Some days later.

"This has certainly turned out better than I expected." I commented as I looked at my surroundings with pride. The process of planning this party was a struggle, admittedly, but it all came together in the end. Rather than booking a place to hold the engagement party, Draco and I opted for something more intimate in our own home. With the help of Ginny and Draco we managed to turn my apartment into a much bigger version of itself, with the use of magic of course. The kitchen area was at least twice the size of it's original self with plenty of space in the middle to mingle and dance, if people were that enthusiastic of course. I wondered if everyone who we invited would turn up - we certainly did send invites to a few familiar faces.

"I told you it would." Ginny grins at me as she looked around, clearly proud of her contribution. "You wouldn't think this was a dingy apartment which someone lives in."

"Hey, don't be cheeky. There's nothing wrong with my apartment." I laughed as I gave her a playful smack on the arm. "Thank you so much for the help anyway. I honestly' couldn't have done it without you."

"And I couldn't have done it without magic." She winked. It was Ginny's idea to blacken out the windows to prevent the natural light from hitting, she did a spell that created candle lights to float in the air above us. They heavily reminded me of the ones used in the great hall in Hogwarts. They lit up the room nicely and gave a very relaxing atmosphere.

"True." I giggled. "And your Mother is a life saver too. I wouldn't have known what food to serve at all." I glance at the buffet with all kinds of different food on the opposite side of the room. The sight of the freshly made stu's, lasagne, chicken, pizzas and the aroma of baked goods made my mouth water.

"George and Percy are bringing at least three boxes full of alcohol, so you are sorted in that area too." There was a slight mischief in her voice.

"Well I am very grateful. Maybe this party won't' be so bad after all." I shrugged with a smile. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not an avid party person so the idea of today made me nervous. Despite my relationship with a Malfoy being more accepted now than it was a few months ago, I still couldn't get rid of the dreaded feeling that something could always go wrong.

"Nothing will go wrong." Ginny says as if she were reading my mind. "But there is one thing that can go wrong."

I frowned. "What is that?"

Ginny smirked. "Us not being ready. This thing starts in a half hour so let's go before people start to arrive."

I laughed as I followed Ginny out the kitchen door. She was nice enough to arrive early this morning to help me with the preparations so I needed to make sure that I repay her in some way to show my gratitude. As we were walking down the hallway and towards my bedroom, Draco emerged from the bathroom looking fresh and groomed. I could tell he just shaved judging by how smooth his face looked. His hair, brushed back in his usual slick fashion, was still a little bit damp from his shower. He greeted Ginny and I with a sincere smile, flashing his perfect teeth which he had me whiten this morning using my magic.

"Hey Malfoy." Ginny says. "Nice suit. You look like you're about to head to one of those muggle awards ceremony. Red carpet stuff."

Draco looked satisfied with Ginny's comment which I suppose you could count as a compliment. Draco did always want to look like what Ginny just said to him, he had expensive taste in his attire.

"Thank you, Weasley." Draco gave her a curt nod before he brought his eyes to me and smirked. "However, I do feel over dressed a bit...."

I laughed while shaking my head. "Don't fret, I'm not going to be in my pyjamas for much longer, Ginny and I are heading to get changed just now."

"I won't complain. You know I love how you look dressed down." Draco expresses flirtatiously as if Ginny wasn't standing right next to me. "Which you will be again, later tonight."

I had no idea what I could of said to that, Draco knew that making flirty comments in front of people made me flustered. Meanwhile Ginny made a gagging noise. "Please do save it for the bedroom." She says with humour in her voice before she turns to me and latches my hand. "Right, we're not going to leave your room until we are looking like royalty. Come on."

"Thank you for all the help, Weasley." Draco says, changing the subject. He was genuine. "Hermione is lucky to have a friend like you."

"I suppose we can be mates as well, Malfoy." Ginny laughed taking us by complete surprise. "So far you haven't disappointed me yet, so you are in my good books so long as you stay in Hermione's good books."

Neither Draco nor I were expecting that, and I don't think either of us wanted to argue about it. Draco says nothing, he merely nods at Ginny with a small smile.

When Ginny and I stepped into the privacy of my bedroom I give her the look I usually give people when I want them to explain something. "What was that?"

Ginny raises her eyebrows. She was already pulling out mine and her dresses and laying them carefully out onto the bed. "What was what?"

"What you just said to Draco."

"Oh. That." She laughs. "Well I'm not Ron, Hermione, I don't want or have any desire to give Malfoy a hard time for the rest of his life." She pulls her shirt off over her head, not appearing to care that she was braless and everything was on full display. "And besides, I want to be bridesmaid, so I'm the one who needs to stay in your good books." She jokingly adds as she slips her cream silk dress on.

"Thank you for informing me." I said sarcastically. I sat at the end of my bed and just stared at Ginny as she straightened her dress on her slim frame. Somehow just everything looked good on her. She opted for a knee length cream colour dress with short sleeves. It had a very vintage style to it and she very easily pulled it off.

"Quit staring and put your dress on." She laughs. "I forget what it looks like on you."

"Okay, okay." I laughed, defeated. I picked up the black dress I got specially for the engagement party and held it up against my frame before I stepped out of my pyjamas and slipped the dress on. It suited my body shape perfectly and hugged my figure in all ways I wasn't used to. I stood in front of the full length mirror and ran my hands down the delicate material of the dress. It was almost like looking at a completely different woman. Suddenly I felt self conscious due to the clingy-ness of the dress, I wasn't used to this type of style.

"Gorgeous." Ginny says as if she were reading my mind in that moment and wanted to cheer me up. She frowned when she saw the look on my face. "I mean it, you really don't know how beautiful you are."

"Thank you, Ginny." I tell her, genuinely grateful.

Ten minutes later I was sitting on the edge of my bed whilst Ginny was completing an upstyle on my hair. I tried to insist that I leave it down but Ginny was adamant that I needed a change. Perhaps she was right. I was pleasantly surprised at the end result. She styled my hair into a classic bun, which I liked, and it brought attention to my ghostly pale face and red lipstick, which I wasn't a fan of. I decided not to complain and instead I smiled at Ginny and thanked her for helping me.

I stayed sitting in the same place while I watched Ginny apply her makeup in front of the mirror. She sat on the ground in front of it with a look of complete concentration as she applied a lipstick which was a shade of nude. I tried to stifle a laugh when her expression got more and more serious.

"What are you smiling about?" She asks without looking.

"Nothing." I quickly changed the subject. "So your family is able to make it?"

"Of course. They wouldn't miss something like this for the world." She tells me in a matter of fact way. "The whole Weasley clan will be here today."

"That's great." I smiled. "But.... I was sort of thinking about someone else.... If you know what I mean."

"Ah, Ron." Ginny caught on quickly. "He said he was coming.... But of course this is your day and whatever you say goes. Personally I'd rather not there be any drama, and there always is with him."

"Hmmm." My eyes trailed away from Ginny. I hadn't yet told her about my last irritating encounter with Ron, which included him telling me that I shouldn't marry Draco. I hid my surprise when Ginny said he was coming.

"I swear I'll bloody kill him if he does anything. Just you watch." Ginny declared as she stood up, seemingly happy with the end result of her make up. "Today will be great. Don't worry."

"I'll try not to." I murmured, more to myself than Ginny.

"Right, let's go out. People will start arriving soon." Ginny didn't hear what I said as she clapped her hands together with excitement. This girl really loved a good party, she got all giddy and happy whenever one was close.

*************

Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas were the first two guests to arrive. I hadn't seen either of them since school and I was genuinely happy to see them both again. Seamus greeted me with a tight, breathless hug and while doing so I got a strong whiff of his cologne.

"Jesus Hermione, yer lookin' great. It's been way too long eh?" he grinned as we broke apart. I smiled at the familiar sound of his heavy Irish accent. "It certainly was a pleasant surprise receiving an invite from you.

"It's wonderful to see you, Seamus." I smiled in return before I look at Dean Thomas, who was trying his best not to make eye contact with a very unbothered Ginny. "You too Dean. Thank you both for coming."

"It's a pleasure." Dean responded politely. "It certainly has been a long time since all of us were in the same area together."

Seamus was shaking Draco's hand, which really caught me by surprise. "Congratulations on the engagement by the way. I'm happy for ye' both."

"Thank you." Draco gave him and Dean a curt nod.

"Let's get this party started." Seamus said in a loud voice which made me jump. He took a bottle of whiskey out of his pocket and shaked it in front of us with a cheeky grin.

Ginny laughed. "There's only five of us here yet."

"Numbers don't define anything, darling." Seamus winked.

Right on cue, the doorbell rang which made Seamus erupt with laughter. "The luck of the Irish I say."

Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood were the next two to arrive. Everyone else seemed to be as shocked as I was that they arrived together. Last I heard they split up because Neville was uncertain about whether he was ready to maintain a long term relationship. I thought back to the longful glances he gave Hannah Abbott during meal times at Hogwarts. I wondered what happened there.

"Hello Hello Hermione." Luna said gleefully and she brought me in for a hug. She smelt of something sweet, or almost something fresh, like flowers in the spring. She wore a floor length baby pink dress which surprisingly wasn't anything like her usual extravagant attire. Her hair draped over her shoulders in simple curls. I always thought Luna was beautiful but she looked even better toned down. "It is fantastic to see you. I was so excited when I got the invite. How wonderful it is that you are getting married.. You must be thrilled." She smiled happily at me and Draco, who was awkwardly standing behind me. I remembered back to the time Luna told me about hers and Draco's secret friendship in Hogwarts. I wonder how he felt about seeing her.

"It's great to see you too, Luna." I told her sincerely. I really did miss Luna and her quirky ways. "I'm glad you made it too, Neville." I smiled at the man who stood next to her who appeared unsure of himself. But once I spoke I saw that confident man in him again. He gave me a warm smile.

"Hey, Hermione, Ginny.... Malfoy." The tone of his voice changed slightly when he spoke Draco's name but it wasn't one with hatred. I understood that the past wasn't entirely forgotten. "I hope you are keeping well. And all the best for your future marriage."

"Thank you, Neville. It means a lot." I responded with a smile. "I'm glad the two of you could make it."

"We are pleased to have come." Luna chimes in with a gleeful smile. Just then she sticks her hand into her handbag and pulls out something wrapped in black paper. I looked at Ginny with confusion and she just shrugged. Draco looked equally as puzzled which then turned to curiosity as Luna opened up the paper and smiled down to whatever was in it. "Draco, Hermione... come over here."

"What is it?" I asked, wary.

Luna laughed. "It's nothing bad, just come here and I'll show you."

"I told you you'd freak them out." Neville says.

"Don't be so negative, sweetheart." Luna gave Neville a dramatic eyeroll which he just laughed at. "I'm not freaking anyone out, am I?"

"Not at all." I tried to sound reassuring despite the confusion. Whatever Luna was holding in her hand, she certainly seemed keen for Draco and I to see. She motioned for us to come forward again. I glanced and Draco and he just shrugged before he hesitantly went towards Luna with me.

"Try not to look like you just saw an apparition." Judging by the humour in Luna's tone, Draco and I didn't look exactly thrilled. I gazed down at the paper in Luna's hands.

"What the bloody hell are you playing at?" Draco snapped in a no nonsense attitude.

I shot him a look and felt somewhat disappointed that he reacted in a rude way. But Luna didn't seem at all phased, infact she gave the two of us a dazzling smile. "Take her hand." She tells Draco.

"What?" Draco looked as though somebody had offended his great ancestors. "Are you going to tell me what's happening here or what?"

From behind us I could hear Ginny laugh which seemed to agitate Draco more. I was about to tell him to calm down until Luna sighed as she stepped forward and forced mine and Draco's hands to join. "You are still a stubborn one, Draco Malfoy."

"And you are still a creepy oddball."

"I won't argue with that, although I would call myself more unique than creepy." Luna smiled before she took a step back and undid the mysterious package even more. By then I noticed that Seamus and Dean had gathered around also with curious expressions. Seamus clutched a glass of whiskey in his hand, already he was starting to look off.

All of a sudden my senses became overwhelmed with the aroma of something almost spicy. I staggered back in shock when I realized Luna blew something, a dust like particles, in the direction of Draco and I. The smell went away after a few seconds and I looked at Draco who was clearly as confused as I was.

"What in the name of merlin's pants was that?" Ginny exclaimed when Draco and I failed to find words.

"Something I made myself." Luna smiled happily. She looked at Draco and I. "I call it the dust of happiness. I know you two will be very happy for such a long time."

"Uh... Thanks, Luna." I tell her, still taken aback. "I appreciate your warm wishes."

"That was too weird to even comment." Draco remarks.

**

More guests started to arrive within the first half hour. My parents arrived, both looking thrilled. Draco's mother Narcissa didn't come. She told Draco she didn't feel comfrotable around the Weasleys. He insisted it was fine, but I could tell it bothered him. The Patil twins arrived wearing matching outfits, both gushing about their new boyfriends. It was good to see them. Theodore Nott, Draco's good friend from his former house, turned up too. At first I felt slightly anxious that he would speak lowly about my muggle status and cause trouble, but I was pleasantly surprised that he shook my hand and wished me luck. Draco grinned wildly as he and his friend gave each other a friendly embrace.

"Feels like years since we saw each other last, mate." Theodore says. "Bloody hell, we need a good catch up. That's for sure."

"Why did you have to bail out on the seventh year?" Draco jokes. "It's good to see you though. Nice to know I still have one normal friend."

"Man, I almost wish I came back for the seventh year too. How could you not miss all the bitchy drama that occurred on a daily basis in our social circle." Theodore sniggered as he appeared to remember the good times. His expression then turned serious. "I wish I could have been there to help with a certain situation. I'm so sorry I wasn't. I never thought Blaise would have it in him."

The very mention of Blaise's name made my body quiver and it took a few moments to retain myself. Draco dipped his head and inhales deeply. The rage was still there for him.

"I didn't think he did either," Draco replies. "But it's in the past now. Blaise is out of my life and Hermione's for good. God help him if he ever made another appearance. He wouldn't live to regret it."

I didn't doubt Draco's words. And that scared me.

Theodore pressed his hand on Draco's shoulder and gave a sympathetic smile. "You have a good future ahead of you anyway, mate. There's nobody I know who deserves happiness other than you. I'm so glad to see that you are in a better place now."

"Thank you," Draco says sincerely. "You never know, you could be my best man."

"That would be a good choice. I know I look rather dashing in a suit." Theodore grins with flattery as he winked at the Patil twins who were ogling him from the other side of the room.

Before anyone could say anything else the sound of firecrackers brought a halt to the fun atmosphere and everyone almost looked panicked for a moment The banging continued until George Weasley burst through the door on his broom with Angelina on the back, smiling wickedly, and he threw confetti all over. Roars of laughter erupted all around as George flew around on his broom dropping sweets and confetti.

"He still knows how to make an entrance." Seamus shouted from one side of the room.

"Get off that bloody broom!" The sound of Molly Weasley's less than impressed came out of nowhere. I look to see that the whole clan of Weasleys had arrived, all looking well groomed and beaming. Harry was standing amongst them and Ginny ran and greeted her husband with a smothering hug. There wasn't a dull face.

And then there was Ron.

He couldn't have dressed more appallingly - a stained red jumper and pants which had several holes in them. And it was obvious he was drunk. So very, very drunk. His parents couldn't have looked more disappointed as he staggered trying to make his way through to crowds. I felt a surge of panic, knowing well that it was likely he was going to cause a scene. Draco seemed to share this worry as well judging by the hard expression on his face.

Harry and Ginny came over to us. Harry looking extremely apologetic. "We told him not to come because for some reason he has been drinking all morning. I promise if he does anything I will sort him out. Don't let him ruin today for you."

"I don't care, I will batter him if he does anything regardless of how much you want to save the day Potter." Draco says after he throws Ron another look of hatred.

Harry sighed. "Can we not go one day without you making some snide comment?"

"It wasn't snide, I was just expressing how much I want to kick in that fat gob of his." Draco scoffed as he turned his head again towards Ron who was already indulging in the food buffet. He attempted to take a bite of a cupcake but he missed his mouth. When George laughed at him, Ron appeared to respond with something nasty because he received a smack on the back of the head by his mother.

"Draco, please," I grabbed his attention. "I don't want there to be any fighting. Just let Harry handle it if things do get out of hand." I looked at Harry and I gave him a thankful smile.

"Count me in as well." Ginny says to Harry. "That silly brother of mine will have another thing coming if he wrecks Hermione and Draco's day."

Draco sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Fine. Neither of us need to be stressed today anyway."

"Just don't say anything to him, that will help too." Harry tells Draco.

Draco laughed at this. "Protecting me, are you? I think you have a bigger soft spot for me than you let on, Potter."

"In your dreams, Malfoy." Harry kept a blank expression but I could see the humour in his eyes.

"I bet you're the one who dreams about me, Potter."

"Yeah, but nightmares more like."

"Any dream of me is a good one. It means I'm on your mind, even if it's for the wrong reasons. I left my mark on you Harry boy." It was the first time I ever heard Draco use Harry's actual name rather than 'Potter' or any other nickname. Even if he said it in a mocking manner, it was still a surprise, and I couldn't help but giggle.

"This little obsession you have with me is getting quite embarrassing." Harry commented as he fixed his glasses into place. "I think I need to go get a drink after this disturbing exchange. Are you coming, Ginny?" He turned his attentions to his laughing wife.

"I'm really starting to think a cheeky friendship is brewing between those two..." Ginny whispers into my ear. Neither Harry nor Draco appeared to notice. I silently agreed with her.

After Harry and Ginny made their way over the drinks counter, hand in hand, I turned to Draco and gave him a knowing smile. "You need to stop tormenting poor Harry like that."

"What? He's enjoying it just as much as I am." He smirked.

"Now you just sound like a sadist." I smirked at him in return as I stepped towards him and he puts his hands on my waist. "Life certainly isn't boring with you, Draco."

Draco just laughed before he dipped his head down and pressed his lips against mine for a few seconds before he breaks away to speak. "Well, I can't exactly say I'm an ordinary man."

"No, you're not." I agreed. "But I like it."

He kisses me again which provoked a few wolf whistles from around us. In this kind of situation I would usually blush and shy away, but now I didn't care. I loved Draco and I wanted the world to see, this man had changed my views on love and gave me more of a purpose than I already have. He had given me more valuable memories than anybody else in my life.

"Alright save it for the wedding night." George yelled from the other side of the room, clutching a glass of punch in one hand and the other draped over Angelina's shoulder. "Or tonight, more like."

"Please don't put me off my food." Seamus joked.

"Her parents are here you fools." Ginny chimed in, trying to look serious. I glanced over at my parents who were actually laughing at the banter going on.

"Let them display their hideous relationship if they want to. Nobody cares about it anymore."

All heads turned to Ron Weasley after he finished slurring his words. He stood at a table with both hands on it as if he were trying to balance himself. Somehow he seemed more drunk than he was when he arrived. I couldn't recognise the Ron I knew past the ghostly pale face and empty eyes, this Ron was angry. Bitter. And for some reason I found myself not caring enough to confront him. I was sick of Ron and his running commentary on my life and relationships, there was only so much one person could do. I look at Draco and I saw the usual look at rage in his eyes I saw whenever something pissed him off. I took his hand to grab his attention. When his eyes met mine I shook my head as if to tell him it wasn't worth it, and he appeared to understand because he deeply inhaled in a bid to calm himself down. All around us people were whispering at each other, clearly shocked by Ron's behavior and the state he had himself in. Harry on the other hand looked furious. I felt sorry for him because he was always the first one to step forward to try and tame his best friend, but almost always, his efforts were thrown back in his face.

"Why are you all looking at me as if I just committed a crime?" Ron questioned as he looked around him. "What did I do?"

Nobody said anything.

"Well I don't care anyway." Ron reached forward and grabbed a bottle of firewhiskey and was about to take a swig out of it until his father appeared out of nowhere and grabbed the bottle from his hand. Mr Weasley muttered something to his son before he turned and smiled to everyone. "Everybody please continue on with the celebrations. Don't let my son ruin a formal event." Mr Weasley says while Ron threw him a dirty look when he wasn't watching. "Ginny, my dear, put some music on to get the mood going. I shall return soon." He grabbed Ron by the arm and led him out of the room, seemingly to give him one of those serious father-son chats.

After Arthur and Ron had left the room Ginny done exactly what her father had told her and put on some uplifting music which immediately brought the party atmosphere back. People started to relax again as they swayed to the music and engaged in conversation with those around. I myself felt relaxed once again. I couldn't say the same for Draco.

"That bastard." He muttered as he followed me to get a drink. "I swear I'm going to put his head through the wall the second this thing is over."

"You'll do no such thing." I responded calmly as I filled an empty cup with liquor and handed it to Draco. "Just relax and enjoy the party. You deserve it."

Draco grinned as he stared down the the whiskey before taking a sip. "Trying to get me drunk, are you?" He winked.

"Not as drunk as Ron anyway."

"I love you."

I was about to respond until Harry and Ginny approached where we stood, both very apologetic. "I'm sorry about that. I'll keep a better eye on him when he comes back." Harry says. "Or I can take him back to the burrow."

"Potter, it's fine, you don't have to do anything." Draco shook his head. "I don't expect you to watch over that fool like a hawk. Let him stay if he wants to stay, but if he does one more thing out of line I'll kick him out myself."

"You don't have to-"

"Nor should you." Draco cut him off. "Hermione tells me you are always trying to sort Weaselbee out but he makes no effort to change. Sometimes in life you just have to let people be arseholes if that's the way they wanna be. They don't realize how selfish they are, but when they do, they are the first to say sorry. I wouldn't bother trying to put him in his place. You've done enough. If anything, he doesn't deserve a loyal friend like that anymore."

Harry looked flabbergasted. Utterly surprised that Draco said something that wasn't sarcastic or mean to him. Ginny was on the same page as her husband, she stared at Draco as if he just performed a miracle.

"You know what Malfoy?" Harry said. "I'm quite proud to see that you have become this man."

Draco grinned, clearly proud. "Well, thank you, Potter."

"No problem." Harry smiled. "But this doesn't mean I like you though."

"Oh I know. I feel exactly the same." Draco responds.

Ginny bursts out with laughter and I joined in with her. "Only you two can go from being men to children in the space of five seconds." She tells them. Neither Harry or Draco disagreed.

The celebrations continued. Ron and his father had since returned to the scene. Whatever his father said to him, it seemed to work as Ron sat in the corner of the room with a sour look on his face. He took no interest in the world moving around him. The only interest that laid with him was the half empty bottle of whiskey. I contemplated taking the bottle from him, and telling him he didn't need to drink himself stupid but I thought against it. I had no reason to give Ron any of my pity.

The atmosphere was electric. I honestly didn't expect things to go as well as they were going. There was happiness, laughter and fun at this party. Everyone enjoyed each other's company and a few school friends told me that this was the most fun they had in ages and I beamed with pride. At one point Seamus Finnigan grabbed Parvati Patil and kissed her in the middle of the room in front of everyone, provoking cheers and whistling. Neville Longbottom awkwardly danced along with Luna before he loosened up and pulled out his own unique dance moves. All the Weasley brothers (except Ron) appeared to be having some kind of drinking game which they were immensely enjoying judging by their loud laughter and jeers. Angelina and Fleaur were playing a game with young Victoire. Even Mr and Mrs Weasley got up and started dancing with each other.

But what made me the most happy was seeing Draco and my Father talking to each other. Actual proper conversation. I couldn't believe it. The two of them seemed to be enjoying each other's company as well.

My mother approached me with a beaming smile on her face. "This is a great party dear. I'm so glad I was able to take time off work."

"Any idea what Dad is saying to Draco?" I asked her.

My mother laughed. "Nothing to fret about, Mione. Your Dad is just bragging to Draco about how he built our garden shed from scratch all by himself. You know how he is about his DIY."

"Of course." I giggled. Over the past few years my Father had taken a keen interest in DIY especially since my Mother was complaining that there was almost always something broken in the house. He took it upon himself to purchase tools and a DIY handbook to teach himself. Since then building and fixing things had basically become his main passion and often bragged to his friends and co-workers about how good he is at it. "I hope he doesn't offer to teach Draco how to fix anything electrical or whatever. Draco would be too polite to say no. You should see him trying to use a toaster. Disaster."

"Well I can imagine that coming from a family of wizards doesn't require you to do much things yourself." My Mother commented. "Wouldn't mind owning a bit of magic. It means I can zip your father's mouth whenever he feels the need to educate me on how plumbing works. Puts me into a coma, dear."

Draco returned to me a few minutes later and my mother goes back to my father. I raised my eyebrows at him as a way of asking him to tell me what happened.

"I now know how to fix a broken toilet and sink, thanks to your Father."

"Well I'd like to see those new skills put into good use one day."

"Not a chance." Draco chuckled. "Your Father is a fascinating man, but do you really think that I of all people would get down on my knees and mend something that people put their bottoms on? No way."

I really couldn't picture Draco doing something like that.

The party proceeded, and amazingly there was no drama or altercation of any sort. People were smiling, laughing and just generally having a good time with one another. The food and drinks were flowing. The music was great. A few tipsy speeches from school friends congratulating Draco and I. The best one was from George because he ended up having a fit of hiccups from whatever he was eating or drinking earlier. He couldn't even finish his speech. My stomach still hurt from the laughter. A few others gave some brief, yet touching words and it made me feel happy that Draco and I had such immense support. I didn't think things could run any more smoothly than they already were.

All until Ron got on top of the table and grabbed everybody's attention.

"Oh god," Ginny shrieked, she was stood next to me. "What the bloody hell does he think he's doing."

Oh I wish I knew.

Draco clenched his fist while I secretly prayed he wouldn't do anything he regretted. Harry dipped his head and pinched the bridge of his nose and appeared to mutter something under his breath. All curious eyes were on Ron.

"A-Attention....party people...." he slurs, taking a large gulp of his whiskey which was almost finished now. "I haaaave something to.... Say......listen please." He appeared to point his finger in the direction to where Harry, Ginny, Draco and I stood. He moved his finger in a circular motion around the room.

"I have a few things to say to you." Draco snaps and is about to lunge forward but Harry prevents him from doing so and yanks him back in lightning speed.

"Follow your own advice Malfoy." Harry hisses. "It's not worth the hassle."

A very drunk Ron didn't appear to notice this brief exchange. He pushes clumps of damp red hair off his face, exposing his sweat drenched forehead and hazy eyes. The table wobbled a bit but he managed to retain himself and burst out laughing. Arthur and Molly Weasley stood on the opposite side of the room, staring at their son in disgust.

"I have few words.... For happy couple," He finally manages to get out. It was clear he meant exactly the opposite of the word 'happy.' "You have my sincere.... Congratulations because.... I know of no other people who more truthful and honest..." Ron stops speaking and bursts into uncontrollable laughter.

He emphasized truthful and honest, and I knew exactly why. He knew what I was keeping from Draco. I swear in that moment my heart stopped beating.

Please. Please. Please. Not now.

"And I know of no other....people who deserved together.... They don't hide away.... Together no matter what." He stopped and took another sip of his drink. At this stage the whole room was silent and looking at Ron.

Hide away....

"He's not even making any sense." Draco says, jaw clenched.

I stayed silent. My heart rate increased and my anxiety was at an all time high.

"Happy happy happy." Ron hiccuped and gave me a dazed smile. There was something in his eyes. Something I couldn't recognise. "But no relationship always happy.... No no.... I know things about the princess no one else does-"

"I'm not having this. Ron you get off that table right now!" Ginny abruptly yelled which caught the surprise of the whole room. I think she too knew where Ron was trying to get at and she was trying to save me.

"Piss off Ginny. No interfere for once...hag." Ron waved her off.

"Don't you dare speak to my wife and your sister like that." Harry shouts with a sudden anger which I haven't seen in him for a long time. "Look at you. You're a mess. How could you let yourself get this way?"

Ron was about the answer until something grabbed all of our attention.

The closing of a door and the sudden presence of a blonde woman in an emerald green ball gown with slits down the side, exposing her long and smooth legs.

"Sorry if I'm late." Sarah Harrison's arrival left me speechless. Draco stiffened and he mutters something under his breath which I doubt was at all pleasant. She looked like she was something that had just walked out of a glamourous photoshoot. She smiled and flicked her hair behind her shoulder as she noticed the gazing eyes of most of the men in the room. "Why is this party so dull? Did I interrupt something?"

"Babyyyy....." Ron cooed like a lovestruck teenager.

He appeared to forget he was standing on the table, because as he was holding out his hands towards Sarah he stepped forward and fell, face first onto the ground with a loud smack. Nobody except George and Bill rushed to his aid and helped him steady himself to his feet. The blood pumped out of Ron's nose which visibly sickened Sarah as he tried to hold her hand. She clearly didn't want blood on her over the top gown.

"Bloody hell I think that nose is broken." Bill says.

"Bloody hell, indeed." George says as he grabbed a napkin and pressed it over Ron's nose which immediately soaked up the blood. Bill ended up using his wand to crack Ron's nose back into place which left Ron screaming in agony.

Nobody appeared to be interested in this scene anymore as they continued on with the party. The Weasley's rushed over to Draco and I and endlessly apologized but I couldn't take them in. I couldn't hear anything. My mind was empty. The room was spinning. My chest was tight.

Ron.

Sarah.

Blaise.

Secrets.

I couldn't take it.

I backed away from Draco who was too busy staring down Ron and Sarah to even notice me leaving, I went over to Ginny and Harry whose eyes raked over me with concern.

"Hermione? Oh my god you don't look well." Ginny whispers as she takes me into her arms as if she was shielding me from the outside world. "I'm so sorry. Let's get out of here for a bit Just you and me."

"I'm so sorry Hermione. I had no idea Ron would take her." Harry rushed. "I'm going to talk to him now. This stops today."

Harry and Ginny said a few other things which I honestly didn't hear. Empty mind. Room spinning. Tight chest.

Sarah Harrison running her hand along Draco's arm before he furiously yanks it back.

Get your filthy hands off my fiancee. I wanted to yell those words but nothing came out.

"Hermione, come on." Ginny pulled me along discreetly towards the door. My mother rushed over with concern, I didn't know what Ginny told her but whatever she said my mother appeared relaxed after.

The last thing I saw in that room was Draco staring at me.

Ginny led me into the bathroom in my apartment and the second she closed the door I fell to the ground and started to sob.

"Christ, Hermione. Come here." Ginny opened her arms and I accepted her embrace. I was aware I was probably getting tears and mascara over her dress but she didn't care.

"I can't do it.... It's too much."

"I know, I know." Ginny responded in a soothing voice while she pushed my hair back. "I can Draco that you are feeling unwell and we can ask everyone to leave. You stay here."

"I have to tell him the truth Ginny." I said. "Ron almost did."

"Yes, but not now when you are in this state. And certainly not on today of all days, there has been enough drama already."

"I have to tell him!"

"Yes!" Ginny almost yelled. "But not right now. Look at yourself."

Ginny forced me to look at myself in the mirror and I agreed. With blotches of mascara running down my cheeks, messed up hair and a red face, I couldn't approach Draco now.

"I just need a few minutes of silence." I finally said, and Ginny stayed with me.

Draco POV

I had no idea what was going on, but nothing about this party was pleasant anymore. As if the Weaselbee's scene wasn't irritating enough, he decided to bring along his girlfriend with him. The mere sight of the two of them eating each others faces off beside the buffet sickened me to the stomach. What did that vile Harrison even see in a disgusting creature like Weasley? Hermione disappeared off somewhere with Ginny, she looked upset or worried about something. I was of course inclined to follow her but Potter stopped me in my tracks.

"Excuse me?" I said to him.

"Best to just leave them for a bit I think." He responded quietly.

"Is there something wrong with Hermione?"

"No no, it's not that." He answered quickly, probably in fear that I would kick off. "Hermione just felt a little overwhelmed by what happened with Ron and Sarah being here. She just needs five minutes alone with Ginny. She'll be fine."

I thought for a moment and I nodded. Of course Hermione would get upset. I couldn't remember a time where Weasley wasn't the centre of drama, oh how I wish I could just pull my wand out at him and no one would bat an eye. And as for Sarah, well I intended to have a few words with her. Whatever agenda she has I was going to put a stop to this.

God help any person who hurts the woman I love.

"Cheers, Potter." I gave him a curt nod and he the same in the return. Potter was okay really, I struggle to understand why I found him as hateful and irritating as I did over the years. My views on him had definitely changed but I was still too proud to admit it, yet. But he's smart enough to figure it out.

I moved to the side of the room where the buffet was, each minute that passed I inched closer and closer to Sarah. She had the usual "butter wouldn't melt" smile on her face as she chatted to Bill and George Weasley. Even these two men seemed oblivious. Sarah was what I could only describe as a snake who would say or do anything to get what she wants, she was toxic. And I knew she had a motive. Sarah liked men with an established name with money in their pockets, there was no way she would ever look in the direction of a Weasley unless she was up to something.

"Harrison." I said firmly when I was finally by her side. She stopped smiling and laughing and snapped her head in my direction. For a brief moment she seemed nervous but that disappeared when another smile creeped up on her face.

"Excuse me, fellas, but we'll have to continue this conversation at a later time." She says to Bill and George in a sweet voice. "Enjoy the rest of the party though. Not too much though, like my boyfriend. I'd imagine you two are more mature men, which is always a good thing." She winked.

I could tell she specifically used the word boyfriend to get under my skin but it didn't work. After Bill and George left she turned back around to me, with a calm and cool expression, mischief in her eyes.

"You do realize both of those men are married, right?" I scoffed. "Trying to worm your way into the lives of people you can't have."

She ignored me. "Good little party you've got going on here," She looked around her, pretending to be impressed. "Shame about the guest list though. Why must you abandon all your friends to suit your precious Granger?"

"Shut up. I never abandoned anyone. Not that it's any one your business." I snapped. "I didn't approach you to play your games. I'd ask you for finish your drink first, but that would be too generous. I want you to leave right now."

Sarah just stared at me as she brought her cocktail to her red lips and took the smallest sip you could possibly take just to annoy me. "Oh really? I was just starting to have fun."

"I'm not fucking around, Harrison."

"Clearly you don't fuck around anymore, that was what to fun Draco did." She gave me a suggestive smile, it didn't take a mastermind to figure out what she was thinking about. "Let me guess, your fiance asked you to come over to me."

"No, believe it or not I actually want you to piss off. Shocking, isn't it?" I spat. "You can take your fake and embarrassing boyfriend with you as well."

Weasley was currently having an arm wrestle match with Theodore. Obviously Theodore was winning easily and putting Weasley to shame. Good man Theo.

"Oh Draco, Draco, Draco...." Sarah set her drink aside and looked at me straight in the eye. For some reason I felt inclined to hold that eye contact. The fake expression was wiped off her face and replaced with a more serious one. "You and I both know you will ruin that girls life."

"You speak such nonsense." I snapped with fury. I realized it might have been too loud so I looked around me, but people were having too much fun to even notice I was still here. "Probably jealousy talking too."

"And you still talk as if you were such a gift to women. Get over yourself. Because I can assure you that I'm not fucking around either. You are so lucky I didn't tell anyone here your dirty little secret."

And that was the moment when any snide, sarcastic or mean comments I planned to say came to a halt. Any confidence I had faded as memories of sixth year came flooding back.

"You... you can't.... Harrison-"

She cut me off with laughter. "I have to admit, it's quite fun seeing you crumble like this. Maybe I do have some kind of motive... or maybe I don't want to see another girl's life get ruined because of you. You done it to me first, then poor Pansy, and now it will be little miss perfect. Oh if only she knew..."

"Harrison." I say again, trying badly to hold it all together. "What happened in our sixth year.... We both decided it was for the best. We had many conversations and you went with it... it was the better choice..."

"You got me pregnant." She leaned in and whispered, so slowly and deadly, I didn't think a whisper would contain so much anger. "You basically dragged me to that hospital when I told you I didn't want to get rid of my own child. Our child."

"Fucking hell." I spat out through gritted teeth. I could feel the anxious sweat form and increase speed of my heart rate. I never thought something like this would ever be brought up again for the rest of my existence. Things are supposed to stay buried for a reason. "Sarah, you and I both know it was for the best. You know about all the shit that was going on with me during that time not to mention the fact that we were basically still school kids. It was for your own good as much as it was mine."

Sarah laughed a long and humourless laugh. "Do you honestly still bring up all the death eater bullshit as an excuse for your shitty behavior? You never took responsibility for anything and you clearly still don't." She stopped to take a steady breath. "Let me guess. You still use your messed up past and bad choices as a front to hide the fact that you are actually a selfish, controlling, manipulative and heartless coward who doesn't deserve someone like Granger. God knows why she looks at you like you are some king. Shouldn't a queen know her kings faults?"

"You can't.... You won't tell her...." I didn't care about Sarah insulting me, but if she approached Hermione with this information I would never forgive myself. I regretted what happened in sixth year so much and it still crossed my mind to this day. "Sarah, I am very sorry for what happened and if I could in any way go back and change how I reacted, I would. We all react badly under pressure sometimes and it was like that with me, I should have handled it better and I know that-"

"Save me the heartfelt apology and speech before I start laughing." She smirked at me before she retrieved her cocktail and took quite a large gulp of it. "You are a little boy at heart, Draco."

"Seriously? What the fuck are to expecting to achieve out of this? You aren't really bothered, are you? You are just here to rub it in and remind me that you know something Hermione doesn't. You can't help but feel happy that you have some hold over me, you think you can manipulate me, well you can't." My usual self was back and I didn't hold back in putting Sarah in her place. "I suggest you get the hell over the past and move on with your life. I did you a favor and you know-"

"I'll stop you again there Draco." She held her hand up and smiled. "Would you like a drink?" She held up an empty glass with a quizzical look. "You might need it."

"Fuck you."

Sarah put the glass down and had that serious look on her face again. I knew all too well that behind her pretty face there was a manipulative woman, I wasn't going to be pulled in with her games. But I had a feeling. A bad feeling she was going to tell me something.

She leaned in so far until her lips were beside my ear. Her breath fanning against me sent an uncomfortable shiver down my spine. I Was painfully aware that we were in a room full of people, anyone could have gotten the wrong impression of this if they were looking.

"What if I told you," She began, her voice low with that seductive tinge to it. "That I never went through with it."

I pulled away in complete and utter shock. In that moment Sarah and I were the only people in the room and I could do nothing but stare at her, so many thoughts and emotions ran through me.

She was lying, surely she was lying. I did after all bring her to the hospital..... And I left her because I assumed that she wouldn't be stupid and lie to me about going ahead with her appointment. But this was Sarah Harrison, honesty wasn't her best policy.

Then it all clicked. She left school early in sixth year without a specific reason and never came back for seventh year. Even when she returned to the school after her apparent appointment, she only told me that it was "fine" and that she was no longer pregnant. The next morning Crabbe and Goyle came into the common room to tell me that Sarah had packed her bags and left without as much of a goodbye. I just assumed that it was a painful experience and she didn't want to see me again. Now it made sense.

When I said nothing Sarah laughed, this time it had genuine humor to it which would usually piss me off but right now I was too numb to feel. "Quite a shocker, ain't it Drakey?"

"Are you telling me the truth?" I say, I didn't look at her.

Have I been a Father for almost two years and didn't know a thing about it?

Sarah didn't answer me straight away because she was too busy guzzling down her drink until there wasn't a drop left in the glass. She put it aside when she was finished and looked back at me, slowly licking away some of the red cocktail off her lips.

"Yes," She tells me. "I left school because I would have preferred to go through my pregnancy and give birth at home. I lied to you. I wanted to keep that baby more than anything."

"Oh my god." I took a step back and all of a sudden forgotten how to breathe. It was all too much. I had a child I didn't know about. An actual, living, breathing child. I was a Father. How could I not have known? What must I do from here?

"Draco, mate? You alright?" Theodore suddenly popped out of nowhere with a look of concern on his face. He looked at Sarah and gave her a small smile.

"Yeah I'm fine mate, thanks." I answered rather too quick, but I didn't think he suspected anything.

Theo knew me well enough to know that I wanted to be left alone, so he nodded and said "Not far away if you need anything." And he left.

I look to Sarah. "What is-"

"I wasn't planning on staying at your shit party for too long, sorry to end the fun abruptly." She suddenly announces, flicking her hair behind her shoulders. "And besides, our Son prefers to have me tuck him into bed and it's almost that time. So I need to get going." She leans forward to kiss me on the cheek. I was too numb and shocked to even have a knee-jerk reaction.

"My Son..." I whispered, dazed.

"That's right," She says, all smiles. "Anyway, goodbye for now, Draco. I'd prepare myself for more surprises if I were you."

I wasn't sure what her last bit meant, but I didn't care right now.

"What is his name?" I followed her as she approached the Weasley family to announce her departure. "Harrison."

"Leaving already, Sophie?" Arthur, the head of the Weasley family, said to Sarah.

"Bloody hell Dad how many times do you have to get a simple name wrong?" George Weasley laughed. I then noticed that the fattest and drunkest Weasley of them all was nowhere to be seen. Where did he trod off to?

"It's fine." Sarah no longer seemed to be in the mood to come up with witty responses. "Tell Ron that something came up and I must leave."

She turned to me and smiled again. "Thank you for the lovely party, I wish you all the luck for the future. You will need it."

"Sarah..."

And she was gone. She apparated before I could ever realize she was doing it.

"Well, that was weird." George said.

I didn't stick around to listen to further comments. I needed to leave this room. I couldn't be around these people for much longer. I barged through social groups and made my way quickly towards the door where I was greeted by the quietness of the hallway. I took a deep breath.

My Son.

What was his name?

What did he look like?

What personality did he have?

What the hell do I tell Hermione?

I fell to my knees when it all became too much. I was a father. There was another future generation that carried the Malfoy name. I buried my head in my hands and allowed these thoughts to sink in.

I heard the muffling of conversation coming from behind the living room door, and the voices were very familiar. Curious, I slowly brought myself to my feet and quietly moved towards the door. I pressed my ear against it and listened closely.

"You need to stop this Ron, it's getting ridiculous." Potter stated firmly.

"You don't understand." Weasley responded loudly.

"I understand enough. You need to accept that Hermione doesn't love you anymore, she loves Malfoy and you have to see that. Bloody hell she wants to be your friend and you treat her so crap, I don't even recognise you anymore."

"If only you knew half.... The stuff I know." Weasley slurred and broke out into laughter. "She liar. I tried expose.... Before i broke my nose. Ha that rhymes." He sounded genuinely pleased with himself

"What do you mean she is a liar?" Potter asked the exact question I had in my head

"Things have been happening.... She no tell Malfoy.... He must know."

"Ron-"

I put a halt to this conversation when I burst in the door, giving the two friends a jump scare. Weasley yelped so loudly it resembled some loud animal. I looked at the two of them individually and waited for one of them to speak. When neither of them did, I sighed.

"Speak, one of you. I don't have the patience for this." I say.

"Malfoy..." Potter said wearily. "How much of you heard?"

"Heard Enough. Including that fool calling Hermione a liar." I looked at Weasley. "Are you shit stirring or are you going to tell me what the hell you mean?"

"I say you ask your wife."

"I'm talking to you now, not Hermione, so tell me what the fuck you mean." I growled, walking forward until I came face to face with him.

"Don't talk me that like.... Like that...." Weasley slurred before he looked to Potter. "Tell him."

"I'm with Malfoy on this one." Potter says. "So answer his question. Why are you making Hermione out to be a liar?"

Weasley made a raspberry noise and crossed his arms. "Make me."

"Okay." I said before I grabbed him by the shoulders and slammed him up against the wall. He screamed so loudly and high pitched that I was surprised the walls didn't crumble around us. He tried to wiggle his way out of my grip, but I was far too strong, and he was far too drunk. I pressed him harder against the wall so he had no way of escaping.

"I'll give you one chance to tell me."

Hermione POV

After my mini breakdown, I made my way back into the kitchen/party area with Ginny. I felt a bit relaxed again and more confident that I would be able to make it through the rest of today. I really needed to get my frustrations out of my system, another reason why I was glad I had a friend like Ginny to be there for me.

It didn't take me long to realize something was off once I returned to the scene, or rather some people were gone. Draco. Sarah. Ron. Harry.

This was obviously unusual and extremely strange. The idea of Draco and Sarah being absent at the same time struck jealously within me but I knew that was way too stupid. But I couldn't deny that the absence of these four particular people at the same time was strange. I'm sure there was a reasonable explanation.

"HERMIONE."

And then it happened.

It was almost of if my prayers were answered, in the worst way possible.

The whole room went silent at the sound of Draco's voice. Disturbingly silent. I slowly turned around to see Draco standing in the doorway. A look of what only I could describe burning rage on his face. His eyes were narrow, rigid, cold, hard. Harry stood behind him with his head down.

I knew.

Draco now knew.

I had a good idea who told Draco about Blaise, but he was nowhere to be seen.

A painful feeling of regret possessed me, he had to find out from me, but I failed. I betrayed him and he knew that now. There was no point in feeling sorry for myself. It was now my duty to tell him whatever he needed to know.

"Draco-"

But then Ron came up behind him and knocked him out cold by smashing a vase against his head.

***********************************************

Well, the moment finally came where Draco finds out the truth about Blaise.

AND OMG PLOT TWIST!! :O :O

Draco has a son!?!?!?!? :O :O

Please do leave me your comments of what you think about this chapter, I will happily answer whatever ones I can :)

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