Chapter Ten
Draco stared up at the Zabini Mansion as he stepped out of the family carriage. His eyes grew wide as he took in the blazing beauty in front of him. He had seen it decorated splendidly for Blaise's birthday in previous years but none as magnificent as the sight before him.
Small gold lanterns floated near the ground lighting the dark driveway while larger ones floated above his head lighting the broader areas. Beautiful ribbons of silver and green slithered up one tall white pillar, while ribbons of red and gold climbed up the other; all coming to meet at the edges of a huge banner that read "HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY BLAISE AND HERMIONE!" in bright, gold letters.
"My, my, Marjorie certainly has out done herself, hasn't she?" Mrs. Malfoy exclaimed, "It's absolutely breathtaking."
"Yes," Mr. Malfoy said, "Stunning."
A tall, well dressed man greeted them at the door with a small bow. "Welcome to Zabini Mansion Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy and young Master Draco, may I take your cloaks?"
"Yes," Mr. Malfoy said, helping his wife off with her cloak and handing it to the man before taking off his own.
Draco handed his cloak to the man and nodded his thanks. "Harlon shall now escort you to the Grand Ball Room," the man said, motioning to a shorter man coming down the hall toward them.
"This way, please," the man called Harlon said with a small bow. They followed quietly as Harlon led them down a few corridors to the Grand Ball Room, Draco all the while looking around at the many elegant decorations.
Silver and gold balloons, tied with red and green ribbons, floated above freshly shined suits of armor. Ribbons, much like the ones wrapped around the two outside pillars, hung against the top part of the walls where wall met ceiling. Tiny golden trumpets had been enchanted to sing "Happy Birthday Hermione" or "Happy Birthday Blaise" as people walked by and had been tied into the ribbons that graced the halls.
When they finally reached the Grand Ball Room a few moments later, music and the loud sound of chattering filled Draco's ears as he stepped inside and began looking around. Draco's eyes widened. He had thought that the outside and hallways had looked beautiful but nothing compared to the sight that now met his eyes. It was almost breathtaking.
More of the same ribbons and balloons decorated the ceiling and walls, Slytherin colors on one side, Gryffindor on the other. Candles floated in midair giving off an extraordinary amount of light. Two tables, each in a far corner of the huge room, held mountainous piles of presents for Blaise and Hermione, a sight all their own.
Near the door, where the Malfoys were currently standing, a large table had been set up with a small fountain of butterbeer on one side and another small fountain of wine flowed on the other. Between the two fountains sat trays and trays of candies, cakes, pies and every other sweet imaginable. Crabbe and Goyle are going to be in heaven here with the way they eat, Draco thought.
"Presenting Mr. Lucius Malfoy, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy, and Master Draco Malfoy!" boomed a disembodied voice.
"Draco, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, so good to see you!" drawled a sickeningly sweet voice.
Draco groaned inwardly as he turned his head slightly to the left and saw Pansy Parkinson. "Pansy," he said politely.
"Pansy how lovely to see you," Mrs. Malfoy said, "I trust your parents are well?"
Pansy beamed at being addressed so warmly by Draco's mother. "Yes, they're very well. Father's just over there talking with Mr. Zabini. Mother's home but she's asked me to invite you for tea next week."
Mrs. Malfoy smiled. "Of course, dear, I'll owl her about it tomorrow," she said, then turning her attention to the approaching Mrs. Zabini, "Ah, Marjorie, what a beautiful party you've put together."
Pansy took that moment to snake her arm around Draco's and drag him off to a far corner of the room. It had always given her great pleasure to be on his arm and she wasn't about to give that up to someone who was, as far as she was concerned, so far beneath her. That little trollop is going to regret ever being born by the time Draco and I are through with her, she thought.
As soon as they were far enough away from his parents, Draco shook Pansy off of his arm and leaned against the wall with his hands in his pants pockets. "What do you want?" he questioned without even looking at her.
Pansy sidled up to him and placed a hand on his chest, pouting slightly. "Drakie, how are we going to stop this silly engagement of yours if you don't show your love for me?"
"My love for you?" he asked with slightly disgusted chuckle, "What in the bloody hell gave you the idea that I had, or have, any kind of love for you?"
"Why are you being so cold to me?" Pansy asked, taking a step away from him, "First you don't write back to me, and now you're pretending that you don't love me? What's gotten into you, Drakie?"
Draco rolled his eyes. He hated it when she called him 'Drakie'. "First of all, Pansy; stop calling me 'Drakie'. I hate it and it makes you sound like an imbecile. Secondly; I didn't write back to you because there was nothing in your letter that warranted writing back," he said, "And thirdly; I'm not pretending I don't love you… I really don't love you, and even if I did, I'm promised to Hermione so there's nothing that can be done." What she doesn't know won't hurt her, he decided.
Pansy's dark eyes narrowed. "You mean you're actually going to go through with marrying that filth?" she asked, stunned.
"She's pureblood, just like you and me," Draco told her.
"How can you say that?"
"Pansy, she's Blaise's twin sister!" He exclaimed, "Put two and two together for crying out loud! If Blaise is pureblood and Hermione is his twin, then obviously she's pureblood as well."
Pansy rolled her eyes. "So she says."
"The Zabini's are one of the oldest pureblood families around and you're questioning…? This is ridiculous," he said, turning and beginning to walk away.
"You're defending her?"
Draco turned and faced her with a frustrated sigh. "She's my fiancée, Pansy; it's my duty to defend her," he said, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go find Crabbe and Goyle."
Hermione stood in her room looking out one of her large windows at the carriages and Apparaters arriving below. She had been ready to go downstairs for the past twenty minutes but she was so nervous that she couldn't make her legs move. It was almost as if she had become a statue. What if her fellow Gryffindors didn't like the new her? What if she embarrassed her family?
Suddenly, a soft knock drew her attention to her bedroom door. "Come in," she called.
The door silently opened and Blaise's smooth voice hit her ears. "Hermione, Dad's been asking about you," he said, poking his head in, "I gotta say; it never looks good when the guest of honor is late for her own party."
Hermione giggled. "Well then I should be glad I'm not the only guest of honor," she joked.
Blaise completely entered the room, shut the door, and walked over to her. "Sis, listen, I know you're nervous… I can feel it… but that's not going to stop tonight from happening," he told her gently, comfortingly rubbing her arms.
"But there are so many people here that hate me," Hermione said weakly, "How can I be expected to go down there and be amongst them with a smile on my face?"
"Um, excuse me but I don't think we've met… I'm Blaise Zabini and you are?"
"You know who I am."
"I'm not so sure because the Hermione I know wouldn't be standing up here wondering how she's going to get through a night with people 'that hate' her," he said, using air quotes at the proper time, "She'd be down there in the middle of the crowd talking with her friends not giving a damn what anyone thinks about her."
"How would you know that?" Hermione questioned.
Blaise smiled. "You'll come to learn that I'm an excellent judge of character," he said.
"I hope that I'll come to learn more than just that about you."
"Um, hello! Twins!"
Hermione burst into giggles at her brother's antics. "You know, you're right," she said after a few minutes, "I shouldn't be this nervous about my own birthday party it's just…"
"Just what?"
"None of my friends, other than Harry, Ginny, and Ron are going to recognize me."
"Well it's not like you've had a Blood Transmogrification spell on you for the past seventeen years," Blaise said sarcastically, "You're voice is still the same, and apart from being a little taller and having different hair and eyes, you don't look much different, so it shouldn't be too hard for them to figure it out… and if it is, then they're stupid idiots who don't deserve your friendship."
Hermione hugged her brother. "You're not a bad guy Blaise Zabini," she whispered.
Blaise pulled away from her slightly and smiled playfully. "Shh, no one's supposed to know that," he said, "There's no such thing as a 'good' Slytherin, remember?"
Hermione smiled and took a deep breath. "Well, shall we head down to the party?"
"I thought you'd never ask!" Blaise teased, holding out his arm, "Come on, our people await our arrival!"
Hermione couldn't help laughing as they walked out of her room and headed toward the Grand Ball Room. It was only a few minutes before she stood at the entry to the luxurious room, staring at its grandeur in awe. "You know, in order to get noticed and have fun we have to actually walk into the room," Blaise teased.
Hermione looked up at him and narrowed her eyes playfully. "Don't be so mean!" she joked, "I'm not used to all of this like you are."
"But you're lovin' every second of it, aren't you?"
She giggled. "It's nice and all… It's just all… so much," she replied as they stepped into the room, "I honestly don't think I'll ever get used to all of this lavishness, but it is nice."
"Presenting Master Blaise Zabini and Miss Hermione Zabini!" the disembodied voice called upon their entry.
"Come on, we've gotta find Mum and Dad before they completely freak."
"Are they really that… uptight?" Hermione asked, following him through the maze of people.
"Only when it comes to punctuality and keeping up appearances."
"I see…" Hermione craned her neck and spotted their mother speaking with Mrs. Malfoy. She pointed. "Mu… I mean; our moth… Um… She's over there talking to Mrs. Malfoy."
Blaise gave her a questioning look. "Still don't know what to call our mum?"
Hermione shook her head, amazed at how easily he was able to know what she was thinking, and feeling. Blaise nodded. "Understandable. Okay, if Mum's talking to Narcissa, Dad won't be too far away… Oh look, there's Draco."
Hermione turned slightly and saw the tall white-blond stalking across the room. She had the feeling that something… or someone… had made him angry if he was walking like that. She had seen that walk from him many times over the years so she knew what it took to get him angry, and it wasn't easy. Her curiosity as to the cause of his anger was quickly forgotten as she took a closer look at him.
His long frame was neatly dressed in, she couldn't believe her eyes, a Muggle Tuxedo. Oh my, he looks good, she thought, taking in the well-fitting black jacket and pants. Good was an understatement; Draco Malfoy looked amazing. Sure, he looked amazing in anything he wore, but tonight was something extraordinary.
"Ooh, looks like there's trouble in Paradise Pansy." Blaise chuckled.
Hermione unwillingly took her eyes off of Draco and looked to see what Blaise was talking about. Unfortunately, her eyes were greeted with the sight of a pouting Pansy Parkinson. "What's she doing here?"
"She's a friend, Hermione," Blaise said, "but apart from that, Mum invited all the seventh year Slytherins and Gryffindors… and um, people not in our year or houses."
Hermione smiled as the ever serene face of Ron's girlfriend, Luna Lovegood, came into view on the dance floor. "She's a good friend," she said.
"Of course, but that doesn't mean she's not a bit um… loopy."
"Hermione, Blaise; I have been looking for you," their father said as he came up to them, looking at them sternly.
The raven haired twins looked up at their father and smiled. "I apologize for my tardiness, Father," Hermione said, "A bit nervous I suppose."
Mr. Zabini's face softened and he smiled tenderly at his daughter. "I cannot be angry about that," he reasoned, "Come along, it is time to announce you."
Moments later, the four Zabinis were standing on a small, raised platform. Mr. Zabini tapped his wine glass with a knife for a moment, gathering everyone's attention. "If I could have your attention for just a few moments, please," he said.
The room immediately went silent as nearly hundreds of eyes focused their attention on their host. "It is with pride, and great pleasure that my wife and I welcome you to our home for this joyous occasion. A person only turns seventeen once in a lifetime and I am pleased to say that tonight is that time for my two children," he said, "I am not much for making speeches so I will leave that to my children. May I present to you, our son, Blaise Dominic, and our daughter, Hermione Jean."
Hermione looked at her brother nervously as applause broke out amongst the party goers, who were looking at Hermione with curiosity and amazement. "No one ever said anything about us having to make a speech!" she whispered, "I'm horrible at speeches…"
Blaise smiled and took her hand. "Then I guess it's a good thing that I'm brilliant at them," he whispered back.
The two stepped up to their father, Blaise smiling brightly, Hermione biting her lip nervously and clinging to Blaise's hand for dear life. "Ladies, Gentlemen, fellow Hogwarts students, and other friends; thank you for coming and celebrating with us this evening. Going against my usual nature of long, elegant speeches, I'm going to make this one short, and sweet." Blaise began, "Seventeen years ago today, my mother gave birth to my sister and me, and it was seventeen years ago that my sister was placed in the care of two Muggles so that she could overcome an illness. Now, she's home; where she belongs. For me, tonight isn't just about a Coming of Age, or two as the case may be. No; tonight is not only a celebration of turning seventeen, it's a celebration of a homecoming."
Hermione's eyes welled up slightly with tears as she drunk in her brother's words. Although she had only really started getting to know him about twenty-four hours ago, she felt truly loved and welcomed; as if she had lived with him her whole life. Blaise squeezed her hand and nodded encouragingly. "It's your turn little sister," he whispered over the applause.
Hermione cleared her throat nervously and squeezed his hand back. "Ahem, right…" she began weakly, "Well, I'm nowhere near as good as Blaise at making speeches so I'll just say this; I'm glad that you all could be here tonight to celebrate with us. Please, enjoy the party."
Once again, applause broke out as the Zabinis stepped down from the platform. Blaise kissed Hermione's hand briefly and winked at her. "That wasn't so bad now, was it?" he asked.
"It was the most nerve-wrecking thing I've done in my life."
Blaise laughed. "Hermione, you truly are a dear," he said, "Now come on, let's mingle! I'm sure your friends are just dying to comment on your 'new' look, and the Muggles will want to see you."
"The Muggles?" Hermione questioned.
"Yeah. The ones who raised you; the Grangers."
"You mean they're here?" Hermione asked, searching the crowd for her parents' faces.
Blaise smiled. "Of course, Mum didn't want them to miss your birthday."
"Isn't that against the Laws of Secrecy?"
"Hermione, relax," he said, taking her hands in his, "I'm certain that Mum and Dad wouldn't have invited them here unless they had spoken to the Ministry."
"Well, it certainly would be good to see them. I miss them so much."
"Well of course… they raised you; they're basically all you've known for nearly seventeen years," he said understandingly. "Well, I see some friends, I'm gonna go chat with them, see ya!"
Hermione hardly even had the chance to nod before Blaise hurried off to talk to some of his friends. She looked around for a familiar face but she saw none, until Ron was suddenly standing in front of her. "I have nothing to say to you," she said looking up at him with angry green eyes.
As she began to walk away, Ron gently grabbed her arm. "Hermione, please hear me out," he said.
"If you're going to insult me again, save your breath because I don't want to hear it," she snapped, pulling her arm out of his grasp.
"No, I um… I want to apologize," Ron said.
Hermione looked at him curiously. "You what?"
Ron cleared his throat. "I want to apologize," he repeated, "I shouldn't have said those things. You were right, just because your last name has changed doesn't give me a right to think differently about you. I'm sorry, can you forgive me?"
"You should be sorry. You hurt me very badly. As far as I'm concerned, I was raised a Granger and that's what I'll always be, I just have a little extra thrown in now. It's not my fault that I'm actually a Zabini, and it certainly isn't my fault that a marriage was arranged between Malfoy and me," Hermione exclaimed, "And furthermore, friends shouldn't treat friends in such a cruel manner. Friends are supposed to support and be there for each other in times of need."
"Yes…"
"You have absolutely no idea what I've been going through for the past twenty-four plus hours, Ronald, no bloody idea," she interrupted, "I'd like to see how you'd fare if you'd just found out you weren't really a part of the family you've lived with for seventeen years!"
"I… You're right," Ron said weakly, "Knowing me, I'd probably be feeling out of place and needing comfort from the people I care for."
"More or less," Hermione said emotionlessly.
"Can you forgive me for being such an arse?"
Hermione sighed. "Right now, I'm not sure," she said, "Give me some time and we'll see what happens."
"Hermione you look lovely. I've always thought red was a good color on you."
Hermione smiled brightly at the strange blonde Ravenclaw. "Thank you, Luna! It's so good to see you," she said, hugging her, "I'm glad you could come."
"Oh I wouldn't have missed this," Luna said, "Plumbalarts enjoy birthday parties. I'm hoping to catch one."
"Well at least you're here," Hermione laughed. She had learned a long time ago not to ask Luna questions about the strange creatures she mentioned.
Just then, Harry and Ginny joined them. "Hermione, my, don't you look beautiful tonight," Ginny said, hugging her friend, "Happy birthday."
"Thank you, Ginny," Hermione replied, "So do you!"
Ginny spun around, showing off her deep green, strapless dress. "Thank you, Harry bought it for me."
Harry blushed and ran a hand through his messy black hair. "I uh… I thought it would go nicely with her hair," he said.
"It does," Hermione said.
Ginny touched Hermione's hair lightly. "I still can't get over how different you look," she stated, "And yet, how much the same."
"I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it. I've looked at the same brown hair and brown eyes for nearly seventeen years and suddenly I'm this black haired, green eyed person I don't recognize," Hermione agreed, "It's so strange."
"And you're okay? You're being treated fairly, and all?" Harry questioned.
"More than fairly," Hermione assured him.
Ginny looked around. "You're certainly getting a lot of attention," she observed.
"Yes, including the attention of one Draco Malfoy," Luna stated.
Hermione turned her head in the direction Luna was looking. Sure enough, Draco's steel gray eyes were locked on her. She wasn't quite sure of the expression on his face, but it certainly wasn't the disgusted look she normally got from him. In fact, it seemed almost caring. This confused her greatly because of their past interactions; however, brushing it off for the time being, she turned back to her friends.
A few minutes later, a warm hand gripped her arm gently and turned her around. Draco looked down at her with a questioning, yet demanding look. "Dance with me."
"Is that a request, or a demand?" Hermione questioned.
Draco's hand slid down her arm to her hand. "A little of both," he said.
"You shouldn't talk to her like that, you know," Harry said quietly.
Draco looked at Harry and narrowed his eyes. "What was that, Scar head?"
Harry cleared his throat. "I said; you shouldn't talk to her like that."
"What makes you think you have the right to tell me how I should speak to my fiancée?"
"She's my friend, Malfoy and I won't have you talking to her with such disrespect!" Harry snapped, "And she's not your fiancée yet."
"Harry!" Hermione stated when she saw his hand inching toward the pocket she knew concealed his wand.
Draco blinked, suddenly aware that Hermione had told her friends about their agreement. He took a step toward the dark haired hero of Hogwarts and lowered his voice. "That's none of your business, Potter, and neither is how I choose to speak to my betrothed."
"Draco! Both of you knock it off!" Hermione snapped, "Honestly you two, you're acting like two year olds! Harry, I wasn't offended by how Draco spoke to me so you shouldn't be and Draco, Harry's just being my friend so don't get so snippy. Now please, it's my birthday, can we all just please have a happy night?"
"Sorry, Hermione," Harry said, "You're right."
Hermione nodded and gave him a small smile. She then looked at Draco. "That goes for you, too."
Draco said nothing. He simply looked at her and nodded. "Thank you. I'll be back," she said to her friends, allowing Draco to pull her toward the large dance floor that had suddenly appeared.
"Yeah, she'll be back… when I'm done with her," Draco said, smirking at Ron and Harry while Hermione wasn't looking.
Both Harry and Ron began lurching forward to attack Draco but were stopped by Blaise sliding in front of them. "Potter, Weasley… Going somewhere?" he asked.
"Yeah, after that git that just walked off with our friend," Harry snapped.
Blaise shook his head. "Guys, Draco's betrothed to my sister, if he wants to dance with her, it's his right," he said, "And I won't have you two ruining tonight for Hermione. It's been a long time coming and I want my baby sister to be happy. Understand?"
When neither one made any reply, their girlfriend's elbowed them in the ribs. "Yes," Ron said, although reluctantly. He had just tried getting back into Hermione's good graces and he didn't want to jeopardize any progress he could make.
Harry, on the other hand, reached into his robes and withdrew his wand. "Get out of my way, Zabini," he said, pointing it at Blaise.
Blaise stood planted in front of him. "Potter, because you're my sister's friend, I'll let you get by with a warning… this time… Point your wand at me again and I won't be so generous," he said menacingly.
Realizing that he was breaking his promise to Hermione, Harry sheathed his wand back into his robes. "Fine, I'll let it go, for now," he said.
"Good, because I'd hate to kick you two out for starting a fight, it would break Hermione's heart and that's not something I'll ever do."
Harry and Ron glared angrily as Blaise turned and walked over to a girl with long blonde hair that they had never seen before. "How dare he talk to you like that!" Ginny stated, "Of course he would take Malfoy's side."
"Well, really he was taking Hermione's side," Luna interjected kindly, "He seems to really care about her happiness."
Ginny narrowed her eyes slightly. "What does he care about her happiness? Until yesterday, she was Hermione Granger, Mud-Blood."
Ron turned an angry shade of pink and narrowed his eyes at his younger sister. "Ginevra Weasley!"
"Oh, honestly Ronald, I'm only saying what Zabini's thought of Hermione all these years… not to mention Malfoy," Ginny told him.
"People can change, Ginny," Luna pointed out.
"Not overnight."
"Hermione did."
Draco led Hermione to a fairly clear spot on the dance floor and pulled her into his arms. He could feel how nervous she was as he rested a hand on the small of her back, not to mention it was written all over her face as she looked up at him. A smile twitched at the corner of his mouth as he pulled her a little closer. "You don't have to be nervous, Hermione," he said as they began swaying to the music, "Contrary to your assumption, I won't hurt you."
Hermione bit her lip slightly. "There's just so much that's happened between us in the past six or seven years that it's hard to just let that go," she said, "Add that to the fact that my life has changed drastically in the past twenty-four hours and, well, let's just say my nerves aren't exactly stable."
"I can understand that," Draco said with a nod, "You're not unhappy though, right?"
"No, I'm not unhappy, just confused, and unsure of myself."
"Hermione Granger, unsure of herself?"
"I don't expect you to understand, Draco, but since our first day at Hogwarts when we were eleven I've been teased, tormented, and even attacked by the very same people I'm supposed to call 'family' now, including three quarters of the people here," she said, "It's what I've known since the day I found out I was a witch, and suddenly, in the span of a few minutes, my life is changed and I'm being treated differently by everyone that's been cruel to me in the past… I even look different. How am I supposed react to all of that?"
Draco was at a loss for words. He truly couldn't imagine the thoughts that were going through Hermione's head about the new life ahead of her. Apart from that, however, the look on Hermione's face was captivating him. Her statement of "I even look different", in his opinion, was an understatement. She was truthfully a knockout.
Her previously bushy brown hair now hung in perfect ringlets down her back, as black as coal and seemingly as smooth as silk. Her formerly honey brown eyes were now the most brilliant shade of emerald green he had ever seen and were perfectly highlighted by the small amount of mascara and eyeliner she was wearing. He also noticed that she had grown in height, now coming just under his chin as opposed to her previous height of the center of his chest.
The deep red, floor-length dress she was wearing fell slightly off her shoulders and fitted her perfectly, fanning out a bit at the waist. It flowed gracefully around her legs as they moved around the floor to the slow paced music. Every now and then, if he looked down at the floor, he could catch a glimpse of the gold ballet flats that matched wonderfully with the gold stitching of the dress.
"I want to thank you for the lovely spell book," Hermione said, pulling him out of his thoughts, "It was very thoughtful of you."
"I'm glad you like it," Draco said, looking her in the eyes.
Hermione cleared her throat and blushed slightly when she noticed the way he was looking at her. "What?" she asked quietly.
Draco shook his head. "Nothing… Just a bit of a change is all," he replied, lightly touching one of her dark curls.
"Yes, it's definitely going to take some getting used to," she said, "Do… do you like it?"
Draco smirked slightly. "Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't," he confessed, "but looks can only get a person so far."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means that I'm not easily impressed by one's looks, Hermione," he said leaning a bit closer to her ear.
"Well, if you're looking for someone that's going to use her… ahem… assets to interest you, you'll have to look elsewhere because that's not the type of girl I am."
"You already hold my interest, however I have the feeling that yours isn't held by me. Why do you think that is?"
Hermione gave him a questioning look. "Why do you care what I think?" she asked, "I thought you hated me."
"Ahem, well I…"
"Of course he hates you," said a cold voice.
Draco and Hermione turned their heads to look at Pansy. "Do you mind?" Draco asked lazily, "We're dancing."
Pansy rolled her eyes and gave Draco a flirty smile. "Oh come now, you can't tell me that you honestly like touching that filthy piece of trash," she said, turning to look at Hermione with a look of disgust, "Even if she does have new packaging."
Hermione stepped away from Draco and crossed her arms over her chest. "I beg your pardon? New packaging?"
"Oh come on, it's not like you're a novice at making Polyjuice Potion."
"I did that once," Hermione argued, "Five years ago."
"That doesn't mean you wouldn't do it again if the opportunity presented itself."
"What opportunity?"
Pansy smirked as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Well, for someone who's supposedly the smartest witch of our year, you're pretty dumb," she said, "It's obvious that you planned all of this."
Draco ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Pansy…"
"No, Draco, it's all right," Hermione said, holding her hand up to silence him, "I'd love to hear how Pansy obviously thinks I planned all of this."
Pansy gave them a satisfied smile. "Please, it's so simple; you've had your eyes on Draco for I don't know how long and when you saw that he was falling for me, you put a plan into action."
"And what plan would that be?" Hermione asked.
"Anyone who's anyone knows that Marjorie Zabini gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, so you track down a girl who looks like she could be a Zabini, steal some of her hair, make a Polyjuice Potion, and alter people's memories so that they believe you're Hermione Zabini and that you're betrothed to Draco."
Draco rolled his eyes and Hermione let out a stifled laugh. "This is ridiculous."
"Women will do anything for the men they want, Draco," Pansy said.
"Hmm, including make up stories about other people when things aren't going their way?" Hermione questioned.
"Exactly," Pansy said with a satisfied smirk.
Draco wanted to laugh at the stupidity of Pansy, but he knew that if he caused a scene he'd be dealing with much more than an angry best friend; he'd be dealing with angry parents, and his father was not one to be trifled with. He placed himself between Hermione and Pansy. "If you ask me; I'd say this theory of yours sounds more like something you would do to keep anyone else from being with me," he said, glaring at Pansy angrily.
Pansy blinked, shocked. "How… how can you say that?"
"Because I know you. You're manipulative, petty, and completely jealous of any girl I show even the slightest bit of attention."
"Draco, I…"
He took a step toward her. "I'm going to make something perfectly clear; I'm betrothed to Hermione and there is nothing you, or anyone else, can do about it."
"But… She's a Muggle!"
"I have Muggle parents," Hermione corrected.
"See! She admits it!"
"I've only admitted to having Muggle parents, which, considering I was raised by Muggles, is a valid admittance," Hermione stated, "I have not, however, confessed to wanting Draco, nor have I ever pretended to be someone I'm not. I didn't ask for this, Pansy, but it's happening; so deal with it."
"How dare you! Draco, are you just going to stand there and let her speak to me like that?"
Before Draco could even answer, Hermione stepped forward and glared at Pansy, "He has no control over how I speak to anyone," she said.
Pansy crossed her arms over her chest and smirked. "You obviously need to learn your place, Granger," she said.
"Let's get one thing straight, Parkinson," Hermione said, narrowing her eyes dangerously, "I'm not someone who takes kindly to being told what to do by people who think they're better than others just because of their blood status, or whatever you want to call it, so I suggest you think twice about telling me I need to learn my place, which, in case you haven't figured it out; is right here by Draco's side."
Draco was impressed at Hermione's ability to stand up to anyone. He knew that Pansy wasn't so easily dismissed, though. He watched as a smirk slid onto Pansy's face. She was up to something; he just knew it.
"You won't be there for long," Pansy sneered, "As we speak, my father is with Mr. Malfoy, getting him to re-think his agreement with Mr. Zabini. Draco will be putting a ring on my finger by the end of the night."
And with that, he had had enough. "Will you two stop talking about me as if I'm not standing right here?" Draco snapped angrily, "I've had it with your arguing! Pansy, my father has his mind set on me marrying Hermione and that's not going to change; no matter how hard your father might plead for you. Now, if you don't mind, I was dancing with Hermione."
Pansy fumed with anger. "You, this is your fault!" she snapped, pointing at Hermione, "Before you were betrothed to him he was in love with me! You've done something to him!"
"That's impossible Pansy, I've been betrothed to Draco since before I was born."
Pansy pointed her finger and made to step forward but she ended up tripping over the hem of her dress. She fell to the floor in a tangle of pink silk and taffeta. She looked up in horror and got to her feet as quickly as she could, her face red with anger and embarrassment. "You! You made me do that!" she seethed, getting in Hermione's face, "You made me look like a fool!"
Hermione arched her brow. "My wand isn't out, Pansy," she pointed out, "And I don't need to make a fool of you; you do that all on your own."
Pansy stared at her for a moment, eyes narrowed. "Mark my words, Granger, Draco will be mine and…"
Draco growled in frustration. He was sick and tired of Pansy treating him like some kind of prize to be won. He grabbed the upper part of Pansy's arm and walked her off the dance floor. "Are you trying to piss me off, Parkinson?" he asked through clenched teeth.
"I'm not the one…"
"I don't want to hear it," Draco interrupted, "This is a special night for Blaise and Hermione and I won't have you ruining it. Now, sod off before I have you thrown out."
Pansy looked absolutely livid at Draco's words. "I can't believe you're actually defending her! After everything she's done to you?"
"She didn't do anything I didn't deserve, Pansy."
"You didn't deserve a thing she did to you, nor do you deserve to be put through hell by going through with this marriage!" Pansy spat, "You deserve to be with someone who's going to take care of you and love you the way you should be because they love you… not because they're putting on a show for their friends and family!"
"Pansy, just stay out of it, all right? This is none of your business."
"Fine, but don't expect me to be waiting around for you when she hurts you."
Draco just shook his head as he turned and began walking back to Hermione. It's not her hurting me that I'm worried about; he thought as he got closer to her. As he finally reached her, he held out his hand and gave a slight bow. "Do me the honors of finishing our dance?"
Hermione gave him a soft smile and put her hand in his. "Of course," she said, allowing him to pull her into his arms once more.
"I'm sorry about Pansy," Draco said quietly, "She can be a little…"
"Possessive?" Hermione finished.
"Yes."
"You don't need to apologize for her," Hermione told him, "She's just jealous."
Draco spun her around and smiled politely when she was back in his arms. "Let's not talk about her anymore."
"Agreed," Hermione stated, looking him over, "I'm curious, for a guy who says he hates Muggles, why'd you wear a Muggle tuxedo?"
"Do you like it?"
Hermione looked him over a little more carefully as she nodded. "I've got to admit, you look very handsome," she said, "but you knew that already, I'm sure."
"Yes, but it's always nice to hear… Does wonders for my ego."
"I think your ego's big enough without my adding to it," Hermione joked, "You never answered my question."
"I wanted to impress you," he told her.
"Draco, it takes more than a tuxedo to sweep me off my feet," Hermione began, "however, it's certainly a start."
"What's this, Hermione Zabini, impressed by an egotistical arse like Draco Malfoy? I can't believe my ears."
Hermione turned and glared playfully at her brother. "What impresses me, Blaise is the fact that you seem to pop in at the most in-opportune moments," she said.
Blaise smiled his most charming smile. "There's someone I'd like you to meet," he said, holding out his hand for a pretty blonde that was standing nearby. "Beatrice Graphook, this is my sister, Hermione… Hermione, this is my fiancée, Beatrice."
The young woman smiled kindly and nodded. "It's lovely to meet you Hermione," she said, "Happy Birthday."
"Thank you and it's lovely to meet you as well," Hermione replied, letting go of Draco and turning to give her a warm hug, "Shall we go sit down?"
Draco, Blaise, and Beatrice nodded and the four of them walked off the dance floor to an empty table. "So, it's true you've lived with Muggles all these years?" Beatrice asked.
Hermione nodded.
"Must've been extremely interesting."
"Well really, it was all I'd ever known until I got my Hogwarts letter," Hermione explained, "I was more interested in the magical world of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"And you really know Harry Potter?"
"Oh if I had a sickle for every time I heard that question," Hermione laughed, "I'd probably be rich."
Blaise chuckled. "You're rich already, Hermione," he reminded her.
"Our family's rich, not us individually."
Blaise made a face at her. "Take all the fun out of it," he joked.
Hermione shook her head and giggled. "Yes, I know Harry… in fact, he's here somewhere," she answered, looking around the crowded room. Once she spotted Harry's mass of black hair, she smiled, "That's him there, dancing with his girlfriend, Ginny."
"What a lovely couple they make," Beatrice commented.
"Yes… So, Beatrice, were you aware of your betrothal to my pig of a brother?" Hermione asked, commenting on Blaise's ability to shove food into his mouth almost non-stop.
Beatrice made a face and laughed at Blaise's mock insulted face. "Actually, I didn't know about it until last week," she replied, "Bit of a shock."
"I bet. Had you even heard of Blaise before that?"
Beatrice shook her head. "No, but shortly after I found out about him, I received a letter from him," she said, "We've been writing each other since."
"I see… So, how do you like it at Beauxbatons?"
"Oh it's lovely there," Beatrice said, "Much like Hogwarts, I imagine… except we don't live in a castle."
"What do you live in?" Blaise asked, "I think that's the only thing we haven't discussed yet."
"Yes, I've always been curious about Beauxbatons," Hermione said.
"We live in an enchanted cottage," she replied, "on one of the loveliest countryside's I've ever been to."
Draco cleared his throat and took a sip of the drink that had magically appeared in front of him. "What are you planning to do once you're married?" he asked, "About school I mean."
Blaise and Beatrice looked at each other for a moment and then looked back to Draco. "I'll be transferring to Hogwarts," Beatrice told him, "I'm actually really looking forward to it. In fact; I've been trying to convince my father to try and talk Dumbledore into letting me transfer early."
"Oh that would be wonderful!" Hermione said, "It would give you and Blaise time to get to know each other more."
"That's part of why I want to transfer early."
Blaise chuckled. "And the other part is because she's become quite taken with me," He teased.
Hermione rolled her green eyes and giggled. "Just when I thought the egos in this room couldn't get any bigger."
Beatrice and Hermione both giggled. "He does have an over-abundant amount of confidence doesn't he?" Beatrice joked.
"As does Draco," Hermione whispered, "Although, I'd have to say Draco's is far worse."
Draco gave a small huff. "I heard that," he whispered in her ear.
Hermione turned and looked at him. To be quite honest, she was surprised at how close he had remained. His steel gray eyes practically bore a hole into her as her green ones locked with his mock scolding stare. "And um… who said I was trying not to be heard?"
Draco smirked. "That's usually what's meant when someone whispers."
Hermione was about to make some kind of smart remark but before she could, her father's voice sounded over the crowd. "If I could have everyone's attention, please," He called, "I have an announcement to make."
Everyone's head turned to face him. "As I am sure most of you know; our family holds very dear to the old ways. For those of you that do not know, one of those ways is betrothals," he said, motioning for his wife to join him, "It is a pleasure for my wife and I to inform you all of the engagements of Blaise to Miss Beatrice Graphook, and Hermione to Draco Malfoy."
A bright spotlight suddenly shone down on Hermione, Draco, Blaise, and Beatrice as loud applause broke out. Blaise and Draco both stood and held out a hand for their respective future wife. Hermione blushed madly as she took Draco's hand and stood up. The four then walked over to Mr. and Mrs. Zabini, Blaise standing by their mother, and Hermione by their father.
"I would like to raise a toast to their health and happiness," Mr. Zabini said, holding up his wine glass. The guests followed suit, "To Blaise and Beatrice! To Hermione and Draco! May they all bring many children into this world!"
"Here, here!" everyone shouted.
As Hermione took a sip of her drink, she wondered why her father had announced her engagement to Draco considering it wasn't exactly definite. It then occurred to her that just because she and Draco had come to an agreement with their parents didn't mean that the rest of the world needed to know about it.
Hermione turned an even brighter shade of red as she looked up at Draco, who was smirking at her. What's he smirking about, she thought, what's so funny about my father wanting grandchildren?... Oh good Merlin!
Draco watched as Hermione turned even redder. He had never known anyone that could blush as deeply as she did. Quite frankly, he had never seen anything more beautiful. Of course, I can't let her, or anyone else for that matter, know how I really feel about her, he thought, that would just be disastrous to my reputation.
He gently pulled Hermione closer to him and snaked his arm around her waist. Although his face… he hoped… showed contempt, his heart was soaring higher than the clouds. True, he had been angry at first about the fact that he had to marry a girl who hated him, but now he was actually enjoying that small bit of information. Though they had come to an agreement to be civil to each other and such, he knew that that didn't mean she liked him at all.
He knew it would be a challenge to see if he could make her fall in love with him and he was looking forward to it. The hardest part, in his opinion, was going to be getting her to fall for him for who he truly was, not for his looks. Not that she would fall for someone because of their looks anyway, he thought, I mean; wasn't she with Krum for a bit there?
A true scowl came across his face as he thought about the Seeker of the Bulgarian Quidditch team. If he was being honest with himself, he had been jealous of the clumsy brute when he'd seen Hermione wrapped in his arms at the Yule Ball. He had wanted to ask Hermione to the ball himself but his ever present reputation of being the "Slytherin Prince" had kept him from actually doing it.
Draco didn't have much time to dwell on his thoughts of Viktor however, for just then, Hermione's soft hand grasped his arm lightly. He looked down at her. "Yes?"
"My father's done talking now," she said, "I think it's time for Blaise and me to open presents."
"Yes, it is! Now hurry up!" Blaise said excitedly.
Draco shook his head and laughed at his friend's antics. For as long as he could remember, Blaise had always enjoyed opening presents. It was probably the only time he ever saw Blaise act in any manner other than how he'd been taught to act in public.
Hermione smiled and watched as her twin brother made his way through the crowd to the mountain of presents that belonged to him. "Other than the same birthday and similar looks, exactly what is it that makes us twins?" she joked.
Draco chuckled. "I wonder that myself," he said.
As he began to follow Hermione, they ended up getting separated by the precession of guests heading in the same direction. Someone grabbed his hand and pulled him around to the other side of a pillar. "What the…?" he began. He didn't have a chance to finish his thought because someone grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him down, crushing their lips against his.
The feel of her lips, and the familiar scent of her perfume told him all he needed to know. He pushed away from the pillar and spun so that her back was against the pillar instead. He cupped her cheeks for a moment and then pulled back, breaking the kiss. "Mmm, I'm glad you're here," he whispered, resting his forehead against hers.
"You didn't seem so glad when you were dancing with Miss Raised-By-Muggles," she replied with a pout.
Draco chuckled. "Just doing my duty as a fiancé, Astoria."
She placed her hand on his cheek. "Then forget about those duties and focus on the things I want," she told him, tilting her head so that she could kiss him again.
He slid his lips against hers a few times before pulling back with a deep sigh. "We shouldn't be doing this, Astoria," he said, brushing his thumb along her kiss swollen bottom lip.
She smiled up at him, placing her hand over his. "This is exactly what we should be doing," she countered, kissing him softly.
Draco gently pulled away and shook his head. "If we're caught, my father will kill me," he said.
"Then let's not get caught."
Before she could pull him into another kiss, Draco backed away and made himself visible to the crowd. "Later," he mouthed.
Astoria smirked as she watched him walk away. "I'll hold you to that," she said. She then went to join her father to watch the birthday twins opening their gifts.
The whole room was watching as Blaise and Hermione began opening their presents. Hermione, not used to receiving so much attention, really would have rather opened her presents in the confines of her room but she knew that it wouldn't be polite to do such a thing so she pushed her nervousness aside and continued unwrapping gifts. One gift in particular caught her eye.
It was a small gift wrapped in very familiar wrapping paper. Her heart leapt. For as long as she could remember, the Grangers had wrapped her gifts in the same bright wrapping paper every year. She immediately grabbed the gift and ripped the paper off. Inside the small package was a beautiful, glass lion.
Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she held up the fragile, almost life-like, object. It fit neatly in the palm of her hand, lying majestically with its head held high. She gently touched the smooth surface of the lion's back, as if petting it, and examined the shear creature carefully. She could tell that the maker of the lion had taken great care to make it look as real as possible.
Suddenly, she felt a familiar stare. She looked up from the lion, and there, in front of the crowd of guests, stood her parents… The Grangers… She smiled brightly at them and quickly rushed over to them, giving them both big hugs. "It's so good to see you!" she whispered in their ears.
Mrs. Granger smiled uncertainly at her. "We weren't sure if you wanted us to come," she confessed, "After how things went and all yesterday, we thought you might still be angry with us."
Hermione's heart broke at her mother's words. Before she had a chance to respond, however, Mr. Zabini joined them. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, how lovely to see you again," he said.
"Same to you, Mr. Zabini," Mr. Granger said.
"Um… Would it be all right if I spoke to my par… the Grangers privately for a few moments?" Hermione asked nervously. No matter how angry she had been at them, she still considered the Grangers her parents, even if they didn't share blood.
Mr. Zabini cleared his throat. "I do not see why not. Might I suggest a walk in the garden?"
"Thank you, Sir!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Do not be too long, Hermione, this party is in your honor after all."
"Of course, we'll just be a few minutes."
Hermione led the Grangers out of the Grand Ball Room and down a series of corridors, chatting lightly about the portraits and the many rooms they passed. Once they were outside in the garden, she turned to them and gave them an apologetic look. "I'm sorry about last night," she said quietly, "I shouldn't have yelled at you so."
Mr. Granger gave Hermione a small smile. "Well, I can't honestly say that I blame you."
"Nor can I," Mrs. Granger agreed, patting Hermione's hand, "You had, and still have, every right to be angry with us."
"I still should have given you a better chance of explaining things instead of storming about like a two-year-old."
"We wanted to tell you as soon as you were old enough to understand but we couldn't," Mr. Granger told her, "The spell that was placed when they put you in your mother's arms prevented us from speaking the truth about your identity… even to each other."
"Yes, I remember you telling me that," Hermione stated politely, "Was there a reason you waited to tell me once the spell had worn off?"
"So many years had gone by," Mrs. Granger answered, "and to us… you were our daughter, and so for that short time after the spell was lifted, we were so heartbroken at what was coming, we simply couldn't talk about it." She laughed a small, tired laugh, and looked deep in Hermione's eyes. "The spell of love that you cast on us far outweighed the magical spell the Zabini's placed. How were we to tell you… that… that you weren't really ours, when in our hearts you always have been and always will be."
"Oh, Mum, I'm so sorry, I didn't even think of that!" Hermione cried, throwing her arms around her mother. "Oh, I'm so selfish!"
Mrs. Granger put her hands on Hermione's cheeks firmly. "Hermione Jean Gra… Zabini, do not think for one second that you're selfish!" she said. "You're a very kind, good-hearted young woman who cares more about the people in her life than she does herself."
Hermione smiled and whispered. "Thank you… so, can you ever forgive me?"
"Of course, precious, how could we not?"
"Hermione, even though we're not related by blood, you're still our daughter," Mrs. Granger said, "We'll always think of you as such, no matter what."
Tears flowed freely from Hermione's eyes as she smiled at them. "How could I have been blessed with such wonderful parents?"
"Lucky I guess," Mr. Granger teased.
Mrs. Granger gently brushed Hermione's face with her fingers as she said, "You look like brother."
Hermione gave her a tender smile. "It's weird not looking like you two," she said, "I mean; I don't really feel different, and yet, when I look in the mirror, I don't recognize myself."
Her parents nodded in understanding. "You'll recognize your reflection soon enough," Mr. Granger told her, "It's not one's appearance that makes them who they are, it's the parts you can't see; the brain, the heart… the soul. Those are the things that make you, Hermione; don't ever forget that."
Hermione hugged her father tightly. "I won't; I promise."
Just then, a tall figure came walking down the path that they were on and called Hermione's name. Hermione turned and smiled, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Draco, please come and join us."
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he said politely, "Your father said you were out here."
"Oh, no, you're not interrupting," Hermione told him, "Draco, these are the lovely people who raised me; Tom and Jane Granger. Mum, Dad, I'd like you to meet my fiancé, Draco Malfoy… Well, potential fiancé… Um..."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Same here, Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Draco said shaking Mr. Granger's hand and lightly kissing the back of Mrs. Granger's hand, "If we decide to marry, I do hope you'll be at the wedding; I don't think it'd be quite right if you weren't there."
Hermione looked up at him in shock. Draco Malfoy was actually being pleasant to Muggles? This never happened, although she was very grateful. She didn't think she'd be able to bear it if he had been rude to them. They were her parents and she loved them, after all.
Mrs. Granger beamed at him. "We'd love to be there. We wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Draco!"
Draco turned and looked up the path. Blaise was running toward him with a slightly panicked look. "Blaise, what's wrong?" Hermione questioned.
"It's Pansy, she's causing a huge raucous," he said, panting slightly, "I tried to stop her but she won't listen; she's even got Crabbe and Goyle backing her up."
Draco's eyes narrowed angrily and a low growl escaped his throat. "Where are the adults that were there?"
"They went to Dad's parlor. Most likely to discuss things we'd all find boring," Blaise replied.
"And you couldn't use your wand to do something about this?" Draco demanded.
"Hey, don't get mad at me! This isn't my fault, and you know Pansy's wand work is better than mine."
Draco ran a hand through his hair and sighed deeply. "Sorry mate," he said, he then looked at Hermione, "I'll take care of this; you visit with your parents."
"If you think I'm just going to let that little bi…"
"Hermione!" The Grangers exclaimed in unison.
"… bitter Betty ruin tonight anymore than she already has, you're sorely mistaken!"
"Hermione, for once in your life, stop trying to be the hero and let someone else take charge."
Hermione glared at Draco for a moment. "What the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?"
"It means; I'll handle this," he snapped.
And with that, he stormed off toward the mansion, drawing his wand from his jacket pocket as he went. Hermione wasn't about to let him "handle" Pansy alone so she turned to her parents quickly and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, would you excuse us?"
With a quick nod from the Grangers, Hermione bolted after Draco, shortly followed by Blaise.
Author's note- Hi all! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I wonder what trouble Pansy will be causing? What did you think of Draco's little moment with Astoria? How do you think she will hold him to his "promise" of "later"? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Also, this is going to be the last chapter for a while. I'm so sorry, but my personal life is going to be crazy for the next several weeks and I need to focus on that! I hope you all understand! Thank you all so much for reading! I WILL be back! I promise! - Sarah