Chapter 2
Hermione looked herself over in the mirror. Over the years, her dark, chocolate-brown hair had lost its bushy, frizzy look although it remained as wild as ever. Tonight, she wore it wound elegantly in a coil at the back of her head. Hermione fingered the ornate chain around her neck as she studied her own appearance. Her father had insisted she wear green tonight, despite her own aversion to color. Her robes were long and elegant, made of a beautiful satiny material. Her thin, pale fingers traced the silver snake that wound around a glittering deep-green jewel of her necklace as she stared at the girl in the mirror. Gathering courage, she tore her eyes from her reflection swept out the door.
Draco Malfoy gaped at the young lady as if she the goddess Venus herself had descended to earth. His eyes followed the girl coming down the steps that led to the brightly lit dungeon like a hawk. He couldn't see her face, only the elegant arch of her back and the slight sway of her hips as she came down the steps alone.
"Draco!"
The sudden sound of Blaise Zabini's voice nearly made him jump a foot in the air. However, he was a Malfoy and Malfoy's did not jump, especially not in surprise.
"What?" he growled irritably.
"Looks like Granger decided to ditch Potty and Weasel." Blaise nodded towards the girl Draco had been staring at. A smirk played at his mouth, coal-black eyes glinting in apprehension.
Draco felt like someone had just hit him in the stomach. Hard.
Granger… Hermione Granger...
What the hell was she doing at here?!
And worse- when the hell did she get so bloody hot?!
Get a grip…It's just a girl…
Recovering in an instant, Draco answered Blaise with a smirk of his own.
"This'll be fun…" he muttered stalking up to Hermione in the arrogant way only a Malfoy can, Blaise in tow.
As he neared her, Hermione caught sight of him. Her expression turned icy cold when she did, her chin tilted upwards defiantly as a sneer expressed her distaste.
"Well, well, well... Look who's all grown up." He drawled, stopping before her and crossing his arms over his chest with a smirk. His steely silver eyes bored down into her own.
"Look who's not." Hermione retorted shortly. She met his gaze, her amber eyes blazing, not the least bit intimidated by him.
Blaise, who seemed to find they're bickering amusing, snickered from where he stood beside Draco. The other two threw him a dirty look each.
"What the hell are you doing here, Mudblood?" Draco shot back, turning back to Hermione, his smirk gone.
The rage in her eyes flared up instantaneously. If looks could kill, we would have lost two major plot points. Unlike Blaise who backed off a few steps with a nervous gulp, Draco found this look positively enticing.
"Mind you own business, Malfoy." She hissed coldly, walking away.
Draco stared after her, confused, amused and awed. That was definitely not the old Granger…
"Good evening and welcome, one and all…"
The low voice of the Dark Lord weaved like a smooth, cool snake through the dungeon.
"Tonight, we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion. Mmm… Momentous indeed. You see, tonight marks the night of the coming of age and coming out of my beloved daughter."
Murmurs and gasps ran through the small crowd of people that gather before the platform instantaneously. A daughter?! Sweet Circe! When did this happen?!
A smirk tugged at Lord Voldemort's lipless mouth.
"I shall not keep her from you any longer. May I introduce to you, my loyal friends, Hermione Nafiri Riddle!"
Hermione took her father's hand delicately as she stepped up to the platform. Her head held gracefully high, she gazed around the dungeon. To say it was cheerful would be a downright lie. And yet dreary wasn't quite the right word. The stone walls rose to the regal domed ceiling. Fire danced from lit torches all along the walls and from the candles of the chandelier. Behind her, charmed musical instruments played of their own accord. In front of her was a small crowd of guests. They stared up at her, dumbfounded and awed. Her heart swelled jubilantly. After all these years, finally she would receive the respect she deserved. Finally, she would stand by her father's side and fight for their cause.
As the Dark Lord stepped down, Hermione followed suit. Death Eaters humbly kissed the hem of her robes and pledged their undying loyalties as she made her way through the throng of people at her father's arm.
Draco stared at the, now empty, platform, his jaw still slightly agape.
Bloody hell…
Only a moment ago, he had been staring at You-Know-Who's daughter's ass!
Oh shit…
He'd called her a Mudblood! He'd called her a Mudblood for seven years!
Hang on one goddamn second!!
Hermione Granger is You-Know-Who's daughter?!
What the fucking hell was going on?!
He threw back his flute of champagne with vigor, trying to take it all in as he watched Hermione mingle with the followers. The girl had a regal, powerful air about her. The kind of aura that demanded respect. Respect that was readily given. He watched the way she walked intentedly. Like a fearless lioness, strong and proud, she held her own. All that and she was a living goddess.
Waaaiit… Why the sudden fascination Mudblood Granger?
Ah, but she's not Mudblood Granger anymore is she? She's a Pureblood, a Riddle…
Right… So… If anything… It should be encouraged…?
The realization hit him like a pleasant breeze on a stifling hot day. Draco smirked at his own genius. Not far away, Hermione was now pouring a drink for herself.
A golden opportunity…
The smirk still plastered on his features, he sauntered over.
"Hey…"
