A/N: Okay so a couple notes. First, as always, I don't own HP. Second, I apologize in advance for Agnes. I tried my best to write with an accent (replacing w with v, using ' instead of h) But I struggled so just... bear with me. Next, HufflepuffMommy's story Initially Yours inspired me to make Astoria Greengrass a main character, though with my own twists. I promise Draco will feature more soon. Lastly, this is a long chapter, and I had a LOT of fun writing it. I hope you have as much fun reading it! :)

CHAPTER 4 - "Count On Me" - by Bruno Mars

"Er-my-nee"

Hermioe approached the table the voice called to her from. It was a small wooden table with three plush chairs dragged up around it and up against a window, looking out at Diagon Alley. The witch looked her ex up and down. He was still strong, muscular. But he was grinning widely, his shoulders had lost their hunch. He looked.. Ecstatic. He stood and took her hand in his, kissing his hand gently.`

"Viktor…" Hermione gasped. Then she turned to the petite women sitting beside the wizard. She had long, dark brown hair twisted up into an elegant and extravagant updo. She had tanned skin, her lips a deep burgundy. She was utterly gorgeous, wearing a red sweater dress that made her deep brown eyes pop. She wore thigh-high black boots and her voice had a stronger accent than Viktors when she said, " 'Ello."

"Er-my-nee. I think I'm saying your name correctly now, yes?" Viktor asked, pulling out her chair.

"Yes! My goodness.. How have you been?" Hermioen asked, sipping the tea Viktor passed her. Her old friend's English was much improved. In fact, his accent was so light it was barely noticeable anymore.

"I've been very well. Er-my-nee, this is my wife, Agnes. We've been married for about a year. She was my weight trainer for a few years before that." The Bulgarian explained.

"Nice to meet you, Agnes." Hermione shook hands with the witch. "A trainer, you say? How'd you get into that?"

"Vell, my father vas a trainer, and I learned much from 'im. Ven I vas eighteen, having just graduated from Beauxbatons, I vas given two choices; be a chef or a trainer. I've always 'ated cooking, so 'ere ve are." Agnes explained. She rolled her eyes. "My mother was a pastry chef in France before she married my father."

"She is an excellent trainer. And soon to be a mother." Viktor grinned madly.

"Mother? You're - you're pregnant? Congratulations! Oh my goodness this is exciting. How far along are you?" Hermione gasped. She'd always wanted a child, though she supposed that would never happen now…

"Ten veeks!" Agnes said, and Hermione noticed a slight bulge well hidden by the Greek's dress. 'It's all very exciting. But I am more interested in you. Viktor said you went to the Yule Ball vith 'im?"

"I did." Hermione chuckled. "Since.. Mostly school, saving the world. You know, all the fun stuff."

"Yes, I heard about your achievements with Potter." Viktor said.

"Oh Granger. Can't you ever talk about anything other than saving the world when you were eighteen? It's not all that impressive, you know."Drawled a voice behind her. Hermione turned to face Malfoy.

"Oh, look who it is. We seem to be bumping into each other quite a lot lately. Now, what exactly did you achieve in the war, hm?"

Draco Malfoy's eyes darkened and he looked away. Hermioen immediately regretted her word choice but she didn't have long to brood as just then Agnes stepped in.

"And voo might you be, mister?" She asked politely.

"Agnes, this is Draco Malfoy. He's.. we used to go to Hogwarts together." Hermioe jumped in. After all, there was no point digging up old history. She understood that his actions as a boy hadn't been entirely his choice.

"That's a way of putting it." Malfpy muttered. At Hermione's sharp look he quickly added, "I meant that we were enemies. I was an arse."

"You still are," Someone said, though to everyone's surprise, it wasn't Hermione. It was Viktor. Draco gave him a wide-eyed look.

"You.. you're Vikton Krum." He looked back at Hermione. "I didn't know you two were still in contact. No wonder your ex-husband looked so pissed yesterday."Hermione swallowed her retort as Malfoy smirked and strided off.

"Oh my… He seems." Anes trailed off, obviously not sure what to say.

"Ex-husband?" asked Viktor gently. "Was that the red-head who you fought with?"

"You-You knew about that?" Hermione mumbled, looking quickly. She couldn't quite hide the tears in her eyes as she explained, "We got married a little after the war ended. We um - we didn't work out, though. I left him in the summer of 2001. So nine months as of the two weeks ago. It's not a big deal, really -"

"I'd say it's quite a big deal, my dear." Agnes interrupted. She stood and embraced the tearful witch. "Viktor's told me all about this red-'ead. He sounds quite 'orrible. But you loved 'im, and nov you've lost 'im. It's okay to be upset, darling."

Hermioen hadn't realized how much she'd craved validation until she heard Agnes' words. She couldn't stop the sobs that rose up out of her. She'd never been all that emotional, but seeing as her ex-husband's birthday was in seven days…

"And Er-my-nee, it's also okay to see other people." Viktor said as Agnes released her. Hermioem fixed her hair, muttering an apology to Agnes.

"Don't vorry about it, dear." She smiled a reassuring smile and Hermioen felt so cared for. It was a feeling she missed so much.

"Viktor, you said you are here for a tour with the European Professional Quidditch Players and Alumni Association? Tell me about it." Hermione hurried to change the topic off of herself.

"Well, after the war ended, people were all so happy and relieved all across Europe. When my coach suggested I start touring and presenting stories of hope and how I knew the Golden Trio during the off-season. That's how I got involved with the EPQPAA. Agnes and I really hit it off; she was my trainer at the time and was working with the association aso I was seeing her around a lot. Then last march, when Aghnes got elected to be on the board, I started to host c;inics and realized that my true passion is not playing quidditch, but rather coaching it. So when the season ended, I switched to doing just that. Now I'm the co-head coach of teh National Quidditch Team of Bulgaria. I love my job so much. And I see Agnes all the time at work, due to all the overlaps while planning the logistics of the season. This is the twentieth annual EPQPAA European tour, and the third one I've been on. I suppose in past years we stopped so briefly in London that I never bothered to contact you." Viktor exclaimed. He gestured so happily as he spoke; it was clear that coaching was his passion.

"Once I was elected, I quit training but it's given me such a good base. And last month I began a course in Magical Sports Medicine, which I hope vill help me." Agnes said.

The trio spent the next couple hours telling stories and catching up. KIy was amazing how much could change in a few years while people stay the same. At five thirty, Agnes gasped. "Oh my, it's late. The ball is soon. Ve must get ready. Er-my-nee, I insist you join us. I vant to talk more and ve leave early tomorrow. Please, let me lend you gown. Our stylists can do your 'air and makeup. Come on."

Hermione was dragged from the cafe by an excited dAgnes before she could argue otherwise. Soon, she found herself in the large hall of a mansion a short distance from London, in the beautiful countryside. Witches and wizards were rushing all around her, brushes flying across her cheeks, wands pulling her hair.

It wasn't until she was left alone in the large, mirrored dressing room that she noticed how she looked. The crew of stylists had put half her hair up into an elaborate braid-bun combination, and left the rest flowing down her back. Hrr makeup was ful-glam, which Hermione was not at all used to. She did look beautiful, if a little over the top. The dress she was wearing was absolutely gorgeous; a corset bodice of gold lace, a wide cream sash at her waist, and a floor-length pleated, a-line gold skirt with a slit up her thigh. It was more than Hermione was used to, especially with the golden heeled sandals on her feet and far too much jewelry, but the witch couldn't deny her own beauty. She just wished she could show it to someone…

Hermoe jumped at a knock on the door. "Its Agnes."

"Oh, come in." Hermioen called back, straightening the off-the shoulder, long batlike sleeves of sheer lace.

"Oh, Er-my-nee. You look vonderful. I told you my stylists vould do you up. Nothing to worry about!"

"Oh. Agnes. They were lovely. Truly, But... this is all a little much, no? I mean, I'm just a guest." Hrmione picked at her nails.

"Not at all." Agnes tucked one of her curls behind her ear. "Er-my-nee, you are not a guest. You are THE guest, the guest of 'onor. You couldn't look more stunning if you tried. I know you're sad, but tonight you're going to have fun. Forget about the red-head, forget about work. Just... smile. " Hermioen couldn't help it, she grinned from ear to ear. "There you go, beautiful."

The ball had already started by the time Hermione had summoned enough courage to enter the ballroom. People in fancy tuxedos and dresses mingled around the room, drinking champagne, firewhiskey, butterbeer, and some bright red concoction that seemed to fizz and pop. servers in black and white with quidditch-related things sewn in gold thread across their robes passed out these drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Music echoed across the room. A dance floor on the one side was filled with couples dancing energetically. Along one wall there were giant portraits of old quidditch strand coaches chatting with younger, still alive ones. Chandeliers with thousands of candles floated above the people, and twinkling lights that turned out to be real fairies flitted about near the walls. There was a cluster of tables in one area where a bunch of players were sitting, chatting and arguing animatedly while eating large snitches which turned out to be some sort of chocolate.

Hermione slowly walked around, accepting a flute of champagne from a wide-eyed water. The witch was no stranger to large, fancy balls - after all, she was a war heroine. However, she hadn't been to one since her divorce, coming up with all manner of excuses to turn balls down. Now, however, she was lost amongst thousands of faces she vaguely recognized from magazines and posters. Viktor and Agnes were nowhere to be found. Hermione felt about eight years old, again standing in the cafeteria trying to decide where to sit.

"Granger?" the snarky voice shook her from her reminiscing. She turned to see Draco Malfoy in a dapper white tuxedo, looking as though he'd stepped straight from the pages of a fashion magazine. The brilliant white made his gray eyes jump out from his pale skin. Since they were kids, his hair had grown out some and was styled effortlessly, a few strands dropping down over his brow. "Since when do you enjoy quidditch?"

"I don't. The better question is, what are you doing here? I don't remember any headlines about you going pro.." Hdermioen could feel the blonde's eyes sweeping up and down her body, examining her extravagant dress. Self-consciously, Hermione readjusted her skirt.

MAlfoy sighed. "My father," her averted his eyes to the floor, " and his cousins invested a good portion of the MAlfoy fortune in the National team of France. Now that he's rotting away is Azkaban, I'm required to attend one a quarter." Just then, a short woman wearing a tight blue dress and far too many sapphires with overy-styled blonde hair and too much makeup walked over and handed one of the bubbling red drinks to MAlfoy.

"Here, Draco. Who are you talking to - OH!" The two witches made eye contact and Hermione recognized the girl. She was a ravenclaw prefect from the year below, a Greengrass.

"Achem. Er - Astoria, this is Hermiome Granger she's-" Draco began awkwardly.

"I know who that she is, you twit. Ms. Granger, it is simply an honor to meet you. I couldn't apologize more for Draco's behavior. I look up to you so much, you were a top notch student, a war hero… I'm sure you have no idea who-" Astoria rambled on, her eyes lightning uo as she looked at Hermione.

"You're Daphne Greengrases's sister, right? A ravenclaw the year below me?" Hermione tried to be polite, but the praise was making her uncomfortable - even if it was nice to see a friendly face.

"Oh! Umm.. yeah." Astoria looked a bit surprised but rebounded quickly. "Has Draco told you about our engagement?" She stuck out her hand to show a silver wedding band inlaid with a large rectangular diamond and a smaller emerald halo.

"Wow! Congratulations. It trul;y seems like this is the year of weddings," Hermione tried to contain her surprise, but it was almost impossible.

" Astoria… please." the blonde wizard turned to hermione with a grimace. "We are together, hopefully engaged. It's really not a big deal.."

"It seems like a pretty big deal to me," Hermiome could see the excitement in the younger girl's eyes. How dare that bastard play it down like this when she was so clearly happy about this.

"He's right. It's… temporary. Just until we can get out of the contract set by Lucius." Astoria's smile faltered.

Malofy suddenly dragged the two witches into a nearby dark corner, fire blazing in his eyes. His hands shoot as he whisper-yelled at Astoria, "What is wrong with you? You can't just go around telling people such things. We've been over this; we have to seem happy. If my father hears about us trying to get out of his arranged marriage…" His eyes darkened meaningfully.

"Hold on - you're in an arranged marriage? I thought that was outlawed years ago…" Hermione tried to recall a book on magical ceremonies like weddings and funerals she'd once read.

"In England, yes. Not in France, where I was born and raised." Malfoy ran a hand through his hair. "Astoria… I'm going to have to obliviate Granger now."

"What! Draco, you cannot do that. No. Plus, this is Hermione Granger. She's responsible, and like she would ever talk with anyone who's at all related to your father. Honestly, the fact that she hasn't hexed your balls off for just suggesting such a thing.." Astoria looked as passionate as Malfoy did, and the Brunette felt a rush of affection for the blonde witch she'd just met.

"Okay, Malfoy, how on earth could you argue with a statement like that? And by the way, I am here. You don't need to talk in third person.' Draco shot her a glare and strode off. "Thank you, Astoria. I… We have a rocky past." Hermione smiled weakly.

"I've heard… And it really isn't a problem. Draco isn't too pleased with this arrangement. And I have to admit, I'm also a bit put out. Draco's like… my brother. I mean, I'd much rather spend my hours studying." The blonde witch leads them over to an empty couch near a window overlooking the expansive grounds.

"Studying" Hermione inquired, looking at the witch as her eyes glowed with what she assumed was excitement as Astoria vegan to explain.

"Well, after my family came out of hiding - my parents aren't death eaters but since alot of our friends are, we decided to hide in the United States of America. Anyway, while there my mom homeschooled Daphne and me, since she used to teach at Beauxbatons. When I came back for my eighth year, while being caught up academically, I didn't socialize much so I had plenty of time to read and I got lost down the rabbit hole that is medicine. Fast forward to today and I'm three months from my Healer Exams."

"You want to be a healer? That's amazing. And even though I don't really know you, you definitely seem like you could be a great one. Are you thinking of going into any specialties or…?" Hermione had once thought she, too, would become a doctor and the, once she'd learned of magic, a healer.

"Oh my god! Honestly? I have no idea. I'd love to go into Poison and Potion DAmage, but I'm much better at Potion and Plant Poisoning. I'll probably end up there. But, until I get my exam results back, I won't be able to apply for any specialized programs." Astoria waved a waiter over and got them both a couple canapés. "Enough about me. You are the war hero, after all. I'm sure a million people have asked you about the war. But what about since then? I've seen some news articles… Are you okay?"

It took the brunette a few moments to collect herself. It was such a forward question. So personal, so intimate - especially coming from the fiancé of Draco Malfoy.

The truth was, she wasn't really okay. She was alone. Her parents were in Australia, her friends were lost along with her husband, and there wasn't anyone else. Work was overwhelming, even if it was incredibly interesting, and now she was stuck at a ball in an over-the-top dress talking to people from her childhood, lost in her own dispute leaving Ron to find just that.

What was she supposed to tell Astoria? While Hermione could sense that the blonde woman was trustworthy, they had just met - or at least, just started talking - Hermione took a deep breath. There was no need to worry so much about such a simple thing. She opened her mouth, "I-"

" 'Mione?" a familiar voice called over the din of people chattering and dancing.

The brunette turned to see a raven-haired man with wild hair and round glasses. "Harry!" She jumped up and embraced her old friend. She was wrong, life wasn't so bad. She still had Harry, even if they weren't quite as close as they once were.

"What are you doing here? I thought you said you and Krum were together…" Harry trailed off, looking Hrermione up and down. "You look… nice. Very nice, actually."

Hermione grinned widely. "Thank you, Agnes's stylists played dolls on me," she rolled her eyes. "That's Viktor's wife. She invited me along to this ball. Why are you here? Oh! First, meet Astoria. She went to school with us, a year below in Ravenclaw. She's engaged to Malfoy."

Harry looked disbelievingly at his old friends. "Draco Malfoy? He's here?"

"Yes, he is." Astoria smiled brightly at Harry, and his scowly quickly turned to a look of guilt. "Lovely to meet you, Hermione. I'm going to find my fiancé." With that, the witch strolled off, glowing with a strong presence.

"Her sister is a Slytherin." Hermione felt that would explain her new friend's power. She sat back down on the couch, Harry joining her. "You really shouldn't have reacted like that. Astoria's very nice. Now, what are you doing here? Representation of England's power. Wait is -"

"Ron's not here." Harry sighed. "And, yeah. I was invited here to prove that there can be more to a person than a war hero. You know, that I'm a human as well as The Chosen One. Oh, and Ginny's here, of course. She loves being a chaser for the Holyhead Harpies, as I'm sure you know."

Hours later, nearer midnight than Hermione had been out in years, She found herself being shown to a room upstairs that Agnes had apparently arranged for her.

Hermione looked at her reflection in the mirror. It had been so long since she had really felt pretty. Tonight had felt borrowed, like it belonged to another's life and they had switched with Hermione for the evening. She had spent the next hour with Harry, catching up and discussing a number of things, Eventually it was speech time. Harry said a few words, as did Viktor. But the real star of the show, at least of the people she knew, had been Agnes. Her speech had been empowering and inspiring. It mixed the dark past with a bright, hopeful future - and the role quidditch was to play in that transition. Then came the food. That had been scrumptious, but the main event was the dancing. Hermione had found herself dancing by Astoria, Harry, Agnes, Viktor, and Ginny's sides as well as plenty of strangers for the next couple of hours.

A knock on her door startled her out of her recounting of the night. She opened the door to see an exhausted but Elated Viktor standing there.

"Hi. Do you want to come in or.." Hermione smiled.

"Oh, no. Agnes is waiting for me. I just wanted to thank you for coming. I know balls aren't your favorite thing, and neither is getting all done up… It seems we are always at a ball when we see each other.`` Viktor chuckled. "Anyway, we leave early tomorrow to go on some tours of stadiums nearby before we head to Spain so I thought I'd stop by to say bye. Agnes sends her wishes but she needs her rest. The baby and all…"

"Oh, of course. I'm sorry I couldn't see you anymore. Thank you for… honestly, everything. Tonight. We need to keep in contact. I'll make sure to send more letters." Hermione reached out and embraced Victor.

"Yes, Er-my-nee. I'm always here - even if I'm a sea apart. We used to be so close. I just want you to know how much you matter. You can count on me."

A/N: apologies for any typos or spelling errors; I edited this for ages and every time I thought it was perfect, I found another error...