My Heart Belongs to You
Chapter 2
By Forbidden Lover
A/N: Please read and review. Standard disclaimer applies.
Early the morning of the Yule Ball, Hermione woke to a constant tapping at her window. A black owl fluttered there, holding a rather large package in it's claws. Hermione quickly clamored out of bed and opened the window. The graceful creature swooped in, dropping the packaged on the bed before perching on the footboard.
"Aren't you a beautiful bird." Hermione commented, stroking the owls' soft feathers. "Who could be possibly sending me gifts?"
Unwrapping the parcel, Hermione held up a shimmering white gown. Her eyes widened, staring at it. It was gorgeous. A note dropped out of the bodice unto the bed. Carefully laying the gown out, Hermione picked up the piece of parchment.
'Hermione,
I heard from Draco that you still didn't have a dress to wear for the ball, and thought you would like this one. It belonged to me, when I was still in Hogwarts. I do hope it fits you well. Please be sure to get a picture for me. I would love to see how it looked on you. I'm sure you'll look wonderful, no matter what. Oh, and please make sure that annoying Parkinson girl isn't stressing my son!
I'm so happy you're coming to stay with us over the holiday break! We simply must go shopping! You'll get on the train as usual, and get off with Draco. We'll be there to pick you two up. Bring anything you feel you need.
Oh! Before I forget, this owl is from Lucius and Draco, an early Christmas gift. Her name is Star, due to the white markings on her breast. She knows the way to the manor, being raised here, after all.
See you soon!
Much love,
Nacrissa.'
Hermione smiled. Nacrissa certainly had fashion sense, not to mention a kind heart. Star hooted softly, bringing Hermione's attention back to her.
"Well, Star, it seems you belong to me now. Do you know where the owlery is? You can go there and relax. Look for Hedwig, she'll show you around."
Star flew back to the still-open window with a hoot and made off to the owlery. Closing the window before she caught her death of a cold, Hermione pondered what to do with her hair and about makeup. She wasn't exactly girly-girl, she rarely used makeup and usually only pulled her hair up into a messy bun. Dressing in muggle clothes, Hermione made her way to the common room.
"Ginny!"
The red-haired Weaselette looked up from reading Witch Weekly. "Yea, Mione?"
"Would you help me with my hair and makeup?"
"You're going to the ball? You're actually going to come?!" Ginny exclaimed, surprised.
Hermione smiled at her best girl friend. "Of course I'm going. I wouldn't want to be cursed for life, you know."
Ginny gave her a sheepish grin. "Sure I'll help! Only if you help me as well."
"Agreed. Shall we get some food? We've got lots to do. Especially with this mess of curls." Hermione grinned, tugging on some of her frizzy brown hair.
Both girls strode out of the tower, much to the confused looks of Harry and Ron.
The two girls had spent hours doing up each other's hair and makeup. Hermione thought Ginny looked fantastic. Her soft red hair fell in waves down her back, with glitter shimmering in her locks. The dress Ginny had purchased with her saved-up money was a deep red color, tying around the neck, then splitting open about the knees into a flowing skirt. A set of gold earrings that were her mothers and a ruby necklace finished off the outfit. Very little makeup was applied, making it look like she had none on besides lip gloss. Ginny would be the belle of the ball, at least to Harry.
When Ginny had seen Hermione's dress, she was in awe. Her mind raced to think of hair ideas she'd seen and tried, describing each one to her friend. They settled on a easier one and prepared her. It took a while to get Hermione's bushy hair to cooperate, but they managed.
The time for the ball had arrived a little too soon, in Hermione's mind.
"Come on, Mione, you look great."
"Go ahead of me, I'll meet up with you in a few minutes. I just want to put on my jewelry."
"You sure?"
"Yep. Now get going before Harry dies of waiting!"
Both girls grinned at the image. Ginny gave Hermione a quick hug and walked out.
Hermione waited until she was sure everyone was gone before she came out. Quietly, she walked down the corridors. If she came in late, no one would notice her, which was exactly what she wanted to happen. She approached the great hall doors, spotting Lucius Malfoy. Lucius was there on duty to make sure no younger students came in without proper dates. He caught sight of Hermione and smiled.
"Nacrissa did a wonderful job choosing that dress."
Hermione sank into a curtsey. "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy."
"One more touch is needed I've been told." With a flick of his wand, Hermione sprouted a set of gorgeous white angel wings. She gasped.
"Are these real?"
"As real as you and I." He replied.
"They're beautiful…" Hermione trailed off.
"Only the best for the princess."
Hermione blushed.
"Now, my dear, I advise you go in there and prove yourself the best." Lucius commented with a smile. Hermione's blush went deeper.
"I will."
Lucius opened the door for her, and with a pat, sent her in. The Great Hall had been transformed, much like at the time of the Triwizard Tournament. Mistletoe hung in various places, with couples kissing beneath. Candles lit the walls and it looked as if it had snowed inside. White and green covered everything. In place of the tables, there was a huge dance floor and several smaller tables to the side. A giant Christmas tree sat in the corner of the room, decorated fully. Ghost carolers sang in the other corner. People were everywhere. Hermione even saw several of her professors dancing and enjoying themselves. But as soon as she entered the room, everyone turned to look. Hermione felt her stomach clench. She hated it with a passion when people stared at her. Murmurs went up through the crowd about Hermione's appearance.
'Is that Hermione?'
'My god, she looks amazing!'
'Why haven't I noticed her before?'
'Look at those wings..'
'Gorgeous!'
Hermione took a deep breath and stepped forward into the room, amidst the murmurs. Her wings fluttered slightly from nervousness.
Draco studied her from across the room. Even he had to admit that Hermione looked stunningly beautiful. The dress she wore was thin-strapped, with a close fitting bodice and an empire waist skirt that flowed around her. There was a low back line that revealed her pale skin. Her hair was piled in tight curls that fell around her face. Simple silver jewelry adorned her throat, ears, and wrists. The wings were simply amazing, adding the final touch. Draco mentally slapped himself for thinking of her that way. She was the Gryffindor Princess! He was the Slytherin Prince! Not a good mix!
Professor Dumbledore smiled and walked up to Hermione. "Miss Granger, will you do me the honor of this dance?"
Hermione gave her Professor a silent 'thank you'. "Certainly, Professor."
Everyone tore their gaze from Hermione and went back to their activities. Hermione danced with several of her male professors before being passed to her classmates. She danced with Harry while Ginny danced with her brother, then one dance with Ron, and so on. Finally pulling out of the dance floor, Hermione went to the balcony and stared outside. The stars were immensely bright and the snow seemed to glow. It was breath taking beautiful. Hermione turned around and watched some of the other couples dance, enjoying the chance to relax a bit. Never in her life had she had so much good attention.
Someone walked towards her and bowed before her.
"May I have this dance, angel?"
Hermione looked at him in shock. There, before her, was Draco Malfoy, holding out his hand. The shock melted into a smile, as she put her hand in his.
"I accept, kind sir."
Draco led her back out onto the dance floor and placed his arm around her waist. Together, they danced, not noticing everyone in the room parting for the amazing couple. Harry and Ron were too busy talking to their dates to notice. Hermione blushed a bit again at the attention she was receiving and looked up into Draco's eyes, puzzled to see he was gazing at her as well. She smiled to herself and let herself flow with the music. When she was spun out, her dress made a ripple effect and swirled around her. Draco smirked at the attention they were being given and how well a dancer Hermione was.
When the dance ended, Hermione dipped into a low curtsy before Draco. Smirking yet again, Draco held out a hand and assisted Hermione to her feet. The clapping was loud and whoops were heard, as where wolf whistles for Hermione. Hermione blushed deeper and put a hand to her face.
"I am so embarrassed now…"
"You know, Hermione, you're not that bad of a dancer."
She blinked at Draco's amused grin. "What did you just call me?"
"Hermione. It's your name, isn't it?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, it is. And thank you for this dance."
Quietly, they parted ways and returned to their respectful groups. Draco, to a loud and complaining Pansy and confused Crabbe and Goyle. Hermione to Ginny and Lavender, who were grinning, while her own two best guy friends looked confused.
"What did we just miss?" Harry asked.
"Why, only seeing Hermione dance with Draco." Ginny replied, smiling smugly.
"WHAT?" Ron burst out, getting attention from some of the couples around them. "You danced with Malfoy?!"
Hermione looked at Ron, upset. "Yes… It was only a dance."
"But you danced with that slimy git! You know we all hate him!" Ron argued.
"Well hate isn't everything when it comes to being civil to one another!" Pivoting on her heel, Hermione marched off. Ginny glared at her brother.
"That was bloody brilliant Ronald."
"What? What did I do?" Ron questioned, even more confused now.
Ginny shook her head, still glaring. "If you don't recognize it, then I'm not telling you."
Hermione sat outside in the cold air, staring blankly at the frozen lake. Why were all her friends so cruel to Draco? Okay, never mind that, she knew the answer. Still, that doesn't mean they couldn't give him a second chance, did it?
Unconsciously, she shivered. It was frigid out, after all, it was mid-December! There was snow on the ground for crying out loud!
"You know…Mother wouldn't be happy if you showed up with a cold. She had been planning this shopping spree for-ever." A male voice commented, without it's usual sneer. Hermione looked up at Draco sadly.
"I guess…but I don't want to go inside."
"Let me guess. Weasely and Potter being prats again?"
"Weasely yes, Potter no." The wings faded off Hermione's back, unnoticed by her. A cape draped around her shoulders. Hermione looked surprised.
"If I can't convince you to go inside, the least I can do is keep you warm." Draco answered her unasked question, sitting beside her. Hermione smiled and snuggled into the cape, inhaling his scent that lingered. "Thank you Draco." She replied softly.
Draco made no reply, but looked around at the calm setting. He was actually trying to keep his gaze off of Hermione, who in the snow and that dress, looked like an angel come to proclaim winter. It was a while before either one of them spoke. Draco broke the silence first.
"We leave early tomorrow, the first train."
"All right…I guess I should get sleep then, shouldn't I? Especially with Nacrissa planning this big shopping spree."
Draco shook his head, amused. "Especially if she's planned shopping. You don't know how long it takes her in one store…I guess you'll find out soon enough."
Hermione laughed lightly. Draco found himself enchanted by the sound. It was like a breeze, or a small ripple in a pond. It sent a shiver down his spine. He wouldn't admit it though.
Together, they walked back to the castle. Hermione went up to the Gryffindor tower and avoided everyone who wanted to ask questions, going straight to her bed and drawing the curtains. Sitting on the bed, she realized she was still clutching Draco's cloak around her shivering body, and blushed softly. She couldn't help it. She was in love.
End Chapter 2
