Sadly I own nothing, all rights go to our Queen JKR.
2nd January 1985 - Diagon Alley.
A/N To the rude guest reviewer, yes Bellatrix is older than Hermione, however, I felt for this story she would be younger so I imagine her in her 30's or so when Hermione turns 17, Witches live into their 100's so this would not be strange at all... Don't Like Don't Read :D
"Hermione Riddle if you are not downstairs in one minute you will not be allowed more than one book." Narcissa shouted up for the second time that morning. Whilst trying to rock a very grouchy Aurora.
"Cissa, calm down, a Lady must never leave the house looking anything other than perfect." Bella joked as she walked down the stairs holding Hermione's hand.
"Yes well, a Lady must also know when not to keep her Uncle waiting." Rabastan jumped out with his arms wide for the little one to run into.
"Uncle Bas, when did you come back?" Hermione eagerly ran for a hug.
"A few days ago, William and I are taking you shopping whilst your Father is in Gringotts."
"Why?" Hermione was not that naive she did not know when an anterior motive was set.
"Well Hermione, I... We would be honoured if you would be our flower girl?"
"Do you mean it?" Hermione's face spread into a huge grin.
"Yes, we mean it." William came from behind Narcissa to see her.
"I would be the honoured one." She enveloped them both in an embrace.
"You took so long looking perfect you missed us asking your Father, he is already in Diagon Alley and he promised to see you later." Narcissa took her hand and led her to the floo.
"I took so long that he can't see me in my pretty gown?"
"Yes you did, he decided to floo to Diagon Alley early with Uncle Rodolphus, Uncle Lucius, Draco, Harry and Sirius."
"Oh..." Hermione cast her eyes down trying not to cry.
William picked her up and squeezed her gently with promises of an ice cream and if he could, he would collect Ginny for a few hours to play. This cheered Hermione up immensely. Yes, she had Luna to play with but she did miss not seeing Ginny and Pansy as much. She was hoping she could convince her Aunt for a mini tea party soon.
Once in Diagon Alley Bellatrix said her goodbyes before heading to meet the gentlemen in Gringotts. Narcissa allowed them to follow her to Madam Malkins.
"Hello, how may I help you today?" At the till counter stood a plump short woman, with grey hair, granny like spectacles light pink dress robes who was smiling very nicely at the small group.**
"Hello, dear Madam Malkin." Narcissa stood forward to shake her hand.
"Madam Malfoy, how are you?" The older witch stepped around from the till to shake her hand.
"I am very well thank you, we have come in today as a dear friend of mine is set to marry his fiance, they both need suits and Hermione Riddle here is the bridesmaid."
"Riddle as in...?"
"Yes, She is his Daughter."
"Oh, wonderful." Madam Malkin clapped her hands together before summoning a magical tape measure and a quill and pad that would write down exact measurements.
"Who would like to go first?"
William, never shying away from leading others, stood forward and allowed the witch to whizz around him whilst movings his limbs in every direction they could possibly turn to.
"Have we thought of a colour scheme?" Madam Malkin looked to a very quiet Rabastan.
"We have yet to discuss such scheme, although I was thinking along the lines of Teal and Peach."
"Are we planning on spring nuptials?" Narcissa asked whilst taking Rabastan's coat off ready for his measurements.
"I was hoping so." Rabastan turned to his Fiance for reassurance.
William stepped down from the podium, took Rabastan's hand in his whilst smiling into his eyes.
"I would marry your tomorrow." He then raised his hand to his lips gently.
Rabastan and Hermione's measurements were over and done with in no time Madam Malkin had promised she would send drawings of what she envisioned for the wedding before the end of the day to Malfoy Manor. Hermione wanted to see her dress now although she did understand the importance of waiting for such quality.
"I do believe, I promised you an Ice Cream whilst your Aunt finishes up at Gringotts with your Uncle." William picked her up to help her through the busy street of Diagon Alley.
"You did, Father also promised me a new book."
"Did he? I am sure that you shall receive a new book, your Father stays true to his word."
"He does." Hermione grinned up at him.
"What flavour ice cream would you like?" Rabastan asked whilst stroking her hair.
"May I please have hazelnut chocolate?"
"Yes, you m..."
"William Weasley, what are you doing?" Came a shriek from behind them.
The trio turned to see a rather red-faced embarrassed looking Molly Weasley glaring at them with her wand out facing them.
"Mrs Weasley; Molly, it is in your best interest to not cause a scene." A gentle but stern voice came from the crowd.
Stepping forward stood Lady Augusta Longbottom.
"We do not want any trouble, Mrs Weasley." Rabastan spoke quietly.
"You do not want any trouble, explain yourself, William." The plump woman almost exploded.
"Bas and I are engaged to be married Mother."
"Like hell you are." Before he could say another word Molly sent a curse their way.
Rabastan wordless pulled a shield up before throwing himself in front of his Fiance and Hermione.
"Mrs Weasley we are not seeking to upset you, please stop and place your wand away." Rabastan tried gently again, fully aware of the ever growing crowd that seemed to be gathering.
This only made Molly angrier, before she could say anything else Hermione shrieked so loud she could have been heard on the other side of Scotland.
"You will stop this, you mean Lady. My friend Ginny is nothing like you, which I am glad of, she is not mean and she does not shriek." Hermione spoke in a harsh tone.
"How do you know my Ginevra?" Molly walked closer eying her. "Y..you...You're the Riddle girl!" She gasped before stepping back and walking rather quickly away.
"You handled that very well Gentlemen, please I apologise for not sending this sooner, I have some what... been engaged up until not, please accept my deepest apologies and I hope this is not too late." She pulled a very small piece of card out, pressed the tip of her wand to it and passed it to Rabastan. "I along with Neville look forward to seeing you two share your special day." With that, the old woman was gone.
Rabastan opened the card that the Longbottom Matriarch had recently put in his hand, inside had two little words 'We Accept.' Rabastan grinned a very happy grin and could not wait to tell everyone the good news, hopefully by the election in a weeks time the family could have pulled together enough supporters to help Lucius gain the title as Minister.
"Hermione, I am sorry my Mother was not nice to you today, may we continue to buy our ice cream?"
Hermione only nodded before placing her head on his chest, she would like one trip to Diagon Alley that did not leave her feeling so sad. William was thinking the exact same thing.
A/N * We don't see Madam Malkin and the description of her isn't very good, I used Harry Potter Wikipedia and there was a drawn picture of her, she looked slightly like the fairy godmother from Shrek!**
