Author's Note: I probably have mistakes in this chapter that I didn't see. But do enjoy.
Chapter Eleven
"I'm a genius. You can't help but admit it. I am a genius!"
"Yes, you are Ginny." I praised.
Grinning like a Cheshire cat, she said, "Oh what will you do without me Hermione? Your world would fall apart."
I rolled my eyes. "Yes, it would."
"Have you got your plan all worked out?"
"Almost, there are still some minor complications I want to work out."
"Merlin," The redhead giggled. "I can't wait until the night of the ball!"
"Harry is taking you right?"
She smiled. "Yup."
"I knew you two would hit it off one day."
"Yeah, I guess." She sighed sadly. "Shame though... my childhood crush seems to be fading. I really did like him."
I looked at her suspiciously. "What do you mean? You don't like him anymore or something?"
"I still like him... I think." She hesitated. "But with your fiascos with Malfoy and me, mingling with Slytherins—someone more than usual, I don't know."
I narrowed my eyes. Mingling with someone? Slytherin? Malfoy? I felt something. Gods, what is this? Am I feeling jealously? Has the green witch hit me and pricked me with her thorns? Am I worried that Ginny likes Malfoy? Heavens, no! What in the blazing hell is wrong with me?! Malfoy is nothing to me as I am nothing to him. Our feels are mutual. We hate—well, not technically hate now... dislike each other. God forbid if I'm jealous! Must be crazy!
"Someone in Slytherin?"
Ginny chuckled nervously, entwining her fingers into her hair. "You can say that." She took a glance at me as I looked at her accusingly. "Hermione!" She screamed, throwing a pillow to my face. "You're making me feel like I'm betraying my friends!"
"What? I didn't do anything!"
"You gave me that look!"
"What look?"
"That look! See?! You're doing it right now!"
"I—" I was stopped by another pillow being slammed into my face.
"Ginny!" I shrieked, grabbing a pillow and knocked her head with it. Immediately, it broke out into a pillow fight in my room.
Feathers flew about, the cotton stuffing got into my mouth. It was fun. How long has it been since I let everything go and act like a regular girl should? Too long. It was always studying for me.
"Okay, okay." I said, surrendering before my head gets whacked with another pillow. "Who in Slytherin do you fancy?
"Why do say Slytherin like its bad?"
"Because it is!"
"Malfoy is in Slytherin!"
I gasped. "Virginia Weasley, what is that supposed to mean?!"
Ginny beamed. "You, yourself fancy a bloke from Slytherin. Admit it. Admit it!"
"I do not! Who told you that ridiculous lie?!"
"Hermione," She exasperated. "I'm not blind. I recognized the look you gave me before when I said I liked someone in Slytherin. You were scared that I might say Malfoy. You're were jealous!"
My eyebrows twitched with annoyance. Preposterous assumption! I was not jealous! Of all things, jealousy was not one of them! I crossed my arms defiantly. "That's a lie. I can't you believed you said such things."
"Sure Hermione." Her voice was sugarcoated with sarcasm. "And to let you know, it's not Malfoy so you can stop being so heated now."
"I'm not heated!" I fumed.
"It's Blaise Zabini."
My mouth dropped to the ground. Blaise Zabini? "When—where? Since—goodness, how?"
"First it was just the glances in the hallways, intermissions between the classes, looks in the Great Hall... Then it evolved to short conversations and regular 'walking-into-each-other' routine..."
My eyes were wide as saucers. Ginny falling for a Slytherin? "I would never have thought you fall for a Slytherin..."
"It's not my fault exactly..."
I looked at her dubiously. "And whose fault would that be? Mine?"
"Yes," she exclaimed. "You were involved with Malfoy. Blaise was involved in the demise of Malfoy and so were you. So naturally, I teamed up with Blaise to help you."
"But falling for a Slytherin?"
"Hey, speak for yourself." She said crossly.
My eyes were like slits. "I'm going to pretend I haven't heard that."
Ginny grinned. "Denial is the first step."
I took a pillow and threw it directly at her head. Damn her!
A couple of weeks had passed since Malfoy slipped to me that he knew about my dare. I haven't talked to him much, just regarded him whenever I really needed to. Whenever we had meetings with the school staff or anything of that sort. Frankly, I was much surprised that he contributed to my peace. No insults, remarks, or his typical infuriation had came from him. I wondered if he fell off his broom during Quidditch practice or something.
Hmm... Back to my scheme. I've easily managed to inquire the help of Zabini through Ginny. It seems like Zabini would like to see the Slytherin Prince fall. At first, he refused to help, accusing me that if I haven't accepted Malfoy's proposal of being his date, Zabini would not be in this predicament. It was not my fault and I didn't know that Zabini had to do something once he lost the dare. Once Zabini heard my plan, a remarkably, devilishly, handsome smirked stretch across his face. (Oh dear, Slytherins are gradually becoming attractive to me! Merlin, help me if I ever think Crabbe and Goyle have average intelligences. Although, I think that I will never stoop that low.) Once he accepted my offer, I knew my plan would work out perfectly.
It is an uttermost shame that Malfoy would not be suffering the consequences. However, my plan, I believe, is far worse than what any of the consequences can do. I'm breaking countless school rules by doing this and I have told myself numerous times, reminding myself that this is my last year and I should just have fun. If it were any other year, I would've knocked myself upside the head for even thinking of doing such an act.
I sighed contently as I finished the last remains of my essay for Potions. What to do now? Homework done. N.E.W.T.S studied for. Project done days ago. Perhaps I should read, but for once, shockingly, I did not want to. It was strange. Maybe I got a fever? I felt my forehead. No. I left the safe walls of my room and walked to my common room. Saturday afternoon, almost every student was in Hogsmeade, including Malfoy. I told my friends that I wanted to rest today and catch up on a few things. Even though they persisted and pleaded me to drop my studies, they lackadaisically capitulated. Half-bored to death, I decided to explore the common room. I looked under the couches, rummaged through the drawers and cabinets. Who knows? I might possibly find something interesting.
I stepped on a chair to look over a dusty shelf. My hands fiddled around for something... anything. Then I touched something. A book. I took the book down and looked at it. Black leather, fancying writings... Oh god... this again.
Malfoy's diary.
I opened the book, skimming through the past pages I've read. Dandelion... freaky witches... It struck a nerve in me. Malfoy... Oh my blood is simmering. I turned to another page I haven't seen the last time I read this god-forbidden book. It wasn't dated though.
Over the past weeks, I felt odd. What is this feeling? Lust? Like? I'm not sure. And it involved Granger, out of all people. The one person I detested most, now turned into the one person I really want to be around, spite her irritating, officious, vicious personality. We have shared some kisses and as my will would never let me tell her, they were the best kisses I ever had. Her lips were soft, tempting and alluring. Her beauty is fine, like an exotic rose of a delicate nature.
I coughed, choking on my own saliva. I climbed down from the chair and when I was firmly set on the ground, I let out the loudest laughter. I doubled over, laughing, tears spilling out of my eyes. I clutched my stomach. I knew I would fall down laughing, that's why I got off the chair. Technically, it was not that funny as I made it to be. But the idea of Malfoy describing me in such a way really cracked me up. Before, I had doubts about his previous entries, debating whether they were true or not, but now that Ifinally knew the truth, I saw through the lies. It was just too hilarious for me to see that Malfoy was still trying to impress me when I clearly knew his motives. See, a month and some weeks ago, I did not know that Malfoy was dared to get me to be his date and it was obvious that this was his way of trying. Although it didn't work, he was still successful. However, now that I know they're all fabrications, I just couldn't help but laugh at his ridiculous attempts.
I let out a deep breath, trying to calm down and continued to read.
If she ever read this, I know she'll laugh her bloody head off.
I snorted. That is so true! How did he know? I thought sarcastically.
I don't even know what my feelings are now. They're so confusing. If Father is alive, he'll have a field day knowing that I'm feeling this way about a Muggle, a Mudblood. They say you can find love in your enemies...
Then he stopped. I sighed. This is useless. Why does he keep trying if he knows he'll never get me? These lies won't work. I don't believe one hundred percent of the things he has written in here. He already got me for his date, what else is he trying for? To get me in bed? Never. I'm filthy as dirt to him, there's no way. Well, at least he put more effort in his compliments in this entry than the previous ones. He upgraded me from a weed (dandelion) to a flower (rose)! Unbelievable!
I closed the book and left it at its original place.
It was a week before the Graduation Ball and the population of the Hogwarts students was at Hogsmeade. Many of them were purchasing their robes for the upcoming ball. Ginny and I were at a newly opened shop called 'Divinely Attires' which featured the latest fashion of robes. A flock of female students were in the store, all staring and trying on the beautiful robes with admiration. The males, however, were at a store across the street from us, trying on their own robes. The portentous Malfoy thought he was too good for store-brought clothes, so he stayed at Hogwarts to get his own custom made robe. Conceited bastard.
"You should try this one, Hermione. Malfoy would be pleased." Ginny grinned, fingering the fabric of a revealing robe with more cleavage to show than Pansy herself.
I looked at the robe and then at Ginny. "You must be out of your mind."
"You're not getting a robe Ginny?" I asked, browsing through a rack.
"Nah." She smiled.
"Then what are you wearing?"
She looked around the store and stepped in closer to whisper. "I'm still going to the Ball with Harry, but Blaise is buying me a custom made robe."
"Oi, Ginny." I shook my head at my friend. "You're not going to ditch Harry, are you? He wouldn't be happy about it."
"Of course not! I'm just going to dance with Blaise a lot more. Harry would understand. After all, I'm willing to bet that he'll be dancing with Pansy."
My eyes widened. Harry and Pansy? Merlin, what is the world coming to? "You've got to be kidding me."
"Nope." Ginny beamed. "It seems like Gryffindor and Slytherin couples are all the rage now."
"But Pansy?" Ugh. "Are you sure? It doesn't seem like Harry. It's so out of character of him."
"Voldemort is dead. The world is at peace. Who cares? No cares. I don't care. Harry doesn't care. Besides, you can find love in your enemies."
You can find love in your enemies... Malfoy wrote that.
"Hermione?"
"Huh?"
"Day dreaming about a certain Slytherin, aren't you?"
"No! Never!"
The redhead laughed. "Sure, Hermione, sure. Oh—what about this?!" She held up a beautiful forest green robe with flared lacey sleeves and the most intricate floral designs I have ever seen. It was hard to describe it because it was just so gorgeous.
"For me?" I asked dumbly.
"Yes, for you. Now try it on."
"It's beautiful... but it's green."
"I told, no cares. Now go try it on before I force you into it."
I unwillingly took the dress and went into the changing room. Gods, how the hell do you put this on?! There were too many strings and holes for me to comprehend. After all, I rarely wore dressy clothes.
After what must be half an hour laterand Ginny constantly yelling for me to hurry up, I walked out of the changing room. I felt half-naked, for goodness's sake!
"Wow." Ginny mouthed. "You look beautiful in that, Hermione. You have to buy it!"
I stared at myself in the mirror. Strangely, it did make me look beautiful. I never did thought that green would be my color. The robe hugged every one of my curves and enhanced my figure. A v-neck dewed into the little dip between my breasts, emphasizing that I do have breasts and I did not require Malfoy's help of getting a bosom. I shook my head at the memory and couldn't help but let out a little snicker at the thought of those two thingies stuffed into this robe. Heavens, the stitches in the robe would break and fall apart. A floral lace pattern was attached to the cuff of the sleeves. The robe flared to the ground, flowing down magnificently. Not too girly. Not too revealing. It was perfect.
By the time I finished undressing and putting on my school robes, I got out of the dressing room in time to see Zabini walk into the sore with a smug look on his face. He looked around the store and his eyes stoppedon Ginny. He spotted her easily. She was the only one in the store with flaming red hair. I kept an eye on him as he suavely walked towards her while other female stared at him with lust. She did not notice him, but kept going through the rack of robes. He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. She let out a little squeak at the sudden movement. I watched them from a distance, amused at his actions. He placed his lips on her cheek and gave her a small peck. Ginny turned her head to see that it was her Slytherin lover-boy.
A small chuckle escaped my lips as I advanced towards them. "Isn't that sweet?"
"Granger." Zabini greeted.
"Zabini." I nodded in return. "You two official yet?"
Zabini glanced over to Ginny who looked at the ground sheepishly. "No. My brother would kill me."
"Don't worry dear," Zabini purred. "I'll protect you."
I rolled my eyes. "Come on, I have to pay for this." I headed towards the store counter.
Coincidently, Lavender and Parvarti were infront of me. "Hermione!" They both squealed as they turned around. "What robe did you choose? Ooh—let us see!"
"Ah-ah." I wiggled my finger. "You'll see on the night of the ball when I come to you for makeup help."
"Oh all right," Lavender said disappointedly. "Well, I'm still happy that you're going with Malfoy and you are dressing up for it."
Their robes were bagged and they turned to leave for the store. "We can't wait Hermione!" They called back.
I stepped up to the counter. The lady behind the counter smiled at me. Her purple hair was tied into a bun and her eyes were cat-like yellow. She wore a black robe with a pin tagged to the left side of her chest. It read: Lucy Merrie.
"Hogwarts ball, dear?" She asked, her yellow eyes glinting mischievously. Wow, this woman is all sorts of colors, isn't she?
I nodded. "Yes, madam."
"Thought so, all these past customers have been Hogwarts students. I have to say, you girls are doing wonders for my business." She took my robe and examined it. "My, my, excellent taste, dear. If I was your age and looked half as good as you do in this robe, I would wear it myself."
I blushed. It was weird hearing compliments from strangers. "Thank you."
She smiled at me as she rang up the price. When she had announced the price, my mouth hung so low, it must've touched the ground. Grumbling under my breath about how these robes were ridiculously priced and that this is the last time I'm buying something this expensive for a stupid ball, I dug into my purse to count the galleons. I was about to give Lucy the money when another hand reached out to stop me. I turned around, wondering who in the blazing hell did it. I was greeted by the infamous face of Draco Malfoy. He looked at me complacently, a smirk playing at his lips.
"Malfoy, what are you doing?" I asked, irritated. "Let go of my hand. Why are you here?"
"I walked?"
I rolled my eyes. "Now, let go of my hand. I have to pay for my robe."
"A Malfoy never lets his date pay for their own robes." He stated as he lowered my hand and added as he saw my shocked expression. "Yes, even an imp like you count, Granger."
Fuming, I smacked him with my purse. "Oh—you—you bloody wanker!"
Behind me, I could hear Lucy tittering to herself.
"I mean it, Malfoy." I said sternly. "I have to pay for my own robe."
"Tsk-tsk. You people don't know courtesy." He said as he wrapped his strong arms around me to keep me from hitting him again. "Add it to the Malfoy bill, Lucy."
"Okay, then Mr. Malfoy." Lucy beamed. "You two are an awfully cute couple." She said, looking up.
"We are, aren't we, Granger?"
I've rolled my eyes so many times today; it should've fallen out already. "Oh please."
"Let's go, Granger. I'm treating you to some butter beer." He steered me towards the exit.
"Thank you for your business Mr. Malfoy!" Lucy called out.
"Let go of me, you idiot bloke!" I gritted, struggling in his arms. (I really have to admit, but keep it hush-hush; I did enjoy being in his arms like that. I'm won't say that again.)
A few feet away, Zabini and Ginny were grinning like crazy. It must entertain them greatly to see me like this.
"Thank you... Draco." I said softly once he released me when we got out of the store. Draco? Oh dear, I am going soft on him!
He looked at me from the corner of his eyes, smirking. "No problem... Hermione."
I could feel my cheeks growing hotter when he said my name... like that. I mentally slapped myself. I am going soft on the prat!
He must have seen me blushing. "Aw, is the little bookworm blushing? You look really adorable."
I popped a vein. I took my purse and forcefully whacked him on his thick head. "Shut up Malfoy!"
Angrily, I strutted infront of him to the Three Broomsticks for my free butter beer. Intolerable brat! He is still paying for my butter beer!
TBC
Author's Note: Wow, this is a really quick update! Twice in one week! I'm so proud of myself. ::Grins:: Hehe. Well, thank you to everyone who reviewed. Your reviews make this sad author so happy.
Hermione had just gotten her robe from Malfoy and the Graduation Ball is approaching faster. We'll just have loads of fun, won't we?
Please remember to rate/review. Cookies and luvs to you all....
