Chapter One
Our story starts at Hogwarts on the lake. With a large group of girls sat gossiping by the shore. A similarly large group of boys watched them from afar making comments and joking around. Hermione sat in the middle of the girls, with her best friend Ginny. They were laughing about something and couldn't stop. "Draco! HAH! I've barely met him but he seems like an egotistical jerk who thinks only of himself. And no doubt a jester at his best friend's expense." Hermione laughed at the thought of Draco. Never having talked with him she had only heard of his wit and humor from other people.
"Hermione! You don't know him! And we always tell you he's so cunning and funny. And Ginny, Blaise looks at you like you're the best thing he's ever seen. Shh! Harry's coming this way with Blaise, Draco, Ron, Seamus and Theo! SHH! They'll hear!" Pansy whispered furiously. They all giggled a little bit as the group of boys made their way over to them. Harry led the way with his best friend Ron behind him.
Ron was sullen and glaring at the girls. He seemed to find no interest in talking with them or even being outside. But it was his duty as best friend to Harry to remain with him at all times. By now they were more like brothers anyway. Over the years Ron and Harry had grown a bit more apart. Ron was followed by Seamus and Theo Nott, while Harry led Draco and Blaise towards the women. While Harry and Ron were still friends, they had become better friends with those who had followed them.
"Ladies, what a fine day! May we sit here and stay a while with you lovely women?" Harry asked, turning on his charm. He had his eye on Ginny, but so did Blaise. Draco looked straight to Hermione.
"You must be Draco. We have met once or twice before, but I believe we have not shared more than a simple greeting here and there." Hermione said staring Draco down. Draco smiled and bowed a little, his eyes never leaving hers.
"And you are Hermione. I've also heard about you from our mutual friends. I've heard how you make friends with contempt and pride yourself on being a prude." Draco jested smiling at Hermione. However she did not find it as funny as Draco thought it was. While all the guys and some of the girls laughed at Hermione's expense she planned the perfect retort.
"At least I do not tramp around following a band of guys everywhere I go and making fun of young women who did nothing to myself just so I can have a laugh. Some would honestly find that a little odd Mr. Malfoy." She said hotly glaring at Draco. Their eyes were connected, and they never stopped looking at each other. They bickered with each other for the next few minutes and while everyone was watching Draco and Hermione, no one saw what passed between Blaise and Ginny. But the bickering continued until Pansy quickly interjected.
"Well how about this. The masquerade is tonight. I suggest we all go get ready before Blaise and Ginny jump each others bones!" Pansy said loudly enough to get everyone's attention. Hermione stopped bickering with Draco long enough to look at her best friend with happiness. She had heard her friend mention how much she liked Blaise. Everyone agreed to Pansy's position as they started moving away. Harry, Draco and Blaise lingered behind to talk a bit.
"So do you truly like Ginny?" Harry asked Blaise sizing him up. He had liked Ginny as well and had wanted to dance with her at tonight's ball. It was being thrown in honor of the war ending. Blaise donned this look that told Harry everything. Blaise had never looked so in love.
"I think I love her Harry. She's absolutely beautiful and I've heard about how intelligent she is and I think she's absolutely perfect." Blaise muttered as if he was uncontrollably in love. Harry laughed and clapped his friend on the back. Draco however felt the need to question his friends affections.
"You like her? But what if she is like her friend and is rude and insatiable? Would you be able to deal with her then? I won't let you fall for someone who is like that Hermione. She holds contempt close to her and is much too proud. What if Ginny is like that? What if Ginny is just merely putting on a show for you so you'll fall for her, marry her then she orders you around like a master would a servant?" Draco asked shaking Blaise's shoulders. He smiled and clapped Draco on the back.
"As long as I am with my beautiful Ginny I will be content. Why is it you don't like Hermione? You're proud and you on many occasions will judge someone much too quickly and hate them before you get a chance to know them. What's wrong with it on her?" Blaise asked taking a good look at his friend.
"She bickers too much. And she fights. I want a woman who will do what I want her to do and listen to me and submit to my authority. Thats what a wife is really like and what a woman should be trained to be like from birth. She was raised much too wild, and I fear, so was Ginny. Before too long you'll be complaining how wild she is and how much you resent her for not respecting you. I know it to be true." Draco said walking away from the two of them. Harry looked at Blaise and laughed.
"Here's what I'll do: seeing as I am in good graces with her best friend, and trust me you want to get on her friend's good side, I will say I am you tonight at the masquerade then win her over as you, and persuade Hermione into liking you and accepting you. I doubt Ginny will object, I've seen the way she looks at you. And before you know it you guys will be together." Harry said to Blaise. Blaise smiled, feeling it was as good a plan as any and nodded. They went their separate ways to get ready for the Masquerade.
*Down in a Boy's Lavatory
Ron stood talking with Seamus, Ron still looking grim and sullen. They had just witnessed the exchange between Blaise and Harry and were discussing it quietly. Theo was walking in as Ron started to make a plan.
"You know, I am starting to feel little affiliation with my friend Harry. And tonight seems to be a good time to create a break between the two of us. I think we shall put doubt into poor Blaise's mind. I do not mind if Harry is with my sister. But Blaise I will not accept. This match must be stopped before it gets too out of hand." Ron said, picking up a mask and looking it over. Theo and Seamus proceeded to put on the masks and cloaks the group of young men had agreed to all wear.
Ron looked at himself and the mirror and laughed. This was going to be a fun game. His sister forbade him to ever have a hand in her love life, but he never listened to her. Why would he? It was also his life, and he could mess with whomever he chose to mess with.
The Ball!
The Great Hall was decorated thoroughly. Everything was gilded in gold and silver and even though it was night, the room was brighter than it had ever been before. The music was loud as everyone danced around with masks covering their face, and hiding their identities. Hermione stepped on to the ball room floor and smiled to Ginny, twirling her around in their beautiful, yet simplistic dresses. Lavender joined them shortly and laughed along with them. This was the most fun they had had in a while.
Suddenly the group of boys arrived at the door, causing everyone to look over as they appeared. On one of their cues, not sure which one, dramatic music started up. One of them asked Lavender to dance, one of them asked for Ginny to dance, and a third asked Hermione. She wasn't weary of who she would be dancing with and gleefully danced with a perfectly normal stranger. A few of them retreated to the refreshments table. Two on one side, and the other on a different side. He seemed to be watching Ginny and her partner dance. They appeared to be having pleasant conversations.
But moving over to Hermione and her partner, which is slightly more interesting. Hermione was having a good time dancing and laughing at other people who were already drunk from too much butter beer. Suddenly a deep voice interrupted her laughter, and asked her a question, "What do you think of Draco?" Hermione nearly keeled over with laughter at this question.
"What do I think of Draco Malfoy? I'll tell you what I think of that man! He is an ignorant man who is a courtly fool and can't think of anything better to do than sit around and laugh at his friends and make plans to woo some poor woman into his bed so he can have a nice lay. Unfortunately the man deems himself nearly royalty and thinks that everyone would just adore talking to him. He's hardly a good conversation even. He just bickers and bickers instead of offering up a bit of conversation. Of course you probably know him better than I do, you being friends or whatever with him." Hermione said finishing up with a small swig of whatever was in her hand. She seemed to be on her way to drunk.
Her partner didn't seem to care about her rant, but behind his mask, Draco was frowning and fuming. How could she think of me like this? How is it possible that she hates me this much? I know she's arrogant and proud and thinks too much of herself, but she doesn't have to take it out on me! Draco thought indignantly. Apparently being called pretty much a slag did not bode well with him, but Hermione hardly seemed to notice his reaction, not that there was a reaction to notice in the first place.
But Draco and Hermione kept dancing, Hermione still completely unaware of who she was dancing with. And was quite happy with not knowing whoever held her so softly, and so kindly while she sloshed around drunk.
Ron however was unconcerned with the behaviors and reactions of Draco and Hermione. He was more concerned with whatever Blaise was doing. He had to throw Blaise's loyalty away from Harry and create a tear in their bond. He sauntered alone up to Blaise, he knew it was Blaise, but he was going to make sure Blaise thought he thought he was Draco.
"This would be Draco correct?" And because Blaise was supposed to be dancing with fair Ginny, Blaise answered in the affirmative. But the moment after he said yes, Harry took off his mask, revealing to Ginny that it was Harry and not Blaise that she had been dancing with.
"It appears Harry has fooled Blaise, huh? Saying that he'll get Blaise into Hermione's and Ginny's good graces, while he's over there, probably asking her to be his right now. I wouldn't put it past him. Harry's always been ambitious. And some times people take his intelligence for credit. But I feel really bad for Blaise. He seemed like he was really into Ginny." Ron said before clapping Blaise on the shoulder and walking away.
Blaise felt like he had been played. He couldn't believe Harry would do a thing like that. He started to walk away, hoping to escape and get back to his dorm before anyone noticed. But the real Draco caught up with him before too long.
"Blaise! Harry has won Ginny in your honor mate! Come on, lets go celebrate!" Draco said trying to drag Blaise over to Ginny and Harry. Blaise shrugged him off and said something about Harry being a prick and taking Ginny for himself. Draco thought this madness and walked off confused. But Hermione was not going to give up as quickly as Draco did. She walked over to Blaise and explained to him that Harry did indeed get into her good graces and that she knew Blaise would be a good match for her best friend.
"Wait, Harry isn't keeping her for himself? I thought for sure he would?" Blaise exclaimed. Hermione shook her head and dragged Blaise over to where Ginny stood waiting for Blaise. She seemed happy to know that he liked her as much as she liked him. He kissed her right then and there, much to the happiness of their friends. Ron watched from afar, scowling that his plan had failed. However he had something better in mind. Something much better in mind. He had noticed how Lavendar had the same fiery red hair as Ginny, and from behind you could not tell one from the other.
Ron looked to Seamus, who was watching Lavendar with an almost animalistic look. He knew that Seamus would try to sleep with Lavendar tonight. But he knew what had to be done. He took Seamus aside and told his plan to Seamus, asking him to hold off for a night or two until the time was perfect.
On the Grounds, The Next Day
Draco was pacing the Grounds, his mind ranting on the happenings of last night. "I don't get it! How can a man laugh at another for falling in love, then make a fool of himself and fall in love! I would never be able to find a woman whom all my love will be wasted on. I need someone's who's virtuous, fair and wise. She must be rich, mild, noble and sensible of course. She should be an excellent musician and her hair whatever God's will be!" He stopped when he saw Harry and Blaise walking his way and hid from them.
What he didn't know is that they saw, him and knew he was there. "So Blaise. You tell me you've talked a million words with Ginny. How about Hermione. What is she like?" Harry asked, he said it loud enough so that Draco could hear every word.
"She is very nice and funny too. She told Ginny in secret when she thought I could not hear, that she was in love with Draco. Its quite odd. I never thought she would ever love someone at all." Blaise said, his smile clear on his face. "However she loves him madly. But do not say anything to her, she'll deny it if you ask. For a moment I thought she was bluffing but Ginny did not seem surprised by it! I think she truly loves him!" Blaise said.
"But Ginny is quite sure that Hermione will never tell anyone else that she loves him. Though she seems tortured by it, she seems adamant on no one knowing. I guess she shall die." Blaise said off handedly. But Draco wished to hear more, so did Harry thank fully.
"Wait, what?" Harry asked quite without tact.
"Hermione will die if Draco does not love her. And she will die if he does. She says it like that daily says Ginny. However I care not, Ginny is mine, and Draco will love whomever he pleases. If he loves at all." Blaise walked away, and Harry followed him. They both knew that Draco had heard them, and this seed of love had been placed on him.
"What is this interesting news? Hermione loves me! This is strange, but I will not brush it off... Here she comes, and I think I see some love among her features." Draco said to himself before coming face to face with Hermione.
"Harry says that he wants a word with you. I hope you can sniff him out." She said before turning away.
"Thank you Hermione." He said aloud to her. She glanced over her shoulder, her expression confused before turning away and returning to the castle. However on her way back she met Ginny and Pansy talking. They did not see hear, but she overheard their conversation.
"What is this about Draco being in love with Hermione? It has to be false. The way they bicker all the time and the way he trash talks her behind her back. It can't be that he loves her." Ginny said outraged at such a thought.
"It's true! I heard him say it himself! He's absolutely taken with her! Of course you can't say anything about this, not even to Blaise! He'd totally kill me if any one else knew. Of course, you can't even tell her! She's so filled with contempt and prides herself on being a virgin and never wanting to be with any guy. So promise you won't tell her! Or Blaise. I know what a tattle mouth you are!" Pansy said, knowing full well Hermione could hear them.
Ginny nodded then suggested they go shopping. She wanted to find something cute to wear on her first date with Blaise.
"What is this odd news I hear? This is why Draco acted so nice to me earlier! He loves me! Oh, goodbye contempt and stupid pride! Love on Draco, oh please love on!" Hermione ran full sprint to the castle, excited for dinner when she would see him again. She had to go clean up. She wanted to look beautiful for him.
Yet there was trouble afoot. Later that night, Draco sat in a corner bemusing to himself on how to ask Hermione out. They had sat at dinner staring at each other and glancing away. He knew that she loved him and he wondered how much he loved her. He wanted to ask her, but he was unsure how. He paid no attention to Harry and Blaise's poking fun at him, and did not listen when Ron came in with news of Ginny.
"I am sorry Harry, and you Blaise. But Ginny is unfaithful. I saw her, in one of the corridors, and I tell you she is unfaithful." Ron said quite nearly out of breath.
"I do not believe you." Blaise said, his face filled with sorrow and horror. Ron led them towards the corridor where he had seen Ginny, and showed to Harry and Blaise.
It was Ginny, fucking some guy. He was shouting her name, 'Ginny! Oh yes Ginny!' The could not see her face, but that hair, who else would have that hair! Blaise looked away promised that the next day on their date he would tell all that she was unfaithful. And Harry promised he would stand by and denounce her as well. The good day ended with a terrible ending. The only that came out of this, was the love Draco had for Hermione. The love that she shared towards him.
A/N: So this is also something from Shakespeare. However this is more half of a whole play than a scene. This is the beginning of Much Ado About Nothing, with a little Blaise/Ginny action going. :) Hope you enjoy it. It's not half as good as anything else i write.