Okay I was going to make this a one shot but it looks like it's going to be a bit longer than I first expected so it'll be a few chapters long. I don't think it's going to be a full length story, it just depends where the characters take me.
Enjoy
xx
The war was over. The villain was gone. The school was rebuilt. Next on the agenda ... PARTY!
It was the last day of term and Professor McGonagall had invited everyone, including everyone who helped rebuild Hogwarts, to a huge party which took over not only the Great Hall but also most of the courtyards and much of the grounds. Well, I say party; it was really more of a ball with a sit down meal and everything.
I had arranged to meet Harry and Ron in the Gryffindor common room before the party but first I had to get ready. I pinned my unruly curls into a loose knot slightly below and behind my left ear and gave myself a dusty rose smoky eye with a light pink lip and a bit of blush.
When I finished styling my hair and perfecting my makeup I went back through to my dorm room to put on my dress. I tied the straps of my nude platform heels around my ankle and looked at myself in the mirror. My stunning dress made me look almost presentable. I had been given it as a gift from the ministry for everything I had done during the war. They had tried to give me money at first but I refused so they sent me this dress instead. It was a beautiful stone coloured asymmetric dress with a twist on the bust. It was made from chiffon with lace panelling and had a high-waisted grosgrain belt. I did a little spin and loved the way the fabric felt as it caressed my body. (AN – the link to the dress is on my profile, please have a look it's beautiful)
Smiling, I took one more look at myself in the mirror, pulled a few curls out of the knot to frame my face and made my way to the common room to meet up with Harry and Ron.
As soon as I entered the common room I noticed a few heads turn in my direction and I felt self conscious. I was almost wishing I'd bought a wrap to cover my shoulders when Harry and Ron found me in the busy room.
"Hermione you look incredible," Harry smiled as he gave me a hug tentative hug, being careful not to ruin my dress.
"Yeah ... wow," Ron breathed as he gave me a hug which was just as careful as Harry's. I smiled when the hug didn't feel at all awkward. Ron and I started dating just after the war but soon realised we worked much better as good friends. When we first called it off there was a lot of awkwardness but now we were back to normal, as if nothing had happened. Just the way I liked it.
"Shall we get to the Great Hall then?" I asked.
"We shall," Harry grinned as he held out his arm for me to take at the same time as Ron. I smiled and linked arms with both of them as we made our way to the Great Hall.
The Great Hall looked spectacular. The rows of tables had been removed and the end of the hall where the teachers usually sat had been turned into a stage. The area in front of the stage had been turned into a dance floor and the back of the room had many tables with name cards on them, ready for the sit-down meal.
The hall had been decorated with summery flowers and tea lights in glass bottles. I looked up to the ceiling and saw the same tea lights in glass bottles suspended in mid air.
Harry, Ron and I took our seats at one of the tables along with Ginny, who was Harry's date and Neville and Luna, who were now a couple.
We spent a while chatting about everything and nothing as we waited for Professor McGonagall to start the evening off.
Eventually all of the tables in the Great Hall were full and at eight o'clock Professor McGonagall took to the stage to a round of applause.
"Good evening everyone," she smiled and motioned for everyone to be quiet, "I would like to start by thanking each and every one of you who have helped to make this year one of the greatest in Hogwarts' history. I know the year started off a little bumpy but thanks to the incredible determination, willpower and ingenuity of many of our students we have managed to overthrow one of the most evil wizards of our time. But of course we couldn't have done any of this without help from all of the friends, parents, relatives and of course magical creatures who came to help us out of their own free will. We are all extremely grateful to every single one of you," McGonagall paused for a loud round of applause.
"But lest we forget all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. They will always be remembered for the brave sacrifice they made to not only those of us here in this room but also to the entire wizarding community and also the muggle world. For anyone wishing to pay their respects we have built a memorial in the grounds for the fallen. Do not hesitate to visit it.
"On a brighter note I would also like to thank everyone who helped to rebuild the school in time for this fantastic event. I know it's been a lot of hard work but I think the results of everyone's effort are shown all around us. Not only have you helped to bring this school back to its former glory, you have also provided the children with a place to study safely. For that I, and I'm sure all of the students, are incredibly grateful.
"Before I allow you all to enjoy the fabulous food our elves have produced for you tonight I would like to hand the spotlight over to the one man who we can all thank for being here today. If it weren't for the sacrifices he has made throughout his life this war would've ended much differently. Mr Harry Potter," McGonagall finished and the hall erupted into cheers as Harry made his way to the stage. A huge smile spread across my face as I watched Harry walk up the steps onto the stage and I felt my heart fill with pride.
"Thank you," Harry started when the cheering died down slightly, "Firstly I'd like to say a big thank you to Professor McGonagall for everything she's done to make this night possible," there was more applause and Harry waited for it to die down once more before continuing, "Well I'm not really sure what to say, I think Professor McGonagall covered just about everything. I would like to add a big thank you to Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. They have been my best friends since I first started this magnificent school and I know for a fact I wouldn't be half the man I am today without their help and support. Actually I'd be surprised if I could've made it through the war alive without them.
"Of course I would also like to thank the members of Dumbledore's Army who have had such incredible courage throughout the war. In particular I'd like to thank Neville Longbottom for taking over from me in my absence. Honestly I think he did a much better job than I could've ever done.
"There are so many other people I would love to thank but the list would go on all night so I won't bore you all. You all know who you are. Thank you all for listening and I hope you all have a wonderful night," Harry finished to cheering and applause and he made his way back to our table.
When he sat down Ginny gave him a quick kiss and everyone told him how well he'd done.
Once the cheering died down the food appeared on the tables.
The house elves had really out done themselves with the incredible three course meal that they provided for us all. I made a mental note to myself to send them something as a thank you.
When dinner was over the Weird Sisters were introduced onto the stage and everyone went wild. I spent hours with friends as we danced and sang our hearts out.
However before long our dancing and singing was becoming worse and more out of tune as some of the older students, me included, were starting to get more and more tipsy. This was due to the free champagne which was available to over seventeens and the Firewhiskey which Seamus had smuggled in.
After a few hours of dancing and drinking I noticed Ron was looking a little queasy so I got Harry to take him to the toilets. I continued dancing for a while but noticed Cormac McLaggen, who had a slight infatuation with me, making his way towards me on the dance floor. I turned to Ginny.
"Can you tell Cormac that I've gone to the toilets?"
"I will but you need to tell him you're not interested one of these days," Ginny replied.
"Thanks Gin and I will one day," I gave her a quick hug before practically running to the closest courtyard.
I noticed that the courtyard had been decorated in a similar way to the Great Hall with summery flowers and tea lights in glass bottles dotted around everywhere.
I made my way to one of the benches in the courtyard and lavished in the feel of the cool breeze against my face. I must've closed my eyes as I didn't notice when Draco Malfoy came to sit next to me on the bench.
"Granger," Malfoy said by way of greeting causing me to jump.
"What do you want Malfoy? Can I not just enjoy the peace and quiet?" I moaned.
"Fine have it your way. I was only trying to be polite," Malfoy said as he walked off. I felt bad for pushing him away.
"Malfoy I'm sorry you can sit with me if you like. I've just had a bit too much to drink," I explained.
Malfoy didn't say anything but came to sit next to me on the bench anyway.
"I must say you clean up well Granger."
"Erm ... thanks I guess. You don't look bad yourself," I said. Wait I just said that out loud? Damn it.
Malfoy smirked a little.
"Oh you think so?" Malfoy pushed me.
"You know fine well that's not what I meant. I was only trying to be polite," I used his words from earlier.
"Touché," Malfoy smirked a little more.
"I need to go back inside, my friends will be waiting," I smiled a little as I stood to walk away but Malfoy caught my wrist. I felt electricity running through my veins at his touch but had absolutely no idea why. I came to the conclusion that it must be the alcohol.
"Wait a second," he said quietly.
I turned back around with a 'Yes?' expression on my face.
"Never mind. See you around Granger," he said as he dropped my wrist and my heart fell a little.
Confused, I made my way back inside where I found Harry and Ron sat around one of the tables in the Great Hall.
"How are you feeling?" I asked Ron as I sat down.
"Bttr thnks," Ron slurred as his head hit the table.
"No more for him tonight," I said to Harry who nodded in reply.
We sat in silence for a few minutes and listened to the music which was still being played on the stage.
"So ..." Harry said, "Are you going to put your name down for the raffle?"
"What raffle?"
"Put your name down and you could win a holiday. The only downside is you don't get to choose who you go with," Harry explained.
"Hmm ... I'm not sure yet. Are you?"
"I don't see why not. I hope I get to go somewhere warm if I win."
"Somewhere warm sounds lovely right about now. Even better would be somewhere with a beach. That's it I'm definitely putting my name down now," I said as I went to enter in the raffle.
I was heading back to the table when I got stopped by Cormac McLaggen.
"Hey Hermione, I've been looking for you all night," he smiled.
"Well, here I am," I said awkwardly.
"Erm ... yeah," Cormac smiled, "Anyway, could I steal a dance?"
"Oh I'm sorry I promised I'd dance with him," I said as I grabbed the nearest male and pulled him close to me. To my utter disgust it was Draco Malfoy, who was looking rather confused.
"Malfoy? Really? Oh well, maybe some other time," he smiled at me as he walked away.
"May I ask what the hell that was all about?" Malfoy asked.
"Cormac wanted to dance with me so I said I couldn't because I'd promised to dance with you," I explained, "Not that I chose you in particular it's just that you happened to be the closest person at the time," I added quickly.
"Whatever," Malfoy said as he smirked and started to walk away.
"Wait! You have to dance with me now otherwise I will hurt Cormac's feelings."
"I think you already have Granger but if it'll shut you up," Malfoy said as he started dancing to the upbeat song that was playing.
Unfortunately the upbeat song quickly ended and the next song was much slower.
"Are you kidding me?" I said to no one in particular.
"Oh just come here," Malfoy said as he dragged me towards him.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"I'm dancing with you," Malfoy replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"No I mean-,"
"Shut up Granger," he said as he put one of his hands on my waist and the other in my hand. I followed his lead and put my free hand on his shoulder.
He led me round the dance floor with such ease it was like I was floating a few inches above the ground. My mouth dropped open in shock.
"Where did you learn to dance like this?" I asked as he spun me round.
"Mother," he said as if that explained everything.
I shut up and enjoyed the feeling of being in his arms. Wait a second did I just say that? What the hell was wrong with me tonight?
The song finished and Malfoy stopped dancing. I felt my face fall slightly.
"Thank you," I breathed.
"My pleasure," Malfoy said as he kissed my hand and walked off. Okay what the hell just happened? I looked around and noticed all eyes were on me and I felt myself blush. I hurried off towards Harry and Ron.
"Having fun?" Harry asked but there was more to his voice. It was almost like he was telling me to be careful.
I just smiled at him and was extremely grateful to a tipsy Professor McGonagall who chose that particular moment to take to the stage, saving me from having to talk to Harry.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I'd like to start by thanking you all for coming and I hope you've all had a wonderful time. I know I have. I'd also like to thank everyone who helped set up for tonight, we couldn't have done it without you. As my last call of business tonight I have been asked to announce the winners of tonight's raffle. We have two prises up for grabs. The first is an all expenses paid trip to a villa in Spain for a week for four people. The second, an all expenses paid trip to the Lake District for a week for two people. And without further ado, the four people going to Spain will be Mr Blaise Zabini, Mr Neville Longbottom, Miss Pansy Parkinson and Miss Luna Lovegood," Professor McGonagall announced as she drew the names from a hat.
"And winning the trip to the Lake District will be Mr Draco Malfoy and Miss Hermione Granger. Thank you all for coming. Have a safe journey home and I look forward to seeing most of you again in September. Goodnight," Professor McGonagall smiled as she stepped down from the stage to a large round of applause.
I joined in with the applause half-heartedly as my world was currently falling apart. I was going to have to spend a week with Draco Malfoy. But then again he had been quite pleasant so far that night, so maybe it wouldn't be too bad.
"Hermione are you okay," Harry brought me out of my thoughts.
"Huh? Oh yeah I'm fine but I think I'd better get going. I'll see you over the summer," I said as I gave him a hug.
"You will indeed. Be careful with Malfoy on that holiday won't you. I know he stopped being a death eater and everything but you can never be too careful," Harry smiled.
"I will Harry. See you," I waved at him. I spent a little while saying goodbye to everyone I knew before I left the grounds and apparated to my home.
Once home I reluctantly took off my beautiful dress, put on my pyjamas, got washed and removed the fifty or so hairpins which were taming my hair before I got into bed. I expected to be able to sleep easily after the long night of partying but one thing kept me awake. Draco Malfoy. It would be just my luck to win a holiday with him of all people.
But don't get me wrong I loved the Lakes. I've always found it a very relaxing holiday. Whenever I'd been caravanning with my parents in the past we often spent quite a lot of time lounging around the caravan or visiting tourist destinations. Actually now I thought about it I could see Malfoy getting bored. Quickly.
I tossed and turned for a long time imagining all the horrors that could take place while alone in the Lake District. I mean he could kill me and no one would know for weeks!
I tried to calm down my thoughts by the only way I could think of. Counting sheep. Miraculously it seemed to work as I woke the next morning to the sound of my alarm telling me it was nine o'clock.
Hope you enjoyed it : )
I know this is a bit slow and doesn't seem to be going anywhere but it will pick up soon I promise.
I have quite a lot of the next chapter written already so it shouldn't take me too long to get it up.
Don't forget to check out the dress on my profile, trust me you won't regret it : )
Please review!
xx