Here is chapter three ^_^ Thank you for your reviews. Draco and Harry are OOC, but I explained that at the start. The war. Draco changed then. And also Harry has been away for five years. He comes back for Hermione and finds her getting married to Draco. He's angry. I promise he'll get more like the old Harry ^_^ And also, the song by Michelle Branch was my inspiration for this fic and will feature in it towards the end of the story.
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Ginny Longbottom opened the door, one hand on her young daughter Trinity to stop her escaping.
"Hermione!" Surprise and pleasure was evident as her friend stepped into the house with a smile.
"Ginny, how are you? I'm so sorry I haven't been around much for a few years." Hermione felt even happier now she had the opportunity to apologise for her absence. Ginny ushered Hermione to a seat and then sat down. Trinity, with the fiery red hair of Weasley's everywhere, stared up at Hermione in awe.
"Look Trini, it's Aunty Hermione," smiled Ginny as Trinity waddled over to Hermione and clamped on to her leg. Hermione ruffled the two-year-old's hair and smiled warmly at Ginny.
"I have a favour to ask." Hermione had kept her left hand hidden and now brought it forward, her ring catching Ginny's eye immediately. Ginny's eyes widened and she fell forward, grabbing Hermione's hand and examining the ring.
"Hermione, why didn't you tell me? Congratulations! Isn't it gorgeous?" sighed Ginny, all in one breath. Hermione grinned as the ring was held up to the light, examined from every angle, and then let go.
"That," exclaimed Ginny dramatically, pointing to the ring, "is one expensive piece of jewellery. Perfect diamond, perfect cut, platinum? 'Mione, who's the lucky guy?"
Hermione held her ring up to the light and smiled. "Draco Malfoy."
"Really?" Ginny sighed happily. "No wonder you kept that quiet? When did he pop the question? When is your wedding?"
Hermione pulled an invitation out of her bag and pushed it forward. "He asked me four years ago. We kept it quiet because he didn't want those blasted hounds from the Daily Prophet all over the place." Ginny nodded understandingly, taking the invitation.
"So what favour can I do?" she asked, staring at the date. "One that needs less than two weeks?"
"Be a bridesmaid." Hermione picked up Trinity, who now decided she wanted attention, and sat the chubby girl on her knee. "Neville can watch Trini in the church." She smiled as Trinity grabbed the invite and started trying to eat it.
"Oh, Trinity, stop that," sighed Ginny, taking Trinity off Hermione and wrestling the invite back. A series of thumps sounded from the kitchen.
"Trini, that sounds like Daddy. Go and see for
your mother." Ginny put the toddler down and smiled as Trinity disappeared
into the kitchen.
"So, will you?" asked Hermione nervously, afraid that Ginny wouldn't accept out of revenge. Her fears were unfounded as Ginny flew forward and squeezed all the breath out of her
"Of course! If you think I'd leave my best friend walk down the aisle without me there, then you'd better think again! No way would I ever stand by and let you get married!"
Hermione pried herself free as Neville entered, holding his now sleeping daughter. "Gin, what have you been doing to Trini? She's so tired!" He put Trini to lie down on the sofa and kissed Ginny. "Hi there Hermione."
"Oh Nev, Hermione's getting married!" Ginny couldn't contain her excitement. "And she's asked me to be a bridesmaid!"
"Congratulations 'Mione!" Neville kissed her cheek and hugged her. "Who's the lucky guy?" Hermione smirked as Ginny grabbed Neville and explained that she had asked the very same question, and that Neville was to stop stealing her words.
"So Hermione, who asked you?" asked Neville again after Ginny had finished. Hermione got rid of her smirk and grinned at the two.
"It's Draco, Neville."
"Draco Neville? Never heard of him." Neville paused thoughtfully to try and recall the name, while Ginny hung her head in shame.
"Nev, she was talking to you. That's where the Neville came from."
"Draco? Dra-Draco Malfoy???"
"Yes, Neville," smiled Hermione happily. "Yes, Draco Malfoy."
"Well congratulations!" Neville smiled. He too had changed in the war, becoming friends with Draco. Indeed, it had been Draco that had allowed Neville's parents to attend his wedding, and watch as Ginny became Mrs Longbottom. Draco's funding had encouraged them to find a cure, and it was nearing completion.
"Isn't it wonderful?" Ginny grabbed her handbag and dropped her wand into her pocket. "Neville, we're going to see Lavender. She has got to know this!" Ginny kissed Neville, kissed Trinity, grabbed Hermione's hand, and within seconds had flooed the pair out of the room.
Neville picked up Trinity with a sigh. "I guess you'll be spending the afternoon with Grandma Molly."
~ * ~
"Lav! Lavender!" Ginny towed Hermione through the crowds of models to where Lavender was preparing for a photo shoot. "Lavender! You'll never guess what's happened!"
Lavender twisted her blonde hair over one shoulder, waiting for her stylist, and looked up. "Oh, hi Ginny. And Hermione! Lovely to see you! It's been too long!" Lavender carefully got to her feet, wary of her outfit, and hugged them both. "Ginny, where's the fire?"
"Here!" Ginny held up Hermione's left hand and gestured to the ring. "'Mione got engaged."
"You're right, I would never have guessed," squealed Lavender. "To who?"
"You'll never guess this either. Would you believe she's engaged to Draco Malfoy?"
"Draco? I'd never have guessed! Oh Hermione you lucky thing!" Lavender examined the ring as Ginny had done. "It's beautiful! Congratulations! When's the big day?"
"In two weeks." Hermione grinned as Lavender stared at her in shock.
"How long have you hidden this from us?" she asked, being forced into her seat as the hair stylist arrived.
"For four years," whispered Hermione, slightly ashamed. "We didn't want anyone to know."
"I can see that!" Lavender grinned and then rolled her eyes as she was told off for having guests here. "So Gin, you dragged her here? Why?"
"Because I want you to be a bridesmaid with Ginny." Hermione jumped in before Ginny could start discussing dresses and make-up. "And if you have some time before that meeting you said you have this afternoon, can we get the dresses today? I need to get my dress too."
"I can make it," chorused Ginny and Lavender. "I have an interview, but I'll make it," added Ginny. Lavender grinned. "Wild horses wouldn't keep me away."
"Great! And I have to meet Harry as well, while we're waiting for the dresses. He's back in the country," she explained. Lavender smiled happily.
"The Wonder Trio, reunited! What does Ron say?"
"Well, Draco went to tell him while I came here." Hermione grabbed an empty chair and sat down, while Ginny perched herself on the table. "I'll find out tonight."
"This is so exciting. Hermione!" Ginny shouted out as a thought struck her. "We have to have a party!"
"Yeah!" Lavender leaned over, her hair now in two elegant braids. "I wish Parvati was here for this. She's great at planning parties!"
The three fell silent as a make-up artist began work on Lavender, remembering Parvati and Padma, both of whom were casualties of war. Godric's Hollow, where Voldemort had finally been defeated, had not been rebuilt as the Potter home, but was transformed into a church and a graveyard, dedicated to those who had died. Parvati and Padma were both there.
"That was really nice of Harry." Ginny broke the silence. Lavender made a noise as lip gloss was applied. Hermione shook her head in wonder.
"You go through this every day," she said disbelievingly. Lavender held her head still as mascara was applied and the finishing touches finished.
"It's an amazing feeling," she replied, standing up again. "Photo shoot now. You two can come and watch." Hermione and Ginny followed, trying to imitate Lavender's walk. She walked as if life was one big catwalk, and she hoped to pose at the end before turning back.
"'Mione, I still can't believe it," whispered Ginny as Lavender took her place in front of the camera. Shouts of various poses followed as the photographer started his work.
~ * ~
As Hermione was leaving Ginny's house, Draco was arriving at Ron's. He knocked on the door and nervously played out various possibilities of what could happen in his mind. One ended up with him being hexed.
He shook that thought out of his mind as the door opened. "Draco! Come in!" Ron stepped aside for Draco to enter the house. "What can I do for you?" Draco was a regular guest at Ron's house, and so his arrival caused no suspicion.
"Well, I actually do have a favour to ask. But, it's a long story. Well actually no, its a, short story, really." Draco's voice trailed off as Ron stared at him.
"I'm getting married in two weeks." Draco decided to spit out the news and get it over with. He watched nervously as Ron froze.
"Draco, mate that's bloody brilliant! To who?" Draco relaxed slightly as Ron's enthusiastic response didn't end in a hex.
"To Hermione. We've been engaged for a while, but I wanted to keep it secret," he explained. Ron nodded sympathetically. He remembered one event when Draco was mobbed by the press and spent four days hiding out.
"Well, Ron, we, I, we, um." Draco shook his head and started again. "Will you be best man at our wedding?"
"Of course!" Ron slapped Draco on the back cheerfully, and let out a laugh at Draco's shocked expression. "Didn't think I'd let you get married without me there to steal the bride if you didn't turn up, did you?" he winked, teasing Draco and trying to lighten the atmosphere. It worked, and Draco relaxed and smiled.
"I'll be turning up. All you've got to do is the speeches," he assured Ron. "Steal Harry's speeches from when Ginny and Neville got married, if you like."
"I can handle speeches," said Ron confidently.
"As long as nobody puts a spider in your tuxedo." Draco decided to tease Ron back and get revenge. "Run out screaming like a little girl, then, wouldn't you?"
"Alright. Point made." Ron winced. His fear of spiders was not as bad as it once was, but it was still there.
"So, wanna go get the suits?" asked Draco suddenly. Ron shrugged.
"Why not?"
"In Hogsmeade. There's this little shop there. It's brilliant."
"Great. Is Harry back for the wedding, do you know?" They left the house.
"Yeah. He was back yesterday. Didn't know about the wedding though."
"It'll be great." Ron led Draco to outside the anti-apparition wards. "I haven't seen him for ages. Speak to him every day, but its not the same." Draco nodded in agreement. Harry, Ron, Neville and himself had outdone even the Mauraders, wreaking havoc on Hogwarts in their sixth and seventh years.
"So, Hogsmeade?"
"Yeah."
"Lets go then." They apparated, with a few small, sharp pops.
~ * ~
"Oh, Hermione!" "You look beautiful!" Lavender and Ginny were awestruck as Hermione stood before the mirror in her dress. It was a creamy white, with a full skirt and a train. Roses were embroidered onto the silk skirt and trailed up the bodice. It had no sleeves, and was very figure flattering. Elegant creamy gloves covered her arms to the elbow, and a silver tiara and veil accompanied the dress.
Hermione stared in awe.
"I want this dress." She turned to see the back, and then turned again to face Ginny and Lavender. "This is my dress." After trying on about six, Hermione was finally happy.
"Hermione, it's amazing." Lavender and Ginny were also in cream, figure hugging silk dresses with spaghetti straps that crossed over the back. Each had a cream stole over their arms.
"Yeah, you'll look amazing." Lavender sighed. "I can get my stylist and make-up artist to do our hair and make-up. Hermione, you will be beautiful on the day, simply beautiful. Draco won't know what's hit him."
"Lavender, you are so right. Hermione, Draco won't know what to do. You look stunning." Ginny circled Hermione. "You have got to get this dress. And we'll take these too," she added to the shop assistant.
"Everyone can get a dress in here. Thank Merlin for Diagon Alley," smiled Lavender. "Now I have got to go to my meeting, so shall we get other accessories when we meet back here to get the dresses?"
"Yeah. Come on." They split up to change. With a sigh, Hermione got out of the beautiful dress and slipped back into her jeans and sweater.
"Hermione, meet back here in an hour," ordered Ginny, fixing her hair and her suit for her interview. "I hope this goes well!"
"Good luck Gin!" smiled Hermione, producing her purse to pay for the dresses and make adjustments. Lavender had already vanished with a wave. Ginny waved to Hermione and then, with one final check of her suit, walked out with a determined air.
Hermione paid for the dresses and then left to find Harry. I hope he'll be alright with everything.