NUMB WITHOUT YOU | Draco Malfoy

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Hermione was not as receptive to my request as I would have hoped. Despite all of her efforts to show the world that Death Eaters could be changed, she still had reservations about inviting Draco and I to the annual Hogwarts celebration of the end of the war. I knew it wasn't because of her own feelings, but everyone else's. Those who lost friends and family at the hands of others like me. Initially I was a little hurt by her apprehension, but I stuffed that feeling deep down inside of me so it wouldn't see the light of day again.

I needed to find a different approach to get an invitation, and I needed to do it fast.

"Hermione, think of the publicity." I argued with her over lunch one day. "If you can show that your Ministry-approved program works so well that ex-Death Eaters want to come and celebrate the liberation of Hogwarts, then there would be no denying just how successful it really is. Show them we've changed."

Hermione sipped her tea, but I could see her mind working. I was finally getting somewhere. I stabbed at my salad with my fork and tried to keep occupied while she thought it over.

"I suppose that does make sense." She smiled a minute later. "I think I should be able to pull some strings to add you to the list."

"Thank you so much." I gushed, "Now I just need to go find a dress." My mind immediately went to Pansy. She was going to love helping me with this.

"I'm surprised you even want to go." Hermione said. "This just doesn't seem like your sort of thing."

"I need to get back out there." I lied, "I'd like to start making connections again. My one year working for your program with the ministry is going to be over before I know it, and then where will I be?"

"You make a good point." Hermione smiled. "I'd love to introduce you to some people. It could be a really great networking opportunity."

Hermione spent the rest of lunch discussing Ministry big-wigs and those who worked in similar industries alongside them. I did my best to actively participate in the conversation, but my mind was already elsewhere. As soon as lunch had finished I rushed off to find Pansy, and as usual she wasn't far from Theo's side.

"Pansy!" I shouted as I walked into the Malfoy suite. "I need your expertise."

She looked up lazily from the couch where she was lounging with her boyfriend. "What is it this time?"

"I need another dress." I said. Pansy's eyes immediately lit up and she scrambled to her feet much to the chagrin of Theo who was enjoying having her sprawled out on top of him.

"What's the occasion?" She asked as she waltzed over to me. I had certainly piqued her interest.

"The celebration at Hogwarts." I told her. Pansy's eyes went wide and she nodded in understanding.

"That's not the kind of event I would expect ex-Death Eaters to be invited to attend." She mused. "I heard it's very exclusive to those who aren't currently in attendance at school there."

"That's why I got special permission." I smirked at her, "Being friends with Hermione Granger is very advantageous."

Pansy was still scanning my body as she planned my outfit in her head. Theo came over to stand next to us. He had grown bored alone on the couch, "Are we invited, Pans?"

"No," She frowned although I could see her eyes sparkle mischievously, "But we will be."

"Oh, Pansy. I dunno..." I was worried of the idea that the two of them would follow Draco and I around all night and we wouldn't be able to sneak off to get the basilisk fang. "Two former Death Eaters kind of fills their whole quota."