Disclaimer: Again, not mine.
A/N: Thank you to LadiePhoenix007, dutch potterfan, Grovek26, Boogalee99 and fantasia-40 for your reviews. They meant the world to me!
I'm sorry that it took me longer to update than I planned. Things were hectic with exams and then my mum wasn't too well. And then I got a bad cold. Winter is colder than usual for me here - which just makes me want to curl up in bed and snuggle, instead of writing haha. Forgive me please!
Chapter XII
Hogwarts' School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; September 1997
The Great Hall was in a buzz of excitement. A horde of school owls had descended upon the room, delivering a roll of gold parchment to each of the fifth, sixth and seventh year students, announcing the details of the much anticipated Commencement Ball.
You are cordially invited to the very first Hogwarts' Commencement Ball.
We hope you will join us on Saturday 4th October at 7pm for a night of festivity.
Professor Dumbledore has graciously allowed the attending couples to spend the afternoon at a location of their choice. This Saturday, 27th September, will be a Hogsmeade Day to allow for couples to prepare for the day.
Please RVSP before then so that seating arrangements may be made.
Your Deputy Head Prefects,
Anthony Goldstein and Sabrina Fawcett
Ginny was babbling excitedly to Hermione, who had long tuned out. Her gaze fell upon the redheaded boy who was seated a few seats away from them. He met her eyes with a scowl before turning to the girl beside him. He whispered something to her, eliciting a squeal from the girl.
"Oh YES Ron! I'd love to go with you!" Lavender responded, throwing her arms around him. He grinned at her before throwing Hermione a malicious glare.
Hermione's gut sunk with guilt – the last thing she wanted was for the poor girl to get hurt.
"Ugh – he can be such a pig sometimes." Ginny muttered, returning her brother's scathing stare. "Just ignore him, Mione. So I was thinking -" She continued, as Hermione tuned out again.
Glancing over to the Slytherin table, she caught Draco's eye and received a rather lascivious wink in return. A deep blush rose to her cheeks as her mind wandered to their activities last night. "How does that sound?"
Hermione turned and stared blankly at the young Weasley girl. "How does what sound?"
Ginny raised an eyebrow at her. "Distracted by Malfoy's wink, eh? Don't think I didn't notice that! I was saying that we should meet around 5:30 before the ball so we can get ready together. It'd be fun!"
"Of course, Gin." She smiled at her friend before returning to her meal.
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"Can I walk you back to your common room?"
Hermione smiled at her dark-haired friend. "That'd be lovely, Harry."
Though she didn't want to admit it, she had been feeling rather put out lately. She had been spending less time with her Gryffindor friends in attempt to avoid Ron's anger. She had so far been successful at avoiding him but as a result, she sorely missed her old friends.
"So how is being the mighty Head Girl treating you? Everything you've ever wanted?"
Hermione laughed, the wonderful sense of familiarity washing over her. "It's wonderful but tiring. There's just so much to do."
"I heard. Seamus said Malfoy and you had a late meeting with Snape the other week. He saw the two of you walking back form the dungeons around 11 at night!"
Her heart leapt at the possibility that their secret lessons may have been discovered. "What I'd like to know is why he was wondering around at that time of night. Curfew is at 10."
Harry chuckled as he slung his arm around her. "Ah there's the Hermione we all know and love." He commented dryly as they approached the portrait that guarded the Heads commons. "Uh…Mione?"
Hermione struggled to suppress the blush that was threatening to adorn her cheeks as her eyes fell upon the portrait. The knight was seated under a large willow tree, leaning against the trunk. The peasant girl was lying with her head in his lap as he gently played with her hair.
She coughed awkwardly before whispering the password so that Harry couldn't overhear her. The portrait swung open, revealing the well-built Head Boy. "Hey b-Hermione, Potter." He greeted, nodding in Harry's direction. "I've been waiting for you. We have certain matters to discuss."
"Oh, sorry. I'll see you later Harry." Draco ignored the pang of jealousy that rose inside of him as she gave the-boy-who-lived a quick hug.
Almost as soon as the portrait closed behind her, Draco leapt forwards and captured her lips in a fiery kiss. She moaned as her back slammed against the portrait with a soft thud. Draco smirked at the sound, taking the opportunity to nibble on her lower lip. Another moan began to escape her lips, cut short by a knock at the door.
Draco quickly pulled away as the pair patted down their clothes. Hermione opened the portrait, surprised to see Harry standing there with a concerned expression on his face.
He raised an eyebrow at the sight of the slightly disheveled girl, her lips slightly swollen. "Everything okay? I heard some sort of noise as I was walking away."
"Oh! No need to worry! You know me, just a tad clumsy." She blurted quickly, a blush rising to her cheeks. "I just tripped over my own two feet. I'd better go. Thanks for the concern!"
Harry stared with confusion as the portrait shut in front of him. Hermione had never been a clumsy person; well at least, she was usually quite composed unless the situation involved a broom.
Draco smirked boyishly as the horrified girl turned back to him, her hands covering her open mouth. "Oh Merlin!" She exclaimed, throwing herself onto the couch. He sauntered over to her, his breathe hitching as he watched her nervously nibble on her lower lip.
Letting out a guttural groan, he captured her lips in one swift motion as he pushed her against the cushions. He carefully lay his body on top of hers, carrying his weight on one arm. He was rewarded with yet another soft moan. He took advantage of the moment, exploring her mouth with his tongue.
Hermione arched her back, pushing her body against his. His lips left hers, caressing her neck with playful nips and kisses. He could have sworn that every sane thought fled his mind as she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling their bodies even closer together.
In one movement he stood up, lifting her in his arms. Continuing his ministrations against her neck, he made his way over to their bedroom and slammed the door behind them.
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The rest of the week seemed to fly past in a flurry. Between their usual schoolwork and extra lessons with Snape and McGonagall, Hermione and Draco had been inundated in mounds of works. While Draco had welcomed the weekend by sleeping in before wandering down to the Slytherin common room, Hermione had woken up early as usual to stay on top of their work. The last thing she needed was for her grades to slip. After all, her reputation as the top of their grade was the one thing she had control over.
She kneaded at her shoulders with her hands, willing the dull ache away. Their lessons had become increasingly physical as they worked on their combat skills. Letting out a prolonged sigh, she glanced at the antique clock that sat about the fireplace. Cursing under her breath, she grabbed her stuff and raced to the Gryffindor common room.
"Mione! Where have you been?" Ginny jumped up from the couch, pulling her small bag onto her shoulder. "You said you'd be here twenty minutes ago!"
"Sorry Gin! I lost track of the time." She apologised as she linked arms with the girl.
"Distracted by a particular something…or someone?" Ginny wiggled her eyebrows at her suggestively, earning an amused giggle in response.
"Sometimes I wonder if you really do know me. I was doing my Arithmancy homework."
Ginny groaned as they approached the carriages that were to take them to Hogsmeade. "Of course you were."
Her eyes fell upon Draco who was leaning against the ancient walls waiting for them. 'Oh wow he looks delectable.' She flushed as the thoughts ran through her head. As if he could read her thoughts, he caught her eye and smirked.
"About bloody time!" Harry exclaimed, earning two glares from the girls. "Don't look at me like that – nearly all the carriages have left!"
Grasping Ginny's hand, he dragged the girls towards the final carriage. "I told you to get her away from her books before coming down." Ginny retorted, giving her boyfriend a look that clearly said I told you so.
Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes. The couple often bickered like an old married couple, which drove everyone around them insane. And yet they were perhaps the most perfect couple most had ever known. Even as they were bickering, they seemed to gravitate towards each other as they seated themselves together across from Hermione.
"Well if you were so sure, then maybe you should ha- Malfoy?"
Hermione fought to keep her face straight as her husband climbed into the carriage, his muscles tensing under his shirt as he lifted his body inside. "I hope you don't mind if I join you. After all, we have a fair few things to organize for next weekend."
She blushed as his leg brushed against hers. She couldn't be sure why she was acting like such an idiot. They had been much more intimate than this so why was she reacting so heavily to such a simple touch? She supposed it was because she had never been this close to him in front of them.
Harry cleared his throat, giving the blonde boy an awkward smile. "No, o-of course."
"So what are your plans for today, Ginevra?" Draco asked as he slumped into his seat and uncharacteristically smiled at her.
Her eyes widened, unsure of how to react to this side of him. "Um…shopping…and lunch." She answered, her eyes showing her confusion as they flicked from Harry to Hermione to Draco and back again.
Hermione let her hand drop to her side so that it gently sat against his firm thigh. "Would you like to join us?" Her voice was so quiet, so much so that Draco wasn't quite sure if he had actually heard her.
"Wh-Are you sure?" He was looking between her and the golden Gryffindor couple.
"You're more than welcome to, Malfoy." Ginny answered for her, a smile playing on her features. After all, this was the man who had saved her best friend from an incomprehensible hell – the only reason that she was even alive.
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The Three Broomsticks was relatively quiet, considering the hordes of Hogwarts students that had flooded the small town. The four students were seated at the corner booth of the room, chatting lightly as they sipped at the mugs in front of them.
Hermione felt her heart flutter as Draco grasped her hand under the table. She couldn't help the overwhelming joy she felt at that moment, enjoying a charming afternoon with her husband and two of her closest friends.
Harry cleared his throat awkwardly, as he leaned forward. "Malfoy, I hope you don't mind my asking. And you certainly don't need to answer if you don't want to. But what happened that night when you…you know?"
Draco glanced awkwardly at Hermione who gave him an encouraging nod. "To be honest, I've never believed in any of Voldemort's crap. The way I acted and how I treated people – I was doing what I had been taught to do. And if I hadn't, then Lucius would have made sure I had hell to pay. But when I saw Hermione there…and heard…" He paused for a moment and swallowed heavily. "I just…I couldn't let it go on."
A brief silence fell over the group as he took a long slow sip of his Butterbeer. "Weren't you worried about the repercussions?"
He smiled as Hermione stared at Ginny, as if silently yelling at her to be quiet. "Of course I was. But I am not Lucius and I never wanted to be. I told my mother of my plans and she understood. I was able to say goodbye to her…and that's all I could ask for."
Ginny stared at the blonde boy, her eyes filling with tears as she whispered a soft 'wow'.
"I know this probably means nothing to you...but thank you." Harry said, reaching across the table to shake Draco's hand.
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They had separated from the Gryffindor couple nearly two hours ago. Hermione and Draco were strolling down a small lane off High Street, arms full of bags. They had offered to help Anthony and Sabrina gather some supplies for the upcoming ball to decorate the Great Hall with. Apparently they had underestimated just how much would be needed to properly adorn the expansive room.
"Ugh." Draco groaned, shifting a few bags in his hands. "My feet are aching."
Hermione snorted in a very unladylike manner. "Do you ever stop whining?"
Her husband shot her a withering glare before his façade cracked with a slight smile. "Mya, you know you love it. You loooove my whiny little voice." He teased, causing Hermione to erupt into giggles.
She suddenly stopped her tracks with a gasp, turning to Draco with a sheepish smile. "Merlin! How did I not think of this before?" He watched her with a confused expression, slowly understanding as she shrunk their numerous shopping bags and deposited them in her seemingly endless shoulder bag.
He stared at her incredulously, the corner of his lips twitching with amusement. "And you couldn't have done that before?!" He jokingly berated, taking a slow step towards her. "You'll get yours for that." His hands descended on her, feverishly tickling her abdomen.
She burst into a giggles, futilely trying to writhe away from his fingers. "Draco." She gasped through her laughter as he wrapped an arm around her and threw her over his shoulder. "Draco! Put me down! Draco Malfoy! I said put me down!"
They were drawing a lot of attention, though thankfully there weren't any other students in sight. A particularly snooty old woman was watching them with disgust, muttering under her breath something about 'misbehaving uncouth children these days'.
He came to a stop beside a small bench that overlooked a small park, placing her gently on her feet. She pulled a bottle of water from her bag, taking a sip before handing it to Draco. They fell into a light chatter as they comfortably gazed over the park, watching small children running around the playground and giggling excitedly.
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Ron was strolling through Hogsmeade, flanked by his twin brothers who were rambling on about something or rather to do with their store.
"It was fascinating, Ronnie-kins!"
"One second, the lady was there,"
"And then the next, there's a massive boom."
"She had tried our Exploding Gumballs!"
"So she was covered in purple goo."
He chuckled at their recount as they made their way to the Leaky Cauldron. He shuffled slowly as the twins continued, letting his eyes glance around him. He froze as his eyes fell upon a couple on the park bench. There was no mistaking who the two people were – and they looked too friendly for his liking. Draco's arm was casually slung on the back of the bench and they were just sitting too close in his opinion.
"And then she's yelling at us."
"As if it were our fault!"
"I mean we always warn people."
"But it was – Ron?"
"Ronnie-kins! Are you even listening?"
They followed his gaze, their eyes widening as they saw what had caught his attention – Hermione Granger sitting on a park with the Prince of Slytherin, Draco Malfoy. The youngest Weasley boy was spluttering ungracefully, his face becoming a deep shade of red.
"Well this is certainly an interesting development."
"They are a rather fetching couple though, don't you think?"
"Most definitely – the sweet, innocent Gryffindor and the bad boy of Slytherin."
George let out a slow whistle. "It's like one of Mum's stupid romance books!"
Fred snorted. "I think we both know that they've got more of an adult theme than romance!"
And with that, Ron Weasley snapped. His face contorted with anger, he stormed up to the couple. If you listened to Fred and George's recount of the story, steam had most definitely been billowing out of his ears.
"What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?"
Hermione and Draco jumped apart, turning to see the enraged redhead thundering towards them. "Ron!" Hermione exclaimed, standing up from the bench to face him.
"Well? Are you going to answer my question or what? What the bloody hell are you doing with him?" He hissed, eyes flashing with rage.
Hermione's eyes narrowed at him, irately placing her hands on her hips. "Excuse me?"
He took a menacing step towards her, spitting out his words. "I want to know why you're flouncing around with Malfoy like one of his pathetic trollops!"
Her eyes widened with surprise, quickly filling up with tears. Fred and George appeared behind him, pulling him away from her. "What the hell is wrong with you, Ron?!" They gasped in unison. "How could you say that?"
Ron pulled out of their grasps, scoffing at their words. "I'm just saying things as I see them." He seethed. "And what I see is a lying, pathetic and stupid girl who is letting this prick use her like some floozy."
Draco jumped up, his grey eyes almost blackened with fury as tears escaped from Hermione's eyes. "I don't know who you think you are but you have no right to speak to her like that. I suggest you get out of my sight before you get what you deserve." He sneered, eyes sparking with the pure anger burning inside him.
Ron let out a sarcastic bark of laughter as the group started attracting nosy onlookers. "I don't have to listen to you. Hermione is my friend, not yours. What are you going to do – run to Daddy for help? Just sod off, Death-Eater."
Before anyone could even comprehend what was happening, Ron fell to the ground as Draco's fist connected with his jaw. He heard Hermione gasp his name behind him but he was deafened by the unadulterated rage that he felt. He bent down to the redhead boy who was wiping a small trickle of blood from his lip.
"You have no idea what you are talking about. If you haven't forgotten, I saved Hermione from my Father, from the Death Eaters and from You-Know-Who." He straightened up, turning towards the brunette girl. "Come on, Hermione."
Hermione nodded, tears still running down her cheeks as she lifted her bag to her shoulder.
"So you're just going to follow him like that? Huh, Hermione?" Ron jeered from his place on the floor.
Hermione spun back to face him, her damp eyes flaring with resentment. "You know what, Weasley?" She said, spitting out his name like it were a disease. "I'd much rather follow Draco than stay here with you. The only pathetic thing I see right now is you – so stop running around and acting like you know everything when you clearly don't." And with that, she grabbed Draco's hand and led him down the street.
Fred and George turned to their brother, looking down on him with disappointment.
"Good one, idiot."
A/N: So clearly I'm not Ron's biggest fan. As you can tell, he's not like that in the present-time chapters so he obviously does mature at some point. But I think I'd like to keep him as a source of trouble for a little while. What do you think?
Please read and review! It makes me happy!