As It Was *Complete*

88. Final Checks

"Not to sound dramatic but I am freaking out right now!" The smile that Astra foolishly thought would never fade, was long gone. It was the day of the ball. New Year's Eve and she was currently at Malfoy Manor in a room with Pansy, Hermione, Maddi and Ginny. She had been put into her dress, her hair, and makeup were sitting to perfection and she was now pacing in panic.

Hermione had conjured a fan and was now wafting it in front of her face trying to cool her down.

"Don't you dare sweat off all my hard work," Pansy growled from where she was bend over the mirror fixing her eye makeup. "I don't have time to redo it."

"I have to go out there in front of Merlin knows how many people and smile as Draco announces that we are engaged and having a baby. Half the hall is going to think I trapped him and the other half are going to think I am some wreckless little slut." She snapped, now angry at herself.

"Astra!" Maddi shouted and grabbed the girl by the arms. "Snap out of it. Do you really care what everyone thinks of you?"

Astra bit her lip. "No not really."

"Exactly! Screw 'em. No one can make you feel about bad without your consent. You are beautiful, smart, kind, and perfect and Draco is very bloody lucky to have you. So pipe down, and drink this." She handed her best friend a glass of apple juice. "Narcissa added a baby-safe tonic for your nerves."

"That woman is a legend!" Astra said downing nearly glass and all in a hurry to feel better. Which she did in mere seconds.

"Why thank you sweetheart," Narcissa said as she, Andromeda and Esme came into the room smiling. "It should settle your nerves a little and help remind you that you are amazing. There is nothing you can't do."

"Including a silly ball," Andromeda added. "I used to hate them when I was younger but they are not so bad. Bit boring but stick close to Draco and you will be absolutely fine."

"Your father and I will be in the room and if you need to leave or anything happens, just come and get us." Esme said trying to help.

"You and Professor Snape?" Maddi said wiggling her eyebrows as her mother blushed. "What is that about?"

"None of your business!" Esme smirked.

"I would just like to know if Astra and I are going to be sisters that's all," she sang as she danced around her mother, making her blush deepen.

"It's a little early for that," Esme muttered.

"Your mother is happy. Leave her be." Andromeda chuckled.

"It's time to go ladies," Narcissa smiled, loving having women around her home now. For so long she didn't have many people at all. Lucius liked to entertain but it was always fellow Sacred 28 members and they were all a bit...well they were assholes! She was enjoying this.

"Alright," Pansy said, hands on her hips. "Final checks girls, let me see your smiles."

"Smiles?" Hermione asked confused.

"To make sure there is no lipstick in your teeth," Pansy explained as she made her way down the line, fixing straps and adjusting hair as she went. "Ok, everyone looks incredible. If I don't have at least one of you engaged by the end of the night, I have not done my job properly."

"I am married," Maddi smiled flashing her ring.

"And I am knocked up and engaged. I think I am doing alright," Astra giggled as the doors opened and Blaise came in with his hands over his eyes, but it fingers wide so he could clearly see.

"I can't see anything I swear...oh you are all dressed. Missed my chance," he pouted.

Pansy scoffed. "This is what you're married to Zabini. I really don't think you should be gloating."