Disclaimers: All characters featured in this story (with the exception of Rachel and Helena) belong to JK Rowling. All stuff belongs to their respective owners.

Chapter 2

Rachel sat in a posh cafe with a beautiful view of the surrounding village. Sipping her water, she checked her watch. Twelve-thirty. Astoria had told her twelve-fifteen, but she hadn't arrived yet. Rachel stood to go looking for her friend when she heard her name.

Turning, Rachel saw Astoria, but she looked different. Different from the little girl she had played with as a child, and different from the shy witch she had been at Hogwarts.

Astoria's chocolate brown hair framed her elegant face. Her hazel eyes had been accentuated by the deep blue eye shadow she wore. Her lips were a light pink that looked great with her light skin. The sundress she had on was a simple garment in a royal blue. Her heels were small and black, making Astoria look stunning.

She had grown up very well, Rachel admitted.

"hello Astoria," she replied smiling. "how is it we spent hundreds of summers together as children, but I haven't seen you in years, and only because you're getting married?"

"we've been busy. And by 'we' I mean you, mostly. After saving the world, I can imagine you had things to do," Astoria replied with a sheepish grin.

"the saving the world thing was Harry. I was just there to help. And we were all busy after the war. As I recall, you had one year at Hogwarts left, then became a reporter right out of school. You can't say that you were lounging around for months after."

"well I guess," she said with a blush.

"so what did you want to talk about? You sounded worried in your owl."

"oh, about that... Um are you okay with this? I mean you two..."

"what? Of course I'm happy for you! I mean it was probably arranged because of your families, but what luck! You are perfect for each other."

"really?"

"definitely, you and Theo are perfect."

"what?"

A waiter walked over to their table and handed them menus, collected their drink orders, and left them to consider food.

Rachel thought about Astoria's question of whether she approved of her marriage.

Why did she value her opinion so much? They hadn't spoken in years, as Rachel had pointed out earlier. She knew that Astoria had fancied Theodore Nott while they were at school, so why had she sounded so upset about getting married to him?

what had Rachel meant by she and Theo were perfect for each other? She would have preferred that to her current situation. Her parents had decided that Astoria would marry Draco Malfoy last year without telling her. A few months ago, they had gotten 'engaged', but it seemed that he was had been forced into it. She wouldn't have been surprised, honestly. Although old fashion, pure-blood families tended to arrange marriages for their children. Astoria suspected that he loved someone else, but if Rachel was okay with this, it shouldn't be a problem. Astoria knew for a fact that if either had loved anyone, Rachel and Draco loved each other. But still... Did he tell her? Did she not care? Astoria didn't understand, but for now, she would accept what was happening- even if she did love Theodore Nott.

The two girls ate and caught up with each other before returning to Astoria's flat. Rachel was surprised by the lack of furniture. A sofa sat in the main room behind a coffee table, just a few feet away from what looked to be a dining area. The kitchen was off to the left of the door. It was big enough for one or two people to stand in at once. Rachel assumed that the bedroom and bathroom would be through the hall to her right, but she didn't ask.

"feel free to sit. I know it's a bit empty, but I'm usually out. I don't really need much."

Rachel smiled and looked out the ceiling-to-floor window. Astoria had a beautiful view of the fields outside. A crystal-clear river flowed in the distance and trees speckled the grassy field. It was truly gorgeous.

"I'm going to shower, if you don't mind. I've been running around for work all night," Astoria said shyly.

"go ahead. Mind I make some coffee?"

"not at all. Everything is in the kitchen."

Rachel sauntered into the kitchen. A beige color, the kitchen was decent for a person living alone. She grabbed all the things necessary for coffee and set it to brew. Sitting on the couch again, Rachel heard the door of the bathroom open- Astoria had finished her shower.

coincidently, the front door was being fiddled with. Rachel glanced at the hall, from where Astoria would emerge, and stood. She hadn't seen Theodore in years, so she wanted to make a good impression as Astoria's friend.

When the door opened, a man walked inside, but it was not Theodore. It was Draco.