A/N: It's been what, two, almost three years? I'd like to thank people who've been here since I reposted chapter 1. I haven't been at my best but hey, I'm determined to finish this story since I have a lot more I want to share with you guys. As always, I don't own the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I only own my plot here. Characters and some places belong to J.K Rowling.
Chapter 9
All she wanted was peace and quiet. Peace. And. Quiet. However, it was obviously hard to gain that as today is the Valentines Ball and everyone is frantically getting in the way. Hermione opted to stay in the comforts of the Head's dormitory. Draco had gone off a little while ago to run practice drills with his team, so she was all alone.
With a book in hand, Hermione sat at the same window seat overlooking the quidditch pitch. It's her favourite place as of late, since she could freely watch the Head Boy as he practiced. Hermione found it calming, something she did not expect as quidditch and calming does not make sense to her at all. Adding Draco into the equation, however, changes the meaning and proves the sport to be calming for her.
Except for his matches. Hermione thought begrudgingly. The bloody man thinks he's invincible everytime he swoops down the bloody pitch.
Hermione can't help but smile when her mind drifts to a memory from a few days ago. Draco had really asked her to be his date for the ball. His bloody date! Ever since then, she had been on cloud nine. Her smile was wide and she was positively glowing. Ginny even made sure she knew that when they were having dinner last night.
Ronald wasn't happy that his girlfriend was going to the ball with Malfoy, but he can't very well complain, can he? Not when Hermione told them that it was only proper that she and Draco accompany each other to the ball as they were both heads. Both also needed to be early as they need to check up the venue for last minute touch ups.
"Why aren't you getting ready yet?" Theo asked his cousin when he saw him taking a stroll down the pitch. Hermione eventually got bored with watching from afar so she made the decision to watch from the pitch itself.
"Please, Theodore, I'm not like all other girls who take a day to get ready. I'm scheduled until the very minute so I don't need to rush." She replied with an eye roll. "Aren't you supposed to be taking a lap?"
Theo shrugged. "Draco's training the new beaters, as you can see." He gestured to the scene behind him where two beaters were taking turns hitting the bludger Draco has bewitched. "I'm not risking my face. I have a ball to attend to later."
"I think everyone does, Theo."
From his peripheral view, Draco can see Hermione walking towards the pitch. He was about to swoop down when Theo did before him. He decided to stick to watching them from afar. From where he sat on his broom, he can make out the annoyed expression on his witch's face. She's obviously not enjoying Theo's company, the thought both calmed and amused him.
"Okay, let's have a ten-minute break!" He shouted to his team before flying back down and approaching Hermione. "I never thought I'd see the day. Gryffindor golden girl watching Slytherin practice?"
"More like "Gryffindor golden girl in the quidditch pitch". Now that's a sight." Theo joked, earning an eye roll from Hermione.
"Shut up, Nott. You might be amazed with the way I fly on a broom." Draco smiled widely. To him it sounded as if the girl of his dreams was asking him to fly her on a broom.
"Aren't you afraid of heights, Mia?" Blaise asked confusedly as soon a he approached the trio. He caught the last few bits of their conversation to know very well what they were talking about.
Hermione shrugged. "I am."
Theo handed her his broom. "Let's see it then. Summon that Gryffindor courage of yours."
The brunette witch gladly took the broom in her hands. "Gladly." Hermione effortlessly mounted the broom and took off gracefully.
All the boys were in awe. Never had once they see someone mount and take off so gracefully on a broom, until they saw Hermione. Who would've known that the witch has a talent for flying? Which Draco pondered on. If she's so great at flying, why does she say she's afraid?
The moment Hermione kicked off the ground, all she felt was freedom and excitement. Not only was she able to show off to her cousin, but she could also feel her shed all her inhibitions and worries. Leaving them all on the ground. Admittedly, Hermione liked flying. Just flying. Not quidditch. She still sees the sport as something barbaric and it can cost her her own life. That's not something she's willing to give up. Flying without bludgers and goals and foul play is more than enough, thank you very much.
When both feet were safely on the ground, she unmounted the broom and smugly handed it over to Theo. "I'm going back up. I need to start getting ready." She looked over at an awestrucked Draco. "Are you going to join me?"
Both Blaise and Theo barked out in laughter. Their usually proud and stoic friend was blushing deep red at Hermione's request, something they weren't used to seeing on a daily basis. The head boy could only glare at his friends, struggling to find a reply to the head girl.
Hermione saw the deep red blush and laughed along with Blaise and Theo. "I'm joking, Draco. I'll see you later." She nodded at the two boys and gave out a breathtaking smile towards the platinum blonde man before starting her trek back up the castle.
"Man, you're whipped." Blaise laughed at their friend's state before sharing a look with Theo.
Their plan was more likely to thrive now.
The moment Hermione returned to the confines of her shared dorm with Draco, she immediately decided to run a bath. Which she should be in for at least an hour. It always puzzled her how other girls took an entire day to get ready, when she herself could get ready in just three hours. Sometimes even less. Well not everyone can be me. She thought with a shrug before lowering herself in the bath.
With a sigh, she shrunk further, letting the calming water relax her. With a flick of her wand, soft, slow music started playing, making her relax further.
It was the thought of having Draco as her date that made her smile like an idiot. To be perfectly honest, it's all she thought about ever since. It was, it is, a dream come true. Recently, she's been accepting and acknowledging of her little attraction towards the blonde man. Her thoughts on whether she should claim her birth rights, however, were totally blocked.
Claiming her birth right meant she can live her life and choose anything because there would be no restrictions, but claiming also meant possibly hurting people around her. She can't be selfish, no. That's why any thought about claiming her birth was unwelcomed. That's why she tried her best to stay away.
Time seemed to pass like a running horse because before she knew it, her alarm went off, signaling the end of her indulging bath experience. She grabbed a towel and wrapped herself with it before stepping out of the bathroom. She had already brushed her teeth prior to her bath so it saved her some time.
Checking if Draco was already back, she tiptoed her way back into her room, trying to stay vigilant in case there was a sign the blonde was back.
"Honey, I'm home!" The door swung open, albeit too forcefully, revealing the man she so tried to avoid before the party.
Hermione couldn't help but let out a startled shriek at the abrupt arrival of her dorm mate.
"You need to stop doing that!" She pulled on her towel tighter when she felt it loosen on her body. "Why can't you be a normal person and open the door without the use of a startling force?!" She complained, dragging herself up the stairs before Draco could fully see her.
From her position on the stairs, she can see that Draco was busy ridding himself of his quidditch gear, which meant his back was facing Hermione.
"I'm sorry." But from the playful tone on Draco's words, Hermione was sure he was anything but sorry. "Run along, Mia. I've probably put you behind schedule. Merlin knows how detail-oriented you are."
She mentally groaned at the young man's words. She didn't know whether to find them offensive or funny because he was right. He knew her well for him to make those remarks. He was right. And because of that she chose the latter. She smiled before actually entering her room to get ready.
She used her wand to magically dry her hair while going through her small closet to choose a pair of shoes to go along with her limited edition gown. An expensive gown deserves an equally expensive pair of shoes and jewellery.
After choosing between a pair of black pumps and nude open-toed stilettos, her ending up with the latter, she slipped into her gown. A beautiful burgundy v neck tulle gown. The embroidered flower appliqués adding more texture and edge to the gown. The back dipped modestly low, just a few inches below her shoulder blades. A beautiful gown is best worn by a gorgeous young lady.
She placed her hair in an elegant bun, stray pieces framing her face, and wore her jewellery pieces. A pair of modestly sized gold hoop earrings and a matching gold necklace.
She and Draco have decided to meet each other at the staircase before the Great Hall. For some reason, she managed to convince Draco to sport a muggle tuxedo in the same shade of red as her gown. Draco would do anything for her, she just wasn't aware of it.
"I told you you'll look good in burgundy." She whispered teasingly. Draco was busy running a hand back and forth between his hair and his tux.
When he turned around to face Hermione, he was speechless. Hermione ran a hand down her gown and fondled with her necklace.
"I don't look ridiculous, do I?" She asked nervously.
"You look amazing. Like always." Then he put on his signature Malfoy smirk. "I like red over that periwinkle gown you sported during year four."
"Yeah, yeah." She waved her hand dismissingly. "I already knew that one was fairytale-like. I like this one better, too."
"It was more along the lines of you looking beautiful then and you looking breathtaking now. But sure, that could work." Draco offered his arm to Hermione with a bow. "Shall we, Miss Granger? The ball awaits."
She could feel her face heat up as she made a move to accept Draco's arm. It had been too long since she last attended a ball without disguising herself and it felt great this time because not only was there no illusion but she's also attending with Draco as her date.
She loved him. She can't remember when exactly, but she does.
It's the kind of love that suffocates you, begging to break free. Begging to be known and acknowledged. It's the kind of love that does not go away easily.
At this moment, as her arm is safely tucked into Draco's, she knew she was done for. All she could see is him and nothing else matters.
The moment they entered the great hall, all eyes were on them. They looked like the picture perfect power couple you can see in magazines. So perfectly polished, radiating with confidence and happiness. Anyone who didn't know them would think they were together.
But they weren't. And they both knew that.
All they had was this moment. And both are willing to make it a night to remember.
It felt like a coming-of-age ball for Draco and he had the privilege of escorting the bell of the ball.
They both took their place beside the professors and waited as McGonagall entered, making his way in the middle, beside the student heads.
"Good evening, students!" The headmistress greeted in an amplified voice. "We stand here today in honor of Eros. A wizard so talented that he took the world, both muggle and wizarding, up by storm. May his talent and perseverance serve as a reminder that all things are possible through talent and hardwork."
Everyone clapped and the headmistress waited for it to die down.
"Furthermore, I would like to congratulate our Head Girl and Head Boy for organizing this event." She gestured to the two. "May their ability to work together inspire individuals present here to uphold the value of unity and realize that you are much more than old schoolyard rivalry."
Right after his speech, she let the students feast on their dinner.
The pair was seated right in front along with the other prefects as food appeared from thin air. Both Hermione and Draco waited until everyone in their table already got their shares before filling their own plates.
Under normal circumstances, Draco would be scoffing at the practice and immediately imposing that he will be the first to take his meal, however, under the influence of Hermione, he's learned to be patient and selfless, putting others before him, especially since he's the Head Boy. A leader. Their leader.
After a quick meal, Draco and Hermione immediately went back to their duties as heads and organizers of the event. They flitted from one table to another, inquiring about the state of their fellow students.
Much like a newlywed couple on their wedding reception. Draco smiled at the thought.
When they reached the table where two-thirds of the Golden Trio sat with a few of their friends, Draco immediately masked his smile with a smirk.
"Potter, Weasley." He greeted coolly.
"Malfoy." Harry greeted with the same amount of coolness.
I'm doing this for Hermione. She's like my sister. It's what Harry reminds himself every chance encounter he gets with the platinum blonde. It's awkward the first few meetings, however, he was growing accustomed to it. His redhead friend, however, seems to find being civilized a struggle.
"I still wonder how you became the head boy." Ron couldn't help but comment as he looked at the Slytherin ring leader warily.
"It's because of my charm, Weasley. Something you obviously lack." Draco scoffed. Hermion shushed her partner and gave both the Gryffindor boys a kiss on the cheek.
"There you are!" Hermione squealed as she pulled Ginny in for a hug. "You look gorgeous! I need details later okay?"
The female Weasley chuckled as she returned the hug. The three boys grimaced. The undeniable wariness with womanly encounters, specifically the gushing and squealing, is one of the few things they share in common.
Draco took a hold of Hermione's shoulder in an attempt to steer her away from the Weaselette. "Goodbye, Weasley. Potter and Weasel. We have many more tables to go to."
"I'll catch up with you later!" Hermione waved at the trio as she allowed herself be steered away. "You're mean!"
"No, Granger. I'm being conscious of the time." He drawled, "Come on, we still have thirty tables left."
The duo went back to flitting from one table to another, talking to students and making sure they were alright. Well, Hermione was talking while Draco stood with his arms either crossed or placed behind his back.
Just as they finished making their rounds, the lights went off.
"What the hell? Draco!" Hermione panicked. "What happened to the lights? Call Jenkins and tell him to check it."
Just as Draco was about to follow the brunette witch's order, the light came back on.
Silence. Just deafening silence.
Not one witch or wizard spoke as they grew cautious of their surroundings. Hermione took out her wand from the holster invisibly strapped to her right leg.
"Granger, what are you doing?" Draco placed a hand on her shoulder. "Leave it to the professors."
"We're head prefects, Draco. We cannot just stand still. We've been through a war and back. What could be worse?" She reasoned before cautiously walking towards the main entrance.
Just as she was about to reach the large double doors, they opened and brooms whizzed past her, much like it did during their exams. Hermione's eyes followed the brooms and they immediately hardened when the brooms stopped right in front of the great hall.
Draco tried stopping her, confused as to why she was so eager to reach the front. Sure the two guests were non-Hogwarts students but it still confused him because Hermione suddenly looked tense.
"What are you doing here?!" She grabbed her brother's arm and her sister's wrist to pull them away.
"Let us go, Hermione!" Adelaide pulled her wrist out of her sister's grasp.
"You're not welcomed here. Go home!" The commotion itself started the whispers. It was well-known who these unexpected guests were, but it was a question of why they are in Hogwarts.
"Is there a problem, Miss Granger?" Professor McGonagall asked. Both Grangers turned to look at her and replied simultaneously.
"None, professor."
"Yes, there is."
Hermione glared at her sister, sending her a message through her piercing eyes. Meanwhile, Edward, on the otherhand, already casted a sonurus charm on all three of them.
"Adelaide, I am telling you. Go home!" Hermione threatened. "I already sent mother a patronus and I am sure she's already on her way to pick you up."
Hermione's words started more whispers.
Mother? So that must mean they are related.
She must be the hidden Granger child.
But why?
She must be a disgrace!
Draco couldn't just stand by and let other people talk about Hermione that way. He's confused, and believes that he has the right to know, however, he cannot stand and watch people jump into conclusion.
"Don't, Draco." Theo was the one to put his hand on his shoulder. "That is between the three of them."
"Then I guess we should make it quick." Edward said to Hermione. He faced the crowd and everyone stopped to look at the handsome Granger boy.
"Edward, I am telling you. You will regret this." Hermione threatened again.
But her wasn't listening. He never listened to her.
"What's going on? Who are those kids?" Harry asked Malfoy against his will. They were concerned and Draco could only answer.
"I am Edward Granger, son of Felix and Jane Granger. This is Adelaide Granger, my younger sister. We are Hermione Granger's younger siblings."
And that sealed the deal.
