The 1

The lightbulb flash from the camera reflected on the stones that trailed down Hermione's dress. It was like a million tiny fireflies floating before the eyes. She winced, but kept her composure. Balls were the worst.

Celebrity wasn't a thing she intended on becoming, but was inevitable after the death of one of the most powerful dark wizards of all time. Especially since it had been largely caused by herself, and the men on either side of her.

Hermione's, Ron's and Harry's shoulders slumped the minute they managed to enter Hogwarts and left the cameras behind. They let out a collective sigh and laughed. This walk between the entrance to The Great Hall was the only time they had to themselves before the eyes of the public would be on them once again.

"Will it ever get easier?" Hermione groaned.

"I doubt," Ron said.

"I'd much rather be worrying about my Potions final than having to deal with this," Harry added, shaking his limbs and stretching his neck.

"Mate, this is bad, but not that bad," Ron quipped.

Hermione gently placed the perfectly crafted wisps of her hair around her face and behind her ears. She was still reeling from the brightness of the flashing bulbs outside. Harry tucked a lost curl behind her hear and placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Ready?"

She nodded.

The three of them linked arms, and entered the Great Hall together.

The Hall burst into applause as they entered. What face Hermione didn't recognize in the crowd she was sure was yet another ally of the Ministry she just hadn't met yet. The applause died down as they got to their table situated close to the front. Most of their friends were already there. Luna sat up to greet Ron with a peck on the cheek.

"I told you, you could have come with us," he told her.

"And cause a riot? I'd rather not," she replied. "The Daily Prophet will find out we're together when I give birth to our first child."

"You seem very certain about that."

"I have my hopes up. Besides, I didn't want them getting all confused moving back and forth between me and Hermione."

"They didn't catch on," Hermione said. She took her wand from a secret pocket on the side of her dress and waved it over her left hand. A sparkling ring appeared.

"You did a good job," Luna told Harry, impressed.

"Thanks."

"So," Ginny began. "Tell us everything."

"There's nothing to tell," Hermione replied. "I got home, we snuggled on the couch for a bit, he asked me to marry him, we went out for dinner and chose a ring."

"I rescind my 'good job,'" Luna said to Harry coolly. He only shrugged.

"Boo, he used to be a lot more romantic than that," Ginny teased.

"It was perfect." Hermione looked at Harry. He took her hand and kissed it.

"Are we missing anyone?" Ron asked, motioning at the empty seat on their table.

"Right, there's something I should probably tell you—" Ginny was cut off when a tall blond figure kissed the top of her head. Instantly, Hermione felt her blood rush to the bottom of her feet. Had she not already been seated, she probably would have fallen. Harry brought her back to the present with a reassuring squeeze.

"Malfoy," Ron greeted. "Didn't know you were back."

"Surprise, I guess?" he said, the corner of his mouth turning up in a smirk.

"Didn't know you were dating my sister," he muttered.

"Surprise?" Ginny offered.

The exchange was all a blur to Hermione. She felt like she had been dunked in a pool of cold water, and was still submerged. The last time she saw Draco Malfoy, his figure was blurred through tears.

"May I offer my congratulations," Draco said, reaching his hand out, "Potter?"

Harry clasped his hand with Draco Malfoy. "Thanks." The two men sat down. "How have you been—? Where have you been?"

"A lot of places," he replied. "Across the pond, mostly. Hermione, you look well."

"Thanks," she replied. The initial shock had worn off, but Hermione couldn't stop staring at Draco.

She didn't…feel anything? Which was odd since they had not seen each other in two years, and nothing about him seems to have changed. She expected to be absolutely mad at him.

"Looks like you're the one who has some explaining to do," Luna nudged Ginny. Everyone, including Hermione, laughed.

"If it's any consolation to you, Ronald," Draco said, "Your sister is delightful company."

"Thank you, dear," Ginny replied, giving Draco a peck on the cheek. Ron was as red as Hermione was pale.

Everyone on their table seemed to be getting along, catching up, exchanging stories and telling jokes. Harry held onto Hermione's hand under the table, and his own hands had noticeably dropped a few degrees.

"Are you okay?" Hermione whispered to Harry, using her other hand to bring back some of the warmth.

"I'm not sure," he replied honestly. He was looking at her, but his mind seemed elsewhere. Specifically, across the table, where Draco was regaling everyone with tales of wizards from Amsterdam.

Hermione smiled at him and put his hand on her cheek. "I choose you," she told him. "Everyday." Harry's hands started to feel warmer.

The ball went on as many balls that Hermione attended do, starting off with a presentation of the host's advocacies, how everyone else's attendance will be instrumental in providing for said advocacies, dinner, then a little bit of dancing.

Hermione watched from her seat as Harry danced with a Ministry official's young daughter. The little girl was barely up to his hips but he danced with her like he did every other lady: his attention was on her and nobody else.

"He's brilliant at this isn't he," Draco said, appearing by her side with a glass of whiskey from the bar.

"I've never been a fan of these events, but he always makes going worthwhile," she agreed.

"Care to dance?"

Hermione took Draco's hand and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. The two of them glanced at Harry, who smiled and continued dancing with her partner.

"So," Hermione began, "Ginny Weasley."

Draco laughed. "Don't jinx it, it's quite new."

"How is it?"

"A breath of fresh air. Harry?"

"About the same."

The pair twirled on the dance floor, much like they had done so many times in the past.

"I'm surprised we're even talking," Draco admitted.

"I was fine once the initial shock wore off."

"Well, look at you being mature."

"It's always been my specialty, even when we were together."

Draco laughed. "True. Although, I would say I am kind of more mature now, too."

She side-eyed him. "I'd have to check with Ginny in a month or so."

When the song ended, Draco escorted Hermione back to her seat.

"Actually, can we talk?" he asked, seeing that Harry was still on the dance floor; dancing with another little girl.

"Sure."

Hermione glanced at Harry and motioned that she and Draco would be stepping out. Harry nodded and turned his attention back to the little girl; his new dancing partner was a lot more impatient than the previous one.

The sounds of the party were muffled as soon as the doors of the Great Hall closed behind them. Light from the windows and the moon shone down on the courtyard, decorated with similar flowers from inside. They settled on opposite benches in one corner of the hollow grounds.

"Been a while," Hermione started.

Dancing was a lot easier than trying to talk. The night was particularly quiet, save from faint splashes from the lake in the distance, and the faint music playing in the background.

"So," Draco said. "You might be interested to know…that I actually started going to therapy when I stayed in America last year."

"How was it?" Hermione asked.

"You were right," Draco said with a laugh. "I needed it."

"I'm never wrong," she chuckled.

"Seeing you again is nice," Draco said after a few minutes of silence. "I didn't like how we left things."

"Neither did I."

"For the record, I finally get it. I was angry for a while," Draco admitted. "I couldn't understand how you could love me but at the same time tell me that we have to be apart. Now I do. And I'm sorry."

"Thank you, that means a lot to me," Hermione said. "I have to tell you too, I'm sorry. I think I may have pushed you too hard."

"Thanks," Draco said.

"Can I tell you something?"

"Anything."

"I still sometimes think about what could have happened if we managed to work it out."

"Well now I'm hoping you didn't just say that, because now I'm thinking about it, too."

The music shifted into a more upbeat melody. Draco looked up at the sky and closed his eyes, breathing deeply. Hermione stared at the man before her. She had spent four glorious years of her life with Draco. She had shared a home with him, shared a bed. A hundred fights punctuated by a thousand kisses.

"I used to imagine what spending the rest of my life with you would be like," Hermione muttered, "but you're not him anymore."

Draco nodded. "I did that too," he said. "House. Children. Pets. Growing old together. The whole thing." He stared at her, looking for something that wasn't there anymore. "But you're not her anymore."

Hermione chuckled and felt a single tear drop from the corner of her eye. "I thought I would feel insulted by that. I'm actually surprised I'm not."

"Well, isn't that a relief."

"Look at us being mature."

"Don't think you'll be needing that confirmation from Ginny after all."

Draco laughed and took Hermione's hand. She didn't even flinch.

"We had a good run."

"We really did."

Looking at him used to make her heart flutter to the heavens. The man sitting across had never felt more distant to her.

"Shall we go back in?"

The two of them rejoined the now-smaller crowd of people in the Great Hall. Their table was mostly empty, save for a very pregnant Hannah sleeping lightly while her husband Neville looked at her adoringly. Harry was now dancing with a much taller redhead. It seemed Luna and Ron never left the dancefloor.

"May I cut in?" Draco interjected.

"Oh please, save me," Ginny said, dramatically twirling into Draco's arms. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and the couple danced away.

"Good talk?" Harry asked, placing his hand on Hermione's waist. Hermione burrowed her head in the crook of his neck.

"Excellent," Hermione replied. "You know what I think?"

"What?"

"I think we should tell everyone that we're getting married."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Hey."

"Mm?"

"I choose you, everyday."

Harry held Hermione's body closer to his as the music slowed down yet again. Hermione settled in, feeling like she had just come home.