Remnants Of The Dark Lord

by Divess

It's 2005, seven years after the Battle at Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy is a top Solicitor headed for a seat on the Wizengamot, but there are issues. During the war, the Dark Lord made Draco do unspeakable things and one of those things is, all these years later, wreaking havoc with Draco's personal and social life and won't stop haunting his dreams. Dramione. Dark Topics/Voldemort M.

25. I Hope You Dance

Nods to Dramione. Anxiety/Drama. Enjoy. Everything from the Potterverse belongs to JKR.

Rated M

I Hope You Dance, All rights belong to Lee Ann Womack.

Previously on Remnants of the Dark Lord 24: Full Circle

Hermione threw an idea out to the group at large. She stated that for the next two years she wanted her profits to go right back into the business for Neville to use to further enhance the business. At the end of the two years, she would begin to draw profits. The only two caveats, there would be six month reviews to judge the state of the business and she be allowed to collaborate from time to time. Draco, Harry, Theo and Blaise volunteered to return their profits to the business as well.

Silas Wilkins voiced his thoughts as being in favor of Hermione's idea advising them he would have all necessary parchments ready in a couple of hours.

Neville was chuffed and they couldn't have removed the smile from his face with a crowbar. He would have his own business and the capital to keep it going. Neville thanked everyone as he shook hands all around and hugged Hermione.

Draco remarked he would be in touch so Neville could sign all the necessary documents. All participants felt the meeting had been more than satisfactory as they waved Neville goodbye.

/*/

The remaining friends stayed behind a bit to toast the upcoming venture, after which, they left to go their separate ways. When they were alone, Draco shared some insight. "It feels good to be able to help Longbottom into his own business. He and many others deserve so much more than what they'd been left with after the war."

He and Hermione had also discussed how far they had come, not only from the war, but from several months ago.

Draco looked deep into Hermione's eyes, adding, "I know how it feels to need help and then to be helped. Without you my love, I don't know where I would be. I love you."

Hermione walked over to kiss her fiancé. "It's been my pleasure, and you should now stop talking before you make me cry right here in your conference room."

Draco smiled at Hermione. "You don't want to hear me wax profound? Go back to work then minx. I'll see you at home."

/

Chapter 25: I Hope You Dance

Wednesday evening ended well for everyone. The friends all sat around in their various flats and homes marveling at what they had accomplished and how they were going to be part of an amazing new company. They looked forward to being pioneers in the battle to heal dark magic wounds.

Each in his or her mind knew that most of the violent Death Eaters were either dead or in jail and the need for this new product would hopefully be low. However, there were still a great many dark wizards around who had fled Britain to other parts of the world and if they chose, could attack anyone at any time. Additionally, this was only the first step with the product. More research could offer more benefits. The HealWell, HealAll and Wound Erase could potentially be just stepping stones to bigger and better products.

/*/

After checking Draco's scar and dousing it with the dittany, Hermione washed her hands and went to prepare them a nice supper. For once, Draco was more interested in discussing business than he was in trying to get Hermione naked, so the evening had been fairly quiet. After supper, they snuggled on the couch while Hermione talked about how she looked forward to collaborating with Neville or a master potioneer. Hermione talked so long that Draco had to kiss her on the mouth and drag her to bed to end the conversation.

/**/

Thursday found Draco and Harry back to full health. The only evidence of a scar remaining on Harry's neck was a very thin pink line which Hermione was sure would fade with continued use of the extra strength dittany. The line running down Draco's back was more of a red color, but it was completely closed and as with Harry's wound, she believed the continued use of extra strength dittany would diminish the line over time.

/*/

The first thing Thursday when he arrived at work, Draco contacted The Daily Prophet, The Quibbler and Witch Weekly to invite them to Malfoy Partners on Friday at 2:00 to share in news to be announced. In his best Malfoy manner, Draco suggested they bring photographers. All three contacts thanked Draco for the invitation assuring him they would be there…..with photographers. Draco also called Harry and Theo to ask if they would make the announcements for him and Hermione. Harry agreed to announce Draco's invitation to the Wizengamot. Theo agreed to make the engagement announcement. With all that settled, Draco went back to work.

/*/

Midmorning Thursday, Draco received a call from Bart Waldron who wanted to do a normal follow up. He inquired if Draco was free for lunch so they could have a chat. Draco was happy to accommodate Bart and said so. "I'll have food brought in and we can lunch here and talk in one of the conference rooms. If 1:30 is suitable for you, we will meet then." Draco made a mental note to invite Bart to his and Hermione's reveal.

Edwin came to the door at 11:00 accompanied by Neville who was there to sign papers and get everything settled. Neville wanted to present several ideas to Draco which he could then present to the rest of the group. Draco beckoned Neville to have a seat and gestured for Edwin to sit in. Draco had begun to feel that Edwin was an extension of his own right arm. Once Edwin was seated, they had begun. Edwin placed a stack of parchment in front of Neville for him to read and sign.

While Neville was reading, Draco took Edwin aside to have him order a nice lunch with dessert and teas for two people and have it in his conference room by 1:15. Draco had then asked Edwin to have a full luncheon spread with desserts, teas and coffees for tomorrow by 1:45 in his personal conference room as well. Edwin immediately went to do as he'd been directed.

When Draco came back to the office, Neville was only halfway through the parchments, so he sat down at his desk to wait. Edwin came back and nodded his head at Draco, which meant everything was in order. It was 11:30 by the time Neville finished reading everything in front of him. As with any good business person, Neville had questions which Draco answered one by one. Neville advised Draco he had thought of a name, disclosing Perfected Cures as the name he had chosen. Thoroughly satisfied with all the parchment work including the new name, Neville signed all the documents and became owner and proprietor of Perfected Cures.

The only thing left open for discussion was a location for the business. Edwin had done some homework. He informed the two wizards that there were two properties to be reviewed. Both properties were available for sale and would fit nicely into the plan. The difference in the properties was location. One property was located in outer London and the other a little farther away, was located in Wales. Edwin suggested he and Neville view both properties as soon as Friday at 9:00 am, after which, they could come back to the office to either complete a deal or look for other properties. Neville accepted the suggestion and told Edwin he would meet him in front of the building at 8:45.

As he headed to the door, Neville remarked on his satisfaction. "I'm glad everything is finalized. So far, I've kept it all from Luna because I didn't want to mention our plan until we had everything settled. Now I can tell her every bit of it and she will be ecstatic. He shook hands with Draco and Edwin and gave both a little salute before leaving.

/*/

Bart was a bit early. Edwin told Draco his guest was seated in the conference room. Draco stepped out of his office and walked the ten steps to his small conference room. Bart stood to greet him and them they had each taken a seat. Draco told Bart to help himself, and the therapist had. With their lunches in front of them, Bart asked after Hermione, inquired about Draco's health and commented that life must be wonderful now that all things had been settled.

Draco raised his eyebrows as he glanced at Bart. "Are you here to find out about mine and Hermione's relationship or are you here to check on my state of mind?"

"Still haven't forgiven me for introducing you to John Nickles then?"

"We realize it wasn't your fault Bart, but there is so much that could have been prevented if you and your healer community had dealt with an unstable member. We have forgiven you, but we haven't forgotten. I intend to make it my business to keep an eye on your upstanding community of healers. If there is even a whisper against another healer, I'll take that community apart one healer at a time. Is that what you wanted to hear? Well, there it is."

"John has disappeared. As far as I know, there aren't any other maniacs in the community. "Some colleagues went to John's home to search for some sign of him, but ended up disintegrating all his work. I was told everything fell apart as soon as it was touched. They didn't find any sign of John. If John ever reappears, you will be the first to know, but I have a feeling we are safe. Just as a point of information, John's receptionist has told certain colleagues she intends to look into his disappearance. It would seem they had more than a working relationship if you know what I mean. Other than that Draco, how are things going? I really do have your well being in mind, but I see you have recovered marvelously and don't have any further need for my services. All I can do is hope I've helped somewhat. If you need me in the future, I hope you won't hesitate to call on me. You and Hermione both."

"Thank you for the information about Nickles receptionist. Hopefully she isn't the maniac Nickles is. I was a bit brusque Bart. I apologize. You have been nothing but kind to me and didn't deserve the sharp edge of my tongue. I hope you will overlook my little tantrum. I'd like to invite you to a little news announcement Hermione and I plan to make tomorrow at 2:00. If you are free, please come share our happiness."

"I will try to be there Draco. Thank you for inviting me. If by chance I don't make it, give Hermione my regards. Incidentally, I have a question I've wanted to ask you for a while. Initially, you were adamant Hermione wasn't your type and you couldn't see her on your arm or in your bed. I've known Hermione quite a bit longer than I've known you and I was upset with your arrogance towards her, but as your therapist I couldn't comment. I am no longer your therapist, so I wonder if you wouldn't mind telling me what changed."

Draco cleared his throat as he pushed his plate away. "Frankly Bart, I fell in love. I may have said those words in arrogance, but it only took me three additional days to realize I had the most brilliant, amazing witch interested in me. I wanted her for keeps. That's the long and short of it."

A wide smile broke out over Bart's face. "I'm glad it all worked out in the end. Congratulations to you both."

The two wizards shook hands and bid each other goodbye. Draco sat back in his chair and realized Bart Waldron wasn't such a bad sort at all.

/*/

After leaving Malfoy Partners, Neville went directly to the Herbologist shop where he and Luna currently worked. He was Head Herbologist, but that was it. He was working for the owner and not for himself. Neville's heart was thumping as he tried to locate his witch. He was now in a position to ask Luna for her hand in marriage. Not this particular day, but soon. He had put off asking her until he had enough gold in Gringott's to support a wife and any children they would have. Finally he spotted Luna elbow deep in magical green soil potting some of their more exotic roots.

Neville was so excited he called out from across the room. "Luna, stop whatever you're doing and come here. I have something important to share with you."

Luna looked at her boyfriend and smiled wistfully. "Why are you shouting? Have the Wrackspurts gotten to you.? Sit down and have a tea love. I'll be there in a moment."

Neville strode across the room in three steps where he grabbed Luna in his arms ignoring her soil covered arms. "This is important Luna. Let's go sit down."

Luna insisted on getting them tea and muffins, so Neville sat patiently waiting until she finished and brought it to the table. Once she was seated, Neville took her hands in his and explained about their good fortune. He started at the very beginning when Hermione had called him about poultice ingredients and ended with the fact that he was now owner and proprietor of the newly formed business Perfected Cures and would be viewing shop locations the next morning.

Luna grinned at her excited boyfriend as she leaned over to kiss him on the mouth. "Hermione must have done a really good job keeping the Wrackspurts and Nargles away from Draco Malfoy if he is helping you do this. I always knew all he needed was a good witch to set him straight."

Neville grinned right back at Luna. "It's not only Hermione and Draco who are supporting me. Harry Potter, Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini have invested as well. This is the chance I've been waiting for Luna. I have so many ideas and I know three herbology and potions experts who would be perfect as staff. I know four if I include you. From here, I'll be able to show the Wizarding World that Neville Longbottom is not just another pretty face."

Luna thought it was about time the Ramdacks left him alone and let him have his chance in life. Out loud, she told Neville he would be amazing.

/*/

Draco spent another hour looking over and updating other Level One cases. As he gathered his wand and outer robes, he called Edwin in and spoke about the following day. "Will you feel comfortable standing up with my mates at the announcements tomorrow? I know with you in attendance, nothing will go wrong."

Edwin gave a small bow accompanied by a smile. "My pleasure sir."

/*/

Draco left the office, but instead of Apparating home he headed to the Wizengamot just to stick his head in and say hello. The members who were in attendance came over to shake Draco's hand and wish him well. The Chief Warlock came over to ask if the Aurors or MLE had found the attacker. He was very perturbed to find they didn't have a suspect as of yet. The CW replied that the last thing they needed was some insane Death Eaters running around cursing people. He simmered down when Draco told him the Aurors were still searching and should find something soon.

After a general all around wave, Draco said goodnight and went to catch a lift to the atrium. Once outside the building, he Apparated home to shower and have a quick drink before Hermione got home.

/*/

Draco was just coming out of the bedroom dressed only in jeans when the floo bell rang. Checking his wonder wizard watch, Draco saw it was after 5:00 and thought it was probably Potter. To be sure, Draco stood in the hall waiting to see what arse would visit at the time of night he and Hermione usually got in from work. Draco smiled to himself because he knew Harry was the only wizard who would do this and only because he could. He was so sure it would be Harry it came as quite a surprise to see Jocelyn Foster step out of the floo.

"May I ask why you're here. Where's Theo? Is everything alright?"

Jocelyn became flustered and returned Draco's question with a question. "Isn't Theo here? He wasn't at home so I thought he would be here." Jocelyn moved farther into the room. "I was wondering if I'd done something to Hermione. It seemed as though I had upset her in some way."

"I don't know anything about you upsetting her the other night, but she will be upset to find you here, especially without Theo. I suggest you go, and in future, please don't come by our flat unannounced."

Whatever Jocelyn had been prepared to say was cut short as Hermione Apparated into the living room. Draco stiffened as Hermione looked from one to the other, kept walking towards the bedroom, asking on her way. "What's going on? Theo in the kitchen?"

"Theo's not here. Jocelyn is looking for him. She stopped by to check if he was here."

Hermione had turned on her heel and come back to the living room. "How does that work? Theo's not here yet I come home to find you half dressed standing face to face with his witch."

Turning to Jocelyn she snapped at the witch. "How is you felt you could floo in here unannounced, and why didn't you leave when you found Theo wasn't here? Why are you still here? What have I missed?"

Jocelyn stammered an apology. "I should be going," She mumbled as she headed to the floo.

Hermione was still snappish. "Why go now? You seemed quite happy to be here when I Apparated in. Don't let me interrupt."

Jocelyn kept walking towards the floo.

Draco spoke up. "Calm down Hermione. She was just leaving. This isn't what it looks like. You know better than that."

"Don't you fucking dare tell me to calm down. Had I been five minutes later what would I have walked in on?

Draco bristled at Hermione's words, but knew this was not the time to try his witch. He walked over and tried to wrap his arms around Hermione, but she moved away. "Hermione, no matter what it looked like, it wasn't that. Stop this. Why don't you go take a shower and we'll talk in a bit."

Hermione left the room without saying another word.

Draco sighed. He knew Jocelyn grew up in France, but even in France there were things which weren't done. There were rules. Draco was mentally kicking himself for not immediately turning her away. He went into the bedroom expecting to hear the shower, but all he heard was Hermione sobbing.

Draco sat down on the side of the bed and Hermione wiped her face as she laid her head on his shoulder. "I know it wasn't what it looked like Draco. I'm ashamed I acted that way, but that witch annoyed me from the time I met her. I put it down to nerves. I think I've been running on nerves since the attack and have become completely overwhelmed with the excitement of the discovery and such. I'm sorry love."

"I am aware that something about Jocelyn didn't sit right with you, but I thought it had been worked out. It is my fault. I should have sent her away as soon as she stepped through the floo without Theo, but you came home before I had the chance. I should be apologizing to you. You have been going full out running back and forth between me and Harry for days. I'm not surprised your nerves are on edge. Get in the bed and relax. I'll get us something to eat."

Hermione went in to take a quick shower and was stepping into her pajamas when Draco's mobile rang.

"Get that for me love. The food will be in in a minute."

Hermione picked up the phone to hear a frazzled Theo on the other end of the line. Theo paused for a second when he realized he was speaking to Hermione. "Jocelyn informed me of what happened. She is inconsolable that she may have caused a problem between you and Draco. I'm calling to apologize and Jocelyn apologizes as well. It won't happen again, of that you can be assured."

Hermione told Theo she didn't appreciate a witch who would floo into their flat unannounced, but he shouldn't worry because it had all been sorted and she would have Draco call him back. Hermione disconnected and called out to Draco he should phone Theo when he got a chance.

Draco brought in some beef, potatoes and sprouts. They sat side by side on the bed eating. Every few minutes, Draco pushed Hermione's hair back from her face and kissed her on her shoulder. When they finished, Draco carried the dishes back to the kitchen and magically cleaned up.

When Draco got back to the bedroom, he fluffed Hermione's pillow and made her stretch out. "We have a big day tomorrow. I want you well rested. I don't want you to worry over anything. I'm going to have a chat with Theo tomorrow. If it hasn't been sorted, it will be. Please, never doubt my love or my intentions. A witch a day could run across me naked and I wouldn't be interested. I am faithful to you love and always will be."

Hermione closed her eyes and whispered to him. "I know that."

/**/

Hermione was feeling so well rested on Friday morning, she and Draco joked as she checked what was now only a faint pink line running down his back. Hermione still dropped the extra strength dittany along the line and advised Draco to wait five minutes before taking his shower so the dittany would be absorbed into his skin.

Draco kissed Hermione on the nose, then smacked her across the arse. "Yes healer. You shower first."

Hermione took off all her clothing in front of Draco, did a very sexy twirl and then ran for the bathroom. Ha, she called out before closing the door.

Draco grinned at the bathroom door. Hermione knew he couldn't run in there and shag her senseless because of the dittany, but he promised he would make her pay later.

Hermione knew the dittany would be fully absorbed by the time she finished her shower, so she peeked her head out of the bathroom. "Truce Draco. I'm clean. No shagging."

"I'll leave you to yourself for now," laughed Draco, "but I will see to some things later this evening. You have been warned."

"I look forward to the duel. Would you like breakfast before we leave?"

Draco and Hermione shared a leisurely breakfast with each telling the other what was going to happen that evening. They gathered their wands and the clothing they would wear that afternoon before Apparating to their respective jobs.

/*/

Draco had two visitors that morning. Neville stopped to say good morning on his way to Edwin's office. He had decided to meet Edwin inside instead of in front of the building.

Draco stood to shake Neville's hand asking if he had found the witches or wizards who would be assisting him in the shop. Neville commented he had four likely candidates, and as soon as things were firmed up, he would bring them in front of the group to have their credentials reviewed. Draco agreed with Neville that introducing his candidates to the group was the way to go. They shook hands again, after which, Neville left to meet Edwin.

Shortly after, Theo appeared at the door to Draco's office asking if he should step in or had he been banned. Draco smiled at his friend. "If your silly witch upsets Hermione again, you'll be banned forever. As of this moment, you are still welcome."

Theo apologized and just as he had told Hermione, he told Draco. "It will never happen again. Jocelyn and I have discussed it. She will be apologizing to Hermione the next time she sees her. I can't imagine what she was thinking as there wasn't any reason for her to come looking for me in the first place. We've just started. It is my place to call on her not her place to hunt me down. This incident made me think strongly of backing off her, but she pleaded her case quite nicely."

Draco glanced at Theo without commenting.

He and Theo chatted for a bit longer with Draco reminding him to be back by 1:30.

"I'll be here early mate. No worries."

/*/

Edwin was out with Neville, but Draco wanted to pick up a gift he could present to Hermione that night. He didn't want to leave the floor unattended, so he remained in the office deciding to go through the new files that had been established while he was in St Mungos. He started with Level Four files checking to see if they fit the business criteria. Every file had been labeled properly and fit the criteria of cases relevant to the services of Malfoy Partners, LLC.

Hermione called at 1:15 to tell him she would be coming through to his office in a few minutes. She arrived at 1:30 right behind Theo and Bart Waldron. Hermione greeted Bart and Theo as she headed into Draco's bathroom to get dressed.

While Hermione was in getting dressed, Edwin already in dress robes came to escort Bart and Theo to the conference room. They had invited twenty or so witches and wizards to view the announcement, but as things will, the number of people attending was increasing every five minutes. The reporters and photographers arrived at 1:40 and were shown to the conference room.

/*/

When Draco finished changing into dress robes, he was surprised to find the CW of the Wizengamot sitting at his desk speaking with Hermione.

Hermione grinned at him. "The CW is here to make the announcement regarding your invitation."

Draco stepped over and shook his hand. "Thank you sir. I would never have presumed to ask you to do such a thing."

The CW looked from Hermione to Draco before replying. "That's exactly why I'm here. You didn't presume. It is at the pleasure of the entire Wizengamot that I'm here to make the announcement. You are a favored son Mr. Malfoy."

Hermione, The CW and Draco were the last to be ushered into the standing room only conference room. The three headed to the front of the room as camera flashes started going off. Hermione spotted Harry, Leanne, Ginny, Ernie, Michael, Neville, Luna, Justin with Blaise and Edwin standing at the front. Theo and the CW stood on either side of Hermione and Draco.

Not to be left out of anything, precisely at 2:00, Harry Potter stood before the crowd and welcomed them. Harry spoke for five minutes before he turned the floor over to the CW who, in a booming voice called Draco beside him and proceeded to tell everyone that Mr. Draco Malfoy had been invited to join the Wizengamot. He went on to say that as the youngest wizard in history to be invited, Mr. Malfoy had set a precedent.

The photographers were falling over themselves to get pictures of the CW and Draco. The CW ended his speech by welcoming Draco into the esteemed group stating he looked forward to next year when Draco would be officially installed. There was clapping and shouts of congratulations from all around the room.

Harry stood again to joke. "I hope no one thought there would only be one announcement. You know Draco Malfoy likes to do things right." Then Harry had turned the floor over to Theo who held the floor for ten minutes before calling Hermione and Draco to his side. He put his arms around his friends before stepping back so Draco could take hold of Hermione's hand.

Instead of letting Theo finish it up, Draco turned to look at Hermione and announced to the room at large. "I've fallen in love with Hermione Granger. I've asked her to be my wife and she's accepted." After kissing Hermione lightly on the lips, Draco held up her hand so everyone could see her ring.

After Draco made his announcement, the room was full of even louder cheers and shouts. It was a large room, but the cheers were so loud they were deafening.

Justin was among those cheering, but didn't make any off the cuff comments this go round.

/*/

The photographers had a field day. Flashes were going off every few seconds. The reporters began clamoring for Draco and Hermione to answer questions. Draco glanced in Edwin's direction which put his Assistant instantly on alert. However, there hadn't been any need for Edwin or anyone else to intervene. The reporters kept everything respectful as they questioned not only Hermione and Draco, but the CW as well.

The one question regarding the attack on Harry, Draco and Hermione went unanswered and led to Bumfeck being discreetly told off by Theo. The CW answered two questions and then had excused himself. Hermione and Draco answered questions for fifteen minutes before gesturing to Harry he should bring the whole thing to a close.

Once back in his office. Draco had passionately kissed Hermione. "There's no turning back now love. The whole Wizarding world will know how I feel about you by late editions tonight."

Hermione simply wrapped her arms around Draco and held him tight.

/*/

Hermione and Draco arrived back at the flat at 5:00 to find a message from Theo asking them to meet him at The Times club to celebrate. They agreed it would be a nice night out as long as it didn't include Helga.

Draco had been right. The late editions of The Quibbler and The Daily Prophet were almost cover to cover with the two announcements. Hermione and Draco relaxed on the couch while they thumbed through the papers. Hermione put away several copies of each to show their future children.

Hermione put together a quick meal. Normally she would cook the muggle way, however, she wanted to finish up quickly. Not only because they were meeting Theo, but because she had a date. That morning, Draco had thrown down the sexual gauntlet and she intended to pick it up and show Draco what was what.

As soon as they finished eating, Hermione went to the bedroom. She stripped off down to her bra and knickers and waited. When she heard Draco's footsteps, she positioned herself in the most sexual pose possible with knees bent and spread wide. Draco stopped at the bedroom door remembering their sexual words of war that morning. Even as Draco moved quickly to the bedside, his eyes had taken on the smoky quality which materialized when he wanted sex. He leaned over, kissed Hermione's stomach and asked if she was issuing him a challenge, to which she replied, absolutely.

Draco ran his mouth up and down her stomach even as he was undressing. He still had his trousers on when he pulled Hermione's knickers off and literally put his entire face between her legs running his tongue around her little, pink nub. Hermione screamed as Draco licked her entire slit up and down. By now, she had him by the hair pushing herself as tight against his mouth as she could. Just as the feelings in her pussy were so intense she was on the verge of orgasm, Draco took his mouth away, climbed into position and immediately thrust himself all the way into Hermione. They had fought their duel with Hermione's hands wrapped around the back of the bed and Draco on his knees with his hands on either side of Hermione's head. They pushed and thrust until neither could hold off any longer and they had cum one right after the other.

They lay side by side savoring the sex they had shared when Draco smarted off. "Did I win?"

Turning on her side, Hermione answered breathlessly. "Absolutely."

/*/

At 7:30, they started getting ready. The Times wasn't upscale, but it was very nice, so they had dressed stylishly but not formally. Theo was out front waiting when they arrived.

"How long have you been standing out here waiting?" Draco asked jokingly.

Theo addressed Hermione. "Please tell your fiancé to let go of that ego. Not everyone standing in front of the club is waiting for him."

Hermione took the arm of each wizard. "Why don't you two spar inside because this lovely witch wants dinner and a drink….immediately."

Theo took the lead and led them to a side of the club Hermione and Draco hadn't yet visited. Hermione looked questioningly at Draco and he had raised his eyebrows in return. Hermione was a tad bit quicker than Draco on the uptake. Just before Theo opened the door, she realized what was going on. As soon as the door opened, music had begun to play and everyone began shouting out their congratulations.

The club looked amazing. There were banners which read Congratulations Wizengamot Boy as well as Draco and Hermione Forever. Someone had done a fantastic job of getting the place in order in a very short time. Hermione was overwhelmed with the ingenuity of their friends. At that moment, it was more than being loved by Draco, it was the fact she was loved by her friends as well.

Draco hugged Hermione as he glanced around the room grinning at all their friends and acquaintances. Harry and Leanne appeared out of the crowd and had come over to hug them. Hermione hugged Theo and soon everyone was hugging everyone else.

Hermione noticed Jocelyn was standing off to the side not making any effort to approach either her or Draco which was fine with her. But almost as soon as Hermione thought it, she had let it go. This was not the time to hold onto negative feelings.

Michael Corner approached and Hermione hugged him. Michael made a statement. "I wish you the best of everything Hermione, but if you ever leave him, call me and I'll come running." She had kissed Michael on the cheek and watched as he headed straight out the door.

/*/

Hermione wasn't the only one watching Michael. Harry and Draco who had been holding a conversation had watched the interaction between her and Michael and continued watching as the Auror walked out the door. Harry stood with a strained look on his face knowing just how much this was costing his best Auror. Draco stood with a triumphant look knowing he had got the witch he loved.

Hermione forgot about Michael when she turned to find herself being hugged by Ginny and Luna. After all the hugging was over, Harry and Leanne led Draco and Hermione to their seats of honor. And the festivities had officially begun.

The dinner was wonderful. The banter among Harry, Leanne, Hermione, Draco, Theo and Blaise kept the entire table chuckling throughout the meal. At one point in the meal, the wizard who was usually undemonstrative in public kissed his fiancee's hand and called a toast. "To new clubs and Quidditch matches."

While most of the table shook their heads in puzzlement, Hermione and Harry smiled right along with Draco. They both knew Draco referred to that night Hermione had Owled him asking if he would accompany her to a new club because everyone else was out of town at a Quidditch match. That night had been the start of everything between them.

Hermione remembered the contents of the owl she sent to Draco as if it had happened yesterday.

"Malfoy, I want to try a new club in London, but Harry, Ron and Seamus have gone out of town to a Quidditch match. I'm no Quidditch girl so I'm here alone. Care to come with me to the club?"

Draco had responded with a "You're paying."

Hermione had written back, "You wish."

And with that one owl message, they had started a relationship which had culminated in the engagement they were celebrating.

/*/

The crowd at the table clamored to hear the story behind Draco's toast. The noise of their clamoring had drawn even more onlookers to come stand around the table. Draco finally held up his hand for quiet and turned to Hermione as if to ask, shall I? Hermione nodded her confirmation.

Draco grinned and glanced around the table before he began his tale of how he and Hermione first got together. "What I'm about to tell you is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. This particular Friday evening, Harry, Ron and Seamus and others were off attending a big Quidditch match in Wales. I was at home pondering life when an owl pecked at my window. I didn't recognize the owl, but I retrieved the message anyway…"

While Draco was talking, Hermione's mind had begun to drift. As she glanced around at all her friends and acquaintances, a kaleidoscope of random memories whipped through her mind. She saw herself dancing with Draco that first night and the second night. She caught a glimpse of her and Draco making love, one of their arguments and the night Draco asked her to marry him. The memories moved quickly as she saw Michael injured lying in a bed in St Mungos, her, Harry and Theo talking to the portrait of Professor Snape, the night Harry and Leanne confirmed they were a couple, Draco, the first night he slept without nightmares, Ron and Ginny's faces when they received job offers from major Quidditch teams, Randy and Anthony standing guard over Michael, Theo's face when learned he could be cured, Blaise and Helga, Bart Waldron, Michael, Anthony and Theo rescuing her from John Nickles, Draco, Harry and Justin recovering in St Mungos, the poultice discoveries, the group sitting around a table in the Leaky Cauldron, Neville's face when he learned he would have his own company…

Hermione was looking through her life and the life of her friends. Life couldn't look better. There would probably be other bad, sad or ugly things which would pass through their lives, but right now she couldn't see anything but happiness for everyone.

The booming laughter and cheers of mingled voices pulled Hermione out of her reverie. She looked around at all the smiling faces and could feel the blush creeping up her face.

Draco used one arm to pull Hermione close enough so he could whisper in her ear. "Now everyone knows what a little minx you are."

Hermione grinned at her friends. "Now you know the story. I am a minx and I plan to remain a minx because that's how my husband to be likes me."

/*/

After a round of well done and good work, the group around the table drifted away to get on with their mingling, eating and dancing.

Near the end of the night, Harry had given a sign and suddenly the song Breathe came on. Both Hermione and Draco smiled at their friend as they got up to dance. Draco pulled Hermione close and she rested her head on his chest as they moved slowly in place.

Draco pushed a stray piece of hair out of Hermione's face as he leaned down. "Thank Merlin for new clubs and Quidditch matches."

Hermione responded by lifting her head and kissing Draco full on the mouth which caused the room to erupt in applause. Hermione and Draco broke apart and waved to all their friends and well wishers.

Harry stood up and called for a speech from the couple. Hermione looked at Draco and Draco looked back at Hermione. With a small nod, Draco gestured to Hermione that she should do the honors.

Hermione turned away to quickly whisper something in Harry's ear.

Turning back to Draco, she spoke to him and the crowd. "As I look around this room tonight into the faces of all our friends and acquaintances, I feel a rush of love for you all. It is my….our hope that we will all travel the path of good luck, good health and good fortune."

Harry had done exactly as Hermione asked and put on the muggle song, 'I Hope You Dance' as background music for her speech.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,

May you never take a single breath for granted,

The speech continued. "I look around and I see Harry, Theo, Neville, Ron, Blaise, Leanne, Seamus, Ginny, Luna, Anthony, Justin, Randy, Hannah, Dean, George and Lee. Most, if not all of you have been with Draco and I from the beginning and I mean the real beginning. I thank Merlin that we have grown and changed, otherwise we probably wouldn't be standing here today. At least not for these reasons."

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance,

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance,

I hope you dance….I hope you dance.

Hermione grabbed onto Draco's arms which were still around her waist.

"As with any couple, Draco and I have gone through some things, but I have found my true love and he has found me. I am so proud he has made wizarding history by being the youngest wizard let into the Wizengamot and I know he'll be at the forefront of many exciting changes. So to all of you here and to those who may have stepped away, Draco and I love and appreciate you. For the rest of your lives, I Hope You Dance.

I hope you never fear the mountains in the distance,

Never settle for the path of least resistance,

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,

When you're close to selling out please reconsider,

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance,

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance…I hope you dance….

With her speech finished, Draco turned Hermione around. "I love you."

Sobbing and cheering resounded throughout the room With tears running down their faces, the witches all rushed to hug Hermione while the wizards congregated around Draco clapping him on the back.

Unlike the first time Hermione and Draco had tried to make their announcements, this party was uneventful in that no maniac came through the doors to attack or kidnap anyone. Their news was all down on the public record. Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy were engaged and Draco Malfoy was the youngest wizard ever to be invited to the Wizengamot.

Everything was in place for Hermione and Draco to move forward into an amazing future. In fact, if Hermione's kaleidoscope of memories was any gauge, the future looked wonderful for all their friends.

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance,

I hope you dance….I hope you dance.

The End

Thank you for reading.