"Hermione…" Draco nodded to her stiffly, and she looked up at him briefly then turned away.
Astoria smirked at their exchange knowing things were going exactly the way she had planned. "Hmm, Drakie, let's go in the other room… there will be more privacy," She winked, which didn't go unnoticed by Hermione, "Come on sweetheart,"
Astoria and Draco left the room to pick out her dress. "Wow, what a freak show!" Blaise rolled his eyes
"Yeah, I know…" Hermione rolled her eyes, "Anyways what do you think?"
"I like it, but they saw you wearing it… I want all your dresses to be a surprise!" Blaise grinned
"Oh whatever… By the way when is the engagement?" Hermione asked
"Wow, you don't know when your own engagement is?" Blaise chuckled
"I guess not!" Hermione laughed as well
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A couple of days later, it was time for Hermione and Cormac's engagement dinner.
"Hermione, are you ready, yet?" Mrs. Zabini yelled from downstairs,
"Yes mum!" Hermione replied back
"Mione?" Hermione instantly recognized the voice,
"Ginn? Come in!" Hermione said getting up from her bed to welcome her best friend
"So what are you wearing… It's a big day…" Ginny said quietly
"I don't know, I thought I would wear a short dress today?" Hermione wondered aloud
"Oh alright… I think this one would be perfect then!" Ginny smirked signaling at a dress in Hermione's wardrobe.
It was a white short pleated dress. The dress's neckline was scooped and the dress was backless. The bodice of the dress was satin and the neck area of the dress was adorned with carefully lain out lace.
Hermione put on nude coloured pumps. She twisted her hair in a side messy bun, which looked classy despite the effortless attempt. She carefully put on red lipstick and black eyeliner. She put on small diamond studs and turned around to show Ginny her appearance.
"Oh this dress looks even more beautiful, with you wearing it!" Ginny cooed, embracing her friend
"Thank you… Is everybody downstairs?" Hermione acquired
"Yeah, mostly…" Ginny smiled, "Shall we go down?"
"Yup!" Hermione said, taking a deep breath.
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"Drakie, sweetheart, why so sad?" Astoria snickered
"Shut up, Greengrass!" Draco said as he stood in the Zabini ballroom, around all the guests.
"Drakie, I recommend you to watch the way you speak to me… Or else?" Astoria said
"Just leave me alone, please!" Draco said, walking away from her.
Draco found his parents in the crowd talking to Mr. and Mrs. Zabini, "Hello, Aunt Camilla, Uncle Joseph…" Draco said solemnly,
"Hello Draco, How are you and Astoria, honey?" Camilla smiled
"We're… well" Draco said quietly
"That's nice," She replied, oblivious to his tone, "I've got to go check up on Hermione, we'll talk to you later, alright?"
"Oh ok, Congratulations again, Camilla!" Narcissa smiled embracing her friend
"Yeah, congratulations…" Draco muttered under his breath
"Is there anything wrong Draco?" Narcissa asked her son, after Camilla and Joseph left
"… Nothing mum… nothing at all…" He said, just as was going to say something else, Hermione walked down the stairs.
Everyone's eyes were on her, and then on Cormac who joined her at the foot of the steps.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here today for the engagement ceremony of Cormac Alexander McLaggen and Hermione Camilla Elizabeth Zabini,"
After a couple speeches by Hermione and Cormac's parents the ring ceremony began. Cormac took out his diamond ring from his pocket and slipped it delicately into Hermione's ring finger. It was a diamond in the Lucida shape, with side diamond stones on the band.
Photographers took pictures of the ring; it was really beautiful, even Hermione admitted it. Hermione was given her ring from behind her. It was a plain yet elegant white gold band ring. She slipped it into his finger.
The crowd erupted in applause as soon as the rings were exchanged. Cormac held Hermione's hand between his, and kissed her. The crowd applauded even more. Hermione didn't know what to do, the kiss was so sudden. He pulled away quickly and Hermione retained herself, looking into the crowd smiling.
"Now it's time for the couple to dance!"
Cormac and Hermione danced slowly on the floor. Hermione knew his eyes were trained on her, so she lowered her eyes, she didn't want any eye contact with him. Cormac smiled staring at Hermione; he really loved her, and promised himself no one would get in their way.
The other couples were allowed to dance, as well. Astoria grabbed Draco and ushered him to the floor.
Harry and Ginny embraced each other as they danced. Ginny lifted her chin and reached up to kiss Harry who lowered his hands to her waist.
Hermione smiled at their love, she knew Harry and Ginny would end up marrying, and she was so happy for them.
Cormac sighted Draco forcibly dancing with Astoria. Cormac noticed Draco watching Hermione from time to time. He ignored it, because he knew Hermione was with him and not with Draco.
The engagement party was almost over. It was late and people started leaving to go home.
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