A Rake, A Spinster, And An Arrangement

Chapter 21 : No More Secrets (Ep 5)

Draco stared at his Aunt, his stomach dropping. He had only just written a note to her a few hours earlier, requesting to meet for dinner. He had not even returned to either of his assumed residences since sending it. How would his Aunt even know to find him here, at Potter House? He hadn't even told Hermione that his Aunt had objected to the wedding.

None of this was going right in the slightest - they were supposed to talk, first about whatever was on her mind, and then Draco... he could tell her about his Aunt, and they could meet one another properly.

He should be preparing to introduce Hermione to his Aunt, his only real family, as his future wife. Instead, he stood aghast in the middle of another's sitting room, staring at his mother's sister, completely in shock.

"What is the meaning of this?" Draco demanded, suddenly feeling defensive.

First, his father tries to completely ruin his life from the grave, and then, his Aunt, who had once applauded Hermione. objects to the wedding and approaches him in an entirely unsuitable environment.

Draco stepped into the room, Hermione a few paces behind him, but he...

Anything his Aunt had to say, she could say in front of Hermione, but this... he doesn't really want Hermione to see this. He doesn't want Hermione to hear whatever his Aunt has to say, if she's planning to object.

"I thought it time that we all talk," his Aunt said carefully, looking between both of them. "After all, we are family."

What... she said that word as though it was supposed to mean something special - of course they were family. She was the only family he had ever had, and the only family he had truly needed.

He had spoken to her not even two weeks prior! Why now? What had he done that demanded such an outrageous display of dramatics?

"The last time we talked, you called me a fool for letting her get away," Draco said, stepping further into the room. "In fact, you asked me why, and I told you the truth - that I could not provide for her. Before that, you had no objection, but now-"

His Aunt sat down on the couch, slowly, and he paused, turning back to look at Hermione. She was still standing by the door, staring at his Aunt, her eyes wide.

Of course... He was far too relaxed in speaking to his Aunt.

"Hermione," he said, offering her his hand.

She stepped forward and took it, looking small and meek, almost scared. He hated seeing that look on her - but why would she be scared of his Aunt?

"You have met my Aunt before," Draco said, waving his hand, before he turned back to his Aunt to continue.

Andromeda was staring at Hermione, likely trying to determine if Hermione was worthy of him, but he would not allow it. He would not allow such thought. He refused to allow anyone to judge her, and that would include his Aunt.

"Hermione is beautiful, and she's smart, and she's kind, and she's everything I could want in a wife. You have no reason to object, no reason to want me to postpone my marriage, save, if you wish me the greatest of unhappiness."

Hermione made a noise beside him, and he looked down at her. She was looking up at him, lips parted as though to speak, but - no.

He would wait the month, if he had to, but he would not allow his Aunt to just think that she could control his life. She had no reason to object. He would be certain she understood that.

"Her laughter makes me laugh. Her smile brings me joy. Her mere presence is a peace to me. I am the one that is unworthy of her, and I do not mean in regards to my father, I mean, she is brilliant and strong and passionate and everything a man could desire in a wife and more, and she has chosen me. She has chosen to love me. You could wish for no better wife for me than Miss Potter."