Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Halloween Feast

(i) The characters and world of Harry Potter are the property of the remarkably talented J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this.

(ii) Thank you to all the readers who have stayed with me through the writing of this tale. Your kind reviews have been enormously helpful. Not only do they provide motivation and inspiration to keep going, but your intelligent comments help me formulate my plot and character development. So please do continue to review and tell me what you think of the story. You have no idea how wonderful it is to hear from you.

(iii) And finally, much gratitude to my brilliant beta, Queen_of_Stars. You have been the most gracious of friends through these long months. I am so thankful that you agreed to help me work on, polish and present this story. All errors that ultimately remain are my own.

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The Great Hall on the night of the Halloween Feast had been decorated with magnificent splendour. Magical lanterns in the shape of pumpkins carved in intricate designs were placed in the middle of all the tables. Iridescent mist seemed to cling to the upper part of the hall while the ceiling resembled the starry sky outside. The students were awed to see the glittering invitees, and Ginny preened to be seen publicly among her school mates with the Saviour of the Wizarding World. The youngest Weasley had done her best to dress as provocatively as was possible for a school feast and did not hesitate to drape herself all over Harry. She did so while periodically shooting obviously venomous glances at Hermione, who had chosen to sit at the Slytherin table with Draco, Astoria and the older Malfoys.

Harry Potter, on the other hand, had finally come to a decision. He had stayed away from Hogwarts deliberately, avoiding as much as possible being alone with Ginny. He knew that his avoidance of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts had hurt Hermione, but he knew that she would manage with the company of Luna and Astoria. Meanwhile, the Saviour of the Wizarding World had been using his time at Auror Training to think. He realised that as an Auror, he would never achieve the glamour and fame that were needed to satisfy Ginny in the long term. For the moment, he was lauded because he was the Boy-Who-Lived-Twice. Soon, however, other stars would immerge, and when Harry did nothing but continue to work as an Auror, living the life he desired with a quiet family far away from the glare of the media and the present adoration he enjoyed, Ginny's affection would soon enough turn into nagging revulsion. He could see that the life he wanted was very different from the one she envisioned them living. He wanted peace and quiet. She wanted fame, fortune and the status of a trendsetting glitterati. With that in mind, Harry allowed Ginny to flaunt her affair with him for the final time. He was going to take her for a walk after the Feast and finally bring their relationship to a close. He didn't know who would come into his life next, but he knew he wanted someone who saw him for who he was, not for what he had done. Hermione saw beyond the name of Harry Potter into his inner soul. He hoped that he would find the same honesty of feeling in the woman who would eventually share his life.

The three Malfoys had known in advance that Hermione wanted them to speak with Severus. The new family had put their heads together and had decided that if given the opportunity, Lucius would bring up the topic of a mutually beneficial marriage contract between Severus and Hermione. It went against everything Hermione had been brought up to believe in, indeed, it seemed archaic to have her father-figure approach the man she loved on her behalf, but Cissy had rightly pointed out that it would suit Severus' more traditional nature. This way, there could be no doubt as to the intentions of the couple. Moreover, it was more than proper given the Malfoy name that Lucius as the head of his family desired a joining with Severus. They shared strong ties of friendship, and it would be perfectly acceptable in the context of pureblood customs.

Draco, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to slip into a quiet alcove with Astoria. He could not believe that he had failed to notice her while at school. He had always been blinded by Pansy's more flaunted charms. He had not spent quality time alone with his fiancée since the start of term. Hogsmeade was no place for a proper courtship.

Once dinner was concluded, the junior students retired for the evening. Only the seventh-year students had been permitted to remain for the dancing and socialising that was to follow. Thus, as soon as the tables were cleared, Astoria and Draco slipped quietly away into the rose garden, the usual haunt of lovers. Harry, too, was seen leading Ginny away into the privacy of the grounds. Hermione wondered at the grim expression on Harry's face as she watched him lead Ginny away.

The Weasleys had, for the most part, pretended they hadn't seen her, although Bill, Percy and Arthur made it a point after the feast to walk across the Great Hall to the Slytherin table to greet the Malfoys and speak to Hermione. Molly's face darkened ominously as she watched her husband and two sons cross over to what she considered the evil side, though Hermione was delighted. She had always been fond of Percy. For all his pompous airs and attitudes, he had been one of the few people who had helped her when she had first arrived at Hogwarts. He had lent a hand with tips on how to get around the library during the first few weeks at school before she had been befriended by Harry and Ron. He had even, on more than one occasion, shown her how to understand the very convoluted filing system of the library catalogues. Bill, too, had been a kind and interesting presence during her growing years, as had, of course, Mr. Weasley.

Ginny had beamed when Harry had quietly suggested a walk after dinner. She had missed him, and she knew her friends, especially Romilda, were watching the two of them with covetous attention. Thus, she winked at her friend before allowing Harry to lead her outside. Ginny knew Romilda would soon have informed all of the remaining seventh-years of their acquaintance that Ginny had disappeared on the arm of Harry. There could be no doubt in anyone's mind what two teenagers were doing in the dark.

However, Ginny's confusion was apparent when Harry did not lead her into the rose garden. Instead, he seemed on a mission to walk towards the even more secluded greenhouses. Once there, he did not pull her into his arms, even though she did her best to twine herself around him. Instead, he firmly held her arms and said, "Ginny, please, sit down. I need to speak to you seriously."

Ginny Weasley's heart nearly stopped beating. Now sure that her boyfriend was about to propose, she sat down with a demure, if practiced, smile and awaited her proposal.

Harry was no fool. He realised what Ginny expected of him. But he forced himself to remain true to his plan. "Ginny," he said as gently as he could, "tell me truthfully, what do you see as our life being if we were to marry?"

This was not how Ginny expected her proposal to go, but she had given enough and more thought to the life she wanted. Thinking that Harry was trying to sound her out, she rushed immediately into her narration. "I see us in a large house, possibly Grimmauld Place, but hopefully something far grander, enjoying being part of society. I want to play Quidditch professionally or model, or both really. I've been told I look really good in and out of clothes, and I think I'd make an excellent model. I know mum would not really approve, but she would come around if I was to become really famous. And as your wife, every classy magazine will be gagging to have me on their front page. I see us being invited to the best and biggest parties, of having a really good time."

Harry nodded. He had been distracted by the thought of Ginny nude, but he knew a diversionary tactic when it was thrown at him. Holding on to his will with determination, he did not move away from his plan. He knew that Ginny had always wanted to be famous. These dreams were not new. She had always been ambitious and had always wanted to play professional Quidditch. The modelling was something new, but Harry realised that her few moments of fame following the recent media hype had given her a taste for what she wanted. "Ginny, love," said Harry softly. "Can I tell you what I want out of life?"

Ginny beamed at him and nodded. Here it comes, she thought happily. Finally, I will be able to say I'm to be the future Mrs. Harry Potter.

"Ginny, I see myself as finishing Auror Training and becoming an Auror. I see myself as living a quiet life, with my wife and children, far from the eyes of the media. I don't want a big, fancy house. I want a loving home. I don't really want my wife to work, and if she does decide to work, I want her to do something that is meaningful. I don't want her to be focused on fame and fortune. I want peace and quiet. I hate being photographed or being forced to go out and talk to people who don't really know or care who I am inside."

Ginny gaped at Harry. She could not understand what he was on about. "But Harry. You're famous. You can party with anyone you want. Even the Malfoys seem to like you. I know I can't stand them myself, but they know everyone in society, and well...." Ginny's voiced trailed off as she realised what was happening.

Harry knelt down before her and took her hands. Anyone coming upon them would have assumed that he was proposing. "Ginny, I do love you. But you are not the woman I want as my wife. The life you desire and the life I desire are very different. I can't be the man you want me to be. I will always love you as the younger sister I never had. But I don't think we should marry. I'm not looking for the best parties or to be part of the right set of people. I want a quiet life. My whole life since the day I entered the wizarding world has been lived under the beady eye of the media. Now I just want to be an Auror."

"What are you saying?" screeched Ginny in outrage, letting go of his hands abruptly. "How can you throw this chance away? You could do anything you wanted; you could even be Minister if you wanted. Why are you settling for being a bloody Auror? They don't even get paid that much."

"I know," said Harry as gently as he could. "Ginny, I'm saying that I no longer want to be your boyfriend. I know you don't understand what I'm saying right now, but it is for the best. I hope that you can forgive me and continue to be my friend, if not now, then once your anger at my behaviour has subsided. But, Ginny...." He reached for her hands again, but she pushed him aside to stand up.

"You're a fool, Harry Potter," screamed Ginny. "You've got the whole world eating out of your hands, and you want to be an Auror and live in peace and quiet."

"Yes," said Harry, decisively. "I want peace and quiet. Not glory. Not fame. Not media attention." He sighed. "Listen, Ginny. I don't know if I'll always be an Auror, but I do know that I want to finish Auror training. Then, we'll see. I might just retire and live in some tiny village somewhere and make soup. The Order of Merlin pension is enough to ensure that I never have to work if I live frugally. It's all I want."

Ginny nodded absentmindedly. She could not understand how all of her dreams and plans were crumbling around her. She had been convinced that Harry would never leave her. Playing her last card, she said, "You know, Harry, my family has been expecting you to propose for months now. If we break up, you'll never be invited to the Burrow again. You'll be cast out like that Slytherin whore, Hermione."

Harry felt his darkness rise as Ginny insulted Hermione, but he clamped down on his emotions brutally. He had worked hard to ensure that he said all he had wanted to. He had expected this from Ginny. "I know," he said simply. "I don't expect your mother to forgive me for disappointing your expectations. But one day, Ginny, you'll thank me for this. We want different things from life, and if we did marry, we would grow to hate each other with a vengeance."

"Well, I hate you now," said Ginny viciously. "You're a fool and a coward, Harry Potter."

"Ginny," said Harry trying to placate the now quivering red-head.

"Don't Ginny me, you worm," Ginny screeched. "We are over, are we? Well then, fuck you, Harry Potter. Fuck you!"

Ginny stormed off. She was furious. How dare the spineless wonder break up with her! She was beautiful, glorious and desirable. She could have any man she wanted, and she had almost thrown herself away on a foolish idiot who wanted to make soup while buried in a nondescript village. Bloody Hell!

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Meanwhile, in the Great Hall, Hermione and the two older Malfoys could be found in discussion with three Weasley males. Bill and Percy hugged Hermione, while Arthur shook Lucius' hand and then bravely kissed Narcissa on her cheek. The two older Malfoys were obviously discomforted by the greeting, but Arthur seemed well in control of the meeting.

"Cousin Cissy," said Arthur addressing Narcissa courteously. "It has been too long since we have spoken in a manner befitting our complicated family connections. Now that Hermione has joined your family, my sons and I would officially like to ask your forgiveness for the distance and breach in our relationship."

Narcissa Malfoy was obviously shocked. In truth, it had been her family that had cut all contact with the Weasleys for their support of Mudbloods. Her aunt had even removed the Weasley name from the Black family tree. The scorch mark had been clearly visible on the tapestry that had hung in Grimmauld Place. "Arthur," said Narcissa equally grave. "The breach and distance have been of our making, not yours. It is I and my husband who must beg your forgiveness for our past behaviour. I thank you for your graciousness in extending your hand in friendship."

"Indeed," added Lucius frigidly. Then, with a sigh of defeat, he visibly relaxed the icy demeanour Hermione had come to note he wore when confronted by those not of his inner circle. "Cissy is right. The coldness that has for so long been a part of our association has been partly of our own doing. We are grateful that you are willing to let bygones be bygones."

Arthur nodded. Then, gesturing to Bill and Percy who were standing tall beside him, he said formally, "These are my sons, William and Percival. Bill, Percy, this is your cousin Narcissa and her husband Lucius."

Bill smiled charmingly and shook Lucius' hand. Then, with a saucy wink at Hermione, he kissed Narcissa three times on her cheeks in the French manner enthusiastically.

Cissy blushed at Bill's antics, but the mood had been lightened. Percy followed his brother with a much more formal handshake and bow.

Once the formal introductions had been made, Arthur turned his smile on Hermione. "My dear," he said warmly. "I'm so pleased to have you join our family. The connection with Narcissa is not at the first glance a very close one, but there are a number of ways in which our bloodlines interconnect, so in truth, we are closer than most distant cousins."

Hermione beamed. She had not really given much thought to the fact that almost all purebloods were connected in a myriad of ways. She realised suddenly that she was now related to a large number of people. "I hadn't really thought of that," said Hermione truthfully. "But I'm glad to be your cousin. My mother was an only child of only children, and my dad's family have always been distant. I'm going to enjoy having more family."

Bill laughed. "Well, 'Mione, I don't know how much you're going to enjoy having George and Ronnikins as cousins, but Perce and I will take care of you. Fleur too. She is the one who insisted I speak to dad about mending the breach. She would have been here today, but she's not feeling too good at the moment. Her pregnancy is difficult, and she seems to spend most of her time being sick or feeling horrid."

Hermione smiled. Then, impulsively, she threw her arms around Bill and Percy. The Weasleys laughed at her exuberance, and the Malfoys chuckled.

Ronald, Molly and George watched the three older Weasley men interacting with the Malfoys with various reactions. Ron and Molly were furious at the publicly done reunion, but George had a thoughtful frown on his face. Then, when he realised that his mother and younger brother were not going to join his father, Bill and Percy in mending the family connections, he slowly began to cross the floor.

Ron gasped in shocked anger. "Traitor," he hissed at his brother. "Have you forgotten that those bastards are responsible for the death of Fred? How can you?"

George paused and turned to look at his brother. "Voldemort was responsible for Fred's death. Thicknesse cast the curse that killed him. The Malfoys were guilty of many things, I agree. I have not and will not forget. But they are making an active effort to change their behaviour. If we refuse to accept their honest or even politically motivated change of heart, we condemn them once more to the fringes from where they have no option but to be our enemies. If we are willing to forgive, to listen, we are more likely to avoid another Voldemort making use of our weaknesses against us."

"Are you mad?" asked Ron. It was obvious that he had not understood anything that George had said.

Molly, too, looked at her son with astonishment. She could not grasp what George was saying. "So you are going to grovel before the Malfoys?" she screeched. "They killed my brothers. They have blood on their hands. You go speak to them and you are no son of mine."

"Then so be it," said George with quiet conviction. "But mum, I think you should realise that if you continue to act like this, you will lose not just me, but also Bill, Fleur, Percy and Dad. Do you really want your jealousy, anger and hatred to result in the further breaking up of your family?"

Molly gasped. She could not think. Her mind and judgement were clouded by a darkness so dense she could not see beyond it. All she could do was stand red-faced and silent as George, with one final look, joined his father and two brothers on the other side of the Hall.

Arthur's eyes widened when he saw George approaching them. But before he could speak, George said jovially, "Not fair, dad. You take Bill and Percy to speak to the two prettiest ladies in the Hall and leave me behind. I really must protest."

Cissy giggled girlishly. She was charmed by the Weasleys' sense of humour. Hermione, too, grinned and gladly submitted to the warm hug bestowed upon her by George. It did seem as though the reunion had been a success. As the four Weasleys and the three Malfoys continued to exchange pleasantries, it was clear to all present that the families had officially buried their deep mistrust and enmity.

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Minerva watched the Weasleys crossing over to the Slytherin table with tense curiosity. She knew that Arthur was a sensible man, as were Bill and Percy, but she worried as to Molly and the younger Weasleys' reactions. A quick glance helped assure her that Ginny, the most volatile in her opinion, was not in the Hall. Minerva knew enough of her Gryffindors to know that Ron and Molly were not brave enough to confront the Malfoys on their own. She watched, extraordinarily pleased, as George, too, eventually joined the Slytherin table. This was, in her mind, a very positive step. It was imperative that old hurts were forgiven and put to rest.

Severus, too, had observed the reunion of the Malfoys and Weasleys from his place at the Head Table. As George joined the group, he turned curiously to look at Minerva, who had sighed audibly.

Minerva turned to look at Severus when she felt his eyes upon her. "Thank the Goddess," she said with feeling. "It is nice to see that some people have at least come to their senses."

Severus nodded. He had not expected such a public show of unity. Kingsley and Andromeda were one thing, but the Weasleys, they were hot-heads and had a much longer and deeper cause for animosity. Their going over was definitely a victory for the Malfoys, but also, Severus realised, as he observed the animated conversation, a victory for the Weasleys and wizarding Britain as a whole.

As Severus continued to gaze at the Malfoys and Weasleys, his eyes met Lucius' keen stare. Unable to ignore his old friend, he nodded his head in acknowledgement. He was surprised, though, when Lucius did not merely return his greeting but rather left the people he was with and made his way to the Head Table.

Bowing courteously to Minerva, he kissed her hand graciously. Then, turning to Severus, he asked, "Fancy a walk in the fresh air?"

Severus glared suspiciously at Lucius. He wanted very much to ignore his friend and refuse. But he realised that Lucius wanted a word in private. With a growl, he pushed back his chair. "If we must."

Minerva chuckled at Severus' behaviour and laughed when she caught Lucius' eye. A smirk and wink from the Malfoy patriarch was more than she had expected, but it made her realise that Hermione had indeed been right when she had spoken of the Malfoys' warmth and love. Minerva realised that Hermione had revealed to her new parents her involvement with Kingsley in the furthering of their plan.

Lucius followed Severus, who was setting a brisk pace, as he made his way with purpose into the rose garden. Severus seemed to be in a foul mood, and he glared at students and deducted ridiculous amounts of house points as he finally reached the inner courtyard. It was thankfully deserted. Taking a seat on the magically heated bench, Severus frowned at Lucius. "What is so important that you had to bring me out here for a private meeting?"

Severus was in no mood for polite conversation. Indeed, he had not been in the mood for any type of conversation since the nineteenth of September. His heart still ached for Hermione, and he cursed himself for his weakness. He wanted her still. He knew that if he allowed himself to let her apologise, he would ravish her with no care for the consequences of his actions.

Lucius sat down beside Severus with studied calm. Opening his robe jacket, he pulled out his cigar case and offered his friend one. Severus was in no mood for the civilities and brushed Lucius' offer aside. Lucius sighed softly, but did not allow himself to be rushed. He knew how to play the game. He would draw this out and allow Severus to work himself out of his snit. Lighting a cigar, he took a long drag before turning to look at Severus. "You look like shit. Everything that you achieved over the summer seems to have gone down the drain. What on earth have you been doing to yourself?"

Severus groaned. "Must you play the urbane gentleman, Lucius? I'm really not in the mood for your games." Then, with a sigh, he rubbed the bridge of his nose and said, "I've been working."

"So I hear. Hermione is most upset that you don't even have time to meet her for a cup of tea. I thought you were friends?" Lucius waited patiently after his question. He wanted to see how Severus would react.

As expected, Severus frowned at the mention of Hermione's name. "She is too young to be my friend. It is better that we don't meet," he said finally.

"What utter nonsense," said Lucius in amusement. Deliberately he pulled a drag on his cigar and leisurely blew out a complicated smoke ring. Then, looking at Severus, who looked furious at Lucius' delaying tactics, remarked casually, "I thought you were well on the way to bedding her, man, and now you say you're too old to be her friend. Have you lost your mind? A young, delectable female is never too young for a grown man."

"You are one to talk," said Severus suspiciously. Then, glaring at Lucius, he asked, "Shouldn't you be a bit more careful about your daughter's virtue? You know what we did under the auspices of the Dark Lord, Lucius. How can you, if you really care for the girl, want her to have anything to do with me?"

Lucius looked appraisingly at Severus. "It is because of our long history and association that I encourage the match, Severus. You are the brother I never had. Despite our shaky beginnings, we have grown over the years to become comrades in arms, allies, even dare I say it, friends. I would like you to be a part of my family. If I had had a sister, I would have done my best to throw her your way. Now that I have a daughter, who is happily head over heels in love with you, I see no reason to not push for a formal match. I think we should draw up a formal betrothal contract. Hermione is young. A long engagement such as the one I have arranged for Draco should suit the two of you until she is done with school. Then, as with Astoria, a marriage can be arranged at your convenience."

Severus was visibly floored. He had not expected Lucius to suggest a betrothal contract in keeping with the most traditional of pureblood customs. This was wholly beyond his wildest dreams. Doing his best to keep track of what was going on, he finally asked, "You want me to marry your daughter?"

"Yes," said Lucius simply. "She loves you. Cissy adores you. I think it is high time you became a part of the Malfoys."

Severus did not know how to respond. He could not deny his desire for Hermione. A formal betrothal would ensure all proper procedure was followed, including, for women, an examination to confirm their virtue. It was the old way. Astoria had been checked by a medi-witch as a part of her contract. It was seen to add to a woman's worth, for it showed that she had a strong control over her magic and her body. Moreover, a formal betrothal contract would ensure that Hermione's chastity was publicly demonstrated. It would remove all taint, all hint of scandal, from her if she was worthy of a formal contract. But even as these thoughts whirled in his mind, he acknowledged that he was shying away from thinking of Lucius' words that spoke of Hermione's love for him. She had never said the words to him herself, so it could be that Lucius was mistaken. But if he wasn't, oh, Merlin, thought Severus in agitation, it would mean the very great possibility of the breaking of the curse. He realised that he could not refuse Lucius' offer. Not only because he truly did not want to, but because he could not throw away his friendship with the Malfoys. He was not a fool. Rejecting the Malfoys' daughter would most certainly cause a breach in their friendship.

Lucius watched the emotions play across over Severus' face. It made the Malfoy patriarch realise how much trust his old friend instinctively now placed upon him. The old Severus from the war years would never have allowed himself to be so unguarded, so vulnerable.

Finally, it looked as though Severus had come to a decision. He visibly pulled himself together and met Lucius' gaze. "I care for Hermione. I have deep affection for you and your family. I would be honoured to join my name to that of your daughter's. I accept. I will prepare an account of my finances and holdings for your perusal."

Lucius stood up. He stubbed out the end of his cigar and vanished it with a swish of his wand. Looking directly at Severus, he said, "I am pleased, Severus, more than I can say. I know Hermione will be ecstatic. Please do not avoid her now. Once the contract is signed, there is no reason for your two to remain estranged."

Severus nodded. He did not know what to say. But inside, his heart sang with unfettered joy. He was going to marry his beautiful Hermione. He realised that it would not be easy to apologise for his recent distance. But she had been his student for long enough to know what his personality was like. If his temper was going to push her away, it would have done so by now. Severus was smart enough to realise that Hermione had asked Lucius to make the offer. This was not something that had been done without the Gryffindor's approval. Indeed, the very manner of its handling smacked of Gryffindor forthrightness. With a smirk, Severus got to his feet. As he walked beside Lucius towards the castle, he remarked sardonically, "I see that Hermione has already been successful in turning you into a Gryffindor. That was most unlike your usual negotiations, Lucius."

Lucius laughed. It pleased him to see the black cloud that had hung around Severus lift enough for the Slytherin to partake of teasing. His shark's grin firmly in place, Lucius said mockingly, "Ah, Severus. It is yet another great advantage of adopting Hermione. I can now, when necessary, act completely unlike myself and blame it entirely on my daughter. Fellow Slytherins will be appalled and intrigued, Gryffindors will be enchanted and delighted, Ravenclaws will be suspicious and curious while the Hufflepuffs will be filled with the joy of human kindness. It is an entirely win-win situation."

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A/N: Love it or hate it, please let me know what you think.