Meanwhile, Draco returned to the Malfoy Manor, and the first thing he did was excitedly share Hermione's reaction with Narcissa.
"Mother, Hermione... she's so happy!" He spoke quickly, recounting everything in detail, "She was always worried that my family wouldn't approve, but now she can finally rest easy."
"I knew it, that child would be at ease."
"He doesn't act like an heir at all; he's just lost his composure when he sees a girl he likes," Lucius said mercilessly.
But as soon as he finished speaking, he Dobby gave an order to Dobby, who was waiting to the side.
" Dobby, clean up the sunniest room on the second floor of the manor, replace all the furnishings with new ones, and don't be careless at all."
He then added, "Go and prepare the Muggle and herbal tea that Draco mentioned, the flavors of which should suit Miss Granger."
Dobby raised his big, round eyes, his ears perked up, and his face was filled with shock and disbelief.
In Dobby understanding, the Malfoy family has always been arrogant and looked down on Muggle, and the young master was taught from a young age to stay away from Muggle.
But now... the young master actually genuinely likes a Muggle-born girl, and both the master and mistress approve!
This family... has actually undergone a complete transformation because of the young master.
"Did you hear me? Hurry up!" Lucius snapped, seeing Dobby still in a daze.
"Yes! Dobby will definitely handle it perfectly!"
Dobby bowed excitedly, then disappeared with a "thud," rushing off to tidy up the guest rooms and prepare snacks.
Lucius looked at the jubilant House-elf, puzzled—what was it so happy about?
Seeing Dobby's energetic demeanor, Narcissa chuckled, "Looks like even Dobby is hoping Hermione will come."
Less than three days later, Draco officially paid his respects.
This time, he wasn't sneaking around downstairs; instead, he was dressed in a well-tailored suit.
He knocked politely on Hermione's door, holding an exquisite invitation personally chosen by Narcissa and embossed with dark gold patterns.
The Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked at the composed and polite young man before them, smiled at each other, and readily accepted the invitation.
Mrs. Granger even dug out Hermione's softest off-white dress from her wardrobe, making her look clean and well-behaved.
Malfoy Manor was spotless that day, and the crystal chandeliers were polished to a gleaming shine.
Fresh white roses and lilies of the valley are displayed in the corridor, and a faint fragrance can be smelled in the air.
Narcissa specially changed out of her usual elaborate gown and into a gentle light apricot-colored long dress, waiting for him personally at the entrance of the manor.
As soon as Hermione got out of the car, he immediately went up to her and gently took her hand. "I've been looking forward to your arrival, child. Don't be shy, make yourself at home."
Her tone was as affectionate as if she were talking to her own daughter whom she had doted on since she was a child.
" The Malfoy family has accepted you, and no one will dare to disrespect you anymore," Lucius, a rare occurrence for him.
Hermione's previously anxious heart finally settled, and her tension vanished instantly.
The gossip and rumors circulating within the Pure-blood community have long been kept completely out of reach of the manor.
That afternoon, warm sunlight streamed into the living room through the French windows as they drank herbal tea and ate handmade pastries together.
Draco held Hermione's hand tightly the entire time, refusing to let go for even a moment.
Hermione was only occasionally borrowed by Narcissa to whisper secrets.
She laughed as she recounted the mischievous story of Draco secretly hiding a dragon egg in the closet when he was little, only to get burned and cry out in pain, which made Hermione cover her mouth and chuckle.
Lucius and Mr. Granger were talking quietly to each other.
One is an ancient nobleman accustomed to the rules of the Wizarding World, and the other is an intellectual deeply involved in the Muggle medical field.
Two people from completely different worlds found themselves chatting about everything from magic and Muggle life to their hobbies because of their child, and they actually got along very well.
Before leaving, Narcissa quietly pulled Hermione aside.
He took a small, exquisite bracelet with smooth, round pearls from the jewelry box and gently placed it in her hand.
"This is the style that only the Malfoy lady would wear. I'm giving it to you in advance as a small token of our family's appreciation."
Hermione's cheeks flushed instantly, her heart pounded, but she gripped the warm bracelet tightly and thanked her repeatedly.
Draco personally drove the Granger family, and when the car stopped downstairs at Hermione's house, he didn't forget to take out a gift he had prepared in advance from his spatial storage.
Two bottles of high-end Malfoy Manor red wine aged for decades, and several bottles of beautifully packaged China liquors that he had specially redeemed from the system.
It has everything from Maozi and Wuliangye, all of which are rare finds on the market.
"Uncle, what I promised you! I'll give you again in the future..."
Mr. Granger's eyes lit up when he saw the exquisitely packaged liquor in front of him, but he still maintained the serious demeanor of an elderly father.
"You're too kind, kid..." he said, accepting the gift. Clearly, the gift had touched his heart.
Hermione, standing to the side, couldn't help but smile as she watched Draco make her father beam with joy.
Draco reluctantly stopped only after escorting her all the way to her doorstep.
The Mr. and Mrs. Granger went inside first, letting the two children say goodbye.
With no one around, the boy could no longer contain his joy. He gently embraced Hermione's waist and lowered his head to kiss her.
This time it wasn't a hasty touch, but a tender and lingering French kiss.
A gentle evening breeze swept by.
Hermione closed her eyes, reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck, responding wholeheartedly, all her love hidden in that burning kiss.
The Mr. and Mrs. Granger had already quietly returned to the living room, but they didn't close the door. Instead, they watched the two embracing at the door through the gap in the curtains.
Mr. Granger crossed his arms, his old face slightly flushed, and he deliberately snorted, looking away as he muttered:
"It's so bright... in broad daylight, don't they know how to tone it down?"
While verbally expressing disdain, he also praised, "... This kid does have some taste."
Mrs. Granger, leaning against the side, looked at her hypocritical husband with amusement. "You didn't have this expression when you were accepting their wine, did you? Now you're feeling sorry for your wife being taken?"
His wife had exposed his thoughts, Mr. Granger coughed lightly, unable to maintain his serious expression any longer, and shook his head helplessly.
The long kiss outside the window slowly ended, and Hermione was still gently held in Draco's arms.
Her face was still flushed. It took her a while to calm down before she said, "Now... I owe you nothing."
"Really? I feel like... there's still one thing we haven't figured out," Draco said, puzzled.
"When I wore this dress to your house today, someone stared at me like a head-on!" Hermione said matter-of-factly.
"No way? Miss Granger has learned to be shameless now?" Draco exclaimed in surprise.
Hermione tiptoed and gently touched his chin, saying playfully, "I learned that from you. 'One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near you gets tainted.'"
"Then I would be truly honored."
Draco gently ruffled her hair, then tightened his arms around her one last time, saying reluctantly, "I have to go now. I'll come see you again tomorrow."
Hermione nodded, obediently taking a step back and reminding her, "Be careful on the road."
Draco gave her a deep look, turned around, waved to her, and quickly disappeared around the street corner.
Hermione stood at the door, touching her burning lips, and couldn't help but laugh. She only went back into the room, blushing, when her mother gently opened the door.