Another awaited installment. I do not own nothing but the storyline!

Being back in the manor made me bitterly nostalgic as I entered the room that the Malfoy's kept me imprisoned in for many years. It felt like looking at a snapshot of the past. Nothing had changed.

"Draconious would not let us touch his precious Mione's things once you left. Even after finding out what you had done to him."

Recognizing the shrill, whiny voice, I instantly responded.

"That's just kills you inside doesn't it Pansy?"

Pansy's returning giggle was humorless and daunting.

"Hardly. Draconious will soon grow bored of you and over time your presence will not be missed."

"A girl can only dream."

Pansy's hand wrapped around my throat and her black manicured nails slightly pressed into my skin.

"I could easily snap your neck like a twig."

"Could, but can't."

Pansy's eyes flashed and her grip flexed around my throat.

"What is going on here?"

Pansy immediately retracted her hand as though she had been burned and turned toward Narcissa deceptionally cheerful.

"I was just giving Hermione a warm welcome back."

Narcissa obliviously gushed at the Pansy's false intentions.

"Soon, everything will be back to normal with our Mione back where she belongs. Draco will be expecting you to be positively ravishing tonight for our guests. Let's start with this mane."

After what seemed like hours of poking and prodding from Narcissa's maids, I was deemed presentable . I stared at the gown layed out on the bed and tried my best not to break down. Ginny saved me from my spiraling thoughts.

"Hermione, it's-"

I turned towards Ginny trying to hold back the tears brimming my eyes. I opened my mouth and lump in my throat became too much to bear. A choked sob escaped my throat as I slid down to the floor covering my face with my hands. Ginny wrenched my hands from my face.

"Hermione, no! You will not let them win. You are one of the strongest people I know. To have gone through what you have and still keep it all together, simply amazes me. You will get through this, but first you have pick to yourself up off this floor and pull yourself together. You will have your freedom once again, maybe not tonight, but it will happen."

I tired to find some truth in Ginny's word that would help me get through tonight. Ginny effortlessly pulled me up from the floor and wiped away the makeup smudges from my face.

"Let's get you dressed before Narcissa sics pugface Pansy to come find us."

I laughed at little at Ginny's comments as I shimmied into my dress.

"See. There's my Hermione. Come, I can't wait for ma and the boys to see you."

Narcissa and Lucious awaited me as I left the false security of my room.

"She is a vision, isn't she, Lucious?"

"I could not imagine a finer Bride for Draco."

"Draco knew you would look absolutely stunning in this color."

A servant's hurried announcement interrupted my sharp retort.
"Master and Mistress Malfoy, I apologize for interrupting, but the guests are arriving."

Narcissa fixed Lucious' tie as I noticed they were both immaculately dressed. My hands started to shake as the timed neared when I would be face to face with Draco again. I took a deep breath as I willed my body to be rigid.

"It is time, Cissy."

I could hear classical music coming from the ballroom through the doors in front of us. A light chatter increasing as the guests filled up the room.

"Lucious will announce you and say a few words. You will know when the time is right to join us."

With that, Lucious and Narcissa went through the doors and joined the party. After a few moments, I could hear Lucious' voice.

"Friends and colleagues, we welcome you all to our wonderous celebration. As many of you know, our son Draconius fell ill last season and we happy announce that he is somewhat alive and thriving."

The guests laughed at Lucious' joke and I wondered why the Malfoys had told everyone that Draco had fell ill. If anyone of them knew the truth, the whole room would mostly want my head on a platter for mutiny.

"Also, we would like for you to welcome our Hermione back into our community as Draco has chosen her as his Bride."

There were a few gasps and applauding.

Narcissa spoke next.

"Finally a daughter I can call my own. I love my Draco to death, but a little female company would be nice."

The guest laughed and applauded once again as the doors slowly pulled open.

"Without further ado, please welcome the next Mrs. Malfoy."

I kept a passive, blank look on my face as I entered the room. So many sliver-rimmed stares followed my every move. The only sound in the room was the light tap of my heels on the marble stairway. My eyes skimmed the unfamilar crowd and I caught the gaze of a man, whose stare seemed to penetrate my very being. I tried to look away, but my eyes seemed to be locked onto his and he smirked at me. I blinked owlishly and that seemed to break the binding spell between us. Lucious speaking caught my attention.

"Guests enjoy the party."

And with that, the party was back into full effect. I tried to sneak away, but a cold, stern grip on my hand prevented me from doing so. My head whipped around ready to yank their hold from me and my words died on my lips as I looked into the eyes of the stranger from earlier.

"You are an enigma Miss..."

His voice was sultry yet masculine and I didn't comprehend the words coming from his mouth until I caught his expecting expression.

"Granger."

"Hermione Granger. It suits you."

"Thanks."

"I must say you are quite striking, Miss Granger. Immortality will suit you well."

The words instantly subdude my curiosity. I slowly pulled my hand from his grip.

"I will see you again, Miss Granger, but for now I must go. "

"Hermione!"

I turned to see Ginny calling for me and waving me over towards her family. I looked back to the spot where the stranger stood to see the spot empty. I walked over to Ginny where she was standing beside her mother. Mrs. Weasley pulled me in for a hug as always.

"Hermoine, dear, you look beautiful as always."

"Ma stop fretting over her."

"Please do talk some sense into this unruly daughter of mine."

"Ma, please! I do not want to be called as a Bride yet."

Ginny turns towards me rolling her eyes in annoyance.

"She's been hounding me ever since Bill called Fleur as his Bride."

"Well, you should follow your brother's actions."

"All in due time, Mother."

"When?! When I'm nothing but dust and bones."

"Ma!"

Ginny's father chose to intervene.

"Molly, I'm sure Ginerva has a lucky guy in mind. You really should be worried about Charlie and his many Brides."

With that, Molly went to look for the second eldest Weasley. Mr. Weasley turned toward us with a smile.

"Thanks Dad."

"I know how your mother gets sometimes. Hermione dear its nice to see you again. You look lovely."

"Ah Dad, stop hogging Hermione! We haven't had a chance to welcome her back yet."

I instantly recognized the voice of one of Ginny's older twin brothers, Fred.

"Fred, it's nice to see you."

"Fred? I'm George. How could you misake me for the ugly twin."

"Aye, come off it George, everyone knows I'm the hotter twin."

I giggled at their antics.

"Fred and George, I was talking to Hermione."

''Ok, we'll just talk to Ma about Harry Potter."

Ginny turned almost as red as her hair. I turned to Ginny with an amused smirk.

"Who's Harry Potter?"

"I can't believe Ginny hasn't told you."

"He's all she ever talks about at home."

"Fred! George! I'm going to kill you."

"I'm afraid somebody already beat you to the punch."

Ginny huffed loudly and the lot disappeared with Ginny trying to hit both her brothers.

"My love, its so nice to see you alive and well, but that will all change quite soon."