Pansy and Blaise had decided to come over early and get ready at Draco's home for the gala that evening. Even Narcissa was getting in on the fun as she helped Hermione with her hair and at Pansy's suggestion during their tea earlier in the week—Narcissa decided to bring a small token herself for her son's paramour's coming out back into society.
It wouldn't do well for Miss Granger to be seen in anything less than the Malfoy's finest frippery.
"I must say, Miss Granger—that dress is truly a stunning piece of artwork. I had no idea Muggle fashions were of this quality. We might need to go with dear Pansy here to that fashion week she was raving about."
Hermione ran her hands down her gown and smiled in the mirror as she gazed at her reflection.
"I wouldn't mind that. I actually do appreciate fashion, but have never been a slave to it."
"That was obvious back in school."
Hermione rolled her eyes and looked back over her shoulder at Pansy who was grinning at her.
"Shut it you."
Narcissa chuckled as she reached into her robes and handed Hermione a blue box.
The look of confusion on the young witch's face was endearing if not wholly unexpected.
"This is for you dear. Pansy suggested that something of this quality might go well with your dress this evening and while Slytherin's have never been known to wear Gryffindor colors—these belonged to my great-great Grandmother who attended Beauxbatons and didn't suffer such ill feelings in regards to House loyalty."
Hermione took the box warily before she sat down on the small loveseat near the hearth, her own heart racing as she opened the box and gasped at what was nestled inside.
A stunning ruby and goblin gold necklace with matching earrings.
"I couldn't possibly..."
Wide amber eyes met the amused blue of Draco's mother.
"Nonsense dear. After this afternoons shenanigans, I must say I'm quite looking forward to hearing how this evening will play out. Nonetheless, you are a Malfoy now in sentiment and if I know my Son, in name soon enough—and you will need to look the part. They're not cursed dear."
Hermione laughed and Pansy smirked as the Gryffindor witch lifted an eyebrow and then took her wand and ran several diagnostic spells...noticing Draco's mom genuinely smiling at her.
"One can never be too careful in a room full of snakes." Hermione quipped easily and Narcissa just replied, "Touché" as if she wasn't the least bit offended by the need of assurance.
When Hermione stood and allowed Draco's Mother to place the jewels around her neck in front of the mirror—Hermione gasped at how perfect the necklace and earrings complimented her gown. She could still see her Scorpion pendant nestled between her breasts and her expression softened.
"It is simply stunning," Hermione whispered in awe. "Thank you Lady Malfoy."
The older witch nodded regally before she sighed in resolve.
"I think it's time we dispense with the formalities dear. Please call me Narcissa."
Hermione swallowed and nodded in turn. "Then I would be honored if you would refer to me as Hermione."
"Then it's done." Was all Draco's Mother needed to say, and Hermione's answering smile was both parts grateful and relieved.
Then blue eyes landed on Pansy and she said, "Would you give us a moment dear?"
"Of course Narcissa. I'll just check in on the boys and make sure they're almost ready."
"Thank you Pansy...for everything."
"Not a problem Hermione. What are friends for, right?"
The other witch nodded and watched with fondness as her once mortal enemy, left the room she shared with Draco and headed towards wherever the boys were getting ready at.
When Pansy was gone, Hermione turned to Narcissa expectantly.
Thankfully she didn't have long to wonder what the other witch wanted.
"Do you remember our conversation from the other day?"
Hermione thought back and then nodded. "You mean about my suspicions about Dagmoor and Posy?"
"Yes, the very same. I have reasons to suspect that dear Pansy may have been dismissed out of hand by her Mother due to the fact that she is Edmund's child."
Hermione smirked knowingly. "And you believe that Poppy is Dagmoor's."
It wasn't a question and Narcissa was again surprised at how cunning and clever this young Muggleborn witch was. Her handling earlier today of the sordid affair with Daphne and Theodore had proved that much.
"I have reason to suspect that very thing." Narcissa lamented with a twinkle in her eye. "I also did a bit of digging and it would seem that Pansy's younger sister and her betrothed will be making their formal announcement of their status this summer. The contracts have been written and all they are waiting on is Poppy to turn seventeen...which she does this summer."
Hermione thought about the possibilities of this new information and then collated it into the fabric of everything else she'd learned about Pansy and her family recently.
"Can I asked a question?"
"Of course my dear."
"Pansy told me about how the media here in London went after her because of what she'd said that fateful day...was the primary reason her parent's distanced themselves from her? Have they formally disowned her?"
"Not as such, but I'm sure you can appreciate that in Pureblood circles, usually a dowry of substantial size would be offered upon the marriage of a witch of Pansy's heritage to her betrothed."
"Ah, now I understand."
"And that is?"
"Draco told me that Elora Zabini doesn't care for Pansy at all. This is why, I'm assuming? No bride price means no official status and that woman is all about money and status having gone through seven husbands. Under normal circumstances...Pansy being the eldest would've fetched a hefty amount but if you're right and now I'm thinking it's highly likely...Posy Parkinson used Pansy's moment of weakness to make sure that the bulk of the money stayed with her and Dagmoor's child. Tell me Narcissa...once Poppy marries Marius Flint and the dowry is transferred...what happens to that money?"
Narcissa chuckled with pride. "You truly are everything Draco has ever said about you Hermione. I think you know exactly what kind of stipulations might be made in a betrothal contract. Once Poppy is set and married...Pansy essentially will be left out in the cold. If she and Blaise marry without a formal contract and a dowry—it would be as if she was acquiescing her rightful place within her family to her younger sister."
Hermione shook her head in disgust. How could things like this still exist? It was barbaric!
"I'd imagine your Gryffindor sensibilities find this distasteful, but it has always been this way. However, knowing what you do now...how would you seek to use this to your benefit?"
Hermione thought about it for a few moments and her mind kept coming back to one question.
"I don't understand how Posy Parkinson might've gotten past the enchantments on a family tree. I've seen the one at Grimmauld Place. How would something like that even be possible?"
Narcissa's tinkling laugh surprised Hermione momentarily but then the other witch held out a small piece of parchment. Looking down at it, Hermione grinned and chuckled.
"I see. Well, this explains how. I'm assuming each family would have their own spells or could this be modified accordingly?"
"I think someone of your talents and skills could figure out a way to insure that it does."
Hermione nodded and slipped the treasure into her beaded bag—that she'd smartly transfigured to a gold clutch for this evening.
"Thank you. I think I just might be able to help Pansy after all."
"I had no doubt you would my dear. Now let's get you downstairs before my Son comes up here demanding I relinquish you to him. He's been so looking forward to this evening."
"I have too, oddly enough. I've never much cared for events such as this...but I find I don't mind it so much with Draco by my side."
"Well, this will be the first of many. If what you are planning comes to fruition...you will be doing this quite a bit in the ensuing years."
Hermione just nodded and allowed Narcissa to lead her downstairs where sure enough, her wizard was waiting. As she watched him for a few seconds pacing in front of the floo, she could see how nervous he was and it made her heart swell with affection for him. Blaise and Pansy were grinning at their friend while Scorpius was sitting on the floor playing with Mippy.
When Draco finally sensed her presence, he looked up and his eyes widened at first—then darkened lustfully as his heated gaze greedily took her in.
She couldn't help the blush that stained her cheeks at how utterly sinful he looked in his formal dress robes.
"Mimi!" Scorpius came running, but his grandmother intercepted him and picked him up firmly within her embrace.
"Scorpius love. What did Nana say about climbing all over Mimi in her new dress?"
Scorpius pouted and Hermione went over and cupped his face and gave him kisses on his cheeks, nose and forehead. He giggled and puckered up his lips for a quick peck, which she happily obliged.
"You be good for Nana tonight. Daddy and I will be home hopefully before bedtime but if not...maybe you can show Nana that new story we've been reading."
Narcissa's expression was intrigued.
"One of yours?"
"Yes. I'm sending it off to my publisher next week but I had a special edition bound for Scorpius only. Imogene meets a Dragon."
Narcissa chuckled at the puffed up proud look on her son's face while Scorpius clapped his hands in glee.
"Jes Nana! It's my new bwook! Mimi made jwust for me!"
"That is lovely, Dearest—and we will definitely read it later. Give your Father a kiss goodbye too and let the adults go play."
"Awright."
Draco gave his boy a quick cuddle and a kiss on the head. "Be home soon, champ. Be good for Nana, okay?"
"Tay."
Draco then came over and enveloped Hermione into his embrace, leaning down and whispering into her ear seductively, "Wicked witch. I'm going to make you scream when we get home later. You are perfect."
Hermione's eyes glistened as she gazed up lovingly at her wizard, who looked beyond smug and proud to be on her arm.
Who'd have thought that she...Hermione Granger would be going to a Ministry gala with Draco Malfoy on her arm.
Somewhere the fates were having a laugh—she was sure of it.
"You look very handsome love."
"Good enough to eat?"
"Possibly."
Narcissa cleared her throat to gain her son's attention. Draco blushed slightly, but otherwise looked entirely unapologetic as he grinned at his Mum.
"You don't want to be late, dears. Enjoy the evening and don't worry about a thing here. We will be fine."
"Thanks Mum."
Narcissa shoo'd them accordingly and one by one they went through the floo.
When they were finally gone...she gazed down at her grandson, who's large grey eyes stared up at her just as his father's had once upon a time and she smiled proudly.
"Let's go get some dinner darling. What would you like Mippy to make you?"
"Pie!"
"Shepard's Pie it is."
As Narcissa carried her grandson into the kitchen, she couldn't help but wish that she could see the looks on everyone's faces this evening.
Especially Posy Parkinson.
In the Ministry, the floo atriums went off and out stepped Blaise first, then Pansy—followed by Draco and finally—Hermione.
When the War Heroine appeared and vanished the repelling charm she'd placed over her body to make sure she stayed looking pristine, Draco went to offer his arm and then it was utter pandemonium.
The flashes from all the reporters from all over the Wizarding World went off simultaneously, as did the shouts of questions being barraged at them in rapid fire succession.
When they were within striking distance, Hermione held her hand up and the reporters quieted en masse.
"Good evening." She spoke regally, her voice cool and confident. "I suppose it is too much to ask that you might allow us a chance to sneak by you without comment, correct?"
The reporters chuckled and Draco smirked proudly at his witch's deft handling of the nosy nuisances.
"Miss Granger?" A reporter in blue witch's robes shouted and Hermione turned politely to the woman.
"Please ask your question...but I will only take a few. I do need to make an appearance at some point this evening as the Minister is expecting us."
The voices of those there murmured unhappily, but Hermione ignored it as she tilted her head at the witch who'd addressed her.
"Speculation has been rampant about your relationship with Draco Malfoy and your relationship with the Malfoy family—especially due to their past affiliations during the war. What would you say to those who feel that you're being traitorous to those who lost their lives?"
Hermione knew this would be a question at some point and her expression became subdued and sympathetic.
"I would seek to remind all those who might wonder about such a thing to look into their own hearts and ask themselves what their choices might have been had they'd been forced to have Voldemort living in their home...threatening their family. The war was hard on us all. Most of those on either side never wished to be caught up in the whims of a despotic megalomaniac with sanity issues," (Most of the reporters nodded and chuckled at that, and Draco smirked and nodded too) "but alas, the past can't be changed. I fought with Harry for my right to be a part of this world I love so much. I left after the war because the losses became too much to bear for a time. I've learned forgiveness, but I've also learned that had I continued wading in my own prejudices, anger and fear then I would've missed out on something wonderful. Draco Malfoy is not the same wizard I went to school with but I'm not sure I ever took the time to really see him beyond our contentious rivalry. Not that he made it easy mind you." (more laughter followed and Draco piped in 'true enough') "But, we've fought a war and come out the other side. I would hope that we as a society could make the commitment to do better, think better and be better. Not just for ourselves, but for our children."
Another reporter raised his hand and Hermione smiled and nodded. "I notice you're here with Miss Parkinson and her fiancé...Mr. Zabini. Could you please tell us the nature of your relationship with Miss Parkinson and how Mr. Potter feels about this new development?"
Hermione's tinkling laughter and shake of her head had everyone standing there staring at her utterly gobsmacked.
"Harry and I are doing our best to try and patch up our friendship. Despite today's article in the Prophet, which Ms. Skeeter so eloquently indicated...much has happened between the three of us and I have managed to put that aside and offer my forgiveness for past hurts. None of us are perfect, but I have always strived to live my life with charity in my heart. Pansy and I have become quite close and she has suffered too. The loss of friends and family is something we commiserate on daily. She has taken the time to learn about the Muggle world and has carved a rather productive place there—which we hope to bring a bit of that home soon. This dress that I'm wearing is a prime example of current Muggle couture and Pansy has been a godsend helping me find a style that blends the finest of both worlds. Now, one last question if you all don't mind—as I'd like to show off my dress."
More laughter followed, but it was the final reporter's question that had Hermione laughing inwardly.
Leave it to Rita to try and control the narrative.
"Miss Granger, it's been noted that in the past your relationship with Miss Skeeter has been contentious and at times...hostile. Lately however, it would seem that her articles have been nothing short of effusive...glowing even. How is it that you've managed to turn that situation into your advantage?"
Hermione smiled at the reporter, and watched her swallow nervously as the glint in the young witch's eyes, wasn't fooled in the least.
Clever bug.
"Miss Skeeter and I have a bit of history, it's true. She's always been a journalist who has lived to sensationalize the more cognizant points of journalistic integrity when it's suited her." (Uproarious laughter followed, as many of the other reporters nodded, while the one who asked the question narrowed her eyes) "But even someone of Miss Skeeter's caliber can be made to see common sense when faced with the reality of the greater good. The time for petty grievances and old hurts needs to be left behind if we are going to forge a brave new world for the betterment of our great society both here at home, and across the world. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, my sole purpose is to see our great society be just that...great again. Harmonious, prosperous and free. Fortunately, I was able to share my vision with Miss Skeeter and as luck would have it—she made the gracious commitment that day, to share and promote that vision with me."
Hermione felt Draco's silent laughter at his body tried desperately to contain his mirth at all the double entendres in her eloquent speech.
"Now please, enjoy the rest of your evening."
And with a flourish, her wizard offered his arm and together they made their way into the main ballroom where the rest of tonight's festivities awaited them.
When they were out of earshot from the reporters, Draco leant down and whispered deeply, "You're magnificent love. You do know that last reporter was Skeeter under polyjuice, yes?"
"Of course I did. Interesting idea, and one I have to say I hadn't anticipated. Not that it does her any good. She can't go against the vow and I think she was trying to catch me off guard. Silly bug."
"You going to squash her?"
"Nonsense my love...I'm going to use her and then squash her when her usefulness expires. Most things do have an expiration date after all."
"Would I be included in that?" He growled and Hermione tilted her head up and smiled adoringly at him.
"Never. I intend to keep you Draco Malfoy. I love you too much to let you go now."
His pleased smirk was sinful and his eyes promised delights for later as he pulled her a bit more firmly into his side. "Good to know. And here I was worried that my secret plan to whisk you off and propose wasn't such a good idea after all."
Hermione's eyes widened and then she shook her head at her incorrigible wizard.
"Is that seriously your idea of a marriage proposal ferret?"
"And if it was?"
She just hummed for a second and then sighed. She had never been a witch for romantic prose and something told her that Draco's sense of self-preservation had its uses. This was his way of putting his heart out there without having to make himself even more vulnerable than he already was to her.
She couldn't fault him for it, even if it exasperated her.
"Then I'd tell you that my answer would be the same—whether it's today, tomorrow or some random date in the future."
"And that would be?"
She just winked at him and nodded and watched as his face broke out into a blinding grin, but all he said was, "That's good to know, my sweet love."
"I'd thought you'd be alright with it." She quipped back.
Pansy and Blaise watched the exchange with knowing smiles and happy hearts. Their friend was finally going to get his happy ending after all.
Then a grating voice had to ruin the perfect moment.
"Pansy darling, I wasn't expecting to see you here."
Pansy's expression morphed into one of disdain as she eyed her mother and father with abject disgust.
"Surprise, Mummy Dearest. The bitch is back."