Chapter 11

Ginny and Hermione were getting ready for the Ministry's Ball.

"You and Draco have been spending an awful lot of time together lately!" said Ginny with a smirk on her face.

"Oh don't even go there. We're friends," said Hermione.

"Right," said Ginny sarcastically. She didn't believe a word out of her mouth, but maybe that was just it. Hermione believed it at the moment. She would realize sooner or later how perfect he was for her.

"What evidence do you have otherwise?" asked Hermione.

"Fine. You win this round but let's compromise. You're not just friends. You're a tiny bit more. You don't have to swing the opposite side and say you like each other but you're not just 'friends.' You're more than that," said Ginny.

Hermione thought about it for a second. Ginny was right. She hung out with Draco more than she did Harry and Ginny anymore. But they were definitely not romantically involved and weren't ever going to be.

"Well, maybe you're right. I guess I never thought about it like that before," said Hermione, "Maybe he's more of a best friend. Like Harry and you. And like Ron used to be."

"Hermione Jane Granger! Stop thinking of my prat brother!" said Ginny.

"I can't help it! He's all I've focused on for a long time," said Hermione.

"And out of curiosity how do you feel about him now?" asked Ginny.

"I don't really know. He hurt me a lot and it's not the first time either – with the same person for that matter! I want to hurt him and I don't at the same time. I guess I just really want to forget it ever happened," said Hermione.

"Well don't forget about it. Learn and grow from it. But seriously for tonight just focus on going on a date with Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin Sex God," said Ginny.

"Eww. I'm going to forget you ever reminded me of that," said Hermione.

"What? Can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me you've never thought of him that way at all? You don't think he's the sexiest wizard alive?" she asked.

Hermione burst out laughing.

"Sorry for laughing. It just reminded me of the time when we had the conversation that made this happen in the first place. He told me to find the sexiest wizard alive and then he said he was standing in front of me," said Hermione.

"And he has every right to claim that title," said Ginny with a dreamy look.

"Ginny! You're married!" said Hermione.

"Yeah! So? I love Harry ok, but there is nothing wrong with enjoying a little eye candy sometimes," said Ginny, "But stop avoiding the question! Do you think he's hot?"

Hermione's cheeks turned red. Ginny wasn't going to let this one go.

"A ha! Your cheeks don't lie," said Ginny with a smirk, "I'll stop bugging you about it if you promise me one thing."

"And that is?" asked Hermione.

"Have a good time tonight! Don't worry about Ron! He probably won't even be there. In fact I'm sure he won't so just look naturally happy instead of forced happy for the cameras. It's not necessarily about revenge or getting him back, but actually enjoying and living life. Don't let him ruin it," she said.

"Ok. I promise to do that," said Hermione.

"Good. And you're just about done and ready to knock any man dead who looks at you," said Ginny looking very proud of herself.

Hermione turned around and faced the mirror. She wanted to die when she was sitting there in the dress but as she turned around she changed her mind. It really did make her look pretty good. And so did her smoky dark eye make up and very tamed and soft curls. She didn't even hardly look like herself.

Harry stepped into the room and whistled.

"Ginny looks pretty good doesn't she," said Hermione.

"Actually that was for you. You look absolutely amazing, Hermione," said Harry.

Hermione turned red and said, "Thanks. Are you sure it's not too… much?"

"That depends on what your definition of too much is. If you're thinking is it too much and are you trying too hard? Absolutely not. But if you're saying is it too much for even Draco to handle? Yes. He may be your friend now but he won't after he sees you now," said Harry.

"Harry! Stop! He does NOT nor will he ever think of me like that!" said Hermione.

"Whatever you want to believe," said Harry.

Hermione just rolled her eyes.

"Is he even here?" she asked.

"Yeah. He got here just as I came up here to get you and my gorgeous wife," said Harry as he kissed Ginny's cheek.

"Ready?" they both asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be," said Hermione.

Draco was at the bottom of the stairs waiting for everyone to come down. He was pacing which was something very unusual for him. He didn't know what it was that was making him do that… well he did. It was Hermione and that dress but why was he nervous when he had never been nervous around women before?

His thoughts were interrupted by Ginny and Harry coming down the stairs.

"Just wait until you see her," said Ginny with a sly smile.

"You didn't…?"

"Do anything bad? Of course not! This is one of my best friends! I want Ron punished just as much as the rest of us. Trust me she looks amazing," said Ginny.

They heard the door open and Hermione walked downstairs. Draco's throat immediately went dry. Ginny wasn't kidding. And then he knew why he was really nervous. He liked her. Like really liked her. More than he had liked anyone else. He didn't know how that happened…

"So? How do I look?" asked Hermione taking a slow spin in front of him.

Draco cleared his throat before speaking.

"Like you're ready to break a few hearts. Hermione you are gorgeous," said Draco.

"Really? You're sure? You're not just saying that right?" she asked nervously.

"Of course not. We're friends. I call it like I see it. I don't have to be nice if I don't want to," said Draco.

"You do have a point," said Hermione, "Thanks though."

"You're welcome. Are you ready for this? You've never been to a public event with me before," said Draco.

"We go out in public all the time…" said Hermione confused.

"I didn't say general public I said public event. Big difference. You'll see. Just smile and remember that you're amazing. Ron didn't ever deserve you and the things he said about you were completely wrong," said Draco.

Harry and Ginny looked at each other. They were watching Draco carefully. He really did mean every word that he was saying. And Harry knew that what he had said to Hermione was completely true. There were no longer platonic feelings between those two.

"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" asked Harry.

"Yep," said Ginny, "They're so perfect for each other!

Anyone ready for Ron to come back? haha Be ready for the next chapter!