Meanwhile...

Draco had decided that he would be fashionably late to this little event. Yes, he would show up. He had to make an appearance. His father made it clear what his expectations were. But, he would be damned if he would look desperate enough to be first in line. He did, after all, have a reputation to maintain.

He entered the Yaxley's home a few minutes after the grand entrance. Damn, he thought, now I have to wait to see the bleeding munter.

He looked around the hall, impressed with the turn out. Yes, there was some fine competition here but nothing he couldn't handle. He looked across the room and saw his friend Blaise. They gave each other the "head nod" and moved towards each other to have a few words. There was still a throng of people surrounding the Yaxley's and their "pride and joy" so he was happy to chat with his friend for a few minutes. Surely there would be time to meet the hag when the crowd died down.

"Zabini..."

"Malfoy"

"Nice to see you this evening."

"Nice to see you, too".

They spent the next 15 minutes or so talking about the weather, their new class schedules, the quidditch match next weekend until finally Draco cracked.

"So, how was it?" Draco spat out.

"How was what" Blaise replied innocently.

"How was what??? You bloody wanker! You know what I want to know. What did she look like man? I mean was she the biggest minter you have ever seen?" Draco commanded a response.

"Uh, Draco... Ahem...", Blaise coughed.

"Did she get hit by the ugly stick?" Draco continued his query.

"Ahem..." Blaise coughed again.

"What, was it that bad? Did she get beaten with the whole frickin' tree?", Draco continued. He wondered what was wrong with his friend. Maybe he should back up a little, he didn't want to catch a cold.

"Ahem..." Blaise coughed for the third time.

"What's wrong man? Are you coming down with something?" Draco asked.

"Excuse me, gentlemen." a female voice interrupted.

Draco recognized that voice. It was Ginny Weasley.

"Why in the world would they let you in here..." Draco started as he spun around to give Ginny a hard time. He stopped short when he saw the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on.

"Mr. Zabini, I do believe yours was the first name on my dear cousins dance card this evening." Ginny announced.

"Your cousin?", Draco replied.

Ginny smiled, "Oh yes, of course. You missed the receiving line. How silly of me. Draco Malfoy, may I present my cousin, Artemisia Yaxley."

"Charmed, I'm sure", Hermione curtsied, bowing her head slightly. Outside she smiled, Inside she was seething. The comments that he had made toward her. For years she had been called all sorts of names from this prat. He had ridiculed her in every way he could and now he had the audacity to call her names at her Grandfather's home. On her birthday!

Ginny offered up, "Now if you will excuse us, I believe we are obligated to Mr. Zabini for the first dance".

Draco had been looking at Artemisia, truth be told he couldn't take his eyes off of her. There was something oddly familiar about her. He was not sure what, but he was determined to find out. "Why yes of course. I wouldn't dream of detaining you a moment longer. Before you go, may I be so bold as to request a place on your dance card?" Draco asked.

This was too rich. That bloody prat just insulted my best friend and now he wants to place all kissy face. This is going to be fun!

Ginny smiled, laying it on a little thick, "Oh I am soooo sorry, we cannot accommodate you. I'm afraid the dance card has been filled. Since you were not in the receiving line, we assumed you did not mean to attend this evening. I'm afraid the only person who can bless you with this honor is your friend Mr. Zabini. "

Draco looked a bit confused.

"As he was the first in line," she explained "he made a request for the last dance as well. We told him that if someone did not show up, he would be able to take their place for a second dance. As you know, a lady does not go back on her word. "

Draco glared at Blaise.

"Now, if you will excuse us, we do need to start this ball."

Blaise looked over at Draco with a smirk and said, "Sorry mate, all is fair..."

Blaise took Artemisia's hand and placed it on his arm. He then gracefully led her onto the dance floor, circling her carefully around the floor before taking putting his arm around her waist, his hand in hers.

"...In love and war" Draco muttered. looking up he saw his father's eyes glaring at him.

He was right, I can't trust anyone.

A/N: Yes, I know this is a little short. But it seems like a good place to pause. Will update again soon. They will be short chapters, but I will submit them quickly. Thanks for reading and thanks for your reviews.