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Full of Surprises
"Draco," Hermione muttered as she slowly removed her head from his neck, she groaned at the crick that had formed in her neck from her current position. "You awake?"
"Mhmm," he mumbled slowly as he opened his eyes, blinking a few times he surveyed Hermione. "You okay?"
Hermione said nothing but she nodded her head, there was a sincere smile on her face though and Draco took that as a good sign. "I can speak to the others, make sure they don't mention it again." he said but Hermione shook her head.
"No, it's fine. I'm sure they understand but I'll speak to Bellatrix about it, see how she is."
"Hermione, you don't need to do that, Bellatrix is going to understand, she saw what happened and she knows what she did, it worked Hermione. I truly think we've got through to them all, I think we've finally won this battle. They're not going to become the people they were I just know it. Bellatrix Black isn't going to be Bellatrix Lestrange, not the Bellatrix Lestrange we knew and feared. She's going to be a different Bellatrix. Just like James and Lily and Frank and Alice, they're going to get the chance to raise their sons to be a family. We've done the right thing Hermione."
"Okay, we're going to win right Draco. Voldemort isn't going to beat us?"
Draco grinned and shook his head, "we're going to win this war! And save the future!" Hermione beamed and she slowly pushed herself off the floor.
"How about lunch?" she asked and Draco grinned. He wasn't certain how long they had been sat in the room of requirements but he did know he was hungry. Together they left the Room of Requirements, and they made their way to the Great Hall. Seeing as there were hardly anybody in the corridors it had to be dinner time but it was only when they reached the Great Hall did they realise how late it actually was. They passed the Bloody Baron who informed them it was 11:30 at night and that they should return to their dorms. Shocked by the time Draco and Hermione turned around and headed towards the kitchens, with a quick tickle to the pear the grounds kitchens opened and they stepped inside.
Instantly Draco made his way over to the small breakfast table and pushed himself up on to a seat, he turned to a house elf that appeared right beside him. "Pumpkin juice and whatever it was that was served at tonight's dinner." He instructed and the house elf nodded his large head and turned to Hermione waiting for her order.
Hermione glared in annoyance at Draco who grinned cheekily knowing full well he'd just ignored Hermione's strict beliefs on House elves and their rights by speaking to them in such a manner.
"I'll have the very same thank you," she smiled softly at the house elf who nodded his large head for a second time before he disappeared with a loud pop.
"Honestly Draco did you have to be so rude to that poor house elf?" she snapped as she took the seat beside him. "Couldn't you have treated him with a little more respect?"
"Yes, sure, I'll keep that in mind for next time," he muttered wafting his hands and rolling his eyes. Hermione scowl deepened but she bit her lip and turned away from him.
"I was thinking we could continue to teach Occlumency again, we've not really looked at it since you were tortured." She said quietly not wanting to bring any bad memories up for Draco.
"It's a wise idea, it's getting far more dangerous now, having the power to block people from one's mind is more important than ever."
"Are we going to continue on with the same group?" She asked as the house elf appeared with that evening's meal of stew and dumplings. Another house elf placed a crystal jug of pumpkin juice in between them, the two house elves vanished almost instantly leaving Hermione no time to say thank you. Shocked she turned to Draco but he was already beginning to tuck into his stew, shaking her head Hermione poured two glasses of pumpkin juice.
"Thanks, and yeah I'm getting somewhere with them and I think you need to continue on with your group of five."
"Good, I must admit I was surprised that Bellatrix and Severus didn't master it straight away but then again, they obviously had to learn. I'm planning on focusing more one on one this time." Draco nodded and the two of them sat silently while they ate their meals.
Once they'd eaten the duo quickly left the kitchen and headed in separate directions to their dorm rooms.
Hermione was on edge as she tiptoed through the final corridor, the common room entrance was only a corridor away when she heard something behind her, she turned and by her feet was an orange tabby cat, it hissed at her and turned and sprinted down the corridor mowing. "Shit," she hissed and she took off, Mrs Norris might not have been alive today but it looked like Filch had a cat equally devoted to him, she could hear his voice and in a panic she darted towards the portrait. "Flibbertigibbet," she cried, "Flibbertigibbet!" the fat lady huffed, muttered about students being out late and she sprung open. Hermione hopped into the common room and sighed in relief as the door closed behind her.
She pushed herself off the wall and headed upstairs, she entered the seventh year girl's dorm room and as she carefully shut the door she heard Lily.
"Is that you Hermione?" Hermione froze at the sound of her name but she nodded.
"It's me, why are you still awake?" Hermione asked as she looked in the direction of the voice.
"Couldn't sleep, how you feeling?" she asked illuminating her wand so she could see Hermione.
Now visible Hermione made her way to Lily and sat beside her, Lily scooted over to give her space. "I'm not too bad, you?"
"I don't really know, I'm still trying to digest everything I've learnt. In a cruel and twisted way I should be dead in less than five years, if it wasn't for you. You've saved my life but after witnessing yours and Draco's memories I can see how much you've had to suffer. You've faced so many horrible things it's hard to believe you can still be so good."
"Sirius once told us something, it's something I've always reverted back to when I learn of people's choices." Lily raised her brow waiting to hear more. "We all have light and dark inside of us, it's the part we choose to act on that defines us, and If you want to know what a man's like, take a look at how he treats his inferiors and not his equals."
"Who knew Sirius could be so wise," Lily chuckled dryly "but he's right. Why do you want to help us Hermione?"
"Because you all deserve the chance to live and be free. Sometimes you have to help ones foes to protect your friends. I'm willing to risk my life for you, to give Harry a chance to be happy, to be surrounded by family that love him."
"Thank you for being such a good friend to my son Hermione," said Lily sincerely and Hermione smiled softly at her, wrapping her arms around her friend. They stayed like this for a few more moments before Hermione pulled back.
"I'm going to try and get some sleep, I suggest you do the same."
"Yeah, James and I have an announcement to make tomorrow at breakfast." Hermione nodded her head. "I look forward to it… oh by the way, I'm planning on doing a one on one in Occlumency tomorrow, and do you want to be first?" Lily hesitated for a second before nodding. "Now you know what to expect it'll hopefully be a little easier."
"I hope so," said Lily and Hermione smiled, she quickly changed into her pyjamas and climbed into bed.
"Good night Lily."
"Goodnight Hermione."
The next morning the girls sleepily got ready for class, the only one who was looking forward to getting to breakfast was Lily, Hermione recalled her mentioning an announcement at breakfast but she didn't remember if Lily had confided in her. Pretty certain she hadn't, she and the other girls walked towards the Great Hall in deep thought. Just as they left the corridor, Draco and Severus walked up the stairs.
"Morning," Draco greeted with a wink directed to Hermione who rolled eyes and returned the greeting to them both.
Severus said nothing but he smiled ever so slightly and nodded his head in greeting, but Hermione could see clearly that he was unwilling to meet hers or Lily's eyes this morning. Frowning Hermione glanced at Draco for answers but the blonde just shook his head, now obviously wasn't the right time.
The group made their way to their respected house tables and started to dig into their breakfast. Lily waited impatiently for James to arrive. "He should be here by now, I told him I wanted to do it while the hall was busy, why does he do this to me?" Hermione wanted to say something but Magenta had put a firm hand on her thigh and shook her head.
"Trust me Granger, when it comes to James Potter it's best to leave Lily to rant it out. Getting involved only makes it worse. I've had seven years of experience," Hermione grinned and bit down into her toast, she nodded along to what Lily was saying and she could see Alice and Fuschia were doing the same. Every now and again one would catch another's eye and grin quickly before covering it up. Lily was completely oblivious to what was going on around her.
"Finally, I wanted you here earlier James!" Lily snapped as he took a seat beside of her but her temper quickly dimmed as she looked closely at him, there were heavy bags under his glasses and his hair was wilder than it normally was. Even his body language was off. "Are you okay" she asked placing her hand delicately on his arm.
"Rough night's sleep," he admitted quietly. "You want to get the announcement over and done with now?" Lily nodded and the two stared up at the table.
With twinkling eyes Professor Dumbledore tapped his glass and the room slowly started to fall quiet. "Good morning all, now before classes start our Head Boy and Girl would like to announce an exciting upcoming event." Lily and James took the cue and slowly rose from their seats to address all those who were now staring at them in interest.
"Good morning everyone, now with the current hardship that the Wizarding world is undergoing James and I decided what we need is something to boost spirits, which is why we have spoken to the Headmaster to host a Christmas Ball. The event will take place just before the Christmas Holidays and it is open for all years. We believed that all years should be able to participate but certain restraints will be in place and there'll be set times for the younger years to leave. Each house will receive instructions, rules and important information about the ball and that'll be posted on a bulletin in your common room but if you do have any questions please don't be afraid to approach James and I." said Lily and she smiled as the room suddenly lit into a gossiping frenzy.
All she would hear for the next month would be dresses and dates and she couldn't wait. James and she would be going together and she was sure other couples would instantly pair up together, but it would be fun to see who her single friends would go with.
Anyway, James had already bet her five galleons that Sirius would ask Hermione out before the end of the week, she had laughed and said Sirius didn't stand a chance, it was obvious Draco would ask Hermione and she would go with him. She'd made James swear not to sway the bet in his favour but to see what happened.
Oblivious to the bet Hermione silently listened to Remus and Sirius's conversation, it was obvious even to her that the ball had been Lily's idea, James didn't seem the type to want a ball and both Sirius and Remus didn't either.
After listening a little more, Hermione leaned over and whispered in to Remus's ear. "Last ball I went to was the Yule Ball," Remus looked over at her and frowned.
"You looking forward to it?" Remus asked and Hermione nodded.
"It'll be nice to let my hair down for once, what with all this war business going on it'll be nice to have some fun." Hermione left the though hanging in Remus mind and stood from the table, "Lily, I'll see you after classes?" Lily nodded her head and turned back to James.
Hermione walked out of the Great Hall and headed towards the library, she wanted to research the art of an Animagus a little more.
"Do you always walk this fast, or do you not like my company?" said a cheeky voice from behind her. Hermione sighed with a smile and she slowed just enough so Draco could catch up with her.
"I'm trying to get to the library before classes started. What can I do for you Draco?"
"Well I don't know if you've heard but there's a ball coming up and I was wondering if you were going." Hermione slowed her walk and turned to face him, there was a frown on her face and she stared at him, almost trying to figure out if what she was thinking was true.
"Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" asked Hermione.
Draco shrugged loosely and continued to walk with her, "Well it depends what you're thinking?"
Hermione was grinning and she finally stopped. "Are you planning on asking me to the ball?"
Draco shrugged but Hermione could tell he was relaxed and the smile on his face was warming. "Why not? We'd have fun, and anyway you were the best looking girl at the Yule Ball, hell even Fleur Delacour didn't stand a chance next to you and I want to go to the Ball with the best looking girl in Hogwarts."
"You think I'm attractive?" she said shocked, but Draco just shrugged but he was still smiling. Laughing Hermione shook her head. "Who would have thought Draco Lucius Malfoy would find a Muggleborn witch attractive?"
"Don't let my father hear about this," he winked and Hermione erupted into a laugh. "But yes I find you attractive, I have done for longer than I should have and I want to go to the Christmas Ball with you."
Hermione stared at Draco, she looked all around his face before she looked into his eyes, she didn't see no trick, nor did she see deceit. Draco wasn't being forced into this, he didn't have anyone telling him what to do, he did what he wanted now and Draco Malfoy wanted her to go to the Christmas Ball with him, Draco Malfoy was asking her to be his date for the school ball.
Shocked she continued to stare at him, "you can say no if you don't want too," said Draco breaking Hermione's focused stare.
"No, no, I'd – I'd like that. To go to, to the ball with you. I'm just in shock," she laughed. "I never expected you to ask me to the ball," Draco grinned.
"You'll find, I'm full of surprises," he said as he leant in and quickly pressed a small kiss to her cheek, with a wink he turned and stuttered down the corridor.
Hermione watched him go, her fingers delicately touching the skin of her cheek. One thing was right, Draco Malfoy was full of surprises.
So what do you all think? Not much happens in it but there's a little bit of fluff. Thanks for reading and reviewing the previous chapters!
Until later, Lottie
