Boys Night, Girls Night

Thanks for the reviews!!! I know what I want to write and how to get the story to where I want, but just can't seem to get the words down. I think the best way to get over my writer's block is to start putting up mini-chapters until I hit my stride again. Hope you enjoy!! Let me know what you think!!
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23.

Draco was on edge as he mingled with fellow sponsors and business owners. Not that any of the constant questions he was plagued with showed on his face. On the contrary, he looked resplendent. Draco was one of the few who decided to go his own way, eschewing wizarding robes which tended to be quite a hassle while dancing, and decided on the muggle route.

He couldn't deny Armani knew exactly what he was about. Draco wore a deep black with a slight gloss peaked lapel jacket, formal waistcoat and wing-collar shirt combination. It showed off wide shoulders, a tapered waist, and tailored close enough so anyone could see a decent amount of muscles. More than one lady in the vicinity eyed him speculatively. The Malfoy heir was known to be a playboy, but like most, the women present didn't seem to mind as long as they got their chance.

Too bad the tuxedo couldn't declare what was on Draco's mind. If it did, more than one lady would leave in a huff.

Hermione Granger, indeed.

He surveyed the spacious marble-floored entry and mentally tallied the guests he needed to talk to. Potter had let him peruse the list of suspects he had complied. Richard de Clare, Thomas Newport, Bryson Cricton, Oliver Stanley, Andrew Marsden, Robert Eresby, Peter Drummond...all purebloods.

Each that could claim a motive with one Hermione Granger. Break-ups, work related, etc. To Draco, each man represented a threat.
Thankfully, Harry said he would take care of the Ministry suspects...and the females. Potter was officially off the market, as where Draco was still labeled a catch. Draco had to duel Potter this afternoon for that "favor."

Hermione was too damn well-known for her own good.

After he was announced, much to the delight of single young ladies present, Draco made his way towards Blaise and Pansy. Pansy had a grin of amusement on her face. Blaise looked a little bit distracted.

"Ah, the boy wonder. Here at last to pick a bride." Pansy said mockingly.

"Gah. Please don't start that rumour again this year. Last year's party was more of a hide and seek than a humanitarian benefit." Draco admonished, trying to find what Blaise was looking at.

"I don't know, Draco." Blaise chuckled, coming back from whatever was bothering him with a shake of his head. "Watching you duck and weave out of the clutches of the single, sometimes married, women was more of a sport, if you ask me. I never had such fun at a society function before."

"I think you are forgetting Pansy's cotillion, oh, all those years ago. Didn't you knock over a punch bowl to get away from Daphne Greengrass?" Draco reminded him.

Pansy laughed. "I somehow always forget about that."

Blaise looked un-amused. "It wasn't that funny."

Draco chuckled, winking at Pansy. "He ruined the carpet and his mother was not best pleased with having to cover the cost to fix it. It was an antique from Persia, wasn't it Blaise?"

"My mother was more distraught at me turning down Daphne." Blaise grumbled, a faint tinge of red in his cheeks. He adopted a whine that was eerily like his mother. "All those connections! TWO vaults at Gringotts, and the dowry alone would have surpassed your inheritance!" Blaise said it so earnestly, Pansy and Draco both laughed.

"I guess she wasn't counting on me, then, was she dear?" Pansy asked snuggling deeper into his arms.

Blaise looked at his wife. "If Daphne wanted me now, I would be more than willing to assist her in anyway possible."

Pansy ignored the bait. "I think you would have to bribe her at this late date. What I do remember was 7th year when you tried to get back in her good books. A flagon of pumpkin juice in the face during breakfast." Pansy and Draco both started laughing hard.

Blaise grumbled for a moment before giving in and laughing himself.

Hating to ruin the lightness of the moment, but doing it nonetheless, Draco asked the question he was desperate to know the answer to quietly to Blaise. "Any news on the Granger front?"

Blaise shook his head. "Nothing that I can find, however I can tell you some minor information if you should like it."

"Minor?” Draco raised an eyebrow. In response Blaise nonchalantly but meaningfully looked at his wife who was appraising a dress that apparently fell short of her idea of fashion. Draco took the hint and looked away. Whatever is was, Blaise obviously didn’t want Pansy to know.

"Yes, do it later.” Pansy said turning back to them with a wide eyed look. "Right now Draco is going to sign my dance card." She over exaggeratedly fluttered her eyes.

Smiling, Draco signed his name. "As if I had a choice."

Pansy simpered in a fake falsetto. "Of course not. You are such a dear, charming, man. However may I thank you?"

Draco was only slightly amused. "Alright, Pans. I get it."

Pansy wasn't nearly done yet. "And so tall, and rich, and famous...and still single! Why I'm sure every young lady is beside herself seeing me on your arm! And what an arm it is! SO strong!" She batted her eyes and couldn't quite contain the mirth in her otherwise perfect expression of daftness.

"Ok, no need to shout the single card again this year." Draco disentangled himself from Pansy's arm.

“Husband dearest, you really don’t want Daphne do you? Just think how miserable we made your mother when you eloped with me. I gave you FOUR vaults at Gringotts, dear.” She leaned into his arm.

“And no way to for my mother to spend them. Right as always,” Blaise agreed happily, nuzzling her ear, making her laugh.

Draco wasn't exactly in the mood to stand around and watch them act like a happily married couple. It only served as a reminder of what he still couldn't nail down. Excusing himself, he took delight in spotting his first task for the night.

Oliver Stanley.