On this illustration, I want to represent The Hierophant as the conflict between inherited traditions and the decision to question them. Draco and Hermione stand face to face, just before performing a ritual or making a vow, with a golden key between them as a symbol of the possibility of opening or breaking away from established beliefs.

The composition has two sides. Behind Draco, there are family portraits, the Malfoy crest, and old documents, representing lineage, tradition, and family expectations. On Hermione’s side, there are books, scrolls, and a photograph of Harry and Ron, symbolizing knowledge, her relationships, and her tendency to question established rules. The two pillars visually frame the scene, one representing tradition and the other change. The scene is meant to show Draco and Hermione caught between two worlds, and how, through their choices, they can decide which beliefs to keep and which ones to leave behind.

The concept plays with both sides of Major Arcana V, The Hierophant, “light and shadow”.

In the upper section of the illustration, Draco Malfoy appears on his silver throne, a symbol of his hereditary glory. His school uniform represents the tradition he upholds, but his unkempt appearance, combined with his slouching posture, reveals his arrogance, one of the traps born from a belief in his own untouchable authority and supremacy. The wand in his left hand, where a gesture of blessing would typically be found in the classic depiction of the card, here symbolizes “pure” magic as an object of devotion.

In the lower section, Draco wears part of his Death Eater robes, which are shown damaged. He holds his mask in his hands and exposes the Dark Mark. In the original representation of the card, the left hand holds a triple cross, a symbol of wisdom and spiritual elevation; in this illustration, the mask serves that same purpose. It is precisely in his role as a Death Eater, and through his desire to defy his lineage’s obligations for the very first time, that Draco matures and evolves, paving the way for the birth of a truly wise and just character in the future.

The frame is formed by branches from his family tree, inspired by the pattern of the House of Black tapestry.

At his feet, an enchanted serpent still tries to pull him into darkness. It is albino, unlike Nagini, to represent a contrast with the idea of obscurity. It shows us that Draco still struggles to discern what he should or should not do, including his connection to Voldemort and even his warped view of Slytherin House itself. The color palette draws from the Black family tapestry as well as his Hogwarts house, playing on the aesthetic concept that green is the color of death, which is the absolute master of all things, thus connecting with the loftiness of the Hierophant.

The Hierophant + Dramione inspiration for this art was from the idea of ceremonial/ritual bonds with a mix of intimacy between Draco and Hermione, despite the duality of their social hierarchy. Hermione being positioned above him represents that she is the prestigious and dominant one. Draco, kneeling for her, makes him the receiving one and can be seen as though he worships her and is her devoted follower. The lore for this art card is that after a successful session of Hermione conducting a ritual for Draco, she’s seen as pleased with herself and Draco. Looking at the intimate gesture, this is her way of congratulating him.

There were symbols referred to from the traditional tarot card that was used for this art, which are an authoritative figure, staff, and keys. Mostly drawn onto Hermione, as I believe she is appropriate for the role of an assertive priestess/temptress or adviser. The original Hierophant staff/wand is depicted in the art that she now has power over her past and her future. Her Mudblood scar and Dolohov curse’ scar on her chest symbolizes as her past and Draco as her future. Draco’s dark mark shows that even though he is already tainted with his sins and troubling dark past, Hermione in front of him is his salvation, and that he would do everything for her. Hermione holding him is a grand gesture of acknowledging his devotion and sense of a second chance to be a better man. Golden Beads (Draco’s symbolism for a ritualistic offering) and a priestess stole, or ceremonial liturgical garment, surrounding them represent their connection to each other.

Originally in the Hierophant Card, the keys are together. I managed to apply the idea to the art a bit fittingly to represent their romance. In this art, they each have a key, and they must unite despite their contrasting roles. Draco is holding one key while Hermione has the other one. It represents that they can’t exist without the other. They complete each other’s halves.

I decided to go with Hermione as the hierophant and Draco as the acolyte. My take on it is that Hermione and Draco are both breaking down established systems. Hermione in the influential position of hierophant and Draco in a loyal position in front of her. With Hermione breaking down prejudice beliefs of muggleborns not being powerful and being in a position to teach Draco a different belief system to what he was raised with and that he can be loved outside of that world.

I have included tradition hierophant tarot card symbols such as the crown symbolising Hermione’s status of strength of things she has overcome, her earrings, holding a wand instead of the traditional staff, traditional hierophant feather used as also a nod to the Hermiones “leviOsa” moment and the pattern on her dress.