Author: Meltha
Rating: PG
Feedback: Yes, thank you. Meltha
Spoilers: For the epilogue to book 7
Distribution: Fanfiction.net and the Bunny Warren. If you're interested, please let me know.
Summary: Draco has come wooing Hermione, but how will Hugo take it?
Disclaimer: All characters are owned by J.K. Rowling, a wonderfully creative author whose characters I have borrowed for a completely profit-free flight of fancy. Kindly do not sue me, please, as I am terrified of you. Thank you.
Author Note: Written for challenge 7 of round three of Dramione_ldws. This required 350 words exactly, epilogue compliant, and Hugo's POV of Hermione/Draco.

Pleading His Case

“You want to marry my mum, don’t you.”

Even if I hadn’t realized they were serious, today wasn’t exactly subtle. A Quidditch match, sundaes at Goyle’s Ice Cream Emporium, then butterbeers at the Leaky Cauldron, all of it just him and me? The only stepfather/stepson bonding moment he missed was broomstick shopping. Right now, though, watching him squirm is almost as fun as a Nimbus 2030.

“I realize this isn’t an ideal situation for you,” he says, looking uncomfortable.

“No,” I say bluntly. “Ideal would be if Mum and Dad had never fallen apart.”

Draco clears his throat rather violently.

“I understand you would prefer that,” he says, trying too hard to be accommodating.

On Draco, bending over backward to please somebody looks out of place, unless it’s for Mum… and my mind just went somewhere that will require Muggle therapy and a forgetfulness potion.

“I know what happened with Lavender,” I say.

That makes him pause.

“What exactly do you know?” Draco asks.

“I know Dad was shagging her and Mum found out,” I say. “One of Lavender’s kids told me, but I’d guessed already.”

“Which one, the girl with the unpronounceable name or the son who suspiciously resembles old Cornelius Fudge?” Draco says, sounding repulsed.

“Rhododendron,” I say, grimacing before going on. “Why do you want to marry Mum?”

“I love her,” he says immediately, then adds, “Really!”

“You used to hate one another,” I point out, sipping my butterbeer. “What happened?”

“After Astoria left and took Scorpius with her…,” he stops, looking pained, “things were bad. Hermione wasn’t happy either, and we bonded. It just went from there.”

Seeing Draco nervous is unusual. I’m enjoying it, but I’ve had enough fun.

“You won’t break her heart?”

“I swear to you, I’ll never hurt her.”

“And you’ll stop referring to Dad as ‘that freckle-covered baboon’s arse’?”

“I promise,” he says, then admits, “well, while you’re in earshot.”

“Fair enough,” I agree.

I put out my hand, and we shake. Draco can’t stop smiling. Neither can Mum whenever he’s around, and that’s the real reason I’m okay they’re together.