4

The unfortunate day had finally arrived. He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie one last time before he would have to walk into the reception. Today, Harry Potter and Ginerva Weasley stood in front of everyone to say their vows, promising themselves to each other forevermore. He had been a bit surprised to receive an invitation to this wedding in particular, but Potter had looked at him like he was mad for ever assuming otherwise.

It was a beautiful ceremony, albeit rather quaint. A romantic affair all around but Draco wished the universe would simply swallow him whole. There were far too many weddings to attend these days; far too many reminders of his own lonely state. It didn't help that Granger and Weasley were also there, practically joined at the hip, supporting the happy couple as they played their roles in the wedding party. Whispers followed them everywhere, speculations about the golden power couple and their inevitable nuptials. If the rumours were true, Weasley had already bought a ring⸺not that it affected Draco in any way.

He was okay with it⸺with them together. Draco was happy for her. At least, that was what he told himself every day. One should be happy for their friends, and that's what they were now. He had never expected to be one of those lucky people at the receiving end of her bright laughs; the ones where her eyes crinkled up at the corners and her whole shook with amusement.

But he was. And that would have to be enough.

So, Draco tried not to notice how fetching she looked in her midnight blue gown with her hair cascading down her back. No, he didn't notice the way it sparkled when the light hit it, as if she'd woven the very stars right into her curls. He didn't notice anything at all.

"Well?" He pried his eyes away from Granger, turning to the voice.

"Weaselette," he acknowledged.

"Not anymore, actually. It's Potter now, or did you miss that whole bit where I walked down the aisle earlier?"

"Oh, that was you in the white dress? I wasn't sure." She shoved him playfully and Draco laughed, "Congratulations, Red. You look beautiful." He wasn't quite sure when Ginny had become one of his closest confidants, but she had been the first of the Weasleys to have accepted him and he had been grateful. His gratitude, however, didn't change the fact that these days he wouldn't give up a good opportunity to hex the vexing witch. Though Draco had never had any siblings or cousins (Ginny having enough for the both of them) he rather thought she was the closest thing he had to a sister.

"Not nearly as beautiful as someone else here," she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, "It's a shame my brother doesn't know how to dance."

He swirled the last bit of champagne in his glass, "I don't know why you keep pushing this," he sighed.

Ginny levelled him with an unimpressed look, "I know you love this whole 'woe is me' getup but there's probably a reason Hermione doesn't have a ring on her finger yet."

"Are we having this conversation again?" he hissed, "At your reception?" But Ginny was already waving down Granger. Draco wondered if anyone would care if he cursed the woman of the hour; maybe he could play it off as some kind of accident.

"Hermione! There you are!" Ginny offered him a sly look, "Sorry to pull you away like this, but Ron promised me a dance. I'm sure Draco here would be happy to keep you company."

Before Draco could protest or find another excuse, Ginny shoved Granger in his direction before promptly dashing off⸺presumably to find her youngest brother.

He sucked in a deep breath, mentally recalling all the reasons why killing her today would be a bad idea. Granger regarded him with a curious expression and Draco drowned the last of his champagne before holding out a hand toward her.

"May I?" She looked even more stunning up close; nothing short of a goddess. She nodded and Draco let his other hand hover near her lower back to guide her towards the dancing pairs. Sure enough, he spotted Ginny with Ron as far away from them as the dance floor would allow. He couldn't be entirely sure, but he thought Ginny might have winked.

They took their positions; the proximity not nearly as jarring as it used to be. They had done this enough times by now.

"Blue suits you well, Granger." Friends are allowed to compliment each other, yes?

"And here I thought you preferred green, Draco," she teased.

"Can you blame me for being partial, Hermione?"

"There," she smiled, "was it truly so hard to use my name?" This was a new development, insisting that friends didn't use each other's last names. The first time she had used his given name, he had nearly dropped all the files in his hand, fascinated by the way it had rolled off her tongue. Draco was sure his name had never sounded so sweet.

"You'll always be Granger." Even when you're a Weasley.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to you complimenting me."

"Well, then you need to stop showing up to these events looking so beautiful," he stated, solemnly.

Granger giggled, "You're nothing but trouble, Draco Malfoy!" He thought those words were funny coming from her considering she was the one going around wrecking his plans; breaking his walls and making it hard for him to think straight. They conversed quietly through the simple waltz; teasing quips and charming smiles. The more he learned about Hermione Granger, the less he knew himself; lost in her voice, her touch and her aura.

Draco Malfoy was lost in her. And he wouldn't have it any other way.

The last notes faded and they stood there in the middle of the floor, making no move to break apart. Strangely, Draco noted how small she was. Sometimes he forgot how petite she truly was because her personality had always been larger than life itself. She was so bold and bright and yet, her head barely reached his shoulders. Lost in this revelation, he didn't notice the peculiar expression that flickered across her features. His eyes drifted down to her lips and he was painfully reminded of how close she was. His heart thrummed in his chest, aching for the forbidden.

"Oh!" Ginny's croon broke the fragile moment of serenity, "don't you two make a pretty sight!" She walked toward them, this time with Harry lingering behind. Draco scowled while Granger blushed, stepping away. She stood there waiting for what came next. It was something of a tradition between them now. Draco bowed, as etiquette would demand already knowing that she wouldn't reciprocate. Granger simply smiled before walking away.

"Harry, tell Draco he's being stupid about this," Ginny said, exasperated.

"About what?" Harry asked.

"Nothing," Draco intervened, "Harry, tell your wife she's lost her marbles."

"Can someone tell me what we're talking about?" Draco just shook his head.

That night he dreamed of honey eyes, soft twinkling laughter and bright stars glittering across the dark sky.