Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Note: Special thanks to my beta, kazfeist, for the beta job! You rock!
ooo
Chapter Seven – Three's a Crowd
The three weeks until the party passed quicker than for the first party. Every other evening, Pansy had arranged for them to meet with someone—for invitations, rentals, music (Pansy wanted to hire live musicians), linens, and décor.
The guest list remained largely unchanged from the first, save the addition of Draco and another of Pansy's friends. Eighteen this time, and an extra sofa would be required to accommodate them.
Pansy had a difficult time choosing the menu and Hermione suspected it was largely due to nerves associated with the act of feeding Draco. It had to be perfect, Pansy insisted, and not because she wanted his affections, but so he would see just how well she was doing. Hermione thought that a small part of Pansy also wanted him to know just what he was missing.
Finally –finally – the Friday of the party arrived. Hermione was nervous; she thought she might have been more nervous than Pansy, even. Draco would be there, in her flat, talking to her friends, and she would have to watch. Treat him as though nothing had happened, as though there wasn't a special place in her heart that ached for him. Worse still, what if he'd finally decided that she wasn't worth waiting for, and showed up with someone?
Pansy was extremely nervous, but the schedule she and Hermione had settled on would leave little time for thinking. Just doing. They woke early and set right to work. Hours passed and they had to take lunch in shifts. Before either of them knew it, they both had only an hour to get ready.
Hermione had never cared more in her life about how she looked than when she stared at herself in the mirror, trying to decide what to wear. She could wear the purple dress he'd seemed to like, but maybe it was too… much. He'd get the wrong idea, which was actually the right idea, but she couldn't follow through, so it was wrong. Her next choice was green and she thought that, too might work against her.
In the end, she chose a fig-coloured v-neck dress made of pleated, pin-tucked voile over a simple cotton lining. The bodice buttoned in the back and a wide band of voile tied in the back. The fabric shimmered. She selected a pair of pale gold slippers fitted with decorated buckles and teardrop cutouts. A simple pendant of a ruby quartz surrounded by tiny clustered gems completed the look.
With a final look in the mirror and a sigh, Hermione left her room to meet Pansy, who looked drop-dead gorgeous in a low-cut silk dress in burnt orange. Pansy 'ooed' and 'ahhed' over Hermione's dress, saying she'd be sure to turn heads that night. Hermione politely thanked her and insisted she had no such intentions.
Harry arrived early, to help with final preparations and to help calm Pansy's nerves. Hermione smiled as she watched them together, so seemingly at ease with each other despite the huge obstacles – Ginny and Draco – that stood between them. She was relieved at Harry's complete turnaround, but she couldn't help but be wary that he would suddenly realize he was not ready for a relationship and break Pansy's heart.
Soon, guests were arriving. Hermione was assigned to answer the door, as Pansy wanted warning when Draco showed up. Seamus and Lavender arrived, and Hermione let them in. As she was closing the door, she noticed the lift opening and waited, in case a guest was getting off. The door slid open and Karen, one of Pansy's friends who'd attended their last party, stepped out in a deep blue, barely-there dress, smiling and looking at someone standing to her right.
Hermione's heart lurched when she saw that it was Draco. He was laughing at something Karen had said and followed her into the hallway. It seemed they were moving in slow motion as Hermione watched them approach. She could barely breathe, but she allowed herself the stolen moment to admire him. He walked with confidence and grace, and he looked incredible. He was wearing black pants, shiny black shoes, a light grey button-down shirt and a black tie. It was almost a physical pain seeing him laughing with the beautiful woman by his side.
Finally they arrived at the door and when her eyes met his, he smiled, just for her, and it twisted her heart into a knot.
"Granger," he said casually. "This is Karen. We met on the lift." He was looking at her intently, telling her with his eyes that she had nothing to fear.
Hermione blinked, and there was a rush of air as she finally inhaled after holding her breath for so long. He hadn't come with her, after all!
"I know Hermione," Karen said prissily. She reached out to hug Hermione, who half-heartedly returned the gesture. "How are you?"
"Very well, thank you. Please, come in." Karen walked in while Hermione held open the door.
When Draco walked in, he paused and held out a bottle of wine. "For the hostesses," he said with a slight smile.
"Thank you," Hermione replied. When she held out her hand to accept the bottle, their hands brushed, and for the briefest of moments she felt the entire room spin away, locked in his gaze. Only when he withdrew his hand did she realize he'd slipped something into hers. She wrapped her hand tightly around what felt like a slip of parchment and smiled as Draco continued into the flat.
With a deep breath, Hermione closed the door behind him and had to restrain herself from running into the bathroom to read his note. She carried the bottle to Pansy, who was in the kitchen.
Pansy took the bottle and smiled. "My favorite! So… he's here, then?"
"Yes," Hermione said, feeling a twinge of jealousy.
Pansy took a moment to mentally calm herself, then both women went into the dining room to begin dinner. Hermione had almost reached her seat when there was another knock on the door. She did a quick check of those already seated and saw that one person wasn't there.
She went to the door and Blaise smiled widely at her when she opened it. In his hand was a bouquet of flowers in varying shades of red.
"For you," he said, holding them out before she could even speak.
"Oh, my, Blaise, they're lovely," she smelled them, as she assumed was the required action when given flowers. "Thank you. Come on in, we're about to start dinner."
"Without me?" he said, pulling off his coat, still grinning at her.
Hermione smiled. "I know, imagine that. You are late, you know. And you've been exposed to Pansy's schedules in the past."
"My apologies," he said.
"Let me get these in water."
ooo
Draco was talking to Parvati when he saw Hermione enter his field of view. Behind her trailed none other than Blaise. He noticed she was carrying a bunch of flowers, and that Blaise was talking closely with her. She smiled as they went into the kitchen, emerging a moment later with the flowers in a vase.
"Pansy, look what Blaise brought," Hermione exclaimed, setting the vase in the centre of the table.
"Oh, Blaise, they're lovely!" Pansy squealed, giving Hermione a look Draco didn't care for. It was too … knowing.
Draco watched as Hermione then took a seat on the opposite side of the table from him, leaving a seat for Blaise to sit beside her. He really didn't care for all the thoughts he was having; he knew Hermione had told him to move on. Had she?
Pansy was at the opposite end of the table, something for which he was very grateful. It would be bad enough sitting that close to Hermione and not being able to… well, hold her, and touch her, and convince her to leave the party early with him. He smirked at the idea.
"Draco!" said Blaise as he settled in his seat. "Nice to see you here!"
It took most of his strength to assume his usual indifferent manner toward his friend. "Likewise."
All through dinner, Draco didn't miss a single thing between Blaise and Hermione. He was nearly spitting fire he was so jealous, but if he really thought about it, he would have to admit it was mostly Blaise. He would lean to whisper in her ear, or casually-but-not touch her arm, or her shoulder, or her hair. Hermione reddened every time and stoutly refused to look at Draco; though for all he knew, she was merely flushed from being warm.
"So, Draco," said Blaise at one point. "I've told Hermione about your little secret and she's just as intrigued as I am."
Draco blinked and glanced as casually as he could at Hermione, who was looking at her plate, eyes wide. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Blaise."
Blaise smirked. "Right, sure you don't." He leaned forward so the people around them wouldn't hear. "I'm going to find out, you know I will. You never keep these things from me. Frankly, I'm surprised you still haven't told me. However, if you tell us now, it'll save you a lot of trouble later."
"What are you implying?" Draco asked, very annoyed.
"Only that I plan to torture you mercilessly once I learn who the mystery woman is. Have you still not asked her out?"
Draco kept his eyes trained on Blaise despite desperately wanting to either reach over and strangle him or see what Hermione was doing. From the corner of his eye, it looked as though she'd struck up a conversation with the person sitting on her other side. "Must I remind you," he said quietly, "that it's complicated? And also not something to talk about, here and now."
Blaise chuckled. "Fine, fine. Keep your secret," he said, leaning back and putting his arm around Hermione's chair. "For now."
Finally the torture ended, and the table was cleared. Pansy announced that cake and coffee would be offered in the next room and Draco was so relieved he actually smiled. At Karen, who was sitting on his right side. She'd tried to get his attention throughout the meal, asking him about his work, his life, and general small talk. He'd been polite, for sure, but not encouraging. As he stood, she accidentally brushed his hand with hers and quickly apologized, but he noticed the look in her eyes, the invitation, the question, nonetheless.
Hermione, Pansy and Harry retreated into the kitchen, Draco assumed, to get the pudding. He followed the crowd into the living room and Karen immediately latched onto him the way Pansy always had. It had the same effect with her as with Pansy, annoying him to no end.
Soon the cakes were brought in, both Hermione and Pansy carrying them around the room like waitresses, delivering them to their guests. Potter followed with a magical wine bottle that constantly refilled.
Draco excused himself from Karen and went to Pansy.
"Pansy," he said, calling her attention.
She turned toward him and smiled brightly. "Draco, I'm so glad you could come." She gave him a small hug, despite the tray in her hand.
"It's a lovely party."
"You're such a liar."
He smirked. "I'm not lying. The food was excellent, exquisite, even. Your personal touches are all over the place. May I?" he asked, indicating the tray.
"Oh, of course. Really, though? You liked dinner?"
"It was incredible. Did you make it?"
"Well," she said, obviously pleased with herself. "Mostly. Hermione helped, of course."
"Of course."
"Have you spoken to her at all?" Pansy asked.
"Just at the door, and only a few words."
"You really ought to try," Pansy said seriously. "She's wonderful. And Harry and Ron, too."
"If you say so," he replied. Harry walked up then and put a possessive hand at Pansy's waist. Draco inclined his head slightly. "Potter."
"Malfoy."
"The cake is delicious."
"Indeed. Pansy is incredible."
Draco smiled at Harry, then at Pansy and had to stifle a chuckle. Potter was worried! Merlin, what a ridiculous thought. If only they knew whom Draco was currently thinking about. He knew where she was at all times as though he could feel her presence by some extra sense. His entire body knew where she was in relation to it, pleading with him to reduce the distance between them.
After a moment more of small talk, Pansy and Harry disappeared into the crowd, leaving him standing alone, though only for a brief moment. Soon Karen was attached to him again, talking in a high, over-bubbly voice that grated on his nerves.
Time passed, and as it did, Draco developed a headache that then seemed to increase in intensity with every shrill laugh, every harsh guffaw. He scanned the room, looking for Hermione and found her talking closely,again, with Blaise.
He moved closer, hoping to catch something of their conversation before he spoke to her.
"… and then this car, I think the authorities, came careening down the street after the blue car, sirens wailing. Reminded me of that hideous film we saw."
Draco clenched his fist.
"I thought you didn't like it," he heard Hermione say in response.
"No, I didn't," Blaise said with a scoff. "But I still had a good time, despite the film."
Sodding idiot.
"It was fun, wasn't it? Making fun of the horrid acting."
"And terrible effects."
Hermione laughed. "And that ridiculous wig the main character was wearing!"
"It was practically falling off! Surely they could have used some kind of… of sticking charm, or something."
"Blaise, you always do that. It's a Muggle thing. They don't have sticking charms."
"Yes, well, they should. That or employ a wizard to work in the costume department."
Again Hermione laughed, sending waves of jealousy and at the same time, pleasant shivers through Draco's body.
"I don't think that's very likely to happen," Hermione said. Blaise said something Draco couldn't hear that led Hermione to say, "Blaise! You're terrible!"
"I distinctly remember you being the mischievous one the other night," Blaise returned, his voice low and throaty.
Draco decided he'd had enough and skulked toward the pair. Blaise looked up as he approached and grinned. "Having a good time there, Draco?"
Draco cocked an eyebrow. "Terribly." He turned to Hermione. "Granger. Pansy wishes to speak with you."
Hermione's expression was unreadable and more than ever before he wished he could know what she was thinking. It sounded very much like she'd been out with Blaise. He'd brought her flowers, for Merlin's sake. And he'd known Blaise long enough to know he fancied her.
"Oh, where is she?" Hermione asked.
"Kitchen."
Hermione nodded. "Okay, thank you." She turned to Blaise and smiled at him. It turned Draco's stomach. "If you'll excuse me," she said. Blaise nodded, and she left the two men together.
Draco scowled at the wine glass in his hand.
"Huh."
Draco looked up to find Blaise looking at him strangely. "What?"
"I – nothing," Blaise said, bewildered. "Just … how very interesting."
He was in no mood for games, especially with someone who was obviously interested in Hermione. "What's interesting, Blaise?"
At that moment, Karen returned and latched onto Draco's arm. "Where did you run off to?" she asked. Draco could see, or rather smell, that she'd had too much to drink. She was barely standing and she looked at him with slightly glazed eyes.
Blaise chuckled and excused himself.
Karen left Draco's arm and spun to stand in front of him. With a hazy smile, she reached up and put a hand on his face. It was too much for Draco. He carefully but firmly removed Karen's hand and decided he had to leave.
He couldn't stand to see Hermione and Blaise … talking, or flirting, or whatever it was they were doing. He refused to. He bade Karen a goodnight, and located Pansy, now standing with a few of her female friends near the coffee.
In a moment, he was by her side, pulling her gently away. "Pansy, I'm sorry about this, but I must go."
Her smiled faltered. "So soon?"
"Yes, unfortunately, I've got something early in the morning."
Pansy pouted, and he wasn't sure why on earth she cared if he stayed or went. She'd barely paid him any attention at all. "You work too much," she said.
"You say that a lot, you know."
"It's true."
He sighed. "Still, I have to go. It was a lovely party, Pansy. I mean it. You did an excellent job putting it together, and everyone is having a wonderful time."
"You're so sweet, Draco," Pansy said. "Well, if you must go, you must go. Do say something to Hermione before you leave though, this is her flat."
"Of course," he said tersely. "I'm quite familiar with the social niceties, you know."
"Just didn't want you to try and get out of speaking with her. I noticed you barely said three words to any of her friends tonight. You really should work on that."
"Whatever you say. Goodnight, Pansy."
"Night, Draco."
He was almost free. He looked around for Hermione and once more found her talking to Blaise. She was laughing, her eyes sparkling and he wanted nothing more than to punch Blaise square in the face. Not that he had any right to, of course; she was free, and he was free. Only his heart had been captured by her and it wasn't ready to be let go.
For the second time in fifteen minutes, Draco moved to interrupt them. He completely ignored Blaise's presence and spoke quickly to Hermione.
"Granger."
She turned toward him, that sparkling smile still on her face, and for a moment he was breathless. Her smile changed almost unnoticeably, but he saw it; the corners of her eyes lifted and her eyes softened. "Malfoy."
"I'm afraid I must go. Thank you for inviting me, it was a lovely party."
Something, a whole lot of things, flickered through her eyes, but she merely said, "You're welcome, I'm so glad you were able to make it."
"I'll walk out with you, Draco," said Blaise.
Both he and Hermione looked at Blaise, both surprised.
Blaise shrugged. "Early practice tomorrow. Sunrise."
"Oh, well, it was nice seeing you again," Hermione said to him.
He grinned at her. "You too. Take care, and I'll see you soon."
Hermione nodded and Draco turned to leave. He managed to avoid having to speak to anyone else, and completely ignored Blaise as they walked down the hallway toward the lift. Once on, Draco punched the button for the ground floor and turned to stand facing the doors.
"So it's her, then?" Blaise said.
Draco continued staring. "What is whom, Blaise?"
"Hermione."
"I don't follow. What about her?"
"She's the one. The girl you're crazy about."
Draco said nothing, only clenched his jaw so tight it was painful.
"Huh," said Blaise, and Draco heard amusement in his voice. "I've known you too long, Draco. I can tell it's her. It makes perfect sense … it's very complicated."
Draco still said nothing.
"Does Pansy know?"
Draco turned his head to glare fire and brimstone at Blaise, silently wishing him a slow, painful death.
"I won't tell, don't worry. I just can't figure out how it happened, is all." After another moment, Blaise said, "Does she know?"
Draco huffed and stared at the numbers as they slowly crawled toward one. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Right. So it's okay with you if I ask her out? Because … I think she fancies me."
The lift finally reached the bottom. As the doors opened, Draco said, "We aren't going to have this conversation." He walked into the lobby and out the door, leaving Blaise smiling bemusedly after him in the lobby.
ooo
Hermione was sad to see Draco leave, but relieved too; no more worrying about him and Pansy, or about Blaise talking to her so exclusively. She'd hidden the parchment slip from Draco, and as the party wound down, her thoughts were focused on it, wondering what it said.
When the last guest had gone, Hermione's relief was complete. Harry stayed to help with clean-up; when he too had left, Hermione bade Pansy goodnight, retrieved the parchment, and retired to her room.
She opened the slip; it read, "Spell me." Hermione smiled and tapped the parchment with her wand, casting the "spell check" charm she'd developed for work.
The parchment turned into another scroll like the first one he'd given her. This was thicker and longer than that one. With a squeal of excitement, Hermione hurried to change into pyjamas and settle in her bed to read the letter.
It was full. She'd asked him many more questions, and he had an opinion on nearly everything she wrote. Hermione noticed that for this scroll, he answered each letter as he read it; the handwriting changed slightly between entries, and occasionally he'd used a different colour ink than black.
It took nearly an hour for her to get through the entire thing and when she finished, she wasn't even tired. She got up and sat at her desk to write him back.
ooo
Draco,
I've just finished your letter and it's nearly three in the morning, but I couldn't wait to respond.
Tonight was really, really good. Pansy felt great, she was pleased with the interaction between the two of you. The entire evening went smoothly, and I'm beyond thrilled. I do hope you didn't think anything about Blaise … Pansy has got the idea of putting us together in her head and thus far, I've been unsuccessful in my attempts to dissuade her of the idea. Blaise is … a friend.
I hope to be able to discuss in greater detail your proposal for your research project. I have enough questions about that alone to fill a two-foot slip of parchment! It sounds utterly brilliant. I appreciate the offer to work with you, but I must decline at this time, as you know…
Know that I would love to though, and I truly mean it. Granted, my current job is quite rewarding … a spell-check charm is incredibly useful. I use it on all my letters to you, and hope to move on to a grammar-check spell next. DO try and contain your excitement…
Who am I kidding? Not you, I know! I'd much prefer a career in research, working with potions, tweaking them, inventing them … I've recently become very interested in Muggle pharmaceutical companies—they create medicines for various diseases, as I'm sure you know—and think there could be applications in the wizarding world. Your company would be the perfect place to try out something like that. Generous financial backing, and an employer who understands the value of good quality research and who cares about the human condition … well, wizarding condition, at least!
My favourite city in the entire world? Merlin, what a wonderful question! I've been to France, and Switzerland, and Spain. I love big cities, but I also adore the country. There's a small town in France, in Provence, called Arles, which I simply adore. I want to travel to Italy, and the Far East in my future …
What's next for Pansy, you ask? I suppose just being around you more and more, in increasingly familiar situations, until eventually it's just you two. I'm not worried about her, though. I truly believe she's going to be fine …
And now, I must say goodnight! Or rather, good morning and adieu. It's nearly five—Merlin! I'm glad it's Saturday and I can sleep now. I'll be in touch soon, I'm sure.
OH! I read a book recently called 'The Mind's I' and I loved it—you should read it. I know how much we have in common in books, which I still find surprising. Anyway, Flourish and Blotts is having a big book sale on September the nineteenth, and I'm planning to go. They hold it twice a year, and they have really rare and old books as well. I love it—all those delightful books! And they serve refreshments … I'm hoping to find a first edition of that book I mentioned, but I'm not holding my breath. I know it's a few weeks away, but it's been on my calendar for months!
I truly enjoyed seeing you tonight. And your letter… I'm still wishing for all those things. I would love to see Paris with you. I would love to buy popcorn and pour butter and salt on it with you, and watch a horrible, sappy, romantic comedy with you. Just please, no action movies. I'm afraid Harry and Pansy have ruined them for me.
I hope you have a wonderful week, and that your proposal presentation goes well on Tuesday. I'll be thinking about you.
Always,
Hermioneooo
A/N: Thanks again for reading! I truly hope you're enjoying the story so far!
