OMG. I cannot believe that this is the last chapter… but it is… will do my thankyous and everything else at the end… but I would just like to thank all of you, everyone who has ever read, reviewed, Author Alerted, Favourited or Story Alerted this. It really means a lot to me.
When I first started out, I had no idea that I would get over 700 reviews. I had no idea this story would be so successful and people would like it half as much as they did…
God, I don't know what else to say except please read my note at the end and please review… if only because this is the last chapter.
You Know You Love Me…
Firebirdflame
CHAPTER TWENTY SIXTHE NIGHT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR…
08:11/ SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER/ THE FIELDS/ THE LAKE
NARRATOR P.O.V
To who has been so fortunate as to receive this exclusive VIP invite to my Halloween Ball after party…
As you will know, you have only just received this invitation on the very morning of the big night. This is to deter any crashers who will attempt to sneak in. if you happen to know anyone who has the intention to do so, warn them that there will be consequences for those foolish enough to try it.
Moving on. Here are the details.
LOCATION: QUIDDITCH PITCHTIME: MIDNIGHT (just after the Ball finishes)
You will need to have this invitation to get into both the entrance and the VIP enclosure, so make sure to bring this with you. Apart from a select few (who know who they are), there will be NO exceptions.
I know I'll see you there,
Blaise Zabini
O8: 34/ SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER/ THE FIELDS/ THE BENCHES/ BREAKFAST
NARRATOR P.O.V
THE BALL – IT'S HERE!!!(Front cover picture: moving one of Platinum Six laughing and talking in a prefect meeting)
Party people! It's finally here!
Tonight, the Halloween Ball arrives in all its' highly anticipated glory. As you guys may not know, the reason we are out here eating breakfast in the Fields is because last night our adored Head Boy and Girl prepared the Great Hall for tonight. And, purely from the fact that they spent over three hours in there and haven't allowed anyone in since (not even their precious inner circle), we think we're in for one HELL of a night.
But, let's forget all about that for a moment and focus on what everyone really wants to know. Just who the members of the Platinum Six will show up with. Rumours have been flying as fast as an entire box of runaway snitches, including claims that Pansy Parkinson and Ron Weasley are going together, but one of the most outrageous ones is that Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley are accompanying one another. According to a reliable source (whose identity will not be revealed), they have been secretly dating – yes, even when she was supposed to be with Draco Malfoy – and were the real reason behind Dreasley's very public break up. And, as for Draco and Hermione, no one seems to know who they're going with. Could they possibly be attending together?
But, let's also not forget the fact that even more important than the Ball itself are the parties that succeed it. Now, as we all know, Blaise Zabini's bash is the after party to be at, but it's VIP only and only a select hundred or so 6th and 7th years (including moi, of course) are to attend. There are, however, a few other parties to be seen at (and, no doubt, the Platinum Six will hit after Blaise's finishes at half past two), such as Ernie Mc Millans bash in the ROR, Mathew Samuels' in Classroom 47 and Werner Moss' in the Divination Tower.
Dress up, go crazy, and party like you've never partied before. It's gonna be an incredible night.
Ciao For Now,
The Editor…
18:21/ SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER/ HEADS' QUARTERS/ DRACO'S ROOM/ THE CLOSET
DRACO P.O.V
I shrug on the black, silk jacket of my tuxedo and brush myself down in front of my wall-to-wall mirror. Looking good, Draco. There won't be a girl at the Ball who won't be loving this. I just hope that the one girl who really matters likes the look, too.
Blaise, Ron, Theo and Harry have been in my room for over and hour now, as my quarters are the only private ones and, naturally, they don't want anyone seeing them till they're ready. The look, and I say this in a purely hetero way, pretty good too. Blaise, unsurprisingly, is going to be the only one in a white tuxedo (due to his permanently attention- seeking nature), while the rest of us sport black ones.
I turn back to them, now, to see Harry leaning, laughing, against the jean-filled pine island in the middle of my closet, while Blaise is removing his black shoes from their bag, Theo is combing his chestnut hair and Ron is laughing at something on his Sidekick.
"Blaise," I call to my best friend. "You manage to trick Parvarti into going with you?"
His naughty laughter rings through the air. I should have known. I roll my eyes, jokingly.
"Of course," he snorts. "I mean look at me."
Ron glances up at me.
"Who you taking, D?"
Heat rushes to my cheeks. I try to turn away and act casual.
"I'm going with Hermione," I tell them. "As friends."
Through the reflection in the mirror, I see their faces light up and Ron jumps up. A moment later, I feel a clap to my shoulder and see a familiar mop of auburn hair just to the right of mine in the mirror.
"You're getting there, mate," he consoles me. Oh, whatever. I roll my eyes, jokingly, once again and we all laugh. Believe me, it surprises me even more than it does you that I consider Ron Weasley and Harry Potter friends. A month ago, I wouldn't have thought it possible.
18:43/ SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER/ 2ND FLOOR/ MAIN CORRIDOR
NARRATOR P.O.V
Just look at them; racing around like a bunch of half-dressed, headless chickens, clothes in hand, handing out last minute invitations to after parties. No, don't take that one – it's too C List for the likes of us. Thank God I insisted we get ready an hour ago. You can thank me later…
"It starts at half past midnight! Be there!"
"Yeah, the Platinum Six will be there after Blaise's."
Liars…
"OMG! That's such a lie! Ignore her; they're coming to mine. I gave an invite to Hermione personally and she promised to swing by,"
Oh, really? Sweetie, if they were to 'swing by' every after party they've been invited to, they'd still be partying this time next week. Don't hold your breath.
"Has anyone seen my strapless bra?"
"No, and I'm not sure I'd particularly like to, either."
"Shut up, Jess! I didn't ask you!"
"Oh my God, you will never guess what I just heard…"
19:32/ SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER/ HEADS' QUARTERS/ HERMIONE'S ROOM/ THE CLOSET
HERMIONE P.O.V
"OK, OK," I concede, my jaw aching from smiling and laughing so much. I pause for moment –dramatic effect, you understand. "I'm going with Draco. But just as friends."
Nevertheless, Pansy, Ginny, Lavender and Parvarti all squeal with delight at the news. I roll my eyes, good-naturedly. These four are going to be the death of me.
"Well, it's a start," Pansy says, when they've finally calmed down enough to be able to talk rationally. I push her arm gently.
"Whatever."
We've been boarded up in here AKA "Hair and Makeup Headquarters", as coined by Ginny and Lavender, for the past couple of hours. However, and I feel the utmost shame in admitting this, I have allowed myself to be distracted by Ginny, Pansy's and Lavender's constant chatter (usually, Parvarti can conversate with the best of them but, today, she's too nervous about her date with Blaise to do much talking).
"OK," Pansy interrupts my thoughts. "I'm done. Anyone else ready?"
"Just one sec," Ginny mutters, sweeping the gloss wand across her full pout and inspecting her reflection in my wall-to-wall mirror. "Done."
"I'm done too," Parvarti volunteers, zipping up her designer bag.
" Me too," Lavender nods, putting aside my Pixi brush and taking out all the blonde hairs. Pansy turns to me, an eyebrow delicately raised. Does it look like I'm ready? I raise an eyebrow back.
"No," I state the obvious. "I'm not. I still have to finish my makeup and find my shoes."
She nods.
"OK. Do you want us to wait for you?"
"No, no," I shake my head, waving my mascara wand. "You guys go on without me. Draco and I have to 'make an entrance', anyway."
"OK, sweetie," she hugs me tight, her Angel perfume scenting the air. " See you there."
The other three follow suit. I return their hugs, careful not to mess up their elaborate hairstyles, before they pick up their clutch bags and leave the room.
DRACO P.O.V
10 minutes later…
I shut the pine drawer and place the wet tissues I've been using to clean the mirror in the bin. The guys went down to the Common Room to meet their girls about ten minutes ago. I stayed back to tidy up the closet and also, to be completely honest, to calm my jangled nerves before I go to meet Hermione. Which I should really be doing right about now, or we may be late for our introduction.
OK, one more deep breath. In. Out. Right, let's go.
I brush down my jacket one last time, before walking out of my closet, through my room, down the stairs and sit on the very last step. What's that – it sounds like a door creaking open. I turn instinctively to see an angel in white descending the staircase. My legs force me to stand as I gaze at the vision before me and my heart rate almost doubles.
Hermione's wearing a gorgeous, floor length, backless gown, with those gorgeous caramel waves of hers falling free, shimmering in the firelight. Close your mouth, Draco, you fool! She'll think you're a gormless idiot.
She's standing in front of me, now, smiling shyly, eyes reflective as mirrors, lips even fuller than usual.
"You –you look beautiful," I manage to stutter through a suddenly dry mouth. Her smile widens and her face lights up.
"You look really good too."
A warmth spreads through me at her words and I grin, idiotically, before offering her my arm. She takes it, small hand making tingles run up and down my spine.
" Shall we?" I ask her, my voice, thankfully, sounding normal once again. She nods her agreement and we walk out of the room, me turning off the lights on the way out.
2012/ SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER/ GREAT HALL/ HALLOWEEN BALL
NARRATOR P.O.V
The Great Hall looks amazing and, as each couple enters, you can hear their loud gasps of surprise. It is filled with dark, mossy trees and there is an ankle-deep fog hovering above the dry grass. In the center of the room, is a large clearing with circular tables and a stage. Above us, twinkle a full moon and thousands of tiny stars.
I think it goes without saying that those gloomy trees, through which you have to walk to get to the clearing, are going to be filled with dozens of making-out couples before the night is over.
People mill around the clearing, drinks already in hand, dresses and suits flatter (surprisingly) everyone. There are around twenty or so odd people surrounding Blaise, Parvarti, Lavender, Theo, Harry, Ginny, Pansy and Ron. We already saw Pansy's and Ginny's dress yesterday back at Harrods, but Parvarti and lavender are in light green and rose pink dresses, respectively, with their usually wavy hair straightened and touching their shoulder blades.
CLAP! CLAP!
"Please be seated," Dumbledore commands and we all move to sit at the circular tables. Let's sit down here, shall we. We can see the Platinum Six best from over here…
"Welcome to the Halloween Ball!" Dumbledore is now standing on the stage, directly behind the staff table, arms outstretched. A loud cheer goes up all around us. No, don't join in. A Listers like us never cheer – we applaud.
"As you can all see, the Hall has been decorated in the style of the Forbidden Forest. All the credit for this wonderful bit of transfiguration and charm-work must go to the two people I will now present. Our Head Boy and Girl: Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger!"
The Hall doors swing open at his words to reveal them. Gasps of amazement escape from all students in the Hall at the sight before us. The guys' jaws drop at the goddess that is Hermione and the dates would be walloping them across their heads with their handbags, but for the fact that their eyes are too occupied with staring at the Slytherin Prince. They enter the clearing, stand on the stage and take a bow.
"We declare the dance floor – open!" Hermione announces, a smile gracing her beautiful face. Once again, a loud cheer goes up and the students rush to the dance floor (Oh my God! The Weyrd Sisters? How on Earth did they get them to play here?), the girls placing their bags on their seats.
The two Heads rush over to their seated friends…
DRACO P.O.V
"Way to make an entrance, man," Blaise congratulates me, clapping me hard on the back, a broad smile on his face. I grin back as Hermione and I take our seats, saved from our other zealous friends by Ginny and Harry. Hermione hugs and squeals with Parvarti and Pansy who are seated nearest to her.
"OMG! You look ah-mazing," my blonde best friend squeals, clutching Hermione's hand tightly. The brunette giggles back. I'd forgotten how girls can get when they're around each other and excited. I roll my eyes, good-naturedly.
"Guys, how about we go get some drinks," I suggest to the other four. Ha, how funny. Their eyes have widened in relief and they all nod in agreement.
After we get back with the drinks, the night seems to fly by. All of us guys take our girls out to the dance floor, and we dance to a slow, beautiful ballad. I can't possibly tell you what it's called; the only thing that matters to me at this exact moment is how soft and warm she feels in my arms, like she was made just for me, how she smiles up at me, eyes shining, hair glinting in the moonlight. God, she's so beautiful. Heartbreakingly so. I can't stop myself from just staring and staring at her, only just keeping my mouth firmly closed.
The dance is over far too soon, however, and now we have to go and take photos for Monday's special edition newspapers. We do so, arms wrapped firmly around each other's waists. Throughout the night, we can't stop smiling at each other, and every time I'm talking to friends of mine, I swear I can feel her eyes on me, but whenever I look at her, she's looking elsewhere. Either I'm imagining things, or perhaps (please, God) she likes me more than she's admitting…
HERMIONE P.O.V
Half an hour before the Ball is going to end…God, it's really hot in here. I think the air conditioning charm ahs worn off. I can practically feel my makeup melting off. I really need some air. I'll just tell Draco before I go, though…
"Draco," I tap him gently on the shoulder (he's in the middle of an intense convo with Ron and Blaise about, what else, Quidditch). " I'm gonna head out, OK?"
He examines my face for a moment, it heating up under his intense gaze, before excusing himself from the boys, standing up, and holding out a hand. What's he doing? I look at him, puzzled.
"I could use some air, too," he explains, an enigmatic smile on his face. "Let's go."
Gulp. I take his hand and we walk through the trees (spotting several very * ahem * busy couples) and open the door to the gardens. The bushes are filled with tiny fairy lights and I congratulate myself on my idea to insert small private alcoves as we head over to one now. We sit down, side by side, on the marble bench. I can feel his eyes on me and my heart rate doubles. Find somewhere else to look, 'Mione. Red cheeks are not cool.
The stars are beautiful. Amazing as the charmed ones are in the Great Hall, they're nothing compared to the real ones.
DRACO P.O.V
"They're beautiful, aren't they?" she murmurs, face turned towards the sky. Not as beautiful as her. Somehow, she never fails to surprise me. I've never seen her look more beautiful than she does right now; caramel hair slightly tousled from the light breeze, eyes shining.
She just doesn't realize what she's doing to me, does she?
HERMIONE P.O.V
I turn back to Draco to see him looking at me, a small smile on his face. We gaze at each other for a few moments.
"That's my favourite one," he tells me, suddenly, breaking the silence and pointing to the middle star on Orion's Belt. "My mother always used to tell me there were three angels trapped in Orion's Belt and that's why they shine so bright."
Aah, that's so cute. I glance over at him, smiling. He's looking at me again, sapphire eyes serious. Our eyes lock and we're getting closer…
And closer…
Our lips touch and stoke over one another's gently but purposefully. The strength goes from my knees and my hands tangle up in his soft hair. His lips are so soft and gentle as they brush mine, his hands coming up to stroke my cheeks. He's kissing me as if he never wants to let me go, as if I'm a china doll he's afraid to even touch lest I break.
It's even more beautiful than our other two kisses…
God, I love him so much…
Wait, why is he pulling away? Please don't tell me this is about to like what happened at his Quidditch practice?
Please, no… I don't think I could take that happening again…
DRACO P.O.V
Wait a minute… what did she just say?
Because there is no way in Hell that it's what I'm hoping.
HERMION E P.O.V
I'm mortified.
Absolutely mortfified.
I think I must have said that last 'thought' out loud.
I cannot believe I said that out loud.
I try to pull away, trying to save the cracked face I have, but he's holding onto my waist. The blood is roaring in my eyes, my vision starting to blur.
"What did you say?" he asks me gently, sapphire orbs so dark they're practically black. Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no. I won't. I refuse.
I shake my head and tear my eyes away from his, desperately trying to hold back the tears. His hand touches my cheek and gently turns me back to face him.
"What's wrong?" he asks. "Why won't you talk to me?"
I gulp.
"Please, tell me what you said." His eyes bore imploringly into me – and I can't lie to him any more. I physically can't.
Ok. On the count of –
"I – I love you," I admit and a tear slides down my face. "OK? I love you. And I don't expect you to love me back, and I …"
DRACO P.O.V
She loves me?
She loves me?
For real this time?
YES!
I'm so happy I'm barely listening to the rest of her adorably self-deprecating rant about how she doesn't expect anything in return and – how she doesn't deserve me? Nuh uh. Can't have talking like that. I swoop in and seize her lips in a short, burning kiss before brushing back a caramel lock of hair. She looks so adorable, mouth hanging open in shock.
"I love you too, Angel."
HERMIONE P.O.V
A wave of incredible warm hits me and my mouth stretches into a huge smile. His cheeks are tinged red and he's smiling right back.
"Really?" I ask him. He nods, happily, and we share another too short, searing kiss.
DRACO P.O.V
I pull back and survey her beautiful smiling face. Now, I can finally tell her everything.
"The day we first went to Hogsmeade together I realized how hopelessly in love with you I was," I tell her, not being able to stop my hands from stroking her beautiful face not that she is mine. "Then, when I found out you'd forgotten everything, I –"
I break off, unable to continue.
" I was heartbroken. I went out and got steaming drunk that night. Then Ginny came up with an idea that dating her would maybe make you jealous and remind you of what we had."
Hermione just shakes her head, laughing, and cuts off what I'm opening my mouth to say with a kiss.
NARRATOR P.O.V
Well, the Ball was fun wasn't it? But, alas, it's over. The Hall is getting cleared up, the Weyrd Sisters are packing up and the other students are picking up their various belongings and leaving to attend the various after parties that are about to begin.
Blaise, Parvarti, Lavender, Theo, Ron, Pansy, Harry and Ginny are still hanging around, however, presumably waiting for Hermione and Draco to who up from wherever the Hell they've disappeared off to for the past half hour, so they can head to Blaise's bash (ooh… wonder what they're up to. No, not that. Get your mind out of the gutter.). They're having to stand because they tables are being packed away, and are laughing and talking about the night.
Last minute invitations are still being offered to the group from those who dare to approach them. After all, its common knowledge that having them at you party instantly ensures that the rest of their A List friends attend and your bash instantly featured in Monday's HG Weekly as 'One Of The Parties You Shouldn't Have Misses', an exclusive list every host wants to be make.
Oh, there those two are, now. Draco and Hermione are walking in from the gardens to the now almost completely cleared Hall (now totally devoid of trees and tables, with only the grass and fog left), laughing, with their arms around each other.
"Oh my God! Finally!" Ginny squeals, rushing to hug her glowing friend, the other girls only a step behind her.
"About time, man," Harry claps the platinum haired boy on the back. "About time."
Blaise raises a hand into the air, a broad smile on his face.
"To my after party!" he announces. Hermione turns to him.
"We've got to go to Ernie's after," she says. "I promised we would. Then we can make an appearance at any others."
Same old kind Hermione. The others roll their eyes, fondly. She and Draco clasp hands tightly and start to walk off together but the others prevent Harry from following. Hmm… what's going on here? He raises an eyebrow, questioningly.
"Are we ever going to tell them the truth about the Potion?" Ron asks. Harry's eyes twinkle as the group finally begins to leave the Hall.
"Nope. Good to keep some things to ourselves."
The faint sound of their laughter only just reaches our ears as they head into the Entrance Hall.
And just what is this? Dumbledore is reentering the now empty-but-for-us Hall, the entire Hogwarts staff on his tail. He comes to stand in the center of the Great Hall, which has been restored to its' former, familiar glory. He clears his throat for silence and removes a small white envelope from his midnight blue robes. It is so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Ssh…
"Here, in this envelope, are the results of the bet we've all been involved in for the past seven weeks," he tells them, in a clear voice. All watch him, expectantly, Sprout shredding her red hat in her anxiety. After a momentary pause, obviously intended for dramatic effect, he slits the envelope and pulls out an even smaller slip of white paper. Wait a minute, why am I getting the feeling that – oh, Dumbledore, you didn't…
"For the correct guess of 30th October," a brief pause during which you could the tension with a machete. "Why, it's me! I've won!"
Silence. All stare at him in disbelieve, jaws hitting the floor…
And then all Hell breaks loose.
Sprout is the first to give chase to a laughing Dumbledore, before all the rest join in a hilarious, fierce pursuit around the Great Hall. Let's just sit back and watch, shall we…
"I can't believe you, Albus!" she shrieks, more furious than we've ever seen her. "I was going to win! You made me change my date, you whacked out old loon!"
" All's fair in love and war, my dear woman!"
"You lying cheat! You gave me false information! I want my money back!"
"Do calm down, Sybil. It's only a thousand galleons."
"A thousand galleons?! THAT'S IT!!"
With a roar, the staff chase Dumbledore out of the Great Hall. Shame too, the insults were getting more and more colourful. I had no idea Snape even knew that word; let alone how to use it to such effect. The last is Mc Gonogall, who is laughing, maniacally.
"Lord, I love it when I'm right."
The door slams shut and silence reigns. We are the only people left in here.
Right, well, I've got numerous invitations to A List after parties to get to, which include that VIP invite I showed you at breakfast to what is going to be the party of the night; Blaise's exclusive, impossible-to-scoop-an-invite to bash.
You'd be more than welcome to come with, but I guess you want to be getting back. It has been a very long couple of months, and we've seen so much, done so much, spied on so many, influenced so many and (ha) ruined the lives of so many in such a short space of time, that you probably want to rest. But don't worry about me, I'm used to this tiring life, used to finding out the business of the Hogwarts elite before anyone else. But we achieved a lot. And we did get to see the birth of the new it-couple, Dramione, along with all the drama, backstabbing, breakups, makeups and arguments t that came along with it. Told you it was going to be a wild and wicked ride.
But, before we say out goodbyes, just one last question. Haven't you guessed who I am yet?
No?
Oh, well. If you haven't worked it out by now, I suppose you'll never get it.
Well, you know. Must dash. Places to go, people to see, gossip to write up on…
It's been fun, though.
Ciao For Now…
- - * - - * - -- - * - - * - -- - * - - * - -- - * - - * - -- - * - - * - -
THAT'S THE END PEOPLE!!! Yes, yes, I know you're going to miss MM. But, don't worry. As I've said before, I have a new story coming out v. soon. It'll be shorter than this one, quite different, but I'm quite excited about it. So, make sure to Author Alert me. It'll probably be out as early as next week.
I have got to thank every one of you but especially people such as Silidons, Tailz The Great and Varietygirl9143, who have stuck with me for almost three years, now, and have reviewed practically every chapter. You guys have no idea what you mean to me. It really means a lot when I get such good reviews; it means I'm doing my job right! And you guys have taken the time to read my little tale and give me feedback – which has greatly encouraged me. I'm so thankful.
But I can't help but feel a bit sad too. I've been doing this story for so long, now, it's ridiculous. And I'm going to miss all of you – at least until next week, lol =).
Please review this last chapter, if only for old times sake…
And, for the last time,
You Know You Love Me…
Firebirdflame
xoxo