Marriage Law (Dramione) (Completed)

Baby Steps

*All  rights go to JK Rowling because she is a goddess and she also wrote the Harry Potter series.*

Hermione did not have time for Draco’s shenanigans. Her shoes from the night before were hidden somewhere in Draco’s flat and he refused to tell her where he had hidden them.

“Draco where are my bloody shoes!” Hermione yelled.

Draco shrugged and leaned against the kitchen counter, “I’ll tell you after you give me an answer about the house.”

Hermione groned, “I don’t have time for this. I have to be at the restaurant in less than ten minutes please just give me my shoes.”

“I just need an answer and then you’ll get your shoes.”

Hermione buried her face in her hands. Last night Draco asked her to go see a house with him. Apparently he had stumbled upon the perfect little house for them. Hermione was not ready to move in with Draco just yet. She wanted a clear and stable path for their futures before taking that step and with everything going on in their lives, she didn’t think it was the right time.

“Draco you just made a massive purchase and we are in the middle of renovations for the hotel. I don’t think you should buy a house until we see a return investment on the hotel.”

Draco gave Hermione an understanding nod and her shoes appeared on the kitchen table, “I didn’t mean to upset you, Love. I just wanted you to see the house.”

Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco’s waist and buried her head in his shoulder, “I know you mean well but I’m just not ready to move in with you. Statistically speaking, couples that move in together after they get married have longer lasting marriages. I want to give us the best shot, I love you and I don’t want to jeopardize our future.”

Draco planted a kiss on the top of her head, “I want the best for us too. I’m sorry if I upset you.”

“Stop apologizing and let me go,” Hermione joked. 

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Hermione made it to the cafe with two minutes to spare. She had been avoiding Diagon Alley as much as she possibly could in the last few months. Even since the law was announced, she had been stalked by the press. They were trying to get a picture of her with her with a ring on her finger or a baby bump.

She picked a table far away from windows with a direct view of the door so Harry and Ron would see her when they arrived but the press couldn’t snap of picture of the trio. She ordered a lavender tea and her former schoolmates walked through the door just as it arrived.

They each greeted her with a kiss on the cheek but Harry was the first one to speak, “How are you Hermione? It’s been a long time since we went out like this.”

“I’ve invited you two out plenty of times but apparently you’re too busy.”

“Well life’s been a bit hard with the baby,” Harry replied.

“Ginny and I have lunch once a week, you work a few floors below me. I’ve invited you to join us but you always say no.”

A pain of guilt went through Harry’s eyes, “I’m sorry ‘Mione. I really don’t have an excuse.”

“Neither do I,” Ron piped up. “I miss you ‘Mione.”

“We’re complete gits for ignoring you. You had no control over who you were matched with and we shouldn’t hold that against you,” Harry said sincerely.

Hermione sighed, “I love you guys, but I also love Draco. He’s going to be the father of my children one day. Draco is going to be in my life if you like it or not so you need to decide if you’re going to be in my life. You can’t pick and choose when you’re apart of my life only when it’s convenient for you.”

“You really love him?” Harry asked.

Hermione nodded, “Yeah, I really do.”

“To me Draco Malfoy will always be a slimy two faced ferret,” Ron said, “But, you’re my best friend. I’ll try to put up with him if that means I get to be in your life.”

“So will I,” Harry added, “We’ve been friends for over a decade and I don’t want to throw that away.”

Hermione smiled, “Thank Merlin. We’ve all lost so much over the years and I don’t want to lose anyone else.”