Disclaimer: If I owned the Harry Potter books...I strongly believe that Draco Malfoy would have a much bigger role in them. So...I own nothing but the story.
A/N: Thank you all for your reviews. I hope you like this chapter as well. For me, bashing Ron is actually fun...well, it also depends on the story. Once again, those who like Ron...don't read...there will be more in future chapters. I added this chapter because I felt that I needed to 'explain' somehow the title of the story. Waiting for your opinion Please R&R. Thanks again. :D :P:)
Love always conquers.
Chapter 11.
The 'date' went well, all in all. A few harsh words, a few glares, a bit of swearing and two hexes from Hermione united them pretty well. For a week now, both Harry and Draco were on polite terms, and the glares were nearly gone.
Monday started with Hermione's favorite class. Charms. Harry, Hermione and Ron were in the hallway waiting for professor Flitwick to arrive. Charms were always with the Slytherins, just like potions and transfiguration.
''How are you Hermione these days?'' Ron asked.
''Fine. Busy.'' Hermione said raising a brow.
''Umm…can I ask you something?''
''Sure Ron…what's wrong?''
Harry knew exactly what Ron was about to ask. He hadn't had the time to tell Hermione, and he was pretty red in the face right now. Harry knew about Hermione's relationship with Draco, but Ron didn't, but no one else did either.
''Would you be my date for the Spring Ball on Friday?''
Hermione's eyes went wide, lucky Ron wasn't looking at her. She threw a discrete glance at Draco, who was leaning casually against the wall. He wasn't looking at them, but Hermione knew for sure he was listening to their every word.
''I don't know if I'm going, really. We have N.E.W.T.'s in two months, and I want to study.''
''Oh, come on Hermione…have some fun. It's just one evening anyway.''
''Well…I don't know Ron…I'll think about it.'' Hermione said. She was getting a bit angry at the redhead.
''What is it to think about? Just say yes or no. Is it so difficult?'' Ron said trough gritted teeth. He had developed an obsession for Hermione the past year. He had finally found the courage to ask her out and she was practically saying no.
''Listen, Ron…if you want an answer from me you'll have to wait till lunch at least. So shut up if you don't want a strait no.'' Hermione said, and walked to Harry's other side.
Ron wanted to say something else, but he was cut of by the Charms professor opening the classroom door. The hour went smooth, and so did the two hour potions class.
Hermione had managed to talk to Draco during potions, and they agreed that there was no need for the school population to know about their relationship just yet. So…Hermione was to go with Ron, and Draco was going with Pansy.
Hermione had bought an strapless emerald green dress and silver high heels, a few silver hair pins, and everything else that she needed. She knew for sure that her attire was going to bug Ron, and she thought he deserved it. Asking her to the ball was ok, but the way he did it got her angry.
Friday evening came quicker than she wanted. She was with Luna in her room, getting ready for the ball.
''Hermione…why are you going with Ron?'' Luna asked, while brushing Hermione's hair.
''Well, Luna…I told you…we decided to keep it a secret for now. It wouldn't do if his father found out. It doesn't count that Draco doesn't want to see him anymore. If Lucius found out we would be in trouble…so, for now, we're still hating each other for the others.''
Luna nodded and started pinning Hermione's hair up.
Half hour later, both girls were ready and descending the marble staircase, to where Ron and Harry would be waiting, in front of the Great Hall.
Draco was leaning against the wall, by the oak doors, waiting for Pansy, when Hermione came down the stairs. Draco's mouth went dry and he felt dizzy. She was simply beautiful, and green was definitely her color. He saw red when Weasley offered her his hand. Seeing her with that good for nothing weasel made his blood boil. Never mind that they had agreed to this. He wanted her by his side.
''Drakie…''
Of all the moments to make an appearance, Pansy Parkinson just had to pick that one.
''Pansy, I told you not to call me that.''
''But Drakie, you know how I love calling you that. Anyway you will get used to it. When we're married that's how I'll call you.'' Pansy said planting a kiss on Draco's cheek.
No one saw the rage in Hermione's eyes. She saw the scene, and she was ready to skin Pansy Parkinson alive. How dare she!
The evening was beautiful…except of course for the waves of anger coming from Hermione whenever Draco danced with Pansy, or from Draco whenever Hermione danced with Ron. The air around them was sparkling with their magic, and no one could understand why, well…maybe just Harry.
Harry was having a lovely night with Luna…that was until he heard Hermione slap Ron. She hit him so hard that everybody heard it…over the music…and stopped to watch the scene.
''How dare you?'' Hermione bellowed.
''Hermione what the hell is wrong with you?'' Ron said, holding his, now bruised, cheek.
''What is…What is wrong with you you idiot? Why did you kiss me?''
Draco saw red. He left Pansy and advanced on the arguing pair.
''Let's talk outside.'' Ron said grabbing Hermione's hand.
''Ron, let me go.'' Hermione shouted trying to free her hand.
''Hermione stop making a scene. Let's talk outside.'' he said and started to drag Hermione towards the doors.
What happened moments later was so quick that was barely visible. Draco reached them and grabbed Ron's wrist, braking it in the process, and planted a fist in his face, sending him flying trough the Great Halls doors. Afterwards he pulled Hermione in his arms and kissed her in front of everybody.
''So much for secrecy…'' Harry whispered to Luna. He had to admit, Ron deserved it.
Everything was quiet, even the music had stopped, until Pansy's high pitched voice broke it.
''How dare you kiss my Drakie…she said, walking angrily towards the couple, ''…you stupid, know-it-all mudbl…''
''I wouldn't finish that if I were you…'' Draco said pointing his wand between Pansy's eyes. ''Let's go Hermione…'' he grabbed Hermione's hand and started walking to the doors. ''You coming Potter?'' Draco asked, throwing a glance over his shoulder at Harry.
Harry blinked a few times in confusion and then grabbed Luna's hand and followed them.
The night was chilly but Draco, Hermione, Luna and Harry were enjoying themselves. Especially after the heat that Draco had left the Great Hall in.
''You shouldn't have done that you know.'' Hermione said and kissed his cheek.
''Why shouldn't I. You're my girl, and Weasley has to know that.''
''So…does that mean that I can throw Parkinson from the Astronomy tower? She was all over you.''
''Whatever you want love.'' Draco answered and kissed her red lips.
''You know, you two are pretty scary sometimes.'' Luna giggled.
''That's the point actually….''
''Miss Granger…'' Snape was standing behind them with a concerned look on his face. ''Would you three please accompany me…'' he said gesturing towards Draco, Hermione and Harry.
''Wherever I go Luna goes.'' Harry said firmly.
Snape nodded and started walking towards the castle. He didn't have time for talking or arguing. They were to discuss very important matters.
The ball wasn't finished yet, but Snape wasn't leading them towards the Great Hall, or Dumbledore's office. That was one thing that was pretty confusing. They thought they would be punished for the punch Draco had thrown at Weasley, but right now, Snape was leading them towards the Charms classroom.
McGonagall, Dumbledore and Flitwick were obviously waiting for them. When they were all inside, Snape placed locking and silencing charms on the door and nodded towards Dumbledore that it was safe to talk.
''Mr. Potter, we think we have discovered the meaning of the prophecy.'' Dumbledore said.
Harry was obviously excited. Draco looked at Hermione quizzically, but Hermione silenced him with a look.
''Mr. Malfoy, Miss Lovegood, you don't know this, but there is a prophecy that says that Mr. Potter here will be the one to defeat the Dark Lord. Mr. Potter and Miss Granger will fill in on that later. Right now we have more important matters to discuss. Miss Granger…you're the smartest witch of your age. When you heard the prophecy…did you have any idea of what the power might be?'' Dumbledore asked.
Hermione looked down and blushed. ''I've been trying to understand it ever since. I had two theories. One would be to develop a strengthening potion for Harry to drink, increasing his powers would probably be more than enough to defeat him, and the second I came up with was….love.''
Dumbledore smiled and Snape smirked.
''Love?'' Harry asked. ''Why love?''
Hermione entered her explaining mode. ''Don't you see Harry? Voldemort will never be able to process the feeling. That monster doesn't even have a conscience. He doesn't love…he can't love. Love it's an ancient power. It was also the same way that your mother saved you that night. You were protected by her love. Why does the Patronus Charm need good memories, happy memories to work? The Dementors are evil creatures, they can't have feelings. The power love provides is much stronger than anything. Love will always win.''
Snape surprised everyone by clapping his hands. ''You are perfectly right Miss Granger. When I told the idea to the headmaster he didn't think much of it. We should have talked with you much sooner. How long have you had this theory?''
''About two years…'' Hermione answered embarrassed. Snape had just praised her in front of six people. That had to be a school record.
''Well…Miss Granger, if you and professor Snape are right then this will work. Professor Flitwick has developed a spell with which Harry will be able to use that exact love that you are talking about to defeat the darkest wizard we have ever seen.'' Dumbledore smiled.
''What is it called headmaster?'' Hermione asked.
''Demori Usque Victoris. In plain English that means…Love Always Conquers.''
A/N: I'll be updating once a week from now on. The kids are driving me crazy and they ask for the most of my time. So...see you next you enjoyed reading. Please review. :D