Drarry - A New Beginning

Chapter 34. The Summer Ball

Harry laughed and shook his head, thinking back to all the ridiculous situations they'd found themselves in over the years "Every year! Without fail! Something always happened to us. Madness"

"Total madness" Ron agreed "Did Dumbledore really not find it odd that this rubbish kept happening? And it always happened to us as well. No one else" 

"I'm glad all the crazy stuff is over now. I'm ready for a normal life" Harry said, staring into his drink with a reminiscent smile

They fell quiet for a moment, comfortable in the silence until Ron finally spoke again after a few more swigs of his drink 

"So... this 'normal life' that you're ready for... do you see Draco being a part of that?" Ron asked cautiously, not wanted to cause another argument 

Harry looked at him, trying to gauge Ron's approach but reminded himself that Ron was the reason they were back together

"I do" 

"You see yourself living together? Getting married?"

"Maybe, someday" Harry smiled into his drink and so did Ron 

"Harry Malfoy!" Ron exclaimed

"Ew absolutely not" Harry laughed though grimacing too "Don't tell him that though... we'll cross that bridge when we come to it" he winked, swigging the last of his drink 

"Listen Ron, I know I've been spending a lot of this year with Draco, and hiding it from you... but you know you'll always have the biggest spot in my heart, right? You're my best friend and... I love you, mate" Harry smiled, reaching for Ron's arm

Ron smiled and downed the last of his drink. He reached out to place his hand on Harry's shoulder in return "Harry... that was the cringiest thing you've ever said" 

"I know" 

They burst into laughter and Ron ridiculed him for being so soppy "You're my favourite person, too, Harry!" 

"Alright! I get it! Shut up!" Harry chuckled through Ron's laughter 

Their laughter was interrupted as they caught sight of Hermione who gracefully entered the common room. Both their jaws dropped and Ron's boyish smile spread across his face at the sight of the love of his life entering the room 

Hermione appeared at the doorway apprehensively. She was dressed in a beautiful ball gown, with a fitted cream lace bodice which fell into elegant golden satin at the waist in a full skirt. Glints of gold shimmered from the material matching the golden necklace that sat perfectly below her collarbones. Her bushy hair was pinned back on both sides but fell in subtle brown curls down her shoulders, a style that Ron knew had been kindly done by Pansy a few hours before

She took a few steps forward into the room, the striking shades of auburn and gold shining bright as the firelight lit her up, she was practically glowing 

Her makeup was subtle, just the way she liked it. Dainty earrings poked through the strands of hair hugging her cheekbones and as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear Harry noticed her nails were cream coloured, matching the lace on her chest 

"Woah..." Ron breathed, his eyes lit up and mouth gaping open 

"Hermione... you... wow" Harry stammered, both of them risen from their seats at her arrival

Hermione blushed and came in the room to join them, her four-inch cream suede heels added to her height and Harry didn't appreciate that she was now taller than him. She pulled them both in for a hug and squeezed tight, already feeling the weight of emotion that this evening carried