Background: Masquerade Ball. Hogwarts. 7th year.
Hermione gracefully climbed down the stairs, her caramel orbs looking at everyone in the Great Hall. Behind her metallic green and silver mask, she was hoping to spot a tuff of platinum blonde hair. She always had liked him. His insults meant nothing to her. She cherished every moment he spoke to her, let alone gazed at her. She only paid attention to his lips, even if he was insulting her. After the war, she realized she never had a spark with Ronald, after all. The pecks she shared with him never brought her happiness. He always did have a secret, never ending love, for Luna Lovegood, and they ended up being an amazing couple. By the time she flounced off the last step, all eyes were on her. She thanked Ginny mentally for changing Hermione's appearance completely. Her once bushy and wild hair was now a wavy sienna brown. She wore a coral pink dress, with ruffles complimenting her long legs. A pearl necklace sat on her neck, making girls stare at her with envy. Wearing black heels, she made her way over to Harry and Ginny. Since only Ginny knew it was Hermione, Harry blushed a deep shade of crimson. Stuttering, he excused himself to the refreshments table, and ran away from the two stunning girls. Ginny laughed and winked to Hermione, and continued to talk to her. After a few more minutes of talking to her best friend, Hermione felt a hand tap her gently on her shoulder. Hermione turned around, only to be greeted by cold grey eyes and a Slytherin tie. Draco Malfoy. Ginny gave a cruel glare at him, and walked away. Clearing his throat, Draco spoke in a polite manner," Pardon me miss, but would you mind dancing with me?" Hermione, speechless, simply nodded and allowed Draco to pull her to the dance floor. "The Only Exception" by Paramore started playing, as Draco took Hermione' hand gently. She looked deep into his cement eyes, as they swayed to the music. Even after the song ended, the two remained in each other's arms, for a few seconds. Hermione's eyes darting to the staircase leading to a balcony, Draco followed her gaze, and walked along with her to the balcony. Looking outside, at the star studded night sky, Draco's hand found its way to Hermione's, resting on the railing. As they touched, a spark shivered through both of them. With his other hand, Draco lifted Hermione's chin up to face him. Hand snaking down to Hermione's waist, he pulled her closer to him, and leaned in for a kiss. On her tippy toes, butterflies fluttered through her stomach, as their lips touched. Pulling apart, Draco finally spoke,"Slytherin color mask? Assuming that you are one of my house members?" Freezing in spot, she nodded no slowly. Draco guessed again, with a pinch of curiosity in his voice,"Hufflepuff?" talking a step back, she shook her head once again. "Ravenclaw has quite a graceful dancer, then..?" he asked with an ounce of hope. She walked backwards and just as she disappeared out of his sight, Hermione whispered, "It's the Gryffindor Mudblood."