A/N: Hey all. Well left you all hanging as to what was seen. Thanks for the reviews!
DISCLAIMER: Refer to the previous chapter.
Chapter Eighteen: Graduation Ball
"Dammit," cried Draco as him, Pansy, and Millicent came up the dungeon stairs.
"Where'd it go?" asked Pansy looking for the clasp to Draco's cloak that had fallen off.
"I'll find it. You two go ahead without me."
Pansy and Millicent left as Draco backtracked down the stairs holding his cloak in one arm. He'd brought it with him to wear for when he took Hermione out flying that night but the clasp had fallen off. After a few steps be found it. His stuck it in pocket to fix after dinner and headed back up walking across the Entrance Hall alone.
"Hello Draco," purred a voice to his left.
Draco glanced over and gave Romilda Vane a nod, "Vane."
"Why the last name-calling?" she said with mock puppy dog eyes grabbing his arm and trailing her hand up it.
Draco looked down at her hand and frowned, "Made it clear long ago that what happened between us was long over. So, let go."
Romilda gave a pout and Draco rolled his eyes trying to pull away, but she wouldn't let go. He wasn't about to use force on her either, that wasn't his nature.
"Vane, let go now."
"Not until I've done what I was paid for," she whispered before pulling him forward and crashing her lips upon his.
Draco backed away in shock, this time pushing her away. He took a deep breath and looked at her, seeing her smirking smile.
"See you later, lover," she said loud enough for people in the Great Hall to hear.
Draco looked up praying Hermione didn't see anything. But there she was looking at him with her mouth hanging open. He wanted to run to her, make her see that he didn't kiss Romilda but he was rooted to the spot, unable to move. But Hermione did. She stood up with all the dignity she had within her. She gave her friends a small smile and walked out of the hall as if no one was staring at her. She walked right past a smug smiling Romilda Vane. Finally she came to a stop in front of Draco and looked at him.
"Looks like you lost me again," said Hermione sliding the bracelet off and looking at it, "So much for me meaning so much to you."
Draco reached out to stop her, but Hermione dropped the bracelet into his hand. She turned and headed up the steps as Pansy and Millicent walked over to Draco confused.
"What happened?" asked Millicent, "Why did you kiss Vane?"
"I didn't… I swear she kissed me. She wouldn't let go," said Draco looking at the two with wide honest eyes, "I would never do that… not to Hermione."
"I believe you," said Pansy, "Come on. Lets go to the Common Room and work out what happened."
Draco nodded numbly and followed Pansy and Millicent to the Common Room.
HD
Hermione sat on her bed. No tears fell down her cheeks; no anger was flowing through her. She felt nothing. Maybe she was in shock or maybe she was just sick and tired of finally being happy and having it be crushed like a bug.
Footsteps in the Common Room alerted her of Harry's return. Standing Hermione walked to her door and shut it ignoring not only Harry's worried face but also Ginny and Ron's. She went and sat on her bed and looked at her clock. It was ten past seven. She stood and changed into her pyjamas and climbed into her bed, using her wand to turn off all the lights around the room.
Maybe tomorrow would be a better day.
HD
"So what happened?" asked Pansy as Draco paced in front of him and Millicent.
Draco told them everything that happened, Romilda not letting his arm go, the sucking up and then the kiss.
"Wait, what did you say she said?" frowned Pansy, "Just before she kissed you."
"She said 'Not until I've done what I was paid for'," said Draco with a frown, "Why?"
"How you became Headboy I'll never know. But think about it. She said 'Not until I've done what I was paid for.' Vane, the slut, was paid to snog you, Draco."
"That little whore," whispered Millicent with a growl.
Draco stopped pacing and looked at Pansy, "Someone set me up then."
"Obviously," said Pansy rolling her eyes, "We need to speak to Vane and work out who would go to extreme lengths to sabotage your relationship with Hermione."
"I know who," snarled Draco clenching his fists, "Weasley."
HD
Hermione woke the next morning finally feeling miserable. Thankfully it was a Sunday. She could easily avoid most people, except her friends. Then again, if she went to the kitchens to get food she most likely would avoid them. Deciding to do just that she dressed in three-quarter black jeans and a plain white fitted polo top. She slipped on her flip-flop shoes and quickly did her hair into a ponytail. Pocketing her wand she left her room, glad to find Harry still in bed, only Ron and Ginny were sound asleep on the lounges. Hermione crept past them and down the steps before slipping out the door. With a sigh she walked through the still rather deserted castle. Sunday was generally a slow day at Hogwarts with breakfast running till mid-morning.
Hermione ran down the steps to the kitchen and tickled the pear before opening the door and entering.
"Harry Potter's friend!" cried Dobby his tower of hat tilting to the side along with his feet looking rather large with the numerous socks, "What can Dobby get you?"
"A poppy seed muffin and an apple thanks, Dobby," smiled Hermione though she felt guilty for telling the poor house elf what to do.
Dobby scurried away and returned a few moments later with a muffin and red apple. Hermione thanked him and left. She slowly walked up the steps eating her muffin. As she was about to enter the corridor she jumped back as Ginny, Ron, and Harry walked past.
"… either the library or Great Hall," said Ron, "She must be really upset."
"Malfoy that prat better stay away from her," replied Harry angrily, "What a jerk."
Hermione listened to their voices die away. With a deep breath she walked into the corridor but quickly turned away as Draco, Pansy, and Millicent came walking in her direction.
"Hermione-" said Draco desperately.
Hermione ignored him and hurried past him towards the Entrance Hall to escape outside. When would people realise that Hermione would rather deal with her emotions alone?
HD
"Give her some time," said Pansy as Draco watched Hermione runaway from him, "She is probably still reeling form what she saw last night. Us three might know what happened but not Hermione or her friends."
"Oh no," said Draco, "That bloody Ron Weasley knew what happened. I know it… when I get my hands around his throat…"
"Threatening him really isn't helping us achieve anything, Draco," sighed Millicent, "I've tried but it doesn't work and what do you know, there is Miss Whore right now. Let Pansy and I do this."
Draco hid behind a nearby suit of armour as Pansy and Millicent pretended to be talking about something random. As Romilda passed them however they walked swiftly towards her and grabbed one arm each and dragged her down the staircase towards the kitchen ignoring her protests.
Millicent slammed her against a wall as Pansy stood in front of her with a glare.
"Who paid you?" demanded Pansy angrily.
"What?" cried Romilda.
"Oh do not do the innocent shit with us," cried Millicent stepping forward causing Romilda to shrink back with fear, "Who paid you to ruin Hermione and Draco's relationship?"
"What is going on here?" came Professor Sprout's voice.
Millicent and Pansy took a step back and looked innocent.
"Professor we caught Vane here trying to break into the kitchen," said Pansy shooting Romilda a warning look.
"Is that so? Miss Vane?"
Romilda nodded too scared to speak.
"Right. Twenty points to Slytherin, ten points from Gryffindor. Off you go please."
The three left with Romilda leaving at a quick run. Draco stepped out from behind the statue watching Romilda disappear down the steps as Pansy and Millicent appeared.
"Well?" he asked.
"Sprout interrupted us before we really got anything," sighed Pansy, "On a bright note she nearly pissed her self with fear. Some Gryffindor she is."
Draco gave a grin at the comment before sighing, "None of this is proving anything. Hermione needs to know I would never cheat on her."
"I know," said Millicent, "Pans, maybe you and I should go speak to her?"
"No. What Hermione wants is to be alone more then anything. I know the way her mind works. Come on. Lets go eat."
The three headed to the Great Hall but at the sight of Ron sitting at the Gryffindor table, Draco stormed over, yanking the red haired Gryffindor from his seat and throwing him to the ground. Scraping of teachers chairs sounded but Draco didn't care.
"You jealous bastard! Why did you do that? Don't you care for anyone's feelings but your own?" yelled Draco angrily, "I know you did it!"
"What in the name of Merlin is going on here?" cried McGonagall stepping in between Ron and Draco.
Ron stood up and dusted his clothes off, "I don't know Professor. I think Malfoy has cracked after breaking Hermione's heart."
Draco stepped forward his fist raised but two Professors quickly grabbed him and pulled him back.
"You'll pay Weasley," he growled struggling against the people restraining him from tearing Ron apart, limb-by-limb, "I swear on my parents grave you will PAY!"
Draco finally shoved the Professor's holding him off and stormed out of the Great Hall. Pansy and Millicent raced out after him as Ron shrugged his robe back into place and sat down beside his sister.
"What was Malfoy screaming about?" asked Harry with a frown.
"Don't know," lied Ron, though his ear tips went a shade of pink, "Probably lost his mind."
Ginny and Harry just nodded though they casted Ron a frown of curiosity when he wasn't looking.
HD
"I can't find him anywhere," said Pansy walking over to Millicent outside the castle an hour later, "I'm really worried about him."
"… stay away from me! I don't want to hear any pathetic excuses!" came a shrill scream.
Millicent and Pansy turned around and watched Hermione run into Hagrid's Hut, with Draco standing still looking at the closing door hopelessly.
"Oh Draco," whispered Millicent shaking her head as they jogged over to him.
He looked at them, shook his head, and ran off towards the Quidditch pitch to be alone.
"Maybe we should talk to her?" suggested Pansy looking at the hut, "We have to do something."
Millicent nodded and they headed up the hut steps with Pansy knocking on the door. Hagrid opened it a few moments later and frowned at the pair.
"Hi… we want to talk with Hermione… if that is okay," explained Pansy.
"I'll… err… jus' be outside in the garden then," said Hagrid as Pansy and Millicent walked in, with him leaving.
Hermione looked up at them from the large chair she was in wiping tears away.
"Come to defend him?" mumbled Hermione with a sniff.
"We have come to explain something," replied Pansy pulling a floral handkerchief from her pocket and handing it to Hermione, "Keep it."
Hermione blew her nose and looked at the two, "Well?"
"Romilda Vane was paid to kiss Draco. We know it because she said to Draco she was paid to do it. Draco swears it was Ron Weasley's doing out of jealousy."
"Ron wouldn't do that. He is better then that."
"When it comes to love men will go to the extreme," said Pansy with a knowing look in her eye.
"How do you know?"
"Because the man I loved died protecting me."
Hermione just nodded and looked away guiltily, "My life is a roller coaster ride of happiness and misery, I swear."
"Hear Draco out then."
"No… because Ron just wouldn't do that. He would want me to be happy."
"Then speak to Vane," pleaded Millicent, "For your sake and Draco's."
"I'll think about it."
Pansy and Millicent left shortly after and headed back to the castle in silence.
"Do you think she will?" asked Millicent breaking the silence.
"Speak to Vane?" replied Pansy.
Millicent nodded but Pansy shook her head no.
"She wants to believe one of her best friend's wouldn't do something so cruel to ruin her own happiness."
HD
The weeks passed with Hermione avoiding Draco. She would look at Romilda curiously when ever they passed each other in the hall but she just couldn't bring herself to question her. Whenever Ron was around Hermione acted normally but Pansy's claim would ring in her ears over and over until she left quickly too avoid blurting out the accusation.
Why was it bothering her? She had known Ron for years and was sure he wouldn't do something like that to her. He acted normally and was back to flirting with Parvati as if nothing had happened.
"My dress is here!" cried Hermione at one breakfast as an owl swooped down with the white package.
Hermione held onto the box grinning to Ginny.
"Brilliant. So, we will have the slumber party tonight then? The ball is tomorrow and we can spend the day getting ready together," said Ginny excitedly.
"That is a great idea. Harry you will have to disappear for the night," said Hermione looking at Harry with a smile.
"Suits me fine. Ron and I are planning to play a best of three game of Wizard Chess anyway," replied Harry.
That night Pansy, Millicent, and Ginny all arrived with their dresses covered along with shoes, jewellery, and makeup. They set the beds up on the floor of Hermione's room before sitting around and eating junk food and chatting.
"I can't believe tomorrow night is the last time here," groaned Hermione with a look of sadness in her eyes, "Next comes University."
"I'm going to France," said Pansy, "To study more into Potions."
"I'm going to America," said Millicent, "I'm doing a degree in teaching History."
"Overseas?" cried Hermione, "I'll be at London."
"You'll have Harry there," pointed out Pansy, "And Ginny's brother."
Ginny nodded, "Dad helped organise a scholarship through the Ministry for him."
"Oh great… but I won't see either of you two," said Hermione looking at Pansy and Millicent sadly.
"We have the whole Summer to see each other. And I will be back for Christmas break," said Pansy.
"Same," agreed Millicent, "Now, enough depressing talk. I want to see dresses!"
The four sprung up from the lounges and ran into Hermione's room. Millicent revealed hers first. It was sky blue in colour with a boned buster, strapless top half. The zipper was as the back with the full skirt draping along the ground. Hermione, Pansy, and Ginny exclaimed at the beauty of the dress though Millicent claimed she would look horrible.
"You will not," said Pansy firmly, "You are a beautiful person Millicent."
"Show us yours Pansy," said Ginny, watching Pansy uncover her gown.
It had a pleated neckline with rhinestone straps. The zipper was hidden at the back of the floor length dress, which was a deep red colour that managed to bring out Pansy's eye colour.
"Gorgeous," smiled Hermione, "Completely gorgeous."
Ginny pulled hers out from its covering and held it up. Like Millicent's it had a boned buster with a lace up back. It was a two-piece set with the full skirt and strapless top in a teal colour.
"Mum and I saved for this for two years," explained Ginny, "Fred and George are going to buy me a new one for next year."
Hermione opened her package and moved back the paper covering before pulling out a turquoise gown. It had an open back with silver sequins along the edges, with silver beaded criss cross straps. The front showed a fitted bust with the floor length gown flowing out from beneath the bust area.
"Mum and I loved this one," said Hermione, "It was the first one we saw."
"It's beautiful," said Pansy.
After that they spent the night talking before falling asleep at two in the morning.
HD
"Ten minutes!" cried Hermione putting her silver drop earrings on as Pansy hopped around slipping one of her black-heeled shoes on.
"Coming!" cried Ginny glancing at her curled hair in the mirror before exiting Hermione's room.
Millicent exited the bathroom looking uncertain. But she did indeed look beautiful in her gown with her hair up into a sweeping bun.
Pansy hugged her and checked her hair was still up in its curled ponytail. Hermione's hair had been straightened with half pulled up and clipped in place before being curled loosely.
"Hello?" came Harry's voice.
Hermione grinned at Ginny as Harry came up the steps dressed in a black robe set with a white silk tie.
"I believe we are going together," said Harry smiling at Ginny, "You look gorgeous tonight."
Ginny smiled and linked arms with Harry kissing him on the cheek. The pair left and Hermione left with Pansy and Millicent a few seconds later. They walked to the Great Hall passing other couples or younger students wanting to watch the seniors in their gowns or robe sets.
The Entrance Hall was milling with couples. McGonagall was standing at the steps giving directions.
"Ginny, you may head in to your seat. Potter, Granger, Parkinson and Bulstrode – line up in alphabetical order."
Hermione did so, passing Draco who was dressed in his black tux robe set with a silver tie. He gave Hermione a small smile, but Hermione merely glanced at him before looking away as she took her spot. Normally Gregory Goyle was in front of her but not anymore.
For ten minutes the students waited before the doors opened. The Hall had been transformed once more. Balloons in the houses colours decorated the walls with streamers. The long tables were gone with small ones around the room with names at seats. But not only had certain sixth years been invited, so had peoples parents. The seventh years walked in looking around in awe. Hermione spotted her parents and waved with a smile at them as they grinned at her happily.
The seniors lined up at the front of the hall, just like they had in their very first year.
"Seven years ago these young adults arrived as a group of nervous, excited and hopeful first years. Over the years I watched them transform into mature young adults. Some had their moments of mischief, most were dedicated students. But I am proud of each and every single one for making it this far. Now they are about to embark on another journey of their own all together. However, I do hope to see you all at the ten-year reunion. Now let us congratulate them by handing them their Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Graduation Certificates!"
McGonagall began calling them each by name and one by one they each walked up and collected their certificate.
"Finnigan, Seamus!"
Seamus stepped up and took his before joining the line on the other side of the hall beside the student who had been called before him.
"Granger, Hermione!"
Hermione stepped up with a cheer from the people behind her and around the hall. She smiled happily and shook hands with McGonagall before surprising the woman with a hug. She went over and joined Seamus unrolling the scroll to find her N.E.W.T marks.
"What did you get?" asked Millicent in front of her, "I got 89 percent."
Before Hermione could answer Draco's name was called out. She looked over at him and watched him walk on stage and shake hands with McGonagall. He walked over and stood in the line behind her looking out at the crowd of parents. Hermione's heart seriously went out to him that moment. Unlike her, he had no one come to watch him graduate. Harry was lucky in that aspect. He also had the Weasley's there to watch him even if his Aunt and Uncle didn't come.
"You came with Vane?" said Terry Boot whispering to Seamus, "What about…" Terry gestured to Lavender beside him.
"She came with that Fletchley fellow," replied Seamus.
Hermione peered through the audience as she clapped excitedly for Pansy then Harry. Sure enough Romilda was sitting at one of the back tables dressed in a low cut dark blue gown with a spilt up the side. Maybe she should confront her. Tonight would be her last night at seeing Draco with school ending officially the next day.
"Congratulations to all," said McGonagall after presenting Ron with his certificate, "However tonight we need to give out another award from the Ministry of Magic for Outstanding Academic Achievement. One of our most determined students has done extremely well on their NEWT exams. With a score of a complete one hundred percent, please congratulate Miss Hermione Granger, who is also our Headgirl!"
Hermione's mouth dropped open as her year broke out into a clap and cheer. She weaved her way through the crowd almost tripping up the step if Draco hadn't reached out quickly to steady her. She shot him a thankful smile and walked over to McGonagall thanking her again as she accepted the award.
"Now, let us enjoy this evening."
Music started playing and food appeared on the tables. Hermione headed down to her parents and hugged them excitedly.
"Oh darling we are so proud!" cried Mrs Granger beaming at her.
"Our smart angel," grinned Mr Granger, "Where is this Draco fellow?"
Hermione looked over her shoulder at Draco who had looked over at the sound of his name, "Ah… I need to work that out. Why don't you go join Mr and Mrs Weasley? I need to go see someone about something."
Her parents smiled and left for the parent's table holding Hermione's awards. She turned and headed directly for Romilda's table when a voice over stopped her.
"And this song goes out to the Headgirl from the former Headboy."
Please don't let this turn into something it's not,
I can only give you everything I've got,
I can't be as sorry as you think I should,
But I still love you more then anyone else could,
All that I keep thinking throughout this whole flight,
Is it could take my whole damn life to make this right,
The splintered mast I'm holding on won't save me long,
Because I know fine well that what I did was wrong,
Hermione stared up at the playing DJ as the lyrics sunk in. She looked over at Draco who was standing beside Pansy and Millicent, all three listening to the song.
The last girl and the last reason,
To make this last for as long as I could,
The first kiss and the first time,
That I felt connected to anything,
The weight of water the way you taught me,
To look past everything I have ever learned,
The final word in the final sentence,
You ever uttered to me was love,
Ginny walked over to Hermione to check she was okay. Hermione shook her head when Ginny opened her mouth to speak. She wanted to hear every single word that the song had to say.
We have got through so much worse then this before,
What's so different this time that you can't ignore?
You say it is much more than just my last mistake,
And we should spend some time apart for both our sakes,
The last girl and the last reason,
To make this last for as long as I could,
The first kiss and the first time,
That I felt connected to anything,
The weight of water the way you taught me,
To look past everything I have ever learned,
The final word in the final sentence,
You ever uttered to me was love,
Hermione took a deep breath and looked around for Romilda. She really needed to speak with her now. Ginny watched Hermione walk away heading for some place in the hall.
The last girl and the last reason,
To make this last for as long as I could,
The first kiss and the first time,
That I felt connected to anything,
The weight of water the way you taught me,
To look past everything I have ever learned,
The final word in the final sentence
You ever uttered to me was love,
Hermione tapped Romilda sharply on the shoulder startling the sixth year student. She spun around to face Hermione and quickly paled. Hermione looked behind her and saw Ron hurrying closer. Hermione ignored him and turned back to Romilda.
"Did Ron pay you to kiss Draco? I want the truth. Now," demanded Hermione as the end of the song played, stopping Romilda from answering for a few seconds.
And I don't know where to look,
My words just break and melt,
Please just save me from this darkness,
Please just save me from this darkness,
And I don't know where to look,
My words just break and melt,
Please just save me from this darkness,
Please just save me from this darkness…
Ron reached Hermione's side as Romilda gave her answer.
"Yes. He did."
A/N: The truth is out. How will Hermione react? Will she sort things out with Draco before school ends?
SONG: Make This Go On Forever by Snow Patrol from their album 'Eyes Open'.
Until next time…
Love yas!
Love Coz!