Author's Note: I do not own Harry Potter. That all goes to J.K Rowling. Although if there is anything you don't recognize from the books, movies, or real life, it's probably mine.

A Night to Remember

The House of Malfoy was in a whirlwind today. House-elves and the catering company that Narcissa had hired were running about the manor trying to get everything ready for that ball that night. Narcissa, herself was in a tizzy. Making sure every flower arrangement, every centerpiece, every napkin, ever piece of silverware was in its correct spot.

Lucius had taken refuge in his study, trying to avoid the chaos and his wife. All he was really needed for was when everything needed to be paid, or so said Narcissa. Which, quite frankly, Lucius was glad for.

Draco on the other hand was sitting in his old room. Going through all his old school things. He thought it was strange how all of a sudden he had this overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. Everything from old books, robes, and quidditch gear lay strewed all around his room. He was currently flipping through an old photo album that Pansy had given him when they graduated. Well graduated wasn't really the word. Once the war was over, and the Ministry had gained control again, every Death Eater was getting captured and thrown into Azkaban, soon it became to full that the Ministry took use to Nurmengard. The day the Malfoys stood trail was the quite possibly the most embarrassing and worst time in Draco's life. When the new Minister, Kingsley Shacklebolt, dealt out their punishment something happened that Draco never believed would. Harry Potter himself was speaking out for the Malfoys. After all that Draco had done to him in school, he was sparing their lives on behalf of Narcissa.

"As punishment for your dealings with the Dark Lord Voldemort, you are hereby sentenced to a life in Azkaban prison. Now, unless there is any evidence that can help your case, we are hereby dismissed." Shacklebolt was about to stand when a loud voice came from the back.

"Wait. I have something to say."

And there he stood. Harry Potter speaking out for the Malfoys. He had recently been appointed head of the Auror department along with Ron Weasley and Neville Longbottom.

"Mr. Potter."

"Minister."

Harry took the podium directly next to the Minister and looked out at all the members of the Wizengamont and all the journalists. "While the Malfoys are guilty of their crimes, they however turned sides near the end of the war."

Suddenly the court room boomed with shock and disagreement. Harry simply began speaking again. "When I went to face Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest that night, the night he destroyed his last horocrux, it was Narcissa Malfoy who lied on my behalf. She told Voldemort that I was indeed dead, all to know if her son was alive. Giving us a fighting chance in the war. It was then again at Malfoy Manor when my companions and I were kidnapped and taken there. After being hit with a rather nasty Stinging Hex, my face distorted to where the Snatchers weren't able to tell it was me. It was Draco who refused to reveal who I was to Bellatrix Lestrange. To further prove the Malfoys change, when the final battle took place the Malfoys gathered together and left. You see, the Malfoys really wanted the downfall of Voldemort just as much as we did. He turned their lives into nothing more than a play thing, just as he did with ours. As Head Auror I am willing to speak on behalf of the Malfoys. If need be, I have several witnesses to these events to prove their authenticity."

Draco began to squeeze this mothers hand tighter. Unsure of what was going to happen next. Could Golden Boy actually save his family from this? Would they be able to walk away and start a new life?

"Now see here! They were the right hands of Voldemort, are you willing to just let them walk away? Who knows what secrets he gave them!" Barnabus Palmer, a Wizengamont Elder, shouted out.

"I believe, Minister that there are records of Death Eaters turning over?" Harry looked Shaklebolt dead in the eye.

"Yes there is. In 1980, Severus Snape was a convicted Death Eater but Albus Dumbledore spoke for him."

"And Snape remained faithful to Voldemort to the end!" Palmer continued.

"You're wrong!" The room went completely silent at the outburst. Harry's jaw clenched together, almost so tight could his teeth grinding. "Severus Snape was a spy. He worked for Dumbledore to the very end. Only few knew about his true motives. What he did, what he sacrificed, was all for my safety. He lied to Voldemort time after time to keep me safe. When he took over Hogwarts, he kept most of your children safe! Severus Snape was faithful to Dumbledore, not Voldemort."

All around the room, many were shocked to hear this news about Snape. They all believed him to be just another lackey to Voldemort.

"All in favor for the release of the Malfoy family?" Kingsley Shacklebolt raised his hand first, and then slowly one by one more members agreed. "Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy, and Draco Malfoy, you are dismissed of all charges placed upon you. Case dismissed." The Minister slammed his gavel down onto the sound block and the pound echoed thought the courtroom. Guards came up and released Draco and his family from their chains. Leading them out of the courtroom. Turning around Draco looked Harry dead in the eye. Sending him a very watery eyed thank you.

A knock on his bedroom door pulled Draco from his thoughts.

"Draco?"

"Come in Mother."

Narcissa walked into his mess of a room. "Draco, could you be a dear and run on down to Madam Malkins and pick up yours and your fathers dress robes for tonight?"

"Why can't Gracey go?"

"Because she's busy helping me, so is everyone else. And heaven knows your father would never do such things, so that leaves you."

Knowing that there was no arguing with his mother. "Fine."

Leaving Madam Malkins, Draco decided to drop by his favorite coffee shop. It was a little shop, stuck in between Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and the entrance to Knockturn Alley. Conveniently right across the street from Madam Malkin's.

After ordering a large cup of black coffee, Draco sat down at the outside tables. Sipping his coffee, he looked around at everyone. It's been nine years since the Dark Lords downfall, and everything looked the way it used to. All the shops reopened and their businesses were thriving. Families looked much happier. The world in general looked much brighter. Long gone were the dark grey and dreary days.

There was actually a fountain placed in Diagon Alley to honor and remember all those lives lost in the war. It really was a gorgeous thing to behold. It wasn't some over the top monstrosity. It just was single angel. With one hand stretched out to the water, and the other reaching out to the sky. Inscribed along the outsides of the pool were all the names of the departed. Both magical and muggle. Even after all these years, people bring tea light candles and place them inside the pool. And rather than making wishes, the people send out messages. They whisper it into the coin and drop the coin into the fountain.

Draco only did this for one person, Goyle. He was an idiot, but he was Draco's friend. One of his best. When he died in the final battle, it tore Draco apart. Everything about the war tore him apart.

"Are you okay?" For the second time that day, Draco was pulled from his thoughts. Only this time he came crashing down. Quite literally.

Landing on the hard cobblestone ground, Draco let out a soft grunt.

"Oh geeze. That look like it hurt."

Looking up, Draco came face to face with a remarkable pair of blue eyes. They were as dark as the sea. But unlike the sea, they were full of worry and concern.

"Yeah, it did." Grabbing the out reached hand, Draco lifted himself off the ground.

"I know it's not a smart thing to interrupt a wizard from his thoughts, but you were kind of floating."

"Floating?" Brushing the dirt off his slacks, Draco looked at the girl oddly.

"Yes floating. It happens sometimes to magical folk when they are in deep thought or are feeling extreme emotions."

Now actually looking at the girl, well woman actually, she had dark auburn hair that clashed delicately with her soft ivory skin. She was an average height, the top of her head possibly just under Draco's chin.

"Oh, I guess you could I was in deep thought." Draco mentioned, rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's alright. Happens to me all the time. Anyway, I'm Victoria Willington." She extended out her hand.

"Malfoy, Draco Malfoy. "He took her tiny hands and gave her a small shake.

To Draco, something about this woman was so familiar. Her hair, eyes, the soft touch of her skin. Even the familiar smell of orange roses and passionfruit.

Before he even had the chance to utter another word, a loud dinging came from her bag.

"Oh shoot, I gotta go. Try not to float away Mr. Malfoy." With that, she was gone. Then something hit him. That black sweatshirt she was wearing, there was the unmistakable Malfoy monogram. It was her.

"VICTORIA JANE WILLINGTON!"

"WHAT!"

"It's a quarter till and you still aren't ready!"

"Just go on without me. I CAN get there myself."

Tim just sat down on the sofa, while his wife and daughter yelled at each other. Victoria had gotten home a little past three in the afternoon. Apparently from the yelling match earlier, she was supposed to be home at exactly three. Now, since she was late getting home she was going to be late getting to the party.

"Andi dear, she's a big girl. I'm almost positive she can get to the party on her own."

"Thank you daddy!" Victoria yelled from her room.

"Fine. I just hope she isn't too late." Alexandra grabbed her coat, and both she and Tim walked out the door.

Upstairs, Tori was adding the finishing touches to her outfit.

"Well, it's now or never Victoria." Looking over at the sweatshirt hanging over the back of her study chair, memories of that night flooded her mind.

Tori knew exactly who she was talking to earlier. It was the smell of his cologne that caught her first. Is hair was shorter though. When his voice caught her ear, it was the same feeling she felt that night.

Making sure everything was in place and looked just right, Tori grabbed her coat and threw it on. Buttoning it up, it covered most of her dress perfectly, just like she wanted it.

"Right then. Let's so this."

Opening her bedroom door, she walked down the stairs and out of her house. Getting passed the wards, she apparated to Malfoy Manor.

The party was in full swing. Everyone who was invited showed up.

Narcissa and Lucius were doing their duties as hosts and greeting everyone as they walked in. While Draco was doing his duty and dancing with all the eligible women in the room.

"Alexandra!"

"Cissa!"

Both women hugged each other tightly.

"Oh it's been to long. Hello Timothy darling." Letting go of Alexandra, Narcissa gave Tim a light kiss on the cheek.

"Hello Narcissa, you look lovely. Lucius."

"Timothy." Both men exchanged handshakes.

"It's a wonderful party. You've outdone yourself this time." Alexandra was admiring the splendor of the room.

"Well anything for my son. Speaking of children, where is your daughter?"

"Oh, she's around her somewhere. Took a little too long to get ready, so we let her find her own way."

"Well we women do take time to get dressed." Both women giggled and began talking about the party and the small details of it all.

"I heard your daughter is now head of the dragon division."

"That's right. I was shocked at first. She's a bit young, but when I was all the progress that was made, I figured she knew what she was doing." Tim said proudly.

"You must be extremely proud of all her achievements."

"Yes we are." Alexandra pulled herself into the conversation.

"Well we'll let you two get back to your party, need to mingle with the rest of the fray." Tim said jokingly.

"You two enjoy yourselves."

An hour after the party had started Victoria was still nowhere to be seen. Alexandra was beginning to worry.

"I'm sure she's fine dear."

"What if she's not Tim? I'm going to see if I can find her." Alexandra left Tim's side and exited the room to the outside terrace, wondering if her daughter was out there.

'Oh, I am going to get her when I find her.' Not seeing Victoria outside, Alexandra went back inside. 'Where on Earth could she be?'

It wasn't long after that moment, when she saw Narcissa stand up on the stage.

"Good evening everyone. My husband and I would like to take this moment to thank all of you for joining us tonight. As many of you know, my son had decided to find himself a bride." Many of the younger girls gave out light shrills of excitement. "Tonight, one of you many be the future Mrs. Draco Malfoy. Now without further ado, the traditional waltz. Draco dear, pick your dance partner."

Draco stood off to the side of the stage. Placing down his glass of wine, he began to survey the women around him. Yes, many were beautiful and he was sure that they had something unique about them. However, he was secretly hoping she'd be here. It wasn't until he was bout to give up and ask a lovely brunette to dance when he saw her. She was standing out on the terrace. He almost didn't recognize her. She gave him a small smile before he started walking toward her.

Tori had arrived just minutes after her parents, though she took to hiding in the downstairs library. Pulling herself together, she unfastened her coat, letting it fall to the ground, she spun around to bring her dress back to life. It was a simple dress. A light cream color, with lace cap off the shoulder sleeves. Her dress fell to floor, easily covering her feet. It was a simple princess silhouette with a v-neck line. The dress made her a bit self conscious. Simply because it was a little tight around the bust, and her breasts didn't feel like staying in. Going to Madam Malkin's, she tried to see if the old seamstress could somehow fix it. Having been unsuccessful, and with no time to find a different dress Tori had to go with what she had.

Still not wanting to be seen, Tori stayed in the library for a little longer. It wasn't until one of servers found her and told her she couldn't be in the library. A bit disappointed, she grabbed her coat and made her way for the terrace, hoping to escape most peoples attention.

When she got outside, she heard Mrs. Malfoy give her speech. Then she saw him. How wonderful he looked in his dress robes. His hair was combed back and out of his face. His all black clothes made his hair and eyes stand out over more. It wasn't until he started walking towards her, that she seemed to lose her breath.

"May I have this dance?" Draco did the traditional bow before asking for her hand.

"Yes, you may." Tori responded with an equally traditional curtsey.

Taking her hand, Draco led her out onto the dance floor. When the music started they floated across the floor.

Narcissa and Alexandra both shared a look, which set their smiles even larger. Looking around the room, everyone was glued to the sight. Both Victoria and Draco seemed to be in their own little world. As cliché as Tim thought it all, he hadn't seen him little girl smile that big in a long time. Lucius was thinking the exact same thing about Draco.

After they had their moment, Lucius led Narcissa out onto the floor. Soon to be followed by other couples.

Much to both Draco's and Victoria's dismay, the song ended. Parting from each other, they clapped along with everyone.

"Drink?"

"Yes please. I'm just gonna go say hi to my parents." Victoria dashed away from Draco while he grabbed their drinks.

"I was worried you weren't going to make it." Alexandra said as she grabbed Tori's hand.

"Oh mother, I was perfectly fine."

Tori rolled her eyes are her mother, as she saw Draco headed back her way. Without knowing it, a smile came to her face.

"Draco, come meet Mr. and Mrs. Willington." Narcissa pulled Draco over to their little group. Handing Tori her drink, he shook hands with both her parents.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. So happy you were able to join us."

"Oh dear, the pleasure is ours. Narcissa is an old friend, it would have been wrong not to show." Alexandra gave Draco a small grin.

"Old friends? I didn't know you two knew each other." Tori looked at her mother.

"Oh yes. It was through your father that we met. When we first started courting, he brought me to a fabulous ball held by Lucius' father, and it just so happened that Narcissa and I were wearing the same dress."

"Unlike most girls, we proceed to comment on how well the other looked in it. Then we began talking fashion and from that moment we were inseparable. So much, that we were each others maids of honor." Narcissa added.

"That was quite the summer, eh Lucius." Tim nudged Lucius in the arm.

"Quite the summer indeed." With a raised eyebrow he looked over at his wife.

"No further comments." Mumbled Draco. The bunch began to chuckle and began talking about everyday things.

The party was dwindling down. Only a few stragglers remained. Mostly those close to the Malfoys. Draco had hardly left Tori's side, and she wasn't complaining.

"So Victoria dear, how's the Ministry treating you?"

"Quite wonderful Mrs. Malfoy. Though, I personally prefer my tent back in Romania."

"Really? I don't think I wouldn't be able to handle that. No proper showers, plus that horrid climate."

"Well, I had a proper shower in my tent. That was the main thing I asked for. Besides, if you're training with dragons, you know you're going to get a little dirty. To be honest though, I wasn't very happy about losing my nails."

"My question though, how did you manage your position with little experience."

"Well, I -"

"I'll tell you how. She slept with Scamandar! Everyone knows it." Mason Cole blurted out. Mason was a few years older than Tori and has been working at the Ministry for several years. "Ever since she was an intern, Scamander had this odd obsession with her. He never went to Romania to go check on the interns, until she came along. Then when he decided to turn the reigns over to someone else, so he could focus more on that house elf act, he practically gave it to her after he slept with her. Not to mention to slept with Weasley and the Anderson twins."

"Cole, knock it off. You know none of that's true." Eli Daily, another Dragonologist commented. "I worked with her in Romania, and she has every right to the title she's earned. She's at least put in a ten hour days of work unlike you."

"Get bent Daily. She probably wanked you off as well."

"Mason, I'm sorry you feel that way. But my achievements have all been due to the hard work I put in. When Newt asked me take over his position, it was because he knew that I better qualified for it than you. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm heading home. I will see both you and Eli on Monday." Tori began to walk away, before she could get to far Mason grabbed her by the wrist.

In a quick flurry of motions, Mason spun Tori around. "I wasn't done talking to you." Before he could get another word out, Tori threw her drink in his face.

"Stupid slut." Mason brought his hand across Tori's face sending her to the ground.

"Oi!" Both Eli and Draco grabbed Mason by his arms, before he could do anything else.

"Victoria!" Alexandra and Narcissa went to her side. "What is wrong with you?" Alexandra asked glaring at Mason.

"I think it's time for you to go." Draco began to walk Mason to the door.

"Get off me Malfoy!" Mason shoved Draco up against the wall and held him by his collar. "You know you aren't so tough Malfoy. You've always hid behind your money and your 'daddy'."

Something inside Draco snapped. Bringing his head down, he crashed it into Mason's nose, successfully breaking it. When Mason went to grab his nose, Draco punched him in his stomach sending Mason crumbling to the floor.

"Mr. Daily, if you could be please remove the trash from my house." Lucius walked over to Draco and put his hand on his shoulder.

"Yes sir." Eli picked up Mason. "You idiot." With those last words, Eli dragged Masons body out of the Malfoys house.

"Bloody idiot." Alexandra led Tori to the sofa nearby. Clutching her face, Tori sat down.

"Narcissa, a bag of ice? To help with the swelling."

"Right this way." They left the room in a hurry.

"I think it's best that everyone heads on home." Lucius began to gather everyone.

"I'll help you Lucius. Are you okay Pumpkin?"

"I'll be fine."

All the guests cleared out of the room, until it was just Tori and Draco left.

Draco noticed she was slightly shaking.

"Victoria?"

"I'm fine." The sound of sobs took over Victoria.

"No you're not." Draco kneeled in front of her. "Look, I went to school with Cole. He's an idiot. A giant blithering bubbling baboon."

"It's not just Mason. I've heard all the rumors about me. When I took this job, I did it as a favor to Newt, I didn't think that there would be this much backlash."

Draco grabbed her lightly by the chin, moving her hand away to see a large bruise forming along her jaw. Her bottom lip was also busted, and small amounts of blood started pouring. Reaching into his pocket, Draco pulled out a handkerchief.

"A hankie? Draco Malfoy carries around a hankie?"

"One always needs to be prepared. Cuts, scrapes, and burns happen often."

"Yes Professor." Tori gave a small smirk, even though it hurt her jaw.

"It's been awhile since I've been called that." Draco began to wipe away the blood from her lip. "Though, you are a far cry from the girl sleeping in the hallway."

"Well, I think we established that a year ago." Both gave each other a small smile.

"You know, it was very rude of you to just leave like that. Especially with my clothes. I should have you arrested for thievery." Draco gave a small sigh.

"Mr. Malfoy?" Draco was still looking down. "Draco?"

Hearing her say his name made him look up. They locked eyes and just stared at each other. "I never forgot that night."

"Neither did I." At that moment, Draco kissed her. It was a light kiss. Knowing her face was still tender.

Neither of them knew it, but both their parents were standing outside the doorway, listening to the entire conversation.