Chapter Seven
Talent Showdown
We came to Hogwarts around four in the morning. No one would be in the hallways so we came in undetected. I took a long bath. Occasionally I would stare at my ring and smile. I came out and dressed lightly. I walked to Draco's room to see him on his bed. He was smiling. I wasn't sure if he was sleeping so crept up to his bed. I leaned over and saw him smiling widely. His arms flew up and grabbed my neck. I screamed loudly and rolled over him. He laughed and kissed my cheek. My mind wandered around his room then I remembered the talent show. I jumped out of his room, ignoring the look of confusion on his face. I sprinted to my room and rummaged through my closet. I found my dress. I got it from my mother when I began dancing. It came up a little above my knees and flowed gracefully. It had two straps that made and "X" on the back. It was a beautiful shade of deep purple, almost black but not quite. On one side, it came up to my mid-thigh and the on the other side, it went down just above the knee. It really was exquisite. It was semi-glittery, but was mostly plain. I slipped it on and looked around the room, searching for a possible partner. My eyes fell on my coat rack, which was about as tall as Draco. I flipped through my textbook and cast the spell. It began to wobble and hop. Then it lurched and transformed into a man with platinum blonde hair and dark green eyes. He almost was an exact duplicate of Draco except that this "man" had broader shoulders and didn't slouch as much. The eyes, of course were different. No one could have Draco's eyes. He was already dressed, which saved me a lot of trouble. I turned on the radio and looked back at him. He was bowing at me, holding out his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
I stood there shocked. He could talk! I took his hand and nodded slightly. He pulled me close and danced. He was great. He moved just like my instructor. The song ended and I was out of breath. He, on the other hand, looked collected and neat. He bowed again and transformed back. I smiled to myself and plopped back down on my bed.
I need to practice more…I changed and went down to breakfast. I saw Ginny and Ron. Remembering last night, I stuffed my left hand in my pocket.
"Hey! What's wrong?"
They just stared at me. They gave me that I-know-what-you-did look. I smiled sheepishly and ate using only my right hand. It was difficult but I managed.
"Hermione? May I talk to you?"
"Um…sure."
We walked out of the Hall in silence. I followed her outside and noticed that my left hand was out.
"We need to talk Hermione. I don't feel that we communicate enough."
I wasn't sure but I thought I heard her voice quivering. I glanced at her and noticed that she avoided my eyes. She looked terrible.
"Ginny? Stop. What happened?"
She finally looked at me with teary eyes. I hugged her tightly, not saying a word. She finally came together and told me.
"Seamus and I broke up."
She broke into a fit of sobs and I held her tightly. I didn't understand.
"What happened?"
"I don't know! He just said to me that it wasn't working out and that we should go our separate ways. He finally told me that he's been seeing someone else. I'm sorry Hermione. I don't know what's gotten into me."
"Someone else? Who?"
"I don't know…he wouldn't say. He just kept saying how sorry he was. I just needed someone to talk to and…"
She broke into more sobs. I hugged her again.
"Ginny? Are you going to be all right? Do Ron and Harry know?"
"No and please don't tell them…you know how they'll act…"
"They're going to find out Ginny…"
"Yeah…but don't just tell them straight out."
She dried her tears and smiled weakly.
"Thanks Hermione. I gotta go. I'll talk to you later."
I bid her goodbye and went wandering. I was actually looking for Seamus.
I'm gonna pound his ugly, ungrateful arse and when I do, I'm gonna…I stopped my rampage when I heard giggling.
"Seamus! Stop…someone could see us. Don't you have a girlfriend? Grinay or something?"
"Ginny and I broke up with her."
I glanced around the corner and saw Seamus snogging some girl. My stomach lurched when I heard her name.
"Don't worry Lenora. It doesn't matter anymore."
"But still…"
She started giggling when Seamus whispered something in her ear. I took out my wand and whispered a quick spell. The table broke from under her and she landed with a very loud thud. Knowing that someone would come over soon, I took a seat and picked out a random book. I snickered and looked back. They now moved to a new spot where I could see Lenora clearly.
"How long should we stay here?"
"As long as we want…"
She giggled again.
God I hate her. I need to get him back. But how…?Unfortunately for me, my book fell over causing them to look over.
SHIT!
"Hermione? Um…wh-what are you doing here?" Seamus asked nervously.
He should be…that arrogant, dense, insufferable prick!"I should ask you the same thing! You break up with Ginny for this bitch?! What the bloody hell is wrong with you? I can't wait to see Ginny's face when I tell her…" I yelled, raging.
"You don't need to do that 'Mione…hehe…"
"Don't. You. Dare. Call. Me. 'Mione. Better yet…I can't wait to see Harry's face when I tell him and Ginny at the same time." I stated smugly.
"Don't you dare…" he muttered through clenched teeth.
"You're right. I shouldn't do that. I should tell Harry and Ron, then tell Ginny while Ron and Harry are beating you to a pulp. This'll be fun. Especially since your ungrateful arse deserves it!"
I was about to walk and actually do what I just said when my arm was clutched and I flung into a wall. I hit the wall hard…and I mean very hard. Seamus shook me and banged hard me against the wall two more times before he spoke.
"You won't tell anyone! I will kill you Hermione! Don't you dare say a word or I'll kill your muggle parents also! Do you hear me?!"
He shook me again. I began to feel dizzy and felt something drip down my neck. He finally dropped me. I put my hand to the back of my head and gasped. It was wet! I stared at my hand and nearly fainted. There was blood all over my hand and was now trickling down my wrist. I looked up at Seamus who was suddenly incredibly pale. It may have seemed peculiar, but I laughed stridently. I stood up weakly, clinging onto the table to my right for balance.
"I would like to see that Seamus. You can barely pass Charms let alone kill me. If anyone is going to kill anybody…it's going to be me killing you. And if I'm especially nasty," I said smirking.
"I'll kill that whore too!" I exclaimed motioning my head towards Lenora.
Sweat was now coming down the side of my face and I didn't fell well. I almost fell over but I didn't seeing that I was still clinging to the table. I took out my wand and pointed it limply at him. He just stood there, cemented to the spot while Lenora was trembling in the corner.
"Hermione? Are you in here?"
Harry's voice rang clear through the library. There were extra footsteps, inferring that meant Ron and possibly Ginny was with him. Seamus was about to run when I pointed my wand at Lenora.
"Was she really worth it Seamus? If you run, I'll hit her with a curse. You would have been better off with Ginny…"
"You wouldn't hit her and risk your Head position. You're crazy Hermione. You've lost it! I'm outta here!"
"Fine. When Lenora isn't all over you tomorrow, don't bother even looking for her. If I am that crazy, wouldn't someone think that I wouldn't hesitate to perform an unforgivable curse on her? Some Gyffindor you are. You belong in Sytherin with you're girlfriend." I retorted smugly.
I arched my eyebrow. This psychology thing really does work…thank goodness for muggles…I remember something about pretending to be crazy and reverse psychology, but I thought it was a load of horseshit. I can't believe that he's buying it! He stood his ground.
"Hermione! There you are! We were-"
Ron was cut off by Ginny.
"Hermione? Seamus? Lenora? What's going on?"
Seamus and I stared at each other, never breaking eye contact.
"HERMIONE! What's that red stuff all over your shirt!?"
They all ran over to me but I stopped them. I pointed my finger and them, indicating them to stay there.
"Ginny…why did Seamus break up with you? You don't know right? I think Seamus would like to explain. Come out Lenora."
Lenora stepped out from the shadows, face damp from bawling.
Ginny looked between the three of us and finally figured it out. She really was very smart. She ran over to Seamus and slapped him very violently, leaving this maroon colored handprint on his face. He stumbled back stared at her shocked. Holding his face, he got up. Ginny took out her wand and muttered something. The blood stopped dripping and trickling down my neck which i was grateful for
"I hate you…if I ever see you within ten feet of me, I will hex you. Regardless of the consequences. You deserve so much worse, but I can't bring myself to do anything to you. Be grateful that I don't have a temper like Ron or you wouldn't be alive." She glowered at him with dark eyes. I've never seen her more pissed. Tears were forming in her eyes but I highly doubt that they were from sadness. She blinked them away and thrust her wand back into her pocket. She touched my hand gently. I slowly lowered my wand, never taking my eyes off of Lenora. Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were roughly helping Seamus up.
"Come on Seamus. Let's go and talk some." Ron stated firmly.
Seamus then shook his head. "Um. Nah, I got work to do."
He turned but Harry grabbed his neck forcefully and dragged him to their side.
"I think it would be in your best interest for you health for you not to try and run and just cooperate." He whispered through gritted teeth.
They lead him to the Common room, leaving Lenora, Ginny and I staring at each other. Lenora was the first to break the silence.
"Um. It was great meeting you Ginny and um, Hermione, nice to see you again."
She was about to run for it when Ginny socked her good. Lenora stumbled into the nearest chair and started to bawl.
"DON'T YOU BLOODY DARE TRY TO RUN AND ACT INNOCENT YOU STUPID BITCH! HOW DARE STEAL MY BOYFIRNED!" Ginny was now advancing towards Lenora who was cowering in the chair. She aimed a curse at her but I hit her arm, making the curse hit the ceiling.
"GINNY! Stop this! She isn't worth it!"
Ginny was raging. Her face was the same color as her hair and she was panting. She lowered her wand and Lenora sighed heavily. Just then, Ginny socked her in the same place as before. Lenora fell off her chair and Ginny stomped away. I know I shouldn't have, but I helped Lenora up.
"Don't touch me Mudblood!"
"Watch your tongue you nasty slut…you may get it cut out." Ihissed in her ear threateningly.
I walked away and headed to the Hospital Wing.
"Miss Granger! What did you do to yourself?!"
"Oh, I fell down the stair and hit my head pretty hard. But Ginny was there and stopped the bleeding with a spell."
"She could very well be a mediwitch when she grows up. Very talented. You were lucky that she was there and used quick thinking to do this or you would have lost a lot of blood."
"I know. How long will I be in here?"
"Oh not long thanks to Miss Weasley. Maybe wash away the blood and probably a potion or two. So that should take about…an hour or so."
It actually to half an hour but I didn't notice. My mind was on the talent show next week. And partially on Draco. I walked outside and saw Draco waiting for me. I smiled him and hugged him tightly.
"I heard what happened. Are you ok?"
"I'm fine."
He stared at me with apprehension. I stopped him and gave him a weak smile.
"I'm fine, just a little shaken up. But listen. I gotta go and practice my dance so I'll see you at dinner."
"Don't you think you should take it easy?"
"The talent show is next week and only practiced once. I really want to win."
"You will. I'm on the judging panel."
"I want to win fairly. Plus Lenora is going to be singing and I don't know how good she is."
"Ok. I'll see you at dinner."
We quickly kissed goodbye and I made my way to my room. I once again slipped on my dark purple dress. I went through the same procedure. I took his hand and this time, I tried to even out my breathing. It worked wonderfully. I wasn't panting and I wasn't sweating much. I cast another spell on my partner that made him stay in his human form until we walked off of the stage…or at least it should. I glanced at the clock and noticed that I was late for dinner. I changed in record time and ran to the Great Hall. Just before I opened the door, I straightened myself out and smoothed out my clothes. I opened the doors and heard everyone stop. I could feel everyone looking at me and hear whispers. I didn't even know what they were whispering about. I Sat down next to Harry and noticed Seamus sitting three seats down from me. He was pretty beat. He had a giant sucker on his left eye and a plum colored bruise on his lower right cheek. He had a few scratches and a very busted lip that he patted with a napkin frequently. Probably still bleeding. He occasionally shot dirty looks at us, but he didn't say anything. Harry and Ron looked very smug while Ginny looked mighty pissed. I glimpsed over to the Slytherin table and noticed Lenora sitting next to Draco. I shot her an angry look and she scooted closer to Draco. Her face looked normal.
Stupid whore must've enchanted it.
Ginny noticed my glare and turned around to look at Lenora. She mouthed something to her. Lenora became pale and left the Great Hall. Ginny turned around and smiled at me haughtily. I ate happily and left with Ginny.
"So…are you ok?"
"Yeah. I'm fine. I've never been better. I forgot how good it feels to be single. Enough about me; how are you and Draco?"
"We're um good." I said nervously.
"Hermione…are you hiding something from me?"
"Umm…" Remembering our promise, I nodded.
"Can you tell me?"
"I'm don't think so because it'll get out to the rest of the school."
"Please Hermione! I promise I won't tell! You can tell me!"
Just then Draco walked by us. I pulled him to the side and asked.
"Can I tell Ginny?"
"Ginny? I don't know Hermione…she's close with Parvati and Lavender."
"She said she wouldn't tell."
"People lie Hermione."
"So is that a no?"
"Well, you can tell her but make sure that this doesn't come out. Tell her in your room."
"Ok. Thanks."
I kissed him quickly and walked back to Ginny.
"I can tell you but only in my room where it's private."
She clapped her hands and we ran to my room. We closed the door quickly and sat on my bed. I was a little bit reluctant to show her but I did. I held out my left arm and pulled up my sleeve, revealing my turned ring. She turned it over and gasped loudly, looking between my face and my ring.
"Oh my goodness Hermione! It's absolutely gorgeous! When did he propose? Wait! I heard something about this! Lavender was telling the whole Girls' dorm about you and how you looked like a goddess!"
I was blushing madly now.
"She also said that you left into a carriage. Is that when?"
I nodded.
"Tell me about it!"
I told her the story but left out the exact details. But it seemed that whatever I told her was enough.
"That's so romantic!"
"I know. I couldn't believe it myself."
"Well, it's getting late and I still have tons of homework to do tomorrow. So I'll see you later Hermione."
"Good night Ginny! Feel better."
I decided to practice once more before I went to sleep. I was getting better and the coat rack stayed transformed longer, which to my surprise he was grateful for. I slipped on my nightgown and fell asleep.
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(Talent show day, Draco's POV)
I dressed in heavy jeans and a dark green shirt that showed off my abdominal muscles well. I tucked it in and walked to breakfast. I devoured my breakfast and walked to Dumbledore's office. I found Hermione already waiting for me at the entrance. She was wearing tight khaki pants and white beater. Her hair was up in a messy bun, held up with a pencil.
Hmm, very sophisticated. Or at least to an extent…I greeted her with a quick peck on the lips and we walked into Dumbledore's office, to find him eating chocolate buttons out of a very large, glass bowl.
"Ah. Miss Granger. Mr. Malfoy. Please, do sit. Now about the talent show. I have a basic arrangement done but I really could use a little bit of detail on the matter."
He pushed a piece of parchment in front of us. It was very detailed so I didn't know what he was talking about. The stage was set in front of the judges' panel. Behind that was the audience.
"Where will the lights be professor?"
"Ah. About that Miss Granger. They will either be in front of the stage or hovering around in the air. Which do you think?"
"Hmm. I think they should be moving in the air. That would create this concert affect. Muggles love it."
"And you Mr. Malfoy?"
"Well, I'm not sure what exactly a concert is but I like the idea. Muggles are supposed to be good in these areas, so I'll go with what Hermione says."
"Excellent! I'll send this to Professor Flitwick immediately. Now, another important topic is the performers. This is who I have so far."
He snapped his fingers and a list appeared on the chalkboard behind him. There were people like Hermione, Lenora, Creevy, Brown, and…Goyle? I furrowed my eyebrows at his name but looked on. There was a substantial amount of students and Hermione just happened to be the last one, right behind Lenora.
This is going to be a long day…We left Dumbledore's office chattering happily as we made our way outside. We parted with a quick hug. I wandered around grounds looking for the judges I appointed. I found Cho kissing Harry in the Library and had to practically drag her away from him. I found Terry at the Great Hall and found Seamus wandering as well. I grabbed his arm and dragged him to the others.
"Ok. I called you all here because you guys are the judges for the show, as I told you before. Even though some of you aren't fit for it," I shot an angry look at Seamus who hung his head low. "I decided that it doesn't matter. The talent show is tonight and I want to tell you to now let personal feelings get in the way of your judgment. You may be accused but if you know that you judged honestly, you shouldn't feel guilty."
They all nodded in agreement except for Seamus who just shifted awkwardly.
"Ok. The show is tonight. Don't be late. In fact, be ten minutes early. Got it?"
They all nodded once again in agreement and walked away. Seamus was walking unusually fast, but not fast enough. I grabbed his robe and pulled him back. I lifted him and pushed him against the wall. He winced in pain and tried to hit me. I dodged the hits and pushed him higher.
"If you ever touch Hermione again, I'll beat you worse than what Potter and Weasley did. Do you understand me,you piece of shit?"
He nodded and I dropped him. He landed with a thud. I walked away slowly, leaving him there, rubbing this neck. Stupid prick deserved worse.
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I walked back to my room for once again more practice. This time, I invited Ginny, Harry, and Ron to watch me so I could practice being watched.
"Thanks for coming, I really need the practice."
"No problem 'Mione. That's what friends are for. How long have you been doing this dance thing…what was it called again?"
"The tango and for the whole summer. I went to this very strict place so I learned it quickly. The dress is a bit revealing so please control yourselves."
Ron looked hurt.
"What do you take us for? Draco?" he laughed.
I hit him playfully. "Haha, very funny. Anyways, I'm going to go and change, so make yourselves at home."
I changed and brought out my coat rack with me. They looked at me confused but I cast the spell on it and the nodded impressed. I signaled Ginny to turn on the music. He bowed and asked as usual. I took his hand lightly and we danced expertly. Occasionally I glanced at them. They stared at me in awe. The song ended and we both looked colleted. We bowed and I turned to my group of friends who had their mouths open. I blushed and transformed him back into a coat rack.
"What do you think? More practice perhaps?"
"No way! You're definitely going to win. What's the prize?"
"I don't think there is one. Maybe a trophy or whatever. I'm not really sure…"
"Aren't you organizing it?"
"It's more like Dumbledore is and Draco. I'm just participating."
I glanced at the clock and went to my room to change. I decided to wear a light blue tank top and a jean skirt that went mid thigh. I came out and walked with them to lunch.
I walked down to the Great Hall and sat between Harry and Ron. I smiled at them brightly and began eating. About in the middle, Ron glanced at me and suddenly dropped his knife and fork with such racket, Harry looked over.
"What the hell is that on your finger Hermione?" he whispered firmly into my ear.
I looked at my hand and noticed that the ring was showing. I quickly hid it and excused myself. I grabbed my bag and rushed out of the Great Hall. Harry and Ron followed.
"Hermione! Stop!" Harry yelled.
I stopped dead in my tracks and looked back at my two best friends.
"Please don't tell me it's what I think it is…" Harry said quietly.
"Why didn't you tell us?"
"I was afraid!"
"Is it with…Malfoy?"
"Yea…"
"Why were you afraid? You can tell us anything…"
"I know…"
"It's not you who should be afraid. It's Malfoy because-"
"You're not going to do anything to him Ron!"
"Hermione! You've been going out with him for what? A month? And then he asks you to marry him? You're only seventeen!" Harry stated bluntly.
I looked away, tears filling my eyes.
"I love him Harry. I know he loves me too. We're getting married after we graduate. Can't you just be happy for me?" I said softly.
"We are happy for you Hermione. I just wish you would've told us." He said lifting my chin.
"Just…make sure he doesn't hurt you. This is kind of sudden."
"I know. Thanks."
I hugged them both and went back to my room. I found Draco looking for a book. I came up from behind him and hugged him. He turned around and I kissed him deeply. He broke the kiss and looked at me with confusion.
"What was that for?"
"Because I love you."
He kissed my head and smiled.
"I love you too."
I smiled brightly.
"You should go and change. The talent show is tonight. And you have to be there early."
I nodded and left him in the common room. I slipped into my dress and put on the earrings Draco gave me. I put on little bit of lip-gloss and applied dark purple eye shadow. I added some black eyeliner and a little bit of blush. I did my hair in a style called the "Topknot" I learned form Ginny. I coiled a part of my hair in a bun and curled the rest. I once again enchanted my makeup and slipped on my black heels. I took a long look in the mirror. I sighed heavily and levitated the coat rack to follow me. I put on a big cloak to conceal my skimpy dress and made my way to the Great Hall. I entered and gasped. It was gorgeous. The lights were floating around in a whimsical way and the stage was humongous. The seats were aligned in a movie theatre fashion. I walked down the aisle and was greeted by Draco.
"Hey. What's with the cloak?"
"It's so no one sees my dress until my performance."
"Ah. Ok. Well, the other performers are backstage. I'll see you then."
He kissed my quickly and I slipped backstage. I noticed Lenora. She was wearing a very whorish outfit that exposed her. She had a microphone in her hand and was obviously practicing. I decided to casually pass by her and see how good she really was. I waved at Lavender who just happened to be standing next to Lenora. I passed by her and heard the most deafening noise. It was Lenora singing. She was horrible!
Less competition for me…merlin that was horrible.
I chatted away happily with Lavender until I noticed that it was almost time for performance. I bid her farewell and peeped my head outside the curtain. Students were now filing in. I caught my eye on a two bright red heads. I smiled and waved at them. The talent show went smoothly. Lenora was called. She sang. I'm pretty sure I heard booing when people were clapping but I couldn't really hear anything but the tango song that was playing over and over again in my head. It was my turn…
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I endured much pain watching "talents" but I couldn't take much more after Lenora sang. It was like nails against a blackboard. I took a lot to even look at her, but listening to sing was another story. She had this bright pink skirt on and an equally bright pink tube top on. Her boobs nearly popped out. The thought of it sent shivers down my spine. But she did have curves…
I can't think about her. I have a fiancé!
But she does have some nice curves…and some nice legs…just like Hermione…
She doesn't even compare to Hermione…
Yes she does…
No one compares to Hermione…
I beg to differ…what the hell hapened on Halloween?
That was a mistake!
A mistake that almost cost your relationshipe with Hermione!
It won't ever happened again!
Then why are you thinking about Lenora and her curves…?
I'm NOT!
I snapped my head up when I heard Hermione's name announced. I shook my head and braced myself for beauty. The lights dimmed and a single light shone on a coat rack. It began to wobble and hop. Then it lurched and transformed into a man about our age. I would've said that he was an exact clone of me but his shoulders were broad, his eyes were a deep green, and he didn't slouch. Then Hermione walked out onto the stage. She was dazzling. She was wearing the earrings I got her which made me smile broadly. She had this dress that was beautiful shade of purple and a little shorter than I hoped. The music started and the "man" muttered something and bowed. She took his hand lightly and then began the tango. Her dress flowed and swirled behind her and her hair amazingly stayed calm. She looked so…collected. She danced with such grace…I could sense everyone watching her with awe and amazement.
And she's mine…
The "man", not to my liking, touched Hermione in intimate ways, which I guess got me red in the face. But he did move expertly. The song ended. The crowd went into an uproar of claps. It was obvious who had won. We all cast our votes and Dumbledore came on stage shortly to see our votes.
"This has been a great Talent show and I would like to thank everybody for making this a great show. I would especially like to thank the performers for gathering their courage and actually showing us their hidden talents. Now, without further ado, I would like to announce the winner. Drum roll please…"
Even though I knew whom the winner was, I held onto the edge of my seat anyways.
"Hermione Granger and the tango!"
She came out from behind the curtains and shook Dumbeldore's hand. Out of nowhere came a sash and a crystal trophy in the shape of the star. On the sash it said "Hogwart's Most Talented". I clapped loudly and hooted. She walked behind the curtains and Dumbledore said a speech. I wasn't paying attention though. My mind was too preoccupied on Hermione. Students began filing out and I literally jumped out of my seat and ran backstage. I found Hermione chatting with Lavender. I hugged her tightly and kissed her deeply.
"Congratulations Hermione!"
"Thanks. I feel so…elated."
"Let's go. It's late…"
"Ok."
We walked hand in hand back to our rooms.
A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update but I've been organizing my chapters because I'm trying to get to 100,000 words...i hope. But it may take longer for me to update but bare with me. I will update. R & R