Chapter 26: Malfoy's trimuph
Hermione had recovered her health and her figure after Leo's birth, the little boy was a picture of health and safely in the care of his grandmother. Hermione had dressed with extreme care. Her red gown was the height of fashion, it flowed like water around her as she walked, the Tears of the Phoenix necklace, which had become a favourite, completed her ensemble. Hermione was dressed to make an entrance and that was exactly what she was going to do.
It was the night of the charity remembrance ball hosted by the ministry and she and Draco were going to go public. Against all the odds they had kept their marriage out of the public domain. Only their families, a few healers and their closest friends were aware they were married. Hermione felt a mixture of both excitement and intrepidation as they prepared to leave for the event.
As far as the rest of the wizarding world was aware Draco was still an eligible widower who had given a generous charitable donation to the victims of the Second Wizarding War. On that basis he would be announced to the assembled crowd as one of the charities most generous patrons.
Draco had also dressed with care, her heart ached as she looked at him. He was stunningly handsome still. She knew she would be viewed with envy by many in the crowd even if they pretended to be scandalised by the pair.
She was snapped out of her reverie by her husband's voice. "You look incredible beautiful this evening it will be my greatest pleasure to have you on my arm".
"You look breathtakingly handsome and I will ensure you stay on my arm" she responded with a smile.
"Are you ready?" He asked handing her her cloak. Hermione nodded her assent."'Let the games begin" she thought.
As they apparated into the venue, a Georgian mansion on the banks of the river Thames, Draco immediately drew attention. He was infamous after all. Hermione had discreetly hidden her face in the hood of her cloak, they had both placed disillusionment charms on their wedding rings. There would be no hint of their relationship until the moment was right. People simple assumed she was his date for the evening and paid her little attention.
Rumours finally began to spread when she checked in her cloak. The few who had not already entered the ballroom were shocked to see the relatively recently divorced Hermione accompanying Draco Malfoy. Hermione was sure she heard a gasp as Draco took her hand to lead her to the top of the staircase from which they would be announced.
"Ready?" He asked , she nodded as they stepped forward into the public gaze.
"Ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests, witches and wizards of all ages, may I present from amongst our greatest patrons, Mr and Mrs Draco Malfoy."
Hermione smiled up at him then, he had stage managed this so skilfully, the room had fallen utterly silent, many a face was shocked others awestruck at the sight of the stunning couple. Hermione had to suppress a smirk that was fighting to morph onto her face as a spontaneous round of applause rang out across the room.
Hermione knew that Draco had redeemed himself in her eyes, whether he could earn public redemption was another matter, but she knew that even if it was Draco and herself against the rest of the wizarding world she would stand by him for he was a better man than any one of them knew, a bravery man, a kinder man and she loved him.