A/N: Hey Ho!! Thanks for your reviews. They were awesome. So, here is the
next chapter. The rest of the dance and more. Hope you guys like it as
always. Also, I have a bit of warning, I might take I little longer for the
next few chapters because I have so much to do. Yes, I know, I hate it too.
lol. Well anyway, HERE it is...chapter 7...
Disclaimer: Own nothing. Plot only...
*~*~*
Hermione's whole body seemed to be radiating with heat. Maybe it was because of her stupid blush. She had just told Draco that he'd had his fair share of achievements, which was true. He had potential written all over him. Not only was he smart, determined and focused, he had talent. As mush as she used to hate to admit it, it was undeniable.
She also confessed that she thought he was a good player, which she was hoping he missed but alas he didn't and had bent down and whispered "thank you" to her ear. It was then that her body felt very weak. He was close, so close. She could feel his breath playing over her skin, which was warm compared to the cold October evening.
Hermione closed her eyes and then slowly turned her head to face him. He was still bending over so their faces came fiercely close. She looked up into his eyes, it was gray and the same as it had always been, but she found something else. She could see the changes in them. Draco Malfoy's eyes were softening as he stared intimately at her.
As she studied him, she thought about the evening and how strange and yet soothing it had been. How she and him ever ended up in this position, she'll never know. She never knew Draco had it in him to be this serene. She was suddenly struck by how easy they had talked, how easy she felt with him. If she didn't already know, she would've thought they were actually friends. He was so different. And what's more strange or maybe even daunting was that he talked about something quite personal. She suspected that Draco didn't talk about home very often and yet he did with her.
Something else that she realized was that she found him kind of cute. Attractive. Sexy? Maybe. He was definitely more striking anytime he acted like this. Hermione just found it hard to like someone when they're personality stunk worse than a skunk.
As she continued to gaze at him, she noticed his eyes lingering on her mouth. She licked them consciously and felt her temperature rise again. She was afraid that she was now red as a tomato. But what scared her even more was that she didn't know what his lingering eyes implied. Surely he wasn't thinking of kissing her, but then, would she stop him if he did? She was so confused. Hermione had never had a night quite like this. And she didn't know how she wanted it to end.
*~*~*
Draco was looking down at Hermione when it struck him. How much he liked holding her. How much he liked the feel of her. How much he wanted it to last. And her lips, he couldn't take his eyes off them. No matter how much he willed himself to. He couldn't stop wondering what they felt like, her soft lips against his own. And it gave him goose bumps – but the best possible ones you could ever get.
Tonight was something he never anticipated. Tonight was like a dream (if that wasn't too corny). It was like they stepped into a different world. A world where nothing mattered. A world where they weren't who they were. He wasn't an evil pureblooded wizard who hated the girl in front of him who was a muggle born. He was just a boy who wanted to kiss a girl. As romantic as this sounded, Draco didn't stray away from reality too long. He knew who he was holding. But to him, she wasn't Granger, not the Granger he'd known for so long, anyway. Maybe it was because they've never had a real conversation before. Somehow she was very different from the girl he'd always thought she was. And at that moment he wanted nothing more than to kiss her. To really touch her.
He lowered his head slowly closer to her. He could see the surprise in her eyes, her mouth dropped slightly too. As he got closer and closer, as the inches between them became smaller and smaller, and as the anticipation in him became unbearable, something happened to Draco that had never happened before. He was put off.
At the very last minute, Hermione had pulled away, regretfully too because he can see it in her expression. She was stunned but repentant. He too was taken aback. In all of his adolescent years, a girl had never turned him down for a kiss, or more. It was usually the girl who hurried things up. He looked away for a second then looked back at her. Hermione seemed a bit scared and Draco had an idea what of. She was anxious if he was going to burst on her. Be his mean and cruel self once again. He smiled gently. How ever shocking that was, he wasn't angry with her. In fact, he rather admired the fact that she was able to control herself and step away when he knew that if she approached him at all, he would have let her.
"I-I'm sorry, Draco." She spoke quietly and softly. When she saw his stunned reaction, she took it as an insulted look and apologized. "I-it's just a bit sudden, do you know what I mean? I'm just a little confused. I didn't- I just-..." she stopped abruptly. Draco was smiling, it was a very genuine smile and it made her feel so high up. Wow, she thought.
Draco could see the bemused look on Hermione's face. She obviously didn't know why he was smiling. So he explained, "You called me Draco."
It was Hermione's turn to be baffled. "Did I? It just came out. I'm sorry. Did you not want me to..." she tried to continue but he held up a hand.
"Hold on there, I didn't say I didn't like it. I was just surprised. You've never called me by my first name before."
She smiled lightly. "You're the one who started the whole 'last name calling' thing."
"Oh, so it's my fault, is it?"
"Yeah, I guess you could say that."
"So how did it feel? I'm pretty sure you've never said it before."
Hermione smiled then scrunched up her nose. "Well, to be honest, it felt a little weird but it wasn't that bad." she offered a sweet laugh.
"You think it's a name you could get used to?"
She hesitated before looking up at him. That was certainly a surprise. Draco just asked her if she'd be willing to say his name again, under other circumstances, but nonetheless, she nodded.
They both fell silent after that. Perhaps it was because they realized how much they were flirting with each other. After a while, the stillness was broken by Draco who noticed Hermione shiver under his touch. They were still very close and his arms were loosely around her. In truth, Draco hadn't realized he was still holding her; they sort of just carried on talking failing to see that they hadn't let go of each other.
"You cold?" he asked.
She nodded, "Yeah, maybe just a little. I hadn't plan on staying out here too long." She smiled as she answered.
Draco hesitated before speaking, "Do you want to go back inside?"
At this she looked up at him squarely in the eyes, then slowly, as if she was still making up her mind, said, "Yes, I think I should."
Draco's heart sunk, he was hoping they would spend the rest of the dance outside, by the lake. Together. He took a deep breath, "Well then, maybe you should go. Get warmed up and all. Wouldn't want you to get sick or anything." He was loath to let her go but he did and with a good amount of effort.
She stepped away from him. "Do you want to get back inside too?"
He was about to say yes, was so close to saying it but reality dawned on him. They couldn't possibly walk back to the castle together. It was not plausible. What would happen if they were seen together! Him with a mud blood. But she isn't filthy, Draco thought. Not anymore, and maybe she never was. But as much as he wanted to stay with her for as long as he could, he had too much to lose to give it all away on something he didn't yet understand. He wasn't ready.
He shook his head and Hermione bowed hers in understanding. She, too, knew what his answer would be and the reasons for it. Deep inside, though, she knew she felt the same, maybe not exactly the same but some where along similar lines.
"I see, well I'll just...see you around." She started to walk away, until Draco grabbed her arm gently. She turned.
"Wait, um..."
He was at a loss for words, but she understood. "I know," was all she could manage to get out.
"I – uh had a good time tonight,"
"Me too,"
"Thanks for the dance,"
"Thank you for asking,"
And then, he surprised her with something so wonderful and so sad. He bent down and kissed her lightly on the cheek and whispered something to her ear. She closed her eyes. "Goodnight, Hermione."
*~*~*
"There you are!" Ron's voice boomed across the dance floor, "Where on Merlin's beard have you been?" he came and stood directly in front of her.
"Just out for a bit of fresh air Ron." Hermione sighed.
She had taken her time coming back from the lake, back from the boy who had kissed her. After Draco had given her a kiss on the cheek, her mind had gone completely blank, and when he moved away, all she could muster was a faint smile. She had walked away then, never looking back but knowing his eyes were on her as she left him. As she was walking back, her mind was occupied by one thought and it hasn't left since. She looked up at her friend.
"Well, we've missed you. And you missed quite a show. You'll never guess who asked Harry to dance," Ron started laughing hysterically, "Millicent Bulstrode! Can you believe it? Big Millie asked Harry." More laughter, "You should've seen Harry's face! He looked as if someone had told him that he had to eat a meal that Neville's cooked up...are you OK 'Mione?" he asked being concerned. He thought she'd be more excited or grossed out about the news but as she stood there just staring at him but seemingly not processing what he'd just said, he figured something must be wrong.
Hermione shook her head, "Oh no, I'm fine Ron, sorry. So, Big Millie asked Harry to dance?" she asked, not wanting Ron to think in to it. She didn't want him asking her questions she didn't want to answer, either because they were personal (and she just knew how he and Harry would react if ever they find out what had happened, which was NOT a good idea) or maybe because she, admittedly, just didn't know the answers.
Satisfied with her answer, Ron, laughing all the way through, recounted the night's events for the next several long minutes. "Yeah, you should've seen his face! He was a midget compare to her!..." Ron's voice fading away as her mind drifted off somewhere else, "...and you know what else happened? Guess who had the same dress on as Parvati. Yeah, it was Pansy. Can you believe it?..." fading away, "...you should've seen them go at it! It reminded me of that muggle film you made us watch, what was it? Gladiator? Yeah, it was like that. You should've seen Pansy's face when Parv told her off. You know, how she looks like a pug?..."
Ron kept yapping, telling Hermione practically everything that happened over the past hour, oblivious to the fact that the girl in front of him had tuned him out after a few seconds.
*~*~*
Draco stood there, in the middle of the night, in the shivering cold, thinking of a certain girl wearing a white dress, wondering how so much unfolded in such a short period of time.
*~*~*
Hermione was lying down, she was exhausted. The ball ended two hours ago and she'd just gotten to bed. After the dance, the Gryffindors returned to the common room only to set up another festivity. They partied for a solid two hours and there were still those who refuse to give in to sleep. She could hear their laughter and excitement and put a silencing charm around her bed to block out the rest of the noise. Both Parvati and Lavender were still downstairs, flirting with who ever guys still remained. As the party continued relentlessly downstairs, Hermione on the other hand lied on her back, her mind often drifting off to a lake, under the pale moonlight and a young boy who she could not get her mind off of.
He kissed her. He kissed her. He kissed her. She kept repeating it in her mind but it was so far fetched that she hardly believed it actually happened. But it did, she thought, it really did. She touched the part where he kissed her, just below her check bone and silently, a smile crept to her face. It was so nice. His lips were soft and he was so gentle. She could still feel his breath lingering and it made her skin tingle. As much as she furtively enjoyed it, the thing that she was really "worried" about, for lack of better words, was the prospect of it being a different kiss. She knew Draco wanted to kiss her, really kiss her, but she backed away from him. Hermione was caught off guard, like she was running in thick fog and suddenly stop, finding herself on the very edge of a cliff; she didn't know what to do. It wasn't as though she could grab a book and study on "How to react when your mortal enemy tries to pucker you up" She shook her head. No, she told herself, there was definitely not a book that could help her now.
Hermione turned to her side, what is going on with me, she thought resignedly. How can I be suddenly feeling all this for him, for Malfoy! Just yesterday we weren't even talking and now, out of Merlin knows where, he wants to kiss me. Unless it was a dare. That could always be an explanation, but Hermione thought he looked pretty sincere. But that could all be an act. He is a Slytherin after all. But what valuable prize could someone offer him? He already had everything. What reward could he want so bad that he would touch a muggle born. And dare to kiss her much less. Hermione was getting frustrated, not because of the fact that she didn't know what was happening, or the fact that she had backed away from him but because deep inside, she knew she regretted that she did.
*~*~*
Draco sat on a comfortable chair by the window, looking out at the reflection of his housemates as they made a tragic mess partying around their common room. It was dark and on the glass window, he could see Pansy sitting on another guy's lap, glancing over at him from time to time, making sure he saw what she was doing, no doubt trying to make him jealous.
When he got back from the lake, probably a good fifteen minutes after Hermione returned, Pansy spied him heading not for the ball, but straight to the dungeons. When she questioned him about the reason he simply ignored her, which of course set her off the rocker. When all of them finally got back and started a whole new bash, she poured in all her efforts and flirtatiousness in trying to upset him, some way, some how. By sitting on some twit's lap to dancing near by with another bloke, all this was in vain. Because, although Draco was fully aware of her antics, it was hard not to notice, he couldn't have cared less. Now, as he looked outside, he could see the lake, beyond the dense images it projected from the inside, and realized he'd never before appreciated the beauty of it.
*~*~*
Hermione woke for the millionth time to the sound of Pansy and Lavender's alarmed voices. She got up groggily, rubbing her eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"I can't find my lipstick," one said.
"Where's my pink top?" the other announced.
Hermione got up and headed for the bathroom to get cleaned up, seeing on her way, the pink shirt on top of the desk and the lipstick under the chair, but not making any comment on it. As she came out seven minutes later, the room was empty. Guess Parvati and Lavender solved that problem, she thought.
It was Saturday so there weren't any classes. When she got to the common room, Harry and Ron were already waiting for her, along with Seamus and Dean.
"Hey 'Mione," Ron greeted her merrily. She smiled back as they exchanged their 'Good Mornings'.
"Is something the matter, Harry?" Hermione asked as they walked to the Great Hall, Ron in the front talking with Seamus and Dean.
"Huh?" Harry looked at her with confusion in his eyes.
"Nothing, just that you look a bit drained," she smirked before continuing, "Did Big Millie give you a work out last night? I heard you had quite a time." Hermione toppled in laughter that she couldn't resist.
At her words, Harry paled with horror on his face. "Please, for the sake of our friendship, never and I mean never speak of last night again."
She raised her eyebrows, "Was it that bad?"
"If you'd been there, you would know just how bad."
"Oh I'm sorry, Harry. I was just outside and I ended up staying later than I thought." she explained without the slightest intention of going any further.
"Where were you anyway? When you came back you were kind of silent. And then when we got back to the dormitory, you headed straight to bed with out even saying good night." By his tone, Hermione sensed the reason why he was quiet just a few minutes ago.
"Oh well, you know, I was really tired and you and Ron were all the way on the other side of the room, and it was really crowded so I just didn't bother." She tried to explain without really lying. "Is that it Harry? It isn't like it was the first time I've done it. Besides, you knew I was upstairs."
Instead of answering, Harry just shrugged. Hermione was left totally puzzled. Why would Harry be acting weird over such an insignificant thing? I didn't upset him did I? –Then her eyes widened in panic, did he see me last night? Did he see me with Draco? For a second, her heart stopped beating, but as soon as the thought came to her, it left. No, she thought. If Harry saw us together, he would've definitely made it known that he was there. He would've beaten Draco to a bloody pulp.
Even though Hermione was assured that Harry had not seen them, she was still uneasy all through out breakfast.
*~*~*
"Hey Hermione, how are you?"
It was Hannah. Hermione was outside sitting by the front steps wrapped up in her winter clothing. As her cheeks reddened to the bitter cold of mid- November, she watched with pleasure as Harry, Ron, the twins, Seamus, Dean, Neville with Lavender and Parvati played in the snow. She giggled as she watched Seamus hit Neville with a snowball right on the back of the neck, and then as Neville screamed because of the wet coldness that started running down his back before answering Hannah.
"I'm doing ok. You?"
"Me? Well I'm cold, I can't feel any parts of my body, and I'm pretty sure one of my ears had fallen off."
"Pretty good then, I reckon?"
"Yeah, pretty darn good." Hannah answered with sarcasm in her voice.
Hermione giggled. She really liked Hannah, not only was she funny and intelligent, but she was also a good friend. Not that Hermione didn't trust Lavender or Parvati, it's just that, well, to put it simply, they couldn't exactly keep secrets. As nice as they were, they gossiped just as much as they put on make up, or talked about guys, or giggled over cute little fluffy things or believed anything that old bat, Trelawney predicted about their futures. They didn't say bad things exactly, it wasn't as if they made fun of people, certainly not Hermione but she just didn't like the knowledge that she had told them a secret and now they can tell anyone who listened. But with Hannah, Hermione just got a good feeling, like she was trustworthy. Of course, she only told Hannah the things she could never tell Harry or Ron, mainly about guys. Which, by the way, is not a particularly famous subject when conversing with Hermione. But she did have questions about certain ones from time to time and since Hannah knew most of them in their year, in a completely friendly basis, Hermione always got her answers.
Not many people would know but Hannah was probably Hermione's closest girl friend. No doubt even Harry and Ron knew how much she told the blond girl. (Of course nothing about the secret Order or anything related.) They first became close friends when Hannah shyly asked questions about Ron. Whether Hermione thought he liked Hannah or not. Her crush on the red head only lasted a month, but they soon realized that they liked talking to each other and so kept talking whenever they had the chance. Only Hannah, along with Harry and Ron knew the real deal with Viktor; that it was no big deal. He liked her and she thought she liked him back but the chemistry just wasn't there. In the end, the broke it off on good terms. They still talk, too. Once in a while he'd send her an owl, telling her stories about his Quidditch team (a part which Ron unadmittedly was desperate to read) and so on and she'd answer back, telling him how excited she was for him.
And now, as Hermione looked up at her friend, she realized that after Harry and Ron, Hannah's friendship was the next thing she treasured the most.
Hannah cleared her throat and Hermione turned at the sound.
"Something the matter, Hannah? Are you sick?"
"No, it was just..."
"Oh c'mon, what is it?"
"Well, I wanted to talk to you."
"Ok, what do you want to talk about?" Moving to make room for her on the steps, "What did you have in mind?"
Hannah hesitated before answering, "Well I'm not sure if I should. I just don't want you to get mad at me, that's all."
"I'm not going to get mad at you, I promise."
But still Hannah looked doubtful, now Hermione was getting all worked up.
"C'mon, you can't bring it up and then not tell me about it," egging her on, "just say it, Hannah."
"Ok, as long as you promise not to get upset. You have to listen to me, ok?"
Hermione took a deep breath, bracing herself for some bad news.
"Ok. Well, first keep in mind that I'm your friend, no matter what. And that I only want the best for you, and that I don't ever want to lose you as a friend."
"Yes, yes, yes," with a wave of her hand.
"Right, well this was a few weeks ago. Remember the Halloween dance?" Hermione nodded, "Remember when you asked to step outside? And I told you I'd tell Harry and Ron?" Hermione nodded again, "Well, after a while, Harry started wondering where you were, I guess he got worried or something. And to tell you the truth, so was I."
"Uh-huh..."
"Well, Harry looked busy, dancing with Millicent and all, so I decided to look for you outside myself."
Hermione said nothing. Hannah continued, "And I think you know the rest."
Hermione sighed, a deep sigh, a deep relief, nervous sigh. Yes, she did. "Alright," and then after a moment, "How long were you watching us?"
"Not for long, when I came, you two were dancing and at first I wasn't sure who the guy was because I could tell it was certainly you but I didn't know of anyone who you would've been dancing with, but as soon as I saw the blond hair-"
Hermione shook her head, wanting Hannah to stop. "I'm really sorry, Hermione. I swear I didn't follow you. I was looking for you and I saw you two for only a few moments and then I left." Hermione closed her eyes. She was almost positive Harry knew. How could he not? She wasn't sure if Hannah had told and...maybe she had.
"What did you say to Harry?"
"Are you kidding? Even I know how he would've reacted. So I said I didn't find you but that you were probably safe. That he shouldn't worry." She offered a faint smile.
Hermione breathed in relief, thinking how smart Hannah was. "Thank you,"
"So are we ok? You aren't mad at me?"
"No, of course not. I was just really scared that's all. I don't want neither Harry or Ron to find out."
"Why not?"
"Because there isn't anything to tell. It was one night that never should've happened and it probably never will again. Nothing happened and I don't want them to get all red and green over something so..., so..., I don't know but it doesn't matter."
"Well, I guess I can understand that, that's a good point."
"Hannah?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you decide to bring it up now? Almost a month later."
She laughed lightly, "Because this has another part to it,"
"You're not done? But nothing happened, I told you. What else could there be?"
"How about those long lasting looks between you and Malfoy. Or constantly checking him out. Or unconsciously looking for him over at the Slytherin table during meals. Or watching him and then turning around as soon as he looks your direction."
As Hermione listened, her face began to turn red and she suddenly felt hot underneath all her layers. But as she listened, she could picture each of the images her friend was describing. She hadn't known she did any of them. Sure, she caught herself looking at him from time to time but she always thought it was normal. She saw a different side of him and it made her curious. Or wanting. But she didn't even want to think about the latter.
*~*~*
So there it is. Pls R/R!! I want to know what you think of the fic so far and how you think it's going go on from here. Suggestions/criticisms are always welcome.
P.S. what does OOC mean? There seem to be a lot of terms that I just don't get. Oh and what do you think of Hermione and Hannah's friendship? I kind of like Hannah and notice that she's not a very big part of the book or in fanfics so I decided to put her in mine.
Ok then! Toddles. 'Till next time. Hugs and kisses to each one of you.
Disclaimer: Own nothing. Plot only...
*~*~*
Hermione's whole body seemed to be radiating with heat. Maybe it was because of her stupid blush. She had just told Draco that he'd had his fair share of achievements, which was true. He had potential written all over him. Not only was he smart, determined and focused, he had talent. As mush as she used to hate to admit it, it was undeniable.
She also confessed that she thought he was a good player, which she was hoping he missed but alas he didn't and had bent down and whispered "thank you" to her ear. It was then that her body felt very weak. He was close, so close. She could feel his breath playing over her skin, which was warm compared to the cold October evening.
Hermione closed her eyes and then slowly turned her head to face him. He was still bending over so their faces came fiercely close. She looked up into his eyes, it was gray and the same as it had always been, but she found something else. She could see the changes in them. Draco Malfoy's eyes were softening as he stared intimately at her.
As she studied him, she thought about the evening and how strange and yet soothing it had been. How she and him ever ended up in this position, she'll never know. She never knew Draco had it in him to be this serene. She was suddenly struck by how easy they had talked, how easy she felt with him. If she didn't already know, she would've thought they were actually friends. He was so different. And what's more strange or maybe even daunting was that he talked about something quite personal. She suspected that Draco didn't talk about home very often and yet he did with her.
Something else that she realized was that she found him kind of cute. Attractive. Sexy? Maybe. He was definitely more striking anytime he acted like this. Hermione just found it hard to like someone when they're personality stunk worse than a skunk.
As she continued to gaze at him, she noticed his eyes lingering on her mouth. She licked them consciously and felt her temperature rise again. She was afraid that she was now red as a tomato. But what scared her even more was that she didn't know what his lingering eyes implied. Surely he wasn't thinking of kissing her, but then, would she stop him if he did? She was so confused. Hermione had never had a night quite like this. And she didn't know how she wanted it to end.
*~*~*
Draco was looking down at Hermione when it struck him. How much he liked holding her. How much he liked the feel of her. How much he wanted it to last. And her lips, he couldn't take his eyes off them. No matter how much he willed himself to. He couldn't stop wondering what they felt like, her soft lips against his own. And it gave him goose bumps – but the best possible ones you could ever get.
Tonight was something he never anticipated. Tonight was like a dream (if that wasn't too corny). It was like they stepped into a different world. A world where nothing mattered. A world where they weren't who they were. He wasn't an evil pureblooded wizard who hated the girl in front of him who was a muggle born. He was just a boy who wanted to kiss a girl. As romantic as this sounded, Draco didn't stray away from reality too long. He knew who he was holding. But to him, she wasn't Granger, not the Granger he'd known for so long, anyway. Maybe it was because they've never had a real conversation before. Somehow she was very different from the girl he'd always thought she was. And at that moment he wanted nothing more than to kiss her. To really touch her.
He lowered his head slowly closer to her. He could see the surprise in her eyes, her mouth dropped slightly too. As he got closer and closer, as the inches between them became smaller and smaller, and as the anticipation in him became unbearable, something happened to Draco that had never happened before. He was put off.
At the very last minute, Hermione had pulled away, regretfully too because he can see it in her expression. She was stunned but repentant. He too was taken aback. In all of his adolescent years, a girl had never turned him down for a kiss, or more. It was usually the girl who hurried things up. He looked away for a second then looked back at her. Hermione seemed a bit scared and Draco had an idea what of. She was anxious if he was going to burst on her. Be his mean and cruel self once again. He smiled gently. How ever shocking that was, he wasn't angry with her. In fact, he rather admired the fact that she was able to control herself and step away when he knew that if she approached him at all, he would have let her.
"I-I'm sorry, Draco." She spoke quietly and softly. When she saw his stunned reaction, she took it as an insulted look and apologized. "I-it's just a bit sudden, do you know what I mean? I'm just a little confused. I didn't- I just-..." she stopped abruptly. Draco was smiling, it was a very genuine smile and it made her feel so high up. Wow, she thought.
Draco could see the bemused look on Hermione's face. She obviously didn't know why he was smiling. So he explained, "You called me Draco."
It was Hermione's turn to be baffled. "Did I? It just came out. I'm sorry. Did you not want me to..." she tried to continue but he held up a hand.
"Hold on there, I didn't say I didn't like it. I was just surprised. You've never called me by my first name before."
She smiled lightly. "You're the one who started the whole 'last name calling' thing."
"Oh, so it's my fault, is it?"
"Yeah, I guess you could say that."
"So how did it feel? I'm pretty sure you've never said it before."
Hermione smiled then scrunched up her nose. "Well, to be honest, it felt a little weird but it wasn't that bad." she offered a sweet laugh.
"You think it's a name you could get used to?"
She hesitated before looking up at him. That was certainly a surprise. Draco just asked her if she'd be willing to say his name again, under other circumstances, but nonetheless, she nodded.
They both fell silent after that. Perhaps it was because they realized how much they were flirting with each other. After a while, the stillness was broken by Draco who noticed Hermione shiver under his touch. They were still very close and his arms were loosely around her. In truth, Draco hadn't realized he was still holding her; they sort of just carried on talking failing to see that they hadn't let go of each other.
"You cold?" he asked.
She nodded, "Yeah, maybe just a little. I hadn't plan on staying out here too long." She smiled as she answered.
Draco hesitated before speaking, "Do you want to go back inside?"
At this she looked up at him squarely in the eyes, then slowly, as if she was still making up her mind, said, "Yes, I think I should."
Draco's heart sunk, he was hoping they would spend the rest of the dance outside, by the lake. Together. He took a deep breath, "Well then, maybe you should go. Get warmed up and all. Wouldn't want you to get sick or anything." He was loath to let her go but he did and with a good amount of effort.
She stepped away from him. "Do you want to get back inside too?"
He was about to say yes, was so close to saying it but reality dawned on him. They couldn't possibly walk back to the castle together. It was not plausible. What would happen if they were seen together! Him with a mud blood. But she isn't filthy, Draco thought. Not anymore, and maybe she never was. But as much as he wanted to stay with her for as long as he could, he had too much to lose to give it all away on something he didn't yet understand. He wasn't ready.
He shook his head and Hermione bowed hers in understanding. She, too, knew what his answer would be and the reasons for it. Deep inside, though, she knew she felt the same, maybe not exactly the same but some where along similar lines.
"I see, well I'll just...see you around." She started to walk away, until Draco grabbed her arm gently. She turned.
"Wait, um..."
He was at a loss for words, but she understood. "I know," was all she could manage to get out.
"I – uh had a good time tonight,"
"Me too,"
"Thanks for the dance,"
"Thank you for asking,"
And then, he surprised her with something so wonderful and so sad. He bent down and kissed her lightly on the cheek and whispered something to her ear. She closed her eyes. "Goodnight, Hermione."
*~*~*
"There you are!" Ron's voice boomed across the dance floor, "Where on Merlin's beard have you been?" he came and stood directly in front of her.
"Just out for a bit of fresh air Ron." Hermione sighed.
She had taken her time coming back from the lake, back from the boy who had kissed her. After Draco had given her a kiss on the cheek, her mind had gone completely blank, and when he moved away, all she could muster was a faint smile. She had walked away then, never looking back but knowing his eyes were on her as she left him. As she was walking back, her mind was occupied by one thought and it hasn't left since. She looked up at her friend.
"Well, we've missed you. And you missed quite a show. You'll never guess who asked Harry to dance," Ron started laughing hysterically, "Millicent Bulstrode! Can you believe it? Big Millie asked Harry." More laughter, "You should've seen Harry's face! He looked as if someone had told him that he had to eat a meal that Neville's cooked up...are you OK 'Mione?" he asked being concerned. He thought she'd be more excited or grossed out about the news but as she stood there just staring at him but seemingly not processing what he'd just said, he figured something must be wrong.
Hermione shook her head, "Oh no, I'm fine Ron, sorry. So, Big Millie asked Harry to dance?" she asked, not wanting Ron to think in to it. She didn't want him asking her questions she didn't want to answer, either because they were personal (and she just knew how he and Harry would react if ever they find out what had happened, which was NOT a good idea) or maybe because she, admittedly, just didn't know the answers.
Satisfied with her answer, Ron, laughing all the way through, recounted the night's events for the next several long minutes. "Yeah, you should've seen his face! He was a midget compare to her!..." Ron's voice fading away as her mind drifted off somewhere else, "...and you know what else happened? Guess who had the same dress on as Parvati. Yeah, it was Pansy. Can you believe it?..." fading away, "...you should've seen them go at it! It reminded me of that muggle film you made us watch, what was it? Gladiator? Yeah, it was like that. You should've seen Pansy's face when Parv told her off. You know, how she looks like a pug?..."
Ron kept yapping, telling Hermione practically everything that happened over the past hour, oblivious to the fact that the girl in front of him had tuned him out after a few seconds.
*~*~*
Draco stood there, in the middle of the night, in the shivering cold, thinking of a certain girl wearing a white dress, wondering how so much unfolded in such a short period of time.
*~*~*
Hermione was lying down, she was exhausted. The ball ended two hours ago and she'd just gotten to bed. After the dance, the Gryffindors returned to the common room only to set up another festivity. They partied for a solid two hours and there were still those who refuse to give in to sleep. She could hear their laughter and excitement and put a silencing charm around her bed to block out the rest of the noise. Both Parvati and Lavender were still downstairs, flirting with who ever guys still remained. As the party continued relentlessly downstairs, Hermione on the other hand lied on her back, her mind often drifting off to a lake, under the pale moonlight and a young boy who she could not get her mind off of.
He kissed her. He kissed her. He kissed her. She kept repeating it in her mind but it was so far fetched that she hardly believed it actually happened. But it did, she thought, it really did. She touched the part where he kissed her, just below her check bone and silently, a smile crept to her face. It was so nice. His lips were soft and he was so gentle. She could still feel his breath lingering and it made her skin tingle. As much as she furtively enjoyed it, the thing that she was really "worried" about, for lack of better words, was the prospect of it being a different kiss. She knew Draco wanted to kiss her, really kiss her, but she backed away from him. Hermione was caught off guard, like she was running in thick fog and suddenly stop, finding herself on the very edge of a cliff; she didn't know what to do. It wasn't as though she could grab a book and study on "How to react when your mortal enemy tries to pucker you up" She shook her head. No, she told herself, there was definitely not a book that could help her now.
Hermione turned to her side, what is going on with me, she thought resignedly. How can I be suddenly feeling all this for him, for Malfoy! Just yesterday we weren't even talking and now, out of Merlin knows where, he wants to kiss me. Unless it was a dare. That could always be an explanation, but Hermione thought he looked pretty sincere. But that could all be an act. He is a Slytherin after all. But what valuable prize could someone offer him? He already had everything. What reward could he want so bad that he would touch a muggle born. And dare to kiss her much less. Hermione was getting frustrated, not because of the fact that she didn't know what was happening, or the fact that she had backed away from him but because deep inside, she knew she regretted that she did.
*~*~*
Draco sat on a comfortable chair by the window, looking out at the reflection of his housemates as they made a tragic mess partying around their common room. It was dark and on the glass window, he could see Pansy sitting on another guy's lap, glancing over at him from time to time, making sure he saw what she was doing, no doubt trying to make him jealous.
When he got back from the lake, probably a good fifteen minutes after Hermione returned, Pansy spied him heading not for the ball, but straight to the dungeons. When she questioned him about the reason he simply ignored her, which of course set her off the rocker. When all of them finally got back and started a whole new bash, she poured in all her efforts and flirtatiousness in trying to upset him, some way, some how. By sitting on some twit's lap to dancing near by with another bloke, all this was in vain. Because, although Draco was fully aware of her antics, it was hard not to notice, he couldn't have cared less. Now, as he looked outside, he could see the lake, beyond the dense images it projected from the inside, and realized he'd never before appreciated the beauty of it.
*~*~*
Hermione woke for the millionth time to the sound of Pansy and Lavender's alarmed voices. She got up groggily, rubbing her eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"I can't find my lipstick," one said.
"Where's my pink top?" the other announced.
Hermione got up and headed for the bathroom to get cleaned up, seeing on her way, the pink shirt on top of the desk and the lipstick under the chair, but not making any comment on it. As she came out seven minutes later, the room was empty. Guess Parvati and Lavender solved that problem, she thought.
It was Saturday so there weren't any classes. When she got to the common room, Harry and Ron were already waiting for her, along with Seamus and Dean.
"Hey 'Mione," Ron greeted her merrily. She smiled back as they exchanged their 'Good Mornings'.
"Is something the matter, Harry?" Hermione asked as they walked to the Great Hall, Ron in the front talking with Seamus and Dean.
"Huh?" Harry looked at her with confusion in his eyes.
"Nothing, just that you look a bit drained," she smirked before continuing, "Did Big Millie give you a work out last night? I heard you had quite a time." Hermione toppled in laughter that she couldn't resist.
At her words, Harry paled with horror on his face. "Please, for the sake of our friendship, never and I mean never speak of last night again."
She raised her eyebrows, "Was it that bad?"
"If you'd been there, you would know just how bad."
"Oh I'm sorry, Harry. I was just outside and I ended up staying later than I thought." she explained without the slightest intention of going any further.
"Where were you anyway? When you came back you were kind of silent. And then when we got back to the dormitory, you headed straight to bed with out even saying good night." By his tone, Hermione sensed the reason why he was quiet just a few minutes ago.
"Oh well, you know, I was really tired and you and Ron were all the way on the other side of the room, and it was really crowded so I just didn't bother." She tried to explain without really lying. "Is that it Harry? It isn't like it was the first time I've done it. Besides, you knew I was upstairs."
Instead of answering, Harry just shrugged. Hermione was left totally puzzled. Why would Harry be acting weird over such an insignificant thing? I didn't upset him did I? –Then her eyes widened in panic, did he see me last night? Did he see me with Draco? For a second, her heart stopped beating, but as soon as the thought came to her, it left. No, she thought. If Harry saw us together, he would've definitely made it known that he was there. He would've beaten Draco to a bloody pulp.
Even though Hermione was assured that Harry had not seen them, she was still uneasy all through out breakfast.
*~*~*
"Hey Hermione, how are you?"
It was Hannah. Hermione was outside sitting by the front steps wrapped up in her winter clothing. As her cheeks reddened to the bitter cold of mid- November, she watched with pleasure as Harry, Ron, the twins, Seamus, Dean, Neville with Lavender and Parvati played in the snow. She giggled as she watched Seamus hit Neville with a snowball right on the back of the neck, and then as Neville screamed because of the wet coldness that started running down his back before answering Hannah.
"I'm doing ok. You?"
"Me? Well I'm cold, I can't feel any parts of my body, and I'm pretty sure one of my ears had fallen off."
"Pretty good then, I reckon?"
"Yeah, pretty darn good." Hannah answered with sarcasm in her voice.
Hermione giggled. She really liked Hannah, not only was she funny and intelligent, but she was also a good friend. Not that Hermione didn't trust Lavender or Parvati, it's just that, well, to put it simply, they couldn't exactly keep secrets. As nice as they were, they gossiped just as much as they put on make up, or talked about guys, or giggled over cute little fluffy things or believed anything that old bat, Trelawney predicted about their futures. They didn't say bad things exactly, it wasn't as if they made fun of people, certainly not Hermione but she just didn't like the knowledge that she had told them a secret and now they can tell anyone who listened. But with Hannah, Hermione just got a good feeling, like she was trustworthy. Of course, she only told Hannah the things she could never tell Harry or Ron, mainly about guys. Which, by the way, is not a particularly famous subject when conversing with Hermione. But she did have questions about certain ones from time to time and since Hannah knew most of them in their year, in a completely friendly basis, Hermione always got her answers.
Not many people would know but Hannah was probably Hermione's closest girl friend. No doubt even Harry and Ron knew how much she told the blond girl. (Of course nothing about the secret Order or anything related.) They first became close friends when Hannah shyly asked questions about Ron. Whether Hermione thought he liked Hannah or not. Her crush on the red head only lasted a month, but they soon realized that they liked talking to each other and so kept talking whenever they had the chance. Only Hannah, along with Harry and Ron knew the real deal with Viktor; that it was no big deal. He liked her and she thought she liked him back but the chemistry just wasn't there. In the end, the broke it off on good terms. They still talk, too. Once in a while he'd send her an owl, telling her stories about his Quidditch team (a part which Ron unadmittedly was desperate to read) and so on and she'd answer back, telling him how excited she was for him.
And now, as Hermione looked up at her friend, she realized that after Harry and Ron, Hannah's friendship was the next thing she treasured the most.
Hannah cleared her throat and Hermione turned at the sound.
"Something the matter, Hannah? Are you sick?"
"No, it was just..."
"Oh c'mon, what is it?"
"Well, I wanted to talk to you."
"Ok, what do you want to talk about?" Moving to make room for her on the steps, "What did you have in mind?"
Hannah hesitated before answering, "Well I'm not sure if I should. I just don't want you to get mad at me, that's all."
"I'm not going to get mad at you, I promise."
But still Hannah looked doubtful, now Hermione was getting all worked up.
"C'mon, you can't bring it up and then not tell me about it," egging her on, "just say it, Hannah."
"Ok, as long as you promise not to get upset. You have to listen to me, ok?"
Hermione took a deep breath, bracing herself for some bad news.
"Ok. Well, first keep in mind that I'm your friend, no matter what. And that I only want the best for you, and that I don't ever want to lose you as a friend."
"Yes, yes, yes," with a wave of her hand.
"Right, well this was a few weeks ago. Remember the Halloween dance?" Hermione nodded, "Remember when you asked to step outside? And I told you I'd tell Harry and Ron?" Hermione nodded again, "Well, after a while, Harry started wondering where you were, I guess he got worried or something. And to tell you the truth, so was I."
"Uh-huh..."
"Well, Harry looked busy, dancing with Millicent and all, so I decided to look for you outside myself."
Hermione said nothing. Hannah continued, "And I think you know the rest."
Hermione sighed, a deep sigh, a deep relief, nervous sigh. Yes, she did. "Alright," and then after a moment, "How long were you watching us?"
"Not for long, when I came, you two were dancing and at first I wasn't sure who the guy was because I could tell it was certainly you but I didn't know of anyone who you would've been dancing with, but as soon as I saw the blond hair-"
Hermione shook her head, wanting Hannah to stop. "I'm really sorry, Hermione. I swear I didn't follow you. I was looking for you and I saw you two for only a few moments and then I left." Hermione closed her eyes. She was almost positive Harry knew. How could he not? She wasn't sure if Hannah had told and...maybe she had.
"What did you say to Harry?"
"Are you kidding? Even I know how he would've reacted. So I said I didn't find you but that you were probably safe. That he shouldn't worry." She offered a faint smile.
Hermione breathed in relief, thinking how smart Hannah was. "Thank you,"
"So are we ok? You aren't mad at me?"
"No, of course not. I was just really scared that's all. I don't want neither Harry or Ron to find out."
"Why not?"
"Because there isn't anything to tell. It was one night that never should've happened and it probably never will again. Nothing happened and I don't want them to get all red and green over something so..., so..., I don't know but it doesn't matter."
"Well, I guess I can understand that, that's a good point."
"Hannah?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you decide to bring it up now? Almost a month later."
She laughed lightly, "Because this has another part to it,"
"You're not done? But nothing happened, I told you. What else could there be?"
"How about those long lasting looks between you and Malfoy. Or constantly checking him out. Or unconsciously looking for him over at the Slytherin table during meals. Or watching him and then turning around as soon as he looks your direction."
As Hermione listened, her face began to turn red and she suddenly felt hot underneath all her layers. But as she listened, she could picture each of the images her friend was describing. She hadn't known she did any of them. Sure, she caught herself looking at him from time to time but she always thought it was normal. She saw a different side of him and it made her curious. Or wanting. But she didn't even want to think about the latter.
*~*~*
So there it is. Pls R/R!! I want to know what you think of the fic so far and how you think it's going go on from here. Suggestions/criticisms are always welcome.
P.S. what does OOC mean? There seem to be a lot of terms that I just don't get. Oh and what do you think of Hermione and Hannah's friendship? I kind of like Hannah and notice that she's not a very big part of the book or in fanfics so I decided to put her in mine.
Ok then! Toddles. 'Till next time. Hugs and kisses to each one of you.