So! *Clasp hands* I um- *Dodges vegetables, fruits and grenades*. I'm back..? Okay so I had major writer's block and every time I opened the chapter I just got bored and closed it... The characters might be a bit weird but hopefully you'll likey. I likey this chapter :) And it is kinda funny at the end.
Also I would like to say a big thank-you too; Alexbelle'sLoveChild for sending me a message and getting me back into the spirits of writing. :)
Again I hope you like this chapter.
Chapter Nine- The Dance
It was the day before the year seven formal dance and the girls were nervous while the boys shrugged it off nonchalantly. Parvati and Lavender, plus most of the year six and seven girls, were rushing about, the two pregnant girls forced to move more slowly, to find cosmetics and last-minute accessories. Ginny and Hermione were sitting, for once, in the Gryffindor common room, at ease to be surrounded by their house-mates.
"Do you think everything is going to be okay?" Hermione asked the redhead nervously, watching Parvati and her non-pregnant twin, Padma, decide on whether or not to wear a shawl with their dresses. "Relax 'Mione, everything will be fine," Ginny reassured Hermione, "Although seriously, you'd think Padma and Parvati would calm down. The dance isn't till tomorrow, they'll have plenty of time." The twins in question where now styling their hair, as if the dance was that very night instead of over twenty-four hours away.
"Yeah but it's been three months exactly since we started this class," Hermione gushed out, her hand wringing themselves frantically, "What if we go into labour half way through the night?" Ginny let out a song-like laugh in reply, her own hands calmly folded over her bulging round stomach. "'Mione I doubt you'll go into labour. If anyone it'd be Parvati, she's bigger than a freight train." The girl in question halted her hair-dressing to glare at Ginny, a hand on her belly which was indeed a lot bigger than everyone else's. Ginny shrugged apologetically to the twin before turning back to the brunette on the opposite couch.
"Besides I don't think McGonagall would be that mean; having someone go into labour on their year seven dance." Hermione breathed in deeply, fixing her gaze on the younger witch, "That's easy for you to say. You and Luna have your own year seven dance next year, I don't." She seemed slightly miffed at this and Ginny sighed over-exaggeratedly, "Yeah well, not my fault the teachers let the year sixes join your special dance." The redhead used finger quotes around the word 'special' and Hermione couldn't stop her smile. The two witches sat in silence for a moment, simply watching their friends run around the common room or playing games like Wizard's Chess or Exploding Snap.
Ten minutes later the pair headed out for their apartments, making to prepare for lunch. They then headed to the Great Hall, met with the bustling noise inside the cavernous room. "Hey Harry," Ginny sat down delicately beside the raven-haired boy, snatching his toast from his hand and nibbling at it. "Ginny," Harry replied, claiming another piece of toast and lathering it up with Vegemite. His Tawny Frogmouth, Frederick, sat on the rim of a jug of orange juice, occasionally hopping along the table to steal someone's food.
Hermione took her place on the other side of Harry, next to Ron as well who was staring glumly at his food, "Something wrong?" Hermione inquired, shooing Frederick from the jug of orange juice to pour herself a cup. "I hate dances," The Weasley mumbled back, moving his food around on the plate. "Don't play with your food Ronald," Hermione admonished, slapping his hand gently before continuing on, "Anyway why do you hate dances?" Ron glanced up from his plate, his ears slightly red, "Oh, just from the Yule Ball…" Hermione paused in her eating, nodding slowly and deciding to remain quiet on the subject.
Not soon after Draco arrived, his hair matted, "That stupid oaf of a teacher," He grumbled, pushing Ron to the side as he squeezed in beside Hermione. "What?" The brunette asked, frowning as Draco dragged her plate towards himself and started to eat her food. "That fool of a half-breed you call a teacher," The blond muttered, suddenly cringing at the murderous look on Hermione's face. "What did you just say?" Her voice was low and Draco gulped, "Nothing dearest," He attempted a smile, managing to pull it off and add to his sarcastic remark. The Gryffindor's temper dropped a bit and she sniffed, looking down her nose at Draco, "Now what were you saying about Hagrid? What did he do?"
Harry glanced up at the mention of Hagrid's name and turned to listen to Draco's reply, "You would not believe what he brought to Care of Magical Creatures." The blond's voice was touched with a bit of disbelief as he remembered his class. "You take Care of Magical Creatures?" Ron asked, intrigued at the news. "Yeah, well there was nothing else that looked even remotely interesting. At least I'm not cooped up in some classroom," Draco sneered, forgetting Hermione's previous anger. "You could have taken Muggle Studies," Hermione suggested lightly, investigating the plate of cooked frog's legs in front of her. Draco's sneer vanished and was replaced with horror, "Yeah right, that would be even more terrible than Care of Magical Creatures."
The brunette went to reply but Draco cut her off, "Anyway back to my story; you won't believe what creature that oa-" Hermione, Ron and Harry glared at the Slytherin and he caught himself smoothly, "-My god this is delicious," He had a piece of some meat in his hand, nibbling at it and attempting to smile. "That's frog legs," Hermione pointed out and Draco's eyes widened as he spat out the food, grimacing in disgust. Well, caught himself semi-smoothly.
Hermione stifled her laughter and Draco scowled before continuing, "So guess what creature Hagrid brought to class?" The Golden Trio pondered for a moment, Harry asking brightly, "Bowtruckle?" Draco sighed, raising an eyebrow, "Really Potter?" Harry shrugged, getting bored with the game along with Ron, "We give up, tell us what Hagrid brought to class." Draco stopped eating making sure he had the trio's attention before he said, "A Nundu."
Hermione gasped, a hand flying up to her mouth in shock while Harry and Ron gave Draco blank stares, "What?" They asked simultaneously and Hermione replied, her voice a slight squeak, "A Nundu is one of the most dangerous creatures. They're up there with Basilisks and Werewolves. Nundu's can be found in East Africa and are basically gigantic yellow leopards with black spots. It takes about a hundred wizards to subdue just one Nundu and its breath is toxic and filled with diseases…" She listed off the facts subconsciously, staring at Draco, the shock still on her face. "Hagrid brought one of those to your class?" Ron asked in disbelieve and Draco nodded in agreement, enjoying their shocked faces before he sighed and added, "It was only a cub and its breath couldn't actually kill you at its age, just knock you out for a few hours with a cold." The blond smirked, "Just ask Neville."
The Golden Trio suddenly began looking up and down the Gryffindor table, unable to the find the accident-prone wizard, "Is he okay?" Hermione asked, her voice filled with worry and Draco nodded, turning back to his food, carefully avoiding the frog's legs. "I can't believe Hagrid did that, bringing a Nundu into school," Hermione rushed on, oblivious that her friends had begun to ignore her after finding out the little cub had been harmless and no-one injured. Perhaps Draco shouldn't have mentioned that Hagrid had brought the cub's mother, Whiskers, along to the class as well a few minutes later. Hermione might not have fainted.
Hermione slowly opened her eyes, feeling groggy as she took in her bearings. She was in the Hospital Wing on one of the beds with Draco and Ron beside her on chairs. "Wha-what happened?" The brunette pressed her palm to her forehead as it flared with pain at sitting up. "Calm down 'Mione, you fainted," Ron soothed, reaching forward and patting her hand gently. "Oh… Yeah," Hermione muttered, remembering what happened. Suddenly Hermione sat up straighter, her hands pressed flat to her ever-bulged abdomen. Before she could ask her question Ron cut her off, "Don't worry. The baby's fine, Madame Pomfrey checked straight away. Malfoy here caught you before you hit the ground."
Ron jerked his head in Draco's vague direction who was kept shifting in his chair as though he didn't want to be there. "Where are Harry and Ginny?" Hermione asked, looking around for her friends. "Harry had to go sit with Luna for Life Lessons and Ginny went with Blaise to talk about the dance," The redhead explained just as Madame Pomfrey came out of her office. "Miss Granger, how are you feeling?" The Medi-witch asked kindly, pushing Ron out of the way so she could check Hermione's pulse and temperature.
"A bit sick but fine I guess. I can't believe I fainted though. Stupid, messed up hormones," The brunette shrugged unhappily and the older witch pushed a cup into her hands. "Drink this, it'll take away any pain and you can move onto your next class," And with that Madame Pomfrey moved away to another student who had antlers coming through his shoulder-length wavy brown hair. Hermione sipped at the potion, sighing in relief as the sick feeling left. She sat up, one hand to her baby belly, swinging her feet over the edge of the bed. "Careful 'Mione," Ron warned, standing up and holding his hands out in case she fell. "She'll be fine Weasley," Draco admonished, taking Hermione's arm and pulling her to her feet, "Now we have Charms," Draco continued, pulling Hermione after him although his grip on her arm remained gentle.
The next day, the day of the dance, classes for the year sixes and sevens were cancelled to give them time to get ready. Hermione was currently in her bedroom, tugging her dress on, silently wishing for the charm that would minimise the size of her stomach. Her hair had been tamed into delicate curls which had then been pinned up, leaving them to trail down her back, a few loose to frame her face. Delicate blue and pink Lotus flowers were then tucked into her hair, charmed to stay in place. Next came the delicate process of make-up; a small amount of eye-liner and mascara followed by light pink lipstick and finally green and silver eye shadow to match her dress. Hermione picked up her heels, unable to wear them with her stomach and walked into the living room.
Draco was still in the bathroom, going for a shower, so Hermione sat at the table, chin on hand as she waited. Professor McGonagall had decreed that students from the Life Lesson's class were to arrive together and take the first dance. Tapping her fingers on the table in boredom as she waited, Hermione barely noticed her stomach shrinking back to its normal flat state. She looked down and let out a tiny gasp, putting her hand to her stomach from instinct. There was an absence from the usual kicking and moving the baby did and she frowned, missing the sensation. The door to their room opened and Draco walked out, swinging his jacket over his shoulder.
His robes were black apart from his shirt which was blinding white and his vest; a dark grey. Draco pulled on his jacket, fixing a small red rose to the button hole, brushing his hair back messily with his hand. "Gryffindor red," Hermione grinned, standing up and tapping the rose. Draco smirked back and looked her up and down, eyeing the dress she was wearing, "Slytherin green," He replied, raising an eyebrow. "Ginny made me get it," Hermione protested and Draco's smirk deepened, followed by a laugh, "Sure she did. But she didn't make you wear it."
Hermione gaped at him, frowning before she pulled on her heels and huffed. "Madame?" Draco asked, his arm out and Hermione took it, her hands clasped around his arm. "Don't call me Madame," Hermione pouted, picking up her small green purse, tucking away her wand and letting Draco lead them from the apartment.
The Great Hall had been transformed; the house tables were gone, replaced with round tables each seating ten. Light grey table clothes draped over them, their edges frayed for design. The roof sky was a dark black, the stars shining different bright colours like a disco ball. A stage stood off to the side and a band was setting up their instruments; the Weird Sisters. Hermione glanced around, taking in the sight as the Great Hall filled with students, each donned in their best outfits, holding the arms of partners.
"Yo Draco!" A voice called out and the pair turned to find Blaise waving at them, Ginny on his arm. The redhead was wearing a brown dress that went quite well with her hair; a 3 layer organza dress that came to her knees with a black sash at the waist to match her black flats and the large decorative flower pinned to the side of her hair, sweeping the locks to one side.
Ginny gave a delicate wave, beckoning them over and Draco and Hermione complied. Ginny wrapped Hermione up into a hug as Blaise and Draco muttered hellos. "I told you the dress would look great," Ginny whispered, an excited smile on her face. A floating tray holding wine glasses of fire whisky floated past and Ginny plucked two glasses from it, offering one to Hermione, "Come on 'Mione, it'll probably be the one and only time that you're allowed to drink at school." Ginny pleaded and the brunette frowned, "Won't it affect the babies?" Ginny paused before shrugging with, "McGonagall would have warned us if it did. Now drink up!" Hermione sighed before accepting the cup and sipping at the cool liquid.
Blaise tightened his grip slightly on Ginny's arm, "Shall we move on?" He asked and the redhead let out a small curtsey, "Of course. Seeya 'Mione," Ginny glanced at Draco, "Malfoy." The pair then moved on to mingle, leaving the Slytherin Prince and Gryffindor Princess standing on the edge of the Great Hall. "Well…" Hermione started but drifted off in the lack of conversation. Draco glanced at her and went to talk but a booming voice echoed over them.
"Welcome!" The pair turned towards where the teacher's table sat, draped in its own silver table cloth. Dumbledore stood up from his high-backed chair, arms spread wide in a warm gesture meant to encompass everyone in the hall. "Welcome staff," Dumbledore turned and smiled kindly to the teachers who each raised their glasses in acknowledgement. "Welcome students," Dumbledore turned his smile to the students who hooted and whistled in their own acknowledgement.
"Welcome everyone to this year's senior dance," Dumbledore lowered his hands, "Now would be the perfect time for speeches but instead all I have to say is: Dig in!" And with a sweep of his hand all the tables filled with food, piled high. All the milling students began to roil around for chairs to claim. Across the hall, close to the front Hermione spied Ginny gesturing for her to go over.
"Come on," Hermione grabbed Draco's hand, dragging him around all the students and bodies to reach the redhead. "Looks like we sit here," Ginny motioned to the table she stood next to where there were name tags at each of the chairs; naming the ten students of the Life Lessons class. "We don't even get to choose where we sit?" Draco whined, pouting handsomely at Hermione, eyes wide. Hermione turned a disbelieving eye to the Slytherin.
"Pouting at me won't change where we sit Malfoy," She scoffed, watching as McGonagall shepherded the rest of their class towards their table. "I cannot believe I have to sit over here," Came a whining voice in the form of Lavender.
The Gryffindor's hair was tightly coiled with the sides pinned to the back with a silver clip. Her dress was a lavender colour, matching the girl's name and strapless with a gathered waist and swooping neckline. Above her right breast was a delicate silver metal flower that shone as she moved. The dress reached just above the ground where the tip of Lavender's silver shoes peaked.
Ron appeared from behind her, his red hair blazing brightly as usual. His suit was a brown colour and thankfully this time without frills and ruffles. Ron rolled his eyes to his date's whine, "Get over it Lav," He huffed, collapsing into his chair as Lavender sat next to him but not before shooting him a look of disgust.
Hermione laughed at the two, turning around as someone tapped her shoulder. "Harry!" Hermione wrapped her arms around the raven-haired Gryffindor, hugging him tight. "Uh, 'Mione, choking. Not breathing." He gasped and Hermione pulled away, brushing a strand of hair from her eye. Draco watched the confrontation and rolled his grey eyes, gliding to his chair and sitting down. Blaise sat down, the Slytherin on his left side and began a whispered conversation, pausing only to pull out Ginny's chair for the redhead.
"Nice outfit Harry," Hermione grinned, taking in the simple black tux Harry wore, down to the shiny black shoes. "Hello Hermione," A breezy voice whispered as Luna came out of the still milling crowd of students. Her blonde hair was shining and straight, hanging around her face. Her dress matched her attitude and was an assortment of colours. From the top to the bottom the colours faded into the next; Red to orange to yellow to green to blue to indigo and finally to violet. The rainbow dress was flowing and the sleeves went to her wrists, the edge reaching her knees.
"Hey Luna," Hermione smiled kindly, taking in the corkscrew earrings that dangled from Luna's ears; hidden slightly amongst her hair. Harry bowed in a low sweeping motion to Hermione before taking Luna to the other side of the table, sitting down next to Ron who had already piled his plate high and stuffed his face with food.
Hermione breathed out, moving to take her seat when another voice spoke up behind her, "Hermione." She turned and found Parvati, towing an unwilling Neville behind her. Parvati's dress was blue with spaghetti-thin straps and a black belt that cinched her waist. The dress hung straight and reached halfway between her feet and her knees, a small slit up the side. Neville, at her side, was dashing in a black three-piece suit and a blue, charmed rose in the lapel of his jacket that matched Parvati's dress. A silver shawl wrapped around Parvati's shoulder and her hair was pulled up into a high bun.
"Parvati," Hermione greeted sweetly, surpassing her and drawing Neville into a bone-crushing hug, "You look very dashing Neville," The brunette grinned, ignoring the snort she heard from the table behind her. "Shut up Malfoy," Ron threw across the table and the Slytherin snarled back, "Zip it Weasley." Ginny sighed, pulling a glass of unknown substances towards her, "Play nice both of you."
Malfoy smirked, "I'm not playing with any of you, especially Weaselette." Hermione patted Neville on the shoulder before turning to the table, "Everyone shut it." She glared around the table before moving to her seat, pulling it out herself and slouching down next to Draco. "Can't you even sit like a girl?" Draco raised one eyebrow to the Gryffindor and Hermione locked eyes with him, making a show of putting her elbows onto the table, hands supporting her chin and slouching even more.
"Child," Draco muttered, forking a few pieces of potato onto his plate. "Ferret," Hermione quipped back, taking a piece of chicken and oddly missing her weird food cravings. "Know-it-all," Draco muttered and Hermione narrowed her eyes, "Stuck up little-" Harry sat up straight from his chair, clapping his hands and interrupting Hermione with, "Okay! This is fun and all but how about we sit in silence for a while? I like silence," The Chosen One slowly slunk lower in his seat under everyone's gaze and pushed the food on his plate around a bit.
"I like silence," Harry muttered quietly and Ron patted his back, "It's okay mate." Hermione smiled at the pair, looking down at her plate and cutting the food into tiny pieces slowly and carefully; taking her time. "How small do you want it Granger?" Draco asked from her side, humour lacing his voice. Hermione glared up at him as he stabbed a piece of the chicken with his knife, eating it even as Hermione protested, "Hey!" Draco's eyes widened comically, "Oh I'm sorry do you want that back?" He went to open his mouth and Hermione squealed as quietly as she could, shoving the Slytherin back.
"Gross!" Hermione hit her hand to Draco's chest and he winced, replacing the knife with his fork and stabbing another piece of the chicken. "Here," He motioned with the fork and Hermione slowly opened her mouth, accepting the morsel. "Happy?" Draco asked, twirling the empty fork in his hand. Hermione shrugged slightly, "For now… Ferret."
Across the table Ron glared after the two, only looking away when Lavender was calling for his attention.
"Let the dancing begin!" Dumbledore's voice echoed through the Great Hall. The tables had vanished, leaving only a few around the edge of the giant room. Some students were sitting at the said tables and the rest gathered in the middle of the now dance floor. Music started playing and students gathered partners, pulling them into a sweeping, majestic dance. Harry had taken Luna onto the floor somewhat reluctantly while Parvati had dragged Neville. Ginny and Blaise had both taken to the dance floor with equal enthusiasm and Ron had flatly refused to dance with Lavender.
Hermione sat on her chair, facing the dancers, hands clasped in her lap. Draco stood at her shoulder, watching everyone, including the teachers, dance. McGonagall had dragged a furious Snape onto the floor and his stony face remained hard, eyes glaring burning holes at every one who dared even smile at him.
"Dance Granger?" Hermione turned slightly, looking up at Draco who moved to the front of her chair, hand extended. "What?" She muttered, slightly confused. "Isn't that what people do at a dance, Granger? They dance. With other people. Together." Draco raised one eyebrow and chuckled lightly, waggling the tips of his fingers invitingly.
"Fine. One dance," Hermione allowed herself to be pulled to her feet and towards the middle of the Great Hall, noticing the lights that had faded, the smoke that crept along the floor. Draco turned to her, one hand clasping hers, the other moving to her waist. Hermione's free hand went up to his shoulder, brushing it gently. "Relax Granger, I won't bite," Draco whispered, pulling Hermione a bit closer as he began to sway her, moving amongst the crowd.
Hermione rolled her eyes, seeing Blaise twirl Ginny in a swirl of red hair before pulling her back. Hermione looked back at Draco, up into his emotionless grey eyes and sighed. "Oh, I forgot something," Draco piped up, pulling away from Hermione and winking. From inside his coat he took out a corsage. It was a green-tinged Lotus flower surrounded by small purple orchids. The whole thing was soft and delicate in Draco's hands as he looked down at Hermione's surprised face.
"I meant to give it to you before but," Draco shrugged, "I forgot. Forgive me?" Draco grinned cheekily and Hermione wordlessly shook her head. "Is that a, no I don't forgive you or a, I'm so speechless I can't reply?" Draco asked, bringing Hermione from her stupor. "It's the second," Hermione whispered, holding up her right hand so that Draco could tie the corsage around her wrist, pulling the ribbon tight and into a bow.
"I love it," Hermione whispered, smiling up at Draco before going back to staring at the corsage. "I knew you'd like it. Matches your hair," The blonde gestured to Hermione's hair and when her hand unconsciously moved to the brown locks he caught it, pulling her back to dancing.
The clock tower sounded and Hermione could just hear it over the music; striking eleven.
"I'm beat," Draco breathed out deeply, pulling Hermione behind him who was limping slightly, her feet aching in the tall heels. "I think I'm going to die," Hermione groaned, grabbing Draco's other hand and swinging around to face him before leaning back, using his counter-weight to fall back onto the chair awaiting her. "Don't die on me yet," Draco smirked, keeping her hands in his and swinging them.
"Don't do that, they'll be ripped off," Hermione protested, trying to stop the motion. "Thanks for the imagery Granger," Draco grimaced, letting go of the Gryffindor's hands, "I'm getting a drink. You want?" Draco started to walk backwards, blending in amongst the still dancing students. "Yes please," Hermione called after him and he turned around, heading for the food and drink table.
Hermione sighed, leaning back on her chair, head hanging back. "Hey Granger!" A voice called over the music and Hermione looked up, only to find Pansy Parkinson heading her way. "Having fun Mudblood?" Pansy sneered, the action turning her pug-lookalike face horrible. "Go away Parkinson," Hermione exhaled slowly, sitting up straight. "I've seen the way you hang all over Draco," Pansy continued, seemingly oblivious to Hermione if she hadn't been talking to her.
"Gee where have you been the past three months?" Hermione asked, reaching down to pull off her heels, groaning at the refreshing feeling. "Don't you dare insult me," Pansy growled, crossing her arms. "I don't even need to talk for you to be insulted," Hermione shrugged, smoothing out the wrinkles in her dress. "Draco would never look twice at a Mudblood like you," The Slytherin sneered, watching as Hermione flinched slightly at the name-calling. "Well too bad Malfoy actually looks at me," Hermione retorted, getting up to join the dancers, weaving her way towards Harry and Luna.
"Hey Harry," Hermione looped her arm through Harry's, leaning against him. The music was now some fast rock style and everyone had forgone the partners and taken on solo dancing that mainly involved jumping up and down and shaking their hands in the air. Luna had her eyes closed, head down and swaying on the spot, blonde hair spinning and flashing. "What's wrong?" Harry asked, Hermione shaking her head and closing her eyes.
"She got into an argument with Pansy Parkinson," Luna breezed past, head tilted as she looked at Hermione. "Are you okay 'Mione?" Harry pulled away from the brunette, looking her up and down for any injury. "I'm fine. My ego is a bit bruised maybe," Hermione smiled gently, brushing Harry's hair back sisterly; spiking it up. Harry smiled, offering Hermione his hand, "You wanna dance?" Hermione stared at the proffered hand, mulling it over, "I might go get some air," She smiled at Harry, grabbing Luna and putting the blonde's hand into the raven-haired one's. "Have fun."
Hermione waved to the pair, making her way out of the Great Hall, not seeing Draco arrive at her empty chair, drinks in hands; confused. The doors closed behind her, shutting off the music of the Great Hall and putting her in a room of silence. Hermione glanced around, her heels swinging from one hand as she began to walk through the massive castle, out the front door and towards the lake. She had been dancing for what seemed like hours, spinning and twirling, dancing with all her friends but what seemed to be mainly with Draco.
Her feet ached, her back needed to be cracked and she really missed her round belly that had occupied three months of her life. Hermione splayed her free hand across her flat stomach, curling her painted nails faintly into the fabric-covered skin.
"Hey Scar head!" Draco called across the dance floor, making his way towards the Chosen One and the swaying Luna. "What was that Malfoy?" Harry called back, turning away from Luna. "Sorry, Potter," Draco slurred, coming to a halt and gesturing around them vaguely, "Have you seen the know-it-all?"
"Hermione, her name is Hermione, Malfoy," Harry sighed as Draco smirked, "Draco, my name is Draco, Potter. Not that I'd want you using it. Same as I'm sure you wouldn't want me saying you precious girl's name." Draco clapped his hands and smirked, "So where is Granger? Better?" Harry glared at the blond, "Marginally… Why do you even want to know where she is? I thought you'd be happy she's not around."
"Draco cares about Hermione," Luna came over to the pair, smiling dreamily and not at all minding about using Draco's first name. "I do bloody not!" Draco growled, pausing and frowning, "Oh great now I sound like the Weasel." He kicked the floor broodingly and Harry sighed, shooting Luna a curious look before turning back to Draco. "She went to get some air," Harry waved his hand vaguely at the giant doors before looking at Draco sternly, "Don't piss her off."
Draco started to walk backwards, hands up in mock surrender, "Trust me, I won't." He spun around, making for the doors. He passed the food and drink table, taking two cups of the punch before going.
Hermione dropped her heels on the edge of the lake, slowly walking into the frigid water. The liquid washed over her ankles and cooled her aching feet. Hermione closed her eyes, keeping care that she hiked up the edge of her dress to keep it from getting wet as she went a bit further out.
"Granger!" A voice called out from the castle doors and Hermione whipped around, spying a gleam of white hair up the hill. She kept watching as Draco made his way towards her, picking his pathway carefully. "You left," Draco wasted no time telling Hermione as he stood at the edge of the lake, holding the punch. "I needed air," Hermione glanced around at their abode, shrugging faintly.
Draco smiled, holding out one of the cups towards the brunette, "You forgot your punch." Hermione bite her lower lip, walking out of the water, "What happened to the fire whisky?" she took the cup, swirling its contents. "Do you want me to run all the way back up and get you one?" Draco raised an eyebrow. "No, it's fine," Hermione smiled, sipping at the punch and grimacing at the strong flavour.
"Good, I wasn't going to anyway," Draco smirked at the look on Hermione's face before saying a bit more quietly, "Besides it's probably bad for," He gestured to Hermione's flat stomach and smiled weakly. "Oh," Hermione grinned, "Ginny said it should be fine. Otherwise they'd never offer it."
"Oh yeah…" Draco frowned slightly, rolling his eyes. "I should've thought about that." Draco sipped at his punch, looking out over the lake, "So why'd you really come out here?" He turned back to Hermione and raised his eyebrow again. "Just Parkinson said a few things and I came out here to think," She rapped her knuckles against her temple gently. Draco lowered his eyebrow, "You should ignore that pug-faced-" Hermione cut him off, "Malfoy!" Draco looked up from his tirade, "I thought you hated her?"
"And I thought you liked her?" Hermione quipped back, this time her eyebrow raised. Draco rolled his eyes, "Are you kidding? She annoys the crap out of me; always following me around and so clingy!" Draco shuddered, closing his eyes before looking at Hermione with a small smile. She laughed and then felt a strange feeling through her stomach. She stumbled and frowned, "Oh." Draco's eyes widened and he caught her. "What's wrong?" He frowned, lifting her chin slightly with his hand.
"I think the spell's wearing off," Hermione muttered, looking up at Draco and smiling. His grey eyes were soft and as she stared at them Hermione noticed the subtle streaks of blue-silver. She smiled, reaching up to brush the blond locks from Draco's face. Hermione stood taller slightly, her hand moving to Draco's cheek. His own hand tilted her head a bit further back and just before their lips met Hermione's stomach grew out, gaining weight and a small life of its own.
"Oh!" Hermione pulled back, eyes wide and glistening with joy. Her hand left Draco's, somewhat disappointed, face to splay across her belly. She looked back up at Draco, "Baby kicked!" Hermione grinned but it quickly turned to a frown. "Something wrong?" Draco asked before with a glance down he grimaced. "Okay, Granger you really should learn to go to the toilet on time." He gestured to where Hermione's dress had taken on a wet look and wrinkled his nose.
Hermione looked up at him, eyes wide in horror and both hands to her belly now, "I think my water broke," She whispered and Draco's face took on a disbelieving quality before he shouted, "You couldn't go into labor in the Great Hall?" He flung his hands into the air, before moving to carry Hermione back up to the castle.
So did you like it? Sorry if it's ooc or what have you... But I really, really hope you liked it and I apologizeagain for the really, really long hiatus. Writer's block... :) On a happy note I have the next two chapters written out I just need to edit the relationships a bit because honestly I thought Hermione and Draco would still kind hate each other... But hey maybe there will be some mean ole feelings after that close encounter by the lake ;) Anyway seeya really soon.
