Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

Hey!

Sorry for the huge delay, but until this month I have been working like crazy, so my inspiration didn't come easily. I know that I've promised a chapter from Lucius' POV, but I felt the need to describe Hermione's life first and after this chapter I hope to finally write one about the changes that took place in Lucius' life.

Lots of thanks to my beta writer, defying expectations , who helped me not only with my grammar, but also with the plot! Thanks for all the support!

Don't forget to review!

Chapter III

Ever since she was a child, schedules had been one of the few constants in her life. From an early age, she understood that organizing her activities each day meant that she could spend her time more efficiently. In Hogwarts, this habit not only made easier to study for each class, but it also gave her a sense of stability and comfort in a world where everything seemed so foreign and incomprehensible.

In hindsight, maybe this obsessive-compulsive need made her look too serious and unsociable in front of her peers (there were times when even Harry and Ron didn't understand her behaviour), but it also saved their lives a couple of times. Without planning ahead for their departure, they wouldn't have survived a day in their seventh year, sleeping under the open sky.

So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that nowadays her job required great organizational skills, including the ability to plan ahead every little detail that could make a wedding unforgettable. From Monday to Friday her life was full of meetings, telephones, and reservations, while her Saturdays were busy with attending and coordinating each wedding. But even if most of the week she worked on a strict timetable, Sundays were reserved for one thing only: spending time with her family and friends.

That was why today, at ten o'clock in the morning, she didn't feel the need to wake up and start her day as early as possible. Her plans for this Sunday were so simple and refreshing that they made her smile, considering how hard and demanding her week had been. Taking her time with her morning rituals, Hermione decided that a light breakfast was perfect, since she wanted to eat all the food that Mrs. Weasley prepared for the customary Sunday Brunch.

While pouring herself a glass of milk (she gave up some time ago her habit to drink coffee), Hermione thought that it was a good time to call her parents and to see how they'd been. After the war, she spent many hours reversing the memory spell and even more hours explaining to her parents what happened in her life during that year. To say that they were conflicted was an understatement, considering the fact that they had tried to understand and feel comfortable with magic their entire lives for the sake of their daughter. For them, the hardest part was to accept the fact that Hermione made a decision in their place, without telling them the dangers of her stay at Hogwarts.

From there, there was a long way to go, but over the years the relationship between them had become more open and comfortable. Even if her parents decided that they should remain in Australia and maybe explore the world, she had sworn to make calling them every Sunday a habit.

Considering the time difference, Hermione was a little bit surprised when her mother answered after the second call:

"Hello, honey. How are you?"

"Hello, Mum. I'm fine, I just woke up and I thought to give you a call and see if you have gone to sleep.

"Not a chance, dear. You know that I stay up late each night reading. How was your week?"

Hermione took a deep breath, thinking how to describe in a few words all the events that took place this week. She knew that her mother was always interested in her stories, but Hermione also knew that her mother couldn't understand her turmoil about organizing the Malfoys' wedding.

"It was pretty much the same as always: stressful and full of surprises. I've recently found out that I must help a friend of mine and organize the wedding for her clients, who are none other than Draco Malfoy and his fiancée. Just my luck."

"Oh, dear, I know that most of your school years you felt horrible because of that boy, but that was four years ago. You're a grown woman now, and you shouldn't feel threatened by his immaturity. And besides, who knows? You've changed a lot. Maybe he did the same."

"You are right as always, but sometimes giving up old prejudices is harder than I thought. I had a meeting on Friday with him and his future wife, and he was really more comfortable around me. He even joked about our past experiences." Hermione admitted reluctantly.

"Well, that sounds great. I don't understand what makes you so miserable."

"I admit that it isn't so bad, but his father makes me want to break something. He appears in the papers as a completely changed man, but when it comes to a simple interaction with me he behaves like I am inferior to him. It's so frustrating."

"Hermione, I really don't know him, so I can't give you concrete advice, but maybe he is used to being in charge of everything, and he cannot adapt to you being at the same intelligence level as him. It really shouldn't matter to you. Just try to do your job as professionally as always, and remember that this is your chance to help your friend."

"I really should call you more often. You always find a way to give me confidence," Hermione said, laughing. "Let's forget about it. What did you do this week?"

They spent the next few minutes talking about her parents' trips and plans, which made Hermione feel light and happy knowing that they were enjoying their time. Taking a glance at her clock, she decided that she should hurry if she wanted to arrive on time at the Burrow.

"Mom, I am really glad that we had the chance to talk, but I must go now. It's already past eleven here, and Molly gave me strict orders to arrive at twelve o'clock for Sunday Brunch. Send Father all my love."

"All right, dear. Have fun and say hello to the Weasley family. Goodbye."

"Thanks. I will. Goodbye."

Switching off her phone in haste, Hermione ran into her room, trying to find something suitable to wear. Even if it was just a meeting between friends, she needed to pick something casual from a wardrobe full of office clothes. Choosing a pair of comfortable jeans and a white T-shirt, she looked around for some nice jewelry, going in the end for a silver bracelet and some earrings. Before leaving her bedroom, she took a look into the mirror, deciding to let her hair down. During the years her hair went through a series of changes, transforming itself from the chaotic mane to a set of very attractive curls.

Feeling free and full of life, Hermione entered her kitchen in order to take from the fridge a tray full of cakes. Even if Mrs. Weasley didn't need any help preparing the food, Hermione felt the need to contribute to Brunch with something, so she made a habit to bring each time different desserts. At the beginning she met a lot of resistance from the Weasley matriarch, especially because she spent "unnecessary" money on these cakes, but over time they became very popular among her friends.

Deciding that she was ready to go, Hermione took some powder in her hand and stepped into the fireplace. She said her destination loud and clear, and within seconds the Floo activated, transporting her right into the Weasleys' kitchen. Just as she suspected, Mrs. Weasley was running the stove, checking each pot and pan until she was satisfied that she had everything under control. After a few moments, Molly finally turned around and smiled when she saw that Hermione arrived on time:

"Oh, hello dear. I'm so glad that you made it. We missed having you around last week."

"Hello, Molly. Sorry about that, but I had a misunderstanding with one of my clients and it couldn't be postponed. But I brought some chocolate cakes in hope that I will be forgiven," Hermione said, laughing.

"It's alright, dear. Just put them in the fridge and go in the yard to see your friends. The boys were so excited to see you."

"That's because I always bring something sweet."

Both women laughed, thinking about Ron's incredible appetite. There were some things you just couldn't compete with.

Opening the back door, Hermione went out, searching for her friends. Even if this Sunday there was only the Weasley clan and the boys' significant others, the yard was full of activity and it made her smile, knowing that she could always relax near her large surrogate family. Hearing a lot of screams and laughter, Hermione looked up at what seemed to be a Quidditch match between Harry, Ron, and Fred on one team and Ginny, George and Bill on the other. After a few seconds of watching them play, Harry saw her. Within moments, both he and Ron were running like crazy towards her.

"We're so glad to see you, 'Mione!"

Giving them a warm hug, she said in an excited voice:

"So am I. Sorry for not being able to visit you, but my week was full. Maybe next weekend we can finally go to have a drink in Hogsmeade."

"Still trying to tame the bridezillas?" the redhead asked, laughing.

"Ron, don't be such an ass!" Ginny scolded as she approached.

"But they are crazy and they always find something to complain about."

Ginny fumed, ready to teach her brother a lesson about sensitivity. Lucky for him, Hermione stepped in at the right time:

"Ron, I think that what Ginny is trying to say is that the brides are putting a lot of effort in planning their perfect wedding, so it's normal for them to be stressed or worried. Don't forget that your sister is going to be one of them soon."

After the fourth year anniversary since the Second Wizard War, Harry had finally took the big step and asked Ginny to marry him. Of course, her family and their friends were truly excited for the couple, even if both decided to have a long engagement, considering that Harry was starting his career as an Auror and Ginny was enjoying travelling around with her Quidditch team. Hermione had the feeling, however, that next year she would be organizing one of her best friends' wedding. Until then, Ginny was trying to imagine her perfect day, while Ron was blissfully unaware of her ideas.

"Oh, let's just ignore him. Why don't we take a seat so we can finally catch up?" the redhead said.

The next hour the girls talked about everything from clients to gossips about old acquaintances, watching how the boys tried to outdo each other in the Quidditch game. When Molly announced that the food was ready, everybody ran towards the house, taking their place at the table.

For Hermione, who came from a small family, it was always surprising to see how many people fit in the small kitchen. At the head of the table sat Mr. Weasley, to his right his wife, near who were seated Bill, Fleur and their daughter, Victoire, a beautiful three year old. To the right of the toddler, took place Fred and George and their significant others: Kate and Angelina. On the other side of the table there were seated Percy and Audrey, Ron, Ginny, Harry and her.

The whole meal was a joyous affair, which gave Hermione the feeling that she was an important part of this extended family. Even if she and Ron didn't work as a couple, their friendship and her relationship with his family was one of the most precious things in her life. She couldn't feel more at ease than when she talked about Muggle inventions with Mr. Weasley or when she discussed different product ideas with the twins. But like in any other family, at some point during the meal, she came into the spotlight, after a well-intended question from the Weasley matriarch:

"Hermione, you didn't tell us what you did this week. And how are your parents, dear?"

"I was as busy as usual. My parents are fine, thanks. I just talked with my mother this morning and she sends you all their love. She was thinking of making a visit in November."

"That's great news! You must let us know when they come so we can invite them to a family dinner."

"Of course, Molly."

Thinking that she was safe from all the attention, Hermione took a sip from her glass, only to be startled when Angelina addressed her:

"How is your business going? I heard that you are pretty famous among the witches. Any interesting clients?"

As much as she loved this family, she felt a little bit reluctant to tell them about the Malfoys' wedding, knowing how explosive their reactions were going to be. Even if they were trying to forget the past and to promote the equality in their community, there were some scars that didn't disappear so easily, such as the animosity between their family and Malfoys.

"Well, long story short: I'm going to organize Draco and Astoria's wedding."

Silence. Then:

"What? Are you crazy?"

"The little ferret is marrying someone?"

"Are you sure about this?"

"Well, I didn't see it coming –"

And so many more. After a few minutes, Hermione finally spoke:

"Guys, I know. And for the record, Ron: I am not crazy. A friend of mine asked for my help with the planning and I couldn't say no. But think about it. It isn't such a big deal. We're going to have a professional relationship and that's all." Hermione said all this in a calm tone, surprising herself how rational she really sounded. It didn't seem that hours ago she was ranting about the every same thing.

Everyone took some time to digest her words, but Harry was the first one to speak:

"As far as I'm concerned, it's your choice. So, considering that it's been four years since the end of the War and a lot of people change over such a period of time, it can't hurt to help your friend and organize their wedding. But if anything bad happens, I expect you to come immediately to me or Ron."

Everyone, but Ron, agreed, making Hermione feel at ease about the situation:

"I really appreciate it, Harry."

Ignoring Ron's mumblings about how they were all crazy, the meal went on without a hitch, progressing long into the afternoon and into the evening. At nine o'clock p.m., Hermione took her leave, swearing to go out with the boys for some drinks, promising to visit the twins' shop, and planning a relaxing evening with the girls.

When she finally fell flat on her bed in her peaceful apartment, Hermione spent some minutes trying to collect her thoughts. Sometimes, the agitation from the Burrow overwhelmed her, but today it made her realize an important thing: whatever was going to happen from now on, she had a great family to count on.