Draco's mother had decided to move in one of the Malfoy's summer houses in Wales, her belongings were being moved that day out of Grimmaud Place. Draco was right on time to pick her up for Mrs Zabini's funeral. Blaise was already there, he had some paperwork to sign, and had wanted to take care of it alone. Once he'd passed the hall, he hurried his pace to the staircase. Draco had resolutely decided to be early for his friend and he hoped his mother was ready. He caught sight of bright blond hair in a tight silk black dress at the library's doors.

"Draco dear. You're early."

"Blaise's alone there."

"I figured, let's go then." He nodded, righted his black robes one last time and extended an arm for her to take. He apparated them to Zabini Manor, which had been investigated, cleaned, and rendered safe. Blaise still hadn't moved out of Grimmaud place though, maybe he would after the funeral. There was no reason for him to stay there.

They entered the gates and walked quietly to the back yard. The wind was hot and came in gusts, but the air seemed still. As if frozen in time. The garden was exactly as Draco remembered it, evidently the elves had kept working in Blaise's absence. They walked to where the funeral would take place, at the far end of the garden, hidden in a round of weeping willows. There, in the small clearing where usually laid a garden lounge, now were a thousand candles dimly lighting the space, floating above their heads. The tombstone was put against a tree, but it was only a grey sharp block of stone with no inscription.

Blaise was there, sitting on the grass, legs crossed. He was looking blankly at the stone, his face in a tight mask of nothingness. Narcissa released her son's arms and nodded, stepping back a few steps. Draco went to sit beside him. After a moment of silence, he warned him quietly:

"People are going to be here soon."

"I know. I don't know what to write on that thing."

"What about her name?"

"Yes it's just … she hated it when I called her by her first name, and I don't … It would be weird to write grandma' you know?"

"Err, you'll figure it out."

"Well, it would be nice if I could figure it out now."

"It doesn't matter mate, if it's not now, it'll be later. You're moving back here, right?"

"Not yet."

"Oh, I thought it was ready?"

"It is, but not to my taste. I want to ask Granger to ward the place for me."

"Oh." Granger. The only time he didn't think about her and she was unknowingly poking her nose again.

"I'll ask her tomorrow, s'my turn anyway. Let's go." Blaise stood and Draco followed. Narcissa greeted him in an uncomfortable hug, but Draco appreciated the effort. Then the three of them headed back towards the gates, where the procession would start.

People had already gathered behind them, and Draco recognized a lot of old faces. Preparing himself inwardly for supporting his friend, even though he had absolutely no idea what to do or say, he watched Blaise open the gates and straightened himself at the lad's back.

Lavender was late. Which was the most infuriating thing in Hermione's opinion. She was ready, had put on the simple black dress Ginny had brought from her flat, and had a tight hold of the cane Luna had fetched for her, she couldn't walk steadily just yet. Her leg was still as stiff as old Moody's had been a long time ago, and she barely managed to walk alone after the last day of practice, slowly but surely though.

She was chewing at her bottom lip in frustration when lavender finally came in without knocking. "You're late."

"I know, I know. Luna just wouldn't stop talking. You are to be very careful and walk very slowly and I not to leave your side for a bloody second." Lavender's nostrils fluttered at the explanation. She'd tied all her hair in a ponytail, and was wearing a simple black dress, very much similar to Hermione's.

"Great. Let's go."

"You're going to draw attention with that nest, here let me ... " Before Hermione could protest Lavender had flicked her wand and braided her hair at the back of her neck. Thinking twice she was thankful, drawing attention in a pure blooded witch's funeral wasn't the wisest move anyway. Plus she had never known her. She was just there to show her support for the troll.

"Blaise doesn't know we're all coming by the way. He told harry not to bother but we thought better of it ... Dean and Neville are waiting for us there."

Hermione nodded, despite his happy grin and jokes she knew Zabini was going through a rough time. He used the joking around as a defence mechanism and today he would certainly not be able to do so. She had no idea what she'd say to him if she only had a chance to see him.

She always preferred to hide herself at the back of the crowd, behind a curtain of hair, during funerals, always feeling out of place somehow. The last in date had been Fred's, right after Tonks and Lupin's. She'd felt as a stranger invading the Weasley family at the time, having not find her own family yet. Ron had given her sad smiles under teary eyes but had stayed close to his mother and Charlie while she had stayed at the back with Harry. The last being as lost as she. For once she'd understood his ordeal.

Now Lavender had apparated her to the gates she recognised. Zabini Manor. Last and only time she'd come, it'd been to investigate Blaise's grand mother's death. Hermione remembered vividly her broken body. She shook the thought away. Now was not the time. The gigantic gates were open, and a small crowd was entering the estate slowly.

Dean and Neville were there, and went straight to them. Hermione took a careful step on unsteady legs. Dean smiled, and when she'd expected Neville to help her, Dean did. He came to her side and extended his arm to her, which she took with relief.

"You're an angel. This cane, it's just …"

"I figured." He said and helped her to the gates. Harry had already passed them with Ron, and they were waiting for them in the garden. It had to be said that it was magnificent. The Manor was right in the centre, its mighty stoned façade making it look regal. Ivy climbed on its front, and it was tastefully surrounded by oak trees, perfectly cut bushes of flowers, roses, and a grassy path that lead to the back of the house.

"It's over there." Harry said quietly when they all reached him. He showed along the path to a round of weeping willows. Dean had a firm hold of her, and Hermione was thankful, for her cane kept getting buried in the grass. They walked silently at the end of the crowd, and when everyone had reached a magically extended clearing, hidden by the beautiful trees, lit with a thousand floating candles, a minister cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

Dean tightened his grip of her once more and she nodded her thanks before turning her gaze to the centre of the clearing.
Blaise Zabini was standing a few steps away from the minister, in classy black robes, his face bowed and pained. He'd finally taken off his mask to grief. Hermione felt a sudden rush of compassion for him as she realised he no longer had a family. He had friends though, and at his side they were there, of course, the Malfoys. Narcissa portrayed grief in a graceful way, all in subtlety, her face set in a slightly sad frown, while her hair and jewels showed nothing but taste and withdrawal. It wasn't about her, and as always, the woman played her role perfectly. Hermione had concentrated her gaze on her to avoid the inevitable, but she finally risked crossing eyes with him.

He was standing next to his mother, his face bowed so that she couldn't really see his expression. His black robes were perfectly tailored to his body, but exactly as his mother's outfit, they weren't showing off. He'd cut his hair, but hadn't pulled it at the back of his head this time, he'd combed it to the side.

As the minister started to speak, he lifted his head to Blaise. He wasn't as good as his mother, he couldn't swap masks, and show what he wanted to. His expression was straight, his face stony. Hermione wondered what she would see in his eyes if she were close enough.

The minister's speech came to an end, and soon, Blaise Zabini was invited to take a step forward, to say his goodbyes. Hermione felt tears bubble up under her eyelids as she saw him take in the reality of the moment. Until now, even if grief had shown on his whole posture, he hadn't seemed to realise. Now, he was frozen in pain, unable to take the step the minister was asking of him. She felt the urge to run there and hug him, which she couldn't do. Thankfully someone else did. Narcissa Malfoy took hold of his right arm, apparently murmuring something while rubbing his back. It was the most alien thing of all. Her mask had fallen and her eyes gave Blaise a motherly gaze of support. They took the step together, and then she withdrew, to go back to her son.

Hermione heard Lavender sniff at her side, and she wasn't feeling any better. Blaise scanned the crowd gathered around him, and nodded to several people. His eyes widened ever so slightly when he caught sight of them all at the very back, and he bowed his head a moment. When he lifted it again, tears had trailed his cheeks and he spoke a trembling voice:

"Thank you all for coming today. It is a late call, as you may all know the circumstances of my beloved grandma's death. I wish to say a few words, and then the burial will proceed." He paused, swallowing back his tears and then, took a deep breath before saying in a trembling voice:

"Today I say my valediction, to the woman who raised me to be the man I am. She raised me, in hope that I become a fair man, with values and principles. She raised me to make my own opinion in our prejudiced world, to feel and live out of evil. She raised me to make the right choices in a world that only pushed us to the wrong path. I didn't always listen to her, but today I have learnt, and I hope that wherever she is, she is proud of the man I've become. I'll always live to honour her, I'll always be grateful, for all she gave without ever asking for anything in return. And she gave me everything she had. I love you grandma', I always will, rest in peace, farewell."

As he bowed his face again, a beautiful oak coffin was levitated by the minister at his back. He turned around just when the minister flicked his wand. The coffin settled on the ground, and covered itself with white lilies. It stayed still another moment, and when Blaise finally nodded, the minister waved his wand and the coffin started receding through the ground. It eventually disappeared and a tombstone was levitated and gently placed atop where it laid. Blaise approached it and withdrew his wand slowly.

At that moment, time stood still, and he didn't move any further. Malfoy slowly came at his side, and took his friend by the shoulder. Hermione had just the time to see his face, and he was crying too. Her heart bled in compassion for both men, as Malfoy lifted his wand too. Zabini finally waved his and together they engraved it. Then, they retreated back to Narcissa's side.

Forever my beloved Grandma'

Maria Zabini

1919 – 2001

Hermione felt Dean squeeze her arm lightly and she gave him a small smile he returned, his eyes shining too. Lavender at her side rested her cheek on Neville's shoulder, while Harry and Ron were still watching the former Slytherins with defeated faces. The crowd started to move, and some people were going away, while others went to say a word to Blaise. They waited there, until there was only a few people left. Then Harry took the lead as usual, and they started to the bereaved.

Draco had hoped he would be able to stay strong. But eventually his own grief had been stronger. His best friend had lost his family, and after the weeks of fighting, Blaise had finally let himself grieve. Draco had helped, as much as he'd been able to, and now people were coming to see them, and express their condolences.

Draco had seen them, a quiet presence of support at the back of the crowd. They'd stayed behind, in respectful withdrawal. Blaise had been touched for sure, seeing them had triggered his tears. Now, there was only a few people left and Draco couldn't avoid looking their way any longer, they were approaching. Potter lead the group as always, Weasley at his heels. Behind them were Longbottom and Brown, arms linked. A few steps behind, walking slowly, was Thomas. He held a frail looking Granger, who rested her weight on a cane.

Draco had avoided her sight the whole time, focusing on what really mattered at that moment, but now that he'd really seen her, he couldn't tear his eyes off of her. She was focusing on her feet, trying to walk a regular pace, and failing. Thomas had to steady her every step she took. Her left leg looked as stiff as a broomstick, and she seemed to be in pain, for each time she moved it, her jaw clenched and her shoulders tensed. She'd braided her hair at the back of her head, but the unruly strands poked from everywhere, and her simple black dress showed her slightly too skinny form. She was … Draco could see her freckles wrinkle from there.

She'd left her hospital bed to show her support, her friendship. Blaise was a lucky lad, and she was so compassionate, it was beyond his comprehension. If only her friendship had been enough. At the exact moment she lifted her face to his best friend, Draco knew. She gave Blaise a small compassionate smile topped with shining whiskey eyes, and it resounded in his head. But this time, he couldn't stop the thought. He was in love with Hermione Granger.

"You all came." Blaise smiled, as Potter patted his shoulder.

"Of course. Kingsley couldn't make it, he says he's with you."

"Thank him for me. Thank you for coming. Means a lot." It was Weasley's turn to pat Blaise's shoulder, as Potter nodded to Draco's mother. Then Longbottom came to Draco's friend.

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thanks mate."

Brown didn't bother with words, and despite the sadness of the moment, all smiled as she hugged him. Blaise's eyes widened but he returned the hug, which didn't last long.

"Thanks for coming Blondie." She just nodded and then it was Thomas and Granger's turn. Thomas patted Blaise's shoulder, gesture Blaise mimicked.

"Thanks mate, Granger you really shouldn't have …"

"Nonsense." She cut, approaching him more. She was two steps away from Draco, who was now taking the compassionate shoulder patting, trying to look everywhere but at her. All animosity had left Potter's gaze towards him and he nodded to the weasel as he heard Granger say in the quietest voice:

"I'm sure she's proud. She's got every reason to be." Blaise didn't answer right away, and his smile mixed with renewed tears. He gripped Granger's shoulder, squeezed it and finally answered:

"I knew you liked me." Her grin was only confirmation and as Longbottom squeezed Draco's arm when he passed him, Draco realised she'd pass him too.

He watched warily as she and Thomas approached his mother. Both women gave each other a nod, compassionate for Granger, thankful for his mother. Draco would never have imagined it possible, but it happened and then she was before him. Thomas patted his shoulder, and since she resolutely kept her gaze to her feet, Thomas started away awkwardly. As she passed him, her face lowered to the ground and tensed, Draco's throat clenched painfully. What a fool he'd been, she wouldn't even look at him now. Just as he thought he'd hurt her feelings so much that they'd gone back to being strangers, the hand that was holding her cane lifted to his fore-arm. She didn't look at him, but as her tiny fingers touched his wrist, holding it and the cane for the shortest second, he felt his stomach flip, twice.

Her friendship was still there, it was his choice to take it, or leave it.

Soon they were all gone, and Draco's mother bid her goodbyes, leaving both men alone. They apparated to Grimmaud place, and walked to the kitchen to get a well deserved drink.

Harry and Ron had apparated back to Mungo's with Hermione. The others had gone back home. They hadn't talked much on their way out of Zabini Manor. Once both her best friends had decided that she was safely tucked in her bed, Ron had left first, and Harry had stayed behind. He'd sat on the chair at her bedside and said:

"I talked with Luna the other day, she told me you'll be sent home soon."

"Yes, in a couple of days."

"Mmh, she also told me that you'll need care for a few weeks."

"And?"

"And I was wondering if you'd like to stay with me and Ginny at Grimmaud. We're moving back in, it's too crowded at Meda's."

"Oh, I … I don't know …"

"It'd be just until you're back on your feet again. Until you've decided what to do, where to live … the season's off so Ginny would be home with you. You girls could catch up …"

"I … why not? I thought I might stay at the burrow but I guess …"

"You'd have your own room at Grimmaud."

"Yes, that'd be nice." Harry's smile deflated significantly as Hermione was suddenly reminded of something. "Wait, isn't there …" She cut herself, he frowned but seemed to understand almost immediately what she'd been thinking about.

"They're moving out Mione."

"Oh."

"I can't tell if you're relieved or disappointed. It's quite disconcerting."

"I have no idea. I'll come anyway. Thanks Harry."

"You're welcome. I'll have Kreature move your things then, all right?"

"Would be great."

"Settled then. Good night Mione."