Chapter 5

The Halloween ball was the gossip of the next couple weeks. It was almost despising to see how desperate girls were to get a date, it was a masquerade ball, they could come without a date and no one would even know it was them! Hermione thought to herself. Poor Blaise was on the run about every five minutes, he tried to talk to Hermione but they were interrupted by a fifth year trying to flirt with him. Hermione however was content on going alone if needed.

It was Saturday; a hogsmade trip was planned so that they could get whatever they needed for the dance. Hermione had to admit she was excited; she had never had an excuse to wear such a dress since the tri wizard tournament. She smiled to herself as she thought of Victor Krum as her date; she had such a good time with him. But her thoughts went sour as she remembered, of course, Ron had ruined that night for her. Hermione tried to shove the memory out of her head, this dance would be different.

Hermione came down the stairs from her dormitory looking for Harry and Ginny. But no one was in the Gryffindor common room so she headed to the great hall by herself.

She walked quickly down the corridors not being able to help her excitement for today. She finally came to the big doors of the great hall.

"Oh my goodness, I can't believe Pansy is throwing a fit again, can't she see that he doesn't care about her?" A young ravenclaw said rolling her eyes as she and a friend walked the other way out of the great hall.

Hermione's day was about to be more eventful than she thought.

She entered the great hall with a careful countenance being prepared for anything.

As soon as she entered she heard Pansy's voice.

"What do you mean you don't want to go to the ball together you're not even going with anyone else," She said loudly, "I've got my dress picked out and everything!"

Malfoy rolled his eyes and walked away from her and tried to escape.

"You heard me Pansy, No." Malfoy said boredly.

But Pansy was persistent as she followed him trying to convince him.

"Malfoy don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you!" She said.

But it was just then that Malfoy caught sight of Hermione.

He suddenly got a big smirk on his face as he came straight for her. Hermione looked at him hoping he wasn't going to do something crazy.

He reached her and she heard in the background Pansy say, "Oh of course it's Granger."

Malfoy whispered in Hermione's ear, "Will you go to the ball with me?"

Hermione's stomach dropped, he's actually asking her now?

She nodded knowing that she needed to respond quickly but she couldn't find the words.

He then did something in public that she thought he never would do.

He kissed her.

They hadn't kissed in a long time and certainly not in front of all of Hogwarts. Hermione suddenly forgot that everyone was watching and melted into Malfoy. His lips fit hers perfectly moving in a synchronizing movement with hers.

Malfoy hadn't realized how much he had missed her lips. He wanted to prove to pansy that he didn't belong to her no matter what his parents wanted him to do. He was afraid to admit that he was actually… starting to care about her.

He pulled away from her but kept her body close to him.

Hermione's checks burned red as everyone's eyes snapped to her and Malfoy.

She could hear cat calling and whistles as she and Malfoy pulled part.

"Go Malfoy!"

"You teach him Granger!"

Hermione couldn't help but look over at the Gryffindor table. Ron's eyes were wide with shock.

"This is my date to the dance Pansy, get over it." Malfoy said as he slid his hand into Hermione's.

Pansy couldn't move as she just glared at him with a glare that would be enough to make Hermione cringe.

"You'll be sorry you did that Malfoy," Pansy said with a glare of death, "You better not press your luck anymore, or one of these times you'll go to far."

Hermione's eyes furrowed, what was going on with these two?

Finally Pansy walked away shoving Hermione hard in the shoulder as she did so.

The great hall erupted in cheers and clapping, they were glad Pansy shut up and that they got her out of the great hall.

Hermione looked to Malfoy to see that he wasn't smiling. In fact he looked almost worried.

"What is it?" Hermione asked worried.

Malfoy came out of his daze, "Nothing Granger."

Hermione didn't believe him but she didn't press the matter.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

Hermione and Ginny were walking through Hogsmade with a mission of finding the perfect dress. It was snowing and the streets were filled with students. They were on their way to the Witches 'n Dresses shop.

"So you're really with Malfoy aren't you?" Ginny said with a giggle.

Hermione blushed, "Well yeah I guess-"

"Oh that is just so cute how he kissed you, who knew that Malfoy could be a gentlemen, and Parkinson's face? Priceless!" Ginny said obviously glad about the morning's events.

"I just don't want people to get the wrong idea," Hermione tried to say.

"Everyone is talking about it," Ginny said, "Ron's face too! unforgettable."

"I didn't do it to hurt Ron," Hermione said.

"Oh I know. If you ask me, I think Malfoy really likes you," Ginny said, "I have to admit I thought this was all just to get back at my brother but now I know that you two really like each other! He wouldn't do that in front of the school with just anyone."

Hermione put on a fake smile but it didn't reach her eyes. But Ginny didn't seem to notice. Truth is Hermione was starting to get in too deep with Malfoy. She was afraid that she was actually forming real feelings for him…

"Come on were almost there!" Ginny said pulling her through the crowded street to the large shop.

As soon as they entered she found the exact person she didn't want to ever see. Lavender.

She was trying on a dress that looked gorgeous on her.

"I think this is the one Padma!" She said as she looked into the mirror.

Ginny rolled her eyes, "Don't worry about her, we will find a dress better than that."

It was just then that Lavender saw them.

"Ginny! Why don't I help you find a dress, I know that Ron would want someone with good taste helping you," Lavender said keeping her eyes away from Hermione ignoring her.

"I'm actually helping Hermione find hers," Ginny said flatly.

Lavender looked at Ginny sweetly, "Ginny you are always so nice to help others, and I suppose she's never really bought a dress like this has she? Pity, this is probably your first dance isn't it Hermione?" She said with an evil smile.

Hermione's anger suddenly turned to hatred.

"No actually I've actually been to one of these before," Hermione said with a cold tone.

"Well Ginny if you need a professional's advice I can always help you," Lavender said going back to ignoring Hermione.

"No thanks I think I can handle this," Ginny said not smiling, "Come on Hermione lets go."

They left the shop without even stopping to look at the dresses.

"I'm so sorry Hermione I didn't know she was in there, we'll come back when she's gone." Ginny said trying to comfort her.

Hermione shook her head, "I knew Lavender was a snob but I never thought she would be like that."

"She just jealous because Weasel probably still has feelings for you," A handsome voice said behind her.

She whipped her head around to see Malfoy walking toward her. Hermione took a moment to observe him. He was absolutely gorgeous of course; his blonde hair was messy today complementing his grey eyes that entranced her… Wait a minute did she just think that?

She pulled herself together.

"I don't know about that but I'll tell you she's going to be cursed by yours truly if she keeps this up," Hermione said glaring back in Lavenders direction.

Malfoy actually smiled a little.

"Ginny do you mind if I steal Hermione?" Malfoy said.

Hermione and Ginny stood aback. Did Malfoy just call Ginny by her first name? And he was being nice? They stood in shock for a moment trying to soak it in.

Hermione nudged Ginny to get her out of her trance.

"Oh right, um, yeah sure I mean if it's ok with Hermione," Ginny said looking at her.

"Yeah it's alright Gin I'll catch up with you later at the three broomsticks ok?" Hermione said.

"Ok I'll go find Harry, see you then!" Ginny gave one more amazed look at Malfoy and left down the street into the sea of people.

Hermione's eyes went back to Malfoy but were taken back with how close he was to her. But she didn't back away.

"How about I show you a better place to get your dress?" Malfoy said, "If you want to outshine the other girls, don't buy your dress from the same place."

He took Hermione's hand and led her to the other side of Hogsmade.

"You're going to help me find a dress?" Hermione said unbelievably.

"Come on Granger you want to make Weasel want you back right? Well you got to get a dress that beats all the others. And I know just the place." Malfoy stated.

Hermione was shocked as Malfoy took her hand and led her the opposite way from the crowd.

She followed Malfoy through the sea of students, all of them whispering as they passed by. They made their way down ally way after alley way until Hermione had no idea where she was anymore. The stores grew more and more elegant, all were extravagant and to say the least beautiful. But then she realized why she had never shopped here. These stores were way beyond her price range on what she wanted to spend on a dress.

"Malfoy I don't think I can buy a dress here," Hermione said to him stopping.

He gave her a confused look, "Why not?"

Hermione gave him an exasperated expression, "Because unlike you everyone else is not made of money, I can't afford a dress here let alone a mask."

Malfoy rolled his eyes once again, "Just try them on... we are already here anyways,"

Hermione gave him a skeptical look.

Malfoy sighed loudly, "Just humor me,"

Hermione thought for a moment. Should she even tempt herself?

"Ok fine," She said giving in, "But that doesn't mean I'm going to buy anything."

Malfoy rolled his eyes and dragged her to the end of the street.

"Here it is," Malfoy said as he opened the door for her.

Hermione stepped inside as she sucked in a deep breath. She was expecting elegance, but this was like stepping into a small castle. The dresses were in show cases, they hung in glass cases as spotlights rested on each dress. Hermione instantly felt underdressed.

"Who is it?" A pretty blonde haired woman said as she rounded the corner.

She gave a wide smile as she caught sight of Malfoy.

"Ah Draco it's been too long," She said with happy tone, "Is this about your mothers dress? Was she unsatisfied?"

"No she loves that dress more than me I think," He said sarcastically, "I'm actually here for a favor."

"What can I do for you?" She asked looking eager.

"I need to find this girl a dress for a dance," He said looking over at Hermione.

For the first time the tall blonde's eyes fell to Hermione.

"Ah who is this?" She said smiling.

"I'm Hermione Granger," Hermione said a little less confidently than she wanted to.

Her eyes furrowed in confusion as she looked back a Malfoy, but she said nothing turning her eyes back to Hermione.

"Hello Miss Granger," She said, "Would you like any help from me or would you like to help her yourself Draco? I trust your sense of taste is still as excellent as always," She said smiling.

"Yes we would like to look around ourselves if that's alright," Malfoy said smoothly.

"Well if you have any questions Hermione I'd be more than happy to help." She said with a forced smile and walked away.

She looked at Malfoy with her eye brows raised.

He rolled his eyes, "She's not going to hurt you," He grabbed her arm, "Come on let's get started, this might take a while,"

Hermione groaned as he led her to the racks of dresses.

Malfoy instantly started looking as Hermione stared at the dresses. They were all so beautiful, she didn't even want to touch them they looked so expensive. She saw a pretty purple dress that she could see herself wearing. Just out of curiosity she picked up the price tag as her eyes widened.

She was in way over her head.

"Malfoy maybe I should try somewhere else," Hermione suggested.

He ignored her comment still looking through the dresses.

She sighed loudly and decided to just go with it. She didn't have to buy anything if she didn't want to. So Hermione kept looking at all the beautiful dresses that she would never be able to afford. Her favorite one was a turquoise gold color with a beautiful design on the top.

"Malfoy what do you think of this one?" She asked.

He looked up for a moment as he raised his eye brows, "That's the one you want?" He asked, "Are you blind, that thing is ridiculous, it to shinny. It will distract from you, which should be the main focus."

Hermione carefully hung the dress back up, "Fine you pick one."

Malfoy suddenly smiled, "I think I just found it."

Hermione watched him as he held up the dress. She had to catch her breath for a moment. It was a gorgeous crème dress that had a sweet heart neck line with accents of lace. The dress had a little tint of rose pink giving it a warm look. The dress looked like it could be worn by the queen of England herself.

Hermione looked at the dress in awe. She then looked at Malfoy's smug look on his face. Hermione raised her eye brows.

"Yeah I guess it's pretty," She said pretending to be indifferent.

Malfoy rolled his eyes, giving her the dress, "Just go try it on."

Hermione took the dress carrying it carefully to the dressing room. But to her surprise, Malfoy was following her.

"I can put on the dress myself you know," She said, "I am a girl after all."

"I'm not going in there with you," He said unbelievably, "I just need to see how it looks."

"Whatever you say," Hermione said shutting the door.

Hermione starred at the dress loving it the more she looked at it. However she found out that putting the dress on was a task itself. It took Hermione quite a while to get the dress on. She couldn't believe how complicated the back was. She looked backwards into the mirror trying to get the top of her back tied up. She couldn't get it no matter how awkward she made her hands be.

She took a deep breath; she was going to ask for help.

"Malfoy," She called, "Can you go get her? I need help with the back."

He didn't respond for a moment when she heard a polite tap on the door.

Assuming it was the store owner she opened the door to let her in. That was fast, she thought. But as soon as she opened the door she had to catch her breath.

It was Malfoy.

She was just about to snap at him when she saw the expression on his face.

He was looking at her in a way that she had never seen him look at anyone. His eyes were soft and calm, the usual scowl nowhere to be seen. His eyes traveled down at the dress and then back to her face finally meeting her eyes. She found herself becoming nervous as he looked at her. She couldn't believe it, why was she being so weird. Hermione felt like he was squeezing the breath out of her chest with every passing second.

"I can do it for you if you allow me to." He said stepping closer to her making her even more uneasy.

Hermione couldn't find her voice to speak so she simply nodded signaling that she would let him.

She turned around so her back was to him. Malfoy entered in and closed the door behind him. What on earth what she thinking letting him in? But something told her that deep inside she wanted him in here.

Malfoy had to control his emotions. Why in the world was he finding Granger so alluring, so attractive? But he was and there was nothing he could do to stop his attraction for her. He would never admit it out loud, but he… he was starting to grow fond of Granger.

Hermione felt his fingers brush along her back as he swept her hair out of the way. Hermione had to suppress a shiver that was threatening to burst.

His hands gently and softly did up the rest of the dress. Hermione couldn't help but lean into his touch. She had felt his hands many times when they were kissing in the hallways for other people to see. She couldn't help but think of when he had his hands on her hips.

Malfoy's body grew warm. Granger was beautiful and he couldn't help but to admit that to himself. He was doing his best to make sure his hands or fingers weren't shaking. What has Granger done to me?

"There," Malfoy said finally making Hermione snap back into reality, "It's done."

Hermione looked into the mirror at herself; the dress was perfect for her. It fit her hair, her skin, and most importantly, it fit her personality. Soft, innocent, and unique. She loved it.

"It's beautiful," She said looking down at the dress.

"It's on you isn't it?" Malfoy said before thinking, as soon as he said the words he a paled.

Hermione's heart stopped for a moment. Did he just admit that she was attractive? She saw that by Malfoy's expression, he was just as surprised.

"But I can't get it," Hermione said, "I told you Malfoy I can't-" She began but he cut her off.

"No one said you were the one who had to buy it," Malfoy said cutting her off, "I will."

Hermione's eye bulged out, "What? No, no I can't let you do that."

"Luckily for me you don't tell me what I'm going to do," Malfoy said smugly.

Hermione couldn't let him, "I don't want you to."

But Malfoy stepped closer to her making heart beat race; he looked at her in the eyes unnervingly close.

"I am getting this dress for you and you will accept it and you will wear it," He stated not making it a question.

Before Hermione could say anything else Malfoy opened the door to leave.

Hermione was going to let him go but she didn't want him to leave just yet.

"Malfoy," Hermione called.

He turned his handsome face back to her.

"Thank you." She said simply.

Malfoy's eyes rested on her brown ones, "You're welcome." He replied.

He then shut the door as Hermione sank down onto the bench. Was she starting to have real feelings for Malfoy?