Where's Hermione when you need her? – Ron Weasley
Draco Malfoy pasted an aristocratic smile on his unwilling face and escorted Astoria Greengrass down the bustling cobblestone of Diagon Alley. Despite the fact it was expected of him, Draco could only feign acquiescence for so long. His father might be overly pleased with the match and sought to solidify an agreement, but his son had no such desires.
"Draco, you're not even listening to me," Astoria tilted her head and sighed up at him sadly. "We used to be quite good friends and now it's as though you can't even stand to be in the same room with me. What happened to us?"
"What happened to us? When exactly was there an us? Do you really wish to do this now?" Draco gestured toward the tea shop with an impatient grunt.
"Rosa Lee Teabag, really? This is where you're taking me? I wouldn't have bothered with one of my best gowns if I had known." Astoria sniffed with disdain and tossed her blonde tresses over her shoulder as she pushed through the creaking door.
"Not every outing forced upon us must be an extravagant display of Malfoy riches. It would do you well to appreciate more and complain less." Draco nodded politely to the pretty little hostess and was relieved to see their table was not in a secluded darkened corner.
"What is the point of being richer than Merlin if you don't flaunt it a bit?" Astoria's nose crinkled in distaste and she made quite a show of brushing the imaginary dirt from her seat before allowing her billowing teal gown to descend upon it.
"There is more to life than extravagance." Draco silently counted to ten and willed Ron Weasley to make an appearance.
"When I'm Mistress of the Manor, that's going to change." Astoria primly folded her perfectly manicured hands in her lap and looked at him expectantly.
"I've already told you that's never going to happen. My parents might have their sights set on a Pureblood bride for their only son. Your parents might be pushing for a quick engagement, but as for me? I'm never going to marry you, Astoria." Draco perused the tea shop with a long, slow breath. "At one time, we were friends. I quite liked those days. Yes, we dallied when we shouldn't have and for that, I apologise. It seems the errors of my youth continue to follow me into adulthood."
"Are you honestly trying to tell me you gave me the wrong impression when you were shagging me senseless? Is that what I'm hearing? You simply wanted to give a willing witch a tumble and I was convenient?" Astoria's voice grew shriller with every question and Draco winced but did not attempt to stop her. "I-I've loved you and you don't even care do you?" She sniffled and he scoffed.
"The past tense usage of love really gripped me. You're not fooling anyone, least of all me. You and I both know we had a good time and there's nothing wrong with that. Your father spoils you and therefore you expect everything you desire but rest assured, Astoria. I am not included. I cannot be forced. I cannot be purchased. I will not bend to my parents' desires. I did that once and look how well that turned out." Draco leant forward and braced his elbows on the tiled table and Astoria had enough sense to look sufficiently abashed.
They chose their selections in silence and Draco was grateful for the reprieve. He knew it was a terrible idea to get involved with Daphne's younger sister. He knew it then and now it was being drummed into him on a regular basis. He had once enjoyed Astoria's company. She was different then.
She had been willing to listen to his laments and they had forged what he had believed to be friendship. Of course, the lines had become blurred over an entire bottle of Ogden's finest and a rather forgettable shag. Everything had changed afterwards. Astoria had run off to her father with aspirations of being the next Lady Malfoy and refused to consider anything different.
"I'm not going to give up on us, Draco." Astoria reached for his hand and just as her fingers grazed his, he withdrew.
"Theo was absolutely gutted by our indiscretion. He still loves you, and it's cruel to toy with him the way you do."
"Theo is a realist. He knows I never would have chosen him if there was a chance with you. He hasn't the wealth or the influences that your family does, Draco." Astoria rolled her eyes and in that moment, he hated her.
"He loves you, why isn't that enough?" Draco slowly stirred the cup of tea presented before him and watched the tendrils of steam waft into the air.
"My family's reputation is in ruins due to the War. Not all of us were as fortunate as the Malfoys. We couldn't all escape unscathed with our endless galleons." Astoria dabbed the corner of her eye with the corner of a pale blue linen and turned toward the door.
Draco eagerly spun toward the door as he heard the tinkle of bells. He nearly whooped with delight, but he didn't wish to expose the ruse. He was nearly giddy with excitement the moment Ron Weasley stumbled through the door, but his smile froze and his eyes widened when he saw Hermione Granger on his mate's arm.
She was smiling and laughing, but she was not part of the discussed scenario. Draco hadn't expected Ron to bring Granger. It was going to ruin everything. Of course, it was too late and therefore Draco raised his arm in greeting as was expected of him.
"Hey, Malfoy! Look, Hermione, it's Malfoy." Ron's exuberant voice rang out in the tea shop and Draco winced.
"Lovely." Astoria grimaced and dutifully attended to her tea.
It wasn't the first time Ronald Weasley had happened upon them during one of their outings, and Astoria imagined it wouldn't be the last. She knew Draco was instrumental in these matters, but it was easier to feign ignorance. It was the first time Hermione Granger had made an appearance, and this displeased her greatly.
Daphne had warmed to the little Mudblood quickly post-War and frankly, Astoria was tired of listening to the girl's praises being sung. Astoria didn't care if Hermione Granger was a celebrated War Heroine. She didn't care if the bushy headed wretch was brilliant beyond measure and hailed as the brightest witch of the age.
Listening to Draco drone on and on about the woman drove Astoria to the brink of madness. She much preferred the days when he resorted to grunting and grumbling. Somewhere along the line, Draco Malfoy had become friends with the Mudblood and it was absolutely unconscionable. It could not continue. It would never do for the next Lady Malfoy to willingly associate with filth.
"Hello, Malfoy." Hermione's quick smile faded as quickly as Astoria's sneer appeared.
"Granger, Weasley," Draco gestured toward his surly companion with a quick hand wave. "This is Astoria Greengrass. Astoria, this is…"
"Yes Draco, I'm aware." She sighed with a small pout.
Hermione shifted her weight between her feet, but Ron wasn't the least bit bothered by Astoria's insolence. He had never been particularly invested as far as manners were concerned and plunked into the chair beside Astoria with a lopsided grin. He pointed to the empty seat next to Draco but Hermione rapidly shook her head.
"Come on, Granger, join us." Draco slowly stood and with exaggerated slowness scraped the chair across the dodgy tile.
Ron chuckled happily, which is the only reason Hermione sunk beside her partner. She and Ron had had a lovely afternoon thus far and she didn't wish to raise his ire. He had always had a temper and while he had managed to keep a tight rein on it since their breakup, it was tenuous at best.
"Suffice it to say our preamble to courting has come to an end?" Astoria's eyes narrowed while Ron helped himself to the assortment of pastries a slow moving house elf had placed in the midst of the table.
"C-courting? Malfoy I wasn't aware you were…" Hermione blushed as she paused. "What I mean to say is, last we had spoken about it you had vehemently vetoed the idea. I-I wasn't aware it had changed so quickly." She patted the elf's head as he set a cup in front of her and focused on the sticky bits of honey that dripped from the tip of her spoon.
"Don't mind her," Ron eyed the elaborate tea service at the next table as his stomach grumbled audibly. "Hermione prides herself on knowing everything is all."
"Weasley," Draco resisted the urge to kick the man in the shin and turned toward Hermione. "I am not courting anyone, Granger. Do you really think I wouldn't have mentioned it? Merlin knows we bloody discuss everything else."
Astoria observed their interactions with shrewd eyes. It wasn't blatantly obvious, their connection, but it was there. She could see it in the way Draco looked at her. She knew he probably wasn't even aware of it, but she knew him better than he believed.
She intensely disliked the way he leant toward Hermione when she spoke. Astoria was less than pleased to see the insufferable Gryffindor constantly touch Draco. He didn't even baulk at her boldness, which irked Astoria immensely.
"Today's outing is simply a precursor to solidifying the union between our families. There's no need to hide such things from your friends, Draco," Astoria tittered quietly and smiled ever so sweetly. "The service here is subpar. My tea is cold."
"I expect the proprietors realise we're all witches and wizards. Perhaps, they simply expect their patrons to utilise their magic on these delightful little inventions called Warming Charms," Hermione blinked slowly and tugged on the hem of her eggplant pencil skirt.
She wasn't ordinarily a pernicious witch, but she had her moments. Hermione was reminded of Lavender Brown and if she had a choice in the matter, she never wished to remember that particular witch. The thought of Astoria fawning over Draco Malfoy and assigning him a hideous pet name caused her to choke on her tea.
Draco didn't thump her back with harsh blows the way Ron always had. Instead, he smoothed the wrinkles in her cream blouse with a practised hand. He rubbed small circles along her spine until Hermione drew a full, yet ragged breath.
Astoria might have been adept at ignoring the way Ron Weasley shoved finger sandwiches into his gaping mouth, but her eyes missed nothing as far as Draco was concerned. She grit her teeth in silent rage when he didn't withdraw his hand from the Muggleborn witch. She felt her cheeks flush with rage when Hermione smiled and Draco's firm palm remained on the small of her back.
"They're always like that. You get used to it." Ron bumped Astoria's shoulder with his own and smiled.
"I don't believe I'd like to get used to it. I'd much prefer if they would refrain from embarrassing me as well as themselves. You must admit Mr Weasley, it is unseemly. From what I understand, you and the Mu-Ms Granger have had quite a colourful relationship. Do you approve of their interactions?" Astoria tossed her blonde waves over her shoulder and ignored the whispering across from her.
"Relationship?" Ron flinched away from the word as though it were something distasteful and vehemently shook his head. "We're friends. We dated for a bit sure and my mum would be overjoyed if we were to make a go of it again, but it would never work."
"Tell me why." Astoria feigned interest if only to learn more about the woman that seemed to have captivated Draco Malfoy's attention.
"Hermione is really intelligent," Ron shrugged as he refilled his teacup. "I'm not sure there's anything she loves more than books and learning. I'd rather watch a Quidditch match than open another book. She loves theatre and obscure texts. I love food and I'm not ashamed of it either. She's really headstrong and well, I am as well, but in all the ways that makes her absolutely batty. We fought more than we did anything else," Ron paused and took a moment to watch Hermione and Draco bicker.
"They seem to disagree quite often." Astoria broke the corner off a shortbread biscuit and waited for Ron to continue.
"Well yeah, Malfoy's not particularly easy to deal with, but their disagreements are lighthearted. I mean just look at them. Hermione looks really angry, but the corner of her mouth twitches, which means she's trying really hard not to smile. Malfoy is shaking his head, but he's touching her hand, which means he isn't nearly as angry as he's pretending to be," Ron was so very proud of himself, which didn't happen often. "I've learned a lot about the powers of observation since becoming an Auror."
"How on earth did Draco Malfoy befriend a Blood Traitor and a Mu-Muggleborn? Draco refuses to broach the subject with me, but if the plans go accordingly, I'll be the next Lady Malfoy. It's only fair that I learn as much as possible about his friendships." Astoria's lip stretched into a welcoming smile that completely disarmed Ron.
He wasn't used to dealing with beautiful witches smiling at him. He was accustomed to being on the receiving end of scowls and jeers. Ron simply considered it an occupational hazard and moved passed it. He had spent too many years being filled with anger. He wanted to be better.
"He saved my mum. It's not something he talks about, which I appreciate. You'd think Draco Malfoy was still a snivelling, pompous git, but he's not. The War changed all of us, but most of all him. His relationship with Hermione is different. Neither of them will discuss the catalyst, but I think it had to do with the incident at the Manor. I don't think it's possible to listen to someone scream the way she did and come away unscathed." Ron shook his head and his blue eyes closed for a moment as he sought to erase a memory.
Hermione and Draco grew quiet as they realised what Ron and Astoria were discussing. Draco's hand trembled and it was Hermione who drew his hand beneath the table and held it. His fingers grazed her bare knee and she allowed it. He laced their fingers together when her breaths grew laboured and he knew they wouldn't be able to remain in the tea shop much longer.
"Don't pay any attention to them," Hermione stammered. "Tell me what Minister Blair had to say when I was off in the loo. I'm sure I missed something important."
Draco focused on the small expanse of skin beneath his fingertips. He focused on the pressure of the warm hand within his own. He loosened his grip in order to toy with the hem of Hermione's skirt and she allowed him such liberties for the sake of his sanity.
"The Muggle piece of filth spent an exorbitant amount of time complementing your arse. Kingsley brought you to distract Blair. He also knew I would pitch a ridiculous fit, therefore he extended the invitation to me as well. I'm sure the Minister regretted his decision when I drew my wand, but Blair was amused and agreed to joint efforts." Draco lowered his eyes and concentrated on the feel of fabric between his fingers.
"Draco refuses to speak of the War. He claims the past belongs in the past and we should move forward. I have attempted to move forward with him, but he keeps putting me off. It really is quite frustrating. How exactly are we supposed to build a life together and provide the next Malfoy heir if he baulks at the idea of properly courting me? I am not a stupid woman, Mr Weasley. Do you think I am completely unaware of the fact Draco has continuously orchestrated your timely arrival during our outings?" Astoria seemed genuinely distressed as she dabbed the corner of her eyes, and Ron had never been capable of dealing with any witch's tears.
"Look, it's not your fault. There isn't anything that can be done about it. Harry and Hermione have their secrets and I don't bother myself with them. They don't concern me because they're not about me. You were too young to fight in the War. There will be parts of Malfoy that you will never understand," Ron absently patted Astoria's porcelain hand and was nonplussed when she withdrew as though she was burnt. "I'm the sort of bloke that would prefer a witch that wasn't involved in the War. It's part of the reason Hermione and I never worked out. We've known each other since we were eleven, there's no mystery left. We know all there is to know and we share most of the same memories of the War. She's like Malfoy. They need someone that understands all that. We're just not the right people for them and the sooner you learn that, the better."
Astoria's red lips parted to argue with him, but she had nothing to say. It wasn't a matter of properly understanding the new and improved brooding Draco Malfoy. She wanted the honour. She wanted the prestige. She wanted her friends absolutely green with envy. The impressive vault of galleons was a delightful perk, but she had plenty of money on her own.
The very idea that Ronald 'Blood Traitor' Weasley was more attuned to her intended then she, was insulting to her. She huffed with displeasure and returned her attention to Draco. Her cheeks were pink with outrage to see his forehead resting against Hermione's.
Astoria's fists clenched, in a small, yet noticeable display of gauche behaviour. She surreptitiously gripped her wand beneath the tabletop, but it was Ron Weasley who just so happened to grasp her wrist. His blue eyes were narrowed dangerously and his upper lip twitched with disdain.
"Let me go. You see them just as well as I. His actions are humiliating me." Astoria's harsh whisper was nearly lost in Ron's exaggerated cough.
"He's having an episode you self-absorbed bint," Ron maintained his hold on Astoria and stretched his free hand toward Hermione.
"It's alright. You'll be fine," Hermione muttered the words continuously, despite the fact they were drawing curious glances.
"Hermione, you should really get him out of here. We're drawing a bit of a crowd and you know how much he hates that." Ron leant forward to whisper and Astoria sneered angrily.
The intrigued whispers had grown into concerned murmurs the moment Draco Malfoy closed his eyes. The sounds around him were muffled at best, and he knew it wouldn't be long before his breaths were constricted and his chest ached with a familiar pang. He concentrated on the feel of warm hands against his cheek and ignored everything else.
Draco's eyes opened only to quickly slam shut as the room spun around him. He attempted to draw a full breath, yet managed nothing more than a wheeze. He leant heavily on Hermione, knowing it was she only by the faint smell of old parchment.
"I should take him to the Manor," Astoria murmured as she hurried after Draco and Hermione.
Astoria left Ron to pay for the sparse meal and concentrated on separating her intended from the Muggleborn. She flinched away from the flash of camera bulbs and shrieked in outrage. The Daily Prophet correspondent was supposed to capture an instrumented moment between Astoria and Draco, instead, it would be Draco desperately clinging to Hermione Granger, and that would never do.
"No!" Draco choked on the word and held the slight witch that much tighter.
"Are you mad? He'd never willingly return there." Hermione's temper flared and Ron knew if his mate hadn't been holding her partner aloft, wands would have been drawn.
"The Burrow," Ron interrupted quickly as the gathering of witches and wizards had grown. "Take him to the Burrow."
Hermione's blush lips pressed together, which was the only indication of her displeasure. She nodded curtly and withdrew her wand. She didn't ask as to Astoria and frankly, she didn't care what happened to the uppity little wretch. Hermione had tried to be nice for Draco's sake, but Astoria Greengrass was nothing more than a spoilt, selfish Pureblood and Hermione hadn't the time, inclination, or patience to placate a child.
Ronald Weasley waited until Hermione Disapparated with Draco before he turned his attention to Astoria. The younger witch amused him. In fact, she reminded him of Draco when they were all children. She was catty, petulant, judgemental and a definite elitist. She'd never worked a day in her life, and she probably never would.
She would sit on her arse, sip tea, and order about quivering house elves. She would marry well, though Ron couldn't imagine it being for love. She was empty and that thought made Ron feel sorry for her. Of course, Astoria was completely oblivious and focused on the best way to inform her parents she had not secured a promise of courtship.
"I can't believe this has happened to me. I don't expect you to understand," Astoria sniffed as she drew her silk scarf around her throat. "You're Pureblood, but it's not as though your family adheres to…well anything really. Now, where is this hovel you call the Burrow, it's up to me to tend to Draco," She buttoned her overcoat swiftly and tapped her fashionable peep-toed heel impatiently.
Ron scratched his head and completely mussed his hair. He didn't even flinch in the face of flashing cameras and questions being shouted in their direction. While he couldn't say he was particularly fond of being dubbed a celebrity, it wasn't nearly as horrid as Harry Potter made it out to be.
"Yeah uhm, I'm not bringing you to the Burrow. I've been nice enough and uhm, I'm done now. I'm fairly certain you'll be able to find your own way home." Ron tucked his wand into the front pocket of his drab slacks.
Astoria Greengrass stamped her foot angrily and dug her pale pink fingernails into Ron's forearm before he could saunter away into the crowd. For the first time in her life, she didn't paste a faux smile on her lips and pose for the correspondents. She was a whirlwind. She was a fiery blaze of rage.
"How dare you? She didn't…she didn't even take him to your mother, did she? I'd dare to wager that filthy little Mudblood scurried him away from me. She's jealous. She wants him for herself, which is ridiculous. He's Draco Malfoy and she's…"
"She's Hermione Granger," Ron interrupted. "She's a celebrated War Hero. She's the brains behind the Golden Trio. She's everything you'll never be and you can't stand that can you?" Ron guffawed loudly and was quite pleased with himself when Astoria blushed furiously.
"I'm Pureblood." Astoria pursed her lips as though her simple statement was the only explanation required for her abysmal behaviour.
"It doesn't mean nearly as much as it used to, now does it? I mean, let's think about it alright?" Ron tapped his forefinger against his lips and pretended to think things over. "I'm Pureblood and you don't hold me in high regard. Hell, if you really put your mind to it, you'd realise that being Pureblood isn't the most wonderful thing in existence considering a fucking War was fought over it. This is a new world, Ms Greengrass. You'd do well to remember it." Ron tipped his imaginary hat and flung Astoria's hand from his arm.
"You're a bit of a bastard." Astoria hugged her arms around her midriff and scowled unhappily.
She retreated from the startling blue eyes that roved over her covered form. She didn't enjoy being on display for wizards she considered less, and Ron Weasley definitely qualified as less. Ron snorted and enjoyed her unease more than a little.
"You're a horrible person, but you're sexy as hell."