The Marriage Law

comfortable

" Malfoy? "

Hermione looked back at the wizard in curiosity.

"Are you done with your lunch, Granger? "

"Uh.. Yeah. "

"Come on then. Let's walk to Arithmancy. "

"Oh... OOh. "

She looked back at Harry who gave a brisk nod at the blond. Hermione quickly stood up and reached for her bag. Before she could struggle with the straps, Malfoy held it up for her, helping the witch with it. She gave him a polite thanks as he offered his arm. Left with no choice, Hermione looked around and tentatively put her hand in the crook of his elbow. She didn't want to embarrass either him or herself.

The pair quickly left the great hall in silence and made their way to the fifth floor.

"Uhh... Malfoy? "

"Yes? "

"Why did you do that? "

"We're going to the same class Granger and I intend to know you better before our first date. "

"D-date? "

"Yes Granger. Would you accompany me to Hogsmeade next weekend? "

"Uh.sure..... What about Harry? "

She looked around tentatively, adjusting the strap of her school bag.

" We'll see about that later. "

"Okay."

The couple talked about their Arithmancy syllabus and the upcoming projects in various subjects on their way.

Once in class, Hermione took her usual seat and was surprised when Malfoy proceeded to sit with her but didn't say anything.

The blond wizard continued to walk and sit with her for the next class as well and walked with her and Harry to the dining hall as the boys talked about the upcoming quidditch world cup.

At the end of the day, she felt a bit overwhelmed by all the attention that the two wizards were giving her, so she retired early for bed.

COMMON ROOM

Harry and Draco were sitting in front of the fireplace doing their assignments.

"Potter. You didn't ask Granger out for Hogsmeade weekend. "

It was more of a statement than a question as Harry left his parchment to lean back against the sofa.

"Umm... No. I thought it was obvious we'd be going together. "

"You're daft. "

The blond began packing his bag as he was done with his work.

"Malfoy."

" I'm taking her somewhere in the morning and you can join us after noon. "

"Bu-but... "

Before Harry could come up with a coherent argument, Draco was already gone.

...

The next week and half passed with an absurd regularity.

In the mornings, Hermione would be up and ready before the guys and make a trip to the library. Harry would usually join her on her way to breakfast. She was always accompanied by either Harry or Malfoy on her way to classes, and dinner would be a hurried event. She did her assignments in the common room after dinner where the boys usually joined her. They sometimes talked about classes and helped each other with the work.

For her and Harry, nothing had changed with the marriage law announcement. They were as comfortable with each other as they've always been and had an already established deep rooted trust between them. She knew she loved him. The feelings she once harbored towards her best friend went way past their fifth year. She had locked that part of her heart when it became obvious he only saw her as a sister but with each passing day, as he continued to be more affectionate, the little rays of hope were trickling in.

As for the blond wizard, Hermione had spent all off her school days disliking the pompous git and she knew without doubt that the feeling was mutual. He'd even openly wished for her death but she knew he was a different wizard now. For once, he'd not insulted her or anyone he previously deemed beneath him. He's been a perfect gentleman, helping her wherever he could, never making things difficult. Most of all, he'd more than once expressed to wanting a happy and loving family after marriage, not even once complaining about being matched with her and Harry. She'd even found him correcting Harry's essays more than once. And he was obviously an attractive man.

With the two wizards, they weren't exactly friends per se but had formed a comfortable bond. They did their essays together and went out for flying regularly. They talked about the war easily with each other as well. It was pretty beneficial in clearing the air.

Before Hermione could contemplate much about the date, it was the day of the first Hogsmeade weekend and coincidentally it was her birthday as well. She didn't even know if Harry was joining her and Malfoy yet.

After getting ready in her room,  she rushed out towards the great hall, as both Harry and Malfoy had left for breakfast early.

Maybe all her effort into getting ready would be worth it. She hoped it could be a successful day. It was her first date in Hogsmeade after all.

<< hey guys!
Hope you're enjoying it so far. Our first kiss coming up soon>>