I'm so sorry It's taken me almost two weeks to update! I couldn't get what I wanted to say out on the page right… I hope it came out good in the end? And since vacation ended (boo hoo!) I've been swamped with crazy homework!
So I was really torn while I was writing this chapter! Everyone who gave an opinion about changing to Draco's POV had really good points about why I should or shouldn't… But in the end I had 4 reviews for keeping in Hermione's POV and 3 against… So I'm staying in Hermione's. Everyone seemed to say that a chappie from Draco's POV would wreck the flow. Thank you, everyone, for your feedback! You all had REALLY good points:D I was so happy to have 9 new reviews!!
To My Reviewers(lots!):
cc: thanks for the feedback! I definitely want to get across what Draco thinks… but I guess I'll go with giving hints through what Hermione sees, cause more people said not to do Draco's POV.
amber1993: glad you liked the chapter! You were the first person to point out that switching POV's would wreck the flow… that's a really good point:D Thank you for reviewing!
Ajax. the. axe. murderess: sorry I spelled it wrong:) thank you your enthusiasm, and for reviewing and being psyched, and your feedback about the POV. And sure, you can call me tatty if you like lol can I call you jax?
HP. Lose. Freak: Thank you for your input… it makes a lot of sense and I totally agree, thinking about it! And I'm glad you like the Dramione banter… it's so fun to write, too! Thanks for finding it funny:)
hydriad: Thank you for your review, I definitely want to keep you all "on the edge of your seats" as you put it:) Enjoy the update!
MilkMustache: Yay! Thank you so much for saying my writing is getting better! That really means a lot, as I'm sure you know:) thanks for your what you had to say about the POV question, and you're definitely right that it would be interesting to do Draco's POV… here's the update!
xxorgangexxmonkeyxx: Well, I guess the YES! is about the POV question? Thank you very much for your short and sweet, enthusiastic review! Enjoy the update=)
vanquishluver: Yay! I try so hard to make it original, it's very gratifying to hear I succeeded so far! As for Mark… well, he won't end up 'with' Hermione, and you'll have to wait and see what's going on with him;) He's not evil, though, I'll tell you that, and you were right in saying it's none of the things you suggested! And soon Hermione will buy herself a better broom… Thank you so much for reviewing, hope you like the update:D
Wow, lots of thank you's this time! That's a good thing, but I may have to start making 'em smaller… Anyhoo, R&R!!! I love you all!!!
Disclaimer: Draco *sob* isn't *sob* mine!!!!!!!!! (neither is anything else).
…
"Talking"
Thinking (or a letter or a dream)
…
Mark yawned in the midday sunlight, and stretched. He stood slowly, and gave Hermione a gentle hug.
"So I'll pick you up at quarter of 6 tomorrow for the Gala?" He asked as he paid for their lunch.
"Sounds good," Hermione grinned. "I've got to go meet up with Ginny now. I promised to catch up with her for a few minutes."
With a parting smile, Hermione walked away, lost in contemplation.
Since Mark asked Hermione to the Ministry's Annual Autumn Gala, and they'd casually 'dated'. Hermione assumed Mark was trying not to be pushy, because their relationship had remained strictly friendly and unromantic, which was fine with Hermione.
Almost every day, Hermione and Mark found time in their busy schedules to spend a few minutes together for coffee or a quick sandwich. They'd talk and laugh, just appreciating each other's company and getting to know one another better. In truth, Hermione felt almost as at home with Mark as with Harry and Ron.
Well, I've certainly been spending more time with Mark than either Harry or Ron since Ron got mad at me! He still hasn't apologized, the stubborn oaf! Hermione fumed to herself as she strolled to the corner where she and Ginny usually met.
Hermione spotted a red head bobbing through the crowds towards her. She jumped and waved, beckoning Ginny over.
As the person approached, she realized it wasn't Ginny: it was Ron. Oh, Crap! Merlin help me! she cursed to herself.
Ron made his way towards her. His face was a bit stony, but surprisingly he didn't look angry. It had been more than two weeks since their late-night quarrel, but Ron usually took a long time to cool down so Hermione expected him still to be furious.
There was an awkward pause as Ron stood next to Hermione. Hermione waited for the nervous flutter, the plummeting feeling in her stomach, the warm buzz in her head which she used to get around Ron, back in the Hogwarts days. But she felt nothing. It'd been awhile since Ron had made her feel giddy and in love. Too bad Ron doesn't appear to have gotten over me...
"Ginny sent me to tell you she couldn't come," Ron mumbled.
"Oh, that's too bad. Well thanks for telling me Ron," Hermione replied, her voice unusually high.
There was an awkward silence.
"So you wanna grab a sandwich or something?" Ron asked.
"Um… I don't know, I should really head back to work," Hermione lied. I still have 20 minutes. "Besides, I already ate. Don't you have to get to Quidditch practice, anyway?"
"Er… I guess."
But Ron didn't leave. He shifted nervously from foot to foot, glowering in obvious frustration. What's wrong with him? Hermione wondered. She didn't have to wait long to find out.
Ron took a step forward, closing the gap between them. His large, sweaty, warm hands closed around Hermione's waist, and he drew her to him. Move! Don't let him touch you! Hermione screamed to herself, but her body refused to follow her command. She was frozen in place.
Ron's face came closer and closer, Hermione saw his brilliant blue eyes staring hungrily in to her owns amber orbs. Crap! Why does he have to do this?
Just as Ron's lips brushed Hermione's, the witch snapped back to life. Hermione snapped her head away from him and to the side, evading his searching lips and receiving an extremely sloppy kiss on her cheek.
She purposefully removed Ron's hands from her waste, and wiped her wet cheek. Ew! I forgot what a bad kisser Ron was…
"Ron… you know we broke up."
Ron looked mutinous and embarrassed.
"What? Rather be with ferret?"
"Ron! Stop being so immature. You know there's nothing between Malfoy and I."
Ron snorted.
"Yeah, Yeah, Ginny told me the whole story… As much as she knew, being out cold the whole time. But I still don't trust that albino Slytherin toad."
There was another strained silence, as Hermione contemplated Ron's obviously protective behavior. This is so confusing. Why can't he just get over me? And why did he kiss me? I guess I have to be straightforward with him. Hermione decided.
"Ron, why did you try to kiss me?" Hermione sighed. Talking to Ron was so stressful, like talking to a four-year-old.
Ron took a deep breath, apparently girding his loins for something big.
"I've been thinking, Mione, we should give us a second shot-" Hermione opened her mouth, but Ron held up his hand to quiet her. "Hear me out, please, Mione. I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me to the Ministry of Magic Autumn Gala?"
Ron finished up with a bow, obviously rehearsed but surprisingly gentlemanly all the same.
Why does he have to make this so hard? He should know what my answer will be, after I refused to kiss him.
"Ron, the Ball is tomorrow! I have a date, and I'd prefer just to be friends with you, in any case! And you assume that no one will ask me, that I'll be waiting to help you out at the last minute! Seriously, Ron, think about someone other than yourself for once! I thought had learned your lesson after the Yule Ball in fourth year!" Hermione stormed indignantly.
Oops… so much for making up. He'll be mad at me again. I guess I was a little harsher than I meant to be, She realized as she looked at Ron's stunned countenance. His ears, and entire face, were slowly flushing red with anger.
"I figured you'd tell your us if you had a date! I guess not. Who is it? Someone you don't want to tell us about? Some big-shot arsehole Quidditch bloke again, like Krum? Or Malfoy? Really, you can hardly call me selfish when you're hiding so much from your friends."
Hermione sighed. He's right, I should've told them…
"I'm sorry, Ron, you're right. I've just been really busy lately, what with all my Auror classes and working at Flourish and Blotts." And my late-night flying practices…
"It's okay, Mione." Ron grumbled suspiciously. "Who is the bastard, anyway?"
"Just a local guy who works at my favorite Coffee Shop," Hermione answered breezily. She glanced at her watch, trying to hide her relief and sound sorry. "I really must get back to work. See you around, Ron."
…
The next afternoon, Hermione knocked on the door to Ginny's flat with some apprehension. You never know what Ginny has planned… Besides, the last time I was here Ginny was unconscious and Ron blew up at me! Hermione mused, thinking back to the disastrous clubbing night.
The door flew open, to reveal Ginny's ecstatic, grinning face.
"Mione! So glad you got here! Padma and Lav are here getting ready, too!
Wow… She didn't warn me Lavender would be here. Hermione cringed, imagining what the giggling girl would do.
"Well, that's just great Gin!" Hermione smiled, hoping Ginny missed the sarcasm.
"Yeah, it really is because Lavender just finished beauty school! did I mention that to you?" Ginny asked. Hermione shook her head. "Oh, well, she'll be doing all our hair and makeup for the Gala! It's bloody awesome!"
Oh, great, more poking and prodding and hours of sitting in front of a mirror! Hermione grumbled to herself. Sure, the bushy-haired witch liked to look nice, but the amount of time Lavender put into preening for parties was absolutely ridiculous, in Hermione's opinion.
"Don't look so glum! Did you bring your dress, Mione?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, I did…" Hermione replied, holding up a long black garment bag.
"You can go hang that in the closet for now!" Lavender giggled in an obnoxious, syrupy voice as she pranced up behind Ginny. She gave Hermione a condescending smile. "Let me guess… The dress is brown cotton with long sleeves and a high collar-neck?"
Hermione sighed. Lavender wasn't actually mean-spirited: she was just madly in love with the youngest Weasley son, and knew Ron still liked Hermione.
"Actually no, Lav," Hermione smirked. Crap! I'm acting like Malfoy! Stop it, Hermione! "You'll see it when we get dressed. Who's your date, then?"
"Ronniekins asked me to the ball this afternoon! I though he never would! I was so happy!" Lavender squealed. "But he said just as a friend." At this, Lavender pouted.
"Well, congratulations. I wish you the best of luck." Hermione intoned honestly, causing Lavender to eye the brunette suspiciously.
"Enough, you two," Ginny sung out, sweeping them along to the sitting room.
Hermione suppressed a groan as she entered the room. The formerly cozy lounge area had been transformed into a full-fledged salon.
Padma sat cross-legged on the floor, reading a book entitled Female Aurors Through Time. Hermione smiled approvingly at the hefty volume and the girl devouring it. Someone else in their right mind!
"Padma, that looks like a fascinating book! how is your training going, by the way?" Hermione asked.
"Oh! Hermione! Glad to see you. It is a wonderful book, you should read it! Training's been lovely, Neville and I are practicing our mhhmm--" Padma was cut off by Lavender plastering a manicured hand over her mouth.
"No stupidly serious, oh-so-official Auror talk today, ladies!" Lavender cried, "We're here to have fun and look pretty!"
Hermione and Padma both frowned. But neither felt like arguing with Lavender, so they stopped their brain-cell engaging conversation. After a pause, Hermione spoke up again.
"So who's your date, Ginny? Did Harry ask you?"
"Harry's going with Gabrielle De Le Coeur." Ginny glowered. Then a mischievous smile graced her pretty face. "I won't tell you who I'm going with! It's genius! a perfect plan! Harry will wish on Dumbledore's knickers he asked with me!" Then Ginny caught sight of Hermione's wary face. "Don't worry, Mione, I'll why explain later, once you've seen my date." She whispered to Hermione with another cheeky grin.
"Of course Harry will be jealous!" Lavender crowed, rudely interrupting. "I brought all my favorite makeups, so we're going to look spectacular! As soon as Pansy gets here, we can begin!"
"Pansy!?!" Hermione half-shrieked.
There was an awkward silence. Finally Ginny spoke.
"Look, Mione, I know you two have never gotten along spifflingly, I never liked her either. But Padma happened to overhear her telling Blaise that she was getting ready for the Gala alone, and so she invited her. I ran into her in Diagon Alley, and she was quite civil, really. Try and feel sorry for her…"
Ginny trailed off, as a timely rapping sounded at the door.
She helped us in the war. I should give her a chance, try to be nice to her, Hermione thought as all four girls stampeded towards the entryway. Obviously Pansy was the most anticipated guest.
"Stay back!" Hissed Hermione, surprising everyone. "How would you feel, a Slytherin coming into a house full of overexcited Gryffindors... and a Ravenclaw? We should overwhelm her."
Lavender and Ginny dropped back to the living room, as Hermione and Padma knew Pansy better from Auror training.
Padma opened the door. There stood pansy, wrapped in a brown crushed velvet cloak, clutching a garment bag and looking slightly nervous, even under her unemotional Slytherin front.
"Hi Pansy, it's great to see you," Padma greeted kindly. "Thanks for coming. Please stick your dress in the closet over there, and come on in."
The raven-haired Slytherin smiled slightly, and swept past the Gryffindors into Ginny's cozy flat.
I never thought I'd see the day a pureblooded Slytherin was happy to be welcomed in a Weasley's home... Hermione thought. Times have changed, indeed they have.
With that thought, Hermione continued into the living-room-turned-salon, resigned but ready to turn herself over to a very enthusiastic Lavender (armed with every beauty product imagineable).
…
The five girls stood assembled in Ginny's near-destroyed living room, admiring themselves and each other.
Lavender was decked out in a just-above-the-knee, lurid pink monstrosity. It actually wasn't so bad, Hermione figured, but it appeared hideous in the bookworm's unacustomed eyes. The plunging neckline revealed much more of Lavender's bosom than Hermione had thought humanly possible. Bright gold, silver, and pink bangles trailed up Lavender's arms, and she wore a gaudy gold locket around her neck. Her makeup on the heavy side, and her hair straight, silky and down. She wore tall gold pumps.
Padma wore a flowing, black, spaghetti-strap princess-waist gown which brushed the floor and was accented with purple silk tubing. Her hair partially swept into a bun, clasped with a purple butterfly barrette, while the rest of her smoky locks tumbled across her smooth brown shoulders. Her eyes were carefully accented with kohl, her lips lightly stained pink, and a single diamond sparkled in the middle of her forehead, a reminder of her Indian heritage. All in all, Padma's look was simple and sophisticated, accenting her natural beauty.
Ginny wore a rather daring off the shoulder gown, which was saved by the tastefully long (but fitted), floor-length skirt. The bodice and hems were trailed with sparkling gems, and she wore matching elbow-length gloves. The gown was Gryffindor red, but somehow the shade didn't clash with Ginny's hair, which was swept up in a French twist and dusted with sparkles. A simple gold lion pendant hung around the redhead's neck. Ginny wore deep maroon lipstick, matching her dress, and almost no eyeliner with a tasteful dusting of shimmering eye shadow setting off her flashing chocolate eyes.
Pansy wore a shimmering, one-shouldered silver dress, which hugged her curves and reached mid-calf. An expensive pearl necklace hung around her neck, pearl drops in her ears, and enchanted pearls lay like water droplets in her short hair curled around her pix y face. Her eyes were lightly lined, with very subtle forest green shadow. She wore exquisite heeled shoes, a family heirloom she said: they were extremely high green stilettos with enchanted silver metal snakes winding around her slim ankles, adding height to her usual 5'4".
Hermione had had much trouble finding a dress, as fancy clothing really wasn't her forte. In the end, she took Mark shoppin. Ever practical, Hermione really didn't see the issue with her date seeing her dressrobe before the Gala night. And Mark had proved very helpful: he was honest but gentlemanly, with impeccable taste.
In the end, they decided on a stunning teal floor-length gown, fitted but not too tight, with a modest scoop neck sweeping just low enough across Hermione's chest. Hermione was fine with the basic dress; she just wasn't sure about the details. On each side the dress' skirt was slit up to mid-thigh, exposing Hermione's long, lean legs. Even more terrifying to Hermione was the back of the dress… or lack there of. The dress was backless, the fabric ending at the base of Hermione's spine, just above her panties. Thinking about all the things that could go wrong in a dress like that gave Hermione nightmares.
Hermione's hair was elegantly tamed into curls and pulled off her neck in a regal bun with tendrils hanging on each side of her face. She wore a star shaped silver pendant and matching dangling earrings. Her skin was creamy and smooth, her cheeks lightly pink, her lips slightly shaded darker, her eyes lightly lined on the bottom but more heavily on the lids, and dusted with aqua to match her dress (also bringing out how gold her eyes truly were). She was stunning.
The girls stared at each other, before Lavender squealed.
"You all look gorgeous! Go me! I knew I'd do a good job!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and ignored Lavender. She turned to Pansy, who stood next to her. Over the course of the afternoon, Hermione had made friendly conversation with the Slytherin and discovered that although Pansy was actually kind, thoughtful and interesting to talk to (albeit sneaky and proud, a Slytherin through and through).
Pansy was attending the Gala with no other than Oliver Wood, a Gryffindor and their fellow Auror-in-training. Hermione had been surprised, but she knew that Hester, Oliver's Auror Partner, was attending with Seamus Finnegan, so Oliver obviously needed a date.
When Hermione asked politely why she didn't go with the Slytherin Aurors, Pansy said that Blaise and Draco were like brothers to her, so she couldn't go date them. Also, Blaise was attending with Luna, his Auror partner, supposed for convenience. but Pansy didn't mention who Malfoy was going with, and Hermione's pride prevented her from showing too much interest, although she was dreadfully curious and wanted desperately to show him up by having a better date.
"I hope to talk to you at the Gala, Pansy?" Hermione asked warmly as they put on their coats.
"I'd love to, Hermione," Pansy smiled.
I really misjudged Pansy… too bad there's no way Malfoy is secretly that nice. Hermione sighed to herself.
With that, the girls apparated to their separate flats to meet their dates.
…
Ten minutes after Hermione popped back to her basement flat, Mark was at her door. He looked incredibly hot in a black dragon hide dress robes with a teal collar and edging exactly the shade of Hermione's dress.
With a flourish, he expertly tucked a single charmed-silver rose into Hermione's hair, before planting a light kiss on her cheek.
"You look lovely," he murmured in her ear.
Hermione could smell his subtle, musky cologne, and feel his strong arm around her waist. Her stomach did a tiny flop. Maybe I could love him? She mused. Stop getting all sappy Hermione. That's a bit premature.
"You look dashing," She replied breathlessly.
"I brought you something," He told her, stepping back much to her relief.
He held out a black dragon hide clutch, exactly matching his robe.
"Now we really match," He winked. "I'm sure we'll make quite the impression."
They pulled on the identical black cloaks they'd purchased while dress shopping.
Hermione smiled up at her date as he spun her on the spot, holding her close as they apparated together to the Ministry.
…
Hermione and Mark arrived in the antechamber and removed their cloaks. Hermione shivered nervously. I probably look ridiculous… I never looked good in dress clothes…
"You are going to be the most beautiful witch here," Mark whispered to her. Hermione blushed.
"Prettiest witch, you say? There could be a prettier Vampire or Giant or Veela or Werewolf or Muggle?" She quipped cheekily, showing a confidence she didn't feel.
The moment was interrupted by the appearance of Ginny.
"Hey, Mione! And you must be Mark! Hermione's told me so much about you! All good, of course," Ginny winked. Hermione couldn't help but sigh. Ginny was such a natural beauty, and flirt.
As though sensing her insecurity, Mark caught Hermione's hand and held it gently.
"I've heard a lot about you, too, you must be Ginny Weasley."
"Where's your date, Gin?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Oh, I didn't want him to pick me up… you'll understand once I explain it all to you." Ginny shot Hermione a conspiratorial glance. "I should be going now! See you in there, Mione," Ginny called, walking briskly towards the door leading to the Atrium.
Mark shrugged at Hermione, and led her to the door.
As they entered the superbly decorated Atrium, flashbulbs went off like fireworks. As a member of the Golden Trio, not to mention the brightest student to grace Hogwart's halls since Albus Dumbledore himself, Hermione subjected to all sorts of celebrity gossip.
She sighed, and squeezed Mark's hand tighter.
"Sorry!" She mouthed. He probably doesn't appreciate all this press... I should've warned him. Mark shook his head understandingly, and smiled brightly for the cameras.
After they pushed their way through the sea of photographers, reporters bombarded them with questions. Most asked about Mark: how Hermione knew him, if they were very serious, if they were really dating or just attending as friends.
The two answered all the questions as politely but vaguely as possible. Hermione's lip curled in obvious disdain as Rita Skeeter approached the couple. That damned slinky beetle! She better keep to the real story.
"What do you think of your friend Ms. Ginny Weasley's date? Quite an interesting choice, don't you think?" Rita asked with a sharp but simpering smile as she tapped her long majenta nails on her clipboard.
Hermione gave the slanderous witch a noncommittal shrug, giving away nothing. The old hag can't find out I don't know who Ginny's date is, she decided.
Mark squeezed Hermione's hand a bit tighter. She glanced up at him. Mark looked slightly shocked as he jerked his head ever so slightly to the left. Hermione glanced confusedly in the direction he motioned. If Hermione were the fainting type she would've swooned on the spot.
There, surrounded by their own barrage of reporters, stood Ginny Weasley accompanied by Draco Malfoy.
…
Don't worry! Ginny and Draco aren't going to fall in love… it will all become clear in the next chapter…
If you were bored by this, because it's all talking and getting ready for the party, etc. I'll tell you there will be more exciting stuff and action in the next chappie! please give Feedback=review please please please!!
I hope the whole part with Rita Skeeter was clear? She wanted to get the scoop about Draco and Ginny going to the Gala together from Hermione... Hermione didn't know who Ginny was going with, but Hermione also didn't want to admit to Rita Skeeter Ginny wouldn't tell her about her date, so she pretended she knew. Then Mark pointed out who Ginny was with. Because EVERYONE knows Draco Malfoy, and Mark knows Hermione doesn't get along with him but has to work with him, so he is shocked, too!
I hope I didn't describe the five girls outfits too much? I had a really clear picture of what each of their dresses/hair/faces/jewelry would look like, and I wanted to put it in…
Anyway, please R&R and tell me what you think!
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Translation: "Please, I must have 35 reviews total or I won't update!"