Chapter 12
A/N= just to clear things up When Harry asked Draco
if he loved her he was referring to Dria not Draco's mother!
"Hermione come out of that dressing room now or I'll beat you!" said
Dria angrily they were in the middle of a fancy London boutique trying
on gowns for the ball the next day. It had been two weeks since their
fight but it was as if it never happened.
Dria had already acquired her dress by a more romantic and unusual way.
Draco had shown up one evening a few days ago claiming he had a
surprise. She met him at a small intimate restaurant where he was
dressed in a suave suit. He smiled and presented her with a box. In it
was a beautiful dress he'd flown personally from Paris to have it made
for her.
Hermione was a different story. It had been a problem getting her to
try anything on, let alone buy the dress!
"Hermione Granger, get your bum out here this instant!" ordered Avery,
and when Avery Kensington gave you an order, you obeyed. Hermione
stepped out of the dressing room hastily avoiding looking at her self in
a mirror.
"Oh, my stars," breathed Avery.
"Yeah, what she said." Said Dria astounded. Hermione looked too
beautiful for words.
"So I look alright?" squeaked Hermione insecurely.
"You look bloody drop dead gorgeous!" exclaimed Dria, Avery nodding her
head in agreement.
"Hermione, you're stunning even without the dresses. Have some bloody
confidence already!" Avery said smiling at her.
"Alright, now you go get out of that thing so we can purchase it!"
demanded Dria who was growing impatient.
"Keep your knickers on!" yelled Hermione from inside the change room.
As soon as Hermione stepped out of the dressing room in her jeans and
polo shirt, Dria snatched up the dress to buy it in case Hermione backed
out.
Although 2 weeks had passed since the argument, Hermione still
disapproved of Dria's relationship with Draco. But that would only last
for so long. Other things had been occupying her attention, like Ginny
Weasley, for one. God, how she hated her, not just because she was a
spoiled tart, but because it was very well known she had it bad for
Draco.
But, no, there was more. Ginny Weasley was known to have a rather large
crush on Harry. She had never denied it but she had confirmed it by the
way she acted around him, all flirtatious and giggly. Dria couldn't deny
that she did have good taste in men.
After they left the boutique, Avery was skipping ahead singing the song
Time Warp from her favorite Rocky Horror Picture show, leaving Hermione
and Dria to themselves.
They walked in an awkward silence looking forward at Avery who was
making a complete spectacle of herself.
"Hermione?"
"Mhmm?"
"Can I say something without you going mental?" asked Dria not looking
at her.
"Yes." Hermione was brimming with nervous anticipation at this point.
"I'm so tired, tired of dating so many different people. I haven't
felt this way before. Draco makes me feel like a goddess."
Hermione couldn't go off on her, ' Why can't I just be happy for her?'
Hermione sighed and stopped walking. When Dria turned around a
perplexed look was on her face.
"If he makes you happy, I approve." Hermione said surrendering. Dria
hugged her, which she returned smiling half-heartedly. Dria soon broke
the embrace smiled at Hermione then skipped up to Avery to join her in a
rendition of We Will Rock You by Queen.
"Mum!"
"MUM!" screamed a petite red head girl. It was Ginny Weasley. She
was standing on a stool, many dress designers stressing themselves with
her dress.
A round woman who looked like an older, chubbier, less pretty
version of Ginny came into the room. "What's the matter, Ginny, dear?"
"Is everything prepared?" she demanded, a stern look on her face.
Here was one difference between the two that jumped out at you after the
first impression. While the older woman had a warm kindness in her eyes
that made her very approachable, Ginny had no sparkle in her aqua eyes.
All they really showed was coldness.
Her therapist said it was from her traumatic experience in her years of
boarding school. She had a relationship with radical anarchist Tom
Riddle. She's never fully recovered and has seemed to lose more and more
of the kindness from the sweet girl she used to be.
"Yes, dear," she said, smiling warmly.
"The catering, décor, table arrangements, cleaning, staff, music? The
-" but her mum cut her off.
"Yes, Ginny, dear. Everything is in order, so stop worrying."
"Fine, then ring my make-up artists and hair stylists. Remind them to
be on time!" she ordered.
Mrs. Weasley nodded, "Anything else, dear?"
"Have Harry and Draco sent their RSVP?" she asked, a small flicker of
anxiousness in her eyes.
"Yes." But Ginny sensed there was more.
"Will they be bringing a guest?" she asked looking at herself in the
large mirror she was standing before.
Mrs. Weasley hesitated "Er, um..."
"JUST SPIT IT OUT!" Ginny barked.
"Yes, dear, they are." She sympathized her daughter and tried to avoid
scolding her because of her sensitive mental state.
"Thank you, Mum," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
"Is there anything I can do?" she asked
"No just leave!" Mrs. Weasley left the room not knowing the full impact
of what just happened.
The night of the ball had arrived and it was anything less then clam.
Hermione, Dria and Avery had been busying themselves, helping each other
get ready. Hermione had proposed the idea of them all sharing a limo to
the occasion. Dria adored the idea, as did Avery and their dates. The
ball was taking place at The Burrow, the home of the Weasley family.
Despite its name, the home was a very large mansion with a ballroom and
a pool.
"Dria, just come out already!"
"Promise not to laugh?" she called from inside her bedroom.
"Yes!"
Dria slowing opened the door and stepped out, making Avery gasp. She
wearing a strapless crimson gown with rubies embroidered in to the
corset like top. It ran the length of her body flowing in to a medium
sized train. It was made of a rare expensive silk, as were her black
gloves that went a little past her elbows. Around her neck rested a
sparkling diamond and ruby necklace. Her hair was flowing down her back,
her lips were a glossy red, a shimmer about her eyes, her pale skin
glowing.
"Dria you are so beautiful it hurts to look at you!" Avery said smiling
at Dria. She blushed at the compliment and hugged her friend.
"You don't look to bad yourself!"
"Hermione's last."
"Hermione, get your arse out here!"
"Okay, okay!" Hermione's door flung open and she stepped out. The room
went quiet.
"Hermione, wow!" breathed Avery.
"You're going to steal the show!" Dria hugged her friend warmly.
"What time are the boys arriving?" she was obviously changing the
subject.
"7:15," answered Avery.
"What time is it now?" Hermione asked picking up a small deep golden
clutch purse.
"Um 7:10. Bloody hell! We've gotta go!" Dria snatched up a
small bead black purse, and the three made their way down to the lobby
to meet their dates.
The three boys were nervous for obvious reasons, mostly revolving around
Ginny and their dates. Draco was nervous of Dria's dislike of Ginny and
how it could get out of hand.
Harry shared the same qualms as Draco but he was afraid Ginny may try
to embarrass Hermione or make her jealous. Ginny was so different then
the sweet little girl he once knew. Now he didn't even know who she
was.
Ron, who was being fixed up by Harry and Hermione with her friend was
scared she wouldn't like him or be another Dria Halliwell. Also he knew
his sister wouldn't be too keen on Harry and Draco bringing their
girlfriends.
(A/N= just to clear something up so ya'll aren't confused Marcus and
Avery are no longer. It happened in the cut out two weeks.)
As soon as they stepped out of the limo and walked in to the lobby they
were met with a gorgeous sight, making their qualms and fears dissipate.
Ron's mouth was agape, his aqua eyes wide as his eyes fell on a very
pretty girl who could only be Avery Kensington. She had bright blue
eyes, black hair, aristocratic good looks she was a bit pale, and was
wearing a gorgeous sleek light blue dress with jeweled straps that
crisscrossed in the back. He was smiling at him blushing slightly at his
reaction.
"Blondie!" Dria said, giving him a sly smirk.
"Darling," he returned her smirk with an equally sly smirk as they
kissed politely.
"You're beautiful, like a goddess," complimented Draco as they
interlocked arms.
She smiled up at him looking in to his eyes as they proceeded out the
doors to the limo.
Harry had been speechless the entire time. Hermione looked so gorgeous.
Her dress was made out of a beautiful burgundy silk it had thin
spaghetti straps and a v-neck line. In the back was an intermediate
length train. Cloth was pulled from both sides and pined together by a
expensive yellow diamond brooch (it was gift from Harry.) Around her
neck was a yellow diamond chocker with matching earrings and bracelet
(also gifts from Harry). Concealed behind the gorgeous dress was a pair
of dark gold pair of strapy stilettos. Her make-up was simple, just some
shimmer eye shadow, and a sparkly lip-gloss. Her hair cascaded down her
back in beautiful soft curls.
"Her-Hermione, you-you're the most gorgeous woman...inside and out." She
blushed and smiled at him, her cheeks growing hot from blushing.
"Thank you, Harry, you're too kind." They too kissed politely and
walked out hand in hand, leaving Avery and Ron.
Ron extended his hand nervously. "Name's R-Ron Weasley," he stuttered.
She smiled sweetly at him and shook his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet
you Ron. I dare say Hermione left out how handsome you are when she told
me about you."
This boosted Ron's confidence although his ears and his face went as
red as his hair. "Shall we, Miss Kensington?" he extended his arm to
which she took happily and they walked out to where their friends
waited.
The ride to the burrow had been quite interesting. For everyone but Ron
it had been quite funny. Dria and Draco had mercilessly poked fun at him
although they stopped when it got to a certain point. Ron enjoyed
Avery's company and the feeling was mutual. Harry whispered in
Hermione's ear, making her giggle, and Draco and Dria conversed about
God knows what.
The driver pulled up in front of the large doors. He opened the doors.
A long red carpet led up to the door, paparazzi behind fences. Hermione
took a deep breath. Harry gave her hand a quick squeeze as he stepped
out of the car waving with his free hand and helping Hermione out with
the other. A resounding gasp as the press and paparazzi went quiet. "Oh,
God, I knew I looked bad!" Then as soon as it happened, the press and
photographers started yelling at her and Harry.
"Hermione, you look gorgeous! What's your secret?" yelled one
reporter.
"Harry, Hermione, are there wedding bells in the future?" yelled
another. Neither of the two answered any questions but they did stop for
pictures. Everyone present couldn't deny their obvious chemistry and how
well they looked with each other.
With Dria and Draco it was a different story. Although they too stopped
and posed for pictures, they also answered questions with cryptic
answers.
Ron and Avery being out with each other for the first time were little
taken a back.
"Ron, is this your new girlfriend?"
"Miss Kensington, how does it feel to date one of the Weasley's?"
They posed shortly for pictures then hurried inside. Ginny would have
his head if he were late.
The inside was a sight to behold. The Burrow was decorated lavishly for
the occasion. Mingling around were many famous persons, movie stars,
models, socialites, football players, rugby players, polo players,
designers, nobles, and the well off of England. Hermione was standing
with Harry talking to Oliver Wood, the old captain of Harry's polo team.
Here was a crowd around Hermione and Harry most saying hello or
complimenting her on how beautiful she looked.
Soon everyone moved in to the ballroom where many tables were set up.
They were bedecked with gold plates, fancy champagne flutes and fancy
flower centerpieces. Hermione, Harry, Avery, Ron, Dria and Draco sat at
a table where they were served fancy courses of food ending with Ginny
blowing out her candles on her cake. Everyone clapped although
Hermione's table wasn't paying mush attention to the birthday girl.
Unfortunately, she noticed.
"Now I will start off the dancing!" Most of the guests cheered or
clapped.
"Whom shall I pick?" she said coyly. She walked around the ballroom
most of the men standing except for Harry and Draco. Harry was
distracted by Hermione to whom he was deep in conversation. Draco just
didn't care. He sat there watching Ginny knowing full well what she was
going to do.
All too soon she came to their table and stopped. When Harry didn't look
up she cleared her throat. He looked up and blushed seeing Ginny
standing there a glint of annoyance in her eye.
"Uh, sorry, Ginny." He muttered looking at the floor.
"I think I've found my partner!" she announced. The crowd cheered.
"Harry," she extended her hand to which he took reluctantly. She led him
on to the dance floor when the band started play and slow song. Ginny
clung to him tightly pressing her body up against his leaving no space
between them. Harry was quite uncomfortable and looked at Hermione
whenever he could. She would smile or wave to which he'd smile back at
her. Ginny seemed well bent on keeping his attention focused on her.
Hermione felt a sting of jealously seeing him dancing with Ginny. She
had made eye contact once with Ginny in which she half smirked half
glared at her. Dria seeing this leaned in and whispered, "Told you she
was a piece of work."
Hermione nodded, thankful that the song ended.
Harry seemed to pull himself away say something to Ginny then walked
back over to Hermione, leaving Ginny fuming. It seemed as though it was
now time for everyone else to dance also.
"May I have this dance?" he asked extending his hand
to her.
"Of course." She placed her hand in his and stood up
letting him lead her on to the dance floor. They waltzed, did the salsa,
and a little swing. They never broke eye contact although they did
sometimes see Draco dipping Dria or twirling her around. After a while
both of them pink in he face decided to leave the dance floor and cool
off on the balcony.
"Look at the stars, Harry!" her face turned up
towards the heavens. "They're so beautiful!"
"You're beautiful." She turned to him and smiled
shyly. Hermione blushed and smiled.
He smiled at her wrapping his arms around her, his
chin resting on his shoulder with her back pressed up against him. She
felt very safe and warm in his strong arms encircling her.
Inside Dria and Draco were about to make their get
away. They were to take a private jet to the island of San Tropes off
the coast of France; they were almost to a different limo when Ginny
came up behind them.
"Leaving so soon?" she said startling them.
Turning around both blondes looked, as they were quite annoyed.
"Fortunately, yes," said Dria dryly.
"Hold your tongue, Halliwell, why don't you go have a sex scandal or
something?" she sneered.
"Sod off Weasley, go back to your little party." Draco turned grabbing
a glaring Dria by the hand.
"Buh bye, sweeties!" she called after them. Now that
Draco was gone it was on to her other conquest, Harry.
No one had seen Harry or Hermione since they left the dance floor. They
had sat out on the balcony for a good chunk of the ball, just holding
each other, giving each other the occasional kiss.
"I'm the luckiest guy in the world," whispered Harry.
Hermione felt her hear melt. "I love you." The words had escaped her
lips before she'd even thought about it.
"I love you too," he said with out hesitation. It had never been so
easy for him to say until now.
Outside the balcony Ginny was heading towards the French doors but
before she could get to them she was held back by someone who had
grabbed her upper arm. She whipped around her eyes aflame with rage to
find Ron looking at her sternly.
"What?" she barked.
"Don't, Gin," he said concern in his voice.
"Sod off Ron," she spat as she squirmed to release herself from his
grip.
"No, Gin, I can't let you do this."
She scoffed. "I hate you!" and she stormed away towards her flock of
twits she called her 'friends'. Ron bowed his head in dismay. It was
hard to believe she was the same sweet innocent girl that he grew up
with.
A/N— sorry it took a while to update I went o holiday to Florida! Please
don't kill me! I promise this Ginny thing will work out it's all part of
the story! Now Avery wasn't supposed to be in attendance but I felt she
wasn't getting as much attention as she should but I'm not saying she
will be with Ron it's up to you tell me what you think!
Kristen- Thanks so much! You're the best beta ever!!!!!!
A/N= just to clear things up When Harry asked Draco
if he loved her he was referring to Dria not Draco's mother!
"Hermione come out of that dressing room now or I'll beat you!" said
Dria angrily they were in the middle of a fancy London boutique trying
on gowns for the ball the next day. It had been two weeks since their
fight but it was as if it never happened.
Dria had already acquired her dress by a more romantic and unusual way.
Draco had shown up one evening a few days ago claiming he had a
surprise. She met him at a small intimate restaurant where he was
dressed in a suave suit. He smiled and presented her with a box. In it
was a beautiful dress he'd flown personally from Paris to have it made
for her.
Hermione was a different story. It had been a problem getting her to
try anything on, let alone buy the dress!
"Hermione Granger, get your bum out here this instant!" ordered Avery,
and when Avery Kensington gave you an order, you obeyed. Hermione
stepped out of the dressing room hastily avoiding looking at her self in
a mirror.
"Oh, my stars," breathed Avery.
"Yeah, what she said." Said Dria astounded. Hermione looked too
beautiful for words.
"So I look alright?" squeaked Hermione insecurely.
"You look bloody drop dead gorgeous!" exclaimed Dria, Avery nodding her
head in agreement.
"Hermione, you're stunning even without the dresses. Have some bloody
confidence already!" Avery said smiling at her.
"Alright, now you go get out of that thing so we can purchase it!"
demanded Dria who was growing impatient.
"Keep your knickers on!" yelled Hermione from inside the change room.
As soon as Hermione stepped out of the dressing room in her jeans and
polo shirt, Dria snatched up the dress to buy it in case Hermione backed
out.
Although 2 weeks had passed since the argument, Hermione still
disapproved of Dria's relationship with Draco. But that would only last
for so long. Other things had been occupying her attention, like Ginny
Weasley, for one. God, how she hated her, not just because she was a
spoiled tart, but because it was very well known she had it bad for
Draco.
But, no, there was more. Ginny Weasley was known to have a rather large
crush on Harry. She had never denied it but she had confirmed it by the
way she acted around him, all flirtatious and giggly. Dria couldn't deny
that she did have good taste in men.
After they left the boutique, Avery was skipping ahead singing the song
Time Warp from her favorite Rocky Horror Picture show, leaving Hermione
and Dria to themselves.
They walked in an awkward silence looking forward at Avery who was
making a complete spectacle of herself.
"Hermione?"
"Mhmm?"
"Can I say something without you going mental?" asked Dria not looking
at her.
"Yes." Hermione was brimming with nervous anticipation at this point.
"I'm so tired, tired of dating so many different people. I haven't
felt this way before. Draco makes me feel like a goddess."
Hermione couldn't go off on her, ' Why can't I just be happy for her?'
Hermione sighed and stopped walking. When Dria turned around a
perplexed look was on her face.
"If he makes you happy, I approve." Hermione said surrendering. Dria
hugged her, which she returned smiling half-heartedly. Dria soon broke
the embrace smiled at Hermione then skipped up to Avery to join her in a
rendition of We Will Rock You by Queen.
"Mum!"
"MUM!" screamed a petite red head girl. It was Ginny Weasley. She
was standing on a stool, many dress designers stressing themselves with
her dress.
A round woman who looked like an older, chubbier, less pretty
version of Ginny came into the room. "What's the matter, Ginny, dear?"
"Is everything prepared?" she demanded, a stern look on her face.
Here was one difference between the two that jumped out at you after the
first impression. While the older woman had a warm kindness in her eyes
that made her very approachable, Ginny had no sparkle in her aqua eyes.
All they really showed was coldness.
Her therapist said it was from her traumatic experience in her years of
boarding school. She had a relationship with radical anarchist Tom
Riddle. She's never fully recovered and has seemed to lose more and more
of the kindness from the sweet girl she used to be.
"Yes, dear," she said, smiling warmly.
"The catering, décor, table arrangements, cleaning, staff, music? The
-" but her mum cut her off.
"Yes, Ginny, dear. Everything is in order, so stop worrying."
"Fine, then ring my make-up artists and hair stylists. Remind them to
be on time!" she ordered.
Mrs. Weasley nodded, "Anything else, dear?"
"Have Harry and Draco sent their RSVP?" she asked, a small flicker of
anxiousness in her eyes.
"Yes." But Ginny sensed there was more.
"Will they be bringing a guest?" she asked looking at herself in the
large mirror she was standing before.
Mrs. Weasley hesitated "Er, um..."
"JUST SPIT IT OUT!" Ginny barked.
"Yes, dear, they are." She sympathized her daughter and tried to avoid
scolding her because of her sensitive mental state.
"Thank you, Mum," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
"Is there anything I can do?" she asked
"No just leave!" Mrs. Weasley left the room not knowing the full impact
of what just happened.
The night of the ball had arrived and it was anything less then clam.
Hermione, Dria and Avery had been busying themselves, helping each other
get ready. Hermione had proposed the idea of them all sharing a limo to
the occasion. Dria adored the idea, as did Avery and their dates. The
ball was taking place at The Burrow, the home of the Weasley family.
Despite its name, the home was a very large mansion with a ballroom and
a pool.
"Dria, just come out already!"
"Promise not to laugh?" she called from inside her bedroom.
"Yes!"
Dria slowing opened the door and stepped out, making Avery gasp. She
wearing a strapless crimson gown with rubies embroidered in to the
corset like top. It ran the length of her body flowing in to a medium
sized train. It was made of a rare expensive silk, as were her black
gloves that went a little past her elbows. Around her neck rested a
sparkling diamond and ruby necklace. Her hair was flowing down her back,
her lips were a glossy red, a shimmer about her eyes, her pale skin
glowing.
"Dria you are so beautiful it hurts to look at you!" Avery said smiling
at Dria. She blushed at the compliment and hugged her friend.
"You don't look to bad yourself!"
"Hermione's last."
"Hermione, get your arse out here!"
"Okay, okay!" Hermione's door flung open and she stepped out. The room
went quiet.
"Hermione, wow!" breathed Avery.
"You're going to steal the show!" Dria hugged her friend warmly.
"What time are the boys arriving?" she was obviously changing the
subject.
"7:15," answered Avery.
"What time is it now?" Hermione asked picking up a small deep golden
clutch purse.
"Um 7:10. Bloody hell! We've gotta go!" Dria snatched up a
small bead black purse, and the three made their way down to the lobby
to meet their dates.
The three boys were nervous for obvious reasons, mostly revolving around
Ginny and their dates. Draco was nervous of Dria's dislike of Ginny and
how it could get out of hand.
Harry shared the same qualms as Draco but he was afraid Ginny may try
to embarrass Hermione or make her jealous. Ginny was so different then
the sweet little girl he once knew. Now he didn't even know who she
was.
Ron, who was being fixed up by Harry and Hermione with her friend was
scared she wouldn't like him or be another Dria Halliwell. Also he knew
his sister wouldn't be too keen on Harry and Draco bringing their
girlfriends.
(A/N= just to clear something up so ya'll aren't confused Marcus and
Avery are no longer. It happened in the cut out two weeks.)
As soon as they stepped out of the limo and walked in to the lobby they
were met with a gorgeous sight, making their qualms and fears dissipate.
Ron's mouth was agape, his aqua eyes wide as his eyes fell on a very
pretty girl who could only be Avery Kensington. She had bright blue
eyes, black hair, aristocratic good looks she was a bit pale, and was
wearing a gorgeous sleek light blue dress with jeweled straps that
crisscrossed in the back. He was smiling at him blushing slightly at his
reaction.
"Blondie!" Dria said, giving him a sly smirk.
"Darling," he returned her smirk with an equally sly smirk as they
kissed politely.
"You're beautiful, like a goddess," complimented Draco as they
interlocked arms.
She smiled up at him looking in to his eyes as they proceeded out the
doors to the limo.
Harry had been speechless the entire time. Hermione looked so gorgeous.
Her dress was made out of a beautiful burgundy silk it had thin
spaghetti straps and a v-neck line. In the back was an intermediate
length train. Cloth was pulled from both sides and pined together by a
expensive yellow diamond brooch (it was gift from Harry.) Around her
neck was a yellow diamond chocker with matching earrings and bracelet
(also gifts from Harry). Concealed behind the gorgeous dress was a pair
of dark gold pair of strapy stilettos. Her make-up was simple, just some
shimmer eye shadow, and a sparkly lip-gloss. Her hair cascaded down her
back in beautiful soft curls.
"Her-Hermione, you-you're the most gorgeous woman...inside and out." She
blushed and smiled at him, her cheeks growing hot from blushing.
"Thank you, Harry, you're too kind." They too kissed politely and
walked out hand in hand, leaving Avery and Ron.
Ron extended his hand nervously. "Name's R-Ron Weasley," he stuttered.
She smiled sweetly at him and shook his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet
you Ron. I dare say Hermione left out how handsome you are when she told
me about you."
This boosted Ron's confidence although his ears and his face went as
red as his hair. "Shall we, Miss Kensington?" he extended his arm to
which she took happily and they walked out to where their friends
waited.
The ride to the burrow had been quite interesting. For everyone but Ron
it had been quite funny. Dria and Draco had mercilessly poked fun at him
although they stopped when it got to a certain point. Ron enjoyed
Avery's company and the feeling was mutual. Harry whispered in
Hermione's ear, making her giggle, and Draco and Dria conversed about
God knows what.
The driver pulled up in front of the large doors. He opened the doors.
A long red carpet led up to the door, paparazzi behind fences. Hermione
took a deep breath. Harry gave her hand a quick squeeze as he stepped
out of the car waving with his free hand and helping Hermione out with
the other. A resounding gasp as the press and paparazzi went quiet. "Oh,
God, I knew I looked bad!" Then as soon as it happened, the press and
photographers started yelling at her and Harry.
"Hermione, you look gorgeous! What's your secret?" yelled one
reporter.
"Harry, Hermione, are there wedding bells in the future?" yelled
another. Neither of the two answered any questions but they did stop for
pictures. Everyone present couldn't deny their obvious chemistry and how
well they looked with each other.
With Dria and Draco it was a different story. Although they too stopped
and posed for pictures, they also answered questions with cryptic
answers.
Ron and Avery being out with each other for the first time were little
taken a back.
"Ron, is this your new girlfriend?"
"Miss Kensington, how does it feel to date one of the Weasley's?"
They posed shortly for pictures then hurried inside. Ginny would have
his head if he were late.
The inside was a sight to behold. The Burrow was decorated lavishly for
the occasion. Mingling around were many famous persons, movie stars,
models, socialites, football players, rugby players, polo players,
designers, nobles, and the well off of England. Hermione was standing
with Harry talking to Oliver Wood, the old captain of Harry's polo team.
Here was a crowd around Hermione and Harry most saying hello or
complimenting her on how beautiful she looked.
Soon everyone moved in to the ballroom where many tables were set up.
They were bedecked with gold plates, fancy champagne flutes and fancy
flower centerpieces. Hermione, Harry, Avery, Ron, Dria and Draco sat at
a table where they were served fancy courses of food ending with Ginny
blowing out her candles on her cake. Everyone clapped although
Hermione's table wasn't paying mush attention to the birthday girl.
Unfortunately, she noticed.
"Now I will start off the dancing!" Most of the guests cheered or
clapped.
"Whom shall I pick?" she said coyly. She walked around the ballroom
most of the men standing except for Harry and Draco. Harry was
distracted by Hermione to whom he was deep in conversation. Draco just
didn't care. He sat there watching Ginny knowing full well what she was
going to do.
All too soon she came to their table and stopped. When Harry didn't look
up she cleared her throat. He looked up and blushed seeing Ginny
standing there a glint of annoyance in her eye.
"Uh, sorry, Ginny." He muttered looking at the floor.
"I think I've found my partner!" she announced. The crowd cheered.
"Harry," she extended her hand to which he took reluctantly. She led him
on to the dance floor when the band started play and slow song. Ginny
clung to him tightly pressing her body up against his leaving no space
between them. Harry was quite uncomfortable and looked at Hermione
whenever he could. She would smile or wave to which he'd smile back at
her. Ginny seemed well bent on keeping his attention focused on her.
Hermione felt a sting of jealously seeing him dancing with Ginny. She
had made eye contact once with Ginny in which she half smirked half
glared at her. Dria seeing this leaned in and whispered, "Told you she
was a piece of work."
Hermione nodded, thankful that the song ended.
Harry seemed to pull himself away say something to Ginny then walked
back over to Hermione, leaving Ginny fuming. It seemed as though it was
now time for everyone else to dance also.
"May I have this dance?" he asked extending his hand
to her.
"Of course." She placed her hand in his and stood up
letting him lead her on to the dance floor. They waltzed, did the salsa,
and a little swing. They never broke eye contact although they did
sometimes see Draco dipping Dria or twirling her around. After a while
both of them pink in he face decided to leave the dance floor and cool
off on the balcony.
"Look at the stars, Harry!" her face turned up
towards the heavens. "They're so beautiful!"
"You're beautiful." She turned to him and smiled
shyly. Hermione blushed and smiled.
He smiled at her wrapping his arms around her, his
chin resting on his shoulder with her back pressed up against him. She
felt very safe and warm in his strong arms encircling her.
Inside Dria and Draco were about to make their get
away. They were to take a private jet to the island of San Tropes off
the coast of France; they were almost to a different limo when Ginny
came up behind them.
"Leaving so soon?" she said startling them.
Turning around both blondes looked, as they were quite annoyed.
"Fortunately, yes," said Dria dryly.
"Hold your tongue, Halliwell, why don't you go have a sex scandal or
something?" she sneered.
"Sod off Weasley, go back to your little party." Draco turned grabbing
a glaring Dria by the hand.
"Buh bye, sweeties!" she called after them. Now that
Draco was gone it was on to her other conquest, Harry.
No one had seen Harry or Hermione since they left the dance floor. They
had sat out on the balcony for a good chunk of the ball, just holding
each other, giving each other the occasional kiss.
"I'm the luckiest guy in the world," whispered Harry.
Hermione felt her hear melt. "I love you." The words had escaped her
lips before she'd even thought about it.
"I love you too," he said with out hesitation. It had never been so
easy for him to say until now.
Outside the balcony Ginny was heading towards the French doors but
before she could get to them she was held back by someone who had
grabbed her upper arm. She whipped around her eyes aflame with rage to
find Ron looking at her sternly.
"What?" she barked.
"Don't, Gin," he said concern in his voice.
"Sod off Ron," she spat as she squirmed to release herself from his
grip.
"No, Gin, I can't let you do this."
She scoffed. "I hate you!" and she stormed away towards her flock of
twits she called her 'friends'. Ron bowed his head in dismay. It was
hard to believe she was the same sweet innocent girl that he grew up
with.
A/N— sorry it took a while to update I went o holiday to Florida! Please
don't kill me! I promise this Ginny thing will work out it's all part of
the story! Now Avery wasn't supposed to be in attendance but I felt she
wasn't getting as much attention as she should but I'm not saying she
will be with Ron it's up to you tell me what you think!
Kristen- Thanks so much! You're the best beta ever!!!!!!