BiteMeBass: It's set in London, for Hermione could hardly attend Hogwarts if she was living in America. But just for the story's sake, let's imagine that London has similar parts as NYC, so that there is some kind of Upper East Side, where Serena and Blair live. As for Chuck, he lives in hotel, and Hermione and Nate have their mansions outside the city. Draco, of course, lives in his manor in Wiltshire.
HPOV
"David, could you just stop by the Palace first, I need to take my phone", Serena said to the driver. When she noticed Hermione's inquiring look, she just waved her hand.
"Don't ask. Mom decided that she doesn't like the color of the walls in our home, again, so we're living at the Palace."
"Oh, sweet Lilly", brunette laughed. "Is there any potential husband candidate?"
Her friend placed her head in her hands. "Don't remind me", she muffled. "She's dating your uncle Bart."
"S, that's great", Hermione squeaked, but Serena didn't seem so enthusiastic.
"Don't get me wrong, H, I love Chuck dearly, but that doesn't mean that I want to live with him. I mean, he'll just torture me."
Hermione pulled her in a hug, still laughing.
"Don't worry, our man whore can actually be nice."
"He can, but he won't be. But enough about me, how was your year?"
"It was…eventful. Remember that crazy old wizard who wanted to purify the Wizarding world from all the filth and to enslave the Muggles and so on? Well, he's dead, so I guess it's going to be rather boring from now."
"Dead? That's great, I guess."
"Yeah, it is. I have one more year in that school, and then I'll see if I would build my career in the Wizarding world, or in ours."
"Well, what do you like more?"
"I don't know", Hermione sighed. "I like being a witch, I really do, but there is nothing that ties me to that world. I don't have friends, I don't like anyone, it's just… I don't have you guys."
"H", Serena took her hands, "you'll always have us. No matter where you are, or what are you doing, we'll always be by your side. You don't need to give up your future, you can be the Minister of Magic and our friend. We're family, we will always stick together. Remember that, ok?"
"Thank you S", Hermione sighed.
"But there is something more that bothers you."
Hermione didn't answer that, she didn't have to. Serena knew her too well to know what makes her feel insecure and dissatisfied.
"You are afraid that you'll have to face him?" Serena asked slowly. Hermione sighed and nodded. "Honey", blonde continued, "don't worry. We'll not allow him to go anywhere near you, and…"
"I'm not afraid of seeing him", Hermione interrupted her. "And I'm not afraid if I have any feelings toward him, because I don't. I'm just worried that… I'm scared that I will never be able to trust anyone again, that I will never…" She trailed. Her friend understood. After all, being betrayed and hurt by your first love was something that left mark even on strongest persons such as Hermione.
"Hermione, I know that he hurt you badly, but I think that won't be the problem. Not when you find someone worthy of your love. I really don't know how to explain it, but I believe it. I believe there is a destined soul mate for every one of us, and it may be someone we know our entire life, or someone we'll meet in train, or… I don't know. I just know that you'll be fine. Hell, it takes more than one Carter Baizen to destroy my girl."
Hermione laughed at her words, but realized that Serena had a point. She was just starting her life, there was plenty of time for everything.
After brief stop to the Palace Hotel, they finally arrived to the Granger residence that lied about ten miles away from London. It was a mansion with huge park in front, and real stables behind the house. Hermione's father Edward was equestrian rider in his 20s, but he had to retire early due the injury. He was now judge in equestrian sports, and he was the Head of the Olympic Committee in United Kingdom. Hermione's mother Regina Bass-Granger finished law school and she was current legal representative of Waldorf fashion line.
It was Edward who waited for Hermione in front of the house, and pulled her into hug as soon as she exited the car.
"I missed you so much, sweetheart."
"I missed you too, Daddy."
"And me?" They could hear the voice of her cousin Charles Bass.
"You the most", Hermione laughed at him.
"Darling, your mother is currently in Paris, she had some urgent business with Eleanor, but she will be back tomorrow", her father told her. Hermione sighed. It was always like that with Regina.
"Never mind", Chuck said with devilish smirk, "we already have a lot to do. We have a party tonight."
"Ah, yes", her father smiled, "the famous party. Charles has been babbling about it for weeks now."
"I wasn't babbling, Uncle", Chuck retorted.
"Whatever. Just make sure you're presentable for your father's brunch tomorrow."
DPOV
"My Dragon, you are awfully quiet", Narcissa said to her son when they arrived home. "Had there been any problems after the incident?"
"No", he shrugged it off, "I'm just tired from the trip, and I think I'll just retire."
Truth to be told, he was neither tired, nor worried about anything. After Voldemort's death, he had to put up with accusations and nasty remarks on a daily basis, until Dumbledore reasoned that, if there weren't for Draco, Harry wouldn't have gotten so close to Voldemort, and he wouldn't be able to end it all. So in some twisted way, Draco Malfoy was a savior, as he enabled Potter to kill the Dark Lord.
Not that he really cared about people's opinion, but he had to keep a low profile until the end of the school year, as his Godfather Snape advised him. That meant that he couldn't be his usual, cocky self. On the other hand, his parents were doing everything in their power to return to social graces. That included charities, parties, and especially, associating with Muggles. Over the years, Lucius Malfoy did business with many Muggles, though indirectly. But now he took over and began to cooperate publicly with all of his partners, just to show that he doesn't believe in the blood supremacy, and to save himself and his family from Azkaban.
The real reason that Draco couldn't sit with his parents for a long time was that his mind was preoccupied with Hermione Granger. He was still intrigued with her, and he decided to do what's necessary to find out more about her. So when he realized that his house elf Daisy returned from the assignment he gave her, he excused himself and left to his room. As soon as he got there, he summoned the little creature.
"Daisy finds out what Master asked of her", she squeaked. "Daisy learned where the lady lives and that she is go out with her friends tonight."
As soon as Daisy filled him in, he Floo-called Blaise, and told him to get ready for a night out. He dressed himself in black suit, with dark grey shirt and emerald tie, which he loosened a little. Deciding only to ruffle his hair, that gave him 'just got out of bed' look, he went downstairs to say good-bye to his parents.
"But, son, you just got home", his father pointed.
"I'm sorry, Father, I already made plans with Blaise for tonight. It's important for me to be seen on opening of that club", he played on the card of social appearance.
"Fine, just behave", his mother smiled.
"I'll see you at breakfast."
With that, he apparated at arranged place with Blaise arriving soon after. They went in front of the large club with neon 'Victrola' sign. There was a large crowd in front of it, as bouncers thoroughly checked the guest list. But what got his and Blaise's attention was the sound of stopping car and countless clicks of camera shutters. From shiny, black limo exited young man, not older than them, and two girls of the same age. Blonde girl was wearing a bandage style maroon dress, with gold stilettos and matching purse, and brunette had short and tight black cut-out dress with lacey sleeves that could easily pass for lingerie, with black six inch pumps. Turning to paparazzi who yelled 'Chuck', 'Serena', 'Hermione', the trio posed for couple of pictures, and then went towards the door, where the bouncer opened red rope for them.
"Merlin's beard", Draco could hear Blaise's gasp, "was that Granger?"
He couldn't help but chuckle. "That's what we're going to find out, mate."