Disclaimer: It's not mine, I just enjoy messing with their lives!
A/N: Hello to all my little bug-eyed computer zombies! As always, thank you ever so much for the reviews, you know I love them. Also, just in case people are thinking it: I know I'm doing another ball in this story, just like I did a ball in TTSR, but I promise, that's where the similarities will end. There won't be a school talent show, or a fancy ball at school either. There might be a family picnic where they do some singing, or just some random little parts where people happen to express themselves through songs, or hear a song that perfectly describes how they feel, but no school talent show. Okay, now onto what y'all really want, the story!
Playing Pretend
Chapter Four: Picture Perfect
Saturday rolled around fairly quickly for Hermione. She had kept herself busy doing the summer assignments given by the teachers, and trying to figure out more ways to befriend Professor Snape. One way was joining Molly in practically forcing him to eat with everyone, or when he wouldn't, she would bring him a plate. It wasn't lost upon Hermione that pretty much the only food he did eat willingly was that which was brought to him by her. It seemed Severus couldn't help but eat it, and Hermione was taking full advantage of that to get him up to a healthier weight.
"All right Hermione, upstairs!" Ginny commanded at about three in the afternoon on Saturday.
"Why?" Hermione stared at her, bewildered.
"Hermione, don't tell me you've forgotten about the ball tonight!" Ginny exclaimed. "You have to get ready for it!"
"It's only three o'clock," Hermione checked her watch. "I don't need to be ready to leave till about seven or so, since Percy is supposed to arrive a little later than everyone else to make a grand entrance."
"Exactly! You need to start now, so you'll have plenty of time to use lots of girly bath products, get dressed, do your hair, do your make-up, and any last minute details," Ginny stated, and without waiting for a reply, pushed Hermione towards the stairs.
Hermione shook her head in amusement, but did as Ginny bid. If she had her way she wouldn't bother getting ready for another hour or two, but she figured she could just run a hot bath and pamper herself for a while, using lots of 'girly bath products' as Ginny had suggested. So she drew up a hot bath and enjoyed that for an hour before Ginny yelled through the door that she needed to dry off and come into her room so she could start her make-up and hair.
Ginny pushed Hermione into a chair and immediately began attacking her thick hair with a brush and all sorts of tools that Hermione was sure were instruments of torture. Because of the fact that Hermione's hair had grown quite a bit over the past few years and was about halfway down her back, it took a rather long time to do. It was worth it though. Ginny had meticulously brushed Hermione's hair dry till it shone brightly in the afternoon sunlight streaming through the window. Ginny took sections of hair in the front and twisted them back, clipping them in place with little silver clips with seed bead sized onyx stones on them (a gift from Percy). Ginny then curled all the hair loosely, and clipped it up with the help of bobby pins and hair-holding charms. She purposely left some of the hair down, so that it appeared as if Hermione's hair was like a waterfall; the curls cascading down to just below her shoulders.
Next Ginny forced Hermione to wear make-up, although Hermione put her foot down at wearing a lot. She allowed Ginny to use a shimmery white eye-shadow that made her eyes stand out, a light pink lip-gloss, and a light concealing powder to simply smooth her face out and keep it from shining under the bright lighting at the ministry ballroom.
Ginny left while Hermione pulled on her underclothes, and then came back in to help her carefully put the dress on. Hermione added her jewellery and shoes, and grabbed the sheer wrap that matched her dress and pulled it around her shoulders.
"It's six thirty!" Hermione said surprised as she saw the clock after appraising her appearance in the mirror.
"See, I told you that all that time would be needed," Ginny sounded just like Molly using her 'I told you so' yet mothering tone-of-voice. "Aren't you glad you listened to me?"
"Oh you know I am," Hermione laughed. "I think that's everything."
"I think so too. Now you just get to go downstairs and knock the socks off Harry and my brothers," Ginny giggled. "And of course, pose for pictures. Mum's been telling Dad every five minutes practically if he had the camera ready. I swear, she's acting like you two are getting married, not just going to a dance as friends."
"It's okay, I think I'm getting used to it by now."
"You and my brother are just friends, right?" Ginny asked, suddenly looking suspicious.
"Not you too Ginny!" Hermione said exasperatedly as she turned to glare at her friend. "You know that he and I are best friends; nothing more and nothing less."
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry, but I had to check," Ginny held her hands up in surrender. "Besides, would that be such a bad thing to be more?"
"Oh get out of here and tell them I'll be down in a minute," Hermione shot her a glare, but this one was in good fun.
Ginny gave her a cheeky smile before leaving. Hermione thought about what Ginny's last words had been; would that be such a bad thing to be more? They were almost the same words she had said to Percy that day they had been cleaning. Did that mean something, or was she just trying to read into it too much? Probably the latter she decided. Harry and Ron's conversations about that stupid subject divination were wearing off on her. Next thing she knew, she'd be burning incense and predicting who would die next! Rubbish, all of it.
Shaking her head with a small laugh, she felt herself grow nervous as she gathered herself together and left the room. What if Percy hated how she looked? What if they looked horrible together? What if the fact that she was muggle-born would ruin his reputation at the Ministry? What if she embarrassed him somehow?
"Miss Granger stop that this instant!" Professor Snape's voice was a quick shock back to reality for the nervous young woman.
Professor Snape had been making his way upstairs to the attic in search of a spare cauldron that Molly had said was up there, when he came across a very distraught young woman pacing the hall in front of him.
"Now what has you so worried?" He stared at her, arms crossed, with one eyebrow raised expectantly.
"It nothing sir," she quickly said.
"That's a complete load of bullshit if ever I heard one, and trust me, I've heard many," he continued to stare her down, but had to fight back a laugh when she gasped as his language and looked up at him with a look of shock.
"You're a professor!" She exclaimed, almost scolding in tone.
"And you're supposed to be a Gryffindor, not to mention a calm and composed young woman," he retorted, surprising himself yet again as he seemed to be doing a lot around her. He couldn't believe that first of all he had complimented her, and that secondly he was engaging in somewhat playful banter with her. "Now, what's bothering you?"
"I'm nervous," she finally whispered after a moment. She couldn't quite believe he had asked, or that she was answering. "What if Percy hates how I look? What if I ruin his reputation among the other ministry officials because I'm a muggleborn? What if-"
"What if the world ends tomorrow?" Severus interrupted her with a hiss of annoyance. "Does that mean you're going to stop living today?"
"Of course not," Hermione sighed, realising what he was getting at.
"You will not ruin Assistant Minister Weasley's reputation because you are a muggleborn. After all, Arthur works with muggles and loves all things muggle in nature," Severus pointed out. "And he would have to be completely moronic to hate how you look. And since he asked you to go with him, I think you can safely assume that he finds you quite the opposite."
"Thank you Professor," she smiled at him after a moment, taking in everything he had just said, most of which were compliments. She reached out and gave his hand a quick squeeze of thanks, and then turned and continued downstairs as was her original plan.
As Hermione walked carefully down the stairs, so as to avoid tripping and fall on her face, she heard loud laughter from the living room. Coming to stand at the bottom of the stairs on the floor, she held back a laugh as she took in the scene in front of her for a minute. Harry had been showing the Weasley's his wizard digital camera, and Fred and George had snatched it away, taking pictures of everyone after casting appearance-altering charms, such as multi-coloured hair, or abnormally large appendages like ears or fingers.
"I'm insulted!" Hermione said teasingly, catching their attention. "Here I thought I was supposed to be the centre of attention tonight."
"Oh you look lovely dear!" Molly commented, nearly tearing up, she was so happy.
"Wow Mione," Harry finally commented. That seemed to be the general sentiment, although the boys were still staring at her, jaws dropped.
"Yeah," Ron mumbled, agreeing.
"Beauteous maximus," Fred and George commented. Bill sent a large smile her way, and Charlie winked at her as everyone turned to look at Percy to see what he would say.
"O she doth teach the torches to burn bright!" Percy took her hands in his. "It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night, like a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear; beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear! So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows, as yonder lady o'er her fellows shows. The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand, hand, and touching hers, make blessed my rude. Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night."
"Thank you Percy, you look very handsome yourself. And major brownie points to you," she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "For remembering that Romeo and Juliet is my favourite Shakespearean play."
"Well he said it best," he laughed and then pulled her arm through his and turned to face his family and pose for pictures. "So how do we look?"
"Like you're a couple, you're so perfectly coordinated with each other," Charlie teased as Harry snapped a couple of pictures.
It was true though, at least the part about them being perfectly coordinated. Percy was dressed very handsomely in a dark gray, almost black, three button tuxedo. It was paired with a crisp white dress shirt, complete with French cuffs. His tie had alternating navy and steel blue stripes, offsetting his blue eyes, and perfectly matching Hermione's dress colour. The final touch was the onyx and sterling cuff links he had that complimented the hair clips he had given Hermione.
"We'll take that as a compliment," Percy rolled his eyes at his brother. "Now, we have to get going."
"Have fun you two, we'll see you in the morning I suppose?" Arthur questioned.
"Most likely. It's not supposed to end till around midnight or so," Percy answered, and then with a final round of good byes and have fun's, they apparated to the Ministry ballroom entrance.
Arriving in the drafty entrance hall, they both quickly made their way inside the large and lavishly decorated room. An orchestra was playing music in one corner between the bar and the buffet table. Small tables lined the room, and there was one long table on a dais at the end of the room. That was where Percy led Hermione, stopping to greet people here and there as they walked along the perimeter of the room, watching couples dancing in the middle. Hermione felt a little self conscious sitting where everyone could see her easily, but she took it all in stride knowing that this was all for Percy, and that this night was all about celebrating him and his accomplishments.
Soon after they had arrived, everyone took there seats and thus began an hour of long and boring speeches which flew in one ear and out the other for Hermione. In fact, most of the first part of the evening was a blur in her mind. Until the dancing began, that is.
"…And now, if Assistant Minister Weasley and his radiant escort Miss Hermione Granger would lead, the dancing may begin!" Minister Gregory Killengren's final comment startled Hermione.
She blushed as she realised everyone was staring at her as Percy took her hand and led her to the dance floor. As he took his other hand and firmly settling it around her waist, she rested her free hand on his shoulder and allowed herself to be led into an upbeat waltz. After a few moments, others began joining in, and soon the dance was in full swing.
"Sorry if the first part of all this bored you," Percy gave an apologetic smile.
"It's all right, really," Hermione assured him. "I find it all rather interesting because you're my friend, and this is all in your honour."
"Well I'm glad I get to share it with you," Percy bowed slightly as the dance came to an end, and led her off the floor just before the next song, a pavane, began.
"Oh good, you remembered that I don't know how to dance, other than a waltz," Hermione sighed in relief as they headed towards the bar. "Honestly, don't people realise that these dances are from the sixteenth century and should stay there?"
"I guess not," Percy said with a laugh, handing her a glass of alcohol-free punch, and then took one for himself. "Oh no."
"What?" Hermione asked concernedly when she heard him groan.
"It's Asher Carlisle," Percy whispered. "He hates me because I actually work, and because I got the promotion and he didn't. Not to mention he's always saying I'm queer and that no women in her right mind would like me."
"Hello Percival, or should I call you Assistant Minister now?" a decidedly snobby voice interrupted them.
"Percy is fine, Asher," Percy replied blandly.
"And who's this?" Asher leered, looking Hermione up and down. "A friend? Since no one would go out with you?"
"Actually, I'm his girlfriend," Hermione cut in, giving Asher a sickeningly sweet smile while sending Percy a glance that clearly said, 'play along.'
"Yes, Asher, this is Hermione Granger," Percy slid his arm around her waist. "Love, this is one of my co-workers, Asher Carlisle."
"Oh, well, pleasure to meet you," Asher looked let down by the fact that Percy had a girlfriend, and with one last snooty look, he left them.
"That was priceless," Hermione watched him go. "You know Perce, we could make a living as actors, we've fooled people twice."
The rest of the evening was a blast, to put it lightly. Hermione and Percy shared a few more dances, a few more (non-alcoholic) drinks, and a lot more laughs. Usually over some silly thing that Percy told her about the guests attending the party.
"And now, I'd like to invite Assistant Minister Weasley and his beautiful girlfriend to start off the last dance of the evening," Minister Killengren announced, and everyone applauded politely as Percy led a blushing Hermione to the dance floor for some sort of slow dance.
"Sorry about that Percy," Hermione apologised. "I didn't know Asher would tell others. I just wanted to keep him off your case."
"Does it look like I mind?" Percy gave a slight smirk. "And like you teased me before, would it be so bad?"
"Those words are coming back to haunt me," Hermione mumbled, and then raised her voice to respond. "But you're right, it wouldn't be so bad."
"Huh?" Percy's ever-so-articulate comment made Hermione laugh. "Do you mean that?"
"Well, yeah, I think I do," Hermione's voice was shy, and quiet. Not at all like her usual teasing and bossy sounding tone of voice. "I mean, I know we're just talking figuratively and all, but…I think it'd be nice."
"You may be talking figuratively, but I'm hoping for something real," Percy's eyes captured hers in an intense gaze.
Hermione and Percy continued to look at each other. So wrapped up in figuring out their emotions, and looking at each other, that they hadn't even realised the music had stopped and that they were still slowly dancing. All the other guests were watching them, smiles on their faces.
"How about a kiss for the Daily Prophet?" A reporter's voice called out, and several people glared at him for interrupting the moment.
"You don't have to," Percy quickly whispered, not wanting her to feel pressured into anything.
"And if I want to?" she whispered back, blushing at her own boldness. But she couldn't help wanting to see if there was anything between them. If there could be.
"Then you've just made me very happy," he breathed.
Percy tightened his grasp around her waist, and lifted a hand to cup her face, his thumb lightly rubbing her cheek. Hermione tilted her face towards his expectantly as their eyes met. Leaning in, they closed their eyes as his lips brushed hers in a hint of a kiss, so soft, Hermione wondered if she had imagined it. Her whole body was left tingling as she waited for him to properly kiss her. When his lips captured hers fully, it was warm, tender, and unexpectedly soft. Everyone around them had been watching with bated breaths, and let them out as the pair finally kissed. Numerous cameras flashed, and the guests applauded, but Percy and Hermione were oblivious to it all.
As they pulled back from each other, Hermione blushed as she took in the cameras and the applause. Feeling shy suddenly, she buried her head against Percy's shoulder. He chuckled at her actions, and ran his hand up and down her back before letting it slide along her arm to take her hand in his. Composed, Hermione joined Percy in his last round of good-byes, and then they joined the other guests in gathering their wraps.
Half an hour later, they arrived back at Grimmauld Place, and collapsed onto the couch. Hermione gratefully kicked off her shoes as Percy loosened his tie and took off his jacket. Percy took one of Hermione's feet in his hands, and began to gently rub it, going from one foot to the other.
"I swear Percy, if you ever stop that I'll have to avada kedavra you," Hermione closed her eyes in pleasure, her feet already feeling better after being in heels.
"Don't worry, I won't," Percy smiled. "Because if you do, I won't get to kiss you again."
"About that…" Hermione sat up, reluctantly tucking her feet under her gown. "I think we should clarify some things."
"Probably," Percy put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her against him. "That picture is going to be on the front page of the Daily Prophet tomorrow."
"Exactly, and we need to talk, so we can be honest when we tell your family what's going on between us. Is there even an us?"
"I would very much like there to be, but I think you knew that, and you probably also know by now that I like you quite a bit Hermione."
"I'm aware," Hermione said, and coming from anyone else, it would sound snobby, but from her, it was simply an honest acknowledgement. "Truthfully Percy, I love you dearly as a friend. Romantically, I also feel…something…for you."
"But?" Percy pre-empted, as he took her hand in his and brushed a kiss over her knuckles.
"But I'm just not totally sure what that 'something' is yet," Hermione rested her head on his shoulder, marveling at the difference in their hands. His large hands were warm and slightly rough and almost engulfed her small, smooth ones. "I do know that I would like to see where this goes."
"I'd like that," he stifled a yawn as he shifted his body so he could stretch his feet out and rest them on a nearby foot stool. "Hermione?"
"Yes?" She said sleepily, curling up closer to him, moving her head to his chest as his arms wrapped around her.
"We still haven't figured out what we're going to tell my family."
"Tell them we're involved with one another. That's the truth, isn't it?"
"Yes. So we're dating? Or we're going to start anyhow?"
"Mm hmm," Hermione replied sleepily.
"Hermione, does this mean that you'll be my girlfriend?"
"Only if you'll be my boyfriend," Hermione yawned, and her eyes began to close.
"We should get some sleep."
"That's what I'm trying to do."
"In our beds, love," Percy clarified, but made no move to get up.
"Five more minutes Perce," Hermione mumbled sleepily.
"All right, five more minutes," Percy agreed, kissing the top of her head. However, it wasn't but a few seconds before sleep overcame him, and he too nodded off.
A/N: Okay, well there's the chapter! Lots of fun! For the SS/HG shippers, only a small part between them. I'll try and do a larger part on them next chapter. For the PW/HG shippers, lots of fluffleful goodness! I was kinda in a fluff writing mood, so there's the result. Now, no flames saying it's too fluffy please, because I see Percy as being very sweet and caring towards her. I also see Hermione as someone who enjoys being treated as a woman now and then, and she can be that way around him. They also have a very strong friendship (as previously stated) so this is just how they act around each other sometimes. As always, if you like it, let me know in a review, or don't. It's all good! Next chapter up in a week or so hopefully! I'm really trying to get these out one a week!