keep your mother waiting. Let's go." she said

"Are you sure you want to go back there? I don't want to pressure you." he said

"As long as we stay far away from the drawing room." she said. "Besides, you said we're having tea in the library."

Draco chucked and was glad she was able to see the light in the situation. He pushed open the door to the Headmistress's office and held it open for Hermione.

She walked in and walked over to where the Headmistress was seated. "Good morning, professor."

"Good morning Miss Granger. I'm hoping you had a good birthday." she said

Hermione nodded. "Thank you for the rings and the lovely note. I loved them."

She lifted her right hand and showed McGonagall that she was wearing one of them right now.

"I don't have anybody to give the other ring to right now." she admitted

"You will find this person." McGonagall said

Hemione nodded and walked to the fireplace where Draco was standing. They both grabbed a pinch of Floo powder and called out for Malfoy Manor.

They were engulfed in green flames and whisked off to the Manor. The flames died out as soon as they had appeared. Draco walked out and wiped all the soot from his school uniform. Hermione followed him out and did the same.

"Welcome to my library." he said

Hermione looked around the large room in shock. It was much larger than he thought it would have been. The rows seemed to go on forever and there were three floors to the house library. It was the same size as the Hogwarts library, if not larger.

She stared in awe for a few minutes before Draco snapped in front of her face. 

"Miss Granger, it's great to see you again."

Hermione met the eyes of Narcissa Malfoy in front of her. She smiled at the older witch and shook her hand. 

"Thank you for inviting me." said Hermione

"It was no problem. Besides, Draco tells me that you love books. I was sure that you would love our library." said Narcissa

"I don't think I'm ever going to leave." replied Hermione

Draco chuckled and walked over to where Andromeda was sitting with Teddy and cookies were laid out on the table. 

"I told you she would never want to leave." Draco said while taking a bite out of a sugar cookie.

Hermione smiled and took in the entire room. It was probably as old as the Manor was meaning it probably had books from that time. Hermione took in a deep breath at the thought.

The room was the perfect amount of antique and modern. There were a few paintings that had been covered in heavy, black drapes on the wall near the door to the library and there were a few magical gargoyles on posts near a few isles.

"I'm moving into this room." joked Hermione

Draco smirked and took a bite out of his third cookie. Hermione was confused on how he was so skinny, he ate snacks all day long.

Hermione walked over to Draco and greeted Andromeda. The eldest Black sibling was happy to see Hermione again and she greeted her in a bone-crushing hug.