Love Isn't Easy (But It Sure Is Hard Enough)

This was written for the last ever Dramione Remix 2019. I'm seriously going to miss the writing fest, as it always produced some fantastic stories from other fantastic writers. So, thanks to the mods for taking on the challenge of organising such a fest!

The prompt is based on Donna/Sam from the film "Mamma Mia!", although I did adapt a few details to make it fit the story better...

Last but not least, many many thanks to all the people that helped me turn this prompt into an enjoyable read! Mwah!

..

Prologue

"Draco, darling... You made it." Astoria rose from her chair at the restaurant table to greet him. "Your assistant told me you'd come a little later, although I didn't expect it to be this late."

He nodded with an apologetic smile before he leaned down to greet her with a kiss on the cheek. He had used the short trip down Diagon Alley to walk off his frustration about the last-minute delay by his fellow Council member. "Blame Thursby... I had to pull the coals out of the fire for him, as always. But thanks for waiting."

With a friendly smile, she let him push the chair closer as she sat back down before leaning on the table as he sat down opposite her. "Oh, you know, the alternative would have been dinner with my parents, and you know how much I enjoy that."

"True. They were always a pleasure." Grinning now at her remark, he reached for the menu, although he already knew what he liked. He sighed in relief; she still had the ability to let him relax in her presence, regardless of what had previously occupied his Slytherins, this was a rare ability, as everyone always tried to have an edge or an advantage, and everyone was always on guard to some extent.

The Black Quill was their favourite restaurant — small but with a tasteful interior and a comfortable atmosphere. It held a lot of memories for both of them, so it was, of course, the place of choice to meet up occasionally, despite being divorced now.

Looking at Astoria after a quick glance on the menu, he recognised the smile that curled up her lips. She only wore it when she had called him an idiot, although usually lovingly so—except for the very first time when she took him back after breaking off their engagement.

It had been the exact same smile.

"Last time you smiled like that, you told me I was an idiot for being late to sign the divorce papers," he said, leaning back, just as the waiter arrived to take their orders.

They ordered their favourites, although Astoria surprised him when she declined their usual glass of wine and instead stuck to sparkling water. "I'm glad you did sign them, though. However, I was just thinking about that moment when I told you the first time that you were an idiot. Remember?"

He chuckled and shook his head in amusement. "Oh yes, I do. You were pretty clear about it, and you did make me grovel for a while... But why mention it now?"

Astoria pulled what looked like a parchment letter out of her little purse to hand it to him. "I had this in my mail this earlier this week. Seems like someone still had your old address..."

Draco held the letter up to have a look at the writing, but he didn't recognise the style. On the back, he saw a small note that it was sent from Greece, which made him curious. So, without further thought, he opened the letter.

..

Wedding Invitation

You are hereby invited to the wedding of

Sofia Eleanora Granger
and
Myles Baros

on the Island of Chalki

Date: 3 September

Please RSVP

..

"Granger?"

"Yes, Granger. You two were pretty close friends at Hogwarts from what I remember and the few years afterwards. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she didn't snatch you back then, but I still wondered why there had been no contact whatsoever in the last twenty years, ever since you returned from Greece," Astoria replied, with only a hint of sharpness in her voice, as she reached for the glass of sparkling water the waiter had brought while Draco had read the invitation. "Sofia has to be her daughter... Must be 20 years old now, I think."

Draco's head was spinning by now, the memories of that summer in Greece coming back with full force. He had been there for research on local herbs and ingredients before returning to Hogwarts as potions master. It had taken him only one afternoon to lose his heart to the fierce passion of Hermione Granger. To start dreaming of a future away from the pressure of the English wizarding society.

"Yeah, you haven't really changed..." Astoria chuckled, pulling him from his thoughts. "Still in love with her. I did you a favour and already sent a reply to that girl, saying that you'd love to attend. Take the chance, Draco. Don't be an idiot again."

"Astoria! I... I can't just show up like this at her daughter's wedding–"

"You can. Nah!" She silenced him with a slightly raised eyebrow. "Look, I know you loved me when we married, but I wasn't blind. You lost your heart to that woman."

"But–"

"Draco, I'm not mad at you, okay? Loving someone and losing your heart to someone are two different things. We still had a good marriage, and honestly, I'm glad we didn't end up like aunt Imogen–"

Draco mocked a groan to her amusement, mostly to cover the sense of relief that slowly spread through his body in response to her words. "Thanks."

"Just take Scorpius with you, will you? He could use some cheering up after that Ravenclaw girl–"

"Marlena–"

"Yeah, she broke up with him after the graduation. Maybe a nice Greek girl might distract him... A bit like father, like son?"

"Fine." Draco couldn't help but shake his head in amusement at her remark, only to be interrupted by the waiter bringing their dinner orders.

..

Here we go again...