Chapter 14: Dragonheart

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Chapter 14: Dragonheart
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text
Blaise had requested that Charlie come early to assist with some organization of the event and to greet the Romanian dignitaries, should they arrive early.

Hermione had panicked slightly at arriving solo but Charlie assured he that he would be waiting in the Entrance Hall at the Minister’s Mansion at exactly 7:00.

She exited the Floo and felt a wave of nausea that she couldn’t account for.

Ginny and Harry were waiting just in the Parlour where the Floo had deposited them a few moments prior.

Ginny grinned at her friend and Harry turned at Ginny’s face and lit up as he took her in.

There hadn’t been any question about Hermione’s dress. As soon as she laid her eyes on it, she knew it was the one.

It was a deep v-neck dress in the most stunning shade of red she’d ever seen. It fit her snuggly down her torso and flared in dramatic skirt at her waist and fell elegantly to the floor. There was a daring slit that led almost to her hip bone. It had almost been too much and Hermione had considered not taking it home, but she couldn’t leave it there to be worn by anyone else.

Her hair fell in loose curls that she had charmed and her eyes were framed with thick lashes and a gold shimmery shadow.

“Hermione Granger,” he said warmly, “You shine up like a brand new Galleon,” he grinned.

“You flatter me, Mister Potter,” she leaned in and pressed her cheek to his and faked a kiss then embraced Ginny.

“I’m insanely nervous,” she admitted.

“Don’t be,” Ginny grinned, “He’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

Hermione eyes shot up and Ginny gave her a knowing smile.

“Are you feeling ok?” Hermione asked quietly so only she could hear. Something looked off about her friend, maybe her paled complexion or just a worry set around her eyes.

“A bit of cramping. The healer said it’s normal and I’ve taken a pain potion… I’m uncomfortable, but it’ll pass,” she smiled.

“Maybe you ought to go home and rest?” her eyes darting over to Harry who still didn’t know the news for some reason.

“No, no… Don’t be ridiculous,” she rolled her eyes, “Pain potion will be kicking in any minute.”

Hermione had a nasty feeling that she couldn't explain and promised herself to check in with her friend later.

They walked, the three of them, towards the sound of the party and were lead to an extravagant double staircase made of deep cherry wood and inlaid with gold embellishments on the handle.

“Good luck,” Ginny whispered to her and gave her a wink, “Follow your heart, Hermione. You deserve it.”

Hermione gasped at her friends candidness, especially where her brother was concerned. She didn’t deserve friends like the ones she had.

Harry extended his elbow to Ginny and the two descended the stairs as a pair.

Hermione approached the banister between the two stairs and looked down at the Entrance Hall, searching. There must have been a hundred people in this room alone and finally Hermione caught sight of Charlie, looking ridiculously handsome in a pair of charcoal dress robes.

She smiled watching him, he hadn’t noticed her yet.

Her breath caught when the crowds parted and she noticed the familiar shock of blonde hair facing away from her but definitely speaking to Charlie Weasley. His pointed face turned towards her date, his mouth set in a firm line.

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