Since I've waited so long to post again, I figured I would post 2 chapters this time as a reward for your guys' patience. The last chapter was kind of slow, but it was an introduction to this one, which is much faster. It's Ball time! What's going to happen there? Will Hermione end up finding someone to take her? What's Draco going to do? Read and find out…

CHAPTER 12:

The next week flew by and before Hermione knew it, it was Friday again. The Ball was merely a week away, and holiday decorations were hung all over the castle.

Even after two months of Hermione and Draco's secret meetings and blossoming romance (if that was what it could be called, though Hermione personally thought it was a bit more complicated than that), they hadn't come any closer to discovering 'the extent of their minds' connection', or really even the beginning of it.

Sitting at her table at lunch Saturday morning, Hermione began contemplating this issue. She realized that the two of them had been using every excuse they could to put it off. But we need to figure this out soon. No more putting it off, she thought to herself. Hermione looked up from her plate of sausage and biscuits in front of her and locked her chocolate eyes with a pair of steely grey ones. Without speaking, she flicked her eyes to the door, signaling that she needed to talk. Draco responded with a nearly imperceptible nod.

Hermione glanced around to make sure no one had noticed their short exchange and wasn't surprised when no one was looking at her. She figured that everyone was too caught up in the energy of the coming holiday and ball to pay attention to anything else. Hermione looked at Ron and Harry, who were both in the process of shoveling as much food as physically possible into their mouths while having a very intense (if Ron's grand arm gestures were anything to go by) conversation about quidditch.

"Hey guys, I've got to head out. I've got some homework I need to get started on. It's due 2 weeks from now and I'm getting a little behind," Hermione stated, knowing full well that neither of the boys would argue with her leaving to do homework.

"Okay, 'Mione. We'll see you later," Harry mumbled through the food in his mouth, and attempted to smile at her without letting it fall out of his mouth and onto his plate.

Hermione giggled at him. She really did love her boys. Then she got up and headed out of the Great Hall, down an abandoned hallway, and into the hidden alcove that she and Draco had adopted as their own secret meeting place. They came to this place whenever they needed to talk and were afraid someone might see. Five minutes later, Draco joined her.

"What's wrong?" he demanded, confusion furrowing his blonde brows.

"Nothing's wrong. I was just thinking about Dumbledore's letter again and I think we really need to start searching harder for information on our mind-connection. I don't want to put it off too long and have it be too late," she replied, imploring him with her eyes.

Draco looked like he was about to object for a second before he thought better of it and nodded his agreement. "I should have known we couldn't live in this screwed up fairy tale for much longer. Now the real work starts," he said half-jokingly so that Hermione would know he wasn't upset.

"Yea," she replied with a small smile on her lips.

"How about we meet tonight in the library at 11? We can look some more then," Draco suggested.

Hermione quickly scanned over her schedule in her head and replied, "That works. I'll see you then."

Draco nodded once, briefly squeezed her hand, then sauntered out of the alcove and hallway like the Slytherin Prince he was.

Hermione shook her head and smiled. I have no idea how two people that are so opposite work so well together, she thought, amused. She followed him out of the hallway five minutes later.

.ooOoo.

At exactly 11 o'clock, Hermione was sitting at a table in one of the back, hidden corners of the library with a 3-foot-tall pile of books on the table next to her. When Draco arrived a minute later, Hermione was so distracted by her book she didn't even hear him approach. He walked up next to her and whispered in her ear, "You know, Voldemort himself could stomp up next to you when you're reading and you wouldn't even notice."

Hermione jumped, hand clutching her chest. "You scared me," she exhaled, thwacking him in the arm with the book she'd been reading.

Draco laughed. "Oh did I? I'm sorry," he responded with a smirk that showed that he wasn't sorry in the least.

Hermione just shook her head at him, then patted the seat next to her. All of the other students had vacated the library long before either of them had gotten there, so they weren't worried about being spotted.

Without another word, Hermione picked up where she left off in the book in front of her and Draco snagged the top book from the pile on the table. They were content in the silence.

After an hour had gone by, neither of them had any luck finding anything about a spell that could make two people share dreams. Both Hermione and Draco were beginning to feel discouraged. Hermione closed her book with a sigh and rubbed her tired eyes. Draco looked over at her.

"Are you starting to feel like this is a hopeless task too?" he asked.

"At the moment, yes," she responded, looking back at him. "It's just so frustrating. I mean, Dumbledore's portrait wouldn't have left us to fend for ourselves if we weren't able to find the information on our own, but we're not finding anything," she huffed.

"Well you're right. Obviously there has to be something in this library that he intended for us to find. We just must be looking in the wrong places. Tell me one more time what he said when you went to talk to him."

Hermione repeated all that she could remember of the conversation, and finished with, "The last thing he said was that his friend said 'When two minds are connected to their full extent, nothing in this world can separate them' or something like that," Hermione said, frowning.

"Wait a second," Draco said, sitting up in his seat, his long-fingered hands clenching the table in his excitement. "That's it. That's the hint. Do you remember what his friend's name was?"

Realization dawned on Hermione. "Of course! Why didn't I think of it before? Shoot… it was something like… Eli… Elias! Elias Cunningham!" Hermione's face lit up and Draco smiled widely at her.

"Good job," he smiled a genuine smile at her before jetting out of his seat and into one of the many bookshelves. When he came back out, he was carrying four books in his hands. "Okay, these are the only four books the school has specifically on wizards and what they've done in improving spells relating to the mind." He set the books down on the table and Hermione pounced on the first one. Draco took the second.

Hermione quickly flipped to the index of the book and searched for anything on an Elias Cunningham. There was nothing there. She tossed that one to the side at the same time as Draco tossed his. They each grabbed one of the last two. Hermione looked once more, but this time she was lucky.

"I found him!" she exclaimed, and quickly flipped to the page the index said he would be on. Sure enough, Elias Rasmus Cunningham (1871-1954) was written at the top of the page, followed by a picture of an elderly man with a long, flowing white beard (like Dumbledore's had been, only a little shorter) who seemed really caught up in a large textbook.

Elias Cunningham was born in Wiltshire in 1871. By the age of 24, Elias had become one of the foremost researchers of mind-affecting spells in the world. In 1937, at the age of 66, he had created the Caput Capitis spell which allows two people to speak to each other telepathically. It is rumored that he created this spell so that he would always be able to communicate with Alexandria, the beautiful princess of Denmark, with whom he was madly in love. Not much is known about their relationship but that it inspired much of his research…

"Wow. I can't believe it," whispered Hermione after reading from Elias Cunningham's biography aloud. "He actually created a spell for telepathic communication?"

"Interesting," replied Draco, thinking about what they'd just read.

"Well it tells us what the spell is but it doesn't tell us how to use it. I wonder where we can find that information," wondered Hermione out loud.

"Well there are way more books in this library on spells than there are on specific people, so I'd say our best bet is to search the books on mental spells for any information on this specific one," said Draco.

"Yea, I'd say you're probably right," replied Hermione, meeting Draco's silver eyes and giving him a small smile. "I can't believe how much progress we've made tonight."

"Me neither," whispered Draco, returning the smile.

Hermione leaned over slowly and brushed a gentle kiss across Draco's lips. Her eyes fluttered shut as he returned the kiss, as light as butterfly wings brushing across each other. It took Draco's breath away. What has come over me?, he wondered. I've become some sort of hopeless romantic. Another part of his mind replied, Only when you're around her. You're the same hard, cold Slytherin bastard you've always been everywhere else. He took comfort in that fact. It unnerved him that she had such an effect on him. Draco didn't like to not be in control of a situation and he had absolutely no control when it came to his feelings for Hermione.

"Well I think we should probably get back to our dorms now. It's late and we need to get to sleep," Hermione suggested.

"Okay," he replied. "Goodnight, Hermione."

"Goodnight, Draco." Hermione got up, smiled at the blonde, then left, brushing her hand across his shoulder on her way.

.ooOoo.

The rest of the week passed by very quickly for both Draco and Hermione. The first half of the school year had disappeared before they knew it and the day of the Yule Ball was finally here. As excited as Hermione was for the Ball, she was also very sad that she wouldn't be able to go with Draco as a couple. The idea of having to keep pretending she hated him really bothered her. She hated having to keep her feelings for him a secret from the world, and especially from her friends, though she did that because she was terrified of their reactions if they found out she was dating their archenemy.

"Wow, Ginny. You look stunning," Hermione whispered in awe as she looked at Ginny's completed costume. The redhead's hair was curled and hung loose down to her hips. She had bright aqua shadow around her eyes and shimmer all over her exposed flesh, making her seem like she really did just pop out of the ocean. She looked like Hermione had imagined mermaids would look before she met the ones in the Black Lake.

"Thank you, 'Mione. I'm so happy with how this turned out. I hope Harry likes it," she said, a little unsure of herself. She turned to look in the mirror once more, making sure that her costume was perfect.

"Of course he will. Just look at you," Hermione pressed. "You're beautiful and he won't be able to take his eyes off you tonight, I guarantee it."

Ginny turned and smiled a grateful smile at Hermione. "Thank you. I feel better now," she laughed. "So why aren't you ready yet? The ball starts in a half hour," Ginny asked. Hermione had just gotten out of the shower and was standing in front of her armoire in just the new undergarments Ginny had convinced her to buy on their trip to Hogsmeade.

"I just got out of the shower, Gin," Hermione laughed. "Merlin knows you, Lavender, and Parvati took long enough to take your showers. I was the last one in."

Ginny grinned her brother's sheepish grin. "I guess you're right. Well here, let me help you get ready then. I can do your makeup and hair for you if you'd like since Parvati and Lavender are downstairs showing off their costumes."

"That would be great, Gin. Thanks." Hermione turned back to her wardrobe and pulled out the beautiful ball gown she'd bought. It was shimmery and light blue in color. It was ribbed in front like a corset, but cut low in the back, exposing everything from her neck to her lower back. Just one simple ribbon across the middle of Hermione's back held the dress in place. The gown hugged Hermione's body and accentuated her slender figure. From the waist down, the dress flowed out like a waterfall, hanging to the floor.

"I wanted to see if we could put my hair up into a messy bun with some curls hanging loose in ringlets around my face. Do you think you can do that?" Hermione asked Ginny.

Ginny just rolled her eyes. "Who do you think you're talking to? Of course I can," she huffed and proceeded to attack Hermione's hair, using both her hands and magic. In the end, Hermione's hair looked exactly as she'd wanted it to. It was held up by simple bobby pins the same exact color as her hair with crystals attached to the ends, making it look like loose gemstones clung to her hair.

Ginny decided to go very light and simple on the makeup. "I don't think you need very much makeup, honestly. I think we should go very soft and elegant with it."

"Do what you think is best, Gin. I trust you."

When Ginny was finished, Hermione had very light brown eyeshadow coating her lids with dark brown eyeliner to make her copper eyes stand out. Ginny smudged on some lipstick that was a couple shades darker than Hermione's natural lip color and covered that with a light coat of shimmery witch's gloss (the type that wouldn't come off until it was spelled off).

When Hermione looked at herself in the mirror, she gasped. "Oh my God, Gin, you're amazing. I never thought I could look like this. I actually look…"

"Beautiful," Ginny finished for her, smiling lovingly. "Now it looks like all you need is your necklace and shoes."

"And my tiara," Hermione added, still a little awestruck at her own appearance.

Hermione had Ginny clasp the black diamond choker around her neck and slipped gently into her spelled glass slippers. Then she turned to look at herself in the mirror one last time. She couldn't believe how amazing she looked. She truly looked like a princess stepped straight out of a fairytale. She actually felt like Cinderella.

Hermione smiled at herself as she slid the tiara into her hair. The individual gemstones sparkled like diamonds. She stared at her reflection, knowing that she looked perfect.

"Alright. I'm ready. Let's go," Hermione said, turning to Ginny.

"Okay," Ginny replied. The girls walked together down the stairs and into the light of the common room.

.ooOoo.

"But why aren't you GOING, Draco?" whined Pansy from her seat next to Blaise in the Slytherin common room. "It's the biggest event of the year and you couldn't possibly plan to miss it."

"Actually, I could. And I am. Not that it's any of your business, but I have much more important things to do tonight than attend a stupid Yule Ball. And I think you're hardly in a position to question my actions, Pansy," snarled Draco. He was tired of her questioning him.

Pansy flinched. "Fine," she huffed.

Draco raised his chin in defiance and stalked to his room. He was beginning to feel the hot stings of anger well up inside of him and that was the last thing he wanted to feel tonight. He sighed and leaned his head against the cool wood of his bedpost. The cool temperature calmed him down a bit.

Draco stood back up and walked over to his armoire. He'd calmed down enough to focus on what he was going to do. He had a plan to carry out and he'd be damned if Pansy's questions would stop him from going through with it.

.ooOoo.

As Ginny glided down the staircase, she searched the room for Harry. Sure enough, he was at the foot of the stairs chatting with Ron, his back to Ginny. Harry was dressed as King Arthur, in full battle gear, with a sword hanging from his hip. Ron was standing next to him in the bright orange uniform of a Chudley Cannon's keeper. When Ron saw Ginny, his eyes went wide and he smiled, nudging Harry. Harry turned around and his breath caught in his throat when he saw the angel, or rather, the mermaid, gliding toward him. He found it incredibly difficult to breathe.

"Wow, Gin. Just…wow," Harry stammered.

Ginny blushed scarlet. "You like it?" she asked self-consciously.

"Of course I do. You're beautiful. The most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he added, flushed.

Ginny smiled. "Thank you."

Harry took Ginny's hand in his and helped her down the last couple stairs. He was awestruck by the beauty standing before him. It was then that he realized how stupid he'd been to end things with her. He realized that he'd never stopped loving her, just tried to bury his feelings under his fears. That's it. I'll never be so stupid again, he swore to himself.

Ginny turned and smiled an excited smile at Hermione as Harry led her out the portrait hole toward the Great Hall where the Ball was being held. Hermione gave her a thumbs-up to encourage her and shook her head, smiling. She was so happy for the two of them. She felt that tonight would be the night Harry would come to his senses and realize that they were meant for each other, and that thought made her happy.

Ron stood at the foot of the stairs, staring at Hermione like he'd never seen her before. He politely took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "You look incredible, 'Mione," he stated.

"Thanks Ron. That means a lot," she smiled, surprised by the gentlemanly gesture that was so unlike Ron.

"Would you like me to escort you to the Ball, Madame?" he asked in an exaggerated French accent, bowing to her, with a lop-sided grin on his freckled face.

Hermione laughed. "I don't think Lavender would be too happy about you ditching her and escorting me instead. But thank you."

"I think you're right," he laughed back. "But if you change your mind, I'd be happy to be your escort."

"Well thank you, Ron," Hermione said, "Now go find your fairy. The Ball is going to start any minute." She shooed him off. He shook his head, laughing, but did as he was told. Soon enough, all of the Gryffindors had left the common room but Hermione.

Hermione looked down at her gown and sighed, the pangs of loneliness returning. She knew Draco would be at the Ball, which was one of the main reasons she wanted to look perfect, but she also knew there was no way they'd be able to be together tonight and that made her sad. Stop it, Hermione, she thought to herself. At least you'll get to see him tonight.

With those last thoughts running through her mind, Hermione stepped out of the portrait hole and into the dark hallway.

.ooOoo.

When Hermione entered the Great Hall, everyone within a 30-foot radius stopped what they were doing and stared at her, eyes wide. She hardly noticed. She was too occupied with searching the room for one specific pair of stormy grey eyes.

He's not here. Hermione felt her heart sink. She was so disappointed and wondered where he could possibly be. He wouldn't just not show up… would he? she asked herself. She tried to remember if he'd said anything about skipping the Ball, but nothing came to mind.

The Great Hall looked incredible with all of its Yule decorations. All four of the long house tables had been removed and had been replaced by much smaller round tables periodically spread about the room. The ceiling above perfectly reflected the cloudless night outside and the stars were twinkling brightly along with the flicker of the candles floating above everyone's heads. As if to mimic the starry sky above, a sparkling black dance floor had been installed in the middle of the massive room and connected to the stage built on the far side of the room. Long green and gold garlands had been hung up around the entire room, reflecting the shimmering lights onto the ground and mistletoe floated above the crowd along with the candles. Hermione was in awe of the beauty and mood of the room.

"Hermione! Over here!" Hermione turned around quickly, her heart jumping in excitement until she realized that the voice that called out to her belonged to Dean Thomas, who was standing with all of her other friends, including Harry and Ginny, who couldn't seem to keep their eyes off of each other.

Hermione smiled a friendly smile to cover her disappointment that the voice didn't belong to Draco and headed over to where all of her friends stood. "Hey, guys," Hermione greeted them.

"Wow, Hermione. You look amazing," complemented Dean, shock plastered all over his face. He had come to the ball with Parvati, but she was off at the refreshment table with Lavender.

"Thank you, Dean. You look great, too." Dean had come to the ball as a ninja of sorts. Instead of all-black, he wore all-white, with a long-sleeved shirt and pants, and a bandana around his head.

"Aw, thanks." Dean smiled at her. "So where is your date, Hermione? He's a very lucky bloke."

"Oh. Thank you but I don't…" Hermione began, but was cut off when a very familiar voice from behind her said, "He's right here."

Hermione spun around so quickly she was surprised she didn't fall flat on her face. She came face-to-face with a pirate. The pirate had messy brown hair and dark blue eyes, so dark they almost looked grey. He was wearing a billowy black shirt that exposed a hard, muscled chest, and tight black leather pants. His hands were covered in black dragon-hide gloves and he wore black dragon-hide boots as well. The most peculiar part was that his face, from his forehead to his cheekbones, was covered with a thick black mask, and he wore a black bandana covering the top half of his head. There was a long sword hanging from his hip. Hermione's breath stuck in her throat.

"Dra…" she began, but caught herself in time and covered her slip-up with a cough. She just continued to stare at Draco in his impressive disguise. No one else would be able to recognize him, she was sure of it.

"Well, well, well. Who is this?" Hermione was pulled abruptly out of her thoughts by Ron's teasing but slightly protective voice.

"Oh!" Hermione blushed red. "Everyone, this is… umm… Wesley," Hermione lied. "Wesley, this is everyone," she glanced at Draco with trepidation, knowing he didn't want anything to do with her friends.

"Hello," he said in a polite but not necessarily friendly tone, meeting the questioning eyes of Harry, Ron, Dean, and Seamus. When he met the little female Weasel's eyes, he was surprised by the look she gave him, like she knew exactly who he was.

"Well, hello… Wesley," Ginny said with a cocked eyebrow and a pointed look, proving to Draco that she indeed DID know. He'd have to ask Hermione about that later.

Ron cut in again. "It's nice to finally meet the person Hermione's been running around with the last couple of months. I was beginning to think you were imaginary," Ron said, hinting at his disapproval of the secrecy that had engulfed Hermione and Draco's relationship from the beginning.

"Yes, it is nice to finally meet all of you," Draco replied, though no one but Hermione noticed the sarcasm in his voice. "Well I'm sorry to interrupt but I wondered if my date would allow me to steal her away for a dance." Draco looked directly into Hermione's eyes, picked up her hand, and brushed his lips across her knuckles.

Hermione's breath caught again, like it tended to do when she looked too long into Draco's eyes. Apparently they still had the same effect when they were glamoured to look blue. "Of course you may," Hermione breathed when she was finally able to catch her breath again.

Draco smirked and pulled her onto the now-crowded dance floor. The live band was just finishing a fast, energetic number. "How are you all liking the music?" the lead singer questioned. The students responded with eager screams. "Alright! Well, my band and I have started to branch out a bit into the muggle music world and we've really liked what we've heard. I wanted to play you one of the songs I've learned if that would be alright with you?" More screaming ensued. "Awesome. Well here you go." The singer picked up his acoustic guitar from where it lay on the stage that had been brought into the Great Hall for their performance. "The song is called Iris. I hope you like it…" And the singer began strumming slowly on the guitar.

"We're going to waltz," Draco whispered in Hermione's ear.

"But I don't know how," Hermione whispered back, a little surprised, though she should've known Draco would know how to waltz.

"Just follow my lead," Draco replied, then slid one arm around her waist, holding her hand in the other. He then began to lead her in the most beautiful dance she'd ever partaken in.

And I'd give up forever to touch you

'Cause I know that you feel me somehow

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be

And I don't want to go home right now.

"I love this song," Hermione breathed, shocked by how accurate the song was in her situation at the moment.

"…Me too," Draco replied. He'd heard it before on one of his outings in London with his parents and had been surprised to find that he actually liked a muggle song.

Hermione was shocked. Draco actually liked a muggle song? He met her eyes without breaking their step. He continued dancing as fluidly as though he'd been dancing his whole life. "Shocking, I know." Draco smiled.

Hermione was in awe of the man that held her. She found it increasingly difficult with every day that passed to remember the person he used to be. "You just keep getting more and more intriguing. I never know what to expect from you," she whispered.

"Is that right?" he whispered back.

And all I can taste is this moment

And all I can breathe is your life

'Cause sooner or later it's over

I just don't want to miss you tonight.

Draco stared deep into Hermione's golden eyes. Even disguised as someone else, Draco Malfoy still took her breath away. She leaned her head against his chest as he led her around the dance floor. Neither of them noticed everyone else watching them, they were so caught up in each other.

I just don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am.

"When I walked in here tonight and saw you, you stole my breath. You look stunning, Hermione," Draco murmured into her ear.

Hermione blushed and looked back up at him. "Thank you. I was hoping you'd think so. To be honest, I was a little worried."

"Why would you ever be worried? Have you seen yourself tonight? I can't even begin to describe

how beautiful you are," Draco scolded.

Hermione blushed some more. "You look amazing too. Even in a disguise."

"It was the only way I was going to be able to spend tonight with you. Plus, I would have done anything to get a nice night to myself without Pansy wanting me to dance with her all night," he replied, shrugging.

"I'm really glad. I can tell how much you hate her. It's completely understandable. But I'm so happy you're here with me right now, Draco," Hermione whispered, almost too softly for Draco to hear.

"I wouldn't be anywhere else."

Hermione sighed in contentedness and laid her head back on Draco's chest. He cradled her closer to him and continued waltzing as if they hadn't been speaking at all.

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming

Or the moment of truth in your lies

When everything feels like the movies

And you bleed just to know you're alive

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am.

The couple danced in silence for the rest of the song, holding each other close and feeling content to be in each other's arms.

When the song ended, Draco looked down and lifted Hermione's face up so their eyes met. He leaned down and brushed his lips lightly against hers and she couldn't find the desire to push him

away. All she could think about when their lips were touching was that this had to be heaven. Nothing in the real world could ever be so perfect.

The couple never noticed the cold brown eyes glaring at them in suspicion from a dark corner of the room.

.ooOoo.

There was something very suspicious going on with the Mudblood and her new plaything, Pansy was sure of it. She couldn't believe it when she'd seen the two dancing. Granger's masked date had floated across the floor with a precision Pansy had only seen in one other person, a person that just so happened to be conspicuously absent at the moment.

Draco had told Pansy earlier that he wasn't going to be attending the dance and she hadn't known why then. Now she knew. Draco hadn't planned on attending the dance as himself, but rather, disguised as someone else. Just what in the hell Granger played into this, she had no idea, but she was damn sure going to find out. Pansy backed into a dark corner of the room to watch the two from a safe distance. If one thing was for certain, it was that Pansy wouldn't let them out of her sight tonight.

.ooOoo.

Hermione and Draco had danced for hours. The Ball was going to end in another half-hour, though most of the students were still in the room enjoying themselves. The two had been so caught up in each other the whole night that they hadn't noticed the many pairs of eyes watching them in curiosity. Ron and Harry were just two of the curious (and slightly protective) pairs scrutinizing the couple.

"So who do you think he is, Harry?" Ron questioned uncomfortably.

"I have no idea. I can't believe that our Hermione could keep her relationship with this bloke a secret from us, especially since it's become so obviously serious. Just look at how she's looking at him," Harry answered, frustrated that his best friend hadn't trusted him enough to talk to him about her relationship.

"Yea…" Ron replied, sighing.

"As frustrating as it is, I don't think we should question her about it. She obviously kept him a secret for a reason. I suppose she has a right to keep her private life private. Maybe if we leave her alone about it she'll open up to us…" Harry suggested, shrugging.

"Yea. Maybe," Ron agreed. "You're probably right."

The two eyed the dancing couple one more time before heading off to find their dates once more.

.ooOoo.

"Oh, wow. Look at the time. It's almost midnight. We should probably head out if we want to get a chance to say a proper goodbye," suggested Hermione, blushing. She didn't know why, after dancing in Draco's arms all night, just the thought of being alone with him in the hallway for a minute saying goodnight made her blush.

"Mmm… I think you're right. We should leave before everyone else does. I need to get back to my common room before anyone realizes I'm not where I said I'd be," Draco agreed, a frown creasing his eyebrows. He looked down into Hermione's face and the frown disappeared. He smiled gently.

"Let's go."

Hermione sighed when Draco took her small hand in his and began leading her to the massive double doors.

They walked hand-in-hand down the hallway until they reached their secret nook. Draco gently took Hermione into his arms. Hermione smiled.

"Finite," Draco whispered, pointing his wand at his disguised face. Immediately, the strange features melted away to reveal the sharp, aristocratic features that Hermione recognized. "I'm back," he laughed.

"You're back," Hermione agreed. "It's too bad you couldn't have attended the Ball as yourself in this outfit. All of the females would have fallen at your feet," she teased, smirking.

"Oh, I'm used to that already. No need to torment the poor girls even further by letting them see me like this. I figured I should give them a break for once," Draco smirked back.

"Oh, you're insufferable," Hermione rolled her eyes. "You know you're not nearly as amazing as you think yourself to be." She poked him in the chest.

Before she could even blink, Draco's lips had branded hers. Hermione's eyes fluttered shut a second before Draco pulled away, his trademark smirk in place.

"What was that you were saying about me not being as amazing as I think I am?" Draco whispered in her ear.

"Wha.. what?" Hermione breathed, her mind foggy from Draco's lips being so close to her skin.

Draco broke into laughter. "That's what I thought," he replied.

Hermione's mind finally righted itself. "Oh, you…" she growled. "Okay, fine. You're ALMOST as amazing as you think yourself to be."

"Mmhmm," Draco smirked. He leant down and kissed her again, no longer teasing. This one was for real.

Hermione sighed and wrapped her arms around Draco's neck, wanting to wrap her whole body around him. She felt like she couldn't get close enough.

Draco growled and spun them around so Hermione's back was against the stone wall, all the while deepening their kiss. Hermione lost all train of thought when Draco pressed her body firmly into the wall and tangled his hands in her hair. They never broke the kiss.

Hermione couldn't think at all, she could only feel, and what she felt was perfection. Nothing could be more perfect than this moment. She couldn't believe that just a few months ago they were sworn enemies, forced to hate each other because of a war that wasn't theirs. It seemed so long ago now. Now they were together and everything was perfect.

Draco was the first to break the kiss, choosing to lean his forehead against hers. He was breathing heavily in a pattern that matched hers. He took a slow step back, leaving his hands on her waist.

"Why can't I stop myself from getting carried away when I'm around you? I never struggled with self-control before you came into the picture," Draco sighed, running a hand through his slightly-disheveled platinum hair.

"I have no idea. I guess there's just something between us that makes us different together than we were apart," Hermione suggested.

"I guess so," Draco agreed. "But alas, now it's time to say goodnight. The Ball is going to end in a couple minutes and it wouldn't be a good idea to be caught together."

Hermione sighed. "Yea. Well goodnight, Draco. I'll see you soon so we can research those spells some more. I'll send you an owl tomorrow to schedule a time, okay?" she asked, disappointed that they had to separate after such an incredible night together. Part of her wanted to say 'Screw it' and spend the night in Draco's arms in the Room of Requirement, but she knew that would be a bad idea, seeing as how Harry and Ron now knew for sure she was involved with someone. She sighed again as she backed out of the hallway.

Draco nodded and smiled. "Goodnight Hermione. I'll see you tomorrow."

.ooOoo.

Pansy was fuming. She couldn't believe what she had just seen, even though she had suspected it beforehand. Of course she had followed the Mudblood and her date out of the Ball, hiding in a dark alcove near where the couple had stopped.

When Draco had finally revealed himself, Pansy'd nearly blown her cover. Part of her had wanted to run over and beat the Mudblood until she was just a smear on the ground, and that desire had increased tenfold when the two began snogging. Pansy had to stop the primal growl that'd been building in her throat from breaking free.

Pansy stayed hidden in her alcove for another fifteen minutes after the two left, calming herself down so she didn't do anything rash, and all the while plotting exactly what she would do to get revenge, both on Draco and his Mudblood whore.

Pansy grinned. She knew exactly what she needed to do. If I can't have Draco Malfoy, no one will, she decided. Pansy glided out of the hallway and toward the dungeons, determination set on her pug-like face.

I can't stand Pansy. Can you? What's gonna happen now that she knows about Hermione and Draco? What is her evil plan? You'll find out soon enough. And yes, I just had to dress Draco up as Wesley from The Princess Bride, one of my favorite movies. The idea of Draco in tight black leather pants and a billowy pirate shirt is a very nice one to dwell on, right? Haha. Well, as usual, your reviews inspire me to write more, and I'm not feeling very inspired at the moment. Change that? Please? Thank you and I hope you guys are still loving the story. Let me know in a review!

Much Love,

MBS