Chapter Twenty Seven
One month after Draco was released from the hospital, the Minister threw a gala in honor of the Dragonpox solution with he and Luna as guests of honor.
The evening of the event, Draco checked his reflection in the mirror and fussed with his dress robes for the umpteenth time before flooing to Luna's cottage to escort her to the ball. He stepped from fireplace and was met by Ginny Weasley.
"Luna's putting on her jewelry. I came by to help with her hair and decided to stick around so I could see your first reaction before I left," smirked Ginny.
Before he could respond, Draco heard a soft voice behind him say, "So - what do you think?"
Draco turned and time seemed to slow before grinding to a halt altogether.
Luna stood before him wearing a full length, form fitting gown of crushed emerald velvet with a halter top that left her arms bare. Her hair was styled in an elaborate up do that accentuated her elegant neck, exposing more of her than Draco had ever seen outside of his dreams.
He tried to form words but seemed to have momentarily lost the ability. Ginny looked incredibly pleased with herself and said, "Yes! That was exactly what I was going for."
She waved at Luna. "Harry and I will see you both there. I'll make excuses if you happen to be...delayed." She turned to Draco and gave him a stern look, "Just don't muss her hair until after the party. I worked hard on that."
The red head giggled happily as she disappeared through the floo, leaving Draco still frozen - mouth agape and eyes wide, giving him the appearance of a recently caught trout in a fishmonger's window.
Luna spun slowly to allow him full view of the dress. "Do you like it?" He caught sight of how much of her back was exposed and suddenly wanted nothing more than to run his fingertips across that uncovered bit of skin.
Draco finally managed to speak. "Merlin's beard..."
Luna nervously smoothed the dress. "Is it okay? I've never been to a formal affair like this, so I relied upon Ginny to advise me on what to wear."
Draco silently took back any negative thoughts he'd ever entertained about Ginny Weasley. "It's stunning. Do we have to go out? Because I am blissfully happy right where I stand."
Luna blushed and said, "There is a room full of people waiting on us at the Minister's house."
"Bugger them."
Luna extended her arm, now adorned with an elaborate bracelet fashioned in the shape of a dragon. "At least an appearance?"
Draco gave a reluctant bow. "If the lady insists."
As they entered the floo Luna placed her left hand on his forearm and for the first time Draco noticed that she had removed her wedding ring. He gave her a questioning look and she responded simply, "It was time."
She then gestured towards the pot containing the floo powder. "Will you do the honors?"
They flooed to the gala and as they stepped from the fireplace in the great hall of the Minister's residence, Draco spotted a bit of soot on Luna's cheek.
He pointed to her face and said, "You have some..."
"Blast," Luna sighed. "I didn't bring a mirror. Would you..."
He produced a linen handkerchief from his pocket. "Do you mind?"
She tipped her face up towards his. "Please."
He gently wiped the cinder from her cheek. "There."
"Am I acceptable now?" Luna asked.
"More than," beamed Draco.
Ginny Weasley edged towards them and whispered, "I hate to break up a moment but, if you hadn't noticed, you are surrounded by a crowd of people including press from all over the Wizarding World and everyone is staring at you."
"Are they? Good." Draco looked at Luna with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "What do you think, love? If we're going to end up in the papers anyway, what say we give them something memorable to write about?"
Luna slid her arms up his chest and around his neck. "Oh, I think that is a capital idea."
Draco wrapped his hands around her waist, raised her slightly off her feet and kissed her soundly. Luna happily complied as the room exploded in flash bulbs and the paparazzi dissolved in an absolute frenzy.
"Great Godric's Ghost!" Ginny snickered. "Rita Skeeter almost choked on her own tongue."
Draco rested his forehead against Luna's and said, "Only almost? Damn. Let's give it another go and see if we can do the old battleaxe in."
Harry stepped up and laughed along with Ginny, "Taking the spotlight off me AND plotting the demise of everyone's favorite reporter? Careful Malfoy or I might actually start to like you."
Luna wrinkled her nose and teased, "Harry Potter! It is bad form for you to flirt with my date."
Harry stammered and Ginny snorted, "Ooo...I'm not one that normally considers sharing but a kiss between those two just MIGHT finish Skeeter off."
Draco arched an eyebrow and glanced from Harry to Luna before saying, "Sorry, Potter. I'm flattered but I'm taken and besides...I prefer blondes."
The flustered look on Harry's face produced another round of laughter from the group that was interrupted by an officious "Ahem" from behind. They turned to find Percy Weasley looking perplexed and bewildered.
"Sorry to interrupt... whatever the hell this is, but the Minister wants me to inform you that we are ready to get started. So Harry, if you and my sister will take your seats then we can make the presentation of the guests of honor."
Ginny turned up her nose and stuck her tongue out. "Whatever you say, Percival."
Percy narrowed his eyes and retorted, "Mind your manners, Ginevra."
Ginny glared and was getting ready to snipe back when Bill Weasley walked past with his wife and said, "Oi! Both of you. Play nice or I'll be forced to call mother over and I'm sure none of us wants that."
Harry led Ginny away as the elder Weasley turned to Draco and Luna and said, "Charlie sends his best, by the way. He appreciated your invitation but honestly, donning dress robes and spending this much time indoors is his idea of Hell. Says he'll see you both on your next trip to the preserve."
Bill and Fleur were then escorted out of the reception area, leaving Draco and Luna standing alone with Percy.
"Right. Follow me," said Percy, hustling them into position. "So the protocol is as follows - You will wait here at top of the stairs behind this curtain. In a few moments you'll hear the Minister call the gathering to order then the curtain will part and you will be introduced. As soon as that happens you will make your way down the steps and take your place at the table up front. You've been seated with the group Luna requested. Once you are situated dinner will be served. After the meal, the Minister will say a few words then the ball will begin. Any questions?"
"Yes. I have a question. Will there be pudding for desert?" asked Luna.
"I...I wasn't given the specifics of the menu," sputtered Percy, rifling through the agenda in his hands.
"If you could check on that for her, it would be very much appreciated," said Draco, trying to hide his amusement at the situation.
As Percy flitted off to determine the status of dessert, Luna gave Draco a sidewise glance and admitted, "I already know we're having pudding. I just think it's good for him to not have all the answers from time to time."
Draco laughed and placed a kiss on the side of her forehead. "Good job. You keep making sure we're all on our toes, love."
As they waited for the announcement, Draco fidgeted with the cuff of his sleeve and shifted his feet. Luna looped her arm through his and asked, "You okay?"
He gave a short nod. "You?"
"A touch nervous to be honest. But I suppose it's natural to feel a little uncomfortable when there are a bunch of people staring at you," said Luna. "I'm glad we are here together, though."
"Me too," said Draco.
They heard the minister begin to speak and just before the curtain opened Luna tightened her grip on Draco's arm and whispered, "In case I forget to tell you later, I had a wonderful time this evening."
"Thank you. So did I," smiled Draco. "Ready?"
"Ready."
The curtain parted and the couple stepped forward then made their way down the stairs towards their table. Draco noted that anyone who was anyone in the wizarding world was present with the notable exception of several former members of Ravenclaw house. Not long after returning home Draco had enlisted Ginny's help in identifying the students responsible for tormenting Luna and made it his mission to ensure those names were excluded from the guest list.
Draco and Luna took their place at the head table along with the people she had requested. The meal proceeded without a hitch as Draco, Harry, Ron and Ginny discussed the most recent quidditch standings while Hermione, Neville, Hannah and Luna compared notes on the current ministry policies regarding werewolves.
After dessert and the Minister's remarks, Draco and Luna led the first dance of the ball as well as sharing almost every dance thereafter, with even Rita Skeeter being forced to admit what a handsome and happy couple they made.
The night was an almost total success. The only blemish came about when Draco had to be forcibly restrained from injuring a drunken Bulgarian diplomat that he witnessed making a rather aggressive pass at Luna in between dances. The man in question was quickly removed from the party and immediately recalled by his embassy to both preserve his life and prevent an international incident.
Around midnight Draco and Luna said their goodbyes to everyone before side apparating to Luna's cottage. The moment they appeared in her sitting room, Draco quickly spun her around and eagerly claimed her lips with his own.
"Sweet Merlin," he gasped between kisses. "I've wanted to do this all night."
"Why didn't you?" breathed Luna.
"Propriety...and fear of what the Weasley girl would do to me if I messed up your hair," admitted Draco, as he finally allowed himself the luxury of caressing the part of her back which had captivated him all evening.
"Well, I think I can solve that part of the problem." Luna whispered a brief incantation which brought her hair tumbling down into loose cascades, causing the hungry look on Draco's face to intensify. "So I take it this means you approve of my outfit?"
Draco ran his fingers through her hair before dropping his hands to her side to caress the soft velvet fabric of her gown. "Approval doesn't even begin to scratch the surface. A woman as beautiful as you in a dress like this? That qualifies as downright sinful."
"I'm glad you liked it. I made it especially for you."
"Lucky me. How so?"
"The fabric reminded me of the feeling of the unicorn's muzzle. You said green was your favorite color. Dragon jewelry." She blushed slightly and added, "I even forced Harry practice dancing with me so I could get used to doing it in heels."
Draco made a face. "Potter?"
"He owed me a favor for abandoning me at Slughorn's Christmas party all those years ago."
Draco began kissing her again. "You subjected yourself to Potter flailing about for me? I am indeed honored."
"Stop," Luna scolded Draco playfully then asked, "Did you really mean that?"
"What? That Potter's dancing is abysmal? Of course, I do."
"No. I mean do you really believe that I was beautiful tonight?"
"You are beautiful all the time. Other people just noticed tonight." Draco lightly ran a series of kisses along her jaw. "You may not have seen how all the men looked at you this evening, Luna, but I can assure you that I most certainly did. They may not all have tried to paw at you, like that drunken barbarian, but there was no shortage of wizards in attendance that undoubtedly wished to...become better acquainted with you."
"I don't know about that, but I can assure you that there was only one wizard in attendance this evening that I wish to become better acquainted with," said Luna, standing on her toes giving his neck a little nibble. "And I'm hoping that he'll consider staying here tonight?"
Summoning every last shred of self restraint available to him, Draco pushed her gently away and spoke in a hoarse voice, "You have absolutely no idea how difficult it is for me to decline that invitation but I have a promise to fulfill first."
He took one more step back, cleared his throat and bowed. "With that in mind, Luna Scamander Previously Lovegood, if you are available this coming weekend, I would very much like to take you away and prepare that home cooked meal you requested."
Luna smiled and dropped into a deep curtsey. "I would be thrilled to accept your invitation, Malfoy Draco Malfoy. I was beginning to fear that you'd never ask."