Two weeks later, on the eve before Malfoy's starting date, I had dinner over at Harry and Ginny's.

Ginny opened the door and greeted me with open arms. "Ah! Hermione, it's been much too long since we've done this. I've sent James to mum and dad's so it's just us tonight."

I returned her hug and marveled at her tiny frame. James was less than a year old, but despite the challenges of being new parents, she was already back to her Quidditch toned physique.

"Oh, I was hoping to see him a bit tonight. That's ok though. It's really been too long since we've had a proper sit down."

And wasn't that the truth. Before getting pregnant, Ginny spent an awful lot of time traveling as a professional Quidditch player. She retired when she found out she was pregnant and is now doing commentating which requires far less traveling and much better hours.

I stayed with Harry and Ginny for a month when Ron and I split while I sorted out my living arrangements and shortly after is when Ginny gave birth to James. Since then, there just hasn't been as much time to get together.

"Don't worry. You aren't missing much. He is crawling up a storm and I spend most of my time these days chasing after him and preventing him from putting one thing or another in his mouth. We wouldn't have had time to finish a sentence." She led me to the dining room. "Go ahead and take a seat, dinner is ready."

I tried desperately not to let my jealousy get the best of me. Harry and Ginny had such a strong relationship and I was so happy for them. I just thought I would be experiencing the same happiness and milestones alongside them instead of watching as a spectator.

Harry entered then and gave me a one-armed hug as he levitated three glasses and a bottle of wine to the table. Ginny arrived a few minutes later with the food and we began to serve ourselves.

"So, Harry tells me you've agreed to partner with Draco Malfoy. Are you nervous?"

Typical Ginny, jumping straight in. "There's nothing to be nervous about, Gin. He was cleared of all charges and I'm sure Harry has filled you in plenty about the nature of his behavior." Harry nodded in acknowledgement. "He was a little boy forced to grow up too fast and do unthinkable things to just stay alive. I can't really fault him for that. We weren't exactly following the rules to get things done on our side either." I took a sip of my wine and took a moment to savor the feeling of it sliding down my throat. "Honestly, at this point, I can't imagine anything worse than working with Ron. And I'm sorry to say that, because I know he's your brother, but he has been an absolutely dreadful partner."

Ginny reached out and took my hand. "It's ok, really. He might be my brother, but I've got five others and he is the only one that is so selfish and self-centered. I don't know what happened with him, but I don't condone his behavior. How he has treated you is appalling. Maybe mum dropped him on his head. I don't fault you in the least for being happy to finally be rid of him."

I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a great best friend.

Harry spoke up. "Hermione, I know we have talked about this, but I really wish there was something I could have done about it sooner. Being part of the auror department means a lot to you and he had already taken so much from you, I couldn't let him take that too."

I put my hand on Harry's shoulder reassuringly. "We've been over this, Harry. Ron's behavior isn't your fault. You've done the best you could with the parameters you are required to follow."

We switched to lighter topics for the rest of our meal. When we had finished, Ginny served some delicious strawberry cake in the sitting room with tea.

The topic came back around to Malfoy.

"Do you have any idea why Malfoy came back? He's been gone a long time." Ginny asked as she took a bite.

Harry shook his head. "Not really. The why isn't important on the transfer paperwork. He left straight after training, so about six years ago. I haven't heard much from him or why he's returned. I guess we'll find out tomorrow."

Ginny turned her attention to me. "Be honest though. He's quite attractive. Do you think you'll be a bit distracted having something nice to look at for a change?"

Harry coughed at his wife's remark and I wrinkled my nose.

"Ginny, please! I'm there to work. Malfoy's looks are the least of my concern. I'm just looking forward to having someone who is competent and can pull some of the weight. Those are the only needs I'm looking to satisfy."

She seemed skeptical, but let it go. Our conversation flowed to James and thankfully Ginny didn't bring the subject up again.

I left late with the promise to meet Harry in the morning.