Disclaimer: no i dont own Harry Potter...

CHAPTER 10

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HERMIONE!"

Hermione's eyes flew wide open when she saw her Gryffindor girl friends standing over her bedside, bearing gifts.

"Oh my goodness" She blushed, getting off her bed and hugging them.

"We knew you tend to wake up really early, so we asked McGonagall for special permission if we can come to your room to surprise you first thing when you wake up!" Parvati exclaimed, as she went to Hermione's closet, grabbing her robes and threw it on her bed. "Hurry and change! Ron, Harry and the others are waiting for you outside"

"Alright," Hermione said, as she grabbed her clothes. She wasn't the kind of person to make a big deal when it comes to her birthday, but hanging out with her friends was always a fun thing to do.

"We'll wait for you downstairs, Hermione" Ginny said, as she pushed Parvati and Lavender towards the door. Ginny knew Hermione wanted some privacy.

When Hermione put on all her clothes, and tried her best to tame her hair, she ran downstairs and saw Ginny, Parvati and Lavender sitting on the couch. But to her much dismay, Draco was in the common room as well and sitting on opposite couch, looking smug.

"There you are!" Ginny exclaimed, as soon as she saw Hermione coming down the stairs.

Draco turned around and gave her a nod. "Heard it's your birthday."

"Really? How strange" Hermione smirked, as she walked towards them.

"Happy birthday, Hermione" Ginny said, giving her a small wrapped gift.

Hermione beamed, accepting the gift.

"I hope you like my gift, Hermione" Parvati smiled, handing hers.

"Same about mine" Lavender followed suit.

Hermione wasn't always on good terms with these two, but it was a good feeling they were getting along very well this year than their last years.

She accepted their gifts as well with a huge smile in her face.

"Well come on, Ron and Harry's waiting for us" Ginny said, turning around to go to the exit door with the girls following along.

Hermione started following them, but to her sudden surprised felt a hand grabbing her wrist, making her stop abruptly.

"Hermione?" Parvati asked, waiting for her.

"You guys go, I'm going to put the gifts away so I won't have to carry them around. Tell the boys I'll be there in a moment so they don't have to keep waiting" Hermione said, holding the three gifts in her hand.

They nodded and left.

She turned around and faced Draco. "Well that was rude. You didn't have to grab me to stop, you know, you could have just told me to wait, you annoying twit"

Draco rolled his eyes, "You're getting old, Granger. Which means you need to act mature, which means enough with the name calling"

She smacked him in the arm, looking offensive. "I'm not old"

Draco laughed, shaking his head.

"Well did you stop me just so you can annoy me, or what?" Hermione frowned, folding her arms and thinking, I swear, this man would do anything to ruin my mood, even if it's my birthday.

But to her surprised, Draco wrapped his arm around her securely, giving her the warmest hug she had felt in a long time. He slightly swayed them back and forth as Hermione returned the hug.

Draco whispered in her ear, "Happy birthday."

Hermione smiled as they pulled away. "Well. That was the first time you said something really nice to me."

Draco grinned, rolling his eyes again. "You're impossible."

"How rude." She said, playfully smacking him.

Draco looked at her and smiled, causing her to blush as she turned away. "Well thank you for the birthday wish, Malfoy. I must go, the others are waiting for me"

Draco nodded but said, "What time will you be back, do you think?"

Hermione thought about it and said, "Knowing them, probably around nighttime. I'll be eating dinner with them as well, so probably after dinner time. Why you asked?"

Draco shrugged, "Just wondering. Well have fun, you bushy headed muggle"

Hermione shot him a look, "You still couldn't think of a better name, huh?"

"You kept bawling your pathetic eyes out when I called you, 'mudblood'!" He snapped.

"Ferret" She turned around as she muttered, "'Muggle'? honestly!" Shaking her head, as she left.

Draco looked at his watch, and bolted out the window with his fancy broom towards Hogsmead, after realizing he had only about 10 hours to get ready before she gets back.

"SURPRISE!" She jumped in surprised as she walked inside the Gryffindor common room.

There was a magnificent banner that was hanging on the wall that said: Happy Birthday, Hermione! and saw a row of table carrying some sweets and drinks. Her eyes wandered to the walls and saw pictures of her and her friends moving, cheering, and smiling.

she looked at her friends, and burst out crying.

Ron ran to her and gave her a hug, "Oh no Hermione! don't cry! If you don't like our surprise party, we'll end it!"

Hermione shook her head, wiping her eyes as she was laughing and sobbing the same time.

"Is she okay?" Harry asked, worried etched in his face.

"No idea mate. She's crying and laughing. I think she's gone mental with age" joked Ron.

Hermione laughed, "No you guys, I love it! Thank you so much!" She gave each of them a hug, grinning.

"Happy birthday, Hermione" Harry smiled, giving her a peck on the cheek.

"Happy birthday, you" Ron said, kissing her opposite cheek. "We set all your birthday presents on that table over there." He pointed to the corner where there was a lot of gifts, big and small, with her name on it.

"Thank you guys so much" She said again, feeling lucky to have amazing best friends.

"Now walk around, it's your party Hermione. George said he'll be coming by to wish you happy birthday" Ron said, handing her a drink.

Hermione beamed at him and accepted the drink. She decided to walk around, looking at the pictures of the three of them and other friends from first year to now. She was greeted by Seamus and Dean, who said they put those pictures up, and told her to dance.

She danced with them, then came Ginny and the others, until everyone joined in, dancing to Seamus's music.

She was having a great time, she didn't notice the time. "Oh my gosh! I have class in an hour!"

"Hermione, relax it's Saturday, remember?" laughed Harry.

She blushed. "Right"

"No more drinking for the head girl" laughed Ginny.

Neville came busting in, pulling George Weasely, saying, "Hey Hermione new visitor!" He came bearing gifts from him and his late brother's joke shop, which she hesitantly accepted. Ron came and beamed at his brother while Harry followed suit. She was having a really good time, spending time with her friends, dancing and eating so much sweets, she knew her parents would disapprove. But, she didn't care. She felt good letting loose for once. She deserved to have a good time.

Suddenly, McGonagall came bursting inside the common room. "I have been receiving complaints from some Gryffindors that you all have been distracting!" She flicked her wand at Seamus's charmed radio, which caused the music to cease.

There was loud complaints coming from Hermione's friends, and McGonagall warned them they would be receiving detention, if they don't stop.

"We only got to celebrate your birthday for about 5 hours, Hermione" frowned Ron.

She laughed, "It's okay, Ron. You guys threw me a big surprise party! What more can I ask for? I had a really good time!"

They all beamed at her. They had no choice but to stop the party and clean up. But when Hermione tried to help out, they would deny her and tell her to open her gifts instead.

"We're not going to let you clean the mess we made, Hermione" Harry said, as he pointed his wand at a pile of cups and made it disappear. "Open those gifts, or else I'll be opening them for you"

She gave him a mocking glare and walked towards the pile of presents her friends graciously gave her.

She didn't want to open the gifts there and leave the gift wrappers on the ground for them to pick up, so she used a revealing charm so she would know what's inside the boxes. As the gifts were revealed to her, her smile became wider and wider. She got books she always wanted to get from Harry, some of her favorite chocolates from Ron, perfumes that smelled wonderful from Parvati and Lavender, what looked like a regular textbook from the outside is actually journal in the inside that came with a white fancy quill from George, and a charm necklace that changes colors depending what color the outfit is from Ginny, and more sweets from the others.

"I'm hungry" Ron sighed, as they relaxed in the couch.

"Ron, you've already eaten!" Hermione laughed, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Not really, all I ate was some of those cupcakes we had, and some drinks. I'm craving for some real food" Ron said, rubbing his stomach.

"Dinner starts in 15 minutes, so we should go now" Harry said, who was secretly craving for some fried chicken.

They bade Ginny and the others good-bye and left to go to the Great Hall.

"Blimey I'm starving!" Ron said, stuffing some mash potatoes in his mouth.

"You eat like a pig Ron" Hermione frowned, taking a sip of her juice.

She wasn't hungry because of all the sweets they fed her, so she told them she would go to bed early.

"Good night Hermione. Happy birthday" Harry said, content with chicken in his mouth.

Hermione smiled and waved good-bye and turned around to leave.

"Password?" The little girl in the portrait said. "Hey, it's your birthday isn't it?"

Hermione smiled, "Yes. Yes it is, how do you know that?"

The little girl in the portrait giggled. "The guy inside said so."

Hermione frowned with suspicion. "I wonder what's he up to. Anyway, password is Dragon's Farmer"

The little girl gave her a curtsy, "Happy birthday!" and let in.

Hermione thanked her and walked inside, expecting to see Draco lazily sitting down on the couch. Instead, what she saw made her jaw drop in surprised and amazement.

Draco decorated their common room with Gryffindor and Slytherin colors, but somehow managed to make it look amazing. On the couch was laid a handsome tuxedo suit and on the opposite couch, was the most beautiful dress Hermione have ever seen. It was a long white dress that had soft sparkling designed scattered all over the dress, but not too much. She felt herself walking towards the dress, looking at the beauty of it. She saw this dress at Hogsmead years before, and remembered telling Ginny she wishes she had enough money to get it. Her fingers glazed at the silk soft fabric, and admired the design.

"Do you like it?" A soft voice said behind her.

She gasped and turned around. Draco Malfoy was leaning on the couch where the tuxedo was, looking at her with interest.

"Yes" Hermione whispered, feeling breathless. She wanted to kick herself for getting this sudden fond feeling towards this annoying man.

He walked towards her and held his hand.

Hermione looked at it and back at him, frowning. "What's going on, Malfoy?"

Draco took his wand out and flicked it.

Suddenly, a table appeared in front of the fireplace. On top was a delicious looking meal, two champagne glass, a white card, and a bottle of apple cider.

Draco took her hand and lead her towards the table. "Open the card" he told her.

Hermione obeyed and took the card in her shaking hands, and opening it:

I hope you like my mini birthday surprise, Granger. Happy birthday.

She laughed. "I like it. Short and simple." She looked at Draco and smiled widely, "Thank you."

Draco pulled her side of the chair, and let her sit before he sat on his side. "Hope you didn't eat too much at dinner."

Hermione shook her head, smiling "I didn't eat actually, I ate too much sweets. However, the food looks great, Malfoy. Who did this?"

Malfoy grinned, "The house elves" She gave him an unsatisfied look, but he added, "But I helped them out and paid them."

She beamed at him, "You paid the house elves and you helped them? Malfoy that's- wow! that's great!"

Draco smirked, "I'm not always bad, you know. Told you Malfoy's can be gentlemens"

She rolled her eyes, smiling as she devoured the meal.

"Thank you, Malfoy. You've really outdone yourself" She told him, after they finished.

"Wait here," He got up, putting a finger up to tell her not to follow, "I have another gift to give you" And ran to his room.

My goodness, he's doing everything he can to gain back people's trust. He's doing it rather well. She thought to herself, sipping on apple cider.

Draco came in with a single red rose, wearing a shy smile on his face.

"Malfoy?" She smiled, getting up.

Draco looked at her thinking, She's beautiful, and handed her the rose.

She blushed and took the rose from him.

"Happy birthday, Hermione Granger" He shyly said, looking at the rose in her hand.

Hermione stared at him in shock. "Well that was the first you said my name with no insult or disgust" She joked.

He laughed along, glad that the tension was breaking.

"Thanks, Malfoy" She said, giving him a friendly hug. "This day has been one of the best days ever. I'm going to go to bed early though so-"

"But I'm not done yet" He complained.

Hermione laughed, "Since you're pouting, I'll stay then! What is it?"

Draco crossed his arms, "Excuse me? I do not pout"

Hermione snickered, "Alright then. What is it?"

Draco cleared his throat, looking nervous. "I was- I mean I know we don't- I just- Umm... What I mean to say is..."

"What?" Hermione asked, also getting nervous.

Draco took her hand and looked at her. "I know this is a whole new different kind of friendship we have, and I want to thank you for giving me the chance to show you I can be better. And I'm sorry I've been a foul git to you, Potter and Weasley all these years."

"Malfoy-" Hermione said, but Draco shook his head, so she let him continue.

"If you're not going with anyone to the ball... I was just wondering... you know... umm..." He cleared his throat, feeling the nervous tension climaxing. Come on Draco! spit it out! Ask her! You're looking like a fool! "I was just wondering, would you like to be my date for the ball?"

There he said it. Now he's just waiting for her to answer. Only she's not.

He looked at her, "You don't have to! I mean if you're still not comfortable around with me I understand"

Hermione continued staring at him. Say yes! say yes! Hermione come on, don't be an idiot! Answer him! "No Malfoy,"

Draco's face fallen. He dreaded she would say 'no' so he said, "It's alright, I understand. Happy birthday." He let go of her hand and turned around. But Hermione's hand snatched his wrist, forcing him to turn to her.

"You didn't let me finish, you pathetic prat." She laughed at his confused expression. "I meant to say, no Malfoy I am comfortable with you now, you've proven to be a really fun person to be with. I would love to be your date to the ball"

Draco stared at her, his eyes going wide. "Really?"

"Yes. Unless of course you change your mind?"

"What? Are you daft, woman? No!" Shaking his head furiously.

Hermione laughed as she flunged her arms around him. "Then it's settled."

"That's your gift. If you'd like, you can wear it to the ball" He pointed at the dress.

"Of course I'm going to wear it! I love it, thank you!" She was suddenly experiencing these feelings towards him, she never thought she would feel. She looked at him, and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "Thank you so much, Draco Malfoy. You really know how to make a woman feel great."

He blushed for the first time, and felt a sudden warmth of contentment towards her. "You're welcome" He gave her cheek a kiss back, smiling.

They decided to stay in the couch for a while, admiring the fire in a contented silence, while holding each others hands in a friendly matter, and falling asleep that way.

Neither of them had spoken, but they both knew that tonight, their friendship became stronger and the respect they had towards each other, had began to increase.

yay! more reviews came! woo hoo! I swear your guys reviews keeps motivating me to continue haha

October103: thank you so much! I'll try to make my chpts longer! haha

Lynn Smith: haha thank you! you are so awesome for doing all three! haha

BooBu: yay! I'm glad my story is interesting to you! lol

CheshireCat23: He finally had the courage to ask her haha!

Violet Saphira Darling: Thanks for doing all three! haha how do you like movie?