Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the intellectual property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Of Nights and Balls

It was a beautiful night but Edward's mind had no care of the night stars or anything. His mind was preoccupied with what Hermione might do during the same night.

She was wearing an abso-fucking-lutely stunning—Alice's words, not his'—Paule Ka designed floor sweeping golden gown with a rich, shining jacquard pattern that was destined to dazzle and turn more than a few male heads her way. It had a deep V-neck, an Empire waist with a flowing skirt. Even the exquisitely intricate red lace bolero jacket that was draped on her shoulders did not manage to hide the enticing view that was Hermione's cleavage and that was something that Edward was not comfortable with. He still agreed with Alice that the dress was stunning though.

Any man would feel more than proud to have Hermione in his arms for that promising night. He was more that ready to resort to caveman manners and throw Hermione over his shoulders that letting the witch away from his sight. But he wasn't going to resort to such drastic measures. Hermione was coming down the stairs barefoot holding a pair of vertiginous high-heeled gold sandals with a crystal flower embellishment on the front strap. She walked up the love seat and sat down to put on her high-heels.

"Aren't those Sophia Webster's?" asked Rosalie, admiring the high-heels that completed Hermione's look. At the latter's nod, Rosalie gushed, "They are simply gorgeous and really complement this stunning dress, Hermione."

Apparently, all it took for Hermione to get Rosalie's stamp of approval was to clean-up well. Alice, by principle and loyalty to Bella, refused to comment but she still approved. Hermione was wearing virtually no make-up and had pulled up her hair in an elegant chignon.

"Your dress is stunning, Hermione," said Esme, exiting the kitchen with Carlisle.

Stunning was apparently the word of the day in the Cullen household .

"An homage to your old house, I suppose?" Carlisle asked.

"I really did not think of that when I picked my dress and shoes but I suppose that, subconsciously, it came to that when I bought the bolero," reckoned Hermione, looking up with a smile.

"So, is Maximus coming to pick you up?" asked Emmett.

Edward's head whipped at his brothers, he wasn't aware that they had met the tosser. "Traitors!" he thought. Jasper only raised his eyebrows when he felt the irritation from the mind-reader.

"Don't you dare think that no other man would have seen how wonderful Hermione is? She was bound to catch the attention of someone and Emmett and I happen to like the guy," thought Jasper.

Edward had to agree with that. Hermione was all types of wonderful and it was his own mess. He walked out of the living room just as Hermione stood up to pop out to her dratted ball. He walked outside and stared at the snow covered forest encircling their house. He wasn't surprised when Carlisle joined him outside but his father graciously stayed silent allowing him to gather his thoughts.

"I really messed up this time, didn't I?" stared Edward, after a few minutes of relative silence.

"Yes, you did," answered Carlisle, not sugar-coating it for his sake. "But you can still make it right, Edward. Firstly, by being there for your son, he needs you. Secondly, you should allow Hermione her space. If it is meant to be, it will work out between the two of you."

"But, what if it doesn't. If she chooses that Maximus instead of me," said Edward, "would it be selfish of me to actually want her relationship to not work out?"

"Yes and no," replied Carlisle. "It is only normal to want the woman you love to find happiness with yourself rather than in someone else's arms but if she does find happiness in Maximus' arms, would you be that selfish to begrudge her?"

He wanted to say yes but he knew it would be petty of him. "No, I would be happy to know that she would have found happiness in another man's arms even if it kills me slowly. I would bow out."

"Thank you," said Carlisle. "Even if it doesn't work between the two of you, you should know that she never forgot about you. I see it every time she looks at Tony. The smile and the sadness. The happiness that your child brings to her life and the sadness she feels at your absence. She still loves you. You will just have to work on that, Edward," added Carlisle, clapping Edward's shoulders before pulling him into a hug.

"Thanks," whispered Edward, when Carlisle moved away. The blond vampire nodded before going back into the house. He was not giving up.

Hermione walked confidently into the grand ball-room, her eyes marvelling at all the guests who had donned their best clothes. She saw someone approach on her left and turn to see that it was Maximus. The Quidditch captain was giving her an appraising look before giving her a brilliant smile.

"Hermione, you look wonderful tonight," he said, taking her hand and giving a lingering kiss. He closed the distance before whispering, "If attending this gala wasn't part of the tradition of the Quidditch World Cup, I'd gladly be somewhere else with you showing you my endless admiration."

The sensual promise in his voice wasn't lost on Hermione who shivered in anticipation. "I... I've taken great care on picking my dress for the evening, so I'd like to parade a little bit in it at the very least," replied Hermione, before whispering, "But if the evening is as promising as the Quidditch captain who is my escort for the night," she moved closer to Maximus and in her most sensual tone continued, "let's just say that I wouldn't mind parading around out of said dress and for someone's eyes only."

Maximus' eyes widened and burned with desire before answering in a tremulous voice, "Witch!"

Hermione burst out laughing before being followed by Maximus who wrapped a possessive arm on her waist. They descended the stairs and mingled with the guests. With Hermione being a War Heroine and having the US Quidditch captain as her escort, a lot of people vied for their attention. As an official representative of the MACUSA, Hermione made sure to give every participating nation equal time. She still lingered longer with the British team where she wasn't surprised to find her old schoolmates, Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell as well as Oliver Wood playing for the Scottish team.

She wasn't surprised to find that her friend—Vikror Krum—although officially retired, was also in attendance. He'd gone into retirement at the previous edition of the Quidditch World Cup—the 424th—after narrowly losing to Egypt. They talked for a short while before Maximus excused themselves and steering Hermione towards his team members.

"If you stayed longer to chat, I feared he would realise the awesomeness that is Hermione Granger and would therefore like to rekindle your relationship," shared Maximus, in a teasing tone although Hermione could still pickup the nuance of uncertainty in there.

"I'll have you know that I was invited to his wedding with his gorgeous wife last year and if I'm not mistaken Viktor and Aleksandra will welcome their first child in spring. And it just so happens that I have my eyes set on an American Quidditch player tonight who just so happens to be holding me in his arms, so no worries there," said Hermione, stopping in a corner of the room to share a tender kiss with Maximus.

"Perfect," replied Maximus, smirking before they continued their way to his team who were sporting knowing grins having witnessed the tender moment between the former Gryffindor and their team Captain.

The US team consisted of Chasers Gianni Fidele, Debbie Muntz and Robert Green, the Beaters Greg Ruczinski and Troy Duvall, the Keeper Ralph Heidelberger with Maximus being the Seeker.

The 425th Quidditch World Cup looked to be a promising event with quite a few teams vying for the favourite spot, the American team had a slight advantage as the hosts of the edition.

"Peru is fielding an impressive team this year but my bet is on either Burkina Faso or France making it to the finals," said the Beater Troy Duvall, who was a favourite for the captain spot once Maximus retired.

"Okay, but which team would be their opponents in the final then?" challenged the Chaser Debbie Muntz.

"That's easy, Deb," began Troy, "Us, of course!"

"Let's drink to that, shall we?" Maximus asked, raising his flute of champagne.

The team and Hermione toasted to that and continued talking Quidditch. Hermione, barely suppressing rolling her eyes, let her eyes wander round the ballroom—Quidditch had never held her interest that much despite the Quidditch Princess crap—and that was when she saw the President of the MACUSA—Abraham Maynard—talking quietly to some prominent members of the American Wizengamot in a nearly-secluded corner. She quietly excused herself and walked over.

"We need to urgently address this issue, Abraham. If someone as prominent as Hermione Granger can be targeted this could be a disaster," Hermione overheard the Cheyenne chief, Mike Hevataneo, saying.

"Good evening, gentlemen," started Hermione, before turning to the only other woman present, "Chief Wamblee," the Sioux representative.

"Miss Granger," greeted Chief Wamblee.

The President Maynard did not waste time to explain the reason behind the impromptu confabulation, "We were talking about what happened to you, Hermione and we had agreed that it would be necessary to hold an urgent meeting of the Wizengamot. An attack like the one that you have endured should be dealt with as much severity as the situation entails."

"Absolutely," agreed Mike Havataneo.

"When will this emergency meeting be held?" Hermione asked.

"Hopefully, tomorrow or by the end of next week, this is a big country and the members of the Wizengamot may have other commitments to their communities," answered the President Maynard. "We shall get back to you as soon as the date and time is confirmed. For the meantime, we shall leave you to enjoy your evening and it seems like your escort would like to claim back your attention."

She turned to look back to see that Maximus was indeed making his way to join her. She glanced at the ballroom where some dancers were dancing to a soft tune of the Weird Sisters. It reminded Hermione of the Yule Ball and she smiled knowing that the Weird Sisters were only getting started for the night.

"Mr. Brankovitch, how is the team shaping up?" asked Chief Wamblee.

"It is looking very good actually," replied Maximus, amiable.

"Excellent, the odds are looking in our favour," said the President Maynard.

Maximus turned to her smiling and asked, "Would you like to dance, Hermione?" At her nod, he turned to the President and the Wizengamot members, "If you would excuse us."

They moved towards the centre of the ballroom, Maximus holding her close and started twirling her around. "I've waited all night for this," he whispered.

"What about this have you been waiting for? The dancing, holding me close, your hand on my bum, a bird's eye view on my cleavage?" asked Hermione.

"All of that and your lips," Maximus answered, before closing the distance and kissing her.

The flash of a camera had surprised them and they pulled away. She had blonde hair set in elaborate curls that contrasted oddly with her heavy-jawed face. She wore jewelled spectacles studded with rhinestones, and had thick fingers ending in two-inch nails, painted crimson. Her blonde curls were curiously rigid, suggesting it was styled with the magical equivalent of hairspray. In addition, she had pencilled-on eyebrows and three gold teeth, as well as large, masculine hands. Her bright scarlet painted fingernails and toenails were usually likened to claws or talons. She was wearing deep burgundy -coloured robes with maroon fur at the collar and sleeves. The cameraman by contrast was paunchy. The predatory smile on her face did not bode well but Hermione knew how to handle bugs.

"The night had seemed so promising," whispered Hermione. "I thought pest control had checked this place before tonight," said Hermione. "Skeeter, to what do we owe the displeasure of your presence tonight?"

Maximus was perplexed by the sudden change in mood but looked on politely.

"Little Miss Perfect, always in good company as I see," said Rita Skeeter, glancing at Maximus.

"I can't say the same right now with your company, Rita," replied Hermione.

"Ha, I've heard of an attack by rogue Death Eaters on your person. So glad to see that you are all fine," said Skeeter, gesturing to the cameraman next to her who immediately took another picture of Maximus and her. The bright flash was blinding and when they were able to see clearly again, Skeeter and her cameraman had disappeared from view.

"What was that all about?" asked Maximus, alarmed as he looked around for the sore thumb that was the burgundy robes of the reporter.

"Unfortunately, with her involved," replied Hermione, "nothing good."

Whatever good mood had gone in an instant like Skeeter and her cameraman because Hermione was preoccupied by the reporter's appearance. Maximus walked them out of the ballroom onto a secluded balcony. "Do you feel well, Hermione? That reporter presence seems to have troubled you."

"I... I don't know really. Rita Skeeter's appearance here doesn't sit well with me. It's just that –" Hermione was lost for words. What if Skeeter had bugged the little meeting between the President and the Wizengamot members? She glanced back at Maximus who was frowning at her. "I am awfully sorry, Maximus, but I think I'll have to cut our evening short. I've got an urgent thing that I need to do."

"If you really must," said Maximus, disappointment evident in his voice.

"I am really sorry, Maximus, but ..." she did not how to explain what she wanted to do. She was planning to call the remaining members of the Order of the Phoenix because of the idea that she'd had.

"I don't mind, Hermione –" his voice said otherwise. "But you have to promise that I'll see you for our first match this Friday."

"Promised," she said before claiming his lips again in a searing kiss. "Thank you, Maximus," she said before walking slightly away and Dissaparating.

Maximus sighed. It had started as such a very promising night.

Edward heard the now familiar pop of someone apparating outside. He turned from the piano and was surprised but still pleased to see Hermione walking in. She looked troubled. Esme was already asking her if something was wrong. Edward's eyes however had zoomed in on her slightly smudged lipstick. She'd thoroughly kissed and Edward felt the green monster of jealousy build inside of him. He saw Jasper glance at him having felt the spike of jealousy and smirked at him. Hearing Jasper's thoughts, Edward learned that Jasper had also seen the smeared lipstick on Hermione.

"I need to –" Hermione started before everyone heard Tony's voice calling.

"Mummy! Daddy!" Tony cried.

Edward bolted from his place and ran to the guest room but Hermione was already there. She'd popped out of the living room and was standing next to the bed.

"What's up, buddy?" Edward asked, crouching down by the bed with Hermione doing the same on the other side of the bed.

"Daddy, my tummy hurts," cried Tony, before he turned in Hermione's arms and vomited.

Hermione moved slightly to let their son vomit before placing a hand on his forehead. She looked up in alarm before saying that he was feverish. Edward in turn placed his hand and shouted, "Rosalie!"

The blond vampire appeared by his side and he reluctantly moved over. Rosalie was in turn checking Tony's confirming the strong fever. All their time studying, the Cullen kids had taken varied lessons but Rosalie was the only one who'd actually went to medical college and chosen Pediatrics as speciality.

"Tony," she began, tenderly, "does your tummy still hurt?"

"Yes, auntie," he cried, fat tears rolling down his cheeks while clinging to Hermione.

"Can you show me where?" Rosalie asked, her voice faltering after hearing herself being called auntie.

Tony's left hand moved to near his navel and said, "Here. It hurts Mommy!"

"I know, my little prince. I know," Hermione replied.

"I am sorry but this might hurt him a little but I need to be sure," started Rosalie, before she placed her hand on Tony's stomach and gently prodded it. Tony hissed in pain. "I'm sorry but I had to check."

"What is it Rosalie?" hissed Edward, in aggravation.

"He has an appendicitis and with his metabolism, it's progressing too rapidly. We'll have to get him to a hospital fast but apparating him away will cause him too much discomfort," Rosalie said.

Edward moved forward and carefully pulled Tony into his arms. "I'll run to the hospital with him," he said, before smiling to Hermione. "It's going to be all right, okay?"

She nodded, her eyes never leaving Tony cradled in his arms. Alice was already calling Carlisle to inform of their father of what was happening. Esme had brought a blanket to shield Tony from the cold air rush that he'd experience from the vampire run.

"I'll see you there," said Edward to Hermione who again nodded at him before he ran out of the room and house.