The Yule Ball

By OracleVortex

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Harry Potter.

I was originally going to leave Strained as just a one shot, but 11 reviews after one day posted changed my mind. J I'm really surprised that so many people really liked it! So, here by reader's demand, is the only possible follow up to Strained; what happened at the Yule ball. Enjoy!

Written from Draco's point of view, as a change, and as a look…from the other side…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Draco leaned casually against the wall, near one of the tall bay windows in the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts. He was in a position that he could see everyone and everything around him, but no one could see him. Perfect. He fiddled with the hem of one robe sleeve. They were new, navy in color and made of the finest silk. His old robes were at least two inches too short for him; he had been growing taller through out the last year. His father would be proud.

Draco shook away the sarcastic thought. It was things like that that made him lose touch with reality. The last time that he had drifted too deep…he had almost ended it all. Draco retreated from the window, expression softening slightly. Almost. Hermione Granger, a former enemy, was the smartest in her year, and she was clever enough to put two and two together. She saw right through his charade, although it may have been a bit of a giveaway when he went to her for help. A Malfoy asked for help from no one. Never.

She saved me…gave me a second try… Draco stood in the centre of the giant circle rug, and staring up the staircase. Not knowing where the Gryffindor commons room was, he had agreed to meet Hermione in the main hall.

I wonder if she'd wear those blue robes she wore in fourth year… Draco mused, absently smoothing back his hair. Surprisingly, he still remembered the way that the pale robes had flowed, weaving a mysterious air around her. At the time, he had nothing of it, but now it came to mind with alarming clarity.

"Ahem."

Draco blinked, the bright dress robes disappearing from his memory. At the top of the stairs, hesitant and poised, was Hermione. Draco was struck speechless as he watched her descend almost loftily down the stairs.

"Gr—Hermione…you look…"Draco scrambled for words, something that was unusual for him. Hermione only smiled as she wound one arm around his offered elbow. Gone were the robes of yesteryear, and in their place was hovering scarlet satin, giving her an exotic mystique. Her hair was pulled up, but several soft curls dangled from the loose bun. Glitter shone on her cheeks, shimmering in the light of the room.

"Shall we?" She said pleasantly.

"Y-yes, of course." Draco pulled himself together, straightening his posture, and lifting his chin in a typically Malfoy action.

Stepping into the hall, the both of the paused for a moment. Heads turned and gawked, whispering and marvelling at the fact that Draco Malfoy, of Slytherin house, had actually gone through on his invitation to Hermione. Sliding his hand into Hermione's, he lead her into the middle of the dance floor, fully using the 'spotlight' that had been given to them. If there was one thing that a Malfoy naturally knew how to do, it was how to put on a show. Shooting dazzling smiles at Hermione, he was all too aware of the several girls swooning on the sidelines

"I know it's your nature," Hermione murmured into his neck during a slow dance, "But if you're only using me to flaunt your stuff and show off…I'll leave."

Draco shivered at the new sensation. "I wouldn't dream of it." He whispered into her ear. "But I do enjoy showing others what treasures and beauties that come to me…" His lips barely touched her ear, but she quivered none-the-less. "For example…you."

Hermione blushed, fingers unconsciously tangling in the loose strands of his hair. Draco fought the trained habit to smooth it down, and found that he rather liked the gesture. Pulling Hermione closer to him, he moved his head until they were looking eye to eye. She said nothing, but rather sensed what he was about to do. Amidst the hundreds in the hall, among the teachers and students and ghosts, Draco Malfoy kissed Hermione Granger. Under the watch of many incredulous friends and enemies, Hermione did the unthinkable.

She kissed him back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There you are. The conclusion to the first chapter. A lot more sap in this one, but it was shorter as well. Pure fluff for a late Xmas fic. Hope you like.

OracleVortex
~~~~~~~~~~~~~