Dance In Paradise

A short fic in reply to Lisa Oceans Potter's Dance Challenge!

Hope you enjoy it, look out for special comedy appearances from Fred & George, Crabbe & Goyle and many more...

Chapter 2.


Hermione sat in the weekly prefect meeting tapping her quill in boredom, filtering out Bert Firth's whining voice as he read a long list of new rules to be enforced. She ran through the dance moves in her head, and gazed around at the males in the room, idly assessing them in dance partner qualities. Her gaze rested on Harry, who was staring back at her his eyebrow cocked in a cheeky expression.

"Not concentrating!" He mouthed. Hermione wrinkled her nose in the direction of Bert and Harry sniggered, making Hermione chuckle involuntarily. The sounds were thankfully lost in the drone of Bert's voice and Hermione amused herself by doodling on her hand for the remainder of the meeting avoiding Harry's attempts to get her to laugh again. Finally the continuous hum stopped and Hermione's head snapped up. Everyone was stirring as if they had all been induced into a coma from the boring speech too. Grinning Hermione walked over to Harry and punched him lightly.

"Would you mind not putting me off during meetings in future?" She reprimanded him jokingly. Harry snorted with laughter.

"What were you thinking about anyway? You looked pretty engrossed." He said looking amused. Hermione tried to look dignified,

"Um... well the dance actually." She admitted, scowling playfully at Harry's outburst of laughter.

"Hey!" She exclaimed indignantly, "We have decided to have male partners in it. So I was assessing the choices." She informed him. Harry smirked, and Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"I assume that expression means you're still refusing to take part," She said airily.

"Are you asking me to be your partner?" Harry asked with a sly grin, Hermione shrugged.

"Nope. I was offering you the opportunity. But I'm now going to offer it to someone else." She said, standing up and flipping her hair over her shoulder. Harry shrugged looking unbothered and Hermione frowned.

"You'll regret it." She warned flippantly, and she turned and headed over to Oliver Wood, Gryffindor Quidditch captain. Harry watched her go an amused expression on his face. Hermione touched Oliver's shoulder lightly.

"Hi." She said with a bright smile. Oliver beamed his hazel eyes twinkling friendlily.

"Hey Hermione, great meeting huh?" He said sarcastically.

"Hmm." Hermione laughed. "I was just wondering whether you had anything planned for the ball yet?" She asked a casual smile on her face. Oliver shook his head.

"No, not yet." He replied. Hermione's smile widened to an excited grin.

"That's cool. Me, Gin and Lavender have got something worked out, but I need a partner… you up for it?" She asked her brown eyes sparkling mischievously. Oliver hesitated,

"I dunno 'Mione…" He said wrinkling his nose, "What's it gonna be like?" He asked. Hermione glanced quickly at Harry who had her fixed with an unblinking stare and then she leant forward, purposefully resting her hands on Oliver's broad shoulders and whispered lightly into his ear. Harry frowned slightly feeling a twinge of jealously as Oliver's eyes widened and his face reddened slightly. What the hell was she telling him, he wondered faintly irritated. Hermione drew away and raised her eyebrows questioningly at Oliver. His cheeks were tinged with a rosy pink flush, and his mouth was spread in a wide grin.

"Well?" She asked.

"Okay." Oliver agreed with a laugh. "When and where?" He asked.

"We get our costumes tomorrow, and then practise in the evening." She said. Oliver nodded.

"Alright. I'll meet you in Hogsmeade." He suggested and Hermione smiled.

"Okay. Night!" She chirped as she spun on her heel flashed a wink at Harry and dashed out of the room.

----


Ginny had spent all dinner contemplating whom she should ask to partner her. Finally the solution had hit her, Blaise Zambini. Draco's best friend, ever since he had chucked his two burly sidekicks in favour of a more intellectual partner in crime. Ginny smiled slyly, she had no objection what so ever with inviting Blaise to dance with her. He was gorgeous, as stunning as Draco in all the opposite ways. His hair was a deep chocolate and his skin, although fair was rugged and less porcelain like than Draco's. The pair of boys had an amiable competitive streak between them and Ginny knew it would infuriate Draco to see Blaise dancing with her. She paused, considering whether the erotic dance and provocative clothing that were also involved pushed the whole punishing Draco issue too far. She shrugged. He deserved it, if her didn't have the nerve to reveal their relationship, he didn't have the right to dictate who she danced with. It was all too easy as well; Blaise had been assigned her lab partner in an extra potions project she was completing, so she knew him pretty well. Resolved and unable to settle down to sleep Ginny sat up in bed and pulled a dressing gown over her pyjamas. Stealthily she slipped out of the portrait hole in her well practised manner, allowing herself an amused smirk, a habit she had caught from Draco at the sheer ease she managed to escape Gryffindor Tower. She slunk down the deserted hallways until an unpleasant smell began to register. Covering her nose, Ginny ducked into the Owlery. She signalled down Ron's tiny owl, Pig and tied a hastily scribbled note to its foot before throwing it out of a nearby window and scurrying away to fresh air. Able to breathe again she headed silently down the hallways back to her dormitory.


Blaise rolled over in bed and jammed a pillow over his head to diffuse the insistent tapping. However after a few infuriating minutes he heard a flow of abuse from the bed next to his and loud stomping footsteps nearing his bed. Draco ripped the pillow away and bleary eyed, jabbed a finger at the window.

"Is that your bloody owl?" He grunted sleepily. Blaise shook his head.

"Don't think so." He replied through a gigantic yawn. Draco ground his teeth and stamped over to the window, he lifted the catch and the minute owl whizzed into the room. It did a few elaborate loops accompanied by piercing shrieks before Malfoy clamped a hand around its furry body and pulled the note off. Pig, obviously offended by the rough treatment nipped Malfoy's finger, causing him to swear and drop the bird. Pig zoomed around the room again with another insulted hoot before fluttering out of the window. Draco glanced at the note.

"It's for you." He growled irritated as he threw it at the mound in Blaise's bed.

"Oh, okay." Blaise mumbled, picking the letter up and unfolding it.

Blaise, its Ginny. I was wondering if I could meet you tomorrow in Hogsmeade.
I've got something I need to ask you.
Owl me back a.s.a.p or let me know at breakfast if there's a problem.

Thanks, Ginny x


Blaise frowned at the note, before his attention was diverted by a barrage of loud profanities from Draco.

"What?" Blaise moaned sleepily.

"That fucking bird shitted on my bed." Draco snarled angrily pointing his finger at his pillow. Blaise let out an uncontrollable snort of laughter which infuriated Draco more. Still swearing under his breath he muttered a cleaning charm at his pillow and flopped back into bed.

"Who was the letter from?" He demanded sulkily, "So I can ring their necks for sending that twittering little thing around here." He added menacingly.

"Oh, it was from Ginny." Blaise replied, "You know Ginny Weasley."

"I know." Draco snapped quicker than he had intended. "Why is she writing to you?" He sneered. Blaise mistook the jealousy in Malfoy's tone as contempt.

"Because I'm working on a project with her and she's a friend." He answered bluntly. "I thought you'd got over all you immature problems with the Weasleys." He added snidely. Draco frowned into the darkness.

"I have." He retorted quietly. The room was silent and both boys drifted off to sleep.

----

Hermione got up late the next morning and ran into the bathroom. She showered quickly, dried her hair with a charm and pulled on her school clothes. Before slapping a hand to her head, it was Friday; they were going down to Hogsmeade. She shed her uniform and pulled on some jeans and a burgundy tee shirt. Re-entering the bathroom she crept to the adjoining door and eased it open. Harry was sprawled across his bed, asleep. Hermione smothered a giggle and tiptoed to the bedside. She watched him sleep for a few minutes, before he began to stir. The two dark moons of heavy black eyelashes blinked up and down a few times and Harry gazed around sleepily. His blurred stare landed on the distorted figure of Hermione looming over him, he grabbed his glasses and pulled them on, bringing her into sharp focus.

"Hermione!" He shouted. "What were you doing creeping up like that?"

"I wasn't creeping." Hermione retorted, bending down to plant a playful light kiss on his frowning forehead. "You ready to go Hogsmeade?" She asked. Harry tried to keep hold on his irritation as a flashing image of Oliver Wood sped across his mind but it vanished with his annoyance and a grin spread across his face.

"Well I need to dress, unless you wanna hang around for that too." He quipped. Hermione flipped her hair over her shoulder and fixed him with an unblinking stare.

"Well okay." She answered seriously. Harry's eyes widened in astonishment at the solemn look on her face.

"Uh… 'Mione…" He stammered feeling himself blush. Hermione dissolved into hysterics.

"I was kidding!" She chuckled jumping up from his chair and heading towards the door.

"I'll meet you in the common room, hurry though!" She added with a grin as she shut the door behind her.

-----


Ginny was sat on a sunny bench deeply engrossed in conversation with Blaise when she spotted Hermione, Harry, Lavender and Ron sauntering down the path towards them. Ron and Harry paused to gawp in at a Quidditch supplies shop, Hermione and Lavender spotted the pair, waved and headed over.

"Hey Gin." Hermione chirped. "Blaise," She added nodding at him friendlily,

"Hey guys." Ginny replied, "Guess what! Blaise has agreed to partner me at the dance!" She added breezily with a wide grin. Lavender clapped her hands together.

"Oh! Great! Lee's up for it too. We've gone through all the lyrics and that's sorted, all we need is the moves now." She informed them. Hermione raised her eyebrows.

"And the costumes…" She said slowly. Lavender and Ginny chuckled and Blaise shook his head laughing.

"Well, we can go now. I'll go and get Lee and Oliver and meet you three in Madame Maulkins!" Hermione suggested, Blaise nodded and jumped up pulling Ginny with him.

"C'mon ladies." He quipped with a grin and Lavender waved goodbye to Ron and the trio headed down the street. Hermione skipped over to the shop window.

"I've got to go and meet some people, then we're sorting our costumes out. So I guess I'll see you later!" She babbled excitedly. Harry rolled his eyes.

"Okay. Shall we meet in The Three Broomsticks at five?" He asked. Hermione nodded enthusiastically.

"Alright! See you then. Bye Ron!" She piped speeding off in pursuit of Oliver Wood who had just passed flanked by the majority of the Gryffindor team.


-----

Hermione pressed a hand over her mouth to smother the hysterical snorts of laughter that were erupting from her mouth and studied the image in the mirror.

"Um… Gin, Lavender? You ready?" She squeaked nervously.

"Mmmm." Lavender mumbled sounding wholly unconvinced.

"Yes!" Ginny confident voice replied loudly. Hermione took a deep breath and clutched a handful of dressing room curtain.

"Okay, on the count of three…"

"C'mon!!" Whined a trio of male voices in anticipation. Hermione swallowed.

"One..two...three!" She yelped pulling back the curtain and jumping out into the large, mirrored room. Lee, Oliver and Blaise's jaws all simultaneously dropped, and they gaped at the three witches before them. Lavender was dressed in a short black leather pleated skirt; black spiky stilettos that laced up the legs and a scoop neck stretchy top, her blonde hair fell in a long shiny sheet down her back. Ginny's red curls hung haphazardly around her face, she had leather hot pants and her tiny feet were encased in leather ankle boots, revealing miles of creamy leg, which she noticed with a smirk, Blaise's eye travelled up and down several times. Hermione had a tiny black leather mini skirt and matching thigh high boots, which revealed a flash of flesh between the hem and the top of the shoes, her glossy chestnut hair was tousled and wild. The boys gaped at them for minutes in silence, while the girls giggled and preened each other, tugging on hemlines and buckles.

"You…you're… going to wear that?" Oliver stuttered eventually his eyes wide.

"Yep." Hermione said, "Why what's wrong with it?" She asked twisting round to look in the mirror, revealing a slash of midriff. Blaise snorted.

"Nothing. You all look hot!" He exclaimed, and then blushed at his outburst. Ginny grinned and experimented with a wiggled of her hips.

"Yeah… you look great!" Lee enthused, his dark eyes sparkling. "Hogwarts won't know what's hit it." He mused grinning. Lavender suddenly gasped.

"Uh I just thought of something… what are you guys going to wear?" Lavender demanded cocking an eyebrow at Hermione. Hermione's gaze raked the three boys, and she bit her lip thoughtfully.

"Hmm… I'm not sure." She mused twirling a shiny curl of hair between her fingers, "I think we should go have a look." She decided looking at Ginny and Lavender.

"Yep!" Ginny said enthusiastically shooting a wicked glance at Blaise and wiggling her eyebrows. He groaned.

"Gin…" He whined, but she just flipped her fiery hair and shrugged.

"Well we'll get changed then. You three sure these costumes are okay?" She asked glancing down at herself again. The boys nodded vigorously and with a grin the girls spun around and headed into the changing rooms.

-----


Frowning Hermione handed over handfuls of money to the witch behind the counter and watched them ring up the purchases ruefully. She pouted playfully at Oliver.

"I still think you would of looked good in those leather chaps." She said teasingly. Oliver glared good-humouredly at her and stalked out of the shop. Blaise sniggered and shook his head violently making the chocolate brown curls whip his face.

"No way!" He said adamantly. Hermione glowered at him.

"Shuddup Blaise." She growled with a grin, "Just cause your thighs were to big for them!" She snickered as Blaise feigned mock outrage. Hermione rolled her eyes and took the bags from the sales assistant.

"Thanks for your help!" She said with a smile. The pretty, young witch with striking raven hair grinned at her.

"No problem. Have fun at your dance." She added. Blaise sidled up to her a charming smile plastered across his face,

"Yes, thanks for the help." He repeated his voice taking on a more husky tone than usual. The witch giggled.

"Your welcome." She purred softly her voice dripping with flattery. Hermione rolled her eyes and glanced through the shop window where the others were gesturing impatiently at her. She grabbed Blaise's arm,

"C'mon sweetie lets go." She said her voice overtly sugary, she flashed an apologetic look to the witch who nodded understandingly. Hermione pulled Blaise from the store.

"Hey!" He exclaimed indignantly once they were outside. "I was working my magic." He said sullenly. Hermione snorted with laughter.

"Well just try and keep your wand in your pocket for a while Blaise." She said with a withering look. Blaise eyebrows shot up into the chocolates curls, looking infuriated. Lavender, Lee and Oliver were in uncontrollable laughter. Blaise scowled playfully.

"Oh come on Blaise." Hermione said tweaking his cheek, "We need to practise. Ginny, try and keep your partner under control." She joked prodding the redhead. Ginny's gaze snapped away from Draco Malfoy who had just slunk out of Honeydukes.

"What?" She asked distracted as she tried to follow the flash of blond as it disappeared into the now bustling street. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Don't worry. C'mon lets all go and get a drink." She suggested and they started to weave through the crowd towards The Three Broomsticks.


-----

Harry watched the girl meander her way across the teaming pub towards the small booth he was sitting in. She reached him and flashed him the special smile she reserved for him and her one other best friend.

"Hey 'Mione." Ron said from beside him, "Lav with you?" He asked peering behind her. Hermione nodded.

"Budge up Harry." She said her eyes sparkling and Harry scooted along the cushioned bench providing space for her to squeeze in beside him. Lavender sat down on Ron's knee and planted a light kiss on his nose.

"Get your costume then?" He asked trying to look into the bag she was clutching. Lavender gripped it hard and suddenly looked shifty,

"Yes. But it's... uh...a surprise, Ron." She muttered guiltily, moving the bag out of his reach. Ron frowned suspiciously then shrugged.

"Okay..." He said shooting her a questioning glance which she avoided by swooping down to kiss him lightly. Hermione grinned relieved for the diverted disaster. Ginny and Blaise appeared clutching barstools which they pulled up around the table; Blaise pushed drinks across the table to Hermione and Lavender,

"Where's Oliver and Lee?" Hermione asked, Blaise jerked his head towards a corner of the pub.

"Over there, they saw Ron's brothers." He answered before leaning in to heatedly discuss the impending potions project with Ginny. Hermione stifled a yawn, and glanced at Harry.

"Have a nice day?" She asked him. Harry watched her mouth move suddenly wondering why it seemed to be moving out of time with the words which seemed to float into his ears merging with the noisy hum of the bar. His emerald eyes studied how her lips moved as she spoke; the deep rosy colour was beautiful and matched the pink patches gracing her cheekbones. Hermione wrinkled her nose at him.

"Harry?" She said rolling her eyes and cuffing his head lightly with her hand.

"Hmm?"

"You're not listening." She said. "Something wrong?" She asked leaning closer to him, her coffee eyes now radiating concern. Harry gulped and mentally shook himself bringing the pub back into focus and Hermione's mouth back into realtime, he grinned.

"Nope, I'm just tired." He admitted glancing down at his watch in an attempt to avoid the probing stare she was now giving him. Hermione raised her eyebrows.

"You want to leave? I'll come back with you." She offered. Harry shrugged.

"Only if you're ready to go." He said. Hermione nodded, she looked up and frowned at Lavender and Ron engrossed in a deep kiss, her gaze shifted to Ginny.

"Gin, me and Harry are going to head back. I'll see you later." Ginny looked up,

"Oh okay. What time are we practising?" She asked.

"Uh, I don't mind, say 9 o clock?" Hermione suggested. Ginny nodded.

"Alright. I'll tell Lav," She said jerking her head at her entwined brother, "And Lee and Oliver." She added.

"Thanks. See you later." Hermione said, grabbing Harry's hand to pull him from the booth and through the busy pub. They stumbled out onto the dusky street.

-----

Draco watched as Hermione and Harry left the pub, his eyes returned to the table they had deserted. Lavender was still wrapped around Ron but Ginny and Blaise had shifted position around the table so they now faced him. Draco scowled heavily as Blaise murmured something to Ginny causing her to laugh, her wild red hair falling across her face and her brown eyes sparkling gleefully. Gritting his teeth Draco stood up fuming and stalked purposefully towards the table. He stood his fists clenched for a few moments, completely unnoticed, eventually he cleared his throat menacingly. Ginny's deep brown eyes snapped up to meet his glacial gaze; they reverberated with anger, hurt and the ever present simmering passion. Draco tore his eyes away and they fixed on the intense navy blue gaze of his best friend, who looked faintly amused.

"Alright Draco?" Blaise asked with a concerned smile at his friend's tense, unmoving stature. Draco didn't bother to return the gesture.

"I'm leaving Blaise. Are you coming?" He snapped. Blaise frowned at his tone and his rude unacknowledgement of Ginny.

"No, I'm going to stay and have a drink with Ginny. Care to join us?" Blaise asked oblivious of the painful taunt he had just jabbed at Draco. Draco shook his head stiffly.

"No. I'll see you later." He said, his eyes slid instinctively back to Ginny. This time she broke the gaze, looking away across the pub. Draco inclined his head in a good bye and retreated from the booth.