Days slipped into weeks and weeks into months, and the Gala Ball crept up on all who were invited. Each person who was invited had spent the day getting ready, ensuring they looked their best, for the press were allowed to swarm as much as they liked during the arrivals, after which it would be an invitation only event.
Hermione had spent her morning scribbling down the last few notes of her speech until two o'clock when she had begun to get ready. She would be the last guest arriving of the night with Narcissa promising to make her arrival the most spectacular. Draco would meet her at her house and the two would once again take a magical car to the event, Narcissa too worried that Hermione's appearance would be too ruffled should they apparate.
After soaking in a tub of jasmine scented bathwater for two hours (in which she meticulously ran over the lines of her speech as she lathered and cleansed), Hermione wrapped herself in a silky robe with simple lingerie beneath, knowing she would change into something nicer later on. She had only allocated such a large portion of time to ready herself was because she had planned to do everything the muggle way, certain that her hair and makeup would last longer that way. Of course, a few charms would always be added to ensure absolutely nothing fell out of place.
She sat in front of her vanity table, pots and containers of makeup, hairstyling products (both wizarding and magical), and various other beauty products littering the surface. After drying her hair, she began by placing it in large rollers, determined to end up with large, bouncy curls that fell past her shoulders. She continued her preparation with her makeup, applying only a small amount until she reached her eyes. Delicately dabbing on some eye shadow, she smoothed the shimmery powder out evenly and lined her top lid with a black liner. She slathered on mascara until her lashes were thickly coated. The entire effect was stunning, if she did say so herself, the final touch being revealed when she let her hair out from the rollers. It landed in elegant waves and large curls, placing itself perfectly. She did not look at all like her usual self.
Stepping away from the vanity, Hermione dropped the robe and stripped from her knickers, exchanging the simple garment for something she was certain Draco would adore. The choice of dress had been made by Narcissa, though Hermione had to admit it was absolutely exquisite, but the elder witch had said nothing about her undergarments. Smirking to herself, she stepped into the lacy pieces before turning her attention to the stunning dress which lay on the bed.
It had been another one of Narcissa's creations but she had not allowed Hermione to see it until that morning when she had sent it over. The silk-satin dress clung to every single one of Hermione's curves, and the torso and bust was decorated with beautiful little studs which shimmered with each movement she made. The almost pink shade of the dress complimented her skin colour quite prettily and she wondered how Narcissa knew that she would absolutely adore it.
The gown felt like heaven against her skin when she slipped into it and she let out a little sigh of contentment. With some small, unnoticeable adjustments, the lacy treat she wore below was entirely hidden. Reaching for her jewellery, Hermione clipped her earrings in. The fine jewellery was shaped like a panther's head though its surface was littered with diamonds and the eyes glowed emerald. The ring she wore on her hand was shaped like wings, their surface also dotted with priceless diamonds. She slipped into her shoes, which were high and silver, peeking out from the high slit in her dress whenever she took a step, and picked up her clutch just as Draco knocked on the front door.
Hermione turned to the mirror for one last appearance check. The person who stared back was like no one Hermione had ever encountered. With the sultry waves of her hair, dark brows and pouty lips, the woman staring back at her was someone more beautiful and sexy than Hermione could imagine. The dress was tight, clinging to her perfectly, and her eyes were darkly alluring.
The knock at the door sounded again and Hermione started, turning away from the beautiful image in the mirror and hurrying to the front door as fast as she could without running or falling. She threw open the door, smiling brilliantly at Draco who was dressed to the nines, his hair swept carelessly out of his brilliant eyes and his black suit contrasting beautifully with his pale skin. Draco's mouth dropped open at the image of her and she watched him swallow thickly with satisfaction.
"Holy fuck," he muttered, still staring at her with wide eyes.
"Do you like it?" she asked, feigning shyness. He nodded slowly and she beamed brightly at him. "We should get a move on. Your mother might explode if I'm later than I'm supposed to be for my arrival."
"Right. Yes. Well. Let's go," he offered her his hand and she allowed hers to slip into his, Draco's thumb rubbing in soft circles against the back of her hand as he was prone to do. He helped her into the limousine which awaited the couple outside of her house. During the car ride, Draco had slipped his hand into the slit of her dress, hoping to inch it up further before Hermione caught him. She glared at him, shaking her head sternly.
"I wish, but I can't. I need to look at least mildly respectable tonight, and turning up freshly shagged probably isn't the best start," she reminded him, dodging his kiss as well. "I'll kiss you after my arrival has gone off without a hitch."
Disgruntled, Draco leaned back into his seat with his arms crossed like a petulant child.
"I may not be able to kiss you yet, but trust me, later tonight we're going to do a lot more than kiss," she told him, grasping their hands together tightly. Draco's eyes lit up at the words and his head whipped around to face her. She gave him a sultry glance and his eyes swirled with lust. "Just hold out for a couple more hours."
He nodded once and his eyes flickered to the scene outside the window. "We're almost there," he said. "Just...don't scream."
"What?" she asked, her brow creased into a frown as the car began to slow, only to rumble ominously. "What's going on?" her voice was panicky now and she gripped Draco's hand tightly.
"Calm down," he said soothingly. "It's just my mother's way of a dramatic entrance.
His words calmed her slightly but she did not release Draco's hand. Just when the rumbling had reached a volume so loud that her ears were beginning to ache, the noise transformed to a soft birdsong and Hermione realized that hundreds of doves were flying around her as the car changed into a stunning carriage, drawn by two pure white horses. The doves fluttered off, much to the entertainment and awe of the crowd who stood outside Malfoy Manor to greet her. The magic had been truly beautiful, Hermione thought as Draco helped her from the carriage. Upon closer inspection she realized that it was a dome made of glass, the door lined with a gold trim that she did not doubt was real.
Bulbs flashed as the press eagerly snapped as many pictures of the couple as possible. Draco's arm wrapped possessively around her waist, pulling her into his side as they stood and waited for the wave of photographers to pass. When he pressed his lips softly against her cheek the flashes went crazy, and Hermione thought that she would be blinded. She could only imagine the reaction they would get if they truly kissed.
At long last a trumpet sounded, signalling the beginning of the evening and the end of the cameras. Hermione smiled softly, leaning further into Draco as they led the procession of guests along the path and further into the grounds of Malfoy Manor. The house itself was lit up beautifully, lights circling edges of the roof and illuminating the ivy which crept up the sides. The weather was warm but not overly so and the sky was cloudless. The stars twinkled above, the final touch to the glorious setup of the grounds.
Narcissa had truly outdone herself. Hermione normally found outdoor parties lacking the class they often boasted, but the grounds of Malfoy Manor were flawless. A huge tent had been erected in the distance where everyone would no doubt be sitting for the meal, but the area which fronted it glittered with hovering candles and rosebushes sprinkled with real fairies. The usual peacocks roamed the gardens at random and a fountain lay further on, trickling a soft tune. Trays floated about at random with champagne floats drifting atop of them, and the guests soon began to mingle.
Within the first two minutes, Hermione was greeted by eight different people, none of whom she had ever laid eyes on in her life. She was aware that the majority of the guest list was filled with names of Narcissa's acquaintances, but Hermione had expected to at least know somebody. Draco was her lifesaver, remaining at her side throughout the first hour in which she just answered the same tedious questions over and over.
After a rather short and round wizard had finally departed in search of more champagne, Hermione caught sight of a flash of red hair and she turned around to see Ginny and Harry waiting to catch her attention.
"Thought you could use a familiar face," Harry smiled, embracing her quickly before shaking Draco's hand once. Hermione and Ginny began gushing over each other's dresses, Hermione making particular note of how stunning her best girlfriend looked in black. Ginny's dress held a plunging neckline and a floor length skirt, and she could see Harry itching to get his hands back onto his wife.
Harry himself looked awfully debonair, his outfit less casual than Draco's but still formal. He wore is white collared shirt with the top buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up slightly, his hair forever messy. "You look great," he complimented Hermione, pulling Ginny back and keeping his arm tight around her waist.
"Back off, Potter," Draco said, his tone light but his eyes deadly serious. He tightened his grip on Hermione and she rolled her eyes at how possessive he was being tonight.
After a small amount of small talk was exchanged between the couples, Harry and Ginny excused themselves to go and dance. Hermione just wanted to sit down and rest for awhile, already worn out by the night's festivities, but she knew Narcissa was counting on her to gain donators. Another half hour passed before the bell for dinner finally sounded and she was all but dependent on Draco to lead her to the tent which was decorated lavishly, the roof charmed to look out and onto the night's sky.
Hermione and Narcissa took the centre two seats at the long table at the head of the room, Draco on Hermione's left and the other important guests scattered on either side. The first course, fresh oysters, was served as soon as the last person was seated. Narcissa had hired an army of chefs to cook for the evening, refusing to allow any elves to partake in the preparation. Hermione ate slowly, pleased to not have to talk to anyone. Narcissa, noticing her lethargy, produced a vial of Pepper-Up potion. Hermione drank the smoking liquid in one gulp, immediately feeling the effects. Her drowsiness had instead been replaced by an overwhelming nervousness at the approach of her speech which she would be presenting at the conclusion of dessert's chocolate soufflé.
Right on cue, as the last plate was scraped clean of the wicked treat, Narcissa tapped her glass delicately with her knife, nudging Hermione into action. The latter fumbled in her purse for a few moments until she at last withdrew the piece of worn paper, though she had read the script hundreds of times prior.
"Since wizards have come to claim magical superiority over all manner of creatures, ignoring their magical capacities and capabilities. We have convinced ourselves that we are superior, enslaving and kicking dirt on those who we deem to be beneath us. The most obvious mistreatment is that of house elves who have been enslaved for centuries, but they are not the only ones. Centaurs and merpeople have long been abused by wizards, and other creatures exploited for their goods. The time has come to give rights to those who we have mistreated for so long.
"I am not demanding a change in traditions. I am not asking us to drastically alter our livelihood. But I am asking us to open our eyes and our hearts to those who we have created to be less fortunate. We continue to restrict the land of centaurs though we have plenty of land to give. It is simply for our greed. We are disrespectful of the culture of the merpeople. This is purely because we are too ignorant and apathetic to make an effort. We maintain our enslavement of house elves. Why? Why is it we do to house elves, intelligent, kind creatures, what we would never do to a human? Is it a general laziness on behalf of wizards? Or do we think ourselves to be above the tasks of house elves?
"We need to take action and extend the rights that others deserve to them. We need to give the land back to the centaurs. We need to make the effort to communicate with the merpeople. We need to offer wages and holidays to the house elves who have served wizards for so long.
"So tonight, I urge you to reach into hearts and give to a cause determined to help those less fortunate, a consequence of our own hand. While you dance and drink and eat tonight, think about the beings who are currently suffering because of us, and then ask yourself if you can spare a few galleons to help them.
"Thank you," she ended to tumultuous applause, sitting down with a relieved sigh. Narcissa patted her lightly on the back with a congratulatory smile. "How did I go?" Hermione asked Draco quietly.
"Bloody brilliantly," he grinned, stealing a quick kiss from her. She pulled away, blushing, but accepted his hand when he stood from the table. They were expected to mingle with the guests once again, and the tent dissolved as music began to play from some unseen source.
Allowing Draco to lead her to several important guests, she tittered about with idle talk for another half hour, Draco remaining by her side. Marguerite Zabini offered to make a generous contribution to the charity, and Seamus Finnegan's grandfather, Marcus Finnegan, followed suit. Eventually, after another forty-five minutes of nodding politely and um-ing and ah-ing at all the right moments, Draco was able to sweep her away from the guests and onto the expanse of floor cleared for dancers. There were only a few other couples, though they were quickly being outshone by a man in a black tuxedo and his partner who wore a brilliant emerald green dress.
"Draco!" the woman, who Hermione quickly realized was Pansy, cried, twirling out of Ron's embrace and into Draco's arms. Draco deftly let go of Hermione's hand in order to catch his best friend, and Ron took that moment to hold Hermione to him quickly. "You clean up well, Granger," Pansy smiled when she removed herself from the blonde's arms, and Hermione felt her cheeks flush at the compliment.
"We've known for a long time that you always look amazing, Pansy," Hermione reciprocated the compliment, allowing Draco to snake his arm around her waist. "Enjoying yourselves?"
"Bloody brilliant, 'Mione," Ron grinned, draping his arm lazily around Pansy's shoulders. Hermione couldn't help but notice that they were so perfectly suited to each other; Ron, tall and lanky with his messy hair and lazy grin, and Pansy, short and slender and put together with so much care and devotion. Somehow, despite their differences, tall and short, Gryffindor and Slytherin, they clicked.
"I'm glad," she said, smiling warmly at the pair. "We'll let you get back to your dancing, then. You two are the stars of the floor."
Hugging Ron once more, Hermione took the lead and Draco followed her from main floor, through the crowds of people, and out from the tent.
"What are you doing?" he asked as they vanished from the party under the cover of night. "My mother will be furious."
"Only if we get caught," she said mischievously. The path from the tent to Malfoy Manor remained unlit apart from the glow of the moon and they treaded slowly, Hermione stumbling a few times on uneven patches of ground, only to be caught by Draco. Eventually they creaked through the backdoor of the Manor, into the well lit kitchen. The house was oddly silent, Narcissa outside at the party, and all house elves allowed the evening off. Ever cautious, Hermione shushed Draco one final time in order to listen out for the sounds of others, but when none reached her ears she pulled him through the house.
"Granger, where on earth are we going?" he hissed, still taking her lead and remaining quiet. The effect was lost, however, by the clicking of her heeled feet on the hardwood floors.
She said nothing, only continued to lead him through the house, up the grand staircase, around a few bends until they reached his old bedroom. A cheeky smirk had worked its way up the side of her face and he raised his brow at her. "In here," she whispered, pulling him along. He opened his mouth to speak but she pressed her finger against his lips, effectively shushing him.
Stepping away from him until her legs almost hit the base of the bed, she twisted her arms around and undid the zipper at the back of her dress. Draco swallowed thickly and she let a smile creep up the side of her cheek. When the dress dropped, her wizard's eyes widened hugely and his mouth dropped open.
She had opted for Slytherin green undergarments, both parts decorated with a huge amount of lace. Her corset style top pushed her breasts up and clung to her curves and the lacy knickers left nothing to the imagination, not that Draco hadn't seen it all before. "You like?" she asked, tossing the discarded dress away and twirling on the spot.
"Oh, yeah. Yeah, I like it a lot," Draco muttered, his mouth parched. He stepped towards her, shrugging out of his jacket and dropping it to the floor with a thump. His tie followed shortly after, and as soon as he reached Hermione she began to undo the buttons of his dress shirt. She pushed it from his shoulders and down his arms, returning her hands to the smooth planes of his chest. He shuddered as she ghosted her palms over his body and wound his hands through her hair, pulling her lips to his own.
Fireworks exploded behind their eyes as they kissed. It was only gentle, but more words transpired in that moment than they could ever speak. He moved his hands from her hair down her body, tracing her outline with gentle fingertips that sent shivers down her spine. He smiled into the kiss at her movements moving his hands until they were on her bum. She squealed lightly as he scooped her up and wrapped her legs around his body, him carrying her around to the bed where he all but fell on top of her.
She laughed and moved so she was on top of him, straddling his hips. He brought her head down until their lips met once more and she began to fumble with his belt buckle, finally undoing it and pulling down the zipper of his pants. He kicked them off along with his shoes and they fell to the floor at the foot of the bed. Tired of allowing her to have control, Draco flipped them over so he was on top, kissing her with a ravenous energy that made her moan into his mouth.
He fumbled with the tie of her corset, finally slipping it off her before hooking his thumbs around the waistband of her panties. He moved from her lips as he slid the green garment down her legs, kissing the pale skin as he went much to her delight. She quavered underneath his touch, his lips, his expert hands. He showed her paradise with his touch, drifting his hands everywhere, on every inch of her body until she become undone before him, crying out his name.
He rested his head on the pillow beside her, watching as she came down from her high. She tilted her head towards him with hooded eyes and a lazy smile. "You are perfect," he said softly, leaning in and pressing his lips to hers with so much tenderness and love that tears prickled at her eyes and leaked down her cheeks. "Why are you crying?" he frowned when he pulled away.
She shook her head, wiping the salty tears away with the back of her hand. "I love you," she whispered. "Gods, I love you so much. You have no idea."
Draco's responding smile was beautiful and dazzling as he kissed her again. "You are everything to me. I love you," he replied. She was the only one who had ever - who could ever – make him feel like this, say things like this. He had never felt this strongly about anyone in his life, and he never wanted it to end.
Slowly, he kissed her again and she pushed his boxers down as he moved back on top of her. They both cried out when he entered, and when they came it was as one as they cried out each other's names and their declarations of love.
A/N: Long time no see. I've finally finished school, so in between going out, being social, and drinking tea, I'm finding time to write. There's an epilogue still to come, which should be out (fingers crossed!) very soon.