Part Three

"Ginny Potter, you are no help." Hermione said.

She was sitting on her bedroom floor, while Ginny, who was laying on her bed, was looking through magazines.

When Hermione had gone to exercise at the gym, Ginny had been searching for a gown for Hermione to wear at the gala. Hermione had returned home an hour ago, and Ginny was still on the hunt for the perfect gown.

"'Mione, you need to learn to trust me more." Ginny said, accusingly.

Hermione rolled her eyes. Not too long ago, Hermione had been asked to go on a discrete trip to Atlas. Before long, Hermione had asked Ginny to watch her house while she was away. One night, a drunken Ginny had called Hermione, telling her in way too much detail, where in her house Ginny and Harry had had sex. Hermione called Luna to take over the next day. After that incident, whenever Hermione needed to go out on a trip, she never asked Ginny to stay over again.

"Okay, so take a look at this gown, it will look absolutely wonderful on your body." Ginny said.

Ginny passed one of the magazines to Hermione, to show her a stunning gown. Hermione shook her head.

"Not my colour, I want something light coloured." She told Ginny.

Ginny sighed.

"Look on the following page. But I think you would look amazing in that gown, also you'll match your date." Ginny said, smiling.

"Oh please, don't start. If you're going to talk about my date you have to tell me who he is or don't talk at all." Hermione said.

Ginny laughed. She had enjoyed bothering Hermione about her blind date. Over the past two weeks she had been dropping hints to annoy her friend. Hermione's co workers had already decided on theirs dates for the gala months ago. Since Hermione hadn't thought about it, Ginny had decided to take matters into her own hands. However, once Ginny had told Hermione that she had chosen a date, Hermione tried to back out. She told Ginny that she had been in contact with a friend and she was wanting to go with him instead. Ginny was stubborn and refused to let her ask her friend.

"Look at this." Hermione said.

She passed the magazine back to Ginny. It was a beautiful white gown with two long slits in the front. The half length sleeves were heavily embroidered, and it had an open back.

"Hermione, this looks like something a bride would wear." Ginny said.

Hermione groaned. She didn't want to spend any time looking at gowns. What she wanted to do was take a long shower, since she hadn't showered at the gym. But Ginny wouldn't let her shower until she had approved a dress.

"Hermione, look. The same dress but in pine green." Ginny said.

Hermione quickly glanced at it.

"Yes, yes. Please just order it already." She said, impatiently.

"It'll be here any moment , you need to go shower." Ginny replied, holding her nose.

Hermione groaned. She grabbed her towel and headed off to her bathroom.

Harry sat down on his couch, and turned on the television. He was wearing a dark grey dress robe, with a white bowtie. Padma was in his kitchen, making tea for Ron.

"Harry." Ron hollered.

He came running down the stairs into the den. In his hand, he had a copper coloured tie.

"Put this on for me. Bloody thing was choking me after Padma tied it." He said.

Harry rolled his eyes. Just ten minutes ago, he had offered to tie it for Ron. Instead of getting up, Harry stretched out his legs and laid back on the couch. He gave Ron a smirk.

"There's a black bowtie in my closet, wear that." Harry said.

Ron frowned at first, but then shrugged.

"Harry, you're going to ruin your robe." Padma said, as she walked into the room.

Padma was wearing a beautiful grey saree, with a silver blouse. She had her long hair, straightened down her black. Ron whistled. She looked gorgeous.

Padma smiled, as she handed over the cup of tea. Ron held the cup with his left arm, he put his right hand on the small of her back and pulled Padma close for a kiss.

"You look stunning." He whispered, in her ear.

Padma giggled, pushing him back softly. Harry who had gotten up from the couch, faked a cough and smiled. He liked Padma, she kept Ron grounded. They had been together for just over a year now, and Ron seemed to be a better person with her. Luna had introduced them at a Ministry ball. They were both awkward at first, because of their history, but once they began to talk about memories from school, they had a laugh and spent the entire night talking. The day after, Harry insisted that Ron ask her out to Hogsmeade for breakfast. Padma and Ron became friends quickly, and soon they were a couple. That summer, Padma had taken Ron to California, in the United States. Padma's cousin was to be married, and she wanted Ron to meet her family. Ron enjoyed their time together as he learned about her culture, and met her extended family. He liked that they both had a large family.

"Harry, I wish you would let me fix your hair." Padma said.

Harry ran his hand through his hair. It was thick, and he had difficulty brushing it, but he liked it that way. The only woman who didn't bother him about his hair was Hermione.

Ginny, Padma, and Mrs. Weasley all pestered Harry about his hair.

"It's fine." Harry said. "When you two are ready to leave, can you lock up? I have to go pick up Teddy, and I'll be heading over to Hermione's, she has his suit."

Padma assured Harry she would lock up carefully. Harry had given Padma a key two months ago. Ron and Padma stayed over every second weekend. Since both men worked together, it was easier for them to work together from Harry's home when they needed to get paperwork done.

"See you at the Gala." Harry said, before he apparated.

"Come here, Louis."

A small toddler came waddling into the room. He was a beautiful child, and it was clear he went after his mother, Fleur. Louis waddled over to Draco, who was sitting on a ledge underneath the window. Draco carefully picked him up, and sat him down on his lap.

"Momma." Louis said.

Draco smiled. He kissed Louis softly on his forehead.

"Fleur, your son wants you." Draco called out.

Fleur walked in, hands on her waist. She was wearing a sparkling blue gown, but her hair had yet to be done. She sighed.

"Draco, I called you over to watch Louis so I can get ready." Fleur said.

Draco picked up Louis into his arms and stood up.

"I believe you are misusing your powers as my superior."

Fleur rolled her eyes, waving her hand.

Fleur walked over to them, and kissed Louis on his chubby cheek. He giggled in delight and reached out for his mother.

"I think Bill's home now. He's probably in the kitchen. Get Louis into his sweater before you take him down?" Fleur asked.

Draco nodded and Fleur thanked him before leaving. He carefully got Louis into his sweater and took him downstairs. Although Louis liked to be carried around, he made a fuss about walking up and down the stairs. So Draco helped Louis go down the stairs, slowly.

Bill was in the kitchen, going through the refrigerator.

"Hey." Draco said.

Bill looked up, and smiled when he saw Louis.

"Well hello there." He said.

Louis reached out for his father, who took him into his arms.

"Fleur asked me to watch over the little man, but I have to go now or I'll be late." Draco explained.

"Thank you for your time." Bill said, gratefully.

Draco stepped into the dining room and apparated away. He arrived in front of a grand house. He wasn't a stranger here. Hermione had held many dinner parties at her home for colleagues and friends. Draco had been invited to a few before, and he had even spoken to her many times. Most of their conversations were about work, however.

Draco straightened up his clothes, and ran his tongue over his teeth. Satisfied, he began to walk to the front door. Just before he was about to knock, Draco remembered that he had had fish for lunch and forgot to brush his teeth after. He frantically checked his pockets for a piece of gum he had stored away the day before.

"Hello, dummy."

The door was swung open, and Ginny pulled Draco in. Harry closed the door behind them and shook hands with Draco.

"Hermione will be down any second, come join us." Harry said.

He led them down the hallway into the kitchen. Teddy was sitting on a high chair, playing with a bowl of dry cereal. Harry sat down on the stool at the kitchen table, while Ginny went to the cabinets. She took out a fruit cup.

"Oh, I can feed him." Draco offered.

Ginny happily handed over the jar and a spoon to Draco.

"I have to get him dressed afterwards, but I wanted to make sure he had something to eat. He never eats outside." Ginny explained.

Teddy quietly ate the food. As Draco was feeding Teddy, Harry asked Draco how his work was. They were talking about work parties when Hermione entered the kitchen.

"I'm ready."

Draco looked up to see Hermione, and couldn't help but stare. Hermione looked stunning in her outfit. Ginny squealed, as she rushed over to her friend.

"Oh, you look fantastic." Ginny said.

Hermione gave her an awkward smile, which went away when she saw Draco. Draco noticed her gaze and cleared his throat as he stood up.

"Hello, Hermione." He greeted her.

Hermione froze. She didn't know who she was expecting to show up, but she was surprised that Ginny had chosen Draco, of all the people she could have chose, to be her date. It wasn't that the two didn't get along. Hermione had discovered that Draco had matured quite a lot since their days at school. He was a quiet man, who kept mostly to himself, but they both had a few mutual friends.

"Hi, Draco." She replied.

"Well, let's get going then, shall we?" Harry said.

Draco helped Ginny get Teddy dressed, as Harry and Hermione went out to get their cars ready, as they had to drive to the gala. Most of the visitors were asked to come by car, and Harry and Hermione had volunteered to do so as well. Hermione had her own car, but Harry didn't. He had borrowed a car from a friend. They were asked to drive because well-known people from the muggle world had been invited to the event. These included political leaders and other influential people. A few even knew about the wizarding world. However, the Ministry of Magic had not revealed the full extent of its powers.

Hermione had bought her car a year ago. It was a spur of the moment decision. Her mother had laughed about it saying that she had a mid-life crisis in her early twenties.

Hermione got out of her car and went back inside to get Draco. Ginny was straightening Teddy's bowtie, as Draco watched.

"Shall we go then?" Hermione asked him.

Draco nodded and followed her to the garage. He whistled when he saw her car.

"Blimey," he said. "I don't know much about cars, but that is one nice car."

Hermione smiled, she felt proud.

"Can I drive." Draco asked her. "I mean.."

He stopped talking.

Hermione took a deep breath. They had never spoken about anything besides work. She knew it would be awkward.

Hermione passed him the keys.

"If you watch the speed." She said.

Draco smiled.

The drive there was pleasant. Draco had turned on the Ministry radio station and they listened to the Head of Media, Seiko Ryo, announce the incomers. Draco was clearly enjoying the drive.

Even though they were barely talking, the silence wasn't awkward.

"Are we posing for pictures?" Draco asked.

Hermione hadn't heard, she was listening to Seiko announce Ron and Padma.

"Pictures? Or we can go 'round back." Draco said, a little louder this time.

"Oh, uhm yes." Hermione thought about it. Even though she liked the idea of a quiet entrance, she couldn't. It was her event and she needed to be front and center.

Draco drove onto the premises, and quickly braked. There were two limousines dropping off its passengers, and two fairies were leading the vehicles. When their turn came, Draco quickly got out from his seat and opened the door for Hermione, holding out his hand. Hermione hesitated.

After all this time, she still wasn't sure about how she felt about him. She remembered what her mother had said when she had broke up with Ron. Mrs. Granger had told Hermione that everyone deserved a second chance, to redeem themselves. If they still didn't live up to expectations then she needed to learn to let go.

Hermione decided that Draco too deserved one more chance.

"Let's go." She said, and she took his hand.