A/N: Hey everyone! Thank you to everyone who reviewed! I really appreciate them! Here's the next chapter. Please read and Review!!
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
Warning: Inordinate amounts of fluff. I can get somewhat cheesy at times, so forgive me. Oh and this is completely AU and OOC.
Chapter 3:
It was the week before Christmas, and the whole island was feeling the effects of the holiday season. The snow was falling and literally everyone had decorations up, giving the island a very bright and happy atmosphere. The songs of the carolers and the bells of the horse-drawn sleighs and Street Santas could be heard from afar. I walked to the dress shop where Ginny was waiting for me, along with the other bridesmaids. The bridesmaids just happened to be Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil, and Luna Lovegood. As I entered the store, I smiled at a woman working at the front desk, and made my way to the back of the store where Ginny was standing in front of a mirror, critically looking at the dress she was currently trying on. Lavender and Parvati were on either side of her, gushing over how beautiful she looked. Luna was simply sitting down, looking at Ginny contemplatively.
"I have arrived!" I announced, taking off my scarf and jacket. Lavender and Parvati glanced at me and looked confused. Luna saw me and gave me a hug.
"Hermione Granger, it is very good to see you again," Luna said in her usual soft and dreamy tone.
Lavender and Parvati's jaws dropped, unable to believe their eyes. I rolled mine, as they squealed and rushed over to me, nearly suffocating me with their hugs.
"Hi, you guys!" I said, my face red from a lack of oxygen. "It's great to see you all again."
"Mia! Great! Now I can get an honest opinion on the dress," Ginny said, rolling her eyes at Lavender and Parvati. "These two have been telling me the same thing for the last five dresses. What do you think?"
The dress was a pure white, silk satin dress. It was v-necked, with just enough elegant beading and embroidery that outlined the neck. It hugged her curves and flared out past the curves of her hips. I looked at Ginny.
"It's absolutely beautiful, Gin! This is the dress. Harry won't know what hit him when he sees you walking down the aisle." I said, holding back tears. Ginny seemed to be doing so also, and she walked over and hugged me.
Ginny looked at herself once more in the mirror and nodded her head. "You're right! This is it! Now we can look for bridesmaid dresses!" She went back into the fitting rooms to take off the dress and change into her regular clothes.
I walked around the store, looking at possible dresses. Ginny and I tried to think about the color scheme and the flowers that she was using for the wedding while picking out dresses. I dug through the racks, and found two dresses in the purplish-pink color that the lilies were. I called Ginny over, and was ecstatic that we found something so fast. The bridesmaids would be wearing simple strapless dresses in that color, and I would be wearing a halter dress. We all tried on the dresses and one of the ladies working at the store came over to take our measurements to make the necessary alterations. As I was changing out of the dress, Ginny whipped open the curtain of the fitting room.
"Holy Crap, Ginny!" I said, putting my hand to my chest. "Next time you do that, let me know. I could have been naked! And I really don't want to flash anyone here"
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to make you try on the strapless one too, in case I want to switch you guys around. She gave me the dress. "Oh, and I know someone who would enjoy it if you flashed them." I stood there confused, and stared after her as she walked away. As she was, someone walked around the corner. Guess who.
That's right. Malfoy gets another peek of me, almost naked. Why, oh why, do I seem to be finding myself in these situations? He raised his eyebrows, and I quickly shut the curtains of the fitting room before he could gawk anymore. I quickly changed and called Ginny into the room so she could see me.
She gave me a once over and decided that she liked the strapless better on me. She walked out and I changed back into my normal, non-revealing clothes. As I was changing, I heard Ginny getting frantic.
I quickly stepped out of the room and went over to her. She was looking completely panicked. "What's wrong, hon? What happened?" I rubbed her back soothingly. She was at the point of hyperventilating.
Draco spoke up. "It's Pansy Parkinson. She claims that she booked the hotel for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. I told her that there must be some sort of mistake, but she won't back down, even though I told her we're having a wedding there. All she wants it for is a party."
My eyes widened. "Crap! What are we going to do? Have you talked to her? I thought you had some sort of special power over her, given that she was completely smitten with you at school and stuff."
"I've tried, but it's not working." Draco said, looking slightly worried as Ginny's breathing started getting faster.
"Shh. It's okay sweetie. I'll take care of this," I told her as I rubbed her back. "Don't worry." I turned to Draco. "Where is she right now?"
"She's staying at the hotel. Go ask the front desk or the manager if they've seen her. I'll let them know you're coming."
I nodded and put on my scarf and jacket. "What are you going to do?" He asked me.
"I don't know, but I'm hoping she'll take a bribe."
DMHGDMHGDMHG
I went home and quickly changed into some clothes from my line, that were classy and elegant, yet casual. I knew that Parkinson wouldn't listen to me if I were just Hermione Granger, but maybe she would actually listen to me if I were famous. I did my hair and makeup the way that I usually do it when walking the red carpet, but a little less over-the-top. I look pretty much unrecognizable when I'm in this mode, so that it doesn't really interfere with my personal life. I took out one of my designer purses, some heels, and my Blackberry. I put a very extravagant coat over my clothes. I could only hope that she knew who I was. I mean, my line was pretty famous in both worlds, but here's to hoping. I stuck my wand in my bag, and apparated into a bathroom, which thankfully was completely empty. I walked out and went over to the front desk.
"Hi there, " I said sweetly. "I'm looking for a Pansy Parkinson."
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I'm not allowed to give you any information unless she's expecting you." The check-in clerk at the counter said.
"I think your boss called ahead saying that I would be here," she said pointedly.
"?" The clerk asked. I nodded. "I'm sorry ma'am. She actually went up to her room about a half an hour ago and I think she's planning on going out again soon."
Just as he said this, Pansy Parkinson herself, sauntered out of the elevator. She completely ignored me, but I stepped in front of her before she could leave.
"Do I know you?" She asked me rather rudely.
"No, I don't think so." I said, pretending to not care. "But I wanted to talk to you."
"Wait a minute." She looked a little more closely at my face. "Are you sure I don't know you? You look really familiar."
"I-," I started.
"I've got it! You're Mia, as in the creator of the fashion line Royalty. You were on the cover of a magazine I was reading the other day! Royalty is like, my favorite line!" She said excitedly.
I smiled falsely. I really didn't like her. I mean, it's been years since I've seen her, but she still has that snobbery going. If only she knew who I really was. That would be very interesting.
"I've been trying to get in touch with you at your offices but they told me that you were completely unavailable! But this is a blessing!! Here you are, right in front of me!" She said with a big smile on her face.
I raised my eyebrows. "Well, I've been trying to contact you because I want you to make me my wedding dress." She continued.
"Your wedding dress?" I asked. My eyebrows rose even further, if that was possible.
"Yes, I'm getting married in a few months and I wanted my favorite designer to make it! I'm willing to pay anything for it." She clapped her hands excitedly.
Great. Even the Pug Queen has someone to cuddle up to this Christmas. I'm starting to feel kind of lonely. Sure, there's always Nate, but really, he's in love with Cadence, who's with Malfoy, who seems to have a slight infatuation with me, which I'm kind of returning, even though I shouldn't, but he was the one who kissed me…
See what I mean about the babbling thing? But then an idea came to me.
"Is it true that you're trying to rent the ballroom here for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. You said that you booked it first, and you won't let it go even though there's a wedding that's supposed to go on those two days." I looked at her pointedly.
She blushed. "I-uh-,"
"I'll make you a deal. Let go of the ballroom for those two days, and I'll make your wedding dress, free of charge, as long as it doesn't include diamonds or some such thing." I held out my hand. "Is that a good enough deal?"
Her eyes widened. "My wedding dress, free, from my favorite designer? Deal!" She shook my hand.
I grinned in satisfaction. "It was nice doing business with you. Contact the owner of the hotel for my information. He's… an old friend."
I got up and walked away, completely satisfied with the way things turned out. A wedding dress? No big deal. Anyways, what happens if she accidentally finds out who I am? She might not even want it anymore. Of course, I won't back down on my end of the bargain, but hey, one can hope.
DMHGDMHGDMHG
I went home again, and quickly changed into regular clothes. The girls had taken Ginny to a small spa to calm her down. I tracked them down, and found Draco sitting in the lobby.
"What are you doing here?" I asked him.
"Well, I'm the one treating the girls to the spa day, considering that it was my fault that Pansy is being so stubborn about the day that she booked the ballroom." He said sheepishly. "It's my way of an apology. So did you talk to Pansy?"
"Yup. And it's all taken care of." I said smugly.
"Seriously?" He asked, shocked.
I nodded. "Where's Ginny? I want to tell her the news."
"How did you get her to agree so quickly, though? She's as stubborn as a mule!" Draco said, a surprised look on his face.
"Well, I just happen to be her favorite designer, although she doesn't know who I really am. I offered to make her wedding dress for her, free of charge, as long as she backs down about the booking of the ballroom."
Draco looked impressed. "Nicely done. If there's any way you can get to Pansy, it's with clothes."
Just then, Ginny walked out, with Lavender, Parvati, and Luna. Ginny rushed to me and grabbed my hands. "So?" She asked me with great anticipation. "What happened?"
"It's all taken care of," I said smugly. Ginny shrieked with delight and hugged me until she almost suffocated me.
"Calm down! It was nothing!" I said sheepishly.
"Nothing? You just saved my wedding! Thank you so much, Mia." Ginny hugged me again.
DMHGDMHGDMHG
Christmas Eve came fast, and all the presents were under the tree. The snow was falling, making the island seem more like a winter wonderland than it already was. Ginny and I were in the kitchen baking again, while Blaise, Harry, and Ron were in the living room playing a game. We decided that we would go caroling after this batch of cookies was done, even though Ron and Harry really couldn't sing for their lives.
I took the cookie sheet out of the oven, and inhaled the scent of the freshly melted butterscotch and chocolate. I set the sheet on the stove, and let them cool down before letting the guys devour them. While waiting, Ginny and I started talking.
"So Gin, just another week before you're married." I said, as I sipped some coffee.
"I know!" Ginny replied, her face glowing. "I'm so excited. But I'm so nervous, too."
"Oh hon, don't be! You two are perfect for each other." I smiled at her.
"Yeah, I know. But, let's not talk about me. Let's talk about you." Ginny said, a smirk on her face.
I rolled my eyes and kept drinking my coffee. "When are you going to act on that attraction between you and Mr. Blonde-Hot-and-Rich?"
"Never! He has a girlfriend. And I don't think he really likes me that way." Yeah, right.
Ginny scoffed. "Right. Only a friend would kiss me that intimately, that close to the mouth, yet still on the cheek." She said sarcastically. "You like him. Don't even try to deny it."
"Gin, how many times are we going to go through this?" I asked her tiredly.
"Until I see you with a man." She emphasized.
"Beautiful." I muttered under my breath. "Well, let's get going. Don't want it to get too dark before we can sing to the whole island, now do we?"
DMHGDMHGDMHG
On Christmas morning, I woke up early, hoping to beat the rest of them out of bed, and to get some quiet time to myself. When I got downstairs, the lights were still turned off, with the exception of those on the Christmas tree. I went to the fireplace and started a fire, and then went into the kitchen to make some eggnog, apple cider, and hot chocolate. I put on my coat and scarf, and sat down on the porch outside, and just watched the scene before me.
Every single house outside had Christmas lights and decorations, giving me a warm feeling inside. I could see little kids up early, eager to open their gifts, outside making a snowman because their parents weren't awake yet. I could here the sleigh bells ring, and the ho-ho-hos of the fake Santa that sat in the little gazebo that wasn't far from the inn. The humongous tree that sat in the middle of the whole island was clearly visible, with the hundreds of lights strewn across it, and the beautiful angel that sat atop of it.
I've always had a romantic view of Christmas, with the snow and all the decorations, and the sleigh rides. Now I remember why I moved here. I love the Christmastime. I was actually kind of sad that Christmas was already here because I love the days in December that lead up to Christmas. Everyone is always so happy and cheerful because they know that the holidays are near. Christmas really is the greatest time of the year.
I sipped my hot chocolate and sat there, contemplating my life. I mean, I've been successful, and I have great friends and family that care about me. I would consider my life pretty damn great. But I felt like something was missing. I wasn't sure what exactly that was, but hoped that I would find it soon.
A few minutes later, I could see a figure walking towards the inn. They walked up the porch steps and stopped in front of me. They had a few packages in their hands.
"Merry Christmas, Hermione!" A deep voice said.
They put the packages aside and took off their hat. It was Draco.
I smiled. "Merry Christmas, Draco. What are you doing here?"
"Well, I just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing. And drop these off," he said, motioning to the packages.
"What are they?" I asked.
"They're just presents for all of you."
"Oh, Draco! That's so sweet of you. I didn't even think to get you anything! I'm so sorry."
He smiled. "Don't even worry about it. Well, I guess I'll see you later then." He started to walk down the stairs.
"Wait! Draco!" I stopped him. "If you don't have any plans, why don't you… come inside and spend the day with us. Blaise is still here, and I'm sure he would like to spend the day with his other best friend. And plus, I'm sure he has a present for you." I said somewhat hesitantly.
"Oh, I don't want to intrude." He replied.
"No, not at all! Come on in, I insist. It's the least I can do after everything you've done for us."
I stood up and opened the door. "You can put those packages under the tree, if you'd like." He did just that, and took off his coat and scarf.
I walked into the kitchen. "Would you like something to drink?" I asked him. "I have apple cider, eggnog, and peppermint hot chocolate with marshmallows."
"Some hot chocolate would be nice," He said, sitting down at the kitchen table.
Just then, Ginny came into the kitchen, dragging Harry behind her. She stopped when she saw the two of us sitting down at the table. A flicker of surprise flashed on her face, but was replaced with a smirk.
She walked over to me and gave me a hug. "Merry Christmas, Mia," She said. "And Draco," she added. "So, when is it time for presents?"
"Let's wait until the other two sleepyheads are awake," I said, amused at Ginny's excitement.
As if on cue, Blaise and Ron walked into the kitchen, both with severe bedheads and still in their pajamas. When I saw them, I burst out laughing.
"Really now, you two? You have to come downstairs without even taking the time to make yourselves look presentable?"
"Lay off," Blaise grumbled, sitting down at the table. "Hey Drake. What are you doing here?"
"Oh, um, I was stopping by to drop off some presents and Hermione invited me to spend the day with you guys," Draco said.
"Presents!" Ginny yelled excitedly. "Time for presents!"
We all filed into the living room and I pulled out everyone's presents but my own. I sat back in an armchair and watched everyone tear into their presents like hungry dogs. I just loved to see their expressions when they got something that they wanted or something that they absolutely loved, even if it wasn't from me. It made me feel really good to see how happy they are.
I looked around the room and saw Draco watching me. I blushed. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, embarrassed.
"No reason," He said with a smirk on his face. I turned back to watching my friends opening their gifts, trying to ignore him.
The rest of the day, we talked about anything and everything, played childish games, and pigged out, all the while, keeping ourselves drunk off of eggnog. We even burst out into song at one point, but Ron's attempt at singing caused our eardrums to nearly shatter, and consequently caused us to stop singing.
Around midnight, Ginny and Harry decided to turn in for the night. Blaise and Ron decided to go watch TV upstairs, since they were completely and utterly infatuated with it, leaving Draco and me alone.
"Well, I should probably go," Draco said standing up and putting on his coat. "Thank you for letting me spend the day with you guys. I had a great time."
"Oh yeah. No problem. I had a lot of fun too." I said. "I'll walk you out."
I walked with him to the porch steps. He turned around and kissed me on the cheek but his eyes were on my lips. "Thanks again, Hermione."
"Oh, I almost forgot. This is for you," Draco said, pulling out a small box from his coat pocket. "I hope you like it." And with that, he walked off.
I ran upstairs into my room and opened the box. It was a silver heart shaped locket, with different pictures flashing of my friends and me. It was absolutely beautiful. A note fell out of the box. It read, "Maybe someday, I can be a part of it too."
A/N: There it is! I hope you liked! Next chapter is going to get very interesting. Please Review!!