Hello! I promise I'm still trying to update as often as possible for the few of you that are still reading this and reviewing.
dutch potterfan – thank you for your ongoing support. As long as people like you keep reading and showing interest, I'll keep going.
fantasia-49 – I think you'll find a common thread in my writing is that Ron is always a jerk! I'm definitely not a fan of his! Isn't Draco such a knight in shining armour?
Grovek26 – thank you for reviewing!
somethingnew123 – the Weasley dinner would have been before they watched what Ron did. I'm writing everything in chronological order. So everything that happens, including what part from the past they are watching, is in order with what is happening in 'present time'.
JUST FYI, I imagine them dancing to 'Kiss from a Rose' by Seal. Please listen to it when reading the dancing scene.
Chapter XV
Present Day
Draco made his way into the kitchen, smiling at his wife's back at their kitchen counter. It had taken a fair amount of effort but he had finally gotten all of the children to bed.
He wrapped his arms around the swell of her pregnant belly, dropping his head to lightly kiss her exposed neck.
"Draco." She half-heartedly admonished. "The kids are home."
"They're all asleep." He murmured against her skin, pulling her back flush against his chest. He nibbled at the lobe of her ear and kissed the nape of her neck.
"You can't be serious." Hermione remarked, turning in his arms to face him. "I look like a pufferfish."
He refused to relent in his attentions, leaning forward to steal a kiss from her lips. "Nonsense. You're even more beautiful than the day we got married." He pressed his lips against hers, almost instantly deepening their kiss.
Their tongues clashed for control as her hands clutched feverishly at his chest and shoulders. He pulled away for a moment, only to whisper to her. "Merlin I love you." He immediately recaptured her lips in a sweltering kiss, grasping her by the back of her thighs to lift her onto the kitchen counter. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist as his hands ducked underneath her shirt and began exploring the soft skin of her hips and back.
A loud pop resonated around the room, quickly followed by a startled yell. "Whoa!"
They jumped apart, Hermione scrambling to readjust her shirt over her swollen stomach. Ron was standing in the middle of their kitchen, hands clamped over his eyes. Draco murmured under his breath with frustration. Why, oh why, had they granted the Potters and him access through their wards?
"Ron!" Hermione squealed, a deep red rising to her cheeks as she struggled to get off the countertop.
The redhead peeked through his fingers, stifling a chuckle at Hermione's clearly futile attempts. A scowl rose to her face as Draco turned to help her off the counter. "Don't you dare laugh at me, Ronald." She warned light-heartedly, her scowl quirking into a slight smile.
"S'not my fault you two didn't go get a room." He joked through his snickers.
Draco raised an elegant eyebrow. "Last time I checked, we were standing in our house. What are you doing here anyway?"
That certainly sobered him up. Ron's face fell serious as he picked nervously at his sleeve. "Right…well…I, ugh, need to talk to Mione." His voice was barely audible.
Hermione's face instantly gave way to concern.
"Well? Spit it out." Draco said bluntly, eyes narrowing at the man.
"Draco, can you please give us a moment?" Hermione asked, placing a loving hand on her husband's arm. His eyes gave away his displeasure, but he moved to leave the room anyway.
"Actually…you should probably stay…I think you need to hear this too." It was clear to see that their interest was most definitely piqued. "Can we sit down somewhere?"
Hermione nodded wordlessly, leading them into the living room. Ron remained silent until they were all seated, his eyes firmly downcast.
"I know this is long overdue but I want to apologise for the way…for what I did before the Commencement Ball in our final year." Hermione almost instantly tensed as Draco tightened his grip on her hand.
"Go on." He murmured.
"I know that what I did was unacceptable, and I honestly cant and don't expect you to ever forgive me. But I want you to know that I am extremely sorry for my actions." Ron dared a glance at the rigid couple before quickly looking back down at his fidgeting hands.
"Ron, th-"
"Seriously, Hermione, I don't know what I was thinking – actually, I wasn't thinking. To be honest, I'm not even sure why you ever spoke to me again…why you ever looked at me again."
"Ron."
"And I would completely understand if you didn't want anything to do with me anymore. I probably wouldn't want anything to do with me – you know, if I were you." He was rambling.
"Ron…"
"I mean, I'm pretty sure that Ginny is ready to slaughter me – like seriously, have a good look at her if you never see me again. But then again you probably don't want to ever see me again so I g-"
"For Merlin's sake, Weasley! Zip it!"
Ron stared at Draco with surprise. Hermione smiled reassuringly at her husband who gave her a quick nod before leaving the room.
"Ronald, if you had let me speak without rabbiting on, you would know that I forgave you some time ago."
"Huh?" He asked, fairly ungracefully. But she hadn't expected much more from him.
"That happened 8 years ago. You were a child. We were all just kids, thrust into situations that were way beyond our comprehension or maturity. And honestly, compared to the war and everything we saw during it…what you did was nothing. If there is one thing that the war taught me, it is that life is unfairly short – too short to hold onto every person's transgressions."
"Hermione…I don't know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything. Despite everything, you were one of my closest friends and I'm not going to let one moment of idiocy come between that.
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October 1997; Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
There was nothing short of pure excitement floating in the halls of Hogwarts. Today was the day of the much anticipated Ball. It had been almost a week since the incident with Ron – and she was extremely grateful for the fact that he was still suspended. She could enjoy the night without having to worry herself with his foolishness.
"Woman! Open the bloody door!"
Draco blinked as he caught a flash of Hermione racing out of the bathroom and out of the bedroom. "Bye!" She called out before rushing to the portrait door and throwing it open.
"Mione! Where the hell have you been?! The others are already waiting in my room!" Ginny chided as they left the Heads commons and made their way to the Gryffindor tower.
"Sorry – I woke up late; I didn't get to sleep for a while."
Ginny faltered in her step, concern flashing on her face. "I-it wasn't because of…you know…" She trailed off. Both Harry and Ginny had been informed of the reason behind Ron's suspension, much to their horror.
"No, no."
"Hermione, I really am sorry for what my loser jerk of a brother did. If I cou-"
"Gin, it wasn't your fault. You can't control him."
"But still…"
"No, Ginny. If you apologise once more, I won't let you do my makeup."
That was enough to get the youngest Weasley's attention. "What?! But you promised!"
Hermione chuckled as they started walking again. "I was just kidding – my face is all yours."
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The four girls were waiting in anticipation for Hermione to come out of the bathroom. She had disappeared a couple of minutes ago to put her dress on, the dress she had downright refused to show anyone…well, anyone apart from Ginny, of course.
"Hermione! Hurry up! You're going to be late!"
They could hear shuffling from within the bathroom. "I don't know, guys..."
Ginny let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm sure you look absolutely stunning." She reassured as she opened the door herself.
Hermione was greeted by a chorus of gasps and compliments. "Holy crap, Mione!"
And she truly did look stunning.
Her hair had been messily pinned up into a low side bun, showing off her silver drop earrings. And much to Ginny's credit, her makeup was flawlessly understated. Her kohl-lined eyes had just a light hint of deep green underneath the rim, perfectly complimenting her dress.
And what a dress it was. The Grecian-style emerald green dress had a mildly plunging neckline, just enough to be undeniably alluring but still demure. The material gathered into a natural waistline that was highlighted by a thin satin band. The delicate chiffon material lightly flowed to the floor, where it gathered into a brush train. The entire dress had intricate emerald and silver detailing, concentrated around her waist and into the train.
Blushing at their words, Hermione nervously twiddling her fingers. "You really think so?"
Sabrina narrowed her eyes, playfully scowling at the Head Girl.
"Are you bloody kidding me? If I didn't love you so much, I think I'd kill you."
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"Slytherin students aren't welcome inside my tower, thank you very much."
Draco scowled at the infuriating portrait. Despite giving her the password for the Gryffindor tower – that knowledge was one privilege of being one of the Head students – she had downright refused him entry.
"I'm not going to cause any problems. I'm j-"
She had the nerve to scoff at him. "And I'm supposed to take your word for it? Doubtful. I know better than that."
What the hell was that supposed to mean? He glared at her with exasperation.
"If you had let me finish, you insufferable fool, you would know that I am here to collect Hermione Granger for the ball."
And then she laughed. The bloody Fat Lady laughed at him, Draco Malfoy! "You take me for a fool, boy! I know very well who you and I know that you never trust the word of a Malfoy."
He almost growled at her. He opened his mouth to retort when her mouth contorted with horror, the portrait swinging open to let someone out.
"Longbottom! Thank Merlin!"
The other boy jumped, nervously glancing around as if looking for a way to escape. "M-Malfoy."
"Can you please tell this idiot portrait that I am escorting Granger to the ball? She refuses to let me in to get her."
Neville glanced sheepishly at the portrait. "Ma'am, you really should let him in. He is the Head Boy and he is taking Hermione to the ball."
She spluttered unceremoniously before reluctantly swinging to let Draco in.
"Thanks, Longbottom."
Neville stared at Draco's retreating back in surprise before shaking his head and making his way to collect his date, Luna, from her commons.
Draco blanched at maroon and gold 'overload' that was the Gryffindor common room. He really wasn't a fan of the house's colours – but then again, perhaps he was biased. The room was almost empty; most of the older students were already on their way to the ball whilst the younger students had retreated to their rooms in jealousy.
He subconsciously stood taller as Lavender and Parvati entered the room, whispering to each other as their eyes fell on him. If they were ready, Hermione was surely not far behind. They were followed by Ginny, and then Sabrina.
"Just wait till you see her." She whispered, flashing him a wink as she moved behind him with the redheaded girl.
And then suddenly, Hermione was standing at the bottom of the staircase. He heard himself gasp as he saw her.
Sweet Merlin, his wife was breathtaking.
An endearing blush coloured her cheeks as his eyes roved over her, taking in the vision in front of him. "Wow…" He breathed, his palms steadily becoming clammy.
He vaguely heard Ginny giggling to Sabrina behind him before they slipped out of the portrait. They were alone.
"Mya…" He whispered, making his way to stand in front of her. "You are beautiful."
He cupped her face with his palm, his thumb caressing his cheek. He wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him as he leant down to place a loving chaste kiss on her lips.
She blushed again, fiddling with his tie. "You look pretty gorgeous yourself." She whispered, leaning up to kiss him again. "Come on – we should get going."
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The Great Hall looked magnificent, decked out in gold, silver, blue and black, a combination of the four House's colours. The magical ceiling looked as though silver, blue and gold fairy lights had been draped from the wooden beams. The long House tables had been replaced by smaller round tables with single chairs, adorned with simple black silk. Blue candles sat in glittery gold and silver jars of different heights in the middle of the tables.
"Woah." Harry murmured, gently interlacing his fingers with Ginny's. "It barely even looks like the same room."
The room was full of excited chatter as the students gushed over the hall's transformation. Anthony and Sabrina appeared mightily impressed with themselves from where they stood slightly behind the Headmaster and the four Heads of House.
A hush fell over the room as Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"Welcome, my dear boys and girls, to our premiere Commencement Ball! I must say, your Deputy Head Boy and Girl have done a fabulous job. Mr Goldstein, Miss Fawcett – you have both outdone yourselves. I believe you are both deserving of a mighty round of applause."
Cheers and applause rang out through the room.
"At the request of the wonderful organisers of this event, the ball will be opened with a dance from your Head Boy and Girl. So without further ado, I present your Head couple; Mr Draco Malfoy and Miss Hermione Granger!"
Another chorus of cheering erupted as the doors to the Great Hall swung open, revealing the two Head students. Whispers carried through the room as wolf-whistles and catcalls welcomed them, chiefly aimed at Hermione.
Together, they moved through the crowd to the clearing in the centre of the hall that heralded the makeshift dance floor, pausing across from each other as they waited for the music to start. The first few notes resonated through the room as Draco stepped closer to her, gently placing one hand on the back of her hip and delicately grasping her hand with his other.
Hermione heard whispers dancing within the crowd as the couple moved closer together but she paid them no attention as Draco started moving with her. They swayed gently in a waltzing pattern, their circles widening as the music swelled into the chorus.
The whispers grew as Draco spun her around the dance floor, subconsciously pulling her closer so that their bodies were flush. But they were both completely unaware of the crowd around them. A smatter of surprised gasps arose as a hint of a smile came to the blonde's face. To the majority of the school's students, it was a rarity to see such a pleasant expression on him.
Draco's attention never strayed from her face. Their eyes were locked into an intense battle. They were oblivious to the flabbergasted stares from their classmates, to the growing grins on the faces of Sabrina, Anthony, Ginny and surprisingly, Blaise.
"Holy crap." Harry muttered. The tension between the couple was palpable and he was mightily confused by it.
"I know!" Ginny was rather thrilled.
Releasing her hip, Draco twirled his partner as the music once again swelled. He pulled her in again, her body wonderfully flush against his. If only they weren't surrounded by throngs of their classmates. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to kiss the exquisite witch in his arms.
Their faces were mere inches away, eyes fixed in a fervid gaze.
"Hermione…" He whispered.
She merely hummed in response, unable to tear herself away from the moment.
"If only we were back in our Commons…"
His smile temporarily morphed into a smirk as she broke their gaze, a light rouge colouring her cheeks.
"Gosh, we're bloody brilliant." Anthony whispered, leaning over to his partner in crime.
She scoffed at him. "Well, duh."
Draco and Hermione were still weaving around the dance floor, their circles gently diminishing as the music slowed. His arm was now firmly snaked around her waist, pulling the lower half of their abdomens tightly together.
The music ebbed away, the couple's movements slowing to a standstill. But they hadn't yet pulled away from each other – most definitely, not in the disgust that would have previously been expected of them.
No. Instead they stood motionless, still locked in their fervent gaze. Their chests heaved as they tried to catch their breath, unwavering in their attention to each other. Not a single sound resonated from the swarm of students that surrounded them, their attention fixed on the Head couple.
Their faces slowly drew together, moving almost imperceptibly.
Harry's eyes widened with each minute movement as Ginny's smile grew. "Oh my god."
A/N: In case you were wondering, I drew inspiration for Hermione's dress from a gorgeous dress from the Elie Saab Fall 2013 Haute Couture Collection. Definitely Google it if you're interested in seeing it. I absolutely LOVE that dress.
And finally, please let me take the chance to pimp out my new Dramione one-shot. It is called 'Amnesia', based on the song by 5SOS. It would mean everything if you could read it and let me know what you think. It's my first attempt in writing in first person and I'd love some feedback.
Please review!