The Marriage Decree

Chapter 168: I Would Love Nothing More

After the whirlwind that had been yesterday, Draco and Hermione are in need of a much quieter, calmer day. Usually, that would not involve a whole day spent teaching, but as it's a Friday, most students too excited about the weekend to cause trouble. As a result, the castle feels lighter with chatter and laughter humming around the corridors as the last of the winter sun sets behind the Forbidden Forest.

Not that Draco notices since he's been in the dungeon all day. His after class NEWT session runs smoothly, with a few students dropping in to ask a question or two before darting off to catch another professor during office hours.

At quarter-past four, Draco casts a tidying charm before packing up his belongings. The familiar clink of vials, rustle of parchment and scraping of stools ground him as his thoughts drift ahead to the weekend. Hermione's Uncle David had asked to have Scorpius for the night and they had jumped at the offer. Scorpius has practically vibrated with excitement when they told him Uncle David was picking him up from nursery. The mention of dinner, a sleepover and a tube ride into London had been enough to have Scorpius asking to go straight to David's house instead of nursery.

David had been just as delighted when Draco asked if he could keep Scorpius until the early afternoon. Unbeknownst to Hermione, Draco has booked them a lunch reservation, and plans on spending the day Christmas shopping while child-free. With another baby on the way, Draco knew opportunities like this would soon be scarce, and he's determined to make the most of it.

Stepping out of his office, a soft grin across his face, Draco turns to lock the door. The cool brass handle clicks beneath his fingers, locking away the faint smell of the days simmered potions. A swish of fabric to the left startles him and he turns to find Alannis Shepley leaning against the damp stone wall beside him, her arms folded and Ravenclaw prefect badge catching in the torchlight.

"Miss Shepley?" He sighs, slipping the key away and beginning down the corridor. His footsteps echo in the passage, and as expected, his student falls into step beside him. "How can I help you?"

"I'm just confirming our arrangement still stands, sir," she says, matter-of-factly, her voice bouncing off the cold stone.

"As I assured you last week, and the week before that, yes, our arrangement still stands," Draco replies, voice low as his eyes flick down the corridor to ensure no one is listening.

"Good."

"However," he continues as they climb the dungeon, the air warming with each step, "I would like to know if each of the seventh-year students are still willing to go ahead with the arrangement?"

"Of course."

He stops just before the threshold of the Great Hall, where the glow of floating candles cast long shadows across the foyer floor. He turns sharply to face her. "I am not the Minister. I will not forcibly officiate a pairing where both students are not in agreement. Do you understand me?"

She leans back, startled by his sudden tone. "Yes, sir. While I admit we're not all happy about the situation, it is much preferable to the alternative."

Draco nods once. "Good. Now please refrain for continuously asking me if the plan still stands. Assume it does unless I tell you otherwise. You're drawing too much attention."

"Sorry, sir."

"No-" Draco begins, but his words fall flat as he spots Headmistress McGonagall sweeping across the foyer in her usual tartan robes.

"I understand you're anxious about your NEWTs, Miss Shepley," Draco says smoothly, shifting into a safe script as the Headmistress approaches. "But I assure you, you have nothing to worry about. If you have any specific questions, ask me after class or during office hours. For no, enjoy your evening.