She didn't know how he felt about being paired with her, a Muggleborn. He was a Death Eater, with the dark mark to prove it, and it's common knowledge that Death Eaters hate Muggles and Muggleborns above all others so she feels fully justified in worrying about introducing Malfoy to her parents. However, much to her surprise, he's polite. He shook their hands and didn't immediately jump out of her Father's embrace although he did look very uncomfortable.
Her parents lead the way out of the hall into the foyer and then into the reception hall. Hermione's taken by how beautiful the reception hall is. The hall itself is bigger than Hogwarts' Great Hall. There's a stage at one end of the hall with a drum set, a keyboard, three guitars and some microphones arranged. In front of the stage is a large dance floor with spotlights pointing down at it from many different angles. Across the entire opposite wall is a large bar with about twenty bartenders stood waiting to serve or already serving customers. In a horseshoe formation around the stage and dancefloor where around forty large circular tables seating twenty-five people each.
People have already started finding their table and were sitting down with their new partner and families. On an easel near the doors is a seating plan, Hermione points it out to her parents then goes over to see where they have been placed.
"I'll join you at the table momentarily, I need to find my Mother," Malfoy announces before he nods at her parents the walks off towards the stage.
Whoever did the seating arrangement must have already known who was being paired with who and also who's friends with who as she had been placed on the same table with the Weasley's and all their partners and their parents as well. Their table is between the bar and the dancefloor which Hermione doesn't mind since she needs a drink or two and she feels like dancing her worries away. She'll worry about everything tomorrow, for tonight she's going to celebrate her friends' marriage. She is going to enjoy herself.
The three of them head over to their table to find the Weasley's glaring at the Parkinson's. Ginny jumps up from her seat upon seeing Hermione and everyone looks at her for a second before going back to glaring at each other.
Hermione hugs her best friend tightly.
"Congratulations, Mrs Potter." She says making Ginny laugh.
"How are you doing?" Ginny asks her but she shakes her head.
"I'm not even going to think about it. I'm going to celebrate your and Harry's marriage and anyone else's who's happy with this." She explains.
"Well you're not going to be celebrating Ron's, are you?" She laughs, sitting back down.
Hermione takes a seat next to her. Her parents have gone over to congratulate Harry. She glances around the table. Molly and Arthur are glaring at Mr and Mrs Parkinson whilst Pansy cries into her Father's handkerchief and Ron nurses a rather large glass of firewhisky between them. Bill, Fleur and Charlie are sat next to their parents muttering to each other. What she assumes are George, Angelina and her parent's seats are empty. There's a man and a woman looking worriedly at Percy and Audrey who seem to be in a heated debate. She guesses that they're her parents. Harry's stood up talking to her Mum and Dad. Ginny's admiring her wedding band, which Hermione notices is different to hers. Between Hermione and Mr Parkinson are five seats for her parents, Malfoy and his Mum.
He spots his Mother stood over by the stage talking to Mr and Mrs Stonage. Mitty's stood behind her looking around nervously. He walks over to them to drag his Mother over to their table. He needs to introduce her to Granger and her parents before he can get a drink.
"Draco, did you know my son was courting that girl?" Blaise's Mother asks him.
"I was aware he was courting someone before Christmas but I was unaware they carried on after finding out about The Marriage Decree and I was unaware of whom he was courting." Draco answered truthfully. "But I can assure you that Loo- Luna is a very kind natured, clever girl worthy of Blaise's affections." He adds.
He barely knows Lovegood but he's heard a lot about her. How she frequent snuck into the Forbidden Forest to talk with the centaurs or feed the other creatures and if her reaction to being paired to his best friend is anything to go by, then he's more than happy for them.
"She's seems rather airy." She says.
"She definitely is but that isn't bad. Now if you please excuse us." Draco excuses himself, his Mother and Mitty.
"Are you going to introduce me to Hermione?" She asks him as they walk over to the seating arrangement board.
"Since when are you on a first name basis with her?" He questions her.
"She is my daughter-in-law, I'm not going to call her Mrs Malfoy, am I?" His Mother says making him cringe.
He highly doubts Granger would like his Mother if she called her that. The look at the board trying to find their names.
"Of course they've put us with the Weasel's." He mutters earning a slap on the arm from his Mother.
"There will be none of that. I raised you better." She starts to walk over to their table.
"Mother, wait!" He calls jogging after her. "You can't just go over there."
"I'm not going to hide from them, Draco." She carries on walking.
"Master Draco knows master cannot stop master's mother." Mitty speaks up from behind him.
"I know Mitty." He sighs then follows after his Mother who's stopped a few metres from the table.
"I'm not going to introduce myself, Draco." She points out.
Draco nods walking over to where Granger is sat with her parents. He places his hand on the back of her chair.
"Good afternoon." He says cringing at how formal he sounds but it does its job in gaining their attention as Granger and her parents stand up.
"We were beginning to wonder where you'd gotten to," Chris says.
"I'd like to formally introduce you to my Mother, Narcissa Malfoy." He motions to his Mother.
"Lovely to meet you Narcissa," Sarah says then proceeds to hug her a kiss both her cheeks.
Draco holds in his smirk. His Mother has never been one for hugging.
"This is Sarah, Chris and Gra- Hermione." He quickly corrects himself motioning to each person in turn.
Chris shakes his Mother's hand then sits down next to his wife leaving a chair between them and Granger for Draco to sit in.
"It's delightful to see you again Hermione." His Mother holds her hands out for Granger to shake.
"I somehow doubt that, Narcissa." She spits his Mother's names, refusing to shake her hand, then sits back down.
"Mitty likes mistress, master." Mitty mutters from behind his cloak.
Hermione hear a small voice coming from behind Malfoy so turns around to see a house-elf peering nervously from behind his cloak.
"Hello." She bends down to talk to the house-elf at her level. "What's your name?" She asks.
The house-elf looks up at Malfoy to ask permission to talk. Malfoy nods back to his house-elf.
"Mitty, mistress." She replies taking a deep bow.
"I'm happy to meet you." She holds her hand out for Mitty to shake but the house-elf looks back up to Malfoy who nods again.
Mitty grabs her hand with both of her small ones shaking it excitedly.
"Please call me, Hermione. I'm not your mistress." She tells Mitty who smiles looking up at Malfoy.
"Master asks Mitty to say Draco but it habits for Mitty to say, master," Mitty explains.
"Would you like to sit down?" Hermione motions to the seat next to Ginny that she was previously sat on.
She helps Mitty onto the chair where she stands looking nervously around the table. Hermione sits down between her and her Mum.
Draco watches Mitty and Granger's conversation fondly. Mitty has been his house-elf since he started walking and needed someone to look after him and ensure he didn't fall down any stairs. She'd been through everything with him. She one of the most important people in his life.
When they sit down, he continues to stand behind them unsure of what to do. Chris had moved to allow him to sit down next to Granger but now Mitty is sat there he'd have to sit with his Mother and Chris. His Father-in-law seems nice enough but he's not ready to have a proper conversation with him yet. No doubt he'll ask more questions about his Father and he doesn't think he'll be impressed to find out he's in Azkaban.
"I'm heading to the bar." He announces. He really needs a drink if he's going to make it through this whole night. "Can I get anyone anything?" He offers politely.
"I'd love a glass of white wine," Sarah asks.
"I'll have a beer son if you're offering," Chris says.
Draco's a little taken aback by being called son by Chris but he doesn't mention it. He looks at Granger awaiting her drink order.
"Draco dear, order a dozen bottles of firewhisky and butterbeer." His Mother tells him.
"Does anyone want anything different?" He asks but nobody answers him so he sets off for the bar.
"Can I help you, sir?" A bartender asks him.
"Yeah, I'll have a glass of wine, a bottle of beer, a dozen butterbeers and five bottles of firewhisky." He orders ignoring the annoyed look he receives from the bartender who slams two trays down on the bar in front of him.
The bartender places the butterbeer on one tray along with twelve glasses then places the five bottles of firewhisky on the other tray with the glass of wine and beer.
"How many glasses for the firewhisky, sir?" He asks sharply.
Draco shrugs.
"Twenty glasses please sir." Granger's voice comes from behind him.
"Hermione dear, why don't you go help Draco. It will give you the chance to talk." Narcissa suggests.
She feels her Mum reach over to place an encouraging hand on her elbow so she stands up, removes her cloak which would only restrict her arm movements. She folds it neatly then hangs it over the back of the chair.
"Hermione." Ginny grabs her wrist before she can leave. "Can you order me a pumpkin juice? I want to remember tonight." She winks at her making Hermione shudder.
She walks over to the bar where Malfoy's being served but a very annoyed looking bartender.
"How many glasses for the firewhisky, sir?" She hears the bartender ask.
Malfoy just shrugs so she steps forward.
"Twenty glasses please sir." She answers.
Malfoy turns to face her frowning.
"My parents have vowed never to touch firewhisky again, George doesn't drink anymore, Ginny wants a pumpkin juice and Audrey's Mum is pregnant so no alcohol for her." She explains but Malfoy continues to frown at her.
"Is that everything, sir?" The bartender asks looking hopeful.
"No, we'll be needing two pumpkin juices and a glass of milk," Hermione orders earning herself a confused look from both the bartender and Malfoy.
"Milk, ma'am?" He asks,
"Yes, milk."
The bartender rolls his eyes going off to get the order.
"I wouldn't give him a tip with that attitude." She says picking up the firewhisky tray and retreating back to their table.
She places it in the centre of the table, hands her parents their drinks, then grabs a glass, filling it with firewhisky before sitting back down in her seat.
"Would you like a drink, Mitty?" She asks the house-elf whose eyes sparkle.
"Mitty likes butterbeer, mistress Hermione." She tells her.
"I've got the butterbeer here," Malfoy announces placing the tray next to hers in the centre of the table.
He pours a drink out and hands it to Mitty.
"Mitty thanks you Master Draco." She says then takes a seat with her glass.
Hermione watches in amusement as Ginny glares at Malfoy when he places her pumpkin juice in front of her. He pulls his hand away from her quickly as though she might bite him. George, who returned to the table with Angelina and her parents whilst they were at the bar, unsurely thanks Malfoy when he places the glass of milk in front of him. It's not until Malfoy's taking a seat next to her that she realises that her parents have moved up a seat.
"I didn't tip him." He mumbles quietly with his firewhisky halfway to his mouth.
Hermione nods as an indication that she heard but doesn't answer him. She just continues to sip at her firewhisky. She watches as Ron grabs an entire bottle of firewhisky and a single glass then proceeds to drink five glasses one after the other. She looks to Ginny concerned but she's near enough sat on Harry's lap whispering into his ear.
Suddenly a bell rings out throughout the hall and everyone quietens down. All the spotlights from the dancefloor point at the stage to reveal Kingsley Shacklebolt standing in front of a microphone.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please?" He asks pointlessly since everyone is already is already looking at The Minister. "You've had half an hour to settle down and bond with your partner but now it's time for your meal." He claps his hands and a banquet appears in front of them.
There are a few gasps around the hall, including from her parents. They seem a little dubious of the food but once they saw Hermione and the rest of the table eating, they help themselves. She grabs herself some lasagne and salad then a slice of banoffee pie for dessert. She notices that Malfoy places some lasagne on his plate too. He doesn't take any dessert. Not long after she finishes, the bell rings out again bringing everyone's attention back to Kingsley on the stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention once more please?" The Minister calls for everyone's attention so he turns towards the stage. "I hope you enjoyed your meal, now for the fun to begin. For your first dance, I pres-"
"Dance." Draco gasps eyes wide.
Nothing was ever mentioned about dancing in the letters they'd received. He has nothing against dancing, in fact, he rather enjoys it. His Mother taught him to dance as a child and it came in handy during their fourth year but he doubts Granger wants him to dance with her. Dancing involves touching each other and standing very close.
"-so can all our couples make their way to the dancefloor."
A few couples make their way to the dancefloor. The happy couples, Draco notices. The ones like Potter and his wife, Blaise and Lovegood and Finnegan and Thomas. Most couples slowly, reluctantly make their way over too. He can't just sit here next to Granger whilst everyone else dances, letting her parents judge him for it. He knows he doesn't need to make a good impression on her parents since he doubts their marriage will last longer than the birth of their child but he finds himself wanting to make a good impression. They seem like nice enough people.
He abruptly stands up making Granger jump slightly. He offers her his hand but she just glares at it.
"Shall we dance, Granger?" He asks her not wanting to make a fool of himself now that everyone on the table is staring at him.
She's about to answer him when her Mother interrupts. "Go on Hermione, you love dancing."
Granger sighs deeply before standing up. She doesn't take his hand but she does make her way to the dancefloor. Draco follows closely behind her until they reach the dance floor where she abruptly stops in her tracks causing him to crash into her back.
"Ah, sorry." He mutters when she turns to face him.
Draco glances around the dance floor at the other couples. Most of them are doing the same as he is, avoiding looking at their partner, although a couple were talking to each other and a small few were already holding each other ready to dance. The band starts playing something he's never heard of. The couples around them start dancing. He glances down at Granger who's staring back up at him probably waiting for him to take lead. He reaches out to take her hand but she snatches it away, hiding them behind her back.
"What are you doing?" She snaps at him.
"I'm under the impression Granger, that in order to dance one must touch their partner." He sarcastically replies stepping towards her leaving a few inches between them as he reaches behind her back to grab hold of her hands.
She keeps them stiff for a second before letting him place one on his shoulder and keep one in his. He pauses before gently placing his other hand on her waist. He looks up from her waist into her eyes trying to decipher what she's thinking but her face isn't giving anything away.
"I'm under the impression Malfoy,-" She smirks at him. "That in order to dance one must move." She smiles obviously proud of herself.
Draco shakes his head trying not to smile. He doesn't want to give her the satisfaction of making him smile but he does start swaying them on the spot.
Suddenly the tempo picks up before there's a crash of symbols. He wasn't aware of the band having any symbols. Draco watches as many of the males lift their partners up into the air. He hears the music start to pick up the tempo again, so he moves her other hand to his shoulder then his to her waist all the while not breaking eye contact.
Hermione frowns confusingly at Malfoy as he moves her hand to her shoulder. She doesn't understand what he's doing, the music isn't slow enough to slow dance to. However, a few seconds later she understands as he lifts her up in time with the music and the other couples. She squeals in surprise having not been expecting it. Once she's back down on two feet she glares up at Malfoy who's smirking at her probably trying not to laugh.
"If you ever tell-" She hisses through gritted teeth before being interrupted.
"My lips are sealed." He mutters then squeeze his lips together to prove his point but a small smile breaks through.
She's never seen him smile before. She didn't think he was capable of doing so. The music goes back to its original tempo so they back to swaying on the spot.
Hermione glances around them at the other couples. She spots Harry and Ginny dancing in the centre of the dance floor, holding each other close, whispering to each other then she sees Ron and Pansy not far away from them. Stood about two feet away from each other, barely holding each other's hands. She feels sorry for Ron. He doesn't deserve to be married to Pansy and she doesn't deserve to be married to Malfoy. She chuckles to herself. It's just another thing she and Ron have in common.
The tempo picks up again. This time, she's prepared for the lift but what she's not prepared for is Malfoy spinning her around on the spot, her skirt spin around them at the motion. The rest of the dance goes well but when the music ends, it leaves them stood, still holding each other, awkwardly.
"Malfoy... you can let go of me now." She points out.
His hands fall limply to his side. "Since we're married now," He raises his left hand, showing off his ring. "I think you can stop calling me Malfoy." He says.
"Okay, then you can stop calling me Granger." She tells him.
"Okay." He says leaving an awkward pause. "I'm... going back to the table."
Hermione just nods her reply then follows him back. They find her Mum, Dad, Narcissa, Molly, Arthur and the Parkinson all sat together talking. There's not raised voices or upturned faces so at least it's a civil conversation. She sits down in her usual seat grabbing another glass of firewhisky as Malfoy, or rather Draco, sits down next to her with his own drink. They don't talk. They just drink. Until Percy comes over, sitting to her other side, reading a book.
"Who brings a book to their own wedding?" Draco comments.
"Someone who doesn't want to spend it sat around, drink his problems away," Percy answers monotonously without taking his eyes off his book.
Hermione watches Draco raise his glass to Percy then down the rest of his firewhisky. Then without excusing himself he gets up and leaves.
"I can't believe The Ministry paired you with him. I'll be surprised if one of you doesn't end up dead before the year ends." Percy announces closing his book.
"Have a little faith in me Percy. I doubt if I'll be seeing much of him in the house anyway. He'll probably spend most of his time in his Manor." She points out and Percy shrugs. "I wished I thought to bring a book. The ceremony droned on for hours." She adds nodding to his book.
"Would you care to dance, Hermione?" He suddenly asks, standing up.
Hermione glances over at the band, who were now playing a song she had heard recently off the radio at the Burrow. She could easily sway and bop to it so she nods and walks with him to the dancefloor.
Most the couples have retreated to their tables, leaving a much more open space to dance.
"How are you doing?" Percy asks does a terrible side stepping move. "I didn't ask before."
"I'm fine for now but that'll probably change in the morning when we're alone and not intoxicated." She answers truthfully.
"Intoxicated!" He chuckles. "You've had, what, two glasses of firewhisky?" He asks.
"Three actually but I plan on having more." She admits. "They calm my nerves."
The song ends before Percy can comment on her drinking habits. He claims not to be one for dancing and returns to the table. She's only alone for a few seconds before Harry takes hold of her hand, pulling her further onto the dancefloor.
"Are you okay, Hermione?" He asks her as he spins her under his arm.
"Yes, I'll be fine. There's no need to worry." She rolls her eye because that's exactly what he's doing.
"I can't help worrying. You're like my sister and now you're married to... to... that ferret." He hisses looking over at their table where Draco has returned and is talking to Mitty.
"Harry." She says warningly. "If you go about insulting him like that, you're just going to make things worse for me so please try to be civil with him?" She asks him.
He reluctantly nods his reply.
"Great. Now let's talk about you and your beautiful wife." She changes the topic.
At the mention of Ginny, Harry smiles widely. "We've been thinking about having another, smaller ceremony in August just for family and friends." He tells her. "Today just didn't feel personal and there's a few people we'd like to invite that weren't invited here." He mentions.
"That's sounds amazing. I can't wait."
"We've been planning it for a while, Ginny and I. Nobody knows this but I actually proposed to her on New Year's Eve." Harry leans closer to her ear to whisper. "We were devastated when we found out about The Marriage Decree."
Hermione suddenly remembers their first night back at Hogwarts after the Christmas holiday. Ginny had mentioned something about a fool proof plan. She smiles to herself. It obviously worked then.
"May I cut in, Harry?" Her Dad asks tapping him on the shoulder.
"Of course, I'll talk to you later." Harry promises.
As soon as Harry's walked off somewhere, her Dad opens his arms wide for her and she leaps into them, hugging him tightly.
"Before you ask, I'm fine." She mumbles into his chest.
Her Dad chuckles, stroking her hair. "So this Draco boy..." He starts hinting for her to finish the sentence.
She sighs looking up at her Dad. "He used to make our life a living Hell, Dad. He was constantly bullying us to the point that I actually punched him once."
He raises a disapproving eyebrow but she can see the proud smile behind them.
"But he has changed since the end of the war. Especially since his Father was sent to Azkaban."
"That explains why he changes the topic when I mention his Father." He nods. "As long as he doesn't do anything to hurt you, Hermione, then he's good in my books. He seems nice enough and he's very polite." He adds.
Hermione hugs her Dad again. "Thank you, Dad."
"I'm going to go ask your Mum to dance." He leaves her as the song ends.
She turns towards their table when Ron stumbles over to her, holding his hands out. She takes hold of them and they sway together with him spinning her around a few times.
"Am sorry, 'mione." He slurs.
She can smell firewhisky coming off his breath.
"How much have you had to drink?" She asks concerned.
He pulls her sharply into a hug, holding her tightly.
"Am sorry, 'mione." He repeats. "I fought we be together. Probably my fault. I didn't do questionnaire properly." He mumbles into her ear. "Now you with him."
"Don't worry about me, Ron." She hugs him back just as tightly. "I'm more worried about you. How much have you drunk?" She asks again.
He shrugs in their embrace. "Lost count after six or seven." He grumbles.
"Ron..." She starts but he doesn't let her finish.
"Don't 'mione. Am tired of you judging me. Am drinking til I can't remember nothing. I need a drink." He pushes her away walking off to the bar leaving her stood on the dancefloor, watching after him concernedly.
She's about to go to the bar herself when she spots George stood at the edge of the dancefloor watching his wife and her friends dancing. She stands next to him, nudging him slightly so he knows she's there.
"Is it awkward being married to Angelina?" She asks watching Angelina, Alicia and Katie dance.
"Because she dated him?" He asks meaning Fred.
"No, because she's one of your closest friends." She explains.
"Oh, not at all really. She seems happy." He shrugs looking over at her fondly.
"What about you?" She doesn't want to push him too much. "Do you think you can be happy?"
"I hope so. " He mumbles then look down at her. "I know it's been over a year but it still feels so... new." His eyes start watering but he whips them before any tears fall.
"I don't know what to say George. I don't know if that feeling's ever going to go away and you might not want to hear this but you need to try and be happy. For Angelina and your future child." She tells him.
"You're right." He nods. "As usual." He tries to smile but it comes out as a grimace. She returns it anyway. "I'm going to go ask her to dance." He says, grimace still present on his face as he walks over to Angelina.
She watches them for a while. He continues to smile in that way and Angelina returns with a real smile as she holds his hands, dancing and spinning around. After a few minutes she feels a bit creepy so she goes back over to their table.
He spots Blaise over near the bar with Lovegood so he makes his way over to them.
"Draco, how's married life treating you so far?" Blaise asks with his arm around his wife's waist.
Draco just glares at him, making him uncomfortable, until he laughs nervously.
"That bad, eh? I'm sure things will get better." His friend claps him on the back as he drags his wife to the dance floor.
"I doubt it." He mumbles to himself as he waves a bartender over. "A large glass of red wine please." He orders.
The bartender nods, "Yes, sir."
This bartender seems a lot politer. He gives the man a tip once he's handed the glass over.
"Th-thank you, sir." The bartender stutters nodding vigorously.
Draco takes a seat next to Mitty back at the table. She's on what he thinks is her second glass of butterbeer.
"Don't drink too much Mitty. I don't think Mother will appreciate supporting a drunk house-elf home." He teases her.
"Mitty don't drink much, Master. Mitty leave soon. Mitty needs to help Gharther cook breakfast for Master's Mother and Master's guests." She tells him.
"What do you think of Gr-Hermione?" He asks curiously.
"Mitty think Mistress Hermione is kind and beautiful." She admits happily.
"I'm glad you think that Mitty."
"Master Draco thinks what of Mistress Hermione?" She asks.
He pauses with his glass to his mouth then carries on to take a sip. "I think she's very kind and I suppose in certain lights she's pretty."
"Master Draco is blushing." Mitty tells him.
"No I'm not." He quickly denies.
He ignores Mitty's knowing stare instead looking over to the dancefloor where Hermione is dancing with Potter. He narrows his eyes, trying to look closer at them. They seem to be in the middle of a conversation until he leans in to whisper into her ear. He wonders curiously what they're whispering about.
He's thankful when Chris interrupts them for the next dance. He can tell she's very close to her Father. His heart beats quicker as he watches them talk. He looks quickly away a few minutes later when he walks over towards him.
"Don't worry son, I don't care about your past but just makes sure you don't hurt her in any way, otherwise we'll have a problem." Chris threatens.
Draco doubts Chris will be able to lay a hand on him before he has his wand out and a curse out of his mouth but he understands why he makes the threat.
"I will never do anything to purposely hurt her and will be nothing but apologetic if I unintentionally hurt her." He says without breaking Chris' eye contact.
Chris nods once then turns to face Sarah to ask her to dance. Draco looks back over at Hermione to find her hugging Weasel a little too comfortably. He can only see his face but he looks heartbroken. He was under the impression that they weren't a couple. Hermione had said so herself. He watches as Weasel pushes her away then storms off to the bar. He looks completely drunk. Worse than he's ever seen Blaise and he's seen Blaise in some very intoxicated states.
He drinks the last of his wine, which he found rather nice considering it was apparently a muggle variety. He places the glass back down on the table then excuses himself before heading back over to the bar.
The same bartender serves him as he orders another glass of the same red wine. As he awaits his return he turns to glance around the hall. It concerns him that in a crowded room full of around a thousand people, his eyes instantly find Hermione walking back to their table. They've barely been married four hours and she's already got a hold on him.
When the bartender comes back with his glass of wine he orders another. He leaves another tip then carries both glasses back to the table.
Hermione just sits down at their table when a glass of wine is placed in front of her. She looks up just as Draco sits down opposite her. She eyes the wine suspiciously.
"I didn't poison it." He snaps, offended.
"I know." She tells him picking the glass of wine up. "I was wondering why you got me it."
"Can't I buy my wife a drink?" He raises a questioning eyebrow which she returns with a pointed stare before taking a sip from her glass.
She gazes around the hall just watching as people interact with their partner, parents, families, friends and everyone else.
"Having fun?" Draco asks.
"I suppose I am." She answers staring disturbingly at a couple who were heavily making out at a table near the stage. "Considering." She adds as an afterthought.
"Considering you're married to me." He mutters glumly and she can't help feeling sorry for him. It's not his fault they got paired together.
"Considering I'm married in the first place." She explains. "I don't know about you Draco, but I didn't want to get married today."
Draco nods in agreement.
"I wanted to meet someone, get to know them, fall in love with them before I..." She realises she rambling. "Sorry, you don't care." She takes another sip of the red wine Draco got her.
"I planned on living out the rest of my life focussing solely on my career. Who'd want to marry me anyway? People either see me as a Death Eater or a blood traitor, depending on which side of the war they were on." He stands up, quickly walking off.
"Draco?" She calls after him, also standing up.
He stops but doesn't turn around so she walks a little closer to him.
"I see you as neither, Draco." She tells him but he walks off again.
This time, she lets him leave, returning to her table. Not long later the bell rings out again before Kingsley takes to the stage again.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present you to one of the best up and coming bands this year. MB." Kingsley announces as the band enters the stage waving to the crowd.
"Hi guys, we're MB and we want as many of you on the dance floor as possible." The lead singer shouts into the microphone.
A few people make their way onto the dance floor but apparently not enough.
"Come on, if you've got muggle blood in your veins, make your way to the dancefloor now." She shouts.
Hermione frowns. What is she shouting about?
"Come on, Hermione." Ginny grabs hold of her hand pulling her up off her seat.
"Really, Ginny. I don't know this band." She complains but allows herself to be pulled onto the dance floor.
"Our first song is for one of our own. The inspirational Hermione Granger." The lead singer shouts pointing towards her.
"One of their own?" She repeats confused. "Who are they?" She asks Ginny.
"They're this new band. They got together about two weeks after the end of the war. They call themselves MB but that's short for Muggleborn or... erm... you know." She explains.
"Mudblood." Hermione mutters.
"Yeah." Ginny avoids her eyes. "They're starting to play, come on." She pulls her closer to the stage as the band starts playing a song Hermione instantly recognises from the muggle world. A song she hasn't heard for years.
"Sun is shining in the sky,
There ain't a cloud in sight,
It's stopped raining..."
"They play exclusively muggle songs," Ginny explains as they dance.
They end up dancing to a few other songs before Ginny complains her feet are tired and she needs a drink. Hermione accompanies to the bar.
"Can I have a glass of wine and what do you want Ginny?" She asks her friend.
"I'll have another pumpkin juice." She replies.
"Come on Ginny, you're not that much of a lightweight. One drink isn't going to cloud your memories." She tells her as the bartender glances back and forth between them.
"No, I'm fine with a pumpkin juice." She nods at the bartender who goes off to get their drinks.
"Here you go ma'am, is that everything?" He asks with a sincere smile.
"For now, yes." She reaches out her hand with a few coins. "Here you go, sir."
"No ma'am, your husband has already tipped me more than I earn in a week. I couldn't possibly take any more from you." He pushes her hand away.
"Oh... thank you." She thanks the bartender who keeps smiling them.
Back at their table, Ginny and Hermione sit down with Audrey, who's sipping her drink.
"Hi, Audrey." Ginny greets her new sister-in-law. "How are you finding my brother?" She asks.
"He's alright. We have a few things in common." Audrey answers. "Although, does he always read this much." She nods over to where Percy is sat next to Arthur, nose deep in his book.
Hermione and Ginny glance at each other before bursting out laughing. "Oh Audrey, this is nothing. Sometimes, when he finds a particularly interesting book, he reads it in one sitting. Even if that means going without sleep. Just make sure he eats something. He gets so caught up in the book and he just forgets." Ginny explains.
"Great." Audrey rolls her eyes sarcastically. "Well, he can do what he wants. I'm a little preoccupied with work at the moment anyway." She adds.
"What is it you do?" Hermine asks, making polite conversation.
"I work in the Ministry." Audrey mentions narrowing her eyes at Hermione as though daring her to ask for more detail.
However, it's Ginny who tries to find out more. "Which department?"
"I'm afraid that's classified." She states breaking eye contact then leaving the table.
"Well, that was weird," Ginny mentions to which she nods in agreement.
"Hermione, there you are dear." Her Mum comes over to give her a hug. "I'm back at work tomorrow so we're going to leave now." She tells her.
"Oh, okay. I'll come walk you out." She makes a grab for her cloak.
"No, you stay. Narcissa said she'll walk us out. She's heading home too." Her Mum mentions turning to wave in Narcissa's direction.
"I'd prefer it if I walked out," Hermione tells her feeling uncomfortable.
"I know you worry about us dear, but we'll be fine." Her Mum tries to convince her.
"I don't trust her, Mum." She admits.
"Do you trust the elf?" She asks and Hermine nods understanding.
She trusts Mitty will do anything to serve both Draco and herself so she doubts the house-elf will let any harm come to her parents. Especially not from Narcissa.
"Okay, I'll come visit you tomorrow. I need to collect my things." She explains.
"We'll see you tomorrow then." Her Mum gives her another hug. "Come on Chris." She calls over to her Dad who's talking to Arthur about something.
"I'm coming over to see you tomorrow, Dad." She tells him as they hug goodbye.
She walks them over to the door, where Narcissa and Mitty are waiting.
"It's was lovely to meet you Mitty." She bends down to shake the house elf's hand. "Can you ensure my parents have a safe exit into the muggle world?" She whispers.
Mitty's eyes widen in delight at being given an order from her new mistress. "Mitty happy to help mistress Hermione." She squeaks.
"Draco dear, we're leaving. Mr and Mrs Stonage have already gone and I don't wish to leave them alone too long in our home." His Mother pats him lightly on the shoulder.
"Goodnight then Mother." He kisses her cheek.
"Don't forget to visit, Draco." She smiles gently.
"Of course not, Mother." He lets a small smile play on his face.
He walks her and Mitty over to the door where she stops.
"Chris and Sarah have asked me to walk them out. Apparently muggles can't leave The Ministry without one of us guiding them." She says quirking an eyebrow.
"Mother, be kind. This is important to me." He warns her.
"I'm always kind, dear." She says seriously which worries him. "Now, if I'm not mistaken, one of your friends is beckoning you over." She points behind him.
He turns to find Theo waving him over. He nods to let him know he's on his way.
"Please excuse me Mother and goodbye Mitty." He walks away towards Theo.
"Draco, Lisa and I are having a party Friday night. Are you coming?" He glances over to his table where Lisa is sat with her friends.
"Who else are you inviting?" He asks curiously.
"Blaise and Luna, Goyle and Megan, Pansy and Ron-"
Draco interrupts with an annoyed groan. "You're inviting the Weasel." He complains.
"Yeah but he isn't gonna come, is he?" Theo huffs out a laugh. "I'm just trying to be polite. For Pansy's sake."
"I don't think Pansy will care if you don't invite him." He points out.
Theo shrugs. "Then Lisa's inviting some of her friends. Mandy and Oliver, Sue and Richard, and Isobel and William. So are you coming?" He asks hopefully.
"Yeah, I'll come." He gives in.
"Bring Hermione too," Theo calls behind him as he makes his way back over to his wife.
He doubts she'll want to come but he'll ask her anyway. He wonders what their life is going to be like. How will they act around each other? Will they talk, get to know each other or will she just want to get the whole ordeal over and done with? The thought makes him shudder. He never wanted his first time to be loveless but he doesn't have a chance of having it any different now. Especially not with Hermione. He can't see himself falling in love with her and he definitely can't see Hermione falling in love with him. No matter how long they stay married.
She's starting to feel the effects of the alcohol on her so she makes it her last drink. She waiting for the same bartender as earlier to return with her drink when someone pokes her hard in the back. She turns around coming face to face with a very drunk and very angry Pansy Parkinson.
"Stay away from him, he's mine." She slurs, rocking as she stood in front of her.
Hermione raised a questioning eyebrow. This is definitely something she didn't see coming, Pansy threatening her over Ron.
"Don't worry Pansy, I don't feel that way anymore. The kiss was in the heat of the moment and didn't mean anything so he's all yours." She informs her but that doesn't seem to help.
"You kissed him." She glares at her, tears welling up. "When?" She prods her in the shoulder.
"It was near the end of the war. Over a year ago. I'm over it and I'm pretty sure he is too." She tries to calm the girl down but she starts pulling at her own hair.
"We'll see how you like it." She storms off leaving Hermione wondering what she was on about.
"Here's your drink, ma'am." The bartender pulls her attention away from Pansy.
"Thank you again. What's your name sir?" She asks him making him blush.
"My name's Stephen, ma'am." He bows slightly.
"Thank you, Stephen, you've been a great help to me tonight." She praises him causing him to blush deeper and walk off mumbling something about having to serve someone.
She chuckles to herself as she heads back to the table, sipping on her drink. She finds herself alone for the first time in hours so she takes the time to just sit and watch. She finds it fascinating how differently people are reacting to their partnership. Some are genuinely happy, laughing and dancing together on the dance floor. Some are sat at their table nervously getting to know each other. Some are sat at their table ignoring their partner completely. Then a small few are drunkenly making out with their partner like the couple she saw earlier and the couple over near the bar who were properly going at it. The move slightly and Hermione nearly chokes on her drink as she realises the couple is Ron and Pansy. They must far drunker than she first thought.