Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been. Reviews keep me going - please leave your comments, thoughts, etc.! :)

.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

If Hermione was distracted at dinner with Luna, the blonde witch certainly didn't comment. During their get together, Luna provided all her life specifics since being away with Rolf. Hermione listened attentively, smiling, and responded appropriately to her friend. Luna had commented how she loved coming to eat here with Hermione and Hermione beamed at her kind-hearted friend. After the dinner, Luna didn't linger, kissing Hermione on both cheeks before dissapparating when no muggles were around, leaving Hermione to go home by herself. Luna had stated she wanted to check in with her first before going home and while that comment boggled Hermione, she didn't ask. Hermione had known her intuitive friend had reasons why she did things, even if she didn't understand. The Ravenclaw witch also said to Hermione she'd see her later tomorrow which Hermione only speculated she would also be at Harry's party. She certainly wasn't complaining since she needed the distraction. At the end of the long day, Hermione was tired and while another blond lingered in her mind, she pushed him far back into her mind. She went straight to bed – she was going to have a long day tomorrow. And that she did. As soon as Hermione stepped into her office from the lift ride, there were at least five small brightly colored notes waving around her face. The charmed reminders served better than constant owls flying around. The notes around her had familiar scripts she could make out – some from her boss, some from different departments. She didn't take a long time getting ready in the morning – giving Crooks a piece of her apple before she headed out to work for the day. Hermione sported dark trousers, a light tee underneath a large, engulfing sand colored cardigan. Hermione decided to let her hair do what it wanted today after conditioning it with a magical conditioner she found at a beauty store in magical London. Her curls weren't as riotous as usual but kept their spring. Sighing out loud in her office, Hermione got to work, placing the notes on her desk so they'd stop hovering around her. First thing first, Hermione thought to herself as she opened her left drawer to obtain multiple different color folders with documents insides. The renewed werewolf legislation wasn't due for another two weeks, but Hermione had a feeling this is what her boss' note was asking about. Sitting down on her wooden chair, Hermione took hold of the plain, manilla colored note that had her boss' usual script and placed it in front of her. However, the dark blue note with brown bordering caught her interest. It was almost as if it was saying "look at me first!" The note she laid her eyes on was from someone unexpected, making Hermione's eyebrows rise as she opened it.

Hermione,

I hope this note finds you well, I was wondering if we could have lunch today?

I know a lovely French café close by, let me know.

- Cho Chang

Placing the note down, honey eyes looked at the paper suspiciously – what could Chang want with me? She works in the department of … transportation, I believe? Hermione thought to herself before reaching for the next note. She tried to think if her department was working with Cho Chang's department, but she was coming up blank. The second note was standard, Ministry issued, manilla colored matching the note Hermione assumed was from her boss.

'Mione,

Just wanted to give you a fair warning if Harry hadn't mentioned it,

me and Padma will be at Harry's tonight.

Hope to see you well.

- Ron

Hermione sighed out loud again at the second note, wearily placing it besides the first. She knew Ron would be at Harry's celebration, they were best mates, and she knew there was a high possibility that Padma was going to accompany Ron as well. However, that didn't mean she liked it or wanted to deal with it. It wasn't as if she was jealous, she was tired. She didn't want the pity looks and the constant remarks that Ron was with someone new. She'd hope he was just going to be joining the festivities alone, but luck wasn't on her side. You're technically going with someone too though, the thought drifted into her head before she could stop. Hermione then glared at the note before shaking her head, once more pushing that idea away. She finally opened her boss' note.

Ms. Granger,

Please see me in my office ASAP once you get this note.

We need to talk about the werewolf legislation.

Desk of L. Meroy

Department Head for the

Regulation & Control of Magical Creatures

The fourth and fifth notes were left untouched, forgotten, as Hermione swiftly gathered her folders, and stood up, making her way to her boss' office. She grabbed her notepad and pen before leaving, if there was any notes to be taken she wanted to be prepared. It was still before 8 AM and there was little traffic going to Meroy's office. Hermione was glad for it. The soft clicking of Hermione's heels on the wood and the soft murmurs rising from the coming workers mixed together in the large room decorated with cubicles. Finally reaching the larger wooden door she knew to be Meroy's office, without the gold name plate helping her, Hermione reached to knock and instantly heard,

"Come in."

The words came her soft-spoken boss as she entered. The middle-aged woman smiled at her. Ms. Meroy was taller than Hermione with cherub cheeks and twinkling brown eyes that reminded Hermione constantly of Dumbledore. Hermione learned earlier on the Ms. Meroy never married and didn't have any human children – the department was her child. For the most part, Hermione enjoyed the presence of her boss, even when they didn't see eye-to-eye – especially when it came to the werewolves' reform. Some prejudices were harder to overcome.

"Good to see you so early, Miss Granger. Sit, please."

Ms. Meroy said from behind her very large, dark desk. Today her boss sported a brown turtleneck dress that hugged her well-endowed shape nicely. How a remarkable woman before her didn't settle down wasn't lost on Hermione; marriage wasn't always top priority for some witches and Hermione admired that about Ms. Meroy. Hermione smiled gently at her, nodding as she closed the door behind her, and sat in front of the large, metal desk before her. The matching dark chair was charmed to be cushioned and Hermione was grateful otherwise she;d be uncomfortable for a long periods of time.

"Now let us strategize about the werewolf legislation we want to push through."

She said and Hermione nodded again. While Hermione wanted to ask what changed her boss' mind and why she was being so helpful when she had left this all to her before, she bit back her words and didn't take a gift horse for granted. Soon, but not soon enough, Hermione was dismissed and leaving Meroy's office. Making more progress than Hermione had struggled for months, she realized she was in meeting for close to an hour and now she was late to her usual schedule. Walking speedily back at her office, Hermione shut the door behind her, and worked rigorously on the werewolf legislation she had been trying to push through, making sure it was solid to go before Wizengamot with the notes and adjustments from today's meeting. Before she knew it, her wand chimed at her, indicating it was her lunch hour. Letting out a large exhale, Hermione stretched her hands above her.

"Drat, did I send Chang a reply?"

Hermione wondered out loud and decided she hadn't. Hermione thought that she might as well see if the witch was still free and stood up to make her way to Chang's department floor. Leaving her desk as is, making sure she locked her door behind her, Hermione stepped out to have lunch elsewhere then her office with someone who wasn't a Slytherin or Harry Potter. Hermione barely made it halfway through the corridor to the lift when Theo and Blaise had stepped off the metal contraption. Hermione smiled softly at them now making her way towards them and Theo smiled back while Blaise smirked at her. Now that the summer heat was a constant, both Theo didn't sport a suit jacket while Blaise did. However, Blaise's fabric looked lighter, and Hermione assumed it was a summer jacket opposed to a winter/fall one. Theo's dark green, long-sleeved oxford shirt was tucked into dark gray trousers with dark dress shoes. He left the top two of his shirt buttons opened and Hermione peeked a silver chain adorning his neck. His dark brown curls were tousled to look like he had stepped off a broomstick instead of lift, but it suited his playful nature. Hermione enjoyed seeing Theo more laxed and his Slytherin colors complimented his blue eyes and creamy complexion. Blaise's three-piece suit was a light brown color which accentuated his dark skin tone, making him look warmer than previous colors and his crème-colored oxford underneath complimented the suit jacket and matching trousers nicely. His trousers were shorter than usual, and Hermione couldn't help to think that this style suited the Italian. He looked more approachable in her opinion.

"Theo, you look nice. As do you, Blaise."
She said, earning her a blush from the more talkative wizard and a wider smirk from the other.

"The world is going to end, Blaise. We don't have to drag Hermione out of her office for lunch."

Theo joked as they stopped in front of her. Hermione's smile fell, Blaise's eyebrow raising as he closed his mouth instead of going back and forth with Theo.

"Lunch?"

Hermione asked, stuffing her hands in her trouser pockets. Blaise nodded and Theo turned to stand beside her. Hermione caught a whiff of his cologne, bathing in the nice smell.

"I sent a note saying we were going to have lunch today, Hermione."

He said. Hermione bit on the inside of her lower lip, looking up at Theo, away from Blaise's knowing eyes.

"I'm sorry, I didn't get to all my memos today. I have lunch plans already."

Hermione said. Theo then dramatically clutched his chest, grabbing hold of Blaise's left shoulder.

"You're ditching us?"

Theo asked, a frown on his face. Blaise ignored his friend's theatrics.

"I'm sorry, it's unexpected, and I don't think I replied so it would be very rude – "

Hermione began but that caught the more silent Slytherin's attention. Blaise interjected,

"Well, if you didn't reply, then one could assume you didn't accept. And if you didn't accept, you can still come to lunch with us."

Blaise winked. Theo straightened up, nodding, and clapped his hands together.

"Quite right, Blaise. Come, Hermione."

Theo responded. He didn't hesitate to reach for her hand, dragging it out of her pocket, to place it on his left bicep, and began leading the way back towards the lift.

"I'm sure whoever you were going to meet, will be fine, Mia."

Blaise leaned down and said to her, walking in step with her to her right. While Hermione didn't argue, she didn't agree. She would rather have lunch with her close friends than Chang. As usual, Hermione and co. ignored the stares and whispers that circulated the trio and their trip into the lift and to the atrium was relatively boring compared to others. Theo kept her hand on his arm while Blaise stood close by to her right. Hermione couldn't help to giggle softly at their protective stances and glares they shot when the whispering became too much. The pair reminded her of Harry and Ron, not because their personalities matched, but because they came to be as protective as her Gryffindor boys. Theo smiled at her while Blaise ignored her laughter.

"Where are you taking me to this time?"

Hermione glanced up at Blaise. He smirked down at her, but Theo was the one who answered,

"Pansy knows a nice little muggle café."

Hermione whipped her head to looked suspiciously at Theo. Instead of leading them to the many floos available, he led them to one of the other entrances – it was a telephone booth that apparated them to the center of muggle London. Rarely anyone used the booths, but if one knew the code to entered, they'd be transported from the MoM to unused telephone booths in London.

"Lunch with Pansy too?"

Hermione couldn't help to ask. Theo nodded as he held the door out for Hermione.

"I'll go with Hermione."

Theo said and Blaise nodded before heading to his own booth. The stall was big enough for two albeit a tad squished together. Theo's distinct scent swarmed around Hermione making herself self-conscious about her own scent. Hermione didn't pester the brunet with more questions despite the ones running in her head as he entered the code and handled the transportation. Why are we getting lunch with Pansy? I know she doesn't hate me anymore but it's not like we're the best of chums. Can this day get anymore weirder? First Chang then Meroy now – Hermione was interrupted from her thoughts when the door opened, and Theo was leading her out.

"It's not far from her, but we should apparate to save time."

Theo explained to her, leading them to a covered alley so they could apparate. Hermione nodded, glad that the streets weren't crowded. As soon as they walked into the alley, she was pulled into a side-apparation. Now amongst another brick alley, Theo made sure she was okay before again leading her towards whatever café they were supposed to meet Blaise and Pansy at. Rounding the corner, the walk was brief. As soon as Hermione took a right, Theo stopped and held the door opened for her. The glass door hit a bell above it, the bell chiming to indicate customers had arrived. Hermione gave Theo a small smile before walking in. The café was small, but it was homely furnished, and the air smelled sweet with the pastries and coffee. The walls were a soft blue and there was a wraparound counter where one ordered, and an assortment of baked goods were placed. There were a few empty tables, but for the most part, it was busy from the lunch hour.

"There's Pans and Blaise."

Theo said softly to her, reaching for her back but deciding against it when he realized Hermione could now lead the way. And she did. Hermione walked towards the back where Blaise stood up to pull out a chair for her.

"Thank you, Blaise."

She said, sitting down in front of the Slytherin Princess herself. To Hermione, Pansy always looked like she was ready for a fashion shoot rather than reporting or working behind a ministry desk. Today she wore a sleeveless, black turtleneck dress that hugged her body like a second skin and ended close to her ankles. Hermione couldn't help to ponder if turtleneck dresses were in. Pansy decorated the simple dress with a long string of pearls, matching earrings, and silver, thick bracelets that swallowed the witch's wrists entirely. Her straight bob never had a hair out of place even with the small, bright purple fascinator attached to her head. The small accessory had feathers and mess all tied together to form a "P". There were menus placed on the table and only a white mug in front of Pansy.

"Granger."

Pansy said coolly and then leaned forward from her seat. Hermione looked at her quizzically and until Hermione saw Pansy pucker her nude lips, did she realize she was greeting her. Hermione quickly leaned into her as well, both witches kissing each other's cheeks before completely sitting down. Pansy's sharp perfume adorn the air around her, but Hermione didn't mind.

"Hello Parkinson."

Hermione responded.

"Pansy."

Theo said, giving the jet-black haired witch a swift kiss on one cheek before sitting down to the right of Hermione while Blaise sat to her left. Hermione suddenly felt the air shift around, the air thickening with unknown tension as Theo avoided Pansy's eyes, Pansy rolled her own at him then looked to Blaise, while Blaise seemed to ignore them altogether. Why did they invite me if they're acting so odd? Hermione couldn't help to think. It wasn't the first time she had to eat with tension around her; Hermione just didn't realize this was going to be one of those times. She cleared her throat, attempting to break the tension.

"What's good here?"

She asked.

"Spinach quiche."
Pansy immediately answered, a slight quirk in her lips cause them to move up.

"I do like quiche."

Hermione said softly to herself, eyes straying back to the plastic menu before her. After a couple of suffocating seconds, Hermione turned to look at Theo, about to ask him what he was getting, but Pansy stopped her question before it formed on her lips.

"What are you wearing tonight for Potter's party, Granger?"

She asked her. The piercing violet eyes stuck to Hermione as she blanked from the random question.

"Oh I hadn't decided yet."

Hermione answered truthfully. Pansy's eyes narrowed only slightly before reaching for the white mug before her.

"Come over to my flat, we can decide options there."

Pansy said as she took hold of the mug and brought it to her lips. Hermione blinked once, then twice, then a third time to stop her mouth from hanging open. Did Parkinson invite me over to play dress up? She asked herself knowing she couldn't ask out loud. There was nothing in Pansy's demeanor that seemed off, besides her interactions with Theo. Blaise was smirking from the corner of her eye as he motioned the waitress they were ready. Theo on the other hand decided to finally pay attention to the Slytherin witch.

"You're going to help Hermione?"

Theo asked, the incredulous tone evident in his tone. Pansy's eyes narrowed even more as she tilted her head to glare at the brunet wizard.

"I do believe that's what I was offering, Nott."

Pansy snapped at him. Hermione leaned into her chair, shrinking away from the confrontation. Truth be told she was as surprised as Theo was, but she hadn't had time to verbally voice it. While it was shocking that Parkinson was offering to help her while she was sober, her offer was touching to Hermione. Hermione's fashion sense was dim compared to Pansy's and they both knew it. She was kindly offering to help her look her best to an important event. It's like I'm getting adopted by snakes, Hermione mused to herself. Blaise caught her wandering eyes. His smirk was still in place and the tension air around him dissipated. He gave her wink. Before Theo could reply, Blaise abruptly said,

"Alright, let's order shall we!"

The rest of the lunch was small talk between Pansy, Blaise, and Hermione while Pansy ignored Theo and Theo sat glumly to Hermione's side. While Hermione tried to cheer him up as he often did for her, he only gave her half-hearted replies and smiles. Hermione couldn't help but to think that Pansy's sharp mood affected her usually bright friend more than she had thought. Although, Hermione decided she wasn't going to get in the middle of their spat, especially since she wasn't close to Pansy. Pansy had been right; the quiche was delicious. Before her lunch hour was up, Blaise offered to escort her home, leaving Theo and Pansy still at the table. Hermione didn't hesitate as she nodded, noticing the way Theo wouldn't stop staring at Pansy. The pair said their goodbye to the oddballs, the witch offering to pick up Hermione from her flat with no room to decline, and then Blaise was escorting her back to her office. The pair stopped at Hermione's door as she casted her security charm to let her in. Hermione turned to let Blaise in, but he stood, a glint in his brown eyes. Hermione suspiciously looked at him. Before she could ask why he looked mischievously joyful, he leaned into her. Hermione expected a hug.

"See you later, Mia."

Blaise leaned in to kiss the top of her head causing Hermione to blush and the rumor mill around them to start speculating. Blaise's signature smirk and wink was all the explanation he gave before he turned and left her at the entrance of her office. He could have done that inside my office, Hermione grumbled inwardly as she avoided the stares. She knew Blaise teased her for her reaction and considering how comfortable she was with him; Hermione wouldn't have minded the affection if it wasn't in front of half her department. She scowled as she promptly shut the door before anyone got the idea to come ask Hermione about her personal life. While her entire lunch was spent with odd interactions, glances, and offers, Hermione didn't regret going. For one, she was glad for the distraction; just as Luna saved her last night, the trio of Slytherins saved her today. Hermione also was new to the close-knit group of friends and she wasn't sure how their dynamics quite worked yet, but she was trying. Trying to step out of her comfort zone, trying to remain where she was invited despite feeling like the odd one out at times. Despite the tension, Hermione enjoyed her food and was amused watching the trio even when there seemed to be a drift. Hermione walked to her desk and sat back down to the discarded notes. She saw Theo's handwriting and put that note away, knowing what it already said. The last note was the most interesting; it was a deep purple shade.

Ms. H. Granger,

I hope this note finds you well.

Please make an appointment with my secretary as[RJ1] soon as you can.

- Kingsley

Hermione also eyed that note with curiosity; after the war, she rarely spoke with Kingsley. She still viewed him as one of the righteous leaders of the light, but her clashing schedule and him being Minister of Magic often caught Hermione just having random conversations in passing. What could Kingsley possibly want with me? Hermione thought before quickly replying and watching the note zoom away to find his secretary. Wondering once more what the minister could want with her, she pushed him to the back of her thoughts as well, she had her own job to focus on. The curly-headed witch began where she left off. She was still stuck on the security measures and how to source the need for wolfsbane. That was the biggest obstacle; people didn't seem to want to protect others from werewolves, just themselves if given the chance and they also didn't want to fund the necessary antidote. One of the biggest security measures Hermione was often shut down on was the proposition that werewolves should have paid leave on the full moon nights and a couple nights after to recover. Another thing people didn't like doing was helping others without gaining anything in return. Wizengamot often argued with her who would fund all these days off monthly. Sighing softly, Hermione focused. Sooner than she wanted, before Hermione knew it, her wand was ringing telling her it was almost 5 PM. Groaning out loud and rubbing her eyes from tiredly looked at the papers before, Hermione stood up and stretched. She needed to get home, feed Crooks, and get semi-ready as she waited for Pansy. Hermione methodically began putting away her papers and folders, the motions familiar to her, but her mind was elsewhere. Get ready with Pansy so you can look your best at Harry's party. Harry's party where Ron will be with his current girlfriend. Harry's party that I'm going with someone too. With Draco Malfoy. Hermione finally allowed the blond wizard to invade her mind and she began biting the inside of her bottom lip.

"It'll be fine."

Hermione whispered to herself, closing her eyes as she began a short breathing exercise. It'll be fine, Hermione internally repeated to herself until she felt her breaths come out evenly, desperately wishing tonight would be exact that.

.

.

.

George Weasley watched with amusement as his younger brother tried outfit after outfit for tonight's shindig. Ron had taken residence in George's flat to come and get ready for Harry's birthday party and while George didn't mind, he also wasn't going to hold off his relentless teasing. George had moved out the flat that he and Fred shared above the joke shop shortly after Fred's funeral. There were too many memories of his twin to stay but Lee currently took resident there. Now George was living in muggle London, close to wizarding London, but far enough from prying eyes. The modest flat held a master bedroom, guest bedroom, two bathrooms, one large living space, a kitchen, a dining area, and a study. The remaining twin hadn't bothered to decorate, keeping his living space simple – for now. He knew Angelina was making his place seem more personable bringing plants from when she visited his mother and random décor that he knew was also given to by his mother. He didn't mind, he didn't have time to worry about the décor anyways. Currently, the guest bedroom held one queen-sized bed with simple white sheets standing in the middle of the room matching the white curtains that hung over the double paned windows directly in front of the entry door. There was one white, oval table besides the bed and a large mirror besides the other door in the room that led to the bathroom directly across from the bed. Angelina had recently decided to add an ugly magenta rug to add "pizzaz" to the room but George that it clashed horribly with the light-colored wood beneath.

"That shirt makes you look like Christmas gnome."

George said when Ron came out of the guest bathroom to show him another horrendous outfit. While he knew his younger brother didn't have the best fashion sense, especially when they were all used to hand-me-downs until recently, George had the common sense of putting a sensible outfit together. With and without the help of Angelina. Ron scowled at him before retreating back into the bathroom while George winked at him. This was the first family-friend party that Ron was bringing his girlfriend to and while George didn't harbor ill will towards the Ravenclaw witch, he preferred a certain curly-headed Gryffindor for his brother – even if they didn't seem to prefer one another. He knew he'd get over it soon, just how his brother had gotten over her; however, when Hermione Granger was a constant in his life and he assumed she would be his sister-in-law, it was a hard idea to shake from his head. Ron came out again, in muggle attire this time, with fitted, dark muggle jeans and a dark gold long sleeved shirt. George didn't question if he got the clothes while on a shopping trip with Hermione or as a gift from her.

"Better."

George remarked before a thought ran through his mind. Ron stood in front of the mirror.

"You're bringing Padma, Ronnikins?"

George asked even though he already knew the answer. The older Weasley leaned against the guest bed while he watched his younger brother fidget with his clothes. Ron adjusted his sleeves on his biceps and nodded.

"Yeah, you know that."

Ron answered, still watching himself in the mirror.

"Hm yeah, alright. Is Hermione bringing anyone?"

George asked, raising his eyebrows at him. That got his attention; Ron stopped messing with his clothes and a confused look framed his face. George wanted to snicker at his brother's emotions, but he restrained himself. Of course my little brother hadn't thought to think of the Brightest Witch of his Year decided to bring a date just like he was, George thought to himself.

"Uh, I-I don't know."

Ron answered, the confusion still on his face as George watched him through the mirror. George couldn't help the smirk that formed on his lips.

"Well, you might want to prepare yourself mentally if she does, Won-Won."