DISCLAIMER: No money is being made. This is all for fun. Beta thanks to dormiensa and dreamsofdramione!
ooo
Wednesday, FEBRUARY 1
Hermione loved flipping to a new page in her calendar. There was something remarkably satisfying about starting something new, even something as mundane as a new month. And this month, she was even more excited because she had taken such efforts in January to trim everything unnecessary from her schedule.
She gazed upon the pristine, white expanse that was February.
And she smiled.
It wasn't completely without event, of course. The highlight of her month was on February eighteenth, when the Malfoy Foundation was sponsoring a Valentine's Party for children experiencing long stays at St. Mungo's. Narcissa had asked her to participate, and she had been delighted to accept. That had turned into Hermione largely planning the event, but only because Narcissa had loved all of her ideas for content and execution. She had a dinner scheduled to go over all the details one last time about a week before that, as well.
February fourteenth seemed to spring off the page at her and Hermione frowned. Valentine's Day. Despite her wish to get out and meet people, so far she hadn't met with much success. The few attempts she'd made in January had been enjoyable but nothing had come of them. She had made a decision to try and say yes to any opportunity that came, and she was hopeful that the month famous for its holiday focused on love would lead to something.
Maybe someone who'd been secretly pining for her would work up the nerve to ask her out for Valentine's Day.
Hermione actually laughed at the thought.
ooo
Friday, FEBRUARY 3
"Have you heard?"
Hermione looked up from the book she was reading and smiled as Harry sat down across from her. She hurriedly put a bookmark in place and stowed the novel in her bag. "Heard what?"
"George is running some kind of speed dating thing." Harry grinned. "On Valentine's Day."
"Really?" Hermione's brow furrowed as she took in the new information. "Speed dating? I've heard of that, haven't I?"
Harry nodded. "Dean mentioned it a while back. He went to one with Seamus. They said it was fun. And, you know, George has more money than he knows what to do with, so he's paying for most of it. It'll be held at the hotel in Diagon Alley. Very posh, he says. The entrance fee is only seven Galleons."
"Oh, is that all?" Hermione rolled her eyes but she was completely interested. "How does one procure admission?"
"Just ask George," Harry said. "I'm sure he'll let you in. He isn't advertising, wants it to spread by word of mouth."
"Which means it will be full by Monday." Hermione nodded her head once. "Good to know. What about you? What are your plans for Valentine's Day?"
Harry shrugged. "Something with Ginny. Doesn't really matter, does it?"
"Just because you've been together for years doesn't mean you can't put in some effort, Harry." Hermione smiled gently.
He waved his free hand in the air. "Oh, I know. I just didn't think you'd be that interested in hearing about it. She's almost twenty weeks pregnant. We'll probably go to dinner and then she'll fall asleep in the middle of a film."
Hermione smiled, then bit her lip. She had yet to confront her friends about what she'd learned the previous weekend from Pansy, that they all seemed to think, in some way, at least, that she was still pining for Ron. Nothing could be further from the truth. When she didn't say anything, Harry looked at her expectantly.
"Harry, I need to ask you something." She set down her fork and rested her elbows on the table. "Did you really think I still had feelings for Ron?" His face immediately went red and he glanced at his plate. "Because that's utterly ridiculous. Do you think I would have just let my feelings simmer for all these years? That I wouldn't have done something about it? You know I'm not the type to wait around and hem and haw and wish and hope. Please tell me you know this."
He rubbed one hand on the back of his neck and chuckled nervously. "It's… It's not that I seriously thought you did, but I did wonder a time or two." His gaze darted up to meet hers and his eyes went wide. "But, honestly, it wasn't really a serious thought. Just… kind of a passing thing. Maybe you'd look at him a certain way, or sigh around him or something."
She raised an eyebrow. "And that means I'm desperately in love with him?"
"No. You're right, of course. It was stupid to even consider it for an instant. It's just… You haven't dated anyone since him, really. And I suppose there's part of me that still hopes you two will make things work…" He trailed off, again avoiding her gaze.
Hermione snorted. "You want Ron and me to work out? Please just consider that for a moment."
Harry seemed to do as she'd asked, then shuddered. "I guess, not really. I just think I liked the idea of it. Of you and Ron, me and Ginny. Us four. You know?"
"Yes, I do know, Harry. That's why Ron and I were together for so long! We knew that everybody wanted it to work and so did we. But it completely failed. We didn't speak to each other for months after, everybody felt the strain. It's only been in the last two years that I feel like I have my friend back. There's no way I would ever want to risk that. Not to mention, I don't have feelings for him. At all. In any way. I hope we're very clear on this."
Harry chuckled. "I think I've got it. And you're right, of course. I don't even think you're good for each other. I just get caught up in the past sometimes."
Hermione smiled and put a hand on his arm. "I know. I had those same dreams once. But that's never happening." She removed her hand and resumed eating. "And now he's dating Pansy?"
"Yeah. And, Merlin, Hermione, he seems really happy. I never would have seen that coming, only—" He stopped abruptly, a horrified expression on his face for one brief moment before he quickly masked it.
"Only what?" Hermione pressed.
Harry dabbed his mouth with his napkin. "Only, you know, stranger things have happened. Draco mentioned something that kind of prepared me for it."
"What did he say?" Hermione's mind was spinning. She wanted as many details about Ron and Pansy as she could get, and this was her first real opportunity to ply someone for information. "It must have been about Pansy because they're friends."
"Yes, exactly!" Harry rushed out.
"Did he know she had feelings for him?"
Harry nodded. "He mentioned it after that bowling outing."
Hermione was in full analysis mode. "Do you know any more? What happened? Who asked out whom?"
"Ron, actually. I know that might be surprising, but I suppose he wasn't put in Gryffindor for nothing." Harry shrugged.
Hermione's watch beeped. "Oh, bother. I'm sorry, Harry, I have to run. My weekly department meeting had to be moved up half an hour because Simon is leaving early." She was annoyed that she didn't get to find out more about Ron and Pansy.
"No worries! Will we be seeing you this weekend?" Harry knew how hard she had worked to clear her calendar and give herself some time and space in her life, and he respected her decision.
"I'm not sure. There's an exhibit opening at that new art gallery in Hogsmeade tomorrow night. I think I'd like to go." The exhibit showcased photos taken the first few days after the end of the war and would feature artwork by some of her fellow students.
Harry smiled. "That sounds great. And, you know, if you find yourself with a lot of time and nothing to do, you could always stop by. I know it's only been a little over a month, but we kind of miss you."
"Oh, Harry. Thank you. I appreciate that."
"See you, Hermione!"
ooo
Tuesday, FEBRUARY 14
"This was a terrible idea."
Ginny tutted and continued applying the finishing touches to Hermione's look. "You look amazing. But be still."
Hermione fought the urge to huff dramatically. That would only annoy her fiery friend even more. "It doesn't matter how I look, does it? This is speed dating. I'll be sitting the entire night. I could wear baggy sweatpants and nobody would be the wiser."
The frown Ginny gave her was slightly frightening. "And waste all the time I spent altering this dress? I think not. You'll turn heads even though you'll be seated."
Hermione bit her lip and tried not to fidget.
"There." Ginny capped the mascara and stepped back, examining her with a critical eye. "You're done. Now, spin."
Hermione rolled her eyes and spun, stopping so that she could see herself in the mirror. Ginny had done a marvelous job. She wore a purple, square-neck empire dress with a layer of see-through material over satin. It was lovely and even laced up in the back, though nobody would observe that detail due to the nature of the event. She felt pretty, perfect for a casual but hopefully fun and productive evening. George had said there would be thirty single men present, so surely she might find some kind of connection with at least one of them.
Ginny handed Hermione a light cardigan. "You need one more thing." She went to rummage through Hermione's jewelry box, then held out a necklace Hermione's mother had given her. "Here. This."
Obediently, Hermione fastened the chain around her neck and smiled. It was a simple pearl necklace, but it had been given to her after she'd recovered her parents in Australia. They'd decided to spend a few months traveling, and they'd seen it at a little shop in Adelaide.
"Is Luna meeting you there?"
"Yes, we're meeting there." Hermione picked up her purse and gave Ginny a hug. "Thank you so much."
"Have a great time!" Ginny gave her friend a wink. "I hope you meet someone amazing. No one deserves it more than you!"
Five minutes later, Hermione was presenting her ticket to a man dressed in tuxedo robes. He handed her a number—sixteen—and directed her down a hallway and through a door, where Hermione found the rest of the women milling around.
Luna was one of them, and she smiled dreamily when she saw her friend. Hermione shook her head at the way Luna seemed to float across the room. "Hullo, Hermione. Thank you for inviting me. I'm already having a lovely time."
"I'm glad." Hermione spotted a table with refreshments. "Want some water? Or something stronger?"
Luna nodded. "Definitely something stronger." They each ordered a glass of wine and while they waited, more women arrived.
"Where are the men?"
"They wouldn't be in here with us, would they?" Luna smiled.
Hermione chuckled. "Oh. Right. Of course. Do you know how this works?"
"Not really, but I think we'll find out soon." She pointed to a door that was just opening on the opposite side of the room from where they'd entered.
George Weasley sauntered in wearing bright red tuxedo robes, a matching top hat, and a cane with a jeweled heart on the pommel. When he tapped the cane on the floor to call attention, festive bubbles came out of the topper. "Thank you all for coming! Here's how tonight's adventure will go."
Hermione felt her stomach drop at the word 'adventure.' It hit her that she'd committed her entire evening to a speed dating event run by George Weasley. Surely this would be no ordinary event; surely he had a dozen surprises up his sleeves. Judging by the way he was dressed, they would be gaudy and loud and likely embarrassing.
"In just a few moments, we'll go through this door into the ballroom together. There are six tables set up with five pairs of seats at each table. You will all sit in a chair on one side of the table, where you will remain for the entire evening. Our lucky bachelors will move from seat to seat as the night progresses. You'll have four minutes with each gentleman, and they will each have a number hung around their necks. If you feel a connection with someone tonight, after they leave your station, simply tap your wand on the corresponding number on the sheet of red parchment beside your plate. You should all have been given a number as well, and the gentleman will tap your number if he feels a connection with you, too. At the end of the evening, we'll give you the contact information of anyone you shared a connection with."
Luna squeezed Hermione's hand, her eyes bright.
"If at any point you want to end your session before the four minutes are over, for any reason, please send up red sparks." George demonstrated. "We hope this won't happen to anyone, but we can't perfectly vet everyone who signed up. There will be waiters walking around with light snacks and drinks, so if you want something, please send up white sparks. Are there any questions?"
Nobody had any. The excitement and nervous energy were starting to bubble through everybody.
George clapped. "All right! Please find a seat and the men will be in soon." With that, he opened the door and motioned for them to enter.
Hermione gasped. George's ostentatious attire had fooled her; the ballroom wasn't gaudy at all, it was breathtakingly beautiful. Warm lights shimmered everywhere, and the tables were covered in soft white tablecloths. White and blush pink flowers in silver vases were placed between every pair, and each place at the table had a plate of bone white china, a crystal goblet, and a cloth napkin. On each plate was the red parchment, numbered from thirty-one to sixty.
Hermione and Luna sat down in the third row of tables. She claimed the end and watched as all the other women found seats.
George went into another room connected to the main ballroom, and Hermione assumed he was going to talk to the men. After a few minutes, he returned and said, "Ladies, the men are about to come in. Whatever order they sit down in, that is the order they will stay in for the duration of this experience. You will have four minutes with each wizard, then a bell will sound, and they will have thirty seconds to move down the row. I have already told the gents that there will be no skipping about. If there are no questions at this time…" He trailed off, eyes darting around the room. When no one spoke, he clapped his hands together and rubbed them gleefully. "Excellent. Let's begin! Veronica, let them in!"
A woman in a glittering red dress whom Hermione hadn't noticed before opened the door. Hermione couldn't see any of the men in detail, as the light from the other room obscured her vision. She felt oddly giddy from the anticipation and smiled at Luna.
Her friend's eyes sparkled, and Hermione thought she looked beautiful. "Anybody you hope to see here tonight?"
Hermione shook her head. "No one in particular comes to mind."
Just then, a wizard sat down opposite her and flashed a wide grin.
"Good luck," she whispered to Luna, then turned her attention to the tall, dark, handsome man in front of her. She held out her hand. "Hi, I'm Hermione."
He shook it, his grin infectious. "Gerrard. It's nice to meet you."
The next hour was spent in rapid-fire conversation. She would introduce herself to one man, then they rushed to ask each other a couple of questions, and before she knew it, the bell would ring, signaling time for someone new. Hermione felt a little dizzy after a while. She wasn't really sure what she thought about the whole speed dating process. There had been one or two people she considered interesting, but she didn't feel that she'd had enough time to really decide. Maybe she was overthinking it. That would not surprise anybody who knew her, but she had hoped the nature of the event would help tamper that tendency.
The bell rang and—Jim? She thought?—got up and went to sit across from Luna and somebody new came and sat down. Hermione turned to Luna and saw a questioning look on her friend's face. She smiled, hoping to convey that she was fine, but she knew it didn't quite come through. In truth, she was barely holding on and couldn't wait for it to be over.
Luna squeezed her hand, then her eyes widened when she saw who sat down across from Hermione. Slightly alarmed, Hermione released her hand and turned to see who had caused such a reaction from Luna. She was pleasantly surprised to see Draco sitting there. Hermione felt an immediate sense of relief and she gave him the biggest smile that she'd given anybody that night.
"Draco! I had no idea you were coming to this!"
"It was Blaise's idea." He shrugged, and she thought he looked a little uncomfortable, but she just assumed it was the nature of the event. He had never struck her as a very outgoing or chatty person. She imagined he might be having an even harder time loosening up than she was.
Hermione immediately sent up white sparks and ordered a glass of water. "What do you think?" she asked. "Isn't this bizarre?"
He nodded. "It's all right."
"Have you connected with anybody tonight?" She glanced around the room, as though she could guess from just looking at who he might have been interested in. Which was silly; all she could see was fancy updos and polished hairstyles of the women around her.
He shook his head. "Not yet. But that's not terribly surprising."
"Well, you certainly won't with that kind of attitude." She smiled again. "It's really so good to see you here. We both get a little break, don't we? I don't have to introduce myself and try to tell you everything about me in under four minutes. You aren't going to get all tongue-tied just because it's me." Her smile dropped and her eyes went wide. "Oh! That sounds so arrogant. I'm sorry. I only meant half the men I've talked to can barely say three words to me once they recognize who I am. Some of them want to jump into a debate about something I've done or said. One bloke even had the nerve to tell me that England should sell off part of the protected pixie forest for a new Quidditch stadium. Can you imagine? I'll stop before I get going again. Needless to say, he couldn't wait to move on." She took a sip of her water.
Draco chuckled, nervously tapping his wand on the plate in front of him. "Were they all equally abysmal? Have you connected with anyone?" Hermione noted that he wore the number forty-seven around his neck.
"I've marked two numbers, but honestly, I don't even remember their names. Is that terrible?" She gave him a playful grimace. "Everything is a blur. I'm really not sure what I think about this. It's fun, in a way, and definitely a quick way to meet people. I mean, tonight I'll have met thirty men! Well, twenty-nine, since I knew you already. Although, I think it encourages quick judgment of people, which I'm usually not in favor of. I suppose sometimes you can know right away if someone is wrong for you, but I think people are too quick to write someone off in general."
He raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"Yes. Surely there's someone in this room who interests you. We've been here over an hour!"
He eyed her skeptically, hesitantly, then leaned forward. "Well, the truth is—"
The bell rang just then and the sound of chairs scraping filled the room. Hermione smiled sympathetically, knowing this was one of many such interrupted conversations since the evening began. He seemed to hesitate, but when Hermione's next date arrived, Draco sighed and stood.
Hermione watched him take his seat opposite Luna, then turned her attention to the new man. The next four wizards went by in a blur. Hermione was about ready for the evening to end, but suddenly there was an odd murmuring that spread quickly through the room. She looked up in time to see Draco walking resolutely toward the door the men had come through. George hurried over to him, they exchanged a few words, and George nodded and backed away as Draco left.
Hermione and Luna exchanged a look, then they were swept back into the speed dating.
When it was all over, Hermione had registered four of the wizards she'd talked with. All four of them had marked her as well, so she was given their names and Floo addresses. George had been adamant that the women would be the ones to initiate anything further, which she had appreciated. It was all so overwhelming and she wanted to take her time. After all, she had a wide open calendar and she wasn't in a hurry.
"I wonder why Draco left," Luna mused as they gathered their things.
Hermione bit her lip in thought. "I'm not sure this was his kind of thing. It really wasn't mine, either, to tell you the truth."
"Hmm. I think it was something else. I think he got what he came for."
"I don't see how. George didn't pass out any information until it was all over." Hermione fastened her cloak and put on her gloves. "Fancy a hot chocolate?"
Luna smiled dreamily. "Oh, no. George asked me to join him after for a drink. We're headed to the Leaky. I'm sure you'd be welcome to join us."
"Oh! That's surprising! No, you go have fun." Hermione laughed lightly. "George, huh? Well, all right."
"He's really wonderful," Luna remarked, her eyes on their host the whole time.
Hermione bade her friend goodnight and stepped out onto the street. After a quick deliberation, she decided to go home. She had interacted at a surface level for over two hours and a long, hot bubble bath was exactly what she needed next.
ooo
Saturday, FEBRUARY 18
Hermione chose her outfit carefully. She wanted to be festive but not loud, classy but not somber. The Valentine's party would be at St. Mungo's, after all, for children suffering from various illnesses. She settled on a dark red, close-fitting jumper with a woven detail on the front and the lower part of the sleeves. Paired with a gray wool skirt with buttons down the front and black tights, her boots completed the look.
She arrived at the hospital at half past twelve in the afternoon; the party was scheduled for two. She wanted to be completely available once the room opened up at one. There wasn't a whole lot to do: put up decorations, set up tables, greet the entertainment, manage the food and gifts. Narcissa had hired a Magizoologist to come and bring her softest, tamest animals after Hermione told her how Muggles sometimes used animals to improve wellbeing in patients. The Magizoologist would talk about each animal and let the children interact with them and pet them. Hermione hadn't handled that part of the preparations; Narcissa had already known someone, so she'd taken care of those details.
There would be fancy treats for the children and their parents, plus a string quartet playing in the background. It would be the most dignified children's party any hospital had ever seen.
Hermione went straight to the information desk to confirm that the party would be held on the children's floor, then made her way there. She had her clipboard and list of things to do in her bag and she was pulling it out as she neared the entrance to the multipurpose room.
Narcissa was already there, directing workers to rearrange the room. She spun around when she heard the door close behind Hermione.
"Ah! Hermione, darling!" She swept across the room, her pale pink robes fluttering around her. She was truly breathtaking. Narcissa gently grasped Hermione's arms and kissed her in the French style, on both cheeks. "I'm so glad you're here. I can fully relax now."
Hermione smiled. "I'm very excited about what we've planned for today."
"Draco has just gone to walk the caterer in, and he promised me a cup of tea when he returned. Should I have him get one for you?" Narcissa readied her wand to send a Patronus to Draco.
"Yes, thank you. Cream, no sugar, please."
Narcissa nodded and a swan erupted from the end of her wand and went flying away. "Now, the entertainment hasn't arrived yet, but she's not due for another half hour. Why don't I start on the décor and you can meet the caterer?"
"Of course. Where do you want the food?" Narcissa indicated two tables in front of the windows and Hermione saw tablecloths sitting on top of each one. "All right. I'm on it."
Narcissa returned to her work and Hermione immediately started decorating the tables. With a quick spell, she removed the wrinkles in the tablecloths just as the doors opened and Draco walked in carrying two cups and leading a group of people pushing carts piled with food. Hermione should have guessed that there would be a disproportionate number of treats, but it seemed that one entire cart was dedicated to nothing but sweets.
Draco met her gaze and motioned the cart-pushers toward her. Hermione nodded and confirmed that the food was, indeed, to go on the tables behind her, then she got out of the way. He delivered his mother's tea first, then Hermione's.
"Were you in charge of the menu?" Hermione chuckled as plate after plate of sugary delicacies was unloaded.
Draco smiled and shook his head. "Mother wanted to be sure there was something for everybody. Her hope was that each child would find his or her favorite treat on these tables."
Hermione didn't try to fight her grin. "Your mother is amazing."
He nodded, his gaze lingering on her for just long enough to make her breath catch. Then he looked away, cleared his throat, and shoved his hands into his pockets. "I'll just go see what else I can do."
She watched him take two steps, then she turned to the food tables. Once the dishes were arranged, Narcissa came over to add flowers and fairy lights.
Time flew, and before she knew it, the children were arriving. Hermione had seen the Magizoologist arrive, but she'd quickly been taken to a side room where she could settle in and unpack her magical creatures. She was first on the schedule, so when Narcissa stood up to welcome everyone, Hermione went to the side room.
She knocked but entered without waiting for a response, and she was surprised to find Draco in the room, talking quietly with the first act. They both stopped speaking and looked at her, Draco with an odd expression, and the woman… She looked familiar, but Hermione couldn't place her. "Hello. So sorry to give you such short notice, but you're up in two minutes," she said, shutting the door quickly. She allowed a brief instant of extreme wonder at why Draco had been in the room, then brushed the thought away and focused her attention on what Narcissa was saying.
"We are so pleased to join in this day with you. If you need anything, please see myself or my Event Coordinator, Hermione Granger." Hermione waved when the guests started looking around the room. "Without further ado, please welcome one of England's brightest, freshest Magizoologists, Miss Astoria Greengrass!"
Ah, so that's why she was familiar. She looked a lot like her older sister, Daphne, who'd been in Hermione's year at Hogwarts. Astoria came out of the room holding a Niffler under each arm. All the kids ooh'd and ahh'd over the sight, and they crowded around the young woman as she sat on the floor to get closer to their level.
Hermione retreated to the refreshment table and removed her tea from where she'd hidden it underneath. She plucked a chocolate petit four off a plate and popped it into her mouth. No wonder Narcissa hadn't needed Hermione to help with the entertainment. Astoria was likely an old family friend. And she was delightful; the children loved her, their parents loved her. Hermione found herself frowning at this and she couldn't imagine why.
Once her part was complete, Astoria packed her creatures away but stayed to answer questions. She walked around the room with a single Niffler and continued to interact with the guests. As Hermione surveyed the room, she noticed Draco in a corner, sitting at a table with a girl who looked to be about ten. They were both staring intently at the chessboard set up between them, and Hermione wondered how long they'd been playing. She watched the game for a few minutes and didn't notice Narcissa approach.
"What do you think?"
Hermione jumped slightly, then chuckled at herself. "It's going wonderfully, Narcissa. Everyone loves Astoria."
Narcissa beamed. "They do, don't they? She's such a delightful young woman. I can't say enough nice things about her." Her gaze lingered on Astoria, then she searched the room, finally locating her son. "What is Draco doing? He should be mingling."
Hermione put a hand on Narcissa's arm. "He is. In his own way. I suspect he's been sitting there for half an hour." She smiled as Draco dramatized his devastation at having his castle taken by the girl. She'd seen Draco serve beside his mother for years, but there was something about this moment that made her heart clench. Draco's smile was the most genuine she could ever remember him wearing, and the girl laughed with delight at his antics.
"Ah, here you are. Hermione; let me introduce you." Hermione tore her gaze away from Draco and the girl to find Astoria beside Narcissa. "Hermione, meet Astoria Greengrass. Astoria, this is Hermione Granger."
Astoria offered her hand. "It's nice to meet you. I've heard so much about you."
Hermione's smile was strained; she had heard similar remarks many times and they still rankled. However, she knew Astoria didn't mean anything by it. "The kids really seemed to enjoy your presentation."
"I'm so glad you thought so! I love talking to children and introducing them to new animals and creatures. I think it helps reduce some of the anxiety people feel with magical creatures. If you do something like this another time, I would love to partner with you again, Mrs. Malfoy."
"As would I."Narcissa inclined her head. "Astoria, be a dear, see how much longer Draco will be."
Astoria hurried over to where Draco was. Hermione watched her join his conversation with the young girl, and soon all three were smiling.
Narcissa watched them as well. "Want to know something neither of them know? Well, it's possible Astoria knows something, I suppose. She might have even requested it. Anyway, Astoria's father recently approached me about our families entering into a courtship arrangement for her and Draco."
Something in Hermione's gut flopped uncomfortably. Some things about the wizarding world, especially the upper class, bothered her immensely. "I assume by courtship you mean some outdated exercise wherein families are heavily involved in their children's love lives?"
Narcissa quirked a bemused smile. "Something like that. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that you would find the practice objectionable. Two families enter into negotiations for their children to court and then eventually wed. In extreme cases, the marriage is completely arranged and children have no say. But that isn't done very often these days."
Hermione knew she had to choose her words carefully. Yes, she'd developed a very good relationship with Narcissa Malfoy, but there were certain things they rarely, if ever, spoke about: Draco, and most of the wizarding traditions steeped in pureblood supremacy. In one fell swoop, Narcissa had broached both topics at once. Hermione didn't know how to respond. Her most basic feelings on the matter were that he should be allowed to choose whomever he wished and that arrangements of any kind were barbaric. "That's some progress, I suppose. What did you say to him?"
Narcissa straightened her shoulders, even though she hadn't been slouching in the slightest. "I told him I wasn't the least bit interested in such an antiquated ritual."
Hermione exhaled in relief. "How very modern of you, Narcissa!"
"Oh, don't laugh at me, Hermione!" But Narcissa was smiling mischievously. "You should have seen his face. I'm sure he felt certain that I, of all people, would surely hold to the traditions. I told him that if Astoria was interested in Draco, she was on her own."
Hermione continued to watch Astoria, wondering if the young woman held any designs on him. Her actions around Draco could certainly convey that, but without knowing her better, Hermione couldn't decide. "What would courtship involve?"
"There would be a formal announcement, and they would begin seeing each other. Everybody would know that they were no longer available. The families would define the length of the courtship and set a date by which the couple must decide whether or not to move forward." She sighed. "A break very rarely occurs, simply because all parties involved usually stand to benefit from the arrangement. The children feel the pressure to please their parents and they've grown up knowing that an arrangement was likely in their future. Though there are occasional matches that don't come to fruition, for the most part, things go off without a hitch."
Astoria stood and began walking back towards them. Draco remained seated. There was something Hermione was very curious about. "What does Draco think?"
Narcissa shook her head. "We've never discussed it. But he's never asked me to reach out to anyone on his behalf. Of course, I'm not sure he would even want to go the traditional route."
There was no time for more questions, as Astoria reached them. "Draco asked me to inform you that, well, he would be finished when the game was over and would then resume his duties." She seemed a bit embarrassed at having to relay the message, as though worried she would offend Narcissa.
The remainder of the time passed quickly. Astoria's part was finished, but she stayed and talked with the families. The children ate, they made some Valentines for their loved ones, which Hermione assisted with, then the two hours were over. Once all of the children had left to return to their rooms, Hermione went to work cleaning up. Thankfully, resetting the room was much faster than setting it up, and in less than fifteen minutes, everything was done. All that remained was sweeping and mopping the floor, but the hospital was sending someone to complete those tasks.
Hermione went in search of Narcissa to tell her things were basically finished. The last place she'd seen her was in the little side room where Astoria had stowed her creatures. As she neared the doorway, she heard Draco speaking, and something made her pause.
"I saw Astoria off." Draco's voice was tight.
"Thank you, son."
"Some reporter covering the party was there and got a picture of us." Draco didn't sound pleased. "No doubt the rumor mill is going to grind furiously."
Narcissa tutted. "Is that so terrible? Astoria is a lovely girl, after all. And you've managed to stay out of the gossip papers for so long. I'm sure the public will be thrilled with something to talk about."
"I've taken great strides to be exempt from the speculation, as you know," Draco replied.
Hermione didn't want to listen any longer so she knocked on the door frame as she entered. "Everything is finished, Narcissa. Would you like to examine the space?"
"That's not necessary, dear. I trust you." Narcissa smiled as she smoothed down the front of her dress and gathered her things. "I think today was a fabulous success, don't you?"
"Oh, yes!" Hermione exclaimed. "I heard nothing but good things from the patients, their families, and even the staff."
"I think we should do it again next year." Narcissa put her hand on Draco's arm. "Draco, be a darling and walk Hermione to the Apparition point. I need to speak with the Hospital's Coordinator before I leave."
After hearing what Draco had said about walking Astoria out, Hermione suspected he'd rather do just about anything but be seen by reporters again. "It's quite all right, Narcissa. I know the way."
Draco shrugged. "I'm going there anyway. I've a meeting in half an hour."
"Oh. All right then." She gathered her bag and cloak and joined him in the hallway. He wore a thin black cable knit jumper underneath a fitted camel-colored wool coat and his hands were shoved in the pockets of his denims. She desperately hoped there were no reporters still lurking because she felt very frumpy standing beside him.
Draco motioned for them to start walking and the first few seconds were somewhat awkward. Then Hermione pushed all thoughts of courtship and reporters away and smiled. Draco was her friend and had been for over four years. "So, who won your chess game?"
He glanced at her, eyes shining, and smiled sheepishly.
"Did you let her win?" Hermione asked, surprised. One thing she knew about him was that he was very competitive.
"Only just," he admitted. "But yes. She's quite good." He sobered. "She told me she doesn't have much else she can do, so she plays a lot of chess. I, um, well..." He stopped with a frown. Hermione waited for him to continue, but it seemed as though he wasn't going to say more.
She nudged him with her elbow. "You, um, what?"
He looked at her and she could tell he was very reluctant to say anything, but he finally sighed. "I sort of challenged her to a rematch. Next week."
Hermione's heart squeezed pleasantly and she didn't bother fighting a huge grin. "Draco! Why wouldn't you want to tell me that?"
"I didn't want it to be a thing." He looked away, shrugging slightly. "But she was just the best kid, and she should be going to Hogwarts next year, but she said she doesn't know if she'll be able to. It's hard for her to get around, and you know how difficult Hogwarts can be, even without any limitations. It got me thinking… but there's nothing to tell yet."
Her first instinct was to reach out and thread her arm through his, but his body language was screaming that he didn't want her to make a big deal out of his act of kindness. Instead, she merely continued beaming at him. "I think it's wonderful and I want to hear all about it. Whenever you're ready, of course." Then she nudged him again, this time with her shoulder. "Let me know if she beats you for real."
Draco chuckled. "I will."
They'd reached the door to the main lobby where the Apparition point was located. Hermione hesitated, not wanting him to feel uncomfortable being seen with her. He didn't hesitate, however, opening the door for her to go through first. A quick glance revealed that the reporters had all left. "What does the rest of your day look like? Are you maintaining your goal of keeping a light schedule?"
"I am!" she replied enthusiastically. "It's been really wonderful. I have found that by reducing my social load, I've been able to more thoroughly enjoy the things I've kept. Of course, it's still early, and maybe I'll get bored after a while. But if I do, I can just add things carefully. I'm sure I'll miss seeing friends as much as I used to."
"And tonight?"
"Oh, right. I'm going to my parents' house for dinner. I've been spending more time with them since lightening my schedule, and that's been really good."
Draco nodded. "Have a good evening, then."
"Thanks! Have fun at your meeting."
He rolled his eyes with a half-smile. "Right. Goodbye, Hermione."
Hermione waved and watched him Disapparate.
ooo
Sunday, FEBRUARY 26
Hermione waved as Ginny approached Quality Quidditch Supplies, pulling her cloak around her a little tighter.
"Do you know what this is about, then?" the other woman asked, tucking under the overhang to get out of the falling snow.
"No clue." Hermione shrugged. "Pansy didn't say more to you?"
Ginny shook her head. "Just that we're to meet her here or suffer her wrath."
"I'm so glad Ron's dating someone who isn't dramatic." Hermione chuckled.
Just then, Pansy appeared in front of them. She wore a lovely red wool cloak and black boots. Her hair was pinned atop her head as though she were going to a ball and not shopping in Diagon Alley. "Good. You're here."
"You threatened bodily harm if we didn't come," Ginny remarked.
Pansy ignored her and pushed her way between them, opening the door and striding through it as though she owned the place. Hermione rolled her eyes and Ginny giggled, but they followed her. Pansy walked straight to the back counter. "I'd like to see what you have in your back room. I believe you're expecting me."
The wizard behind the counter stood a little straighter, eyeing Pansy critically, then nodded. "Right this way, Madam."
Pansy peered over her shoulder and nodded, indicating that they should follow.
"Back room?" Hermione asked. Ginny would know more about this than she would, having actually played Quidditch, but Ginny only shrugged.
They were led through a door at the back that looked seldom used. Once through, a staircase was revealed, and they followed the wizard up and through another door, this one richer in appearance and made of deep mahogany.
Ginny gasped when the door closed behind them. They were in another showroom, but unlike the one on the floor below, this one was decorated in polished wood, gold trim, and luxurious velvet. Soft music played, candlelight flickered off crystal chandeliers, and staff stood along the wall with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. On display were various racing brooms and high quality Quidditch gear. Ginny gingerly ran her finger along the length of the nearest broom, whispering, "Wow."
"Don't breathe on that. It's expensive." Pansy had finished speaking with the wizard who'd brought them upstairs and had returned to where Hermione and Ginny were waiting without them noticing. "It costs more than a year's salary at the Ministry. Anyway, thank you for coming. I need your help ever so much."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "You need my help? In a Quidditch store?"
Pansy bit her lip, brow furrowing. "I need your help because you two know Ron better than anybody. Except maybe Harry, but I knew he'd be useless in here."
Ginny chuckled. "You're not wrong."
"Anyway, it's our three-month anniversary soon, and I want to get Ron something nice. So…" She motioned around the room. "Help?"
Ginny crossed her arms. "Three months? Pansy, three months is a box of candy. Not a…" She tried to find a price on something in the room but there were no tags to be found. "Well, nothing in here."
Pansy huffed. "I don't want to get him a broom. You're right, they're too much. But I wanted to get him something nice. And he loves Quidditch, so here we are."
"I didn't even know this room existed!" Ginny twirled to really take everything in. "It's fabulous!"
"Do you think we can find something for Ron in here?" Pansy still seemed terribly worried.
Hermione put a reassuring hand on her arm. "Pansy, I'm sure we can find something. What did you have in mind?"
Pansy flashed a grateful smile. "Honestly, they have a limited line of team gear, and he loves the Cannons, so maybe a shirt? Or a keychain?"
Ginny snorted. "You didn't come up here to buy Ron a bloody keychain. Let's find the team stuff though; something Cannons is a good idea."
A small side room off the main showroom housed the collection of Quidditch team gear. Hermione squinted at the very orange corner where the Chudley Cannons merchandise was on display. Pansy wandered aimlessly, touching shirts, flipping through books, picking things up and putting them down without really seeing anything. Ginny was nowhere to be found, but Hermione suspected she was admiring the Harpies items.
"I should have brought Draco," Pansy muttered dejectedly. Then she stopped, her expression morphing instantly into one of rabid curiosity. "You were at their Valentine's party." It wasn't a question, but she paused as though she wanted an answer.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, of course. Narcissa and I worked on it together."
"And Astoria was there as well. I remember seeing a picture of her with Draco from that day!" Pansy narrowed her eyes. "What happened? Are they together?"
The question caught her completely off guard. "Oh, um, I didn't get that impression." Naturally, she would never divulge what she had learned from Narcissa and from overhearing Draco's conversation with his mother. Granted, she hadn't heard much of that, but it was enough to get a picture of the state of his mind on the matter.
Pansy searched her eyes, then seemed to relax. "Good. I mean, if he liked her, then fine. But she's had her eye on him for years now. Years. And, I don't know... That just seems a bit desperate. He's had plenty of opportunities to pursue something with her if he wanted, but he hasn't, so she should move on. Take the hint." She resumed absently perusing the wares. "I've tried to tell her, but she just keeps hoping. I'll bet she's got that picture cut out and pinned on her wall."
"What about this?" Ginny popped around the corner holding a case that contained a fluttering Snitch.
"Um, what is that? I mean, obviously I know it's a Snitch." Pansy pursed her lips. "Why is it in a box? And why would I get that for Ron?"
Ginny gave her a patient look. "Because this exact Snitch is the one from the championship game the last year that the Cannons won the League Cup. See this plaque?" Everyone crowded closer to read it.
Chudley Cannons
1892
Defeated Wigtown Wanderers, 320-170
Hermione laughed but Pansy squealed. "Ginny! That's perfect!" Pansy gave her a quick hug and took the Snitch from Ginny. "He'll love it. It's just so dumb and useless but it's his favorite team, and he literally mentioned that game to me the other day. I'm so glad I didn't bring Draco. He'd have suggested something boring like a book."
"Didn't you just say you should have brought him?" Hermione asked, amused.
Pansy waved her away, her eyes on the Snitch. "Obviously, I was wrong. I'll go buy this and then I'm treating you both to ice cream."
Ten minutes later, they were all happily tucking into ice cream, sitting in a booth in Fortesque's Parlor. Pansy had fawned over the gift for Ron for a solid seven minutes.
When there was a lull in conversation, Ginny pointed her spoon at Hermione. "How was your date?"
Pansy's head whipped up faster than Ron attacked a buffet. "A date? You, Hermione?"
She started to speak but Ginny beat her to it. "Hermione went to a speed dating party on Valentine's Day. Did you hear about it? My brother George put it on. He said it was a load of fun and he even asked Luna out after."
"She told me," Hermione interjected.
Pansy ignored Hermione's comment. "Oh! Yes! Draco went, can you believe it? Did you see him there?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes, I saw him. He was one of the thirty men I interacted with ."
"Malfoy went?" Ginny's eyes were wide. "That's really surprising."
"Why?" Hermione asked, taking a bite of her butter pecan.
Ginny gave her an incredulous look. "Oh, no reason, except that he could probably have any witch in literally the whole world. Why in Merlin's name would he want to go speed dating?"
"I can't begin to speculate. We didn't discuss it."
"What did you talk about?" Pansy asked.
"I mainly complained about some of the men I'd already talked to. We discussed if we'd had connections with anyone. Nothing exciting."
"You did not talk about the other daters!" Pansy slapped her hand on the table. "Please tell me you didn't."
"I want to hear about her actual date." Ginny punctuated the last word by stabbing her ice cream. "Not her boring conversation with Malfoy. The way it worked was, if Hermione felt a connection or wanted to spend more time with someone, and they felt the same way, George would give her the contact information. She had four matches and went out with one of them the other night."
Hermione grimaced. "My date was… just okay. There won't be a repeat."
Ginny made a face. "Boo. Why not?"
"He was just… really boring," Hermione admitted. "We couldn't find much to talk about once we got through the usual 'first date' things like education, employment, and family. He doesn't read much and I don't watch a lot of films. He loves Quidditch and couldn't care less about art. It was obvious pretty quickly that it wouldn't last, but I don't regret going."
"She has three more," Ginny told Pansy.
"Oh? Is Draco one of them?"
Hermione gaped inelegantly at Pansy. Her brain didn't seem to want to work, and she certainly couldn't understand why Pansy would ask such a question.
"What?" Pansy asked. "He was there. You said you talked to him and I am assuming he had a number, right?"
She huffed. "Yes. But I—"
"And? Did you put him down on your list?" Pansy's expression was one of expectation and disbelief.
Hermione's head was spinning from the rapid-fire line of questioning. "Well, no! I mean, Draco is my friend!"
Pansy rolled her eyes. "Oh, and nobody is allowed to date a friend."
Hermione was simply aghast. "I... Well, I mean, of course they can. But Draco is just—"
"Witch Weekly's sexiest man in England three years running?" Ginny offered helpfully.
"I don't think of him like that," Hermione said defensively.
Ginny shook her head with a laugh. "You are the only woman in the whole country then."
Pansy tutted. "Draco is like a brother to me, but even I can admit that he is nice to look at."
"That man knows how to wear a pair of trousers." Ginny and Pansy high-fived.
Hermione felt her face grow red and she shifted in her seat. "I mean, I'm not blind. But he's just... You know, he's Draco. We're friends. We do a lot of work together as well, actually, since I do a lot with his mother. And besides, even if I wanted to think about him in some other way, what would be the point?"
Pansy looked at her thoughtfully. "You don't think he would be interested in you?"
"I have truly never thought about it. I have never entered into any kind of contemplation about Draco as anything other than a friend. He hated me when we were kids, he wanted people like me dead, and I know that's not how he feels now, but then I show up in his life as a surprising friend of his mother's. He loves her, he works for her causes, he believes in them, and I'm just… there. Why would I start thinking of him differently?"
Pansy was unfazed. "I have long thought you two would make a good match. Draco just grumbles and glares at me when I mention it to him."
"You know, I think you're onto something," Ginny remarked. "I don't know Malfoy well, but from the little I do know… I can sort of see it."
It felt like Hermione's stomach fell into her feet. "Oh! Please say you're joking! You haven't really said that to him, have you?"
"Of course I have. But don't worry, he just ignores me and goes about his boring life. Maybe he met someone speed dating."
Hermione frowned, grateful that the conversation had turned away from her and Draco. "I'm not sure. He left before it ended. Of course, George might have given his name to someone he connected with."
"He did? He just left?" Pansy was surprised. "Why?"
"I don't know. He got to the end of the row and just… walked out. I didn't think to ask him about it." She remembered Luna had said he'd gotten what he wanted out of it, whatever that meant.
Pansy chuckled. "Honestly, I am surprised he lasted five minutes. I was shocked when he told me he was going. But, hey, he needs to meet someone, so I encouraged him. Hopefully it worked out for him."
Hermione glanced at Ginny to see her friend giving her a very strange look. But Hermione couldn't dwell on it because she couldn't think about Draco in any kind of way. He felt safe because he was off limits. Not even off limits, but completely in another realm of limits. There didn't even need to be formal limits because the very idea was preposterous. The thought of the idea was ludicrous. She had three more dates to schedule with men she was excited to get to know better, and that was what she would be focusing on. Not some impossible nothing with the least likely man in all of wizarding England to look her way.