Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been. Please review! Reviews are always nice; I'd like to hear your thoughts on this fic :)

Chapter Eight

Draco braced himself, apparating into his mother's end of the manor, envisioning the light blues and soft grays of his childhood. He quickly noticed she wasn't around and he then walked out of her personal greeting room. He started to walk towards the smallest dining room his mother would have dinner in, conveniently also still in her wing of the house. He had bailed on her impromptu lunch with her– rightfully so, in his opinion – so he opted to make it up for dinner. However, Draco knew that that didn't mean she wasn't going to be in a mood.

"Ah, Draco darling, do you want to freshen up before dinner?"

Narcissa's light, but stern voice carried across the peach-colored room Draco found her in. He walked in, not knowing if she was there or not and almost on the verge of calling for her house-elf. She had changed from her day robes into her evening ones, a dark pink set he rarely saw her in. This one was made from the same style and material as the silver ones he saw her in, but it had sleeves and the neck was more ruffled. She had on a Black crest necklace and her heels had changed into a silver color. Draco glanced down at the table setting noticing more than two plate settings. Six sets?Draco eyed his mother wearily – he knew she'd be in a mood, but not one that would allow others to see.

"Who's coming to dinner mother?"

Narcissa smiled at her son from besides the table, making sure the table was set to her precise instructions. The long, dark wooden table was covered in a soft yellow tablecloth and there were white, long-stemmed roses in light green vases in the middle. The spring colors weren't lost on Draco, but it annoyed him that his mother was going above and beyond for their guests.

"The Greengrasses, darling."

"Mother."

Draco closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. He couldn't help the whiny tone that escaped him. He thought he had been clear on his opinion on the arranged marriage. And dealing with a family that only cared about appearances wasn't on his agenda tonight; granted he had been one of those families prior to the rise of the Dark Lord, but now he wanted and cared for different things. Now Draco just wanted peace, quiet, and, if the Gods above believed in any redemption, a particular, brown, curly-headed witch. While the last thing on his list was the most coveted, it was also the most difficult. This dinner would be counterproductive to the small progress he made today with Potter. How was he supposed to try to win over Granger when his mother insisted he marry another?

"Hurry now, darling."

Narcissa sweetly said. While her tone suggested he could complain, it was the exact opposite; she wasn't going to let up and he had no patience to argue with her. At least none that he could spare before meeting the Greengrasses.

"I'll play nice, but rest assure I am not marrying her, mother."

Draco sternly said before leaving the oversweet scent that his mother's blasted roses provided placed on the table. He didn't leave chance for his mother to say anything else as he went to his childhood room to change – yet again for the day. Taking his time, Draco changed out of his dark green suit and into a cobalt blue one; he wore a lighter blue oxford shirt underneath. Draco then eyed the black signet ring placed on the top counter of his wardrobe. Sighing, he retrieved it, placing it on his pinky finger. He was trying to appease his mother and wearing the family scion ring would definitely please her. He left two buttons unbuttoned and no tie, seeing as it wasn't a formal dinner party – at least not in his opinion. There was a small pop! and his mother house-elf, Winny, appeared in front of his door. She had on a pink doll's dress, a small beauty mark below her crooked nose, and her large brown eyes looked up at Draco. In her squeaky voice, she said,

"Dinner is ready, Master Draco."

Draco nodded at her, eyeing himself in the mirror on last time before he headed off.

"Thanks, Winny."

He said and she bowed before disappearing. Dragging his feet, Draco finally made it back down to the dining room, hearing voices before he entered. He saw Hendrich and Almera Greengrass talking to his mother, standing by the decorated and set table, while both Greengrass daughters were standing besides one of the windows that allowed view into the Malfoy gardens. The dark blonde and dark brown headed witches seemed to be having a serious discussion before everyone noticed his arrival.

"Draco, darling, you know the Greengrasses."

His mother said in the fake, airy tone she used when hosting. Draco nodded once before walking to clasp hands with the Greengrass patriarch. Hendrich had on a black suit, nothing special except for the large, gold chain that connected to his pocket watch in his left pocket. The only thing Draco found remotely interested was that the older wizard's dark blond hairline was receding.

"Good evening, sir."

Draco said, low but loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Ah, young Draco."

Was all Hendrich said, and all Draco allowed, before letting his hand fall. He then turned to the brunette, where Astoria got all of her good genes, and kissed both her cheeks. Almera was dressed in emerald colored dress, more suitable for a ball, that flowed at least three feet behind her and she had on ivory-colored, elbow length gloves on. Draco quickly sent his mother a raised eyebrow before turning his attention to Almera. Her emerald wedding ring was on top of her glove and Draco forced himself not to scoff at the size of it. It was too big, too gaudy – just like her husband's chain and pocket watch.

"Madam Greengrass."

He said. The older witch keenly smiled up at Draco but he continued his greetings by walking away, meeting the approaching Greengrass sisters half-way. He wanted to cut the dinner as short as he could. He said he would play nice, not overly friendly for Merlin's sake. The eldest Greengrass half-curtsied, dressed in a bright blue dress robes that ended at her knees. Draco reminisced of the Beauxbaton students their fourth year.

"Daphne."

"Draco."

Both blondes said to each other as Daphne allowed Draco to kiss the top of her knuckles, his lips grazing her skin just barely.

"Astoria."

Draco turned to the younger, shorter Greengrass. He saw the determination in the girl's hazel eyes, but all Draco could notice was the differences between her and Granger's eyes. He let the memory of her dark brown eyes wash away as Astoria fluttered her eyelashes, smiling softly up at him; she offered her left right hand to him. She was dressed in a dark green, princess styled dress that also ended at her knees. She had on a small brooch with a green "G" on her right breast and her hair was styled high into a tight bun. Draco couldn't help but to think of thick, brown curls instead of the straight, darker brown ones in front of him. He couldn't help the small smirk that graced his lips. He couldn't stop the comparison even if he wanted to. Thankfully Daphne and Astoria had better fashion senses than their parents, none with gloves or expensive, but gaudy jewelry.

"Hello, Draco."

She said softly, reminding him of his mother's own tone. Draco also offered her hand a kiss as she dipped into a low curtsy, but before the girl was back up, Draco was already turning away. He quickly turned and walked towards the end of the table, the head of the house seat.

"Shall we?"

He said, standing behind the tall, wooden chair. He didn't offer to pull out Astoria's chair and he could see his mother's glare. The Malfoy matriarch quickly replaced her glacial stare with a forced smile as she nodded. His mother sat across from him, Hendrich and Almera to his right and Astoria and Daphne to his left. All sitting down, the first course arrived – French onion soup, one of his favorites. The long-stem roses allowed little view of his mother, but he could see her face if she moved just right every now and then. There was French baguettes in the middle of the table placed on top of light brown, woven baskets and underneath the white cloth to cover the warm bread. As Draco reached for one, so did Astoria. She giggled softly at him and he forced a quick smile on his lips before quickly grabbing one.

"This smells divine, Narcissa. I can't believe you know of one of Astoria's favorites."

Almera said, taking a small sip of the brown soup. Draco barely concealed his eye roll. Of course it is, he thought to himself. Draco didn't have to peek through the roses to know his mother was smiling.

"Oh how lovely. It's also one of Draco's favorites as well."

Draco didn't bother looking up at the expectant eyes as he dipped a small piece of bread into his soup. It was his favorite, but he wasn't going to give the mothers the satisfaction of verbally agreeing. Draco continued eating, drinking water instead of the Elfin wine his mother had picked, and ignored the chatter around him. Nothing piqued his interest nor was it directed it at him. Draco chose to stay silent and avoid the stares of Astoria. The main course was a lamb stew – another of Draco's favorites – and he couldn't help but to smirk at his mother's blatant attempt to placate him. He was one-fourths in when he was finally the main topic of conversation.

"Draco what are you doing these days, m'boy?"

Hendrich asked him. He was on his third glass of wine and Draco could see his pale face turning into a bright red. While Draco wanted nothing more to finish his stew, maybe even dessert and leave for the night, he forced himself to interact. He cleared his throat before responding,

"I'm currently helping my friend, Blaise Zabini, with a business project."

"Zabini? Ildra Zabini's son?"

Almera asked and Draco nodded.

"What project?"

Hendrich asked. At the question, Draco couldn't help the grin that appeared on his lips.

"He's opening up two lounges and night clubs. One in London and one in Florence."

Draco heard Daphne cover her snort with a clearing of her throat and Almera glared at her daughter. He didn't dare look at his mother's piercing gaze. While Draco was happy to help his friend, especially when he didn't have jobs lined up for him, he knew this part of their society wouldn't approve. Draco might have well said he and Blaise were starting a strip club to the parents around him. Seeing Hendrich's facial expression drop, Draco couldn't help his grin widen.

"Ah yes."

Was all he said before looking to Narcissa.

"Draco don't be modest. Tell them about your potioneering pursuits. Draco had top marks in Potions as Hogwarts."

Narcissa said.

"Astoria was dreadful at Potions, but her Charm work is lovely."

Almera responded before Draco had a chance to retort. He did have good marks in Potions before everything went to shite. Draco contently resumed back to his stew. However, if he continued to listen to the compliments of his mother and Almera, he would have a migraine in no time. He was almost done when a sudden pop! and Winny apparated besides him.

"Winny!"

Narcissa scolded. Winny bowed low, her ears almost flapping over to touch the carpet.

"Sorry to intrude, Ma'am but urgent letter for Master Draco."

She held out a short note and Draco reached to take it. In Theo's handwriting it said,

Need help ASAP. At Nott Manor.

-Theo

Draco almost sighed in relief at the note. Standing up, eyeing his half-eaten stew, he said

"Sorry mother, must go."

He got up quickly from his chair and briskly walked over to her before placing a kiss on her cheek. He ignored the accusations in her blue eyes, knowing she was trying to communicate he needed to stay.

"Apologies, Greengrasses."

He said to the three pair of eyes staring up at him before striding out of the room, the small note burning and leaving the white cloth with a small pile of ashes. Narcissa smiled apologetically at Almera while Hendrich glared at the empty chair besides him. However, Daphne could see the tension leave her younger sister's frame the moment Draco declared he was leaving; she eyed the pile ashes before they all resumed their dinners.

[-]

Hermione said goodbye to Harry shortly after they finished their dinners; she happily enjoyed her butter chicken curry and Harry had gotten a chicken boti roll. While Hermione enjoyed adding more spice to her food, Harry made sure to tell the waitress to make his as plain as they could. Once they were finished, they walked back to the alley way. Harry stated he wanted to see Teddy before heading back home and Hermione wasn't going to keep him. He offered her an invitation, and while visiting Teddy was always wonderful, she wanted Harry to have his own time with his godson. Harry had made her promise she would come by next week and Hermione indulged him. Finally, alone in her flat, Hermione sunk into the couch, letting her head rest on the soft material underneath her as she closed her eyes. Only after a few moments of quiet did she hear the soft chime. Hermione opened her eyes to turn to the window behind her. She drew her curtain to allow her view of the anti-muggle basket hanging on her window. There was a note there, the chiming indicating she missed the owl. Hermione opened the right side of the window and grabbed the note quickly, closing the window, and pulling the curtain back. She shivered at the cold wind entering. Hermione saw the black wax and a large decorated "N" sealing the parchment letter. Hermione laughed softly and rolled her eyes at the grandeur of such a note from Theo. Opening the note, Hermione read that she was invited to get her coat tonight if she wanted to or Theo could owl it tomorrow. Casting another time-telling charm, Hermione decided it was rather late to visit her newest friend. She got up and decided to wash the day away and get ready for bed. She peeled off her sweatshirt, her camisole, and slipped off her jeans, letting them fall in front of her bedroom door as she changed into shorts and an oversized, overworn tee-shirt that read, "G. Dentistry". She placed her wand on her bed and made her way towards her bathroom sink and mirror, piling her head up into a messy ponytail; Hermione began her nightly routine as she washed her face with a cleanser and moisturized afterwards. Her skin routine was not time-consuming as she witnessed her Gryffindor classmates hog the bathroom for at least 45 minutes each. Just something, in her opinion, to keep herself looking well. She then busied herself with folding the clothes she was going to donate and conjured a cardboard box from her office to her room, placing the clothes inside. She shoved Ron's own belongings into a trash bag she summoned from her kitchen before finally laying down on her queen-sized bed. She pulled out the pale blue comforter and dark gray duvet over her as she settled into the bed and two pillows underneath her. She didn't have to call Crooks, one of the many things she liked about her pet, as she cuddled her cat for a few minutes before starting up at the ceiling.

"De lumina."

Hermione whispered and placed her wand on the table stand beside her. The lights around her went off immediately. Stroking Crookshanks side, Hermione closed her eyes, shortly after falling to sleep. For the first time in a while, she didn't dream of blue eyes, freckled kissed skin, and red hair; she dreamt of flowers and curry.

[-]

"Speaking of unrequited love, Draco when are you going to confess to Granger?"

Pansy asked, loudly. The three of them, Theo, Pansy, and Draco, were once again in Theo's entertaining room – the same room Draco had seen Hermione in the night before. Same setting, different mood, and different people occupied the magenta-colored room. Pansy sat beside Theo on the ottoman as he absentmindedly toyed with her straight strands. Draco sat in the same seat he sat in when he took Hermione's drink. Draco forced himself not to blush but he cursed Theo's fire-lit room and the alcohol he had already consumed. He avoided Pansy stare and focused on a smiling Theo. Salazar's sake, where is Blaise when you need him. Blaise would have already asked Pansy to stop avoiding her own issues. Draco sourly thought to himself.

"All in given time, Pans."

Theo answered for him. Draco looked at his oldest friend in gratitude. Pansy snorted, rolling her eyes at the two. That wasn't a sufficient answer for the Pureblood witch as she started proclaiming, her speech just barely slurred.

"The day Draco actually tells Granger he has feelings for her, then that'll be the day that I – "

Pansy faltered at the end, clearing her throat and suddenly finding the tiled ceiling above more interested than her friends.

"I'll ask Daphne to run away with me."

"Don't make wagers you won't win, Pans."

Draco immediately said, straightening up as he held onto the clear glass in front of him. He was done with his fire whiskey and had yet got up to get a refill. Draco didn't usually egg Pansy on, especially when it came to the eldest Greengrass, but the idea of Granger being his witch and the liquid courage in him chose to play with the fire that was Pansy Parkinson. Pansy let her eyes fall back to Draco, glazed over from the moisture the accumulated. Theo continued to let his nimble fingers play with her hair. It was a rare moment when the two were getting along, almost intimate.

"Will we wager then?"

Pansy asked the gray-eyed wizard. She had loosened the top three yellow buttons on her connect pant suit and her hair was mussed ever so slightly from Theo's playful hands. Draco smirked at her, leaning back down so his long limps could be splayed before him.

"What will my prize be?"

Draco asked, half-joking, half-serious. In the confines of his best friends and the liquor making every decision he made that night foggy; Draco couldn't stand to fall back to Pansy especially when he knew she needed the distraction. Theo held onto a strand by Pansy's ear as he let out a laugh.

"Isn't getting the witches of your dreams prize enough for you two?"

Theo asked them. Draco's glazed eyes barely missed the way Theo glanced at Pansy before settling back on him. Draco attempted to discretely raise an eyebrow at him but either he failed miserably or Theo chose to ignore him.

"That and the glory of winning."

Pansy proposed. Draco's smirk widen as he straightened up once more, leaning towards her. Theo had stopped playing with Pansy's hair, letting the strands lay in his fingers as he watched them slip away. Pansy leaned in, smirking just as widely as Draco.

"You've got yourself a bet, Malfoy."

She held out her right hand and Draco took it, the magic buzzing around them.

"May the best witch win."

Pansy said.

"Or wizard."

Draco retorted before retracting his hand back, leaning back against his seat as Pansy mirrored his move. Theo sighed, shaking his head as he closed his eyes. That night, Draco dreamt, for the second time this week, of Hermione Granger's dark cheeks and warm brown eyes.