Happenstance

Traditionally a Nameday was held one moon after the infant’s birth but at the end of November Hermione had been hot on the hunt for Fenrir Greyback and had chosen her children’s safety over custom. So they were having their names formally bestowed upon them on the less mystical 39th day after their birth, which usefully coincided with a Friday night.

She was not religious enough to want a christening though Granny Granger, a staunch C of E, had been disappointed. Nana Penrith had been more supportive; her opinion of organised religion having soured after a falling out with her Methodist pastor over his harsh line against homosexuality.

Hermione hastily adjusted her frock in the dressing mirror. Pregnancy had made her cups runneth over and she had already discarded her other cocktail gown because of the ebullience of her cleavage. This one was the classic little black dress with a sweetheart neckline, which postpartum showed slightly more than she liked. But there was not time to find another. She had got home late. People were knocking downstairs as she hopped down the hall trying to hurry and put on her shoes at the same time.

“You know we could leave them on the doorstep.” Draco remarked when Hermione reached his side with a flushed face. She shook her head.

“They’re my friends.” The witch did not say any more. There was no need. She would go to war for them. Indeed, she had. Bertie, wearing a red tablecloth for the occasion, opened the door for the guests. Louise and Martin Granger with Harry and Ginny Potter, bang on time. Hermione smiled. She would wager large portions of her soul that her parents had ensured Harry’s punctuality.

“Welcome to my humble abode.” Draco said with a not quite choked smirk as the Goldenboy and Ms Weasel crossed his threshold. He greeted Hermione’s parents with every civility then bowed over Ginny’s hand, gauging very close to the mark how much of a snub he could give Potter without being told off.

“I’ve been here in a professional capacity before.” Harry commented, offering his hand for Draco just to see if it would rile him. They shook hands like sumo wrestlers bowing; no mercy and only ritual politeness.

“Mum and the Weasley posse will be here shortly.” Ginny left the two wizards to compare sizes and hugged Hermione. “Bill and Fleur may be a little late. Victoire turned herself into a cat or tried to. She’s a lovely tabby colour now.”

“I remember how that feels.” Hermione laughed then met her mother’s curious glance. She had not mentioned the Polyjuice incident to them and blushed with embarrassment. That was bloody hormones too as well as her inability to lie directly to her parents.

"Transfiguration class was always exciting.” Draco came to her rescue, smoothing over the moment. He knew Louise well enough to expect further inquiries but Mrs Granger had a dislike for scenes so she went along with the repartee. They were saved from finding something to restart the conversation by the arrival of Neville Longbottom and his date.

“Hello, Hannah.” Hermione had a moment of amnesiac surprise before recognising the blonde woman in the blue dress. Hannah Abbot was still pink-cheeked but she had grown up until she almost reached the gangling Neville’s shoulder. Her arms were full of a brightly wrapped parcel and she seemed a little intimidated by the Malfoy facade.

“Hi, everyone.” She said, following Neville inside and holding the gift protectively in front of her. “Wow. Mum said the house was big. She went to a cotillion here once. Some summer thing.” A nervous smile crossed her quite pretty face. “Sorry, manners first. How nice of you to invite Neville, Hermione.”

“How nice of Neville to bring you.” Hermione smiled back and Hannah relaxed a little, offering the present. They sorted themselves out, migrating to the ballroom where the guests could mingle while she and Draco did circuits between the party and the door to greet arrivals. Ginny whistled at the spread, unselfconscious. She gone to enough flashy parties with the Harpies to get over the novelty but she was impressed by Malfoy’s efforts.

“He likes her.” Ginny said in a soft aside to Harry. “I’m sure of it. Seriously likes her. So ease off.”

“He’s a good liar.” Harry kept his voice down, heading for the buffet. They had skipped dinner in the rush to get ready. Their babysitter had been late for which Dudley had apologised profusely. He had volunteered after Harry had made a casual remark when they had got together for a drink. They saw each other occasionally. Dudley had a job in a gym quite close to the Potters’ flat so it was no trouble for him. But it was a big step in the rebuilding of an amicable relationship.

“And if he hurts her we’ll turn him into a ferret.” Ginny whispered, kissing her husband on the cheek before leaving him for Neville and Hannah. She was dying to know how serious they were. She had met Hannah again after Hogwarts at a Harpies fundraiser. Hannah had been behind the bar mixing martinis like in that movie about the ugly dogs. Ginny had dozed off halfway through so she was still uncertain what the point of it was but the scene with the girls twirling cocktail shakers stuck in her mind. And the martinis had been very good.

Harry diverted himself with king prawns, telling himself sternly to leave work at work. Lucius was still out of the country and it was quite possible he was not involved at all. But it rankled. Martin Granger patted him on the shoulder as he headed for the little pastry things and they got to chatting about cars. Hermione’s dad was a motoring buff whereas Harry was a novice considering his first purchase. Flooing with two small kids was a chore.

Louise, alone for the moment, sighed. She let herself cross her fingers and prayed this would turn out well. Hermione was happy. She could see it in her eyes, in the look her daughter had flashed Draco when he covered her embarrassment. It was a pity he was a wizard. Louise would have preferred Hermione to date a normal person for a while. Someone who owned a stereo. Lively but phantom music filled the ballroom, slightly unsettling her. Her peace of mind was not bolstered by the sound of Molly Weasley’s strident voice in the hallway.