As always, immensely grateful for Magzillasaurus help.
Chapter Twenty-Two
A small break was scheduled to empty the room. The witches waited in the Atrium, until the return of their wizards coming from backstage, with their bags in hand. Hermione stretched out her neck anxiously. Many were the heads she recognised, but no trace of the one she sought.
Until far in the back, a flash of pale hair. A smiling face talking to his best friends, reviewing their experience. It was all she needed.
Seeking a way between laughing people, she ran. The few who were unfortunate to cross her path, received a rough shove. He saw her coming, dumped his cargo on the floor and opened his arms.
Draco chuckled huskily. Hermione jumped into him, legs snaking around his hips, her face hiding in the crease of his neck.
"Hey, love." A quick glance told him his company vacated the room, probably in search of their own counterparts. He found a secluded corner and carried her until both were out of sight. "Are you crying?"
"It was so beautiful." Hermione hung to him, the emotions closing up her throat. Stroking his hair, she faced him, eyes red-rimmed, "You played so beautifully, it pierced right through my heart. Romeo and Juliet. Are we them?"
"No." He pushed her into a wall for better leverage. His hands were itching to touch her face, "We're not doomed, we are getting our happy ending. Unless you fell for Blaise's charms."
"Oh yes, all those pecs and abs… you're a moron sometimes." She laughed between her tears, swatting his shoulder.
Draco covered her mouth with his, kissing her intensely. Releasing her bottom lip with a plop, he spoke into her ear, "What am I going to see, love? Will you sing?"
"I'm not telling you." Hermione let her legs slid down, but he kept her sandwiched between his body and the wall, "You'll have to wait."
He looked down on her, gleefully, "If there's blood tonight…"
"Behave or else..."
"Or else what?"
"I'll satisfy myself, and you're not allowed to touch," She tilted her head with pouty lips.
Grunting, he grabbed her neck and devoured her mouth, "Woman!" He let her go with a smack, grasped her hand and pulled her behind him, picking up halfway the discarded bag.
They met with the gang, who eyed them curiously but refrained from comment.
"Blaise Zabini, where did you find that song?"
"It's your fault." He gave her a once-over full of arrogance.
"That's nice coming from you. I didn't play that hit."
"Your Potter showed us your MTV channel, and one of the clips was from those three blokes. A little digging and voila! I made all the knickers go wet…"
"Merlin, hear hear!" Several witches gave him the look, "See the peacock puff!" Ginny huffed, rolling her eyes.
"My knickers are dry as the Savannah," Pansy added her two knuts. "Though I'm lying. I might have had an accident with one of my Ron's jokes…"
"Who didn't? Ginny, your brother can be funny…" Just like that, Blaise was out of the spotlight, and all the eulogies went to the ginger who blushed once more. Daphne was planning on having a chat with her wizard. This rooster behaviour riled her up to no end...
The bell in the background warned the witches it was time. A kiss was shared except for Daphne, leaving Blaise shrunk back.
Draco swatted him in the shoulder, "Come on, mate. Let's find a good place to watch."
Blaise rose an arm and whimpered.
"Ah, they are just messing with you. You can't help yourself, can you?" Draco pushed the man forward who kept pointing and whining like a toddler. "If you taunt them, you gotta accept a blow in return. I'm glad that it's not me for once."
-oOo-
The menacing Malfoy glare made an appearance to shoo a few wizards away. They were seated at almost precisely in the same row as the girls previously.
"I need a beer." Harry made himself comfortable, stretching his arms.
"What does your girl have planned for her act?"
"Show off how well she can fly." The statement was proudly delivered, glowing for his girl. They had been playing with dates for their marriage, the new law forced them to speed up events. Not that Harry had any doubts about what he wanted.
"She's an amazing chaser."
It must be the first time that Draco complimented a Weasley, times were changing, thought Harry once again. "Thanks, Malfoy. That she is."
"I wonder what the women will do, apart from Ginny."
Theo spilt the beans, "Luna is singing."
"Hermione refused to tell."
Ron shook his head in warning, "That is never a good sign."
Harry agreed, chuckling, "What about Pansy?"
"Ha, she played with a few options and told me she was going to decide on the spot. Based on the mood of the day."
"Let us hope she doesn't sing."
Ron refrained from comment. Not that he disagreed.
Lights dimmed.
George made an appearance, "Gentlemen, I hope you are sitting comfortably because the temperature in this theatre is going to rise a few degrees. Raise your hands and give your witches the applause they deserve!"
A swing of his arm gave the start to a parade of women in lovely gowns.
Both Ginny and Daphne had chosen a mid-leg, bodycon dress, one as fiery red as her hair, uneasy on the high heels; the other in a nude colour that emphasised her natural beauty, walking on the stilettos as if they were slippers.
Luna went all bohemian style, forgoing shoes at all, the linen fabric flying as two added wings behind her, forcing Hermione to halt and allow more room between them.
The brunette dressed as Pansy in a full-length gown. Up to there the similarities.
Where the dark-haired witch wrapped her curves in a mermaid dress that let nothing to the imagination - bosom almost spilling through the decollete; the Gryffindor opted for an elegant illusion high neckline, dark navy sleeveless chiffon dress full of sparkling sequins.
The colour purposely was chosen to please the wizard, who gaped at her appearance.
An elegant bow followed, once all the women were lined up to receive the earned applause.
"Didn't I tell you, mates? The temperature is rising, and it's not yet done. They will all return in a few minutes…" George fumbled with his collar, "I need water!"
Two songs later from the previous band and the heart of every wizard was beating in their throats.
One by one, the women showed up, did a little turn at the middle and joined the row. Foremostly dressed in a bathing suit, a few even with a leg, like Daphne. She stood her ground, but when Ginny looked closer, the witch was trembling like a leaf.
"Daph, relax, it's almost over."
"I'm not used to this."
"None of us is, but try to ignore the strangers. Focus on your guy. Teach him a lesson also. He needs to be taken down a notch or two."
"I know…"
A general male gasp rose in the air. Pansy took the stage in a red vintage two-piece that fit her like a glove.
"I wish I had her confidence." It came out as a whimper.
"Daph, be yourself. We love you the way you are!"
Pansy glowed, "Wow, that feels nice."
"Hey, Pans. Not all of us owns the stage like you do…"
"Gin-girl, what the hell are you talking about?" The light jerk, "Hey, Daph, your wizard is drooling over you. Pay attention."
"He's probably has a boner from watching you, Pansy. Not me."
"Bullocks. Huge nonsense, girl."
Their attention was demanded by the raising howls and loud applause. All heads turned to the right and saw an ultimately confident witch appear. Black stilettos and a one-piece that almost looked like a bikini, the only connecting spot on the belly with a golden ring.
It revealed a narrow waist, perfect bosom and sensual hips. The back was bare except at chest height and the arse though the majority of the globes was uncovered, by the Brazilian fitting.
*Draco*
He cleared his throat. Multiple times. There was the secret bathing suit she bought a few weeks ago. He mended his thoughts, She chose, I bought. Was that even a swimsuit? Fuck…
"Yo, mate. Your witch…" Blaise voiced the overall opinion.
"Zip it, not a word."
Theo whispered, "Draco, she's… forgive me." He ran a hand over his face.
"Damn it… I know!" The blond was sweating, tempted to raise a glamour charm and hide the sexy sight from all other male eyes.
Harry chuckled, "You're the one who takes her home. Not these horny wolves…"
Draco looked horrified, "Is this supposed to relax me? Tell me who doesn't have a boner right now?"
"Me." Harry stretched once more, "She's my sister, Malfoy. I knew how she looked under those robes, you can't share a tent and not see a thing or two." He shrugged, "It doesn't affect me, but makes me proud you know?"
The blond whined. By then it was a few other witches turn, but he couldn't divert his gaze from the sexy vixen on the stage, "What are you saying?"
"This whole parading thing is outside her comfort zone. The woman I know never paraded her assets before. Look at her. She's as confident as your ex-girlfriend next to her. Beaming."
"Still don't get it."
"She's doing this for you." Harry swat him in the shoulder, probably harder than needed, "These acts are all for you."
"We'll have to have a chat then. I don't want her parading her assets before other men. She's mine."
"Put a ring on it."
"Potter, that's the plan!" He joined the public applause on automatic pilot, deep in thoughts. That little swim piece was affecting his system, and he imagined already a few occasions where he would do a thing or two. Probably not even wasting time on peeling it off her body. It barely covered skin anyway…
-oOo-
"Girl, how you gained your prude title is a mystery to me." Pansy shook her head. No matter how you looked at it, the male attention had been divided between the two.
Daphne agreed, "Between the two of you, I think only the eunuchs were safe." She ran to her dressing corner, to change into something less revealing. Merlin, did she hate this pageant.
Hermione smirked, thinking about how Draco flushed. His grey gaze almost burned into her skin. Her upcoming act was surely putting him on fire, as it was her intention from the start. Tease the passionate lover he was, the generous man. Though, after her little gig, the generous might have to make room for intense. Suits me just fine…
-oOo-
Luna gave the kickstart of the acting part.
Back in her bohemian dress, her Celtic lyrics gave her something of angelic air. Fragile but irresistibly beautiful. Pure.
Accompanied by gentle dance moves, Luna entranced Theo and also charmed Harry who appreciated the oddity she often exuded.
Blaise waved a hand before the wizard's face but chuckled when the offending gesture was shoved rudely away. He had to give it to the witch. Willing or not, Luna had the talent to melt your heart and to increase the urge for protection. She might act strange, but hell if someone would hurt her.
They had to sit out a few more acts, some hurting the eardrums and begging for some more of Luna's voice instead before another of their gang appeared.
Literally appear, in the sky.
Doing audacious movements on her broom, proving to those who still doubted, that Ginny Weasley was a hell of a flyer. A few of those drills drew a gasp from the audience, but her wizard couldn't grin wider. Harry puff up with pride like a peacock. This was his girl, alright.
Ginny left the room after a quick peck on the lips, hanging upside down on her broom.
Pansy took the stage. Her mid-length dress with a full skirt didn't impede her ability to dance an excellent ballet choreography. But the witch wanted to make from her act a display of her multiple artistic talents, and she started to sing.
It should have been a musical piece, but if there was one thing Pansy didn't succeed in, it was singing on key. It hurt several ears to listen to the torture - now understanding why the baby doll was crying so loud in the end. Not that many had the guts to laugh the witch out, only the few who didn't know how merciless she could lash out.
The snakes, for instance, muted the sound for protection of their hearing. Giving the advice to Harry and Ron, the latter rejecting it on principle.
But their limits were tested when the witch mixed ballet with tap-dancing. Instead of elegance, it looked ridiculous, making Draco wonder, How in heaven's sake did she think it was the perfect act? He was only human, as his friends and after a new silly movement, he cracked, hiding his face behind a hand. As all the other wizards did, except for Ron who sought to keep his features up and show interest.
Pansy was under the impression the cheering was supportive. One could be oh so wrong for once… She left the stage, and the entire audience roared, free to release the upheld laughter.
When the quietness returned to the theatre, Daphne showed up. A large spotlight shone upon her, while she took the centre of the stage. She breathed in some courage before giving a sign to start the music.
Blowing everyone over with her powerful voice, a hidden talent. Handling high notes as if she was the muggle Celine Dion, she sang about wanting to be free. Free to chose her love, make her own decisions and not to be told how to behave or that something wasn't deemed of a lady. Freedom and love.
-oOo-
"Did you know she could sing like this, Pansy?"
"Hell, I heard her sometimes in the shower, but nothing like this… She has such a beautiful voice!" The Slytherin witch was heavily impressed. "I won't let her hide it anymore. If Blaise doesn't push her into a musical career, I'll hex his balls."
"We both will, Pansy." Hermione guessed, however, it wouldn't be the case. If she assumed it right, Blaise would be the first to give the blonde on the stage the support she needed. The man wasn't one for the traditional housewife type.
-oOo-
Every Slytherin in the audience graced their friend with a standing ovation. Theo and Draco whistled, Blaise clapped the loudest. Not that the cheering was limited to the snakes. The majority gave Daphne all the glory she deserved.
The blonde breathed quickly, flushing under the appreciation, and sank lightly to her knees in gratitude; following the decorum lessons. She returned to backstage, with a hand on her chest.
A blur of dark hair blinded her, "Daph, you were magnificent, woman! I want to hear you sing all the time. You must become the most famous singer of this generation!" Pansy held her at arm's length. "I'm so fucking proud of you!"
A choked 'okay' came from behind Pansy's hair.
While the gang talked more praise into Daphne, Hermione left them for her own act, after pecking the blonde on her cheek.
It was time to knock out a certain wizard.
-oOo-
The stage was again enveloped in darkness.
A chair found its place in the centre.
The music started.
A seductive tune, at a timed beat.
A black heel showed, and the light brightened till half shining on a black-clad witch.
Dancing with deliberate moves, stretching arms, or a leg.
Sitting on the chair, legs spread wide. Sliding the feet until the knees met each other. Gliding over the seat until her bum met the floor. Rising up, taking the chair and spinning it, to sit back on the bench, in reverse.
Switching between snaking up moves, or a roll of the hips.
Around the room, you could hear a pin drop. Only the intakes of breaths. Or clearing of throats.
The act ends with the scrapping of a chair, as Hermione drags it backstage. After a last look at a pair of grey eyes.