Author's Note: About the previous chapter, I skipped the part about Hermione taking the N.E.W.T.S. You all wouldn't want to hear the boring details of the test, would you?
Now, yes, the long awaited chapter... Ohh suspense...
Chapter Twelve
This is it. I thought, more apprehensive than I thought I would be. My heart thudded against my chest rapidly. My hands felt clammy all of a sudden. Merlin, I hope I'm not sweating... Malfoy would say his date reek of musk... how embarrassing would that be?
I took a deep breath and blinked. I nervously fumbled with the fabric of my dress, probably getting it wrinkled again after I've spent an hour smoothing it out. I stood outside of the Great Hall double doors. Everyone was most likely inside. I told Malfoy I would meet him by the refreshment table since I wanted to surprise him. As for Ginny, Lavender, and Parvarti, I told them to go ahead without me. Harry and Ron went with their dates. Harry and Ginny (although they both kept sneaking looks to their Slytherin... hm... what's the word? Desires? Ron went with Lavender and Parvarti went with this Ravenclaw boy who I really didn't catch his name.
I could hear the music vibrating through the thick doors. Kids these days are going to be deaf... I should tell them to lower it down a bit... Oh god, I'm too nervous, I'm rambling about nonsense.
I was rooted to the same spot where I was for the past ten minutes. The last time I've worn makeup and a beautiful dress robe was during fourth year at the Yule Ball. Ever since, I haven't touched any make-up except for lip balm, if that counts as a make-up accessory at all...
If I don't move soon, either I'm going to get knocked down by the door or I'm going to miss the entire Ball! I have to do this, all those weeks of planning is not going to go to waste. My hand slowly reached up to the handle of the door and my fingers grasped the brass handle tightly. I let out another deep breath and pulled the door open.
I walked in, plastering on a bright smile. The students closest to the door ceased their conversations and stared at me. I felt myself getting more nervous already. As each millisecond passed, more students turned their heads to look at the late arrival. I could feel the eyes of the male population look at me approvingly while some of the female population gaped at my sudden transformation.
"Good," I said silently to myself. "They're not laughing, which means I don't look horrendous."
Malfoy stepped out of the crowd of students a couple of meters away, a satisfied smirk on his face. "No bad, Granger." He commented, eyeing me up and down. He held out his hand.
Smile, hold head high... I told myself repeatedly. I took a step forward. The smirking prat was my target.
Everyone's attention was on me. I held my high and attempted to walk with confidence.
I could feel hems of the dress robe sweeping across the floor. My foot stepped forward and I proceeded to do the same with the other foot.
Oh no!
My other foot managed to step on the edge of my robe and I lunged forward, arms flailing to regain my balance. The loud ripping of fabric seemed to echo through the hall. It seared through the loud sound of the music and all was silence. The band stopped playing.
And I fell flat on my face.
First it was just quietness that enveloped the room, then a small chuckled escaped someone's lips and it was soon followed by waves of laughter. I could hear them, laughing away; tears rolling down their cheeks, stomach-clutching laughter.
I stood up, closed my eyes and let out an ear-piercing scream, trying to drown the plaguing chortles of the school.
The screaming still rung in my ears sharply. I opened my eyes, blinking rapidly. It took me a while to calm down, frantically looking around my surroundings. I gazed at my hands, at the tangled bed sheets on my bed.
It was just a dream... Merlin, no, it was a nightmare! I breathed heavily. Thank heavens... If that happened tonight, I'll just die on the spot... I quickly made a prayer that it wouldn't.
I looked at the clock hung on my wall. It was eight fifty-four. Saturday morning... The Graduation Ball is tonight and tomorrow, I'll be leaving Hogwarts. It saddens me to think of leaving my second home...
I swung my legs out of bed. I need to eat and meet up with Zabini to discuss the final preparations of my plan. And tripping infront of everyone is not included...
"I have to do WHAT?!" I shrieked, partly amused, but mostly horrified. "That is... simply absurd!"
Madam Pince shot me a darting look for causing such a disturbance. I lowered my voice. "Are you sure that's the only way to stop him?"
Zabini chuckled. "Well, that's how the cradle spins."
I pouted. "Hopefully, I wouldn't have to resort to that now, would I?"
"Depends on what he might do. Knowing Malfoy, he could do something drastic." Zabini said thoughtfully. "Blow up the whole school, possibly."
"I doubt he would do such a thing."
Zabini shrugged. "I would."
"That's just you, Zabini."
He smirked. "Yes, and Ginny loves me for it."
I rolled my eyes, shaking my head at the Slytherin's pompous attitude. "Speaking of Ginny, where is she?"
"I believe she's getting ready for the Ball."
"What?" I gaped astonishingly. "It's noon! The Ball won't commence until seven!"
Again, the Slytherin shrugged. "Girls, they need all the time they can get."
"Then what am I?" I said indignantly.
"Granger?"
"Brilliant observation Zabini." I remarked, standing up from my chair. "Stupid arse." I added, muttering under my breath. "I can't believe I'm working with him."
"I heard that."
"Goodness, I'm breaking practically the whole Hogwarts rule book by doing this."
"Not really," Zabini leaned back into his chair and placed his legs onto the table. "Just a couple... major ones..."
"That's just as bad." I said, eyeing his discourteous behavior. You should never put your feet on a table! "Get your dirty shoes off the table."
"Hush, Granger."
Lips pursed together, I pushed chair under the library table. "That's how the plan goes. Don't screw this up Zabini or I'll personally hunt you down and wreak havoc on your miserable life." I warned.
"Same goes to you, sweetie."
I reached over and gave a little nudge to Zabini's chair, causing the Slytherin to lose his balance and topple over.
I turned on my heels, walking away out of the library. I could still hear Zabini giving me a symphony of such colorful curses.
I sighed, staring at myself in the mirror. Say goodbye to this plain face Hermione. I told myself. Because... you'll be turning heads... hopefully.
I gathered my newly brought robe and hung it neatly on a racket. I took the heels that I've borrowed from my mom especially for this event after I've gotten my dress robe. I looked at the heels; it emitted a deep trepidation in me. A memory of my nightmare entered my mind.
What if I trip and fall flat on my face?
I shuddered, trying not to think of it. I placed the heels next to my dress robe, praying that I won't do anything that would embarrass me on one of the most important night in my life. I looked at the clock, pacing back and forth. Five o' clock.
They should be here.
I heard knocking. Speak of the devils. I walked out of my room and opened the portrait to see three green-masked faces grinning at me.
I screamed and immediately closed the door.
"Hermione! It's us!" They said through the portrait. "Ginny, Lavender, and Parvarti!"
I opened the portrait hole again. "You scared the hell outta me."
"Hermione, we're hurt." Ginny grinned. I noticed the big rollers in her hair. "I believe we look absolutely ravishing."
Lavender, however, her hair was carefully clipped and hidden under a clear cap. Like Ginny, Parvarti's hair was also in rollers, but smaller ones.
"About time." I huffed.
"Anxious, are we?" Lavender raised an amused eyebrow.
"No," I retorted. "I just thought you guys forgot about me."
"How could we?" Ginny smiled sweetly, her words coating with too much sugar. "We couldn't possibly wait to... beautify you."
On second thought... maybe they shouldn't have come.
"Let's get to work." Ginny grabbed my arms and dragged me to my room.
"Sit." Lavender commanded, forcing me down on a stool. She took my hair out a ponytail and gestured for Parvarti to hand her a comb. "Let it begin."
An hour or so later...
"Alright, Hermione." Lavender grinned enthusiastically. "See how you look." She placed a mirror infront of my face.
I couldn't recognize myself. My jaw dropped and a loud, horrified scream filled the room. "I look like a bloody whore!"
Ginny and Parvarti stifled their laughter. I glared at them, or at least, tried to because the mascara on my eyelashes was so thick and heavy; my eyelids couldn't possibly have any movement.
Lavender gave them a threatening look. "You don't look like a bloody whore..." She said, turning her attention back to me.
I glowered.
"Well, we can fix this." She muttered, grabbing some tissues and dabbed them gently on my eyes. She wiped some the mascara off and told me to pressed my lips down on the tissue, removing some of the lipstick.
"Hmm..." Lavender pondered as she examined me. Taking another tissue, she rubbed it on both of my cheeks. "Better."
My face felt so much lighter now what half of that dreadful make-up was removed. Ginny handed me the mirror.
Astonishing. From plain to whore to.... beautiful... It's amazing what a little blush, eyeliner, and lipstick can do wonders for you.
Lavender beamed proudly at her work. "You're gorgeous."
And indeed I was. The natural brown blush enhanced my cheekbones as the mascara and eyeliner made my bright caramel eyes more mysterious. The soft light rose lipstick made my lips fuller, more luscious. It is an uttermost shame that I cannot look this way everyday. I would look like a monstrous clown if I did my own make-up.
My hair was no longer unruly, but with the help of Parvarti and Ginny and a lot of hair products, my hair fell in descending curls.
"Now go put your dress robe, Hermione." Parvarti said. I got up from the stool and walked to the racket where my dress hung. While I struggled to put on my dress robe, the trio went to wash their faces and put on their own make-up.
"Okay." I said finally once I was done through that long process.
Just in time, the trio came back in and marveled how good I transformed from the bookish schoolgirl to the extravagant beauty. I still could not believe that it was I who looked like this. The ugly duckling changed to the swan... even if it was only temporarily...
"We have half an hour left before the Ball." Ginny stated, fixing her dress robe. "We should have a little girl-to-girl talk."
Custom-made, Ginny's dress robe was absolutely beautiful, with intricate designs and floral lace at the cuffs of her sleeves. It was a light pink color and it hugged her body like a second skin. Zabini had very fine taste if he picked out the design for her.
Lavender's dress robe nearly matched her name, a pretty lilac color, simple, yet sophisticated and sexy.
Parvarti wore a blue dress robe, with a very low neck and showed much cleavage. I shook my head, half-marveling at the girl's courage to wear such a revealing thing.
"Girl-to-girl talk?" I wondered. "About what?"
"So how are you and Malfoy doing?" Ginny asked, looking at me with a big smile on her face.
How could I not know it would be about me?
I winced. "We're not a couple, if that's what you're thinking."
Parvarti frowned. "How long have you two been together?"
"What?" I gasped. "We were never together."
Lavender advanced towards me. "Stop denying it Hermione. Tell us the truth."
"But I am!"
"Sure." Ginny rolled her eyes. "And I'm the ruler of the world."
I bit my lip, fuming.
"Stop that." Lavender barked. "You're getting your lipstick all messed up."
"There is no point in telling you anything. You won't believe me anyways."
"We'll believe you if you say you and Malfoy are dating." Ginny suggested.
"See? It's no point. I won't admit it because it's not true."
"You have to be so complicated." Parvarti mumbled.
The clock chimed seven. Right on cue, there were knocks on my door.
"Could be your dates." I said, approaching the door, but Ginny stopped me.
"It could be Malfoy." She countered. "Let me open it."
Too tired to argue, I stepped aside.
I heard the click of the doorknob as Ginny opened it. "Malfoy! Don't you look ravishing?" She greeted cheerfully. "Here for your date?"
"You look wonderful Ginny." I heard Malfoy say, obviously trying to be a gentleman. I snorted.
"Hermione come here." Lavender dragged me to the door.
Malfoy's eyes widened as he saw me. His lips parted slightly as he stared.
"Malfoy, you look like a fish." I stated, thankful that he could not see me blush under the make-up I had on.
But Malfoy did not really look like a fish... He looked... dashing, to say the least. His hair was carefully slicked back and his dress robe hung perfectly from his built frame. For once, Malfoy did not look like the sneering, immature prat I saw everyday.
I saw him swallow nervously as he extended a single red rose to me and lifted my hand to his lips.
"Aww..." I heard the three girls sighed in the background. "That is so romantic."
Oh Merlin.
"Shall we go?" Malfoy asked. I nodded, sliding my arm around his arm.
"Please close the door when you guys leave!" I called back, but they probably didn't hear me since they're so busy gushing about how adorable Malfoy and I look together. Sickening, really.
We climbed out of the portrait hole together and there was a gorge of silence between us.
I licked my lips nervously, tasting the weird substance of the lipstick.
"You look beautiful, Hermione." Malfoy said softly.
I turned my head to look up to him. "Thank you. You too." Do you tell a guy he looks beautiful? Goodness, I'm such an idiot.
We reached the doors of the Great Hall. My hands started to feel really sweaty. Oh gods, déjà vu. If I fall, I'll just drag Malfoy down with me. After, my arm is looped around his. I felt a bit better.
He opened the door and we walked in together. The students standing near the door greeted us, praising that we looked stunning together. I couldn't help but smile.
It was the dutyof the Heads to walk around and made sure everyone is having a good time. So far, I didn't trip or knock over the glasses. Let's hope my graceful last through the whole night.
The band that Dumbledore hired was brand new, but their music was not half-bad. A witch with flowing violet hair stood in the center of the stage singing a slow ballad.
Fifteen minutes into the Ball, I noticed that Lavender, Ginny, and Parvarti were already there. Ginny was talking with Zabini and they both looked like they were having a marvelously time. I felt sympathetic for Harry and decided to look for him, making sure I held the front of my dress slightly off the ground so I won't have any tripping incidents.
I found Harry by the refreshment table, talking to Pansy. I really didn't know what Harry saw in Pansy and Merlin would think that the Boy Wonder would have better taste. But as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Even if they beholder wore glasses.
"Harry," I smiled. "Hi Pansy." I turned to the Slytherin girl. She gave me a small smile and continued to drink her punch.
"Hermione—whoa!" Harry grinned. "You look great!"
"Thanks." I said sheepishly. "Where's Ron?"
Harry shrugged. "If he's not stuffing his face at the end of the table, he's probably dancing with Lavender."
"Having fun?"
"Yeah." Harry gave me a cheesy grin. "Believe it or not, I actually find Parkinson's company amusing."
"Well, have fun." With that, I left the pair to delve into their own world.
I looked around. Suddenly I felt a hand lightly slapping my back and I turned around, seeing Zabini. He nodded.
I held my breath.
It was time.
TBC
Author's Note: Thank you for the reviews! Thank you to those who reviewed every chapter, you know who you are. ::grins::
The other end of the Ball will be in Chapter 13, so you all must wait patiently. Yup. ::hands everyone a cookie::
To answer a question brought up by likeitorlumpit, the story is being taken place during a time period of two and a half months.
Well, remember to rate/review!
