I Love To See You Cry
~hotsleekeyz~
Chapter 7 When It All Began
***Draco***
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Draco went back to Hogwarts' grounds with a beam on his face. He wanted to approach Hermione right then and there to ask her out that night. Draco thought Hermione could not refuse. She promised that she would go with him during their first day of classes
Draco found the staircase to the tower where the Gryffindors were staying. He was expected to meet Hermione somewhere there. Well, at least, he could bump into someone who would tell him of Hermione's whereabouts.
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Draco stood outside the portrait hole to the Gryffindor common room. The Fat Lady, the door keeper of the Gryffindor, was there bemused by the thought of a Slytherin in front of her. Draco, however, didn't mind the questioning look on the Fat Lady's face and just wandered his eyes around as he thought of a good line to say to Hermione.
'Ms. Granger, I reckon you still remember that you promised to go out with me to have dinner. I would love to push through with it tonight, same time. Would you let this man in front of you take you out?'
//Nah.too cheesy//
'Mudblood, you promised me dinner. Now get on your nice clothes and go out here in a few minutes! Don't keep me waiting!'
//NO! That is absolutely rude! Wait, I've always been rude to her? Why think of being nice to her now? Anyways. . .//
An old voice interrupted his thoughts. The Fat Lady in front of him looked as if blushing.
"Young Slytherin, it is on my thoughts why one like you would be out here in front of the Gryffindor Dormitory. Are you waiting for someone?"
"Ummm."
"I knew it. I have been here for centuries and it is not the first time that a Slytherin would be out here waiting for a Gryffindor. You are not looking for Harry Potter, aren't you?"
"Not at all"
"I know. If you were here to wait for him, Mr. Vincent Crabbe and Mr. Gregory Goyle would be out here with you, am I right, Mr. Draco Malfoy?"
"How did you know who I am?", Draco queried with a brow raised.
"You know, stories get around. especially in the Gryffindor common room. Issues about you heat up most frequently when Quidditch matches are up"
"How did you get an idea that I am Draco Malfoy?"
"It has been thousands of years, boy. A Slytherin would always come up here waiting for someone. Undeniably, you look a lot like them. I believe, they are your ancestors. It never ceased to amaze me how the Serpent would stand up for the Lioness. He was willing to go against his family's principles just to have the love of a brave Gryffindor"
"I am afraid you are mistaken. I am just asking Ms. Granger out for dinner. She promise to go out with me, way back"
"Oh! You are after Ms. Granger. why didn't you tell me earlier? She has been in the library for two hours now. I think you should go there this instant. You might miss the chance to meet her on her way back here"
"Thank You. I'll leave you here now"
"You are the Serpent, Draco Malfoy. The prophecy is in your hands right now. It is in your hands whether or not the curse be broken or you let it continue to another time that another Serpent and Lioness have to bear all odds. This generation is your responsibility. If you choose to be one like Salazar Slytherin, I am afraid, the Dark Ages shall once again evolve and only a few wizards shall live. The earth will be hovered with complete darkness, and light shall only come out again if the selfless stallion will heal itself again, willing to stand up for the love of that two, that is, after hundreds of agonizing years waiting for it to heal. What a sad fate it is"
Too much information bombarded Draco's mind that he had the sudden urge to get out of that place in a jiffy. "I don't understand this nonsense. Excuse me, I shall go"
Draco raced down the staircases and headed for the library. He was astounded with what he heard. He didn't want to accept hearing it but it touched him in one spot. He was the Serpent. And he was bound to love the Lioness, in the person of the Mudblood.
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Hermione was still in the library reading her favorite book, Hogwarts: A History. She looked something up for their homework that was due in a month. Professor Flitwick always commended her for going beyond the topic that they were supposed to tackle in their essays.
There were only about fifteen students in the library since dinner was up in two hours. She sat in her favorite spot there. Hermione sat on the green, velvet couch illuminated with the warm lamp atop her. Her feet were tucked near her while her head rested comfortably. It was always quality time for her when she was in that place reading her way until she finally tires herself from doing such.
As usual, the door opens and closes as students would come and go. Footsteps of the other students would be heard and some chitchatting. It never occurred to her that the last person to come in was none other than Malfoy, wearing his robe that was going with the wind as he made long strides to what he knew was Hermione's favorite spot.
There he was, standing beside the couch where Hermione was quietly reading. Draco bent forward to be near to her expecting ear.
"Busy reading, eh?"
Hermione knew who he was. Draco need not tell her. It was the person she least expected to be inside the library. . .that guy who didn't give a damn about his studies but always emerged second to her.
"Yes. And I don't want to be disturbed right now. I want to get this essay done tonight"
Draco grabbed Hermoine's book from behind, tucking it inside his robe.
"Malfoy, you are such a nuisance!"
"I know"
"Give me back my book!"
"No"
"Hand it in right now"
"Then you have to catch me. I won't give you this book unless you chase after me"
"Well then."
Hermione stood as fast as she could, setting a foot on the couch to bend over its back to reach for Draco. She couldn't reach for it, so she positioned herself so that she wouldn't fall of the couch where her stomach was positioned at its back. Guys were suddenly looking at her from behind as they saw her silken white skin showing for her skirt was raised from reaching Draco. A few whistles were heard as Draco winked at the guys who were enjoying their view.
"I guess, you have an audience from behind you", Draco said with a big smirk on his lips.
"Argh! Draco Malfoy, give me back my book!", Hermione spat at once.
"If I were you, I'd step back down there if I don't want guys fantasizing over my thighs"
Hermione pulled her skirt back down in embarrassment as men from behind were smiled evil smiles at her. She laid her feet back down on the floor and started to catch Draco around.
//He is so fast! Damn him and his long legs!//
Hermione saw that Draco stopped by the library's balcony where some tables and chairs where perfectly situated to see the view of the north wing of the school. She didn't understand why Draco suddenly stopped at the edge of the balcony, sitting by it, while looking at the dark sky above him.
"Malfoy, could you give me my book now? You had your fun, and I am now breathing hard since I do not usually run around like you do, just in case you wanted to know, and be glad that I could be dying here any moment now from catching my own breath"
Draco continued staring at the sky and muttered,"The sun is setting and the moon has taken its course. the sun bids farewell to the innocent sky and the stars, the thousand stars glitter, welcoming the moon above us."
"Look Malfoy, I don't have time for this, give me back my book"
Draco stood from where he sat and walked closer to Hermione. Their faces were only inches away from each other, with their eyes staring passionately into each other. Draco had never felt that before. a woman was so close to him, yet so far. Even if his skin came in contact with Pansy a number of times, Draco never felt such warmth that came off Hermione.
Hermione led her way to the side, as she was not comfortable with the closeness that they shared. She felt Dracos' heavy breath at the middle of her neck, just above her tie. Hermione felt as if Draco was going to kiss her at her neck, but he didn't.
Draco wanted to stay long like that, quite forgetting the reason why he led her there.
"Malfoy, my book", Hermione interrupted the sudden silence that won over them.
"I'll give it to you after I'm done speaking", Draco replied in a low voice.
"Then off with it! You are taking too much of my time"
Hermione's eyes wandered at the sight in front of her as she felt Draco;s breath on her neck. She even felt her bosom touch Draco's lean chest for they were so close.
"Granger, remember what you promised me before?", Draco inquired in a caring whisper.
"I couldn't remember promising you anything"
"You did. You promised to go out with me for dinner"
"Oh.. That", Hermione said to make it seem she really had forgotten.
"Yes, and we have not mentioned anything about it since we came out of the hospital wing together"
"And?", Hermione asked as she got uncomfortable to where their conversation was heading.
"I am inviting you again, tonight."
"Could you give me one reason why I should go out with you?"
"Only one reason I could think of--- you promised"
Hermione was not able to argue. She did promise and she was not the type who breaks promises, like Harry usually did.
"Fine", Hermione said at last after considering Draco's invitation.
"Meet you at 7 outside your dormitory"
Draco gave her some space and he set a foot back to keep distance. He looked at Hermione's figure for some moment.
They talked without even having Hermione's face, face him. Before turning his back away from her, Draco said a last word.
"Granger, you look beautiful tonight"
With that, Draco left Hermione in her own confused thoughts.
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Hermione took a warm bath before dressing up. She opened her wardrobe revealing her clothes of all sorts. She couldn't decide what to wear so she went for the common room, expecting only to find Ginny, waiting for Stephen to show up any minute. Hermione caught sight of her friend who sat alone reading a book for her own essay. Hermione went in front of Ginny, wearing only a red bathrobe.
"Ginny, could you help me out for a minute?"
"Sure thing", Ginny answered with a warm smile.
Hermione gestured for them to go up their room in a hurry. She wouldn't want to take most of Ginny's time, anyway.
"Could you look inside my closet to see what I should be wearing tonight?", Hermione asked.
"Mione, we aren't supposed to wear anything else but our uniforms for dinner!", Ginny replied in disbelief.
"Ginny, I'm going out with Malfoy tonight. He invited me again when I was in the library"
"Mione, I don't think going out with him is a good idea. You barely talked to Ron for quite some time now. and you've never talked to Harry. They wouldn't be too pleased to know about this"
"I know. That's why I'm asking you know to promise me that you'll never tell them about this"
"Okay, but when will you tell them about it? Mione, they are still your friends. Even if you've grown a distance from them, they will never turn you down when you need them"
"I will tell them, in the right time. For now, I just want to get ready before the clock strikes 7. I'm even wondering why Malfoy didn't tell me to keep this a secret from Harry and Ron"
"I won't be able to answer that question. ask him later. let me see. here!"
Ginny pulled out an elegant gown from Hermione's wardrobe. It was an off- shoulder silk dress in a shade of violet, near to the color of an eggplant. It had a lining of silver rosettes clad by the neckline.
"Wear this one. I bet you will look great in this. Malfoy would be dying to see you more if he sees you in this", Ginny said, trying to decipher what she just said. It was as if she was tolerating the whole situation.
"Really, now?! I don't want to look anything special for him, it's only a dinner date anyway. Nothing to fuss about"
"But Mione, it all starts with a guy asking a girl out. You wouldn't know what to expect, even if you're sworn enemies"
Hermione fitted her way through, letting Ginny close the zipper behind her. It was perfect. Her skin glowed more with the contrast of the bright hue of the dress to he pale skin color. She hasn't tried wearing that one before since her aunt gave this as a gift for Christmas.
//Why did I have to wait until now to wear this?// Hermoine thought to her in disbelief that it REALLY did look good on her.
Hermione pulled out a fine silver bracelet from her jewelry box and placed it on her wrist. She also got the matching earrings for it. Hermione looked like a fine woman even without make-up on.
"All set!", Hermione cheered enthusiastically.
"Not yet Mione"
Ginny pulled her wand out of her robe and muttered a spell. Silver dusts came out of the tip of the wand and found its ways to Hermione's eyelids. Some blush and shimmer found its ways to her cheeks and gloss found its way to her lips.
"Now, you're set! Mione, you look absolutely ravishing! Malfoy wouldn't take his eyes form you tonight"
"Stop it Ginny! I feel like a million galleons!", Hermione chuckled as well as Ginny.
They both went down to the common room, exactly as the clock hit 7 and unenclosed the door through the portrait hole. They were in shock to see two fine young men outside waiting for their partners. Stephen and Draco had been talking for quite some time already and were startled to see the ladies they were waiting for come out of the portrait hole together.
"Malfoy, I must say Granger looks rather exquisite tonight!", Stephen commented on Hermione's appearance.
"I couldn't agree more", Draco said slyly, showing a different air of audacity.
Hermione stood there feeling herself, as if she was naked from the stare she received from Draco, who he himself, was undeniably looking more comely himself. Draco was wearing a dark blue suit underneath his own robe that he bought in one of the best stores in Paris. It did look expensive and Hermione wasn't even able to think about that due to her nerves.
//He always wear the most expensive clothes he could.//
"Shall we go now?", Ginny asked smiling at Hermione who was blushing from the time she went out of the dormitory.
Draco gave his arm for Hermione as she slid her hand in it. They walked down the staircase and reached the Great Hall.
"Mione, we wouldn't want to keep you around here. Someone might see you two together, since dinner has just started. Off you go! Enjoy your night!", Ginny claimed triumphantly at the masterpiece she made.
"Thanks Ginny", Hermione replied as she gave Ginny a hug before she and Stephen went inside.
"Shall we go now, my fair lady?", Draco inquired.
"I think so, Mr. Malfoy"
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Draco and Hermione sat in the carriage that led them to Magnifico's, the restaurant that Draco came in that morning to reserve their table. As they arrived, Draco held the door out for her, exiting first to assist Hermione down. He held her hand up in assistance and led her inside the well-lit restaurant.
They were walking to the door when a thought entered Hermione's mind.
//This place is truly magnificent. Draco must have spent much for this//
A man wearing a black tuxedo escorted them in with a smile.
"Sir, this way please"
Hermione spotted a table for two by the balcony. It was far beyond the lights inside, so candles where on top of the table, making the spot romantic. Draco helped her with her chair and she sat modestly waiting for Draco to do the same.
Hermione saw that beyond the balcony was a view of Hogwarts, the towns and other mountains around. The restaurant was situated at the highest peak, giving them an extraordinary view of the whole place.
"Malfoy, thank you for bringing me here", Hermione expressed her utmost gratitude.
"It's nothing", Draco answered as he gave Hermione a sincere smile.
Hermione was deep into her thoughts, fantasizing. The night was truly magical. The moon and stars above them was as beautiful as the night Draco led her out of the library to ask her out.
"This place is beautiful. I couldn't take my eyes from everything I see around here", Hermione mouthed as her eyes could not choose what sight to focus her eyes on.
"Yes, it is, but it could not equal someone as beautiful as you. . . and I, too, couldn't take my eyes---off you. . ."
"Malfoy, is this how you make girls fall for you? I mean, do you spend this much just to have girls fall head over heels in love with you? I say, you are wasting a lot . . ."
"Well, I do use this to make a girl fall in love with me. I do spend this much, but it doesn't matter. . ."
//If you only knew, it is my first time to spend this much//, Draco thought to himself.
Hermione mouthed, "If I were you, I wouldn't do that. I should have spent my money for something else more important than this."
Hermione and Draco got deep into their conversation with not one knowing.
"There could be nothing else more important than this", Draco said out of nowhere.
"What?", Hermione asked disturbed.
"This is the most important thing I could do right now. It's hard to swallow much pride to ask someone like you out. someone who has been my sworn enemy for years now. a Gryffindor, who is brave and courageous. And knowing you, I thought you would not oblige me taking you out. I thought it was impossible."
"You didn't know me enough Malfoy. If you did, you could have asked me long before, even if Harry and I were still together"
"What?" It was Draco's turn to ask.
"If you knew me better, you should have known I wanted to talk myself out of that relationship. I was looking for something far beyond than living a lie. I wish you were there."
".I didn't know", Draco voiced as he lowered his head, somehow wishing he knew.
"Malfoy, I, myself wasn't expecting you to ask me out. I thought you weren't serious about it. You see, the potion. Snape said it was supposed to make us fall in love with each other for an hour. but it didn't."
"I know. It made us reveal our true selves"
"How did you know?"
"When you were at it, I thought everything was fake. But when I took it, I didn't feel anything wrong. I felt right, actually. It made me face my fear. my fear of loving you, for I know I am not worthy. Years I have been brutally rude to you and I bet you saw me nothing but a slimy git, ugly ferret boy, albino, and all that. So I tried my luck of asking you out, wishing you were in your right senses if you were to agree", Draco professed.
"Malfoy, why are you telling me this?", Hermione inquired as she realized that it wasn't very Draco-like of Draco when she heard those words.
"Granger, it's been the first time I felt this. the first time that I loved for real. I realized that it was stupid for me to think I didn't like you, but I did. You were always snapping at me, and I thought, 'hate' has always been the right term for what I felt before this"
"So you do hate me. I should have not agreed to go out with you tonight", Hermione snapped while feeling uncomfortable of their conversation.
"I thought you were smarter than that. 'Hate', is not the opposite of love, Ms. Granger. It's 'indifference'. That is why I put you up to that word since I hated you for being you. I hated the way you would always emerge better than me. I hated the way you gave death glares at me. And I hated the way you could make me speechless after a CIVILIZED conversation with you"
"Malfoy, why hate me for that? Why won't you feel INDIFFERENT about it?"
"Because it's in you that I felt normal--- that I'm just like every body else. My parents would always tell me that Malfoys are better than any sort of families. I always accepted the fact and thought that I could have everything in my hands, until now. It is only now I've realized that I'm just like everyone else"
Hermione was dumbfounded with what Draco said. Never did it occur to her that Draco would be up with that thought in mind. It made her feel compassion for a man who has been stuck with his principles, only to make his way out of it in his own effort.
"Malfoy, I did all that because I cared", Hermione suddenly voiced.
"And why would you have cared about me when all I did was make your lives miserable?"
"Because I knew you have been stuck up with believing what your family believed. Malfoy, you are your own different person. And I believe you didn't want to do anything that your ancestors were accustomed to. You are not one of them. You are you. you are Draco Malfoy. Maybe your last name has been embarked with evil, but names do not speak of their owners. You didn't choose your name, anyway. And you didn't choose the family you would belong to. Malfoy, I tell you, I understand. I wouldn't know what I will do if I were in your situation"
Draco sat there silent as he pondered upon the exchange of words they were having. For the first time in his life, he had been true to himself, and to the person he most felt acceptance as the person he really was.
"May I leave you for a second? I have to check on something. I'll have the waiter serve our food now", Draco asked.
"Alright"
Hermione wasn't expecting this night to be like that. She thought Draco took her out to have a one-on-one snapping session with her. In reverse, they were talking about the truths behind every mask they made to conceal their true emotions.
Draco went to the Manager and asked for the flowers he had them keep. He waited for a minute and the old man handed it to him smiling.
"It's odd for a man so deep in love to choose tulips over roses to give to a woman"
Draco didn't mind the man telling him that. He just looked at the beauty of the flowers in front of him. Before leaving the manager's sight, Draco said, "Oh, if you'd really like to know why I bought these, Malfoys don't conform. I mean, I, DRACO, do not conform"
The old man stood there in shook for it is only now he realized he was standing to a Malfoy.
Draco went back to the table not knowing that the flowers he was holding had glimmered for three seconds and had changed to red full-bloomed roses.
~Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns characters, setting, etc. Except: the plot is mine.~
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BWAHAHAHA! This is the edited 7th chapter ladies and gentlemen! And on to the 8th!
Before you click on the button for the next chappie, drop a review first okay? I want to know how you guys think of this fic. Ayt? Ayt.
Chapter 7 When It All Began
***Draco***
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Draco went back to Hogwarts' grounds with a beam on his face. He wanted to approach Hermione right then and there to ask her out that night. Draco thought Hermione could not refuse. She promised that she would go with him during their first day of classes
Draco found the staircase to the tower where the Gryffindors were staying. He was expected to meet Hermione somewhere there. Well, at least, he could bump into someone who would tell him of Hermione's whereabouts.
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Draco stood outside the portrait hole to the Gryffindor common room. The Fat Lady, the door keeper of the Gryffindor, was there bemused by the thought of a Slytherin in front of her. Draco, however, didn't mind the questioning look on the Fat Lady's face and just wandered his eyes around as he thought of a good line to say to Hermione.
'Ms. Granger, I reckon you still remember that you promised to go out with me to have dinner. I would love to push through with it tonight, same time. Would you let this man in front of you take you out?'
//Nah.too cheesy//
'Mudblood, you promised me dinner. Now get on your nice clothes and go out here in a few minutes! Don't keep me waiting!'
//NO! That is absolutely rude! Wait, I've always been rude to her? Why think of being nice to her now? Anyways. . .//
An old voice interrupted his thoughts. The Fat Lady in front of him looked as if blushing.
"Young Slytherin, it is on my thoughts why one like you would be out here in front of the Gryffindor Dormitory. Are you waiting for someone?"
"Ummm."
"I knew it. I have been here for centuries and it is not the first time that a Slytherin would be out here waiting for a Gryffindor. You are not looking for Harry Potter, aren't you?"
"Not at all"
"I know. If you were here to wait for him, Mr. Vincent Crabbe and Mr. Gregory Goyle would be out here with you, am I right, Mr. Draco Malfoy?"
"How did you know who I am?", Draco queried with a brow raised.
"You know, stories get around. especially in the Gryffindor common room. Issues about you heat up most frequently when Quidditch matches are up"
"How did you get an idea that I am Draco Malfoy?"
"It has been thousands of years, boy. A Slytherin would always come up here waiting for someone. Undeniably, you look a lot like them. I believe, they are your ancestors. It never ceased to amaze me how the Serpent would stand up for the Lioness. He was willing to go against his family's principles just to have the love of a brave Gryffindor"
"I am afraid you are mistaken. I am just asking Ms. Granger out for dinner. She promise to go out with me, way back"
"Oh! You are after Ms. Granger. why didn't you tell me earlier? She has been in the library for two hours now. I think you should go there this instant. You might miss the chance to meet her on her way back here"
"Thank You. I'll leave you here now"
"You are the Serpent, Draco Malfoy. The prophecy is in your hands right now. It is in your hands whether or not the curse be broken or you let it continue to another time that another Serpent and Lioness have to bear all odds. This generation is your responsibility. If you choose to be one like Salazar Slytherin, I am afraid, the Dark Ages shall once again evolve and only a few wizards shall live. The earth will be hovered with complete darkness, and light shall only come out again if the selfless stallion will heal itself again, willing to stand up for the love of that two, that is, after hundreds of agonizing years waiting for it to heal. What a sad fate it is"
Too much information bombarded Draco's mind that he had the sudden urge to get out of that place in a jiffy. "I don't understand this nonsense. Excuse me, I shall go"
Draco raced down the staircases and headed for the library. He was astounded with what he heard. He didn't want to accept hearing it but it touched him in one spot. He was the Serpent. And he was bound to love the Lioness, in the person of the Mudblood.
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Hermione was still in the library reading her favorite book, Hogwarts: A History. She looked something up for their homework that was due in a month. Professor Flitwick always commended her for going beyond the topic that they were supposed to tackle in their essays.
There were only about fifteen students in the library since dinner was up in two hours. She sat in her favorite spot there. Hermione sat on the green, velvet couch illuminated with the warm lamp atop her. Her feet were tucked near her while her head rested comfortably. It was always quality time for her when she was in that place reading her way until she finally tires herself from doing such.
As usual, the door opens and closes as students would come and go. Footsteps of the other students would be heard and some chitchatting. It never occurred to her that the last person to come in was none other than Malfoy, wearing his robe that was going with the wind as he made long strides to what he knew was Hermione's favorite spot.
There he was, standing beside the couch where Hermione was quietly reading. Draco bent forward to be near to her expecting ear.
"Busy reading, eh?"
Hermione knew who he was. Draco need not tell her. It was the person she least expected to be inside the library. . .that guy who didn't give a damn about his studies but always emerged second to her.
"Yes. And I don't want to be disturbed right now. I want to get this essay done tonight"
Draco grabbed Hermoine's book from behind, tucking it inside his robe.
"Malfoy, you are such a nuisance!"
"I know"
"Give me back my book!"
"No"
"Hand it in right now"
"Then you have to catch me. I won't give you this book unless you chase after me"
"Well then."
Hermione stood as fast as she could, setting a foot on the couch to bend over its back to reach for Draco. She couldn't reach for it, so she positioned herself so that she wouldn't fall of the couch where her stomach was positioned at its back. Guys were suddenly looking at her from behind as they saw her silken white skin showing for her skirt was raised from reaching Draco. A few whistles were heard as Draco winked at the guys who were enjoying their view.
"I guess, you have an audience from behind you", Draco said with a big smirk on his lips.
"Argh! Draco Malfoy, give me back my book!", Hermione spat at once.
"If I were you, I'd step back down there if I don't want guys fantasizing over my thighs"
Hermione pulled her skirt back down in embarrassment as men from behind were smiled evil smiles at her. She laid her feet back down on the floor and started to catch Draco around.
//He is so fast! Damn him and his long legs!//
Hermione saw that Draco stopped by the library's balcony where some tables and chairs where perfectly situated to see the view of the north wing of the school. She didn't understand why Draco suddenly stopped at the edge of the balcony, sitting by it, while looking at the dark sky above him.
"Malfoy, could you give me my book now? You had your fun, and I am now breathing hard since I do not usually run around like you do, just in case you wanted to know, and be glad that I could be dying here any moment now from catching my own breath"
Draco continued staring at the sky and muttered,"The sun is setting and the moon has taken its course. the sun bids farewell to the innocent sky and the stars, the thousand stars glitter, welcoming the moon above us."
"Look Malfoy, I don't have time for this, give me back my book"
Draco stood from where he sat and walked closer to Hermione. Their faces were only inches away from each other, with their eyes staring passionately into each other. Draco had never felt that before. a woman was so close to him, yet so far. Even if his skin came in contact with Pansy a number of times, Draco never felt such warmth that came off Hermione.
Hermione led her way to the side, as she was not comfortable with the closeness that they shared. She felt Dracos' heavy breath at the middle of her neck, just above her tie. Hermione felt as if Draco was going to kiss her at her neck, but he didn't.
Draco wanted to stay long like that, quite forgetting the reason why he led her there.
"Malfoy, my book", Hermione interrupted the sudden silence that won over them.
"I'll give it to you after I'm done speaking", Draco replied in a low voice.
"Then off with it! You are taking too much of my time"
Hermione's eyes wandered at the sight in front of her as she felt Draco;s breath on her neck. She even felt her bosom touch Draco's lean chest for they were so close.
"Granger, remember what you promised me before?", Draco inquired in a caring whisper.
"I couldn't remember promising you anything"
"You did. You promised to go out with me for dinner"
"Oh.. That", Hermione said to make it seem she really had forgotten.
"Yes, and we have not mentioned anything about it since we came out of the hospital wing together"
"And?", Hermione asked as she got uncomfortable to where their conversation was heading.
"I am inviting you again, tonight."
"Could you give me one reason why I should go out with you?"
"Only one reason I could think of--- you promised"
Hermione was not able to argue. She did promise and she was not the type who breaks promises, like Harry usually did.
"Fine", Hermione said at last after considering Draco's invitation.
"Meet you at 7 outside your dormitory"
Draco gave her some space and he set a foot back to keep distance. He looked at Hermione's figure for some moment.
They talked without even having Hermione's face, face him. Before turning his back away from her, Draco said a last word.
"Granger, you look beautiful tonight"
With that, Draco left Hermione in her own confused thoughts.
***********************************************************************
Hermione took a warm bath before dressing up. She opened her wardrobe revealing her clothes of all sorts. She couldn't decide what to wear so she went for the common room, expecting only to find Ginny, waiting for Stephen to show up any minute. Hermione caught sight of her friend who sat alone reading a book for her own essay. Hermione went in front of Ginny, wearing only a red bathrobe.
"Ginny, could you help me out for a minute?"
"Sure thing", Ginny answered with a warm smile.
Hermione gestured for them to go up their room in a hurry. She wouldn't want to take most of Ginny's time, anyway.
"Could you look inside my closet to see what I should be wearing tonight?", Hermione asked.
"Mione, we aren't supposed to wear anything else but our uniforms for dinner!", Ginny replied in disbelief.
"Ginny, I'm going out with Malfoy tonight. He invited me again when I was in the library"
"Mione, I don't think going out with him is a good idea. You barely talked to Ron for quite some time now. and you've never talked to Harry. They wouldn't be too pleased to know about this"
"I know. That's why I'm asking you know to promise me that you'll never tell them about this"
"Okay, but when will you tell them about it? Mione, they are still your friends. Even if you've grown a distance from them, they will never turn you down when you need them"
"I will tell them, in the right time. For now, I just want to get ready before the clock strikes 7. I'm even wondering why Malfoy didn't tell me to keep this a secret from Harry and Ron"
"I won't be able to answer that question. ask him later. let me see. here!"
Ginny pulled out an elegant gown from Hermione's wardrobe. It was an off- shoulder silk dress in a shade of violet, near to the color of an eggplant. It had a lining of silver rosettes clad by the neckline.
"Wear this one. I bet you will look great in this. Malfoy would be dying to see you more if he sees you in this", Ginny said, trying to decipher what she just said. It was as if she was tolerating the whole situation.
"Really, now?! I don't want to look anything special for him, it's only a dinner date anyway. Nothing to fuss about"
"But Mione, it all starts with a guy asking a girl out. You wouldn't know what to expect, even if you're sworn enemies"
Hermione fitted her way through, letting Ginny close the zipper behind her. It was perfect. Her skin glowed more with the contrast of the bright hue of the dress to he pale skin color. She hasn't tried wearing that one before since her aunt gave this as a gift for Christmas.
//Why did I have to wait until now to wear this?// Hermoine thought to her in disbelief that it REALLY did look good on her.
Hermione pulled out a fine silver bracelet from her jewelry box and placed it on her wrist. She also got the matching earrings for it. Hermione looked like a fine woman even without make-up on.
"All set!", Hermione cheered enthusiastically.
"Not yet Mione"
Ginny pulled her wand out of her robe and muttered a spell. Silver dusts came out of the tip of the wand and found its ways to Hermione's eyelids. Some blush and shimmer found its ways to her cheeks and gloss found its way to her lips.
"Now, you're set! Mione, you look absolutely ravishing! Malfoy wouldn't take his eyes form you tonight"
"Stop it Ginny! I feel like a million galleons!", Hermione chuckled as well as Ginny.
They both went down to the common room, exactly as the clock hit 7 and unenclosed the door through the portrait hole. They were in shock to see two fine young men outside waiting for their partners. Stephen and Draco had been talking for quite some time already and were startled to see the ladies they were waiting for come out of the portrait hole together.
"Malfoy, I must say Granger looks rather exquisite tonight!", Stephen commented on Hermione's appearance.
"I couldn't agree more", Draco said slyly, showing a different air of audacity.
Hermione stood there feeling herself, as if she was naked from the stare she received from Draco, who he himself, was undeniably looking more comely himself. Draco was wearing a dark blue suit underneath his own robe that he bought in one of the best stores in Paris. It did look expensive and Hermione wasn't even able to think about that due to her nerves.
//He always wear the most expensive clothes he could.//
"Shall we go now?", Ginny asked smiling at Hermione who was blushing from the time she went out of the dormitory.
Draco gave his arm for Hermione as she slid her hand in it. They walked down the staircase and reached the Great Hall.
"Mione, we wouldn't want to keep you around here. Someone might see you two together, since dinner has just started. Off you go! Enjoy your night!", Ginny claimed triumphantly at the masterpiece she made.
"Thanks Ginny", Hermione replied as she gave Ginny a hug before she and Stephen went inside.
"Shall we go now, my fair lady?", Draco inquired.
"I think so, Mr. Malfoy"
************************************************************************
Draco and Hermione sat in the carriage that led them to Magnifico's, the restaurant that Draco came in that morning to reserve their table. As they arrived, Draco held the door out for her, exiting first to assist Hermione down. He held her hand up in assistance and led her inside the well-lit restaurant.
They were walking to the door when a thought entered Hermione's mind.
//This place is truly magnificent. Draco must have spent much for this//
A man wearing a black tuxedo escorted them in with a smile.
"Sir, this way please"
Hermione spotted a table for two by the balcony. It was far beyond the lights inside, so candles where on top of the table, making the spot romantic. Draco helped her with her chair and she sat modestly waiting for Draco to do the same.
Hermione saw that beyond the balcony was a view of Hogwarts, the towns and other mountains around. The restaurant was situated at the highest peak, giving them an extraordinary view of the whole place.
"Malfoy, thank you for bringing me here", Hermione expressed her utmost gratitude.
"It's nothing", Draco answered as he gave Hermione a sincere smile.
Hermione was deep into her thoughts, fantasizing. The night was truly magical. The moon and stars above them was as beautiful as the night Draco led her out of the library to ask her out.
"This place is beautiful. I couldn't take my eyes from everything I see around here", Hermione mouthed as her eyes could not choose what sight to focus her eyes on.
"Yes, it is, but it could not equal someone as beautiful as you. . . and I, too, couldn't take my eyes---off you. . ."
"Malfoy, is this how you make girls fall for you? I mean, do you spend this much just to have girls fall head over heels in love with you? I say, you are wasting a lot . . ."
"Well, I do use this to make a girl fall in love with me. I do spend this much, but it doesn't matter. . ."
//If you only knew, it is my first time to spend this much//, Draco thought to himself.
Hermione mouthed, "If I were you, I wouldn't do that. I should have spent my money for something else more important than this."
Hermione and Draco got deep into their conversation with not one knowing.
"There could be nothing else more important than this", Draco said out of nowhere.
"What?", Hermione asked disturbed.
"This is the most important thing I could do right now. It's hard to swallow much pride to ask someone like you out. someone who has been my sworn enemy for years now. a Gryffindor, who is brave and courageous. And knowing you, I thought you would not oblige me taking you out. I thought it was impossible."
"You didn't know me enough Malfoy. If you did, you could have asked me long before, even if Harry and I were still together"
"What?" It was Draco's turn to ask.
"If you knew me better, you should have known I wanted to talk myself out of that relationship. I was looking for something far beyond than living a lie. I wish you were there."
".I didn't know", Draco voiced as he lowered his head, somehow wishing he knew.
"Malfoy, I, myself wasn't expecting you to ask me out. I thought you weren't serious about it. You see, the potion. Snape said it was supposed to make us fall in love with each other for an hour. but it didn't."
"I know. It made us reveal our true selves"
"How did you know?"
"When you were at it, I thought everything was fake. But when I took it, I didn't feel anything wrong. I felt right, actually. It made me face my fear. my fear of loving you, for I know I am not worthy. Years I have been brutally rude to you and I bet you saw me nothing but a slimy git, ugly ferret boy, albino, and all that. So I tried my luck of asking you out, wishing you were in your right senses if you were to agree", Draco professed.
"Malfoy, why are you telling me this?", Hermione inquired as she realized that it wasn't very Draco-like of Draco when she heard those words.
"Granger, it's been the first time I felt this. the first time that I loved for real. I realized that it was stupid for me to think I didn't like you, but I did. You were always snapping at me, and I thought, 'hate' has always been the right term for what I felt before this"
"So you do hate me. I should have not agreed to go out with you tonight", Hermione snapped while feeling uncomfortable of their conversation.
"I thought you were smarter than that. 'Hate', is not the opposite of love, Ms. Granger. It's 'indifference'. That is why I put you up to that word since I hated you for being you. I hated the way you would always emerge better than me. I hated the way you gave death glares at me. And I hated the way you could make me speechless after a CIVILIZED conversation with you"
"Malfoy, why hate me for that? Why won't you feel INDIFFERENT about it?"
"Because it's in you that I felt normal--- that I'm just like every body else. My parents would always tell me that Malfoys are better than any sort of families. I always accepted the fact and thought that I could have everything in my hands, until now. It is only now I've realized that I'm just like everyone else"
Hermione was dumbfounded with what Draco said. Never did it occur to her that Draco would be up with that thought in mind. It made her feel compassion for a man who has been stuck with his principles, only to make his way out of it in his own effort.
"Malfoy, I did all that because I cared", Hermione suddenly voiced.
"And why would you have cared about me when all I did was make your lives miserable?"
"Because I knew you have been stuck up with believing what your family believed. Malfoy, you are your own different person. And I believe you didn't want to do anything that your ancestors were accustomed to. You are not one of them. You are you. you are Draco Malfoy. Maybe your last name has been embarked with evil, but names do not speak of their owners. You didn't choose your name, anyway. And you didn't choose the family you would belong to. Malfoy, I tell you, I understand. I wouldn't know what I will do if I were in your situation"
Draco sat there silent as he pondered upon the exchange of words they were having. For the first time in his life, he had been true to himself, and to the person he most felt acceptance as the person he really was.
"May I leave you for a second? I have to check on something. I'll have the waiter serve our food now", Draco asked.
"Alright"
Hermione wasn't expecting this night to be like that. She thought Draco took her out to have a one-on-one snapping session with her. In reverse, they were talking about the truths behind every mask they made to conceal their true emotions.
Draco went to the Manager and asked for the flowers he had them keep. He waited for a minute and the old man handed it to him smiling.
"It's odd for a man so deep in love to choose tulips over roses to give to a woman"
Draco didn't mind the man telling him that. He just looked at the beauty of the flowers in front of him. Before leaving the manager's sight, Draco said, "Oh, if you'd really like to know why I bought these, Malfoys don't conform. I mean, I, DRACO, do not conform"
The old man stood there in shook for it is only now he realized he was standing to a Malfoy.
Draco went back to the table not knowing that the flowers he was holding had glimmered for three seconds and had changed to red full-bloomed roses.
~Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns characters, setting, etc. Except: the plot is mine.~
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BWAHAHAHA! This is the edited 7th chapter ladies and gentlemen! And on to the 8th!
Before you click on the button for the next chappie, drop a review first okay? I want to know how you guys think of this fic. Ayt? Ayt.