Disclaimer: Of course, these lovely characters do not belong to me. I do borrow them for my idea.

Sorry for the delay, I was going to update yesterday and then the site didn't let me. Some of the questions in the reviews will start to get answered, but we still got a little way to go.

Thank you to all of your kind followers and the reviews.


Fourth-year as divorcees

November 2002 – Hermione

"Just to make sure, I understand you. You are upset at Ron for setting a date for your wedding in April because you didn't want to set a date until you tell your parents, who will probably forget again. Which in turn makes you refuse to tell them because you don't want them to forget."

"You make it sound like this is a weird thing."

The mind healer raised his eyebrow. It was a weird thing.

"He was also upset when I considered inviting Narcissa. I mean my own mother might have a meltdown and not remember that I'm not getting married at 16, and she was just always so helpful."

"Still having monthly lunches?"

"Well yes."

"How does Ron feel about it?" He didn't feel anything, because he didn't know. She glared at the healer. This was supposed to be about her feelings and she didn't like being nailed down like that. Only that she also couldn't explain why she hadn't set a date on her own after almost a year.

"This is just me wildly guessing, but could it be that there are other reasons for not setting the date?"

She huffed. There were plenty, but nobody seemed to understand them.

December 2002 - Draco

"I take it Christmas with your father didn't go well?"

It was the day after Christmas and Draco found himself glaring at his mind healer.

"Mother told him about Lucia and since the name wasn't one he knows, he didn't approve." In fact, he had ranted for quite a while over bad choices and values and the 28 and many other things that Draco hadn't listened to anymore.

"Is she a muggle-born?"

"Half-blood." Another glare: "Not that it really matters." The healer made a face that implied – it doesn't? showing but didn't say anything. "I just thought mother would be more supportive."

He let his eyes wander and finally took to staring darkly at a flower pot.

"She practically adopted Granger, who I had no intention of being married to, she wanted me to meet with Astoria or Daphne to meddle a marriage, but Lucia she still needs to warm up too."

"You like her then?"

That seemed fairly obvious to Draco.

January 2003 – Hermione

She was probably the grumpiest bride-to-be anyone had ever seen. The term bridezilla from the muggle world came to mind. It wasn't that she didn't want to marry Ron. In fact, that was the only thing that she was still insisted on. The only reason why she did all of this.

"Hi Mione." Harry came up next to her. She had stolen away to the garden of the Burrow. The brisk air was cold around her nose.

"Hi." She murmured quietly, trying to determine if she was glad he came or had rather stayed alone.

"You should tell them that you hate the cake."

She glanced over at him, deciding that he could stay. It was nice to know, someone still noticed that she wasn't into the whole thing. Well, she had been until most of her decisions had somehow been altered until they were the most convenient for the Weasley planning committee. On so many occasions she had loved the family for just this getting together and doing feeling, but someone she felt more and more runover. They were so excited and then there was Hermione.

"It's not the cake."

"It would be a start." His arm came around her shoulders. "Plus I really don't like it either."

She closed her eyes, a small smile on her lips, but the tears fighting their way out.

"This is really silly."

"It's your wedding, I don't think anything you say is silly." She turned to him, looking in his eyes, trying to determine if she still trusted him like that.

"I just never seem to have a choice. Woke up one morning married to Malfoy, had to become a healer because of my parents…" well and because the ministry and basically anyone else wouldn't hire her. "And now this wedding, I love them, but I kind of just want to elope or stay engaged a little longer and I certainly don't want to hear Molly talk about how fertile the Weasleys are in their wedding night…"

Harry snorted. "…I'm not ready for kids."

"It's called contraception. Spells, potions,… I'm sure you are familiar." He smirked. "And as you can see, it worked quite well."

She sighed.

"They love you and if you really rather change the cake or get married at Grimmauld Place or Hogwarts or wherever then tell them." He pulled her into a careful hug. "And if you want to invite Narcissa then do it. We both know you want her there and as long as Malfoy stays home, I don't see the harm."

She let herself melt a little more into his arms. So Ron had vented about her request. She wondered if Harry had told him the same thing.

February 2003 - Draco

He was back in Italy. The Zabini place was beautiful and Lucia was in his arms. He had been contemplating this for a while now. Even before Lucius' terrible reaction, although that had solidified this. They had been walking around the small muggle town nearby and had now stopped to watch the sun descend behind the Zabini property.

"Lucia." Draco was surprised by how nervous he actually was. He was sure. So sure and Lucius wouldn't ruin this. Heck, Granger and her never-ending presence in his thoughts wouldn't ruin it.

"Yes?" She turned in his arms abandoning the view to look at him.

"I…" He stared into her eyes. Green and beautiful and so distracting from the words he had carefully planned for her. His hand fumbled in his pocket.

"What is it?" An amused smile played on her lips, only disappearing when he finally held out the small box and sank to his knee. Her eyes widened.

"I don't know how I got so lucky, but you are the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time." That had not been his speech, but he forgot the rest of it. He took a breath. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes."

March 2003 – Hermione

"This is beautiful." Narcissa's warm smile widened as Hermione stepped out of the dressing room. A big princess cut dress with beautiful stitchwork.

"You think?" Her eyes went to the mirror. She didn't like it, but she was getting married next month and this was the only dress that kind of made her feel bride-like. Also, the alterations had cost a fortune and this was one of the final fittings, which she had finally been able to take Narcissa to because miraculously Ginny and Molly had been busy.

"My darling, this is not the face I want to see on you wearing your wedding dress."

"Well, it's nice enough."

"And that's not how you describe your wedding dress."

"It's paid for."

The older witch snorted, actually snorted, before she stood.

"Don't you worry, go change! We will be leaving."

Hermione stared at Narcissa, who adamantly waved her hands towards the changing room.

April 2003 - Hermione

"That's not your dress." Hermione glanced down at the rope. A soft smile played on her lips. It was her new dress and a wedding gift.

"Yeah, what happened to Princess Hermione?" Angelina appeared next to Ginny, bouncing a restless Fred on her hips.

"I didn't like her."

"You paid for her."

She swallowed. There was either going to be a huge discussion or a lie. "I was able to exchange it. I just had to pay for the alterations." Which would have been expensive enough.

This was bad, the first dress was charmed into an old poncho and hung in her closet. But if she mentioned Narcissa now, this dress and in turn her wedding would be much less enjoyable. Bad enough that Lady Malfoy should be sitting somewhere among the guests for the ceremony.

"You look magnificent. But this is not what you call a princess cut." A once again pregnant Fleur made her way into the room taking in the beautiful dress, not aware of the previous discussion. She had only been told about the dress her future sister-in-law had picked and had been excited to see it. It appeared that she thought they simply had described the dress differently from what it was. An A-line V-neck court train satin wedding dress with beading in the soft glow of ivory. And Hermione truly loved it. Of course, she had already made a solid case of not wasting the money and put the other dress in her closet, when the owl delivered this one to their apartment with all necessary alterations made.

"It doesn't matter now. She looks gorgeous and we'll better get her down there. Ron looked like he would throw up." Angelina was grinning with amusement. While Ginny was genuinely worried he might be right, her sister-in-law found it quite hilarious that Ron thought Hermione would change her mind.

They made it downstairs and to the doors when they opened and a distressed looking Molly entered, Arthur right on her heels. They could hear the commotion outside.

"Hermione, dear." Her face fell. It wasn't a surprise really, but she had made it this far in the day that she had hoped her parents would actually be present not only physically but with their hearts and minds. Which they seemed to have lost in the last few minutes. There was talk of potions and that they were still there. But she knew that they might as well be gone.

"I know it's not the same, but maybe you would allow me to give you away." Arthur's voice was very quiet at the suggestion. Like everyone else's his eyes were full of worry. She took a deep breath.

"Sure." Arthur had been like a dad to her all this time. There was no doubting it. The group was silent. Most of them waiting for Hermione to change her mind and her wondering what she had done to deserve this now. Like a reflex, her hand went to grab her pendant, but it wasn't there. She hadn't dared to wear it on her wedding day.

Finally, Molly seemed to snap out of it and sprang to action.

"Well, alright. We better get started. Ron is so terribly nervous, I'm sure it will be a relief to all of us when he can finally see you." And so they went. Molly and Angelina ahead, with Ginny following before Hermione, was led by Arthur.

She caught Narcissa's eyes when she walked down the aisle. That motherly look that she seemed to have reserved for just a couple of people, was the last straw and the tears began to fall. She looked up to Ron and could feel Arthur pet her hand on his arm, trying to make this better.

"I'm sorry." He murmured and he looked more scared than ever that she would leave. Which she didn't. She smiled and she got married. Later she would have to tell that story over and over when visiting her parents because they had no recollection of it.

May 2003 – Draco

"I'm sure the Zabinis would let some of our guests stay at their house and from there they could apparate." He was so tired of this discussion. Ever since their parents had been informed of the engagement the wedding seemed to be the only topic to be discussed. He wished instead of proposing he had just eloped with her. His father had reacted badly, but that had been predictable. The guards had informed him that he had asked to burn the letter. Draco could live with that. Narcissa on the other hand had stumbled right into wedding preparations, old heirlooms had appeared out of their faults and reservations had been made before he had finished his announcement.

"True, but then again they will be invited. Is Blaise bringing a plus one that isn't one of your friends?"

Draco shrugged, he didn't really care. Knowing Blaise he would find someone, even if just for the wedding and next night. However, he hadn't asked him and would have just put down the plus one on the list. Of course, his mother and Lucia were much more throughout. At first, Lucia seemed to be a bit overrun by Narcissa's enthusiasm but now she almost competed against her when it came to ideas to make everything bigger.

"You need to check." He was positive his mother intended for him to send the owl right now but remained seated anyway. In his opinion, it didn't matter where the guests stayed, for all he cared they could just leave right after the wedding. It didn't take Narcissa too long to get up with a sigh in his direction, murmuring something about having to send an owl anyway.

"She doesn't like me." The door had barely closed when Lucia's voice interrupted his thoughts. His eyes went back to the table she was seated at. She had been hinting at this ever since the preparation for their wedding had started, but he still wasn't sure what she meant and wanted him to do about it. His parents weren't known to bend their opinions on something just because he asked them to. He knew Narcissa was trying and what might feel like cool to his fiancee, was simply his mother's nature.

"Not true." He raised an eyebrow, as she glared at him.

"Of course, it's true." Her voice had an accusing ring to it now.

He sat up a little straighter on the couch, not that he had been slouching in the first place, he was a Malfoy after all. His eyes were on her and he tried to find a way to soothe her. This had started right after their announcement. He would get looks from Lucia, whenever Narcissa left the room or turned her back. But he hadn't actually witnessed his mother being rude, cool on occasion but not in any way that indicated she wouldn't approve of Lucia.

"She is still getting to know you and we Malfoys aren't known for becoming best friends right away." That seemed like a reasonable answer.

"She went to your ex-wives wedding last month."

Draco stared at her. He had read the wedding announcement in the Prophet but he wouldn't have been able now to tell when that event had taken place. Also up to this moment, he had honestly not considered whose wedding his mother had attended. All he had cared about was that she didn't ask him to go with her. He had always disliked the social events and ever since the war he simply hated them. Now it became clear that his mother hadn't dragged him along because she was being nice, but because he was simply not welcome. His thoughts were finally interrupted when Lucia's angry voice rang through the room again.

"How can you be okay with this? She treats me like some intruder and then turns around celebrating her. Wouldn't it be fair to treat all daughters-in-law the same?"

He swallowed hard and decided to stand and approach her. He wasn't going to make excuses for his mother's friendships and he certainly was past the whole Granger thing. How the Golden Girl had just become a reason to fight with his fiancée was beyond him. In fact, Narcissa had been way colder towards his ex-wife after their forced marriage than she had ever been to Lucia. After all, Granger had still been a mudblood and on the other side of the war being fought.

"You don't even have an excuse, do you?" She had gotten up as well, leaving the paperwork and heading towards the stairs. So he finally pushed words over his lips.

"It's not like I wanted to be married to her and mother liked her a lot less than you back then."

"And that's supposed to make me feel better how?"

She was gone when he sighed. As much as he wanted to he couldn't cancel Granger out of his mother's life. In fact, he was still grateful that she had gone to visit her, while Narcissa had been under house arrest. So who was he to claim now that this friendship wasn't necessary?

June 2003 – Draco

Draco stared at the grounds from his spot at the window. This past month fights seemed to have become almost more regular than planning the wedding. He had no idea how this had happened and he certainly didn't know what kept him from taking a much clearer stance for Lucia when it came to his mother. By now Narcissa was very much aware of the contention and in his opinion tried to figure things out, but Lucia now claimed that she was tiptoeing around her. This new issue truly left Draco speechless, because he didn't know what else was to be done.

"I just feel that we are both so much happier in Italy. Here everything is so stuffed and cold." This was her newest issue. Having to live in the Manor with Narcissa, even though he had already drawn out plans for a private entrance and sealing all doors connecting to the main manor shut permanently. He took a deep breath.

"We split the time now." He looked back down to his hands, holding his glass. While he could understand the whole Granger issue and even agreed that his mother had not been the most enthusiastic to welcome Lucia, he did not want to leave the Manor. This was something that had been a constant his whole life and the good memories outweighed by far those few horrifying years.

"But we are working when we are there, not even on the same projects at times."

He gave a small sigh. She was right. But he also wasn't wrong. He closed his eyes, and wondered once more when this perfect little relationship he had had with her started to crumble? Everything had been so perfect and easy. In fact, the perfection had swung over in perfect contention, but he didn't know why. He hadn't changed and his mother truly wasn't as horrible as Lucia made her sound and his home was much lighter and more appealing than it ever had been.

"I just won't move permanently at this time. This house is my home and quite frankly mother needs me here."

Lucia stared at him, as she had just caught him cheating.

"She doesn't want me here."

And they were back to his mother being the issue, which meant Granger probably already waited right around the corner for her next argument. He briefly closed his eyes. He wanted to tell her that wasn't true, but that hadn't done him much good the other times they had this discussion.

"I just want you to stand up for me."

"I am." At least he was in the opinion he did, however, he didn't really see the problem. His mother was being herself. Cool to the outside a little warmer to a close circle of friends and loving towards him. Nothing had changed.

"No, you are not." With that, she was gone again.

July 2003 – Hermione

It was Harrys birthday and naturally, it was a big affair at the Burrow. She had barely seen him since he had first welcomed them. Ron was off with George to discuss some of his ideas for the shop. Hermione herself had been floating through the room listening in on the conversations, trying to avoid the babies and toddlers, and finally settling next to Percy and Audrey. The pair had not been involved for very long yet, and this was one of her first Weasley events. So they sat in a corner by the bookshelves and were talking quietly.

"Hermione, my favorite sister-in-law." Percy actually smirked at her, before padding the couch next to them.

"How did I get that title?"

"Well, you are the only one who likes books and followed in my prefect and head boy steps."

"I never was head girl."

He shrugged it away: "Would have been if you hadn't been busy saving the world." He leaned back into the couch so she could get a better look at Audrey. "Have you met Audrey?" He made their introductions and she was pleasantly surprised by the young witch. They had quite a bit in common, which probably suited Percy well, but at the same time, she didn't seem quite as stiff as Percy was, which suited Percy well.

"Everyone, we have an announcement."

They had been in a discussion about the newest laws for house elves, as Hermione looked over to Ginny and Harry, just as everyone else did.

"We are happy to announce baby Potter coming in January." So much for him not being ready for kids.

August 2003 - Draco

He stared at his suitcases which were ready for Roks to transport them to his destination. He tried to swallow the lump in his throat, but it wouldn't go away. Finally, Draco turned and called for Roks, while he left the bedroom he had occupied in his parent's wing.

Lucia had left a few weeks ago. Her things magically removed, the family ring sitting on a table by the couch, she had talked him into buying. Of course, there had also been the angry howler from her mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother, throwing once more all the accusations in his face that he had heard so often in the past months: his mother, Granger, moving, standing up for her. The list was endless and surprisingly Lucius hadn't even made it into the top ten. Quite ironic considering that he had not been happy about the union and would have probably done his best to drive her out of his house much faster than she had left now.

He closed the door behind him and walked to the entrance hall to use to floo to the ministry to catch his international portkey. He was quite surprised to not find Narcissa waiting for him. He scanned the room twice before he began apparating through the house to check all the rooms she could possibly be in. Finally, he went to the library, simply because he hadn't check yet, and was surprised to find her there.

She set in the little seating area and was staring at her hands. He had almost crossed the whole room and cleared his throat before she finally looked up.

"You are leaving." Her tone sounded resigned.

"Can we not do this?" He sounded way more irritated than he had intended to. Draco had been tired of all the nagging coming at him for a while and with Lucia gone he just wanted things to go back to normal.

"You should have saved your relationship if you are leaving the Manor anyway."

"It's not like that would have solved anything. There would have been another reason to fight."

Narcissa finally glanced up from her hands but didn't speak again.

"Mother, I know you tried and I won't be gone forever. This just came up at the right time and I will be back once the job is done."

She nodded softly. The news that he would move to a different continent, the United States to study architecture there and work on a project for one of Bianchi's associates had thrown her for a loop. At first, she had assumed he would leave after the wedding, having heard of Lucia's wish to live elsewhere, but then suddenly the girl was gone and his bags packed a lot faster than planned.

"Would you just hug and kiss me goodbye, please."

He could feel her tears on his neck, when she finally did hug him and pulled her a little closer than Malfoys usually deemed appropriate.

September 2003

She was frozen.

Her mind was twirling and his words still hang in the air. It had been such a great birthday. Ron had taken her out for a private lunch and then dinner was with their closest friends. They would have dinner with his family and her parents on the coming weekend. When they had sat there joking and hearing all about Ginny's moods and morning sickness, life had felt just a little bit more normal than it had in a long time. When Ron's arm had come around her, she didn't have to focus on this being a good thing, it just felt good. As they had made their way to Harry's fireplace to floo home, he had whispered something about more birthday gifts and although she was sure that he was still enjoying sex much more than she was, she had been happily smiling back. So when they got home, his longing kiss hadn't been a surprise. As they made their way down the hall to their bedroom clothes were falling and just as she felt the bed against her legs, he had spoken.

"You know, maybe we could stop the contraceptives." She had frozen in her movements. "Wouldn't it be so cute, if our kids were in the same year in Hogwarts as Harrys?"

Her eyes flew open in a panic. And almost immediately there was the guilt for feeling panicked. Relief washed over her that he had missed her first expression and she schooled it for when he looked at her.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I…" Don't want children yet. Am going to be a terrible mom. Can't do this right now. Don't want to ruin the moment. She caught his eyes, full of hope. "I have just taken my potion for the month."

She could see a hint of disappointment in his eyes, but he was quick to shrug it away and trailing kisses on her again.

"Next month then." She tried really hard to not freeze again.

October 2003 - Draco

He had been sitting in a lounge with a few of the other project managers sipping on his fire whiskey. One of the investors had joined them, introducing his daughter, barely 18-year-old Ashley. He had noticed her earlier but had decided that for one she looked too young and also he should probably take a little bit more time to let the failed engagement cover-up.

However, when he found her in his arms the next morning, he had concluded that the fire whiskey had had a different opinion on the matter. Surely it couldn't hurt to have a fling for a while. Surely a girl barely of age wouldn't be looking for anything permanent yet.

And so he took her out and spend much more money on her than was reasonable. They went to plays, nice meals, and any other place she had always wanted to visit. And after each date, she ended in his bed, wrapped tightly around him in the morning.