Disclaimer: Many thanks to JK Rowling for her wonderful works. They are hers and hers alone. I have only borrowed her characters for a while and built my own little fantasy around them. There is no pay involved for me in doing it.


Chapter 21

That evening Hermione sat on her sofa and waited for Draco to come back from work. She used the time to call Ginny to talk about the upcoming weekend.

"Is he back to sleep?"

Ginny sighed, "Yeah. Five year olds! It's so hard to get him down some nights. Mommy, I need to go to the bathroom, mommy I want some water, mommy I blah blah blah. Some nights I want to just strangle that child!"

"What? He never asks Daddy for anything?" Hermione laughed at her friend's exasperation.

"Sure, but it's so much more fun to bug the shit out of me. Harry just tells him to go back to bed in that no-nonsense way of his and he does it."

"So, try that," Hermione suggested.

"I have!" Ginny sighed. "But, then he starts to cry and I cave. That little beast has me wrapped around his finger and he knows it!"

Hermione laughed, but then Ginny said, "So, back to the reason you called…"

Her laugh died as she blurted, "Draco wants me to go with him to Malfoy Manor for a birthday party for Narcissa on Sunday."

She smiled again when Ginny sputtered, as it felt good to have someone understand her feelings on the matter. All day the thoughts of all the horrible things that could happen had plagued her, and she needed someone to listen to her and be on her side. Plus, Ginny had a way of helping her think more clearly.

"How can he expect you to go back there?!"

"I don't know. It's like he's forgotten everything or something." Hermione said as she shook her head.

"Maybe he has," Ginny said after a pause.

"What? How the hell can you forget something like that?!"

Ginny took a breath, "Well, what if his memory was erased or something? I mean, Lucius wouldn't want his son to remember all the horrible things he'd done, would he? Especially after they didn't win. He knew Draco wasn't really on their side. Maybe he wiped Draco's memory of that night to save his sorry hide."

When Hermione said nothing, Ginny continued softy, "Have you two ever talked about that night?"

"No," Hermione answered, "not really. I mean, we've talked about school and stuff that happened back then. And, we've talked about the war in general, but he never talks much about that last year."

"Well, maybe you should try to get him to talk about it," Ginny answered. "Or, just feel him out and see if he says anything."

Hermione sighed and sat back to close her eyes, "Yeah, I guess. But, what do I say? And, if he doesn't seem like he remembers, how can I not go with him?"

"Well, do you think you can go? I mean, can you really go there and act like nothing happened?"

"I don't know Gin." Hermione sighed. Then she pouted, "And, I shouldn't have to! Why should I bend to the wishes of people who hate me?!"

"Draco doesn't hate you," Ginny gently reminded her. "And, with all we've put him through to be with you, maybe you sho…well," Ginny finally took a breath and muttered reluctantly, "Well, he's been doing a lot for you, Mione, maybe you should try to go, if you think you can."

"That's what he said," Hermione grumbled. "But, we're talking about that place! And, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy! The only person they hate more than me is Harry. And, Draco as good as said they don't want me there, they just want to show me off to all their pureblood cronies. They want to show that they still have power and influence, even after all this time. I'm not a damn checkered flag for them to wave!"

"I'm sorry, what?" Ginny asked.

"Never mind, it's a muggle thing."

Ginny heard the anger and frustration in Hermione's voice, but also the fear. "Mione, maybe you should look at it as a kind of compliment."

"What?!" Hermione gasped.

"Think about it. They hate everything you stand for, they don't like you personally, but they respect you enough to want to brag about you being with their precious, pureblood son. It's a compliment in a very strange, crazy, screwed up, Malfoy way."

Hermione finally voiced her fears, "But, Gin, what if they have something planned to humiliate or…or hurt me? And, how do I face that room again? I can't. I really don't know if I can. Besides, I won't know anyone there or what to do. I'm on my own. And, they're so bloody rich, it's disgusting. He told me once what their parties are like. If they don't kill me first, I'm going to make a fool of myself! I haven't ballroom danced since Hogwarts, and I was awful at it then! That's probably what they want. Then, they can tell Draco how we don't belong together."

Ginny shook her head at her friend's insecurities, "First of all, there is nothing his asshole parents can do to make that man stop loving you or break up with you, so get that out of your head. It's actually kind of disgusting the way he fawns all over you, really."

She heard Hermione's light giggle and smiled as she continued, "And, Mione, think about it. They couldn't be planning to embarrass or hurt you if they want to show you off to their friends. It wouldn't make sense and would defeat their purpose of being able to say their son snagged Harry Potter's best friend."

"I guess," Hermione sighed.

Last, Ginny added softly, "And, as for that room, I don't know, hon. If you decide to go, try to make sure you don't go near it. You're brave, Mione. Prove to them that they didn't best you. And, you won't be alone, you have Draco."

Hermione felt a tear of frustration, confusion and fear slide down her face as she nodded against the phone. "Okay. You're right. I can do this. But, what do I do about everything else? If they really do want this to work, then what happens if I blow it? I can handle dinner and I can get past the dancing. I have to go shopping, but I know how to dress. But, what the hell do I talk to these people about, Gin? We're talking about a house full of ex-Death Eaters, who wanted nothing more than to see me dead only 5 short years ago!"

Ginny sighed, "Mione, I hate to say it, but you're sounding a bit like Ron."

"What?!" Hermione yelled. "I am not!"

"Yes, you are!" Ginny answered back. "We all keep telling Ron how everyone has changed since the war and how he should give Draco and Blaise a chance. I know it sounds weird, but maybe you should do the same for Draco's parents? Everyone has changed, you've said so yourself. There is a slim chance that they aren't the evil asses we remember."

"Fine," Hermione huffed.

Ginny giggled as she imagined her friend's pout, "Just keep telling yourself that no matter what, they wouldn't want to embarrass Draco, so they will be on their best behavior."

"Yeah, I guess."

"And, I am sure he'll make it worth you're while, if you just ask nicely," Ginny said with a wicked laugh.

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

By Saturday morning Hermione had let Draco convince her that things were going to be fine. Several times. She grinned to herself as she showered and recalled his way of thanking her for giving his parents a chance. A shiver ran over her skin when she thought about his promise to continue thanking her later that night when they got back to the apartment from the wedding planning they were going to do with Beth and Blaise. Her smile slid a little as she recalled his complete lack of awareness as to why she wouldn't want to go though.

As he had put it, "Just wait until you see the manor, Mi. Despite the ugliness it saw, Mother has really turned it into a rather spectacular place."

Could Ginny have been right? Did he truly not recall that night? Could Lucius have wiped out that memory?

Come to think of it, he's never mentioned much of what happened that year…

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the bathroom door open and he entered.

"Mi, love?"

"Yes?" she called over the water.

"How long before you're ready?" he said as he peeked in past the curtain.

She smiled at him as she rinsed off in the water, "Almost done, about another half hour. Why?"

He couldn't stop himself from running a hand over her wet body as he answered, "Blaise just called and I have a few things over there that he thought I might need. I was going to pop over and get it and I didn't want you to wonder where I was."

She leaned toward him and gave him a quick kiss, "Okay. But, you don't have to come back for me. I will just come over when I'm done. We can bring it back later."

"Okay," he said. "Hurry up. I'll see you there."

Hermione heard him pop away and finished up the rest of her shower. She was collecting her purse to leave when she heard a pounding on her front door. She thought of ignoring it, but decided to check the peephole anyway.

When she saw who it was she took a deep breath before opening the door. With all the thoughts in her head, she really wasn't in the mood for this now.

With a frown she opened the door and said coldly, "Wrong place. We're meeting at the loft."

"I know," Ron said. "But, I wanted to talk to you. Georgie said she would explain why we're late."

When she didn't answer, he smiled a little, "Mione, can I come in?"

Her hard expression didn't change as she stepped back and then shut the door.

When he didn't speak she snapped, "Look, I'm really not in the mood to fight with you today, Ron."

"No," he shook his head, "that's not why I came."

She raised a brow at his silence, "Well?"

He stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked sheepish, "Well, Georgie and I were talking again this morning and she thought I should come talk to you. To apologize."

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry for all of this crap," he said.

"Why?" she asked with her arms folded over her chest. "Why now?"

He shrugged, but answered, "Because I am honestly tired of fighting with you and everyone else over it. He's what you want and whether I like it or not, you're with him, so I need to accept it and move on."

"Sounds just like something Snoop would say," she commented. "Why are you really here, Ron?"

"What do you mean? I told you, to apologize."

"You could have done that at the loft," she reminded him.

"Well, I didn't know how well it would go and with him there, I didn't fancy getting into another row about it."

She sighed again, "So what? I'm supposed to believe that all of a sudden, you're fine with it? Just like that?"

"Well, no, I'm not okay with him, but I don't want to fight about it with you anymore, Mione," he said.

"Right, Ron. Say his name," she challenged.

"What? Why?" he asked.

"Because, if you really want to make this work, and you want to continue spending time with me, then you are going to be spending time with Draco. And, you are going to have to be at least civil to him. That includes being able to say his name without sneering," she answered with her hands now on her hips.

"Malfoy," he growled. "Okay, Malfoy. You happy now?"

"Not really, Ron, no. What would make me happy? For this to be behind us already. For you to honestly give him a chance. For you to be happy that I am finally happy for once! For you to NOT try and set me up with Seamus, or anyone else for that matter, behind my boyfriend's back!"

At his shocked look she said in a scathing tone, "What? You thought I wouldn't find out? Give me some credit!"

Ron had the grace to look ashamed, "I just wanted to help, Mione. I know you think this thing with that gi…ahem, Malfoy is serious or something, but don't you see, you have other options. Other guys want you, hon. You're not even giving anyone else a chance!"

Hermione shook her head at him, "Ron, I want you to hear me when I say this, because I know you are trying the best you know how, but Ron, I love him. I don't want anyone else."

Ron flinched as if she'd slapped him, but she continued as if she hadn't seen it, "And, he loves me. We're adults, not children and this isn't a game we're playing. This is my life we're talking about. And, I know you're trying in your own way, Ron. I know you are."

She stepped in front of him and took his hands as she looked at him sadly, "But, an apology isn't going to cut it this time. I love you, Ron, and I don't want to lose you over this. But, it's up to you. It took me a while to get past my guilt about all this, but I have. I haven't done anything wrong. I fell in love with a man who makes me feel treasured, loved and respected. He loves me, Ron. Me. Bookworm, muggleborn, bushy-haired friend of The-Boy-Who-Lived. The woman who helped bring down his entire family and their whole belief system. It's amazing, Ron. I feel so…never mind, you don't care. Look, it's my life and Draco's the man I want to spend it with, at least for now. You have to give up this anger and mistrust you have towards him and let go of the past. Until you do, nothing's changed. I'm sorry."

He stepped forward and pulled her against him, "I'm trying, Mione. I know you don't really believe that, but I am. And, I do care. I love you and I want you happy. I just can't get it out of my head that he's going to hurt you. That he's using you. I can't bear to think about it. Every time I see him touch you, I want to rip his hands off his body and beat him with them until he tells what he's got up his damn sleeves."

"Nice," she laughed softly against his chest.

"I know," he laughed with her.

She stepped back and looked up at him, "Why can't you at least give him the same leeway you're giving Blaise? You aren't jumping all over Beth and she married Blaise."

"She's not my best friend and first love. And, he's not my lifelong enemy," he answered honestly as he hugged her close once again. "And, it's not jealousy, as everyone seems to think. You and I had what we had and it was great. I treasure every moment of it, but it's over. I just want nothing but the best for you, Mione. I just can't see him as it. Not now, not yet. But, I'm going to try to see what it is you see, okay? Hell, what everyone seems to see, but me and Dad." He pulled back and looked down at her, "Give me some more time okay?"

She looked up at the face she knew so well and nodded, "Always."

"Okay, well that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, I guess," he sighed and laughed a little.

"Thank you for continuing to try," she said. "Ready to go finish all this wedding planning?"

"Sure," he sighed. "Why not?"

Hermione laughed at his disgruntled look and shook her head as she apparated away.

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

When she and Ron popped into the room, everyone looked at them apprehensively. In the sudden silence Hermione walked over to sit next to Draco and Ron crossed the room to sit on the arm of the chair next to Snoop.

"You two all right?" Beth ventured.

Ron nodded dismissively, "Yeah, fine. What'd we miss?"

For the next few hours all six finalized plans for the wedding, made calls to friends and family, and helped Beth and Blaise set everything up. Although Ron never spoke to Draco voluntarily, he didn't ignore him completely if asked a direct question. Draco, for his part, refused to let Ron's attitude or actions ruin his best friend's plans. As much as he loved Hermione and would do anything for her, for the time being, Blaise was his main concern. He loved Blaise and didn't want anything he himself did to cause Blaise's level of excitement to wane. He was so happy about his marriage and upcoming second wedding, and for all that Blaise had done for him, he would reciprocate, even if it meant playing nice with Weasley. It didn't hurt though that Hermione was looking at him with such love and gratitude.

"But, I hate hunter green!" Beth finally exploded. "I look sick in it!"

Everyone jumped and looked at the couple who had previously been talking quietly on the sofa.

Blaise ran his hand through his hair and tried to remain clam, "But, Bethyh, green and silver are my colors. Both my school and family colors. They need to be a part of the wedding."

"Silver?!" she sputtered. "You've got to be kidding me! No!"

They watched as she stood up and put her hands on her slim hips, "Blaise Zabini, I will NOT get married surrounded by colors that make me look like a dying hospital patient!"

He finally had had enough, "Well, I'm not getting married in any pansy colors like sea foam green and yellow, for crying out loud!"

"Oh, so now you don't want to marry me?" she cried.

"What? Beth, no, that's not what I…Beth!"

She had already run into the bedroom and slammed the door. Everyone stood around unsure of what to do for a minute and then Blaise flopped back on the sofa.

"Fuck!"

Draco put down the phone he was holding and went to him, "B? Maybe you should go talk to her."

"I can't talk to her when she's like this!" he shook his head. "That woman's ridiculous! Not get married in green and silver, what colors did she think I would want?"

Draco didn't know what to say and looked at Hermione for help.

She came over and sat down next to Blaise. "Blaise, maybe you two should try to come up with a compromise."

When he just crossed his arms and harumphed at her, she tried again, "Okay, how about I go try and talk to her?"

"Whatever," he mumbled. "This whole thing is stupid anyway. We're already married. I don't see why she can't just…"

Draco nodded at Hermione and she went to check on her friend. Snoop followed Hermione and left the guys in the room behind them.

Ron felt very out of place, as he watched the two friends talk across the room. He didn't really care about the wedding or Blaise, but he did care about Beth.

He hated to bring attention to himself, as they were nicely pretending he didn't exist, but he couldn't seem to keep his mouth shut, "Maybe you could do like light and dark green, in like the flowers or something."

Both men looked at him and then at each other. When they looked back at him like he'd sprouted another head, he mumbled, "Never mind, I was just trying to…never mind."

Silence engulfed the room as all three tried to figure out what to say next.

In the bedroom the girls were finding it easier to talk to each other, but not any easier to get through to their now distraught friend.

"And, he leaves his clothes on the friggin' floor, I mean…"

"Beth…"

"…hasn't he ever heard of a hamper?! And, he never puts anything away. He comes in and just drops his shit wherever, like I'm his maid or something. And…"

"Honey, maybe you should…"

"…he's always here. Always. He won't leave me alone and give me some damn space. He's always…"

"Well, he doesn't have a job yet, so…"

"…touching me and trying to get me in bed. And, then he gets mad when I'm not ready at the drop of a damn hat. I have to WORK you know. I need sleep and my own money! Not everyone can just snap their fingers and have money appear out of nowhere!"

"Okay, but Beth, you said you lov…"

"I happen to like my job! And, working! And, his mother! ARGH!! She won't stop calling me! She's all, 'We must get together dahling, I want to get to know the mother of my grandchildren.' Jeez! We've been married like a minute and she's got me barefoot and pregnant!"

"I'm sure she's just…"

"Mom's told me again and again that I made a mistake. Maybe she's right. This was stupid! What was I thinking?!"

"Okay, stop!" Snoop finally shouted startling Beth into silence. "You're being an idiot."

"Gee, thanks!" Beth said sharply. "Way to be a friend!"

Hermione tried a different approach, "I think what she means, Beth, is that you're having a meltdown and need to calm down."

"No, I mean she's being an idiot!" Snoop corrected. "I'm not being mean, Beth, but listen to yourself. He's messy, wants to screw you blind, can't stand to be away from you and wants you to quit your job and spend his money. Come on! Duh! He's male."

"Okay, I know that, but…"

This time Hermione cut her off, "Beth, what did you expect when you married him? I thought you two talked about this stuff. It doesn't sound like he's changed in the last week. So, what's really wrong all of sudden? This can't really be about having his house colors as wedding accents."

"Okay," Beth took a deep cleansing breath. "But, seriously, a dark green and silver wedding. Puhleeeze!"

Hermione and Snoop each sat on one side of her and she looked from one to the other before she burst into tears.

"Oh, honey," Snoop sighed. "Come on, what's really going on here?"

They both had to lean in to hear her whispered answer, "What if this really is a mistake? What if I don't really love him like I think I do? What if he doesn't lov…love me? What if he leaves me for some other…I don't know what to do! This is all just happening so fast all of a sudden."

Hermione thought for a moment before she answered, "Beth, look at me. I know you're scared. And, yes, this was fast, but just a few days ago you gave me all the reasons why it's right. Have your feelings for him changed?"

"What? No!" Beth gasped.

"And, has he given you any indication that his have?"

Beth looked down and mumbled, "No, but…"

"But, what?" Snoop asked.

"What if he does stop loving me? Wanting me?"

Hermione laughed softly, "Look, I don't pretend to understand how you two feel so much so fast. But, just watching the two of you, it feels right. Real. And, you should be scared. You've made a decision that changes everything. But, that doesn't mean it's a bad thing, honey."

Snoop chimed in, "Yeah, just because it was fast, doesn't mean it was wrong. The only reason you're panicking and second-guessing is because it's so different. I mean I took 4 years to get to where you are in only a week. And, HG over there has taken, what? Twelve?" She laughed at the look on Hermione's face, but continued, "Fast and different doesn't mean wrong, Beth. And, it sure as hell doesn't mean it can't work."

"And, you have to a lot to get used to," Hermione added. "And, a lot to learn about each other. Remember when I told you that Draco and I were doing everything backwards? Well, you just went the opposite. You got to the end before the beginning. You just have to learn each other."

Beth nodded and blew her nose in the tissue Snoop made appear in her hand. "Thanks. I guess I did lose it a little. But, really, he said dark green and all I could think was I don't know this man. What the hell have I done?"

"Well, get to know him," Snoop laughed. "He is your husband after all."

They all laughed and let the tension roll away a bit.

"I'm so glad I have you guys," she smiled at them.

"Yeah, aren't you the lucky one?" Snoop grinned.

"You know," Hermione smiled softly, "as happy as I am that you can talk to us, there is someone else you should be telling all this to."

Beth nodded and the three hugged before the two stood to leave.

When the bedroom door opened all three men straightened. Ron still stood off by himself, and Draco and Blaise were still on the sofa. It was apparent that not much had been said between them, but there was also no lingering hostility, for which both Hermione and Snoop were grateful.

"She wants to talk to you," Snoop said to Blaise as she walked over to Ron.

Blaise's shoulder dropped as he stood up, "She's calling it off, isn't she?"

Hermione smiled at him, "No, Blaise. But, you two should talk. How about we clear out? We can come back later if you want."

Blaise crossed the room and gave her a brief hug, "Thanks, babe." Then he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Is the fact that I'm scared of her leaving me a good thing? Like 'we have a chance' kind of a good thing?"

She put her hand to his cheek and looked up into his eyes, "Yeah, I think it is. Now go."

"Thanks guys," he called over his shoulder as he went to the room and shut the door.

Draco went to Hermione and pulled her back against him, "He's so confused. I've never seen him like this. I don't know what to do."

She looked up into his sad face and knew he wanted to fix things for his best friend.

"Just be there for him," she said softly as she turned in his arms, "They took a huge leap and they just landed on the hard ground of reality. Now they just have to find a way to recover together."

He nodded and closed his eyes as he pulled her closer.

Snoop stood holding Ron's hand as she silently watched Draco and Hermione. She risked a glance up at Ron and saw him looking at them with a mix of anger, confusion and awe.

"Babe," Snoop said softly, drawing his attention to her, "Why don't we go get some lunch."

He nodded and glanced back over at Hermione. It was on the tip of his tongue to invite her along, but the thought of Draco coming killed the thought. He kept his voice neutral and his eyes only on her when he spoke.

"Give us a call or owl us when they're ready to finish this, okay?"

Hermione nodded and hugged them both. She watched as Draco and Ron nodded briefly to each other and then Snoop and Ron apparated home.

"Come on then. Let's grab your stuff and go back to the apartment. They'll call when they're ready."

He nodded and went over to grab the two boxes he'd packed. When he got back to her she saw his eyes flick back to the bedroom door.

"They're okay," she said. When his eyes met hers she added, "Blaise is going to be fine, Draco, stop worrying. Beth loves him."

He smiled a bit and nodded, "Okay."

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

Author's Note - Every read is a treasure, every review a gift. Thank you!

Additional thank you hugs (I find it absolutely amazing that people are enjoying it this much!!) to the following for adding my story, or me, as a Favorite, or setting an alert for it: aingealfael, a.monster.underneath, sweetangel2617, tiffany2321, DaOnLeeSam, WhereIsEstonia, LadyKnightSusan, kcoffman, CGMoonlight, and ummaagumma.

I am blown away that you all keep reading this story.