Oh My God! How long has it been? This chapter took me about three months because I've been so busy! But, it's not even that good.
I'm so sorry about the wait, and double sorry if your disappointed with the chapter. I'll try and update quicker next time!
For now – read on!
Last Chapter –
He held out his hand in a gentleman like manner. "Are you ready?" he asked, his eyes boring into hers.
"As ready as I'll ever be." She answered, taking in a deep breath before walking down to the guests who were now silent, watching the betrothed couple walk down the stairs, step by step.
Chapter 6 – The Actual Engagement Party
As soon as they walked down the stairs, Hermione started to get shivers. This was it. It was time to face the music. They were taking the big step. The only problem was, that Hermione wasn't sure if she was ready. Weren't people supposed to be ready to take the 'next' step? She started to falter and hesitate, each step she took, going closer and closer to the silent people. It felt like walking down the aisle! Hermione shuddered to think what would happen then.
Draco was also having nerves. He wasn't thinking about being 'ready' for 'steps'. He was thinking about how he had to be strong. How he had to be so strong for the company. He had to be strong for himself, and most important of all, he had to be strong for Hermione.
As he felt her start to slow down, he whispered in her ear, "It'll be ok. I promise." When he said that, Hermione felt a feeling of sudden calmness and proceeded to walk downstairs.
"The soon to be Mr and Mrs Draco Malfoy." Announced Lucius Malfoy proudly, while the audience clapped. Hermione looked around and gulped nervously. There were so many people here, important people. People that were important to Lucius and her father. She snorted inside. She didn't even know why these people were here. She didn't know any of them. She didn't care about them. At least Mandy was here. That was all that mattered. She could help her get through this
She looked around, trying to find a friendly face, while pasting a fake smile on. She looked around worriedly, but she couldn't find Mandy. For three hours she looked, but she couldn't find her! Hermione thought she'd never say this, but thank god for Draco Malfoy. The way he held her hand, made her feel safe. Though it was disgusting for her to think that, at least she knew he didn't want this, just like her.
By this time, Hermione was getting bored of smiling, laughing, shaking hands and thanking people for the congratulations. She was sick of the act, and just as she was going to excuse herself, she saw a familiar face. It was Harry Potter.
She instantly broke away, and greeted him with excitement.
"Oh my god! Harry! I haven't seen you for so long!" she exclaimed, giving him a hug much to Draco's dismay.
"Yes, it's been way too long Mione." Agreed Harry, accepting her hug. "Did you see the article?" he asked, his eyes twinkling in amusement.
"Yes I did," Hermione said, sounding affronted. "How dare they suggest you could be the downfall!"
Harry laughed, knowing exactly how his childhood friend would have reacted. "You're still the same."
"Yes I am," Hermione said, but her laughter suddenly died when she remembered where she was.
"But you're engaged." He stated, "I didn't think you'd get married so early."
"Me neither," she said quietly, but not quietly enough for Draco not to hear. In a flash, he was gone.
"So a Malfoy aye?" he asked, "The Grangers and the Malfoys combine."
"I sound like a cake mix," Hermione snapped at him, "don't put it like that."
"Feisty," smirked Harry, "Oh I've missed you."
"Yeah, I missed you too," Hermione said sighing. "Have you seen Amanda?"
"Amanda?" asked Harry, "Who's that?"
"Oh," Hermione said, smacking her forehead, "I forgot that you don't know her."
At that very moment however, Amanda did show up.
"Harry Potter!" she exclaimed, "Wow, it's so nice to finally meet you."
Hermione fought the urge to laugh at Amanda's rapidly blushing face and Harry amused grin.
"Yes," he said, "it's always nice to meet a fan."
"Oh, I'm not just a normal fan," Amanda said, shaking her head, "I've supported Puddlemere since, well since forever!"
Hermione decided at that point to save her friend, however which friend she was saving she didn't really know.
"Yes, yes," she said impatiently, "Harry, this is my best friend Amanda, and that is obviously, the seeker of Puddlemere."
"I know!" Amanda exclaimed, her eyes brightening. "Oh wait, I remember, I was sent here to tell you something."
"Sent here?" Hermione asked, "How long have you been here?"
"I dunno," shrugged Amanda, "Probably half an hour at the most."
"Half an hour and you haven't come to talk to me!" exclaimed Hermione, "I'm hurt!"
"Oh move on Mione," Harry laughed, "Stop with the dramatics."
"Oh, I remember," Amanda said suddenly, "Your father and mother say to stop talking to one person and start mingling."
Hermione's lips pursed. "I should've known."
Amanda looked around the room, and her eyes rested on Draco. "Why is he over there, and you over here?"
Hermione followed her gaze and a confused look settled on her features. "I have no idea, he was here a minute ago."
"You mean 20 minutes ago." Harry corrected, "You've been talking to me for ages."
Instantly, a feeling of guilt swept over Hermione. She blinked in confusion. Was she feeling guilty for ignoring Malfoy?
"I'll be right back," she said, heading in his direction, to leave Harry and Amanda alone.
Draco was talking to a couple that she recognised by sight, but not by name. "Draco," she said putting on a bright smile, "I've been looking everywhere for you!"
He turned to her, a fake smile not plastered on his features. "Oh, have you?" he asked in mock surprise, "I didn't realise. But may I introduce to you Mr and Mrs Parkinson."
"Hi," Hermione said warmly, "It's wonderful you made it." However, she didn't get a very warm greeting back. More of a frosty hello was more like it. "What's up with them?" she whispered to Draco after they walked away.
"They wanted me to marry Pansy." He said, silently wishing he did. Not that he liked her, but at least she didn't confuse and annoy him as much as Granger.
"Really?" asked Hermione tightly, "That's nice isn't it?"
"Yep," he said, walking off to do more mingling.
Hermione chased after him, "What is your problem?"
Draco feigned a shocked look, "Problem? I don't have a problem."
"Liar, Liar pants on fire!" Hermione exclaimed, "Come on, tell me."
"There is nothing wrong," Draco said through gritted teeth. Hermione was about to say something back, when Lucius clinked his glass, and waited for everyone to be silent.
"I would like to welcome you all here for the engagement party," he said, his voice magically louder than normal. "We thank you for taking time out of your lives to be here, and we are clearly grateful. However, I would like to inform you that the wedding date has been brought forward. Our lovely couple just couldn't wait!"
The happy couple on the other hand, were far from happy. "What!" exclaimed Draco, "What the hell is wrong with him?"
"You're talking about your father!" Hermione exclaimed, "But seriously, why I ought to…"
"Don't be stupid." Draco snorted, "You're a woman."
Thankfully, no one was watching their little 'spit fight'.
"Me? Just a woman? I … you …" spluttered Hermione, at a loss for words.
"Yes, you are hopefully just a woman anyway," smirked Draco, feeling triumphant at bringing her down.
"You immature prat!" she whispered harshly, "You are such a … a … a …"
"I'm such a what?" Draco asked, "An 'a'?"
"On our wedding night, I am going to kill you with my bare hands! Wand forgotten," vowed Hermione to him, "Don't you forget that!"
"Oh, I'm sure you will," smirked Draco. "But wait, we're forgetting something, you have no nerve."
"No nerve?" repeated Hermione, her eyes narrowing, "I bet you I have more nerve than you have in your little finger."
"You're on. 50 galleons." Draco smirked, his eyes shining mischievously.
Hermione whacked him under his arm, though to someone it looked like she was linking arms. "You know that's not what I meant!"
"Do I?" asked Draco, his eyes widened innocently.
Hermione laughed, but caught herself. "Be serious idiot! We have a crisis, our parents have brought up the wedding date! Two weeks! I have to find a dress, organise bachelorette parties…"
"Whoah, whoah," Draco said, putting his hands up in the air, "Bachelorette parties? Since when?"
"Since weddings were invented," Hermione said rolling her eyes, "It's the female version of a bachelor party!"
"No, a bachelor party is only for males. There is no female party!" Draco insisted, "You're supposed to sit down and drink tea or something, not watch sex driven male strippers!"
"Sex driven male strippers?" Hermione repeated, "That sounds deliciously kinky."
"Excuse me while I throw up," Draco snapped, "I'm not joking."
Hermione glared at him, "You are so sexist!"
Draco glared right back, "You are so … wanna-be male!"
"You both are equally immature!" Amanda said, interrupting with Harry right behind her. "You better stop fighting, people are starting to notice that your not lovey dovey and your parents are getting pissed off!"
"Hey, that's no lady language," Draco said, mock glaring.
Hermione let out a noise, "Sexist!" she exclaimed.
"I was joking," snapped Draco.
Harry interrupted them with a loud 'cling cling'. He surveyed the room, waiting for the audience to be quiet. "I would like to propose a toast, for the hopelessly in love couple," he started, watching Draco and Hermione smile at the crowd, holding hands. However he could see the wheels going around in Hermione's brain, wondering what he was up to.
"And before we raise our glasses, could they please give us a kiss?" he asked the guests, and they all laughed in appreciation.
"Kiss Kiss Kiss" they all chanted, while Hermione and Draco glared daggers at Harry.
Harry nodded innocently, "Yes, please do." He added, raising his glass.
Hermione and Draco looked at each other, both silently agreeing that this night was turning out to be worse than they expected. Draco gave Hermione the subtlest of nods, implying that he would kiss her.
He became closer and closer to Hermione, and she placed her hand on his shoulder, preparing herself for the first public kiss. Their first trapped kiss. As soon as their lips came into contact, Hermione felt herself melt into Draco's arms. He kissed her softly and sweetly, the perfect kiss in front of people.
Directly after they came apart, everyone in the room clapped, and raised their glass.
"To Draco and Hermione," they said, before downing the rest of their drinks.
"What the fuck?" exclaimed Draco, as soon as they were out of earshot. "What is wrong with you Potter?"
"Revenge," Harry said amusedly, "You stole my best friend, now I'm getting revenge,"
"I stole you best friend?" spat Draco, "Have her back!"
"Excuse me!" Hermione started, "Don't talk about me liken I'm a teddy bear! First a bloody cake mix, now a bloody teddy bear, what the hell is wrong with you people! I am a normal human being."
"What's wrong with you?" asked Harry, his eyebrows disappearing in his hair. "Calm down Mione."
"Calm down?" shrieked Hermione, "You're telling me to CALM DOWN?" She poked Harry somewhat viciously in the chest, "Now you listen here Mister, don't you dare pull that again or I will kill you before I kill Draco, and don't tell me to calm down when my parents pull forward a wedding me nor my fiancé want!"
"Whoah," Harry said, backing back defensively, "Keep away from me!" And with that, he disappeared, to possibly get away from Hermione.
He left behind a very red, pissed off looking young woman, who would probably have steam coming out of her ears if she ate a peppermint frog.
"Are you okay?" Draco asked hesitantly, never having seen Hermione before out of control.
"I need to find Cedric," Hermione said, disappearing into the crowd.
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