Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been. Reviews - thoughts, comments, etc., are always welcomed! Please review - they really do bring a smile to my face :)

Warning: this chapter (at the end) contains content that some younger readers may not enjoy - viewer discretion advised hehehe.

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Chapter Twenty-Four

"I cannot."

Hermione firmly stated, crossing her arms to stop herself from edging closer to the dark stone basin sitting on Theo's study's desk. They had returned from their travels from her office to her home and finally to Theo's home. The sneering portrait from before was gone and the room was darker during the evening. Theo frowned at her response, standing beside her.

"Yes you can."

He replied.

"Theo, pensieves are rare and expensive, I couldn't possibly."

Hermione reminded him as she turned her body around to stop staring at the impressive, molded Hematite stone and the runes around it. Truth be told, Hermione definitely wanted a pensieve but she couldn't accept such a gift from her friends. Pensieves were worth at least 100 galleons, and that was for small ones not like the large one currently two feet away from her. Hermione refused to accept anything so outrageously priced – even if it was a rare, magical object.

"I didn't buy it, does that make a difference?"

Theo challenged her. Hermione rose her eyebrows at this, looking up at the brunet.

"Are you re-gifting a gift?"

She countered. Theo rolled his eyes at her, crossing his own arms in his defense.

"No, Hermione."

He simply stated. After more than a few seconds of a silent stare down, Hermione let her arms fall back to her side, slowly but surely relenting into accepting the gift.

"It's too much, Theo. I couldn't possibly reciprocate such a grand gesture of friendship."

She said, this time her tone softer, her eyes pleading to him to not bequeath her such a gift. Her reaction was the appropriate one as Theo too softened before her; he uncrossed his arms and placed one hand on her shoulder as he often did to reassure her.

"Your accepting friendship is already enough, Hermione."

He said softly back. Hermione couldn't help the snug feeling of Theo's ever-present consideration to her and she smiled up at him. Before she could question him again if he was truly going to gift her the pensieve, Theo smiled at her. He stepped towards her, outstretching his longer arms.

"Hug on it?"

He asked, a playful chirp in his question. Hermione laughed gently at this before nodding, leaning towards the Slytherin wizard she had grown accustomed to and hugged him back. Hugging Theo had become almost easy as hugging Harry; they were both very similar in how they teased and treated her. Theo rarely flirted with her while Blaise made it almost his mission to do so once they were together. Theo was more comfortable touching her – a shoulder grasp, a hand pull, a hug – like Harry had come to do so in their friendship. If she was being honest, her warm friendship with Theo, and budding one with Blaise, was alarming, but she pushed that feeling aside to allow herself to enjoy this moment.

"Where's mine?"

Blaise's voice rang through the study and Hermione jumped but Theo didn't let go. Finally, after hearing Blaise's soft thudding footsteps against the carpet and a final squeeze from him, Theo let go. Hermione turned slight to smile up at Blaise. She knew Blaise also had a part of this gift so she proceeded to step into the Italian wizard's embrace. He had gone home to change, despite looking handsome in his previous outfit; Hermione hadn't voiced her opinion as she didn't want to give Blaise an even inflated ego. He now wore dark gray slacks with a lighter gray oxford, much like Theo's own attire. She hadn't hugged Blaise before, his arms held her close to his study one, and before she could inhale his citrus cologne, he had let go. Not a hugger, Hermione internally laughed at his reaction. All three stood close, the familiarity around them as if they had been friends for longer than a couple of months.

"I'm glad you like it."

Blaise said, a twinkle in his eyes and a smirk to match.

"Now before we go, there is a change of clothes for you in the guest bedroom."

Hermione's smile dropped and bewilderment replaced it. Theo snickered unsuccessfully behind his hand while Blaise continued,

"And before you argue, your attire is fine for work, Hermione."

Blaise finished. Hermione understand what he meant; her clothes were fine for the ministry halls, but not for dining with them. She couldn't help but to roll her eyes, although she didn't argue. She didn't have the energy in her to argue with them but she did grumble to herself. In for one thing, out for another, she silently thought to herself.

"Minty."

Theo loudly stated and less than three seconds later, there was a pop! Minty stood in the doorway and walked towards the group. Today she wore green trousers and simple tee with matching trainers; Hermione wondered where she got her shoes from and if she should get a pair for Kreacher.

"Please take Hermione to the guest room where her clothes are."

Theo instructed and Minty nodded. She outstretched her arm, her small hand reaching out to Hermione. Hermione wanted to protest, but she knew she'd probably get lost in the labyrinth that was Nott Manor. Hermione smiled down at the house elf before walking toward her and away from the pair. She held onto her smaller hand and then Hermione was in a dark green bedroom. She didn't want to go to the dinner, but she didn't have much of say. She could have stayed home, refusing to go when Theo had accompanied her to her home to feed Crookshanks. However, she didn't. Hermione didn't know if she actually cared of Parkinson's reaction if she found out she tossed her plans to the side or if she felt as if she owed her since she was handling Parvati's meddling self. Perhaps both, she thought to herself. While at the short time at her own home, she hadn't even thought of changing. She thought her attire seemed fine despite seeing Narcissa in them hours before. The room itself was as her kitchen, dining room, and living room combined. The dark wood creaked underneath her as Hermione landed. There was large, queen-sized bed at one end of the room, white, clean sheets covered it. Besides the bed, there was only a wooden bedside table and an oval, floor length mirror besides one door. There was another door leading to which Hermione assumed was the bathroom. The matching green curtains were drawn on the one huge window. All in all, the room was surprisingly simple, and Hermione appreciated it.

"Thank you, Minty."

Hermione said as the small elf dropped her smooth hand from Hermione's, reminding Hermione she wasn't alone.

"Just call for Minty and she'll escort you back."

Minty said, nodding before disappearing once more. Hermione made her way towards the bed where she saw a dress laying on the white sheets. Finally, besides the bed, she stared at the dark gray dress before her rolled her eyes at the obvious Slytherin color. It was halter styled but longer than a summer dress, ending at Hermione's lower shins if she had to take a guess. The fabric slipped underneath her fingers as she reached for it, silky and smooth. Her back would be exposed completely and while it was appropriate for the season, Hermione thought it was much too revealing. It was a simple dress, only with a matching sash to tie around her waist. Sighing, Hermione took her time taking off her own clothes and to change into the dress that probably cost more than her own outfit, including shoes. She placed her wand besides the dress as she did so. The dress was cool against her skin and Hermione had to grab her wand to transfigure her bra into a stick-on and to match her skin tone. She also transfigured her comfortable loafers to black, three-inch heels. The glamour to cover the scar would stick for at least four hours, Hermione thought as she pointed her wand to her own skin. She whispered,

"Praxo."

Soon the words disappeared, and Hermione stared at the smooth skin before her. Before Hermione could freeze at the cruelty of the situation, she was in to obtain such a mark, she made her way to arrange some updo to her hair. Hermione had already ruined her high updo when she was stressing over what Parkinson had told her about Parvati so she decided to braid two strands, one on each side of her head, to join at the back of her head; it was simple and had to do with the little time she had. Hermione inhaled deeply, trying to reign in the anxiety she felt going to a dinner with the woman that so coldly had received her before. Everything's going to be fine. They're your friends, Hermione reminded herself before calling out for Theo's house elf. She would have walked to him, but she didn't know where his study laid and did not want to risk getting lost finding it.

"Minty."

She said clearly and the house elf popped in not one second later. Her already larger than life eyes grew wider, and she squealed.

"Missy Hermione is looking beautiful!"

She said. Hermione blushed and waved her hands in embarrassment.

"Oh! Thank you! Uh, thanks, Minty. Please take me to Theo."

Hermione asked, forcing her hands to her side to keep herself still. Minty nodded once, reaching to once again take her hand in hers again before they appeared once more in Theo's study. She didn't see Blaise's reaction, but Theo's eyes also widened at her and Hermione's fading blush returned.

"Hermione, you look amazing!"

Theo exclaimed, a cheeky grin appearing. Hermione smoothed the fabric in front of her.

"Thank you. Um, we can go now, if you're ready."

She said, not wanting this conversation about her appearance to continue. Theo nodded and then Blaise was besides her.

"We can take the floo, less taxing."

Theo said as Blaise offered his arm to Hermione which she took, letting Theo guide them to the floo. She ignored Blaise's stare, knowing he was waiting for her to look at him before he said something frivolous. While Hermione tried to pay attention to her surroundings and where they were walking about, she couldn't stop her mind from wandering. Her blush wasn't going away and that annoyed her. Hermione was trying to get comfortable in her own skin, but compliments weren't easy for her to accept. Hermione was bullied for her hair, her teeth, and her blood, but rarely her physical body; she wasn't thin like Luna nor as curvy as Hannah or lean and fit like Ginny, she was somewhere in the middle. She wasn't tall like Ginny, but her hips flared out more than hers and Luna. Her breasts were smaller than Hannah's, but they were a decent size. Hermione chewed on the inside of her cheek as she pondered her body type. Theo and Blaise gave compliments, teased, and flirted with ease it was hard for her not to get flustered. She knew they meant well, and they probably didn't know how much she struggled with her self-esteem, but that didn't mean she knew how to reply back to them. Or if she could tease them back, Merlin forbid actually flirt back, she thought. Before she knew it, they had come to a stop. Theo's floo room was just as large as Malfoy's Manor. It was a large, dark room, the dimming sunlight allowing the large candelabra above to shine above, but the room was still darker than Hermione expected. However, it wasn't as decorated as Malfoy Manor's was; it was scarcely furnished with one table besides the fireplace with a dark pink bowl on it and the curtains for the windows. The windows themselves look like they had been stripped of their paint and shoddy looking.

"One of the many rooms still being remodeled."

Theo explained to her. Hermione nodded at his words as they walked towards the large, brick fireplace. They all fit in the brick structure, both wizards besides her as Theo grabbed the shiny green powder besides him.

"Malfoy Manor!"

He yelled and Hermione was transported back. This time there was no Narcissa to greet them, the room was still as dim as she remembered; there was a house elf standing a few feet away from the fireplace. The older creature bowed slightly, wrinkles all over him, and wearing a large, but clean dark pillowcase. Did he pick his clothes? Or did Narcissa? Hermione couldn't help but to question before the elf interrupted her train of thought.

"Mistress is waiting for you all in the gardens."

He croaked out.

"Thank you, Ellie. Can you take us?"

Theo asked. The house elf nodded before reaching out to Theo while Hermione reached out for his arm, her right one still looped on Blaise's. Again transported, they were now standing under an expansive metal pergola that overviewed gardens. Hermione barely had time to register the lovely flowers and green scenery before she heard,

"Miss Granger, so lovely to join us unexpectedly."

Hermione turned, dropping her hand from Theo's arm, and pulling her other from Blaise's to set her gaze on Narcissa's cool, blue eyes. Hermione wasn't surprised to see Narcissa acting as polite as ever; she straightened her back, placing a smile on her lips before walking towards the hostess. This time she was prepared, this time she had her own game face. Narcissa had also changed from the dress she had seen her earlier; she was wearing a wrap dress that made her thin figure appear more voluptuous. It was a dark gray, almost black, with long sleeves and a straight skirt. Hermione wondered if she was hot in the dress, she couldn't see Narcissa's feet. Hermione leaned in towards the older witch as Narcissa did the same, pecking her cheeks.

"Of course, Mrs. Malfoy. Pansy sends me and her regards for missing tonight."

Hermione leaned back, a polite smile on Narcissa's face as she nodded. Her expression mirrored Draco's despite her smile. She chucked airily for a brief second, Astoria's curious gaze on them during their interaction.

"It's a pleasure to see you as well, Theodore, Blaise. Miss Granger, do you know Miss Greengrass?"

She asked and before the younger witch could reply, Hermione beat her to it.

"Oh just in passing, it's nice to see you."

Hermione replied. Astoria nodded once, keeping her lips shut. Hermione couldn't help but to stare at the witch before them, she was infinitesimally quieter than when she met her. Astoria sported a blush-colored A-line dress that ended on the middle of her shins, the fabric of the material seemed to sparkle every time she moved. As she had noticed before, Astoria was very petite and the dress helped emphasis the figure she had and her long, sleek hair was pulled into a side ponytail. Hermione heard the wizards behind her walk towards them; they all exchanged kisses on the cheek and greetings. Hermione noticed how formal the Slytherin males treated Astoria opposed to the warm looks and smiles they gave to Narcissa. Hermione felt surreal standing amongst them and grateful she had changed. A couple of years ago, she wouldn't be so sure she could call Theo and Blaise her friends, much less have dinner with Narcissa. Narcissa continued,

"Let's sit while we wait for Draco."

Narcissa gestured with her hands for all of them to take a seat. The rectangular glass table sat three on each side for a more intimate gathering opposed to two on each side with one chair at the end. The table itself had three tall, jade cylinder vases that held beautiful white roses, long stemmed. This allowed eye contact before the table despite the floral arrangements. There were already glasses filled with water besides the cases, nothing else. Theo quickly walked over to pull out the cushioned, metal chair for Narcissa as she smiled softly at him before taking her seat. The black metal matched the pergola above and the table before them. Theo did the same for Astoria before Hermione realized Blaise was pulling out her seat. He smirked at her, waiting for either a response – verbal or physical. Hermione did both.

"Thank you, Blaise."

She said softly before sitting down. Blaise nodded once before he sat down to her right and Theo sat adjacent to her; Astoria sat adjacent from her as well, placing her in front of Narcissa and leaving an open spot on the left of her. Hermione schooled her confusion; she assumed the heads of the house were to sit in the middle – Narcissa and Draco in this instance. However, Blaise had chosen her seat and Theo left the seat beside her open for Draco to sit instead of the middle. Before Hermione could ponder what the seating arrangements meant and if she was looking too much into it, Draco strolled in. He also had changed, but only to dispose of his suit jacket and vest. Hermione internally rolled her eyes as the fitted oxford and trousers he sported; the attire gave her an excellent view of the toned bicep muscles. Hermione knew he was a quidditch fanatic, but she didn't assume he'd be fit – she was wrong. Draco had grown from his lanky, pre-war self easily into a handsome man. Hermione shooed any thought that reminded how fit he was when Draco spotted her. He stopped as soon as his eyes landed on hers and instead of confusion or the rigid response she was used to, he lazily smirked at her.

"Well good evening to you all."

He said and took his place besides Hermione, as if nothing was amiss. Draco didn't miss a beat.

"What's for dinner, mother?"

He asked, reaching for the empty water glass in front of him with his left hand and his right arm reaching to rest on back of Hermione's chair. Hermione tensed at the close proximity between her and Draco while Narcissa squinted at the pair for a brief second before placing a smile on her lips. Theo and Blaise tried their best to pay no mind to Draco's action; Astoria couldn't help but to notice the subtle claim Draco was making on Hermione. The youngest witch blanched at the pair before Narcissa answered.

"Salad and soup before the main course then dessert."

Draco nodded at her response before turning to face Hermione. Hermione also reached for the already filled water glass, concentrating on the cool sensation it provided.

"Come here often?"

Draco asked, his voice low. Hermione dropped her hand away from the glass to turn to face him. He was still smirking, his lips twitching up only on one corner, there was a soft pink peeking through his usual paleness, and his gray eyes appeared glazed. He had leaned into her and Hermione inhaled, trying to decipher if he was already sloshed, but no firewhiskey or any alcohol came to her sense. She could only smell him – citrus and now roses. She tiled her head, was he teasing me?, she thought. They had both been here earlier that day, but it didn't make sense for him to be in such a playful mood given the current situation. He had no issue staring at her back as she tried to figure out what he was doing. Before she could reply to his question, Theo quickly stood up causing all eyes to focus on him except for one pair.

"Draco you must show me that potion you were supposed to give me earlier before I forget. Excuse us, Narcissa."

He abruptly said, making his way towards Draco. Theo's hand found his arm and practically dragging Draco up from his seat. Draco didn't stop his eye contact or smirk before winking at her and finally turning to Theo. He mumbled something she couldn't hear before Blaise also sat up. Hermione's eyebrows scrunched together at the scene before her – at Draco's behavior and his best friends.

"Theo can be quite forgetful at times along with Draco, I'll go assist."

He said, sending Hermione a look she couldn't place. Theo walked away with Draco still in one hand but now arguing while Blaise walking behind the pair. Before she knew it, Hermione was left alone.

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Draco was drowning; he could feel the water all around him, soaking his face, his hairline, his ears, his entire head – wait, I'm not drowning. That was the first coherent thought Draco formulated in more than half the day before sitting up, a towel snuggly wrapped around his neck. He groggily looked up to see his two best mates staring at him, but that was incorrect – Blaise was staring and Theo was glaring.

"Better?"

Theo snapped before turning around. Draco's eyebrows rose at his tone, wiping the water off his face with the towel. He didn't enjoy the softness touching his face and didn't know why he was so bothered.

"I suppose. I don't understand why I couldn't be high for the rest of the dinner, I was coming down."

Draco drawled. That was the wrong answer. Theo turned on his heel to give him the two-finger salute before walking off. Blaise watched as Draco straightened his attire and he handed him his wand. Draco mumbled,

"Thanks."

Before casting a nonverbal drying charm over himself. Blaise didn't respond as he took out a pack of muggle cigarettes from his trouser pocket, offering one to Draco which he happily accepted before he lit them with the tip of his wand. Blaise inhaled deeply, stuffing the pack and his wand back into his pockets, before exhaling the toxic fume. Draco knew his mother wouldn't like it, but he would ask Ellie to remove the smell as soon as they'd finish.

"You're lucky he pulled you out."

Blaise finally spoke after a couple of silent minutes. Draco inhaled, blowing out the smoke from his nostrils onto the marble floor beneath him. He was in his restroom, his old childhood bedroom.

"I could have handled it."

Draco said, almost whispering at the memory of a confused Hermione looking at him while his mother stared at them in the background. Blaise chuckled, finishing off his cigarette quicker than Draco and vanishing the bud away.

"No doubt."

Blaise said before also leaving him behind. Also the wrong thing to say, Draco thought. Draco inhaled again, leaning against his bathroom's wooden door to close his eyes. He knew his friends were cross with him, but he didn't understand why. He had come to dinners high before, granted only them, Pansy, and his mother had been there, but he didn't think that caused their tempers. He hadn't planned to show up as high as he did, but it happened. He knew it was better to come inebriated than not at all when it came to his mother. His defenses were down, but he hadn't done anything –

"Fuck!"

Draco swore at the memory of his bantering question slipped his mouth. He straightened up, opening his eyes at the realization of publicly flirting with Hermione Granger in front of his mother came rushing back to him. No wonder his mates were upset, he nearly had blown everything he was working for out the water. Theo and Blaise were rooting for him, supporting him in his quest for a slip of happiness that might be had with Hermione Granger. He couldn't push his luck when it came to her and in less than five minutes, he might have pushed her too soon. Not only did his mother possibly know, probably Astoria as well, but Hermione. Did she know? Did she come to the conclusion that I'm infatuated with her and flirted with her high? Draco thought to himself. Draco finished the cigarette, trying to calm the anxiety that threaten to suffer, before he called for Ellie.

"Ellie."

He stated loudly and the old house elf popped in.

"Master Malfoy called?"

He asked, his voice scratchy and worn from age.

"Yes, please clean up the smell. Sorry for intruding in your dinner."

Draco apologized before begrudgingly making his way back to the garden.

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Ginny Weasley let her head fall back against the cool, ceramic tile in the unisex changing and shower rooms. Her long, red hair clung to her freshly clean skin. Straight out the shower from a scrimmage, Ginny was pulled swiftly aside to a private shower room meant for one and a quick Muffliato was casted. Ginny would have been alarmed if she hadn't been warned beforehand this was going to happen. She almost giggled at the rough shove against the wall, the pull of her towel from her body. The wizard wasted no time in dropping to his knees to show her how much he detested losing, dragging her maroon towel with him to pool at the floor besides them. Ginny made no protest but kept her noises to herself – she knew it infuriated him more. She let her eyelids fall halfway as one hand pressed against the tiles and the other ran through her current partner's textured waves. His lips and tongue were currently occupied with pleasing her and Ginny couldn't be more content. The wizard currently below her, one hand gripping her thigh and the other her arse was Xander Jude. He was an American quidditch player with brown skin, short textured hair, and Ginny's height with impressive calve muscles and a nice arse; he was on second bench, an extra seeker if his team needed one, and Ginny had met him ten days prior. He was competitive, brash, but extremely fit and Ginny's attitude only turned him on which in turn turned her on. Ginny only knew him for three days before drunkenly sleeping with him and now he was back for more; Ginny certainly didn't regret it, nor did she mind. She was fairly sure she was over Harry, not fully, but there was no harm in spreading her wings. Away from her ex, away from her family. Xander was her current beau. Suddenly there was two fingers teasing her inner labia and Ginny couldn't stop the moan that left her lips. She gripped onto the back of his head closer to herself. His fingers against her set her nerves ablaze, she wanted more. Ginny could feel Xander smirk against her.

"Come for me, Ginevra."

He demanded, his whispers against her most intimate of places.

"Make me."

She gritted out, biting her bottom lip to stop the whimpering mess he made her become. He did; the red headed witch didn't hesitate to return the favor.