The Untold Story of Astoria Greengrass

Chapter 9

August 21st, 1999

 The Burrows

 A large white tent house multiple guests at a gay party, laughter was heard from kilometers around. 

 I stood there, apprehensively, My mother at my side, Draco and Daphne at the other. It had been exactly one month since I last spoke to Draco, and even today we had hardly muttered more than a hello.

 Daphne and I had gone over our plans very carefully the night before. We were going straight to the owlry, and I would extract the memory of the postcards from that crazy bird’s head.  We had spoken of several possible scenarios, excuses and apologies in case we were caught. It was really rather simple, so fool proof. The real challenge had been in getting mummy to agree to come to the party.

 I didn’t understand why Daphne had insisted on bringing Draco. According to her we were here strictly on business, besides… we weren’t sure that Draco would be welcomed in the Weasley home.

 He had worked as a wonderful way to convince her, though. Mum had insisted that we go without her but when we mentioned Daphne was to take Draco, well, mum thought it best if she was there to help smooth things over. Mum and Daphne had been looking for ways t reintroduce the Malfoy’s as social icons all summer and tonight they would take the ultimate test- were the Malfoy’s completely accepted in polite society?

 Mummy had phoned the Weasleys and mentioned that Daphne would like to bring her beau, of course she left out the tiniest detail of who it was she was bringing.

 Draco had not wanted to come, he had insisted that it was wildly inappropriate- seemed almost offended that she should try inviting him. I didn’t know what Daphne had said to convince him, but from one day to another he accepted.

 “It was so strange. I told him it was good for his family, that he needed to stop being so childish. I explained that this was the toughest crowd he would face and after that, everything was smooth sailing. He was so thick-headed, even when I told him it was his duty to accompany me and my sister, he still seemed hesistant. Then this morning… he had made up his mind to come” I remembered Daphne’s words yesterday evening.

 Now, we were here, slowly approaching the Weasley party and I was terrified of the reaction we would receive.

 At first our presence at the party seemed unnoticed. Mummy scanned the tent for signs of Molly Weasley and I looked at Draco, whose face was white as parchment.

 “Draco Malfoy.” I heard a soft voice say from behind us.

 It was Hermoine Granger, and right behind her Ron Weasley. My breathing quickened. We were sure to have people staring at us all night for sure.

 “Granger, Weasley.” Draco’s voice was calm, he was trying very hard to maintain his cool.

 “Surprise to see you here. Hello Daphne,Astoria.” Hermoine’s voice definitely denoted surprise, but she was very cordial and pleasant.

 “Hello Aunt Haedi, it’s good to see you here.” Said Ron, quickly scanning the tent for his parents.

 “Hello, Ronald, Ms. Granger. I told your mum we would be bringing Daphne’s beau along, hope you don’t mind.” The words poured out of my mother’s mouth quite automatically.

 “Not at all, you’re all welcome. I’ll go fetch mum and dad. Please, sit anywhere you like.” He said, tugging Hermoine’s hand and darting off.

After greeting a few more people, we finally sat at a table in the far corner. Many eyes were definitely on us and that’s when I understood.