So, I've tried to change this fic formatting, so it would be like the other fics I've read in this site. Is it ok? Hopefully I didn't make mistakes. But if so, please let me known.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. Just this fanfiction.
"I thought they weren't getting along," Hermione said to Draco as she continued to glance at Ginny and Harry, who were dancing very closely at the other end of the floor.
"Yeah, me too," he replied. "But apparently they get along better than we thought" he smirked.
Draco looked at Hermione's confused face. She was clearly still thinking about their friends. He sighed. He didn't like her being so aware of Potter but he didn't want to ask her to stop looking at him or talking about him, and sound like a jealous and possessive boyfriend.
She seemed to follow his train of thought because she turned her face to meet him. "Sorry. I'm ruining the night am I?" she bit her lips nervously.
"Not in the slightest Hermione. Our night is going very well," he reassured her as he caressed her face and she smiled.
"Thanks Draco. But anyway I'll stop glaring at them," she promised. "I'll talk about all this with Harry tomorrow I supposed," she placed her head in Draco's chest and hugged his back, smelling his peppermint essence.
"Or maybe you could talk to him right now," he said with annoyance when he saw Potter approaching them.
The green-eyed boy greeted her with a strange look. "Mione. Draco, can I steal my friend from you for a minute?" He asked.
"Would it really be just a minute?" Draco smirked.
Harry ignored the blonde and turned back to Hermione. "Mione? May I?" he asked extending his hand.
"I won't be long, okay?" she said to Draco, reassuring him. He finally nodded and placed Hermione's hand on Harry's.
"I'll go talk to Ginny," he replied and unable to help it, pressed his lips with Hermione's to give her a short kiss. The girl felt her face blushed violently.
Draco walked away and Harry pulled Hermione's body closer to his.
"So, I think there's something you should tell me?" he looked at her narrowing his emerald eyes and sounding quite annoyed
"I could ask the same you know?" she pointed out looking at him in the same way.
In the end he sighed and grinned. "I asked first. You start"
"It's kind of a long story Harry. Beside I promised Draco that we wouldn't take long and you," she poked a finger in his chest, "You shouldn't have left Ginny alone."
"She understands that I needed to talk to you, especially if you continued to stare at us the way you were doing." He laughed and added, "Besides, I don't care if Draco gets annoyed or not."
"Jerk," Hermione rolled her eyes and started to speak. "Draco asked me to give him a chance. I've been getting to know him for the last few months and, well... I thought he was being sincere," she blushed and looked away.
"Did he have something to do with you being so upset the day you flew to Chicago?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded slowly. She would have preferred not to say this to Harry as she wished he could get along better with Draco, but he would know if she lied to him. "It wasn't a big deal, actually," she reassured him as she was beginning to notice Harry's annoyance. "He apologized for it".
"But you still gave him a chance" he snorted.
"Well I did, but after the holidays," she explained, "He's been helping me a lot with the organization for the Greek Week, and now I know him a little better and…
She couldn't continue for he interrupted her, "So you were missing our dates to be with Draco," Harry accused her but did not let her answer, "I know him too Hermione. A lot better than you do. He's a womanizer, you know that right? I find really odd that he's suddenly so loving and kind with you," the girl gave him a sad look that Harry was able to decipher, "And this has nothing to do with you believing that he would prefer a more popular or prettier girl," he pointed. "It's just that I find his behavior very strange for I don't understand his intentions towards you"
She sighed, her eyes suddenly fixed at some point of the dance floor, "I guess it is odd for him to wanted to go out with me"
"Hey," Harry softly took Hermione's chin, "Sometimes I wonder if you've seen yourself in a mirror, you know? You are very pretty. And today you look absolutely beautiful. But you're so sweet and innocent sometimes that it worries me. It's not strange that Draco also believes you're fit, I just have the impression that he has ulterior motives," he clarified her. "And I'm going to find his motivation because I won't let him hurt you".
"Well he did have sort of an ulterior motive," she blurted out and Harry questioned her with his eyes, "Draco confessed that he first approached me because he wanted to upset Ginny and… upset you. He knew you both care about me, so he asked me to be his tutor. He wanted to have an affair or… you know nothing really serious with me," she looked away.
"He is a fucking asshole," Harry hissed
"Please give him a chance Harry," she asked. "I did it. And so far he hasn't let me down. He's been really sweet actually. So can you try to give him a chance? Please?"
"You really like him," he didn't ask but stated. Hermione was once again blushed. He wasn't trying to make her feel uncomfortable, tough, so he said, "Is not that I can't stand him or I don't like him, is just that sometimes he can be a real dickhead. We've known each other since we're kids Hermione, and he has always been like a brother to me. Somehow tough, once we started college he decided to apply for his fraternity and we took different paths." He added, "I'll try to get along with him again, anyway. I'll do it for you. But if he hurts you don't ask me to be indulgent with him"
Hermione considered his words for a few moments and finally nodded, knowing that it was all she could have for now. "Thanks Harry," she smiled hugging his friend, "You're so good with me".
"And by the way," he was also hugging her now, "Just because you're dating him doesn't mean we're not going out because he gets jealous ok? You're my best friend and I'm not giving up on you"
"Nor I with you," she replied and added, "but now that we're talking about best friends, how is that you and Ginny are together? Last time I checked you were snogging in the dance floor, although I clearly remember you saying that you didn't want me to mention her name…"
"Let's just say that…" he licked his lips and smiled, not knowing exactly how to explain himself, "I've gotten to know her much better in the recent months"
"What does that mean?" Hermione was enjoying seen Harry so nervous.
He finally admitted, "I like her, fine? I like her a lot," he sighed. "You know what happened between us when the semester started. I had noticed Ginny before that night but she always seemed so frivolous. I just couldn't stand to feel attraction for someone like her, so I pushed her away," Hermione nodded and squeezed his hand, encouraging him to keep talking. So he did. "And then for some… twist of fate or whatever you liked to call it, we ended up meeting in the most unexpected places," he sighed again. "Slowly my resistance towards her began to decrease when she showed me a more… human side of her. So in the end I couldn't help it and I ended up showing her what I feel"
"I told you she was a nice girl," Hermione smiled sweetly at him, "I'm glad you're together now. You both looked really happy"
"We are," he agreed and then he nervously cleared his throat.
Hermione didn't push for more, but continued to dance with him while watching Ginny and Draco chatting near the central food table.
Ginny looked stunning in a blue dress that had a mid-thigh slit and enfolded her athletic body. Her straight orange hair fell gracefully over her shoulders and draped her attractive face, which was now looking amused at Draco. Hermione couldn't help but think about how good they looked together. "They are like the king and queen of the ball. Like a perfect couple"
"A penny for your thoughts," Harry asked
She smiled. "I was just watching at Ginny and Draco, and thinking about what you told me".
"Don't let that mind of yours trick you into thinking nonsense ok?" Harry understood what she meant. "You're too good for Draco, don't doubt of that. Besides," he came closer to her ear to whisper, "Between you and me, you're the most beautiful girl at the ball. Well you and Ginny are," he added.
Hermione laughed, feeling thankful for Harry's words. He laughed with her as well. He was going to hug her again but suddenly someone break them apart.
"It's been more than a minute, don't you think?" Draco was standing next to them. Hermione looked at Harry, as if reminding him of what he had just promised, and he pulled away from her without saying anything more.
"We'll talk about this another time, Mione," he said and turned to Draco, "See you around Malfoy"
"Goodbye Potter," the blonde smirked, grabbing Hermione possessively by the waist.
Harry just shook his head and went back to Ginny.
Ginny walked over to the snack table as she watched Harry approaching Hermione and Draco.
It had bothered her so much that he wanted to talk to Hermione at that precise moment and when they were happily dancing together, but she had to pretend to be understanding and kind.
So she let him go while reassuring him by saying that she was going to go for a drink because she was tired from all the dancing when she hadn't been able to sleep properly.
Ginny finished a glass of champagne in one gulp and set it on the table. A few moments later Draco was striding towards her. "Well, well, it's my great friend Draco Malfoy in person," she said with a false smile.
"Ginevra," he grabbed two glasses of champagne and handed one to Ginny.
"As always, a perfect gentleman. Cheers to you dear Draco," she drank slowly from the glass.
"You seem to be in a bad mood," he pointed
She left her glass on the table. "Aren't you? I thought I noticed that it bothered you that Harry interrupted your night with your... date"
"My girlfriend," he corrected her, "We're in a relationship now. Hermione is my girlfriend"
Ginny laughed, unable to believe what she just heard, "Really Draco? Hermione? Hermione the chubby girl is now your girlfriend?" She looked amusedly at him.
"Watch your mouth Ginevra," he hissed, clearly pissed.
"Why? You were the one who gave her the nickname or have you forget about that?" The redhead was releasing her rage towards him, "But anyway, congratulations are in order I believe. Obviously I'm not the only one who got what we wanted. I suppose know that you have her wrapped around your finger you'll make your usual move and get into her bed"
Draco took her arm tightly and made her look him straight in the eye. "Don't repeat that again, do you understand? Don't ever call Hermione that way again and don't say I'm with her just because I want to have sex with her," his grey cold eyes dripped with fury but she didn't let herself be intimidated by that.
She smirked at him and spoke with feigned sweetness, "Don't worry darling. I won't mention that with anyone, and certainly I will not screw up your little game. To be honest it's better if you keep entertaining her because that way she won't be with my Harry all the time. It bothers me deeply that they are so intimate"
Draco was slowly releasing his grip on Ginny's arm, as hearing her say all those things with her voice full of anger made him understand how stupid he had been in the past. He took a deep breath because now he felt nauseous from having played along with Ginevra's manipulative game.
"You were expecting this, right?" he asked, "That time in my bedroom when you suddenly blurted out that Hermione was a virgin, you did it knowing that I couldn't resist the challenge. You made me think that you loved her that you cared about her, but that was only part of your plan so I would have more reasons to want to get closer to her"
She nodded. "And my plan turned out better than I expected. Of course I didn't think you'd become her boyfriend but that's up to you. Soon you will have what you really want and we will both have won, right? The perfect game," she finished.
"It's not a game Ginny, don't you get it?" his voice sounded calmer, trying to make her understand his point. "I'm not playing with Hermione. I want a serious relationship with her. I really like her. She's…" he shook his head "She's important to me"
Something shuddered inside Ginny at Draco's words. She scrutinized his face expecting to see that particular twinkle in Draco's eyes when he lied, but he remained serious and did not hesitate for a moment. "You have to be kidding me," she whispered eventually, "You never got seriously involved with any girl. Not even with me"
"I'm serious Ginevra," he confirmed, "I really like Hermione and I won't let you cloud my future with her"
Ginny smiled nervously as she licked her lips. But then she faced him again and her face softened. After making sure Harry and Hermione weren't seeing them, she got dangerously close to Draco, placing one hand on his arm and the other on the back of his neck. As she was tall their faces were quite close. "I miss you Draco," she said, her breath reaching the blonde's lips, "It's been so long since we've been together"
Ginny gently ran her fingers down the back of Draco's neck, knowing it was his weak point, and he winced at the contact. Ginny was going to continue but he resisted and took her gently but firmly by the wrists. "Don't do this Ginevra" he said without raising his voice, "Don't behave this way. You are much better than this and you know it," she let go of his grip and took a few steps back. "You are my friend, we have known each other practically forever and I know I have never told you... but I appreciate you. Believe it or not I care about you".
"Stop saying bullshit," Ginny cut him off, her eyes blurred with tears at Draco's rejection, something she had never experienced before.
"I know your feelings for Harry aren't just a whim or a game like you're trying to make me believe, because I know you," he continued. "And I also know Harry so I assure you that he must feel something strong for you or otherwise he wouldn't have broken all his rules and put aside his principles to be with you here tonight." Ginny looked away, biting her tongue so as not to shed any tears. "I saw you guys together a while ago. There's something special there, Ginny. Don't ruin it."
Draco watched her for a couple of minutes, but in the end he sighed and walked back to Hermione.
"So what you two were talking about?" Draco casually asked, feeling much better now that Hermione was once again in his arms.
"About us. And about them as well," she answered with a smile, remembering Harry's nervousness while talking about Ginny.
Draco caressed her face, "What's that smile for?"
"It's just that… Harry is having a hard time admitting that he has feelings for Ginny," she said.
"So they're serious about each other," he smiled like a little boy. "At least now I won't have to be concerned about him taking you away from me," He held her tightly against his body. Her apple scent making him feels content.
"I've already told you that Harry and I are just friends," she replied.
"I know but I still feel relieved," he pressed his lips with hers and after their kiss, he whispered near her mouth, "I missed you. Even though it was only a few minutes, I missed you."
Hermione didn't respond, but hugged herself tight against him and Draco hid his face in her curly hair, unable to help but think about the conversation he had just had with Ginny.
I've been a big fool, he thought as he remembered the things he said and thought about Hermione when he first approached her. "The things you had planned for her" Ginny would have told him. Draco furiously clenched his fists, internally berating himself. His body tensed and Hermione noticed. She broke away from his chest and questioned him with her chocolate gaze. He opened his mouth to say something and at that moment the music changed to a more popular and boisterous song.
"Do you want to keep dancing?" he asked her. She shook her head and said, "Let's sit for a bit, I'm a little tired". Draco held her hand and led her to one of the tables, where they sat together. "Can I get you something to drink?" Hermione nodded, fervently. "Yes please," she smiled.
He stood up and walked over to the snack table, poured punch for both of them, and returned to Hermione handing her the glass. She thanked him and quickly drank the content. "Feeling better?" he asked smiling.
"Much better," Hermione sighed. Draco took her hand between his and entwined their fingers.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" he said turning towards her to observe the well-known blush on her cheeks.
She replied with a soft voice, "Thanks," and added after biting her lip, "You look very handsome yourself".
He smiled. It was the first time Hermione had given him a direct compliment. "From now on I will do things right" he promised himself as he observed the sweet and confident smile of the girl.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked, for he was suddenly very quiet.
"You," he answered and she shuddered. "I like how the necklace looks on you Hermione. Thanks for accepting it"
Hermione came near him and kissed him. Draco smiled against her lips, delighted that she took the initiative because it made him feel so much more confident. When the kiss ended, Hermione stood up and taking his hand pulled him to do the same, "Come with me and let's dance."
They danced and laughed for a long time until Hermione's feet started to ache, so she asked Draco to leave. He went for their coats and Hermione took the opportunity to look for Ginny and Harry to say goodbye, but couldn't find them.
When Draco returned he helped her put on her coat and they left the place. They had barely got into the car when they saw Ginny and Harry walk out to the boy's car. Before getting in, they kissed passionately for a few seconds and then rushed into the car.
"Apparently they're having fun," Draco smirked and turned to Hermione, who was still staring their friends with her mouth slightly open. "It's looks to me like Harry has no problem in admitting his feelings for Ginny".
Hermione couldn't help but laugh and nod. "I guess you're right," she said, "but I actually said that because they didn't have the most conventional start".
Draco's heart clutched upon hearing what Hermione had just said. "What do you mean?" He asked hoarsely.
"Well," she shifted uncomfortably in the seat, "I'm talking about what happened between you three at the beginning of the semester," she said at the end.
"How do you know about that?" Draco's whole body tensed.
"Ginny told me about it," Hermione admitted and suddenly added, "Oh god I know that no one is supposed to know about that but she only told me because she knows she can trust me ok? Don't be mad at her"
"I don't care about that Hermione," he assured her, "Listen, Ginny and I, we're just friends all right? Just friends"
Unable to help it she replied with a hard voice, "Pretty close friends if you agreed to have sex with her".
"Well it wasn't exactly the…" Draco stopped talking of a sudden. A look at Hermione's face had served to realize that the brunette thought that was the first time Ginny and him had sleep together. "I'm sorry Hermione. I just wanted for Ginny and Harry to get to know each other. I didn't really give much thought. It wasn't one of my brightest moments"
"I'm the one who feels sorry Draco," she shook her, "It's not my place to recriminate you about that. It doesn't concern me"
"Of course it concerns you," he replied vehemently and took her face in his hands, desperate to make her understand, "Listen, I was a fool for participating in that but…"
"But back then you didn't even talk to me Draco," she placed her hand on his, who was still holding her face, "We weren't friends so you don't need to explain me anything"
Draco watched her for a moment as he internally doubted whether he should tell her about his relationship as Ginny's friend with benefits. He knew he had promised to be totally honest with Hermione, but telling her that he had slept with her best friend from time to time would definitely hurt her. Not to mention that Hermione would probably never wanted to hear from him again.
And he couldn't allow that.
Besides, his relationship with Ginny was over. They wouldn't be together like that again, so what was the point in telling Hermione now? It would only mindlessly bother her, "Still. I really sorry Hermione," he said.
"Don't be, Draco," she caressed his face with her thumb.
"Are you sure? Are we o?" he wanted to know. "Of course," she nodded.
Draco pulled her into his arms and held her for a long time while Hermione stroked his back.
Harry and Ginny stumbled into the hotel room and quickly removed their coats. Harry pulled her close again and tried to remove her dress, but it was somehow complicated, so Ginny helped him and an instant later she was half-naked in front of him, the silky blue dress piled up at her feet.
Desire was reflected in the boy's emerald green eyes. Ginny felt the familiar warmth of arousal begin to build in her core, so she moved closer to Harry and wrapped her hands around his neck as she kissed him. Their tongues danced together until they fell out of breath.
Harry trailed his kisses down Ginny's neck as they moved back to the bed. The girl then pushed Harry against the mattress and straddled him, his dick brushing her center. Ginny began to move slowly and they both moaned from the friction generated by their bodies.
"Ginny," Harry said in a voice cracking with excitement. "Ginny! Stop. I need to be inside of you"
She flopped onto the bed and watched him as he quickly removed their last garments. Their eyes met for a few seconds before he settled over her.
Harry spread Ginny's legs and brushed her wet entrance with his long fingers. Ginny moaned under his delicate touch, feeling him thrust one finger inside her before taking his cock and thrusting himself inside her.
"You feel so good Harry" she said as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Harry put one of her breast in his mouth, nibbling her nipples. "But move faster". So he did. His thrusts became frantic for a few minutes until he slipped his hand and touched Ginny's clit. She cupped his face, moaning and kissing him until he whispered her to let go.
The orgasm invaded her body and she was still in a cloud of arousal when she felt the boy finished inside of her. She smiled and kissed him hard again. "Let's stay here tonight. Please," she asked with a pout.
"I wasn't going anywhere" he smiled at her, giving her another short kiss before coming out of her.
Harry covered their naked bodies with the sheet and hugged Ginny very tightly to his body. They both looked at each other for a few minutes until he finally fell asleep. Ginny on the other hand, couldn't get to sleep as she was mentally repeating her last conversation with Draco.
She felt so stupid.
She had blurted out all those things she didn't feel just because she couldn't be vulnerable in front of him, but the truth is that she had been very upset when he confessed that he was in a serious relationship with Hermione. And Draco had rejected her. Draco Malfoy, her special friend since the age of sixteen. The redhead sighed, caressing Harry's tangled hair. He was so handsome, and looked so peaceful in his sleep, so oblivious to Ginny's troubled mind.
Harry awakened in Ginny a feeling that she had not experienced with anyone else. A feeling that had started as a whim and that grew as the boy continued to push her away. Now however, this sensation had evolved into a very strong emotion. She wasn't going to admit that though. She preferred not to accept it or think about it because it was all so new to her. And it was scary.
Ginny was used to live in the moment, especially when it came to men. She had grown up in the middle of a completely broken family, with parents who never really paid her attention. Relationships, she thought, meant nothing but complications.
But with Harry was different. She wanted to be with him, to be important for the boy. He made her feel at peace, so Ginny wanted nothing but hold him tight and remain by his side. And so she did. She inhaled his sweat mixed with his cologne and smiled against his chest. "You're my shelter Harry" she thought before closing her eyes and falling asleep.
Ginny woke up several hours later due to the sunlight streaming through the window curtains. Harry was still hugged to her body and fast asleep. She smiled, pleased, and slowly stepped out of his embrace to stand and draw the curtains.
Harry's croakily voice sounded near her ear. She hadn't heard him approach her, "I hope you weren't thinking of leaving me here alone".
Ginny smiled and turn to face him, "I did considered it," she cupped his face with her hands, "Good morning Harry".
"Is not good enough yet" he answered placing his hands around Ginny's waist and kissing her passionately. "Now that's better," he said after they broke apart.
Hermione woke up the instant Ginny walked through the bedroom door.
"Ginny," she called in a sleepy voice, "What time is it? Are you just arriving?" she asked noticing her friend was still wearing the blue dress of the Ball.
Ginny laughed and sat in the bed beside her, "Hermione baby, it's near nine in the morning and yes, I spent the night out," her musical laugh invaded once more the room. "I had one of the best nights of my life"
Hermione blushed remembering the scene she had witnessed yesterday in the car. "I'm glad you had fun," she replied taking Ginny's hand.
"What about you? Did you and Draco also have fun last night?"
"Oh yeah, we had a great time at the Ball and then he brought me here," she answered.
Ginny looked at her raising one of her eyebrows, "And that's it?" she asked sounding bored, "I thought he's your boyfriend. At least that's what he told me last night"
Hermione nodded, "He is. But Draco only asked me to be his girlfriend two days ago".
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Oh come on Hermione!" the redhead sighed and grabbed the brunette's hand. "Time doesn't really matter for this kind of things. You're together and you supposed to be in every sense of the word", Hermione understood her words but before she could say something, Ginny added, "But don't worry baby. Draco probably found someone to distract with. He always does"
Hermione's face paled at the thought of Draco with another woman, for that was what Ginny was implying. "Why do you say that?" she managed to ask at the end.
Ginny smiled widely, "Relax! I'm just kidding. I'm sure Draco respects you and will wait till you're ready. After all that's how it should be, right?" Ginny didn't let her answer. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go to the kitchen for something to eat. I'm starving"
And after giving her a kiss on the corner of her lips, Ginevra got up from the bed and left the room.
A/N: Please leave a comment! I really like to read your thoughts :)