Chapter 7
We stay in the common room. We stay on the couch in each other's arms. It feels great to have someone hold me. It feels like a relief to be allowed to cry for once. She skips her classes. It's almost shocking, but then I remember we have an excuse. We are Head Boy and Girl; we can almost do whatever we want.
The crying has stopped and we sit in silence. "So, forgave Potter did ya? What made you do that" I ask her out of curiosity.
"Oh something just reminded me that sometimes people are unreasonable, illogical, and self centered. Forgive them anyway" she replies simply. I knew she would understand it.
"Sounds like words of wisdom" I reply to her.
"Yes, you are quite wise. But where did you get that little quote from anyway". I told you she was smart. I knew she would figure out it was me.
"Oh, I just scrounged it up from some old book. Now, tell me about you and Potter".
"Well what can I say? It's over. I love him dearly, and we are still friends. But I think we were just forcing it a bit. I don't think we were really in love like we thought we were. The odd thing is, I'm not really upset about it" she replies with a puzzled look on her face. "I almost feel free. . . Anyway, I think it's all for the best. He seemed to take it well".
"It will all be yesterday's news anyway. So I guess now is the time to fill you in".
"Fill me in on what?" she asks with a confused expression. I have been holding this information for a while. I was supposed to tell her, but something told me to wait. Now was as good a time as any.
"Halloween ball. Seems like every time we turn around there's another ball. Well this year we have one for Halloween. We have to dress up and everything. And here's the kicker, we have to go together" I finish. I try to make it sound like I have better things to do, but I'm sure she knows better.
"Great" she replies. "Well, I guess we better get started on costumes. This should be interesting" she replies with a less than enthused look on her face.
I'm not so excited myself. I don't dance. It just does not happen. I know the waltz and useless dances like that. But that's not cool. I refuse to look like a fool in front of the student body. Anyway, we have time before the ball. It's still almost three weeks from now.
****Hermione****
Merlin, time flies. It's been almost three weeks since that night Draco and I talked. Almost three weeks since I broke it off with Harry. He seems to be doing well. He and Lavender are becoming closer than ever. However, I no longer feel she is taking my place. We are merely gaining a new person in our circle.
I still can't believe what Draco told me that night. I still can't believe how difficult his life has been. It's no wonder he was such a prat. He was treated like one himself. He really has changed in these few weeks we have been in school.
I look at him now in a different light. He is still the same Draco he has always been, physically. He's still platinum blonde, with silver orbs for eyes, and still very pale. But he is handsome in his own way. He is different on the inside. He is nice. He is almost sweet, but I will never tell him that to his face.
I find myself attracted to him. This can't happen. He's Draco. We agreed to be friends. That's all. It's all for the sake of being Head Boy and Girl. I can't feel this way about him. I just can't. I put him out of my mind.
I head up to my room one night. The ball is in a mere two days. I am busy constructing my costume in all my free time. It's a beautiful pink dress with a tiara. I am going to be a princess. I guess if I have to go, I might as well make a lasting impression.
On my way up to my room I see there is a note that has been hastily taped to my door. I peel it off and begin to read.
Miss. Hermione Granger,
Your presence has been requested on Saturday night, October the thirty- first. Please be ready in the common room by 8 p.m. sharp. Thank you for joining me.
Mr. Draco Malfoy
How sweet. I wonder if he made that up himself. I can't wait to go to this ball. Suddenly I can't wait to spend time with Draco. I know I can't really like him, but going to the ball will be fun anyway.
****Draco****
The ball will be great. It will be a time that I can spend with Hermione, even though I know we can never be together. I like her very much, but we agreed to be friends. She doesn't want me, and I don't really blame her.
I will not dance at this ball . . . unless she really asks me to. But I have enough to worry about. I know for a fact she is going to be a princess. I will be her prince. She just doesn't know that yet. I think we are getting a bit too close to just say we are just friends, but who am I to stop that?
The night of the ball is already upon us and I have the best idea. My costume is the greatest. I walk over to her door and knock lightly. I can tell through the window that it is getting dark out and the moon is shining brightly. Quickly I take out my wand and transfigure myself into a frog. The door opens slowly and she looks out. She looks stunning in her light pink dress. It's strapless but puffs out quite a bit. She's really playing up the princess thing. She finally looks down and sees me. Sitting beside me is a sign that I had planted. 'Kiss every frog you see and someday you'll find a prince". She picks me up and giggles. "And what happens if I don't kiss you?" she asks with an evil glint in her eye. "I think I like the frog Draco". This is the beauty of magic. You can really live out some of your fairy tales. She loves it. I know I made her smile.
She gives me a small peck anyway, and I am transformed back to myself. Not just myself, but a new improved version. I stand before her with a suit on. A muggle suit. I look sharp. I know I look good. I didn't gel my hair tonight, and I think she likes that.
"My, don't you look nice tonight" she says with a smile. "Well I suppose I am ready to go if I must". I can tell she doesn't want to go. That's okay, because dancing isn't my cup of tea either. But we head down to the Great Hall anyway.
****Harry****
Things are definitely looking up. Hermione and I are still great friends. Unfortunately, it's not the same as it used to be. She spends a lot of time with Draco, but I assume that is merely due to their duties. I shrug it off. I see her when I can. And with quidditch starting up I am sure to see her at the matches.
Lavender and I are doing really well. Everyone has forgiven us for our little misunderstanding . . . even Ron. Now I am focusing on her for a while. I know there is something between us. But we decided not to rush anything. I don't want to mess anything up. I don't want to repeat my mistakes.
We arrive at the ball early. We take our seats at one of the many round tables in the Hall. It's beautiful in here. There are giant pumpkins sitting all around that I'm sure Hagrid grew with the help of his little pink umbrella. Streamers hang from the ceiling and pixies flutter around lighting up the whole room. The lighting illuminates Lavender's face in a way I can't explain. She looks beautiful tonight. She is dressed as Satine from Moulin Rouge, and she forced me to be Christian. It's not that bad though. I get to wear a muggle outfit. That's not as bad as making me be a pumpkin or something.
The rest of the students begin to file in. Faces light up at the sight of the Hall. Everyone agrees that it is a beautiful sight. How could they not agree? There are so many different costumes including Pansy Parkinson dressed as Trinity from the Matrix. I think she just wanted an excuse to wear leather.
Then the couple of the night walks in. Hermione has come with Draco. Not much of a surprise. I feel bad for her though. I bet she had to come with him. They probably have to start the dancing too. She looks gorgeous though. She is always beautiful. Her hair is the most amazing of all. It has golden highlights and has been thoroughly straightened. Extensions must have been added because it falls down to the middle of her back. She's a sight for sore eyes. Tonight she doesn't look like the Hermione I know.
"Harry, wake up" I feel someone tapping on my shoulder. It's Lavender. "Earth to Harry". I snap out of my daze and turn my eyes to her. She really looks beautiful in her red off the shoulder dress. I kiss her lips softly. "Sorry" I whisper back. She just smiles at me.
******** Finally the time comes for the first dance. Everyone was anticipating this event, eager to get out on the dance floor with their dates. When Dumbledore stands up and clears his throat a hush sweeps across the crowd. "Could the Head Boy and Girl please step forward" he announces to the school. Hermione and Draco step to the middle of the floor. Her gown sweeps along the floor. She looks beautiful, and Malfoy looks no less handsome. Spotlights shine on them and music starts playing and immediately they begin to move to the beat. They are in their own world. "I know I said I don't dance" he whispered in her ear, "but for you I will make an exception". He was so close she could feel his warm breath on her neck. Her knees weakened and she felt like melting.
"Look at them" Ron thought to himself. "It's almost as if they don't mind being in each other's arms" he thought with disgust. He had arrived at the dance with no date in tow, just the idea that he would dance with every girl he could and have a great time. Although, he seemed to have his eyes glued to the blonde in the leather. If only he realized who it was behind those sunglasses, he wouldn't be so excited.
In the meantime Hermione and Draco didn't take their eyes or hands off each other in the middle of the room. All eyes were on them but they didn't notice anyone else. Hermione looked into Draco's eyes and felt saddened by the fact that she couldn't have him. Little did she know that the feeling was mutual.
The song ended but the two did not part. Suddenly, and without warming, Draco leaned down and kissed her lips. "Thank you for the dance" he whispered in her ear before letting go, turning around, and leaving the ball. He really couldn't take it. He wanted to hold her in his arms like that everyday. He knew he couldn't.
He fled the ball leaving everyone, including Hermione, in a sheer state of shock.
****Draco****
Damn it Malfoy! Don't be such a wimp! I can't believe I just put on a show like that. I can't believe I became so weak that I succumbed to my urges. I am weak. I am so weak. It's about damn time I admit it. Maybe I should keep my distance from her. Maybe I should stay away and these feelings will disappear. All I know is that I just left her in the middle of the dance floor all alone. I know that everyone is staring at her right now. And I feel terrible inside.
I run my fingers through my hair. I like it loose like this. I stand outside the Hall. I can still hear the music pounding in my brain. I close my eyes and imagine the way she was holding me. Her arms were around me. I felt her so close to me.
I wish she wanted me too.
I see someone run by me. A pink blur. It's Hermione. No one else was wearing such a big pink dress. "Hermione!" I call out behind her. No, I need to give her space. Why did I call her name? I can't face her. I can't look her in the eye and deny I have feelings for her. She stops abruptly and turns around to look at me.
"Draco! What the hell was that?" she asks with an almost panicked look on her face. I don't know what to say to her. I turn my head away in disgust.
"I'm sorry" I whisper. It's hardly audible. I'm such a liar. I am not sorry. I am not sorry I felt her sweet lips on mine. I am not sorry that I feel so close to her. I guess this is what happens when you actually get close to someone. You just get your heart broken. That's the irony.
I am happiest with her. I am saddest with her. I like her, yet I know I can't have her. It's bittersweet when I am around her.
"Why are you sorry?" she asks. Now it's my turn to be perplexed. She threw her arms around my neck. "Draco, I have been waiting for that for so long . . . can you do it again?" she asked as she looks at her feet. She is embarrassed to be asking this.
"As you wish, princess" I tell her with a smile and I capture her lips once more. I don't know if things will ever work between us, but at this particular moment I don't care. I am caught up in emotion. Real emotion. Emotions I have never felt before. I kiss her with desire and passion. And I break away.
"Wow" is all I can say to her. She turns to me with a look at me with surprise. "That wasn't your first kiss" she says to me.
"No it wasn't. But it was the best kiss of my life" I say honestly. She smiles at me. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?" I ask her.
"Yeah, but feel free to tell me again". I hold her close to me.
"This is what I want Hermione. I think I'm falling for you". There I said it. It's out in the open. I pray she doesn't shoot me down.
She only holds me closer. "I am so happy to hear you say that" she tells me. I'm shocked. I had no idea she would want me, Draco Malfoy, over the great Harry Potter. But I'm not complaining. I only touch my lips to hers again knowing that this has to be kept a secret and sure we will have to talk about this all later. But for right now I am too caught up in my feelings to even think about consequences.
A/N: So my writing wasn't that great for this chapter. Sorry. But I wanted to get this out in the open. Don't worry; there will be more of a plot later. Just give me some time to set it up. I hope you enjoy it. And by the way, maybe Head Boy and Girl stay in their houses. I just thought it would be more fun if they didn't. Please Review! It makes me super happy!
We stay in the common room. We stay on the couch in each other's arms. It feels great to have someone hold me. It feels like a relief to be allowed to cry for once. She skips her classes. It's almost shocking, but then I remember we have an excuse. We are Head Boy and Girl; we can almost do whatever we want.
The crying has stopped and we sit in silence. "So, forgave Potter did ya? What made you do that" I ask her out of curiosity.
"Oh something just reminded me that sometimes people are unreasonable, illogical, and self centered. Forgive them anyway" she replies simply. I knew she would understand it.
"Sounds like words of wisdom" I reply to her.
"Yes, you are quite wise. But where did you get that little quote from anyway". I told you she was smart. I knew she would figure out it was me.
"Oh, I just scrounged it up from some old book. Now, tell me about you and Potter".
"Well what can I say? It's over. I love him dearly, and we are still friends. But I think we were just forcing it a bit. I don't think we were really in love like we thought we were. The odd thing is, I'm not really upset about it" she replies with a puzzled look on her face. "I almost feel free. . . Anyway, I think it's all for the best. He seemed to take it well".
"It will all be yesterday's news anyway. So I guess now is the time to fill you in".
"Fill me in on what?" she asks with a confused expression. I have been holding this information for a while. I was supposed to tell her, but something told me to wait. Now was as good a time as any.
"Halloween ball. Seems like every time we turn around there's another ball. Well this year we have one for Halloween. We have to dress up and everything. And here's the kicker, we have to go together" I finish. I try to make it sound like I have better things to do, but I'm sure she knows better.
"Great" she replies. "Well, I guess we better get started on costumes. This should be interesting" she replies with a less than enthused look on her face.
I'm not so excited myself. I don't dance. It just does not happen. I know the waltz and useless dances like that. But that's not cool. I refuse to look like a fool in front of the student body. Anyway, we have time before the ball. It's still almost three weeks from now.
****Hermione****
Merlin, time flies. It's been almost three weeks since that night Draco and I talked. Almost three weeks since I broke it off with Harry. He seems to be doing well. He and Lavender are becoming closer than ever. However, I no longer feel she is taking my place. We are merely gaining a new person in our circle.
I still can't believe what Draco told me that night. I still can't believe how difficult his life has been. It's no wonder he was such a prat. He was treated like one himself. He really has changed in these few weeks we have been in school.
I look at him now in a different light. He is still the same Draco he has always been, physically. He's still platinum blonde, with silver orbs for eyes, and still very pale. But he is handsome in his own way. He is different on the inside. He is nice. He is almost sweet, but I will never tell him that to his face.
I find myself attracted to him. This can't happen. He's Draco. We agreed to be friends. That's all. It's all for the sake of being Head Boy and Girl. I can't feel this way about him. I just can't. I put him out of my mind.
I head up to my room one night. The ball is in a mere two days. I am busy constructing my costume in all my free time. It's a beautiful pink dress with a tiara. I am going to be a princess. I guess if I have to go, I might as well make a lasting impression.
On my way up to my room I see there is a note that has been hastily taped to my door. I peel it off and begin to read.
Miss. Hermione Granger,
Your presence has been requested on Saturday night, October the thirty- first. Please be ready in the common room by 8 p.m. sharp. Thank you for joining me.
Mr. Draco Malfoy
How sweet. I wonder if he made that up himself. I can't wait to go to this ball. Suddenly I can't wait to spend time with Draco. I know I can't really like him, but going to the ball will be fun anyway.
****Draco****
The ball will be great. It will be a time that I can spend with Hermione, even though I know we can never be together. I like her very much, but we agreed to be friends. She doesn't want me, and I don't really blame her.
I will not dance at this ball . . . unless she really asks me to. But I have enough to worry about. I know for a fact she is going to be a princess. I will be her prince. She just doesn't know that yet. I think we are getting a bit too close to just say we are just friends, but who am I to stop that?
The night of the ball is already upon us and I have the best idea. My costume is the greatest. I walk over to her door and knock lightly. I can tell through the window that it is getting dark out and the moon is shining brightly. Quickly I take out my wand and transfigure myself into a frog. The door opens slowly and she looks out. She looks stunning in her light pink dress. It's strapless but puffs out quite a bit. She's really playing up the princess thing. She finally looks down and sees me. Sitting beside me is a sign that I had planted. 'Kiss every frog you see and someday you'll find a prince". She picks me up and giggles. "And what happens if I don't kiss you?" she asks with an evil glint in her eye. "I think I like the frog Draco". This is the beauty of magic. You can really live out some of your fairy tales. She loves it. I know I made her smile.
She gives me a small peck anyway, and I am transformed back to myself. Not just myself, but a new improved version. I stand before her with a suit on. A muggle suit. I look sharp. I know I look good. I didn't gel my hair tonight, and I think she likes that.
"My, don't you look nice tonight" she says with a smile. "Well I suppose I am ready to go if I must". I can tell she doesn't want to go. That's okay, because dancing isn't my cup of tea either. But we head down to the Great Hall anyway.
****Harry****
Things are definitely looking up. Hermione and I are still great friends. Unfortunately, it's not the same as it used to be. She spends a lot of time with Draco, but I assume that is merely due to their duties. I shrug it off. I see her when I can. And with quidditch starting up I am sure to see her at the matches.
Lavender and I are doing really well. Everyone has forgiven us for our little misunderstanding . . . even Ron. Now I am focusing on her for a while. I know there is something between us. But we decided not to rush anything. I don't want to mess anything up. I don't want to repeat my mistakes.
We arrive at the ball early. We take our seats at one of the many round tables in the Hall. It's beautiful in here. There are giant pumpkins sitting all around that I'm sure Hagrid grew with the help of his little pink umbrella. Streamers hang from the ceiling and pixies flutter around lighting up the whole room. The lighting illuminates Lavender's face in a way I can't explain. She looks beautiful tonight. She is dressed as Satine from Moulin Rouge, and she forced me to be Christian. It's not that bad though. I get to wear a muggle outfit. That's not as bad as making me be a pumpkin or something.
The rest of the students begin to file in. Faces light up at the sight of the Hall. Everyone agrees that it is a beautiful sight. How could they not agree? There are so many different costumes including Pansy Parkinson dressed as Trinity from the Matrix. I think she just wanted an excuse to wear leather.
Then the couple of the night walks in. Hermione has come with Draco. Not much of a surprise. I feel bad for her though. I bet she had to come with him. They probably have to start the dancing too. She looks gorgeous though. She is always beautiful. Her hair is the most amazing of all. It has golden highlights and has been thoroughly straightened. Extensions must have been added because it falls down to the middle of her back. She's a sight for sore eyes. Tonight she doesn't look like the Hermione I know.
"Harry, wake up" I feel someone tapping on my shoulder. It's Lavender. "Earth to Harry". I snap out of my daze and turn my eyes to her. She really looks beautiful in her red off the shoulder dress. I kiss her lips softly. "Sorry" I whisper back. She just smiles at me.
******** Finally the time comes for the first dance. Everyone was anticipating this event, eager to get out on the dance floor with their dates. When Dumbledore stands up and clears his throat a hush sweeps across the crowd. "Could the Head Boy and Girl please step forward" he announces to the school. Hermione and Draco step to the middle of the floor. Her gown sweeps along the floor. She looks beautiful, and Malfoy looks no less handsome. Spotlights shine on them and music starts playing and immediately they begin to move to the beat. They are in their own world. "I know I said I don't dance" he whispered in her ear, "but for you I will make an exception". He was so close she could feel his warm breath on her neck. Her knees weakened and she felt like melting.
"Look at them" Ron thought to himself. "It's almost as if they don't mind being in each other's arms" he thought with disgust. He had arrived at the dance with no date in tow, just the idea that he would dance with every girl he could and have a great time. Although, he seemed to have his eyes glued to the blonde in the leather. If only he realized who it was behind those sunglasses, he wouldn't be so excited.
In the meantime Hermione and Draco didn't take their eyes or hands off each other in the middle of the room. All eyes were on them but they didn't notice anyone else. Hermione looked into Draco's eyes and felt saddened by the fact that she couldn't have him. Little did she know that the feeling was mutual.
The song ended but the two did not part. Suddenly, and without warming, Draco leaned down and kissed her lips. "Thank you for the dance" he whispered in her ear before letting go, turning around, and leaving the ball. He really couldn't take it. He wanted to hold her in his arms like that everyday. He knew he couldn't.
He fled the ball leaving everyone, including Hermione, in a sheer state of shock.
****Draco****
Damn it Malfoy! Don't be such a wimp! I can't believe I just put on a show like that. I can't believe I became so weak that I succumbed to my urges. I am weak. I am so weak. It's about damn time I admit it. Maybe I should keep my distance from her. Maybe I should stay away and these feelings will disappear. All I know is that I just left her in the middle of the dance floor all alone. I know that everyone is staring at her right now. And I feel terrible inside.
I run my fingers through my hair. I like it loose like this. I stand outside the Hall. I can still hear the music pounding in my brain. I close my eyes and imagine the way she was holding me. Her arms were around me. I felt her so close to me.
I wish she wanted me too.
I see someone run by me. A pink blur. It's Hermione. No one else was wearing such a big pink dress. "Hermione!" I call out behind her. No, I need to give her space. Why did I call her name? I can't face her. I can't look her in the eye and deny I have feelings for her. She stops abruptly and turns around to look at me.
"Draco! What the hell was that?" she asks with an almost panicked look on her face. I don't know what to say to her. I turn my head away in disgust.
"I'm sorry" I whisper. It's hardly audible. I'm such a liar. I am not sorry. I am not sorry I felt her sweet lips on mine. I am not sorry that I feel so close to her. I guess this is what happens when you actually get close to someone. You just get your heart broken. That's the irony.
I am happiest with her. I am saddest with her. I like her, yet I know I can't have her. It's bittersweet when I am around her.
"Why are you sorry?" she asks. Now it's my turn to be perplexed. She threw her arms around my neck. "Draco, I have been waiting for that for so long . . . can you do it again?" she asked as she looks at her feet. She is embarrassed to be asking this.
"As you wish, princess" I tell her with a smile and I capture her lips once more. I don't know if things will ever work between us, but at this particular moment I don't care. I am caught up in emotion. Real emotion. Emotions I have never felt before. I kiss her with desire and passion. And I break away.
"Wow" is all I can say to her. She turns to me with a look at me with surprise. "That wasn't your first kiss" she says to me.
"No it wasn't. But it was the best kiss of my life" I say honestly. She smiles at me. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?" I ask her.
"Yeah, but feel free to tell me again". I hold her close to me.
"This is what I want Hermione. I think I'm falling for you". There I said it. It's out in the open. I pray she doesn't shoot me down.
She only holds me closer. "I am so happy to hear you say that" she tells me. I'm shocked. I had no idea she would want me, Draco Malfoy, over the great Harry Potter. But I'm not complaining. I only touch my lips to hers again knowing that this has to be kept a secret and sure we will have to talk about this all later. But for right now I am too caught up in my feelings to even think about consequences.
A/N: So my writing wasn't that great for this chapter. Sorry. But I wanted to get this out in the open. Don't worry; there will be more of a plot later. Just give me some time to set it up. I hope you enjoy it. And by the way, maybe Head Boy and Girl stay in their houses. I just thought it would be more fun if they didn't. Please Review! It makes me super happy!
