Disclaimer: I in no way shape or form own any characters, real people or
places you may recognize in this story. However if I did I would be a very
rich woman.
I know it's only been a couple of days since my last posting; but to me it feels like forever. I have actually finished writing the rough draft. I will be rewriting and revising as I type. I hope to have everything out to you within a week.
Chapter 11
Dancing with the Enemy
Draco had been ignoring Hermione as she was him. As much as she tried to avoid him and anything to do with the prophecy, she couldn't push it out of her mind. She found herself thinking of this one day near Christmas Holidays. Unconsciously her eyes sought out Draco's. When they met Hermione was surprised. She saw something there that looked like regret and longing. Before she made a fool of herself she averted her eyes and let them rest on Blaise Zambini. He felt her eyes on him and turned and waved a smile on his lips. She returned the smile and he got up and walked over to her table.
"Hermione," he said when he approached. "I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time it is very important."
Ron had not heard his request and yelled "What do you want Zambini? You don't belong here."
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Weasley. I am just here to speak to Miss Granger."
To Hermione he said, "Would you please join me?"
Flashing a look towards Ginny who just nodded her head, Hermione grasped Blaises outstretched hand and walked towards the library with him.
As they walked into the library, Hermione saw Harry sitting at her regular table in the back. "Blaise, I would like t talk to Harry for a minute. Please excuse me."
"Of course I'll just be over here." He pointed to the new arrivals section.
Harry had been spending an awful lot of time in the library. Today he had finally found what he was looking for. So engrossed in what he was reading he didn't hear Hermione approach. He muttered under his breath, "Hermione would know what all this meant, she always does."
"Well Harry seems you're in luck then."
Startled he looked up and saw Hermione laughing at him.
"Any luck Harry? What did you need my help with?"
"I did finally find something. The pipe looks exactly like this. It's called Orenda. The book says that it means The Sacred Power in Iroquois. I even know how to make it work but I need to find all these herbs. Here look it over."
He handed the book to Hermione. As she looked it over she realized that everything on the list was easy to find.
"Well Harry," she said. "This shouldn't be that difficult. The only thing is that these herbs can only be harvested at a certain time. I know professor Snape has some in stock; but of course he would never let us use them. I have to talk to Blaise now; but why don't we meet up in the Gryffindor common room tonight about eight o' clock?"
Harry just nodded as he looked back to his books trying to find more information. Hermione was so proud of his determination.
Harry wondered why Hermione was talking to Blaise. "I hope that he isn't asking her to the Yule Ball. Oh god I just remembered I don't have a date either. Guess its time to start looking." With that he packed up his books and left.
Hermione made her way back to Blaise. "Ok Blaise, what's up?"
"Hermione first of all I would like to say that Draco is the biggest ass I know. He may be my best friend but he's stubborn. He's hung up on this pureblood shit. I do know that you owe him a favor. Correct?"
She nodded and Blaise continued. "I think I could convince him to collect if you are game." He proceeded to outline his plan to her.
"I don't know Blaise," she said. "Why are you doing this for me?"
"Because I love Ginny," he said. "She asked me to do this. Also we want to make our relationship public at the ball. So you not only get to return Draco's favor; but you are doing one for Ginny as well."
Hermione weighed the consequences but soon realized he benefits outweighed them.
"Ok Blaise," she said. "Work your magic."
That evening after Ron, Harry and Hermione worked out the best schedule to collect the herbs, Hermione returned to her room. When she came thru the portrait she saw Draco sitting on one of the couches deep in thought. She didn't want to bother him so she tried to sneak behind him into her room.
"Granger."
Startled, Hermione tripped on the corner of the couch. Before she could fall Draco caught her.
When she was steadied he let her go. "Granger sit down, I want to talk to you."
Curious about what he wanted she did as she was told. "What do you want Malfoy?"
"Look Granger you owe me a favor. I'm collecting. It's as simple as that. You are going to the Yule Ball with me."
Hermione worked to hide a smile. Seemed as if Blaise had actually done it.
"What if I already have a date?"
"You don't."
"How do you know?"
"Aaron told me."
"Aaron? Why? Oh I'm going to kill him."
"Shut up, Granger. You're going with me and that's final. We are also going with Ginny and Blaise. Of course Aaron and James will be tagging along. McGonagall said they were not allowed to bring dates."
"Alright Malfoy a deals a deal; but just so we understand each other, after this I owe you nothing."
"Agreed," he said. As he started to walk away Hermione grabbed his hand.
"Draco, what are you going to do for Christmas?"
"Well Granger, obviously I can't go home. Seeing as I have no place else, I will be staying here. Now what did I tell you about touching me?"
With tears of frustration in her eyes she stood up and went to her room.
The night of the ball everyone was in great spirits. Ron and Harry decided to go with Pavarti and Lavender. Harry asked Ginny but she declined saying she already had a date. He wanted to know who it was but she refused to tell him. Ron had asked Hermione but the same exact answer.
Ginny and Hermione had decided to get dressed together and were planning on meeting the guys in the common room.
When everyone was gathered together, Hermione was shocked about how good everyone looked. Draco was dressed in forest green velvet robes. She had asked him what he was wearing before hand. She made sure her robes matched his. There was to be no mistake whose date she was tonight. She dressed in silver robes with dark green piping.
Ginny and Blaise matched as well him wearing black robes and hers were midnight blue.
They walked to the ballroom together. Seems that they were one of the last to arrive. When they walked in everyone stared. The Slytherins were fuming as were the Gryffindors.
Hermione glanced at Ginny who was staring down Ron, daring him to say something or make a scene.
When Hermione was about to scream at everyone to stop gawking, someone made their way towards her group.
"Well finally," Pansy Parkinson said. "I was wondering when you four would show up. It wouldn't be a party without my favorite Slytherins and Gryffindors." She then winked at all four. Harry had been watching this interaction with a lot of interest. He leaned over and whispered something in Pavratis ear. When she nodded he made his way over to the group.
"Miss Parkinson, I heard what you said and couldn't agree more. May I have this dance?"
Pansy giggled and grabbed Harry's arm. "Of course, wouldn't like anything better." Harry led them onto the dance floor.
The rest of the group, that was congregated in the hall were shocked to say the least. Her were sworn enemies dancing and laughing. Everyone, with a few exceptions, meaning of course the die hard Gryffindors and Slytherins, decided that it couldn't hurt, to one night let down barriers and just have fun. Soon you could see Ravenclaws and Slytherins, Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs, everyone dancing with everyone.
Once the drama had passed Hermione got a good look around the room. She was glad that they had decided to choose the trio they did for decorating. Everything looked fabulous.
After about an hour, the music stopped. McGonagall came out onto the stage and addressed the students.
"Students of Hogwarts, I have never been as proud of you as I am this evening. Watching you put aside rivalries that are Hundreds of years old, is just amazing. In honor of this we have decided to extend the Christmas Holidays for another week.
A cheer went thru the crowd.
McGonagall held up her hand. "I can't stress how important it is that we continue this once we return to school. So on that note I would like to ask the Head boy and Girl to lead us in a dance, accompanied by the prefects and a partner of their choice."
Knowing there was no way that they could back out of this; Draco led Hermione out onto the dance floor. The melody that was playing was slow and romantic. At first they danced stiffly, but as the song progressed, Hermione felt a slight pressure on her back urging her towards Draco. Ignoring this she took the opportunity to look around. Ginny was dancing with Blaise, their arms wrapped tightly around each other. Ron was dancing with a sixth year Ravenclaw, and Pansy had once again commandeered Harry. Smiling she thought that there might just be another Slytherin, Gryffindor couple in the works. Once again she felt a pressure on her back. She looked up to Draco questioningly. There was no emotion in his eyes. He started to lean closer, his lips almost touching hers. Just as he was about to make contact she stopped him.
"Don't make me love you Draco, unless you can love me in return."
Ignoring her words he brushed his lips across hers. Then he whispered in her ear.
"Teach me Hermione. Teach me how to love, you."
She buried her face into his shoulder not answering him just yet.
After the dance had finished, Hermione went off in search of her friends. Draco did the same.
As Hermione reached Ron she could tell something was wrong.
"How could you, Hermione," Ron said. "What is wrong with you and Ginny? Slytherins for god's sake. And you," he yelled at Harry, "are no better." Harry was about to protest when Ron cut him off. "Don't even try to deny it mate. You can say whatever you want about house unity; but I don't think that includes snogging Pansy Parkinson out in the garden." Harry blushed, and told Hermione she was on her own. He left quickly. Just as Ron was about to start in on Hermione again, Ginny came storming over.
"Ronald Weasley, you are the biggest prat that I have had the misfortune to meet. If you weren't my brother, I'd, I'd, well I don't know what I'd do but it wouldn't be pleasant. I love Blaise and he loves me. If you have a problem with that then tough. Oh and before you start on Mione again, you had your chance, you blew it. Let her be happy. Do you understand me?"
Ron nodded slowly, hoping the ground would open up and swallow him. Lavender seeing this decided to take pity on her date and drug him out on the dance floor. She whispered something in his ear and he blushed. They danced cheek to cheek the rest of the evening.
Hermione looked around for Draco and saw him standing in the corner taking to Pansy. She made her way over to them. She looked at Pansy and said, "I don't know how to thank you. I am just sorry I never realized what a good person you are. I hope we can be friends." She extended her hand out to the Slytherin.
Pansy sneered at her and said, "You have got to be kidding Granger."
Hermione was beginning to regret her decision to befriend the girl; until she laughed and said, "Gotcha." She laughed and pulled Hermione into a hug.
"Well dears I am off, there's a certain Gryffindor who needs my attention." She winked saucily at them and went off in search of Harry.
"Draco," Hermione said. "Were you serious about what you said earlier?"
When he didn't answer right away, Hermione felt tears well up in her eyes. She left and ran to her room. In her haste to get away Hermione didn't realize that she forgot to shut her bedroom door. Soon she felt a hand on her cheek wiping the tears away. She turned and only saw a pair of gray eyes that still held no emotion. She backed away from him and said, "I told you not to make me love you, what are you trying to do destroy me?"
Finally he spoke. "I meant it Hermione. I want you to teach me. I want to feel. I want to know. He then captured her mouth with his. She backed away and looked into his eyes again. This time she saw fear and uncertainty in the depths.
"It's too late Draco."
Thinking she rejected him he slowly left not hearing the rest of her words.
"I already love you."
I know it's only been a couple of days since my last posting; but to me it feels like forever. I have actually finished writing the rough draft. I will be rewriting and revising as I type. I hope to have everything out to you within a week.
Chapter 11
Dancing with the Enemy
Draco had been ignoring Hermione as she was him. As much as she tried to avoid him and anything to do with the prophecy, she couldn't push it out of her mind. She found herself thinking of this one day near Christmas Holidays. Unconsciously her eyes sought out Draco's. When they met Hermione was surprised. She saw something there that looked like regret and longing. Before she made a fool of herself she averted her eyes and let them rest on Blaise Zambini. He felt her eyes on him and turned and waved a smile on his lips. She returned the smile and he got up and walked over to her table.
"Hermione," he said when he approached. "I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time it is very important."
Ron had not heard his request and yelled "What do you want Zambini? You don't belong here."
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Weasley. I am just here to speak to Miss Granger."
To Hermione he said, "Would you please join me?"
Flashing a look towards Ginny who just nodded her head, Hermione grasped Blaises outstretched hand and walked towards the library with him.
As they walked into the library, Hermione saw Harry sitting at her regular table in the back. "Blaise, I would like t talk to Harry for a minute. Please excuse me."
"Of course I'll just be over here." He pointed to the new arrivals section.
Harry had been spending an awful lot of time in the library. Today he had finally found what he was looking for. So engrossed in what he was reading he didn't hear Hermione approach. He muttered under his breath, "Hermione would know what all this meant, she always does."
"Well Harry seems you're in luck then."
Startled he looked up and saw Hermione laughing at him.
"Any luck Harry? What did you need my help with?"
"I did finally find something. The pipe looks exactly like this. It's called Orenda. The book says that it means The Sacred Power in Iroquois. I even know how to make it work but I need to find all these herbs. Here look it over."
He handed the book to Hermione. As she looked it over she realized that everything on the list was easy to find.
"Well Harry," she said. "This shouldn't be that difficult. The only thing is that these herbs can only be harvested at a certain time. I know professor Snape has some in stock; but of course he would never let us use them. I have to talk to Blaise now; but why don't we meet up in the Gryffindor common room tonight about eight o' clock?"
Harry just nodded as he looked back to his books trying to find more information. Hermione was so proud of his determination.
Harry wondered why Hermione was talking to Blaise. "I hope that he isn't asking her to the Yule Ball. Oh god I just remembered I don't have a date either. Guess its time to start looking." With that he packed up his books and left.
Hermione made her way back to Blaise. "Ok Blaise, what's up?"
"Hermione first of all I would like to say that Draco is the biggest ass I know. He may be my best friend but he's stubborn. He's hung up on this pureblood shit. I do know that you owe him a favor. Correct?"
She nodded and Blaise continued. "I think I could convince him to collect if you are game." He proceeded to outline his plan to her.
"I don't know Blaise," she said. "Why are you doing this for me?"
"Because I love Ginny," he said. "She asked me to do this. Also we want to make our relationship public at the ball. So you not only get to return Draco's favor; but you are doing one for Ginny as well."
Hermione weighed the consequences but soon realized he benefits outweighed them.
"Ok Blaise," she said. "Work your magic."
That evening after Ron, Harry and Hermione worked out the best schedule to collect the herbs, Hermione returned to her room. When she came thru the portrait she saw Draco sitting on one of the couches deep in thought. She didn't want to bother him so she tried to sneak behind him into her room.
"Granger."
Startled, Hermione tripped on the corner of the couch. Before she could fall Draco caught her.
When she was steadied he let her go. "Granger sit down, I want to talk to you."
Curious about what he wanted she did as she was told. "What do you want Malfoy?"
"Look Granger you owe me a favor. I'm collecting. It's as simple as that. You are going to the Yule Ball with me."
Hermione worked to hide a smile. Seemed as if Blaise had actually done it.
"What if I already have a date?"
"You don't."
"How do you know?"
"Aaron told me."
"Aaron? Why? Oh I'm going to kill him."
"Shut up, Granger. You're going with me and that's final. We are also going with Ginny and Blaise. Of course Aaron and James will be tagging along. McGonagall said they were not allowed to bring dates."
"Alright Malfoy a deals a deal; but just so we understand each other, after this I owe you nothing."
"Agreed," he said. As he started to walk away Hermione grabbed his hand.
"Draco, what are you going to do for Christmas?"
"Well Granger, obviously I can't go home. Seeing as I have no place else, I will be staying here. Now what did I tell you about touching me?"
With tears of frustration in her eyes she stood up and went to her room.
The night of the ball everyone was in great spirits. Ron and Harry decided to go with Pavarti and Lavender. Harry asked Ginny but she declined saying she already had a date. He wanted to know who it was but she refused to tell him. Ron had asked Hermione but the same exact answer.
Ginny and Hermione had decided to get dressed together and were planning on meeting the guys in the common room.
When everyone was gathered together, Hermione was shocked about how good everyone looked. Draco was dressed in forest green velvet robes. She had asked him what he was wearing before hand. She made sure her robes matched his. There was to be no mistake whose date she was tonight. She dressed in silver robes with dark green piping.
Ginny and Blaise matched as well him wearing black robes and hers were midnight blue.
They walked to the ballroom together. Seems that they were one of the last to arrive. When they walked in everyone stared. The Slytherins were fuming as were the Gryffindors.
Hermione glanced at Ginny who was staring down Ron, daring him to say something or make a scene.
When Hermione was about to scream at everyone to stop gawking, someone made their way towards her group.
"Well finally," Pansy Parkinson said. "I was wondering when you four would show up. It wouldn't be a party without my favorite Slytherins and Gryffindors." She then winked at all four. Harry had been watching this interaction with a lot of interest. He leaned over and whispered something in Pavratis ear. When she nodded he made his way over to the group.
"Miss Parkinson, I heard what you said and couldn't agree more. May I have this dance?"
Pansy giggled and grabbed Harry's arm. "Of course, wouldn't like anything better." Harry led them onto the dance floor.
The rest of the group, that was congregated in the hall were shocked to say the least. Her were sworn enemies dancing and laughing. Everyone, with a few exceptions, meaning of course the die hard Gryffindors and Slytherins, decided that it couldn't hurt, to one night let down barriers and just have fun. Soon you could see Ravenclaws and Slytherins, Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs, everyone dancing with everyone.
Once the drama had passed Hermione got a good look around the room. She was glad that they had decided to choose the trio they did for decorating. Everything looked fabulous.
After about an hour, the music stopped. McGonagall came out onto the stage and addressed the students.
"Students of Hogwarts, I have never been as proud of you as I am this evening. Watching you put aside rivalries that are Hundreds of years old, is just amazing. In honor of this we have decided to extend the Christmas Holidays for another week.
A cheer went thru the crowd.
McGonagall held up her hand. "I can't stress how important it is that we continue this once we return to school. So on that note I would like to ask the Head boy and Girl to lead us in a dance, accompanied by the prefects and a partner of their choice."
Knowing there was no way that they could back out of this; Draco led Hermione out onto the dance floor. The melody that was playing was slow and romantic. At first they danced stiffly, but as the song progressed, Hermione felt a slight pressure on her back urging her towards Draco. Ignoring this she took the opportunity to look around. Ginny was dancing with Blaise, their arms wrapped tightly around each other. Ron was dancing with a sixth year Ravenclaw, and Pansy had once again commandeered Harry. Smiling she thought that there might just be another Slytherin, Gryffindor couple in the works. Once again she felt a pressure on her back. She looked up to Draco questioningly. There was no emotion in his eyes. He started to lean closer, his lips almost touching hers. Just as he was about to make contact she stopped him.
"Don't make me love you Draco, unless you can love me in return."
Ignoring her words he brushed his lips across hers. Then he whispered in her ear.
"Teach me Hermione. Teach me how to love, you."
She buried her face into his shoulder not answering him just yet.
After the dance had finished, Hermione went off in search of her friends. Draco did the same.
As Hermione reached Ron she could tell something was wrong.
"How could you, Hermione," Ron said. "What is wrong with you and Ginny? Slytherins for god's sake. And you," he yelled at Harry, "are no better." Harry was about to protest when Ron cut him off. "Don't even try to deny it mate. You can say whatever you want about house unity; but I don't think that includes snogging Pansy Parkinson out in the garden." Harry blushed, and told Hermione she was on her own. He left quickly. Just as Ron was about to start in on Hermione again, Ginny came storming over.
"Ronald Weasley, you are the biggest prat that I have had the misfortune to meet. If you weren't my brother, I'd, I'd, well I don't know what I'd do but it wouldn't be pleasant. I love Blaise and he loves me. If you have a problem with that then tough. Oh and before you start on Mione again, you had your chance, you blew it. Let her be happy. Do you understand me?"
Ron nodded slowly, hoping the ground would open up and swallow him. Lavender seeing this decided to take pity on her date and drug him out on the dance floor. She whispered something in his ear and he blushed. They danced cheek to cheek the rest of the evening.
Hermione looked around for Draco and saw him standing in the corner taking to Pansy. She made her way over to them. She looked at Pansy and said, "I don't know how to thank you. I am just sorry I never realized what a good person you are. I hope we can be friends." She extended her hand out to the Slytherin.
Pansy sneered at her and said, "You have got to be kidding Granger."
Hermione was beginning to regret her decision to befriend the girl; until she laughed and said, "Gotcha." She laughed and pulled Hermione into a hug.
"Well dears I am off, there's a certain Gryffindor who needs my attention." She winked saucily at them and went off in search of Harry.
"Draco," Hermione said. "Were you serious about what you said earlier?"
When he didn't answer right away, Hermione felt tears well up in her eyes. She left and ran to her room. In her haste to get away Hermione didn't realize that she forgot to shut her bedroom door. Soon she felt a hand on her cheek wiping the tears away. She turned and only saw a pair of gray eyes that still held no emotion. She backed away from him and said, "I told you not to make me love you, what are you trying to do destroy me?"
Finally he spoke. "I meant it Hermione. I want you to teach me. I want to feel. I want to know. He then captured her mouth with his. She backed away and looked into his eyes again. This time she saw fear and uncertainty in the depths.
"It's too late Draco."
Thinking she rejected him he slowly left not hearing the rest of her words.
"I already love you."
