Married by Law

Chapter Ten: Disaster and Dinner

Hermione walked back to her 'apartment' after school was over. She was tired and wanted to take a nap, even though it was only four o'clock. She dropped her bag on the couch and kicked off her shoes. Suddenly the overwhelming urge for tea came over her. So Hermione went into the kitchen and turned the kettle on. It was then that she caught a glance of three letters on the kitchen table. She turned away from the stove and picked them up. To her dismay, one of them was a howler. Immediately upon lifting it up, it fluttered open.

"DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY! HOW DARE YOU. YOU HAVE DISGRACED THE MALFOY NAME BY ALLOWING A MUDBLOOD TO TAKE THE FAMILY NAME. YOU. ARE. A. DISGRAGE. IF IT WERE UP TO ME, YOU WOULD BE BLASTED OFF THE WALL. YOU ARE AS BAD AS A MUDBLOOD NOW. YOU ARE FILTH. DRACO, YOU DISGUST ME."

Hermione stood in terror, her hands shaking as the voice of Lucius Malfoy ceased. The blood red letter promptly exploded. She took a step back and screamed as the kettle whistled. Hermione shook off her fear, and moved to the tea. She used magic to produce cinnamon tea and a cup. A few sips later, she was calm enough to read the other too letters, both addressed to her. She opened the first one and carefully unfolded the letter. It was from her parents.

Dearest Hermione,

As you are aware, we receive the wizarding newspaper. The Daily Prophet. You probably saw the headline the other day. Oh, Hermione please tell us it isn't true! You cannot be married to that boy! Your father and I have never met him, but we already believe he's awful. Hermione we simply forbid you from it! You're too young to be married and expecting a child! Speaking of, is that true? Both parts, that you are in fact pregnant and that they baby may not be his? Oh Hermione, what happened? Please dear, explain to us!

Love always,

Your mother and father.

Hermione glared at the sheet of paper with so much angst it nearly burst into flames. Her parents were both equally intelligent, but they could be so thick sometimes! Did they really think Hermione was a sleep around slut? Hermione tossed the letter to the side in disgust and lifted up the other letter.

Dear Hermione,

Tonight, eight o'clock. Meet me by the Quidditch pitch. Semi formal dress code.

-Draco

Hermione stared at the vague letter, confusion evident on her face. She glanced at the clock and saw it was almost four thirty. She drained the last dregs of her now cold tea and stood up. With a wave of her wand, everything was put away and neat. Hermione felt drained after wards and decided to take a nap. But first, she needed to pee.

A loud beeping pulled Hermione out of her slumber. She opened her eyes a crack only to see it was dark.

"Oh shit!" gasped Hermione, hopping up. She reached on the nightstand and lifted up her wand, flicking on all the lights. The clock read 6:15. She had about 45 minutes to get ready for something she had no idea about. She walked over to her wardrobe and shuffled through her clothes. Finally she saw a new addition, a garment bag labeled Wear. Hermione shook her head, stifling a laugh. She unzipped it, revealing a gorgeous white dress with side sleeves and a jeweled bodice and straps. Overall it was a gorgeous dress. Hermione stared at her reflection in the vanity, debating on her hair. She twisted it into a messy, but elegant chignon. She reached over and pulled out her rarely used makeup bag. She dusted on some eye shadow and used a bit of mascara. Finally, there was a bit of blush and gloss.

Just as the clock dinged seven o'clock. Hermione quickly yanked on a pair of shoes, white stappy heels, and waved her wand. Her closed disappeared and were replaced by the dress. With a glance in the mirror she laughed. What in the world is Draco's idea of formal?