Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, and the only thing I hope to make from this is some readers happy.

A/N: Thank you to the followers/favoriters - I keep hoping this story will pick up, though it's never approached "Playmate's" popularity. Big thanks to my reviewers this time around: Grovek26 (that part made me giggle, too. And there's no way I can believe Draco would be good for weeks, regardless); stronghermione (you made my day! And if you read all of this in one sitting, you must have been in front of your computer for quite a while. Which part made you angry? Yeah, immediate sunshine doesn't work for me, either. If you like Lucius, try reading my fic "Playmate." He's a lot of fun in that one. Glad you found the story, and that you were kind enough to write in. By all means, feel free to add my work to your community- I take that as high praise); LB (I'm happy that you enjoyed his counter-proposal. I can't wait to see her have to try to tell everyone how it happened!); arcticcat621 (Thank you! I'm so pleased you've stuck with the story all this time); Trelawney (Hello, friend! It's easy to write Draco in a lovable light, since I adore the snarky brat. I can't say how long I'll stay with this story. Next semester's going to be heavier than usual, and I may have to cut back to one story for a while); Slytherin Princess 1313 (Thanks much! Is 13 your lucky number, too?)

One can lounge naked on a kitchen table for only so long. However, as that time has never been officially defined, Hermione and Draco were still lying there after an indecent amount of time and a hastily-cast Warming Charm.

"Granger?" He reached over idly and played with a particularly unruly lock of her hair.

"Mmmm?" She lazily half-opened one dark eye, decided that nothing was on fire or otherwise amiss, and closed it again. "M'listening."

"About the wedding, love...you do realize it's going to be a huge, splashy affair, right?"

She rolled to face him in mild exasperation. "Must it?"

"Absolutely. Malfoy weddings are always obnoxiously high-profile, with an indecent amount of money spent."

"I'd be fine with eloping, or with a small wedding, Draco. Really." Her brow furrowed.

His jaw tightened, and he shook his head emphatically. "Not a chance. I won't have anyone believing, much less stating, that our nuptials were lower-key because you were a Muggleborn. It might seem silly to you, but in Pureblood society, a small wedding is seen as a slight to the bride and her family, and I won't accept anyone finding the least thing to twist into meaning I don't love and respect you completely."

Her expression softened and she smiled. "Never have I heard such a pretentious custom explained in such a sweet fashion."

"It's a gift," he shrugged casually and then prepared to take on a tougher subject, praying this would go as smoothly.

"Hermione, with affairs like these, it's necessary to have several attendants on both the bride and groom's sides. Five on each is socially acceptable as a minimum."

"Okay..." Where was he going with this? She raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"I don't have that many close friends, you see. I've asked Potter to be Best Man," (her eyes lit up),"And as far as my mates are concerned, I only want Blaise and Theo standing with me. I know that they'll be decent to you." He stopped to check her reaction thus far.

"All right, so that would give you three, correct?"

"Erm, yes." He looked down at the tabletop, tracing a pattern.

"Draco, why are you stalling? Do you have anyone else in mind?"

He took a deep breath. "RonandGeorgeWeasley."

She drew back, shocked. "Ron and George? Seriously? You want Ronald and George Weasley to stand up on your side in our wedding? I can't believe you! There's no way they'd do it, anyway."

His smirk returned. "I had drinks with Potter and Weasley after our Azkaban visit. I asked Weaselbee then if he'd be willing to do it if you didn't kill me for making the suggestion."

"Forget about killing; I'd just like to understand for now, if you please."

He reached over and took her hands in his. "Granger, I've known for years how much the Weasley family has meant to you. They've been like your Wizarding adoptive clan. I get it." She started to protest, and he held up an elegant hand to stop her. "I also get that you've been miserable on some level since the falling out. So here's the wedding present I am requesting from you: make up with the ginger mob."

It was obvious that she was considering his statement seriously. "Making up with them would be my present to you? Draco, I don't follow."

"It's simple, really. Seeing you happy makes me happy. When you're sad, I feel uneasy and then pissed off when I can't fix whatever is hurting you. Please, Mione." Those striking grey eyes beseeched her, and she could deny him nothing. She still didn't feel like totally accepting, so she nodded instead of speaking. Hey, it was petty, but she was only human.

"Why George, though? I didn't think you were an especial fan of his."

"He makes me laugh, even when I'm the butt of the joke sometimes. Plus he's got a knack for defusing volatile situations, and we may be in dire need of that on our wedding day. I thought he might enjoy being a part of things. And if we make him a member of the wedding party, perhaps he'll give us a discount on some fireworks."

"Always looking for a deal, eh Malfoy?" She gave him a wry smile.

"First and foremost, I'm a businessman, love. So I'm always searching for a bargain."

"And did you get a bargain in me?"

"I got a complete and utter steal when I got you. You're the second-best deal I ever made." He moved away from her quickly when her eyes darkened.

"Second-best?"

"I believe I have to knock off a few points due to the cost incurred when I increase both my property and medical insurance to deal with your temper. You're scary, woman." He grinned at her and she shook her head in (mostly) mock disgust.

"Don't think I'll forget this, Malfoy. I still want to know what your best deal was." She began to loom menacingly-

And both started upon hearing a tapping at the penthouse kitchen window. Draco got up to let an owl in. It flew to the edge of the table, and extended its leg. When he removed the message, it flew away.

Malfoy-

After you left the pub, Ron told me he'd be willing to put on a bridesmaid's dress if it got him back on Hermione's good side. Figured you and Mione could have some fun with this information. He's my best mate, but I won't pretend he doesn't deserve it.

Hope you're both well. Gin says hello.

HP

Draco passed the letter to his fiancée. "Now you HAVE to make up with them. Just imagine the benefits of having the Weaselette on your side while you torture The Weasel King."

She read the note then gave him an evil smile. "This is going to be so much fun. I think I'll start by telling him that if he's serious about the dress, I'll give him another chance. Then I'll insist that I've chosen hot pink and seafoam for my colors."

"That's rubbish! There is no way he'll fall for that."

Hermione pulled him close. "Bet me. This IS Ronald we're talking about. I'll just say it's some kind of upper-class Pureblood custom. I can fool him in my sleep."

"Gods- you are so sexy when you're bitchy, and it's not at me."

"Enjoy it while it lasts. I'm sure it will change soon enough." She hopped off the table and began picking up her clothes and handing him his when she came across them.

"What's the rush?"

She pecked him on the lips. "I've got one best friend to drive insane, another to make up with, and a wedding to plan that will knock Pureblood society on their collective inbred arses. I'm a busy woman, Draco."

"Granger?"

"What now?"

"Scratch what I said about second-best."

"Damn right."