Hey guys! Finally got a chapter done in here. :) Good news is I know where the next few chapters are going from here so perhaps I can get some more updates up a bit more quickly. Hope you all enjoy this somewhat random chapter.

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"What about your friends? Will they stand their ground? Will they let you down again?" – What About Your Friends, TLC

Audrey adjusted her shawl over her shoulders as she sat at the head table. The cool autumn air was causing her to shiver. It didn't help that she had to be in the bridesmaid's dress for a few more hours at best. Despite everything that had gone on in the past week with the attack, the meeting, and so on, Krystie and Fred still decided to be wed that weekend. The couple was having their first dance at the moment, so naturally all the eyes were on them.

While Audrey was irritated with the weather, she was trying to make light out of the situation. Even for just a moment, there were no talks of Death Eaters, no threats, no impending war. Plus, it was a wedding, after all, and she did usually enjoy those. Audrey had only been to a handful of weddings her life, including her own, but each and every time the atmosphere got to her. Everyone was usually so happy; the love just overwhelmed everyone in attendance. Needless to say, this one was no different.

It wasn't a large wedding; the only ones in attendance were family members, and the few in their newfound alliance who weren't already family. The Weasleys had set everything up in the countryside next to the Burrow. Truly, despite the short notice, everything had turned out quite lovely. Everyone had pitched in to make sure this day had turned out as perfectly as it should be.

As the song came dwindling to an end and Fred and Krystie stepped off of the dance floor, the guests clapped and cheered, all pretty happy for the newlyweds. Audrey joined in, but only half-heartedly clapping so her shawl stayed on. The newlyweds disappeared from her sight as they made their way over to the punch bowls, presumably to get something to drink. A new song started playing, one that was more upbeat, causing a flood of guests to surge onto the dance floor. Audrey sighed, taking a sip of her water. Admittedly, she would've preferred something a bit stronger at an occasion like this, but due to the baby, alcohol of any kind was not going to happen.

Six months, that voice in the back of her head reminded her. We need a healthy baby. Drink your water and quit complaining.

Audrey's scolding thoughts were interrupted when someone cleared their throat. The girl glanced up and saw Draco hovering over her. "Are you just going to sit there all night and look sad?" he questioned.

"Well, no, I hadn't planned on that," she assured, frowning slightly. "And I don't look sad. Or... at least I don't think I do. Cold, maybe. Sad, no."

Draco smiled, but rolled his eyes. "You're rambling again, sweetie," he mused. "Do you already have pregnancy brain?"

"I haven't started forgetting things yet, so I don't think so," Audrey replied, smiling back at him. "When that starts happening, I'm going to need you, and possibly Artemis, to remind me of everything."

"Between the two of us, I'm sure we can manage keeping your thoughts straight," Draco retorted. "Now... the real reason I came over here. Would you care for a dance?"

"As if you have to ask," Audrey answered, going to stand, but before she got too far, Draco pulled her to feet. "Thanks for that. I can still stand on my own, you know."

He kept his hand firmly on hers, slowly leading her to the dance floor. "I know, but I know you're still recovering from the attack. Any help I can give you, I'm going to. It's not easy for any of us; I can't imagine carrying a baby at the same time."

Audrey shrugged as the couple stopped on the edge of the floor and began dancing along to the beat. "It's not, but somehow I am managing. The most challenging bit is yet to come, that I am aware of," she promised. "And I am certain we will get through it alright."

"Well I would certainly hope so," Draco stated. "You've got to admit, despite everything going on, we have it pretty good. I uh... forgot to tell you. I did get an owl back from one of the Quidditch teams. When we get back home I have to send a reply to set up a try-out date."

A smile stretched across Audrey's face. It was certainly a step in the right direction. She wasn't thinking about getting a job right away, just because she knew once the baby came she wouldn't be able to put all of her energy into a job. On the other hand, she knew they needed to get a move on in terms of finding their own place, and if Draco landed this job, that dream could become more of a reality.

"That's great Draco! Proud of you," she replied, as she stopped dancing and hugged her husband tightly. "I know you'll get it."

"Thanks for the confidence boost, love," Draco acknowledged, hugging her back. "I know it's not much, but it's something."

Audrey pulled away from him, shaking her head. "Shut up. If you get to play Quidditch, I think that would be amazing. Have you told anyone else yet?"

"Just Artemis, but he hardly counts."

"That hurts, Draco," a cool voice added to the conversation. Both Draco and Audrey looked over to see Artemis standing there, smirk plastered to his face. "I'll keep that in mind next time you need a kind ear."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Always so melodramatic."

Artemis changed topics as he avoided the sarcastic remark, "In any case, Draco, Fred is looking for you. Not sure what for, to be honest."

Draco sighed. "That guy," he muttered. "I'll be back then. Keep an eye on her."

He started to walk away, leaving Audrey standing there with Artemis. Admittedly, Audrey wasn't sure what to say to Artemis, so she went with a generic conversation starter. "Enjoying yourself?" she asked.

The Irish boy shrugged. "Eh, as much as one can when they don't really know anyone here. These are all people you know and have gone to school with. I have only met most of them in passing."

He had a good point. Admittedly, Audrey was surprised that Artemis had even come to the wedding to begin with. He wasn't exactly obligated to; he didn't really know Fred or Krystie that well. Yet, he came anyway. "Why did you come then?" she inquired.

Artemis shrugged. "Not sure really. Just didn't want to be at home bored, I guess. Plus I thought I would show some support for our group. I mean, we're technically supposed to support each other, and well, what better way than show up at their wedding?"

Another good point, which wasn't all that surprising. Artemis rarely had a bad point, at least from what Audrey had seen and heard of him. "Fair enough. The members are probably going to be our only friends in this war," she replied. "Whether we want them to be or not, they're the only ones we trust."

"Indeed, and when the time comes, we just have to hope they'll stand their ground and have our backs as well," Artemis went on.

"I'm sure they will," Audrey said. "I've had friends let me down before, but I think this time won't be like that. I've weeded out the ones who were only fair weather, or so I hope."

Artemis smiled, although not joyfully. "Well, I guess we'll just have to see, won't we?"

"I hope it doesn't come to that, but with things being the way they are, I know it's only a matter of time before people will show their true colors," Audrey sighed, conveniently when the song began to change again. "This time I hope it works in my favor."

"Somehow it will," Artemis assured. "But I have a bone to pick with you."

Audrey raised an eyebrow, confused as to what Artemis meant by that. She didn't remember doing anything wrong, especially not to Artemis. "What's that?"

"You never danced with me at your wedding," Artemis said, crossing his arms across his chest.

"I didn't?"

He shook his head causing a few strands of his hair to fall into his eyes. "You did not."

"How could I have missed one of my best friends? I feel bad now," Audrey replied quietly. "Why are you just now mentioning it?"

"Dance with me now, and perhaps I'll forgive you, dear cousin," Artemis suggested.

"Oh you're on," Audrey said, grabbing his hand and pulling him further onto the floor. The two friends slowly began dancing in time with the music. "You know, if you had been anyone else, Draco would probably be punching you right about now."

"Oh but I'm not just anybody, so I believe I am safe," Artemis retorted.

"True."

Neither of them spoke another word, both perfectly content. Other than Draco, Artemis was probably the one other person she felt like she knew for sure had her back. She hadn't known him very long, but he had remained faithful to everything he had said, and that was something she truly appreciated. While she had other friends, most of them she had drifted a bit away from once she had gotten with Draco. The few that stuck with her- Nicole, Krystie, Ginny, Ron, Hermione- meant a great deal to her. In the dark times their world was dealing with, having friends was certainly beneficial, and Audrey knew her support team would not let her down.

With all of them there, she felt indestructible.