Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been.

AN: Reviews keep me going - please leave your comments, thoughts, etc.! :) hearing your thoughts!

Istg I tried publishing this chapter on our golden girl's birthday, but apologies for the delays. Thank you all for your words & your journey with me. I feel like this might be coming to an end, but honestly, who knows haha.

As always, shout out to my beta, A.

Chapter Forty-Six

Draco ran his fingers up and down Hermione's right arm as she worried the inside of her bottom lip. They were both nervous, but Hermione tried to keep her cool since it was Draco's – and Blaise's – night. She didn't know if he liked just physical affection in general, or if he was soothing himself; either way, Hermione wasn't going to stop him, she enjoyed it too. He then stopped his ministrations and then cupped her face with his left hand, his right hand intertwining their fingers together. Hermione looked up at him, leaning into him gently. Instead of wearing his usual dark dress robes, he was wearing a light gray color. The three-piece suit with matching robe trimmed in navy matched his eyes perfectly. Hermione wanted to drown in them – in him. She pushed that sudden thought out of her head. She was glad that she asked Pansy to help her, the night was one to be publicized everywhere. Hermione was wearing a two-piece dress robes; a long, paneled Dijon colored skirt and daffodil scooped, silk blouse. The set made an ombre effect and it highlighted her brown skin tone well. She also had a dark gray robes, but she opted out of them. She wore semi-high black heels, and charmed them with a cushioning charm to make sure she didn't get too tired. Silver and gold, Hermione rolled her eyes internally at the colors Pansy chose, no discretion at all.

"Are you nervous, Granger?"

Draco asked, a small smirk on his pink lips. Hermione rolled her eyes at him. She fiddled slightly with a loose curl that framed her face. Her hair was made up into an intricate bun, courtesy of Ginny.

"Of course not, I love being in the limelight."

She sarcastically replied. She squeezed his hand as his smirk grew wider and he leaned into her; her body molded to his as she pressed herself further into him. His thumb stroked his cheek as his whisper fanned her face,

"Thank you for being here for me."

She was about to reply that he didn't need to thank her but his lips on hers stopped any words coming out of her mouth. The private entrance leading to the side of the brick club also had a small, closed-off room where the couple was currently residing. Hermione appreciated the privacy – especially so when they were about to announce their very public relationship. She could use a distraction. Kissing Draco Malfoy was a divine experience, Hermione couldn't help to think as her eyelids fluttered closed. Hermione realized why the youngest Weasley siblings enjoyed such PDA. She was uncomfortable with the thought of openly showing affection in front of an audience – until she started kissing Draco. Draco's thinner lips were smooth, and she smelled a citrus she couldn't quite place. The closed lips kisses slowly morphed into open mouthed ones and Hermione hummed in contentment. One hand on his chest and the other still held by his, Hermione couldn't stop herself from leaning even closer to her boyfriend. She couldn't help that her heartbeat raced as that word crossed her mind. Boyfriend, she thought as she had to crane her neck up because of the height difference. However, Draco had another idea. Dropping her face and hand, he gracefully scooped her off her feet and onto the nearest table. Hermione squealed in protest but Draco once again stopped her from saying anything with his lips – and tongue. He stood in the middle of her parted thighs and Hermione was glad she wore a long skirt; she'd be mortified that she was in such a position. Preoccupied, but still mortified. She twinned her arms around his neck, pulling him down towards her as his hand gripped onto her waist, his tongue playing with hers. Hermione bit onto his bottom lip gently, earning a stifled groan and she couldn't help the smile that formed.

"Fuck, Granger."

Draco whispered and he kissed his way down to her neck. Hermione found it a little strange that he still used her surname at times, but in this current situation, she didn't mind how her name came out of his mouth. A sensitive spot on most people's bodies, Hermione tilted her head to allow better access to her neck. The pleasure Draco's lips gave her was one she didn't want to let go of. He held onto her as she was a life raft, the thought of letting go a troublesome one… Until someone cleared their throat. Hermione jumped at the sound and Draco loosened his grip but hid her behind his torso as he straightened up. She burrowed her head in his chest, her face growing hot as he spoke.

"Yes, we'll be right out."

Hermione was sure her brown face was a darker shade than purple at being caught in the act. After a few seconds passed, Draco stepped away from her, allowing some space between them. A wide smile on his face, Hermione couldn't help the small one of her own. He looks beautiful, she couldn't help but think of his swollen lips, pink cheeks, and glowing smile.

"Ready, ma sorcière?"

He asked her, letting her waist go and offering his left hand so she could get down from the table she was sitting on top of.

"Unfortunately."

She joked, lacing their fingers together one last time before heading off to the wizarding world.

.

.

.

Pansy smirked at the other reporters as she was allowed past the dark velvet, enchanted rope that separated the guests and the media. Her name was on the exclusive list and her Daily Prophet's badge allowed her to carry her own camera along with her magical notes; unlike Skeeter's, her notes paraphrased exactly what she said and didn't embellish. The Slytherin witch decided to wear a daring number, as she herself was bound to be photographed as well. The dress was bodycon styled, but more revealing. Except for the cloth that covered her left breast, the dress was black, and showed off her small upper torso. The dress tied behind her waist and exposed most, if not all, of her back and shoulders. The velvet, triangle fabric was a dark maroon and that was the only color the witch sported. The dress covered her feet, so Pansy decided to wear black booties and styled her hair into a sleek, pre-third year Malfoy look. She went for a smoky look to accompany her dark notes and, as usual, silver accent jewelry. With a triumphed smirk, she began taking notes from the other guests – Bulgarian, Irish, and English quidditch stars, Italian designers, some diplomats – before she caught sight of two brunets. Pansy barely held her scoff down before approaching the stylish pair, she begrudgingly accepted their look of the night. Astoria was dressed in a white pantsuit, and while the suit jacket appeared she had nothing underneath, Pansy spied a black corset. She matched her black undergarments with black stilettos and a small, black pillbox hat. Her hair was styled straight, charmed to not move even as she did. The younger Slytherin only wore a dark amulet with a black gem inside. Theodore Nott didn't wear anything eye-catching; black, expensive looking three-piece suit with a black oxford, and matching shoes. Pansy detected his mother's necklace was hidden underneath. Even though Theo didn't wear anything that caught someone's attention immediately, he cleaned up well and his handsome face was darling. The sophisticated pair knew how to pose and smile for the cameras. Pansy instantly loathed them. She wasn't jealous of Astoria for being with Theo; she was jealous that she could be so bold and come out with her sister's ex-fiancée – damn the consequences. Daphne would never. Pansy shoved down the green she felt, and her thoughts of Astoria's engaged sister, before speaking to the pair.

"Astoria, how lovely to see you here."

Pansy fake smiled at her, leaning towards to give her two kisses on the apples of her cheeks. She ignored whatever the witch responded and instantly turned to her supposed friend.

"And on Theo's arm."

She said, mirroring her gesture to the wizard in front of her.

"Pansy."

He said, the brightness he just had in front of the cameras was slowly diminishing in front of her. She rolled her eyes internally; as if she were to cause a scene in front of so many eyes and ears, did he think her so uncouth?

"Let me get a few quotes for the Daily Prophet, shall I?"

Pansy asked, but it was a demand, and all three of them knew it. Considering she hadn't spoken to them since their argument in the morning of the newly coupled pair, this was just a veiled discussion, albeit even more public. Theo cleared his throat while Astoria's smile tightened even more.

"Excellent."

Pansy gave them a bright smile as she began her short interrogation. She knew she couldn't ask them what she wanted to for fear of them dissing her or causing a scene; she couldn't tell if Theo was clean or not, but she'd rather not provoke the sleeping hippogriff.

"How long have you two been dating?"

She asked, her notes hovering above her right ear as she took a picture of them.

"We're not dating."

Theo answered. Pansy snapped another shot at the fall of Astoria's smile. Interesting, she couldn't help but to think.

"Oh come on now, well different question – how long have you been intimate friends?"

Pansy asked.

"We've always been friendly acquaintances since pre-Hogwarts because of our families."

Astoria answered, very diplomatically. Theo nodded once; his smile sharp. Pansy smirked behind her camera as she caught another picture.

"And you kept the friendship going even after the engagement to Daphne was broken?"

She asked, finally putting her camera down to look at the couple before her. Pansy already knew the answer, but she needed the direct quote for her story. She waited five seconds, watching Astoria squirm, and Theo grow stonier by the second.

"Of course. All the Sacred 28 families have long histories together."

Theo answered tactfully. Pansy actually rolled her eyes at him before angling her body away from them. Her notes hovered lower, and she caught her eagle's quill in her manicured hand.

"Off the record, do let me know when your funerals are. Daphne's going to kill you."

Pansy said shortly before moving on leaving a paler Astoria and an incensed Theo behind.

.

.

.

Ginny watched as Blaise spoke to different crew members, establishing the small, last-minute details while Hermione and her date were still further inside the small tent that served as a side entrance. The quidditch player dressed in a long, emerald, sparkling dress that went to her ankles; it had a thigh high slit on her left side and was strapless, hugging her athletic body. She paired the dress with matching high heels and gold hoops, her hair in loose curls that framed her face. Blaise commented on how exquisite she looked the moment his eyes fell upon her. It made her heart skip a beat and her lower body clench – she was besotted with the Italian. While Ginny knew her emotions were strong, she didn't know what to make of them, of someone she practically knew of her entire life but barely knew intimately. Then Blaise was at her side, distracting her from her thoughts, and she smiled at him. The dark-skinned wizard was sporting a garnet-coloured, long-sleeved linen dress shirt that was slim fitted on his fit torso. He matched the shirt with khaki slacks, tucking in the fabric to show off his physique. Blaise wore brown oxfords, which Ginny assumed were some type of animal but didn't dare say in front of Hermione, and his usual gold jewelry. Ginny found him extremely attractive as he slinked his arm around her waist. Before she could lean into him, Pansy Parkinson came into view. She internally groaned but forced a smile on her red lips. The Parkinson witch was dressed to the nines, as usual, and Ginny tampered down her jealousy when it came to the brunette. She wasn't the jealous type, but the witch had managed to befriend her best girlfriend and was best friends with her… Whatever Blaise was.

"Smile like you mean it, Ginevra."

Pansy instructed and Ginny complied. Ginny knew how to work the media and she had to look her best at this current event. Leaning her left side into Blaise as he straightened up and held her still, they both smiled at Pansy.

"Lovely. See you inside, I must interview the golden couple now."

Pansy drawled, and walked away. Ginny watched as her best friend fidgeted under Pansy's scrutiny. When Draco leaned in to whisper something, she could see Hermione visibly relax. Ginny couldn't help but genuinely smile at the sight, also relaxing that Hermione had found someone that balanced her so. She spied Pansy's touch of Hermione's bold, yellow choice of color and Ginny couldn't lie, it looked fabulous on her.

"Come, love."

Blaise whispered to her, pressing his lips on her cheek. She tore her eyes away from Hermione and Malfoy, nodding at Blaise.

.

,

.

,

Pansy couldn't help the smug smile on her lips after she took dozens of photos of Draco and Hermione. After the short, but informative interview, she was off to be a guest and to see their grand entrance. She had left her equipment with one of the crew members, watching them go inside to the office to be locked away. She would be damned if someone stole her story about the upcoming golden couple. Pansy walked again on the black carpet, staring at the cameras flickering and her name being yelled as she posed. Before she knew it, she could hear the murmurs of first Blaise and – is that the Holyhead Harpies Ginny Weasley? – and then,

"Mr. Malfoy! Ms. Granger!"

"How long have you two been together?"

"Ms. Granger, is that the Malfoy signet ring?"

"Mr. Malfoy, is Ms. Granger your betrothed?"

And of course, finally,

"Ms. Parkinson has interviewed us and has our official piece, thank you all for coming."

Draco said with finality before going into the club with the Golden Trio's witch, Hermione Granger, in arm. Pansy waited by the entrance door for them, winking at Hermione's darkened face and Draco's smirk. She was about to go inside before she heard even more ruckus. Harry Potter had arrived.

.

.

.

.

.

Draco was happy. He was laughing with Blaise about the media's amazement of their club, their respected dates, and the people that had come to the soft launch. If this was a private event, they couldn't wait to see what their club would look like open to the public. His beautiful date had gone off to talk to her best mate and Lovegood, but he could see her from his peripheral vision. He hadn't talked to Theo all that much because of his date, but he felt no ill will towards the younger Greengrass. Pansy, on the other hand, while not pleased with their friend's choice in date, but she did also seem to be having fun. Draco was glad; while there was always weird energy with Pansy and Theo, he was glad his best mate could enjoy herself with others, even if she hadn't wanted to originally. Like Draco, Pansy was fine with her current set of friends, but they both knew their circle was expanding and they needed to change with it. Pansy was currently on the dance floor with Blaise's date, swaying and jumping to the loud house music. The club itself had an expansion charm which gave the club three giant rooms that were separated by magical walls – in case one was to host a large party and wanted the entire building or a small event to block out the other rooms. The farthest room to their left was playing a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and rap music while the middle room was playing pop music but in different languages. Draco and Blaise had just finished making their rounds and were in the last room when Ginny decided she must dance, and Pansy winked at Blaise to join her. While both witches were jumping and moving to the sound of the repetitive, but catchy beat, Pansy had one hand on Ginny's hip and the other on the side of her neck. Blaise smirked at his date and best mate.

"You're not the tiniest bit jealous of where her hand placements are?"

Draco yelled over the loud music. Blaise's smirk grew wider and shook his head, taking a drink of his Italian imported beer.

"It only fuels my fantasies, Draco!"

Blaise replied. They both laughed at his words and then the music was being lowered while the lights around them shone brighter.

"Time for the toast."

Blaise said, still more loudly than normal tone. Draco nodded; he focused in on his witch. Hermione was smiling at him, still standing beside her friends. Blaise began first, with a sonorous charm produced and his beer exchanged for an elegant flute of strawberry infused champagne. He lifted his hand that held the glass while his wand hand kept his wand to his throat.

"Buonasera a tutti!"

Blaise said in his mother tongue, a smile on his face.

"I am so glad to see everyone enjoying themselves. Thank you to everyone supporting myself and Draco on our business adventure. Also thank you to the excellent staff members for making everything possible. Now, facciamo festa!"

Blaise took a small sip of his drink and then looked towards Draco. Draco followed suit, sporting a firewhisky tumbler, and placing his right wand hand to his neck.

"As my business partner said, thank you all for coming and supporting two posh fellows."

Draco said. A few laughs and chuckles rippled through the crowd as a response and Draco smiled at them. While Draco damned Lucius for a lot of things, he couldn't damn him for this. He taught Draco well on the art of publicly speaking. Draco's eyes found his way back to Hermione. She smiled brilliantly.

"But a special thank you to my date, Hermione Granger, who I couldn't possibly thank enough for being here."

The blond couldn't help to add, smirking at his blushing date. He could see her shaking her head and saying 'No' but the supportive shouts and wolf whistles drowned at her embarrassment.

"Cheers, everyone!"

Draco ended the toast and downed the last of his drink. He let his wand arm fall and began walking towards his very self-conscious date. As soon as he was a few feet away, she lightly smacked his chest.

"You didn't have to personally thank me, Draco."

She said, the blood darkening her brown cheeks and a shy smile on her pretty lips.

"Of course, I did. You being here on such a night makes me happier than I could possibly imagine, Hermione."

He said, holding onto the hand that hit his chest as he pulled her towards her.

"Really?"

She asked, softer than before, looking up at him with such joy that Draco was sure he was dreaming. Before Draco could reply, the music started blasting again, the intimate moment gone, as Ginny dragged Hermione to the dance floor. Draco couldn't stop the smile that spread when he saw how joyous the people he cared about seemed to be.