Chapter 12
“Oh my goodness,” Hermione whispered, her fingertips at her temples as Neville ushered her back to their table. “That was humiliating. It’s the worst way the public could have found out about me and Ron.”
“Don’t worry about that,” George said, casting an aguamenti and knocking back a full chalice of water. “People will find another topic to focus on soon enough. Doesn’t Skeeter have the gossip on some new person every other day?”
“Actually,” Angelina smiled, her brown eyes staring down at Hermione kindly. “This might have actually worked in your favour. Not only have people found out that Ron was a cheat, but the way he behaved and the things he said have probably made people turn against him even more.” She squeezed Hermione’s shoulder, her hands cool on Hermione’s skin.
Hermione nodded. “I hope people don’t start jumping to conclusions.”
“If they do, then it’s none of their business anyway,” Hermione glanced up at the sound of Harry’s voice, the wizard worrying his bottom lip. Parvati launched herself at Hermione, squeezing her tight.
“We’re so sorry we couldn’t get to the crowd soon enough,” she regretfully spoke. “By the time we realised what was going on, Malfoy was already giving him a good dressing down. God job,” she added on, grinning at the blond wizard.
Draco nodded in response. “It was my pleasure.”
Harry frowned at Hermione, his green eyes full of concern. “Do you want to head home? I know this isn’t how you expected tonight to go.”
Hermione sighed. She could already feel many of the guests secretly watching her and muttering amongst themselves, no doubt formulating their own opinions on her and Ron’s relationship and whose “fault” it was. Angelina and George were quietly arguing about whether or not they would attend the Weasley Christmas dinner after Ron’s attitude. Too much of the past few days had centred around the dramatic end of her relationship with Ron, and frankly, she was tired of it.
“It’s okay, Harry. I don’t want Ron to ruin my night and I know half the guests at the ball want to talk about something with you.” She smiled as Harry grinned ruefully.
Parvati gently touched her wrist. “Are you sure? We all know Harry’s the famous one. I could always head home with you so that Harry can do his public figure work.”
“No, honestly, Parvati.” Hermione recalled the number of nights that Parvati and Harry had spent with her, trying to keep her distracted and making sure she wasn’t lonely.Harry’s fame already meant the couple rarely had time to themselves and for the past week, they had diverted any and all free time for their relationship to making Hermione feel better about her own. She wasn’t going to ruin one of the few chances that Parvati would get to spend time with her husband.
“I promise I’m fine. I want to see you guys have fun too.”
Parvati nodded, but the worry in her dark eyes remained. “If you do want to head home, just say the word.”
“If it comes to that, I can head out with Hermione instead,” Neville spoke up from where he was quietly speaking with Draco. “Lord knows you two barely see each other. Besides, the most excitement I’ll probably get tonight is a parent bribing me to give their child an O in their OWL. I’m sorry, but if the kid can’t tell the difference between dandelions and gillyweed, then me changing their grades might just be a threat to public safety.” He smirked.
That forced a little giggle out of Hermione. “See? I’ve got Neville if I want to head home. You two go and enjoy the night. The menu is wonderful, and I bet you two haven’t even eaten. Go and get something into your mouths,” Hermione chided the couple.
“She’s right,” Draco added on. He stared at Harry with a firm gaze. “If I know anything, it’s that being in the public eye is exhausting. Take what little joy you can.”
Harry held Draco’s gaze for a minute, his expression. Some sort of non verbal communication must have passed between the two wizards, because after a moment, Harry looked away, wrapping an arm around Parvati’s shoulders. “Look out for Hermione, will you?” He asked.
Draco hummed assent. “Now go and talk to Sorokin. The man’s been trying to he your attention this whole evening.” He jerked his head to where the Auror staring expectantly at Harry, an excited expression on his face.
Harry laughed. “Surprised you’re not an Auror yourself with that sort of attention to detail.” He hugged Hermione and Neville and headed over to the man, Parvati waving the the group as they departed.
Draco turned to Hermione. “You should get some air,” he said brusquely. “The gardens outside are a nice place to have a walk.”
Hermione nodded, still slightly chilled by the whole event. She gathered her bag and turned to Neville and Draco.
“Thank you for sticking up for me,” she smiled gratefully at both wizards. “And I’m sorry you both got tangled up in this mess.”
Neville shook her playfully. “Consider it a thank you for all the times you had to help me in potions at Hogwarts,” he grinned teasingly. “Besides, this was way more exciting than marking essays!”
“I agree,” Draco shoved his hands into his pockets and gave a little smirk. “This is the first time I’ve actually enjoyed pulling the Death Eater card. The look on their faces was hilarious.”
Laughing, Hermione embraced both wizards quickly and began to head to the wide double doors at the entrance of the hall.
Despite the disastrous circumstance in which she’d had to confront Ron on his cheating, her heart felt much lighter knowing she had a circle of friends who were willing to stand by her side – even Draco Malfoy, whom she’d only started talking to a few hours ago. And if she had her friends, then she wasn’t as alone as she thought she was.