Witches, Wizards, and Muggles alike,

I'm here! Updating a little late, but updating none the less. How did you all feel about the last chapter? I am a really big fan of Tantibus and Stellamordis… I'm excited to unveil more of their history! Also, I have been asked for more of Ronald. Which, I really enjoy so I will most definitely bring him into the story more. But, I've never been a fan of Ronald seeming evil or abusive – etc. Many Dramoine fics make him out to be a total arse. But I feel like if he really loved her, he would accept her decision. What do you guys think? Should he come back a wreak havoc?

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the next installment!

Locomotive

Chapter XXI

The Yule had finally snuck up on her. Through all the planning, schoolwork, distasteful classmates, and electrifying touches from a certain blonde – Hermione had barely had a hold on her sanity the weeks leading up to the ball. But it was here, and she wasn't going to let her last Hogwarts Yule Ball be unsatisfactory.

She sat at her vanity, staring at her face. A face she fancied to be rather plain – nothing too special. Running a hand through her hair, she sighed as her fingers met a curly mess of tangles that fizzed out as she brushed them. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. For the first time, she desperately wanted to impress a man. Not to spite anyone, or feel victorious. Simply to feel beautiful for someone she had feelings for. But Draco Malfoy seemed to be the biggest critic. She could see his smug face eying her over with a nonchalant smirk. That wasn't what she wanted… she wanted his face to light up – his heart to beat faster… But suddenly her confidence had drained.

She glanced at her watch. Ginny would be here soon. The red-head had insisted they get ready together – and Hermione was grateful. Not only because Ginny had much more knowledge on femininity than herself, but she also missed her friend.

As the clock ticked away, there was a rap on the door. Ginny was always punctual when it came to things like this. Hermione got up from her seat and cautiously opened the door for the excited Weasley.

"Are you ready?" Ginny's face was bright as she let herself into the room – waving her wand to add more light. "Do you have a dress? Let me see it? Oh, it looks beautiful. Great. Sit down."

For the next two hours, Hermione had her hair tugged, tucked and curled – pinned and pulled. Her hair was not easy to manage, but when it was all said and done she was amazed. Ginny had smoothed the frizz and pulled the top half up into an intricate bun, pinned with modest gems. A few strands loose to frame her face. Her hair had grown long, and the rest cascaded down in delicate smooth curls, some of which had been pulled forward around her shoulder.

"It's great Gin." Hermione breathed as she stared at herself in the mirror.

"Well, I'm glad." Ginny began, folding her arms. "But you're not finished. Hermione Granger is going to wear make-up." Hermione blinked and turned to stare at her.

"I wear make-up sometimes you know…." Hermione laughed hesitantly.

"I don't mean a bit of lip-balm and some mascara. You're going to grow up and look like a woman tonight."

Before Hermione could protest, Ginny was upon her, working masterfully – quickly.

"There…" Ginny breathed happily. "Now, let's get your dress on."

As Hermione walked to her wardrobe to retrieve the gown, Ginny touched up her own makeup, drew her hair up and pinned it elegantly before pulling her own bold red dress from her bag. After adjusting, zipping and tying – the two young women stared at each other with wide smiles.

"Ginny. You look so beautiful." Hermione said.

"And you look fit for a Malfoy." Ginny meant it – despite nearly choking out the last words.

"Well, shall we get going then?" Hermione suddenly felt nervous, and Ginny calmly grasped her hand and led her out on their way to the Ball.

It had already been underway, perhaps for half an hour. Most had already begun to dance, and everyone was hand in hand. Except for two. Draco Malfoy stood facing the entrance with and annoyed tick, his hands shoved in his pockets as he did his best not to make conversation with Harry Potter – who stood beside him. Though, Harry was much less peeved.

"Simmer down Malfoy, it's what girls do. It's not like she changed her mind." Harry grinned, wearing simple black dress robes that were accented with a deep red to match his partner. He looked handsome, but Malfoy had taken it to the next level. His clothes were perfectly fitted, nearly all black except for silver linings and a touch of deep green. His clothes were of high quality – as no Malfoy would be caught dead wearing secondhand robes on such an occasion. The two men stood there being eyed by all those who came without a date, hoping to be approached by the older, quite famous two.

"Are you nervous?" Harry inquired, doing his best to be casual with his former enemy. Trying hard to please Hermione by making friends. Malfoy scoffed.

"Why would I be nervous?" He spat.

"Well, your knee has been jumping the past five minutes…" Harry laughed. "And well, Hermione has always wowed the crowd at these… as I realize now – you probably noticed. How long have you wanted her, by the way?"

"Oh come off it Potter." Malfoy said angrily.

"Do you want to make her happy?" The dark haired boy shifted, to look at Malfoy' face.

"Of course…" Malfoy managed. It was hard enough to show this side of himself to Granger –but nearly impossible to show it to bloody Harry Potter.

"Look!" Harry elbowed Draco in the ribs – probably a bit too roughly as the two girls entered the ballroom and slowly made their way down the stairs.

Draco's vision blurred for a moment. His heart beat fast as he looked up at her. Her lips were painted the color of wine. Her face was even, lustrous. Her eyes lined – winged out. Her lashes were dark and her cheeks tinted as though she was blushing just slightly. She looked dark and mysterious - much like a vampire. Stunning. Beautiful. Sexy.

She wore a strapless black gown. It hugged her frame perfectly, her breasts round and lovely and covered enough not to seem too sexualized, but the dress had a sweetheart neckline that drew him in. The fabric wrapped around her middle, but flowed whimsically around her legs, the very bottom of the gown fading into a brilliant gradient of dazzling silver. Looking almost like stars in the night sky.

She stole the show. She was not some girl in a frilly pink dress anymore. She was a woman. A woman to be desired. Malfoy got ahold if his pulse as he neared her, his hand extending to take hers, the other folded behind his back.

"Milady." Draco said softly as her hand slipped into his. Their eyes were locked, and he wouldn't let them break as he gently pulled her to his side. His chest swelling with an emotion he couldn't name. But he was sure it had something to do with the fact that the most beautiful woman in the room was on his arm. And not on his arm just for the night, but for many more. But he dared not make eye contact with any of the slack-jawed onlookers, he simply made his way out to the middle of the dance floor.

"Dancing already? In the middle of everyone?" Hermione peeped. "Everyone is looking at us…"

"Shhhh. Everyone is looking at you, not us. And it is because you look absolutely irresistible." As they reached the middle of the floor, he wrapped his hand around her waist – surprised to find that the back of her dress dipped down low until the dark fabric crisscrossed at her lower back. His brows raised and he smirked as he expertly began to glide them both around the room in time with the music.

Hermione was overjoyed in that moment as she did her best to keep her gaze with his. His eyes were a warm swirling silver-blue and they seemed to understand the depths of her soul. Their bodies pressed close, and it made her warm. His body was like stone – yet it was welcoming. They danced like this for many songs, until she stopped resisting her desires and let her head rest against his chest. He smiled softly and let arms wrap around her and they swayed gently in place with the music.

"Harry is here. Did you know?" He whispered to her.

"Yes, he came for Ginny."

"I didn't know that was allowed."

"It just has to get approved." She hummed softly against his chest.

"It's been awhile since you've seen him…" He mused. She lifted her head.

"We write often." She studied his face. "I'm here for you, Draco." She smiled and lay her head once more. He squeezed her more tightly against his body and sighed.

"It's hard for me not to feel hatred for him, Hermione. Even after all this."

"I know…"

"But I am trying."

Music swirled in the air around them, their eyes met in a heated moment of understanding as they began to dance once more. Bewitched snow danced around them as they moved, nearly everyone's eyes fixed on the couple as they took control of the floor. And yet they noticed not – simply lost in each other.

As the night wore on Hermione had stolen a few dances with Harry and found herself giggling with her old friends from Gryffindor. The mousy book-worm became the life of the party – Malfoy did not mind, though he did not take any chances to dance with anyone else. He simply waited patiently for what he wanted.

"You dance so well, Mr. Malfoy." A cold voice spoke next to him, and he held his posture as he turned to look at who was addressing him. He raised his eyebrows. Before him was Professor Stellamordis. Clad in a lovely whimsical lavender dress and robes. Her hair was glittering with jewels – tied up in an intricate braid before the length fell forward in platinum waves.

"Thank you, Professor." Malfoy's speech was tight. He didn't quite like the devilish glint in the woman's eyes.

"May I have the honor?" She tilted her head with a smile. Malfoy broke eye contact and looked forward.

"I apologize, but I'm here with someone."

"Oh dearie, we all know. It's no secret that you've been fawning over the mudblood. And I don't blame you. She's quite delicious looking."

Malfoy's fists clenched, and suddenly all of his attention was on the petite professor. Had she really spoken those words? It was a slur he had used more times than he could count – but now it angered him to the core.

"Is there something I can help you with? Otherwise, I believe this conversation is over." Malfoy stepped to make his escape before he exploded with anger, but Leona took his arm in hers.

"I believe I have a few things to say that you would be quite interested in." He flashed a wicked grin as she pulled him out to dance. Only this time, Malfoy no longer moved with elegant fluidity, but was tight and awkward as he glared down at the scheming witch before him.

"Speak." He growled. She giggled softly.

"Oh Draco. It pains me that you treat me this way. I've known your family for quite a long time. Just, always behind closed doors – you know how that goes." She spoke quickly, each expression animated and annoying.

"Enough games…"

"Everyone always says that…" She made a pouty face before pressing her body close. Malfoy stiffened. "Listen to me. Whether or not I'm friend or foe is irrelevant. But I thought you might like to know that you're going to pay your dues soon enough."

"What do you mean?" Malfoys voice was deep and low, anger bubbling up.

"You think you can change sides so easily? You're going to pay for it now, Draco. And to be honest, I doubt you've really changed."

"You know nothing." He spat angrily.

"Oh I think I know more than you realize. I can see it clearly, whereas you're wearing fogged lenses. A temporary change of heart for some tart who spreads her legs for you is not a reflection of your soul."

Malfoy snapped, and stepped back from her instantly – his wand drawn against her. She simply stood there with a soft grin as people began to turn and stare. After a few moment the music lulled and Malfoy got ahold of his senses. He lowered his wand and turned away, pacing quickly over to his date before dragging her out along with him.

"Draco… Draco what's happening? Are you alright?" Hermione stammered in confusion as she was nearly dragged through the school towards the common room.

"No, Hermione. There is something wrong… I am not alright."