Disclaimers: All characters featured in this story (with the exception of Rachel and Helena) belong to JK Rowling. All stuff belongs to their respective owners.

Chapter 7

It was a quiet morning as Rachel ate breakfast and prepared to see Draco for the first time in about a month.

She opened her closet and looked for something to wear. Rachel pulled out a few of the sundresses she had inherited from Helena.

Rachel decided on a red, strapy, knee length dress. The skirt was embroidered with a golden flower-like pattern. She threw on a pair of gold wedges and applied simple make-up before apparating to Theodore's home.

Theodore was wearing khakis and a button down shirt with his work shoes. He gestured for her to take his arm. Hesitantly, she complied and soon they were standing outside of the Greengrass' summer home.

Rachel's heart began to race. What if something went wrong? She looked up at Theodore who looked the same way she felt. Rachel gave his arm a gentle squeeze to reassure not only him, but herself as well.

Theodore knocked on the door which was promptly answered by none other than Daphne Greengrass, Astoria's older sister.

"What are you doing here," Daphne sneered.

Theodore stayed quiet, so Rachel took the lead.

"If you must know, we were kindly invited by your sister. Here is the invitation if you don't believe me," Rachel said importantly a she handed the invitation to Daphne. Daphne looked much as her younger sister did, but was less shapely with a sharper face. Her hair was pulled back in a bun, and her fitted dress was a pale yellow matching her heels.

With a huff, Daphne stepped aside and let them in.

Just about fifty people stood inside the rooms surrounding the entrance. Rachel recognized most of the people in attendance, knew their names and faces, but little else.

Oh dear, I'm in for it now, Rachel thought to herself.

Theodore seemed to have frozen just inside the door. Pulling him into the house gently, Rachel searched for a relatively empty room in which they could sit. Spotting a nice settee by a large window, Rachel escorted Theodore over and sat down.

The house was decorated in the usual pure blood fashion: large, useless paintings on beige walls, marble floors and gold trimming along the walls. Potted plants sat sporadically in corners of some rooms, usually near a settee or couch occupied by some old aristocratic-looking person. It looked like something out of a late period piece; people in fancy garments, large hats, discussing some posh and unimportant matter.

It was going to be a long day.

A few hours had passed since the two had arrived. People had greeted them, asking of their families, their lives, and other aspects they did not actually care for.

Rachel had learned this early on in life: no one of 'high blood status' really cares to know of your life, they are simply fulfilling the niceties of upper class living.

"Be glad no one has pestered you about your feelings on the wedding. Some relative of Narcissa's wouldn't let me leave the refreshments until I listened to her ramble on about flowers for a good five minutes," Theodore said exasperatedly.

Rachel giggled. She hadn't been bothered by anyone as of yet, and she intended to keep it that way.

Theodore had proved to be excellent company at the party. He had continuously made jokes about the attendees as they passed, making Rachel giggle, and occasionally, out right laugh.

I haven't laughed in so long, she realized.

The sensation was like an old blanket; she knew its feel, but couldn't remember the last time she felt its warmth.

I can see why Astoria wants to keep him.

"Do you want to go outside? It's a pretty extensive field, plenty of room to avoid people," Theodore suggested.

Rachel considered it for a moment and agreed. It looked beautiful out, and Rachel wanted to look around more.

Taking his arm again, Theodore led Rachel out the glass doors and into a gorgeous field.

"oh wow..." Rachel could not find other words to describe her feelings.

The grass was fluffy and dotted with clusters of colorful flowers. A large tree was thriving towards the far end if the property. It was one of the most picturesque places she had ever seen.

"quite breath taking, huh? I remember having the same reaction when Astoria first showed it to me..."

"I'm sorry. About the two of you, I mean... This really sucks," Rachel finished.

"I know. But this is the closest I will be to her for the rest of my life, let's not spoil it."

"you know, you speak the proper garb for this lot, but you are so unlike them. I'm a bit surprised to be honest."

"well I'm not the only one, Rachel. One can tell that you are of a... Higher status, if you will." Theodore chose his words carefully.

"the way you speak shows it on occasion, but your actions prevent people from admitting it."

Rachel looked up at him curiously, considering his words.

"I guess I just want to be judged for being me, not my blood."

Theodore smiled sadly. "it must be nice."

Rachel understood what he meant. Being pure blooded, sorted into Slytherin, and his family being Death Eaters had gained him a reputation before he arrived at school.

At least Rachel's father had been accepting of the people she made friends with. If it had been up to her mother, she would probably have ended up like Daphne.

Rachel shuddered at the thought. She turned back to the scene in front of her and stepped forward a few inches, letting the breeze tug at her hair and skirt.

*A.N.: I really like Teddy. He is really interesting, and I'm glad I wrote him the way I did. What do you guys think? Comment/rate/message me at your leisure.