Chapter 7
As personal guests of Professor Snape and Professor McGonogall, seats were reserved for Draco and Hermione at the Head Table. A privilege that the two of them welcomed. It was a reprieve as was Molly Weasley's intervention. For Hermione, in particular, it meant that it would temporarily stall that moment when she would find herself face to face with her old friends, with Harry. She had quickly glanced at one of the tables in front of the pavillon and saw the familiar messy black hair in the sea of equally familiar red heads. She knew they were all there. So near. While she had prepared herself for it, she was grateful for the chance to gather up more courage for the eventual confrontation, and enjoy her dinner in peace with Draco.
Once the last morsel of food was cleared, Arthur Weasley stood up and headed for the podium in front of the pavillion. He took out his wand, pointed it to his throat and said "Sonorous" before addressing everyone.
"Good evening, everyone. Or should I say good afternoon? It is a lovely spring afternoon, isn't it. And it's all thanks to the brilliant Hogwarts Professors and Staff. Professor Dumbledore requested me to specifically thank Professor Neville Longbottom, and Professor Rubeus Hagrid for taking the lead in the transforming the Entrance and the Great Hall. Also, the Hogwarts House-elves for preparing that sumptious dinner with the leadership of Dobby."
Arthur's acknowledgements were greeted with loud applause. He continued after the applause had died down.
"Tonight, as you all know, we are celebrating three things, three people. First, we are celebrating Albus Dumbledore and his 50 years of leadership in Hogwarts and in the Wizarding World. As he steps down from his post as Hogwarts Headmaster, let us remember his brilliance, his kindness and the excellence in which he had gone over and above fulfilling his duties as a beloved and well-respected Headmaster. While I'm sure a lot of us are saddened by his retirement -- it is hard to imagine Hogwarts without him, isn't it -- let us all celebrate the new era of Hogwarts under the leadership of one of the wisest, kindest and most talented witches our world has ever known: Professor Minerva McGonogall. She has served alongside Professor Dumbledore as Deputy Headmistress for the past 49 years, showing the same excellence and exemplary work as Professor Dumbledore. Let us all welcome her as the new Hogwarts Headmistress and wish her wisdom, grace and honor as she takes on this daunting task. And finally, tonight we will be witnesses to the newest addition to Hogwart's leadership: Professor Severus Snape. He has awed us with his skill as a Potions Master and wizard, yes, but more importantly, Professor Snape has showed us bravery, courage, strength, honour and wisdom. Let us extend our support for this great man as he takes on the reigns of Hogwarts Deputy Headmaster."
"Now, Professors Dumbledore, McGonogall, and Snape have told me that they would rather celebrate this event by actually celebrating, by dancing, by having their fill of butterbeer, and by catching up with their former students, instead of sitting at the Head Table and listening to long and boring speeches. Besides, if any of you would like to know more about the accomplishments of these three esteemed wizards, you can always read Hogwarts, A History and other wizarding history books--"
"Or ask Hermione Granger" Draco whispered to her with a smirk.
"Shush, ferret-boy" she elbowed his ribs with a smile.
He reached behind her until his fingers touched her waist and pinched it, causing her to sit up straight as a ticklish sensation ran up her spine. She glanced around her to check if anyone had seen her reaction, and then glared at him when she confirmed that no one was looking at them "Behave yourself, Malfoy" she said, but was secretly glad when his hand remained where it was with his forearm pressing against her back.
~~~~
Hermione was wrong.
Her interaction with Draco did not go completely unnoticed. Harry had spent most of the evening staring at her, so there was no way he could have missed what was going on between those two at the Head Table. He hardly missed anything about her tonight. The moment he saw her going up the pavillon, his eyes were stuck. He had wanted to run up after her but his initial shock at seeing her prevented him. He couldn't move for a few minutes. When he was just about ready to go up there and confront her, Molly Weasley had approached their table and told everyone that if anyone of them put Hermione on the spot that evening to badger her with questions, she would see to it that they would not be able to sit comfortably for rest of the year. And then she looked directly at him and said in a quiet voice "There's a time and place for everything. Tonight, and in full view of everyone, is not the best time to ask her for explanations. Please don't ruin tonight's celebration by being impatient. You have waited for seven years, I'm sure you can wait another few hours."
It was out of respect for Molly, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonogall that Harry resolved to remain in his seat. That resolution weakened as he contented himself with simply watching her. She looked so much like the Hermione Granger he knew and loved that it was hard for him to not grab her and hug her until she promised never to go away again. But the real test to his resolution was in watching her and Malfoy. He saw them talking to Mr. Weasley -- how each of them listened attentively to the other when the other one was speaking. He saw them eat -- how Malfoy automatically and casually removed the cucumbers from her plate when her salad appeared, and how she picked from his plate to taste whatever it was that Malfoy was having. He saw them occassionally whispering to each other what he suspected were snide comments, which were always responded to with a smirk and then a small, warm smile. He saw them and fought the urge to race up to the pavillon and grab her away from Malfoy. He saw them and almost grabbed his wand to yell "Accio Hermione" followed by a stunning spell against Malfoy to keep him from coming after her.
Now he watched as she settled comfortably against Malfoy's arm wrapped from behind her. He watched as she gave him another one of those small, warm smiles before turning her attention back to Arthur Weasley. He watched and clenched his fists to keep himself from reaching for his wand.
~~~~ "-- so without further ado, I would like to share with you how the ceremonies would go this evening. First, we will have Professor Dumbledore give us all what he promises will be a very short speech before he formally turns over his position as Hogwarts Headmaster to Professor McGonogall by presenting her his painting that will be put up in the Headmistress' Room. That will be followed by Professor McGonogall's acceptance speech, which she also assures me will be short, then by the formal turning over of her Deputy Headmistress position to Professor Snape by handing him the Sorting Hat. Then finally, the acceptance speech from Professor Snape, who has not given me any clue as to how long it will be. Once this is over, we will formally close the ceremonies and let the dancing begin."
The crowd clapped loudly when the Minister of Magic had stopped speaking to give way to Professor Dumbledore.
~~~~
By the time Dumbledore finished his short speech, there was hardly a dry eye in the room. It was amazing how the man could pack so much emotion in a three-minute-forty-three-second speech, where he talked about the never- ending amazement and wonder that he encountered every day and every year for fifty years as Hogwarts Headmaster.
He spoke about the bravery of the students and staff in facing up to Voldemort, specifically mentioning Harry Potter's courage, Ronald Weasley's loyalty, Hermione Granger's brilliance, Draco Malfoy's transformation, Professor Snape's cunning skill, Professor McGonogall's steadfast determination, and the members of Dumbledore's Army.
Then he talked about other memorable moments: how Hannah Abbot stood up against Professor Snape during her sixth year because he made Justin Finch- Fletchley cry, how George and Fred Weasley made the entire faculty and staff laugh for an entire day when they turned Professor McGonogall's hair pink during their second year; how Hagrid found Oliver Wood sleeping underneath the Quidditch goal post after his final game in Hogwarts, and other moments in Hogwarts' everyday history that made his term as Hogwarts Headmaster the best fifty years of his life.
He then thanked all the Hogwarts graduates, including those who had perished and died, for teaching an old codger like him new things everyday. Then he turned to Professor McGonogall and Professor Snape and told them that he didn't need to wish them luck in their new positions in Hogwarts because he knew that they would exceed everyone's expectations and that with them at the helm, Hogwarts would do greater things and produce exemplary human beings.
When he finished, the entire room was quiet except for the sniffing sounds that could be heard from all the tables. Then Hagrid jumped down from the pavillon and grabbed Dumbledore into a hug that brought the older man's feet off the ground. The sight of Hagrid carrying Dumbledore like a small child had everyone laughing. The laughter and applause lasted longer than Dumbledore's speech.
~~~~
"Granger, everyone's stopped crying now, when are you going to?" Draco said, masking his worry with a snide smile. She was giggling and crying at the same time, her face buried in her hands and the hankerchief he had handed her as soon as Dumbledore began his speech. Knowing that Hermione was feeling a lot of pressure from this evening, he was a bit worried that she would never stop crying tonight. Or ever.
He brought her closer to him, stroking her arm to get her to calm down.
"Dammit, Malfoy, how can I stop when you're being so nice?" she said with gritted teeth, finally looking up from her hands. She smiled shakily at him, "Sorry. Nostalgia, you know."
"I know. You miss it -- your life in Hogwarts. You were happiest here." He said as trepidation reared its ugly head once more. There was no way she was going to choose her current life over the chance to re-create the old life she loves so much with her Hogwarts friends.
She shook her head. "Yes, I miss it. Yes, I was happy here. But I've been happy not being here, too, Malfoy."
"You sure, Granger?"
"If you're fishing for compliments, Malfoy, go fish somewhere else." With that, she smiled at him, wiped the last of her tears and turned her attention to Professor Dumbledore, who was turning over his painting and the Hogwarts Keys to Professor McGonogall.
"Bitch" was all he could say as he took the hankerchief from her hand to cast cleaning and drying spells on it before handing it back to her.
Waterworks Granger would need a fresh one at least three more times before this night is over.
~~~~
If Harry clenches his jaw harder, he's liable to break all of his teeth, Ginny thought as she watched him watch Hermione and Draco.
She felt bad for her him, imagining how hurt he must be to witness his closest friend whom he had not seen for such a long time getting along so well with the bane of his Hogwarts' life. It was apparent to anyone observing the two that they were very close, judging from the casual touches and smiles those two had been exchanging all night. They didn't need to hear what was being said between those two to know that Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy were true friends. Clearly, Dumbledore's statement that Hermione and Draco had worked "amiably" on their book was the understatement of the year. Amiable was a paltry term to describe what Ginny suspected as a genuine friendship and companionship that bordered on being romantic.
Ron wasn't faring any better. All night, whenever he would glance up at the pavillon to see Hermione and Draco together, he would let lose a string of swear words that would had their mother soaping his mouth for at least one week. But at least Ron was venting, expressing his disgust. Ginny was more concerned about the quietly seething young man sitting a chair away from her. She was half afraid that if this went on longer, Harry would eventually explode and further damage an already-tattered friendship.
Ginny was genuinely happy to see Hermione, and she was relieved that she felt that way. Her ambiguity about how she would feel about Hermione's re- appearance was beginning to worry her. Am I really that insecure and pathetic about Harry Potter and The Trio that I would not feel any joy at seeing Hermione again? The first thought in Ginny's mind upon seeing Hermione was to run to her and hug the friend she's missed all these years. As the night progressed, and Ginny observed Hermione and Draco, all she felt was genuine happiness for Hermione. All night, she had checked her heart and her mind for traces of her insecurities as Hermione's replacement in The Trio and in Harry's life, but she never found enough of those doubts to overcome the joy she felt at seeing Hermione.
~~~~
Draco was right.
He had had to clean and dry the hankerchief three more times for Waterworks Granger after Dumbledore's speech. She cried when Dumbledore presented Fawkes the Phoenix offspring as a personal gift to McGonogall to commemorate her new position and in thanks for her friendship and loyalty. She cried at McGonogall's speech. She cried when McGonogall turned over the Sorting Hat to Snape, and it announced to everyone that Hogwarts and the Wizarding World can expect wonderful things from Snape as the Deputy Headmaster. Now she was crying at Snape's speech.
"I can't understand why you're crying, Granger, he's only talking about restoring Slytherin's old glory. You're a Gryffindor, for crying out loud," he said quietly so only she could hear.
"But I'm so happy for him" she sniffed and wiped her cheeks.
"That man made your life a living hell in Hogwarts, you know", he said, wishing that Snape would wrap it up so Waterworks would stop crying already.
"I know, but... that still doesn't make me any less happy for him. After all he's done against Voldemort, and for all his true brilliance as a wizard, he deserves this honour... and for a long time, I thought his reputation and lack of social skills would keep him from getting what he truly deserved."
Draco shook his head. "Granger, there is no end to your capacity to view things in a really weird way", he said with genuine respect.
She rolled her eyes but smiled just the same. "I'll take that as a compliment, Malfoy."
After a few minutes, Snape concluded his speech and the crowd applauded. Then Arthur took the podium again.
"That concludes the formal ceremonies. Thank you all for sitting through that and bearing witness to this auspicious event. And now, everyone, let's get to the real celebration!"
With a quick flick of his wand, the Minister of Magic revealed the final surprise for the evening: the area to the left of the pavillon opened up to reveal a dance area underneath a canopy of flowers as the area to the right of the pavillon revealed a buffet table and a bar.
As everyone gaped and eventually grinned in joy, Hermione and Draco stared at each other for a few seconds before standing up. Their reprieve was over, and it was time the face the rest of their old lives. From the corner of his eye, he could see a blur of red with a spot of black get up from a table and head towards the pavillon. Draco took the hankerchief from Hermione's hand again, cleaned and dried it, and then handed it back to her.
She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, smiled bravely at Draco, and turned towards her old friends.
As personal guests of Professor Snape and Professor McGonogall, seats were reserved for Draco and Hermione at the Head Table. A privilege that the two of them welcomed. It was a reprieve as was Molly Weasley's intervention. For Hermione, in particular, it meant that it would temporarily stall that moment when she would find herself face to face with her old friends, with Harry. She had quickly glanced at one of the tables in front of the pavillon and saw the familiar messy black hair in the sea of equally familiar red heads. She knew they were all there. So near. While she had prepared herself for it, she was grateful for the chance to gather up more courage for the eventual confrontation, and enjoy her dinner in peace with Draco.
Once the last morsel of food was cleared, Arthur Weasley stood up and headed for the podium in front of the pavillion. He took out his wand, pointed it to his throat and said "Sonorous" before addressing everyone.
"Good evening, everyone. Or should I say good afternoon? It is a lovely spring afternoon, isn't it. And it's all thanks to the brilliant Hogwarts Professors and Staff. Professor Dumbledore requested me to specifically thank Professor Neville Longbottom, and Professor Rubeus Hagrid for taking the lead in the transforming the Entrance and the Great Hall. Also, the Hogwarts House-elves for preparing that sumptious dinner with the leadership of Dobby."
Arthur's acknowledgements were greeted with loud applause. He continued after the applause had died down.
"Tonight, as you all know, we are celebrating three things, three people. First, we are celebrating Albus Dumbledore and his 50 years of leadership in Hogwarts and in the Wizarding World. As he steps down from his post as Hogwarts Headmaster, let us remember his brilliance, his kindness and the excellence in which he had gone over and above fulfilling his duties as a beloved and well-respected Headmaster. While I'm sure a lot of us are saddened by his retirement -- it is hard to imagine Hogwarts without him, isn't it -- let us all celebrate the new era of Hogwarts under the leadership of one of the wisest, kindest and most talented witches our world has ever known: Professor Minerva McGonogall. She has served alongside Professor Dumbledore as Deputy Headmistress for the past 49 years, showing the same excellence and exemplary work as Professor Dumbledore. Let us all welcome her as the new Hogwarts Headmistress and wish her wisdom, grace and honor as she takes on this daunting task. And finally, tonight we will be witnesses to the newest addition to Hogwart's leadership: Professor Severus Snape. He has awed us with his skill as a Potions Master and wizard, yes, but more importantly, Professor Snape has showed us bravery, courage, strength, honour and wisdom. Let us extend our support for this great man as he takes on the reigns of Hogwarts Deputy Headmaster."
"Now, Professors Dumbledore, McGonogall, and Snape have told me that they would rather celebrate this event by actually celebrating, by dancing, by having their fill of butterbeer, and by catching up with their former students, instead of sitting at the Head Table and listening to long and boring speeches. Besides, if any of you would like to know more about the accomplishments of these three esteemed wizards, you can always read Hogwarts, A History and other wizarding history books--"
"Or ask Hermione Granger" Draco whispered to her with a smirk.
"Shush, ferret-boy" she elbowed his ribs with a smile.
He reached behind her until his fingers touched her waist and pinched it, causing her to sit up straight as a ticklish sensation ran up her spine. She glanced around her to check if anyone had seen her reaction, and then glared at him when she confirmed that no one was looking at them "Behave yourself, Malfoy" she said, but was secretly glad when his hand remained where it was with his forearm pressing against her back.
~~~~
Hermione was wrong.
Her interaction with Draco did not go completely unnoticed. Harry had spent most of the evening staring at her, so there was no way he could have missed what was going on between those two at the Head Table. He hardly missed anything about her tonight. The moment he saw her going up the pavillon, his eyes were stuck. He had wanted to run up after her but his initial shock at seeing her prevented him. He couldn't move for a few minutes. When he was just about ready to go up there and confront her, Molly Weasley had approached their table and told everyone that if anyone of them put Hermione on the spot that evening to badger her with questions, she would see to it that they would not be able to sit comfortably for rest of the year. And then she looked directly at him and said in a quiet voice "There's a time and place for everything. Tonight, and in full view of everyone, is not the best time to ask her for explanations. Please don't ruin tonight's celebration by being impatient. You have waited for seven years, I'm sure you can wait another few hours."
It was out of respect for Molly, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonogall that Harry resolved to remain in his seat. That resolution weakened as he contented himself with simply watching her. She looked so much like the Hermione Granger he knew and loved that it was hard for him to not grab her and hug her until she promised never to go away again. But the real test to his resolution was in watching her and Malfoy. He saw them talking to Mr. Weasley -- how each of them listened attentively to the other when the other one was speaking. He saw them eat -- how Malfoy automatically and casually removed the cucumbers from her plate when her salad appeared, and how she picked from his plate to taste whatever it was that Malfoy was having. He saw them occassionally whispering to each other what he suspected were snide comments, which were always responded to with a smirk and then a small, warm smile. He saw them and fought the urge to race up to the pavillon and grab her away from Malfoy. He saw them and almost grabbed his wand to yell "Accio Hermione" followed by a stunning spell against Malfoy to keep him from coming after her.
Now he watched as she settled comfortably against Malfoy's arm wrapped from behind her. He watched as she gave him another one of those small, warm smiles before turning her attention back to Arthur Weasley. He watched and clenched his fists to keep himself from reaching for his wand.
~~~~ "-- so without further ado, I would like to share with you how the ceremonies would go this evening. First, we will have Professor Dumbledore give us all what he promises will be a very short speech before he formally turns over his position as Hogwarts Headmaster to Professor McGonogall by presenting her his painting that will be put up in the Headmistress' Room. That will be followed by Professor McGonogall's acceptance speech, which she also assures me will be short, then by the formal turning over of her Deputy Headmistress position to Professor Snape by handing him the Sorting Hat. Then finally, the acceptance speech from Professor Snape, who has not given me any clue as to how long it will be. Once this is over, we will formally close the ceremonies and let the dancing begin."
The crowd clapped loudly when the Minister of Magic had stopped speaking to give way to Professor Dumbledore.
~~~~
By the time Dumbledore finished his short speech, there was hardly a dry eye in the room. It was amazing how the man could pack so much emotion in a three-minute-forty-three-second speech, where he talked about the never- ending amazement and wonder that he encountered every day and every year for fifty years as Hogwarts Headmaster.
He spoke about the bravery of the students and staff in facing up to Voldemort, specifically mentioning Harry Potter's courage, Ronald Weasley's loyalty, Hermione Granger's brilliance, Draco Malfoy's transformation, Professor Snape's cunning skill, Professor McGonogall's steadfast determination, and the members of Dumbledore's Army.
Then he talked about other memorable moments: how Hannah Abbot stood up against Professor Snape during her sixth year because he made Justin Finch- Fletchley cry, how George and Fred Weasley made the entire faculty and staff laugh for an entire day when they turned Professor McGonogall's hair pink during their second year; how Hagrid found Oliver Wood sleeping underneath the Quidditch goal post after his final game in Hogwarts, and other moments in Hogwarts' everyday history that made his term as Hogwarts Headmaster the best fifty years of his life.
He then thanked all the Hogwarts graduates, including those who had perished and died, for teaching an old codger like him new things everyday. Then he turned to Professor McGonogall and Professor Snape and told them that he didn't need to wish them luck in their new positions in Hogwarts because he knew that they would exceed everyone's expectations and that with them at the helm, Hogwarts would do greater things and produce exemplary human beings.
When he finished, the entire room was quiet except for the sniffing sounds that could be heard from all the tables. Then Hagrid jumped down from the pavillon and grabbed Dumbledore into a hug that brought the older man's feet off the ground. The sight of Hagrid carrying Dumbledore like a small child had everyone laughing. The laughter and applause lasted longer than Dumbledore's speech.
~~~~
"Granger, everyone's stopped crying now, when are you going to?" Draco said, masking his worry with a snide smile. She was giggling and crying at the same time, her face buried in her hands and the hankerchief he had handed her as soon as Dumbledore began his speech. Knowing that Hermione was feeling a lot of pressure from this evening, he was a bit worried that she would never stop crying tonight. Or ever.
He brought her closer to him, stroking her arm to get her to calm down.
"Dammit, Malfoy, how can I stop when you're being so nice?" she said with gritted teeth, finally looking up from her hands. She smiled shakily at him, "Sorry. Nostalgia, you know."
"I know. You miss it -- your life in Hogwarts. You were happiest here." He said as trepidation reared its ugly head once more. There was no way she was going to choose her current life over the chance to re-create the old life she loves so much with her Hogwarts friends.
She shook her head. "Yes, I miss it. Yes, I was happy here. But I've been happy not being here, too, Malfoy."
"You sure, Granger?"
"If you're fishing for compliments, Malfoy, go fish somewhere else." With that, she smiled at him, wiped the last of her tears and turned her attention to Professor Dumbledore, who was turning over his painting and the Hogwarts Keys to Professor McGonogall.
"Bitch" was all he could say as he took the hankerchief from her hand to cast cleaning and drying spells on it before handing it back to her.
Waterworks Granger would need a fresh one at least three more times before this night is over.
~~~~
If Harry clenches his jaw harder, he's liable to break all of his teeth, Ginny thought as she watched him watch Hermione and Draco.
She felt bad for her him, imagining how hurt he must be to witness his closest friend whom he had not seen for such a long time getting along so well with the bane of his Hogwarts' life. It was apparent to anyone observing the two that they were very close, judging from the casual touches and smiles those two had been exchanging all night. They didn't need to hear what was being said between those two to know that Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy were true friends. Clearly, Dumbledore's statement that Hermione and Draco had worked "amiably" on their book was the understatement of the year. Amiable was a paltry term to describe what Ginny suspected as a genuine friendship and companionship that bordered on being romantic.
Ron wasn't faring any better. All night, whenever he would glance up at the pavillon to see Hermione and Draco together, he would let lose a string of swear words that would had their mother soaping his mouth for at least one week. But at least Ron was venting, expressing his disgust. Ginny was more concerned about the quietly seething young man sitting a chair away from her. She was half afraid that if this went on longer, Harry would eventually explode and further damage an already-tattered friendship.
Ginny was genuinely happy to see Hermione, and she was relieved that she felt that way. Her ambiguity about how she would feel about Hermione's re- appearance was beginning to worry her. Am I really that insecure and pathetic about Harry Potter and The Trio that I would not feel any joy at seeing Hermione again? The first thought in Ginny's mind upon seeing Hermione was to run to her and hug the friend she's missed all these years. As the night progressed, and Ginny observed Hermione and Draco, all she felt was genuine happiness for Hermione. All night, she had checked her heart and her mind for traces of her insecurities as Hermione's replacement in The Trio and in Harry's life, but she never found enough of those doubts to overcome the joy she felt at seeing Hermione.
~~~~
Draco was right.
He had had to clean and dry the hankerchief three more times for Waterworks Granger after Dumbledore's speech. She cried when Dumbledore presented Fawkes the Phoenix offspring as a personal gift to McGonogall to commemorate her new position and in thanks for her friendship and loyalty. She cried at McGonogall's speech. She cried when McGonogall turned over the Sorting Hat to Snape, and it announced to everyone that Hogwarts and the Wizarding World can expect wonderful things from Snape as the Deputy Headmaster. Now she was crying at Snape's speech.
"I can't understand why you're crying, Granger, he's only talking about restoring Slytherin's old glory. You're a Gryffindor, for crying out loud," he said quietly so only she could hear.
"But I'm so happy for him" she sniffed and wiped her cheeks.
"That man made your life a living hell in Hogwarts, you know", he said, wishing that Snape would wrap it up so Waterworks would stop crying already.
"I know, but... that still doesn't make me any less happy for him. After all he's done against Voldemort, and for all his true brilliance as a wizard, he deserves this honour... and for a long time, I thought his reputation and lack of social skills would keep him from getting what he truly deserved."
Draco shook his head. "Granger, there is no end to your capacity to view things in a really weird way", he said with genuine respect.
She rolled her eyes but smiled just the same. "I'll take that as a compliment, Malfoy."
After a few minutes, Snape concluded his speech and the crowd applauded. Then Arthur took the podium again.
"That concludes the formal ceremonies. Thank you all for sitting through that and bearing witness to this auspicious event. And now, everyone, let's get to the real celebration!"
With a quick flick of his wand, the Minister of Magic revealed the final surprise for the evening: the area to the left of the pavillon opened up to reveal a dance area underneath a canopy of flowers as the area to the right of the pavillon revealed a buffet table and a bar.
As everyone gaped and eventually grinned in joy, Hermione and Draco stared at each other for a few seconds before standing up. Their reprieve was over, and it was time the face the rest of their old lives. From the corner of his eye, he could see a blur of red with a spot of black get up from a table and head towards the pavillon. Draco took the hankerchief from Hermione's hand again, cleaned and dried it, and then handed it back to her.
She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, smiled bravely at Draco, and turned towards her old friends.
