Saturday began irritatingly early with a wail from Lyra. As Hermione rolled out of bed to soothe the hungry baby, she began to create a mental list for the day. The decision to attend the reception threw a rather large quaffle into her carefully crafted itinerary. But honestly, she didn't expect anything less from a weekend with her friends. It's not as if any of her plans worked out when spending time with Ron and Harry.
Hermione was plucked out of her thoughts by a tug on her breast. Redirecting her attention to the nursing baby in her lap, Hermione focused on what needed to be accomplished before lunch. A grin began to form as she plotted how to wake the currently snoring Draco.
Lunch found the Trio and families enjoying a picnic by Black Lake. The morning's events included a game of pick up quidditch that ended with Harry catching the snitch, Draco just centimeters behind.
"I'll get it next time Potter!" Draco grumbled.
"Sure you will Malfoy! That's what you said last weekend," neither Harry nor Draco had much heat behind their words. This conversation tended to occur every other weekend after their pick up games. By now, it was a standing tradition. Neville and Ron soon joined in with the boisterous conversation.
Hermione and Luna shared a look before Luna asked when Hermione would like to stop by The Burrow. That started Hermione on a rather detailed spiel on the expectations for the day. When she pulled out color coded timetables, one for each adult present, Luna smiled dreamily and continued charming fluttering butterflies for the children.
Exactly two hours and ten minutes later, four minutes behind schedule a flustered Hermione stepped out of the floo at The Burrow. Before she could begin her heart felt apologies, she was cut off by a tight squeeze from Molly Weasley.
"Nonsense dear, you're just on time. And how is baby Lyra today? Oh there's Luna with the twins. Will you two be staying for tea before you go?"
"Sadly we can't today, but we will be here tomorrow after the reunion wraps up for Sunday dinner," Hermione replied with a hug. "And of course I can pick up Lyra tonight as soon as the reception is over."
"Don't be silly, I don't want to see either of you before tomorrow morning. Now run along and have fun," Molly replied as she pushed them towards the floo. With a wave, the pair were back in Hogsmeade. Hermione power walked while dragging Luna along to the inn. The anxiety toward the night building with each step.
With five minutes to spare, Hermione applied her lipstick and headed out with Luna to find their partners. Even after eight years together, Draco was again reminded of how thankful he was for second chances and forgiving witches. After bullying her for years, it's a wonder Hermione ever gave him the time of day let alone married him. Adorned in royal blue dress robes that complemented her brown complexion and her hair a silky smooth riot of curls, Hermione was the embodiment of untamable strength and beauty.
As she neared the group, Hermione heard Ron joke, "ready to close your mouth yet Malfoy?" while thumping Draco on the back.
"Right well let's get moving! We don't want to miss our carriage," Hermione stated as she quickly walked past the group after grabbing her husband's hand.
"Relax Hermione, there are plenty of them to spare," Ron moaned.
As Ron slowed his stride, several large, boisterous groups stepped ahead of the Trio and company. He quickly looked to the ground as Hermione stared daggers at him. Hermione hoped this setback wasn't indicative of how the evening would continue, but she also wasn't optimistic.