A/N: Ah! So sorry I haven't update for what seems like ages, but I've been quite busy with school and stuff. But school's out for the winter holidays, so I'll be here in the ONLY COLD WE'VE GOTTEN IN MIAMI FOR AGES writing…just for you guys. And for my own enjoyment, of course. I've grown to love this story, and everything I've got planned for it :)
AHHH! AND THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE REVIEWS!!! I'd like to especially thank That Other Girl and Luisa for taking time to thank my betas. They really appreciated the fact that someone knew they were alive ;)
Chapter 16: Planning
Seamus lay on the ground unconscious, blood gushing from his nose.
"You stay away from her, you hear?" Draco yelled, although Seamus could not hear him.
Just then, Harry and Ron came bursting through the crowd.
"What happened?" Harry panted.
Ron came up behind him and gasped, pointing at Hermione who was on the ground. She was sobbing hysterically and clutching her face in her hands.
Harry and Ron blankly pushed Draco aside and dashed to their friend's aid.
"Hermione, are you alright? What happened?" Ron asked in a panicked tone.
Hermione lifted her head up from her hands and seemed to block out all the worried voices, as Draco, who was caught in the crowd, met her gaze. The two exchanged a longing glance, and Hermione grinned a small, thankful grin.
Draco returned the smile and quietly headed back to the castle. Hermione watched with a heavy heart. She had wanted him to stay, although she knew Harry and Ron would cause too much protest.
He had saved her, again. He didn't have to. He just did. And the way they smiled at each other?
They had to be more than 'just civil'.
"Hermione? Hermione, are you alright?"
Hermione snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Ron's voice.
"I-I'll be fine," Hermione said weakly, with a small sniff.
Through all the commotion, Hermione did not realize as she was whisked off to the Hospital Wing.
Her dizzy mind was clouded with thoughts. Now, she was almost sure that she knew the truth.
They were more than just civil.
--
Draco watched from afar as Hermione was brought to Madame Pomfrey, who instantly attended to her.
He decided it was best not to make too much of an appearance. He was already letting his feelings overtake him too much.
--
The rest of the day passed in a blur. People were beginning to talk about why Draco had willingly saved Hermione from Seamus. Rumors were starting to fly. Of course, Draco had the help of Blaise.
"Are you kidding? What, Malfoy fall for that Mudblood? Pfft, yeah, right! You totally know Dumbledore would kill Draco if he didn't save her…" Blaise would tell some students.
Draco just smiled. Blaise really was a cool guy.
In the end, Dumbledore heard of what had happened, and, being the wise old wizard he was, knew enough already and did not pry at the situation. Seamus received a weeks' detention as punishment. If it had been up to Draco, he would have received much more than just detention.
---
Hermione sat on the one of the beds in the Hospital Wing. She glanced at the clock. It was 4:30, almost 5.
"Madame Pomfrey, may I pleeeeease go?" Hermione whined.
"Are you absolutely sure you feel better? Because a punch like that so shortly after recovering from amnesia could cause you damage. Stupid boy, no respect at all," Madame Pomfrey muttered.
Hermione lightly touched her bandaged cheek.
"Yes, I'm fine. Now may I please go?" Hermione pleaded.
Madame Pomfrey sighed. "Alright, you stubborn one, off you go. But come straight back to me if you start feeling the least bit sick!" she called after Hermione who was already out the door.
--
Hermione headed down the corridor, pulling her jacket tighter around her. It was already December, and although it had not yet snowed, the temperature had noticeably dropped.
By the time she arrived at the Head quarters, it was just about five. She sighed, and muttered the password to the portrait.
"Malfoy?" she said to the apparently empty room, tossing her bag to one side.
"Back to last names, are we?" Draco said, coming up behind her.
Hermione jumped, and turned around.
"Merlin, Malfoy! Are you trying to kill me?!" she exclaimed jokingly.
Draco chuckled. "Not anymore!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and slid onto the couch.
"Alright, so let's get to planning," Hermione said, summoning up a roll of parchment and a quill. She tried not to think too much about what had crowded her mind earlier.
Draco joined her and the two began to discuss possibilities for the Ball. Well, Hermione did, anyway.
"Ice sculptures! Definitley!" Hermione exclaimed, scribbling down on the roll of parchment.
"Sure, whatever," Draco shrugged.
Hermione scoffed.
"Could you at least pretend to care about the Ball?"
'How does she expect me to concentrate on the Ball when she's sitting in front of me, looking gorgeous as usual, and not trying to bite my head off?' Draco thought to himself.
Hermione seemed to be waiting for an answer, but sighed mentally.
"Well, I'm going to go take these plans to McGonagall, so she'll be able to announce them at dinner," Hermione said shortly, rolling up the parchment and heading out the portrait.
One she had left, Draco let out a frustrated grunt, running his hands through his hair. Why did emotions have to be so confusing?
---
Hermione handed the parchment over to Professor McGonagall.
"Here you are, Professor. I hope you find that everything is alright," Hermione said.
McGonagall skimmed through the plans, nodding occasionally.
"Yes, Miss Granger, I must say you two have come up with some lovely ideas. I will share these with the Headmaster immediately," McGonagall said, before dismissing Hermione.
---
Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor Table, relieved at the fact that Seamus was nowhere to be seen. That evening, the ceiling was dotted with stars and some scattered clouds. The bright candles that hovered above lit the Hall with a warm, comforting glow.
Soon, Ginny joined her.
"Hermione! Are you alright? I heard what happened!" Ginny exclaimed, taking a seat beside her friend.
Hermione nodded, just as Ron and Harry took seats opposite the girls. They seemed as if they were about to speak when Dumbledore stood up from the Teacher's table.
"May I have your attention, please," Dumbledore said loud enough for the Hall to hear, as a silence fell over the students. "As you all know, Christmas is quite near, and a Christmas Ball has been planned by our marvelous Heads."
The students began to whisper excitedly to one another until Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"I will now allow Professor McGonagall to explain more," he said, gesturing towards McGonagall.
McGonagall stood up, parchment in hand.
"Yes, yes, thank you, Headmaster. The Christmas Ball shall be held on Christmas Eve from eight o'clock in the evening 'till twelve o'clock. Please note, the Ball is formal and dates are not absolutely required, but please do come with someone. Fifth through seventh years only, as there will be other activities for younger students…" McGonagall went on, but most students had already heard what they needed to.
"Oh, I can't wait! I'm sure you guys have come up with great ideas…" Ginny squealed.
"You guys? Pfft, I'm sure Malfoy, being the git he is, left Hermione to do all the work. Am I right, 'Mione?" Ron looked to Hermione for approval.
Hermione exchanged a nervous glance with Ginny.
"Yeah, of course, I did all the work," Hermione said quickly, not too convincingly.
"So, who are you guys planning to take to the dance?" Ginny said, changing the subject.
Ron shrugged as he took a bite of his bread. Harry, however, blushed noticeably.
"Uh, I-I've got to go," he mumbled, and before getting up to leave, glanced at Ginny.
As soon as Harry left, Ginny turned to Hermione.
"Oh no, he hates me, I know it!" Ginny moaned, putting her head in her hands.
"Oh, Ginny, nonsense! You know Harry couldn't ever hate you. But…what's this all about?" Hermione comforted her friend.
Ginny sighed. "I was just trying to change the topic, and now Harry probably thinks I'm forcing him to ask me to the Ball—" Hermione cut Ginny off.
"Whoa, whoa, Ginny, are you saying…what I think you are?" Hermione said in shock.
Ginny nodded slowly.
"You've still got a crush on Harry?" Hermione whispered so that Ron wouldn't be able to hear.
Ginny nodded again, seeming embarrassed.
"Oh, Gin, I'm sure Harry likes you, as well!" Hermione tried to reassure her friend.
Ginny sighed. "I hope so…I mean, it would be great to finally have it out in the open."
Ron stared at the whispering girls, confused.
"All you girls must get together and plan it. Yeah, that's it. You all plan. 'Hey, girls! Let's all whisper and giggle around the guys! That way, they all get bloody frustrated and have no clue as to what's going on!' " Ron mimicked in a high-pitched tone.
Ginny and Hermione exchanged a glance and burst out laughing.
--
That evening after dinner, Draco joined Blaise in the Slytherin common room. He didn't quite feel like returning to the Head quarters just yet.
The common room was somewhat empty, with the exception of a few students scattered about the room.
Draco sunk into one of the dark green couches near the fireplace as Blaise sat opposite him, winking at a group of passing girls who immediately began to giggle.
"So, this Ball. Who does the infamous Malfoy plan on taking?" Blaise asked casually.
Draco ran a hand through his platinum locks. "I don't know, really. You?"
Blaise sighed. "Vixen, most definitely. I haven't asked her yet, but I know she'll say yes, anyway."
Draco cocked an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? And what makes you say that?"
Blaise chuckled. "I think she considers us 'together' or something. Okay with me, I guess."
Draco pretended to look shocked. "You? Commitment? I'd like to see that last!"
"You never know…" Blaise paused. "So, anyway, back to you. Why don't you take the Granger chick? I mean, come on, it's obvious you like her, what with you playing hero every five seconds."
Draco sighed. "Even if I do consider asking her, I can't. I mean, people would talk."
"And since when does a Malfoy care about what 'people' say?" Blaise said.
"I don't, but what if my father finds out?" Draco replied.
Blaise thought for a moment. "True, true… I dunno, make up some crap, like you're both Heads and you have to go to together."
"That could work…now I just have to see if she'll go with me," Draco mused. He quickly got up to leave. "Thanks again, Zabini."
Blaise waved as Draco exited through the portrait.
"Anytime, Drake, anytime."
---
A/N: Hope you enjoyed that! Oh, I also forgot to mention, the idea for Vixen came from Kara (one of my betas), along with the idea for her first name.
About the Zabini/Zambini thing…I'm staying with Zabini, because I always thought it was that way, and loads of reviewers have confirmed that.
Alright, now I must thank my wonderful reviewers, and I do believe my thanks will be longer than the chapter itself 0.o
azn-modern-miko: Thanks xD
i own u eddie stack: Heh, yes, I am mucho bad ;D Heh, thanks! Glad you're enjoying the story!
Orlis-Diamond: How about Draco in no pants…-slaps self- 0.o Eh-heh ;D Here, have some more story!SiriuslyPadfoot'sGal: Yep, Draco to the rescue! Yeah, Hermione's being hurt a lot lately…it'll all pay off in the end I think :) Thanks! Keep reading :)
lioness821: You read my mind 0.o Let's wait and see what happens ;) Thanks for the review!
Schoolqueen: Yeah, poor Hermy, always getting hurt 0.o Thanks!! I'll try :)
That Other Girl: Aw, thanks! I write when I can. Yeah, as one of my reviewers once told me, around the beginning…reviews accumulate eventually, so just keep writing and wait to see what happens. Ferret boyyyyyy :D I had to have that in there…I think I'm going to stick with Zabini. That's what I always thought it was, so yeahh. No way were you annoying me!!! I love reviews almost as much as I love the writing itself XD Yeah, night sky is pretty…I like it too, so I guess I made Draco like it. LMAO! KAGOME!! InuYasha…SIT! Yep, he's a jackass alright. I usually think he's cool in the books and movies (until that bit in OOTP I think it was…) but I decided to make him evil in this one. He'll end up okay, though. Oh and, I wanted to thank you again for taking time to review for my betas. They felt loads more loved and noticed, and they wanted me to say 'thanks' to you!
Demonic Pyromaniac: Heh, don't worry, I will. Keep reading!
MJ432: Lmao, of course..-cough-. Aw, didn't mean to get you too excited. The meeting didn't turn out to be too special, did it? Yeah, I thought he would sign it D.M., too at least until they're going out. Then maybe he can sign it 'Draco' or something. Well, thanks for ze review :D Hope you keep reading!
juno malabre: Heh, I just like to make sure my reviewers are acknowledged properly. Glad you like the story :)
Callista: Yep :D Aw, thanks!! Things will progress between the two more as the fic goes on…Lmao, yeah, it's like what, Draco 3-Seamus 0? Seamus might gain a point later on—I've said too much 0.o
Sleeping Dragons Die: I was ignoring her for quite a bit trying to finish up the last bit 0.o Yes, we should all just kick Seamus. No 0.0 No virus please! Heh, glad you like the story! Oh, don't worry about Vixen, you'll like her soon enough ;)
x g r e e n - e y e s x: Don't worry about it, at least you reviewed! Yay, thanks xD Yes, Seamus needs serious anger management.
alianne of conte: Thanks! I'll be sure to!
flower.OF.eden: Indeed it does! Thanks for reading, and thanks for the review!
CranKy: Yes :) Aw, thanks! Gracias for reviewing.
AngelSerpent91: Good point ;) Thanks for the review!
littlewolfdemon1: Thanks!! Glad you like it!
AquiliusAmor: W00t :D Glad you love it, thanks for reading!!
Rowena (suicideblondie): Ah! It's like a drug…(0.o) I'll update as soon as I can!!
moonshine07: A first, but definitely not a last! I'll update ASAP. Thanks for the review :D
Pho3niX: Yay, thanks! I try to keep the characters not OOC. It makes the story more accurate that way…Thanks for R&Ring, I'll update soon :)
Nicole-HP-fan: Cliffies are indeed my specialty xD Keep reading!!
DarkSlytherinPrincess: I'll try! I'll see if I've got time to edit it for you. Hah, yes, Tom Felton and Draco are shexay. Thanks for the review!
Luisa: Thanks, Lui :) Also, thanks for thanking Camille and Kara! Even though they know you, they still appreciate it!Michelle: Thanks!! Well, the idea isn't really mine, as it's a common pairing among fan fic shippers and authors. Cool! What's her penname? Thanks for reviewing, glad you like the story!
sugar n spice 522: Lmao, yay, thanks :D Yes, Blaise rawks, doesn't he? Keep reading!!
Pharaun: Thanks!!! I'll update when I can! Keep reading :)
rivera1106: Whenever I have time. Thanks for reading and reviewing!!
Wow, I'm quite tired as it's 12 AM already. I put this chappy up without my beta's approval over some last bits, so I'll be yelled at in the morning :)
Hope you enjoyed this chappy. Until next time…