A MATE FOR LIFE

Chapter Twenty-One

The next weekend, Hermione was talking to Draco while he was getting his gear on for the Ravenclaw quiddich match, when Dobby popped into their common room. “Excuse me Miss Hermione and Mr. Malfoy, but the headmaster would like to see you right away in his offices.” He said as he was pulling on his mismatched socks.

“Thanks Dobby, we’ll go straight away.” Draco said as he looked to Hermione. “Wonder what he wants?”

They both were to find out shortly. As they walked into Dumbledore’s office, a tall blonde woman stood up. “Mum, what are you doing here?” Draco asked as he hugged his mother close.

“Well, since we will be spending out holidays apart, I thought we might spend a day or two together here.” She replied smiling.

“Sounds great Mum, I’m just about to play some quiddich shortly, then we’ll have all weekend.” Draco said very happy to see his mother.

“You can sit with the faculty and watch the game Mrs. Malfoy.” Dumbledore stated.

“That is so kind, and please call me Narcissa.” She said as she smiled in agreement.

Draco went over to Hermione and pulled her closer, “And mum, I would like you to meet Hermione Granger.....my girlfriend.” He said smiling into Hermione’s eyes.

Narcissa saw the happiness radiating from both of their faces. “Hermione, I have heard a lot about you over the years.”

“Probably not all good, I’m sure.” Hermione smirk

Narcissa gave an answering smile. “No, it wasn’t all good. But the last year it has been good, I promise you.”

“The last year?” She looked over to Draco who shrugged his shoulders in answer, while his mother looked at him and smiled as his embarrassment.

“Well, if Professor Dumbledore doesn’t mind, Hermione can sit with me, so I can get to know her.”

“Not at all. Miss Granger is welcome to sit where she likes.” Dumbledore stated his eyes twinkling at Hermione who smiled back at him.

In a short while they were all seated while they watched the Slytherin team go against Ravenclaw. “He looks good out there, doesn’t he?” Narcissa said looking over to Hermione.

“Yes, he does look good. He’s a very good quiddich player, and captain for Slytherin.”

“I also heard you were not too bad of a player?” Narcissa stated.

“I just started playing this year. Most of my time has been spent with my studies. I plan on being a professor some day.” Hermione said, her eyes still following the blonde Slytherin.

“Yes. Most of the comments over the years has been on how you always seem to beat him in grades. You unknowingly helped my son realize his potential, did you know that?”

“No I didn’t.

“He was always trying tove hve himself to his father and tried harder in everything to get his approval. When you received good grades, he studied harder so as to top your grades. Over the past few years, he has been doing it for himself and not for his father’s approval. He also has talked about furthering his studies to become a professor. For that I thank you.” Narcissa said wiping the tear that had slipped from her eyes.

Hermione looked over to Draco’s mother. “I never knew that about him. I am glad he’s doing it for himself. He’s a smart guy, he can do anything he sets his mind to....I think he would make a terrific professor.”

“You make him very happy. Do you love him?” She asked bluntly.

Hermione looked to Draco who was gaining on the snitch to his mother. “Yes, I do. I do love him. Do you have a problem with me being muggle-born, because I believe he as overlooked that now.”

Narcissa grasped Hermione’s hand, “No, I don’t have a problem with muggles. It was all Lucius, and you don’t have to worry about him. Lucius will be in Azkaban for a long, long time and can’t hurt anyone anymore, including Draco and myself. So, you have my complete blessing. I can see that you make him happy, and that’s what counts most to me.”

They both looked down in time to see Draco reach out and grab the elusive snitch and hold it high in the air. The Slytherin team carried their captain back to the castle, where they were to start their celebration. Hermione and Narcissa following close behind.


Hermione and Narcissa waited in the Slytherin common room while the team showered and changed out of their quiddich robes. Joining them was Harry, Ron and some other student’s from other houses helping in the celebration. Draco came out to stand by his mother who was watching the students relive the game. “Enjoy the game mum?” Draco asked.

“Yes, I was very proud of you. Although I am always proud of you, well most of the time anyway.” She smirked to her only son.

He looked over ermiermione who was joking with Blaise and Harry. “So, what do you think of her?”

She followed Draco’s line of vision. “Hermione? She’s a lovely and intelligent girl. Anyone can see she cares for you and .....I can see you care for her too.” She said as she looked him directly in the eye.

“It’s more than just care mum....I love her, I’ve never felt his way before about a girl.”

“You love her?”

“Yes. She makes me whole....and at the New Years Ball, I plan to ask .....her to marry me.” He finally blurted out.

She was surprised the feelings went that deep. “Are you sure, you’re both so young.....”

“I know. I know. But by wizard standards we are both adults already. I know I can make her happy and I want to spend the rest of my life proving that to her.” Draco ad

Narcissa cupped her son’s cheek and saw the love there for Hermione. “I know you will make her happy, and I know she will make you happy. So...you have my blessing. Now go, I believe the love of your life would like a dance with you.”

Draco kissed her cheek. “Thanks mum. Your blessing means a lot to me.” He said as he rushed to Hermione’s side to gather her in his arms.


Snape noticed Narcissa standing off to the side and decided to approach her. He stood at her side and handed her a drink. “Hello, Narcissa, good to see you again.”

“Ah Severus.” She said as she kissed his cheek in greeting. “Sorry I didn’t get a chance to talk to you during the game, but I was talking to Hermione. It has been a long time hasn’t it?”

“Yes, quite a few years. You’re looking lovely as ever.” Snape said smoothly.

She smiled up at him. “Thank you Severus.” And glanced to Draco and Hermione who were dancing close, oblivious to anyone else in the room.

“Surprisingly, they make quite a couple.” Snape said gesturing to the young couple.

“Yes, they do. And if Draco has his way, Hermione will be my daughter-in-law by the end of the next year.” She said wistfully. “I always wanted a daugher.”

Snape’s surprise was evident. “Draco is going to ask her to marry him? I didn’t realize.”

Narcissa laughed softly. “I was quite surprised myself. He hasn’t told her yet. I guess he plans to ask her on New Years Eve.”

They continued watching the young people for the next hour or two, while catching up on what’s been happening with their lives since they attended school together here. Finally saying their goodnights and letting the young people let loose without the adults present.


The next couple of days were spent with Narcissa who regaled them on her and her friends antics at Hogwarts when she went to school here, and getting to know Hermione better. Her last day she gave them their Christmas gifts. She gave Draco a set of keys, which he held up and raised his brow at her in question. “Those are the keys to the beach front property in the Caribbean. I give it to you. I plan on selling the mansion and doing some travelling in the near future. Now that I am finally free of your father, I am able to do what I want. I know that you have always enjoyed the time you spend there, so now it ngs ngs to you.” Narcissa stated.

Draco got up and hugged his mother. “Thanks, but you didn’t need to do this.”

“Yes, I did. I am a very wealthy woman in my own right. Why not give my son something I know he would like and care for.” She kissed his cheek. “Now Hermione, there is a little something here for you too.” As she handed her two wrapped gifts.

Hermione was surprised as she wasn’t expecting anything for Draco’s mother. She opened the onft tft to reveal a beautiful gold watch with a gold dragon design on the face. “Thank you, this is very generous.” She slipped it on her wrist and looked at it. “I love the dragon on it. Thank you again.” The other gift she unwrapped to reveal was a set of two black silk barrettes with diamonds encrusted around the edges. “Thank you, they’re beautiful.” She cried as she got up to hug her.

Narcissa hugged her back, “Your welcome Hermione. I am glad you like them.”

“Like them, I love them....but I didn’t get you anything. It doesn’t feel right to me.” Hermione cried.

“Don’t you see Hermione, I am thanking you for making my son the happiest he has been in a
long time. That is all the thanks I need from you.” As she wiped the tear from Hermione’s cheek.

Draco looked at the two most important women in his life and smiled. He leaned over to kiss his mother on her cheek. “Happy Christmas Mum.” Then kissed Hermione softly of the lips.

The next day they both saw his mum off to the gates of Hogwarts, where she apparated to her friend’s house who had asked her to visit over the holidays. Draco and Hermione walked back to the castle hand in hand, happy that the unexpected visit with his mother was a happy one.