All The Wrong Reasons
By Ennie
A/N: First, I must let you know that THERE ARE SPOILERS in this story. This is supposed to be after Hogwarts, but before the Epilogue (meaning the Epilogue doesn't exist in this story).
I'm going to try my hardest to complete this story, as I never have finished stories in the past. I came up with several chapter ideas so I do not get stuck on the way. However, if I do not update, I am sorry. It usually is because I am busy with other things such as school, so you'll have to forgive me if I do not update frequently. Also, I apologize in advance if my writing sucks. XD Just please don't flame. Criticism is okay, and I appreciate people who try to help me with any mistakes in my story. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy.
Chapter One -- The Banquet
Hermione Granger tapped her foot impatiently as she looked down at her muggle watch. She took a seat on a comfortable couch in the room and folded her arms, looking up at the staircase in the hall through the doorway every few seconds. She pushed back a few strands of wavy brown hair behind her ear. She looked down at her scarlet dress and flattened the pleats on the bottom. Her feet shifted to the side, almost slipping out of her black stilettos. Hermione stood up and sighed. She walked over to the staircase and looked at her watch once more.
"Ron, what on earth is taking you so long," she shouted.
"Hermione, give me a second, will you?" Ron shouted back.
Hermione rolled her eyes and hollered, "Ron, you've been saying that for the past fifteen minutes! We're really going to be late if you don't hurry up."
"I'm doing something! Really, Hermione, just give me a second."
Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath before yelling, "Ronald Bilius Weasley! If you don't tell me what's going on right now, I'll have you covered by ten thousand-"
By now, she had her eyes open, and just in time too. Before her was a handsome, no, a majestic-looking tall man with black a dress robe. His raven-black hair was combed neatly to one side. His emerald green eyes glanced at Hermione's cinnamon brown ones. He offered her a genuine smile, earning himself a grin.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed as she embraced him in a hug.
"Hey there," Harry said as he patted her back with one hand and grasped her wrist with the other. "Where's Ron?"
Hermione nudged him forward to look down at her watch once more as she said, "I don't know. He's taking so long doing Merlin knows what. Where's Ginny?"
"She's coming soon," Harry said as he glanced up and down at Hermione, "and did I tell you how amazing you look?"
Hermione turned slightly pink and shyly smiled. She slapped his arm lightly when she saw Harry's marveled expression. Harry winced as if her slap actually hurt him. She laughed as he whistled, took her arm that he was already holding and spun her around.
"Harry, stop, I feel ridiculous."
"Yes Harry, please stop," a familiar voice rang from the staircase.
Harry and Hermione snapped their heads toward the staircase to find Ron, in a forest green dress robe. His eyes darted towards Harry who nodded a smiled. Then, he took a look at Hermione, who was beaming.
"Shall I escort you to your companion?" Harry said a bit humorously.
"Yes please," Hermione said gingerly as she linked arms with Harry.
Harry made a stern and serious expression. He looked upwards and stiffened his body. Hermione laughed a second time since Harry had arrived and looked straight towards Ron. Ron raised his eyebrows at Harry and let a small smile play on his lips. Hermione let go of Harry's arm, only to have to back in Harry's hand and kissed. He then took Hermione's hand and placed it on Ron's.
"Merlin Harry," Ron said, "did you have a little too much firewhiskey?"
Harry cracked into a grin and said, "Now, you take good care of this young lady."
"Yeah, and you stay away and stop trying to steal my soon-to-be wife," Ron said with all seriousness.
"Hey, it was her that hugged me," Harry said.
"Well," Hermione cut in before Ron could have a say, "that was only because I haven't seen him in three weeks."
"In Romania-"
"With the dragons-"
"With Charlie-"
"Who is injured-"
"With protective equipment-"
"Which is still dangerous!"
"Wait," Ron started, "I thought that Harry was off at-"
At that moment, a loud crack was heard in the other room. Harry was slightly relieved that Ron didn't get a chance to finish what he was saying. If he did, Hermione would be upset that Harry kept this away from her. Actually, she'd be more than just upset. He didn't want to tell her anyway. He knew that she would probably be explode on him if she found out. She'd probably never talk to him again either, but he knew it was for her own good. Later, he'd have to have a talk with Ron about the situation.
A red-haired witch stepped into the hallway and smiled when she saw the trio. She had on an strapless emerald green dress with a ruched bodice and metallic silver flats. Her hair was parted to the left with soft curls twisting on the bottom. Her brown eyes caught Harry's green ones. She smirked at his awestruck expression. She held her hands together and she slowly paced towards his direction. Harry held the same expression as he caught Ginny in his arms. Ginny giggled and traced her delicate fingers over his jawline. He leaned over to give her a gentle peck on the lips.
Ron cleared his throat, causing Ginny to face him and blush. Harry was still in a trance. Hermione nudged Ron.
"Come off it Ron. You'll have to get used to it. They are dating, you know," Hermione said.
"No way," Ron said with a disgusted expression plastered on his face. "Not in front of me."
"What, you think it's a pleasure for me when I see you snog Hermione?" Ginny retorted.
"And since you two are like a brother and sister to me," Harry started.
"Oh, stop it. We're going to be late," Hermione said as she took a hold of Ron's arm. "Do you guys know where the banquet is?"
Ron and Harry looked at each other before shaking their heads. Hermione sighed in exasperation.
"I know where it is," Ginny said.
"Good, then grab a hold of Harry. I'll apparite with Ron over there."
In just a few seconds, all four of them found themselves in front of the double doors outside of the banquet hall. The doors opened swiftly, granting them entrance. They stepped in expecting to see the banquet hall, but instead found a dimmed room with another door blocking their way.
"Why is the door blocked?" Ron groaned.
"Harry, do you have our invitations?" Hermione asked as she eyed the door.
"Yes, why?" Harry said as he drew it from the pocket found inside of his dress robe.
Hermione did not reply. She took the invitations from him, one that was for her and the other that was for him. She held it up at the door. Nothing happened. Before she could give the invitations back to Harry, the cards flew upwards and burst into flames. A yellow spark emitted from each flame and hit the door. The door opened and revealed the banquet hall. Hermione led the way as Ron, Harry and Ginny followed her.
"How did you know how to open the door?" Ginny asked.
"The invitations said to hold the invitations up at the door. I didn't think that was meant literally, though."
"Let's go, I'm starving," Ron said.
"Surprise," Hermione said dryly.
Harry and Ginny laughed at Hermione's remark. As they stepped in, they saw hundreds of witches and wizards chattering, eating and drinking. There were dozens of tables. Harry caught sight of an empty champagne glass being refilled by a charmed champagne bottle. The crystal chandeliers from above gave an enlightening effect.
"Ron, why don't we get the ladies something to drink," Harry said.
"Why don't we take them with us?" Ron asked.
"I was thinking maybe they could mingle with our former classmates over there," Harry said as he faced Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom several yards away from them.
"Oh, okay," Ron said.
Ginny eyed Harry suspiciously as he walked off with Ron. Hermione gazed at them as well. Ginny was first to speak.
"What are they up to?"
"I honestly don't know. Ron's been acting strange all day."
"Same with Harry, but I don't think it has to do with Ron."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked as they walked over to where Luna and Neville stood.
"I think Harry's trying to tell Ron something," Ginny said.
"Really? Like what?" Hermione said as she cast a worried glance over to Ginny. "You don't think it has to do with us, do you?"
"Well, not exactly," Ginny said slowly as she stopped in her tracks.
Hermione caught on and said, "Wait, you think this has to do with me?"
"Well," Ginny caught Hermione's eyes and quickly said, "I don't know. Maybe we're worrying too much. It wouldn't be anything big. I mean they would tell us, right?"
Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but was cut short by a familiar drawl, "Well, well. Isn't it everyone's favorite little mudblood and the hysterical weasel girl."
Hermione was the first to turn on her heel and find the tall blond-haired. She glared at him. He simply smirked and coolly gazed over her appearance with his cold gray eyes. Ginny stepped next to Hermione and spoke up.
"What are you looking are?"
Draco's eyes shot at Ginny as he said, "I wasn't looking at you, obviously."
"I was asking what you were looking at, git," Ginny snarled.
"Don't you get fired-up easily? Just like your brother," Draco said evenly. "What's your job, anyway? Probably something to do with mug-"
"Chaser for Holyhead Harpies," Ginny snapped. "Quidditch team captain."
"Ah, I see," Draco smirked. "Potter falls for Quidditch girls, I see. And you, Granger?"
"Malfoy, get out of our way," Hermione said, ignoring his question.
"Weasleys influencing you?" Draco said as he adjusted his eyes towards Hermione once more.
"Still care about blood?" Hermione snapped. "War's over, Malfoy. Whether I have non-magical parents or not doesn't change that I'm a human being. It's a shame that people must acknowledge you as a human being, though."
Hermione was about to brush past Draco with Ginny, but he stopped her.
"You don't understand," Draco spat with a glint of anger showing in his eyes, "you don't deserve to be a witch. Only people with-"
"Yeah, yeah, magical ancestors," Hermione said as she rolled her eyes. "And to think you were second of our year. Really, Malfoy, even muggleborns have magical descent from generations ago. Don't give me that crap. I don't understand why the hell you go on hating muggleborns because they have 'magical abilities they don't deserve', but then you also hate muggles who can't do magic!"
At this point, several point were watching the scene that Hermione, Ginny and Draco were causing. Even Luna and Neville, who were still a few yards away from them, were watching.
"Muggles are pathetic. Witches and wizards should not even associate with them. Muggleborns are the signs that there were blood traitors in their lineage."
Ginny started, "That's enough from you, Mal-"
"No Ginny," Hermione said, "I'll have you know Malfoy that muggles are absolutely-"
"There is no way in bloody hell you are going to tell me muggles are equals to purebloods. They use the most bizarre-"
SMACK!
She surprised everyone, even herself. Hermione couldn't stop herself. She was furious with what he was saying. Her skin was burning hot from the anger she was feeling. Her eyebrows were furrowed hard. Draco was still facing the direction in which Hermione had smacked him. All eyes were on the two of them now. Only the sound of champagne glasses being filled was heard. Draco managed to smirk even as the red mark was began to form on his stinging left cheek.
"Causing a scene I see," he whispered ominously. "Don't worry Granger. Soon, it'll be my turn to put on a show featuring you."
Hermione faced Ginny who was gawking at Draco in confusion. No sooner did Harry and Ron run over. Ron drew his wand.
"What did you do, Malfoy?" Ron said, pressing his wand against Draco's chest.
"Nothing Weasley. It was just a small chat," Draco said as he pushed Ron's wand away from him, "See you around."
Harry noticed that everyone was still looking at them and waved them off saying, "Nothing to see here, people. Get back to your own business and enjoy the banquet."
Some people glanced at Harry and gasped. Harry groaned inwardly as a couple of giggling witches walked over his way. Ginny saw this and took Harry's arm, showing that he was already taken. One of the witches decided to talk to Harry anyway, as if Ginny was not there. The banquet hall was soon filled with chattering, laughing, music and dancing.
Hermione's expression was still the same as when Draco has said what he said. What did he mean by it? It would be his turn to put on a show for her for what? She was staring blankly into space until she noticed a pair of hands waving frantically in front of her.
"'Mione? You there?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry Ron," she shook her head.
"Are you alright? What did the git say to make you slap him so hard?"
"Slap? Hard?"
"Yes," Ron laughed. "You could hear it ringing at every corner of the banquet, Hermione. I thought your hand unattached itself from your arm from how loud it was."
"Oh Ron, you're exaggerating," she said as she subconsciously looked at her right hand, now the color of Ron's flaming red hair.
"Hermione Granger," a familiar deep voice shouted from behind. "Loved the show you put on for us."
"Dean Thomas," she breathed out as she saw more familiar faces; Seamus Finnigan, Cormac McLaggen, Lavender Brown, Hannah Abbott and Michael Corner.
"A classic," Seamus grinned appreciatively. "Reminds me of back in the day when Harry talked back to Professor Snape when he said-"
Ron cleared his throat. Seamus looked in Ron's direction and quickly dropped the subject. A story of their dead professor was not necessary. Seamus muttered an apology. Lavender Brown was first to break the awkward silence and brighten them up.
"That was amazing," she said. "Of course, he had no right to say what he said. I wouldn't have had the nerve to smack him so hard, though. I wouldn't want to ruin his pretty little face."
All five guys twisted their faces in disgust.
"You think Malfoy's pretty?" Michael asked.
"No, I think he's absolutely dreamy," Lavender smiled.
"Disgusting," Seamus said.
"A git like him? Dreamy?" Dean said.
"Well, she didn't say he had a stunning personality," Hannah said. "He is quite attractive, really."
"Ron, I'm thirsty. Where's my drink?" Hermione said quickly in attempt to change subjects.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I left it on the table when I saw what was going on," Ron said.
"Okay, then let's go get our drinks together," Hermione said grabbing Ron's arm, quickly smiling at her former classmates and pulling him to the direction Ron came from earlier.
"Hermione, I could have gotten it for you," Ron said.
"I need to talk to you," Hermione said as she pulled him down to a table to sit.
"What is it?" he said as he grabbed an hors d'œuvre from the tray levitating next to them.
"Malfoy said something," she said.
"About what?" he said as his eyes darted around to look for him.
"He said something about him being the one to put up a show next time. I don't know what he meant by it, though. It didn't sound like a threat. It sounded more like something was going to happen in the future."
"It sounds like a threat to me, and I'll have him-" Ron stopped short. Something had dawned over him, as if it was a realization. He mouth was open like a goldfish.
"Ron? Are you alright?"
Ron looked over at Hermione and smiled a few seconds later saying, "Excuse me a few seconds, will you?"
Hermione raised her eyebrows, but nodded anyway. She watched his retreating figure. She saw that he was walking in the direction of where Harry was.
"Weird," she muttered as she took a sip out of the champagne glass next to her.
Why did Ron have the sudden urge to go talk to Harry in the middle of their discussion? What was going on? Did he know something about what Malfoy had said? He seemed like he knew something. No, that couldn't be it. She glanced up at Ron and Harry again. It appeared as if Harry looked away from Hermione. She gave into the thought again. Could it?
"'Ermione?"
"Fleur!" Hermione said with a jolt.
"I'm sorry. You zeem like you need someone to talk to. I notized you were zittin' alone."
"No, sit down. I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting to see you of all people," Hermione said and added after she saw Fleur's expression turning into resentment, "I meant that this banquet is for the Ministry, Crallinx, Singio and Château de la Mer."
"Ah, mon oncle travaille au Château de la Mer," Fleur replied.
"Vraiment?" Hermione said, taking the opportunity to use her French skills. "He works there?"
"Vell actzually, he own' 'ze compagnie."
"He owns it?" Hermione uttered in shock.
"Oui."
"That," Hermione said, "is amazing."
"Little time for ze famille," Fleur replied as she took a red wine glass from the table.
"Couldn't he just work from home?"
"No, they are een 'zo many locasions een Oorope. 'E goes to ze differen' places to sheck on 'zem."
"I see," Hermione said. "Well, how's Bill doing?"
"He iz vell. He iz een Romania righ' now to 'elp Charlie vitha' big deal of money and zupplies."
"Fleur? Is that you?"
Hermione and Fleur found Ron staring in disbelief. Hermione smiled and patted the other seat next to her to sit down.
"'Ello Ron," Fleur said.
"Hi. Blimey, what are you doing here?"
Hermione slapped his knee at his remark and apologized quickly, "Sorry Fleur, forgive him. She's here for her uncle who works at Château de la Mer."
"Your uncle works at Château de la Mer?" Ron said a little louder than he meant to.
"Ron, lower you voice," Hermione snapped. "Actually, I must correct myself. He owns it."
Ron gaped as Fleur said, "He is 'ze owner, yes."
"Do you think you could me a job?" Ron asked, receiving another slap on his knee.
"Vell, I suppose, yes," Fleur replied thoughtfully. "Bill vork' zere sometime'."
"Oh that's wonderful Fleur, but you don't have to ask. It's okay," Hermione quickly said.
"No, I vill ask. Iz not a problem."
"Thanks," Ron said.
"Vell, I go back to my table. Mon oncle iz proba'ly lookin' vor me."
Ron gave a puzzled look as Fleur left to which Hermione replied, "Mon oncle means my uncle in French. Seriously Ron, you need to brush up on your language skills."
"Isn't that Percy?"
"Yes, and there's Kingsley," Hermione said with excitement. "It looks like they are about to speak."
No sooner afterwards had Percy used a sonorus charm and said, "Everyone, please, take a seat. The Minister of Magic is about to speak."
"Do we have to call him Minister now?" Ron asked Hermione.
"I guess so. I mean, it would seem kind of rude not to since he worked hard for this position."
As people took their seats, Kingsley used a sonorus charm on himself and said, "Welcome everyone. I am very pleased with the abundance of people that showed up today. I heard there was an incident a short time before my arrival, but everything seemed fine when I entered. It looks like one of my aurors took care of that." Kingsley looked appreciatively to his left where Harry stood.
Hermione sank in her seat and whispered, "He's talking about me, isn't he?"
Ron took Hermione's hand and assured her, "He knows Malfoy provoked you. He shouldn't have been around here, being able to say the disgusting things he said."
"As you all know, there is a new event coming up. The Ministry has decided that this year with Crallinx, Singio and Château de la Mer that there will be an Anonymous Exchange."
"Did you hear that Ron? Anonymous Exchange? I think the idea is ludicrous, really. I mean, what if you get a lower position in your new job that you have not the faintest clue is in the first place?" Hermione said.
"The Ministry, Crallinx, Singio and Château de la Mer will take a few of their workers and write resumés for them. The other companies will not have any personal information regarding the worker."
"Ron?" Hermione said as she glanced over her shoulder.
Ron was tense. His hand held Hermione's hand in a death grip. Hermione tried to pull her hand away from him, but failed. The color from his face seemed to drain. He was turning deathly pale. Hermione gasped.
"Ron?" she said once more.
"I'll... be right back," Ron said, letting her go and running off to a corridor off to the side.
Hermione's gaze never left Ron. Worried was an understatement. She glanced off at Kingsley who didn't seem to notice anything. She switched her gaze over to Harry who noticed Ron running off to the corridor. He glanced over to Hermione. Hermione tilted her head to the side. It seemed like she was asking him to check on him. Harry looked from the corridor to Kingsley and back to Hermione. He hesitantly walked over to Kingsley. Kingsley faced him, still continuing with his speech. Harry muttered a quick excuse, and Kingsley nodded still saying his speech. Harry quickly walked towards to the corridor. Hermione looked around nervously, and finally decided to go see what was wrong. A few people watched her as she got up and went after both Harry and Ron. Ginny must have noticed too, because soon she was trailing after Hermione.
"Hermione, what's going on?" Ginny asked.
"I don't know, Ginny. Something's wrong with Ron."
"What do you mean?"
"In the middle of Kingsley's speech, he suddenly went really tense. I don't know what happened. He excused himself. He looked like he was sick or something."
"I told Ron to lay off the drinks," Ginny sighed. "I'm so sorry, Hermione. I should have taken those glasses from him."
"Wait, what are you talking about? Ron's been drinking a lot?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, before he went back to sit with you. I saw him talking to Harry and before he left, I saw him down at least three glasses."
"Three glasses?!" Hermione said as she stopped walking ahead.
"Yes, in a few seconds. I was going to stop him, but he just walked back to you. Didn't he seem a little off?"
"Not really, he seemed perfectly fine," Hermione said.
"That's weird. Then again, three glasses doesn't really do harm to him," Ginny said with an afterthought.
"Three glasses in a few seconds, yes! Maybe it didn't hit him until he sat with me... oh, this is horrible!"
"Hermione, don't worry. I know my brother does stupid things a lot, but he usually comes out fine at the end."
Hermione had her face in her hands. Ginny patted her back, assuring things would be okay. Harry emerged from a door to their left in front of them. He looked at them uneasily. Hermione removed her hands from her face and parted her lips slowly to let out a gentle whisper.
"Is he okay?"
Harry walked over to her with a unconvincing smile on his face saying, "Hermione, you might have to sit down for this one."
A/N: Sorry if the first chapter seemed to drag a bit. The beginning of this story is a bit difficult to write. I'm also sorry if I have any mistakes written in this first chapter. Thank you for reading.
- edit - I rewrote this first chapter. It is a lot longer, and I wish I wrote this earlier. I needed to add more to this chapter for a better introduction to the second chapter. Sorry about that.