I might love this chapter as my new favorite. I honestly cannot even decide anymore. I'm overwhelmed by the reviews, the messages, and I just hope that you all are continuing to enjoy this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

In the past month, Hermione was pretty convinced she'd manage to try on every wedding dress in both wizard and muggle London and was not impressed in the slightest. At first she didn't want to get too carried away with the price. Not that money was any object, but she felt it silly to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a dress she'd only wear for a few hours. But after not finding anything she considered remotely reasonable in the price, she threw caution in the wind and tried on anything and everything from haute couture to just plain impractical to walk in, let alone get married in. While it earned her a few laughs with Narcissa, Molly, and Ginny, she just didn't get the feeling she was supposed to get. Ginny said she would just know - she would look at herself in the mirror and just know that the dress she was wearing was the dress. But every time she was zipped up in another piece of fabric - ivory, white, satin, or lace - she just stood there in front of the mirror, completely indifferent.

It was another Saturday morning and Hermione mentally groaned as she slapped a hand on her alarm clock before the offensive blare startled Draco. The thought of going to another bridal shop made her ill. At one point, Draco asked her why she didn't just have someone make the dress for her. A novel idea, except for the fact that she had no idea what wanted. A dressmaker would be just as lost as she was on what to create. Everything else has been finalized - the guest list, the colors, the venue - Narcissa had it all taken care of. The wedding party was for the most part chosen, suits for the men were being tailored, and Ginny's dress was found within the first week of what had turned into an agonizing search for the perfect dress.

Rolling over, she looked at Draco, still asleep. She would never get over how peaceful he looked in his sleep, how instead of the face of a man who had seen too much, he looked almost childlike, a man who lived a carefree existence. He was nestled into the warm covers on his side, an arm slipped under the pillow he was using, his other arm resting outside of the covers. She nuzzled up close to him, inhaling his familiar scent as his arms moved to wrap around her.

"Morning," he murmured.

"Sorry," she whispered, stroking a soft hand through his hair. "I wasn't trying to disturb you."

"You can always disturb me like that," he said, pulling her close, contently exhaling. His eyes still closed, his lips found a bare patch that her nightdress didn't cover. "You should owl Mother," he whispered. "Cancel shopping…stay in bed all day."

She hummed in agreement in his ear, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Tempting…but I have to find a dress."

"Go naked," Draco suggested, his lips moving to her neck.

"Interesting thought, but if I'm naked, we can't invite anyone."

"I'm ok with that," he replied. "Two hundred invites for a wedding is ludicrous."

Hermione could definitely get behind that. She nearly told Narcissa she was out of her mind when she heard the number of invitations, but when Narcissa said that it was the number she came up with after going through and tossing out the non-essentials - and that number was closer to five hundred. Ginny of course, was shocked it wasn't bigger. You're practically wizard royalty, she told her at lunch several weeks ago. At least Narcissa got it down to two hundred. I think Harry and I had almost six hundred at our wedding. Harry and Ginny's wedding was nothing short of chaos, and Hermione remembered telling herself that if she ever decided to bite the bullet and get married - it would be anything but the circus she was currently witnessing at that moment.

She scissored her legs between his, wrapping a leg up around his waist as his boxer found themselves discarded. Hermione gasped as his hands found their way up her nightdress, caressing her bum. "I have to find a dress."

Draco moved his mouth to her collarbone. "Right…this…minute?" he asked in between kisses, his erection hard as it teased Hermione's damp folds.

Hermione pulled herself closer to him as he bucked her hips, gliding into her as she let her eyes roll to the back of her head. Instead of thrusting, Draco pressed his hands into her back, keeping them on their sides as the two moved their hips in sync with each other, generating friction as the two latched onto each other with their lips, speaking between each kiss. "I guess…I could get…a late start."

"Mmhmm," Draco agreed, pressing his hands into her each time his hips rotated his erection to her spot where her breath would hitch. "Where are...you…going…today?"

She hung her head back as his lips moved down her neck again, her arms wrapped under his, her hands digging into his shoulders. All she could do was moan as he quickened his pace, her hips bucking with each gyration. "Some place Ginny…found…" Hermione managed to squeak out, flexing her walls around him as she moaned again.

Every time he brought her to the edge, he'd slow himself down, bringing her back as the two spent forever caressing each other with their hands and their mouths. She'd beg for him to go harder but he'd ignore her pleas, instead teasing her with his tantalizing pace until he couldn't hold out much longer. Rolling her to her back, he grabbed her hips and frantically began to thrust, her breasts bouncing underneath her nightdress as the bottom of it was hiked up to her navel. "Hard," she begged. "I need it. Please."

She cried in pleasure with every thrust and Draco could feel himself on the verge of orgasm. He sped up his thrusting, pumping harder moment he saw her throat try to elicit some type of noise but instead, she gasped as she came. Feeling her release, he pushed into her a final time. "Hermione!" he groaned, digging his fingers into her hips as let go. Her legs wrapped around him, she pulled herself up, Draco's hands moving to her back as he helped push her upright, hugging him tight around the neck as he sat back on his knees.

"You understand it's entirely unreasonable to get married naked, right?" she said, her chest pressed into his.

He laughed lightly. "Again, we don't have to invite anyone."

"Someone would have to marry us."

"I saw some creepy documentary the other day - did you know that there are groups of muggles who live completely in the nude? We can go and get one of them to marry us. They certainly wouldn't be offended." Laughing, he laid her back down and pulled out of her as she rolled her eyes. "It's merely a suggestion," he said, casting a wandless cleaning spell between them as he found his boxers under the covers. He laid down next to her, shimmying back into his shorts.

Hermione straightened out her nightdress, sitting up in bed. "I'm going to start monitoring what you watch on the telly," she stated.

He scratched her back, still laughing. "It was completely bonkers - can you imagine living on a compound without any clothes - not even a pair of knickers in sight!"

"Please tell me you weren't watching this with James in the room."

"I have some common sense," Draco snarked.

"Just making sure," Hermione said, lying back down, her head on his chest.

"Only because Ginny would've hexed me."

"That, sweetheart, is a severe understatement."

Had Hermione been the only one of the four who continuously pursed their lips at each dress she tried on, she would have been convinced that the problem in finding a dress wasn't the lack of, but merely her. But neither Molly, Narcissa, nor Ginny had that one moment that Ginny kept promising her she'd feel when they saw her in all the dresses she modeled for them. That entire afternoon was spent in a sea of gowns, none of them being the one. She hesitated to toss out Draco's earlier suggestion that morning, only because Molly and Narcissa were in her presence. If it had just been her and Ginny, she would have said it, and knowing Ginny, she would have found it most amusing.

"We'll find you a dress," Ginny promised as they left the store, once again empty-handed.

"I know," Hermione said, sighing. "I guess I didn't think it would be this complicated."

Molly gave her a reassuring hug as she clutched the straps of her handbag in the crook of her arm. "There's no sense in buying a dress you don't love on your special day. We'll work it out, dear."

Hermione kissed her cheek and returned the hug. "Thanks, Molly." She looked to Narcissa and grimaced slightly. "Maybe we should revisit the idea of having one made?"

Narcissa held her hands. "Whatever you want, darling. We still have plenty of time."

Later that week at work, Hermione had a day trip planned to Paris to meet with Mr. Barre about an exchange year for female Hogwarts and Beauxbatons students as a part of her new plan for encouraging greater magical cooperation among the three schools. She had a similar meeting at Durmstrang with Mr. Eschkov in the following weeks regarding the same program for the male students. Harry, having stepped back his role as an active auror since his accident- much to Kingsley's chagrin - was taking a lead role in the training of aurors and had a day long workshop with the French ministry regarding training the same day as Hermione's meeting. They port-keyed together to the French ministry, and planned to meet back in the lobby once they were finished.

Hermione rather enjoyed working with Mr. Barre on this project. He thought the idea was brilliant when Hermione pitched it, and while it took some convincing on both their parts to get Mr. Eschkov on board, she saw no reason why this program couldn't have all of it's kinks worked out so that it could start in the year following the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

"I see congratulations are in order," Mr. Barre said in his thick French accent, nodding to the ring as it sparkled on her left ring finger.

Blushing, Hermione smiled. "Thank you."

"When is the big day?"

"October 21st," she replied.

Mr. Barre nodded. "Who's the lucky man?"

"Draco Malfoy," Hermione said, beaming as she spoke his name.

"You'd certainly be the best thing to happen to the Malfoy name in recent memory," Mr. Barre spoke with a genuine voice. "Is the planning going well?"

Hermione shrugged, collecting her notepad and folders to place in her leather satchel. "I've given his mother the planning part," she confessed. "All I really need to do is find a dress."

Holding up a finger, Mr. Barre stood from the small conference table in his office and walked over to his desk, pulling a card out of a drawer. He held it between his fingers as he passed it to Hermione. "My sister, Alma, has a very lovely boutique on La Rue de Charme over in Wizard Paris. If you have time, you should stop by."

She took the card from Mr. Barre. "Thanks…if I can convince my escort to make a small detour, I may do just that."

Mr. Barre laughed. "I'm sure Mr. Potter could be convinced. I'm glad to see he's recovered from his unfortunate accident."

"We all are," Hermione replied. "Thank you for the card - I'll be sure to let you know if I am successful." The older man bid her adieu with a kiss on each cheek before she left his office. Her heels clicked against the marble floor of the French Ministry of Magic as she found Harry sitting on a bench, reading the newspaper. "Hey stranger," she said, taking a seat next to him. "I figured I'd be the one waiting for you."

Harry folded up the newspaper and set it down on the bench. "Just got done. Apparently the meeting was more of the 'let's hear what Harry thinks and then do it because he defeated the greatest dark wizard of all time'…so essentially everything I said they practically leapt at in terms of implementing. I could have required all training aurors to wear dresses and they would have thought it was brilliant."

Hermione giggled. "Well, I mean, you did defeat the greatest dark wizard of all time."

"Not by myself," Harry said.

"When it came down to it…you did. It was the journey that you had assistance with."

Harry shrugged. "Maybe. What's that in your hand?"

She gave him the card. "Mr. Barre's sister apparently owns a bridal boutique."

"We could swing by before leaving."

"You wouldn't mind?"

Harry shook his head. "You obviously still need a dress - what's the worst that can happen? You leave without one? It's not like that hasn't happened."

They both stood up from the bench, Hermione readjusting the strap of her satchel on her shoulder. "I can't believe you came to a meeting without anything. How is that even possible?"

"I can't believe you came with a bag that weighs more than Albus," Harry teased. "Oh wait - yes I can."

"Shut it," Hermione teased. "It's not that heavy."

"It would be without the weightless charm I'm sure you cast upon it."

"I'm not completely dim. Now come along - another dress shop disappointment awaits," she teased, linking an arm with his.

The bridal boutique was definitely unique as Hermione and Harry walked inside. The interior appeared as if a baby blue paint bomb went off, with gold accents splashed about. She saw Harry's eyes go wide, wondering what exactly he had gotten himself into as a short, plump woman with a tight grey bun wearing a gold dress appeared.

"You must be Ms. Granger," Alma said, kissing both of her cheeks. "My brother owled earlier, said I might be expecting you."

Hermione politely returned the sentiment. "He mentioned you had a shop and that I should stop by. This is my friend Harry."

Alma kissed both of Harry's cheeks, causing him to blush. "Welcome, Harry," she said. "Harry Potter, correct?"

"Yes Ma'am," Harry replied.

"Ah…I've heard great things about you. Both of you." She ushered them into the store and flipped the sign in the door window from open to closed. "So you aren't bothered," Alma clarified, drawing the shades of the windows down with a flick of her wand. "Our wizard paparazzi aren't as…tamed as yours. My brother said you may want some privacy."

Hermione nodded. "Thank you. But I certainly don't want you to lose business - "

"Not to worry," Alma said. "Browse around, let me know if you want something pulled from the rack. Mr. Potter, there is a lovely bench over there if you'd like to sit and wait."

Harry took Hermione's bag and motioned towards the large gold sofa. "I reckon that's a safe place for me while you browse."

Hermione laughed as she began to sift through the racks. Some of the dresses she'd seen before and had already tried. Others were so poofy and filled with taffeta she was certain she'd look like a cupcake whipped with layers of meringue. She felt her hopes slowly fall as she moved to another rack. Figuring she may as well pull dresses that she hadn't seen and wasn't completely opposed to by the look of it on the hanger, she caught Alma's attention, handing her dresses as Alma took them to a changing room.

With about fifteen dresses inside, Hermione got to changing, discarding her work attire as she shimmied into the first dress. Using her wand to pull the zipper up, she walked out and stood on the carpeted riser, shrugging her shoulders as Harry stared.

"It's…fluffy," Harry remarked, obviously not sure what to say.

Hermione laughed. "It is a bit fluffy, yes. I don't hate it though." She turned around and looked in the mirror at dress with its beaded straps and square neck line. It was a bit plain - white satin top before it poofed out in tiers with mountains of tulle. "A bit itchy too," she remarked. "Though I'm sure a slip could cure that."

"What else you got in there?" Harry asked.

Hermione smirked. "Hold on and I'll show you."

She tried on a few more dresses; laughing at some of the faces Harry made each time she reemerged from the dressing room. Hermione was thoroughly surprised by some of his remarks, as he was putting considerable thought into what he liked and didn't like about each dress. Though like her previous shopping crew, he could see their point in the fact that she had yet to find the dress she was looking for. "Maybe your problem is that you're far to extraordinary to wear something ordinary," Harry said as she walked out in another dress, very fitted, very beaded.

"That's certainly a nice thought," Hermione said, not wild about the dress - or how heavy it felt due to the embroidered beads and sequins all over the fabric.

"It's a fact," Harry retorted. "If your father was here - he'd say the same thing."

Hermione gave Harry a sweet smile, her eyes welling with tears. "He probably would."

"Did I hear someone say extraordinary?" Alma asked, walking over to the duo. "Because if extraordinary is what you're looking for then I have just the gown. It came in yesterday." She vanished to the back of the store, reappearing with a gown still safely inside the garment bag. "It just might be what you're looking for." Hermione took the bag and walked into the changing room, discarding the heavy dress and hanging it back on the hanger before unzipping the bag. "It's from the new couture spring collection - strapless, draped corset bodice…beautiful asymmetric cut gown with floating organza petal detail towards the bottom of the bodice before tapering out into beautifully pleated and draped tulle…with a gorgeous sand white sash tied into a multi-looped bow." Alma recited as if she were in love with the creation. "It's unusual in color - a dusty white, almost a faint brown with rose tinting in areas, but I find that on the perfect person, it would be simply stunning."

Walking out of the changing room, She knew by the look on Alma's face that she felt exactly what Hermione felt - magic. She picked up the dress as she stepped up onto the carpeted pedestal and looked at Harry, who appeared to be in awe as well. "Well?" she asked him, biting her lips to keep from grinning too much. "What do you think?"

Harry stood up from the couch, his hands crossed against his chest. "It's extraordinary, 'Mione."

"Even though it's not white?" Hermione asked. "Narcissa may have to adjust her color scheme."

"I think she will do anything to make it work with this gown," Harry stated. "You look…amazing. Draco won't know what to do with himself." Harry reached into his back pocket, pulling out his wallet. Flipping it open, he pulled out his Gringotts card and handed it to Alma.

Hermione shook her head. "Harry Potter what on earth are you doing?"

"You aren't purchasing your own wedding dress," Harry stated. "It's…well, it's not proper."

"I'm sure plenty of women do it."

Harry nodded for Alma to take it so she could ring up the gown. "Hermione. You're my sister. Maybe not by blood…but it's what you are to me. If your father was here, you know he'd be paying for your gown. But since he can't, I will gladly take the responsibility in his absence."

Hermione couldn't stop the twin tears that escaped the corners of her eyes. "Harry," she hoarsely whispered. She held her arms open and he laughed, embracing her as she slightly towered over him on the pedestal. "Thank you," she said, kissing his cheek, hugging him tightly.

Harry returned the hug, returning the kiss to her cheek. "I love you." Pulling away, he held her hand as she stepped off of the pedestal. "I'm so happy how everything has worked out with you and Draco. But just because you have him now doesn't mean I'll stop taking care of you."

She smiled, wiping her happy tears away. "I know." Sighing, she plastered a smile to her face as she ran her hands lightly against the organza detailing. "I found my dress," she whispered, giddy as a child on Christmas morning.

"You certainly did," Harry replied, grinning as wide as she.

She continued to lightly pet the detail of her gorgeous gown. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

Hermione looked at him and smiled. "Would you walk me down the aisle?"

His eyes went wide. "Really? Not Arthur?"

She shook her head no. "I mean, he would of course, and he'd be brilliant…but I don't know. I just feel, well, the same as you. You're my brother. I feel it's only appropriate that you be the one to give me away since Dad can't."

For a moment, Hermione thought she saw Harry's eyes dampen with tears. But using his resolve, he shook his head and smiled. "It would be an honor, Hermione. I - I would be honored."

"Best man?" Blaise asked as he held his pawn mid move. The two were playing a game of wizard's chess in Draco's office. Blaise popped in to see if Draco actuallyworked as he stated so brazenly when he barged in unannounced about twenty minutes ago. "Really?"

Draco nodded. "It was Hermione's idea. She's taken quite a liking to you."

Laughing, Blaise made his move. "Maybe that means there's still hope for me yet," he teased.

"You never quit," Draco scoffed, making his move. "It's like you have Tourette's when it comes to my fiancée."

Blaise captured a rook with his bishop. "In complete seriousness - I'm honored you'd ask. But can I ask…why not Potter?"

Draco contemplated his next move. "Granger wants him to walk her down the aisle…and I respect that. Plus, she only has one bridesmaid - Ginny - so I figure it all just kind of works out."

"Right." Blaise turned his nose up at Draco's move. "Merlin! When did you become such a tosser at wizard's chess?"

He stared at the board, trying to figure out what Blaise was talking about until he realized his mistake, and Blaise would check him in three moves. "Fuck," he muttered. "Hell - I can't even remember the last time I played."

"Well you need to practice," Blaise taunted. "Because I'm about the worst wizard's chess player there is and I just smoked you."

Rolling his eyes, Draco sat back in his chair at his desk. "Clearly you aren't anymore." He pulled out the pocket watch Hermione gave him for Christmas to check the time. He expected Harry and Hermione back any time. "We're all having dinner tonight at my house - you're more than welcome to join."

Blaise picked up the black queen, tossing it back and forth between his hands as he slouched back in his chair. "Yeah…I don't know, mate."

"Honestly - Potter is fine," Draco reassured him.

"I could give a damn about Potter," Blaise stated. "It's his wife I'm terrified of."

Barking out a laugh, Draco couldn't restrain himself. "Ginny is fine. Her bark is far worse than her bite. Besides - as long as Harry is fine - Ginny's fine."

"I don't know," Blaise said. "I hear she's like a shark in the water. She can probably smell fear."

"The myths of Ginny Weasley are highly exaggerated," Draco said, nearly believing himself as he spoke.

"I heard she threatened the Minister of Magic and his bodyguard."

"Yeah…that might be true."

Blaise snorted. "Might be? Some sort of reassuring friend you are."

"Just come," Draco said. "You'll see. Everything will be fine."

Sighing, Blaise tossed the piece back onto the board. "Fine. I'll come. But I'm fully prepared to say Itoldyouso. I'm also coming so I can gawk at Granger, considering it's been a few days since I've been graced with the opportunity."

"You should be worried about me hexing you," Draco mockingly groused. "Not Ginny."

"Eh - I know your moves," Blaise replied. "Ginny on the other hand, I hear she packs some serious stealth."

Making sure his watch was nestled back into the pocket of his gray vest, he stood up and packed his briefcase with some files to read later in the evening. "Blaise - get you're shit," he said. "You're coming to dinner."

"But - "

"You've been back a month, you can't avoid the Potters. They're a daily part of my life and I won't live two separate ones. I'm not saying it won't be somewhat awkward at first - but once everyone gets used to each other, it'll be alright." He tossed his coat over an arm and motioned with the other. "It's now or never, mate."

Blaise appeared unamused, but stood to his feet, grabbing his coat and following his friend out of his office. "Alright then," he replied. "Let's get this over with."

They apparated separately into Draco's house, appearing in the kitchen. Draco took his coat as well as Blaise's and hung them up on the coat rack in the foyer of the house. Jori appeared at the sound of her master arriving home, and happily took his briefcase upstairs to his study. Blaise went to raid the fridge for beer while Draco rummaged through a hall closet looking for James' old high chair for Albus to use. They hadn't done weekly dinners in awhile - between jobs, wedding planning, and Harry's accident - it'd been chaotic. Finally, behind a stack of boxes filled with clothes from his days with an all black wardrobe, he found the high chair. Shrinking it with his wand, he grabbed it and pulled it out behind the boxes easily. Resizing it in the kitchen, he saw the funny look on Blaise's face and laughed. "It's call a high chair."

"You said nothing about small people," Blaise countered.

"James and Albus aren't exactly old enough to be left unattended," Draco retorted with a laugh.

"I don't do kids," Blaise said nervously. "They weird me out."

"You'll be fine," Draco said, exasperatedly. "Don't be such a ninny. Besides - it's not like we're going to leave you alone with them." He figured since it was a nice cool day outside, grilling outside was appealing. Grabbing steaks from the fridge, he tossed them onto the counter. In the pantry, he pulled out a bag of potatoes and a box of macaroni and cheese - knowing very well that James would be expecting some.

He could feel Blaise watching as he pulled out pots and pans that he'd need for dinner, which Ginny would start when she arrived. He couldn't imagine what was keeping Hermione and Harry, but he didn't tend to worry about her if she was in the company of Harry. "This seems to be quite the production," Blaise mused, nursing his beer.

Draco shrugged. "It's funny…remember when we'd all have dinner at the manor when we were younger? How we would all sit there, all of us silent, adults speaking only if they had something they found to poignant at the time to speak?"

Blaise nodded. "Boring as hell, if I recall correctly."

"This is entirely different. It's loud and chaotic, hilarious, and genuine fun," Draco explained. "It's what you're supposed to do when surrounded by family and friends. Just wait - you'll see."

A pop at the fireplace echoed the house, followed by the familiar clicks of Hermione's heels against the wood floors, louder as they approached the kitchen. "I found a dress!" she shrieked, launching herself onto Draco as he wrapped his arms around her. She pressed a hard kiss to his lips and hugged him tight. She caught Blaise watching in the corner, a smirk on his face. "Blaise! Hello! I found a dress!"

Harry walked into the kitchen with a large gold box wrapped in a big blue bow. "Where do you want this?" he asked.

"Um…up in the guest bedroom," Hermione replied. "I can't wait to show Ginny." She looked back at Draco, completely giddy. "I found a dress," she whispered.

"I see that," Draco replied, stealing another kiss. "I don't suppose I'll get a preview of said dress, will I?"

She shook her head no. "You have to wait until the big day."

"But Harry's clearly seen it!" Draco practically whined. "That's hardly fair."

"Believe me - it'll be worth the wait," Harry said as he walked towards the stairs, stopping as he saw Blaise. "Zabini," he said with a nod.

"Potter," Blaise replied, doing the same.

"Good to see you," Harry said. "I'd shake your hand, but they're full at the moment."

Blaise nodded. "I appreciate the sentiment."

"Right," Harry stated before lumbering up the stairs, dress box in hand.

Draco set Hermione down and pulled her into his side. "So did you accomplish any work today, Granger, or was Paris just a ruse to find a dress."

"No - I actually did work," Hermione said, still grinning. "Mr. Barre's sister owned a boutique, and Harry said didn't mind if we gave it a go, and we did, and I found my dress! I can't wait to show it to Mother and to…"

She rambled on, but Draco was finding it hard to think as she referred to Narcissa as Mother. Never did he think that day would ever happen, and if it had a chance - certainly not before they were married. He thought she'd be comfortable with maybe after the wedding, maybe after they had a kid. But instead it was today. Maybe it was just the excitement of the dress, but then again, Hermione rarely said anything she didn't mean. Thankfully, the pop of the fireplace broke his train of thought, before his head and heart managed to explode.

"Uncle Draco! Uncle Draco!" he heard James squeal, his clunky footsteps making their way to the kitchen. "Uncle Draco I gots new glasses!"

James stared at Draco and Hermione with a lopsided grin, the black wire rimmed glasses perched on his petite face making him a dead ringer for his father. "I have never seen anything so cute in my life!" Hermione whispered. "James - you look very dashing."

"Do I look more grown up?" he asked.

"At least seven," Draco said in his best serious voice.

James pumped a fist in the air. "Yes! Did you hear that Mummy? Uncle Draco said I looked seven!"

Ginny laughed, making an appearance in the kitchen with Albus content on her hip. "Uncle Draco likes to humor you, sweetheart."

"I don't know what that means, but it sounds good to me," James replied. He surveyed the room until he saw an unfamiliar face, standing in the corner where the two countertops met near the fridge. "Who's that?"

Ginny looked up, slightly taken aback as she pushed James' arm down. "Don't point," she reminded him. "Blaise?"

Draco and Hermione looked over their shoulders at Blaise, who gave an awkward smile. "Uh…hello. Draco said I could crash the dinner party tonight."

Ginny looked at Draco, who shrugged with a smile before looking back to Blaise. "Alright then," she replied. "James, this is Mr. Zabini, Uncle Draco's friend. Use your manners - say hello."

James didn't appear to look all that sure about the new face in the room. Draco held out his hand and James took it, walking around the island so he could give a proper hello. "He won't bite," Draco teased. "I promise."

"Are you talking about James or Blaise?" Hermione teased, noticing the slightly terrified look on Blaise's face.

"A real cut up you are, Granger," Blaise snarked.

"Hello, Mr. Zabini," James said, extending his small hand. "I'm James Potter."

Blaise wasn't sure to do at first, until Draco nodded his head for Blaise to do the same. "Right," Blaise said as he cleared this throat. "I'm Blaise. Blaise Zabini."

James cocked his head to the side, staring at him before staring back at Draco. "Is this the guy who lives in the brothel?"

Blaise nearly choked on the swig of beer in his mouth as Ginny stared at Draco. "I can explain," Draco started.

"Explain what?" Harry asked, reappearing as he walked down the staircase.

"You aren't finished, Mr. Malfoy," Ginny warned Draco, shifting Albus to her other hip.

"Of course not," Draco replied, dreading the now future conversation.

Hermione arched an eyebrow at her fiancé, who gave her a curt wave with his hands. He could explain it all at once later. How James remembered everything he heard was beyond Draco most days. Then again, as Ginny often said when it came to bite Harry in the ass some days, heisthespawnoftheChosenOne. "Dear, why don't you go show Ginny your dress."

Ginny's shrieked. "You found a dress!"

"I found a dress!" Hermione screeched. "Come! Come see it!" Hermione dragged Ginny up the stairs, Ginny passing Albus off to her husband and stealing a kiss before running up the stairs behind Hermione, both of them squealing in excitement.

"Fuckin' hell - that was terrifying," Blaise mused.

"Galleon!" James exclaimed.

"Excuse me?" Blaise asked.

"You can't swear around me because I'm little, and Mummy says it's bad and so when Daddy and Uncle Draco swear I get a galleon," James explained.

Blaise furrowed his brow at James, while Draco and Harry muffled their laughs. "That seems like a pretty steep price for a swear."

"It's Mummy's rule," James said. "And Mummy's the boss. She says so all the time."

Blaise pursed his lips as he stared at the mini-Potter, who seemed pretty adamant about the rules. "He's not joking, is he?" he asked Harry and Draco.

"Between the pair of us, he's collected quite the fortune," Draco admitted.

Harry ruffled the top of Albus' hair, growing darker by the day, and laughed. "Malfoy speaks the truth."

Blaise dug a hand into his pocket, pulling out a handful of galleons. "Tell you what," he said, handing over the lot of coins. "Consider this a down payment - because I'm certain it won't be the only swear from me tonight."

"Nice," Draco mused as James gleefully took the coins with both of his hands and carried them over to the table.

"He was the one that said it was a rule," Blaise countered. "I'm not crossing the ginger."

Harry laughed, nodding in agreement. "It isn't a bad plan."

"Please," Draco replied, taking his godson from Harry. "It's his only plan."

The three men laughed, and as they heard Ginny scream at how amazing Hermione's dress was, Draco couldn't do much more than grin. Everything he never thought he would get was coming all together, piece by piece.

The Dress can be found in the comments section - I can't make a link stay in this window to save my life!