The Marriage Decree

Chapter 33: My affections for you?

Hermione woke early on the morning of Sunday 12th June. Her stomach full of excitement and nerves as she laid on her back, staring up at the ceiling, trying to convince herself that no matter the outcome of today, nothing would change. She isn't naïve though. She knows that if she gets the wrong answer things will be different, maybe not physically but psychologically, her views of herself and the wizarding world will change.

"What time is it?" Draco mumbles from next to her, face still buried in his pillow.

She glances up at the clock. "It's just after half seven." She answers.

He groans as he turns over onto his side, facing her.

"Are you scared?" He asks.

Is she scared? No, she doesn't think she is. She turns onto her own side, shaking her head.

"Nervous?" He questions with a knowing smile.

She smiles back at him softly as she nods.

"But also excited, although I think that's more to do with actually getting access to archives." She admits.

Draco's smile widens. "I know how you feel. I can't wait to get my hands on those books." He chuckles slightly, making Hermione's stomach flip. "You know, if you don't get the answer you want, it won't change what people think about you. You've earned your reputation and nothing is going to take that away. Especially not a pureblood family from five-hundred years ago." He tells her, raising his eyebrow.

"I'm not sure I actually want to tell anyone if it turns out I do descend from the Rowle's. It's not something I'm going to be proud of." She admits, breaking their eye contact.

She feels his hand caress her cheek, bring her attention back to him. He's smiling softly at her.

"You don't need to tell anyone if you don't want to. You can keep the information all to yourself." He says, then narrows his eyes slightly. "Although, I would appreciate it if you told me." He adds.

"Don't worry." She smiles, bringing her own hand over his. "You're my husband. Shouldn't we be able to tell each other everything?" She asks rhetorically to which he smiles in agreement.

"I wonder how many banned books they are actually hiding in their archives." He thinks aloud.

"Well remember we're limiting ourselves to two hours per visit." She reminds him. "Maybe you should start organising the books then I'll help sort through them once I've finished in the filing cabinet." She suggests.

"Good idea." He mumbles, closing his eyes.

She brings their entwined hands down between them. "Are you going back to sleep?" She chuckles.

"I didn't come to bed until after midnight." He admits, stifling a yawn.

"And whose fault is that?" She questions, laughing when he rolls his eyes under close lids.

"I needed to finish Dracula. I was tired of being nearly finished with it and I want to start Sophie's Alice in Wonderland today." He explains.

"She'll be glad about that. Oh, I almost forget, how was Athena last night? I can't believe we left her at my parents'."

"Your father tried to attack me with the remote." He smiles, eyes still closed.

"What?" She chuckles.

"There were no lights on in the house so I thought I'd sneak in and take Athena but she must have woken your father up with her chirping. He was in the front room and must have heard me sneak in and thought he would face the attacker with the remote." Draco chuckles opening his eyes again.