Chapter 27: Decisions and Worries

Hermione, Draco, and Ginny walked through the door of Hermione's home, their minds still on the day's events. After spending the afternoon looking at possible wedding venues, they were all in a much lighter mood. The wedding was quickly approaching, and though there was a lot to do, the excitement was starting to build.

"You know," she began as she slipped off her shoes, "I think I knew I wanted the wedding in Muggle London even before we started looking."

Draco, who had been checking his phone, raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You don't say?" he teased. "Then why did we look at all those locations if you were already set on it?"

Hermione grinned sheepishly. "I don't know... I guess I wanted to make sure. Plus, with everything going on with my parents, it feels right. It's familiar. A Muggle wedding would be something they can relate to."

Draco nodded. "Muggle London it is then. I have to say, that venue my secretary recommended was perfect."

Hermione laughed. "Of course, But it's expensive."

Draco smiled. "I'll have you know, I thought the price was quite reasonable."

Ginny chuckled from the other side of the room, shaking her head as she took off her jacket. "Of course you did. Only Draco Malfoy could think that anything costing several thousand galleons is 'reasonable.'"

Hermione rolled her eyes playfully, feeling the warmth of the room and the lightheartedness between them. "Okay, let's stop teasing Draco about his money. The truth is, I'm excited. We can confirm the booking then."

Draco nodded. "Sounds good. I'll make the payment today itself. Then you and Ginny can focus on the rest—the decorations, flowers, the whole deal. I'll stay out of that, except when you need me to."

Hermione and Ginny exchanged excited glances as they sat down at the table. "Speaking of flowers," Ginny said, "have you decided what you want? Do you still like white lilies?"

Hermione's smile faltered slightly. "I do, but... I don't know. I feel like I used to associate them with something else. They were my favorite when I was... with Ron."

Ginny winced, immediately regretting the mention of her brother. "Sorry, Hermione. I didn't mean to bring him up."

Hermione sighed. "No, it's okay. It's not like we can avoid the topic forever. I loved white lilies, but I think I've outgrown that now."

Ginny looked thoughtful. "Well, you could always go with something different. How about white roses? Or maybe a mix of wildflowers?"

Draco, who had been quietly listening, chimed in with a grin. "What about something like orchids? Something elegant, you know?"

Hermione's eyes lit up. "Oh! Orchids! That's a great idea. They're beautiful and sophisticated—perfect for a Malfoy wedding, don't you think?"

Draco chuckled. "Perfect for any wedding with you in it, love."

Ginny rolled her eyes dramatically, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Alright, orchids it is. Now, what about the rest of the décor? Do you want something traditional, or do you want to mix in some Muggle elements?"

Hermione thought for a moment. "I like the idea of blending both. But if things go well with my parents then they may want to include some of our muggle relatives and friends. We cant mix magic if that's the case"

"Then it will have to be a full muggle wedding, how do you feel about that Draco?" Asked Ginny

"Its okay with me, my parents are not here to object and I cut ties with any remaining blood purist a long time ago. They were hard to tolerate after spending so much time in the muggle world."

"Oh thats good" said Ginny her demeanor suddenly changing. "But there's something else you need to worry about."

Hermione, who had been thumbing through a catalog, looked up. "What is it?"

Ginny hesitated, her expression growing serious. "Ron found out about the wedding."

Hermione's eyes widened, and Draco straightened up, instantly alert. "What? How did he find out?" Hermione asked.

"Well," Ginny started awkwardly, "he saw me looking through some wedding magazines, and he asked why. I tried to play it off, told him I was planning a friend's wedding, but... I think my face gave it away. He figured it out."

Hermione groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Ugh, this is not what I needed right now."

"I know," Ginny said apologetically. "I'm sorry. I tried to keep it from him, but he's not stupid. And... well, he's not happy."

Draco's jaw clenched. "What exactly did he say?"

Ginny sighed. "He asked why Hermione would bind herself to you sooner than she had to. He's starting to worry that you are making a bad decision. He thinks you are doing this just to hurt him. Honestly, I'm a little worried he might try something."

"What?" Hermione gasped. "Oh no. I can't deal with this right now."

Draco narrowed his eyes. "Do you think he'll do something illegal again?"

Ginny shook her head. "I don't think so. According to George, Ron promised the family he wouldn't do anything illegal again. But... I wouldn't put it past him to do something underhanded. Something that's not technically illegal, but still manipulative."

Hermione felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. "This is just... too much. Why can't he just leave me alone?"

Ginny reached out and placed a hand on Hermione's arm. "You don't have to worry. We'll keep an eye on him."

"Still," Draco said, his voice hard, "we need to be careful. If he's not happy, he could still cause trouble. We'll need to tighten security at the wedding."

Hermione nodded. "You're right. We can't afford to have him ruin anything."

Ginny looked worried but tried to keep a brave face. "You don't have to invite him at all? Keep it small—close friends, family, but no Weasleys except me and Harry?"

Hermione sighed, feeling conflicted. "That would solve the problem, but I don't know if that's what I want. It feels... wrong to exclude everyone because of Ron."

Draco nodded thoughtfully. "It might work, but Hermione, you don't have to make a decision right now. Take your time. Think it over."

Ginny added, "You know, my family will understand if you decide not to invite them. They won't be upset, given everything that's happened. You need to do what's best for you."

Hermione smiled softly at her friends, grateful for their support. "Thanks, Ginny. Thanks, Draco. I'll think about it. Hopefully, everything will work out."

"It will," Draco said confidently, pulling Hermione into a reassuring hug. "We'll make sure of it."

As they sat together, Hermione's mind wandered back to the decisions ahead. Flowers, decorations, security, and now, the added stress of Ron's reaction. But despite everything, she felt a strange sense of hope. With Draco and her friends by her side, she knew they would get through this—no matter what Ron Weasley had up his sleeve.