Hello everyone! Apologies for the delay, once again, school has not been kind! But, I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read, follow, fav & review this story. I'm quite happy with how things are coming along, and I hope you are too. I wanted to warn you that there is implied SA in this chapter*** it's brief and inconsequential, but it is there nonetheless, so this is a warning*** . As always, enjoy & please review! Thank you.
December 25th, 1994
"They're called Louboutins," Pansy exclaimed to the Greengrass sisters after they'd complemented her red bottomed heels, "I bought them at a Muggle boutique in Paris last summer holiday."
"Muggle Paris?" Daphne scoffed, "what's next? A muggle London thrift shop?"
"You'd know a lot about second-hand items," Pansy replied casually, "being the less attractive version of Tori and all."
Astoria smirked at this, "I happen to like your… shoes?"
"Stilettos," Pansy corrected, "I'll fetch you a pair next time I visit."
Daphne glared at both girls before deciding to leave the dorm, with Astoria reluctantly following.
Pansy had been getting ready for the Yule Ball before being interrupted by the two girls. The female dormitories of Slytherin house had been a madhouse all day. Backhanded compliments were flying left and right, obscene amounts of dresses were being tossed to the floor like common trash, and every girl was on edge. Pansy on the other hand, was simply excited to be attending the Ball with her best friend and crush.
As if on cue, she heard a knock on her door. The brunette gave herself a once over, examining the sapphire blue, floor length and strapless silk dress she'd also bought in Paris. Her short hair was left down, and her makeup was perfectly applied—she had gone for a smoky-eye effect with a nude lip. Her glitter covered heels added an extra "something" and Pansy was very pleased with how she looked. Maybe he would be pleased too.
"Pans," Draco said, "let's go."
"Coming!" she shouted as she scrambled for her clutch and shoved whatever lip gloss or useful accessory she could find into it.
When she opened the door, Pansy was met with Draco's usual stone-cold façade. He looked dashing, with his fine-pressed dress robes that were entirely black. The contrast between his alabaster skin, platinum hair and all-black robes was striking, and Pansy was already blushing. He was so handsome, and she couldn't help but stare into his stormy eyes. The same eyes that were looking her up and down, and taking her all in.
"You look…" he began, "very nice Pansy."
She blushed again, this time hooking her arm with his, and beginning to walk to the Ball.
"Thank you, Draco," she smiled, "so do you."
He smiled back at her.
Draco never smiled at anyone, she thought. Her heartbeat quickened and she couldn't wait to discover what their night would entail. Pansy had spent years trying to get Draco to fancy her, and she did not want to screw things up for herself. Her parents had already approved of their union, as had Draco's. The girl simply didn't want to look like a stalker or force herself onto him—unlike the other girls she knew. Pansy would have to be very Slytherin about her pursuit of the Malfoy heir and play it cool.
Only, she didn't want to play it cool. Pansy wanted to snog the boy senseless when he'd complimented her. Pureblood customs be damned!
As they made their way to the now-transformed Great Hall, Pansy wondered if they would dance together. She certainly wouldn't refuse such an offer, and she happened to know that every Pureblood—male or female—had been taught to ballroom dance from a young age. At least he couldn't tell her he didn't know how. Then again, why would he invite her to accompany him to the Yule Ball if he had no intention of dancing?
"Remind me why we decided to come here again?" Draco groaned as he saw Harry Potter with a Patil twin in the corridor of the Hall.
"Because it will be fun… and if it isn't, at least we can make fun of people," Pansy offered.
Draco grinned mischievously, "that is exactly what I needed to hear."
"Oi," someone called, and the two looked over to find it had been Blaise Zabini.
"Well, well, well," Draco announced, "don't you look like the embodiment of a Sicilian sex-god."
Blaise chuckled, "I'm not Sicilian, but I appreciate the words nonetheless."
He turned to Pansy, "Bella," he smiled, "you're glowing tonight."
Pansy blushed again.
If it was humanly possible to just remain red for an entire evening, she was sure tonight would be the night for her. She was getting so much more attention than she'd been used to—no one ever really complimented her, and it felt nice.
"Thank you," she smiled back, "you don't look too shabby yourself Signore Zabini."
"Zabini," Draco smirked, "if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to steal my—"
He immediately stopped. Silence fell over their conversation the very moment Draco's eyes had glanced toward the staircase. His expression had gone from playful to completely mesmerized in a matter of seconds. Pansy looked at Blaise, who appeared just as confused as her, and then proceeded to follow the direction of Draco's gaze.
Blaise's mouth dropped, and Pansy audibly gasped. For what they saw was surely an illusion, or a falsehood of some sort? As they continued staring, all Pansy could do was watch Draco's expression never falter. He looked entranced.
The object of their gazing was none other than Hermione Granger.
Only, how could it be her? Her dress was periwinkle blue and flowed nicely around her body. It accentuated her curves in all the right places and brought out the olive tones of her skin. The Gryffindor had managed to tame her mane, and had gone for a loose updo, with ringlets framing her delicate face. She didn't need much makeup to look beautiful, and tonight was proof of that. No one had ever thought the girl capable of cleaning up so nicely, it was like night and day.
Pansy had never cared for Granger, especially as they both liked the same bloke, but even she wasn't blind enough to deny how stunning the girl looked—and it ate at her.
As Hermione made her way down the main staircase, all eyes had turned to her, and if her blush was any indication—she'd noticed. Pansy couldn't help but shift her gaze from Draco to Granger, and the look on his face was sending her through a loop. He had not looked at Pansy that way when he'd met her in the dorm. He'd probably never looked at anyone that way. Her heart sank at the realization.
Chatter began to form around the entrance where they'd all been watching the girl join her date—who appeared to be Viktor Krum of all people? Pansy wondered how such a nerdy, know-it-all mud blood could get someone like him, and still have every guy in the room stare at her.
Draco's eyes never left Hermione, and he seemed almost displeased at the sight of her going with Krum. Even when Blaise had stopped looking, when Potter had started to look back at his own date and Diggory returned to snogging Cho Chang—Draco still hadn't looked away.
As the champions of the Triwizard tournament began to form a line before entering the Hall, Hermione finally glanced in their direction. Pansy felt Draco stiffen next to her, as he'd obviously made eye contact with Granger, and the Slytherin girl watched as he schooled his features back to the signature scowl he saved for the Gryffindor. The mud blood looked away instantly, schooling her own features and smiling at Krum in response.
Pansy couldn't quite comprehend what she'd just seen. All she knew was that she felt like shit and was no longer happy to be at the ball. And if Draco's sudden mood swings and constant spying on Granger were any indication, he didn't want to be there either. The night had been doomed from the moment he saw her.
By the end of the ball, the two had made their leave to the dungeons. It was late, and the ballroom had emptied out significantly.
At least Pansy had gotten her dance with Draco, despite the bittersweetness of it all.
While making their way down, the Slytherin couple suddenly noticed two figures hidden in an alcove of the dark corridor they'd been walking through. The figures were clearly lost in conversation, as they'd not heard the footsteps approaching and had not even glanced in their direction. Pansy and Draco immediately slowed their walking, eventually stopping altogether as they got closer and realized it was Krum and Granger.
Draco grabbed Pansy by the arm and slipped into the alcove just behind the other couple. The blonde placed his index finger to his lips, and simply leaned closer to the adjacent alcove to hear the conversation better. Pansy reluctantly followed his command. He had gone mad, she thought. It was the only logical explanation for his erratic behaviour.
"Herminny," Krum whispered in a thick accent, "come back to room."
"I can't," she replied softly, "we'll get caught!"
Pansy rolled her eyes. Of course Granger would say no to shagging a global superstar Quidditch player.
"No, no," Krum pleaded, "we not get caught."
"I can't risk it," Granger insisted, "but I had a lovely time tonight."
It was then that Pansy and Draco jumped, as they heard what seemingly appeared to be Krum push Granger against the wall.
"What are you—" Granger breathlessly whispered.
"At least I kiss you," Krum said defiantly, "you smell is so nice."
"Kiss? Oh no I—" she protested but was silenced by what they'd thought was a kiss.
Draco, followed by Pansy, instantly darted to the other side of the alcove, only to find Krum's face buried in Hermione's neck, peppering kisses all over. Pansy was scared to look at Draco's expression, unsure of what she might find. Before she could even think about it, her counterpart interrupted the duo.
"And what's this?" Draco drawled.
Hermione jumped, screamed and immediately shoved the all-star athlete off her disheveled body. Pansy felt a pang of guilt for the girl, as she undoubtedly would never have wanted to get caught in such a compromising state—especially not by Draco.
Krum simply looked annoyed at the intrusion, but replied, "what you think this is?"
Draco glared at the Bulgarian.
"Looks like the most disgusting thing I've ever seen," he spat, and looked directly at Hermione.
She looked down and seemed completely defeated.
"Go away albino," Krum muttered, "this is private moment."
"Albino? Just who—" Draco said as he whipped out his wand but was interrupted by Pansy grabbing his arm and dragging him away. She'd been too tired for this, and truly had no interest in watching her friend duel with someone who barely even spoke English.
"Enough," she said as she dragged him away, "why do you even care?"
"Pft," Draco said over his shoulder, still glaring at Krum, "as if I would ever care about Krum snogging that filthy mud blood!"
Pansy simply raised her brow in response.
"Maybe she'll fall in love with that simpleton and finally leave me the hell alone!"
She didn't say anything and just let him continue his rant until they reached the dungeons. It was only then that Draco kissed her cheek, escorted her to the hallway leading to the female dormitories, and wished her a good night. It was as if he'd forgotten all about Krum and Granger, and they were just concluding a wonderful date. As if.
Once Pansy was finally in bed, all she could think about was the look on Draco's face when he saw Granger. She kept replaying the scene in her head and couldn't help but think that it looked like a lot more than hate.
And maybe it was more than hate.
Present Day
Hermione spent the rest of her morning avoiding the boy who'd broken her heart in every which way. Immediately following her encounter with Malfoy, she had brought Ginny with her to an empty classroom and unleashed an excessive number of tears while trying to explain what had happened. It had taken Ginny a while to fully comprehend Hermione's version of events, but once the older girl had relaxed, things had been clearer.
"I don't understand you," Ginny had said once Hermione finished.
"What do you mean?" Hermione replied sniffily.
"Draco Malfoy tried to apologize to you," she began, "Draco Malfoy, who never apologizes for anything, tried to apologize to you."
Hermione made a face, "I know Ginny, I was there."
"I don't understand why you didn't just let him?" Ginny replied.
The older Gryffindor simply looked at her friend and said nothing. Ginny actually wouldn't understand, so there was no use trying to explain it to her.
"I'm serious Mione," the red head continued, "you spent years pining and obsessing over him, while he bullied you and basically told you to fuck off at any opportunity—"
"I was there for that too," Hermione interjected sarcastically, "thanks."
"My point is," Ginny sighed, "you deserve an apology from him, and he was willing to give you one. You should have let him."
"Why?" Hermione asked, clearly becoming annoyed with Ginny's opinion, "what difference would it make? He still said and did all those horrible things to me. An apology doesn't change that."
"Maybe it would mean that he's trying to own up to those things," Ginny softly replied, "maybe he regrets his past actions."
"Only they're not really that far in the past, are they?" Hermione snapped, "no, I think he's still the same fucking bastard that he's always been, and he's just playing some type of trick."
"Trick?" Ginny mused, "after the way he kissed you, I think the only person he's tricking is himself."
Hermione blushed at this. She'd nearly forgotten about their kiss, and how wonderful it truly had been. It didn't seem real, so she didn't even want to consider it as something more. Maybe that was why he'd apologized? Maybe he'd felt so awkward about it that he'd impulsively decided to make amends with her? Or was it for Blaise's sake?
Blaise! The poor bloke. Hermione had spent so much time talking about the incident with Draco that she'd lost track of time. She had a date with Zabini in Hogsmeade very soon, and she'd nearly forgotten about it.
"Honestly," Hermione breathlessly let out, "I'm so sick of his shite, I can't do this anymore."
"Do what?"
"Him," she replied, "I can't think about him, or see him or even talk about him. It angers me and it hurts."
Ginny gave her a pitiful look, "I'm sorry for dragging it on."
"It's not your fault, but I'm just so confused and sad by everything. I just want to pretend like he doesn't exist," Hermione admitted.
"I know what you mean," the younger girl offered, "but I think forgiving him would at least give you closure."
"I thought so too, but honestly all I felt when he tried apologizing was an overwhelming sense of anger."
Ginny didn't reply, she seemed pensive.
"Anyway," Hermione began, "I have a date with Blaise Zabini in 15 minutes and my makeup is now rubbish."
A chuckle resounded from the other girl as she looked up at Hermione, "you're right, you look scary."
"Thanks."
"Scourgefy," Ginny said as she pointed her wand at Hermione's face, "there. Good as new."
The older girl inspected herself in one of the windows of the empty classroom and was satisfied that there were no longer any streaks of mascara on her face. It didn't look like she'd cried—at all. The power of magic always impressed Hermione, and even simple spells made her swell with pride at the fact that she was a witch. Too bad she'd been told all her life that her blood did not make her "witch enough". She shuddered at the thought.
"You know," Ginny said, looking concerned, "we could go and find Blaise and just ask him to reschedule if you're not feeling up to going."
Hermione hesitated. She honestly was not feeling great, and maybe a Saturday spent at the library would do her some good.
But that would mean letting Malfoy win, and she couldn't stand for it. He had already ruined so many things for Hermione, she wouldn't let him keep doing it. She didn't know what his motives were, but he could take his fake attempt at an apology and shove it.
Blaise was a perfectly nice and respectable gentleman, and he was extremely attractive too. So what if he didn't make her knees weak or heartbeat race? She hadn't even given him a fighting chance. The Italian had always surprised her with everything else, perhaps he would surprise her with being her unexpected soulmate.
And even if he wasn't, at least she could say Draco Malfoy hadn't gotten the best of her.
"I want to go to Hogsmeade with Blaise," Hermione declared, "it'll be good for me, I think."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay then," Ginny surrendered, "let's get you to your date then!"
Draco entered the Great Hall only moments after he'd followed Hermione out of it, and sullenly walked back over to the Slytherin table. Pansy had been waiting for him, and she immediately met his eyes as he walked into the Hall.
As he sat down, Draco released a long-held sigh and Pansy just raised her brow at him in response. He said nothing, so she took it upon herself to find out what had happened.
"So?" Pansy drawled, "aren't you going to tell me how it went?"
Draco glared his response, but Pansy wouldn't let off on this one.
"I'll take that as "not good" then?" she prodded.
Sighing again, Draco simply nodded.
He wasn't in the mood to talk about the fact that Granger hated him so badly that she wouldn't let him apologize to her. He didn't want to talk about the fact that her rejection of him felt like being slapped across the face. He also didn't want to talk about the fact that she looked beautiful to go on her date with his best friend. And he especially didn't want to talk about the fact that he'd had her in the palm of his hand for years and had taken her for granted. Draco knew he was wrong for his drastic change in attitude towards the girl, but he couldn't help how he felt.
Draco wasn't even entirely sure of what it was that he felt for her, but he knew that the thought of Hermione hating him drove him crazy. He'd wanted to at least try to be civil with the girl, or just make things right… but she hadn't even let him get a word in. Draco wasn't sure who he was madder at; her for being rude and uncompromising, or himself for suddenly caring about what she thought. He'd spent years driving the girl away, only to suddenly want her around. What the bloody hell was going on with him? He needed to move on from this debacle and quick.
"I'm surprised," Pansy commented.
Draco turned to her, annoyed that she was acting like she didn't know how to take a hint.
"Surprised at what Pans?" the boy countered, exasperated.
"At her not accepting your apology," she admitted, "I honestly thought she was going to, the plan was full proof."
"Why would she?" Draco nearly spat, "I've been a right prick to her for years, of course she'd want nothing to do with me or my apology."
"Well from the way she kissed you last night I figured it was all an act."
"I guess the only act was her kiss," he replied, "she didn't even let me get the apology out."
"Wait, what?" Pansy asked, completely shocked.
"You heard me," Draco looked down, "it was awful."
"I'm sorry to hear that," and she genuinely meant it, "maybe she just needs more time."
"No, I think it's for the best," he replied, "I need to get over this sudden interest."
"Sudden interest in who?" Daphne Greengrass interrupted, Draco instantly paled.
Neither Pansy nor Draco responded, and Daphne just seemed more eager to know.
The truth was, Draco could never have his fellow Slytherins know about his fascination with Hermione Granger. They would make his life hell if they knew he was "slumming it" with a mud blood, and pure bloods were notorious for gossiping, it would surely get back to his parents. That would be a travesty. Not only would his father forbid it, but Draco would probably end up being cut off.
"Hello?" Greengrass repeated, "I know you heard me."
"Oh yes we heard you Daph," Pansy finally replied, "we just don't want to answer."
Daphne glared at her friend, who was seemingly taunting her at this point through facial expressions.
The girl then looked over at Draco, who had been in the midst of paying attention to anything that wasn't their area of the table.
Her knowing gaze had not relented before she said, "Malfoy, I'm pretty sure I know who you and Parkinson were talking about."
He still didn't look up.
Pansy replied in his stead, "really Daph? And who, pray tell, may we have been talking about?"
Daphne turned her gaze back to Pansy, and smirked, "Granger, of course."
Draco looked up this time.
"What makes you say that?" Pansy countered.
"I was there last night Parkinson, same as you," she replied, "it doesn't take a know-it-all like Granger to put two and two together."
"Sod off," Draco finally spoke, "you don't know shite, Greengrass."
"I know enough from your reaction that I'm not far from the truth," the girl refused to back down.
"Listen here Daphne," the boy replied intimidatingly, "you don't know one thing about me, especially where it concerns Granger."
"I would mind my own business if I were you," he continued, "and shut your bloody mouth."
"Is that a threat?" Daphne demanded.
"No," Draco said, "it's a promise."
The girl faltered, but surprisingly said, "you can lie to me and everyone else all you want, but don't lie to yourself Malfoy. It's unbecoming."
With that, she got up from the table and exited the immediate premises. Unfortunately for Draco, he knew that wouldn't be the end of it. Daphne Greengrass had a mouth the size of the United Kingdom and its former colonies. He just hoped that mouth would not extend to her family, and by association, his.
"What a nosey wench!" Pansy cried.
Draco said nothing once more. He decided he would no longer talk about his misfortunes, especially in such a public area.
Luckily, he wouldn't have to, because Blaise had just walked into the Great Hall, and the Italian had immediately spotted Draco and Pansy, so he walked directly to them.
"Drake," he nodded at the blonde, "Pans," he nodded once more and sat down.
"Zabini," Pansy smiled, "how are you feeling?"
"Pretty good," Blaise smiled back, "I'm looking forward to today."
"I'll bet," she started, "where are you planning on taking Granger?"
"Madame Puddifoot's," he replied, "then we'll probably pass by the Three Broomsticks before returning to the Castle."
Pansy simply nodded.
Draco still hadn't said anything.
Truthfully, he didn't know what to say to his best friend. The two boys hadn't seen each other since the previous night, and the tension was building by the second. Draco knew Blaise fancied Granger, and their kiss must have bothered him. A simple touch of Granger's back bothered Draco, so it made sense. But he wouldn't apologize for something that came from a game. He also wouldn't bring it up, because that would practically be an admission of guilt, that the kiss meant more to him than he was letting on.
"You should both join us at the Three Broomsticks," Blaise offered, "it would be nice to grab a butterbeer all together."
"I'm sure that I'll be able to join," Pansy accepted, "I think Potter is taking me there for our date anyway."
The two boys chuckled at this and looked at each other out of habit.
"What about you Malfoy?" The Italian asked, still half-smiling.
Draco hesitated. He didn't want Blaise to think he held any animosity toward him, but it would be far too weird to sit with his best friend and Hermione over a butterbeer. Especially after the events of this morning. The Gryffindor would most likely spill the beans about their encounter anyway, and Draco wasn't particularly looking forward to Blaise's reaction.
"I didn't bid on anyone, remember?" Draco replied nonchalantly, "and I won't be going to Hogsmeade today."
"Not even to just leave the castle?" Blaise asked skeptically.
"Sorry mate," the blonde said, "I'll probably be studying or practicing on the pitch."
Blaise simply nodded at this, and Pansy gave him a weird look but said nothing as well.
The three continued chatting about various subjects like school, quidditch and gossip about fellow Slytherins' actions of the previous night. Pansy and Blaise had opted for a smaller breakfast, while Draco stuffed his face with eggs and sausages.
Over an hour had gone by, and it had been pleasant enough overall. The residual awkwardness of the night before had vanished, and it was like nothing had even happened. Draco was pleased, and for a brief moment he'd forgotten all about his troubles. That was, until Harry Potter showed up.
Draco knew he should have been more upset about Pansy's date with the 'Chosen One'—at least for the sake of appearances, but all he felt was pity. His friend was a catch, so obviously any bloke with eyes, even impaired eyes (such as Potter's) would not pass up the chance to take her out on a date.
"Parkinson," Potter greeted as he marched to their table, "how are you?"
Taken aback by his unusual politeness, Pansy simply replied, "Fine. Thanks."
Apparently, the Boy Who Lived couldn't take a hint, because he continued, "I'm looking forward to this afternoon."
"You are?" Draco interjected sarcastically, and it earned him a chuckle from Blaise.
Harry's head snapped toward his blonde enemy, "Malfoy," he spat, "didn't see you there, I assumed you would be hiding away somewhere today."
"Did you now?" Draco countered, "and what would give you that idea Potter?"
"Oh, I don't know," he began, "maybe the fact that you don't have a date and most people will be leaving for Hogsmeade soon."
"I didn't think you'd want to watch everyone enjoy an afternoon in Hogsmeade while being unaccompanied by anyone," the boy added.
Draco scoffed, "Saint Potter! It's honestly so considerate of you to spend so much time thinking about my social calendar," he smirked, "but as it is, I'm not particularly interested in taking a witch out that I purchased at an auction."
"You really think highly of yourself, don't you?" The Gryffindor observed.
"You would too," Draco replied, "if getting a woman's attention was easier than upsetting Snape."
Blaise laughed, "You would know about upsetting Snape, wouldn't you Potter?"
The boy's cheeks turned pink, "We can't all get by through favouritism."
"No, we can't" Pansy finally said as she stood, "now, Potter, if you're finished, I believe we have a lunch to attend?"
Harry straightened and approached the Slytherin girl offering his arm, "Yes, let's go."
Pansy reluctantly took his arm and glared at the two other boys who'd been giggling at the entire scene. As the couple exited the Hall, their giggles turned into full blown laughter.
The idea of Harry Potter taking the princess of Slytherin for a date was truly priceless. Draco couldn't imagine his faux girlfriend even talking to the Gryffindor bloke, and what made it funnier was that Potter actually seemed interested in her. Not that Pansy wasn't an appealing girl, but the two of them had absolutely nothing in common.
"I reckon their conversations will be quite interesting," Blaise said in-between laughs.
"I'll wager Weasley joins them halfway through," Draco replied, laughing too.
"Not Weasley! Poor Pans," Blaise said with tears of mirth in his eyes.
"Weasley is our ki—" Draco began but was suddenly interrupted by a female voice.
The voice of Ginny Weasley.
"Don't," the girl warned, "finish that chant."
Draco and Blaise immediately looked up and were met with a glare from the girl in question, and a look of amusement from Hermione Granger. The two boys only looked at her and reddened in embarrassment.
"Weaselette," Draco replied, trying to regain his composure, "you're not a fan of Weasley is our—"
"What did I just say?" Ginny snapped, "of course I'm not a fan you ferret! And don't call me that."
Draco glared at the insult and tried to calm himself before he looked like more of an arse to Granger. Luckily, Blaise was getting up from his seat.
"Ginny," his friend smiled, "sorry you had to hear that, but it's all in good fun."
"Zabini," looking back at Draco with rage in her eyes, she returned, "I'm sure it was."
Blaise continued moving to their side of the table, and kissed Hermione's cheek. This got Draco's attention, and his hands were getting all sweaty again. The girl hadn't even looked at him once, and after this morning, he was feeling even worse about everything. She was acting like nothing had even happened, completely unfazed by his presence.
She used to stare at him for hours during class, during meals—really any time she could see him. Now, he was like yesterday's edition of The Prophet.
"Hermione, you look lovely," Blaise smiled at her.
She blushed, and Draco felt like crawling under the table.
"Thank you, Blaise," the girl replied, "you're always so sweet."
Draco was internally croaking, when he realized he'd been staring too long at them, and the Weaselette seemed to notice too. He schooled his features immediately, but not before she gave him a questioning look. Fuck.
"It's easy to be sweet when it comes to you," the Italian said.
"Sorry," Ginny interrupted, stifling a smile, "but that was so cheesy."
Draco erupted with laughter at this and was met with a glare from Blaise. He wanted to kiss the Weasley girl in that moment, she truly was something else.
"Gin," Hermione stepped in, "I thought it was cute, leave him alone!"
She didn't sound convincing, and her own friend wasn't buying it either, but Ginny did as she was told.
Blaise was as red as his darker complexion allowed, and Draco had never seen him look so embarrassed. He was silently enjoying it.
"Let's just go," the boy pleaded, and grabbed Hermione's hand "Madame Puddifoot's awaits."
The girl looked down at their joined hands, and Draco couldn't read her expression, but his stomach sank at the sight. He'd really wanted them to leave too, this was becoming downright unbearable to watch.
"I love it there," she smiled, "See you later Gin."
With that, they made their leave and Draco finally felt like he could breathe again.
Unfortunately, his relief didn't last long, as the redheaded Gryffindor sat down across from him. He made eye contact with her, and decided it was best that he leave too.
As he got up, she stood to face him and said, "No, we're not done here."
"Excuse me?" Draco replied, confused and irritated.
"Sit."
"I don't follow orders from blood traitors," he spat.
"You will," she warned, "unless you want everyone to know your little secret."
"Oh, and what might that be?" Draco countered.
He was starting to become nervous. What on earth was this girl on about? How could she possibly know anything about him? He almost walked away from her, but his curiosity was getting the better of him.
"I think you want to sit," was all Ginny replied.
He reluctantly listened, but not before glaring at her for threatening him.
"I don't know what your angle is," she began, "but I'm going to need you to stop toying with my friend."
"My angle?"
"Yes."
"What the fuck are you talking about Weasley?" Draco was starting to lose it.
"Spending years telling Hermione how disgusting and worthless she is, only to snog her and then try to apologize for—I don't even know! And then you're staring at her while she's finally with another bloke, with that sad gleam in your eyes!" she exclaimed, "what the bloody hell is your angle Malfoy?"
He was speechless. Had he been that obvious?
"She's finally put in the work to get over you and suddenly you care? What the fuck?" Ginny reiterated.
"It's not like that," Draco muttered, "I'm not toying with her."
"Then what are you doing?" she demanded.
He sighed, "I don't know—I just wanted to apologize for everything."
"Why? Why now?" the girl persisted.
"Because she's with Blaise and it seemed the right thing to do—to avoid awkwardness," he lied.
Ginny observed him, as if trying to decide if she believed him. She didn't.
"Do I have 'born yesterday' etched across my forehead?" she scoffed, "let's try that again."
"I don't have to justify myself to you," Draco said defensively.
"You do unless you want me telling everyone how you really feel," Ginny threatened again.
"Oh, and I suppose people will just believe you! A fifth-year blood traitor Gryffindor who doesn't know a thing about me!" he spat angrily, "tell me Weaselette, how do I really feel?"
She smiled and it stopped Draco in his tracks. The girl was scary… and a lot more observant than he'd ever given her credit for.
"You're jealous," Ginny said simply.
"Fuck off Weasley," he said calmly, "I have nothing to be jealous of."
"Please, Malfoy," the girl sighed, "you're a good liar, but you're not that good."
"Just stop," Draco said, "why are you doing this?"
"Why are you?" she once again persisted, "you could have let her be, let her carry on with Blaise and kept your distance—but you didn't."
He snapped, "I couldn't!"
He realized the moment it came out, how badly he'd screwed himself. There was no going back from this, Draco knew she wouldn't give up. He'd just admitted it to someone else—again. Bloody fucking hell.
It was one thing for Pansy to know, he could handle her. It also felt nice to be able to confide in someone without judgment or the fear of others finding out. Pansy could be trusted. But this was an entirely different circumstance. Ginny Weasley was not only Hermione's best friend, but someone outside his inner circle. Draco barely even knew the girl, let alone trusted her. And if the look of victory on her face was any indication, he was royally screwed. Merlin help him.
"Why couldn't you Malfoy?" Ginny asked softly this time, which puzzled Draco even more.
He thought about his next words and decided to spin this unfortunate turn of events into something that could benefit him in the long run. It was time for him to use his cunning and stop letting girls turn him into a babbling idiot. He was Draco sodding Malfoy for crying out loud.
He sighed, for dramatic effect, "the truth is, I don't hate Granger anymore."
She said nothing, clearly wanting him to continue.
"I'm not sure if I ever did," Draco admitted honestly, "she just drove me crazy with her obsessiveness."
Ginny commented, "it was a lot."
"But ever since she told me she wanted nothing to do with me, it was as if something went off in my head and my feelings completely changed."
"Changed how?" she asked.
"I don't know," he replied truthfully, surprising even himself, "but seeing her with Blaise has been weird for me."
"Because you're jealous?" the redhead prompted.
"No," Draco dismissed her, "I can't give you an honest answer, because I don't really have one."
She nodded, seemingly convinced of his sincerity.
"I wanted to apologize, because I don't want her to hate me," he stated.
"But why do you care? You spent years driving her away."
"I know," the blonde replied, "but I've just come to the realization that I was wrong—about everything and she deserves an apology."
"You're damn right she does."
"And as for the snogging," he looked down, "it was a game."
"No, it wasn't," Ginny countered, "that kiss was not a game."
"What do you—"
"Stop being stubborn Malfoy," she chided, "you enjoyed it just as much as she did."
"She enjoyed it?" he perked up.
"Of course she did you git!" the girl rolled her eyes, "she may hate you, but hate still requires care."
"What?"
"By hating you, she still has to care about you—and obviously she does!" she said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"She cares about Blaise," Draco replied, "and it's better that way."
Draco had begun internally freaking out the moment Ginny mentioned the seriousness of the kiss. His initial plan was to convince the Weaselette that he was just confused and had no ill-intentions about Granger so that the redhead would tell her, and maybe the older Gryffindor would reconsider accepting his apology. He'd never intended for things to get this far, and he was now rethinking his strategy. Ginny seemed to be rooting for him? Which added to his confusion, but perhaps if he convinced her that he was the right man for her friend…
But did he even want to be with Granger? Would it even be possible, considering his circumstances? His family would not approve, nor would his friends, and her friends would equally have a difficult time accepting their union. They came from two different worlds, and despite his attraction to her, the boy hadn't the slightest clue how they could ever work. What Draco did know was that he hated seeing her with Blaise, and he imagined his feelings would be the same if it were any other bloke. He'd never felt such strong feelings for another girl, and he didn't know if he ever would.
Draco realized then that he wanted to get to know Granger.
He'd never taken the time to think about the things that made her happy. What her favourite book was, or her favourite tune. What made her smile? He wanted to know. He wanted to kiss her again too. He wanted to run his hands through her curls. Touch her, smell her and simply hold her.
He never thought this before, and perhaps he'd needed to have this conversation to realize it.
Draco looked at Ginny then, and she met his gaze with a soft smile.
"She cares about you more."
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