Granger Family Reunion

Ch 6: The Ball Part: 1

Hermione's P.O.V

I woke up beside Draco again and we both spent some more time in the bed together since it's our anniversary .Then, we both went to get ready.
When we came downstairs, we saw that the children were ready and were sitting on the sofa. When they saw us, they wished our happy anniversary and we both thanked them. Halley said, "Mum, dad, we know you guys don't like if we buy you something so we all have contributed to make a gift for you all". They gave us a wrapped gift but I could tell it was a book. I looked at Draco and we both opened the gift together. On the front cover were the words DRAMIONE THROUGH THE YEARS in gold letters. I glanced back at the kids and opened the book. There were pictures of me and Draco from 8th year till now. There were images of our dates, our picnics, our marriage, our friends marriages, our honeymoon and when each of the children were born. By the end, me and Draco both had tears in our eyes and hugged our children tightly. Draco said, "Thank you so much kids. This is the best gift ever." I nodded my head and then we spent the day together in the penthouse only. We played games and watched movies. At 3:30 pm, the Potters, Weasleys, Zabinis, Turners and Ben's family also joined us. They also wished us happy anniversary. Near 4 pm, we started to get ready. The ladies and girls stayed in our penthouse but the gents and boys went to Harry's penthouse. We first did the hair and makeup of girls. Then, we all ladies got ready. When a quarter was left till 7, we proceeded one by one. I was the last one to proceed in our living room. When I reached downstairs in our living room, I saw that everyone was with their dates and were looking at them in awe. But Draco's reaction was priceless. He was looking at me in love and pure adoration. He offered me his hand and I held it. He brought it near his lips and kissed my knuckles. He said, "You look.. you look gorgeous, love". I blushed and thanked him and complemented him too. He gave me a small peck on my lips and then we proceeded towards the Ballroom. Draco went towards the other room because he will enter later. First everyone went in with there dates and then I walked in. Everyone's eyes were on me. Men looked at me in lust and women looked at me in awe and envy. I looked at my friends and nice family. They were all looking at me proud. I walked towards them but on my way, I saw the mean family who were all dressed in slutty clothes. Even the kids were dressed like her mother. I heard Angel whispering to the mean family, "Who does she think she is? She is dressed like this ball is for her but it is for Augusta." I stopped and turned towards her and said, "Just wait and enjoy". Amelia gave me a smile full of adoration. I returned the gesture and turned away only to run into a chest. I looked and saw that it was Lucius. He was there with Narcissa. They both had huge smiles on their faces. They both said, "Happy anniversary, dear." I thanked them and Cissa said, "You look gorgeous, my darling." I smiled and said, "Thank you, Cissa. You look very beautiful. You too Lucius." From the corner of my eye I saw that the mean family was shocked that I knew Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. They both then continued to attend guests and I went to my friends and family. The ladies went to get drinks and there we were asked by many men to dance. We politely declined them and continued to enjoy.
I then went outside. There was a garden outside and I saw that someone sitting on the stairs to the garden. I touched their shoulder and they turned around. It was Amelia. I said, "Amelia, what happened? Why are you sitting alone here?" I sat beside here and saw that she was drinking red wine and had a few tear marks on her cheeks. She said, "Augusta said that I am ugly and look pathetic. And threw wine on my dress. And I don't have an extra dress so I am here drinking my sorrows". I took the wine glass from her and kept it aside. I held her hands in mine and said, "Then they are wrong. You are very beautiful, Amelia. You have natural beauty, unlike Augusta and Angel. Don't think about it much. And trust me, I am speaking from experience". I wiped her tears with my thumb and gave her an encouraging smile. She said, "I am really sorry, Hermione. For whatever I did to you when we were kids. I was a little girl and thought that mum was always right. But she wasn't. I wanted to apologize to you for years but neither did I have the guts nor could I find you." I said, "Believe me or not Amelia, I already forgave you. When we were little, I saw that you weren't happy by teasing and bullying me. So, I forgave you. And now too, you didn't tease me about anything unlike the others. And everyone deserves a second chance. Let me tell you a secret, my husband used to bully me all the time. He used to comment on my looks and knowledge. He made my school years a living hell. But, in our last year, he apologized and I gave him a chance to redeem himself. And he did. He changed himself into a person a became to love. So, you also deserve a second chance." She didn't saw anything but just hugged me tighty. And I hugged her back. Then, I stood up and said, "Come on, we need to dress you up." She also stood up and said, "What do you mean? I don't have another dress and wine stain doesn't get removed." I said, "We are going to my penthouse. I always keep extra dresses. And I think they will fit you perfectly." She smiled and thanked me. We went through the garden to get inside the building. We entered the elevator and I asked her, "So, what are you doing these days? I heard from Angel that you are doing a beauty course?" She laughed and said, "Not really. I am doing an event management course. But they think I am doing a beauty course because if I told them about event management, they won't let me complete it. I am waiting for a scholarship so that I can go way from my family. I got the degree already but it will take sometime for the scholarship." I then asked, "What about an internship? Then you can leave Augusta and Aunt Kathy early." We came in the penthouse and she sighed and said, "Already tried. No one wants to give an intership to a 36 year student." I took her to my room and said, "I think I can arrange it for you. My best friend, Ron Weasley owns the Weasley Event Management. If I tell him, he will surely arrange it." Amelia squealed and said, "It's the best event management company in the world. I have always dreamt of joining it. Do you really think he will get me a job there?" I laughed and said, "He has to. You are my sister. If he doesn't, he knows what will happen to him." She had tears in her eyes again and hugged me. She said, "Thank you, Hermione. For everything." I just said a no problem. I gave her two dresses to wear and she came out. The first one was nice but didn't suit her. When she came out wearing the second one, I gasped.

To be continued....