Disclaimer: All hail J.K.R. who owns the H.P. characters.
Chapter 7: The Christmas Ball, A Raid, and an Unexpected Aid
A/N: All right, I don't really like this chapter title too much, but I can't think of anything else. I think the chapter itself is better LoL. And sorry I've been lacking in the romance department, but it's taking me some time to develop this. You can't just stick the two of them together and expect them to fall madly in love right away, well, at least that's what I think. This chappie has a lil bit of fluffiness, hopefully enough to hold you over haha. Anyway, enough of me talking, and thanx so0o much to all my reviewers, I appreciate it so much! Hope you like this...
It was now a week since the 'traumatic incident' and Draco's blonde head was revitalized and looking better than ever, if he did say so himself. In fact, he did say so, numerous times. It was Christmas Eve and the night of the Ball. He was all ready and checking his appearance in the mirror one last time before he went to wait for his date in the common room. He was taking Blaise Zabini whom, as it turned out, was someone he found he got along well with and seemed to like him. This was just what he needed to get that certain Gryffindor off his mind, and no, it wasn't Harry. He couldn't seem to stop thinking about what Hermione had said to him that day in Hogsmeade, and was startled to find somewhere deep down it had actually affected him. Taking a deep breath and walking down to the common room, he impatiently awaited Blaise so he could finally enjoy himself.
Hermione had not been thinking about the Slytherin as much as he of her, but as she was getting ready she couldn't help it. She remembered her unkind words and felt a wave of guilt hit her. Sure, he was cruel, but that didn't mean she had to stoop to his level. She also remembered their time trapped together and how different and likable he had seemed. But she didn't want to contemplate about it any longer, she was going to have a wonderful time at the Ball, and all her worries would disappear.
She slowly made her way down the stairs, in a classic entrance style, hoping that they didn't think she looked too horrible. When she finally reached the bottom, blushing from embarrassment, she was wondering why they were staring at her speechless.
"Hermione, you look so adorable, I knew that dress was perfect!" Ginny squealed excitedly, giving her friend a hug.
Lavender Brown, who was Ron's date, poked him in the ribs, and he finally shut his mouth, which had seemingly hit the floor.
"Yeah 'Mione, you look great. I've never seen you like that before." Harry replied. He was taking Ginny, with Ron's permission first, of course.
Indeed, Hermione Granger did look stunning. Her elegant sky blue dress fit her perfectly, as if it were made especially for her. Her hair was up with soft curls, pieces framing her face, she had done her makeup softly, just enough to pronounce her delicate features, but was worried of what people would think about her appearance.
"Excuse me, I think that's enough staring at my date." Dean Thomas kidded as he slid a corsage on Hermione's wrist, gave her a peck on the cheek, and took her hand in his, ready to make their way to the Ball. When they walked through the doors, the sight that lay before them was truly remarkable. The Great Hall was decked out to it's fullest. A charmed snow lightly dusted the floor and walls, lights twinkled high above in mid-air and mistletoe and holly merrily adorned the place. Four specially colored trees for each individual house, with a large multicolored one in the center completed the elaborate decorations. After eating a delicious supper, couples slowly started making their way to the dance floor, Hermione and Dean included.
"You do look amazing you know." He said as they both blushed and she mumbled a quick "Thanks". She liked Dean, she really did, he was sweet, handsome, funny, and best of all he was a Gryffindor. She just didn't believe he was "the one", he was more of a good friend.
He continued on, however. "And it's not just your looks that make you so great. You're smart, you can stand up for yourself, you're caring, you have a sense of humor..." At the expression on Hermione's face, it was obvious she didn't reciprocate these feelings. "...And I've just made a complete fool of myself. You don't like me, do you?" he finished, crestfallen.
"Oh, no Dean it's not that, I do, just not like that. You're really nice and I appreciate everything you've done for me tonight, but I think we'd be better off as friends." Hermione knew this was a common, lame excuse, but it was the only way she could explain it really.
"That's ok, I understand" he replied about to call it a night, but she continued.
"But we won't let something like that stop us from enjoying ourselves tonight, will we?" she asked with a smile. He grinned, nodded and took her hand again to lead them back to their table, but suddenly everything in the Great Hall froze with sheer terror.
Draco was just starting to enjoy himself, when he looked up to see a couple walking through the entrance to the hall. After a double take, he recognized the girl as Hermione and he could hardly believe just how amazing she looked. She seemed to almost glide as she walked, and appeared to be so carefree, happy, and full of life, emotions he rarely saw when she was anywhere near his proximity. As she sat down with the other Gryffindors and coyly smiled at the guy she was with, who by the way looked like he was in a daze from her presence, Draco felt a great surge of jealousy. He wanted nothing more than to go over there right now, apologize for everything he'd ever done, sweep the beautiful girl up in his arms and whisk her around the dance floor. He shook his head to clear it of this absurd idea. Of course he couldn't do that. He shouldn't even WANT to do that. Plus she told him never to speak to her again. 'But when did you ever let that stop you.' A voice in his head argued. Ignoring it, he turned his attention back to Blaise, who was giving him strange looks for spacing out. Before he could ask her to dance, every occupant in the Great Hall was literally frozen in their spot, absolute fear apparent on everyone's face.
Without warning, numerous men in hooded cloaks barged into the room, they're wands outstretched threateningly, and all the muggleborn students began to rise up in the air above their places. The pureblooded students seemed unscathed, but were still unable to move from their spots. Suddenly Dumbledore shouted "Solaris Calor" and the many painful thumps of students dropping back to the ground were heard. Everyone began to run around frantically, and most students, except for a few Slytherins, felt nothing but utter panic. "Everyone, back to your common rooms" Dumbledore shouted above the frantic screams and scrambling students in the Great Hall. He and the other teachers were trying to fight off the advancing Death Eaters, dodging the frequent spells they were casting.
Draco began to hasten towards the doors of the hall as soon as he saw one of the cloaked men approaching him. He was about to flee when he heard a sickening thump and crack somewhere behind him. Before he could see what was going on, he saw Pansy who had been hit with one of the spells, lying on the floor with a full body bind, a pleading look in her eye toward him. He thought for a second of possibly helping her, but almost laughed at that, and realized she probably wouldn't be hurt anyway since she was a Slytherin. He turned back around to where he had heard the person fall, looked around to see if there was anything around to conceal himself better, and rushed over to the girl who was lying face down looking as though she had just given up trying to escape.
Hermione had landed hard down on the floor after Dumbledore released them and heard a crack, pain spreading throughout her body. She kept on going though, trying desperately to make it to Gryffindor Tower, Dean running in front of her. All of a sudden she tripped over her long dress, her shoes ripping through the front, and she fell again, hitting the floor with a thud. She felt another immense wave of pain, and tried to get up but it seemed her dress was caught on one of the branches of a Christmas tree. She glanced around to see Dean running ahead of her, thinking she was right behind him. She tried to call out to him, but her voice was lost in the riotous chaos of the crowd. She was on her knees frantically pulling at her dress but she was too weak, and just collapsed back down on the ground, letting the agony overtake her. The last thing Hermione remembered before falling unconscious was one of the cloaked figures quickly coming toward her, and as he bent down to pick her up, she thought 'This is it, it's all over'. However, she failed to notice a few silver strands poking out from under the hood, as she was engulfed in darkness.
While the professors were performing numerous spells to ward off the attackers, no one noticed the two cryptic figures slinking across the lawn and out of the proximity of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but they didn't plan on staying that way for long.
Hermione slowly opened her eyes, and looked up to see two faces looming above her and was about to scream when a hand was placed over her mouth to shush her.
"'Mione, relax, it's just us", came Harry's soothing voice.
"Harry, Ron? Where am I? What happened?" she asked concern and worry apparent in her voice.
"You're in the hospital wing. You fell twice, broke your arm, and were knocked out for quite a while." Ron explained. "You're fine now though, luckily you were brought to the hospital wing by somebody."
Harry interjected though."But, enough of this depressing talk, it's Christmas!" he exclaimed, placing a pile of presents on Hermione's lap.
"Oh, you guys, thank you so much!" she said as she enveloped them both in thankful hugs. "But, I don't have my gifts to give to you, they're in my room."
"That's all right 'Mione, we're just glad you're safe." replied Ron.
After she had opened up the many presents from all her friends, including a long letter and gift from Dean saying how terribly sorry he was, and had breakfast with Madam Pomfrey's insistence, they began to talk about the events from the night before.
"I heard that Dumbledore defeated all the Death Eaters and Voldemort, I sure hope he did." Said a hopeful Harry, while Ron flinched at the use of the Dark Lord's name.
"Well, I'm sure Dumbledore will be making an announcement soon. I just can't believe that they attacked Hogwarts!" exclaimed Hermione. "I just hope everyone's safe now."
"Well, there a few other students with minor injuries, but nothing too severe. And I also heard that McGonagall was hurt trying to fight one of the Death Eaters and was in the hospital wing too, but she's ok now, and got out a short while ago."
At that moment, a whistling and cheerful Professor Snape entered the room holding a pretty bouquet of flowers. He looked around, realizing the person he came to see wasn't in this room, and three of his most hated students were there instead. He looked down at the flowers, blushed, shoved them in Harry's face instead, muttered an apathetic "Get well, Ms. Granger." and bustled out of the room at top speed. As soon as he was gone the three students burst out laughing.
Hermione had tears coming out of her eyes as she said, "Harry, to think the day would come when I would see Snape giving you flowers." she giggled. At this the trio cracked up again.
"Well, I always knew deep down he fancied you", replied a hysterical Ron. Just then Madam Pomfrey came into the room insisting that Hermione needed her rest and that the boys could come back and visit later.
But before she lied down to go back to sleep, she had to ask a question that had been bothering her all day. "Madam Pomfey?"
"Yes dear? Are you alright?"
"Well, yes I'm feeling better, but do you know who brought me here?" she asked, with compelling curiosity.
"You mean, you don't know?" the nurse asked with wonder, and Hermione shook her head.
"Well, it was that Slytherin boy...Malfoy, I think his name was. Yes, Draco Malfoy. At first I was shocked, because I've heard many stories about how he is, and he was wearing a hooded cloak, but he assured me that he was only trying to help. Very polite young man I must say. Now, you rest up dear." Madam Pomfrey replied as she walked out of the room and shut the door.
Hermione was left alone with her thoughts, wondering what could have possibly possessed Malfoy to help her, but before she could speculate more about it, the sleep potion Madam Pomfrey had given her promptly began to take effect.
Draco again hadn't gotten much sleep, his mind wandering to thoughts of Hermione for what seemed like the thousandth time. He had brought her to the hospital wing, explaining what had happened to a startled Madam Pomfrey, who began bustling around in her cabinets for remedies. He had gently laid her down on a nearby bed, and still to his total amazement, had lightly kissed the top of her forehead, feeling his heart beating somewhat faster and a slight excitability in the pit of his stomach, before hurrying back to his dorm room. He still didn't know what had overcome him, she just looked so hurt and distressed, at that moment he had wanted nothing more than to make her feel better and for her to never have to worry again. The problem was-why? He shouldn't be feeling like this. It just wasn't appropriate, it didn't seem normal to him. He was sure that she hated him, and this thought made him feel dejected. He knew he had screwed up, even more than usual this time, and a chance of her ever being nice to him were gone after what he had said to her. Maybe she would be a little more civil at least, after what he had done the night before, but it wasn't very likely. As for the other events, he hoped the Death Eaters and Voldemort were finally beaten, he wanted nothing more for them to be tortured and suffer, he couldn't believe he had once thought of accepting his father's demands for him to join them. Finally he decided he wouldn't get any more sleep than he did, and decided to just get ready for the day. For a minute had had pondered whether he should visit Hermione in the hospital wing, but quickly decided against it. She was probably with her 'precious Potter' and 'wonderful Weasley'.
When he got down to the common room, he was surprised when Blaise came over to him and placed a small wrapped box in his hands. He opened it and found it to be the small golden ring he was so sure he had gotten rid of.
"Happy Christmas, Draco" she said, hugging her fellow Slytherin, and now friend. "I was sure you would want that back." She replied.
"What makes you say that?" he asked her trying to sound indifferent.
"Well, I have my reasons." She said with a knowing look in her eyes.
Now, feeling unusually bad about not getting anything for her in return, he promised that on the next Hogsmeade trip he would buy her whatever she wanted.
Satisfied by this, she started to go to breakfast and as she was heading out the door winked at him and said "Oh, and don't worry, I won't tell anyone you saved Hermione Granger!"
Later that evening, Dumbledore called the attention to all the students who had been noisily discussing the recent happenings. "Please, students, I have an announcement. Now, I know that the events of last night have been very frightful for everyone, but I have some news that I'm sure you'll all want to be made aware of. As I'm sure you already know, the Dark Lord attacked us last night planning on killing all of our Muggleborn students. You-Know-Who has unfortunately escaped again, but there's no need to worry, because his power was diminishing, and we are confident that the Death Eaters can no longer harm us. Those that didn't die were sent to Azkaban, and I, as well as the other professors will be taking extra precautions, just in case, so something like this doesn't happen again. I am glad to say that no one was severely hurt, and that we are all now doing well, making this a very happy Christmas indeed. Now, let's all enjoy this great feast to celebrate." At this, the students began to dig in to the large assortment of delicious food, and chattered merrily away.
Hermione had been in the middle of her meal, when she casually glanced across the room, only to find a pair of ice-blue eyes fixated on her. The owner, which of course was Draco Malfoy, quickly turned away and started a conversation to the person next to him, hoping she hadn't noticed how long he had been staring.
Hermione had been wondering again just why Malfoy had helped her, and decided she'd have to confront him when they started working together, which by the way, she was absolutely dreading. However, she quickly dismissed these thoughts as she continued her conversation with her Gryffindor friends.
A/N: Ok, kind of a weird place to end it, but I had to stop it there. Don't worry, like I said fluffiness will be coming soon, thanks for being patient lol, and please review and I'll be very happy! Hope you guys are liking this story. Thanks again to my great friends! Bye! ~SweetWater~
Chapter 7: The Christmas Ball, A Raid, and an Unexpected Aid
A/N: All right, I don't really like this chapter title too much, but I can't think of anything else. I think the chapter itself is better LoL. And sorry I've been lacking in the romance department, but it's taking me some time to develop this. You can't just stick the two of them together and expect them to fall madly in love right away, well, at least that's what I think. This chappie has a lil bit of fluffiness, hopefully enough to hold you over haha. Anyway, enough of me talking, and thanx so0o much to all my reviewers, I appreciate it so much! Hope you like this...
It was now a week since the 'traumatic incident' and Draco's blonde head was revitalized and looking better than ever, if he did say so himself. In fact, he did say so, numerous times. It was Christmas Eve and the night of the Ball. He was all ready and checking his appearance in the mirror one last time before he went to wait for his date in the common room. He was taking Blaise Zabini whom, as it turned out, was someone he found he got along well with and seemed to like him. This was just what he needed to get that certain Gryffindor off his mind, and no, it wasn't Harry. He couldn't seem to stop thinking about what Hermione had said to him that day in Hogsmeade, and was startled to find somewhere deep down it had actually affected him. Taking a deep breath and walking down to the common room, he impatiently awaited Blaise so he could finally enjoy himself.
Hermione had not been thinking about the Slytherin as much as he of her, but as she was getting ready she couldn't help it. She remembered her unkind words and felt a wave of guilt hit her. Sure, he was cruel, but that didn't mean she had to stoop to his level. She also remembered their time trapped together and how different and likable he had seemed. But she didn't want to contemplate about it any longer, she was going to have a wonderful time at the Ball, and all her worries would disappear.
She slowly made her way down the stairs, in a classic entrance style, hoping that they didn't think she looked too horrible. When she finally reached the bottom, blushing from embarrassment, she was wondering why they were staring at her speechless.
"Hermione, you look so adorable, I knew that dress was perfect!" Ginny squealed excitedly, giving her friend a hug.
Lavender Brown, who was Ron's date, poked him in the ribs, and he finally shut his mouth, which had seemingly hit the floor.
"Yeah 'Mione, you look great. I've never seen you like that before." Harry replied. He was taking Ginny, with Ron's permission first, of course.
Indeed, Hermione Granger did look stunning. Her elegant sky blue dress fit her perfectly, as if it were made especially for her. Her hair was up with soft curls, pieces framing her face, she had done her makeup softly, just enough to pronounce her delicate features, but was worried of what people would think about her appearance.
"Excuse me, I think that's enough staring at my date." Dean Thomas kidded as he slid a corsage on Hermione's wrist, gave her a peck on the cheek, and took her hand in his, ready to make their way to the Ball. When they walked through the doors, the sight that lay before them was truly remarkable. The Great Hall was decked out to it's fullest. A charmed snow lightly dusted the floor and walls, lights twinkled high above in mid-air and mistletoe and holly merrily adorned the place. Four specially colored trees for each individual house, with a large multicolored one in the center completed the elaborate decorations. After eating a delicious supper, couples slowly started making their way to the dance floor, Hermione and Dean included.
"You do look amazing you know." He said as they both blushed and she mumbled a quick "Thanks". She liked Dean, she really did, he was sweet, handsome, funny, and best of all he was a Gryffindor. She just didn't believe he was "the one", he was more of a good friend.
He continued on, however. "And it's not just your looks that make you so great. You're smart, you can stand up for yourself, you're caring, you have a sense of humor..." At the expression on Hermione's face, it was obvious she didn't reciprocate these feelings. "...And I've just made a complete fool of myself. You don't like me, do you?" he finished, crestfallen.
"Oh, no Dean it's not that, I do, just not like that. You're really nice and I appreciate everything you've done for me tonight, but I think we'd be better off as friends." Hermione knew this was a common, lame excuse, but it was the only way she could explain it really.
"That's ok, I understand" he replied about to call it a night, but she continued.
"But we won't let something like that stop us from enjoying ourselves tonight, will we?" she asked with a smile. He grinned, nodded and took her hand again to lead them back to their table, but suddenly everything in the Great Hall froze with sheer terror.
Draco was just starting to enjoy himself, when he looked up to see a couple walking through the entrance to the hall. After a double take, he recognized the girl as Hermione and he could hardly believe just how amazing she looked. She seemed to almost glide as she walked, and appeared to be so carefree, happy, and full of life, emotions he rarely saw when she was anywhere near his proximity. As she sat down with the other Gryffindors and coyly smiled at the guy she was with, who by the way looked like he was in a daze from her presence, Draco felt a great surge of jealousy. He wanted nothing more than to go over there right now, apologize for everything he'd ever done, sweep the beautiful girl up in his arms and whisk her around the dance floor. He shook his head to clear it of this absurd idea. Of course he couldn't do that. He shouldn't even WANT to do that. Plus she told him never to speak to her again. 'But when did you ever let that stop you.' A voice in his head argued. Ignoring it, he turned his attention back to Blaise, who was giving him strange looks for spacing out. Before he could ask her to dance, every occupant in the Great Hall was literally frozen in their spot, absolute fear apparent on everyone's face.
Without warning, numerous men in hooded cloaks barged into the room, they're wands outstretched threateningly, and all the muggleborn students began to rise up in the air above their places. The pureblooded students seemed unscathed, but were still unable to move from their spots. Suddenly Dumbledore shouted "Solaris Calor" and the many painful thumps of students dropping back to the ground were heard. Everyone began to run around frantically, and most students, except for a few Slytherins, felt nothing but utter panic. "Everyone, back to your common rooms" Dumbledore shouted above the frantic screams and scrambling students in the Great Hall. He and the other teachers were trying to fight off the advancing Death Eaters, dodging the frequent spells they were casting.
Draco began to hasten towards the doors of the hall as soon as he saw one of the cloaked men approaching him. He was about to flee when he heard a sickening thump and crack somewhere behind him. Before he could see what was going on, he saw Pansy who had been hit with one of the spells, lying on the floor with a full body bind, a pleading look in her eye toward him. He thought for a second of possibly helping her, but almost laughed at that, and realized she probably wouldn't be hurt anyway since she was a Slytherin. He turned back around to where he had heard the person fall, looked around to see if there was anything around to conceal himself better, and rushed over to the girl who was lying face down looking as though she had just given up trying to escape.
Hermione had landed hard down on the floor after Dumbledore released them and heard a crack, pain spreading throughout her body. She kept on going though, trying desperately to make it to Gryffindor Tower, Dean running in front of her. All of a sudden she tripped over her long dress, her shoes ripping through the front, and she fell again, hitting the floor with a thud. She felt another immense wave of pain, and tried to get up but it seemed her dress was caught on one of the branches of a Christmas tree. She glanced around to see Dean running ahead of her, thinking she was right behind him. She tried to call out to him, but her voice was lost in the riotous chaos of the crowd. She was on her knees frantically pulling at her dress but she was too weak, and just collapsed back down on the ground, letting the agony overtake her. The last thing Hermione remembered before falling unconscious was one of the cloaked figures quickly coming toward her, and as he bent down to pick her up, she thought 'This is it, it's all over'. However, she failed to notice a few silver strands poking out from under the hood, as she was engulfed in darkness.
While the professors were performing numerous spells to ward off the attackers, no one noticed the two cryptic figures slinking across the lawn and out of the proximity of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but they didn't plan on staying that way for long.
Hermione slowly opened her eyes, and looked up to see two faces looming above her and was about to scream when a hand was placed over her mouth to shush her.
"'Mione, relax, it's just us", came Harry's soothing voice.
"Harry, Ron? Where am I? What happened?" she asked concern and worry apparent in her voice.
"You're in the hospital wing. You fell twice, broke your arm, and were knocked out for quite a while." Ron explained. "You're fine now though, luckily you were brought to the hospital wing by somebody."
Harry interjected though."But, enough of this depressing talk, it's Christmas!" he exclaimed, placing a pile of presents on Hermione's lap.
"Oh, you guys, thank you so much!" she said as she enveloped them both in thankful hugs. "But, I don't have my gifts to give to you, they're in my room."
"That's all right 'Mione, we're just glad you're safe." replied Ron.
After she had opened up the many presents from all her friends, including a long letter and gift from Dean saying how terribly sorry he was, and had breakfast with Madam Pomfrey's insistence, they began to talk about the events from the night before.
"I heard that Dumbledore defeated all the Death Eaters and Voldemort, I sure hope he did." Said a hopeful Harry, while Ron flinched at the use of the Dark Lord's name.
"Well, I'm sure Dumbledore will be making an announcement soon. I just can't believe that they attacked Hogwarts!" exclaimed Hermione. "I just hope everyone's safe now."
"Well, there a few other students with minor injuries, but nothing too severe. And I also heard that McGonagall was hurt trying to fight one of the Death Eaters and was in the hospital wing too, but she's ok now, and got out a short while ago."
At that moment, a whistling and cheerful Professor Snape entered the room holding a pretty bouquet of flowers. He looked around, realizing the person he came to see wasn't in this room, and three of his most hated students were there instead. He looked down at the flowers, blushed, shoved them in Harry's face instead, muttered an apathetic "Get well, Ms. Granger." and bustled out of the room at top speed. As soon as he was gone the three students burst out laughing.
Hermione had tears coming out of her eyes as she said, "Harry, to think the day would come when I would see Snape giving you flowers." she giggled. At this the trio cracked up again.
"Well, I always knew deep down he fancied you", replied a hysterical Ron. Just then Madam Pomfrey came into the room insisting that Hermione needed her rest and that the boys could come back and visit later.
But before she lied down to go back to sleep, she had to ask a question that had been bothering her all day. "Madam Pomfey?"
"Yes dear? Are you alright?"
"Well, yes I'm feeling better, but do you know who brought me here?" she asked, with compelling curiosity.
"You mean, you don't know?" the nurse asked with wonder, and Hermione shook her head.
"Well, it was that Slytherin boy...Malfoy, I think his name was. Yes, Draco Malfoy. At first I was shocked, because I've heard many stories about how he is, and he was wearing a hooded cloak, but he assured me that he was only trying to help. Very polite young man I must say. Now, you rest up dear." Madam Pomfrey replied as she walked out of the room and shut the door.
Hermione was left alone with her thoughts, wondering what could have possibly possessed Malfoy to help her, but before she could speculate more about it, the sleep potion Madam Pomfrey had given her promptly began to take effect.
Draco again hadn't gotten much sleep, his mind wandering to thoughts of Hermione for what seemed like the thousandth time. He had brought her to the hospital wing, explaining what had happened to a startled Madam Pomfrey, who began bustling around in her cabinets for remedies. He had gently laid her down on a nearby bed, and still to his total amazement, had lightly kissed the top of her forehead, feeling his heart beating somewhat faster and a slight excitability in the pit of his stomach, before hurrying back to his dorm room. He still didn't know what had overcome him, she just looked so hurt and distressed, at that moment he had wanted nothing more than to make her feel better and for her to never have to worry again. The problem was-why? He shouldn't be feeling like this. It just wasn't appropriate, it didn't seem normal to him. He was sure that she hated him, and this thought made him feel dejected. He knew he had screwed up, even more than usual this time, and a chance of her ever being nice to him were gone after what he had said to her. Maybe she would be a little more civil at least, after what he had done the night before, but it wasn't very likely. As for the other events, he hoped the Death Eaters and Voldemort were finally beaten, he wanted nothing more for them to be tortured and suffer, he couldn't believe he had once thought of accepting his father's demands for him to join them. Finally he decided he wouldn't get any more sleep than he did, and decided to just get ready for the day. For a minute had had pondered whether he should visit Hermione in the hospital wing, but quickly decided against it. She was probably with her 'precious Potter' and 'wonderful Weasley'.
When he got down to the common room, he was surprised when Blaise came over to him and placed a small wrapped box in his hands. He opened it and found it to be the small golden ring he was so sure he had gotten rid of.
"Happy Christmas, Draco" she said, hugging her fellow Slytherin, and now friend. "I was sure you would want that back." She replied.
"What makes you say that?" he asked her trying to sound indifferent.
"Well, I have my reasons." She said with a knowing look in her eyes.
Now, feeling unusually bad about not getting anything for her in return, he promised that on the next Hogsmeade trip he would buy her whatever she wanted.
Satisfied by this, she started to go to breakfast and as she was heading out the door winked at him and said "Oh, and don't worry, I won't tell anyone you saved Hermione Granger!"
Later that evening, Dumbledore called the attention to all the students who had been noisily discussing the recent happenings. "Please, students, I have an announcement. Now, I know that the events of last night have been very frightful for everyone, but I have some news that I'm sure you'll all want to be made aware of. As I'm sure you already know, the Dark Lord attacked us last night planning on killing all of our Muggleborn students. You-Know-Who has unfortunately escaped again, but there's no need to worry, because his power was diminishing, and we are confident that the Death Eaters can no longer harm us. Those that didn't die were sent to Azkaban, and I, as well as the other professors will be taking extra precautions, just in case, so something like this doesn't happen again. I am glad to say that no one was severely hurt, and that we are all now doing well, making this a very happy Christmas indeed. Now, let's all enjoy this great feast to celebrate." At this, the students began to dig in to the large assortment of delicious food, and chattered merrily away.
Hermione had been in the middle of her meal, when she casually glanced across the room, only to find a pair of ice-blue eyes fixated on her. The owner, which of course was Draco Malfoy, quickly turned away and started a conversation to the person next to him, hoping she hadn't noticed how long he had been staring.
Hermione had been wondering again just why Malfoy had helped her, and decided she'd have to confront him when they started working together, which by the way, she was absolutely dreading. However, she quickly dismissed these thoughts as she continued her conversation with her Gryffindor friends.
A/N: Ok, kind of a weird place to end it, but I had to stop it there. Don't worry, like I said fluffiness will be coming soon, thanks for being patient lol, and please review and I'll be very happy! Hope you guys are liking this story. Thanks again to my great friends! Bye! ~SweetWater~