A/N: This ones much longer, I couldn't really find a good place to end it. Its a favorite chapter of mine, so be gentle. So much begins here. Enjoy! Also, I have a hard time picturing dress robes, so no one ever wears them in this story... slightly sorry about that ;)
**Lemon at the end of the chapter**
Chapter 3
The Victory Day Ceremony was always a grand affair. Hermione personally hated being paraded around, but it was such a defining moment in wizard history she just went with it. Harry, Ron, Neville, and Ginny all felt the same way. It was to be held at Hogwarts this year, at least she was excited about that. She missed Hogwarts. It had been her home, it was where she felt she belonged.
"Are you almost ready?" Ron said walking into the bedroom, breaking Hermione from her thoughts.
"Yes. I'll just get my dress on then we can get going."
"Great, meet you downstairs." He walked over and gave her a kiss on the cheek, then left.
She had chosen a knee length, dark green strapless cocktail dress with a black lace overlay. The dress itself had a sweetheart top, but the lace continued on to her neckline with a simple button at the back, leaving her shoulders and upper back exposed. She dressed it up with gold earrings and bangles, and wore simple black peep toe heels. Her hair was parted to the side and pulled into an elegant twist, with a few soft curls framing her face.
Hermione came down the stairs to meet Harry, Ron and Ginny.
"Ginny!" Hermione squealed. "I feel like it's been ages!" She went up and hugged her friend tightly. She needed a friend right now.
"Don't worry," Ginny whispered. "We'll talk later."
"Ready to go, then?" Harry asked.
The girls ignored him. When they finally let go of each other Hermione made Ginny twirl for her. "You look amazing!"
Ginny had on a beautiful cream colored boat necked dress with faint gold appliqué patterns all over it. She dressed it up with a black belt and wore black open toe heels. Her hair was amazingly straight, parted to the side with a simple cream colored clip pinning back one side.
"We should have went shopping, I like to get dressed up every now and then."
"Next time." Hermione smiled. She had missed her friend. Ginny became a Quidditch correspondent for the Daily Prophet. She loved to play, but it was too taxing on her time with Harry. He was always on an auror mission it seemed, and with practices and games she never saw him. She said they had spent enough time apart, and took the job as the head correspondent when she decided to leave playing professionally.
Now that Quidditch season was over, Hermione had hopes of seeing a lot more of Ginny, she could always tell Hermione what was going on in her head.
"Ladies?" Ron said from behind, which snapped them into the present again. Ron and Harry wore simple, black suits. Harry wearing a cream tie, and Ron wearing a green one.
"Yes, yes." Ginny said and waved him off. "Let's get going, then."
All together, they apparated to just outside the castle, where the thestreals were waiting with carriages to take people inside the grounds. They spotted Hagrid, looking as dressed up as he possibly could be, tending the thestreals. They gave a wave and promised to find him later, since he was quite busy now. As they waited their turn for a carriage they found Neville.
"Hey guys." He said walking right up to them, giving both Ginny and Hermione a kiss on the cheek. He shook hands with Ron and Harry. "Ready for this?"
"We don't really have a choice." Harry said. "I hope this year the Minister and McGonnagal don't parade us around too much." He said with a groan.
"I actually had a chat with the Headmistress about that." Neville said. "She promised to keep it relatively low key this year, I think we're only mentioned once."
That seemed to satisfy Harry. He always hated the spotlight, people knew him before he knew them and he never liked that.
"So did you have a hand in any of the preparations for today, Neville?" Hermione asked.
"No. No, I usually stay out of the way when it comes to this."
They fell into easy conversation when Hermione noticed a tall, very handsome man standing off to the side. "Oh, look! There's Theo. Theo!" She said walking away from her group toward him, waving her hand. She got to him and gave him a hug. He looked very nervous.
"Everything alright?" She asked.
"I hate coming here. I never feel welcome."
She supposed he wouldn't, once she thought about it. Slytherin House always had a bad reputation, and during the Battle of Hogwarts they weren't even allowed to fight. Instead they were dragged down to the dungeons just in case any of them were traitors.
"Why do you come, then?"
"Draco asked me to. Says it's important for appearances to show we've reformed or whatever. He drags me here every year."
"Really?!" She couldn't keep the surprise out of her voice.
"Yes, really." He smiled. "I'm usually fine once I get to my table, but I always feel awkward when I get here. I don't know anyone, and no one likes me."
"Well, I like you. Come." And she dragged him away towards her group of friends.
"Hermione, I don't know if this is a good idea."
"Oh, its fine, they don't bite."
"Your fiancée does. He doesn't like me."
She turned to face him. "But I do."
"Everyone." She announced when they got there. "This is Theo Nott. He is my friend and colleague."
Everyone stayed silent for a few seconds. No, this was not a good idea, he thought to himself.
"Excuse these idiots," said Ginny, coming up to greet Theo. "They seemed to have lost their manners. Ginny Weasley."
"Pleasure, Miss Weasley." He kissed her knuckles. He liked this one.
"I'm sure you know Harry and Ron, of course." Ginny said. "And this dashing man his Neville Longbottom."
"Longbottom."
"Nott." He said with a nod.
He felt like Neville was looking him over. He didn't like that. If anyone had the right to judge him it would be Longbottom. He was there for that seventh year at Hogwarts, he knew all the terrible things Slytherin's did.
He turned back to the conversation as it fell into easy chit chat. He felt better as the attention was taken away from him, and even chuckled a few times. As their carriage came up they all climbed in. Ron, Hermione and Theo on one side, Harry, Ginny and Neville on the other.
"Professor Longbottom, isn't it?" Theo asked as the carriage started to move.
"Yes." Neville answered, not expecting the question. Not expecting conversation at all really.
"How is that going?"
"Fairly well." Good Lord, this was a trying conversation.
"And what do you teach?"
Neville cleared this throat. "Herbology."
"Oh, fascinating."
"Is it?"
"Well, yes it is. I always felt I did well in that subject."
Neville didn't respond, so Theo let the conversation fall.
"So, Theo" Ginny said then. "How is it working with Hermione? She can be a bit bossy."
"I am not!"
Theo smiled. "It's wonderful actually, I really enjoy it. I'm lucky to have her as my partner."
Ron snorted, Ginny just ignored him. "Good. Hermione needs UNDERSTANDING people in her life." She glared at Ron. Theo liked her even more.
The carriage came to a stop and one by one they all climbed off, Theo offering Hermione his hand to her as she stepped down. "Thank you." She said brightly.
"You're welcome, maybe I'll see you later? I'm off to find where my table is."
"Absolutely." She waved and turned to Ron. He had his hands shoved in his pockets and was glaring in Theo's direction. She sighed. "Let's go, Ron." She yanked him by the arm to find their table.
"Why are you so chummy with him? You know I don't like it."
"I'm chummy with everyone, Ronald. And I'm not having this conversation again, especially here. You have nothing to worry about. Trust me."
Hermione looked up at the castle she had called home for so long. They had the ceremony outside in the courtyard. It was beautifully done, with fresh flowers everywhere and bright colorful tapestries. A bar was set up near the far wall that overlooked the vast ravine the castle sat on the edge of. The tables had white linens, some set for six, and others set for eight.
They made it to their table. Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Neville all sat down. A little while later Luna joined them. Neville stood to kiss her cheek. They fell into conversation, Luna talking about her research as a magizoologist.
"So is this where all the lovely ladies are at?" A voice asked from behind Hermione. She would know that voice anywhere.
"George!" She shot up from her chair and hugged him. "What are you doing here?"
"Mum thinks it's important for me to attend, I hate being here personally, but hey, I can always drown myself in the alcohol."
Hermione smiled. She knew this was always hard on George. He'd never come to a Victory Day ceremony.
"Well, that's good enough reason for anything!" Said Bill Weasley in a sarcastic tone from behind his brother, Fleur on his arm.
"Our table iz over there, stop by would you? Mum would luv to see you, Ermione." Fleur said as she hugged her friend.
"What about me?!" Ron protested.
"I guess we can tolerate you too." George said. "Better head to the bar, dinner is starting soon and I need a drink."
"We'll go with you." Ginny said, coming over to stand next to Hermione. "Anyone else want anything?"
With drink orders made, they left for the bar. Hermione linked arms with George.
"I'm so glad you're here, maybe having family around will make Ron see I'm a cheating wench."
"Hermione!" Ginny said harshly.
"I'm sorry." She immediately said.
"No, no. Don't apologize. I figured it was something like that." Ginny said. "He's been acting strange all night."
"He did come around the shop last week, complaining about your new partner."
Hermione sighed. "Yes, he doesn't like him. At all. He doesn't like anyone I speak to besides my friends that are also his friends."
They made it to the bar. Ginny ordered drinks for their table and requested to have them sent over when they were ready. Hermione and George each got a drink. Hermione offered to walk with him while Ginny waited for hers. "Go, I got this." And she watched them wander off. Hermione always had a way with people that needed help. She listened, was always understanding, and really tried to help them through whatever they were going through. She was completely selfless, and it pissed her off that her brother couldn't see that.
"You seem lost in thought. Anything good?" Theo asked her as he came to stand beside her, also watching Hermione walk away.
"No, just concerned about Hermione."
"Yea." Theo turned to the bartender. "A bottle of your finest firewhiskey, please. On Draco Malfoy's tab."
"Make that two!"
The bartender looked at Theo for confirmation. "Make that two." He said with a smile.
"That prick owes me for a bet he lost." Ginny said with satisfaction.
Theo turned to her. "Draco?"
"Yes, we made a bet about a Quidditch game a while back, and he hasn't paid up."
"Was the winner to get a bottle of firewhiskey?"
She smirked. "No, but this will definitely help!"
"I believe I like you, Ginny Wesley."
"I believe I like you, Theo Nott."
"I didn't realize you knew Draco."
"He gets boxed seats to a lot of the Quidditch matches. I'm a correspondent for the Daily Prophet and I see him at almost every game. He's really good at giving me play by play details. He'll watch one team, I'll watch the other."
"Really?" Theo said with obvious interest. "He's never mentioned it."
"Neither have I. We didn't think our friends were ready. Hey Ron, fyi I'm also friends with Draco Malfoy, choke on that!"
Theo laughed. Genuinely laughed. Ginny joined him.
Theo turned back to the room and noticed that Neville Longbottom was staring at him. "Why doesn't he like me?" Theo said, never breaking eye contact with Neville.
Ginny turned as saw who he was looking at, then Neville quickly turned away. "It's not that he doesn't like you, he just gets nervous around good looking men."
Theo whipped around. "Excuse me?"
"Neville, I think he likes you."
"Umm..."
"What?" Ginny asked, looking him right in the eyes.
"Nothing, I just..." he sighed."How do you know?"
"Know what?" Ginny said accepting her drink. "That you are or that he is?"
"Both."
"I've known about him for a while, he never once had a girlfriend in school. Which isn't a big deal, but I asked him one day during that year Harry was gone. He told me and didn't want anyone else knowing so I kept his secret. I'm sure Hermione knows, but she'll never tell him that. And you." She took a deliberately long sip of her drink. "I saw the way you were in the carriage." She gave him a wink.
"Miss Weasley, allow me to escort you back to your table." Theo offered her his arm. They made it to their table, everyone's drinks had already arrived. Ginny set the bottle of very expensive firewhiskey in the middle of the table.
"Compliments from an admirer." Ginny said.
Neville looked up at Theo, who gave him a wink.
"Miss Weasley, it's been a pleasure. I hope to see more of you in the future."
"Likewise, Theo."
He pulled Ginny's chair out for her, taking a moment to glance up at Neville.
"Until next time." Theo said, never taking his eyes off him. No one else seemed to notice. Good. He strolled back to his table with a smile on his face.
Theo reached his table, which was two rows away. He had sat with Draco, Daphne, Blaise, and Astoria.
"Where have you been?!" Draco demanded. "My glass has been empty for twenty minutes!"
"Calm yourself." Theo said as he sat. "I've just had the most interesting conversation with Ginny Weasley."
"Oh! How is she?" Asked Astoria.
"You know her?" Theo asked.
"A little. She's a firecracker. She comes to the shop quite often."
"Is that so? Would you consider yourself friends?"
"I suppose so?" She said suspiciously. "Why?"
"Just making conversation." He said, now looking at Draco.
"I put a bottle of the finest firewhiskey for her table on your tab, by the way." Theo said popping a small appetizer of puffed pastry filled with some concoction into his mouth.
"What?! Why?!"
"From what I understand, you lost a bet."
"Damn that red head." Draco said under his breath.
Minister Shaklebolt made his way to the makeshift stage that had been set up, signaling the beginning of the ceremony.
"Ladies, and gentlemen! Thank you all for coming!" His voice boomed.
"Your donation for your ticket as always will go towards the Remembrance Fund, which helps with restoration, rehabilitation, and provides witches and wizards of all ages affected by the war the help they need to get back on their feet. Our society had bounced back well, we are now thriving in a world that is based on equality, structure, and most importantly, understanding. No longer should we define a witch or wizard based on things they cannot control. We must press forward. Let us not judge someone by how much they are believed to have suffered, or thought, or how others may have defined their character. This time we have now should not be wasted. It should be used to heal the divide that has separated us for far too long. I ask you, friends, to reach out to your fellow wizard and mend the damage that has been caused by the misguided thinking of us all. Our community is being built from the ground up, and we must support and encourage each other, so as to never again feel the need that devastation is the only cure for our world. Thank you."
Everyone clapped, Hermione and Ginny stood, forcing the rest of their table to do so. Soon the entire room was giving standing ovation.
"Thank you. Now, I would like to call upon our heroes. The ones that stood when all hope seemed lost, when our world was collapsing, and fought for the rights of all people. "Mr. Harry Potter, Mr. Ronald Weasley, Miss Hermione Granger, Miss Ginny Weasley, and Mr. Neville Longbottom!"
The room clapped at they made their way to the stage.
"Harry, Ron, and Hermione." Kingsley addressed. "You have shown time and time again that bravery and integrity can outshine any prejudice, fear, or cruel intent. We thank you for your dedication to our community."
The room applauded. Hermione let out a breath. That was short and simple. Good. This would be over sooner than she thought.
"Neville and Ginny," Kingsley continued. "Your dedication to the safety and well-being of students here at Hogwarts during your final years here were commendable to say the very least. You continued on with Dumbledore's Army, resisted the actions of the witches and wizards that threatened to break our youth, and fought just as the Order of the Phoenix did in the resistance. You're efforts saved countless lives, and we thank you."
Everyone clapped again. Theo had a perfect view of the stage. When Neville's eyes found his, he raised his glass in a silent toast. One by one the Minister shook their hands, and then they walked off the stage.
"Without further delay, let the feast begin!" Kingsley said.
And magically their plates were full. Food was everywhere on the table. Main courses, side dishes, fruit, bread and rolls, and much more. They got back to their table and without wasting any time, Ron began eating. Luna announced she was disappointed there was no pudding. Neville assured her that it was being saved for dessert. Ginny and Hermione kept laughing all through dinner. She had missed her friend.
Hermione poured herself a small glass of firewhiskey, and slipped it slowly. "Oh this is good!"
"It better be! I didn't order the cheap stuff!"
"What did you pay for this, you brought back an entire bottle!"
"I didn't pay for it, I put it on Malfoy's tab."
Hermione nearly spit out her drink. "You're joking!"
"Nope! Git lost a bet, I'm taking my payment."
Hermione looked shocked for moment then burst out laughing. "Maybe he should toast our gracious host?"
"That is an excellent idea!" Ginny filled her glass and topped Hermione's off as well. They turned to Draco's table, and gave him a toast. Ginny gave him a wink.
In response Draco lifted his own glass, a small smile on his face.
Ron caught the entire scene. "Is that your thing now? Flirting with Death Eaters?"
Ginny whipped around "Excuse me?"
Ron didn't look at her, just glared at Hermione.
"Ron, it's nothing, we were-"
"Why don't you just go over and sit with your new friends then?! You obviously would rather be there. The whole table is full of them!"
"Ron, that's enough." Said Harry.
"No, she thinks she can throw herself at anyone and just expect me to go with it."
"That's not at all-"
"Just go join your Slytherin's, you'll fit right in." Giving her dress a wave with his hand. "I'll be at my parents table, I'm sure George could use some company." He stood without another word and walked away.
"Hermione, are you alright?" Neville asked.
She was silent for a moment. "Yes, yes. I'm... I'm just going to... get some air." She stood and walked in the opposite direction, making sure she didn't make eye contact with anyone.
Theo watched her walk away. "Prick."
"What?" Draco said, turning to look in the direction Theo was facing.
"That ass of a fiancée she has. I should go talk to her."
"No." Draco grabbed his arm. "Weasel's watching, you know he his. Don't give him any more cause for the argument."
"He's upset over something that doesn't even exist!"
"It's probably my fault, I toasted Ginny and that idiot probably thought it was meant for her. Give it a few minutes, then we'll look for her."
Theo nodded and turned back to the table. He chanced a glance at the Weasley's table, that prick was watching. Theo tried not to glare.
"You're making yourself obvious." Said Draco without looking at him. Don't give him the satisfaction."
"I don't know how you do this." Theo responded.
"What? The smug indifference? Years and years of practice."
Hermione wandered around for a long time. The last thing she wanted to do was go back to the party. She made her way up to the astronomy tower. She had always liked the view from up there. It was calming, peaceful. She watched as the trees swayed in the breeze, the colors of spring in full bloom. Thinking like this made her relax. She took deep breaths. Damn she wished she brought her drink with her.
As if on cue, she heard footsteps. She turned to see Draco Malfoy. "Hey." He said, walking up to her slowly. She noticed she had two glasses and a small bottle of firewhiskey.
"Hey." She said. "What are you doing?"
He held up the bottle and glasses. "Fancy a drink?"
She didn't move, didn't say anything. She remembered Ginny liked him though, and that's good enough for her. "Yes, I do." She walked over and took the glasses as he opened the bottle. He poured two and she handed his to him after the set the bottle on the floor.
"Did you come looking for me? How did you know where I was?"
"Ginny saw you."
"Why didn't she come up?"
"She's too smart for that, damn witch." He said with a smile on his face. It was obvious he genuinely liked her. "She saw you up here alone, then went to the bar and had ordered two glasses and a bottle sent over to my table with a note. He handed the note to her.
Take these to the astronomy tower. She needs company. Ron will follow me if I go. Send Theo the other way so the asshole doesn't see you.
"She is smart." Hermione said.
"Very. Weasel watched as Theo got up and walked away, and I made my escape." He took a drink. "Theo's very worried about you."
"I know." She said quietly. "He's a good friend."
"That he is."
They sat in silence for a few moments, her face falling into a frown again.
"So" Draco said. "Why the astronomy tower?"
Hermione looked up at the sound of his voice. "I like the view." She held out her glass and Draco refilled it for her. "It calms me, I like the trees, and the colors."
Draco thought about that. He hated it here. Had it not been a favor to Ginny he would've sent Theo in his place. "I'm not so fond of it."
Hermione looked at him, then the shock registered on her face. "Oh, Draco, I'm sorry!"
He looked surprised she said his first name. "Umm, its fine."
"No, no. We can leave. I've been here long enough. I don't really want to go back the ceremony though. It doesn't look like Ron's leaving anytime soon."
"Forget him, come on, I know a place." He picked up the bottle of firewhiskey and helped her down the stairs. "This way." He said when they reached the bottom, and walked in the direction away from the party.
Once she caught up to him on the walkway she held her glass out for another refill. He filled both glasses and walked slowly with her.
"Where we going?"
"Around the castle a bit. There's a spot I used to come to when I need to think... and stuff."
"Mmmm." A playful smile on her face. "So tell me about Ginny. How are you two friends?"
"I met her at a Quidditch game. She saw right through me, and we've been friends ever since. I usually accompany her to all of the games. My work is selective, so I make my own schedule."
"And what is it you do?"
"I'm a potioneer for the Ministry." He answered. "I also invest in Astoria's shop she has. Sometimes I make healing potions for her."
"Ooo! I love her shop! I'm there all the time!"
"Really?"
"Yes, she's adorable. I really like her. Ginny does too."
"How is it that none of us know this?"
"I have no idea. We should fix that." She was feeling a little tipsy. This was her third glass of whiskey, maybe fourth? She couldn't remember. She really should slow down. "Can I have some more please?" She held out her glass.
"I think we should call it quits after this one." He filled her glass and his, then wordlessly he shrunk the bottle so it fit in his pocket.
"Here we are."
She looked around. "Malfoy, this is a bunch of bushes."
He laughed. "Come on." He took her hand and led her down a very narrow path between the castle wall and the bushes. After about ten yards he led her down to a small clearing she hadn't seen before. He handed her his glass and took off his suit jacket. She watched him. He did look handsome, no sense in denying it. He wore all black, even his dress shirt and tie. It was such a contrast to his pale skin and platinum blonde hair. She liked it.
"There." He said, taking his glass back and took her hand again so she could sit on his jacket. He sat in the grass next to her.
"Thank you, that was nice of you."
"I do have manners. Sometimes." He said with a wink.
"This is beautiful." She said as she looked out to the view. They were surrounded by bushes, so it offered privacy. If you didn't know they were there then you would never see them. They sat on the downslope of the castle, and had a perfect view of the lake and rolling hills behind it.
"This was my favorite spot. I'm glad it's still here. I came here a lot."
"Thank you. For finding me. For bringing this." She held up the glass. "I needed it."
"Want to talk about it?"
"Not really." She sighed.
Draco nodded. They sat in silence then. But it wasn't an awkward silence. He leaned back so he was resting completely on the ground now, his hands behind his head. "This is nice." He said, looking at the sunset.
"It is." She said. Her eyes closed, completely content.
About an hour later Ron was looking for Hermione. He spotted George talking to a woman at the bar. He walked towards them.
"Hey, Mate. You seen 'Mione anywhere?"
"After you were a complete git you mean? No, I haven't. Daphne?" He turned to the blonde woman next to him. "Have you seen Hermione?"
"No, I haven't. She seemed to be having fun, then all of a sudden she wasn't." Glaring at Ron.
George smirked. "We haven't seen her. Now, if you don't mind." He turned his back to Ron so he was now looking only at Daphne. Ron grunted and walked away.
"Have you even met Hermione?" George asked her after Ron left.
She laughed. "Not officially, she comes into my sister's shop a lot."
"Well you played your part well, Miss Greengrass."
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley." She let him kiss her hand.
"Want to get out of here?"
"I believe I do."
And they walked out of the party, hand in hand, not giving a damn if people saw.
"Well I'm going to call it a night." Said Neville to the table. He looked over to Ginny. "Let me know if she needs anything. A place, anything at all."
"I will." She said. Harry grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight.
They said their goodbyes to Neville then he walked off towards the castle to get to his quarters. He was just passed the bar when he spotted Theo talking to Blaise Zabini.
He caught Neville's stare.
Neville nodded his head towards the direction he was walking, not missing a step.
"Well, Mate. I believe my time has come." Theo said to Blaise.
"What?"
"See you around!" And Theo walked away.
"Where the hell is he going?" Blaise said to himself.
"I think I know."
He turned to see a good looking witch with long blonde hair, radishes hanging from her ears, and wearing a bright yellow dress. Blaise waited for clarification. He didn't get any.
"And that would be?"
"Oh, I probably shouldn't say. That would be rude. How are you, Blaise?"
He was taken back by her use of his name. He couldn't even remember who she was.
"I'm well, and you?"
"Oh I'm fine. My friends seem to all be leaving though, I'm Luna. I can tell you've forgotten."
"My apologizes." He kissed her hand. "Can I get you a drink?"
"Oh no, I shouldn't be drinking. It makes the wackspurts buzz even louder."
He had no idea what that meant, but he did find it interesting. "Care for a stroll then? I know a spot."
Neville was well out of sight by the time Theo caught up to him.
"Fancy meeting you here." Theo said as he fell into step beside him. Neville didn't say anything. "Are you alright?"
"Yea. Nervous. About Hermione." He added.
"Yea." Theo didn't want to push. "Ginny sent Draco to see if she was alright."
"She did?!"
"Yea, apparently they're best of friends or something. Secrets are everywhere." He knew his last sentence held double meaning, but he really didn't care.
Neville cleared his throat. "They don't know. Well, Ginny does. And Luna of course. But no one else knows."
"Right."
"I have quarters here, just up the way. Have a drink?" Neville said nervously.
"Lead the way."
Before they knew it they were at Neville's small cottage. It was a one bedroom, cozy little thing Theo thought. There were flowers and plants surrounding it, a cobblestone walkway leading up to the door. They went inside and Theo was impressed. There was a small closet to the side, then around that was a small dining room with a table set for four. A huge window overlooking the grounds offered a beautiful view. Theo walked over to it.
"I love that view." Neville said. "Breakfast and dinner especially. Sunrises and sunsets are so enchanting."
"I could only imagine." Theo said softly.
He looked around to the rest of the house. The floor plan was completely open. Beyond the dining room there was a cozy living area with a couch and two comfy looking chairs, with a fireplace along the wall. Theo turned to his right to walk into the kitchen. It had a two burner stove, small refrigerator, oven, small sink a microwave above the stove, and a little island. A pantry was right next to the stove.
Theo took a seat at one of the two stools that sat at the island. "I really like this." He said.
"Yea?" Neville said opening the fridge and handing him a beer.
"Yea, it's small. Cozy. I'm used to grand and lonely."
"Well it certainly is small." Neville chuckled. He was much more in his element away from people. He could be himself.
"Where do you sleep?"
Neville took a swig of his beer. "I have a loft upstairs. It's nice, but the bed takes up most of the room."
"Nothing wrong with that."
They sat in silence for a minute.
"Why did you invite me back here, Neville?" He had to know. He couldn't let himself get his hopes up just to be turned away. Being a Death Eaters gay son was exhausting.
"I like you. I couldn't let you get away. Theo." Neville said.
Theo smirked. "Well then, here I am."
Draco and Hermione were enjoying the sunset. They had finished off that bottle of firewhiskey, and were quite giggly.
"Do you remember when he meant to hit you with a spell and it backfired and he made himself puke slugs?!" Hermione could barely get it out she was laughing so hard.
"Yes! That was hilarious. How long did that last?!"
"At least an hour I think. Hagrid didn't know what to do!" They were doubled over in laughter.
"Priceless." Draco said, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"And what do we have here?" Came a voice from behind them.
Draco turned even though he knew who it was. "Blaise!" He shouted, still laughing. "What are you doing here?"
"I found a lovely lady to watch the sunset with."
"Hello, Hermione."
"Oh! Luna! Hi!" She said excitedly.
"She's a little..." Draco was searching for the words.
"Drunk?" Blaise finished for him.
"Am not!" She tried to stand, then fell down laughing. "Okay, maybe."
Draco stood, helping her up. "We better get back. I have no idea how long we've been gone."
"About two hours." Luna said.
"Two hours?!" Hermione yelled.
"Yes. Don't worry, Ron went home, Ginny told him to leave. She and Harry are still here. Ginny is very upset." Luna said, her eyes getting wide.
"At us?!" Draco asked.
"No you idiot, at the asshole. No offense." He added as he glanced to Hermione.
Hermione just waved her hand. "We should go find her."
Luna made way for them to pass, giving Hermione a hug. "Don't forget to the happy. You've had a lot of Blibbering Humdingers flying in and out of your ears, I don't see any now though." She smiled.
Draco just looked at Blaise, who shrugged but had a huge smile on his face. Draco gave him a pat on the back.
"See you around, Mate." And they headed back to the party.
Hermione took her shoes off and held them in her hand. Draco took her arm to stop her from swaying.
"I had such a good... two hours!" She giggled.
"Me too." He said with a smile. They got back to the party quicker than he would have liked, but he knew he had to find Ginny and get her home.
"Gin!" Draco shouted as she came into view.
"Hermione?!" She said in disbelief. "Did you drink the whole damn bottle?!"
"Maybe? Did we?" She scrunched up her face.
"We did. Sorry." Draco said.
Harry came around Hermione's other side and took her from him to hold her up. "Well at least she had fun. Thanks, Mate."
"Anytime."
Ginny just looked at him. She wondered if he realized what he said. "Let's go. Hermione dear, try not to move. I don't want you to get splinched."
Draco watched as they disaparated. He really had a good time. The first year he actually enjoyed himself. Imagine that. He wandered around a bit looking for his friends, he couldn't find anyone, so he just apparated home. A smile on his face.
George took Daphne to shell cottage.
"Where are we?" She asked.
"Shell cottage. My brother Bill and his wife Fleur live here." He took her hand and stood with her as she watched the water crash against the sand.
"It's beautiful. Do you live here, too?"
He shrugged. "Sometimes. I bounce back and forth from here to the Burrow." She looked confused so he added "My parents' house. I used to live in our... my own flat above the shop. It's just storage now." He looked down, the sadness still written on his face.
Daphne spotted a small porch swing, and gently pulled him with her to go and sit. "Tell me about him."
"Fred?"
"I'm very sorry." She whispered to him. "I can't imagine."
He just nodded. "Maybe... some other time." He tried to smile at her.
She smiled back, resting her head on his shoulder. "I like it here. My family has a few properties on the water, we would all spend summers there."
"All? I thought it was just you and your sister?"
"Oh, it was." She looked up at him now, a huge smile on her face. "But our family was really close with Draco's and Theo's, and Blaise too. So as kids we all spent summers together." She let her head rest on his shoulder again. "Simpler times. After the war, my father left. I haven't seen him since."
"And your mum?" He reached over and held her hand, tracing circles with his thumb.
"My mother is home, but she's not the same. Draco actually manages the family."
"What?! Seriously?"
"Yes. He's not that bad. A prick, yes. But not bad." She smiled at him. "He stepped right in, no questions asked. He runs all the accounts, and whatever else. I don't really know what he does. I never wanted to do it."
"Interesting."
"Is it?" She said sarcastically.
"My sister, Ginny, she seems to get on with him."
"You knew that?"
"Doesn't everyone? Or am I just privy to a secret?" He winked. "Ginny likes who she likes, she's always been one to tell other people she doesn't give a damn."
"I like her. Astoria likes her, too."
They fell into comfortable silence, watching the sunset.
Daphne sighed. "This is really nice." She whispered.
"It is." George felt a little something in his chest. Almost like a happy moment was trying to get in.
Ginny, Harry, and a very drunk Hermione got home just in time for her to vomit on the sidewalk.
"Awesome!" Harry said sarcastically.
"We'll clean that later, let's just get her inside."
Ginny and Harry carried her into the house and into her bedroom. Ron was nowhere to be found. They plopped her onto the bed.
"I'll get her changed, will you go Scourgify the sidewalk?"
"Yes, dear."
"Hermione? Let's get you into some pajamas."
"I feel gross. I need to brush my teeth and wash my face."
"Okay, to the bathroom we go." Said Ginny. Grabbing her by the arm and pulling her up.
Once in the bathroom Ginny filled the sink with warm water while Hermione sat on the side of the bathtub. "Wash your face, brush your teeth, I'll be right back with pajamas."
Hermione stood on wobbly legs and made her way to the sink, dunking her entire face into the water.
Ginny came back in then. "'Mione! What the bloody hell?!" And yanked her up. "Seriously!"
"I'm fine!"
"Yea, yea you are." She said laughing. "Let me help you. Sit."
Hermione plopped onto the toilet lid and let Ginny wash her face and taker her makeup off.
"Gin?"
"Yes?"
Hermione started to cry. "I don't want to marry him." She whispered between sobs.
"Oh, honey. It's okay. Really."
Hermione frantically shook her head. "No, it's not. I'm not happy. He doesn't make me happy anymore."
"Hermione Granger." Ginny said sternly.
"Mmph?"
"Are you listening to me? I want you happy. Happy and smiling. And if he doesn't do that, then I don't want you to marry him. I would never blame you for whatever you chose to do. I love you, and you are my sister regardless of what you do tomorrow. Understand?"
Hermione nodded.
"Now brush your teeth. And let's get you to bed."
They walked into the bedroom where Ginny had laid out a tank top and pajama shorts for her. She got her dress and bra off and slid the tank on, but couldn't get her to sit still enough to the shorts on.
"Whatever." Ginny huffed. She was covered, good enough.
"I'll see you in the morning."
"Mmmm." Ginny thought she was well on her way to passing out, when Hermione reached for her hand. "He was really nice to me. I liked it. I laughed."
"At least he's good for something. Love you, we'll talk in the morning."
"Love you." She whispered.
Ginny walked out into the living room. "I think we should stay here tonight. I have no idea where Ron is, and if she needs anything I want someone here."
"Okay." He kissed her then. Slowly, passionately.
"Harry!"
"What? She's passed out, we'll hear her if she needs anything. Come on." And he led her into his bedroom, Ginny giggling the whole way.
His skin was so soft, she couldn't believe how good it felt against hers. Little moans kept escaping his throat as she kissed his neck. He likes this. He wanted her, she realized.
'Hermione'
'Yes?'
'More' she moved to his chest. His hand went into her hair as he moved her to kiss him. I need you.
"Hermione?" Ron said, crawling into bed next to her.
"Mmmm."
"Are you awake? Look. I'm- I'm sorry." He reached out and touched her arm to roll her over to him. As soon as he did she kissed him. It had been nearly two months since they had done anything intimately. He could instantly feel himself getting hard.
"Hermione?"
"Yes?"
"Do you want this?"
"Yes, yes."
She could feel him getting hard. 'I want you' he said again. She wanted him too, one of his hands went to her breast, she couldn't believe how good it felt.
He slid her tank top up and fondled her breasts. She never let him touch her like this. "'Mione." He whispered.
She just moaned. He kissed her, hard. Fierce. She responded to him instantly, putting her hands in his hair and trying to pull him closer to her.
I want you inside me. Please she begged.
'Are you sure?'
'Yes, please'
"Are you sure? We haven't-"
"Yes, please." She begged.
It had been so long, he wanted it too. He slid her panties off and pulled her top off over her head. He positioned himself overtop her. He hesitated.
"I need you." She whispered.
And with that he plunged in, she was so wet he couldn't believe it. It made him shudder. "'Mione. You feel incredible." He began to move roughly, he needed this too.
She could feel him inside her. 'More,faster' she could hear herself moan. Yes, yes she was close already, she could feel it.
"Hermione, please come, I can't hold on."
'Come for me, love' she heard him say. She didn't want to hold on, she wanted to feel that sweet release.
"Fuck!" Ron said as he felt her orgasm, finally letting himself finish. He pulled out of her and plopped down next to her. "'Mione, that was amazing."
"Mmmmm."
He wrapped her close, enjoying the feeling of her body against his, and went to sleep.
'That was amazing' he said to her, curling up behind her. Yes, it certainly was. She enjoyed the feeling of him, her skin against his. She began to drift off to sleep. 'Good night, Hermione.'
'Good night, Draco.'