Chapter 8: The Winter Ball
Hermione walked down the stairs with Ginny. At the end Harry, Neville, and Luna were all looking up at them.
"Blimey Mione, you look amazing!" Neville said
"Thank you Neville, you and Luna look amazing together!"
She noticed Neville's bow and cufflinks matched Luna's dress and it made her smile at how perfect they were. But it also made her a little sad that she was flying solo this time around. Maybe she should've still asked Ron to be her date despite them being officially over. She then looked over at Harry, wearing the same tailored black dress robes he donned at the ball in 4th year. Only difference this year was that he traded his white button up for a light blue one that match Ginny's dress. And Ginny looked absolutely stunning with her red hair curled with two braids wrapped around the crown of her head, meeting in the back and fastened with a blue jewels barrette. Hermione opted to keep her hair straight, parted on the side. She really wasn't as excited as her friends and wanted to keep things simple.
"Hey everyone!" A familiar voice yelled behind them.
It was Ron walking up to them in his hand me down dress robes. The pants slightly short from his growth spurt since 4th year. On his arm was Lavender, wearing, of course, a lavender colored dress and jewels in her hair.
"Hey mate you made it!" Exclaimed Harry
"And everyone already knows Lavender", Ron gestured toward the blonde next to him. "My girlfriend..."
Hermione tried to hide her shock. it explained why Lavender had been missing on weekends and how hard she was trying to avoid her. Honestly though she wasn't mad or jealous. She was happy Ron moved on, even if this was a rebound. And she had this thing, if you would even call it that, with Draco. So she mustered the biggest smile she could.
"Aww Ron, I'm happy for you two." Hermione said with genuine happiness "Lavender, I truly am."
She saw the blonde witch sigh in relief. "Thank you Hermione, I felt so bad keeping it from you."
"Its okay, I understand. I've sort of moved on myself."
Ron's jaw dropped at this announcement. "Hermione, you didn't tell me."
"Not that its any of your business Ronald, but we just started talking and I'm not sure where its going yet."
She saw Harry look at her with worry. He knew that her and Draco were hanging out, but she was sure he didn't know how far gone she was.
Ginny decided to break the silence by clearing her throat. "Alright everyone, maybe we should start to head in. I know I'm ready to enjoy my night!"
Hermione walked in to the sounds of music and laughter. Although not as elaborate as the Yule Ball during the Triwizard Tournament, the Great Hall was still beautiful. Sparkling garland was strung along the walls. Candles were charmed to glow with white, red, and green flames. And everyone was dressed up and happy. During these observations, Hermione scanned the room to look for a tuft of platinum blonde and let out a sigh when there was no sign of Draco anywhere.
"Harry and I were gonna dance, want to join?" Ginny asked
She looked over at Ron and Lavender already dancing "No you two go ahead, I'm going to sit down and watch, I'm feeling a little hungry. I'll join in later."
Ginny gave her a sympathetic smile and grabbed Harry by the hand, dragging him to the dance floor. Hermione then walked over to an enchanted tray and grabbed a couple mini quiches and sat at the table.
She was honestly enjoying watching her friends dance. But at the same time she wished she could be out there with someone too. Maybe she should've took Harry's advice and asked out McLaggen. She could see him on the far side of the room sneaking shots with his Quidditch teammates. She was lost in thought and mid bite into her quiche when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around she first saw platinum hair and it took her a second to process Draco here, at the dance, acknowledging her on public.
"Draco?"
He held out his hand for her and she dropped her quiche. "Would you like to dance?"
She stared at him unblinking for a minute. This had to be a dream, or someone playing a trick on her.
"Granger? Fucking hell, are you going to make me stand here all night?"
And on that note it click that it really was him. "Are you sure?"
"Yes I am sure. Please, before I change my mind. People are going to stare and gawk. Just focus on me."
She then took his hand and let him guide her to the floor. She could here gasps and whispers as people slowly realized what was going on. She did what she was told and kept her eyes on him. Once they got to the floor Draco put both his hands on her waist as she put her hands on his shoulders. She let him guide her around the floor, Hermione impressed with how well he knew how to dance.
At one moment she finally was able to look at him. Truly look at him. His silver eyes matching her dress. His porcelain skin contrasting with her olive tones. His light pink lips in a smile. Wait, an actual smile. Not the sneer she was use to seeing the last 7 years. And he was looking at her like she was only one on that floor. But they were not and she knew it wouldn't be long before someone interrupted this moment. And on queue she saw a glimpse of red coming toward them.
"The fuck you think you're doing Malfoy?" Ron spit out.
"Dancing? What does it look like I'm doing Weasel?"
"Hermione! Why are you dancing with him?"
The venom in his tone hurt a little, but she was stubborn. "Ronald, maybe you should pay attention to your date."
"Hermione? This is the same blood bastard who picked on you for years."
Hermione could see Draco about to lose his last nerve and she decided to speak before he had the chance. "Ron, all of us have changed since the war. Malfoy also lost a lot and that forced him to change too. So please go back to your date and let us enjoy ours!"
As Ron walked away she looked over at a very surprised Draco. "Bloody hell Granger!"
"What? I've stood up for him and Harry for years. I always stand up for the people I care about."
Just as Draco pulled Hermione back into his arms to continue the dance, she could've sworn she heard a content sigh and a slight smile creep across his face before he put his blank Malfoy mask back on.
Never in a million years would Draco have thought that the mud- muggleborn Gryffindor princess would ever show loyalty to him, especially when it came to her friends. Watching her do that gave him a weird feeling in his chest. Almost like his cold heart became alive for the first time. Was his weird crush on Granger turning into something more? Maybe he could let her in a little more? But what will happen when his father gets released? Will he still be expected to carry on the tradition and be married to a pureblood of his fathers choosing? Yes before the war Pansy was first choice. But suddenly Pansy seemed dull compared to the bushy haired witch currently in his arms.
"Draco? Draco!"
He was snapped away from his thoughts by a confused looking Granger. "Umm sorry, what?"
"The song is over, I was going to see if you wanted to grab a refreshment with me?"
As they waited in line, his mind continued to race. Did he like her? Yes. Were his friends alright with that? Zabini seemed fine with it. Will his family accept her? At that thought he shuddered. All thoughts ceased when he heard Potter's voice whisper from behind and the Hermione being pulled back behind Draco. Curiously he listened.
"Hermione, what are you doing?"
"Harry please just give him a chance. You trust me, right?"
"Well year, but-"
"Then trust my decisions, please. At least be civil with him."
"I'm sorry but you're like my sister, but I cannot forget what HE has done."
"Harry please."
"I'll see you later Hermione"
Draco then straightened up as he heard Hermione shuffle back next to him. "Sorry about that, Harry just had a quick question for me."
He internally sneered at that, but kept composed on the outside. "It's fine. Would you like pumpkin juice?"
"Yes please, thank you."
Draco grabbed the drinks and followed Granger to her table. When they sat down he pulled his flask out of his robes. "Do you want some?"
"Just a splash."
He then poured almost 1/2 the flask into his cup, and just a splash into hers.
"Draco, are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
She looked up at him with her big brown eyes as a frown formed on her lips. "Do you regret asking me to dance?"
"No... But your friends sure do."
"I've stood by for so long helping them through their pain, sadness, happiness. I dated Ron because I knew it was expected of me. Not because I was in love with him. They're my family, but when do I get to decide what makes me happy?"
A sly smirk crossed his face. "So what makes you happy, Granger?"
"Well right now, you do."
"Even though I'm a Slytherin and your friends hate me?"
"You're more than just a Slytherin, you know that. And my friends will get over it."
I'm also a Malfoy, he thought. And just like that all the thoughts his father pushed on him came flooding back. Marry a Pureblood. Take on the family business. Do not speak to filthy mudbloods or blood traitors. You are a part of the elite, now act like it. But his father was gone and he could make his own decisions. He stared at everyone dancing as he pondered which path he should take. Granger was beautiful and smart, something he's known since 3rd year, but she was not who he was meant to be with. Should he take the plunge even if it meant his father hating him? What if the trial goes through and the elder Malfoy comes home? What would he do about Granger then?
He shook away those thoughts and looked over at the witch sitting next to him. Her big doe eyes looking into his silver ones. Her lips almost a pout as she tried to figure out what he was thinking. Those soft kissable lips. They were like a drug and just thinking about them made any bad thoughts go away.
A slow song started to play. If he wanted to dive in, now was his chance. "Granger, finish your pumpkin juice and lets dance."
He grabbed her hand and lead her back onto the floor. He could feel hundreds of eyes on them but he kept his cool and pretended Hermione was the only one in the room. This time he pulled her closer, his arms wrapped around her waist as she wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. He looked into her eyes as they danced, then to her lips and as she chewed on her bottom lip. He felt a warmth in his stomach and a twitch even lower as he thought about the last time they kissed.
He then saw her eyes go from calm to a spark and he didn't have time to think before she reached up and kissed him. They heard a couple gasps as people saw what was unfolding, but Draco didn't care. All he could think about was how good his lips felt against hers. They broke the kiss for a moment, he was looking into Granger's eyes again when he suddenly felt pain in the side of his head, everything went blurry. He heard "Ron! What are you doing?!" before everything went black.
"Ronald! You imbecile! I kissed him, I chose to dance with him!"
"Well how was I suppose to know! From my point of view it look liked he was forcing himself on you. His hands were all over you!"
"We were dancing! Have you lost your mind?!" Hermione was on the verge of tears.
Everything was going amazing, they were dancing and Draco was finally letting his guard down around her. She was hurt by Ron, but also by Harry who stuck up for him instead.
"Hermione, what else would you expect? He is a Slytherin and they always have ulterior motives." Harry said with a little venom in his tone
"I would expect that you two would trust me to handle myself! We survived a war for Godric's sake!"
She couldn't deal with them right now and just wanted to leave.
"Hermione! Where are you going?" Asked Ron.
"I'm going to the Hospital Wing to check on Draco."
"You're choosing him over us?" He sounded hurt.
"No Ronald, I am going to check my friend who is injured. No one is taking sides."
Hermione then bolted for the door before either of the wizards could say anything else.
She got to the Hospital Wing in record time. Her hair was starting to get its curls back, what little makeup she wore was smudged from crying, and she was out of breath from running.
"No visitors right now." stated Madame Pomfrey plainly.
"Please Madame, I just want to check in on Draco really quick."
The healer raised an eyebrow at this request. "Fine, but only because I'm sending Mr. Malfoy back to his dorm in a little bit."
Hermione made it over to Draco who was laying on the farthest hospital bed with an obvious black eye and a cold compress on his head. His eyes opened as she approached, but didn't look in her direction.
"I'm so so sorry Draco. I don't understand what got into Ron. I-"
"I know exactly what got into him. He still loves you."
"But I don't love him anymore. I made that very clear."
His lips tightened into a frown. "What are you doing here Granger?"
She flinched at the anger in his tone. "Because I care." Her voice betrayed her as it cracked.
This change in her tone caused Draco to sit up and finally look at her. "Have you been crying?"
"Yes! I was worried about you, angry and Ron and Harry! I like you and -" He sentence was interrupted by his lips as he gave a quick kiss before wincing in pain.
"Alright dears, if you're okay enough to do that, then you're okay to go back to your dorms." Madame Pomfrey spoke, startling both of them. "Miss. Granger, if you would kindly escort Mr. Malfoy. I'm sure he wouldn't mind." She said that last sentence with a smirk.
They gathered Draco's things and quietly walked out. The corridors were empty with everyone at the dance still, so they walked in silence until they made it back to the dorms. Hermione was about to go the opposite direction to the girls dorms when Draco grabbed her hand.
"Granger? Will you come with me?"
She nodded as Draco led her up to his dorm. He grabbed her hand and she swore she could feel an intense warmth and comfort radiating from his. She always thought of him as cold, but she was starting to realize how much warmth he had. Once they got up there he tossed himself on his bed. She awkwardly sat on the corner. There was no denying there was a spark, but she was unsure what his intentions were.
"You okay Granger?"
"Yeah." She mumbled as look down at her fidgeting hands.
"I didn't ask you to come up with the intentions of fuck you. You can relax." When she didn't budge, he reached over and grabbed her hand, leading her across his bed until she was next to him. His arm around her and her head on his chest.
She sighed and relaxed a little at the comfort of his touch. They laid like that for a while until she felt an itch on her arms. That's when she realized she was still in her dress and Draco was still wearing his dress robes. "Ummmm" and she motioned to their clothes.
"Did you want to change?"
"Yeah, just give a minute."
A few minutes later she back in his dorm, with white sweats and an oversized blue t shirt on. He was laying on his bed, above the covers, staring at his arm in gray plaid pajama pants and a black t shirt.
"What are you looking at?" She hesitated a little when she saw that he was tracing his dark mark with his finger.
"Does it scare you?" He asked in an emotionless voice.
She moved over next to him on his bed. "It use to, and what it represents still does, but it doesn't make me scared of you."
He still wouldn't look at her. "It still scares me. It would tingle a lot when Voldemort was alive and it would start to burn a little when you were the lucky one who was summoned. I know he's dead but I still fear the sensations happening again."
"Can't you get it removed?"
"I tried. The magic used to create it was so dark, I would probably have to cut my arm off in order to be rid of it."
He finally looked up at her, his mask had come undone and she could see the sadness in his eyes. She moved herself closer to him and laid her head on his chest. Before she could convince herself not to, she reached out for his left arm and touched the mark. She didn't know what she was expecting to happen but was relieved when it just felt like regular skin. She started to copy his earlier behavior and trace it with her fingertip.
After a minute she looked up into his eyes. "Draco, from what I read you had to do something to earn this mark. What did you do?"
"Most people yes, I was given this mark on promise of killing Dumbledore. He marked me beginning of 6th year in hopes that I would recruit my fellow Slytherins to join."
"And did you?"
"Sort of, the only people I could convince were Crabbe and Goyle. But they were easily influenced plus their parents were already serving."
"What about Zabini and Nott?"
"Zabini refused and lived with his grandmother the whole year as protection. He was actually the reason I couldn't follow through with killing Dumbledore. He tried to talk me out of it before I went up to that Astronomy Tower. And Nott was almost marked. He was suppose to kill a blood traitor but that same day Voldemort had some sort of fit and killed the woman before Theo had a chance. Nott never wanted any of it though, but when both of your parents are in the lords highest graces, you do not have a choice."
"Like you didn't have a choice?"
"Exactly. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Zabini."
"I don't know Draco, I think deep inside you have more good than bad. I don't think you're capable of murder"
"My father always said I was more like my mother."
Hermione then remembered Harry saying how Mrs. Malfoy saved him twice. "Your mother sounds like a kind woman."
The then laid like that for what seemed like hours. Her head on his chest, her fingers tracing his mark. And his arm around her, his fingers drawing circles on her shoulder.