Concerned and Conceited: A Victorian Romance

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Concerned and Conceited A

Victorian Romance by

drcjsnider

Category: Harry Potter

Genre: Humor, Romance

Language: English

Characters: Draco M., Hermione G.

Status: Completed

Published: 2011-05-24Updated: 2011-05-24

Packaged: 2013-01-26 19:06:27

Rating: M

Chapters: 1Words: 10,072

Publisher: www.fanfiction.net

Summary: When Hermione brings Ros


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Concerned and Conceited A

Victorian Romance

Title: Concerned and Conceited, Victorian Romance

Rating: R

Pairings: Draco/HermioneScorpius/Rose

Disclaimer: Almost everything belongs toJ.K. Rowling, what doesn't belong to he

could easily belong to Jane Austen, and

here is at least one thing that belongs t

William Shakespeare. I have made no

money from this endeavor.

Word Count: 9543

Warning(s): Sex, language that mighmake you blush if you lived in Victorian

England.


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Author/Artist Note(s): Written foChristiana in the final dmhgficexchange o

ivejournal. Christina wanted 'post

Hogwarts, slow progression orelationship, happy ending'. I have th

slow progression and the happy ending

but whether or not this is post-Hogwart

can be debated. Some might be inclined targue that it is WAY WAY WAY before

Hogwarts but I see no reason to quibbl

about it. I hope you enjoy reading it. I ha

a lot of fun writing it. A big hearty thank

o my beta the ever-talented and giving

queenb23more. I mucked around with th

story after she read it, however, so anymistakes are my own.

Summary: When Hermione brings Roso London for her first season, she did no

expect to spend most of her time trying t


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prevent her daughter from getting engage

o the wrong man.

When Hermione Weasley informed hefootman she'd receive visitors on th

morning of April 23, 1840, she'd neve

expected Lord Malfoy to present his card

Their acquaintance was trifling and theifew interactions over twenty years ag

had been vitriolic in nature. Indeed

Hermione's late husband had never had

kind word to say about Malfoy, evebefore news of his shocking pro-Frenc

stance during the Napoleonic War

became public.

She turned his card over in her han

several times, trying unsuccessfully t

determine through deduction and reaso


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he nature of his visit.

"Should I show him in, Mrs. Weasley?"

Hermione looked into the expressionles

face of her footman and nodded slowly

There was no point in idle speculatio

about the purpose of Malfoy's visit whehe man with the answers to her question

stood outside the door waiting to spea

with her.

ot being of a delicate constitution

Hermione boldly met Lord Malfoy's gaz

as he entered the drawing room. He ha

changed little since she'd last seen himHis features were still sharp, his eye

narrow and cunning, and his complexio

fair. He was perhaps not quite as slim a


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he'd once been, and the lines on his fac

were etched deeper, but there was no

mistaking him for another man.

"Lord Malfoy," she murmured as he stood

before her.

"Mrs. Weasley," he replied with a slighbow. "I appreciate your willingness to

receive me."

She inclined her head in acknowledgmenhis words. "Please have a seat." Once he'

arranged himself in a chair across fro

her, Hermione wasted no time makin

small talk. "I must admit that your visit iquite unexpected."

"Is it?" he replied with an arch of on


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He looked at her as if she must be th

worst mother in the world. "I believe the

became acquainted while both wer

staying at Grimmauld Place last summer."

She gave a jerky nod in response. Ros

and Hugo had stayed with the Potte

family for two months the previous yearwhile Hermione tried to work through th

pain of her husband's unexpected death. "

did not realize your son was on intimat

erms with my brother-in-law and hifamily."

"Scorpius became friends with Albu

Potter when they were both at Cambridge

Apparently, the boys were in Londo

when your children descended for a

extended visit. I'm not sure if the


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exchanged correspondence over th

winter, but it is my belief that they'v

renewed their acquaintance since you

daughter has returned to London,"

Hermione's tight smile revealed that she'

finally realized the motivation behin

Malfoy's morning visit. He was concernehat his son was infatuated with Rose. H

probably thought his heir was too preciou

o be allowed to form an alliance with th

granddaughter of a tradesman. Pushinaside her inclination to screech like

fishwife at his presumption, Hermion

decided to inform Malfoy in the cleares

erms possible that the Weasley family

could aim for a much higher connectio

han the son of a man who might as wel

have been a traitor in the last war. "M


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applaud your optimism that my concern

will come to naught, I believe it would b

much better to address this issue in

straightforward manner before there arunsavory consequences. Waiting even a

week might allow Scorpius and you

daughter's relationship to progress to

point where it is no longer easy tdispatch. Given your desire for Mis

Weasley to marry well and my belief tha

Scorpius is much too young to ge

nvolved in a serious liaison, it behoove

us to intervene now rather than when it'

oo late."

Although Hermione recognized the sens

of Malfoy's judgment, she doubted that hi

sole motivation for avoiding a possibl

alliance between his family and th


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Weasleys was his son's age. Still, the

wisdom of his words was compelling

Although Hermione tried not to be a

overindulgent parent, since Ron's death year ago, she had hesitated t

unnecessarily interfere with her children'

potential happiness. If Rose did fall i

ove with Malfoy's son, it would bdifficult, if not cruel, to separate them, n

matter how unfortunate the alliance

Therefore, it was better to part them now

before their affections became too warm.

Hermione glanced at Lord Malfoy an

braced herself to work with him. N

matter how repugnant she found the idea

cooperating with Malfoy would be th

best way to protect her daughter's hear

from a misalliance. Still, she didn't hav


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o be pleasant about the situation. "Wha

do you suggest we do?" she aske

haughtily. "Lock them in their rooms

Forbid them to associate with eacother?"

"Actually," Malfoy replied, lookin

uneasy for the first time, "I was hopinhat you might consider removing Ros

from London temporarily."

"Impossible," Hermione said, her eyeflashing. "Rose has already missed thre

seasons due to accidents, illness, and he

father's death. If she misses another one

she'll she'll be"

"She'll be officially a spinster?"


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"Hardly that," Hermione sniffed

"However, it could be disastrous if sh

missed another season. You know as wel

as I that a girl only has a few years tmake an eligible match before her option

dwindle significantly. Your son operates

under no such disadvantage. Why don

you just remove him from London?"

Something flashed in Malfoy's grey eyes

but his face was unreadable

"Unfortunately, my wife left Scorpius wita large enough inheritance that I canno

command his obedience. It is only throug

fatherly fidelity that I can hope to sway hi

udgment."

"So why don't you commence swaying?

Hermione asked, trying not to smile a


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Malfoy's situation. It had to be galling fo

him to have so little influence over hi

son.

"I've already suggested that he and Albu

Potter go hunting in Wiltshire or travel to

Paris this spring, but he refuses to leav

own."

"Is it his obstinacy in this matter alone tha

eads you to suspect his partiality to m

daughter?"

Malfoy shook his head. "No. There hav

been other indications her name ha

been mentioned in several conversationsScorpius has exhibited a recent desire t

have his aunt secure him a voucher t

Almack's, and his purchase two days ag


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of a lady's mount."

Hermione bit her bottom lip as sh

pondered Malfoy's words. All of hievidence was circumstantial. It coul

point to many things that had nothing to d

with her daughter. Yet, at the same time, i

was very strong evidence of his interest isome eligible woman. Short of catchin

Rose locked in Scorpius' embrace, sh

might not have another clue of thei

possibility affection for each other until iwas too late. "Perhaps I should just as

her about it? There is no point worrying i

hey are just acquaintances."

Malfoy was saved from replying becaus

of that very moment, Rose, Scorpius, an

Albus stumbled into the Weasley drawing


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Albus in the side with his elbow.

"Where are my manners!" Ros

exclaimed. "Mum, this is ScorpiuMalfoy. He and Al attended Cambridge

ogether. He went riding with us thi

morning. In fact, he was the only one wh

managed to keep his head when Albusmount got stuck in a hole next to the river.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs

Weasley," Scorpius said as he gave adeep bow that was formal in spite of th

water dripping from his jacket.

"I suspect that your pleasure might havbetter waited until you were properl

attired," Malfoy spoke sternly as he mad

his presence in the room known. Fou


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he reactions of the young people t

Malfoy's presence. As it was, however

her sole desire was to rid her drawin

room of everyone wearing trousers so thashe could clean up and question Rose

With this goal in mind, she shot Malfoy

beseeching look and then spoke firmly

"Lord Malfoy, I don't believe you've beenntroduced to my daughter, Rose."

Malfoy inclined his head slightly. "Mis

Weasley, you remind me very much oyour father."

Hermione eyes narrowed at what, give

heir history, was probably an insult bot

o her late husband and daughter.

"Oh, lud," Rose murmured sinking in


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ow curtsey that her wet riding habit mad

mpossible to manage with any semblanc

of grace or style.

Malfoy gave Hermione an enigmati

smile. "Mrs. Weasley, I can see you mus

be desirous of some privacy. I'll take m

eave and can I perhaps be of somassistance in removing Scorpius and Mr

Potter from the premises?"

"Thank you, Lord Malfoy; that would bvery kind." She turned toward her nephew

and his friend. "Albus, Mr. Malfoy, you

must both return some afternoon for tea."

"But Aunt Hermione"

"Mum!"


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arrive."

As she glanced around the room

Hermione could understand her daughtebeing a bit nervous. After all, it wasn

everyday that a girl made her debut a

Almack's Assembly Rooms. Heaven knew

hat Hermione had never had thopportunity. Her father's lack of socia

status had made it impossible for her t

even contemplate such an occasion. By al

means, Rose should have been barrefrom attendance, too. Luckily, however

one of the Patronesses was married t

eville Longbottom, an officer who ha

served with Ron in France. This fortunat

circumstance, alongside the fact that Ros

was the niece of Captain Harry Potter, th

hero of Waterloo, had secured them


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entrance into the hallowed hall.

"He's here," Rose squeaked, jumping t

her feet.

Hermione grabbed her arm before sh

could rush off. "Sit down, dear. He'l

come to you soon enough."

Giving a deep sigh, Rose reluctantl

returned to her seat.

A gentle smile curved Hermione's lips a

her daughter's enthusiasm. As she scanned

he recent arrivals to the assembly rooms

however, her amusement quickly faded ahe sight of Lord Malfoy and Scorpiu

standing with Albus and his parents. I

here was one person who'd have a mor


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difficult time obtaining admission t

Almack's than Hermione, it was Drac

Malfoy. Clenching her teeth together sh

watched as he was pulled into whaappeared to be an animated conversatio

by his former sister-in-law, Daphn

Macmillan.

Hermione's attention was eventuall

drawn away from Lord Malfoy's surpris

appearance by Albus and Scorpiu

bowing a greeting to Rose. She watcheas they both requested to sign her danc

card.

"No more than two dances with each

darling."

"Mum!"


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"I did not create society's conventions

Rose. I am just here to remind you o

hem."

"Don't worry Mrs. Weasley," Scorpiu

said, a charming smile flashing across hi

countenance. "Al and I will make sure sh

doesn't step out of bounds."

"Indeed," Hermione replied icily

determined to firmly depress an

pretentions the boy might have toward hedaughter. "The way you did when sh

went riding with you the other morning?"

Scorpius flushed.

"Aunt Hermione!" Albus guiltil

exclaimed. "That was an accident. I assur


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you we were behaving with the greates

propriety until my horse got stuck."

"My dear nephew, you cannot imaginhow much your reassurance does no

provide me comfort."

Before Albus could protest furtherCaptain Harry Potter and his wife

Ginevra, joined the group. "Al, take you

cousin off to get some punch. I want to tal

o your aunt."

"Yes, sir," Albus replied with a sligh

bow before he, Scorpius, and Ros

hurried toward the refreshment table.

As soon as the young people were gone

Harry turned to Hermione and pointed


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finger at her face. "You owe me."

Hermione's back stiffened at his comment

Despite the fact that Harry was hebrother-in-law and one of her deares

friends, she did not appreciate hi

mperious attitude. "For what, pray tell?

"For forcing me to share a coach with tha

craven blight on the peerage, Drac

Malfoy."

"I forced you do no such thing. Frankly,

was shocked to see him entering th

Assembly Rooms with you."

"As well you should be," Harr

proclaimed. "While in France, Ron and

vowed never to do Malfoy a good turn if


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could be avoided."

"I would have thought your abhorrence o

Lord Malfoy went much deeper than that,Ginevra commented wryly.

"We were feeling particularly

magnanimous after having trussed upapoleon and shipped him off to the isl

of Saint Helena," Harry explained.

"And your nobleness was doubtlesslencouraged by a half dozen bottles of fin

French wine," Hermione added. "Tha

does not, however, explain why yo

believed me desirous of Lord Malfoy'attendance tonight."

Harry frowned. "Albus came home th


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other day nattering on about yo

entertaining Lord Malfoy to promote

match between Scorpius and Rose. H

seemed to think I would be doing you great favor if I helped pave the way fo

he union."

"Your son was completely off the markAlthough Lord Malfoy did call on me, th

wo of us were trying to insure that

misalliance would not occur between ou

children. I was initially inclined tbelieve he overstated the warmth of thei

affections, but if Albus is promoting th

wo." Hermione sighed, "It is not what

want for her, Harry."

"I should think not. I mean, Scorpius i

well enough, although perhaps too youn


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hwarting the younger pair's buddin

romance, it was a good idea to get

closer and unobstructed view of thei

nteraction. So Hermione extended hehand and allowed Malfoy to assist her t

her feet. "Thank you, I'd be delighted."

Hermione moved easily into LorMalfoy's arms as they joined the othe

dancers. She was struck immediately b

how different it felt to dance with hi

rather than Ron. Ron had towered oveher, making it impossible for them to

demonstrate anything close to prope

form. Malfoy, however, was only three o

four inches taller than she, so it fel

comfortable to place her fingers on hi

shoulder and he didn't have to stretch t

get his hand on her waist. He was als


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very graceful and didn't trod on he

slippers once. It was the most she'

enjoyed dancing since before he

marriage.

"So what do you think?"

"It's heavenly," Hermione smiled widely.

Malfoy frowned disapprovingly. "What

Have you changed your opinion about th

acceptability of the match then?"

Hermione blinked rapidly, her cheek

coloring when she realized he'd bee

alking about Rose and Scorpius. "Ohnoof course not." She looked towar

her daughter, who was just then laughin

at something Scorpius had whispered i


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fortune that kept the fair of face and for

at arm's length. Luckily, one of m

forbearers made a temporary alliance wit

Cromwell in the mid-seventeenth centurhat filled the family coffers."

"You have a superior understanding o

your family's past circumstances, LorMalfoy."

"You can thank my tutor's viciou

disposition and twitchy caning arm for mability to recall historical minutia. Tha

was one family tradition I refused to pas

on to my son. Scorpius is frightfull

gnorant when it comes to family history."

"Which is probably why he consider

Rose acceptable marriage material,


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Hermione stated forthrightly.

Malfoy stared down at her, a deep frow

creasing his features. "I know that giveour past encounters and my family'

reputation as being inordinately concerne

with lineage, you are more than justifie

n your comments. However, I assure youhat the only concern I have about a

alliance between Scorpius and Rose is m

son's age."

Hermione felt the heat spread across he

face. She wanted to challenge hi

pronouncement since it went agains

everything she knew to be true, but i

would be ungenerous to disbelieve him

She glanced across the floor at Rose an

Scorpius and saw her daughter looking a


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her. Rose raised an eyebrow and grinned

Hermione shook her head silently in reply

"I'm afraid our dancing together is no

having a depressing affect on ouchildren's pleasure in each othe

company."

Malfoy swung her around so that he coulwatch the pair. "Are you sure you can

remove her from London?"

"Positive," Hermione replied coldly.

"Then I believe a three-pronged attack i

n order."

"We just can't order them to stay apart?"

"If you want to spur them into a

elopement," he warned. "I believe w


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"Do you plan on commencing a search fo

ust such a Paragon or do you alread

have someone in mind?"

"I believe you are acquainted with m

cousin, Theodore Lupin. He's of an ag

and disposition to be highly attractive to

girl like Miss Weasley."

Hermione was inclined to agree. Mr

Lupin was a very well established and

highly regarded young man. He was alsHarry's godson, so Hermione coul

arrange several meetings between he an

Rose even without Malfoy's assistance

"He would be acceptable. What is th

second part of your strategy?"

"We become crass, domineering, and


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haughty parents, at least in front of thei

favored attachments."

"So when Rose is out of the room, should question your son about all thos

qualities that he lacks and th

circumstances that make him an ineligibl

match for my daughter?"

Malfoy smiled, obviously happy tha

Hermione was embracing his plans s

readily. "Exactly! I will do with samwith Rose. Hopefully, the prospect o

dealing with an overbearing in-law for th

next two or three decades will give eve

he most ardent of lovers a pause."

"What if it fails to prove effective?"


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"Then we must use my third idea. I'

you'll find it the most disagreeable."

Hermione raise both her eyebrows anwaited expectantly.

"We'll get engaged. If the idea of marrying

heir future step-brother or step-sistedoesn't drive Rose and Scorpius apart

hen we'll stage an elaborate breakup

That will allow each of us to clai

extreme duress at thought of any continueconnection to the child of our forme

paramour."

Malfoy was right to suspect that Hermionwould find his third strategy mos

disturbing. If she pretended to be engage

o Malfoy, her friends and Ron's famil


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"Excellent!" Malfoy grinned, lookin

eager to launch their strategy. Tucking

Hermione's hand into the crook of his arm

he walked her back to her chair, bowedand with a barely noticeable wink, left he

with the Potters and Rose.

Hermione blushed as everyone in thvicinity seemed to staring at her.

"So are the rules that govern acceptabl

behavior in society different for you anLord Malfoy than for Scorpius and me?

Rose chirped, unable to conceal

mischievous glint in her eye.

"Of course not! Why in the world woul

you even ask that?"


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"Maybe," Harry interrupted, looking mor

annoyed than amused, "because you jus

partnered with Malfoy for three dances i

a row."

"I did not," Hermione replied, glancing a

Ginevra for confirmation. "Did I?"

When she received a nod and sympatheti

smile in return, it was all Hermione coul

do to stop herself from plopping down i

he nearest chair and covering her facwith her hands. Instead, conscious of he

audience, she gave a tiny shrug, grabbe

Rose's dance card, and preceded t

double check it so that her daughter didn

make a similar mistake.

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for none of them. Despite Hermione's hint

and nudges about how comforting it woul

be to marry a man who had som

experience in the world, Rose only shooher head and replied that she wa

determined to marry a man who sh

respected and loved, no matter what hi

age.

Hermione would have undoubtedly drive

herself mad wondering whether Rose'

words were an indication of her feelingfor Scorpius had Lord Malfoy no

removed his son from town for a fortnight

arcissa Malfoy, the dowage

viscountess, had fallen ill and a return t

Wiltshire was deemed imperative.

Hermione had used the younger Malfoy'


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absence as an opportunity to throw Ros

nto the company of Theodore Lupin a

much as possible. The handsome an

charming young man had been a faithfuescort to two balls, the theater, and a

evening at Almack's. Moreover, he and

Rose appeared to have much in common

They were both slightly bookish, took anterested in public affairs and socia

reforms, and could hold long, tediou

discussions about the current politica

maneuverings in Parliament. Although i

was too soon to hope that Theodore wa

besotted by her daughter, Hermione could

reasonably hope that if the pair remainen close contact for another two weeks,

marriage offer would be the outcome.

Determined to pursue this course o


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action, Hermione sat down at the desk i

her library and began composing a lette

o Lord Malfoy instructing him not t

allow Scorpius to return to London undeany circumstances. Before she could finis

he greeting, however, a knock at th

ibrary door broke her concentration.

"Enter," she called out, not bothering to

ook up from her missive until she hear

someone clearing his throat. "Lor

Malfoy!" she gasped in surprisingdropping her pen and splattering ink in th

middle of her letter. "You cannot be here.

He arched an eyebrow. "Obviously, I can

be here. In fact, I am here."

She released a deep sigh. "I suppose i


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would be too much to hope that you lef

your son back in Wiltshire?"

"Entirely too much to hope. My mother hafully recovered and rather suffer a setbac

by being forced to gaze upon Scorpius

mooncalf-like countenance, she demande

hat he remove himself from her vicinituntil he could leave off pouting like

hree-year who had lost his favorite toy."

"This really is most inconvenient. I aclose to bringing about a match betwee

Rose and Theodore, but if Scorpiu

reenters the picture, I'm afraid all m

work will be for naught."

"I apologize for disrupting your efforts

but if you haven't managed to convinc


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your daughter to transfer her affection

from Scorpius to Lupin yet, it probabl

sn't going to happen."

"It's only been two weeks! It is much to

early for him to declare himself, but i

another month if Scorpius stayed away

Rose might be prepared to accept proposal."

"Might be prepared? Lupin has all th

qualities that any young girl coulreasonably expect in a spouse. Surely i

no other offers of marriage materialized

she'd eagerly accept him."

Hermione shrugged. "Perhaps, but it isn

hat simple. Rose is determined to marr

for love."


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Malfoy raised his nose in the air slightly

making him look even haughtier tha

usual. "And who put the idiotic notion tha

ove was a requirement for a successfumarriage in her head?"

"I suppose I did, but I assure you it wa

unintentional. Ron and I were deeply iove from almost the moment we met unti

he day he passed away. I could not hav

hoped for a more affectionate union.

never suspected that it might promotunreasonably high marital expectations i

my daughter."

"I should have known that you were t

blame for Miss Weasley's embrace o

sentimental claptrap. You've never been

skilled concealing your emotions. You're


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dislike of me has been evident since th

first time we met."

"I am quite certain that any dislike towaryou I ever evidenced was richl

deserved."

"Thank you for proving my point."

Taking a deep breath, Hermione stood

moved to the front of the desk, an

crossed her arms over her chest. It waapparent that Malfoy was being offensiv

o obscure his own responsibility for thi

situation. "What about Scorpius?"

"What about him?"

"Where does he get his sentimental side?"


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Malfoy blinked rapidly, obviousl

unnerved by her turning the tables. "H

sn't."

"Really? So if I go into the drawing room

won't find a bouquet of lilies he's left fo

Rose?"

Lord Malfoy's eyes narrowed. "Wh

would you suspect that?"

"Because he wrote me and asked abouher favorite flowers."

His jaw clenched. "And you just had t

ell him? I thought we were supposed tbe allied in disrupting any match betwee

hem. I can't believe you are promoting hi

courtship!"


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"We are allied," Hermione told him with

satisfied grin, delighted to have penetrate

his cool demeanor. "Rose hates lilies. Bu

you haven't answered my question. Wherdoes Scorpius get his romantic side?"

"His grandmother."

"Really?"

"Yes, really! Why is that so hard to

believe? Do you suspect all Malfoyncapable of deeper human feelings?"

"Of course not. It's just unusual for a bo

o choose to make his grandmother hiemotional role-model."

"Well, um" Draco cleared his throat

visibly uncomfortable. "Like you and you


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husband, my wife and I had a ver

agreeable and lovingly demonstrativ

relationship. It is possible that he migh

have assumed that all married couples aras affectionate."

Hermione smiled in sympathy. "It isn't

bad thing. It's a bit inconvenient now thaRose and Scorpius are mistaking thei

nfatuation with each other for love. But i

he future, I'm certain life will be muc

more agreeable for both of them, if theend up settling down with spouses the

admire and love."

"Perhaps you right. It does not, however

address our current dilemma. Since yo

have not yet been able to bring Lupin up t

scratch, I suggest we move on to the nex


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phase in our plan."

"The criticisms?"

"And the insults."

"Your specialty," Hermione teased

blushing slightly as she realized she waflirting with Malfoy over the quality sh

most despised about him.

He bowed slightly in acknowledgement oaccuracy of her statement, the hint of

grin ghosting his lips. "It almost sound

ike you admire me, Mrs. Weasley."

"A momentarily lapse of judgment I'

sure."

Malfoy chuckled. "Undoubtedly."


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0-0-0

When Hermione entered the Opera House

she knew something was wrong. AlthougTheodore Lupin had again agreed to b

her and Rose's escort of the evening, a

soon as they took their seats he ha

excused himself. Hermione watched as hmoved to a nearby box in which sat Moll

and Lucy Weasley and their parents.

"I think he's in love."

"What?" Hermione asked distractedly.

"Teddy," Rose replied. "I think he's inove with Lucy."

"Whatever makes you say that?" Hermion

said, frowning deeply.


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Rose shrugged. "I can't think of any othe

reason he would escort us everywhere

Since Uncle Percy doesn't let Lucy out o

his sight, agreeing to accompany us ooutings gives Teddy immediate access to

her."

Frowning, Hermione looked back at hebrother-in-law's box. It did look lik

Theodore was enthralled with the petit

and shy Lucy Weasley. "I'm so sorry

darling. Were you very much attached tohim?"

Rose laughed. "Not at all. He's very smar

and kind, but I never thought of him a

someone I might choose as a marriag

partner."


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Hermione wanted to question her o

exactly what she did want in a spouse, bu

he house lights came down and time fo

serious talk ended. During intermissionRose strolled along the gallery wit

Scorpius and Albus while Draco cornered

Hermione in her box.

"How did it go?" he asked quietly, lookin

around making sure they weren

overheard.

Hermione's brows drew together. "How

did what go?"

"You being a shrew to Scorpius," hehissed in exasperation. "I swear, Mrs

Weasley, your lack of attention to detai

makes me question my past assessment o


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you as one of the most intelligent wome

n England." He paused and his eye

narrowed ominously. "Or perhaps you'v

decided that a match between our childres desirable after all."

She shrugged. If she was hones

Hermione would have to acknowledghat the idea of Scorpius and Rose formin

a permanent attachment did not fill he

with the same dread it had a mere mont

ago. Still, the younger Malfoy wasn't hefirst or even second choice for he

daughter. "I have not changed my mind

However, I have not been able to engag

n a campaign of criticism against you

son. Not only does it go against m

personality to needlessly harass youn

men half my age, but Scorpius appears t


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have a number admirable qualities.

could not find anything to admonish hi

about besides his unfortunate choice of

father."

Malfoy snorted.

"Not all is lost; I'm certain you've mushave found ample opportunity to insult m

daughter."

He looked uncomfortable. "Well"

"Lord Malfoy!" Hermione exclaime

much louder than she'd intended. Sh

owered her voice when she noticed thfaces in the gallery turned toward them

"This was your one contribution to ou

plan. How could you fail?"


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Hermione and Malfoy both jerked

dropped each other's hands, and turne

around to see Scorpius, Rose, and Albu

standing in the entry to the box, staring ahem in surprise.

"What's going on?" Rose asked in a sof

voice.

Hermione stood frozen in shock. Wha

could they say that might explain thei

physical contact and familiarity? Shooked at Lord Malfoy an unspoken ple

n her eyes for him to solve thei

predicament.

Malfoy cleared his throat and she sense

him straightening his shoulders. "Wish m

happy. Mrs. Weasley has consented to be


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my bride."

0-0-0

"I can't believe you announced we wer

engaged," Hermione muttered past the fak

smile she'd had plastered to her face fo

he last twenty-four hours.

Malfoy flicked whip and guided hi

phaeton and pair around a slow movin

delivery coach. "What in the world diyou expect me to do? You had placed u

both in a compromising position. Was

ust supposed to denounce you as a loos

woman?"

Hermione exhaled slowly through he

nose to keep from screeching at him. "It i


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1840, Lord Malfoy. I believe that societ

would not shun a woman for simpl

ouching the hand of a man she wasn

related to."

Malfoy harrumphed in the mode of me

everywhere who felt themselves put upo

o explain the ways of the world to woman. "Perhaps, if both of us ha

spotless backgrounds, we might have bee

able to weather any scandal that migh

have emerged from the incident at thopera. However, given my reputation and

your upbringing"

"And just what was wrong with m

upbringing?" Hermione interjected, he

one of outrage inadequately concealed.


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reputations. Besides, pretending to be in

relationship was the next phase of ou

plan to separate Rose and Scorpius.

don't see why you are being so difficult."

"It was just unexpected. I am not good a

dealing with sudden changes."

Malfoy smiled at her. "I am sympathetic.

also do not respond well to new

situations. However, I will do my best to

not make your life difficult and perhaps, iwe are very clever, we can find you

daughter a husband who isn't my son whil

maintaining our good characters in th

eyes of society."

"Yes, but if we are going to successfully

pull this off, we will need to spend mor


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ime in each other's company."

"Hardly a hardship."

Hermione smiled a real smile for the firs

ime since Malfoy announced thei

engagement.' "You are very kind. I am

coming to believe that it might benjoyable being temporarily engaged t

you, Lord Malfoy."

"Certainly it will be. I can be a verentertaining companion when I set m

mind on it. There is one thing I'm going t

nsist on, however. You must call me

Draco. I can not have my intendeaddressing me the same way as th

chamber maids."


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hem into even closer contact.

"This is a disaster," Hermione complaine

one afternoon to Draco. The tensiocaused by Ron's family's disapprova

Rose's continuing favoritism of Scorpius

and Hermione's own growing fondness fo

Malfoy were getting to her.

"I admit it hasn't gone at all according t

my plans."

"I don't know why I ever agreed to follow

your foolish plans," Hermione grumbled

"It wasn't like they were great successe

during the Napoleonic Wars. Why theywould be any better now is beyond me."

Draco glared at her. "Has anyone eve


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nformed you that continually bringing u

he past is not only extremely annoying bu

also rude and uncouth?"

Hermione pursed her lips and glared righ

back at him. "I don't need an etiquett

esson from someone who barely escape

mprisonment as a traitor to the crown."

"Faith and damnation, Hermione! Are yo

sure your husband didn't kill himself to ge

away from your nagging?"

"How dare you!" Hermione gasped. Sh

stalked across the drawing room until sh

was standing directly in front of Malfoy"Ron and I were deliriously happy. Unlik

you, he appreciated my observations an

opinions. It is only a weak and insecur


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half in protest and half in gladness.

A knock at the door caused them both to

freeze. Draco slowly released her anHermione stepped away from him

straightening her gown as she called out

"Enter."

Her stone-faced footman walked into th

room carrying a sliver tray with a not

upon it. "A letter just arrived for Lord

Malfoy."

"Thank you," Malfoy replied as h

retrieved his letter. Hermione marveled a

how steady and calm his voice soundedShe dismissed the servant and watched th

expression on Draco's face harden as h

read the missive.


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"I want to come with you."

"What? No! You stay here in case they

change their minds and return."

Hermione shook her head. "I need to go. I

will be much easier to avoid a scandal if

am with you. I'll pack an over-night bawhile you go get your carriage."

"Hermione" he started to protest.

"Please, Draco. I won't nag or be a bother

just need to be there for Rose."

She saw him draw in a deep breath. "Fineget ready. I'll be back with my carriage i

hirty minutes."

0-0-0


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rreproachable?"

"Perhaps they believed us too diverted b

our own engagement."

Hermione took a deep breath, trying t

stave off the tears that were threatening t

fall. "Would it have been possible for uo make a bigger mess out of this entir

situation if we'd been attempting to?"

"My dear, please don't get upset. Whilhis event is unpleasant in the extreme, i

sn't hopeless. Indeed, even should th

worst happen and we not reach them i

ime, it won't be a disaster. We can keep iquiet, put them in Wiltshire the rest of th

season, and maybe take them to Paris

When they return London next year as


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"The Greengrasses weren't thrilled wit

he idea of their youngest daughte

marrying a traitor. Unfortunately for them

nothing could stand in the way of twyoung people convinced that they'd jus

discovered true love." He paused and

ook containing a mixture of anger an

sadness marred his features"Unfortunately for my wife, th

Greengrasses never got over thei

disapproval."

"Did they make things difficult for you?"

Draco shrugged. "I think the worry abou

her parents' unhappiness wore on Astoria

believe it weakened her to the extent tha

she never fully recovered after givin

birth to Scorpius. She only conceive


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once after that but miscarried early in th

pregnancy. She died soon afterwards i

1831."

Hermione felt a stab of pain for Draco. "I

hat the other reason?"

"What?"

"Is that the other reason why you didn

want Rose and Scorpius to form a

attachment, because you were worried thaher family would never accept him? I'v

suspected for a while that your concer

about a marriage couldn't solely be for hi

age."

Draco's mouth tightened. "It undoubtedl

sounds foolish, but I knew that th


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Weasley family would not be overjoyed

or even welcoming to my son. I wanted t

spare him the disappointment and sorrow

hat his mother and I experienced."

"You're a good father, Draco." She was

silent for several seconds, her min

seemingly far away, but her eyes lockedon his. When her face cleared, it portraye

acceptance and another deeper emotion

"In fact, you are a good man. You've

changed since we were younger, becommore thoughtful and considerate. Neithe

your son nor yourself should be foreve

udged because of your mistakes and ill

considered opinions from over tw

decades ago."

"Thank you, Hermione," he replied,


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The kiss set them ablaze. Draco pulled he

onto his lap and wrapped his arms aroun

her waist. His kiss moved from her mout

o her neck while his hands caressed heback. Within seconds, the two of the

were hot, wet, and ready to forget tha

heir engagement was phony.

Hermione managed to shift her body unti

she was straddling him, her skirts bunche

up around her middle. Draco braced hi

egs against the opposite seat and wamoving against her warmth, even as h

struggled with the buttons of his trousers

Hermione untied the strings of he

drawers and gave a deep moan o

satisfaction when her flesh came int

contact with Draco's. Within moments, h

was hot inside her, moving fast and hard


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flushed cheeks made Hermione want t

climb upon him all over again.

"There is an inn about two miles up throad. It is one of the most frequented stop

been London and Scotland. We should be

able to find out from the innkeepe

whether or not Rose and Scopius havpassed this way recently."

She nodded her head slowly but did sa

anything, afraid her voice would betraher continued state of arousal.

"Hermione, about what just happened,

want you to know that is, I'd like tmake it clear"

Draco fell silent and Hermione's stomac


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oo."

"Oh, my darling," he whispered, pullin

her into his embrace. "I am overjoyed."

Before they could seal their understandin

with a kiss, the carriage pulled to halt i

he inn's yard. Draco alighted from thcarriage and then turned to assis

Hermione. They were greeted by th

nnkeeper, who immediately bega

apologizing for having already rented thonly private parlor available.

Draco nodded. "Did you by any chanc

rent to a man of about my height ancoloring who was accompanied by a red

headed girl?"


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"My goodness," Hermione stated a

calmly as possible. "Your father and

mother disapprove?"

Albus nodded. "They keep uttering som

rubbish about me being too young t

marry, but I know the real reason is thei

dislike of Mr. Goyle and their snobbisattitudes about Charlotte's lack of a prope

dowry."

Hermione turned toward Rose. "Why aryou here?"

"When Scorpius told me what Al had

planned, I insisted on coming along anrying to talk them out of taking this step. I

hey could just wait a little while longer

Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginerva would


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surprise him with some evening

"Unfortunately, these props might be too

difficult for even you to acquire."

He scoffed at her words. "Don

underestimate my abilities. Tell me wha

you need and I'll return with it in under a

hour."

She grinned at his confidence. "All righ

'm going to need a corset, a hoop skirt

and a carriage."

Draco eyes grew wide and his mout

dropped open.

"If you don't think you can do it

Hermione's voice trailed off.

"No, no! I can," he grinned. "I'm just goin


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Documents

Concerned and Conceited: A Victorian Romance