Chapter 10
The next day Draco waited outside of Gryffindor tower and told the first girl who came out that he need to speak with Ms. Hermione Granger immediately. The poor scared first year ran back into the common room and found Hermione. She came out of the portrait fifteen minutes later fully dressed for the day. Draco smiled weakly at her. She didn't look mad, but he needed to see her
"Draco breakfast isn't for another hour. What are you doing here?" Hermione asked
"I know I'm sorry. I needed to see you. I know you wanted to talk and I couldn't take the anticipation any longer. Can we go to my father's rooms and talk? Please we can get some tea or coffee. Something hot, strong, and caffeinated, just like you." Draco said grabbing Hermione's hand and kissing her cheek
Hermione smiled at Draco and nodded and let Draco lead her to his father's chambers. Lucius was having a cup of tea and grading some papers when Hermione and Draco walked into his rooms.
"Draco Ms. Granger, Good Morning. What can I do for you?" Lucius said
"Hey dad, we kind of needed a private place to talk and something with caffeine. I figured you wouldn't mind." Draco told his father
Lucius smiled and patted the couch in invitation. Draco smiled at Hermione and walked her over to the couch
"I'm guessing you too used that bottle well, are hung over, and would like some really strong coffee, yes?" Lucius asked smirking at the pair who had spent many nights bonding over a bottle in his home over the summer.
"You'd be right dad." Draco said smiling
Lucius called a house elf and ordered a pot of strong coffee and waited for the two to start talking before he got up and got dressed for the day in his bedroom.
"Hermione. I really care about, you know that right?" asked Draco
"Of course I know how much you care about me. I care about you too. I want to be with you, but I don't want to move to fast. I do love you Draco. Don't doubt my feelings... I just didn't want my first time to be in a drunken stupor in the astronomy tower." Hermione said
"Oh Hermione I love you and we won't ever go farther than you want or are ready for. Be mine and I won't let anyone hurt you." Draco whispered into her ear, hugging Hermione close
A tear slipped down Hermione's face and she pulled back, cupped Draco's face in her hands, and kissed him sweetly. Dobby popped into the room with a pot of coffee, creamer, and sugar
"Sir Malfoy and Misses Granger. Coffee is served." Dobby said
"Thank you Dobby that is all." Draco said to the house elf
Dobby left and Hermione kissed Draco again. They got their coffee and cuddled up on the couch, Hermione's legs on Draco's lap. Draco was drawing hearts on Hermione's leg with his finger. Lucius walked in wearing his teaching robes and sat on the couch with the couple.
"Are you two good now? Everything sorted out?" Lucius asked
"Yeah dad we're good. Thanks." Draco said kissing Hermione's shoulder
"Is there something I should know about? Are you dating?" Lucius asked
Draco looked at Hermione to answer that question. Hermione smiled at him. Draco was still being cautious of her and how she felt about him.
"Yes Mr. Malfoy we are together, regardless of blood status and anyone else's feelings. I love Draco and he loves me." Hermione said smiling at Lucius and Draco
"I don't doubt your love for one another. I've seen how you looked at each other this summer when you thought no one was watching. And Miss Granger..."
"Hermione, please call me Hermione"
"Hermione, blood purity is irrelevant to me. If Draco's mother was still in our lives that would be a whole other story, but she isn't and I just want Draco to be happy and loved." Lucius said
"I'll try my best to make him happy Mr. Malfoy." Hermione replied
"Hermione we are going to be seeing a lot more of you than we did this summer at the house, so please when it isn't a school setting, please call me Lucius or Luc. Mr. Malfoy was my school name, and I'm only your Charms Professor during sixth period on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays." Lucius told Hermione.
Hermione smiled at Lucius. Hermione thought he would be a great Father-in-law, and she hoped she would one day get to find out.
*******************************The Halloween Ball*******************************
It had been a month since Harry had moved in with Severus and he was gradually getting more affectionate with Severus. Severus was notice a difference in Harry. He had no clue how to explain it, but Harry was being very seductive towards him and it was slightly embarrassing for Severus when his body betrayed him. He loved Harry, he knew that, but he didn't know if Harry wanted to be with him or was unconsciously doing these things to him.
They were in the Great hall for dinner on Friday night and Harry wasn't eating much. He was getting distracted and staring at Severus. Severus could tell without even looking in Harry's direction that he was staring. Dumbledore stood up and got everyone's attention.
"I have a very important announcement to make. There is going to be a Halloween dance. This dance is a very special dance that is conducted every fifteen years. All normal rules of age, house, and status are void. Pairs will be put together by the sorting hat. Just like in your first year when the hat chose your house, it will choose your date, and the hat's decision is final. You can't persuade it to change its' mind after it has been announced. Tomorrow night before dinner you will be called up one by one and the hat will be placed on your head. The hat will take into account your mind and heart and will make the decision. I hope to see you all tomorrow. Good night." Dumbledore announced smiling
Harry smiled hoping he and Severus would get paired together. Harry walked up to the head table as everyone else was walking out of the hall.
"Professor Dumbledore sir. You said age, house, and status would be void. Did you mean blood status or in school." Harry asked
"All status Mr. Potter. This dance is set up so that regardless of the past and labels, those who loved each other or cared about one another would get paired, and have a chance to spend a night in the arms of their love." replied Albus
"Does that mean a teacher and student could get paired together?" Harry asked
"Yes Harry theoretically that could happen. It hasn't happened in years, but is still possible. Were you hoping to be put with Professor Snape, Harry?" Dumbledore said
"Yes Professor" Harry said
Dumbledore smiled at the young boy. He showed such promise, and loved so much. Severus couldn't be more perfect for the boy. They walked out of the Great hall and Harry walked toward the dungeons. He wanted to see Severus and talk about what he thought of the Halloween dance.
*******************************The Halloween Ball*******************************
When Harry got back to their chambers Severus was already wearing his pajamas and sitting up in bed reading one of his potions books. Harry smiled at the man. Harry thought Severus looked cute with his reading glasses on.
Harry walked over to his trunk and got his pajamas out. He started to change his clothes standing on Severus' side of the bed. Harry slowly pulled his shirt over his head, getting the older man's attention. Then he popped the button on his pants open, slowly slid the zipper down, and then slid his pants down. Severus quirked an eyebrow at Harry as Harry smiled at him. The boy was a mystery. Harry put a pair of sweatpants on and climbed into bed over Severus' legs and cuddled into the man's side.
"What's wrong Harry?" Severus asked
"Nothing Sev. Why would there be something wrong?" replied Harry
"You're just being uncommonly clingy. And you always change over there by your trunk. I don't have a problem with it. It's just out of character for you. You've been really out of character the past couple of weeks."
"Nothing is wrong Severus I just like being around you. So, what do you think about this Halloween dance?" Harry said
"I've gone to this dance before. It was fun, and I loved it. I got paired with your mother. She was the closest thing to a girlfriend that I had in school. I didn't have a boyfriend until I got out of school." Severus said
"You went with my mom?" Harry replied
"Yeah she was beautiful. She was one of my best friends back then. I do miss her so much Harry. If you want I can show you all our old pictures from school. If you want." Severus said
"I'd love that Severus" Harry said sitting up and laying his head on Severus' shoulder
"So, I bet you're dying for me to ask. Who do you think you're going to get paired with?" Severus asked
"Um, I was hoping either you or Ginny." Harry replied
"Really, why me Harry?" Severus asked
"I love you Severus" Harry said bluntly turning away from the older man
Severus sat up further and put a hand on Harry's shoulder. He pulled Harry back into his lap and kissed his shoulder near his neck tenderly. He put his arms around Harry's waist and held him close continuing to kiss the boys exposed skin. Harry smiled sadly at the tender touches Severus was giving him. He knew Severus did this when Harry was really sad, but tonight it only seemed to make him sadder.
"Harry I love you too..." Severus said
"No Severus, I love you. Not just as friends. I am in love with you. I don't know when it started, but I know I do." Harry said tears starting to cry
Severus saw Harry's tears and turned him around in his lap, cupped his face in his hands and kissed him sweetly. He pulled back and started to say something, but Harry clutched his shirt and kissed him again. When Harry pulled back to catch his breath, Severus started to talk again.
"Harry I meant it I love you. I have since before we came back to Hogwarts. I just didn't know how my feelings would be received." Severus said
Harry smiled he was happy to know Severus truly loved him. Harry put his arms around Severus' neck and his legs around his hips. They started snogging on the bed. Severus slipped his hand down Harry's back and into his pants. Harry pulled back and Severus removed his hands from Harry's pants. Severus knew he had stepped over an unspoken boundary.
"Severus, stop! Can we take this slow? I love you, and I know we've been sleeping in here together for a while, but I haven't been in a relationship in a while..."Harry rambled
"Harry, calm down love. It's fine if you want to take it slow. I understand. I won't force you into anything, I love you." Severus said cradling Harry's face in his hands.
"Thank you, Severus. I want to, I do. I just don't want to rush into anything." Harry said kissing Severus
"Harry stop apologizing, you have nothing to be sorry for." Severus replied
Harry smiled and kissed Severus slowly, they kept their hands above the waist. They eventually laid down together still kissing each other slowly. They both fell asleep tangled in each other's arms. Harry cuddled face first into Severus, his hands clutching his shirt. Severus was holding Harry close and protecting him from all danger while they slept just like they had every night for the last couple of months. Harry was content and happy with Severus.
*******************************The Halloween Ball*******************************
The next day's classes went by smoothly with everybody in anticipation of the Halloween pair sorting. They were thinking about who they would get put with. Many of the girls were nervous about find out who they were paired with. The guys didn't care as long as they liked the person. The students were all sitting in the great hall and chatting about the pairing and how it was going to take place. Professor Dumbledore came down the center isle of the hall and placed the sorting hat on the stool in front of the headmaster's podium. The student's looked up to Dumbledore at the front of the hall.
"We are now going to start the pairing ceremony. We will start with the first years from each house and go up in years until everyone is paired."
The pairing for the first four years took a while and it was mostly girls and boys from the same houses being paired. They didn't branch out a lot until the fifth years. Colin Creevey was now sitting up on the stool with the sorting hat on his head. He was looking out at the rest of the student. Those who had already been paired up were sitting with their partners. A few of the students looked unhappy and others were happy, as they either got to go with one of their best friends or someone they really liked.
"A Gryffindor I see. Fifth year. An eye for cunning. I think you would do well with ... Millicent Bulstrode!" The sorting hat said the last part out loud while the rest was within Colin's head
Colin smiled and walked over to the sixth year Slytherin. The hat had been correct to assume his love for cunning. Now Luna Lovegood was on the stool, and no one had any doubt of what name was going to come out of the hat. Luna had gotten very close to a certain Gryffindor sixth year.
"Ahhh yes. You are too easy Ms. Lovegood. Neville Longbottom!" the hat said
Neville smiled at the girl and walked up to her meeting her half way, and they walked to the other side of the hall where the rest of the pairs were sitting. The rest of the fifth years were paired off with some of the sixth and seventh years and Ginny Weasley was the last of the fifth years to be paired. She sat on the stool with the sorting hat on her head and waited for the results
"A Weasley, the youngest I presume. You are very courageous. Your heart seeks someone with nerve and spontaneity. I think I'll put you with... Dean Thomas!" the hat said
Ginny walked up to Dean and they walked over to where Luna and Neville were. Luna and Ginny chatted about the other pairs. They had both been very surprised when Colin was put with Millicent. Colin had seemed like such an innocent boy and Millicent just wasn't innocent. They moved on to the sixth years. Seamus Finnegan was the first of the sixth years to get paired.
"hmmm. What to do with you? Who to put you with? Cunning, Bravery, Beauty... Pansy Parkinson!" said the Sorting hat
Seamus sat there stunned. He couldn't believe he had been paired with the girl. The hat was right, he was attracted to cunning, brave, and beautiful women, but he had never thought of Pansy as brave or cunning. She had always seemed timid and snake-like. Pansy was just surprised, But never-the-less they got up and sat together with their other friends. Most of the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw sixth years were called to the hat, and then they got to the Gryffindors and Slytherins who hadn't already been paired. Lavender was called next and sat on the stool; the sorting hat on her head of curls.
"Ah. Bravery eh? You'll be easy to pair... Ronald Weasley!"
Ron jumped up from the table and rushed to Lavender. They sat as far from Seamus and Neville as possible knowing that Harry and Hermione would sit with them. Harry, Hermione, and Draco were the last three sixth years who hadn't been paired. Draco was sitting on the stool the hat on his head.
"Oh. A Gryffindor is it? Miss Granger. You too are very good together... Hermione Granger!" the hat said
Hermione grinned and got up walking over to her boyfriend. Draco took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles, then put his arm around her waist and they walked over to where Pansy and Ginny were sitting. Harry went and sat on the stool like most of the school had and waited for who the hat was going to say.
"Harry Potter we meet again. I see a Slytherin on your heart. Not such a bad house after all... Severus Snape!"the hat said
Harry grinned and got up off the stool and turned and walked up to the head table and watched as Severus walked around and kissed Harry's forehead and led him to the table his friends were sitting at. Ron was staring at them darkly from another table. Severus saw this and purposely sat so Harry wouldn't be able to see the looks Ron was giving them. He knew Harry was still saddened by the loss of his friend.
The seventh years that hadn't been paired with students from the younger years were then paired together. The last group to be paired off was the Professors and staff. Poppy Pomfrey went to sit on the stool and put the hat on.
"Miss. Pomfrey. Hmmm the one you desire is female and our very own Hufflepuff Head of House... Pomona Sprout!"
Poppy smiled and went to kiss her partner of 12 years. They had gone to the last two of these sorting hat dances together. Lucius stepped up next.
"Mr. Malfoy your wife is no longer alive, but your new affection is a Gryffindor, the head of Gryffindor... Minerva McGonagall!"
Lucius blushed and stood to take the hand of his new girlfriend. He hadn't told Draco about the relationship and hoped he would take it well. Sirius went last after the rest of the staff. He knew it was going to be Remus, but it was the principal of the thing.
"Hello Mr. Black. You're still with the same man I put you with in school... Remus Lupin!"
Sirius took the hat off placing it on the stool. He rushed over and tackled him to the ground kissing him. Almost everyone in the hall laughed at the adorable couple.
"Thank you all for baring with me. That took a long time as it always does. Now let's have dinner and head off to our common rooms for the night." Dumbledore said as the food appeared on the table.
Everyone stayed where they were with their dates for the dance, and talked about the pairings. The girls talked about dresses and color schemes. Then everyone headed back to their respective common rooms.
AN: now you have all my major and minor pairings! Let me know what you would like from them. Review review review!