IT HAD TO BE YOU

By Kate Dessi

Chapter 4

Dutifully, he dressed in fine royal blue robes and he combed his short blonde hair, he shaved his 3-days old stubble.

It was past eight that evening when he arrived at the mansion where the Notts lived. Theodore Nott was standing alongside a young redhead with eyes the color of cornflower blue, a tilted-up nose and a genuinely sweet smile on her lovely full lips painted in red wearing a simple strapless cocktail dress that a few inches before her knees, black in color.

When Theo caught sight of him, he paled and ran to him. "What the bloody hell, Malfoy!" was his only greeting.

"Good to see you too, Nott," he muttered dryly.

Theo hesitated before he caught Draco in a brotherly embrace. It lasted not even two seconds before they stood there uncomfortably. "We really thought you were dead, you know," Theo said lowly.

"I know," Draco replied. "We can talk about it some other time. I'm eager to meet the woman you convinced to marry you."

Theo laughed and it was a surprise to Draco for his old friend's laugh was a rare treat to his family, much less to his friends. But then again, it's been a long time since he'd last seen him.

The redhead came forward to catch Theo's hand as she stood before the two tall men.

"Draco, this is my fiancé, Juliet Morrasut."

Draco took Juliet's hand in his to bestow a kiss on her knuckles before dropping it slowly. "Nice to meet you."

Juliet smiled at him. "Nice to meet you," she returned and then she giggled. "I have heard so much about you!"

He turned to raise an eyebrow at Theo. "You must have heard about my antics during our Hogwarts days."

Theo clapped Draco on the back, urging him inside the open doorway of the mansion. "The good old days, eh, chap? Come inside. Pansy's dying to see you!"

"Oh no."

The couple laughed good-naturedly.

Soft jazz music was flowing around the ballroom as he stepped inside. The floating candles were reminiscent of the Great Hall in Hogwarts as well as the enchanted ceiling that visualizes a starry night sky. There were a lot of people in attendance, probably a little more than fifty people.

The Notts were known for throwing the most extravagant parties amongst the pureblood families. Of course, back when they were younger, Draco, Theo, along with a couple of friends would escape to their immaculate garden to play Quidditch.

Looking around, he spotted his old friends from Hogwarts – Blaise Zabini, Marcus Flint, Pansy Parkinson, Daphne Greengrass and two other women he did not recognize. He strode towards them.

Pansy was the first one to notice him. Her eyes widened at the sight of him, but when she overcame her shock, she smiled widely and stepped forward to meet him. "You're here," she exclaimed laughingly and always affectionate, she threw herself in his arms.

Despite himself, he laughed and hugged her back. "Pansy, it's good to see you."

Blaise and Marcus shook hands with him. "I thought Theo was just pulling our leg," Blaise said.

Draco shook his head.

"I went by to the Malfoy Manor about five years ago but it was abandoned," Marcus said.

"I—ah, my family moved to Bulgaria not long after the war."

"Where do you live now?" Marcus asked.

"I'm staying in London, at Cornerstone Apartments," he replied.

"How come I never see you there? My boyfriend lives on the sixth floor. I'm around all the time," Daphne piped in, blushing a bit.

"I got the penthouse apartment over there," Draco replied to Daphne. "Come over some time and we'll have some tea."

An hour had passed, the group of friends still conversing, updating each other on what's going on with their lives. Mostly Draco because he was the only one who was out of touch all these years. They were joined by Theo and Juliet eventually. Draco was also introduced to the two other women he didn't know; one was Blaise's wife, Roslynn and the other was Serena St. Jules.

Pansy pulled him aside from the group. "Draco, we need to talk," she hissed.

He sighed dramatically. "If we must."

"Don't tease me," she said, a frown creasing her face. "I missed you, you dolt. You didn't have to hide from me."

Draco shrugged half-heartedly. "You have to understand that it was something my parents and I had to do."

She nodded not quite understanding but accepting. "It's all in the past now. But I'm hoping to see more of you this time. Promise me."

He shifted uncomfortably. Was she thinking of getting back together with him? "Err—Pansy, I'm not sure—"

"Oh!" She laughed suddenly. "I didn't mean the way it sounded. I just meant that I wouldn't want you to be so much on your own these days."

He relaxed visibly. "You're a good friend, Pansy."

Her demeanor changed and she was the old Pansy he used to know. She rolled her eyes at him. "Yes, well, don't get used to it."

Draco excused himself as Pansy joined Daphne and Serena in conversation to get a glass of champagne on the other side of the room.


"For some reason, I'm not surprised to see you here," a familiar voice said from behind him.

Draco turned away from the table that held the beverages and towards the speaker. "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage, Granger," he drawled. "I'm surprised. Very surprised, in fact."

Unable to stop himself, he took in Hermione's elegant side swept tamed brown mane, her tastefully done makeup, and that – dress! It was moderately cut on the chest part of cream-colored satin that flowed freely down to her ankles, showing off her slim frame, accenting the curves. She was balanced on her right leg, showing a slit that reached up to a few inches above her knees. His eyebrows shot to his hairline. Wow.

Hermione shifted uncomfortably, aware that he was checking her out.

"You look lovely," Draco said casually as he handed her a flute of champagne and she accepted with shaky fingers.

Stunned, she stammered, "T-thank you."

"You're welcome," he nodded. "I didn't know you were friends with Theo."

"I'm not," Hermione said. "Juliet invited me. I was shocked to say the least, when I found out that she just got engaged to Theodore Nott. They've been dating for only nine months, you know."

He looked around the room. "Where's your date, Granger?"

"I came alone. Where's yours?"

"I came alone," Draco echoed. "Well, you know what this means, don't you?"

"No. What?" She asked, confused.

"We're both dateless, so it's natural we stick together."

Hermione was surprised, but she laughed. "That's a stupid logic, Malfoy."

A couple of hours later, she found herself in Draco Malfoy's company for the rest of the night. They drank champagne, talked about a bit of each other's work, shared a big plate of random desserts, and made fun of the other attendees of the party.

"Look at that Granger," he gestured towards a bystander; she was wearing a lacy but puffy black dress, with half of her bosom sticking out, her makeup was ridiculously thick and heavy, her chunky pink heels mismatched with her dress. "Did you think she forgot to look in the mirror before she left for the party?"

"Malfoy," she scolded, but she burst out laughing.

He grinned. "I feel so sorry for whoever her date is."

"How can you be sure she has a date?"

"Look at the west most corner of the room. There—there, do you see him? He's hiding from her. Look, she finally saw him! Oh, the expression on his face is priceless!"

"He looks like he's about to cry!"

They hooted clutching each other for support, cradling their glasses of champagne, oblivious to several onlookers. At the other end of the room, Draco's friends were gaping at him with a certain brunette. "Are my eyes deceiving me?" Pansy said, her eyes bulging.

"Is that Hermione Granger?" Marcus asked incredulously.

"I do believe so, yes," Blaise confirmed.

"What is she doing here?" Daphne asked, frowning.

"She's a good friend of mine. I invited her," Juliet answered Daphne. "What's wrong?" She turned to Theo, who was also gaping at the pair.

"We went to Hogwarts with her. She and Draco didn't really get along."

Juliet frowned, still confused.

"That would be the understatement of the century," Pansy muttered. "Actually, Juliet, you know that blood status was a big issue before the war. We, purebloods, were brought up to think that half-bloods and muggleborns are abominations in the society and for other purebloods that associate with them are called blood traitors. Granger is a muggleborn. Draco delighted in calling Hermione Granger a 'mudblood', every chance he gets."

"Clearly – he's changed." Juliet looked pleased.

"Clearly," Pansy echoed, but she didn't look as pleased.

"Granger had her moments too," Blaise said. "She punched him right in the nose one time."

"Really," Juliet gasped, chuckling softly. "I've known Hermione for years but I can't imagine her being violent. She's the most even-tempered person I've ever known."

The former Slytherins exchanged knowing glances.

On the other side, Draco and Hermione were walking around the ballroom towards the open doors that led to the gardens. The night was cool, the view was spectacular, the garden lights glittered glamorously, and the flowers gave off a fragrance that made Hermione feel like she was in dreamland. Down the steps they went, to stand near the immaculate pool. There were other people there mingling as well.

She can picture herself clad in her favorite pair of swimming costume on a sunny day lying on a reclining chair, reading a book, with a cool, tropical fruit drink beside her. For the life of her, she couldn't remember the last time she was on a beach.

"What a beautiful garden," Hermione commented, breaking the silence between her and her companion.

He nodded in agreement. "Theo's mother is a green thumb. Have you met her?"

"Not yet," she replied. "But I've seen her prancing around in her ball gown."

Draco chuckled. "She loves throwing parties like these. My family never missed one. Theo and I usually hide behind the house, playing Quidditch if we're not stuffing our face with food."

Hermione gestured toward a stone bench near the pool and they walked over to sit. She noticed that their glasses were empty and she frowned.

"I'll go get us more drinks," Draco offered. He took her empty glass and walked briskly back inside.

Hermione turned to stare at the reflection of the glittering lights in the people and assessed the ridiculousness of her situation. I can't believe I've been spending my time with Malfoy and I'm having a great time. Harry and Ron would probably think I'm mental when I tell them. Am I friends with Malfoy now? She wondered. They must be. What else is there? I'm not particularly repressed not to notice how attractive he is wearing those dress robes but I highly doubt that we'll ever go down that road. I wonder if Malfoy's friends had seen us drinking together. They must be getting ready to take him to St. Mungo's.

She was laughing quietly to herself when a man suddenly appeared and sat beside her on the beach. He was of average height, around 5'8", he was sporting a scruffy hairdo, a full beard, and he was a bit overweight.

Hermione glared at the unwelcome intrusion, but he didn't seem to notice.

"Hi, beautiful," He slurred.

Obviously, he was drunk. "Hi," Hermione replied, edging away.

"I'm Jonny." He put his arm around her.

"Great," she said, removing his arm.

"I've been looking all over for you, love."

"Why? Have we met?"

"Only in my dreams."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione stood abruptly but Jonny grabbed her hand and got up, too. "Where are you going?"

"Away from you." She managed to remove his hold on her hand but he caught up with her and slipped his arm around her shoulders again. She ducked and pushed him into the pool. She stepped backward to avoid getting her dress wet.

"I wish you hadn't done that," Draco said from behind her and he handed her both glasses of champagne. They watched as Jonny struggled to find the surface. "I was about to rescue you."

She shook her head. "Is he going to drown?"

"Give him a chance. He'll find the way up soon."

"What if he doesn't?"

"Then I'll help him. See, here he comes now." Jonny broke sputtering through the surface of the water. Draco sat on his heels by the edge of the pool. "Alright there?" Draco asked.

The other man ignored him. When he caught his breath, he looked at Hermione. "You miserable bi—"

Draco pushed his head back under the water roughly. He walked back to where Hermione was standing, smiling at him. He grabbed his glass of champagne and wordlessly, they proceeded to go back to the ballroom.

"Hermione," Juliet's melodious voice called as she was walking hand in hand with her fiancé towards them. "Hello there, Draco."

"Hello," Hermione and Draco chorused.

"I was wondering where you wandered off to, Draco," Theo said with a side along glance at Hermione.

"I've been with Granger," Draco said without preamble.

"I haven't seen you for years and you abandon me," Theo said.

Draco put his hand over his heart. "Oh, Theodore," he sighed dramatically, making the girls giggle. "I love you too, Theodore."

Theo looked like he was about to get sick. "Sod off, Malfoy."

Juliet pulled Hermione over to the side while the two men engaged in conversation. "I'm glad you came, Hermione. I hope you're having a good time," Juliet told her.

"Oh, I am," Hermione assured the other girl. "It's a great party, by the way. The place is incredible. The ceiling is my favorite part." She pointed upwards.

"Me too," Juliet gushed. "It was Theo's mother's idea. She planned the whole party. She's brilliant! Theo loved it, too. He said it reminded him of Hogwarts."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "The Great Hall."

"Speaking of Hogwarts, dear, the others told me that you and Draco hated each other's guts back then."

Hermione grinned. "He never fails to make disparaging remarks about me and my friends. He was the most pompous git in all of Hogwarts. Not to mention he was a trouble maker, a bully and a big pain in the arse."

"I can hear you, Granger," Draco said loudly. "If I do recall, you were a pain in the arse as well!"

She shook her head at him. "Shut up, ferret boy."

Theo guffawed.


It was after a little after two that night when the crowd started to dissipate. The newly engaged couple had stayed and spent most of their evening with Hermione and Draco. Later, the other former Slytherins had joined their group as well, reminiscing about the old days which Hermione found uncomfortable as the others laughed. She felt out of place, speaking only when spoken to, especially when Juliet and Theo broke away from the group so they can escort their guests out of the ballroom. She can't help but wonder if the others were doing it on purpose.

Hermione glanced at her gold watch and saw it was almost three in the morning. She frowned; she hadn't meant to stay that long. In fact, she remembered telling Juliet that she would have left before midnight strikes.

Turning back to the conversation, Pansy was sharing a story when she and Blaise had planted cockroach clusters all over Malfoy's bed when he was sleeping or something the other. She wasn't really listening now while the others laughed in reminiscence. Hermione decided that it was time for her departure.

"Ah, Malfoy," she said softly as she tugged on his sleeve. "I'm leaving."

Draco turned to her and nodded. "Let me walk you out," he offered.

"That's not necessary," she said, faintly blushing. "You stay here with your friends." Ignoring his protests, she broke away from the group quietly and no one seemed to notice.

"My dear, Juliet, I must go," Hermione said as she hugged her friend of several years. "Congratulations. I hope he makes you happy."

"He does," Juliet whispered as she hugged Hermione back. "He does."

Hermione smiled, satisfied. She turned to Theo, who was standing beside Juliet. "If she comes crying to me, Nott, Merlin help you. I will hex you into the next century and make you come crying to your mother. I mean it." Theo laughed and clasped Hermione's outstretched hand to shake, very aware of this witch who had been recognized as the "brightest witch of her age" and also as an "exceptional duelist for a girl".

She walked slowly, savoring in the cool air of dawn, the natural fragrance of the different kinds of flowers that framed the walkway, and the onyx sky that was glittered by millions of stars. Hermione lived in the busy streets of Muggle London, full of artificial lights, tall buildings and somewhat air pollution due to the many types of transportation compared the country's clean air. Maybe someday…

"You don't think I'm letting you off that easy, do you?" A deep voice interrupted her serene thoughts.

Without warning, Draco had caught up with her halfway through the long walkway that led back to the immaculate gates of the Nott residence. Surprised, Hermione stopped midstride and turned to her former school enemy who had gone out of his way for her. "What do you want, Malfoy?" She asked, smiling slightly to soften her words.

Muttering about women being so suspicious and distrustful, he took her arm to urge to start walking again. Soon, they were walking in a slow pace and he released her arm. "Are we friends, Granger?" He asked, suddenly.

She pondered over it for a moment. "I guess we are, Malfoy."