A/N: Happy Holidays everyone! Hope you had a Happy Christmas, Hannukah, or Kwanza (or anything else you may celebrate!).
This chapter was meant to be up by Christmas Eve, but I didn't have time to finish it then. Then on Christmas and the 26th, I didn't have any time at all to write.
So here it is, a late present for all of you! It's nice and long, (10 pages on Microsoft Word) to make up for the time I'll be gone.
I'll be leaving today (the 27th) to Disney World until January 2nd, so don't expect anymore updates till then. Go back and read the story again while you wait, or check out some of the other stories I've recommended earlier.
Enjoy!
Chapter 18: Merry Christmas, Draco
Hermione's heart beat a little faster than usual but she kept her cool.
"Mmm hmm?" She drawled casually, loving to see Draco squirm.
Draco took another deep breath.
"I…I…well, I'd just better get this over with," he mumbled nervously. "Will you go with me to the Winter Ball? I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to, I'd understand if there's someone else you'd rather go with, its completely up to you—" Draco was cut off by Hermione, who put a finger to his lips.
She sighed. "Yes, I will."
A rather large knot in Draco's stomach seemed to have loosened greatly. She had accepted.
"But," Hermione began, causing Draco to worry, "others will talk."
Draco knew she was right. If people found about them going as dates, gossip could erupt and Lucius could find out (which was never good).
"Well, we can always say we're forced to go together by Dumbledore, being Heads and all," Draco suggested.
"Yes, and we are just going as companions, aren't we?" Hermione said, although she really didn't wish for it to be true.
Draco was unsure of what to say. He had hoped that they really could go as more than just companions, but it was for the sake of their very safety.
"Of course," he said, trying to sound believable, " I mean, most girls I would go with were already taken and—" Draco stopped, seeing that these words had hurt her. "But you're one of those girls I wanted to go with," he said softly, almost inaudibly.
Hermione's insides were screaming with delight as she maintained a cool mien.
They sat on the cold rock in the chilly Hogsmeade air; neither of them spoke a word.
"I'd best be going, I'm sure Ginny and the others are waiting for me…" Hermione said quickly, breaking the awkward silence.
Before getting up to leave, she leaned over and planted a kiss on Draco's lips. With that, she hurried off to tell Ginny every detail.
---
Hermione practically floated up to the castle.
She strolled into the Gryffindor common room as casually as possible, searching for Ginny. She found the redhead in an armchair in front of the fireplace, a magazine in hand.
"Ginny!" Hermione whispered excitedly. "Guess who just asked me to the ball?"
Ginny pondered for a moment, just to spite her. The logical guess was Draco, seeing as how they had been making puppy dog eyes at each other for the last few weeks.
Hermione seemed about to explode.
"Hmm...Ron?" Ginny joked, laughing at Hermione's shocked look.
"NO! You won't believe me if I told you, but-" She looked around the room to see if anyone could overhear them (Lavender and Parvati were deep in a discussion over the importance of Glamour Charms).
"Malfoy!" she squeaked.
Ginny's eyes grew wide, and a smile played across her lips.
"I knew it! You fancy him! He fancies you! Oh, how exciting! We've GOT to get our dresses together…but what will the others say?" Ginny rambled on.
Hermione cocked an eyebrow, ignoring her last question. "Get our dresses together? Ginny, don't tell me…"
Ginny blushed deep shades of crimson.
"Harry?!" she exclaimed in a hushed whisper.
Ginny nodded shyly.
"And that's not all of it…"
Just then, the man of the hour came over to them.
"What's all this whispering about?" Harry asked in a mock superior tone.
He took a seat opposite of Ginny. Hermione grinned slyly, pushing him away.
"Oh come off it, Harry, I know about you and Ginny," she told the blushing boy.
There were a few moments of silence before Harry sat down next to Ginny, snaking his arm around her waist.
Hermione mouthed an 'Aww!' at the two.
"But Ron can't know just yet. You know how he is, he'd have a right fit," Ginny whispered toward Hermione.
"Alright then, Gin. Let's go shopping for gowns tomorrow. Heads are allowed visits to Hogsmeade up to twice a week, not including regular trips," Hermione explained.
Harry seemed confused.
"Wait, Hermione, who are you going with?" he asked cautiously.
Hermione's stomach tightened. What was she to say?
'You're both Heads, you were forced to go together. Yes, that will work.'
"Well…don't go nutters on me, Harry, but…Malfoy," Hermione paused, but not too long before continuing, "but only because Dumbledore thinks it would be setting a good example. You know, for this whole inter-house peace thing," she said quickly.
Harry seemed to be calm. "Well, if you're absolutely forced to, we can't really argue with Dumbledore, can we? I'd just better wish you luck with that prat."
Hermione sighed internally, as did Ginny. At least Harry was okay with the false reason.
But Hermione knew that if Harry were aware of the real reason, heads would roll.
---
The next day, Hermione waited for Ginny at the entrance of the school. She slid her hands into the pockets of her knee-length overcoat, breathing in the fresh, icy air. Just then, Ginny came up behind her.
"Hey, 'Mione," the red head greeted cheerfully, "Ready to go?"
Within a few minutes, the girls were strolling along the streets of Hogsmeade. The town was cheery as usual, and as there were only three days till Christmas, things were even more abuzz.
"Where do you suggest we go?" Hermione asked Ginny, who was a true fashion expert.
Ginny pondered for a moment, then spoke up quickly.
"Follow me, I know the perfect place."
---
Ginny pulled Hermione along quickly until they reached the front of a very chic-looking boutique. It was decorated for the Holidays, along with all the other shops, and the name 'Madame Isadora's Gowns' was written across the glass display case. Two perfectly figured enchanted mannequins stood in the display, each wearing beautiful holiday-colored gowns. They would spin around occasionally, and show off their dresses to the passerby.
"Come on!" Ginny said, pulling open the door of the shop.
A small bell sounded as the girls stepped inside. Instantly, a very tall, gaunt, yet elegant-looking woman with long blonde hair waltzed up to them.
"And 'ow might Madame Isadora be of azziztance to joo ladies today?" the woman drawled in a French accent.
"We're looking for two gowns for our Winter Ball. We're students from Hogwarts," Ginny began.
"Ah, zay no more! Follow me," Madame Isadora said, signaling for the girls to follow her as she headed to the back of the shop.
The two waited in awe as Madame Isadora brought a few selections. Beautiful dresses adorned the area, and all caught the eye rather quickly.
"This woman is famous for her designs! She's from France!" Ginny whispered.
Just then, she returned with a number of dresses in her arms. She placed them in a changing booth and signaled for Ginny to enter. She then scurried away to find suitable selections for Hermione.
Ginny soon emerged wearing a gorgeous emerald gown that accentuated her large eyes beautifully. It was spaghetti-strapped and had a corset-style center, with darker green lace. Just about the waist, it flowed down in an elegant yet simple style. The back was haltered, with dark green lace to tie it up.
"It's beautiful!" Hermione gasped.
Madame Isadora returned, and smiled.
"Ah oui, zat is indeed gorgeous!" Madame Isadora exclaimed.
She then placed Hermione's selections in a separate changing booth and signaled for her to enter.
A sparkling red gown caught Hermione's eye immediately. She instantly slipped it on and admired herself in the mirror.
The gown slipped off the shoulder casually, and dipped low into a v-neck lined trimmed with white lace. It hugged her fine curves firmly until the waist, where it flowed into a tent-style. The waist was trimmed in a v-shape with the same white lace, and the overall material was a soft scarlet silk. The gown seemed to glitter, although no rhinestones or jewels were noticeable.
She adored the gown, and quickly hopped out of the changing booth.
Ginny gasped.
"I'll take it!" Hermione smiled.
---
Draco couldn't believe his luck. He had to tell Blaise.
"Zabini—" he burst in the Slytherin common room only to find Blaise and Vixen apparently…occupied.
"I see I've come at a bad time…" Draco grinned slyly.
Blaise immediately parted from his girlfriend and looked up at Draco, seeming embarrassed.
"Uhm, Vixen, I'll see you later," he whispered, and she reluctantly went off to join her friends.
Draco took a seat opposite him.
"I see you've been very busy lately," Draco grinned.
"Yeah, you could say that," Blaise returned, placing both hands behind his head. "Anyway, how did it go?"
"Excellent, actually. She agreed to go. We've got to say we were forced though, which is the not so excellent part of it," Draco told Blaise.
"By the way it sounds, you're planning a bit more, hmm?" Blaise grinned, raising an eyebrow.
"You never know," Draco muttered as he got up to go, "you never know."
---
The night of the Ball, Christmas Eve, had finally arrived. Excitement could be felt in the air as the students rushed to get ready.
Hermione sat on the stool of her vanity, as Ginny did her makeup.
"After this, I know a spell for your hair that will look gorgeous! I read about it once in a magazine…"
Ginny's voice drifted off.
'I wonder what he'll think,' Hermione thought.
"Done!" Ginny said, snapping Hermione back to reality.
She turned around to take a look in the mirror.
---
Draco ran a hand through his hair, perfecting it.
"Let's gooo! The Ball's going to start in a few minutes, and Vixen will kill me if I'm late! And you'll be dead, too, I'm sure," came Blaise's nagging voice.
Draco rolled his eyes and reluctantly followed his friend.
---
All of the girls attending the Ball stood right outside of the Hall in a single file line. Many of them were chatting excitedly, commenting on the others dress and anticipating entry. Hermione, being Head Girl, stood at the front of the line, to guide the girls in.
The girls would enter the Hall one by one as their dates would greet them. Hermione would enter last, being Head Girl.
Hermione waited among the girls, and although she tried not to show it, she too was excited. Draco,, the guy who had practically every girl in the school at his feet, had asked her, Hermione the bookworm, to the Ball. She couldn't help but feel a bit proud.
Just then, Hermione heard Dumbledore's booming voice come from inside the Hall.
"Let the Ball commence!"
The Great Hall doors swung open as a type of fanfare music began to play. First to enter was Ginny, who looked lovely in her dark green dress. Harry strode up to her in his matching dark green suit and they linked arms.
One by one, the couples met and proceeded to stand around the door together. As the last girl entered, Hermione took a deep breath. A wave of excitement washed over her. This was it. How would people react? Not too terribly, she hoped.
She stepped gracefully into the Hall and could see the looks of surprise on everyone's face.
Her hair, now straight and silky, fell down her back in a smooth fashion. Smoky-silver eye shadow brought out her deep chocolate eyes, and rosy pink blush accentuated her soft cheeks, giving her face a delicate glow. She wore crimson-red lipstick that seemed to shine, and red strappy pumps. Hermione's red gown glittered, and for a moment, she felt like the spotlight was hers to keep.
But sighs turned into gasps as none other than Draco stepped forward to greet her.
"Good evening, Hermione," he whispered as they linked arms, "You look gorgeous."
Draco was wearing a three-piece black tuxedo with silk lining and a sleek red bow tie to complete the look. His sleek blonde hair fell lightly about his gray eyes, which seemed to be rid of their regular cold look. Hermione felt herself begin to melt by just looking at him. She could tell most girls were green with envy.
"Not too bad yourself, Malfoy," she winked subtly.
Draco chuckled. She was still calling him Malfoy.
'Hopefully that will soon change,' he thought to himself as they proceeded through the crowd.
The two continued on as if it were nothing. Students were murmuring, but Ginny and Blaise were already taking action.
"Of course Dumbledore forced them to go together, being Heads and all," the friends would explain.
---
As the Ball continued, Hermione was glad to see it was turning out to be a huge success. The room was dim, and the four house tables had been cleared out. There was a large area in the middle where students were moving to the music. Draco had managed to pull some strings and hire The Weird Sisters, which had students overjoyed.
The Hall looked beautiful. Six giant Christmas trees lined each side, each decorated in silver and different shades of blue. There were tables along the sides of the dance floor where some students milled about, chatting or checking out the various foods. An ice sculpture of a swan sat on one table, across from it, an ice sculpture of a small unicorn.
The ceiling was enchanted to appear as if it was snowing, but the snow disappeared before it reached the ground. Overall, Hermione was quite pleased with their work. However, before entering the Hall, Hermione had noticed that it hadn't yet snowed outside.
Just then, Ginny came up behind her.
"Wicked turnout, 'Mione!" the redhead called over the music.
Hermione turned around and smiled brightly. "Thanks! And let me say, you look absolutely stunning!"
"As do you! Oh and don't worry, everyone's assuming Dumbledore forced the two of you to go together. Seamus doesn't look too happy, though," Ginny said.
Hermione sighed. "I won't worry, he's nothing to me anymore."
Ginny grinned at her friend. "Good. Well, I'd better get back to Harry. See you!"
Ginny disappeared into the crowd, and Hermione went off to find Draco. She was dying to dance with him, grinding and moving to the music as all the other couples were doing, but she knew that would look too suspicious. She sighed.
---
Draco stood by Blaise, who was by the food table.
"So? What are you waiting for, mate? Go dance with her like you know you want to!" Blaise said, imitating 'dirty' dance moves.
"Oh Gods, Zabini, you're off your rocker! We're already cutting it close by coming together," Draco said, although he had to grin at his friend. He was right in some ways.
"Yeah well, here comes a slow song. Go on and dance! Don't worry; people are assuming you didn't go together by choice. Watch out though, Pansy looks like she's out to kill," Blaise said, before going off to find Vixen.
Blaise was right. Draco sighed and went off to find Hermione.
---
The fast beat of the music slowed down as a slow song began to play, and the lights dimmed completely. Couples moved closer and began to sway to the soft beat. Hermione had to grin as Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's neck, and the two moved closer together.
Hermione stood for a bit, unsure of what would happen, swaying to the music. This was one of her favorite songs.
Suddenly, someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around to see Draco, a small grin on his lips.
"Care to dance, Madame?" he said in a mock fancy tone. He bowed slightly and held out a hand.
"Why, of course, Sir," Hermione smiled, taking his hand.
At first, Hermione simply placed her arms near Draco's shoulder casually, and he lightly placed his hands about her waist.
"I'm glad you asked me to the Ball tonight. I wouldn't have wanted to come with anyone else," Hermione whispered.
"I'm just glad you agreed to come with me," he whispered back, pulling her closer.
Soon, Hermione had her arms completely wrapped around his neck, and her head was leaning against his chest (he was a good six inches taller than her). Draco loved how she smelled of sweet vanilla, and the two swayed to the music.
Neither was worried about the students nor their gossip, as they were surely not paying attention.
Just before the song ended, Draco leaned down to whisper into Hermione's ear.
"Come outside with me?" he whispered.
She looked up into his eyes and nodded.
They slowly made their way to the school grounds.
The night was beautiful, completely clear with the exception of a few scattered clouds, but the stars shone brightly nevertheless. The moon appeared large and shone incandescently, illuminating the grounds.
Neither spoke as they strolled along. The chilly air bit at Hermione and she shivered slightly. Draco's hand eventually found hers and he led her to a hedged area right off the path.
There were lights hidden in the bushes, and two stone benches. Draco sat down and beckoned for Hermione to join him.
"You look gorgeous tonight, you do know? I bet every guy in there wished you were his date," Draco grinned at her.
She blushed, and smiled.
"Thanks. And might I say, you look dashing. I'm sure every girl wanted to be with you," she returned.
He took her hand in his once more.
"Hermione, there's something I've wanted to ask you for sometime…" he began.
Hermione grew nervous.
"Y-yes?" she whispered timidly.
"I know this will seem strange, but I've grown to like you so much. I mean, you're smart, charismatic, beautiful…I don't know how any guy couldn't want you right away. And that git, Seamus, definitely didn't deserve you," he told her.
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a black velvet box.
"So, Hermione," he said, opening the box, "will you be my girlfriend?"
Hermione's heart skipped a few beats and she gasped. The most beautiful silver chained necklace lay on a small white cushion. From it hung a small, emerald snake with a diamond eye.
"It's…beautiful!" she breathed. "Draco…"
She threw her arms around him, taking him by surprise.
"Of course!"
Hermione pulled back from him and gazed into his deep, gray eyes. They, for the second time this evening, seemed to behold a happy glow instead of the regular cold glare.
Without further delay, Draco planted his lips upon hers in a passionate kiss. This beautiful girl had agreed to be his girlfriend, and he couldn't be happier.
Just then, Hermione pulled away from the kiss and looked up.
"Oh my…Draco! Look! It's snowing!" she smiled brightly, laughing.
Soft snowflakes fell from the sky, and Hermione jumped up, tilting her head back and twirling around like a little girl.
Draco stood up and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. She placed her hands on his chest and the two shared another deep, passionate kiss.
Just then, the distant clock chimed. It was twelve o'clock.
Draco pulled back and looked into Hermione's eyes.
He bent down and whispered into her ear.
"Merry Christmas, love."
Hermione looked up at him lovingly.
"Merry Christmas, Draco."
---
A/N:
That's all I've got to say. And that I think this chapter was my favorite (along with the chapter were Hermione gets her memory back).
This time, I'll have to hold the shout outs 'cause I'm leaving soon. I'll give them next chappy though. Thanks to everyone who did review, and who had something to say about that flame.
Once again, hope you all had a happy Chrismahannukwanzika!