Evaluate This!

Chapter 14

Never Say Never


Her dress was pearl-escent. It shone and shivered in the moonlight as she twisted nervously.

"Don't be nervous. You're beautiful."

Hermione looked up. Ginny grinned, her eyes glittering with mischief.

"Hey, you want to sneak a peak at what the guys are doing? That might help to calm your nerves."

Hermione shook her head enthusiastically "Oh yeah!" Her eyes widened and Hermione quickly shook her head no. "What's going on?" Ginny was different, but Hermione couldn't put her finger on it. She bit her lip.

Ginny's long red hair was twisted into elegant loops secured by a silver pin. Her dress was pale gold.

"What do you mean 'what's going on'? Hermione, are you feeling all right?" Ginny brushed her hand across Hermione's cheek.

"I'm in a dress."

Ginny laughed. "That you are. Who wouldn't be on such a day?" Her eyes squinted together. "Why don't you sit down? Wouldn't want you to faint now would we!"

Ginny sat Hermione down.

"Oh my Merlin!" Hermione cried and jumped.

"What is it? Hermione?" Ginny kneeled down beside her friend. "Are you okay?"

Trembling Hermione held out a shaky hand and pointed to her reflection in the mirror. "That isn't me."

Ginny shook her head. "Jeez, Hermione, of all the days to acquire a sense of humor you chose today." Ginny squinted at her. "You didn't drink did you? I told mum to hide everything."

Hermione shook her head. "No, no, Ginny, that's not me!" Ginny pattered Hermione on the shoulder.

"Such a joker. Maybe you do need a drink."

Hermione watched Ginny's retreating back. She glanced around, afraid to move. She was alone. Hermione leaned back in the chair.

"Wow. What great shoes." Hermione said aloud as she stared at her feet.

"I thought so too."

Hermione jumped, falling out of the chair. She looked up and was frozen by the shock.

"Did I see Ginny go out?" Draco looked around the room cautiously, nodding when he found the room free of other occupants. "Finally. If I heard another one of her rants about how I can't see the bride before the wedding, I'd curse myself. Literally."

"Malfoy!" Hermione gulped and closed her eyes. She opened them a little, but god damn it, he was still there. Looking at her very oddly, too.

"Are you okay?"

Composing herself Hermione stood. "Of course." She replied with the usual chill in her voice that she used when talking to Malfoy. "What is going on?"

"Well, Harry is already getting drunk. I know, I know—way too early. But his wife did leave him. You can't blame a guy after something like that."

"Harry's married?" Hermione asked, her voice trembling.

"Wow. Is that an attempt at humor Hermione? Let's leave it to the professionals, hon." Draco leaned back against the wall and yawned. "Who in the world would want to get married at midnight?" He smirked. "Oh, that's right. Us."

Gulping Hermione took a step back. "I am not getting married."

Draco shook his head. "I thought we'd decided that your stint as a comedian was over? But it's nice to see you try to lighten the situation."

He took her hand. Hermione would have pulled away, but he was slipping something onto her finger. "Just wanted to see how it would look. What do you think?"

Hermione looked down at her hand—and screamed. "Malfoy!"

Draco laughed. "Yeah. I know, I about died too. Fred and George made it. Jokers to the end those two." He removed the glittering pink ring, engraved with a very realistic and moving portrayal of Pansy Parkinson's face. Draco tossed the ring over his shoulder. He pulled another from his pocket and slid it on. "There."

Hermione glanced at the simple square-cut diamond on her finger before shaking her head. "Fred, George…"

"Yep, that's them."

"Weasley?" Hermione closed her eyes and shook her head. "You hate them."

Draco shrugged. "Don't get technical here, Hermione. I'm supposed to be happy, and I am. Let's not have you ruin it with your attitude."

"But—I"

Draco rolled his eyes. "You really need to cut it out Hermione. I doubt the others will find it as funny as you seem to."

"I'm not joking Malfoy."

"Hey. I've got an idea." He grinned. "Why don't you tell me now, instead of later?"

"What are you talking about?" Hermione would have said more, but she didn't get the chance.

Draco wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. His lips were soft and warm as they trailed kisses down her neck. "I love you Hermione Granger."

I know what you want
I know what you need
Better than you do
I know why you came
I promise you…
Draco's body pressed into hers tightly, Hermione was finding it hard to breath, but another part of her, was moving, running her hands through his hair.
I know where you go
I know what you do
Better than you do…
He was grinning, she could feel his smile as he bit down lightly on her earlobe, her knees going week. What was going on! But instead of pulling away, Hermione felt herself actually pull him towards the floor.
When nothing remains
I come to you
Sometimes she shines, and I know
Beauty has her way
With her hooks and her grace…
"Hermione…" His voice was so soft, his breath warm on her throat. Hermione moaned and tried to pull him on top of her. "Not now. After." He whispered into her ear, while trailing butterfly-light kisses down her neck, to her collarbone…
Beauty has her way
Lights down, we drown, and I know
Beauty has her way
This plain day
Beauty has her way
The trembling lengths
The conquering touch…
His hands were sliding across her bare back, his skin so soft and warm, she could almost swear that they left trails of fire behind. She took his face in her hands, running her thumb along his jaw, over his eyebrow, down his nose…and slowly dragging it over his bottom lip, listening to him moan and pull her closer. "Don't stop." He murmured, taking her hand in his, and continuing to kiss each finger lightly.
Everything to you
And into your flame
I'll follow you
Where all wishes twist…
Hermione had never felt anything—anything like this before. And how did she know to do…just that? As she felt herself pull his face to hers, felt her lips meet his…how?
Everything to you
In doorways and dreams
I run to you
Sometimes she shines, and I know
Beauty has her way
With her hooks in your face
Beauty has her way
Lights down, we drown, and I know
Beauty has her way
This plain day

I promise you... she pulled away to stare into his gray eyes. He was smiling at her, his hand cupping her face.

"I love you Draco Malfoy." He closed his eyes, resting his head in the crook of her neck, holding her close. She never wanted to leave…never wanted to…

"I TOLD YOU TO STAY IN YOUR ROOM!"

The two broke apart and Draco grinned sheepishly up at a very annoyed Weasley. "Sorry Ginny."

"Get out!"

Draco stood, brining Hermione up with him, he kissed her hand one last time and left.

Ginny glared at Hermione. "I told you that you two were not allowed to see each other!"

Hermione was about to say that she was confused, that she was not exactly completely understanding what was going on when her voice answered for her. "Ginny, you can't keep us apart…"

"I can if I stay here for the next half hour. I swear! I go to look after Harry for one moment and…"

"You talking about me?" Harry stumbled into the room. "Aw, don't you look nice Hermione?"

Hermione blushed. "Harry?"

"Yes?"

"What are you doing here?"

Harry tried to stand straight. "I'm taking you to your father, Hermione."

Ginny glanced at the clock. "Oh my! Come on, Hermione." She ushered both Hermione and Harry out of the room. "Go on Harry, take her." Ginny turned to Hermione and let out a girl-like squeal. "You are sooo lucky!" And then Harry took hold of her hand and led her away.

The scene was set. Perfect. Hermione Granger, with her father on her arm walked down a carpeting of clouds. The guests seated in intricately carved chairs. A fog rolled across the floor, swirling around ankles and creeping up the columns. At the end stood three men. Their backs were turned to her. But she knew them to be those of Malfoy, Harry, and Ron.

Her father handed her away, Malfoy taking her hand and the ceremony began.

Draco leaned closer and whispered. "Your father doesn't hate me, right?"

"What do you mean?"

"You told him right?"

"Told him what?"

"That you're pregnant." Draco whispered.

"WHAT!"


Hermione rolled off the bed, her heart pounding. Holy fucking god! She ran a hand through her hair.

It had all been a dream. Or had it.

Draco smirked as Hermione walked groggily into the common room. "Sleep well?"

Hermione stared at his shoes. Not really sure she could look him in the face after…that. "Fine."

"Any dreams?"

Hermione looked up, her eyes livid. "What did you do?"

Draco laughed and jumped back, out of her reach. "Never say never!" Draco taunted. Hermione lunged at him. He caught her as she tripped and wrapped his arms around her. "Are you getting a feeling of déjà vu? 'Cause I sure as hell am."

"I hate you."

Draco smiled and kissed her. Her hand lay lightly on his neck, her fingers sliding through his hair. His hand slid up and down her back in a gentle caress before settling at the base of her neck. The closeness of his body sent shivers down her spine.

"Do I dare say that you're liking this?" Draco asked between the kisses he rained down on her neck.

"Don't tell anyone." She could almost feel the smirk form on his face. The guy really had a large ego. "How'd you do it?"

Draco continued to kiss her neck, stopping a hair's breath away from her lips. "Do what?"

"Make me dream that?"

Draco grinned and lowered his mouth. When he pulled away his eyes were laughing. "Secrets of the dark side." He paused, then "Did you like it?"

Hermione grimaced. "Don't you dare tell anyone."

"As you wish."

His lips descended down onto hers, and Hermione felt the unnerving butterflies in her stomach. The fingers on her neck were light and sent shivers through her body. Hermione tried to calm her breathing, to stop the involuntary shaking in her arms. Draco pulled her arms around him, drawing her closer.

Slowly, Draco pulled away and watched Hermione lick her bottom lip. When she finally looked up at him, he could see the stubbornness begin to settle in—and the defiance.

"Don't." He traced her chin. "Don't deny it."

Hermione grinned slowly. "Okay Drakie…"

"Oh Merlin." Draco stepped back and ran a hand through his hair.

"You and Pansy will make a lovely couple." Hermione turned and walked away.

"In what universe do you live in?"

"Well, you are engaged to her…and I think I heard talk of the wedding date the other day."

"You're joking!"

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Possibly."

"Now you're trying to get back at me for the dream. It won't work."

"So sure?"

Draco smirked. "You liked it, it doesn't matter. I'd consider it a job well done."

"Not a word," she repeated.

"Not a word," he agreed.


A/N: Hehe...please review...