Married by Law

Chapter Three: Getting to know you!

Hermione woke the next morning, anxious and slightly worried for the day. She pulled her thick, scarlet duvet up to her chin. Finally she sat up. 'No use wasting my precious time.' Hermione went over to her personal bureau. Tapping her finger on her chin she pondered what she was going to wear. Finally she pulled out a pink sweater, dark wash jeans, and her favorite pair of brown oxfords. She decided to leave her hair down as she walked down into the common room. Before she reached the bottom, however, she was cornered.

"I need to talk to you." hissed Ginny. Hermione's eyes widened as the younger girl shoved her into a small alcove.

"What? Did something happen! Are you still...?" rambled Hermione frantically.

Ginny shook her head. "Calm down. The...baby's fine. I've decided to tell Harry today. Last night...last night he told me he loved her. I mean, he's said it a billion times before but last night...it was different."

"Aw, I'm happy for you Gin." said Hermione sincerely. She bid the younger girl a good day before slipping away. As she glanced at the clock her eyes nearly popped out of her head. It was already five til twelve. Had she really slept that late? Hermione didn't have time to think about it as she practically ran from the common room. Harry and Ron called after her but she ignored them. Her small feet slapped against the concrete floor as she sprinted full speed to the entry hall. Draco stood there, in muggle clothes. A coat was slung across his arm. He wasn't looking at her. Hermione slowed to a casual walk, though she wheezed slightly.

"Hel...lo." gasped Hermione. Her smoothed her hair as he slowly turned around. He nodded curtly.

"So, what are we to do today?" inquired Hermione curiously as they began their walk to the carriages. Draco shrugged.

"I wanted to pop into Gladrags." suggested Draco. "I suppose you want to go to Tomes and Scrolls?"

Hermione blushed. "I'll take that blush as a yes."

"Humph. As long as we still go in." snapped Hermione. She shivered slightly, pulling on her crème colored pea coat. A carriage pulled in. Draco opened the door and gestured for her to enter.

"Gentlemenly. Cute." snorted Hermione.

"Hey, believe it or not I was raised on good manners, just not good morals." replied Draco. Hermione laughed. They sat in silence until the carriage came to a stop. Snow had began to fall so they ran into the nearest shop they needed to go into: Gladrags.

"What do you need her?" asked Hermione. She ran her fingers across the nearest rack of robes. Draco shrugged.

"Mother."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "She shops here. I thought she'd shop at...like, Twilfit and Tattings."

"She does. I don't. Please, she won't notice the difference. Hardly notices anything since..." He trailed off.

"Since...the war." summed up Hermione softly. Draco didn't say anything. Hermione laid her hand gently on his.

"You're mother saved my best friends life, and by default the fate of the wizarding world."

"Hermione, I don't want pity." snapped Draco. He picked up a green and ivory dress and strode over to the counter, leaving her dumbfounded. Before she had a chance to regain her mindset he returned, bag in hand.

"To the bookshop." said Draco briskly. Hermione perked up instantly. The pair, couple, wandered up the street and into the quaint looking shop. Not many people were inside so Hermione went over to the fiction section. She allowed her fingers to graze the spines, before pulling out three books. Each were about two-three inches thick. She staggered up to the counter where the aging wizard smiled at her.

"All three of these please." smiled Hermione. She reached into her bag and extracted a bag, but a hand flew out and pushed hers away.

"I'll pay." said Draco smoothly. Hermione rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"I'm not poor."

"I know, but neither am I." smirked Draco. Hermione shook her head and shoved her books into her back. She waved her wand making it weightless.

"Let's go to the Three Broomsticks. I want butterbeer." said Hermione. Draco nodded. They entered the pub and found a small booth in the corner. It was cozy.

"So Draco, what do you plan to do after Hogwarts?" inquired Hermione after their butterbeer's had arrived. She took a sip of the piping hot liquid. Draco thought for a moment.

"Well, my Grandad offered to help with the company."

"The company?" asked Hermione, genuinely interested.

"Yeah. He's from Switzerland and wants to extend the company to London."

"Thanks, but what is 'the company.'" Hermione added airquotes.

"You know the book Most Potente Potions?" asked Draco. After Hermione nodded he forged forward. "Well basically he manufactures the potions in the book, along with the ingrediants. Most of the potions are difficult and lengthly to make, so it's easier to by them."

"That's fascinating!" exclaimed Hermione.

"What about you?" countered Draco.

"I want to be a Healer. I wanted to work at the Ministry, but after seeing some of the things they do and after the war I couldn't. Even with Kingsley it's corrupt." explained Hermione.

"That's sounds nice." replied Draco. Hermione practically beamed. They continued to chat, swapping meaningless stories for the rest of the day. Finally sun was setting. They decided it best to head back.

"You know, Draco. Today actually wasn't that bad." sighed Hermione, tiredly. She sank into the plush carriage.

"Ha, glad you thought so." laughed Draco. Hermione gave a feeble smile.

"Thanks for the books. Really, I mean it."

"It was my pleasure." replied Draco. The pair shared a rare smile.