Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me. I own nothing from the Harry Potter universe.


Chapter 3

Chaos. That was the only thought that crossed his mind as Draco looked around the room. Children creating a ruckus, the wireless spouting music no one was paying attention to, adults standing around in groups talking and Mrs. Weasley putting the finishing touches on dinner. Quidditch had ended as expected with his team winning, after all Ginny Potter – the Holyhead Harpies' star chaser had been on his team. He stood with Harry and both of them were laughing at Ron who was fuming at having lost yet another match. George and Bill soon joined in the good natured ribbing. They stood discussing the match till Mrs. Weasleys shout of "Dinner's ready!" caused the entire crowd to move outside where the tables had been set.

Draco saw the flash of bright blue and the yell of "Uncle Draco!" before the 8 year old crashed into him. Teddy Lupin was his family's repentance. He and his mother had showered the kid with the love and affection that had been denied to his grandmother and parents from their family. It amazed Draco just how forgiving all of these people were. They had forgiven and accepted him into their folds even though he had once associated with people directly responsible for the loss of their loved ones. Even the little boy whose hug he now returned had forgiven him after finding out that his Uncle Draco and Nana Malfoy had once been involved with the sect that had orphaned him. It had been Narcissa's decision to let the boy know everything despite his young age. With permission from Andromeda and his God father, they had told the boy their painful history last year. He had reacted with maturity beyond his years and forgiven them after two weeks of intense lashing out.

Teddy poked him the ribs startling Draco away from his thoughts. He looked down to see Teddy gesturing him to join everyone else at the table. He joined the others in the eating and the yelling that were part of any meal at the Weasleys. He was interrupted in his conversation with George about the WWW's latest product line by a voice that carried from the other end of the room. His mood instantly became somber as he was reminded of what he had decided upon. His gaze fell on the brunette who was fighting a grin at something undoubtedly ridiculous Luna had just said. A sigh escaped him before he could stop himself causing Harry to look at him suspiciously. Averting his gaze, he brought his attention back to George and his dinner but was unable to stop himself from frowning each time he was reminded of his predicament.


Hermione's smile brightened as she looked around the table at people she had come to consider almost-family. She hadn't had the time to spend more than a few brief moments with anyone this last month due to her hectic schedule at work. Catching up with everyone was just what she needed to lighten her mood after the disappointment the rejection had brought with it. Hiding her grin behind her glass of wine, she continued to nod to Luna describing her latest fauna discovery. Unable to control herself any longer, Pansy interrupted the blonde's description and skillfully directed her thoughts to her wedding instead.

This led to a spirited discussion about dress fittings, cakes, colors and all the assorted details that a wedding involved. As Luna and Daphne described the arrangements, Hermione felt a wave of guilt creep its way amidst the joy as she realized how unreachable she had been because of work. She hadn't taken part in any of the arrangements in spite of being a bridesmaid in both weddings. She had refused being Maid of Honor for Luna before being asked knowing she would be too busy to do the duties that the post called for and Ginny had taken over instead. Both the brides had graciously worked around her schedule and fit in rehearsals and fittings only when she could attend.

Her attention was brought back to the conversation as Daphne asked her about her schedule that week. The news of her two month break was met with whoops of joy from the girls which turned the entire table's attention to them. The news travelled and everyone voiced the same opinion in different words of how she deserved the break as that she worked too hard. Smiling at the joyous reactions around the table, her eyes met gray ones. Her thoughts were instantly forgotten as she studied the stormy gray eyes. Hermione had always held that the eyes were a window to the soul and his were no different. No matter how stoic his face looked, his eyes spoke volumes. Right now, even from across the length of the table she could see that his eyes were a shade darker than normal. Her study was interrupted by an adorable 5 year old who was trying to climb onto the empty seat next to her.

Helping the child sit properly, she turned her eyes away from the gray eyed blonde. To say Victoire Weasley was beautiful was an understatement and she simply exuded charm. You could not help but pay attention to her. Hermione listened to the girl chatter happily in a mix of English and French but could not still the thoughts taking shape in her mind. Asking Draco Malfoy for help was not an option she wanted to explore but she knew Ginny was right. Having decided to do it, the next logical step was to actually ask him. She tried in vain to gather the right words for asking him but any way she managed to word the favor seemed inadequate. An excited childish squeal made her smile and she shook her head to rid her of any thoughts but the current conversation. She looked up to find Ginny silently studying her. Hermione tentatively smiled at her and returned to answering Victoire's never ending queries.


Once dinner was done with, the number of guests at the Burrow began to diminish as they began to leave. The large group finally filtered down to the 12 friends as they discussed the bachelor and bachelorette parties. The group moved to Grimmauld Place after bidding Mr. & Mrs. Weasley goodnight to iron out the final details. Clutching a fire whiskey in his right hand, Draco slowly snuck out of the living room which was starting to resemble a battlefield with the conflicting ideas being thrown around. He gulped the drink down, grimacing as the alcohol burnt a fiery trail down his throat. He made his way into the kitchen and asked Kreacher for a refill.

Pouring himself another drink, he walked out carefully avoiding the noisy crowd. He seated himself on the stairs on the upper landing and looked out the window at the raindrops pelted against the glass. His mind once again settled on what had been plaguing him all day. He had wondered all day how to word his – he didn't know what to call it – but hadn't been able to form a coherent sentence. The fact that he had to address Hermione Granger was just adding to his nerves. He couldn't deny that she had been his first and only choice when Blaise had suggested this course of action. But he also knew that the chances of her agreeing to this scheme were less than slim.


Hermione's eyes searched the crowded room for the blonde and not finding him anywhere, she walked out to check if he was in the corridor. Finding nobody she let out a disappointed sigh and turned, almost colliding with Ginny who was leaning against the door.

"So it looks like you took my advice?"

"Yeah. You were right, he can help. But that doesn't make it any easier." she said frowning.

Ginny put an arm around her shoulders in a way that indicated she knew exactly how Hermione felt.

"Do you want me to ask him Mione?"

Shaking her head in response Hermione told her she would do so herself as they both headed back into the room and joined the noisy discussion.


The sound of footsteps headed his way caused Draco to look around. Harry Potter settled next to him and sipped his drink. The silence lasted a few minutes before Harry spoke.

"What's troubling you? You have been distracted all evening. You nearly fell off your broom and barely ate anything at dinner. Not to mention, Blaise has been casting pitying glances at you throughout. Is this about the Arrows? Ginny told me you want the team and Blaise told me what you discussed this morning."

"I am going to propose tonight."

Harry almost choked on his drink as he stared at Draco.

"WHAT?! Tonight? And what do you mean propose? You're faking it right? Who is the girl anyway? You don't even have a girlfriend right now!"

Draco stopped Harry's tirade and gulped the last mouthful of fire whiskey. He knew Blaise would tell Harry. Harry was the only other bloke Draco trusted. None of the other guys been able to break the barrier he had built around himself other than Harry and Blaise.

"I am going to propose because I need a fiancée. Even if it is just a pretense, a proposal is the right way to do it. And I know I don't have a girlfriend. That's why I am going to propose to my ex-girlfriend. Your best friend. Hermione."

This time, Harry did choke.