Disclaimer: I disclaim owning any of these characters or places, but the plot dearies is mine =)
To answer a question-Averill- if you look a little closer the publish date was 7-21-02 (not 03) so my last update date had actually been almost a year since I first published it lol. I'm sorry for the confusion, this story has taken me quite awhile to write lol.
A/N: Hi! Long time no see....erm....write lol. Senior year has been great so far, even tho I'm in all college classes. It's amazing how fast the time goes! I had half of this chapter written in August, but then when September rolled around, my time for writing seemed to....disappear lol. I've been quite busy lately with the school play Mame.....I'm a principle singer, Gregor(ia) where I talk in a French accent, and Cousin Fan where I get to talk in a southern accent =D. We open next week so, I thought I'd better update before we get to Tech week(where we'll be having very late rehearsals) and I have no time at all. Sooo, here's an update, and the chapter you've all probably been waiting for ;-D
Chapter 14: A Valentine's Prize and Cupid's Surprise
"It's undeniable that we should be together.
It's unbelievable, how I used to say that I'd fall never."
-Brian McKnight, Back At One
"And I'm just elated
To be someone you once hated
And it's all so complicated..."
-Bowling For Soup, On and On (About you)
A breathless Hermione jingled the handle and pushed on the door to the room she had just left not too long ago, but found that it wouldn't open. So instead she gently tapped on the door and softly called out, "Mal-Draco, are you in there? Draco, I think we should talk."
When no response came she sighed and leaned against the door, slowly sliding down to the floor, not knowing that on just the opposite side, the person she was looking for was doing the exact same thing as she.
Draco, who was still very worked up from what had happened moments ago quickly stiffened as he heard the doorknob rattle and Hermione's voice calling from the other side of the door. 'What could she possibly want now?' However his heart started beating rather rapidly and he became tense when he heard her call him Draco, wondering what could have possibly made her use his first name. 'The footnote, she must have finally read it.' He didn't know whether to be relieved or worried about her finally knowing the cause for his strange behavior, finally knowing the truth– that they were 'meant to be together'. He didn't even fully understand the meaning of that phrase, and doubted she knew either. He only knew that he couldn't face her now, not now that she knew. What could he even say? He had no idea how to react to this type of situation, and was panicked about what was going to happen now. However, she had said she believed that he couldn't, and didn't want to change, that he would always be an evil, malicious jerk that considered her filth. But this was now FAR from the truth. He just had a bad control of his temper, he was just so frustrated with–everything– he couldn't take it anymore, and he had slipped, but the word no longer held any meaning for him. And now that Hermione knew the truth, what was she going to do? As he closed his eyes, fighting back the terrible urge to just scream, he thought bitterly, 'Just because fate says something's meant to be, doesn't mean it will be.'
"Malfoy, you just lost the best thing you ever could have had without even realizing it. You really ARE a prat," he said to himself dejectedly, again leaning his head back against the wall, wondering if Hermione had left so he could just go back to his dorm.
Hermione, figuring he either wasn't in there, or didn't want to come out, got back up as confused as ever. Why had she even come here in the first place, what was she expecting to happen? But as that one phrase had flashed vividly in her head, all she could think of was to get to him as soon as possible. But now, she realized this was probably ridiculous. He had just called her a mudblood moments before! She should be furious. But, all her fury was replaced with some understanding.....and even more confusion. So that's why he kissed her, he knew what fate had in store for them. The words he had said earlier echoed through her mind. 'It was you.' How had she not seen it? Of course, because she never would have expected it, not in a million years. But there it was, staring her in the face– by fate, she and Draco Malfoy were somehow meant to be together, but there they were insulting and ridiculing each other, trying everything in their power to deny it. 'Well, just because fate says something, doesn't mean it will actually happen. People have to help direct their own fate.' She hadn't realized until now that she had been meandering through the halls while lost in thought, but now she focused her attention and saw that a bewildered Harry, Ron, and Ginny were approaching her.
"Hermione," Ron started trying to catch his breath. "Where was the fire? Why'd you run out of there so fast?"
"Oh...well, I realized I left something important in the library, and I wanted to get it before it got too late." The three looked skeptical, but didn't want to push it further. If she wanted to tell them, she would, and she must have her reasons not too. The one thing they would always have for Hermione was trust.
It was Harry's turn to ask a question. "So, what made you so furious before?"
"Oh, just something Malfoy said," she answered, looking a little distressed. Ginny's eyebrows raised at the mention of this, and she gave Hermione a look clearly saying she wanted details later.
"Malfoy," Harry's eyes flashed with dislike at the mention of his enemy's name. "What did he say?"
"It was nothing that I haven't heard before, its...its fine now, and we should probably be getting back." And with that, the four returned to Gryffindor, none feeling any more reassurance than they had before they left.
Hermione was now in bed, trying to get to sleep. But as she lay there, one phrase kept haunting her, echoing in her mind and disturbing the rest that she needed. 'It was you.'
Draco finally got up off the floor, hoping the coast was clear. He picked up the troublesome photograph and book Hermione had left in her wake, still amazed at how so much had happened in mere minutes. He placed the picture inside the book, and took it with him, knowing they'd have to show it to Dumbledore, proving that the mystery was solved and earning them extra credit. He made his way back to Slytherin in a bit of an addled stupor, still berating himself for his actions, and pondering what it was exactly that he felt toward Hermione. As he drifted off to sleep that night, he couldn't help thinking again, 'The spell can only be performed on two people that, by fate, are meant to be together.'
The next day Hermione woke up to a figure looming over her. She was about to scream, but her eyes focused on a familiar face.
"Ginny?!"
"Good morning. Now, I want an explanation as to what happened last night before Harry and Ron wake up. We can go to my room, everyone is already up and gone." Hermione got up and put a robe on over her pajamas, and before leaving picked up the book she had dropped onto the floor, following Ginny to the 4th year girl's dormitory.
Upon entering the room Ginny declared, "Sit. Explain."
Hermione sighed and opened up to the book-marked page, handing it over to the girl. "That's the spell we were put under."
Ginny hurriedly scanned the paragraph and her eyes bulged as she read over the line Hermione was pointing to.
"Oh my.....Hermione, what does this mean? Is Malfoy in love with you or something?"
"I doubt it, he called me a mudblood last night."
"Oh, 'Mione, I'm so sorry," she said, looking slightly disappointed. But then an excited look crossed her face as a sudden thought popped into her head. "Wait, if you two are supposedly meant to be, what if you'll be paired for the ball tonight?!"
"Dumbledore said we'd be paired with who we're most compatible with. If you haven't noticed, between rare moments of getting along, all we do is argue and agitate each other."
"Well if two would get over your stubbornness, and just take the time to stop that petty bickering, maybe you'd find that there was, I don't know, something there. Something that wasn't there before. Something that neither of you noticed."
Ginny's words filled Hermione with even more doubt about Draco and plagued her for the rest of the day. If Ginny was right, and Draco was her partner for the ball, what would happen? After his hurtful words last night, she had thought he really couldn't change.....but maybe she was wrong.
The whole next day, Draco's thoughts still seemed to be very much occupied by Hermione. After his outburst, he had nothing else on his mind, but now there was another thing that came back to haunt him. He couldn't believe he had kissed her again! It was most likely an act of desperation, she didn't seem to be the most perceptive of other people's feelings and could be very oblivious. So he felt like if she couldn't see how he was feeling, that he needed to show her. Even if he wasn't entirely sure of what those feelings were. He had gotten an expected reaction from the kiss, but it wasn't the reaction he had been hoping for. Now he had to deal with the consequences, which would more than likely be unfavorable. However, he did need to face the one fact that remained, because he just couldn't deny it anymore– there seemed to some kind of...spark between them. Whether they wanted it or not, they were meant to be together and fate seemed intent on keeping it that way, because he no longer hated Hermione, not one bit.
Hermione, along with a watchful Harry and Ron were walking to the library later that day. She had tried to tell them that she was fine on her own, but her recent outbursts and mood swings had left them with feelings of doubt. So after several failed protests from Hermione, the two decided to accompany her to the library, just in case she had another outburst and to see if they could find the cause of her odd behavior.
"Really you two, I appreciate your concern, but I'm....fine.."
Her last word seemed to come out as a mere whisper and falter as her eyes set on someone heading towards them. She had caught sight of Draco walking towards them on the opposite side of the hallway. The two boys followed her gaze and started preparing comebacks for the insults they expected to come at any moment. However, rather then the usual verbal spar that came whenever Malfoy and Harry were near each other, he was instead intently staring at Hermione, wearing an expression unfamiliar to Harry and Ron. When they looked over at her, she was surprisingly enough, staring back with just as much intensity as he. Neither lifted the piercing gaze, but each kept walking, steadily passing by each other with their heads held high, not a word said between them.
"Odd," Ron commented as they entered the library. "Did Malfoy take an anti-git potion today or has he finally run out of bad insults?"
Harry also found the previous confrontation very peculiar. He couldn't help but notice the silent exchange and the look on Malfoy's face. It wasn't a look he was used to seeing on him, which made it slightly unreadable. Something unusual had passed between them....something unspoken, but seemingly louder than words. Harry couldn't quite place it, but thought he had seen....understanding? Malfoy was acting odd.....different, and anything different in Draco Malfoy's behavior was very disconcerting for Harry Potter. 'This can't be good,' he mentally concluded. 'Something is going on between those two, and I'm going to find out exactly what it is.' With that declaration of determination, he went over to the Potions section and slipped Moste Potente Potions off the shelf, the wheels in his head turning to formulate a plan.
It was now the evening, and as Hermione got ready for the ever-advancing ball she couldn't stop the nervous, queasy feeling in her stomach. She desperately wanted to know who her partner would be, but at the same time never wanted to find out. She couldn't help thinking of Ginny's presumption more than ever now. What if Draco really was her partner for the ball? What would happen then? Somewhere deep down Hermione knew that Draco really hadn't meant to call her a mudblood, she was just so scared at the time, she had readily grasped for any excuse that could prove what was happening really wasn't. She had wanted to believe that he couldn't possibly think more of her than a mudblood, but now seemed to regret it. It was just all so new, so unexpected, it had set alarms off in her head, but she'd had time to think and realized that new and unexpected didn't necessarily mean bad. "Well," she started to say to her reflection, "If we really are meant to be, then I'll just let fate take its course." Now all ready, clad in her red and black gown, her transfigured red rose in hand, she made her way down to the common room prepared to meet Harry and Ron and now looking into the unknown, ready for the next hand fate would deal her.
The Great Hall never looked as sensational as it did that night. Charming and elegant adornments could be seen everywhere, with many equally charming and elegant couples on the dance floor having the time of their lives. In the midst of all the merriment, sat a lone girl, dreadfully despondent in the celebratory atmosphere.
The ball had been in full swing for a half-hour already, but Hermione sat alone at a table, her singing Valentine from Harry and Ron by her side, watching all the happy newfound couples dancing and enjoying each other's company. Dean looked quite over his heartbreak, evidently getting closer to Luna Lovegood, Harry was chatting animatedly with Susan Bones, and Ron and Blaise Zabini looked especially cozy gently swaying in each other's arms to the melodious harmony sounding throughout the room. She even watched with mild jealousy, her rose tightly clenched in her hand, as some of the unfortunate couples such as Millicent Bullstrode and Neville Longbottom bickered. She heaved a sigh and leaned her hand on her chin, a faint glisten in her eyes. 'At least they're not alone,' she thought forlornly.
"Oh great," she said discouragingly as another slow song came on, loneliness seemingly overwhelming her, and she listened to the words.
"I get lost in your eyes
And I feel my spirits rise
And soar like the wind.
Is it love that I am in?"
Draco had spent the rest of the day pacing around his room thinking about the impending ball. For a fleeting moment, he desperately wished Hermione could be his partner, but the conviction faded as soon as it had come, his hope that it might be true fading with it. After all, she wasn't the only one who had felt hurt. If she wanted to deny that there was anything between them, then he didn't really see what he could do about it. He actually felt guilty for all his actions, which was a feeling he had very rarely, and it was starting to almost disgust him. How did she make him want to apologize, when he never felt sorry for anything before? How had she changed him like this? He was dressed and ready, flower in hand, and suddenly looked up at his clock and realized he was late. "Bugger!" he said angrily as he hurried to the ball- but of course not before he had checked his astounding appearance in a nearby mirror for the hundredth time that night. As he approached the Great Hall he saw happy couples outside holding hands and snogging in shadowy corridors. Music blaring in his ears, he entered the beautifully decorated room and scanned it for his assigned match. He spotted the girl sitting with the same flower as he and walked towards her, newfound determination written all over his face.
Hermione had just decided she would leave, when suddenly a deep crimson rose fell delicately into her lap. She looked down at it puzzled, but then a voice quietly spoke into her ear. "Sorry I'm late," the ever-so-cocky voice whispered to her. "I would have been here sooner, but I couldn't decide which outfit accented my devilishly good looks the best."
The familiar drawl sent a shiver down her spine. That voice, that attitude, could only belong to one person. She slowly turned around to be met with those silvery blue pools that seemed to ridicule and care all at once, conveying more emotion than she had ever seen from him. That customary smirk was plastered on his face and Hermione managed to sputter, "D-Draco?"
"The one and only. Really, who else were you expecting, Hagrid?"
However, truth be told, Draco had been just as shocked, but happy nonetheless, that the charmed parchment had paired he and Hermione together. Shaking himself out of his surprise, he extended his hand to her, a smile playing across his lips and his eyes shining brightly. "Well, seeing how this IS a ball after all, I guess we should dance now shouldn't we?"
Hermione, still in a bit of a stunned daze placed the rose he had given her on the table, and cautiously took his hand, letting him lead her out on to the dance floor. As they awkwardly put their arms around each other and started to dance Draco stated, "It's okay Granger, I don't bite....most of the time." Hermione blushed and listened to the lyrics of the song they were dancing to, as they grew increasingly comfortable with each passing moment.
"I get weak in a glance.
Isn't this what's called romance?
And now I know,
'cause when I'm lost I can't let go."
Draco noticed Hermione looked like she was about to speak, and he quickly interrupted, feeling the strange need to explain himself.
"Hermione...." At the sound of this she couldn't help smiling broadly, but he continued with, "Yeah, don't get too used to it. Hermione...I know you have every right to be mad at me-"
"You're certainly right I do."
"Yes, well....I think you know what I'm trying to say...."
"No, I'm sorry, I really don't. What are you trying to say Draco?" she replied, pulling the same innocent expression he had used on her not too long ago.
"Oh don't give me that look, I practically created that look." Hermione giggled as he continued, fumbling with his words. "Look, we Malfoys....aren't the best at...apologizing," he ended with a flat tone.
"Well, you Malfoys better start getting good at apologizing."
Draco was silent for a few seconds then suddenly burst out, "Okay, I'm sorry! I'm bloody sorry, are you happy now?!"
Hermione's eyes widened and she smiled as he said a little more seriously, looking down at his feet, "...For everything."
Hermione could hardly believe her ears, and the grin that was appearing on her face just couldn't be stopped. Draco Malfoy had apologized, probably for the first time in his life. Hermione had to admit that it was hard not to blame him, but sensed something in his tone, and when he looked back up into to her eyes, she saw something she had never seen in them before. Sincerity. A look of understanding passed between them, Hermione's forgiveness apparent on her face, as they edged a little closer together, still listening to the song.
"I don't mind not knowing what I'm headed for.
You can take me to the skies.
It's like being lost in heaven,
When I'm lost in your eyes."
Hermione really had no idea what was in store for the future, she wasn't even sure what was going to happen in the next few minutes! But, strangely she didn't seem to care much at this moment. As she looked back up at Draco, who she noticed had been staring at her, she couldn't help but say, "So, meant to be, huh?"
"Yah....meant to be. So I guess you're stuck with me Granger. "
"It wouldn't be the first time. Anyway, why do you call me Granger?"
"Just think of it as a......term of endearment," he replied, giving her a wink.
As they continued to dance, Hermione couldn't believe the change in the Slytherin's personality. Sure, he still carried that arrogant air of- "I'm-Draco-Malfoy-the-blonde-sex-god-and-proud-of-it", but it was somehow different. He was actually–charming. As they continued to dance, as comfortable as ever now, she couldn't help but think that maybe Ginny was right. When they weren't at each other's throats, it actually seemed like there was something between them.
"I just fell. Don't know why.
Something's there we can't deny. (=D)
The way I first knew,
Was when I first looked at you."
As Draco looked back down at Hermione, she looking just as elated as he felt, he could feel his muddled sense of confusion disappear. It was strange that even though he couldn't understand it, suddenly everything seemed to make sense at the same time. It was amazing how incredibly......right this felt. As Draco mulled over this, closing off the little room that was left between them he couldn't help thinking,'Oh Lord, I sound like a sappy wanker.' Even so, he knew this was a feeling he didn't want to go away soon. 'I guess the fates do know what they're doing.'
"I don't mind not knowing what I'm headed for.
You can take me to the skies.
It's like being lost in heaven,
When I'm lost in your eyes."
"Draco?" Hermione was now looking a little worried as she interrupted their comfortable silence. "What' s happening? You know.....between us? I mean, I know we're dancing now, but what about when the Ball is over, what's going to happen then?"
Draco had no idea how to answer this question, and truth be told, he hadn't really given much thought past the Ball, but somehow, he found words escaping his lips in the form of an answer, an answer even he didn't expect.
"I..I really haven't got a clue. I wish I could answer that question, but I just don't know," he replied truthfully. Hermione looked downcast, but he continued his answer. With every word he spoke, he used a deliberate and meaningful emphasis, now looking directly into Hermione's eyes. "But, what I do know is, I can't see myself without you."
As Draco took in Hermione's shocked expression, he couldn't help but feel shocked himself. He had never said anything like that to anyone before, never acted the way he was acting now with anyone, but somehow she made him want to do it more. How did she do this to him?
Now feeling slightly foolish for saying what he just had, Draco averted their attention to a very funny sight on the other side of the room. A very perturbed looking McGonagall and Snape were awkwardly dancing( if that's what you could call it) as far apart as they could possibly be while still touching, with Dumbledore standing nearby grinning. Draco nodded his head in their direction and couldn't help smirking as he said "I told you so."
"I told you so," came the voice of Professor Dumbledore next to McGonagall and Snape, nodding in the direction of Draco and Hermione, grinning widely. Both professors looked astounded upon seeing the two, but quickly turned away not wanting to stare.
"Why are we doing this again Albus?" Professor McGonagall sighed, looking bored, while Snape's scowl deepened.
"Well Minerva, as the purpose of this ball is to increase amiability between the houses, and you two being the heads of your houses, you need to set a good example. And, it should be quite interesting for our school's dear rumor mill."
I get weak in a glance
Isn't this what's called romance?
Oh I'll be found
When I am lost in your eyes.
As the song ended, Draco and Hermione pulled apart slightly, their trance that they were in now broken as they seemed to come back to earth and notice that they were in the middle of the Great Hall, at Hogwarts, as supposed rivals. Luckily, it seemed as if most everyone else was too busy with their own dates to notice the "enemy" Slytherin and Gryffindor dancing together. Hermione, not wanting to attract too much attention to she and Draco, pulled away to go sit down. However, Draco pulled her back, keeping a firm grasp on her hand.
"And where do you think you're going?"
"Well, I figured you wouldn't want to damage that wonderful reputation you have with the Slytherins."
"Granger, now that I have you here, I'm not going to make the mistake of letting you get away," he told her while taking her into his arms again, another song already starting to play.
"...While we're talking
About all of the things that I long to believe
About love and the truth and what you mean to me
And the truth is , baby you're all that I need.
I want to lay you down on a bed of roses
For tonight I sleep on a bed on nails
I want to be just as close as the Holy Ghost is
And lay you down on bed of roses."
As Draco heard the lyrics to this song, he used the summoning spell and handed Hermione the two deep crimson roses they had brought to the ball, and with his most irresistible smile and a wink said "Well, its not a bed of roses, but I guess it'll have to do for now."
Hermione blushed and smiled, placing one rose behind her ear, and keeping the other in her hand as she wrapped her arms back around him. It was only their second dance of the evening, and yet to Hermione it seemed like it had been hours since Draco first arrived. She couldn't believe the charm he was using on her tonight. What was more, she couldn't believe that she was actually falling for it. She hadn't really received this kind of attention from anyone before, let alone Draco Malfoy. There was a feeling in the air, shared between them, that if they looked away from each other the moment would be shattered, and instead they held on a little more tightly, as if they would wake up from a dream and all of this would fade away.
Neither Draco nor Hermione were ready to face reality yet to what this meant for the both of them, a pureblood and Muggleborn, that were supposed to be enemies, paired together for the ball. And yet, in another moment the second song had ended, and it seemed as if all eyes in the hall were now on them. For as their attention had been directed only on each other, they had failed to realize what had been happening as they danced. But now that Hermione had the chance to look down, she realized that they were floating 3 feet off of the ground.
Hermione let out a small yelp of surprise, with Draco looking equally confounded, as one of the most unexpected, extraordinary things to ever happen at Hogwarts happened.
The Great Hall was filled with a rush of swirling light and wind, while a dreamy, ethereal melody played, the Slytherin and Gryffindor couple in the middle of it all. The roses that Hermione had, had intertwined above their heads, and in one final burst of bright light, countless rose petals delicately fell, sprinkling the Great Hall in a sea of red and pink, as the two slowly descended to the ground. The students had been transfixed throughout this whole scene, entranced and rooted to their spots, the enchanting atmosphere eerily silent.
And in the middle of everyone, stood Hermione and Draco, neither making a movement, not having any idea of what to do to break the bewitched environment. And suddenly, Draco realized just where he was, who he was, and who he was with. He was a pureblooded Slytherin, dancing with a girl who he was raised to hate, and even thought it didn't matter to him anymore what their backgrounds were, to many other people, it did matter though. It was one thing to like Hermione. It was an entirely different one to have everyone know. And for some reason, this had an effect on him. As he looked around at the confused faces around him, all waiting for some kind of explanation, reality hit him and he realized how difficult this would be. And not wanting to face the imposing questions, curious gossip, aggressive threats, and opposition that was sure to come, Draco Malfoy did the most cowardly thing he had probably ever done. He ran out of the Great Hall, not even looking back to see Hermione's shocked and hurt expression.
An awkward silence loomed around everyone, and the only person that could break the moment did.
"All right everyone!" the Headmaster replied, while clapping his hands. "I believe we have all just witnessed what I had mentioned previously, and I am astounded that it actually happened here at Hogwarts- Cupid's Surprise! Now lets have a special dedication song, and continue with the ball!" With these words from Dumbledore, another song started to play. The students took this as their cue to speak again, the silence now being replaced with an uproarious mood.
Hermione ran from the hall, pushing past everyone, ignoring the comments and stares, the music blaring in her ears. Even in her harried state, she somehow managed to chuckle about the song that Dumbledore had requested, showing just how utterly irrational she was at that moment.
"Cupid draw back your bow
And let your arrow go
Straight to your lover's heart for me.
Cupid please hear my cry
And let your arrow fly
Straight to my lover's heart for me. "
Hermione pushed open the heavy doors of the Great hall, her heart beating madly, feeling like it was in her throat. Her stomach dropped as she looked around, not finding Draco to be just outside the doors waiting for her as she half-expected him to be. She was about to just go back to her dorm when she heard a voice, or rather three from behind her.
"Hermione!" called the first familiar male voice from behind her. "Hermione, are you okay?" As she turned around, she saw the faces of who she already knew would be standing there, Harry and Ron. Standing a little off to the side was one that she didn't quite expect, Blaise.
As Ron caught his breath, he continued to speak. "Hermione, do you mind telling us what you were doing with Malfoy of all people."
"He....we were paired together."
"Well obviously, but what we want to know is why exactly you were paired together," continued Harry.
"Listen, Harry, Ron, I don't think this would be the best time to talk about this. I-I really don't feel up to it right now. You should just go back to the ball, enjoy yourselves. Your dates must be waiting for you."
"Are you sure you'll be ok?"
The reply they heard was "I'm sure," as they made their way back to the hall. The more important part that they failed to hear was the muttered "Eventually."
As Hermione prepared to go back to her room, she was surprised to find that Blaise was still there.
"Why are you still here? Ron must be wondering what you're doing."
"Listen....Granger....Hermione. Draco can be a real tosser sometimes, he isn't the best at handling serious situations...especially ones he's never been in before. He's just probably....scared. And not to mention a big prat. "
"Blaise, there's no need to apologize for him," Hermione replied. "Now, I think I'd like to go back to my dorm and....just think."
Blaise nodded her head and started over toward the doors of the Great Hall, where Ron had been peeking his head in to see if she was coming. She was almost through the doors before she turned around and stated, "I see you still have the ring," with a mysterious smile, and disappeared into the crowded hall. Hermione with a curious stare at the doors, turned her glance down to her hand, where the ring that had started it all was, now a light shade of pink with a deep red heart in the center.
Meanwhile, in the Slytherin dungeons, a boy sat on his bed with his head in his hands, with the same red ring squeezed tightly in his fist.
A/N: And that's it! Of course, that's not it, it don't worry its not the end LoL, but it's the end of this chapter. And might I add, very long chapter ;-) lol. So, leave a review to let me know what you think! And a very big thank you to all of my reviewers for the previous chapter! Its what inspires me to keep writing! And another big thank you to Susan, without you I'd never be able to post! LoL. The songs used at the Ball were I Get Lost In Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson and Bed of Roses by Bon Jovi. And btw, sorry about the overload in song lyrics in this chapter but, I think it adds something extra to the story and it was a ball lol. If you hadn't noticed, I put a smiley face next to one of the lyrics, and that's because I was listening to this song when trying to think of a title for this fic, and that's how I came up with this! And actually the whole song is what inspired me for the idea for this story! The first ever idea I actually had for this story was the whole "Valentine Ball/Draco dropping a rose into Hermione's lap" idea.....and I had to come up with a plot centered around it and-voila, this is what I got! Ok, that was just in case anyone was wondering how I thought of this fic =).There should only be about one or two more chapters left of this, sadly....unless somehow my plot changes LoL. So, I'll tty next time, hope you review! Byye!
~SweetWater~