Disclaimer: They aren't mine. Well, most of them aren't mine. Okay, only the cannon ones aren't mine. That means the following people are mine: Aria and everyone in the band besides Hermione. Don't sue me, I'm a poor college student who only writes in her free time.
The night of the Ball came soon after that – or so it seemed to Hermione. Of course, she had to do all the preparations that she normally did well in advance in only a matter of days. She had to let the "powers that be" know that she would be attending, and convince them to let her come in under a false name; she had to make sure the caterers knew she was coming; she had to convince Draco and Seth that it was better if she entered the Ball under a false name; and a million other things. Draco and Seth helped as much as they could. The only thing Hermione had to do by herself was find a suitable dress robe.
That was easier said than done. On the day before the Ball, she had narrowed it down to three choices. She had asked for them to be sent to her flat so she could decide there. Now they were lying on her bed, waiting for her to decide.
Guys have it much easier than girls. All they have to do is put on a black tie dress robe, while we have to decide so much more.
Her eyes ran over her choices. One robe was a periwinkle blue, much like the one she wore to the previous Ball. However, instead of being made of silk, they were velvet, and had a train. I don't want to look too much like I did last year. Besides, I don't know how to dance with a train. She decided.
The next robe was white, with rhinestones sewn all over it. It had a million layers of petticoats to go underneath it. With its off-the-shoulders cut, she looked like Aphrodite rising out of the ocean – or in her case, the dress robes. She would sparkle and bedazzle in that gown. It looks magnificent on René, but it would look terrible on Hermione. I'm much paler, and I would spend all night blushing.
That just left the last dress robe – her favourite of the three. This one was a deep maroon in color, and was cut in an A-line with spaghetti straps. It only had a single petticoat to go underneath it, which was nice. True, it was very simple on the hanger but…
She pulled the dress on, and looked at herself in it. It completely changes once it's on me. No longer did the dress look simple. It looked positively regal on Hermione. She turned so she could see her back. She loved the back. The back laced up, making 'X'es all up her back.
As she was admiring herself, she heard a gasp behind her. When did someone come in? I must be slipping… I should have heard them… Turning, she saw Seth and Zach in the doorway. They looked stunned.
"What do you think?" she asked. As if I need to ask, with that look on their faces. She smiled, waiting for the answer.
They opened and shut their mouths several times before either one of them could get a word out. "Lady," said Seth, "if I didn't have a girlfriend, I'd be hard put to stay away from you at all tomorrow night."
She laughed. "Well, I'm glad you have a girlfriend to distract you then, Seth. What do you think, Zach?"
"Bella, you make a queen look like a peasant in comparison. It's amazing." He replied.
It had turned out that quite a few of Aria's musicians were wizards – though not all of them. In fact, Aria herself was a witch, which made things so much easier. Hermione didn't have to try to explain why she needed the next night off – instead, Aria was keeping her pub closed. That way, no one would have to ask any questions. The muggle band players could enjoy their night off, and the witches and wizards could go to the Ball.
Hermione brought herself to the present. "Now all I need is some jewelry…" she mused.
Zach laughed. "Fear no more, Bella. We come bearing gifts." He held up several boxes as proof.
"But I can't accept…" she started to protest. I can't have them spending their money on me…
"Nonsense, we insist. Call it payment for not realizing you were a witch sooner." Zach replied, winking at her. She shook her head in amazement.
"Fine, let's see what you have for me." She relented.
As the box lids came off, Hermione was astonished by the variety of styles and colors. However, one thing remained constant throughout the display- every piece of jewelry was exquisite. Again, she was reminded of how much these boys loved her. When she looked up, both boys were grinning like Cheshire Cats. "How can I ever repay you? A simple thank you is not enough. You are all way too kind to me."
"Thanks is all that we need, Bella. See any that you like?" Seth replied, obviously pleased.
"Several, in fact." How can one choose only one? Now I feel like Christmas has come early. But I must choose only one. Fair's fair. She looked around again, until her eyes fell onto a simple ruby necklace. It had one ruby in the center, and the chain was designed like a vine. The ruby had been incorporated into a flower. In fact, it's very similar to the one Ron brought home last year. Simpler, but similar. She reached out for it. "I'll borrow this one, if you don't mind."
Both Seth and Zach looked like the cat that ate the canary. Seth said, "I'll just collect the others and be on my way then."
She became suspicious at that point. "Seth…"
He turned to look at her again. "Yes, Bella?"
"Whose necklace is this?"
Seth looked at her in mock surprise. "Why, Draco donated that one, Bella." With that, he and Zach left the room.
Hermione sat in shock. Draco picked this out for me? How did he know what I would want? She had no answers for her questions, however. She shoved them to the side, and went about her business. But I'll be sure to ask Draco tomorrow.
A/N: Ooooo… Draco's giving her jewelry! How sweet! What do you think of Hermione's dress? Next chapter is the beginning of the Ball.
Totally_2bular_girl: Caught your review as I was posting this chapter. I happen to like annoying. It means you like my fic. grin I take it you're a D/Hr fan, eh?
Reviews are always appreciated!