Nusquam aliud est vertere (Nowhere else to turn) Chapter 34
‘Both Grangers are eyeing Draco intently. He speaks slowly, striving to express himself honestly and succinctly.
“Until recently, I’ve been estranged from my father. Having reinstated regular contact with him over the past month, I can tell you that he does seem altered – mellowed is far too strong a descriptor, perhaps ‘diminished’ is more accurate – in terms of his former racist outlook and ingrained snobbery. However, I don’t trust him as far as I could throw him; and I have no intention of introducing Lucius into Hermione’s life, unless she wishes it.” Draco’s lips thin at the thought of his crafty father and his traditional propensity for conniving schemes and plots.
He continues, “My mother has met with Hermione, and apologized for her part in the pain that the Malfoys have inflicted upon her. Narcissa formally welcomed Hermione to our home and family, and I believe in the sincerity of her motives.”
Jane Granger nods. “Your mother’s keen to see you settle down, I take it? Perhaps pushing for grand-babies?”. Draco flushes as Jane smiles and Bernard glowers. “Don’t worry, Mr Malfoy – I know it’s far too soon for that.”
“It bloody better be – if I hear about my girl being up the duff to this silver-tongued devil– “ Hermione’s father snarls.
“Let’s all take a step back from this particular topic,” Harry hastily intervenes, as Draco and Bernard turn similar shades of crimson; Jane hides a smile behind her hand at the men’s consternation.
“Perhaps we can come to a consensus as to the safest place for Hermione to convalesce, once Healer Carpathia deems her ready to be discharged?” ‘Peacemaker’ Potter suggests.
Jane huffs resignedly. “Hermione’s already told us she intends to stay with Mr Malfoy, Harry. I won’t waste my time trying to change her mind, provided her doctor – sorry, Healer – agrees.”
“Please call me Draco, Mrs Granger. And rest assured, you are both always welcome at my townhouse,” Draco soberly invites.
“Thank you, Draco. Do call me Jane. And we’d love to visit; isn’t that right, honey?” Hermione’s mother returns the granted intimacy and unsubtly digs her husband in the ribs.
“You can call me Mr Granger – and you’d better believe I’ll be turning up to check on my daughter’s welfare.” Bernard’s glare softens infinitesimally as he pronounces, “I’ll accept this… relationship between the two of you at face value… for now. But I’ll be watching you, Draco. And I might not be a wizard, but I am a dentist – I know a thing or two about inflicting pain. Keep that in mind, boy.”
His menacing statement is incongruous with his bourgeois attire and appearance, but Draco doesn’t doubt that Bernard Granger means every word. He stiffly nods as Bernard makes a weird forked gesture with his index and middle fingers, pointing them first at his own eyes, then at Draco’s startled heather orbs.
“I’m watching you,” Bernard whispers again. Potter smirks.
Must be a Muggle thing. Draco checks his silver wristwatch; he is aching to return to Hermione’s bedside, but he doesn’t wish to incur her father’s further wrath. Jane notices his agitated movement and takes pity on him…’
https://archiveofourown.org/works/23994118/chapters/62965330