A/n: So begins another chapter… thanks for the reviews! HAPPY JULY 4TH!

The Talent Showcase III

Draco Malfoy searched the crowd for his mother but he couldn't find her. He felt his stomach clench tightly as the lights dimmed. Thoughts of their performance filled his head as Hermione's voice echoed through the Great Hall.

When he finally made his way through the crowded entrance there were a bunch of little kids standing on stage smiling innocently at the audience. Hermione was joined on stage by judge Titmuss.

"I want to thank every for donating and supporting the children of St. Mungo's. We will be able to do so much more to make the children feel more at home. Thank you so very much."

The audience replied with polite applause.

"I would also like to thank our guest judges once again for finding time in their busy schedules to be here tonight." Hermione called out.

He caught her gaze and the knot that filled his stomach released instantly. This was just going to be another performance. She was going to be right there with him. There was no need to be nervous they had done this a thousand times.

The guests walked off stage as Boot took to the stage. He announced that the winners of the first portion of the competition were the Patel sisters. There was a loud outburst of applause coming mostly from Gryffindor and Ravenclaw supporters. He felt himself smile. He knew that he needed to start stretching, so he began making his way backstage.

Blaise looked down at the words for a third time. He couldn't believe what he was reading. He needed to go see Cheryl…now. His heart pumped violently in his chest; yes he needed to go see her now. He was of age, he could leave if need be. He needed to see Hermione, but first he needed to pack. He tore up the stairs, his mind on Cheryl.

Hermione could feel her nerves get worse as each act went by. It felt as though someone was tightening a rope around her heart. Her nerves were getting the best of her. Normally she would be able to shake them off, but not tonight. The students were enjoying this part of the show the most. Professor Flitwick sung a song. Professor Snape with the help of volunteers from the audience displayed the cooler un-useful effects of potions. He made Dean Thomas glow in the dark and caused a third year Slytherin to grow Hagrid's size. Professor Sprout arranged some of her plants into a symphony which played a classical Beethoven piece. Harry and Ginny did an act of cheesy muggle magic tricks with a real magical twist. Hermione couldn't help but laugh when Harry pulled a rabbit out of a hat.

Hermione had the rest of the night off after their act because she now had to get ready for her own performance. She went backstage and found her costume. She found a letter attached to it.

Hermione,

I hope this outfit works for you. I actually ordered these a while ago. Meet me out in the corridor so we can stretch. I think I need one more practice before we go on stage.

Love,

Draco

Hermione looked down at the word 'love' and felt her stomach flip flop. If you would have told her last year that she would perform a dance in a talent showcase with Draco Malfoy, she would have called you nutters. She was all about entering and staying in the magical world, but if she had a choice between dance and magic, dance would win. She shuddered, if dance did win that didn't mean she would abandon her magical abilities. She unzipped the vinyl cover that protected her costume and sighed deeply. It was nice. The turquoise silk slipped through her fingers like water. She would of preferred pants but this was equally nice. She found a pair of a turquoise ballet slippers and turquoise strapped sandals. Since it was a fusion of ballet and contemporary she decided that the ballet shoes would work fine.

She grabbed the hanger and made her way to the washroom, anxious and excited to feel the silk against her skin.

Malfoy knew that it was only a matter of time before they would be on stage. He felt foolish in his attire. The white tights enhanced the curve of his thighs and claves and the shirt hung loosely on his broad shoulders and arms. He knew that as soon as he stepped on stage that the whole school was going to laugh at him. He knew it and he tried not to care, but even thinking about it made him even more nervous. His stomach turned and his heart threatened to jump in his throat as of thought of the person he was trying to impress. This was going to decide his future, this night, this five minute performance.

He couldn't sit still. He had to find his mother. She would know what to say to make him focus. He looked into the caked and dirty mirror of the bathroom. His blonde hair glimmered in the candle light. His eyes were filled with an excitement and confidence that didn't mimic his internal turmoil. He felt himself take a deep breath. Hermione was finally his, he was performing for a representative a Juilliard, the whole school was going to find out that he was Draco Malfoy, Lord of the Dance, he didn't see what else could happen.

Blaise looked around his disorganized room. He didn't know how long he was going to stay, so he tried to fit most of his belongings into his school trunk, if he needed anything else he would send by Draco. He needed to convince Cheryl of his true feelings, he needed to comfort and confront her and she needed him no matter what her letter said. He picked up the letter once more and read it again. He then locked up the untidy trunk in which his books were thrown unceremoniously on top of an assortment of muggle clothing and wizard robes. He grabbed his black cloak and hastily fastened it over his broad shoulders and made his way out his dormitory door without a backward glance.

Malfoy walked into the dark Great Hall, before he could even begin looking for his mother he found her standing at the entrance, her eyes entranced on the couple that was on stage.

"Mother?"

"A word…now!" She whispered. She stormed through the doors of the Great Hall.

He followed her. She was indeed angry, but she couldn't have possibly found out. The door closed soundlessly behind them as the moonlight filtered in the Great Hall. Her silvery blonde hair shimmered softly as her silk midnight blue dress robes glimmered gently.

"Why are you here and not on that stage impressing the judge from Juilliard?" She asked her blue eyes blazing.

"I'm performing a bit later."

"Really now…with the mudblood?"

He could feel his jaw clench.

"Yes mother," He drawled. "With the mudblood, she's an excellent dancer."

"Her kind is beneath us and you know that…"

"I can't help who Dumbledore pairs me up with. I made the best of it."

"I bet you have."

"I have," he could feel the blood in his veins boil. He needed to shut her up. "Do you know who got that representative from Juilliard to come here to Hogwarts? Did you know that the mudblood's aunt have connections throughout the dancing world? I couldn't let an opportunity like this pass up."

She stood there silent.

"I could have arranged that," she started. "So is that who you were training with this summer, the mudblood's aunt?"

Hermione could hear their voices in the hall. She couldn't help but recognize the tones of both Draco and his mother.

"Yes of course, I had to get into the good graces of her aunt too." She heard Malfoy's voice say.

"You had that filth in our house?" She snapped back.

Malfoy said nothing.

"They were good weren't they?" He said after a long pause. "It doesn't matter what kind of blood they have, dance is dance. Anyone with the proper training can do it."

It was his mother's turn to say nothing. Hermione could feel the tension from around the corner.

"Tell me this one thing. I want to hear this rumor contradicted." She said after what felt like an eternity. "Are you in love with her?"

Hermione knew that it was time to make herself known. She was smart enough to know that he was saying all of these things to get his mother off of his back, but she didn't want to hear the answer to that particular question. He might get up the courage to tell his mother the truth but at the rate that he was going she was afraid that he was going to say no. He sounded a bit convincing and she couldn't help but feel the tightness in his throat when he had said those hurtful words.

Was that why he was really here with her, to get into Juilliard? She remembered that summer, the day that they had their fight, the first night she spent with him. He only came up to her room because they had both been informed that Juilliard was interested in the pair of them. It was supposed to end that summer night, but he prolonged it, was that the reason why?

But then again he did say that he didn't care if his mother knew about them, so why should she stop him?

She had to stop all of the negative thoughts that entered her head. He was in love with her, he wanted to be with her, and he was going to dance with her. She took a few steps backwards and walked around the corner.

"Malfoy, there you are," she said breathlessly. She tried to act excited even though her mind was filled with the most poisonous of thoughts. She glanced quickly at Narcissa Malfoy who didn't look too happy.

"You wanted to practice one more time?" She continued focusing her attention to Malfoy.

"Yes," He replied.

Narcissa turned on her heel and left them alone.

Hermione began doing her usual stretches. She was happy to find the hall completely deserted but her rational thoughts were still at war with her emotions. She bent over softly to touch her turquoise ballet slippers. Her eyes were closed as she counted to ten. She rolled her spine up softly until her back hit something hard.

"I knew this was going to look good on you," he said softly. His hand was now on her hip and the other was brushing her neck. This simple touch sent shivers down her spine. When his lips bit down on the delicate flesh of her neck she closed her eyes. This one action alone drove some of the thoughts out of her mind. It was weird that her body still reacted so violently when he touched her.

"I thought we were here to practice," she replied coolly.

He backed away from her instantly, almost as if he had been smacked.

"Hermione," he said softly. "You don't honestly believe a word I said to my mother."

"You sounded pretty convincing to me."

He chuckled.

"I don't see why you're laughing, wasn't it only an hour ago you were telling me that you didn't care what your mother thought?"

He continued to laugh.

Hermione turned to face him. She could feel her anger building.

"Why…"

"…am I laughing?" He asked. "You always do this Hermione. You try to find a reason to hate me so you can push me away. When are you going to realize that I am not going anywhere?

She stood their silent.

"Let's practice."

They took their respective positions and began to do the routine. Their bodies moved softly in unison but Hermione couldn't feel it. Something wasn't right.

"Hermione, you know that we're performing for Juilliard right?"

"You don't need to tell me that Malfoy," She said through gritted teeth.

"Start again from the top." He replied.

They began again but it felt even more awkward.

"Hermione, relax!"

"I can't relax with you yelling at me."

"And I can't dance with someone who doesn't want to dance with me."

"Is that what you think?" Hermione said moving onto the next move.

"Yes," He replied turning towards her. "How many times do I need to convince you? Why would I ask you to be my girlfriend? How many times do I have to say I love you? How many times Hermione?"

Before she could answer someone had cleared their throat. This caught Hermione off guard and she turned her face towards the source.

"Blaise?" She took in his appearance. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to see Cheryl," he replied. "I don't have time to explain but she told me to give you this, but please don't read it until you're done the performance."

"But why…"

"Everything is in the letter." He replied. He handed her the letter written in Cheryl's familiar script. "And Malfoy is right, whatever is bothering you, do not let it hinder your ability to dance your best."

He turned to Malfoy and gave him a curt nod and made his way towards the doors, his trunk rolled soundlessly behind him.

Before she could even contemplate what he said she heard Boot's voice call out to her.

"C'mon guys, you're going to have to get backstage now, Ron and Pansy are performing.

Hermione looked to Malfoy.

"Are you ready?" She asked him.

"As long as you are ready to dance with me, then yes I'm ready." He replied.

They crept into the Great Hall. Hermione's eyes were filled with brilliant color as they made their way down to the path that led to the stage door. She felt Malfoy's hand grab her own. He took the letter from her as they parted their separate ways. He was right to think that she was going to open the letter at the first opportunity. She felt oddly numb. The color intensified and she realized that it was coming from on stage. Ron and Pansy was doing a bit of fancy wand work, their wands moving in tune with the song that was playing. Everyone looked on stage with awe as the bright colors transformed into familiar shapes of animals. Hermione had to admit that it was a great bit of magic.

She let out a soft sigh, this was it. Terry led her into the small room backstage where she stretched in silence. She performed a bit of magic on her ballet shoes so they fit like her old ones. She went on pointe for a few seconds and brought her feet back to the ground. Her heart fluttered like the wings of a butterfly but she continued to stretch. There was no one here to tell her that she would do fine, that she had this audition in the bag. She tried to imagine what her aunt would say to her, but it was impossible. She was just going to have to do it, nothing more nothing less. The music outside stopped and a roar of applause followed.

"Are you ready Hermione?"

The door that led to the stage burst open as two very happy people came crashing through it.

"You were great!" Ron's voice roared.

"No you were!" Pansy beamed back and before Hermione could offer her congratulations Pansy lips came crashing down on Ron's who accepted them without problem. Hermione felt her heart stop. She watched as the two of them snog right in front of her. She knew she had no right to get upset, but she felt her heart squeeze out of hurt.

She took her eyes off of them and made her way on stage which was completely dark. Boot followed her but the spotlight shone only on him. She held her breath when his voice echoed throughout the Great Hall.

"I would like to introduce our final and last act. It is none other than Hermione Granger, your Head Girl, performing a dance with her partner, Draco Malfoy. The hall began buzzing with voices, coming mostly from the students. She closed her eyes and exhaled. The split seconds that she waited in agony a familiar voice filled her thoughts.

"Turn the music on,"

"Now close your eyes,"

"You just have to trust me,"

"Relax,"

"Being partners is all about trust."

"Just feel the rhythm, live it, breathe it."

The music began and the backdrop was filled with a star stretched sky that was only matched by the ceiling. She felt all eyes on her as she began moving softly across the dance floor. Her body was an instrument as she moved she intricately changed her position.

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react

Right on cue Malfoy came out to join her. She went on pointe and backed out of the spot light softly. She watched as his beautiful form came to life. The rhythm that carried his body went through hers as well.

And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

The stage then flooded with light as he came to join her. He touched her body which instantly moved instep with hers. When his eyes finally caught hers the surroundings melted away. The music picked up and they danced. It was only the two of them their bodies moving in motion telling their story of passion and love.

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have the choice
You've made it now

She made everything count. Her heart ached softly as he released her. Their moves were wild but in sync. He jumped across the stage his legs extending beautifully. He landed softly next to her and picked her up throwing her without mercy across stage in his passion. She fell softly to the ground and writhed in pain and heartbreak. She watched as his head spun and his body followed.

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

She crawled slowly to him as he went on pointe and spun on the spot before falling to the ground. She reached out to him and his hands found hers. With little strength he pulled her body on top of his. His hands reached up and brushed the hair out of her face. She rolled over instantly and he followed pushing his body off the ground so that his body hovered inches above hers. She reached up as he softly lowered his strong body on top of hers. He then slid down her body causing her back to arch as her body found itself in standing position. She danced away from him skating across the stage.

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now

The music played on and the rhythm filled her as her body moved in quick juxtaposition. Each movement filled with passion and heartbreak. Malfoy got up off the floor and danced toward her which mimicked her movements. She moved further away from him before turning and running towards him. She jumped into his arms, her legs surrounded his waist and her head was thrown over his shoulder. He spun her around weightlessly. She could feel his heart pumping in his chest. She then slid down his body and found herself on the floor her body curled into a tight ball rocking back and forth.

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along

He found her body and scooped her off the floor effortlessly. She clung to his body afraid to let go. He did let her go but she pointed her toes gracefully as he spun her slowly around. He came to a stop and she stood. They began walking away from each other but they both turned to look back at one another. She went on pointe and slowly moved away from him, her head moving gracefully from side to side her eyes closed as the music ran down her body. She felt him run toward her as her feet fell softly back on the ground he then grabbed her hand and spun her into his body. She spun out of it hard but he pulled her close. His hand grabbed hers and his other rested on her waist and they swayed gently on the spot. It was then she couldn't feel the ground. They began levitating off the ground slowly revolving on the spot as his eyes captured hers. His mouth formed the words 'I love you' before he placed his lips on top of hers. She sighed deeply in into his mouth and let out a soft moan that only he alone could hear.

The music faded slowly as they made their way back to the ground. Their lips were still locked in the most passionate kiss that she had ever experienced. She pulled gently out of it as his hand brushed her face. The kiss was unexpected as well as her being lifted off the ground but it added perfectly to the message they were trying to convey. Before she could say anything the Great Hall erupted. It was filled with loud cheering, catcalls and whispering from the boys and screams from the girls.

Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

It felt as though the surrounding world had turned on like a light bulb. The crowd was on its feet. Hermione looked towards the judges table to see to her surprise that all four of them were on their respective feet. Mr. Bennet was giving them both the thumbs up. Screams of bravo and encore filled their ears. She looked to Malfoy who looked back down at her and he caught her lips in a soft yet sweet kiss. He lifted her up off the ground and spun her happily. They had done it.

Malfoy followed her off stage, his adrenaline pumping and his heart beating madly.

"We did it!" He yelled after the door had closed.

"Yes, we did," she replied. "I've never seen you jump that high before."

"You were beautiful," he said softly.

Malfoy never felt more attractive to her then he was now. The way she danced took his breath away. When they had rolled around on stage he could feel the music flowing through her body into his. He knew that he would never feel this with anyone other partner, and he knew that he wouldn't feel this way with any other girl.

"I love you Hermione Granger."

"And I you," she replied softly. Her hands instinctively found their way around his neck and she kissed him softly and fully on the mouth.

They both removed themselves from each other. There was time for that later, but now they had to change.

Hermione was putting on her shoes when she heard it.

"And the winners of the second half of the talent showcase are Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy!"

The Great Hall erupted with applause as Hermione and Malfoy made their way on stage. They both accepted the trophy and lifted it above their heads. The crowd roared with approval. Hermione couldn't stop smiling. She was happy, relieved, and in love.

Blaise Zabini made his way up the staircase and into the dark house. He knew where to find her. He found himself in the darkened living room. His eyes tried to get adjusted to the darkness when he saw her body on the couch. She was wrapped in a quilt her eyes closed her face red and tear streaked, and a mess of used tissues surrounded her. He put away his trunk took off his cloak. He joined her on the couch. She stirred softly and opened one swollen eye. She sighed and began sobbing, melting her body to his warm one.

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "Everything is going to be ok."

Hermione made her way through the crowd. Everyone was congratulating the pair of them. Remarks of them dancing together and exclamations that people were surprised made her happy. They were both hand in hand. Girls looked at Hermione with envy while guys congratulated Malfoy on getting Hermione. This wasn't the reaction she was expecting, but she guessed that everyone now understood why they had fell in love in the first place. Hermione looked through the crowd as she saw professor Dumbledore making his way towards the pair of them.

"Congratulations Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger. Mr. Bennet would like to talk to the both of you." He said quickly.

Leading the way he maneuvered them through the crowd, but before the reached him Hermione felt someone tap her on the shoulder.

She turned to see Narcissa Malfoy smiling weakly at her.

"You were beautiful," was all that was said. Hermione took this compliment and locked it away in a safe place. That had to be the only kind thing that Narcissa Malfoy had said to her.

Hermione looked to see that Malfoy and the Headmaster were only a few feet from her. She joined them instantly.

"Here she is now," a very happy and charismatic Elijah Bennet said.

Malfoy gave Hermione what seemed like the tenth kiss of the night.

"Well I am very pleased that you two danced together. Boy was my ears pink when I heard Terry Boot announce that you guys were going to dance together."

Hermione smiled.

"I just want to let you both know that the Juilliard School of Dance will be extending invitations to the both of you for the fall." He replied beaming.

Hermione looked to Malfoy with her mouth open. He looked back at her with a goofy grin. She turned back to Elijah Bennet.

"YOU'RE JOKING!" She screamed.

"No I am not! Congratulations to the pair of you!" He shouted back.

Hermione hugged Malfoy, she felt as though a large weight had lifted off her chest. She was elated and nothing was going to bring her down.

"Thank you," Malfoy said sheepishly as he shook Mr. Bennet's hand.

Hermione grasped Malfoy's hand and began laughing.

"Oh I almost forgot, this belongs to you," he handed over the letter she had seen what felt like ages ago. It was Cheryl's. She opened it without delay. She couldn't wait to see her and her aunt to tell them the good news.

Hermione,

I wanted to write this before another wave of tears overtake me. There was a car accident. I wasn't in the car but mom… she's not ok. The doctor's don't think she will make it through the night. Please come as soon as you can.

Cheryl

Hermione looked down at the letter, all emotion left her body. She couldn't believe what she was reading. It felt as though she had been punched in the stomach by the whomping willow. She dropped the letter as she ran to the bathroom covering her mouth to fight the wave of sickness that threatened to take her body.

A/n: So there it is… all wrapped up in a nutshell. I hope you guys liked this chapter. It was so hard coming up with this dance scene only because the song "Sway" by Michael Buble was the song they were supposed to dance to, but I already used that one. It took me ages to look through my music library but I think I found the right song. Thanks to all the reviews they were pretty awesome and I am so glad to finish this extremely long chapter!

As Always… Cherbi161