One More Time

*

Hermione took a deep breath as she stood in front of the large wooden door. Her hands were nervously smoothing down the front of her black dress. Glancing down at her stomach that looked completely normal, she tried to force down the feeling of impending doom. She told herself to get a grip and raised her fist, giving three rapid knocks on the door.

It was thrown open moments later and the light from the entrance way spilled out into the early spring evening.

“Hermione! You’re here! I was beginning to worry.”

Hermione took a breath and smiled almost mechanically at the man in the doorway. “Of course I’m here, Harry,” she said simply. “You know I love our dinners.”

Harry grinned and stepped back, allowing her in. He offered to take her coat and stored it in the closet to the side. He turned, leading her into the house. “Ron and Mandy are already here and Padma’s doing something in the kitchen. She won’t let me look. I swear, she thinks I can’t cook, but I keep telling her I can! Maybe you’ll convince her to let me make her dinner sometime.”

Hermione smiled again, this time more easily than before. She’d been feeling bad for avoiding Harry for the past few weeks, but she hadn’t felt ready or able to be around them before. When he had invited her to dinner with him and Ron, she’d known she had to go. It was imperative to keep up pretenses and it wouldn’t do to have Harry and Ron believing she was falling ill. That would only make them even more attentive to her.

Following Harry, they passed through the warmly lit hallway to the living room where Ron and Mandy were seated on the couch, drinks in their hands. Harry guided Hermione to the couch and grabbed his wand.

“What would you like to drink? Let me guess,” he said, grinning, “a martini, dry, no olive?” He raised his wand to conjure the drink but Hermione stopped him.

“Actually, I’d prefer water,” she said quickly, hoping they wouldn’t get suspicious.

Harry looked surprised for a second but didn’t question her. Instead, he raised his wand, conjuring a glass of water with a slice of lemon in it. Hermione accepted it with a smile and took a small drink.

She knew she had to be careful and though Harry knew her drink by heart, as did anyone who went out with her more than once, changing her routine in front of her best friends was not the best way to keep things a secret. She only hoped the rest of the evening wasn’t this difficult.

Determined not to think about what she was trying to conceal, she turned to Ron and Mandy.

“So Mandy,” she said, setting her water down on the coffee table, “Ron tells me you’ve just received a promotion. Congratulations.”

Mandy glanced at her carefully and smiled. She sent a warm smile at Ron and laughed shyly. “Yes, I’ve been appointed head nurse at St. Mungo’s. It’s so much more responsibility. I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it.”

Ron laughed and hugged her to him. “You’ll do great. We all know you’re the best nurse in that ruddy place.”

Mandy gave a shy smile and placed her hands in her lap, sitting quietly.

Hermione watched her and Ron for a moment, seeing how Ron watched Mandy so attentively. They’d been together a little under a year and Hermione could honestly say she couldn’t remember ever seeing Ron this happy. She thought Mandy was a good choice. She was intelligent, responsible, and knew how to handle Ron even if she did seem quiet and reserved.

“How’s your training going, Hermione?” Harry asked, taking a drink of his scotch.

“It’s a lot of work,” Hermione replied. “The new Minister seems to want perfection. After the war, the ministry’s been under a lot of pressure to change the judicial system and Mr. Fallersome appears to be taking it as a personal undertaking to reform the courts.”

Harry nodded understandingly. “I know. He was in my office the other day yelling about escaped criminals and how we’re not doing enough to find them. I’m sorry if I don’t have eyes in the back of my head, but I’m doing my best.”

Hermione laughed. “Yes, he’s trying his hardest to change the image of the Ministry.”

“You think he’ll manage?” Ron piped up and Hermione glanced over. Her eyes lingered on Ron’s fingers interlaced with Mandy’s but she forced herself to concentrate.

“Maybe,” she said.

“He’s going to have to try really hard after what Fudge and Scrimgoeuer left us with,” Harry said darkly.

There was a bit of an awkward silence after Harry’s statement. He’d never quite forgiven the Ministry for what they’d done in the past. Luckily, they were saved by Padma, who entered from the kitchen.

“Don’t depress everyone, Harry,” she said reproachfully, but smiling all the same. She walked over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek, then turned to Hermione. “Hermione, I’m so glad you could come. I haven’t seen you in ages. Parvati told me Lavender ran into you the other day.”

Hermione colored slightly but forced herself to smile. “Yes, I saw her out the other day. She looked well.”

Padma looked at Hermione for a second but didn’t reply to her comment. After a second, she seemed to snap out a reverie. She smiled and turned to the group. “Well, the first course is ready. Shall we go to the dining room?”

There was a general consent, and everyone rose, following Padma and Harry to the dining room. Hermione trailed behind everyone else, noticing how Padma slipped her hand into Harry’s as they walked, seeing Harry’s brief but loving smile and feeling a twist in the pit of her stomach.

She saw Ron lead Mandy to her chair and pull it out for her. She stood in the doorway for a second, watching the happy couples until Harry interrupted her thoughts.

“Aren’t you going to sit down?”

“Oh, yes,” Hermione said, sliding into her chair and smoothing down her dress.

Padma disappeared for a moment and came back with plates of salads for everyone. Harry looked at her as she set them down.

“You wouldn’t even let me help with the salads?”

Padma rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by Harry again. “Hermione, tell her I can cook. You know I can.”

Hermione laughed. “Yes, Harry’s very talented with a spatula.”

Padma laughed and patted Harry on the cheek as she slid into her seat beside him. “I believe you, but you know this is what I do.”

“So because you’re a chef means I’m not allowed to cut lettuce and tomatoes?” Harry asked, pretending to be indignant.

“Well, I wouldn’t want you to slice those beautiful hands of yours,” Padma said, running a finger over Harry’s hand.

Harry paused, then shrugged. “Fine, but I’m going to make you dinner sometime, and you won’t be allowed help. How about that?”

“Sounds wonderful,” Padma replied, picking up her fork. “Now eat, it’s getting cold.”

“It’s supposed to be cold,” Ron said slowly and everyone laughed. “What?”

No one answered him and everyone began to eat their salads. Hermione listened more than talked throughout the first course, hearing about everyone’s lives and happenings. She laughed when Harry told about prank in the office where his partner had somehow ended up with toilets on his head instead of ears. She gasped when Padma told about the apprentice cutting off his finger with a knife in the restaurant.

After two wonderful courses, Padma brought out the dessert. Each plate had a chocolate brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream set on top. A slice of peach was wedged into the ice cream and the entire thing was drizzled in chocolate.

“Wow,” Hermione breathed as her plate was set in front of her. “Padma, this is amazing.”

Padma smiled graciously. “Just something I like to make from time to time.”

“How do you stay thin, mate?” Ron asked Harry as he dug into his plate.

“Exercise,” Harry replied, glancing at Padma, who blushed slightly.

Hermione didn’t miss the glance and her smile fell a little. She hitched it back into place as Ron stood up.

“I think we need some champagne,” he said, raising his wand and conjuring a bottle and glasses.

Hermione watched nervously as he poured five glasses and handed them round. She accepted hers but set it to the side carefully.

“What’s the occasion?” Harry asked, taking his glass from Ron.

Ron sat back down and glanced at Mandy, who just smiled shyly. “We, uh, have kind of an announcement.”

Padma turned attentively to them and Hermione did as well. Glancing between Ron and Mandy, she tried to determine just what it was. Mandy didn’t give out any clues other than blushing slightly but still smiling carefully.

Hermione knew Mandy was a quiet girl who preferred to read rather than socialize. She’d been surprised when she’d found out Ron was dating her, but after getting to know her, found that she was really a lovely girl.

Ron cleared his throat and Hermione saw his arm move under the table, presumably taking Mandy’s hand.

“Mandy and I are engaged,” he said, his face splitting into a grin.

There was silence for a moment and then an explosion of sound as the announcement sunk in.

“Congratulations!” Harry exclaimed, grabbing Ron and hugging him. “Knew you’d find the right girl someday, mate.”

Padma’s eyes had lit up at the announcement and she too hugged Ron and then Mandy. “How wonderful! I was wondering when someone might pop the question.”

Mandy couldn’t help smiling and she held up her hand that she’d been hiding all night. On her left ring finger, a silver and diamond ring sparkled in the candle light and Padma let out an awed noise.

“It’s beautiful,” she breathed, looking at it closer. She turned to Hermione, who hadn’t said anything yet. “Isn’t it lovely?”

“Yes, it’s gorgeous,” Hermione said, moving over to Mandy and giving her a quick hug. “Congratulation,” she said warmly.

Mandy lowered her head. “Thank you,” she said quietly, but Hermione could hear the glowing in her voice and knew she was happy. She looked up and smiled at Ron, who was still grinning. “He asked two nights ago. I was so surprised.”

Ron laughed and threw an arm around her shoulders, tugging her closer. “Surprised, my ass. She was waiting for it to happen,” he told everyone. “I’m sweating bullets and get down on one knee in the middle of this park, wet grass and dirt everywhere, and she just stares at me, like she’s waiting for it to happen. I was so nervous, I could have died.”

Everyone laughed and Ron grinned again. He reached down for his glass of champagne and raised it up. Everyone followed suit and Hermione hesitated. After a second, she picked hers up also.

“A toast,” Ron said, “to my beautiful fiancée for saying yes to a man who now has grass stains on his best suit.”

They all laughed and clinked their glasses together. Hermione pretended to take a drink while everyone else did. Harry raised his glass next and she raised hers almost unwillingly.

“To Ron and Mandy, may they have a happy life together.”

Another clink and pretend sip of the alcohol in her hands and Hermione set her glass down, hoping no one would notice that the golden liquid had not gone down at all.

After a few more words, they moved to the living room. The couples sat down together on the couches and Hermione was left to sit alone in an armchair. She watched them all almost longingly, listening to them talk together, laughing at jokes, and telling stories. She heard Ron’s ideas for the wedding and Mandy even offered her opinion on some things.

After a while, Padma asked Hermione if she was seeing anyone.

Hermione shook her head. “No, not seeing anyone at the moment.”

“Well, what if we set you up?” Padma asked. “I know a really great guy who comes into the restaurant all the time. He’s very smart. I’m sure you’d get along.”

Harry laughed before Hermione could respond. “Don’t try setting her up, Padma. I already suggested it and she shot me down.”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “I just don’t think a set-up is the best way to meet someone.”

“But it could work out,” Padma pointed out. “A lot of people end up marrying someone they met on a blind date.”

“Yes, well, I won’t be one of those,” Hermione said.

A silence followed this and Harry turned the conversation away from Hermione, sensing her reserve.

Ron didn’t seem to notice. He was too busy paying all his attention to Mandy. His hand was constantly in hers and they seemed to be off in their own little world. Hermione watched them for a moment, oblivious to the conversation going on around her.

She saw Ron whisper something in Mandy’s ear and her giggle. Ron then smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek, while his fingers rubbed against her palms lovingly.

After a while, Hermione couldn’t take it and she excused herself to the bathroom. Once there, she shut the door behind her and turned to the mirror, staring at her reflection. Her hazel eyes stared back at her looking tired and worried.

Being with all the happy couples was almost too much. She violently wished she had a relationship like that. If only it was possible.

Hermione gave a start as a knock sounded on the door.

“Hermione?” She heard Padma’s voice calling softly through the door. “Hermione, can I come in?”

Hermione paused for a second, biting her lip. Finally, she opened the door and Padma slipped inside, shutting the door behind her. She turned to Hermione, her expression concerned. Her eyes traveled over Hermione’s nice dress and up to her face that was done up nicely with makeup. She looked perfectly fine on the outside.

“Are you alright?” Padma asked her.

Hermione sighed and pushed her hair back. “I’m fine,” she said. “Just a little tired.”

Padma was silent for a moment, and then, “Is this about Ron and Mandy?”

“What?” Hermione asked. “No, God, no. I’m very happy for them.”

“Are you sure? Because you seemed a bit out of it earlier, after their announcement.”

“No, I’m so glad they’re engaged. They deserve it. Really.”

Padma didn’t look convinced. “You didn’t toast them.”

“I did,” Hermione said, silently cursing herself. She knew she should have done something with her champagne. Padma was too observant for her own good, damn Ravenclaws.

“You didn’t drink, though,” Padma pointed out suspiciously. “What’s going on, Hermione? You’ve been acting strange lately, and not just tonight. Harry said you’ve canceled lunches a few times.”

“My stomach isn’t feeling very well,” Hermione said, which wasn’t exactly a lie. “And I’ve just had so much work lately. Harry knows how important my work is.”

Padma still didn’t look convinced but she backed off. “Alright,” she said finally. “But you know you can talk to me. I’m not just Harry’s girlfriend. I’d like to think we’re friends too. I’m not like Lavender, you know. I can keep secrets.”

Hermione smiled. “I know. And I appreciate that fact, but I’m fine, really. I just… I’m not feeling well. I hope you don’t mind, but I think I’m going to go home and get a good night’s rest.”

“Of course not,” Padma said understandingly, opening the bathroom door and letting Hermione pass before following her out.

They went back to the living room where Hermione made her excuses, garnering her hugs from Harry and Ron and a promise that they would all have lunch soon. Hermione’s last glimpse of the house was of Ron and Mandy laughing together, looking happier than ever.

Hermione felt a lump rising in her throat as the door closed and she turned around, holding her coat tightly and Apparating away.

***

“Where’s the blond bimbo?”

Blaise turned as he heard a yell over the thumping bass that pounded through the huge speakers flanking the DJ. Across the table, Pansy was stirring her orange and yellow drink with a straw and waiting for Blaise’s answer, her eyebrow raised interestedly, her mouth twisting into a smirk.

“Threw her back,” Blaise answered, shouting over the music to be heard. Pansy just nodded and smirked knowingly.

“Going to find another?” she asked, glancing around the thudding club, watching as strobe lights flashed over the writhing crowd in front of them. “I’m sure you could find one mummy dearest would approve of here.”

Blaise rolled his eyes. “Shut up, Pansy. What about you? I don’t think Robert would like you being here.”

“Haven’t you heard?” Pansy asked, taking a sip of her drink. “Robert was so last week. I’m in the market for a new beau.”

“New, richer beau,” Blaise replied and Pansy grinned mischievously.

“Perhaps.”

At that moment, another person emerged from the crowd and climbed into the third seat at their table.

“Fuck, it’s like a sauna in there,” Draco said, squirming in his clothes. “And I hate these Muggle clothes. They’re so uncomfortable.”

Pansy rolled her eyes. “They’re in fashion now, Draco. And they’re not that bad. I happen to like them.”

“Yeah, only because you can be even more of a slut and get away with it in that thing you’re wearing. Don’t know if it’s long enough to even be considered clothes.”

Pansy glanced down at the mini-skirt that was indeed only several inches long, showing off her long legs that were made even longer by the spike heels she was sporting. She shrugged and looked at Blaise. “Maybe it’s because you can’t pull it off quite like Blaise can,” she said to Draco. “He looks hot. You look uncomfortable.”

“Well, I am,” Draco snipped moodily.

Blaise rolled his eyes as Pansy continued to poke fun at Draco, comparing his clothes to Blaise. Blaise was wearing a pair of Muggle jeans and a dress shirt, not much different from his normal dress. Though his mother didn’t approve of the new Muggle fashion trends, he liked them. They were much easier to move in than in robes.

While Pansy and Draco bickered, Blaise slipped away from the table unseen, moving into the undulating crowd, quickly finding many a willing dance partner. He danced with a few girls, each one moving as close to his body as possible, but he wasn’t interested.

After changing partners a few times, he found a rather attractive girl. She was thin with dark brown hair and her clothes seemed to be adhered to her body. A quick whisper in her ear and Blaise was leading her over to the table where Draco and Pansy were still sitting, Pansy sipping her drink and Draco shifting moodily in his clothes.

“Draco, Pansy,” Blaise said, taking the girl to the table, “this is Holly.”

Draco’s appraising eye was on the girl immediately and Pansy simply sat back.

“Nice to meet you,” Pansy said. “I don’t suppose you could tell me who the Minister is?”

“Who?” the girl giggled, and Pansy nodded.

She turned to Blaise. “Your mother would be proud.”

Blaise rolled his eyes. They always seemed to want to drag his mother into anything that involved a girl. It wasn’t like he planned to marry Holly. Hell, he probably wouldn’t remember her name the next day.

“Yes, well, we’re leaving,” Blaise said, smirking as Holly stood on her tiptoes beside him, biting his earlobe. He quirked an eyebrow at Pansy who scoffed. Draco said nothing. “Don’t wait u—“

Blaise was interrupted mid-sentence as there was a flash of light and after it cleared, a small piece of paper fluttered to the tabletop.

Blaise’s eyebrows furrowed as he saw his name written across it. He picked it up quickly before either Pansy or Draco had the chance to. Unfolding it, he scanned it quickly and seemingly didn’t react.

Then he looked up, his expression indiscernible. “I have to go,” he said suddenly and both Draco and Pansy looked at him sharply.

“What is it?” Pansy asked.

“Nothing,” Blaise said. “Just somethi—I just have to go.” He turned to Holly, who looked confused. “Sorry, darling. Maybe some other time.”

“Where are you going?” Draco demanded.

“Nowhere. I just have to go.” With a kiss on Holly’s cheek, Blaise grabbed his jacket and turned, pushing his way to the exit.

Pansy and Draco looked at each other for a moment, waiting until Holly left them, disappearing into the crowd.

“What was that?” Pansy asked.

“He’s hiding something,” Draco said, still watching the direction Blaise had left in.

“Yes, but what?”

Draco shrugged, picking up his drink. “Maybe he’s fucking his tailor. It would explain his clothes.”

Pansy rolled her eyes. “You’re just jealous that he looks so much better in leather pants than you do.”

Draco scoffed and looked away. “I look plenty hot in leather pants, I’ll have you know.”

Pansy smiled, hiding her laugh behind her glass. “I’m sure.”


~~**~~

A/N: Please review!