AN: Well...I see we are all mourning the loss of Marishka, but it was inevitable. Double whammie with the chapters, huh? I have to put them up fast because I have a Biology regents in 2 days...and my mom is being really cruel to me, so, yeah. It is separated in three parts. Check out The Value of Innocence while you're at it, my lovelies.

fanfiction(dot)net/s/3488308/1/

So...This chapter will be long, and loved by all, I just know it!

Chapter 33: Tonight Part One(This Dream)

Hermione was nervous. This was it. The Halloween Masquerade Ball. Tonight, she would waltz with the Count. She couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. Her presence caused the losses of all three of his brides. Hermione reflected on this as Teresa helped her get into her dress for the evening.

It was made of the finest velvet, and other luxury fabrics. The color was a deep maroon like color, and had an off white floral embroidery set on the corset. Fake flowers held a part of the dress together. Hermione slid on a black mask that covered a par of her nose, and was pure black, encrusted with tiny diamonds on it. Hermione's hands were in in long black gloves. She took a look at herself in the mirror. Something inside her told her that this would be one of the last times she would see her reflection.

Teresa tugged on one of the strings for the corset, causing Hermione to gasp for air.

"There!" she said softly, tying the strings tightly. Hermione managed to take another breath.

Hermione's hair was in neat delicate curls, cascading onto her right shoulder. Her lips were touched with a dark red lipstick. Hermione admired what she saw.

Teresa stared in awe. "You look gorgeous, Miss Dragomir."

"Thanks, but I wouldn't look halfway decent without your assistance." Hermione smiled.

"My pleasure." Teresa curtsied slightly. "I think its time. The count will be waiting for you just before the entrance..." she looked at the clock in the room,

"What?"

"Oh yes. I guess he failed to mention that you two will make a grand entrance that will start the ball."

"Oh..ok..." Hermione was hesitating.

"Don't worry! I'll lead you there, Miss." Teresa opened the door to the room.

Hermione inhaled, and then exhaled. "You can do this Hermione..." she whispered to herself. She gathered herself, and departed from the room. Hermione made her way to the ballroom, following Teresa.

She made sure not to trip in her heels. It had been so long since she was dolled up, but this was the fanciest dress she had ever worn in her lifetime. Hermione assured herself that this was going to overshadow the Yule Ball back in her fourth year.

Teresa halted at a corner. After that corner was a staircase that led down to where the Count was.

"I leave you here, Miss. Don't be nervous. Everything will go smoothly. " She gently gave Hermione a friendly pat on the shoulder, and left.

Hermione breathed once more. Hermione Jane Dragomir! You have faced great odds, and now, you're nervous over...a ball? Get yourself together, and get down there at once! Her mind ordered. She listened at once, and went down the staircase.

Dracula watched his mortal come down. it was almost if the world was moving in slow motion, like there was no sound, and all their was was him and her.

Hermione couldn't help but smile as she walked down the final steps. He was right there to greet her. He took her hand and kissed it. Hermione's cheeks turned a bright pink.

"Hermione, my darling, I always knew you were the essence of beauty, and still are." he purred.

"Thank you, Count." she smiled and blushed even more.

"Shall we?" he motioned for the door.

Hermione nodded twice. Still holding hands, they entered the ballroom side by side, as the servants opened the doors. The ballroom was huge and elegant. It was exactly like she pictured in the movie. All other commotion was stopped as they entered, and all the guests paid attention to them.

Dracula nodded once to the maestro, and the music commenced. The couples began to dance once Hermione and The Count entered the center of the ballroom,and started their waltz. Dracula lead of course. Hermione was able to keep up, which was a good sign. Her eyes gazed into his beautiful blue ones. They twirled around, and then, he suddenly stopped after the end of the first song.

He took off his mask, and slowly took off her's.

Oh jeez! Just like the movie! I swear, it's like Deja Vu all over again!

"There. Much better, don't you think?" he smirked.

God he has a tempting smirk!

Dracula leaned in for a kiss, which startled Hermione at first, and then the gave in. She let out a moan during the kiss. His kiss became harder and longer, and then, he let go, so he could lower her gracefully, and resume the waltz.

"You enjoyed that, didn't you?" he cooed.

Hermione didn't respond, knowing something would go awry.

"As you know, It is crucial that I find a bride, my love, and I intend on making you my bride." he spoke as he lead, and they twirled across the dance floor once again. "You're strong, intelligent, and beautiful. All are great to have in a bride.."

"But.." Hermione hesitated.

"Did you forget?" he stopped her, and kissed her neck from behind. They were in front of a mirror. His kisses brought chills through her body. He could hear her heart racing. "I have dreamed since you entered my life, that someday, both our reflections would not be visible. Just the two of us, my love..." she was so close to melting inside his embrace, wanting to be turned. "No one shall interfere with that, Hermione."

Hermione gasped because he had given her another love bite, nibbling cautiously on her neck.

"Strange..you don't protest this time..." Dracula had taken notice to her lack of words. "Usually, you'd say something judging my character..."

He was correct, and Hermione didn't know what to think. Was it all just a lustful thing? Was he seducing her? and was she falling for it? Or was it love in disguise? Was he going to turn her? Or was it all just a game?

"I...I don't always do that, Count..." she finally opened her mouth and spoke. 'And you don't always act like this..."

"Correct. But I've been yearning to. Tonight, is a special night. I wish to be with you, and not have any distractions in the way. In fact, I won't leave you until the sunrise approaches, and give you what you deserve.." Dracula whispered seductively in her ear.

He turned Hermione towards him, and thrust her into him. She groaned from the contact. "I want to cherish every part of you, Hermione, forever. And tonight is just the beginning..."

Something wanted to come out, but what was it?

She had no idea. It was a feeling that invaded her, and wasn't going to let go that easily.

He could see it in her facial expression.

"Is something the matter?" Dracula looked into her chocolate brown eyes.

All the words were so beautiful, and had one meaning.

"I can't...I can't do this.." She broke free from him, and ran. She was starting to realize why. He was quick to follow, hoping she'd be alright.

AN: Please Read and Review my lovelies. By the way,

Here's the dress: victoriabrookes(dot)co(dot)uk/Images/MMKSophiesRoseBlackCherry(dot)jpg

Here's the mask: maskitalia(dot)com/assets/marinoweb/mr100b(dot)jpg