Chapter 7:
Draco looked at her pleading face and was shocked, as was Hermione for actually saying it. Draco thought for a second before answering, should he leave and be the cold Slytherin or stay.
"Okay" he said softly.
This act took both of them by surprise, Draco went and sat near Hermione but leaving a clear gap. As he sat Hermione could smell his cologne, it was obviously designer and very expensive and as much as she hated to admit it, smelt gorgeous and surprisingly comforting. Hermione was still shaking but managed to conjure two blankets, she handed one to Draco who took it hesitantly and mumbled a small thanks. Soon they fell asleep feeling an odd comfort and excitement that confused them both.
Luckily the next day was a Saturday, which meant that a lot of students didn't get up early. Hermione and Draco were both awake before the library opened. The storm had stopped although it was still raining and judging by the quietness it was still early. Neither knew what to say they were unsure and confused. They held the same thought; ignore it and it will go away! Draco broke the awkward silence
"No one knows about this, got it" he stated forcefully
"Yeah" Hermione replied
With that they left for the common room not saying a word. On the way back Draco thought about the tone he had used earlier, he was finding it hard not to be the obnoxious Slytherin even though he wanted to stop. Hermione was trying to sort out her thoughts in general, why did he stay last night? What changed this morning? Why was she even thinking about him! Hermione closed her eyes and shook her head to clear the fog forming in her mind.
For the rest of the day they ignored each other communication wise, but found themselves sneaking glances at each other if they passed. Hermione spent the day with Harry and Ron whilst Draco spent the day with Blaise, who seemed a lot more clear on how he wanted to act.
"So you're just going to act completely different?" Draco asked incredulously
"Yeah, I thought about it and decided I don't care anymore" Blaise replied honestly
"But overnight? Bit soon isn't it"
"I suppose you're right, but I'm definitely changing soon!"
Draco smiled and shook his head at his friend; he admired his courage and determination for changing so quickly.
The Halloween ball was a week and a half away so the next weekend was to be a Hogsmead weekend. The castle was full of chatter about costumes and things people were going to get, and of course the all important whose going with who!
The next few days passed quickly and quietly the heads and the other prefects noticed. Most were staring to get excited about the upcoming event. Draco and Hermione however were still trying to ignore the fact they had to go together.
"Hermione, can I ask you something?" Harry inquired as they walked to lunch
"Sure Harry" came the reply
"Do you think that Ron will go nuts if I ask Ginny to the ball?"
"Uh lets see, his best friend wants to take his little sister on a date, he may be slightly annoyed"
"Oh, yeah okay" Harry sounded disheartened
"Look Harry, I know how much you like Ginny. If you explain this to Ron he may not be too bad...hopefully. You could always say better you than someone he doesn't know"
"Thanks Hermione, what would I do without you?"
"Probably get yourself killed" Hermione joked.
Friday night had arrived; all the students were entering the great hall for dinner and discussing their plans for Hogsmead the next day. Both Hermione and Draco were tense as they would have to speak to each other tonight about costumes and decoration.
"Hi guys" Lavender said as she sat at the Gryffindor table, ever the one to gossip she announced that she was going to the ball with Ron and demanded to know whom everyone else was going with.
"I'm going with Harry" Ginny said proudly
"How'd Ron act when he found out?" Parvarti asked
"Pretty calmly actually. I suspect you had something to do with that" Ginny replied casting a grateful glance at Hermione
"I Gave Harry some pointers" Hermione admitted
"So" Lavender butted in "who are you two going with?"
Meaning Hermione and Parvarti.
"Well" Parvarti started "don't hate me or anything but there's this guy I've got to know and he's not what I thought he'd be..."
"Just spit it out" Lavender said impatiently
"Blaise Zabini" Parvarti said waiting for the fireworks to start, but surprisingly none came.
"He is pretty fit" Lavender conceded
"He doesn't seem like the others, he's changed somehow" Ginny said glancing over at the Slytherin table
"Yeah, I mean yesterday I ran into him and dropped my books everywhere" Hermione said "I braced myself for the usual round of verbal abuse, but nothing. Instead he apologised picked up my books and asked if I was OK"
"So you guys are OK with this" Parvarti said with a smile
"Yep" they all agreed
"So Mione, what about you?" Lavender pushed
"Malfoy" Hermione said whilst putting her head in her hands
"What!" they all said in unison
"You're joking right?" Ginny asked
"No, and may I just point out, this was so not my choice." Hermione said in exasperation "It's a prefect thing, Ernie and Padma are going together which leaves me and..."
"The king of assholes" Ginny finished for her
"Exactly"
"Nasty, well at least he's a hottie" Lavender commented
The other girls looked at her with raised eyebrows.
"Well he is. He may be a prized imbecile, but look at him" She stated
They glanced over to the Slytherin table and all but Hermione nodded their heads in agreement, Draco Malfoy is one of the most infuriating, arrogant people around but they couldn't deny that he wasn't good looking. Hermione silently agreed with them, but wasn't going to admit it because who knows what kind of rumour that would spark.
Meanwhile at the Slytherin table Draco was having the same conversation with Blaise whilst trying not to be disgusted by Crabbe and Goyle who still didn't know the meaning of chew with your mouth closed! Draco was shocked at Blaises date but happy for him at the same time that Blaise was doing what they both wanted.
"So what about you?" Blaise asked "who is the ice- prince of Slytherin taking?" he finished mockingly
"Am I really called that?" Draco asked, partly out of curiosity and partly to change the subject.
"Ooh yeah, you're really called that and others, and don't change the subject. Who is it?"
"Hmph, fine...Granger" Draco answered quietly
Blaise looked at his friend in amusement. This was too good to be true; Draco Malfoy – Slytherin bad- ass and Hermione Granger – Gryffindor princess. Draco caught the look in his eye
"No bloody way was this my idea" Draco stated as Blaise continued to be amused "it's a prefect thing"
"Oh this should go down well" Blaise said sarcastically regarding their situation. Two of the supposed most noted Slytherins going to the Halloween ball with Gryffindors, and not just any Gryffindors – Hermione Granger (mudblood extrodinaire as Slytherin called her).
"This is going to be hell" Draco sighed as he banged his head down on the table.
A/N: Another chapter done, please tell me what you think. Thanks to dracoisahottie13 for reviewing again, you're great!