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To Brew A Scandal
In the summers between school, a young Hermione Granger finds companionship in a mysterious young wizard near her family’s country home in Wiltshire. They share their troubles under the comfort of their respective anonymity until one fateful encounter destroys their fragile refuge from the real world.
Years later, after a war that devastated Wizarding Europe, Hermione’s one wish is to pursue higher education for her Potions Mastery. Only, one clause leftover from deeply entrenched Muggle-born prejudice sends Hermione into the grueling social season with one goal in mind; to marry the least terrible eligible wizard.
To her misfortune, a scandalous case of mistaken identity binds her future to a man who is certain to be the worst of all. Draco Malfoy; the new Duke of Wiltshire, a war hero, and the boy who broke her heart.
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy
Words: 81,346
Years later, after a war that devastated Wizarding Europe, Hermione’s one wish is to pursue higher education for her Potions Mastery. Only, one clause leftover from deeply entrenched Muggle-born prejudice sends Hermione into the grueling social season with one goal in mind; to marry the least terrible eligible wizard.
To her misfortune, a scandalous case of mistaken identity binds her future to a man who is certain to be the worst of all. Draco Malfoy; the new Duke of Wiltshire, a war hero, and the boy who broke her heart.
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy
Words: 81,346
295 pages, ebook
Published December 12, 2022
8 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 10, 2024
Well if that wasn’t one of the sweetest Dramione fics ever! If you love Harry Potter, Bridgerton, and Persuasion, this is the book for you, because it is the love child of all three! Set in the early 1800s, Hermione is a girl finding out that she’s a witch. She’s just spent her first year at Hogwarts, and for her first summer back, her family goes away to the country, where she meets a boy. He goes to Durmstrang, but other than that, all she knows about him is that his name is Draco. Over the next several summers, the two become very close. Until one summer, he isn’t there. And then everything changes.
As times get darker, Hermione stumbles upon Draco Malfoy and his family is Diagon Alley. But her friend is no where to be found. In his place is a sneering, mean, bigot. She’s devastated, and writes him off for good. The war distracts her of course, as well as tragedy, and before we know it, Hermione is grown and expected to marry if she wants to pursuit her greatest dream. But thanks to a series of fortuitous events, aided by a vicious gossip rag, The Snitch, she’s forced into the arms of Draco Malfoy.
I won’t spell out the rest, but it was such a lovely story that mixed in some of my favorite elements of the original and from the society of the 1800s. This had a reverse Persuasion by Jane Austen feel, which is my favorite book by her, so that was fun for me. And more than anything, I loved this Draco and I loved that he and Hermione were always only for each other, regardless of war or sides or family duties or prejudices. I wish it were even more detailed and flowery, but I’m also thankful that it wasn’t 1,000,000 words, like many other fics, so…balance, I guess!
As times get darker, Hermione stumbles upon Draco Malfoy and his family is Diagon Alley. But her friend is no where to be found. In his place is a sneering, mean, bigot. She’s devastated, and writes him off for good. The war distracts her of course, as well as tragedy, and before we know it, Hermione is grown and expected to marry if she wants to pursuit her greatest dream. But thanks to a series of fortuitous events, aided by a vicious gossip rag, The Snitch, she’s forced into the arms of Draco Malfoy.
I won’t spell out the rest, but it was such a lovely story that mixed in some of my favorite elements of the original and from the society of the 1800s. This had a reverse Persuasion by Jane Austen feel, which is my favorite book by her, so that was fun for me. And more than anything, I loved this Draco and I loved that he and Hermione were always only for each other, regardless of war or sides or family duties or prejudices. I wish it were even more detailed and flowery, but I’m also thankful that it wasn’t 1,000,000 words, like many other fics, so…balance, I guess!
April 15, 2024
the ending😭😭🫶
October 29, 2023
Bridgerton meets Harry Potter in this vintage rendition of a classic Dramione tale. Be prepared for a great take of family, friends, love. We encounter multiple tropes such as slow-burns, someone always loved the other, Durmstrang Draco, forced marriage, etc.
It was absolutely lovely, I devoured this fic.
It was absolutely lovely, I devoured this fic.
September 25, 2023
Short, sweet, cute, very Bridgerton-esque, light on the smut. Hermione was a little denser than I would've liked, but still good. The characterizations of D/H were just a bit off from what you expect of them, and I attribute that to the time setting.
February 6, 2024
“Perhaps,” Ginny acquiesced. “Though I don’t think it’s possible to fake the way he looks at you.”
Hermione frowned and paused, forcing her friend to finally stop their walking. “And how does he look at me?”
They both turned to glance back at the pitch. In the distance, she could make out a head of bright blond hair facing their direction. While the entire game was a blur of motion between teams, Malfoy remained solitary, unflinching or moving, staring right at them.
“He looks at you as if you’re the only thing he sees.”
There were so many questions racing to the forefront of her mind, but the first that forced its way out of her mind was, “You imagined it?”
Looking into his eyes, she could see his rapture behind them. “Constantly.”
“My *schedule* in the morning? Gods.” Dropping her head back against the pillows, Hermione could not help but give an empty laugh. She had come to his room, a willing woman, his *wife*, and he was more worried about her morning schedule? How she might ache in the morning?
“You asked me to do something about my house-elves, and now I pay each of them more than I would a pureblood governess. I meddle in the affairs of others below our station in the hopes of playing matchmaker, simply because you asked me to. I made a wand for you by hand, from this very tree.” He motioned towards the sprawling hawthorn behind her. “If you asked me to leap, I’d simply ask you how high. My feelings are far beyond juvenile affection, and have been for years now.” His tone became grave, his gaze held hers as if nothing was more important than what he would soon say. “But do not think for a moment that you, Hermione, were ever considered a commodity.”
“When I made this for you, I sent my mother back and forth to the store about a hundred times to get the colours right. I spent ages on it, trying to make it perfect. I loved you then, but I was too young to realise it.”
“And I kept it for years.” He brought her hands to his breast pocket, just above his heart. “Here.”
Hermione gaped up at him. “You—you gave me your own room?”
He had the gall to look abashed, running an absentminded hand through his hair. “Well, it has more space for books than the other rooms.”
What a ridiculous man she married.
The yearning is reaching concerning levels.
Hermione frowned and paused, forcing her friend to finally stop their walking. “And how does he look at me?”
They both turned to glance back at the pitch. In the distance, she could make out a head of bright blond hair facing their direction. While the entire game was a blur of motion between teams, Malfoy remained solitary, unflinching or moving, staring right at them.
“He looks at you as if you’re the only thing he sees.”
There were so many questions racing to the forefront of her mind, but the first that forced its way out of her mind was, “You imagined it?”
Looking into his eyes, she could see his rapture behind them. “Constantly.”
“My *schedule* in the morning? Gods.” Dropping her head back against the pillows, Hermione could not help but give an empty laugh. She had come to his room, a willing woman, his *wife*, and he was more worried about her morning schedule? How she might ache in the morning?
“You asked me to do something about my house-elves, and now I pay each of them more than I would a pureblood governess. I meddle in the affairs of others below our station in the hopes of playing matchmaker, simply because you asked me to. I made a wand for you by hand, from this very tree.” He motioned towards the sprawling hawthorn behind her. “If you asked me to leap, I’d simply ask you how high. My feelings are far beyond juvenile affection, and have been for years now.” His tone became grave, his gaze held hers as if nothing was more important than what he would soon say. “But do not think for a moment that you, Hermione, were ever considered a commodity.”
“When I made this for you, I sent my mother back and forth to the store about a hundred times to get the colours right. I spent ages on it, trying to make it perfect. I loved you then, but I was too young to realise it.”
“And I kept it for years.” He brought her hands to his breast pocket, just above his heart. “Here.”
Hermione gaped up at him. “You—you gave me your own room?”
He had the gall to look abashed, running an absentminded hand through his hair. “Well, it has more space for books than the other rooms.”
What a ridiculous man she married.
The yearning is reaching concerning levels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
Hermione grew up visiting the countryside and spending time reading in the forest with her family estate’s neighbor boy, Draco. Their paths cross again after losing touch for years…and he isn’t the boy she remembered. War takes hold and when things return to normal and she is pushed to enter society in order to secure a magical husband who may vouch for her to begin potions master training, she finds herself embroiled in scandal with her childhood friend.
This was very cute. I was going for a shorter-length fic since I frequent the super mega novel epic length. While this childhood-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers-marriage-of-convenience historical romance didn’t disappoint, it also didn’t hit the same as other fics I’ve read. I could almost give it 3 stars because it’s unfair to expect Manacled feelings from a Bridgerton-inspired book, but the 2 star decision is based on a few particular moments that I feel just one additional paragraph could’ve made a world of difference. I personally enjoy the Bridgerton series and style, genre, setting, etc. so I really did love alot of elements of this! ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars for what it is, but it must be a 2 in comparison to my other reads this year.
This was very cute. I was going for a shorter-length fic since I frequent the super mega novel epic length. While this childhood-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers-marriage-of-convenience historical romance didn’t disappoint, it also didn’t hit the same as other fics I’ve read. I could almost give it 3 stars because it’s unfair to expect Manacled feelings from a Bridgerton-inspired book, but the 2 star decision is based on a few particular moments that I feel just one additional paragraph could’ve made a world of difference. I personally enjoy the Bridgerton series and style, genre, setting, etc. so I really did love alot of elements of this! ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars for what it is, but it must be a 2 in comparison to my other reads this year.
January 25, 2024
✎𓂃“There was no potion she could brew in this life, or the next one, that could replicate the way her heart and soul had memorized him. How the tips of her fingers knew the warmth of his skin, or how her lips knew the taste of him. There would be nothing that would keep her from knowing all of Draco Malfoy.”
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Overall: 4.1 ☆
Characters: 4.5 ☆
Writing: 4 ☆
Romance: 4 ☆
Chapter length: 4 ☆
Pacing: 4 ☆
Ending: 4 ☆
Plot: 4.5 ☆
Epilogue: yes
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Overall: 4.1 ☆
Characters: 4.5 ☆
Writing: 4 ☆
Romance: 4 ☆
Chapter length: 4 ☆
Pacing: 4 ☆
Ending: 4 ☆
Plot: 4.5 ☆
Epilogue: yes
January 25, 2024
Ugh. I loved this with my whole being. If you’re a fan of Bridgerton and Harry Potter this little fic is perfect for you! It was such an easy read and definitely what I needed for the time being. I enjoyed the banter, and the romance was so gushy. It was over all just a fun little lighthearted fic!! 5/5 ⭐️ bc it was just so enjoyable to read!
March 3, 2025
Harry as fanfic Lady Whisledown is so real, he would be absolutely hiding under his invisibility cloak sticking his nose in everybody’s business
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2026
I finished it in less than a day and now I’m sad so I guess thank you for that
March 10, 2024
4.5⭐️ I couldn’t put this fic down!! The first 6 chapters (about 25%) of the story is spent showing us young Draco and Hermione meeting and becoming friends during the summers between Hogwarts and Durmstrang.
The writing flowed and was easy to read even being a period piece. The regency era feel didn’t come until they were adults, and post war. The regency era part of the story was fun and had a Bridgerton vibe to it with scandal and gossip from The Society Snitch.
The betrayal was predictable but I’m not mad about it. I thought everything played out really well. Being rated explicit, I did expect more spice. But this fic only had 1-2 spicy scenes which were very tame. It probably should only be rated mature.
We also get an original character too here with Mr. Crookshanks the butler which was fun!
**Warning: war era battle trauma mentions, implied child abuse**
Worth reading?: YES
Reread?: YES
Read if you like:
-regency era AU
-slow burn
-betrayal
-original character
-childhood love
-Hogwarts era
-marriage of convenience
-virginity
-friends to enemies to lovers
-Bridgerton vibes
The writing flowed and was easy to read even being a period piece. The regency era feel didn’t come until they were adults, and post war. The regency era part of the story was fun and had a Bridgerton vibe to it with scandal and gossip from The Society Snitch.
The betrayal was predictable but I’m not mad about it. I thought everything played out really well. Being rated explicit, I did expect more spice. But this fic only had 1-2 spicy scenes which were very tame. It probably should only be rated mature.
We also get an original character too here with Mr. Crookshanks the butler which was fun!
**Warning: war era battle trauma mentions, implied child abuse**
Worth reading?: YES
Reread?: YES
Read if you like:
-regency era AU
-slow burn
-betrayal
-original character
-childhood love
-Hogwarts era
-marriage of convenience
-virginity
-friends to enemies to lovers
-Bridgerton vibes
October 10, 2023
2.5 stars ⭐️ I didn’t think I was going to like this at all at first. It moved too quickly in the beginning. One moment Hermione was gathering dittany to help this mystery person. Then we’re transported to her going to Australia. And not even a page length later, a year has passed 🤣 I get that if you’re reading this fic, you’re probably already well versed in the canon HP timeline and events that occur. But it just felt so rushed and we weren’t actually getting to know any of the characters because we weren’t spending any significant amount of time in one moment.
But as time went on, I started to enjoy it more. Once they got married, I felt more invested in the story. I loved the inclusion of Mr. Crookshanks and how he ended up being an animagus. I thought it was cool to include him as a character.
Overall, I liked it but this one just doesn’t even compare to some of the others I read. I don’t think historical fan fics are my vibe.
But as time went on, I started to enjoy it more. Once they got married, I felt more invested in the story. I loved the inclusion of Mr. Crookshanks and how he ended up being an animagus. I thought it was cool to include him as a character.
Overall, I liked it but this one just doesn’t even compare to some of the others I read. I don’t think historical fan fics are my vibe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2024
What if Dramione was written in the 1800s. A little sprinkle of Bridgerton here and there, including fellow Lady Whistledown.
& Friends to enemies to lovers.
I’ve been a Dramione reader for so long. And it’s been a while. This fic has again how much Draco and Hermione were meant to be; the yearning, the sneaky glances, close proximity, marriage of convenience, tension.
"My first kiss? I regret to inform you, your grace, the kiss we shared at our wedding was not my first."
"Give me his name.”
"What for?"
"So that I might kill him.”
"Don't be ridiculous. […] I will have you know I've kissed more than just one man in my life."
Draco gasped dramatically, and his expression lightened. "So many lives to be lost in your name."
"Such terrible threats. Are you jealous, your grace?"
& Friends to enemies to lovers.
I’ve been a Dramione reader for so long. And it’s been a while. This fic has again how much Draco and Hermione were meant to be; the yearning, the sneaky glances, close proximity, marriage of convenience, tension.
"My first kiss? I regret to inform you, your grace, the kiss we shared at our wedding was not my first."
"Give me his name.”
"What for?"
"So that I might kill him.”
"Don't be ridiculous. […] I will have you know I've kissed more than just one man in my life."
Draco gasped dramatically, and his expression lightened. "So many lives to be lost in your name."
"Such terrible threats. Are you jealous, your grace?"
March 1, 2024
Literally fantastic, I love the new breath of life into familiar and loved characters. I loved the new plot, as well as the ending and beginning going full circle. Honestly probably my fav fanfic I’ve read so far. My only grievances being that 1) Hermione would’ve most definitely still been part of the war effort in a larger way besides being a nurse, they never would’ve won the war without her and 2) it dumbed her down quite a bit, she is of course THEE Hermione Jean Granger. Other than that, it was fabulous.
May 3, 2024
Finished it but didn’t love it. Not enough of the fun stuff (them as kids, showing the evolution of their relationship) and then sooo many chapters of rubbish in the middle, and a random confession of her finding him attractive to her friends, but not showing us the attraction? A lot of “show, don’t tell” lost in this. The final denouement of their affection coming way late but I guess the author wanted to stretch the story and that was the only way they saw how?
Had so much potential, could have been amazing but ended up disappointing as hell
Had so much potential, could have been amazing but ended up disappointing as hell
February 20, 2024
This was fic was beautiful and adorable. I realised 50% in that I actually already read this fic. But, it was still fun to read. Draco and Hermione meeting during the summers, developing a friendship which turned into something more closer to sixth year. Then after war, she thought she hated him but didn't, and then him offering to marry her. It was so obvious he was smitten with her.
This is the perfect fic to read after a devastating war fic, like Manacled or Secrets & Masks.
This is the perfect fic to read after a devastating war fic, like Manacled or Secrets & Masks.
August 4, 2025
What a fun book to read! I’ve read tons of stories about them before, but never one set in a historical romance vibe. Watching them become friends as kids and then fall in love—ugh, so cute! And seeing what he had to do to keep her safe… wow. Sure, he could’ve communicated better and explained things sooner, but I get why he held back. I loved seeing them as a family. I seriously loved this book—it was such an easy, smooth read. Loved it, loved it, LOVED it! 💖
February 10, 2024
“There was no potion she could brew in this life, or the next one, that could replicate the way her heart and soul had memorised him”.
Overall: 4✩
Characters: 4.2✩
Writing: 4✩
Romance: 4✩
Chapter length: 3.8✩
Pacing: 4✩
Ending: 4✩
Plot: 4.5✩
My only complaint is that there isn’t a illustration of the final chapter
Overall: 4✩
Characters: 4.2✩
Writing: 4✩
Romance: 4✩
Chapter length: 3.8✩
Pacing: 4✩
Ending: 4✩
Plot: 4.5✩
My only complaint is that there isn’t a illustration of the final chapter
April 2, 2024
I read this in one sitting and i wish it was longer still cause im a masochist for a slow burn unffff and this was the rare friend to enemies to lovers as well! 😩 my only gripe was that when the author got the ball rolling she never stopped so it got spicy from 0 to 100 but it was enjoyable nonetheless SO VVVV GOOD
May 21, 2024
This was cozy and wonderful. It wasn't perfect, but it was so much fun. I especially loved their summers as children - the author made me feel like I was there with them, and it was so intriguing to see them develop a friendship without outside influences. And although there were a few anachronisms, the use of a regency era setting was fairly well done.
January 31, 2024
3.5⭐️ 2🌶️
Slowburn sort-of ETL period piece with Bridgerton-esque story arc.
After reading Measure of a Man, I needed a short fluff piece. This had the added bonus of now having a ton of filler/being overly descriptive, which was a nice change of pace for a fic.
Slowburn sort-of ETL period piece with Bridgerton-esque story arc.
After reading Measure of a Man, I needed a short fluff piece. This had the added bonus of now having a ton of filler/being overly descriptive, which was a nice change of pace for a fic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2024
So this started a lil slow, and zoomed the war bits, which was fine… I didnt really care for the victorian vibe while also trying to be super modern… i have mixed feelings.
🌶️ 1/5 By time i got to the smut, which slow burned with damn near no end in sight… i really did not care.
🌶️ 1/5 By time i got to the smut, which slow burned with damn near no end in sight… i really did not care.
November 16, 2024
I loved it! Reminded me of JA Persuasion and maybe Bridgerton. I liked the plot and the main characters, i adored Draco. It was so innocent while they were children and so sweet in the end. Everything was perfect!
June 1, 2025
(Dramione, Rated-E, Historical AU, Childhood friends to enemies to lovers, 81,350 words, 22 chapters) This was such a cute read. My heart was so full 🥺love this Dramione AU so much. As a pride and prejudice lover this was amazing. I will think a lot about this book. One of my favourite Dramione Fanfictions. 5/5 ✨
December 20, 2025
Hermione had some moments when I thought she was insufferably dense but this fic was a short and sweet one that would be nothing short of a palate cleanser after reading Dramione fanfics with very heavy themes. Finished this in half a day.
September 19, 2023
It’s set in the 1800s, everything in canon happens except it’s set in that era. I really enjoyed this read! The pacing was very nice.
September 24, 2023
This was cute, HP meets Bridgerton
October 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this! Bridgerton meets Harry Potter. MY ONLY QUALM is Draco's characterization is a bit off, like he's too nice. The end was really really cute though.
January 1, 2024
cute!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews