A/N: Hey guys. Here it is...chapter 5...sorry if it's late. Pls enjoy and r/r!!
heehee
Disclaimer: Own nothing but plot and everything else that aren't in the books.
*~*~*
Draco lay awake that night. It's been 2 hours since he'd gone to bed but he still couldn't sleep. It was for some reason he didn't know. He knew he was tired and exhausted but yet his mind refused to let him drift off to a peaceful slumber.
"One that I fully deserve after tonight." Draco said softly so that he wouldn't wake anyone in his dorm, then laughed at his stupidity for forgetting that he'd put a silencing charm around his bed.
The Prefect's meeting was a complete bore for Draco, they were talking about the Halloween Ball so typically every male in the room was ready to hand over the whole thing to the ladies. They were discussing the food, the decorations, the music and the costumes. Near the end of their conference two prefects were each assigned a task for the Ball. To Draco's despair, he was partnered once again with the know-it-all Gryffindor.
She had been the one to go up to him when everyone else was trying to rush through the doors to get some much needed sleep. She approached him slowly. Draco noticed that she was biting her bottom lip again. He realized she did this anytime she was nervous.
"Hey Malfoy. More work for us I guess." She said quietly. She looked at him expectantly.
"Yeah well this school seems to really hate me now a days. If they didn't, they wouldn't do this to me." The words came out a little harsher than he'd intended.
"What are you talking about?" she asked with her big chocolate eyes boring into his.
Draco looked at her intently now. She looked exactly like this morning at Potions, except she looked more tired. Her hair was still up in that lose ponytail but some of them had gotten lose and her bangs framed her face while some of the back hair caressed the back of her neck.
Suddenly Draco felt angry, he didn't know where it came from but he wanted to get away from her as soon as possible.
"I'm talking about working with you. Is it not enough that I have to do a project with you but now we have to spend even more time discussing something I have no interest in?" He spat at her. "I'm begging to work with anyone else, anyone less filthy." He could see the surprise look on her face. Her eyes had widened and her mouth was slightly open. And then she went from surprise to furious in a snap.
"Wow Malfoy, you'll never change will you? You'll always be a conceited nasty spiteful vindictive arse whose only self-defense is his name and the fact that he's a "pureblood"." She retorted in that icy tone he was used to. "Wake up you blind moron, more than half the students here aren't full blooded so get off your high horse and see that you aren't any better than any of us." In a weird way, it calmed him, hearing her so hard on him like before.
Granger seemed to have said all this in one breath because she was breathing hard. He also noticed her chin quiver a little.
"Well then, since you hate me so much, I'll just go. Besides we seem to be on the same page already. I don't wanna work with you and you don't wanna work with me. I guess further argument is not needed. Goodnight Mudblood." Draco said in a monotone.
He walked past her and out the door. When he got outside, he heard her growl and mutter something about hating him and his guts. Draco paused a minute, he was having a moment of guilt. He admitted that he shouldn't have said that because whether he liked it or not, tonight was going pretty well between them. Except of course for that one fight in the beginning – and down in the dark corridor.
Before he could decide to go back in and apologize, he turned on his heel and headed for the dungeons.
As Draco now lay on his back looking up at the ceiling at the shadows from the trees outside, he thought about her. He knew he hated her. He always had, and why not? She was hot tempered, bossy, too smart for her own good, ignorant of a lot of things, too independent and she's a muggle born.
"But she's also witty, clever, has a sense of humor, determined and not bad to look at."
A voice at the back of Draco's mind seemed to have awakened and spoke on its own volition.
"No she isn't. She isn't any of those things." He said to himself. But then, as if he had no power over it, he gave it some thought. After quite some time of thinking, he decided that maybe she was some of those things. Just some though.
It's true that Granger had a mind of her own. Besides Potter, Weasley and first years, she was his favorite victim. He enjoyed harassing her because it was fun to try and break the organized sanctified bookworm. And she never gave in to his derision. She never came across as a coward and she always had a retort to anything he said. So she was clever and witty.
She also had a sense of humor, like tonight at the library. He secretly enjoyed their little stare down while she was going to tell the Ravenclaws off. He still couldn't believe that he'd smiled at her. And what's even more, she smiled back. That was just about the scariest thing that's ever happened to Draco. It was as if for that moment, she wasn't the filthy dirty muggle born that he's called her since first year.
After thinking about this, he'd come to a conclusion, he felt angry then, after the meeting, because he blamed her. He blamed her for making him think that she wasn't as bad as he'd always believed.
His mind went back to the time at the secret passage. When she'd fallen. He heard her gasp and fall and reflexively caught her. Curse my instincts! Draco thought then. But the moment they touched, the thought went away along with his breath. She smelt so good and felt good near him. And he found himself holding on to her even more instead of letting go. He tried to look at her face but failed miserably because of the lack of light. When they heard the sound of the librarian, it was like a bell to his ears. "Let her go!" it yelled. And so he did.
Draco closed his eyes. He didn't know what was happening to him. He turned to lie on his back, putting his arm under his head. He took a deep breath and thought of what he was going to do. What to do about the girl that he'd always hated but who now was beginning to change his mind.
*~*~*
Draco woke up that morning sleepier than he'd been in a while. He was up all night awake because Granger's face kept sliding in and out of his mind anytime he was finally able drift off little by little. But every time he did see Granger's face, he'd force his eyes to open, afraid of whatever "dreams" he would have of her.
He quickly got dressed and headed for breakfast. When he entered the Great Hall, his eyes unconsciously wandered to the Gryffindor table, unconsciously searching for a pair of chocolaty eyes.
Draco had just realized what he'd been doing and cursed himself for it when someone bumped into him from behind. He turned sharply.
"Open your eyes won't you -..." Draco ordered in a hard tone to the unfortunate soul but quickly lost his composure when he realized who it was that knocked into him. The dark hazel eyes that he was just searching for were glaring up at him in a furious gaze.
"Well maybe if you weren't blocking everyone's way, maybe this wouldn't have happened." Hermione replied sternly with her hands resting coolly on her hips.
She was looking up at him, since he was around 5'7, a good four inches taller than her. She was looking at him like she was waiting for him to say something back. He realized he wasn't answering and was just staring at her pointedly.
"What?" Hermione asked. She was looking a bit self-conscious because she was biting her bottom lip and had her arms across her chest. "WHAT are you staring at Malfoy?" she asked a little louder this time.
"Nothing" Draco said breaking his trance, "I've just realized that I'm not hungry after all." He walked straight past the doors forgetting about breakfast. He suddenly lost his appetite.
*~*~*
"Hey Draco!" The young Slytherin didn't need to turn around to know who was calling him. He just kept walking. "Draco, wait up." He kept walking. "Dracooo..." the voice whined. He sighed with his head down in misery. He finally looked over his shoulder.
"What is it Pansy?" though he already had an idea about her running down the hall calling his name.
As she came up in front of him, trying to catch her breath, he took the time to reflect on their "relationship".
He and Pansy have known each other for almost their whole lives. Both their families were wealthy pure blooded wizards and so naturally, they were family friends. Although most pure blooded families were now interrelated, he and Pansy were not connected in any way which was a relief for him, because it would not only be creepy but disgusting if you were related to the girl who has had a crush on you since you were both in diapers.
Contrary to what everyone said – or what Pansy said, they had never gotten together. Two years ago, in fourth year, when they attended the Yule Ball together, the school assumed that he'd finally said yes to her pleading. If they only knew that he'd gone with her because she had been having a few family problems. Her parents had divorced and they were arguing over which one Pansy would be staying with for the summer.
Draco had sympathy for her then, he didn't think she deserved to be stuck in the middle of a stupid fight that had nothing to do with her, and then they were just going to abandon her like she was an object and not their daughter.
He felt like she needed a friend, someone she'd known for a long time. And so he offered to show her a good time. Anyway, she wasn't as bad as most people thought. She was funny, although sometimes too flaky, she was smart, she just never tried and she's very observant, which at times really got to his nerves. And as he looked at her, in front of him clutching her chest, he realized just how much he cared for her friendship. Even if most of the school couldn't tolerate her.
In the sudden realization, his tone softened. "What is it Pansy?"
As she was finally able to catch her breath, she asked with a smile. "Oh nothing, I was just wondering if you already had a date for the Halloween Ball." She smirked knowing he hadn't asked anyone yet.
He eyed her accusingly. "Hmm, gee...now tell me, how can I possibly ask anyone out when your constantly following me, making sure no girl gets near me." He crossed his arms across his chest waiting for her explanation.
Pansy widened her eyes in mock shock. "I have no idea what you're talking about Draco." She huffed. "I have not been following you." But as she looked at him, she turned on her flirting face Draco knew only too well. "So...speaking of the ball, who were you deciding to ask anyway?"
As she said this, a pair of amber eyes floated across his mind, he closed his eyes shut and shook his head vigorously not knowing where that came from.
"Are you ok?" Pansy asked in an overly concerned voice that would make someone assume that he was having a heart attack instead of just a mild confusion.
"I'm fine Pansy." Draco insisted quickly no wanting her to get all panicky about his health and attract more people with her shrieking voice.
"Well that's good. Anyway, I was thinking, since we both don't have partners for the dance, maybe we could go together." Looking up at him with expecting eyes.
Draco sighed. The ball was in 3 days. It had been about 3 weeks since the emergency Prefect meeting, since Draco and Hermione were assigned to work on the decorations together. For almost 3 weeks they'd worked with out really talking. They only spoke to each other to discuss any changes or ideas they had. Draco hadn't done much. He mostly just helped put the decors up and pointed out anything he didn't like.
He looked at Pansy. For one flitting moment he wondered who Granger was going with. Deciding that he didn't care what so ever, he agreed to be Pansy's date. He was rewarded with a high-pitched squeal and a hug that most would've thought was a death grip.
*~*~*
Hermione listened to Lavender and Parvati yap about how exciting the Halloween Ball was going to be. It was nearly six and the ball was going to commend in ten minutes. The three of them had been in the room getting ready for past an hour.
"The Halloween Ball is always one of my favorite dances." Parvati gushed as she applied mascara on her lashes.
"Isn't every dance you favorite?" Hermione asked, as she sat on the bed waiting for Lavender to finish in the bathroom. "I mean you say that about every dance" she said with a smile.
Parvati just giggled. "Oh Hermione but the Halloween dance is different," she said, starting to put on lipstick "we get to dress up and all. It's always so fun seeing what people are wearing." She smiled broadly, showing off her nice set of white teeth. "I bet we're going to be the best looking girls tonight." And then, as if as a second thought, "I wonder what the guys will be wearing."
Hermione shrugged, "What they always wear I guess."
Parvati blushed and giggled, "Oh I can't wait to see how sexy they're going to be tonight." When Hermione didn't answer, she continued, "You know, I think we should be appreciative for the guys we have here at Hogwarts."
"What do you mean appreciative?"
"Well I'm just saying, I've been to Beauxbatons and as much as I love guys with accents, there didn't seem to be enough cute guys to keep a girl interested for seven years." Parvati explained as if it was something every girl should know. "And of course we've seen Durmstrang students back in fourth year and there wasn't anyone there that Lav and I particularly liked – except of course Viktor." She added, remembering the situation between the international Quidditch player and her top student friend.
"Well anyway, my point is, we're lucky to have so many amazing great looking guys. I mean just in our own house there are already enough. Except maybe for Neville but even for a shy accident-prone bloke he's isn't bad to look at. Then there's Justin, he's actually kinda cute. Lav had a secret crush on him in third and I think she still fancies him." Parvati looked over her shoulder to make sure Lavender hadn't heard. "But ssh though, don't tell anyone." She said with a chuckle.
"So with so many guys and all, is there a number one on your list?" Hermione asked, actually wanting to know.
Parvati's eyes narrowed. "Are you serious? My number one is every other girl's number one."
"Who then? Is there like a new chap or something I don't know about?"
Parvati looked at her closer. "What do you mean? C'mon, he's like the sexiest guy in the school, he's even giving the older guys a run for their money because the older girls just cant get enough of him." "Ok, could you just say the name because it would make it a lot faster and easier?"
Parvati sighed, gave Hermione a look of confusion and pity as though she couldn't answer a simple question. "Draco Malfoy."
Had Hermione been eating at the time, she would've choked. "Malfoy?"
"Well yes, I mean he's so...gorgeous. I don't know, just so sexy and..." Parvati's mind seemed to have wondered off somewhere else but was brought back to reality when Hermione cleared her throat. Parvati shook her head slightly. "He has the most amazing eyes, so gray but dreamy. And oh my gosh his body! he's so sexy. And we all love his voice too. It's so deep and romantic. And it isn't just his looks..."
"Are you sure about that?" Hermione asked, she was entirely doubting that his personality was better than his appearance. She was still sour about his rudeness 3 weeks ago.
"Well, ok, so he isn't the nicest, most approachable bloke but don't you like someone who's mysterious and sure he's offensive sometimes but I think it's only because he's a private person, you know? But oh my gosh, he's the sexiest ever, and not just in this school." Parvati giggled some more before finally saying, "Well anyway, we'll see him tonight at the dance, of course there's a chance he won't talk to us but we can always just appreciate him from a far. Oh I can't wait. I'm so excited. I love dances. C'mon Lavender hurry up!! Let's show the school how great we look!" she said as a joke as she called to the bathroom door.
Hermione rolled her eyes but couldn't stop herself from smiling. The enthusiasm of the two girls about dances, clothes and guys were nerve wrecking but still infectious. One of the few reasons why she goes to these dances was because Parvati and Lavender always made them sound so fun – and they are.
"You know, I totally agree with you." Lavender had finally stepped out of the bathroom and was standing in the doorframe wearing her costume.
"Lavender, you look great." Hermione said.
"Yeah Lavender, you look amazing." She was wearing a nice purplish-bluish gypsy outfit. The long sleeved V-necked top showed off enough cleavage for guys to take notice, pretty accessories were added, like beads, gleaming jewelry and lots of necklaces. Her skirt reached just above her ankles where she was wearing an anklet that matched her multiple rings. She was also wearing a see-through shall that she wrapped around her face, from her nose to below her chin. She had her shiny black hair to a tight braid that fell to her lower back.
Lavender blushed slightly, "Thanks guys, but you two look pretty good too."
Parvati decided to be Tinkerbell, though she wasn't a muggle, when she saw the little picture on a sticker on one of Hermione's notebooks. When she asked what it was, Hermione told her the story of Peter Pan and his little fairy friend and immediately Parvati got the costume made. "I'll look so different from everyone else, oh I can't wait." She said excitedly. Hermione simply smiled.
Parvati laughed, "Yes we do look gorgeous, and so will every other girl tonight but I have to say that the winner for this year's Halloween Ball outfit is... Hermione." Parvati said aloud with admiration and kind laughter in her voice. That was how Parvati and Lavender were, they were two attractive popular girls and yet they weren't snobs. They told other people how smart, funny and good-looking they were just as much as others told them the same thing.
Hermione's eyes widened slightly. "Me? Why me?" she asked, fully not knowing the reason.
"Have you looked in the mirror Hermione?" Lavender asked, "You look beautiful."
"Yeah, and you're so original too. I still can't believe that you made that yourself."
Hermione smiled genuinely. She was proud of her sewing and knitting skills. She knew that it wasn't anything special because people all over make their clothes all the time. But she suspected that she was the only, or the very few, in the school who can make their own clothes. Girls were always buying expensive accessories and clothes from top designer wizard stores but since Hermione knew she could never afford most of them, she decided to learn how to make them herself. And by the end of their summer before fifth year, she mastered that ability.
She was quite positive that she was good because people started complimenting her of her clothes with out even knowing that she had done it herself. And she took pride every time she answered, "Oh this? No I made it." Then she would smile modestly and casually walk away.
Hermione sighed but she was happy. "Well it better look good because this took me three bloody weeks to make."
"Yes we know, you never did tell us what you were up to with that unusual machine."
"It's called a sewing machine Lav."
"Hmm, well whatever it is, we don't need it to go to the dance," Parvati interrupted. "Are we ready yet?"
"I'm ready!" Lavender squealed excitedly.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go and show our extravagant selves off." Both girls were smiling widely.
Hermione got up from the bed as the other two walked out of the room, leaving the door open for her. She moved to the mirror taking one last look before leaving. She thought she looked pretty good if she could say so herself. She was smiling to herself when she suddenly saw someone at the door in the mirror, she turned.
"You really do look beautiful 'Mione." Parvati smiled and offered her arm. Hermione took it and together, they walked down the stairs to meet the others.
And so began the night that would be the start of something special.
*~*~*
YAY!! Did you like it? I thought some girl talk would be interesting so there you are. I also wanted to establish other relationships concerning Draco so Pansy is in here too but she isn't very important, just someone to thicken the plot...I do not know. But I hope you guys enjoy, and pls r/r. I want to know what you all think of this fic. Personally I think it's going well as it is my first one, lol or I'm just biased coz its mine.
P.s. could someone tell me who Blaise is? I see the name everywhere and tho I'm an avid and a Super fan of HP books, I don't buy anything else other than the books themselves. Ooo...can't wait for the movie!! Woohoo...told ya I was crazy.
Disclaimer: Own nothing but plot and everything else that aren't in the books.
*~*~*
Draco lay awake that night. It's been 2 hours since he'd gone to bed but he still couldn't sleep. It was for some reason he didn't know. He knew he was tired and exhausted but yet his mind refused to let him drift off to a peaceful slumber.
"One that I fully deserve after tonight." Draco said softly so that he wouldn't wake anyone in his dorm, then laughed at his stupidity for forgetting that he'd put a silencing charm around his bed.
The Prefect's meeting was a complete bore for Draco, they were talking about the Halloween Ball so typically every male in the room was ready to hand over the whole thing to the ladies. They were discussing the food, the decorations, the music and the costumes. Near the end of their conference two prefects were each assigned a task for the Ball. To Draco's despair, he was partnered once again with the know-it-all Gryffindor.
She had been the one to go up to him when everyone else was trying to rush through the doors to get some much needed sleep. She approached him slowly. Draco noticed that she was biting her bottom lip again. He realized she did this anytime she was nervous.
"Hey Malfoy. More work for us I guess." She said quietly. She looked at him expectantly.
"Yeah well this school seems to really hate me now a days. If they didn't, they wouldn't do this to me." The words came out a little harsher than he'd intended.
"What are you talking about?" she asked with her big chocolate eyes boring into his.
Draco looked at her intently now. She looked exactly like this morning at Potions, except she looked more tired. Her hair was still up in that lose ponytail but some of them had gotten lose and her bangs framed her face while some of the back hair caressed the back of her neck.
Suddenly Draco felt angry, he didn't know where it came from but he wanted to get away from her as soon as possible.
"I'm talking about working with you. Is it not enough that I have to do a project with you but now we have to spend even more time discussing something I have no interest in?" He spat at her. "I'm begging to work with anyone else, anyone less filthy." He could see the surprise look on her face. Her eyes had widened and her mouth was slightly open. And then she went from surprise to furious in a snap.
"Wow Malfoy, you'll never change will you? You'll always be a conceited nasty spiteful vindictive arse whose only self-defense is his name and the fact that he's a "pureblood"." She retorted in that icy tone he was used to. "Wake up you blind moron, more than half the students here aren't full blooded so get off your high horse and see that you aren't any better than any of us." In a weird way, it calmed him, hearing her so hard on him like before.
Granger seemed to have said all this in one breath because she was breathing hard. He also noticed her chin quiver a little.
"Well then, since you hate me so much, I'll just go. Besides we seem to be on the same page already. I don't wanna work with you and you don't wanna work with me. I guess further argument is not needed. Goodnight Mudblood." Draco said in a monotone.
He walked past her and out the door. When he got outside, he heard her growl and mutter something about hating him and his guts. Draco paused a minute, he was having a moment of guilt. He admitted that he shouldn't have said that because whether he liked it or not, tonight was going pretty well between them. Except of course for that one fight in the beginning – and down in the dark corridor.
Before he could decide to go back in and apologize, he turned on his heel and headed for the dungeons.
As Draco now lay on his back looking up at the ceiling at the shadows from the trees outside, he thought about her. He knew he hated her. He always had, and why not? She was hot tempered, bossy, too smart for her own good, ignorant of a lot of things, too independent and she's a muggle born.
"But she's also witty, clever, has a sense of humor, determined and not bad to look at."
A voice at the back of Draco's mind seemed to have awakened and spoke on its own volition.
"No she isn't. She isn't any of those things." He said to himself. But then, as if he had no power over it, he gave it some thought. After quite some time of thinking, he decided that maybe she was some of those things. Just some though.
It's true that Granger had a mind of her own. Besides Potter, Weasley and first years, she was his favorite victim. He enjoyed harassing her because it was fun to try and break the organized sanctified bookworm. And she never gave in to his derision. She never came across as a coward and she always had a retort to anything he said. So she was clever and witty.
She also had a sense of humor, like tonight at the library. He secretly enjoyed their little stare down while she was going to tell the Ravenclaws off. He still couldn't believe that he'd smiled at her. And what's even more, she smiled back. That was just about the scariest thing that's ever happened to Draco. It was as if for that moment, she wasn't the filthy dirty muggle born that he's called her since first year.
After thinking about this, he'd come to a conclusion, he felt angry then, after the meeting, because he blamed her. He blamed her for making him think that she wasn't as bad as he'd always believed.
His mind went back to the time at the secret passage. When she'd fallen. He heard her gasp and fall and reflexively caught her. Curse my instincts! Draco thought then. But the moment they touched, the thought went away along with his breath. She smelt so good and felt good near him. And he found himself holding on to her even more instead of letting go. He tried to look at her face but failed miserably because of the lack of light. When they heard the sound of the librarian, it was like a bell to his ears. "Let her go!" it yelled. And so he did.
Draco closed his eyes. He didn't know what was happening to him. He turned to lie on his back, putting his arm under his head. He took a deep breath and thought of what he was going to do. What to do about the girl that he'd always hated but who now was beginning to change his mind.
*~*~*
Draco woke up that morning sleepier than he'd been in a while. He was up all night awake because Granger's face kept sliding in and out of his mind anytime he was finally able drift off little by little. But every time he did see Granger's face, he'd force his eyes to open, afraid of whatever "dreams" he would have of her.
He quickly got dressed and headed for breakfast. When he entered the Great Hall, his eyes unconsciously wandered to the Gryffindor table, unconsciously searching for a pair of chocolaty eyes.
Draco had just realized what he'd been doing and cursed himself for it when someone bumped into him from behind. He turned sharply.
"Open your eyes won't you -..." Draco ordered in a hard tone to the unfortunate soul but quickly lost his composure when he realized who it was that knocked into him. The dark hazel eyes that he was just searching for were glaring up at him in a furious gaze.
"Well maybe if you weren't blocking everyone's way, maybe this wouldn't have happened." Hermione replied sternly with her hands resting coolly on her hips.
She was looking up at him, since he was around 5'7, a good four inches taller than her. She was looking at him like she was waiting for him to say something back. He realized he wasn't answering and was just staring at her pointedly.
"What?" Hermione asked. She was looking a bit self-conscious because she was biting her bottom lip and had her arms across her chest. "WHAT are you staring at Malfoy?" she asked a little louder this time.
"Nothing" Draco said breaking his trance, "I've just realized that I'm not hungry after all." He walked straight past the doors forgetting about breakfast. He suddenly lost his appetite.
*~*~*
"Hey Draco!" The young Slytherin didn't need to turn around to know who was calling him. He just kept walking. "Draco, wait up." He kept walking. "Dracooo..." the voice whined. He sighed with his head down in misery. He finally looked over his shoulder.
"What is it Pansy?" though he already had an idea about her running down the hall calling his name.
As she came up in front of him, trying to catch her breath, he took the time to reflect on their "relationship".
He and Pansy have known each other for almost their whole lives. Both their families were wealthy pure blooded wizards and so naturally, they were family friends. Although most pure blooded families were now interrelated, he and Pansy were not connected in any way which was a relief for him, because it would not only be creepy but disgusting if you were related to the girl who has had a crush on you since you were both in diapers.
Contrary to what everyone said – or what Pansy said, they had never gotten together. Two years ago, in fourth year, when they attended the Yule Ball together, the school assumed that he'd finally said yes to her pleading. If they only knew that he'd gone with her because she had been having a few family problems. Her parents had divorced and they were arguing over which one Pansy would be staying with for the summer.
Draco had sympathy for her then, he didn't think she deserved to be stuck in the middle of a stupid fight that had nothing to do with her, and then they were just going to abandon her like she was an object and not their daughter.
He felt like she needed a friend, someone she'd known for a long time. And so he offered to show her a good time. Anyway, she wasn't as bad as most people thought. She was funny, although sometimes too flaky, she was smart, she just never tried and she's very observant, which at times really got to his nerves. And as he looked at her, in front of him clutching her chest, he realized just how much he cared for her friendship. Even if most of the school couldn't tolerate her.
In the sudden realization, his tone softened. "What is it Pansy?"
As she was finally able to catch her breath, she asked with a smile. "Oh nothing, I was just wondering if you already had a date for the Halloween Ball." She smirked knowing he hadn't asked anyone yet.
He eyed her accusingly. "Hmm, gee...now tell me, how can I possibly ask anyone out when your constantly following me, making sure no girl gets near me." He crossed his arms across his chest waiting for her explanation.
Pansy widened her eyes in mock shock. "I have no idea what you're talking about Draco." She huffed. "I have not been following you." But as she looked at him, she turned on her flirting face Draco knew only too well. "So...speaking of the ball, who were you deciding to ask anyway?"
As she said this, a pair of amber eyes floated across his mind, he closed his eyes shut and shook his head vigorously not knowing where that came from.
"Are you ok?" Pansy asked in an overly concerned voice that would make someone assume that he was having a heart attack instead of just a mild confusion.
"I'm fine Pansy." Draco insisted quickly no wanting her to get all panicky about his health and attract more people with her shrieking voice.
"Well that's good. Anyway, I was thinking, since we both don't have partners for the dance, maybe we could go together." Looking up at him with expecting eyes.
Draco sighed. The ball was in 3 days. It had been about 3 weeks since the emergency Prefect meeting, since Draco and Hermione were assigned to work on the decorations together. For almost 3 weeks they'd worked with out really talking. They only spoke to each other to discuss any changes or ideas they had. Draco hadn't done much. He mostly just helped put the decors up and pointed out anything he didn't like.
He looked at Pansy. For one flitting moment he wondered who Granger was going with. Deciding that he didn't care what so ever, he agreed to be Pansy's date. He was rewarded with a high-pitched squeal and a hug that most would've thought was a death grip.
*~*~*
Hermione listened to Lavender and Parvati yap about how exciting the Halloween Ball was going to be. It was nearly six and the ball was going to commend in ten minutes. The three of them had been in the room getting ready for past an hour.
"The Halloween Ball is always one of my favorite dances." Parvati gushed as she applied mascara on her lashes.
"Isn't every dance you favorite?" Hermione asked, as she sat on the bed waiting for Lavender to finish in the bathroom. "I mean you say that about every dance" she said with a smile.
Parvati just giggled. "Oh Hermione but the Halloween dance is different," she said, starting to put on lipstick "we get to dress up and all. It's always so fun seeing what people are wearing." She smiled broadly, showing off her nice set of white teeth. "I bet we're going to be the best looking girls tonight." And then, as if as a second thought, "I wonder what the guys will be wearing."
Hermione shrugged, "What they always wear I guess."
Parvati blushed and giggled, "Oh I can't wait to see how sexy they're going to be tonight." When Hermione didn't answer, she continued, "You know, I think we should be appreciative for the guys we have here at Hogwarts."
"What do you mean appreciative?"
"Well I'm just saying, I've been to Beauxbatons and as much as I love guys with accents, there didn't seem to be enough cute guys to keep a girl interested for seven years." Parvati explained as if it was something every girl should know. "And of course we've seen Durmstrang students back in fourth year and there wasn't anyone there that Lav and I particularly liked – except of course Viktor." She added, remembering the situation between the international Quidditch player and her top student friend.
"Well anyway, my point is, we're lucky to have so many amazing great looking guys. I mean just in our own house there are already enough. Except maybe for Neville but even for a shy accident-prone bloke he's isn't bad to look at. Then there's Justin, he's actually kinda cute. Lav had a secret crush on him in third and I think she still fancies him." Parvati looked over her shoulder to make sure Lavender hadn't heard. "But ssh though, don't tell anyone." She said with a chuckle.
"So with so many guys and all, is there a number one on your list?" Hermione asked, actually wanting to know.
Parvati's eyes narrowed. "Are you serious? My number one is every other girl's number one."
"Who then? Is there like a new chap or something I don't know about?"
Parvati looked at her closer. "What do you mean? C'mon, he's like the sexiest guy in the school, he's even giving the older guys a run for their money because the older girls just cant get enough of him." "Ok, could you just say the name because it would make it a lot faster and easier?"
Parvati sighed, gave Hermione a look of confusion and pity as though she couldn't answer a simple question. "Draco Malfoy."
Had Hermione been eating at the time, she would've choked. "Malfoy?"
"Well yes, I mean he's so...gorgeous. I don't know, just so sexy and..." Parvati's mind seemed to have wondered off somewhere else but was brought back to reality when Hermione cleared her throat. Parvati shook her head slightly. "He has the most amazing eyes, so gray but dreamy. And oh my gosh his body! he's so sexy. And we all love his voice too. It's so deep and romantic. And it isn't just his looks..."
"Are you sure about that?" Hermione asked, she was entirely doubting that his personality was better than his appearance. She was still sour about his rudeness 3 weeks ago.
"Well, ok, so he isn't the nicest, most approachable bloke but don't you like someone who's mysterious and sure he's offensive sometimes but I think it's only because he's a private person, you know? But oh my gosh, he's the sexiest ever, and not just in this school." Parvati giggled some more before finally saying, "Well anyway, we'll see him tonight at the dance, of course there's a chance he won't talk to us but we can always just appreciate him from a far. Oh I can't wait. I'm so excited. I love dances. C'mon Lavender hurry up!! Let's show the school how great we look!" she said as a joke as she called to the bathroom door.
Hermione rolled her eyes but couldn't stop herself from smiling. The enthusiasm of the two girls about dances, clothes and guys were nerve wrecking but still infectious. One of the few reasons why she goes to these dances was because Parvati and Lavender always made them sound so fun – and they are.
"You know, I totally agree with you." Lavender had finally stepped out of the bathroom and was standing in the doorframe wearing her costume.
"Lavender, you look great." Hermione said.
"Yeah Lavender, you look amazing." She was wearing a nice purplish-bluish gypsy outfit. The long sleeved V-necked top showed off enough cleavage for guys to take notice, pretty accessories were added, like beads, gleaming jewelry and lots of necklaces. Her skirt reached just above her ankles where she was wearing an anklet that matched her multiple rings. She was also wearing a see-through shall that she wrapped around her face, from her nose to below her chin. She had her shiny black hair to a tight braid that fell to her lower back.
Lavender blushed slightly, "Thanks guys, but you two look pretty good too."
Parvati decided to be Tinkerbell, though she wasn't a muggle, when she saw the little picture on a sticker on one of Hermione's notebooks. When she asked what it was, Hermione told her the story of Peter Pan and his little fairy friend and immediately Parvati got the costume made. "I'll look so different from everyone else, oh I can't wait." She said excitedly. Hermione simply smiled.
Parvati laughed, "Yes we do look gorgeous, and so will every other girl tonight but I have to say that the winner for this year's Halloween Ball outfit is... Hermione." Parvati said aloud with admiration and kind laughter in her voice. That was how Parvati and Lavender were, they were two attractive popular girls and yet they weren't snobs. They told other people how smart, funny and good-looking they were just as much as others told them the same thing.
Hermione's eyes widened slightly. "Me? Why me?" she asked, fully not knowing the reason.
"Have you looked in the mirror Hermione?" Lavender asked, "You look beautiful."
"Yeah, and you're so original too. I still can't believe that you made that yourself."
Hermione smiled genuinely. She was proud of her sewing and knitting skills. She knew that it wasn't anything special because people all over make their clothes all the time. But she suspected that she was the only, or the very few, in the school who can make their own clothes. Girls were always buying expensive accessories and clothes from top designer wizard stores but since Hermione knew she could never afford most of them, she decided to learn how to make them herself. And by the end of their summer before fifth year, she mastered that ability.
She was quite positive that she was good because people started complimenting her of her clothes with out even knowing that she had done it herself. And she took pride every time she answered, "Oh this? No I made it." Then she would smile modestly and casually walk away.
Hermione sighed but she was happy. "Well it better look good because this took me three bloody weeks to make."
"Yes we know, you never did tell us what you were up to with that unusual machine."
"It's called a sewing machine Lav."
"Hmm, well whatever it is, we don't need it to go to the dance," Parvati interrupted. "Are we ready yet?"
"I'm ready!" Lavender squealed excitedly.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go and show our extravagant selves off." Both girls were smiling widely.
Hermione got up from the bed as the other two walked out of the room, leaving the door open for her. She moved to the mirror taking one last look before leaving. She thought she looked pretty good if she could say so herself. She was smiling to herself when she suddenly saw someone at the door in the mirror, she turned.
"You really do look beautiful 'Mione." Parvati smiled and offered her arm. Hermione took it and together, they walked down the stairs to meet the others.
And so began the night that would be the start of something special.
*~*~*
YAY!! Did you like it? I thought some girl talk would be interesting so there you are. I also wanted to establish other relationships concerning Draco so Pansy is in here too but she isn't very important, just someone to thicken the plot...I do not know. But I hope you guys enjoy, and pls r/r. I want to know what you all think of this fic. Personally I think it's going well as it is my first one, lol or I'm just biased coz its mine.
P.s. could someone tell me who Blaise is? I see the name everywhere and tho I'm an avid and a Super fan of HP books, I don't buy anything else other than the books themselves. Ooo...can't wait for the movie!! Woohoo...told ya I was crazy.