Chapter 11

The Atrium was packed when Draco and Hermione arrived for the gala. Trays of hors d'oeuvres and flutes of champagne hovered in the air around guests who mingled in small groups. Harry, Ginny, and Ron were already there, standing together away from the crowd. Grabbing a drink, the couple made their way to their friends.

"This is overwhelming," Hermione said, holding tightly to Draco's hand.

Ron's eyes focused on their clasped hands as he nodded in agreement. "What's happening here?" he asked, pointing to them.

The couple exchanged a furtive glance. "We're, uh, together," Draco announced, hoping the public setting would prevent a scene. Nodding, the redhead downed his drink while his sister demanded all the details. Harry said nothing. "Sorry we didn't say anything sooner. Actually, Rita Skeeter told you...and the rest of the wizarding world."

"We wanted to make sure we were comfortable together first before telling you," Hermione added. Letting go of Draco's hand, she pulled Ron aside. "Is this awkward for you? Sorry, that's a dumb question."

Ron shook his head and attempted to smile. "No, it's, uh...it's not," he told her. "I'm surprised, but he doesn't seem so bad. As long as he's good to you, I have no objections. Not that it would really matter if I did."

"Yes, it would," she said softly. "We're friends, you and me. If you knew he were doing something horrible, I'd want you to tell me. You know, kicking puppies or pushing small children into traffic, that kind of thing."

"Knocks over Gringotts?" Ron suggested.

Hermione laughed. "Now you're catching on," she remarked.

Despite the humorous exchange, there was a tiny twinge of guilt in Ron's stomach. "Um, listen, I might have let something slip to him when we talked the other day, and I wanted you to know," he said, a nervous hand raking through his hair. Stiff, Hermione asked what it was. "I didn't give him any details, I just mentioned that kids was an issue we had."

She groaned, but let him know she wasn't mad at him. "I didn't think this was going to have to be a discussion so soon," she bemoaned. "Although, I guess I should thank you. I don't know that I'd have the courage to tell him on my own."

He gave her arm a gentle squeeze. "He'll understand," Ron assured her.

Sighing, she nodded. "I hope so."

They returned to their friends, Hermione putting on a brave face in light of Draco's concern. Ginny, sensing her unease, marvelled at the turnout. "Parkinson sure knows how to throw a party," she remarked. "I wonder if she does weddings. Her taste is pretty impeccable."

"She's the founder of a charity, not a party planner," Harry replied. "I'm sure she has better things to do than coordinate a wedding."

Pansy joined them, blue eyes wide with excitement. "Did I hear wedding?" she asked, hugging Draco. "You know, I do handle all the charity's galas and events. I can recommend some great vendors - flowers, food, tables. We'll talk soon."

While Pansy and Ginny made plans to get together, Draco pulled Hermione aside. "You okay?" he asked, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. "I know you and Pansy don't have a great history, and if you're uncomfortable, we can leave."

"No, no, it's not her at all," Hermione told him. "Honestly, she seems really nice."

"If something were bothering you, you'd tell me, right?" he asked worriedly.

Nodding, she promised she would. "I just...I don't think this is the time or place to do that," she amended. "We're here for Pansy, and we should have a nice time. So, let's do that. I'm fine, hopefully we're fine, so let's have fun."

Though reluctant, he agreed. They spent the evening eating, drinking, listening to speeches, and reconnecting with old friends. Slytherins and Gryffindors alike made pleasant conversation over dinner and dessert. At the end of the night, Draco and Hermione each made their donations and returned to her flat.

"Ron and Pansy seemed quite comfortable with one another," Draco commented as he put on tea water. "I was impressed that you were willing to give her a chance, but him? I thought he was still stuck on you, to be honest."

Hermione grinned as she set up two mugs for tea. "Better her than me," she decided. "Anyhow, I think it would be nice to see him make a new friend. I didn't know it at the time, but her foundation helped with the costs of Fred's funeral. Not that I'd tell Ron that, so don't tell Ron that."

Draco poured water into the two mugs and sat down. "I feel bad that I didn't know what she was up to," he admitted. "We were friends for so long, but then the war happened. We just sort of drifted apart. I'm really glad we ran into each other the other day. Maybe we can give being friends another go."

"I think she'd like that," Hermione replied. "And, um, the Weasleys aren't the only ones she's helped. After the war, I started seeing a counselor. When I told her about that day at the Manor, she asked if I'd been seen by a Healer to make sure I was alright. There were days I couldn't feel my hands or legs, so I saw someone about it. Then came the visit to another Healer about possible infertility issues. Pansy's foundation was sponsoring research about the use of Unforgivables. Um, long story short, they determined that I might never be able to have children. When Ron and I discussed that, that was the end of our engagement. He wanted children of his own, and I couldn't give them to him."

He moved closer, wiping away the tears that ran down her cheeks. "I'm sorry," he murmured.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled away. "I don't know if this changes things between us," she said.

But Draco was quick to interject. "It doesn't," he promised. "I know we haven't been together all that long, but if the time comes that we decide we want to get married and start a family, we'll take whatever measures necessary to do that. You not being able to carry a baby doesn't suddenly nullify my feelings for you. It changes nothing, Hermione."