Draco looked around the wedding party and looked at his reflection in the glass he held. He'd changed his appearance so he could talk to Hermione. Instead of his blond hair, sharp features, and pale skin, he had brown hair, a more rounded face, and dark skin as if he'd been out in the sun too long. He knew that he would be in so much trouble if he were discovered by anyone here, but Hermione was worth it.
He looked around for her, but only saw the Weasley clan surrounding their newest member. Fleur, he remembered. She'd been a Tri-Wizard Cup champion. She was now dressed in a wedding gown and holding onto the arm of an older Weasley. Bill, if Draco was to believe the pamphlets he'd seen on the tables.
Draco spotted Potter dancing with the Ginny. They looked happy and were talking in hushed voices. Ron was dancing with Lavender Brown. She had probably gotten in as Ron's date. But there was no sign of Hermione.
Draco was staring to think that he shouldn't have come, when the crowd parted and Hermione and the original Mrs. Weasley carried in the wedding cake between them. Draco stared at his once sister. Her tamed brown locks fell down her back in artful ringlets and she wore the darkest red dress he'd seen. Green was good on her, but the Gryffindor red was perfect. The dress hugged her curves and made her look vibrant. There wasn't a sign of distress on her face.
The two women set the cake on the table and backed away for the couple to make the first cut. Hermione smiled as she watched, but thankfully didn't notice Draco making his way toward her around the crowd. He reached her elbow and gently touched her shoulder. She looked up, a confused look on her face, but continued to smile. "Do I know you, sir?" she asked politely.
"I'd actually like to talk to you, if you wouldn't mind. It's rather important," he said, using the voice he'd worked on for a while. It was lower than his own voice and he'd added as Sussex accent.
Hermione's brow furrowed, but nodded. "I suspect it is," she said. She led him away from the guests as Bill and Fleur kissed for the pictures. When they were far enough away, Hermione turned and smiled. It was full of warmth, nothing like the one she'd put on for the crowd. "You can't fool me, Draco. There's no way you would be able to hide yourself."
Draco smiled and pulled her into a hug. She returned it after a brief hesitation, and hugged back just as hard. "I've missed you," he said. He felt her warmth against his body and relished the familiar feeling. How he'd missed this. And her.
Hermione pulled back a bit and her smile dimmed. "What are you doing here? Do you know how dangerous it is for you to be here? What if the Order catches you?" she said.
Draco chuckled. "Calm down, Hermione. I only came here to see you." He frowned. "The Manor hasn't been the same without you."
Hermione looked away. "At least you miss me. Mother and Father..." she shook her head and looked back at him. "How are they?"
It was Draco's turn to look away. Mother was a shell of her former self unless she was around Draco. She was quiet, pale, and never looked up. Father had taken to drink. He drank enough to feel numb, but not enough to make his sloppy at the horrid things Voldemort made him do. "They could be better," Draco finally answered.
Hermione shook her head and pressed a hand to her forehead as if trying to stop a headache. "Draco, I've been so..." She looked at him and smiled. "I've just missed you," she said.
He knew that that wasn't what she was going to really say, but let it slide. "How did you know it was me?" he asked, changing the subject.
She laughed. "Your eyes, for one thing. Only you would have such eyes." She reached out and lifted the red string that showed from under his robes. "And you're wearing the necklace I gave you after Second year."
Draco captured her hand and held it against his chest, simply resting it there. "How are you doing?" he asked. "I mean, really?"
Hermione looked into his eyes. "Change back. Please." she said.
He paused for a moment before looking around. Everyone was still at the reception and the two of them were deep enough in the shadows not to be seen. He looked back at Hermione and let the spell drop. She smiled as her eyes wandered over his face. "I like you better as a blond," she said.
Draco chuckled. "I'll leave the brown hair to you."
Hermione stared into his eyes and then slowly started to frown. "Draco..." she said and he saw the mental battle she was having with herself. She was conflicted to tell him something, but was holding it back. She shook her head. "I'm sorry...I can't tell you."
Draco pulled her close again and felt her press her face into his robes. "It's alright. I understand." He let her stay that way for a moment before pulling back. "You're on a different side, now."
Hermione looked slightly ashamed, but hid it away just as quickly as it has appeared. "Have you..." she started, touching his forearm.
Draco sighed and slid his sleeve up, showing the mark. "Yeah," he said, though he knew he didn't sound proud. "I had to. To protect Mother and Father."
Hermione nodded. "I understand," she said. She slowly reached out and cupped his cheek. Draco saw deep emotion in her eyes. It made him warm and safe. "Draco," she started softly. "I...I...I lo-"
A scream filled the air and they both looked over to the canopy. A patronus was standing in the middle of the crowd and, even from where they were standing, Draco and Hermione could hear it talking. "The Ministry of Magic has fallen. Flee to safety."
Hermione gasped. "No," she breathed.
Draco gripped her shoulders and turned her to face him. "Hermione," he said firmly. "Watch yourself. I'll find you as soon as I can."
Hermione nodded and started to move toward the crowd that was now panicking. She stopped and turned to him. She quickly hugged him and kissed his cheek before running back to the others. Draco saw her grab something off a table and reach for Weasley and Potter. He looked up and wasn't surprised to see black smoke trails approaching the land. The Death Eaters were coming.
Draco looked back at Hermione, but only saw her apparate away with both Potter and Weasley. He sighed and pulled out his wand. Play along, he chanted to himself as he approached the wedding party. Play along and live another day for your family.
What do you think? Good, bad? Please tell me what you think.
