Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
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Chapter V: Eliminations
Fourteen handsome men stood in front of Hermione, Draco stood with his rose pinned proudly to his chest, and Hermione saw him look down as she looked at him. The rest of the men stood anxiously awaiting her words. Thirteen roses were on the small pedestal next to her, and on them all eyes soon rested.
Sir Nicholas came out and spoke in a somber tone. "Welcome, living suitors and fair Hermione. We have thirteen roses here, if you do not receive a rose, you must leave immediately. Whenever you are ready, Hermione."
Hermione picked up the first rose, and inhaled deeply. This will be over soon, just get on with it! She tried to calm herself.
"Neville, you look more nervous than I do, come up here please." Hermione beckoned and he approached, smiling happily.
"Well, that's a relief." He said, standing before her.
"Neville, will you accept this rose?" Hermione asked, holding it in front of him.
"I will." And Hermione pinned it to him.
Neville resumed his place amongst the gentlemen, a lot more at ease.
"Charlie. You next." Hermione called.
"Excuse me, little brother, I'm needed." Charlie said, smirking at George, who took out his wand and seemed to be restraining himself.
"Charles, accept my rose?"
"I accept it proudly." He let her put it on him.
As Charlie was returning to his spot, Hermione picked up the next rose.
"Dean?" Hermione asked, and Dean skipped to her.
"Hello Hermione, glad to be here." Dean stated, placing a kiss on her cheek.
"I suppose you still want this then? " Hermione smiled along with Dean.
Dean returned to his spot, and glanced at the men without roses.
"George." Hermione motioned for him.
George nodded and strutted up to Hermione. "I knew you were saving me til last."
"But, I've still got roses left over."
"Doesn't have to be that way you know, we could end it all right here."
"Just take the rose for now, and we'll see where we go."
"I can live with that." George said, returning to his place with a new rose.
"Stanley." Hermione motioned him forward, and the look of surprise on Stan's face was comical.
He walked up to Hermione and blushed. "Thank you, I still want to get to know you better, give me the chance soon?"
"I will." She said, pinning the rose to him.
"Lee." She called next, and he strode forward and accepted his rose joyfully, as did Michael Corner.
"Harry, come on over here."
Harry walked towards Hermione, and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Hi there."
"Will you accept this rose, Harry?"
"Gladly." He said, as he leaned into her.
Harry returned to his spot and looked at the dwindling pile of roses.
"Oliver, come on over here."
Oliver patted Seamus on the shoulder as he passed, and Seamus whispered scathingly.
"Oliver, accept this rose?"
"Nothing would make me happier. Thank you, Hermione."
"Thank you Oliver." She said, and kissed his cheek.
"Seamus."
Seamus exhaled dramatically. "Thought you'd never get to me."
"Seamus Finnigan, will you accept my rose?"
"I always will."
"I'll spend some time with you soon, thank you for being patient."
Seamus returned to his spot. There were three roses left.
"Terry. Come here please." Hermione asked.
"Time for a rose?" He asked as he came to her.
"If you'll accept it."
"You know I will. Thank you."
She pinned the rose to him, and Sir Nicholas came out.
"As you all know, there is but one rose left. Whoever doesn't receive it, must go home immediately.
Viktor looked at Anthony Goldstein, the finely tanned face in sharp contrast against the pale one.
"I want you both to know this is a difficult decision, and I'm sorry I have to make it. I wish the one I don't choose the best in their romantic affairs." Hermione picked up the last rose, and stared at the men. "Viktor. Come here please."
Viktor allowed himself an uncharacteristic smile and approached Hermione.
"I thought you would never get to me." Viktor caressed Hermione's cheek.
"Will you take this rose, Viktor?" Hermione asked.
"Happily."
As Viktor was returning to the crowd, Anthony Goldstein looked saddened. Sir Nicholas came out with his hands clasped.
"Anthony, I'm sorry. You were not chosen, you have to leave the house at once."
Anthony walked up to Hermione and gave her a quick hug. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you were looking for, but I hope it's easy to find the one meant to be yours."
"Thank you Anthony." Hermione said, and then she walked over to her fourteen men.
"Tomorrow is another day, and I hope you're all excited for it, I have something exciting planned. But for now, champagne!" Hermione said, and she toasted to her fourteen men.
AN: This was a teaser chapter, the rest will be up in 24 hours.
Love,
TowerMage