Secrets
Chapter Twenty-Three: A Grand Night For Dancing
(Disclaimer: I won no HP titles, ect…)
A/N- Okay, I just got back! I promise this chapter will be really good! One more chappie after this- wow! Review and stay cool!
-Belle
XxX
"Ron, I'm so freaking nervous it's no funny…" I said as I was readying myself for my entrance at my party. I had my dress on already, but was touching up on my make-up for the hundredth time.
"'Mione, you look stunning." Ron said, placing a friendly kiss upon my cheek. "Draco will faint at the sight of you. Relax…" He gave me a tight hug and hurried me to the doors separating me from the ballroom.
"Do I really have to, Ron?" I peeked through the doors anxiously, noticing how many people there were.
"No," Ron was getting annoyed. "But I'll make you." He grabbed my arm and pulled me inside.
To my surprise and relief, no one noticed my arrival. That is, until Draco came rushing over to me. Then everyone fell silent and stared at me, as if expecting me to do something. I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as I continued through the room, feeling eyes burning on my back. I got many glares from the Slytherins, all hateful because I stole their idol, and many nervous glances from the Gryffindors.
I let out an inward sigh of relief when Narcissa stood up on a stage and grabbed a microphone. Draco slipped his hand into mine and gave me a reassuring squeeze.
"Thank you all for coming to Hermione Granger's 16th birthday!" Narcissa sang happily, not ceasing to smile. "I've got the Weird Sisters here and food and drinks to you left! Party on!" She trotted off the stage happily. I saw her retreat into… Snape's arms? Sure I was used to my potions professor being around the house, but I'd never seen the two cuddle…
"Are you as nervous as I am?" Draco whispered into my ear as we made our way over to a table.
"Totally." I replied. I sat down as several Gryffindors came gliding over to wish me a happy birthday. I smiled graciously, but my mind was elsewhere.
I glanced behind them and saw Harry holding hands with India. It's not that I'm jealous- I'm just worried for him. I don't want him to get hurt. I mean, if I were a guy, I wouldn't be dating a girl with the title 'Hogwarts' Hoe...'
When I saw them walking over, I pointed them out to Draco and I saw him smirk and raise an eyebrow.
"You don't know how much she's changed, my love."
"Hey 'Mione," Harry said, taking a seat across from Draco and I and next to India. "Have you met India?"
I smiled. "Not properly." I remembered knocking her out and putting her in a broom closet first term. I felt guilty about it now…
"Hi, I'm India Pruiett." She said, extending her hand.
"Hermione Granger." I smiled graciously and shook her hand. I considered calling myself Hermione Malfoy but quickly changed my mind.
A slow song came on and a few couples came on to the floor- one being Harry and India.
"Hermione," Draco whispered into my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "May I have this dance?"
"It's all yours." I stated, taking his hand as he led to onto the dance floor.
His arms snaked around my waist and held me close against him as I wrapped my arms around his neck. Draco and I swayed together to the beat of the music, whispering random nothings to each other occasionally.
"I love you, Hermione."
"I love you, too."
Draco kissed my cheek. "Have I told you that you look stunning, sexy and beautiful in your dress?"
I felt myself blush. "No, but thank you."
"Anytime, my love."
I saw Harry come up over Draco's shoulder. I stopped dancing and Draco turned around.
"Hey Harry."
"Draco, can I have a quick dance with Mione?" Harry asked. I was so proud of him for being polite.
"Yeah I guess so…" Draco kissed me on the cheek and whispered into my ear, "I'm watching you."
I winked at him as Harry led me a few feet away. I saw another Slytherin with blonde hair ask him to dance. Draco agreed and took her onto the dance floor. I watched enviously.
"'Mione relax…" Harry said, giving me a quick squeeze. "You're so tense… I know you're nervous, but I can't tell you how beautiful you look in that dress."
"Thanks Harry." I said smiling. I set a light kiss on his cheek and looked into his green eyes. "I love you."
"I love you, too." Harry swayed casually to the music. "And thank you."
"For what?"
"For forgiving me." He said, returning my gaze. "I still hate myself for hurting you and Ron. And even Malfoy- er, Draco. I know you forgave me, but I can see it in your eyes. You're still a little unsure of me. I'm unsure of myself. But I promise that if I ever hurt you again that I'll personally kill myself."
I felt tears prickle up in my eyes. I refused to allow them to fall, though. I didn't want to ruin this moment between Harry and I and my make-up would smear horribly.
"Harry, no matter how many times you hurt me and no matter what you say or do, I will always love you. You're just too important to me for me to just give up on you like that." I smiled weakly. "I am glad, however, that you've finally accepted Draco and I. I'm so happy with him, Harry."
Harry smiled- a genuine smile. "Let me see that ring he got you." I held up my hand, the emerald ring sparkling luxuriously. "That's nice."
The song had ended and Harry led me back to the table where Draco and India were already seated. I gave Draco a kiss on the lips before taking a seat.
"Have a nice dance, love?" Draco said, not looking at me, but eyeing Harry suspiciously.
"Of course."
I saw Draco's line of vision rise to above my head. I turned around to find Blaise Zabini standing behind me, blushing and looking slightly nervous.
"Hey Blaise," Draco said. "Haven't talked to you in a while! Can I help you?"
"I, uh, was wondering if Hermione would like to, uh, dance with me…" Blaise mumbled.
I turned around to Draco with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. He nodded and I got up, taking Blaise's extended hand.
"It's nice to see you again, Blaise." I noted as he gingerly slipped his arms around my waist. "What have you been up to?"
"I just got Weasley a girlfriend." He blurted out.
"Oh really? Who?" I asked excitedly, knowing that Ron had needed someone to take his mind off of things.
"Her name is Caitlin Brown. She's a sixth year Slytherin. She's apparently liked Ron since first year." Blaise stated, seemingly calming down.
"Ah, well, as long as my Ickle Ronnie-kins is happy!" I said, laughing with Blaise.
As the song ended, Draco came up to me, taking my hand and twirling me around, my dress mimicking. Draco let out an irritated sigh as Ron came up and asked for a dance.
"Yeah, but it's the last one. The rest are all saved for me…" Draco grunted, walking back over to the table to mingle with Harry, India and Blaise.
I giggled a bit as I watched Draco trudge off to the table. Ron and I began to sway to the music.
"So, I hear you're with a girl in Slytherin, eh?" I said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Ron said, blushing famously. "She's amazing. Brunette hair, honey colored eyes, a body that could kill-"
"Whoa, Ron, thanks but no thanks." I said smiling. "I'm just glad you're happy."
The song ended quickly and Draco ran up hurriedly before anyone else could ask me to dance.
XxX
A/N- Okay, short chapter, and the next one's all fluff. But please don't hate me for a sucky ending…
Belle
