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A/N: hi guys! I'm really REALLY sorry! I know I've taken such a long time to update, but a lot has happened. My computer broke down for awhile back in January and then school started. I mean, you know how school is! I really couldn't find the time to write! I've started planning this on the train home one day! That's how busy I've been! I'm really sorry. (I mean, who hasn't even got loaded with assignments before?)
By the way, happy belated Valentines' Day to all you lovebirds out there! Who had a great day with their significant other? Well, I don't have one….
Anyway, on to the story.
Disclaimer: - All well known characters belong to JK. Rowling, its not mine… although I hope it was. Nicola is mine though. The plot might not even be mine either, but I think it is.
Summary for chapter: - We find out Hermione's answer to Draco and complications start. (Abit)
Dedicated to: - All my reviewers who reviewed chapter 7. I love you all for supporting me! Please continue supporting! (Hahaha)
Oh yeah, I changed the title because the other sounded so corny. Oh, and Blaise Zabini is a guy in this fic.
Thanks and special note to reviewers at the end!!
'All I Need Is You' Chapter 8: Choices, Choices, and more feelings.
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"W-What?" her voice was barely even heard. Disbelief was written clearly all over her face. She felt her heart jump a little. * Am I dreaming? What the hell is happening? *
He only gave her a bored look that said 'You-heard-me' and turned his gaze onto the piece of parchment in her hand, as if telling her to open it.
She did. She unfolded it carefully and read:
Ms Granger,
It has been traditional that all Heads have attended Balls together. I am not exactly requiring you to attend with Mr. Malfoy but I am hoping you would. Mr. Malfoy has already reluctantly agreed to and I have asked him to escort you. That is if you agree. Please give me your answer by tonight.
Professor A. Dumbledore
*Just great* she thought to herself. *What do I say to him? And in front of all these people? Oh, I know…*
She pulled out a quill and scratched in 7 words. 'Meet me in the common room later.' She stuffed it back in his hands and continued eating. *There! That way I'll have time to think about it.* She was partly aware of all the whispering around her.
"What did she say?"
"Was it yes?"
"Nah, she'll reject him, I heard they were enemies."
"She's so lucky, I'll do anything just for him to ask me."
She watched her friend's reactions out of the corner of her eyes, as Draco stalked out of the Great Hall. Harry had a shocked look on his face, which matched at least 9/10 of the schools'. Ron had a face filled with horror, rage and… was that a flash of jealousy? Nicola just looked amused. Hermione looked just about to explode with laughter. They all started talking at once as most of the hall went back to breakfast.
"Are you going with him?"
"Hermione, I swear, if you go with him, I'll…"
"Why didn't you say yes straight away?" they all looked at Nicola.
"What? He's smart, he's hot, he's cute and well-built and he's wealthy. What more could you want?"
"He's also evil, self-centerd, egotistical, arrogant, conceited and a bastard." Harry continued.
Nicola shrugged but turned back to Hermione. "So? What did you write?"
"I said I'll meet him later in the common room. I'm not sure what to say. I want to say yes, because it has been tradition here at Hogwarts. But I'm not exactly on good terms with him."
"Say yes." Nicola said straight away.
"Say no." Ron shot at her.
"Look, just… shut up for a moment." Hermione said. "I'll decide myself. Anyway, you better decide who you're going to go with."
"Come on, let's just go down by the lake." Harry said as he stood up, the rest followed him.
~~V~~V~~V~~V~~V~~
After he read the note, Draco stalked out of the Great Hall with Blaise running after him.
"Oi, wait up." He said, "What did it say?"
"She said to meet her later in the common room."
"Can't believe you asked her though."
"I don't really have a choice, do I? Dumbledore said it was tradition. You know how us Malfoys are with traditions and such."
Blaise tilted his head in thought. Yes, many old pureblooded families are very strict about traditions. It was no surprise that Draco Malfoy wouldn't change tradition. A voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Anyways, who are you asking?"
"For what?"
"To the Ball. What else? To borrow boxers?" Draco said, sarcastically.
"Dunno yet…" he trailed off.
Draco sighed. "Just ask her goddammit."
"Who?"
"Don't play dumb, I'm talking about Skye."
"What makes you think I'll ask her?"
"The way you look at her, dude."
"I don't look at her in any way!" Blaise defended himself.
"Keep thinking that and you'll miss you're chance" Draco drawled. "Oh great, look who's here."
Pansy Parkinson turned the corner of the hallway with one of her friends, Rachel Jolliee, who also happens to be Blaise's ex-girlfriend. Pansy was actually betrothed to Draco but now that Lucius died, and Narcissa 'accidentally' lost the contract, they were no longer betrothed as Narcissa refused to sign another one.
Rachel was also a Death Eater's daughter, she was with Blaise for awhile towards the end of sixth year but Blaise broke their relationship off, much to Rachel's disappointment.
"Oh hellooo Draco, and Blaise," Pansy screeched in her high pitched voice. "I heard you ask that Mudblood to the Ball. Why, oh why didn't you ask me, Draco?" She whined.
"It is custom, all Heads went to Balls together," Draco smirked.
"But you have to go with me! You're my husband-to-be!" she shrieked.
"Look Pansy, we- are- no- longer- betrothed!" Draco stretched the words, as if she was three.
"We would still be if your mother would sign another contract!"
"See? Even you said 'WOULD'!"
"Give it a break you two," Blaise raised his voice a little.
"Oh Blaiseee, you're going to ask me, right?" Rachel batted her eyelashes at him.
Blaise suppressed a shudder. "You'll see." He simply said.
"Come on Blaise, lets go." Draco practically dragged him away from the two Slytherin girls.
~~V~~V~~V~~V~~V~~(A/N: sorry, I like to use dialogue.)
"..and you know what Snape said after that?" Ron said.
"What? What?" Ginny, who had joined them at the lake for a peaceful afternoon rest, before school started tomorrow, said.
"He said, the day he starts giving points to Gryffindor, is the day Neville becomes the next potions master." Ron laughed, hysterically.
"Ron…" Hermione said warningly.
"What? You were there, you heard him."
"Whatever," Hermione sighed. "I'm going back to the common room now."
"Catch ya later!"
"Bye!"
"See you."
"Cya!"
Hermione trudged slowly back to the castle. It was a warm Sunday afternoon. The birds twittered somewhere in the distance. The sun shone cheerfully down on the surfaces of the castle. It was a lovely day to be outside. She entered the castle and traced her way towards the Headquarters.
"Intensity." She whispered to the portrait, which opened up and she walked inside.
"Granger." She heard a voice from the sofa.
"What is it?" she prompted, but continued her way towards the piano.
"Your answer?" he asked.
"What answer?" she replied, playing dumb, as a soft melodic tune flowed around the room.
She heard him sigh. "Would you attend the Ball with me?" he asked through gritted teeth.
"Why, of course Monsieur! Its SOO nice of you to ask." She replied, giggling at her own reply.
~~V~~V~~V~~V~~V~~
He felt a little jump from his heart, but ignored it and groaned.
"So is that a yes?" he asked.
"Well, it IS tradition," she replied. "Don't you want to attend with me?"
"Pfft, right! I'm SURE I'll like to attend with you!" he said.
She shrugged.
And so, that's how Hermione Granger ended up attending the Christmas Ball with Draco Malfoy. And that is also how their perspectives of each other changed a bit, just a little bit.
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A/N: that's chapter 8! Who's still with me here? Anyone abandoned this fic? Oh well… Please review anyway!!! I love reviews! I hope to reach over 70 for this chapter! Its up to you guys! Does anyone still like my fic though?
Thanks to all these gorgeous reviewers!!! Love u all!
Crystal Orb: - aww… your review was cute! Ahaha… you were one of those who have been reviewing most chapters!! Thanks heaps!
StacyCarlton: - Thanks!!! Ur so nice!! I love your comments! Cracks me up! Ehehe… hope u liked this chapter!
Pyroprincess4rmeverwood: - I'm updating as soon as I can, but thanks for your review!!
Lil' Bode: - the first reviewer of my fic,… you've been reviewing every chapter! Thanks! I am terribly grateful! (cough *keep reviewing* cough)
Paprika90: - here's the update, hope ya like it! Thanks for the review, you're so nice!
U no who: - you've been reviewing a lot too, thanks for your generous remarks!
IBleavINMagic: - short and sweet review! Thanks! Please keep reviewing! Ahaha…
Such great comments from you all! Keep the reviews coming!! (hint hint)
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Please review!!!
Peek into next chapter!!! -: Harry and Blaise both fight to ask Nicola to the Ball!! But who gets the girl???
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I might not be able to update too often 'cause of school, but stay tuned!
(My other fic might not be as good, but still give it a look and R+R!)
~Soft Blue Kisses~
