Edited 5/30/23: Minor Grammar/Spelling.

Okay here she is, the one we've all been waiting for! THE BALL! It's longer than many of my chapters because there was A LOT to cover! I hope you enjoy!

Saturday, May 30, 1998

"UP!" Ginny shrieked, throwing the door open. Theo threw a pillow in her direction, which she promptly caught as she sprinted to their bed, and began jumping.

"This is why I've always been happy to be an only child," Draco mumbled into his pillow.

"COME ON! We have so much to do today," Ginny said, pushing Theo out of the bed and then dragging Hermione out.

"Bloody fuck, Ginevra!" Draco shouted. "We didn't have a good night last night, can't we sleep in a bit?"

"I did let you sleep in! It's nearly nine!" she pouted.

Hermione jolted up and began tying her robe around her waist. "Draco, Theo, get up, we're two hours behind schedule. Oh we'll never be done on time. Come on!"

The two men grumbled, but obliged their wife and shuffled after her and Ginny as they made their way to the small dining room. There were all sorts of treats already set out for them to eat, Hermione drained her first cup of coffee as Gertie hovered next to her, answering her rapid fire questions about the preparations.

"Yes, Mistress," Gertie said calmly. "We already be checking all the rooms and be warding the ones to keep people out."

"Granger," Draco said, taking her hand, "You need to take a deep breath. The elves can handle all the preparations. After last night-"

"I don't want to bloody talk about last night," she said, crossly. "I'm tired of letting that bitch control me. After this Ball our first priority is to end her." All three of the others at the table nodded encouragingly. "Thankfully she won't be here today, so we can put that part off until tomorrow."

The rest of the meal passed with Gertie going through the house preparations with Hermione and Ginny and the boys discussing Quidditch. When they were done, Hermione followed Gertie around the house, checking on the last of the fixes while the other three trailed after her. When everything looked good, Hermione and Ginny sat on the couch, waiting for Pansy, Daphne and Millie to join them. The boys went off together, and Hermione watched them longingly.

"You okay?" Ginny asked softly.

"I will be," Hermione responded with a sigh. "I'm so tired. Since I entered the Wizarding World it's been constantly fighting for my place. Even here, where I've wanted to be, married to those two men, I still feel like I have to prove myself-" Ginny went to speak, so Hermione held up her hand, "not to them or you or Harry even. I'm even quite surprised by Narcissa's acceptance, but the rest…"

Ginny laid her head on Hermione's shoulder. "I wish I had magic words for you, I wish I could make all these feelings you're having go away, but I can't. I can tell you that those two men would do anything for you. I know Harry and I aren't really talking right now, but we'd do anything for you too. You'll have a place in whatever world we build, Mi. I promise we'll see it done."

"I love you, Gin," Hermione murmured, resting her head against Ginny's. "I'm glad it's you who's here with me."

They sat in silence for a few moments, before Gertie popped in announcing the girls. Hermione turned on her glamour and stood to greet them, leading them to the dressing room.

"I have to say," Pansy said, "I'm quite excited to be attending a Ball that has nothing to do with him."

All of the other girls looked at her a bit surprised for a few seconds, before Ginny started giggling. "And I'm quite excited to be attending something that has nothing to do with my ex-boyfriend."

"I'm excited to not be pushed on Theodore, no offence," Daphne added.

"None taken, I'm quite pleased with him," Hermione said, flushing. "I'm excited to see how stiffly all of these Brits dance."

Millie sat and watched each of them, and when she realised they were all waiting for her, she said, "I'm quite excited to be able to show up my Mother, she has no idea. She wanted me to wear this!" She waved her wand and uncovered a hideous grey dress that looked more akin to a potato sack than a ballgown.

Hermione clapped her hands and Kevin and Lulu appeared bringing them mimosas. Wawira came in a few minutes later and after being introduced, began to work on Hermione's hair. She was followed by a few other witches who worked on the other girls, creating dramatic updos and makeup looks that highlighted their features.

Hermione didn't have much experience getting ready for events with other girls, but found that she quite enjoyed it. Most of her life she'd been alone, until she became friends with Ron and Harry. Most of her inner circle had been male, with the exception of Ginny, who was often less feminine than Hermione. She found herself giggling at everything they said and having her own smart commentary to add.

Pre-Yule Ball, Fourth Year

"How much Sleek-Eazy's do we have to use on this rat's nest?" Lavender pouted. Hermione bit back her tears as the witch continued to drown her hair in serum. "How come you don't know how to manage this, Hermione?"

"I do know how to manage it!" she finally said, pulling away from the other girl. "I thought you said that you knew what to do, but apparently you don't."

"It defies logic, that bush," Lavender said, sticking her nose in the air.

"No," Hermione ground her teeth, "I just have a different texture than you. It's not supposed to look like your curls, for which I'm quite grateful. Now if you'll excuse me, I can get myself ready."

She stomped away to the bathroom and after showering and cleaning out all the product that Lavender had lathered on, began again. She used the spells and techniques that Wawira had shown her to smooth out certain sections and frame her face. She braided pieces back and let curls fall in other areas. Overall, she was quite pleased with the result.

A part of her was disappointed that she didn't have girlfriends. Ginny didn't really count because she was mostly just Ron's younger sister. Sometimes she didn't even feel like Harry or Ron wanted to be her friend. She'd been pleasantly surprised by Theo and how wonderful of a partner he'd been, but even they weren't publicly friends. Hermione sighed as she spread eyeshadow over her lids and lined her full lips.

She slipped into her periwinkle dress and spun, catching herself in the mirror. She'd not often looked this beautiful, but she was quite pleased with herself. She hoped that Lavender would look like a giant cupcake in her pink ball gown and Parvati, who hadn't stood up for her, had a miserable time with her date.

Present Day (5/30/1998)

Hermione blinked out of her memory and smiled softly at Wawira who was still weaving her hair into its dramatic updo. There was a scarf tied around her hair that was another nod to her island. A small woman, who Wawira introduced as her apprentice, began adding makeup to Hermione's glamoured face.

The whole process of getting ready took ages, but the girls were pleasantly buzzed by the time the elves were helping them slip into their dresses. Hermione looked around at the gathered women. All five of them looked quite lovely, and all very different.

Ginny had her hair in a half up half down style that brought out the golden highlights in her red hair. Her dress flowed down her tall, slim body that had a slit up along her right leg. She gave a Malfoy worthy smirk at Hermione as she lounged on on the loveseat.

Daphne had quite traditional robes on that gave her a very classic look. Hermione could see how many people considered Daphne to be the most beautiful girl in their year, she was exactly what women in magazines looked like. Her ash blond hair was pinned back in an elegant updo that laid perfectly.

Pansy's daring dress was highlighted by her freshly cut bob. She looked severe in an elegant way. Hermione chuckled when she thought about the flouncy dress Pansy had worn to the Yule Ball. This was the most opposite thing that Hermione could picture, but fit the witch quite well.

Hermione turned to Millie who in a word looked stunning. Her hair was set in loose waves around her face and her dress highlighted her decolletage quite enchantingly. The burnt orange of her dress made her skin glow and the skirts flowed around her ankles almost looking like leaves dancing along the ground in autumn.

Hermione stood in front of the mirror for a few seconds admiring her dress. It was the single most expensive dress she'd ever worn, with the exception of her wedding dress and it felt like it was made for her. The whole thing made her feel like a storybook princess.

She turned to the girls and lifted her glass. "To new friends and family, thank you for making my first few weeks as Lady Nott such a delight. I never thought I'd be able to count such lovely women as yourself among my closest confidantes!" The others raised their glasses and sipped them heartily.

"Now I must be going down to make sure everything is finalised so we can start greeting the guests. Lulu will let you three know when you should come down. And of course Kevin will tell you, dear," she said, turning to Ginny. "I'll see you all soon."

Hermione went to the stairs and floated down, practising the steps that Narcissa had taught her. Theo was standing talking with Draco and Lucius at the bottom of the stairs. All three men looked up at her, and Hermione could see a flush rise from Draco's collar and Theo's eyes dilated. Lucius looked her up and down, looking slightly unimpressed with her non-traditional gown.

"Hello husband," Hermione said softly as she grasped Theo's hand on the final few steps. She leaned in and he kissed her on the cheek.

"You will be the most beautiful woman at this ball, love," she blushed and fluttered her eyelashes, noticing the way that Lucius' eyes narrowed at his son.

"Good evening, Draco, Mr. Malfoy," she said sweetly, holding her hand out to Draco.

Draco swallowed heavily, "You do look quite enchanting, Lady Nott."

Lucius sent a quick glare to his son, and bowed over Hermione's hand, "How ever will young Ginevra ever shine with your beauty in the room?" he simpered.

She smiled at him and turned back to Theo, pretending to ignore the whispering between Draco and Lucius, "She's a married woman, stop drooling after her, Draco!"

"I'm aware, Father!" she heard them inch away and knew they put up a Muffliato when their whispers couldn't be heard any longer.

Theo was biting back a laugh, "Oh, Draco is going to get an earful from his father, but how could he not, I about swallowed my tongue when you appeared at the top of the stairs, love. You truly do look beautiful," he spun her around and grinned at the sparkling stars on her dress. "I think Draco will appreciate the homage to his name with these stars. I adore seeing you in my house colour. I wonder if there is a matching set of lingerie underneath?"

"You'll just have to wait and see, husband," she teased. "Now have the elves finished everything? Are we ready for our guests?"

"We are, Lady Nott, they should be arriving shortly. Draco and his father will wait off to the side and we will greet people here."

Over the next hour, guests trailed in, many people tried to test Hermione's manners and quite a few made snide comments, which Hermione tossed right back at them. The entry line was tedious and only briefly lifted by seeing those she knew, like Wawira and the other neutral Shacklebolts. Wawira leaned in for a kiss on each cheek and made a joke in her ear.

When the line had finally died down, Theo escorted Hermione into the ballroom. "Thank you all for being here on this momentous occasion," Theo called after amplifying his voice. The guests, many of whom were holding Hermione's Ti punch in their hands turned to him. "I am so honoured that you have all been able to meet my wife, Lady Myuh Nott, who has finally joined me from Martinique." He turned to Hermione and kissed her lightly on the cheek, she blushed appropriately and he continued, "She and I are delighted to invite you into our home. Our elves will lead tours for any interested after dinner. Now as many of you have heard, recently the Most Ancient and Noble House of Nott has been able to officially welcome another member into our home. After many years, my dear sister will be joining us." He turned to the grand staircase, "May I introduce Miss Ginevra Prewett Nott!" The reaction was quite mixed, there were a few gasps, lots of whispers and a few people clapped softly, which eventually took over as people realised their impolite response.

Ginny stood at the top of the stairs and began walking down, allowing the slit in her dress to show her leg every few steps. Theo stood at the end of the stairs, holding out his hand for her. She smiled at him sweetly as she finally reached him. He bowed and led her to the head table where Hermione was standing. Theo led Ginny to the chair next to his and then came to sit at the chair on Hermione's side.

Hermione stood from her seat, "As my husband so graciously said, we're honoured to have you in our home this evening. We invite you to find your seats so we may begin our meal." When everyone had settled, Hermione continued, "I come from an Island far from here, but have been delighted with the warm welcome I have received," she looked first to Pansy, Daphne and Millie, who were sitting with a few other from their year as well as Daphne's younger sister Astoria who looked like she'd swallowed a lemon. "From the day I arrived Theodore has introduced me to his friends and family and truly helped me find myself here. Now I hope to share a bit of my island with you all. As you can see from the menu, the foods that you will be served are local staples and delicacies that I hope you enjoy as much as I do. Without further ado, dinner is served!"

Before them, the first course filled their plates. The ballroom descended into polite chatter and clinking glasses. She felt Theo's hand slip onto her thigh. "You're doing perfectly, love," he murmured.

Hermione bit back her giggles at some of the faces the guests made to her feast. Many looked astounded by the fair and she could tell they were whispering about "the strange foreign witch."

When the food was finished, Theo held out his hand to Hermione and led her in a dance. He spun her around the dance floor holding her slightly closer than totally appropriate. When that finished, he spun Ginny around the floor, allowing her to show herself off to all those gathered.

Afterwards, the floor was opened to anyone, and Draco invited Hermione for a dance.

"I only wish I could claim you as our husband does," he said after a few beats.

Hermione tinkled a laugh, keeping up appearances for she knew someone was always watching. "Your father seemed quite heated."

"Yes, he was reprimanding me for ogling another man's wife. He's one to talk with his mistresses and whores," he added grumpily. "You may be another man's wife, but you are also mine."

The rest of the dance sped by, Hermione was sad to see it end, having to separate from Draco. When he hovered by her, Theo came up with a loud greeting,

"Draco, you have to back off a bit," Theo chuckled quietly. "People are going to start to think you're not supportive of our marriage."

Draco rolled his eyes, but huffed out a laugh, finally going to dance with other witches in the room. e.

Finally, after what they'd deemed an appropriate amount of time, Draco asked her for another dance. Hermione couldn't help flushing when he complimented her again. He, like Theo, had a hard time keeping an appropriate distance from her. "I can't help but want to peel this dress off you, darling," he growled. "Theo was teasing me about what you have underneath and I can't help but wond-"

"If I may cut in," came the drawl of Lucius Malfoy.

Hermione nodded and obliged, going into the arms of her Father-in-Law. "Well, Lady Nott," he said in a low, dangerous voice, "I'm not sure what you know about our country, but here we have many beliefs that may be quite unknown to you."

She tinkled out a laugh, Gods she hated that fake little laugh, "Oh no, Mr. Malfoy! I've heard all about your little skirmishes, they quite remind me of some of the disagreements that occurred between the Natives, the Slaves, and the Conquistadors in the Caribbean. Where I come from we settle things with much less bloodshed, but I've always heard the English weren't quite as civilised."

"I am not a man you want to make enemies with, girl," he bit out.

"No of course not!" she cooed, "Your late wife and I exchanged letters for a long time. I was most sad that I wasn't able to meet her before her untimely death. That's all I was referring to. She seems to have passed so needlessly. I know you were quite devoted to her."

Lucius' face paled, "Y-you knew my wife?"

"Of course!" she smiled up at him, "When Theodore and I were betrothed, he connected us so that I could ask someone in high society about some of the rules you all have. I didn't want to make a fool of myself when I first arrived. I won't deny that I was quite excited to meet you, but after yesterday… Was your wife much like her sister? She didn't appear so in her letters, but one never knows."

"Narcissa was nothing like Bellatrix. I cannot deny that I'm shocked you knew her, she never mentioned you."

"Yes well, our betrothal was quite undercover. We didn't want Theo's late father to get involved. Theo's grandmother was quite adamant about arranging the betrothal for him. Narcissa was such a dear friend to me for so long…"

Finally the dance ended, and Hermione made her way to the bar where she was greeted by Daphne and Millie. "Are you alright?" Millie asked worriedly, "we saw Lucius cut in on your dance with Draco, he's quite…"

"I can handle Mr. Malfoy," Hermione said primly, and then winked. "Tell me all about the ball for you two!"

Daphne and Millie went on to gush about all the attention the boys had been paying to Millie and how her mother looked apocalyptic when she saw the dress. "Oh Myuh!" Millie giggled, "She turned beet red and tried to drag me away to change into something more proper, but just then someone came and asked for a dance."

"Someone cute?" Hermione asked teasingly.

"Graham Montague, he was a bit older than us, but yes he's quite the catch," Daphne said, proudly. "Mother has been trying to corner Lucius and Draco all night about the contract with Astoria."

Hermione grimaced, "I don't understand betrothals, if I am honest. The only reason I was betrothed to Theodore is the familial connection. His grandmother so wanted to help diversify the blood."

The two women nodded, and linked arms with Hermione, leading her around to introduce her to their classmates. When they'd made the full circle, Hermione was pleased to see that the night was almost over. "Have you seen Ginevra and Pansy?" she asked the other two.

"Not in some time, I know that they were discussing Quidditch uniforms? Maybe Pansy went to go look at Ginevra's outfits? You know how she loves fashion," Millie said thoughtfully.

Hermione agreed, Theo appeared next to her so that they could say goodbye to their guests, "You'll have to come by for tea soon," she called to her friends as Theo and her made their way to the doors. For the next 45 minutes, they said goodbye to their guests, including Lucius Malfoy who looked at Hermione thoughtfully as he apparated away.

Finally, all the guests were gone. Hermione, Draco and Theo collapsed into a living room, Hermione leaning against Draco with her feet in Theo's lap. "Remind me to never wear heels again," she whined.

"But they make your legs look so lovely," Theo smirked, running a trail up her calf with his fingers.

"Master Theo!" Gertie popped into the room, "I am being sorry to interrupt, but one of the guests is being asleep in the gardens."

Theo sighed, but stood to find the wayward guest. "Make sure to save a little energy for me, you two," he teased as he left the room, with the door ajar.

Hermione grinned up at Draco and sat a little straighter to kiss him. He immediately deepened the kiss, wrapping his hand around the back of her neck. Her hands went to his lapels as she pulled him closer. She got onto her knees to deepen the kiss further, and began to unbutton his shirt, his hands had slipped under her skirts and his fingers played with the lace at the bottom of her knickers.

They were so deep into their kiss, that they didn't hear the clock strike midnight or the door bang open. "You little skank!" They heard Pansy shriek and they flew apart.

Sorry for the cliffhanger? At least you only have to wait until tomorrow? Love it? Hate it? Will Pansy see reason?

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think or if you have any thoughts about what might happen next!