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Chapter Text

Draco roamed the manor’s grounds freely. His friends had already returned home. He was now unfortunately bored.

His preferred elf Romy followed at a distance, his father forever paranoid the corrupt ministry would snatch the Malfoy heir somehow despite his monumental precautions.

He was young, why his father couldn’t simply destroy those trying to harm them didn’t make sense in his mind.

Magic was everything.

Wasn’t it?

Those with it controlled everyone…

Everything…

Those with the most power… they dominated the weak.

Draco would never be weak! He had decided that. He and his friends were the top tier, their families ran their world. His father, his legacy was ancient and potent.  Draco Lucius Malfoy would be like royalty among his piers. 

He would have his choice of bride.

Not that at eight he cared about that fact, trudging along. The grounds were home to gorgeous orchards that never failed, lovely lakes, beautiful fields of multicolored flowers of ever shade, and streams. He was searching for the waterfall near the edge.

The thick forest held many magical creatures, tamed by his family for hundreds of years. He held no fear, within the forest, near the edge of the Malfoy property… was the waterfall. 

Massive and majestic, Draco liked to climb the rocky area. Sometimes he swam in the pool at its base. Lay upon the flat moss beneath stretching shade trees. It was like its own universe, so quiet.

He wondered if the water had been infused with elemental energy.

His father forbid his ventures… it bordered the muggle family next to them. The muggle’s property was also vast, he had never even seen one… yet.

Draco was curious about them.

They sounded like odd things. In his studies, weird looking… magicless, aggressive, uncivilized beings.

They required wizard’s guidance.

Still.

The possibility, the danger?

Plus the ministry…

Draco risked it anyway. 

Romy never told either.

He was quite loyal.

Chapter Text

Draco noticed a strange pattern as he walked. 

The closer he got to the waterfall, the more yellow flowers he saw. Normally there were more colors than he could count? The birds and butterflies swooping enjoyed the colorful perches amongst the bushes and trees alike. 

“Master Draco? Daffodils are spreading onto Malfoy land from the muggle property it neighbors. Lord Malfoy needs to be notified.” Romy stated shaking.

The kind elf was ringing its hands.

A nervous habit to be sure, but Draco recognized it.

Fear. 

Something unfamiliar was occurring.

Eight though he was, he knew. Unfamiliar meant threat. But, how could flowers equal threat. He sneered, chuckled… then continued.

”enough Romy, you will not notify my father unless given a direct order to do so. Your loyalty is to me first, remember?” The elf nodded, though not comforted in the slightest.

Sliding brush out of his way, Draco smiled as he looked ahead seeing the falls. “There! See, all secure. Just as quiet as…” but his words were stopped it their path by sounds.

Giggles in the distance.

Chapter Text

She collapsed to the ground dizzy.

Her belly hurt from laughing so hard.

Glancing around, Hermione noticed her favorite flower everywhere. Oh! She could make a crown to wear! Maybe another for mother!

Sitting up, her nimble and quick fingers worked… she had been creating the little floral crowns as far back as she could remember. Mother had shown her how.

They never wilted.

Magic…

Hermione knew it wasn’t true, but mother told her this type of flower just fought death. It simply didn’t wilt easily. So she loved it seemed to be everywhere. It was so comforting, the color of sunshine to soothe her soul any given moment.

It wasn’t normal.

Hermione read a lot. She knew.

She noticed a small rabbit.

A butterfly.

Birds sitting on branches.

 A doe, her fawn.

A tiny frog.

Humming contently, she finished. She set her mother’s crown on the grass next to her leg, and lifted her own to place it on her head over her curls.

Princess!

She was a princess today!

Too bad she had no prince.

“Wish I had a prince…” Hermione muttered softly towards the rabbit who’d moved slowly closer.

The breeze whipped slightly harder. Draco heard her words.

Prince?

Princess?

Such childishness…

She was pretty though, for a muggle. Not as hideous as he thought they’d be? He expected more plain features, or even ugliness? Claws.. snagged teeth. Warts?

The scent drifted.

Intoxicating.

Were the daffodils poisonous? 

He wasn’t… in control!

Draco felt his feet moving without his permission. Away from the safety of the thick brush, around the rocks near the falls. Into the wide open, towards the boundary between their properties. He could clearly see where she now sat. 

She didn’t see him yet. 

She probably couldn’t… wouldn’t, not unless he crossed through.

Was he?

No…

He wasn’t that reckless.

Well, in his mind he wasn’t… apparently his feet were.

”hello.”

Hermione startled.

A boy’s voice scared her. “I heard you, saw you. I live just through there…”

He pointed.

She glanced over. “Oh, I didn’t realize, my parents never mentioned our neighbor.”

She remembered he was a stranger, to stay alert… wary. Trust had to be earned. Those types aren’t always what they seem. Her father spoke of mysticism.

He nodded. “I know, me either. My mother and father know of your family I’m sure, but not details. We don’t leave our property often. If we do travel, it is certainly not to be nosey of everyone near us… it is with a destination in mind.”

Hermione giggled despite herself.

The boy was seemingly her age, he seemed friendly. Maybe he was ok. “My name is Hermione.”

”my name is Draco, I was headed to my waterfall to climb and swim. You distracted me.” He stated playfully.

She smirked. “I snuck away from my tutor’s boring lessons. I usually ride my horse or paint, but many days I explore the forest too. It’s so beautiful.”

Draco contemplated. “My family has… horses as well, a large stable. We have many creatures living here who roam free. I also explore, until made not to.”

She shyly looked up at him through her lashes. “Maybe you can show me your waterfall sometime… or your horses. I could show you ours too.”

That was a dangerous idea.

Insane.

”quite lovely.” Draco replied. “Does this plan make us new friends then? Secret friends Hermione?”

She blushed brightly.

”yes, of course.” She tugged a bracelet off her wrist. Held it out toward the young wizard. He stared at it like it was on fire for a moment, confused.

It reflected sunlight.

”take it, it’s a friendship symbol.” As she smiled warmly, he reached for it.

Draco looked the strange little circle over. It was created from thread, beading, a piece of stone…

It apparently meant something to this muggle.

”Thank you.” He allowed her to show him how to secure it. 

He stared at it a moment, then unhooked his cuff links. They held the Malfoy crest and a Slytherine serpent. Silver metal and emerald stones for eyes. “Here, for you. Make a similar bracelet for yourself from me… as my friend.”

She impossibly grinned wider.

His chest tightened.

It felt like energy was swelling around them, but he knew that couldn’t be true. She was just a muggle girl?

The energy was neither dark nor light feeling, Draco wasn’t sure how to describe it. 

His heart beat faster.

His skin hotter, the breeze seemed to slow down. “You never take a friendship bracelet off, it’s part of the magic. Ok?”

Her instructions hit his ears almost at a echo.

”yeah… yes, ok. Thank you Hermione.”

She stood, turned away. “I will try and swim next time. My mother has guests coming for lunch, so I need to go home to get cleaned up.”

Draco waved as she disappeared.

”Romy senses something is not right Master Draco…” the elf warned.

Draco dismissed his elf.

”come on Romy, a kid is just another kid. She’s a muggle, no big threat. Father doesn’t need to know. I’ll be careful. I promise.” Draco knew even as he said the words he was lying. 

Chapter Text

Before

Bodies littered the bloody streets. Screaming echoing in the dark, cackling. He stood drenched from the rain.

This wasn’t what he wanted, but it was unfortunately what he got.

War was war. 

Muggles didn’t like being ordered…

They were free spirited, had minds of their own. They liked freedom and had families of their own to protect. As a man he understood and respected that fact. It mattered not…

He had his orders.

The ministry wanted them under thumb.

It was happening in every country. Each government was being toppled, every ministry of magic or version of it wanted power over those without magic. 

To be above.

To be in charge.

No more hiding.

Lucius made sure Narcissa was safe. They’d only been married two months. He needed his family. His legacy secure. His morality couldn’t linger forever… he had to bite his tongue and fight.

He raised his wand and moved on.

Now

”Callum, do you truly believe they won’t attempt to rise up against us at some point? That is naive.” Lucius stated.

He shook his head. “Not really, they won’t risk their families if they can… not without a certain victory. We have so many bonds in place. It’s been a peaceful time thus far, gone smoothly since the war. Why would they want to now?”

”you are of course right as always.” But, even as he reassured the Minister, Lucius knew why.

He would fight.

He would always have fought for his own family… for freedom if he was them…

He didn’t blame them.

Draco, Narcissa, they were his world. 

The muggles would not remain dormant. The bonds in place would fall. Callum, the others within the Ministry of Magic United Alliance Worldwide were fooling themselves. 

Humans, magic or non, despised chains.

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Now

Hermione still felt the heat across her cheeks.

The boy had been odd, but interesting. He had to be one of them! Right? Her father warned her…

She couldn’t snitch on herself.

Nothing had actually happened?

Right?

She smiled.

Nope!

Nothing at all! 

Racing in the side secret door Mrs. Wilson had shown her, Hermione quietly and carefully made her way to her room to shower. She had to get dressed and prepare. 

Mother expected perfection.

Guests expected perfection.

Which meant she’d have to wear her ring. She frowned. It was unpleasant, and uncomfortable. It didn’t fit right, or maybe it just didn’t feel like she should wear it.

But, she would.

For mother.

For father.

It was not worth the risk not to. 

Chapter Text

He frowned.

Groaned.

His new tutor was monotone voiced, boring. They covered many subjects quickly, but Harry despised sharing his time with the entitled scions from the other older houses.

They tended to complain.

They were assholes to his elves.

His mother refused to let him use hexes on them. She said he had to refrain, alliances came first or some nonsense. So Harry sulked. 

They were being trained, groundwork lain.

In Harry’s humble opinion, not that anyone cared… all these boys were clones of the Lords of each House. Those who ran the world with others like them, it was similar in every country… on each continent.

The muggles had made a valiant effort.

It just had not mattered.

The history books stated it happened before this generation was born. It was over fast. Harry sometimes wished he’d seen the war… watched the true fight. Seen the muggles bleed and rage for freedom. 

Some did still.

But, you did not discuss such things in polite company or public places.

You could be thrown in prison or worse.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry awaited them when they were released by their tutors. From what he heard, wealthy muggles had tutors if given permission. It was a special privilege. Forbidden by the ministry if not. Enforced brutality if disobeyed.

Muggles had not been allowed education since they lost the war. The governments made an agreement. Politicians only cared about retaining their own power, caring little for those beneath.

Bonds were placed.

The artifacts being used to control the muggle population were unknown to the general public. Harry only knew of them because his father assisted Lord Malfoy and a wizard in America to transport them.

They set the artifacts up in each country, performed the rituals. An ancient witch assisted with the wards hiding the artifacts from view. They still took a pilgrimage periodically to check them. 

These boys weren’t his friends…

They would sell him out, kill him without a thought to get ahead. 

Chapter Text

“Minerva, enrollment is down.” They were examining the current list. The thick book had new names appearing every school term, yet numbers were down rather than up. 

She scowled in his direction.

What did he, the other board members expect? Of course numbers were down! Most of the population were dampened or dead. 

Some hidden altogether.

Muggleborn children never came to their school.

Well, they weren’t labeled that way these days. “Changing incoming age limits won’t make a difference… I’ve informed Dumbledore. The board does not see them as children, just galleons. They see them as a source to be utilized.”

Her aggressive attitude evident.

Severus smirked. “You would do well to recall your position. We all have a role here, the children arriving sooner isn’t a problem. It gives them a head start. We cannot protect them outside these walls.”

She understood him then. 

Understood Albus’s plan… “how many?”

”more than you think.” He declared. 

Minerva knew he had to stay vague. The ministry evidently didn’t know what the headmaster was doing or he would be dead. So would Severus, anyone lying about current students missing who were actually muggleborns. Hidden within the school?

Why were they risking it?

“Arrangements have been made, for special circumstances. Certain families are willing to work with us to put their children in place to help us. Our own children are not as powerful as they once were Minerva… we need the influx. They need the protection. It is complicated, dangerous, and every prophecy thus far has been prevented.” He explained with sadness gripping his heart. He turned away. “The time for subtle gestures is almost over. Callum, many others… they don’t see what they have done to cripple this world. The elements are furious.”

Hermione presented herself as taught. Polite, sweet, and timidly not looking the important magical guests in the eyes.

She needed to seem small, and act impressed by them.

Hidden in plain sight. Survival.

Her thoughts drifted to Draco.

Was his family one of the important ones? Would they visit as some point? Negotiate? Her father spoke with so many. His expertise useful… connections. He’d been considered brilliant once.

Her mother fawned and bragged in the distance with a stern set of women admiring a glass bowl filled with milky smoke.

So odd.

Spinning her ring, Hermione abandoned her station. These gatherings were so often, they blurred in her mind.

His stormy eyes flashed. Hurricanes? Typhoons perhaps? Pure silver? She wondered what types of magic he could do. Some had unique gifts. He was definitely special…

Daffodils grew out of surrounding vases and painting frames as Hermione ventured away from the crowd, down the empty corridor. She reached the entrance to tunnels that led to kitchens.

She remained unaware her ring was failing.

Her powers had increased yet again. 

Someone else noticed…

”do you want to ride with me today?” She asked. “We’ve been visiting each other for years now, surely you trust my riding skills prat!”

Her teasing never failed to rile him. Her favorite pastime.

Draco jumped to his feet, tossing aside his book. “But no trotting!”

She grinned with glee.

He climbed up behind Hermione. “Hold on tight!” Draco barely had time before she took off. 

Her horse raced like a demon. Both of them were laughing hard. Her joy infectious as always. Jacob and Whitney had supplied Hermione with a new ring a month after that celebration a couple of years prior.

She prayed it held true. 

Her father might rein her tighter in if another failed. She was tired of no birthday parties or friends. Sneaking to see Draco was pleasant, but what if he disappeared?

That caused her endless stress.

They were young. He was ten, Freshly from June. She would be 11 in September, it was almost upon her. He had told her he might have to go away to a different school next year. No more tutorials.

She’d cried.

He gripped tightly as her horse ran.

The first time Draco reached for her hand, Hermione froze. But, someday… she imagined, kissing him. He would be her first kiss.  She decided that.

Made up her mind.

He never commented on the flowers growing or other oddities. He never fussed if she twiddled or removed her ring for a while… even when she made bigger things happen.

They seemed to know how each other felt easily. 

He wanted to bring her to see his home… but that frightened them. His father… that was an intimidating thought. Draco wondered if his mother would be easier to convince.

Hermione loved counting stars with him, one night she kissed his cheek before running away home. 

He simply stared where she’d been for a long time after, palm on his cheek. Still as a statue.

His body tingling.

Heart beating fast. 

Looking down, he was surrounded. As far as he could see, in every direction, by daffodils? Her ring lay on the ground? “Oh no…” Draco muttered.  

Chapter Text

“You wear that trinket always… you have for years now, I had to commission new cuff links. Do not think we don’t know why.” Narcissa stated matter of factly. 

He opened and closed his mouth.

Lucius glanced up from his plate, “did you think us imbeciles?”

”blind?” She added.

Draco stuttered. “well… not, exactly… I just, I think… are you angry? Will you hurt her?”

His expression held sincere concern.

They had previously discussed how to approach this issue.

”angry? No…” Lucius answered.

Narcissa replied. “Hurt the muggle girl? Of course not… but, you endanger her. She is not merely muggle son.”

”you have noticed, do not treat us at idiots. Let us be frank, it is why they placed a ring on her… why we had to add wards to her family’s land. They are deeply rooted in matters even they don’t understand.” Lucius explained, he appeared saddened. “I hoped you would lose interest.”

Draco’s eyes widened.

”that was very foolish of your father, he should have truly watched how she looked at you and vice versa.” Narcissa smiled fondly at her son. “Youth can be innocent and sweet, affection and love cannot be deterred once set on a particular path by fate or nature’s plan.”

”love? We’re too young for love?” Draco urgently muttered.

He looked back and forth.

Granted, Hermione snuck onto his property as well when he came home from school now too… 

He had taught her things…

She was special.

Muggles could do magic… muggleborns. He read about them. They were different. Special. Rare. He hid the fact she was one… is that why they spoke this way? A warning? The ministry… the government? Yes! They would hurt her!

He scowled.

”they can’t have her! Promise father… mother… ! Please!” Draco began to cry with frustration, his own magic becoming unstable. “She… she’s mine… I feel like, we’re friends…”

His parents offered him a quiet smile each, their calmness unnerved him.

So strange.

More than if they’d raged or thrown him in the dungeon.

Confused.

He was very confused.

”her father has an arrangement. She is safe mostly. But, someone has noticed. It took a while.” His father pointed out. “They will observe for now, she won’t realize it any time soon. Do not tell her unless there is a reason to. No need to scare the girl. Let her continue to grow, keep her protected from the rest of them. If you don’t, you will lose her.”

Draco understood.

More…

He needed more time.

As they lay together in his mother’s garden the following morning, Draco was quiet. They were 13 now.

Teenagers.

She still complained about him being away at school, and her parents only allowing tutors to see her. Hermione was so utterly lonely.

Draco noticed her ring was different.

He gifted her a necklace for her birthday early. He made sure it held calming and protective enchantments. He wouldn’t see her on her birthday. But, she said he was all she wanted for it. It had made him blush. 

They swapped gifts on his actual day. 

Her gift to him was their first kiss…

And… an engraved pocket watch.

It held a lovely image of a daffodil and a serpent. The silver surface gleaming brightly in the sun as he held it, made him feel such warmth. 

He was standing there staring at the watch in his palm grinning when Hermione leaned forward, kissing him. Startling him at first, then he continued it… kissing her happily back with a hum.

A breeze blew soft through their hair, when they drew apart shyly… both were pink cheeked. Laying on the cushioning grass, they enjoyed the serene feeling. Held hands, and just were happy.

Draco felt simple bliss.

Their magic seemed to be dancing together inside. 

Everything around them was brighter and more beautiful. The birds singing, flowers  scent amazing, twice as many blooming, and he just couldn’t stop turning to look at her. 

They both kept grinning and chuckling.

He hated he’d have to return to Hogwarts eventually.

It was so drab there.

It seemed like nature itself loved Hermione, why couldn’t he just stay with her? Hide her within the manor? Away from her family and the outside world?

She would be safer with him? 

Didn’t his parents think it was fate?

Plan?

Path?

Or whatever?

Hermione left Draco reluctantly, she almost didn’t that day. It had gotten harder and harder.

She stepped in through the door to the main dining room. “mother?”

She screamed.

On the floor, were both her parents.

Madalyn and Frank Granger were laying dead. Eyes facing up and wide, blank stare.

”I suppose it is time to formally introduce myself dearie…”

Chapter Text

He didn’t seem even slightly worried about her reaction. Almost amused.

Her head was swimming with fear and grief… if only she’d stayed with Draco!

Draco!

Would he be next?!

She turned to flee, only to be trapped by an invisible force.

His accent was thick, but she understood. He was one of the dangerous ones. One of Draco’s kind. They’d finally killed her family. But why hadn’t he just murdered her? That terrified her even more.

“You have met me before, you were a wee one then. Antonin Dolohov at your service. My master and many others have claimed you, we have claims for your kind. I undercover your ilk… watch to be sure, punish those who hide them.” He told her proudly. It disgusted her. 

She sneered.

Spitting in his direction.

He only laughed heartily. “A bit of fire, a young entertaining one I’ve found.”

“I belong to no one!” She yelled at him, her magic sparking. 

He noticed her necklace then, cocking his head… he also caught sight of her wrist. The Malfoy’s cuff links sparkled on her friendship bracelet. Antonin knew of odd muggle things, and wizarding pureblood customs. The little muggleborn girl held both.

Was Lord Malfoy aware his heir had done such?

If he was right… that necklace would not be removed. Her little bracelet might be holding traces of the boy’s magic as well if he gave it freely as well, or exchanged it with her for another jewelry item.

Curious.

Not such a simple acquisition after all.

Hermione was about to ask him further questions, opening her mouth to speak… her eyes tear filled. But, he stunned her before the words left her lips.

He caught her as she fell. 

“you are coming with me, what I am to do with you might become slightly more complicated than previously planned.” Antonin told her unconscious form.

He apparated from her home after setting the place on fire. 

Chapter Text

“Mother?! Something is wrong!” Draco ran frantically through their manor seeking her. He needed help, guidance, and somehow to get back to Hermione! “Father?! Anyone!”

His chest tightened.

A panic attack. He might be having a panic attack.

”son? What’s has you so afraid?” Narcissa knelt beside her boy, gently petting his hair.

He looked up to her, the strain in his eyes evident. “I feel her… something is happening! Something wrong! I don’t know what! But I sense pain, anger, fear… from her!”

His mother sighed.

Lucius stepped up behind them. Silently communicating with his wife. He knew…

She’d been noticed, watched.

They finally acted.

He hated his son’s aching heart was suffering the action of others. Repercussions… unfortunate. Expected.

”son, we knew this could happen. But, you claimed her, that will aide in protecting her. Let me see what I can do now that they’ve taken action. Her parents are probably dead now. It is what typically occurs. The home burned. The child claimed. She had several interested parties, those parties however, had no knowledge you had prior claim. That changes things.” Lucius explained.

His knowledge seemed to quiet Draco’s panic and tears. 

“please father protect her. I… she kissed me, I love her. I know I do! My magic knows hers! Hers chose me!” Draco pleaded.

Narcissa smiled. “We know my dragon, we’ve always known.”

Lucius nodded.

He left them to go where he did not want to be. It couldn’t be helped. To aide the girl, and his son… he had to face his demons.

Chapter Text

In his finery, Draco arrived with his parents. The dining hall filled with guests eager to earn favor and vying for promotion. 

His father regal, as he led them through the masses of faceless men and women who didn’t matter.

Narcissa kept close to her son. “She’s not here amongst the crowd, that’s actually a good sign.”

Draco nodded. 

Bellatrix, her husband, his brother, and others circled their Lord. Speaking in hushed tones. Lucius led his family closer carefully.

He noticed Antonin, “I see you made time to socialize tonight, you typically avoid it.”

The man chuckled, “I do, that’s truth, but there’s interesting news I was discussing so I suppose my presence is not so much a surprise. Our Lord has been listening to me as well as our brothers and sister here. A situation has become evident.” 

Lucius did not miss the glance towards Draco.

”your son is a topic, you may not be aware of all his activities of late.” Antonin continued. 

Lucius knew he had a choice to make, “I am fully aware of all my son’s activities, he is a gifted student and magic itself has blessed him.”

At that response, others were listening intently. Antonin laughed heartily. But, his response was halted by the Dark Lord’s approach. “Lucius Malfoy, your son has gifted claiming jewelry to a muggleborn, and taken trinkets of such from her infused with her magic onto his person. Were you aware? Do you authorize? Did he put the Malfoy family claim on the girl? Other parties had been involved, have put inquiries in place to claim her.”

Lucius momentarily let his eyes drift to his son, then back to his master. “We were aware. He had our blessing. I knew of the others interested, but my son has been friends with the girl for years… their magic chose that claim long before anyone could make those decisions. The family had an arrangement with the ministry, apparently it has concluded. Allow her to be Draco’s. Her magic is stronger than your field agent has reported. She is a natural witch, elemental creature. My son says is flows through her… that everything in nature respects her and responds to her. She learned spells without a wand easily and can do nonverbal as well. Her magic chose my son, she won’t do well if you allow another to attempt a claim. She’ll fight it, be extremely volatile. She is powerful. She is already attached and has affection for Draco.”

”you sabotaged the process!” Bellatrix screamed.

Antonin stepped up, “your son should never have had access to her, but I saw the business arrangement you had with her father. Their home and its proximity created an issue. Her mind is full of worry that Draco is in danger. The necklace and bracelet she wears can’t be removed, I tried myself while she was unconscious.”

The Dark Lord motioned for Draco to come forward.

Chapter Text

His bravery seemed to amuse the Dark Lord and confused everyone else in attendance. How could this teen not be petrified?

”young Malfoy, are you aware of what your actions have wrought? There are others who had prior claims in place for the muggle girl.”  Scanning his followers, he continued, “Antonin has a list of potential candidates. All of which are very displeased at the moment, they are calling for punishment.”

Draco nodded, but didn’t buckle. “I know sir. Father informed me of my unintentional inconvenience to others. However, Hermione is mine… she has always been…”

At his firm statement, the Dark Lord bellowed loudly.

Several in the crowd looked murderous.

Scowling in Draco’s direction, already plotting. 

Lucius and Narcissa were actually quite proud of him, the finality of his statement. He believed as his father, what was his was his. He protected what was his. Lucius smirked despite himself at his young heir.

”it seems that way,” a wand flourished quickly over Draco, his eyes widening. “Her magic clings to you like nothing I’ve seen, it is interesting. Lucius is correct, her power is unique. Your own magic twines with hers. You’ve both infused your mutual gifts to each other as if betrothed. I’m afraid, Antonin, there will be no separation. As far as their magical cores are concerned, they are married. Your young wife, Has redecorated one side of my home as it were. A yellow flower amongst other plant life has erupted from the area she is being kept. It began spreading the moment she woke.”

Draco smiled. “Daffodils… her favorite. But, nature responds to her in general. Father explained that. It’s always been that way since I met her. Please release her, she could respond badly if kept in captivity or away from me I think. Her parents were already taken from her.” His expression shifted to sadness.

Their master wasn’t known for mercy or kindness, “Lucius, do you truly want your heir to officially marry a muggleborn? The only way to cut his link to her now is death. He can formally complete the ritual per your family’s traditions with my blessing or by your word she dies to set him free to marry one of your choosing.”

Lucius felt all eyes on him.

Draco stopped breathing.

Hermione sat amongst the flowers in her room. Their master wasn’t wrong. The room wasn’t bad, walls had become vine ridden and roses bloomed. The small window, too high to reach, had allowed birds in. The tree that sprouted had ruined the floor, its roots curled in various patterns. She wondered if anyone cared.

The man who’d first noticed, dropped her food that he brought her. He ran off to tell someone. The evil man who’d killed her parents came to see. 

No one had returned.

Her meals magically appeared and empty dishes left.

Hermione thought about Draco. She hoped he was ok. No one mentioned him yet, perhaps he hadn’t been punished. 

If she concentrated hard enough could she spread flowers farther than her room?

She giggled. 

Time passed like that, but it helped.

Suddenly, she felt it… he was close. She knew it. Sensed him! Somewhere? This place was someone’s home? They must have finally brought him here too. She glared at the door.

They better not hurt him!

Chapter Text

Lucius knew he would make no friends with the answer he had to give his master. “My Lord of course I accept the girl for my son. She is exceptionally gifted, he adores her and her him. What more could a Malfoy father wish for his heir? Powerful grandchildren will come later, happiness for my son, and a chance for a better future.”

His master nodded. “You as always speak with a unique view, unselfish in your way for you love your son and seek his health and joy. Some here seek only power. They would seek her death purely based on background despite her powerful base and Draco’s obvious desire.” 

Draco gazed at the ground glaring angrily. 

If anyone dared…

“Young Malfoy… do not fret, no one is taking your muggle girl.” Taunted his uncle.

He wasn’t sure if he believed any of them despite the Dark Lord’s statements.

CRACK!

The loud crack boomed throughout the grand hall. It shook the entire chamber, knocking everyone off their feet.

”what is the meaning of this!” Shouted the Dark Lord. “Who dares?!” 

Faces twisted anxiously towards the source.

At the feet of the person who arrived, the marble floor was cracked. Between the crevices grew daffodils, vines began to form. Spreading along the floor. 

Hermione looked vicious in her anger, magical energy rotating around her. “No one harms Draco!” She demanded.

Shock silenced the room. 

Lucius smirked.

Draco smiled. Picked himself up, “ Hermione…”

”He was not to be harmed child… I assure you. “ the Dark Lord stood. “ We were discussing your situation moments ago with Lucius. I approve your official union, despite others wishing to dissolve it.”

She glanced around at the hostile crowd.

At the man who murdered her parents.

”He killed them…” she whimpered. Tears slid down her cheeks. 

Vines crept closer to Antonin. 

“They… he, want Draco gone! To take me from him!” She cried. The room trembled. 

The Dark Lord’s eyes widened. The girl indeed held power. No wand. Elemental strength. Her emotions were running high, she wanted the boy, and needed to be calmed. “Draco… go to your young wife son.”

Draco slowly did.

Hermione smiled broadly at the sight of him unharmed. 

“can we really be together?” She asked softly. 

He nodded.

He hoped it was true. 

He reached out, pulling her to himself, her magic calming instantly. The room stopped trembling. She sighed in his arms. Draco kissed her curls. “It’s ok, we’re going to be ok.”

Chapter Text

Hermione wasn’t sure where the energy pulsing within her came from, but she knew Draco was hers. They were not taking him and he had to safe. She also knew, she wasn’t safe with anyone except him.

The chaotic energy inside her soothed with him closer, it felt content.

”Antonin, you disposed of the muggle family? You could have imprisoned them or obliviated the parents? They were high level muggles after all? The reason for the disposal?” The Dark Lord inquired. 

Antonin swallowed, glanced towards the teens, then back to his Lord, “they refused to comply my Lord, her father fought back. He spoke ill of our kind, of your rule… I could not let it stand. It would set a precedent. The high born muggles might think themselves untouchable.”

Hermione began to tremble, her father had been loyal. He feared the magical ones too much to fight back… even for her. He loved her, but she knew, she understood his fear. They took and killed without hesitation.

”I see, a statement. My apologies for my soldiers child. They can be overzealous, I cannot repair what has been taken. I can give you this one thing however, the boy. Typically, you would go through a claiming. But, you both tragically and happily intervened creating this situation. You are technically bonded. You can complete the bond officially with mine and his father’s permission. I am granting that. You will officially be his young wife. You will be allowed to attend his school as his wife. You will not be considered a muggle after my decree.” The Dark Lord explained. 

She gazed up shocked.

”you can’t change what she is! My Lord!” Bellatrix screamed.

He sent a vicious crucio. “ I do what I decide! Does anyone else deem my wishes ill advisable?”

No one spoke. 

All the while, vines quietly inched secretly towards their goal without anyone noticing.

”let us adjourn to the dining hall, the young couple must be celebrated. And I believe Narcissa and Lucius must prepare for a Malfoy soul bonding ceremony.”

As everyone filed out, no one noticed Antonin’s mouth being covered or his body wrapped tight. Or when he was wrapped even more until he stopped breathing. 

Slowly… the vines pulled his limp body within the yellow flowers, and he sank deep within the soil. 

Maybe they will notice once seated at dinner.

Perhaps not.

Chapter Text

The crowd ate and chatted nervously, sneaking glances. Bellatrix and others not so subtle with their glares. The Dark Lord seemed at ease, pleased with the outcome.

Hermione remained close to Draco.

Lucius and Narcissa sat side by side across from Severus. Mentally discussing their options. 

At nearly midnight, Lucius pulled Draco aside. “Your robes have been prepared, your mother has the rings you will use. I’m sorry this bonding will be rushed and at such a young age my son. But, I know you care for each other strongly. Protect her, her you. Your magic chose well. They will regret hurting her. I am thankful we are on her good side.” He smiled at his heir. “I am proud of you. The easy choice is not always the right choice, facing the crowd alone with a differing view may be momentous and hard, but it is worth it.”

Draco smirked, he understood.

”yes Father.” Draco went to prepare. Hermione was with his mother.

Neither liked the idea of the guests present, but really it didn’t matter.

”He is simply vanished master, before the dinner. We have not been able to locate him.” The terrified elves reported. 

He was extremely displeased. After the disturbance he had caused! 

“Keep searching the grounds, no one should have been able to leave without me being alerted!” He boomed.

Candles loomed in a lovely circle. Erie mist and silver roses surrounded them, their bare feet stood upon them. They faced each other in almost glowing white robes. The moonlight shining down as they smiled excitedly. 

The wizard performing the bonding went through the ancient ritual efficiently, unrushed, finally he had the young couple slice their palms.

Their blood pooled.

Dripped onto the ground of the ancient manor’s grounds. It’s stone, it’s soil. Joining and disappearing.

The glow of their palms were almost blinding, as they repeated the incantation the wizard directed them to speak. Then Draco slid a Malfoy relic from his great-great grandmother onto Hermione’s finger. She repeated by sliding the matching ring on his finger. 

When the ceremony ended with a kiss, “Mr and Mrs Draco Lucius Malfoy!”

As the words left his lips, the crowd gasped.

Golden light circled their heads, silver light circled their bodies, coming up from the ground itself, as dandelions spread outwards from where they stood lips locked sealing the bond.

Nature itself was happy.

Magic was celebrating.