Chapter 11

Hermione locked the bathroom door on Draco's side before she stripped her clothes and slipped into the tub. She charmed the bubbles to stay and added a little lavender oil to help her relax. She washed up and laid back. Her mind drifted to what both Tonks and Neville had said to her. Could Draco really have feelings for her in some way? Before she could go further, there was a knock on her bedroom door.

"Hermione! It's me, Tonks. I came to help you dress for tonight."

Hermione smiled, used wandless magic to unlock her door and called out. "I'm just getting out of the bath. I'll be in there shortly."

Hermione dried off and wrapped her robe around her. She walked I to her room drying her hair when Tonks pushed her into a chair.

"Sit, dont look and relax. I'm here to do your hair and makeup and help you dress. It's all a surprise." Tonks winked.

Hermione rolled her eyes but let her older friend work her magic. "Thank you. I wasn't sure what I should do seeing as I don't know what my costume looks like."

"No worries. I know just what to do." The older witch began drying Hermione's hair with her wand. "Are you nervous?"

"About tonight? A little. Only because I'll be in view of everyone with Draco. Not that it's a bad thing, but old prejudice dies hard sometimes."

"Well, I don't think you should worry. I think it'll be a wonderful night for you." Tonks curled Hermione's hair and let it sit while she began on light makeup.

"Do you think he likes me?" Hermione asked.

"Draco? Of course. I mean, he had you a costume made out of surprise. He's changed completely towards you. He even has his friends to stop saying that word against you. I do believe he has some sort of feelings for you."

Hermione smiled. "Is it strange to say I feel something as well?"

Tonks looked at Hermione and smiled. "No, it isn't. It's perfectly normal. Now, while your hair sits, let's have some lunch. We can eat downstairs in the common area."

Hermione and Tonks went down and prepared lunch for them, Hermione making extra incase Draco hadn't eaten lunch yet. She hadn't seen him since leaving each other from decorating.

After an hour or so eating, the girls went back to Hermione's room. Hermione set a warming charm over the food for Draco.

"Draco?" Hermione said as she knocked. "I left you a plate of food for lunch on the counter in case you're hungry." She didn't hear anything on the other side so she went to her room.

"Well, let's finish doing your hair and makeup. Then we'll slip into your dress." Tonks smiled happily.

Hermione was forbidden to look during the process. She closed her eyes and relaxed as Tonks pulled her hair out of curlers and began to pin it up. Once that was done, Tonks began on makeup.

"Hmm. I think something simple yet elegant will do for this. A little powder, some light eye shadow and a little mascara will do the trick." The older witch said to herself as she went about. She took her time making Hermione look beautiful.

"And finally, a little lip gloss to finish."

"Can I see now?" Hermione asked impatiently.

"Nope. Not until everything is on and in place. Now, come to the wardrobe and slip into your undergarments."

Hermione went to her wardrobe and slipped into her panties and corset. She put on stockings and secured them with a simple charm to keep them up. She slipped back into her robe until time to get dressed.

"What are you going as tonight?" She asked Tonks.

"Well, I've chosen to be a Egyptian queen." She waved her wand and her costume appeared.

"Oh that's lovely. Would you like me to help you get ready?"

"I would. Do you know a charm to make my hair lay flat?"

Hermione smiled. "Of course. Been doing one for years. Plus the use of this hair cream works wonders."

As Hermione began on Tonks' hair, the other witch began on her dramatic makeup. After an hour and half, Tonks looked the part. She charmed her hair to be pitch black before turning to Hermione.

"Now, to slip into the dress. Would you mind?"

Hermione nodded. Together they got her into her dress, then Hermione fastened the necklace and belt. Tonks put the headdress on and smiled.

"Perfect. Alright you, time to get you dressed. I can't wait to see you dressed up."

Before Hermione could open the box, an owl come tapping on her window. She let the bird in, took the letter and have it a treat. She opened the letter and read.

Hermione,

Meet me at the bottom of the Grand staircase in an hour. I look forward to seeing you.

D.

She smiled and looked to Tonks.

"Well, we better finish getting you ready." Tonks said as she pulled the large box from Hermione's closet.

Hermione pulled off the brown paper and opened the top and a gasp escaped her lips. Inside was a Regency era style dress. She ran her fingers over it and felt it was pure silk. She gently held it up. It was a light lavender color overlay, with long silk sleeves with a slight puff of material at the shoulder. The neckline made a slight V and had a waistline directly under the bust. The purple material flared out from the waistline. The under of the dress was a cream color with lace over the silk. The waistline was complete with a darker shade of lavender silk ribbon that ties in the back. The back of the dress was a button up from the lower back and up.

"Let's get this on you. You're doing to look fabulous." Tonks squealed.

As Tonks held the dress, Hermione gently stepped into it. Tonks done the buttons and tied it. Hermione held onto her bed post to slip into matching shoes that had a slight heel. She ran her fingers over the dress, marveling at the feel.

"Okay, let me do a few touchups and you will be ready." Tonks waved her wand to do a sticking charm on Hermione's hair and makeup and added a few sparkling jewels to Hermione's hair. "Alright. All done. You may now look."

Hermione turned to look at herself in the full length mirror and gasped. Her hair was pinned up in curls, with a few wisps hanging down to frame her face. Her makeup looked stunning. She couldn't believe how beautiful she looked.

"Wow. I have a feeling who I am. I'll know for sure once I see Draco."

Tonks had tears in her eyes as she looked at her best friend, who was young enough to be like a daughter to her. "You look absolutely amazing." She dabbed at her eyes. "Now, let's get fown to the Great Hall." She handed Hermione a small bag that held her wand and a few pieces of makeup.

As the two walked down, students stopped and stared. Hermione could feel herself blushing. As she reached the Grand staircase, she took a calming breath. Tonks squeezed her hand and gave her a wink. She took off to find the other adults. Hermione held herself steady on the banister and walked slowly down.

At the bottom, she spotted Draco. She smiled as he turned around. She knew exactly who they were going as.

"Good evening, Mr. Darcy." She said as she reached him.

Draco was speechless. He finally found his voice and spoke. "Good evening, Miss Bennet. May I accompany you to this dance this evening?"

She smiled. "You may. You look dashing, by the way."

Draco gave her the most beautiful smile she's ever seen come from him. "You look absolutely gorgeous tonight." He said in a slight whisper to her.

Hermione felt herself blushing again. She hooked her hand through the crook of his arm and stood in front of the double doors, awaiting their signal to begin.

A/N: Here you go! I hope you enjoy. And I looked up dress styles from the Pride & Prejudice era and tried to describe it. Next chapter will be in Draco's POV as far as getting ready and whats goin thru his mind. Please let me know how I'm doing!