I don't own Harry Potter or Beauty and the Beast

*notes, set in pre French revolution in England, witches and wizards went to Hogwarts at age 12 and returned at age 16

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Sorry this didn't come out Friday, but I had just finished with mid-terms (I MADE A 'B' ON MY PHYSICS! =D) And I wanted to make sure this was good enough for a Christmas present =)

Chapter 20

"No, no, no! You can't put that there! STOP! You across the room! Where do you think you're going? There is STILL dust on that mantle! You there! Dim yourself! You can't be shining that brightly in a romantic atmosphere!" Blaise finished shouting at his fellow candle stick. The other objects that had already faced Blaise's wrath, grimaced at the three household items that had just been scolded. The feather duster looked almost in tears and the broom that had been helping to relocate furniture just glared at his fellow housemate.

Blaise sighed, shaking his head and turned to Theo who was smirking at the other Slytherin. "How do you do it?" Blaise asked wearily, "How do you get them to listen to you when they're doing their duties?"

Theo just grinned and said, "Magic," before turning and walking out of the room. Revenge is sweet, he thought after seeing how Blaise was getting a taste of his own medicine.

Still grinning, the clock entered the kitchen to see how Andromeda was fairing. The teapot had everyone organized, and things were going very smoothly. The menu had been set, all the dishes were being washed, and the elves were beginning the process of cooking.

Andromeda greeted Theodore, "Hello Theo, how are things going in the ballroom with Blaise?"

"As well as to be expected," he shrugged, feigning innocence. Had Andromeda had hands, she would have gripped Theodore by the ear for his insolence.

"What did you do?" She asked with a glare so powerful that it held Theo in place.

The clock swallowed; suddenly Blaise's predicament wasn't so funny anymore, "N-nothing Andromeda. I was just going back to offer my assistance."

"That's what I thought. When I come to check the ballroom I better see a smooth running production or else. Understand?"

"Yes Andromeda," Theo hung his head and shuffled out of the kitchen and back to the ballroom.

The older witch shook her head as she watched him go. It was time to go check on Daphne.

When Andromeda entered Hermione's room she found organized chaos. Daphne had been instructed with making both Draco and Hermione's eveningwear. Draco's outfit was nearly finished, and the items that were helping the young witch, were helping Daphne decide upon the fabric for Hermione's dress.

"What do you think?" the frenzied witch asked as soon as Andromeda entered the room. She held up a pink fabric and a yellow one.

"The yellow," Andromeda said immediately. Daphne smiled and handed off the yellow fabric to be paired with accents and dress patterns. "It seems like things are running smoothly and on time," Andromeda smiled, "Just make sure everything is ready by the time Draco and Hermione are back from their ride."

Daphne nearly rolled her eyes at the reminder, "Of course Andromeda. How are Blaise and Theo faring?"

Andromeda smirked, "We'll see."

Daphne nodded and went back to work on Draco's suit. With that Andromeda left the room to go check on the boys. When she entered the ballroom she found Theo standing at its center conducting everyone while Blaise stood in the corner, arms crossed, pouting. Chuckling to herself, Draco's aunt left the ballroom and reentered the kitchen where the last of everything was being put into the oven. Tonight would be perfect.

oOoOoOo

The moment Hermione stepped foot into the castle, she was swept away to her room. Inside Daphne made her dress in a beautiful yellow-gold dress. The straps twisted and sat just on top of her shoulders. The bodice clung tightly to her, and the skirt flared out at the waist. Ruffles were attached to the skirt. The dress was simple and elegant. Yellow silk gloves, heels, and a silver rose charm on a necklace also accompanied the dress.

As soon as the young witch was inside her room, she was pushed into a chair in front of a vanity. Hermione's brown eyes were lined with kohl, her lashes were painted with a removable black paint, and the lids of her eyes were painted with a shimmery gold. The styling tools were able to tame Hermione's hair and pull half of it up into a small bun surrounded by a small circlet of silver roses, and let the other half hang in several large spirals. Hermione's lips were painted with berries, her cheeks pinched to add a blush, and small diamonds added to her ears before she was declared finished and allowed to put on her dress.

Once declared presentable, Blaise knocked on her door, and escorted her down the hall and to the top of the staircase where he bowed before turning and leaving. Hermione swallowed hard as she stared down at the beautiful dragon that had his back turned away from her. She didn't know whether or not he had planned this, but she was nervous all the same.

Their ride earlier that day along with a picnic lunch had been wonderful. They had been able to get to know each other so much better since they were alone. Nothing had been hinted about tonight, and Hermione had a sneaking suspicion that a certain candelabra was behind it all. She couldn't complain though.

For the first time in her life, Hermione felt beautiful. Of course her father had always told her so, but to be beautiful in your father's eyes and in the eyes of others is something quite different. She had never truly felt beautiful enough to be worthy of the attentions of a man.

And Hermione was beautiful. In fact she was stunning. Draco turned around in that moment and froze. It was that moment that ensured his love to the Muggleborn witch, Hermione Granger. There was nothing more beautiful, inside and out, to him in that moment than the young woman at the top of the stairs. The dragon swallowed hard and tried to breathe as Hermione descended the stairs towards him.

When she reached him, Draco slowly took her hand and held it to his lips. A blush flared in Hermione's cheeks. "You're absolutely stunning," Draco murmured against her fingers.

"Thank you," she whispered shyly. Draco smiled and offered her his arm. She took it and they entered the dining hall where a small feast lay before them. The elves had done a wonderful job preparing the food. Everything was delicious. After they finished their meal, Draco once again offered Hermione his arm. She took it wondering what else was in store for her that night.

Draco led her towards the ballroom and Hermione gasped as the doors opened revealing the room. Music began as soon as the doors opened and Hermione stood there, star struck.

The dance floor was a beautiful, polished mahogany, and no scuffs or imperfections could be seen. Floor to ceiling windows covered two of the walls, giving a perfect view of the manor's garden and the sparkling night sky. Crystal chandeliers with candles surrounding the top gave much light to the room, as did the roaring fire in the large fireplace opposite the doors leading into the room from the rest of the manor. The ceiling was an enchanted painting decrypting a love story between a prince and his commoner bride. Couches and small tables were situated around the edges of the room for socializing and resting. The room itself though, was alive with a practically palpable magic. Hermione could almost feel it zing against her skin as Draco took her hand and led her to the center of the dance floor.

The dragon placed on clawed hand at her waist and with the other held her gloved hand delicately as he led her in a simple waltz. The music changed over time and more complicated steps were called for. Draco led her smoothly across the ballroom as Hermione smiled up at him. Neither spoke another word that night, until it was time to say goodnight.

It was at that moment of goodbye that Hermione was certain she was beginning to fall in love with Draco Malfoy.

Come on now. Say it with me "AWWWWWW!" =) So since I'm sure y'all are all lying awake waiting for morning to come why not go check out my Christmas Dramione stories? =) (shameless advertizing here) Underneath the Mistletoe, Real, and Underneath my Tree (the third anual Dramione Christmas One-shot) =) As you know, I write a new one every year as a special Christmas present =) After all, Red and Green are Christmas colors ;) A Merry Christmas to all, and to all... a goodnight!

Review Reply: Ari- I'm glad you liked it! I'm not very good at writing summaries haha so glad to know it was working! =) I hope you've had a chance to catch up and have enjoyed my story as much as my summary =) Thanks so much for your review!

~chocoyum4~