The Marriage Decree

Chapter 76: As Your Nemesis

Draco has had enough. His wand has just vibrated him awake at half-six, which is far too early for him to be awake during the holidays when he hasn't any responsibilities. In the past week since Blaise's return, they have met for breakfast five times to catch up, and for some insane reasons, Blaise insists on eating breakfast at seven o'clock. If Draco isn't by the gate on the hour, Blaise comes knocking, waking Hermione, which is not something Draco wants to happen for the third time this week.

He checks his watch to find it's already ten to seven; he's pushed it too far. Draco rushes to silently grab a pair of jeans and shirt, trying not to wake Hermione. Unfortunately, Blaise's watch seems to be running fast if the loud knock on their front door is anything to go by as Draco pulls his shoes on.

He quickly throws the door open, begging Blaise to shush but it's too late. Hermione's already throwing their bedroom window open to curse at his friend, who found it immensely funny until she actually cursed him with jelly-legs and slammed the window shut. Draco ended up having to use the counter curse as it was a particularly strong curse, evidence of her annoyance at being woken up so early.

"You brought it on yourself." He tells Blaise as they walk towards the gate.

"I know." He smiles, wobbling slightly as he walks. "But I wouldn't have to wake her up if you met me at the gate on time." He pointed out.

"Blaise, it's been a week since you've been back, I think we're all caught up." He yawns.

"If you don't want to hang out, we don't have to." He shrugs, looking upset.

Draco rolls his eyes at how emotional his friend can get some time. "What is this really about?" He asks, seeing right through his friend.

Blaise sighs. "I realised that in September, you're going to be really busy at Hogwarts and then by next march, I'll be really busy with baby. Breakfast at Hogwarts is served from seven until five to eight, and babies naturally wake up early, so I thought this could be something we do every day. Professors don't need to be at breakfast, so it doesn't matter if you miss them." He explains.

"There's actually a rota for breakfast duty. Hermione and I are both down for breakfast on Tuesdays, and sometimes we like to have a lie in together." He tells him. Blaise's smile falls further. "We can still meet for breakfast on a Wednesday, and we could invite our wives on a Sunday, perhaps. Then we'll have more to talk about." He suggests, and his friend's smile returns.

"I found a new café yesterday," Blaise announces as they reach the gate. "In the muggle world, you ready?" He asks, taking his hand in his own before disaparating.

"I wish you would have told me. I haven't brought any pounds with me." He sighs as he glances around his surroundings.

"It's on me, then," Blaise tells him as he pulls him down a narrow street onto a high street.

"You can let go of my hand now, Blaise." He says, snatching his hand back. He's going to have to have words with Blaise about his current non-existent personal boundaries.

"We're here. Isn't it quaint." He gestures to the café.

"Quaint." Draco laughs at Blaise's choice of words, but as he looks closer, he realises that it's the only word to describe the café that looks like it hasn't been updated in the past three decades. There were only six tables within the café and a further two outside, in front of each window. Upon the tables were gingham tablecloths with a small vase of lavenders in the centre.

Blaise pushes the door open, ringing a bell above the door. A tall, blonde woman in her mid-twenties exits the kitchen area wearing a floral blue dress, white apron and a big smile.