"Welcome, members of the magical community, to the annual Christmas Eve Ball." Minister Bones was seated at the High Table in the Merlin Ballroom. Resplendent in a gold dress, she beamed out at the crowd, a large gathering of the Who's-Who of the Wizarding world. "And now, let the festivities begin!"

With these magic words, the light dimmed, music played, and food appeared on tables surrounding the dance floor. Neville made his way onto the floor, dragging a reluctant Luna behind him. Harry and Hermione were seated at one of the round tables, watching in amusement as their friend thoroughly embarrassed his new bride.

"If anyone can embarrass Luna, you know they're nutters." Harry laughed.

"Or Neville."

"True." he nodded in assent, his eyes straying from the couple to a flash of scarlet on the dance floor.

Hermione knew who Harry was watching. She didn't mind really. Hermione knew that her and Harry's engagement was really just a expectation of everyone involved with them. It seemed natural. After Ron's death, Harry and Hermione had felt empty and taken comfort in each other. The world around them saw it as something much more than it was.

Hermione watched as Ginny was spun around the dance floor by a tall, dark man with a sparkling smile. Her latest boyfriend. Hermione had stopped keeping track of their names, knowing none of them lasted for very long after the approval or scorn of the Weasley family. Ginny had eyes only for Harry.

The view of the bubbling redhead was blocked momentarily by an expanse of the shiny black fabric of a well-made tuxedo. Hermione's eyes traveled upwards into the blank face of a man she thought she'd never have the displeasure of meeting again.

"Mr. Malfoy." she nodded courteously.

"Miss Granger, enjoying your evening?" Lucius politely inquired.

Harry suddenly seemed to have came to the realization that Hermione was indeed holding a conversation with Lucius Malfoy. He stopped watching the dance floor and glared angrily at Lucius, raising to his full height, which was still a good few inches shorter than his adversary.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, how nice of you to come to reality and join us."

"Malfoy, leave her alone." Harry hissed.

"Harry, don't-"

"Miss Granger and I were just making polite conversation, Mr. Potter." Lucius sneered, "She did do me quite a favor that I have yet to repay."

Harry's glare deepened, and Lucius' sneer grew. Hermione rolled her eyes, and stood up.

"Excuse me gentlemen, this brute display of testosterone grows tiring." She said icily.

"Of course, Miss Granger, allow me to escort you?"

Hermione shot Lucius a startled look of surprise, and Harry jumped quickly to her side

"I will escort my fiancé, Malfoy." Harry hissed.

"Ah…of course. Adieu, madam, Mr. Potter." and with that, Lucius walked away.

"Hermione, what did you do for him?" Harry rounded on her.

"Harry, do you not remember a highly publicized court case a few months ago?" Hermione said, as if explaining why one and one must equal two.

"He's still on about that?"

"Well, he seems to think he is indebted, but I haven't exactly seen him since. Harry, calm down, I'm going to talk to Molly." Hermione snatched her arm away from her fiancé and stalked across the room.

"Hermione, dear, you look wonderful!" Molly Weasley gushed, taking in Hermione's perfect curls, and eyeing the low-cut black gown, clearly surprised.

"Thank you Molly, you look wonderful as well."

Molly waved her off, muttering something about nonsense. She then grinned widely. "Harry told us, dear. We're thrilled for you."

"Thank you, Molly." Hermione repeated softly.

" Have you set a date? Made any plans. You know how men are, Harry had no clue.."

"Oh, Molly its really happened so quickly…er…I think I'm leaning towards a small ceremony."

"I see."

Telling Molly Weasley 'small ceremony' was equivalent to 'We're canceling Christmas'.

"Well then, dear, We'll just have to find you a gorgeous dress. You hair looks lovely down dear, but for a wedding I really think…"

Hermione tuned Molly out as she bustled on with plans. The excitement she had always expected to feel just wasn't there. It didn't feel right. Molly could put her In jeans and a T-shirt for her wedding and she wouldn't care.

Why don't I care?

"Hermione?"

"Hello, Remus." Hermione smiled, coming out of her revere.

"Do you think Harry would mind if I stole his lovely fiancé for a dance?"

"Of course not." Hermione grinned.

Waving goodbye to Molly, she took Lupin's hand and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor. Laughter soon came over her, and she was twirled around by various friends and members of the Order. Harry spoke to Bill and Mr. Weasley, watching from the refreshment table.