What seemed like hours later but it was mere moments. "Hermione are you ready?" Bella had come back into the room. "I have to tell you. I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner..."
"I know Bella. He came in and told me." I half smiled at her knowing that I was still in a daze about what had happened.
"He's a nice guy. Give him a chance tonight. I know he has picked on you for years but after everything has happened...he has changed. It will be hidden at first but you will see. Let's go" Bella held out her hand to me I took it and let her lead me to the stairs where I was greeted by Malfoy who held his arm out for me to take it.
When I laced my arm with his I felt his strong muscles. His hands almost seemed familiar but I shook it off and put a smile on my face. I was so nervous about this. I was basically being shown off as a trophy, which bothered me above all else. "Just breath you will be fine. But I do want to tell you that there is someone out here that I'm sure will be happy to see you." He winked at me. I had no idea what he meant but I was going to find out any second.
"Attention everyone. I would like to welcome everyone to our wonderful home. Tonight I am please to announce an addition to our family. She is my wonderful neice. But first let me introduce my children and their escorts. First is my youngest Tobias Castillo Harlow he is escorting the lovely Katherine Mason. Next is my daughter Serabella Aurora Harlow escorted by Viktor Krum." The room erupted into more applause. My aunt waited for the crowd to die down. "Next is my other daughter Seraphina Ariel Harlow lead by her wonderful boyfriend Blaise Zambini. Last of my children my eldest Rowland Zeke Harlow he is escorting Daphne Greengrass." The hall erupted into applause for a reason I didn't know.
Then Malfoy whispered. "They are applauding for Rowland saving Tobias." I nodded realizing how stupid I must have looked. "Your next. Just stand tall and smile."
Malfoy led me to the top of the stairs. My knees felt like they were going to buckle. There were hundreds of wizards and witches out there. I hated having all eyes on me. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself. Malfoy chuckled at me again. "Do you find me having a panic attack funny."
"No...well yes. The brave Gryffindor Princess can't face a crowd of harmless people who are here to drink and dance." He chuckled again.
"Oh shut up Malfoy." I nudged him with my elbo.
"If it will calm your nervous look over by the hallway mirror." I looked in the direction he gestured and looked for the mirror. My heart dropped there was Ron. Normally I would be ecstatic to see him but Malfoy either saw or missed that Ron had his arm draped around a skinny French Vela. My jaw clenched. "Sorry I thought you would be happy to see your boyfriend."
"He's not my boyfriend anymore. He broke up with me this morning over a letter saying it would be less stressful on the both of us." I know I was glaring in Ron's direction and that he couldn't careless. Let alone know that I was in the room. It felt horrible. I knew I wasn't the prettiest person but this made me feel even uglier.
"I'm sorry Hermione. For now stop clenching your jaw and smile you are about to be announced. Remember you are now apart of the Harlow's this family is powerful and influential. But don't worry he will regret leaving you once he sees you tonight." Draco tried to reassure me.
I decided that Malfoy was right I need to be strong and prove that I'm ... strong. "Without further a due I would like to introduce my lovely niece Hermione Jean Granger escorted by Draco Lucius Malfoy." The crowd was quickly chatting among themselves while clapping as Malfoy and I walked down the stairs. I couldn't help but look towards Ron who's head had perked up and was now in shock. "Please follow into the ballroom and the first dance will begin."
"The first dance?" I whispered worriedly to Draco.
"Trust me and follow my lead. You will do fine." He winked and turned me to face him placing his hand in mine and the other on my waist. I followed suet. And the song began.