A/N: AAAhhh!! Here it is. THE BALL -lol- OMG. I'm sorry if this was a
little late but what can you do. Ok, now this chapter is where I guess the
real first "good" thing happens. I'm proud of this and everything that I've
done so far. But if you end up hating this and abandon it for the rest of
time ( (hope to the gods not) be aware that this is my FIRST fic EVER. Yea
well anyway... I just wanted to give writing a go b/c I'm a nerd who isn't
good at anything else (I'm only trying to find myself). But anyway I have
some news. Right now, if you will, I'd like to thank my reviewers 'coz I
absolutely love you. I know I only have 5 chappies (well six now!!) lol but
I'd still like to say thank you to all. For all your...er...reviews and stuff.
Heehee. Especially Applescm and PineappleCube. I have not the slightest
clue who you guys are but I think you're cool. Hahaha you guys are always
reviewing...*tear tear* people do read my fic...ahem...anyhooz, thanx to ALL the
rest of you. So pls keep reviewing and telling me how much you love my fic
and how brilliantly smart I am...sorry, I was way in over my head there...WOW
what a looong and boring note. Sorry to keep you waiting...so with out
further ado...*drum roll please*
Disclaimer: I own Harry Potter b/c I am a genius who is ridiculously rich (richer than the Queen Mother – no I swear it's true!)...Not. I only own the crappy stuff in here and the contents of my room. You know...there's this guy that I wish I owned 'coz he's real sexy...ooo *oops, almost drooled this time heehee...well, too bad he has a girlfriend. But she's unfortunate looking so she may not last. Wait! I shouldn't be talking...ok ok!! Read on!!
*~*~*
Draco entered the Great Hall, arm in arm with Pansy, secretly wanting to be elsewhere. As he came in, he took a look around and was pleasantly surprised at how good the place turned out. The Great Hall was decorated from head to toe. There were floating candles and glowing pumpkins above their heads, the walls were dressed with streamers, black and orange drapes on the windows, some creepy ghoulish looking candelabras as well as statues and more. The tables were set right now for eating, and he just got the sense of eeriness anytime he saw a ghost floating by, even though he'd been seeing them since his first year.
Draco was still looking up when his arm was suddenly yanked and he was forced to follow Pansy to a table as she pulled him vigorously out of excitement. From the moment she stepped out of her dorm to meet him, she hadn't stopped smiling. She was wearing a tight pink outfit that only reached down to her thighs. The edges were laced with sparkling beads that glittered along with her jewelry. Her hair was up in a high bun while her face glittered more, if possible, than her accessories with all the shiny make up she put on. She was also wearing wings, which reminded him of something or someone, some kind of magical creature in an old story from back when he was a young boy.
As he sat down on the table, (Pansy had seated them facing the doors) he looked up and saw something that took his breath away. Literally. When he didn't turn away, because he couldn't or didn't want to, the eyes of the person caught his gaze. Amber locked on gray.
Draco knew his mouth was slightly open but he couldn't do anything about it now. The sight of Hermione made his mind go blank, his tummy to turn and his breath to hitch. She had just entered the room and was now standing by the door looking at him with wide eyes. Even though his mind had stopped processing anything beyond what he was seeing, there seemed to be one thing that Draco could think of, just one thing. Which was that the sight of that girl made his heart skip a beat.
Hermione was wearing a long white silky dress that floated down her body, caressing her curves until it lightly touched the floor. The dress had only one strap and it hung across from her left over her right shoulder. She didn't have much jewelry on except for a silver ring and long white gold earrings. Her hair was lightly curled; it had a wavy tone to it. It cascaded down her back past her shoulders, some of the hair on the side was pulled up nicely to the back and on them, she'd stuck on some white and pink flowers creating a sort of halo on her head. Everything else in the room seemed to have blurred and as they looked at each other intently, Draco felt like things were moving in slow motion. Draco couldn't say anything and realized that he was captivated by her and in that moment in time, he didn't mind.
The two were still gazing at each other until Hermione broke it, well Potter broke it. He had touched her arm and gently pulled it, though Draco could've sworn it was more of a yank (maybe out of slight envy that Potter was the one who was with her). When she finally looked away, Draco was still in a trance like state. He figured he had to regain his composure so he took a deep breath and slowly let it out. After a while, when he decided he was back to normal, he turned and began conversing with his fellow house mates talking about Quidditch, school and girls. His mouth did all the talking but his mind never left a special thought.
*~*~*
Pansy turned from one of her Slytherin friends for just a minute to check on her date. Maybe Draco hadn't noticed it but Pansy witnessed the non-too welcome stare down between the boy of her dreams and the annoyingly holy Gryffindor who had come in. Oh yes, she saw it all right.
Pansy had just led the two of them to their table when he suddenly fell silent. She called his name once but he didn't seem to hear. Instead, he was looking ahead with an odd look on his face. When she followed his gaze, her eyes were greeted by something filthy. It was Granger and she didn't look awful. She looked between the two and could've sworn they couldn't hear or see anything else but each other. Pansy knew it could and would never mean anything because if she knew Draco at all, she knew that he would never go for someone like that mudblood, so she ignored it.
But something deep inside her, somewhere she'll probably never want to go, something stirred and it bothered her all through the night.
*~*~*
Hermione was sitting down chatting with Hannah Abbott but felt guilty because her mind was barely on the conversation. She couldn't shake the feeling she'd gotten when Malfoy looked at her when she entered. And though the whole thing seemed to have happened in slow motion, she couldn't remember much.
All she knew was that he was the first thing she saw when she came in. He was sitting there casually in his black suit, with his friends talking all around him, and hers around her. But when she looked at him, he didn't turn away. Instead he looked back with just as much intent as though they were both locked in some sort of daze. She tried to look away but realized that she couldn't. It made her insides feel light and after that it hasn't returned to normal. Even know after an hour and a half, after dinner and multiple dances her heart was still beating fast.
Once in a while, or more often than that, she caught herself looking for him but then stop, then, without thinking, look for him again. She was lost in thought until she felt a hand on her arm.
"Are you ok Hermione?" Hannah asked with concern in her voice, "You look a bit lost, are you feeling alright?"
Hermione shook her head, it was then she decided she needed a break. "I'm really sorry, Hannah. I just have a lot on my mind," she apologized "I think I just need a bit of fresh air. Would you mind if I stepped out for a bit?"
"No, of course not, I bet I was boring you anyway," – "Oh no you weren't! I was..." Hermione tried to explain but Hannah held up a hand "No, its ok Hermione, I know what you meant. I understand. Go ahead, I'll tell Harry and Ron where you are so they don't go ballistic when they discover you're gone."
Hermione sighed lightly. "Thanks a lot, Hannah." With that, she got up and went outside and headed straight to the lake.
*~*~*
"So Draco, how are you enjoying yourself?" Pansy purred in his ear as they danced to a slow song.
Pansy's seductions gave him goose bumps but nonetheless he answered her.
"I'm ok Pansy." He heard her sigh in frustration so he looked down. "What's wrong with you?"
"Wrong with me? What's wrong with you?" she asked accusingly.
"What are you talking about?"
"Look, all night everyone's been dancing and eating and talking except you."
"Again Pansy, what are you talking about?"
"You don't seem to be having a good time. It's like your mind is somewhere else. You aren't talking, and when I ask you things you only answer with small words." Her voice began to whine.
"What if I don't feel like talking? Is that so wrong? What if I have something on my mind?"
"Something on your mind? It doesn't happen to be a certain girl wearing a white dress does it?" she blurted out.
At that, Draco snapped his head to look at her. He was suddenly irritated but even more worried – had someone seen them?
"What do you mean?" he demanded.
"I saw you staring at her Draco. She's a mud blood," Putting emphasis on the word to get her point across. "What do you think you're doing getting involved with someone so below us?"
"She isn't below us." Draco answered quickly but then bit his tongue because he was just as shocked as Pansy was about his answer. Pansy stepped out of his arms and looked up at him in disbelief.
"She isn't below us? Has she gotten to you Draco?" she quickly put her hands over her mouth, "Did she get you Draco? Did she brainwash you or something?" her voice was full of fear but then turned livid, "I am going to get that stupid dirty Gryffindor and..."
"Pansy! She hasn't brainwashed me. Sorry, I don't know why I said that because she is below us. I just have a lot on my mind. I think I'll go outside for a bit. You mind?" he asked but he was already heading out the door.
As he as walking, he heard Pansy say from behind him, "No, it's ok Draco. Take your time. I'll just be here, ok!"
But he didn't answer. Instead he quickened his pace wanting to get away from Pansy, all the noise and especially from the girl in the white dress.
*~*~*
Draco had no idea where he was going exactly, all he knew was that, as for now, anywhere was better than being inside so he let his feet take him wherever it liked. He wasn't exactly thinking when he was walking either because it came as a mild shock to him when he felt the bitter cold of October all around. He was outside. As he walked along a path he could see other students who'd also decided to get away from the clamor but he suspected that they didn't leave for fresh air since most of them had been pairs, couples who took private and intimate refuge behind bushes.
He kept walking since he didn't want to disturb the lovers around him. Now and then he'd find another pair behind another bush or under a tree. Draco kept walking until he got to the lake. When he looked behind him he found that he was most probably alone. He didn't think any of his fellow students would go this far just for a snog; it was too far, it was too cold and it being Halloween was too creepy.
The lake was surrounded by trees, which weren't stuck too close, that it isolated the castle's view from there but with the high bushes and thick branches, it still gave you a sense of privacy, aloneness. Draco was standing still, hands in his pockets, soaking in the peace and calmness that the moonlight and the sounds of crickets were offering.
He took a deep breath, let it out and took another deep breath but held it. He thought he was imagining it but there it was. A figure. A figure in white. She was sitting atop a rock, big as a chair, and was looking up into the night. Draco hadn't come into view yet; he was still in the darkness, enough for her to miss his presence. He was silently watching her; her arms were by her side and her face tilted up. He thought how slender her neck looked. Now and then she'd close her eyes and take a deep breath and let it go slowly. He could see her chest rising with every breath. He found that simple action to be very sensual. He took her in then and thought that she looked like some sort of Greek goddess with her white gown, and her hair. She was beautiful. And for once, Draco wasn't disgusted by her, for her beauty and intelligence or by himself, for feeling this about her.
As he kept watching, he saw her close her eyes one final time and then bow her head down. She looked somewhat sad, as though she had too much on her mind to sort them out herself. It was then that Draco wanted to come out, he wanted her to know he was there, which might result to something less pleasant since he had been watching her with out her knowledge. But it didn't matter to him because all he wanted at the moment was to sit by her side.
All of a sudden he wanted her to talk to him, her to tell him what had been bothering her. What, something so important or possibly poignant, can make someone so pretty look so down. This was a new emotion for Draco for he never really cared why people were sad. He was never the one to reach out to people, try and get them to talk. He figured people would just go to you when they need help. But this time was different. He wanted to comfort her.
Making up his mind, and being a person who never backed out on his word, he walked on, emerging from the darkness and presenting himself to her. At first she didn't look up, it wasn't until he stepped on a twig did she finally realize some one else was out there with her. She was surprised, shock, stunned, embarrassed and furious all rolled into one.
"What are you doing here? How long have you been standing there? Why aren't you inside?" she asked one after the other.
"Slow down. I just wanted to get away; it was too noisy and crowded. I haven't been standing there for long (which might have been a lie but it was more of a fib he told himself) and as I said I wanted to get away for a little bit" he answered all her questions.
Her mouth was slightly open for a while, he could see the wheels turning in her clever mind but she didn't seem to find anything meaningful to say so she stayed quiet. He stayed quiet too, until he had to speak.
"Is this spot taken? There isn't anywhere else to sit and I'm tired from standing." He asked, pointing a finger beside Hermione.
She looked up at him with lifted eyebrows. He knew why too. He was asking to sit beside her in an intimate closed area; he would've been suspicious too. They were after all not friends. But not enemies either, he found himself hoping.
"Look I'm not going to hex you or anything Granger, I just want to sit. I like it here."
She shrugged. "No. It isn't taken." And she slid over to make more space.
He kind of wished she'd stayed where she already was, that way they would have been closer. But he took his seat, thinking this was ok.
Silence fell between them but he found it relaxing, not awkward. Just two people lost in their own thoughts.
"Why did you need to get away?" she asked after a while. Maybe she got too tired of not talking, Draco figured. She was always talking, especially in class and instead of making him feel annoyed as usual; it made him smile and this made him feel uneasy.
He sighed, "I don't know really. Normally I could bear it but this time...its different." He couldn't very well say that he left because he wanted to get her off his mind.
She laughed silently. "Same here. I don't know why I even go to them. I suppose its because Parvati and Lavender make them sound so exciting that I get excited too."
"But it's not your kind of thing?"
"Not really. I mean I like dances but I think we have too many in a year. Sometimes I feel like going back to my dorm while everyone is still at the dance and find a good book and just sit and read." And then she looked at him, slightly embarrassed, thinking what she'd said was awfully nerdy.
"Really? I've done that a couple of times. Go back half way in the night. Its really great when you get the whole common room all to yourself." He was glad that his answer relaxed her more.
She smiled a little. "But isn't it cold in the dungeons?"
"Oh trust me, it isn't half as bad as some say it is."
"Oh well I always thought..." she trailed off "so, you read books during those times?"
"Yeah, sometimes."
"Why'd you stop sneaking out?"
"Pansy caught me once and from then on she never let me out of her sight." He answered jokingly.
She laughed and to him it sounded melodious. Another moment of silence.
"What about you? Aren't you supposed to be all witty? Don't tell me you couldn't figure out a way to slip away form the Balls?"
"Well, when you've got friends like mine you'll understand. They're always looking out for me."
"Potter and Weasley?" And for the first time ever, it didn't sound like he was insulting them. Hermione seemed to have noticed also but didn't say anything about it.
She nodded.
"So, is something on your mind?" he blurted out. He couldn't keep it inside him. He wanted to know what was bothering her. Sincerely.
She looked up. "What do you mean?"
"Well," choosing his words carefully so that he doesn't let slip his watching her earlier. "Just that when I saw you, you had your head down. You looked...stressed."
She just shrugged. "School work I guess."
"Oh" was all Draco said. She obviously didn't want to talk about it.
*~*~*
Draco had had his head down so he didn't notice Hermione looking at him closely, and if he did know, he didn't show it. He just kept his eyes on the ground.
She had a secret, she knew all along that he'd been there. She knew exactly how long he'd been standing there. When she saw him she was surprised but she guessed that he was unaware of it because if he was he would've moved away or something. From the corner of her eyes she watched him. And she let him watch her. She didn't know why but a sudden rush of calmness over came her and she decided to play a little teasing game even if she was the only player. She wasn't acting though, she didn't put a show for him, she simply carried on as if he wasn't there. She just let him watch her, to see what he would do. And to her astonishment, he came over. He started talking to her as though six years of pain, name calling, hexing, insulting and all that didn't exist. But she didn't care, the conversation was going well and she wanted it to continue and she had the feeling that he felt the same.
"Malfoy?" it was almost a whisper.
He looked up, "Yeah?"
"Why are you here? Talking to me I mean?"
He shrugged, "I don't know. You're a good conversationalist, better than some in my house."
"You just complimented me." There was awe in her voice.
He looked up again, this time meeting her eyes. "Yes, I did." And then he smiled. She returned it. Silence fell on them again.
Hermione was deep in thought but she wasn't really thinking. She was humming to the song she could hear from the castle. She wasn't paying attention until she heard Draco speak.
"You like the song?"
She blushed a little and Draco was struck by how cute she was. "Yeah, sorry about that. Sometimes I do things with out knowing it." And with the blush came a soft smile, a shy one. And again he saw how striking she really was.
"Yeah, I noticed." But his voice held no malice, just a tease. At that moment, as she looked back at him, with the same realization that they were flirting, he felt a surge of spontaneity in him. He did something even he didn't think he was going to do. He stood up and held out his hand. "Would you like to dance?"
Hermione was shocked that she even started laughing. "Dance?"
"Yeah, you like the song so much, we should dance to it."
"But...here?" she asked but he knew what she really meant...with you?
Hermione was caught off guard when he'd asked her to dance. When he stood up she thought he was leaving but instead he extended his hand to her. She didn't know what to do, but she knew what she wanted and that was enough for her, for tonight at least. So slowly, she slipped her small hand in his.
Draco gently pulled her up, glad that she accepted but nervous because he didn't know what was happening to them. But as soon as she was pressed up against him, he didn't care. As long as she was this close to him, he didn't care.
They started to slow dance and at first it was weird. They have never been this close, even on those particular incidents where he'd caught her a few times, or this nice to each other. But after a little while, they grew almost naturally together. They grew to the song, to the dance together and they felt an easiness that was never there before. She slowly rested her head on his shoulder and his hand had moved to her lower back, pressing her a little closer to him. She closed her eyes; it was like sleeping to a lullaby except they were standing. It was that peaceful.
The feel of her body, and then her head on his shoulder took his breath away for the second time that night. She was so lovely and he realized that they were doing something so romantic that you only read them in books.
He, Draco Malfoy was dancing with the girl that he'd hated for more than half his life but found out that the feel of her made him feel more complete than anything. He, Draco Malfoy was dancing with Hermione Granger under the moon and stars with soft music playing in the background.
They were both wishing that the song wouldn't end but it had to some time but when it did, they didn't. They just stood there, they probably stopped going around in small circles half way through the song. They simply stood holding each other. Listening and breathing.
"You know, I don't get you." Hermione finally spoke. It wasn't exactly what he was expecting but it was better than, I think we should go back.
"What a thing to say," He said softly, "what do you mean?"
Hermione didn't want to say it, it could spoil the whole evening but the longer they stood there, the more confused she got. So she asked.
"I think you know what I mean. What are we doing? I mean, weren't we enemies just yesterday? I just don't understand you sometimes."
"Understand me in what way?"
"You're confusing. Sometimes you could be so nice, sweet and calm. But then sometimes you're..." she spoke quietly and leisurely.
"Mean? Ruthless? Cold?", when she didn't speak he went on, "Don't worry about it. I don't get myself either sometimes. It's just that I guess there are some things I can't control."
"Like what?"
"My temper for one thing. When some thing pisses me off I just explode, I guess you could say." He laughed to let it on as a joke.
"Is it because you're used to getting your way?"
"Maybe that has something to do with it...but you know, I've never always gotten my way at home. I want people to think so but it isn't true. Not always." He had no idea why the hell he was telling her this. But answers just seemed to roll out of his mouth when she asked.
"Why not? Aren't you like the prized possession of your family? I thought they'd have spoiled you to death"
Draco laughed and Hermione noticed something behind it. Like bitterness. Hermione knew that she was stepping on sensitive ground and that he may explode on her any minute but she was curious. Especially of the fact that he was even telling her these things.
"You'd be surprised Granger of what goes around at home," he went on, "My father and mother can be the strictest of them all."
"Strict..." she repeated like it was a second thought.
"About school. They've always expected the best from me, which means to be the best in school. But having you in my year doesn't exactly make it easy for me." He explained, but when he mentioned her and how she was competition, he didn't sound harsh.
"I'm sorry." Was all she could think to say, and then, "But aren't they proud of you of what you've accomplished?"
"Accomplished? What accomplishments?"
She looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "What do you mean what accomplishments? You're one of the best students in school. And I haven't always been the one on top and you know that. You were always right behind me and we're always fighting for first place. Sometimes I'm ahead, sometimes you are." He smiled lightly to her answer. It relieved her somewhat. "And you're in the Quidditch team."
He laughed, "If I recall, wasn't it you who announced in front of everyone back in second year that I bought my way in? Now why should my parents be proud of that? After all, it was my father who bought the new broomsticks for the team."
"I may have said that," she said as if she doubted his memory "but later on you proved your self worthy to be on the team. Ever since you've been on it, we've seen some really great plays." And then, looking down, she added quietly almost to herself, "I think you fly pretty well."
Draco's insides stilled for a minute. Hermione just said that she thought he was just as good as her. That he was smart. And that he could "fly well." At those words, he broke into a grin. He didn't know why but what she said meant something to him.
He bent his head down close to her's. "Thank you" he whispered softly.
*~*~*
PHEW! Are you sweating 'coz I sure am. Ok this won't be long 'coz I pretty much said everything in the beginning...hahaha...but I'm here to remind you to be alert for the new chappies 'coz I think (I hope) they're getting juicier and juicier...wow can I get dorkier?? I think not. Ok well hope you guys enjoyed that. I know there were some of you who were wondering what Hermione was wearing...did you really think I'd write all that and not tell you?? Lol ok well adios amigas (as I suppose you're all girls but I wouldn't mind if YOU were a guy, yes YOU!)...For now.
P.S. this is not the end of this.
Disclaimer: I own Harry Potter b/c I am a genius who is ridiculously rich (richer than the Queen Mother – no I swear it's true!)...Not. I only own the crappy stuff in here and the contents of my room. You know...there's this guy that I wish I owned 'coz he's real sexy...ooo *oops, almost drooled this time heehee...well, too bad he has a girlfriend. But she's unfortunate looking so she may not last. Wait! I shouldn't be talking...ok ok!! Read on!!
*~*~*
Draco entered the Great Hall, arm in arm with Pansy, secretly wanting to be elsewhere. As he came in, he took a look around and was pleasantly surprised at how good the place turned out. The Great Hall was decorated from head to toe. There were floating candles and glowing pumpkins above their heads, the walls were dressed with streamers, black and orange drapes on the windows, some creepy ghoulish looking candelabras as well as statues and more. The tables were set right now for eating, and he just got the sense of eeriness anytime he saw a ghost floating by, even though he'd been seeing them since his first year.
Draco was still looking up when his arm was suddenly yanked and he was forced to follow Pansy to a table as she pulled him vigorously out of excitement. From the moment she stepped out of her dorm to meet him, she hadn't stopped smiling. She was wearing a tight pink outfit that only reached down to her thighs. The edges were laced with sparkling beads that glittered along with her jewelry. Her hair was up in a high bun while her face glittered more, if possible, than her accessories with all the shiny make up she put on. She was also wearing wings, which reminded him of something or someone, some kind of magical creature in an old story from back when he was a young boy.
As he sat down on the table, (Pansy had seated them facing the doors) he looked up and saw something that took his breath away. Literally. When he didn't turn away, because he couldn't or didn't want to, the eyes of the person caught his gaze. Amber locked on gray.
Draco knew his mouth was slightly open but he couldn't do anything about it now. The sight of Hermione made his mind go blank, his tummy to turn and his breath to hitch. She had just entered the room and was now standing by the door looking at him with wide eyes. Even though his mind had stopped processing anything beyond what he was seeing, there seemed to be one thing that Draco could think of, just one thing. Which was that the sight of that girl made his heart skip a beat.
Hermione was wearing a long white silky dress that floated down her body, caressing her curves until it lightly touched the floor. The dress had only one strap and it hung across from her left over her right shoulder. She didn't have much jewelry on except for a silver ring and long white gold earrings. Her hair was lightly curled; it had a wavy tone to it. It cascaded down her back past her shoulders, some of the hair on the side was pulled up nicely to the back and on them, she'd stuck on some white and pink flowers creating a sort of halo on her head. Everything else in the room seemed to have blurred and as they looked at each other intently, Draco felt like things were moving in slow motion. Draco couldn't say anything and realized that he was captivated by her and in that moment in time, he didn't mind.
The two were still gazing at each other until Hermione broke it, well Potter broke it. He had touched her arm and gently pulled it, though Draco could've sworn it was more of a yank (maybe out of slight envy that Potter was the one who was with her). When she finally looked away, Draco was still in a trance like state. He figured he had to regain his composure so he took a deep breath and slowly let it out. After a while, when he decided he was back to normal, he turned and began conversing with his fellow house mates talking about Quidditch, school and girls. His mouth did all the talking but his mind never left a special thought.
*~*~*
Pansy turned from one of her Slytherin friends for just a minute to check on her date. Maybe Draco hadn't noticed it but Pansy witnessed the non-too welcome stare down between the boy of her dreams and the annoyingly holy Gryffindor who had come in. Oh yes, she saw it all right.
Pansy had just led the two of them to their table when he suddenly fell silent. She called his name once but he didn't seem to hear. Instead, he was looking ahead with an odd look on his face. When she followed his gaze, her eyes were greeted by something filthy. It was Granger and she didn't look awful. She looked between the two and could've sworn they couldn't hear or see anything else but each other. Pansy knew it could and would never mean anything because if she knew Draco at all, she knew that he would never go for someone like that mudblood, so she ignored it.
But something deep inside her, somewhere she'll probably never want to go, something stirred and it bothered her all through the night.
*~*~*
Hermione was sitting down chatting with Hannah Abbott but felt guilty because her mind was barely on the conversation. She couldn't shake the feeling she'd gotten when Malfoy looked at her when she entered. And though the whole thing seemed to have happened in slow motion, she couldn't remember much.
All she knew was that he was the first thing she saw when she came in. He was sitting there casually in his black suit, with his friends talking all around him, and hers around her. But when she looked at him, he didn't turn away. Instead he looked back with just as much intent as though they were both locked in some sort of daze. She tried to look away but realized that she couldn't. It made her insides feel light and after that it hasn't returned to normal. Even know after an hour and a half, after dinner and multiple dances her heart was still beating fast.
Once in a while, or more often than that, she caught herself looking for him but then stop, then, without thinking, look for him again. She was lost in thought until she felt a hand on her arm.
"Are you ok Hermione?" Hannah asked with concern in her voice, "You look a bit lost, are you feeling alright?"
Hermione shook her head, it was then she decided she needed a break. "I'm really sorry, Hannah. I just have a lot on my mind," she apologized "I think I just need a bit of fresh air. Would you mind if I stepped out for a bit?"
"No, of course not, I bet I was boring you anyway," – "Oh no you weren't! I was..." Hermione tried to explain but Hannah held up a hand "No, its ok Hermione, I know what you meant. I understand. Go ahead, I'll tell Harry and Ron where you are so they don't go ballistic when they discover you're gone."
Hermione sighed lightly. "Thanks a lot, Hannah." With that, she got up and went outside and headed straight to the lake.
*~*~*
"So Draco, how are you enjoying yourself?" Pansy purred in his ear as they danced to a slow song.
Pansy's seductions gave him goose bumps but nonetheless he answered her.
"I'm ok Pansy." He heard her sigh in frustration so he looked down. "What's wrong with you?"
"Wrong with me? What's wrong with you?" she asked accusingly.
"What are you talking about?"
"Look, all night everyone's been dancing and eating and talking except you."
"Again Pansy, what are you talking about?"
"You don't seem to be having a good time. It's like your mind is somewhere else. You aren't talking, and when I ask you things you only answer with small words." Her voice began to whine.
"What if I don't feel like talking? Is that so wrong? What if I have something on my mind?"
"Something on your mind? It doesn't happen to be a certain girl wearing a white dress does it?" she blurted out.
At that, Draco snapped his head to look at her. He was suddenly irritated but even more worried – had someone seen them?
"What do you mean?" he demanded.
"I saw you staring at her Draco. She's a mud blood," Putting emphasis on the word to get her point across. "What do you think you're doing getting involved with someone so below us?"
"She isn't below us." Draco answered quickly but then bit his tongue because he was just as shocked as Pansy was about his answer. Pansy stepped out of his arms and looked up at him in disbelief.
"She isn't below us? Has she gotten to you Draco?" she quickly put her hands over her mouth, "Did she get you Draco? Did she brainwash you or something?" her voice was full of fear but then turned livid, "I am going to get that stupid dirty Gryffindor and..."
"Pansy! She hasn't brainwashed me. Sorry, I don't know why I said that because she is below us. I just have a lot on my mind. I think I'll go outside for a bit. You mind?" he asked but he was already heading out the door.
As he as walking, he heard Pansy say from behind him, "No, it's ok Draco. Take your time. I'll just be here, ok!"
But he didn't answer. Instead he quickened his pace wanting to get away from Pansy, all the noise and especially from the girl in the white dress.
*~*~*
Draco had no idea where he was going exactly, all he knew was that, as for now, anywhere was better than being inside so he let his feet take him wherever it liked. He wasn't exactly thinking when he was walking either because it came as a mild shock to him when he felt the bitter cold of October all around. He was outside. As he walked along a path he could see other students who'd also decided to get away from the clamor but he suspected that they didn't leave for fresh air since most of them had been pairs, couples who took private and intimate refuge behind bushes.
He kept walking since he didn't want to disturb the lovers around him. Now and then he'd find another pair behind another bush or under a tree. Draco kept walking until he got to the lake. When he looked behind him he found that he was most probably alone. He didn't think any of his fellow students would go this far just for a snog; it was too far, it was too cold and it being Halloween was too creepy.
The lake was surrounded by trees, which weren't stuck too close, that it isolated the castle's view from there but with the high bushes and thick branches, it still gave you a sense of privacy, aloneness. Draco was standing still, hands in his pockets, soaking in the peace and calmness that the moonlight and the sounds of crickets were offering.
He took a deep breath, let it out and took another deep breath but held it. He thought he was imagining it but there it was. A figure. A figure in white. She was sitting atop a rock, big as a chair, and was looking up into the night. Draco hadn't come into view yet; he was still in the darkness, enough for her to miss his presence. He was silently watching her; her arms were by her side and her face tilted up. He thought how slender her neck looked. Now and then she'd close her eyes and take a deep breath and let it go slowly. He could see her chest rising with every breath. He found that simple action to be very sensual. He took her in then and thought that she looked like some sort of Greek goddess with her white gown, and her hair. She was beautiful. And for once, Draco wasn't disgusted by her, for her beauty and intelligence or by himself, for feeling this about her.
As he kept watching, he saw her close her eyes one final time and then bow her head down. She looked somewhat sad, as though she had too much on her mind to sort them out herself. It was then that Draco wanted to come out, he wanted her to know he was there, which might result to something less pleasant since he had been watching her with out her knowledge. But it didn't matter to him because all he wanted at the moment was to sit by her side.
All of a sudden he wanted her to talk to him, her to tell him what had been bothering her. What, something so important or possibly poignant, can make someone so pretty look so down. This was a new emotion for Draco for he never really cared why people were sad. He was never the one to reach out to people, try and get them to talk. He figured people would just go to you when they need help. But this time was different. He wanted to comfort her.
Making up his mind, and being a person who never backed out on his word, he walked on, emerging from the darkness and presenting himself to her. At first she didn't look up, it wasn't until he stepped on a twig did she finally realize some one else was out there with her. She was surprised, shock, stunned, embarrassed and furious all rolled into one.
"What are you doing here? How long have you been standing there? Why aren't you inside?" she asked one after the other.
"Slow down. I just wanted to get away; it was too noisy and crowded. I haven't been standing there for long (which might have been a lie but it was more of a fib he told himself) and as I said I wanted to get away for a little bit" he answered all her questions.
Her mouth was slightly open for a while, he could see the wheels turning in her clever mind but she didn't seem to find anything meaningful to say so she stayed quiet. He stayed quiet too, until he had to speak.
"Is this spot taken? There isn't anywhere else to sit and I'm tired from standing." He asked, pointing a finger beside Hermione.
She looked up at him with lifted eyebrows. He knew why too. He was asking to sit beside her in an intimate closed area; he would've been suspicious too. They were after all not friends. But not enemies either, he found himself hoping.
"Look I'm not going to hex you or anything Granger, I just want to sit. I like it here."
She shrugged. "No. It isn't taken." And she slid over to make more space.
He kind of wished she'd stayed where she already was, that way they would have been closer. But he took his seat, thinking this was ok.
Silence fell between them but he found it relaxing, not awkward. Just two people lost in their own thoughts.
"Why did you need to get away?" she asked after a while. Maybe she got too tired of not talking, Draco figured. She was always talking, especially in class and instead of making him feel annoyed as usual; it made him smile and this made him feel uneasy.
He sighed, "I don't know really. Normally I could bear it but this time...its different." He couldn't very well say that he left because he wanted to get her off his mind.
She laughed silently. "Same here. I don't know why I even go to them. I suppose its because Parvati and Lavender make them sound so exciting that I get excited too."
"But it's not your kind of thing?"
"Not really. I mean I like dances but I think we have too many in a year. Sometimes I feel like going back to my dorm while everyone is still at the dance and find a good book and just sit and read." And then she looked at him, slightly embarrassed, thinking what she'd said was awfully nerdy.
"Really? I've done that a couple of times. Go back half way in the night. Its really great when you get the whole common room all to yourself." He was glad that his answer relaxed her more.
She smiled a little. "But isn't it cold in the dungeons?"
"Oh trust me, it isn't half as bad as some say it is."
"Oh well I always thought..." she trailed off "so, you read books during those times?"
"Yeah, sometimes."
"Why'd you stop sneaking out?"
"Pansy caught me once and from then on she never let me out of her sight." He answered jokingly.
She laughed and to him it sounded melodious. Another moment of silence.
"What about you? Aren't you supposed to be all witty? Don't tell me you couldn't figure out a way to slip away form the Balls?"
"Well, when you've got friends like mine you'll understand. They're always looking out for me."
"Potter and Weasley?" And for the first time ever, it didn't sound like he was insulting them. Hermione seemed to have noticed also but didn't say anything about it.
She nodded.
"So, is something on your mind?" he blurted out. He couldn't keep it inside him. He wanted to know what was bothering her. Sincerely.
She looked up. "What do you mean?"
"Well," choosing his words carefully so that he doesn't let slip his watching her earlier. "Just that when I saw you, you had your head down. You looked...stressed."
She just shrugged. "School work I guess."
"Oh" was all Draco said. She obviously didn't want to talk about it.
*~*~*
Draco had had his head down so he didn't notice Hermione looking at him closely, and if he did know, he didn't show it. He just kept his eyes on the ground.
She had a secret, she knew all along that he'd been there. She knew exactly how long he'd been standing there. When she saw him she was surprised but she guessed that he was unaware of it because if he was he would've moved away or something. From the corner of her eyes she watched him. And she let him watch her. She didn't know why but a sudden rush of calmness over came her and she decided to play a little teasing game even if she was the only player. She wasn't acting though, she didn't put a show for him, she simply carried on as if he wasn't there. She just let him watch her, to see what he would do. And to her astonishment, he came over. He started talking to her as though six years of pain, name calling, hexing, insulting and all that didn't exist. But she didn't care, the conversation was going well and she wanted it to continue and she had the feeling that he felt the same.
"Malfoy?" it was almost a whisper.
He looked up, "Yeah?"
"Why are you here? Talking to me I mean?"
He shrugged, "I don't know. You're a good conversationalist, better than some in my house."
"You just complimented me." There was awe in her voice.
He looked up again, this time meeting her eyes. "Yes, I did." And then he smiled. She returned it. Silence fell on them again.
Hermione was deep in thought but she wasn't really thinking. She was humming to the song she could hear from the castle. She wasn't paying attention until she heard Draco speak.
"You like the song?"
She blushed a little and Draco was struck by how cute she was. "Yeah, sorry about that. Sometimes I do things with out knowing it." And with the blush came a soft smile, a shy one. And again he saw how striking she really was.
"Yeah, I noticed." But his voice held no malice, just a tease. At that moment, as she looked back at him, with the same realization that they were flirting, he felt a surge of spontaneity in him. He did something even he didn't think he was going to do. He stood up and held out his hand. "Would you like to dance?"
Hermione was shocked that she even started laughing. "Dance?"
"Yeah, you like the song so much, we should dance to it."
"But...here?" she asked but he knew what she really meant...with you?
Hermione was caught off guard when he'd asked her to dance. When he stood up she thought he was leaving but instead he extended his hand to her. She didn't know what to do, but she knew what she wanted and that was enough for her, for tonight at least. So slowly, she slipped her small hand in his.
Draco gently pulled her up, glad that she accepted but nervous because he didn't know what was happening to them. But as soon as she was pressed up against him, he didn't care. As long as she was this close to him, he didn't care.
They started to slow dance and at first it was weird. They have never been this close, even on those particular incidents where he'd caught her a few times, or this nice to each other. But after a little while, they grew almost naturally together. They grew to the song, to the dance together and they felt an easiness that was never there before. She slowly rested her head on his shoulder and his hand had moved to her lower back, pressing her a little closer to him. She closed her eyes; it was like sleeping to a lullaby except they were standing. It was that peaceful.
The feel of her body, and then her head on his shoulder took his breath away for the second time that night. She was so lovely and he realized that they were doing something so romantic that you only read them in books.
He, Draco Malfoy was dancing with the girl that he'd hated for more than half his life but found out that the feel of her made him feel more complete than anything. He, Draco Malfoy was dancing with Hermione Granger under the moon and stars with soft music playing in the background.
They were both wishing that the song wouldn't end but it had to some time but when it did, they didn't. They just stood there, they probably stopped going around in small circles half way through the song. They simply stood holding each other. Listening and breathing.
"You know, I don't get you." Hermione finally spoke. It wasn't exactly what he was expecting but it was better than, I think we should go back.
"What a thing to say," He said softly, "what do you mean?"
Hermione didn't want to say it, it could spoil the whole evening but the longer they stood there, the more confused she got. So she asked.
"I think you know what I mean. What are we doing? I mean, weren't we enemies just yesterday? I just don't understand you sometimes."
"Understand me in what way?"
"You're confusing. Sometimes you could be so nice, sweet and calm. But then sometimes you're..." she spoke quietly and leisurely.
"Mean? Ruthless? Cold?", when she didn't speak he went on, "Don't worry about it. I don't get myself either sometimes. It's just that I guess there are some things I can't control."
"Like what?"
"My temper for one thing. When some thing pisses me off I just explode, I guess you could say." He laughed to let it on as a joke.
"Is it because you're used to getting your way?"
"Maybe that has something to do with it...but you know, I've never always gotten my way at home. I want people to think so but it isn't true. Not always." He had no idea why the hell he was telling her this. But answers just seemed to roll out of his mouth when she asked.
"Why not? Aren't you like the prized possession of your family? I thought they'd have spoiled you to death"
Draco laughed and Hermione noticed something behind it. Like bitterness. Hermione knew that she was stepping on sensitive ground and that he may explode on her any minute but she was curious. Especially of the fact that he was even telling her these things.
"You'd be surprised Granger of what goes around at home," he went on, "My father and mother can be the strictest of them all."
"Strict..." she repeated like it was a second thought.
"About school. They've always expected the best from me, which means to be the best in school. But having you in my year doesn't exactly make it easy for me." He explained, but when he mentioned her and how she was competition, he didn't sound harsh.
"I'm sorry." Was all she could think to say, and then, "But aren't they proud of you of what you've accomplished?"
"Accomplished? What accomplishments?"
She looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "What do you mean what accomplishments? You're one of the best students in school. And I haven't always been the one on top and you know that. You were always right behind me and we're always fighting for first place. Sometimes I'm ahead, sometimes you are." He smiled lightly to her answer. It relieved her somewhat. "And you're in the Quidditch team."
He laughed, "If I recall, wasn't it you who announced in front of everyone back in second year that I bought my way in? Now why should my parents be proud of that? After all, it was my father who bought the new broomsticks for the team."
"I may have said that," she said as if she doubted his memory "but later on you proved your self worthy to be on the team. Ever since you've been on it, we've seen some really great plays." And then, looking down, she added quietly almost to herself, "I think you fly pretty well."
Draco's insides stilled for a minute. Hermione just said that she thought he was just as good as her. That he was smart. And that he could "fly well." At those words, he broke into a grin. He didn't know why but what she said meant something to him.
He bent his head down close to her's. "Thank you" he whispered softly.
*~*~*
PHEW! Are you sweating 'coz I sure am. Ok this won't be long 'coz I pretty much said everything in the beginning...hahaha...but I'm here to remind you to be alert for the new chappies 'coz I think (I hope) they're getting juicier and juicier...wow can I get dorkier?? I think not. Ok well hope you guys enjoyed that. I know there were some of you who were wondering what Hermione was wearing...did you really think I'd write all that and not tell you?? Lol ok well adios amigas (as I suppose you're all girls but I wouldn't mind if YOU were a guy, yes YOU!)...For now.
P.S. this is not the end of this.