Hidden Pain
Chapter 6: Confessions
The next day passed quickly for everyone. The girls were looking especially forward for the Hogsmeade visit. Professors had given up teaching classes; the students mind were somewhere else. Girls could be heard giggling as they whispered with their friends about dates, dresses, and makeup.
. & .
Knock knock
"Coming," snarled Draco as he walked over to the Heads door
"Can't you be patient Weaslette," he snarled as she pushed past him.
"Where's Hermione," asked Ginny sharply.
"I don't know. Why should I know?" snapped Draco as he pushed roughly past her and went into his room.
"Oh there you are. Can you tell me the password so I don't have to go through that Malfoy experience again," said Ginny smiling once more, her frown vanishing as Hermione came out.
"You look nice Hermione," said Ginny. "No wonder my brother asked you to the dance."
"Thanks Ginny," said Hermione blushing. She was wearing dark blue jeans with black leather boots. Her cloak covered her thick dark pink sweater. She told Ginny the password.
"You look awesome too," said Hermione. "No wonder Harry is crazy about you."
Ginny was dressed in a pair of extremely tight light blue jeans and a white sweater. Her red hair was straightened and fell over her shoulder like a waterfall tipping over the edge of the cliff. Together, the girls walked out of the room and headed for the check by Mister Filch.
Once in Hogsmeade, the girls ran excitedly through the snow into Madam Tiffany's Dresses. Laughing, Hermione took off her cloak and shook the snow off her hair. Both their cheeks were rosy and their eyes were full of laughter. Ginny pulled Hermione towards a rack of dresses.
"Hermione, is there like a mandatory color the Head Boy and Head Girl have to wear," said Ginny.
"Oh yeah," said Hermione her face falling," We have to wear black. What a horrid color."
"Oh of course not," exclaimed Ginny clapping her hands," Black will look beautiful on you."
Ginny searched through the rack for a second and pulled out a black dress. Hermione gasped when she saw the dress.
"Try it on," urged Ginny pushing Hermione towards the dressing room.
Ginny busied herself by searching through the rack until she found the dress for herself. Soon, Hermione came out and stood in front of Ginny. Ginny screamed and dropped her dress.
"Oh Hermione," she breathed, "You look beautiful."
The dress was a midnight black halter dress and ended an inch above Hermione's kneecaps. It was softly glittery until the bottom of her bust. It was extremely tight and highlighted her flat stomach and curves. It flared out at the end. When she walked it flowed gently around her legs.
"Hermione," she exclaimed, "I have the perfect shoes. They're 4 inch black stilettos. They'll look perfect."
"Ok," said Hermione excitedly, her face rosy. "Do you think Ron will like it?"
"Oh, Ron will love it," said Ginny confidently.
"Well, what do you have?" asked Hermione carefully smoothing the dress.
"It's a long strapless white sparkly dress. I thought Harry would like it," said Ginny blushing like crazy.
"Oh, you'd look perfect,' exclaimed Hermione walking around her barefoot. "And we could do this with your hair so it would look…."
"What happened?" asked Ginny turning around. Hermione had a mischievous look on her face.
"You smell like gardenias," said Hermione.
"So," said Ginny shrugging her shoulders.
"Well, when I went to breakfast with Harry today, he smelled like gardenias too," said Hermione raising her eyebrows.
Ginny laughed as her cheeks became even rosier. "Oh, well, I um well we uh. Oh Hermione, you know we've been sleeping together for a month," stammered Ginny.
"I'm just kidding, Ginny" laughed Hermione. "Try on the dress. I'll change meanwhile."
Soon, Hermione walked out of her dressing room carefully folding her black dress, Soon Ginny came out barefoot dressed in the white dress. It was tight around her chest and waist and loosened a little as it fell around her ankles.
"Oh Ginny," Hermione breathed," You look like an angel. Harry will love it."
Ginny squealed and ran into her room to change. Smiling happily, the girls' went to the register and paid for their dresses. Pleased with their purchases, they slowly walked to the Three Broomsticks. The snow had stopped falling and the thatched houses looked like cottages. Snow glistened like diamonds on the trees and houses. Smoke slowly rose from the building in thin gray puffs. The area looked like a fairy tale village.
Stamping their feet on the rug, they entered the pub and sat down at a table.
"Two butterbeers please," said Hermione as Madam Rosmerta swept by with her pad of paper.
"So Hermione," said Ginny," Why did you agree to go with my brother to the ball?"
Secretly she was hoping to find out if Hermione reciprocated her brother's feelings.
"Well," said Hermione after taking a sip of her drink, "I've known him for 7 years now. I think that he could be the best date for me after Harry. But of course, you're dating him so he's off limits. Ron's very conscientious and caring of the people he's friends and family with. He always makes sure everyone has a good time. I think he could be one of the best dates a girl could want."
Ginny smiled sweetly at Hermione's heartfelt response. She didn't clearly state that she loved Ron but that was a start. The girls drank silently for a while and chatted about random topics such as music, guys, couples etc. Then the door opened and Harry and Ron walked in.
"Hey gorgeous," said Harry sliding next to Ginny and kissing her sweetly on the lips. Ron slid next to Hermione and looked pointedly away from Harry and Ginny.
"So what did you buy," said Ron after Harry and Ginny broke apart.
"No showing you," said Ginny pushing her bag away. 'I want to surprise you in a week."
As Ginny, Ron, and Harry chatted about the next Quidditch match, Hermione's attention drifted away to a table in the corner. Draco was sitting by himself drinking a butterbeer staring quietly at the table. Hermione's heart ached for some unfathomable reason as she watched him draw idly with his finger.
"Hey look who it is," said Harry leaning forward. "It's Malfoy and he's all alone."
Draco got up and walked past the table but Harry tripped him. Yelling, he sprawled forward and got up quickly staring angrily and contemptuously at Harry. Ginny and Ron laughed but Hermione just stared sorrowfully at Malfoy.
"Oops, sorry Malfoy," said Harry sweetly. "Didn't see you there? Where are your cronies? Remember on the train you said that I needed good friends? Well where are yours?"
Malfoy didn't answer and simply stared at the floor. He couldn't tell Harry that he hated Crabbe and Goyle. He couldn't tell him that he only hung out with them because his father made him. Not answering, he left the pub.
"Hahaha," said Harry," Did you see his face?"
Harry's laughter vanished when he saw Hermione's face. She wasn't laughing with Ginny and Ron. On the contrary, she looked sad and angry.
"What's wrong Hermione?" he asked.
"Excuse me," she said getting up and scrambling over Ron. "I have to go."
She grabbed her bag and stormed out of the pub. Harry, Ginny, and Ron looked at each other in shock and confusion.
"Why did suddenly get up and leave?" said Ron finally.
"You're right Ron," said Harry shaking his head. "Hermione's acting weird. And every time Malfoy is around her."
"She's doesn't love me back," said Ron despairingly. "She loves Malfoy."
"Don't be stupid," said Ginny hotly, "She does not too. I was talking to her about you before you came. You should have seen the way her face lights up when she was talking about you."
Ron's face brightened a little. "You think so?" he asked.
"Yes," said Harry punching Ron in the shoulder. "Go on. Tell her at the Ball. It will be the perfect timing and everything. I know it will. Everything will work out perfectly."
"Ok," said Ron excited. He glanced at his watch. "Look, the visit will shut in an hour. Why don't we just go back to Hogwarts? Maybe we can find Hermione and work the truth out of her."
Agreeing, Harry left 5 galleons on the table and the threesome walked out. The snow had started falling again and Hermione was nowhere in sight. Shrugging, they trudged through the snow back to the castle.
. & .
Hermione cursed silently to herself as she entered the Head's room. Dropping her cloak on the sofa, she looked around the room. How could Harry have been so cruel? Draco came out of his room and stopped when he saw Hermione.
"Oh, it's you," he sneered. "Did you come to continue to harass me the way Potter was?"
"No," started Hermione but Draco interrupted her.
"Did you have a good laugh when I fell down," he sneered pushing Hermione's shoulder roughly.
"Did Potter crack jokes about how horrible I am," he spat pushing Hermione's other shoulder. Hermione cried as Draco kept pushing her back into the wall.
"Did sweet little Weasley start making fun," said Draco shoving her so her back collided with the wall.
"No," yelled Hermione flaring up pulling Draco down so his eyes were level with hers. In shock, Draco put his left hand on her waist to keep his balance. "I came here to tell you I'm sorry for what they did. I didn't want them to do it."
Breathing hard, Hermione stared into Draco's eyes. She could see the anger that he held towards Harry's act but she could also see the hurt and the pain. She felt as mesmerized as she did when he had put the Transfixing spell on her. She was slowly drowning in them. Only when someone gasped did she come back to the world with a sudden unpleasant jolt.
"Hermione," gasped Ginny standing in the door. "You and HIM?"
Hermione jumped away when she realized how close she and Draco were for the second time. They were practically nose-to-nose and she had been staring into his eyes. His hand had been on her waist. Any fool, would think that she was in love with him. Draco shook his head and went into his bedroom as if nothing had happened.
"Ginny," she pleaded. "You have to listen to me."
"No," said Ginny shaking her head. "I already saw what I needed to."
"No, Ginny. Please let me explain," begged Hermione desperately.
Ginny regarded Hermione warily and then reluctantly sat on the sofa. Hermione sat next to her and took a deep breath.
"Look Ginny. I know what Draco and me looked like. I looked like I loved him. But, I don't. I know I've been acting strange when I'm around Malfoy. Harry and Ron have noticed that as well; I can tell. I've been interrogated a few times by them. I can't tell you but my view of Malfoy has completely changed. All I can tell you is that I don't like him or love him. You have to believe me," said Hermione sincerely.
"I believe you Hermione," said Ginny finally after she studied Hermione for a few moments. She stood up and gave Hermione a hug.
"Well, I have to be going. I wanted to see if everything was ok after you bolted from the pub," said Ginny.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that too. I didn't like what Harry did. Do me a favor please; don't tell Harry or Ron about anything ok?" said Hermione.
"Sure hon. See you around," said Ginny and then walked out of the door. Hermione sighed and flopped on the couch.
. & .
"Malfoy," said Hermione as Draco walked through the door," We need to make the plans for the decorations today. We're done with your tutoring session now. You've successfully caught up. We need the plan by tomorrow."
"Do it yourself," said Draco yawning. Hermione studied him closely. His eyes were surrounded with deeper black circles and his clothes were wrinkled. Hermione knew that he hadn't been sleeping much the past few nights.
"Malfoy," said Hermione as he walked to his room.
"Now what?" snapped Draco turning around.
"I just wanted to tell you that I'll go patrolling by myself tonight. And I'll do the decorations. You look really tired," said Hermione softly unfazed by his attitude.
"Oh," said Draco clearly at a loss for words. "Well uh thanks."
Hermione carefully put aside her essay and pulled a clean piece of parchment towards her. Soon, she was absorbed in her decorations. When the clock chimed 9, she put her drawing aide pleased at her success and left to patrol.
. & .
The next week passed quickly for the students. Hermione was kept busy supervising the decorations for the ball. Dumbledore had reserved the Great Hall for the Ball from 8 to 12. The night before the ball, Hermione looked around the room and clapped happily; the room looked beautiful.
"Hi Hermione," exclaimed Ginny as she entered Hermione's room.
"Ginny, you have got to help me," begged Hermione. "I don't know anything about makeup. My mum bought me so much over the summer but she didn't teach me how to use it."
"No problem," said Ginny," Change into your dress and shoes and I'll fix you up."
"Thanks," said Hermione relieved. She went into her room and changed while Ginny changed in the bathroom.
"You done," said Ginny knocking on the door after she put on her white dress and strappy 3 inch heels.
"Yeah," called Hermione, "come in."
Ginny walked in where Hermione was staring at herself hopelessly in her mirror. Ginny placed all her beauty supplies on her table and stood beyond Hermione, regarding her critically.
"Ok," she muttered. She twirled Hermione's seat around so Hermione was facing her. She grabbed her wand and muttered a spell. Hermione gaped as the wand turned red hot. Ginny went to work grabbed portions of Hermione hair and straightened them but leaving 3 inches at the bottom. She then curled them and added a bouncing spell so they sashayed around her shoulders smoothly.
Then she grabbed her eye shadow compact. Carefully, she outlined Hermione's eyes with black eyeliner. She then carefully spread brown sparkly powder on her eyelids. Smoothing the powder, she added a little solid beige powder to balance it out. She then carefully applied black mascara on Hermione and spread rose-colored lipstick on Hermione's lips.
"Turn around," said Ginny proudly.
Hermione turned and gasped. Her eyes stood out sparkling and glowing. Her hair fell around her shoulders in perfect curls. Her makeup was applied so lightly that she looked natural.
"Thank you Ginny," said Hermione giving Ginny a hug.
"You look awesome girl," said Ginny. "Ron's going to have competition keeping you tonight."
Hermione blushed as Ginny seated herself at Hermione's table. She carefully applied creamy cream-colored powder to her eyes and an earth colored lipstick to her lips. She carefully outlined her eyes with brown eyeliner and applied black mascara. She straightened her hair so it fell over her shoulders gracefully. She pulled the sides back and fastened them in the back with a white barrette.
"Harry's going to fall on his face when he sees you," said Hermione in awe. "You look like an angel."
"Thanks," said Ginny beaming. "Now jewelry time! I have perfect onyx earrings. They dangled a little but they'll look perfect with your dress."
Hermione screwed the chandelier earrings onto her ears and waited as Ginny fastened diamond earrings onto her ears. It looked beautiful against her red hair.
"Let's go outside," said Ginny. "It's 7:30. They'll be here soon."
Hermione and Ginny walked out just as there was a knock. Hermione opened the door and Harry and Ron walked in. Their jaws dropped when they saw their dates.
"Oh Ginny," said Harry walking up to her and handing her a dozen white roses. "You look..I can't even describe it."
"You look perfect Harry," said Ginny.
Harry was dressed in a black tuxedo. A black silk tied stood out against his white crisp shirt. His hair was untamed as usual.
"Don't I get a kiss," pouted Ginny placing the roses on Hermione's sofa.
"I'll ruin your lipstick," said Harry but was stopped when Ginny grabbed him and kissed him tenderly. Harry put his arms around her waist and kissed her back tenderly. He smoothed her back and deepened the kiss.
"You look beautiful Hermione," said Ron honestly as he handed her a bouquet of gardenias.
"Thank you Ron," said Hermione softly kissing him on the cheek, making Ron go red. She gently put the gardenias in a vase and turned toward Harry and Ginny.
"Um, guys," said Hermione, "Do you want to go to a ball?"
Harry and Ginny broke apart grinning guiltily. Harry pecked her one last time before Ginny quickly fixed her lipstick. Together, they left the portrait hall and walked towards the Great Hall.
. & .
Professor Dumbledore had not yet opened the hall; there was a big mass of black and bright vibrant colors. Pairs were standing in a huddle waiting to be let in at the stroke of 8. Finally Professor Dumbledore arrived.
"Please, "he said, "Line up in two line with your date. We will be going in pair by pair. The first pair will be our Head Boy and Head Girl, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger."
The crowd jostled and pushed and soon they were two lines on either side of the door. The door to the Ball opened slowly. Hermione and Draco stood at the end and slowly walked through. Boys whistled as Hermione walked by and girls threw Hermione nasty looks as she passed. Slowly, each couple entered the Great Hall and as soon as the last couple entered the door shut. It had a spell that anyone under a 6th year couldn't enter.
The Great Hall looked spectacular. There was a huge space cleared in the middle for the dancing floor. It was charmed to be made of a rich lightwood. The ceiling was a deep black and sparkled with millions of twinkling stars. On the north floor (point of view from door), there was a raised dais. Already, the Weird Sisters were assembled and waiting. Behind them were 4 giant Christmas trees sparkling with ornaments. Around the dance floor was a thick strip of a darker wood. The walls had wreaths hung every few feet and light sparkled from the walls. There were benches and tables placed around the dance floor. The tables were covered with gold tablecloths and had sparkly confetti sprinkled over it. All in all, the Great Hall looked amazing.
"Welcome to our annual Christmas Ball," said Professor Dumbledore who was standing on the dais. "I would like to give a huge thank you to out Head Boy and Head Girl for organizing the events and decorations. Let's give a hand to Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger."
The hall burst into applause. Hermione blushed but Draco remained as emotionless as usual with Pansy pressing herself into him.
"There is a bar but please, if I find anyone acting tipsy they will be removed from the hall. I am very serious on this matter," said Dumbledore sternly. "Second, we have called a photographer tonight to capture the night on tape. They will also be taking couple portraits and pictures for no cost. Our Head Boy and Head Girl will perform our first dance. They will open the dance floor. During the song after the first minute, other couples will be able to join them."
Hermione left Ron's side and Draco disengaged himself from Pansy. Together, they strode to the middle of the dance floor and faced each other. Hermione walked close to him and placed her hands on his shoulders. Draco placed his strong hands on her small waist and drew her close to him. As the music started playing, they slowly moved to the music. Hermione looked at Draco's black tie and Draco looked at the top of her head.
He had to admit when he saw her he was astonished. She looked beautiful tonight; she had completely shocked him. If she wasn't a Mudblood, he's definitely be interested. The way her hair was falling over her shoulders was like a smooth stream gliding over the small pebbles. And her legs were so shapely and her stomach so flat that he had found himself staring. Her figure was so curvaceous that he couldn't help but wonder why she left it hidden.
Hermione stared at Draco's tie as her mind wandered once more. She had never been this close to Draco but for some reason it felt right. She couldn't deny it when she saw Draco tonight; he looked amazing. His muscular body was fitted in a black tuxedo and his black tie stood out from his gray silk shirt. His blond hair was splayed over his forehead. She wanted to hug Draco so horribly. She didn't know why but a part of her wanted to wrap her hands around him and hug his sorrows away. Draco wasn't the man that he had shown Hogwarts these 7 years. There was a kinder, lovable side to him that Hermione wanted to bring out.
Finally, the dance ended and Hermione raised her gaze. She had been so absorbed that she hadn't realized that other couples surrounded them. Even as the band started another song, Hermione and Draco stood immobilized in the middle their hands still on each other staring at each other.
Professor Dumbledore was watching them with a small smile on his face. He could see the magic beginning to erupt Hermione and Draco. He knew that it would only be a matter of weeks before they got together.
"Hey Hermione," said Ron coming up to them, "Want to dance with me?"
Hermione started as if an electric current passed through her and took her hands off Draco, who walked away with Pansy. Smiling, she took Ron's hand and danced the next 4 dances with him. Next to them were Harry and Ginny who were dancing very close.
"Hey Ron," she said, "I'm getting rather tired. Would you mind if I sat this one out?"
"Of course not," said Ron escorting her to a table. "I'll get something for us to drink."
"Hi Hermione," said Ginny as she and Harry flopped on the bench next to her.
"This is a great ball," commented Harry, "You did a really good job Hermione."
"Thanks," smiled Hermione.
"Here," said Ron coming out. "I got Ginny and Hermione gillywaters and firewhiskeys for Harry and myself."
"Don't go overboard," said Hermione sharply as Ron and Harry sipped their drink.
"Relax," said Harry. "We'll be fine."
The couples sat together for the next hour talking, laughing, and dancing. Basically, simply enjoying themselves. When Hermione and Ginny got up to visit the powder room, Ron tapped Harry to the shoulder.
"I think I'm going to do it now mate," said Ron. "I think I should tell her that I love her now."
"After we take pictures," said Harry. "Then take her outside and tell her near a rose bushes. They're lit and everything. It's very romantic."
"Ok," said Ron.
When Hermione and Ginny got back, their hair brushed and their makeup touched up, Harry and Ron stood up.
"I think we should take pictures now," said Harry.
"Ok," agreed Hermione.
The coupled walked towards the cameraman and waited until he finished taking pictures of Seamus and Lavender.
"Ok," said the cameraman, "I think we'll take couple shots and then a group picture."
Harry and Ginny went up first. The man made Ginny stand up on a few boxes to bring her 5 foot 7 frame up to Harry's 6 foot 1 build. He flicked his wand and changed the background to a sparkly gray. He placed Ginny in front of Harry who wrapped his arms around her waist. Ginny then tilted her head to the side a little and Harry nestled his head shallowly. Smiling, the cameraman shot their picture. He then made Harry pick Ginny up who wrapped her hands around his neck. The cameraman shot them and then gestured for Ron and Hermione to come.
He took a picture of Ron and Hermione standing sideways with Ron behind Hermione against the sparkly beige background. He then made Hermione sit on a box and Ron stand behind her. Placing his hands on her shoulders, the cameraman shot their picture.
"Now all of you," he said.
Ginny and Harry climbed up to the boxes. The cameraman made Hermione and Ginny sit on the boxes while Harry and Ron stood behind them. He then took another pose with Ginny and Hermione in the middle while Harry and Ron placed their arms around them on either side; the order was Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Ron. After receiving copies of their pictures, they climbed down and were walking towards their table when Malfoy stopped Hermione.
"What do you Malfoy," said Ron scathingly.
"Nothing with you," snapped Malfoy. "Granger, Dumbledore wants to see us."
Without a word, Hermione followed Draco to the stage.
"Ah, there you are. I wanted to congratulate both of you for the success," said Professor Dumbledore.
"Oh, well most of it should go to Granger," said Draco. "She planned most of it."
Hermione looked at Draco incredulously when he said that. Even Professor Dumbledore looked momentarily stunned.
"Well be as that may, we want a picture of the Head Boy and Head Girl together this year,' said Professor Dumbledore.
"Yes sir," said Hermione.
Without arguing, the pair walked towards the photographer.
"Excuse me," said Hermione, "We need one picture. We're the head Boy and Head Girl."
"Oh yes," said the cameraman.
He switched the background to a pretty semi dark gray. He placed Draco on the right with Hermione at his left. He then placed Draco's right hand around Hermione's waist who placed her hand on Draco's chest. The cameraman took the picture and then waved for them to come down. But in the process Hermione slipped and started to fall. Screaming, she found herself stabilized by two hands. She looked up and found herself staring in Draco's eyes.
The cameraman looked up ready to yell at them but then he stopped. Draco was crouching on one knee on the top box while his other foot rested on the lower box. One hand was wrapped around her waist while the under was under her knees. Hermione had her hands firmly planted around his neck and their noses were nearly touching. Their lips were less than an inch apart. Unknown to them, the cameraman took a picture and developed it. Little did she know that the little picture would cause trouble later on.
Draco slowly pulled Hermione up until she was stable on two boxes.
"Thank you," she whispered before walking down the boxes carefully, Draco following her down and then went to Pansy.
"Hi," said Hermione breathlessly to Ron a few minutes later. "Where are Harry and Ginny?"
"Oh, they went back to the dance floor," said Ron jerking this thumb. "Um, would you come outside with me for a minute?"
"Sure," said Hermione.
Ron led Hermione to a bench, which was surrounded by rose bushes. Lights illuminated the area around them. Behind them was a marble fountain that had clear water flowing from it. Hermione sat down and smoothed her dress. Ron bent down slowly and took Hermione's hand in his.
"Look Hermione," he started. "We've known each other for seven years now. We've shared fun moments together, dark moments together. We've been through a lot but we had each other by our side. But Hermione, I think I want you by my side forever."
"What do you saying," said Hermione softly.
"I'm saying Hermione, that I love you," said Ron softly looking at his hand that was covering Hermione's.
Hermione stared at Ron shocked she had not expected this. She swallowed hard and opened her mouth ready to answer but she was cut by the noise of footstep running. She looked up and was astonished to see Draco running at fully speed towards the dorm with a letter in his hand. Soon, he had vanished from sight. And so had Ron's confession from Hermione's mind.
"Draco," she yelled but he was gone.
Springing up, Hermione ran after him leaving Ron behind kneeling on the bench.
"Draco," whispered Ron.
He felt like he had been slapped in the face. He had been rejected. A feeling of disbelief spread throughout him. But soon, it became filled with the hollow, undeniable, feeling of hollowness and rejection. He swallowed hard; not only had she rejected him and his love but she had run after Malfoy. He got up slowly and sat on the bench, his eyes focusing nowhere. The only thing reverberating throughout his head was Hermione's yell; Draco, Draco, Draco.
Ginny and Harry strolled outside hand in hand laughing. Ginny caught sight of Ron sitting on the bench looking dejected. Harry and Ginny looked at each other as their laughter died.
"Hey Ron," said Ginny weakly sitting next to her brother, "What happened? Where's' Hermione?"
"She rejected me," said Ron hollowly, "But before that she yelled out Malfoy's name. And she ran after him; she didn't even give me an answer."
"Ok Ron, that's it," said Harry rather angrily, "I'm going to go find Hermione and ask her what the bloody hell she was thinking. She's been acting this weird for the past month. But this time, she went too far. You can't just blow someone off like that when they confess they love you."
"No Harry," said Ginny placing her hand on Harry's arm, "Look, I talked to Hermione last week. She doesn't like Malfoy, let alone love him. But she has discovered something about Malfoy that changed her opinion of him. She didn't tell me what that was but Harry, she has her rights. I agree, it was extremely rude of her to blow off Ron and I will talk to her about that. I don't think I will be able to tonight but tomorrow for sure definitely."
"Well, I hope you enjoy the rest of the ball," said Ron standing up. "I need to go back to the Gryffindor common room."
Harry and Ginny looked at each other as Ron silently walked away without another word. As he swiftly walked away, a tear fell down the redheaded boy's face.
. & .
Hermione ran down the halls as fast as she could in Ginny's stilettos. Hermione yelled the password and scrambled into the dorm breathing heavily. She ran to Draco's room and twisted the doorknob' it was locked. Frantically, Hermione found her wand and shot spells at it. Bu this simply bounced back; Draco obviously didn't want anyone to come.
"Draco," screamed Hermione pounding on the door. "Please!"
Inside, Draco had already thrown off his coat and unbuttoned his shirt and loosened his tie. His blade was already out when he heard Hermione run in. Cursing, he flicked open his knife and angrily slashed his skin.
"Bloody hell," he cursed, "Why do you always have to send letters at the worst time? For once, I was slowly forgetting everything and then you send that letter. WHY? WHY?"
He could hear Hermione banging on his door through the confusion that was swirling through his head.
"Go away Granger," he yelled angrily.
Hermione collapsed against his door and wept. She had failed again. Inside, Draco was hurting himself and she couldn't do anything about it.
A/N: Thanks for the reviews! This story will have a lot more Hermione/Draco. This is LONGER than the previous chapter. ELEVENE PAGES! It's personally my favorite chapter. I personally adore this chapter.
It's setting the stage for the climax in the next chapter. A LOT happens in this chapter; it really sets the stage for everything that will happen next. The romance, the jealously, etc.
Please Review! Same message as previous chapters. The climax is in the next chapter!