Title: Dare You To Move
Author: Mjade
Summary: My third Draco/Mione fic. Hermione Granger is feeling left out by the people she once called friends . . . but her dreams are all about to come true.
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter but the idea of this story, the two Slytherins: Mason Deimos and Don Gears, and the Gryffindor: Lucinda Lucent, are mine.
Rating: PG-13/Romance
Author's Note: It's finally posted! I am SO SO SO SORRY I made you wait this long! It's been over a month but finding time to write has been very difficult! I hope I didn't lose any of my readers! Anyway on to your reviews:
Weeble Wobble Chic- I understand, most people usually don't like OC's. But you're actually foreshadowing something when you said there's just something about Lucinda. You may have not meant it in the same way but there will be something you will learn about her. As for Harry being with Ginny, I don't really like that pairing much besides it seemed Ginny lost interest in Harry during OOTP and it'll be kind of weird if she went back to having a crush on him. Thanks for reviewing!
queenanneus- The tutoring will start soon so please keep reading! Thanx!
crystal369- I'm really glad you're still reading this story! Your review is really a heart-lightener! Thanx for baring with me this long!
Supreme Neo Countess & Angelsparkle006- Thanks for your support!
Eggplant and Caviar- You're review really lifted my spirits. Thank you so much! You have no idea how nice it is to hear that a writer's work is appreciated even an amateur like me! Please keep reading and reviewing!
EvErYtHiNg4NoThInG- It will soon happen! That's a promise!
Love cures people - both the ones who give it
and the ones who receive it. . .
Dr. Karl Menninger
"Go for it."
"Really? You think I should ask her? Do you think she'd actually want to go with me?" Justin asked hopefully, pacing in front of the fireplace in the Head common room.
"Definitely. She'd be crazy not to," Hermione answered, she had changed out of her school robes into a red turtleneck sweater and black slacks after the Head and Prefect meeting. She was seated on the couch with a quill in one hand, checking off the list of preparations for the ball. "You should ask her before someone else beats you to it. The sooner, the better."
"That reminds me," Justin said. "Has anyone asked you to the Christmas Ball?"
Hermione hesitated; she wasn't sure what Justin's reaction would be. "Well, no. . .not yet, anyway."
Justin looked at her. "Hermione, you do know it's Friday."
"Yes, I am well aware of the date. Thank you very much," Hermione said. "It'll be only a matter of time before someone asks me." She was trying to sound positive although the chances of finding a date this late in the week were rather dubious.
"The ball is only a week from today," Justin said, he appeared doubtful of what Hermione said as well. "You have to find a date today. Tomorrow is a Hogsmeade weekend. Its sole purpose, right now, is for the couples to find dress robes or costumes of international famous or historical people through the ages, which have some sort of connection with each other. It was your idea, Hermione."
"I know, all right! And I don't know if someone will even bother to ask me!" Hermione said, failing miserably in trying to contain the anger of being ashamed by this. "Harry is going with Lucinda, Ron is going with Parvati, Seamus is going with Lavender, Dean is going with Ginny, Terry is going with Mandy, Anthony is going with Luna, and Neville is going with Emma! Those are the only couples of the people I know but even that doesn't leave much choice for me!"
After she calmed down, Justin said to her, "You know, Hermione, if you don't find a date. . .I'll be glad to go with you, even though I was planning on asking---"
"Oh, Justin, please don't do that," Hermione said, her features softened at by what Justin had offered her.
"You're the sweetest guy and friend anyone could ever ask for, but you know I'd feel guilty. Padma has been dying for you to ask her and I've known for a long time how much you wanted to go with her."
"You're sure, 'Mione? Professor Dumbledore would have preferred that we would go together, anyway, and you do know I wouldn't mind going with you."
"I know you would. But don't worry about me, I'll be fine."
(a/n: which we all know really means= all hope is lost, someone save me, please!)
It was a beautiful and perfect Saturday morning. The sky was this royal blue, the sun shone brilliantly through the clouds, the winter wind was cool and soothing, the air was fresh with morning dew, and not a single, significant sign that a snow blizzard was approaching anytime soon. As I said before: a beautiful and perfect Saturday morning. 'Irritatingly perfect,' Hermione thought gloomily.
All students, from years 4 to 7, were eager to finish breakfast in the Great Hall. Everybody wanted to start their weekend by having a great time in Hogsmeade and to be able to find the perfect costumes for the Christmas Ball. Everybody, but Hermione.
If anyone paid any attention to her at all, they would notice that she seemed out of place from the buzz and excitement coming from her fellow students. Hermione was, unfortunately, still without a date.
But is it possible that I'm the only one without a date? She thought miserably. I mean, of course not counting Malfoy's cronies, Crabbe and Goyle. Wait, who is Malfoy going with---oh hold on, that's right: Pansy Parkinson. That's another couple I know of and one less for me---not that I would ever consider going with Draco! Don't get me wrong. After all, that would be very strange. I don't think I would ever "consciously" agree to be Malfoy's date.
Hermione spotted Pansy Parkinson saunter over to a seat next to Draco. Pansy still had a pug-face but compared to before, she was not that unfortunate when it came to looks. After all, she had this popular (because of wealth) and good-looking guy taking her to the Christmas Ball. Hermione had always disliked Pansy and it went both ways, but for one split second Hermione wished she were her.
Maybe today wouldn't be so bad, Hermione thought. The Hogsmeade weekends were always a happy occasion for her, even if it meant no classes. It gave her more time to spend with her friends, Harry and Ron, and being with them had started becoming a very rare thing. Since her seventh year started, she was swamped with more homework than she could actually handle from all the extra classes she was taking: Advanced Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, and even Muggle Studies (which oddly enough, Draco took as well). She still refused to take Divination, convinced that it was useless and Professor Trelawney was only a "trying-hard" Seer. Hermione had also been given the position of Head Girl and there were so many school rules that she had to abide by to set a good example for younger students and there were so many school social events she had to plan and carry out. Yes, it was indeed a very rare thing that she could just relax and take a break from her hectic schedule to be with her friends.
Feeling much better, she scanned the Gryffindor table looking for Ron to ask what the Hogsmeade agenda was for today. She rolled her eyes when she found him. He kissed the cheek of his new girlfriend, Parvati Patil, and she started to giggle uncontrollably. She never really considered Parvati a ditz (a/n: Is there any other way to put it?) but was she really that boy-crazy? Then again, did Hermione know Parvati that well? They weren't exactly close but Hermione did consider her as a friend in some way or another. 'Oh, well,' Hermione thought. She supposed she'd have to drag Parvati along with her, Harry, and Ron.
Parvati's giggles ceased abruptly when she spotted Hermione coming over. Hermione was slightly startled at Parvati's sudden change in mood but quickly chose to ignore it. "Hey Ron," she said.
"Hey, 'Mione. How are you?" Ron said, smiling at her.
"All right. So are we ready to go to Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked.
"Uh, yeah, sure---"
"Actually," said Parvati, cutting Ron off. "About that, Hermione. Ron and I were planning to go together to Hogsmeade. As in "just the two of us". Isn't that right, Ron?" Parvati said, glancing at her boyfriend.
"Oh, come on Parvati. I guess we can bring Hermione along---ouch!" Ron stopped abruptly. Hermione knew that Parvati didn't even try to hide the fact that she stomped Ron on the foot.
"Ron, you promised this would be our special time to spend together. Besides," Parvati turned to Hermione, "I'd hate for you to be the third wheel, Hermione, seeing as you still haven't found a date. That wouldn't be much fun for you, would it Hermione?"
Hermione felt like she'd been stabbed through her chest. She also felt like slapping that sickening smirk off of Parvati's face. How did she ever call Parvati her friend? And Ron barely tried to convince Parvati to bring her along---much less stand up for her. Did Ron just say "bring her along"? It sounded as if she were just some extra cargo that he felt sorry for.
"You're right," Hermione said instead. "You're right, Parvati. I wouldn't have much fun. I'll just ask Harry, I guess."
Parvati smirked at her then turned away. Hermione glared at her back and then slowly walked away.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. Maybe next time?" Ron called after her.
"It's okay. Forget it," Hermione said. It stung her when Ron just shrugged and turned back to talk to his girlfriend.
"You can come with me if you want, Hermione?" Harry said, upon hearing their conversation.
Thank god for Harry Potter! Hermione smiled, "Really? You don't mind?"
"No, I don't mind. Lucinda and I are going to the Three Broomsticks for some butterbeer. You can join us if you'd like," Harry replied.
Hermione did not know if it was the way Harry said it or just her imagination but she didn't feel like he sincerely wanted her with Lucinda and him. After all, she'd be the "third wheel" again.
"Oh, never mind. I don't want to bother you two," Hermione said.
"Really, Hermione. It's fine," Harry insisted.
"Uh, no. I just remembered . . .er . . . there were some things I have to finish before I leave. I'll probably meet you in Hogsmeade anyway," Hermione lied.
"All right, Hermione. I'll see you later today then," Harry said.
"Yeah. . ." Hermione replied as she walked out of the Great Hall.
Suddenly her feeling much better turned to a feeling much worse.
Hermione was just about to sit on the couch and start her Herbology homework due next week, when Justin burst through the portrait beaming with pure happiness. He ran to Hermione with a huge grin, pulled her up from the couch and started waltzing with her around the common room singing 'Once Upon A Dream' from Sleeping Beauty. It had always made Hermione laugh when Justin sang 'girlish' songs.
"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream!" Justin sang in a high pitch voice that made Hermione laugh even harder. "I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar-a-gleam!"
"You're acting ridiculous!" Hermione laughed. "What is going on? You're not on something are you?"
"No even better!" Justin said, the grin never leaving his face. "And I have you to thank for that! She said 'yes', Hermione!"
"Padma accepted?" Hermione said. "That's great, Justin. I'm so happy for you! She said 'yes' right away, didn't she?"
"Well, actually," Justin said. "She did ask me whether Parvati or Lavender put me up to this. Of course, I said no."
"I see," Hermione said, smiling to herself knowingly.
"But what does it matter?!" Justin exclaimed. "She said yes! "
"So what do you and Padma plan to wear to the ball?" Hermione asked Justin.
"I'm not quite sure yet. Padma has an idea of whom she wants to dress up as so we're going to Hogsmeade to shop for clothes," Justin replied, and then he realized what he had just said. "Shop for clothes? Man, I sound like a girl!"
Hermione laughed, "Why else would you be my friend? You act quite feminine too, you know. Dancing around, singing a song from 'Sleeping Beauty'."
"Hey!" Justin warned.
"Just kidding," Hermione said.
"Anyway, where was I? Ah, yes. So we are going to Hogsmeade together to look for costumes," Justin restated. "Hold on---do you want to come? I'm sure Padma wouldn't mind. She keeps telling me she wishes she was as intellectual as you."
"Actually---" Hermione started.
"Oh, that's right. You're going with Harry and Ron. There's no separating you three," Justin said.
"Uh huh," Hermione managed to say, her voice sounding slightly high and awkward to her.
"You okay?" Justin asked, concerned.
"Yes, I'm fine," said Hermione hastily. "What made you think I wasn't?"
"I . . .I don't know. Well, okay, I'll go down now. See you later," Justin said.
"Bye," Hermione called out to him as he exited through the portrait.
From the Journal of Hermione Granger:
11/05
I don't know what just happened today at breakfast. Was there something I missed? Did my friends just act . . .well, I don't know if "unfriendly" is the right word for it, but it was not . . .usual? I'm even losing my words. What happened to my terrific range in vocabulary? However, that doesn't matter, anymore. Yes, I know I have spent lesser time with Harry and Ron. What with all these Head Girl duties and extra classes, but who can blame me? I took pride in being the top student of Hogwarts, being chosen as a Head. However, I never thought it could be such a burden. The work is countless and difficult but I can deal with that. My free time mostly amounts to working on the Arithmancy project or carrying out errands and I dealt with that as well. But Ron ignoring me and Harry feeling sorry for me . . .that is something I haven't experienced from my best friends before. But I don't know what the matter is. They still know me as Hermione--- I haven't changed. Then again, maybe it is my lack of change, as Ginny said. Maybe Parvati and Lavender were right, my friends probably find me boring and I probably have no social life whatsoever. How does Justin do it? True, I still have better marks in my academic subjects than he does, but he always finishes his homework on time and never missed a single Head and Prefect meeting. With the exception that he takes Divination and I take Arithmancy, we have the same subjects and do most of the same work. Yet, he still manages to have fun with his friends and even spends time with me. Justin always said I put too much weight on my shoulders. Maybe I do. Besides, I still have that tutoring session with Malfoy. I still can't get over the fact why I decided to help him. It's not like I owe him anything. After all, he's the one who has been insulting my friends and I since we stepped into Hogwarts. And he hates me, but then why ask me for help? Argh . . . isn't there anyone who can answer my questions? Why do I keep pondering on this?
A/N: I FINALLY finished this chapter! I AM truly sorry it took so long to get here! You cannot imagine how busy I am! I've got projects upon projects, lab reports, and essays to do from a school I'd like to call "Alcatraz". By the way, it's really hard to write the beginnings of a story when you come up with great ideas for the middle of the story.
PLEASE READ:
I am grateful to everybody who has read this story this far because I know it is going rather slow. I really do not intend to rush anything because I like to make the love between Draco and Hermione more realistic (even if it is in the Wizarding world) and also more interesting. Besides in some D/Hr stories I've read in the past, an author's focus and attention is so devoted to Draco and Hermione that they leave the other characters completely out. I love the side characters that's why I'm trying to bring them out first before I focus on Draco and Hermione. Anyway, as soon as Winter Break starts (in this story), the events will happen more smoothly and it will no doubt move faster. However, I still want to bring out the teachers of this story like Dumbledore and my favorite: Lupin sigh. I also want to write about the Order, particularly Tonks because she reminds me of myself. Were both a bit wacky and hyper!
So anyway my exams are coming up soon---pain! agony! doom! despair!---and as soon as they're over I'll be able to post the next chapter up where the first meeting between the two will occur! Hooray! Please keep reading and please keep reviewing!
Mjade