Draco gave her an OK sign upstairs.
In that instant, Hermione's heart, which had been hanging in suspense the entire way, seemed to suddenly return to where it was.
All the anxiety and pent-up worries vanished the moment I saw that gesture.
She didn't even have time to say goodbye to her parents in the living room. She grabbed her skirt and stumbled down the stairs. The moment she pushed open the door, she threw herself into Draco's arms.
" Draco!"
Her voice trembled as she hugged his waist tightly, burying her face in his collar, both happy and aggrieved, "You're here... you really got it done, didn't you..."
Draco was slightly knocked back by her bump, and immediately reached out to wrap his arms around her tightly, his palm against her back, feeling the real warmth of the person in his arms.
Unable to contain his overwhelming joy and tenderness any longer, he lowered his head, aimed at her soft lips, and kissed her fiercely.
Hermione froze instantly.
She froze, her cheeks flushed red.
She didn't push Draco away, but gently gripped his fabric with her fingers. "Why... why did you suddenly..."
Before she could finish speaking, she buried her face even deeper in embarrassment, pressing herself softly against his chest, listening to his equally rapid heartbeat.
Just as the two were still nestled together by the door, their hearts pounding and their breaths still ragged, the door behind them was suddenly opened a crack.
Mrs. Granger saw her daughter running in such a hurry and wondered what had happened, so she followed her out to see what was going on.
But when he looked up, he saw his daughter still blushing and nestled in the boy's arms, her lips slightly red.
Mr. Granger stood right behind him at the door, his eyes narrowing, and he coughed lightly.
"Cough cough--"
Two soft sounds instantly shattered the sweet atmosphere.
Hermione froze, jerked away from Draco's embrace, and blushed from head to neck.
She clutched the hem of her clothes helplessly, not daring to look at her parents, wishing she could disappear into the ground on the spot.
Oh my god...
My parents caught me red-handed!
Draco didn't care.
The next second, he immediately stood up straight and gave a slight nod to the Mr. and Mrs. Granger: "... Uncle, Aunt."
Hermione hid behind him, only half of her flushed face showing. "Dad, Mom... why are you out here...?"
Mrs. Granger, seeing her daughter's extremely embarrassed expression, couldn't help but laugh and quickly tried to smooth things over:
"It's nothing, it's nothing, we just came out to take a look... Draco's here, why didn't you come in and say so? Come in and sit down."
Mr. Granger, with a stern face, glanced lightly at the two men, but didn't reprimand them. "Come in."
Hermione still wanted to bury her face in her chest, her little hands tightly gripping Draco's sleeve, her heart still pounding wildly.
The warmth of that kiss still lingered on my lips.
Draco quickly regained his composure, gently took her hand in return, and followed the Mr. and Mrs. Granger into the living room with an air of nonchalance.
Mrs. Granger served hot tea and snacks, smiling gently, " Draco, please have a seat. You must be tired from your journey."
Draco thanked him.
"Is everything... taken care of at home?" Mr. Granger asked, sitting across from me.
Upon hearing this, Hermione also looked up and stared at him.
Draco nodded. "Everything's taken care of. My parents fully approve of Hermione and welcome her to visit Malfoy Manor anytime."
Hermione's heart warmed instantly.
Mrs. Granger nodded repeatedly, taking Hermione's hand. "See, I told you Draco could handle it, Minmin, you don't need to worry anymore."
"You're a responsible child. We can rest assured about Minmin for now, in your care."
Mr. Granger also breathed a sigh of relief, and his gaze toward Draco held a hint of approval.
A simple "Don't worry" is tantamount to complete acceptance of him.
Hermione blushed slightly and quietly moved closer to Draco, their hands clasped tightly together under the table.
Draco turned to look at her. "I told you, I can handle it."
"Mmm," Hermione responded softly.
After chatting for a short while, Draco took out a gift he had prepared beforehand.
"Auntie, this is something my mother asked me to bring to you. She said that when Hermione has time, you must invite her to the manor for tea, and she will prepare it herself."
It was said to be Narcissa's idea, but it was actually Draco's idea.
This is a top-tier handcrafted piece of jewelry in the Muggle World, with an elegant yet understated design that delighted Mrs. Granger.
Upon hearing this, the Mr. and Mrs. Granger completely dispelled their last remaining concerns.
This isn't a difference in social status; it's clearly a matter of how much they cherish and value their daughter.
After lunch, Draco spent the afternoon at Hermione's house. In the evening, he got up to say goodbye.
Hermione saw him to the door, and as soon as she stepped out, he gently pulled her into his arms.
"In a few days, I'll take you to the manor," Draco said. "Then everyone will know that you're the one I've chosen."
Hermione looked up at him tenderly, gave a soft "Mmm," and then tiptoed to give him a quick kiss on the lips.
This time, it was Draco who was caught off guard.
The girl smiled and retreated back inside, waving at him. Her cheeks were still flushed, but her smile was incredibly bright.
Draco stood there, watching her retreating figure, until the door closed, before he finally smiled.
As soon as she closed the door, Hermione pressed herself tightly against the cold door panel, her heart pounding wildly.
She never imagined she would take the initiative to kiss him; it was as if by some strange impulse that she tiptoed and touched his lips.
She didn't even dare to look at Draco's expression at the time, only remembering the way he froze instantly.
Before Hermione could catch her breath, two suppressed laughs came from behind her.
Mrs. Granger, holding her teacup, teased, " Minmin, you just saw someone off, how come you're already secretly kissing them again?"
Mr. Granger sat on the sofa, pretending to read the newspaper, coughed lightly, and added in a deliberately serious tone, "Watch your manners, don't be all lovey-dovey at the door."
Hermione froze on the door, her face turning bright red.
She whirled around, waving her hands frantically, stammering with embarrassment, "I... I didn't! I just... I just..."
After stammering for a long time, Hermione couldn't find an excuse at all. Instead, she spoke softer and softer until she finally buried her face in her hands, her shoulders trembling slightly with embarrassment.
"Mom--Why are you peeking...?"
Mrs. Granger finally couldn't help but laugh out loud, walked over, gently hugged her daughter, and patted her back to comfort her:
"Okay, okay, we won't watch anymore, we won't tease you anymore. Our Minmin has grown up, and she has people protecting her. Mom and Dad are overjoyed."
Mr. Granger put down his newspaper, looked at his daughter's blushing face, and said earnestly, "That Malfoy boy, he may seem arrogant, but he's truly devoted to you and has a sense of responsibility."
Hermione nestled in her mother's arms, her nose tingling slightly, but this time it wasn't from sadness, but from pure happiness.
I know... he'll treat me very well.
Mrs. Granger smiled and ruffled her hair. "Silly child, we've all seen it. Next time he comes over, don't be so shy. Just be open and honest with him."
Hermione buried her face even deeper, but her heart was trembling with sweetness.