"Princess of Avalon Hermione Morrigan Trenna-" there was a pause as a roll of whispers started around the gathered crowd. "Excuse the correction, Lady Hermione Jean Granger and her escort Lord Draco Lucius Malfoy." The announcing attendant frowned but had the decorum not to show his discomfort of being interrupted by Hermione. They entered the main hall and was immediately taken over to the Pendragons who were off to the right surrounded by intimidating looking security with wands at the ready. Pansy and Blaise were just finishing up their pleasantries with the well-dressed couple. They did look like any other witch or wizard there. Lady Jane had pretty dark gold hair that was elegantly pulled back with a silver crown on her head. Lord Arbour also looked stately in a modern cut dark blue robe with a matching simple silver crown to match. His hair was dark red almost black and swept back to a low pony tail at the base of his neck. They were smiling and talking with the two Slytherins like they were all just regular people. It was highly surreal to Hermione who had never met royalty in her life.

"Just remember to breathe," Draco patted her hand that was clutching his arm like a life line, she nodded and tried to take in a strangled breathe. Soon another attendant motioned them forward, Hermione froze instantly as Arbour's strange eyes finally landed on her. They were magnetic and a molten green/brown color that reminded her of something she had long forgotten. Something buried in her deepest memories. Draco dragged her forward with a hand firmly set on her lower back to keep her steady. He bowed gracefully and Hermione curtsied awkwardly next to him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both. I hope you have a wonderful night," Lady Jane smiled warmly, gathering Hermione's numb hands in her own. Her dark blue eyes held zero recognition or any indication that Hermione was special.

"Thank you," Hermione tried to keep her voice even.

"Don't worry Lady Granger, we don't bite!" Lady Jane grinned, Hermione blinked at the other woman's joke.

"I'm sorry but I've just…" Hermione trailed off, at a loss for words.

"Never met royalty before? It's alright, we get it all the time. Most of the Wizarding community is so closed off even from each other that we only really get this chance to meet all of you. I wish we had more opportunities," Lady Jane rambled on, trying bring Hermione's nerves down.

"Yes, more opportunities. I don't really know much about the Pendragons, just all the myths and legends," Hermione responded, grasping at what the tall woman was saying.

"Well the War has definitely distracted the papers lately. We used to be hounded by all sorts of newspapers and such. We of course are more interested in international concerns what with the middle east and such," Lady Jane explained, Hermione looked mildly taken aback.

"I didn't think the magical world was concerned with the wars of Muggles," Hermione tilted her head, her curiosity flaring.

"When people die, my dear, it's a concern for all of us. There's more to the world than just Voldemort but I understand, you have your own battles to fight and they seem like the center of the universe when you're running for your life. Oh dear, I've taken up too much time. I'm sorry Lady Granger. We must speak more of your dearest friend, Harry Potter. I'm intensely curious about him and I've heard such promising things about your intellect. Brightest Witch of our Age and what not," Lady Jane gave her another warm smile as Draco touched her arm, leading her away from the couple. Hermione's eyes went to Lord Arbour and another wave of recognition went through her but before she could say anything she was whisked away, deeper into the crowd of Purebloods.

"Well that seemed like an interesting conversation," Draco murmured as they made their way over to the line of refreshments.

"Don't think I didn't notice you and Lord Arbour whispering conspiratorially next to me," Hermione growled, picking up a finger sandwich and munching on it.

"They wish for us to return tomorrow for lunch," Draco answered, Hermione blinked, shocked once more.

"Did he say what for?" Hermione asked.

"Lord Arbour said he didn't need a reason to request his dearest cousin's presence," He grinned as she just stood there, processing all the information that had just dropped onto her head.

"Cousin?" Hermione repeated.

"Come on, let's go have some fun," Draco pulled her over to the dance floor.

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