And She Was Golden

and an interlude (among the books)

He wakes up on Sunday with Pippa gently shaking him.

"Mistress is calling Master Draco! Master Draco needs to wake up!"

He groans; his body is protesting. The adrenaline from the match kept him awake for most of the night, replaying the day, basking in his triumph. He would be lying if he said it didn't feel good to get one over on Potter.

With all said and done, the match was a satisfying one. He's glad that Ginny managed to coax him into playing.

"What is it?" He yawns before rolling over and pulling his pillow over his head in effort to block the harsh sun streaming in through his window.

"Mistress Andromeda is here with the little one and a guest!" Pippa grabs at her ears, looking apprehensive. "Pippa apologises sir, she does not know her name!"

Draco rubs his eyes before casting a quick tempus—it was nearly midday. He drags himself up out of his inviting bed, running a hand through his hair.

His aunt and his mother have been spending quite a lot of time together in recent days. An effort to make up for all that lost time, all those missed chances.

A woman unknown to Pippa? That couldn't be anything good. His parents made no effort to hide their disdain of his single status—especially with the increasing amount of correspondence they've been subjected to.

They've simply started sending the stacks to Draco, an innocuous pile growing on his desk. He would be flattered if he didn't know any better. None of them wanted to marry him—they wanted to marry into his family. Into the money and power it carried.

Nobody wanted him.

His parents' marriage is a traditional arranged one, but they managed to do something most didn't—they found love. Their marriage certainly isn't common. They both adore each other rather than merely tolerate the other's presence.

Most marriages are simply alliances, and Draco knows his parents don't want that for him.

But there are expectations, rules that must be followed.

In circumstances just slightly altered Draco suspects he would already be bound in matrimony.

Appearances are everything.

"Mistress expects Master Draco to join the family in the small tea room!"

He hums his acknowledgment and dismisses Pippa. A few moments and quick shower later, he deems himself presentable. Draco steps up closer to his reflection, noting how his old clothes fit him better.

His eyes are still bruised, heavy with the weight of his nightmares. He traces the series of symbols at the base of his throat, more out of habit than anything else.

With a sigh, he applies the necessary glamours, finishing off the daily ritual by concealing the faded Mark on his forearm.

He sulks his way towards the sitting room, all the while wondering whom he would meet. He has no interest in making the acquaintance of any young women. He's quite tired of the whole notion itself.

With a deep breath, he braces himself before pushing open the doors and striding into the Tea Room. It is to his great surprise that he spots Hermione Granger, of all people, sitting next to his aunt.