A Second Chance – fire-and-ice89
Summary:Everyone deserves a second chance, don't they?On the night of the ball, Draco Malfoy might just get one. Will he take it? DHr
Just a warning: This story is full of fluff. If you hate reading typical DHr romances, then DON'T READ THIS STORY. Having said that, can I now add: why did you click on this story in the first place?
To everyone who reads this warning and is further convinced that this is the kind of story they will love, let me give you a warning: although this first chapter might seem the furthest thing from a DHr romance, trust me, it will happen. I just needed to 'set the scene' a bit.
Have I still got some readers? Yay! Read on.
Chapter One - Disappointment
Lavender frowned as she looked over Hermione's attire.
"Sorry, darling, but that just won't do." With a flick of her wand Hermione's hair bundled itself on top of her head, and all curls were smoothed out into a sleek amber bun. With a small smile of satisfaction she began on the makeup.
Hermione sighed as she stared at her steadily improving reflection in the mirror. She hated balls of any type, and even this charity ball was no exception.
The door banged open and Parvati squealed as she ran in.
"Hermione! You look gorgeous! You too, Lavender" she added after receiving a glare from the latter.
Hermione watched as the two girls started pulling on their ridiculously high heels. She herself was wearing comfortable flat shoes. Parvati noticed her gaze and looked up.
"Hermione, you have to borrow a pair of my heels! You're about my size. Here, try these." She held forward a hideous pair of heels coloured hot pink with small flowers studded along the sides. Hermione shuddered.
"I'll be fine, thanks." She stood up and walked towards the door. And, the two girls had to admit as they stared after her, she was fine. Her red satin dress clung to her slim shape and highlighted her slight curves. Her hair, usually tumbling around her shoulders in unruly curls, was now pulled back in an elegant bun, thanks to Lavender's handiwork.
She was, thought the two girls, stunning.
The Great Hall was packed with people. Hermione smiled politely when her classmates said hello, but her eyes were ever roaming, looking for one person whose hair would never lie flat, no matter how much gel was applied.
Lavender smiled slyly beside her.
"Who are you looking for?" She asked, though she knew the answer already. It had been obvious to her for ages that Hermione was head over heels for Harry, and it frustrated her that Hermione refused to admit it.
As she expected, Hermione blushed and looked away.
"No one special."
Lavender scanned the room herself.
"Seamus is looking nice tonight. Oh, and I like what Dean has done with his hair." Hermione rolled her eyes. Lavender would hook up with someone before the end of the night, no matter who it was.
Almost as if to prove Hermione's point, Lavender gasped.
"Oh my god, Draco Malfoy is such a hottie!" She pulled at Hermione's hand, drawing her closer to the boy with platinum blond hair.
Hermione regarded him critically. As the years had passed, he certainly had improved in looks. His blond hair was sleeked back, and he was wearing a black suit. He almost looked…gentlemanly.
But no, she reprimanded herself. The best looks in the world could not make up for his arrogant personality. Not that Lavender would care though. She was batting her eyelashes furiously as they drew closer, and her confident walk had already gained Malfoy's attention.
Honestly, that girl had no shame.
When they were a metre away, she tripped over a nonexistent bump on the floor…straight into Malfoy's waiting arms.
"Oh, thank you" Lavender gushed as Malfoy helped her to her feet.
Hermione snorted derisively despite herself. Lavender had been walking in heels since she was three years old and "tripping" over into guy's arms for even longer.
She left the furiously flirting Lavender and the smirking Malfoy to their business and continued in her search for Harry.
Before she could get there though, she felt a hand on her arm. Turning around, she saw a familiar freckled face.
"Will you dance with me?" Asked Ron.
"Sure" replied Hermione. She could never turn down her best friend.
As they settled into the dance, she began making some conversation, wincing occasionally as her toes got squashed.
"So, have you seen Harry tonight?" Hermione asked casually, then blushed. Great conversation, Hermione. She thought to herself. Is that all you can ever talk about?
"Oh, he's around somewhere." Ron was gazing into her eyes. It was quite disconcerting actually. She wished he would watch his feet instead.
"Ouch." Hermione cried out.
"Sorry" Ron shuffled his feet further from hers. Hermione attempted conversation again.
"Um…the weather's nice." Great, now you're talking about the weather. With your best friend!
Ron gave her another strange look.
"Hermione, it's nighttime."
Idiot, she cursed herself.
"Well, yes, that's what I meant. I mean, isn't nighttime nice? With the stars and everything?" Hermione looked up at the bewitched ceiling, only to see clouds against the dark sky. Dammit, it's raining.
Suddenly, she noticed Harry out of the corner of her eye. He was preoccupied though, dancing with Parvati. Dancing very close. Very suggestively. Hermione's eyes widened as they leaned in closer. No! This was not meant to happen. She turned away before their lips touched, too upset to watch.
"…out with me?" She looked up to see Ron looking down at her very hopefully. She had no idea what he'd just said.
"Um…I need some fresh air. I'm going outside" She broke away and walked quickly out the double doors.
Thank God she hadn't worn stilettos.
A/N: Do you see what I mean? I hope you liked it anyway, and I promise there is more Malfoy to come!
Please review, because I would love to get some nice long reviews. If you review, then I just might reply to it in my next chapter (smiles-in-what-she-hopes-is-a-winning-way).