Note - I do not own Harry Potter character but the plot is mine.
To all the people who were expecting the ball part to be a great thing, please review and tell me if I have done justice. Bear with me if you think it absolutely sucks!!!!!
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Soon the four days too passed away and finally the day came which so long awaited. Hermione and Ginny were in Hermione's room, getting her ready. Hermione slipped her shoes and dress, and sat down on a chair in front of the mirror for Ginny to do her hair and make up.
"Ginny I don't think I will be able to do this" Hermione said panicking.
"It's just the motions in your stomach Herm. You will be alright. Don't worry I've heard you singing and you sound great', Ginny said reassuringly.
"I know but if something terrible happens when I am singing."
"Nonsense Hermione, what's gonna happen?" Ginny asked putting blue eye shadow for Hermione.
"I don't know Gin, like everything and nothing"
"Just breathe in and out and you dare not cry or you will ruin my hard work", Ginny as almost as frightening as Mrs. Weasley.
"I will try not to cry but I don't promise anything though" Hermione said uncertainly.
"Hermione where is the strong willed lady I am used to watching?" Ginny asked, seeing that slowly she was loosing her confidence.
"I don't know Ginny. Life makes you do funny things." Hermione said with her eyes closed as Ginny put eye liner for her. She kept Hermione's make up to minimal because natural look suited her best. After make up, it was time for her hair. Ginny took the front of her hair and pulled it back in a retro style, clipping up only little of her front part and leaving the rest to fall down freely. Hermione was now ready and set to perform.
"Hermione open your eyes, you are ready" Ginny said. She herself was coming at the ball for supporting Hermione. She had worn a green halter gown with black robes and black heels. She had put green eye shadow which brought out the color of her eye.
Hermione slowly opened her eyes as Ginny instructed and glanced at the mirror. She gasped at her own reflection and was truly happy with Ginny's work.
They did not want to be late and so quickly apparated to the hall where the ball was going to be held. It was a special place called La Esparita where only formal balls could be held. As soon as they went inside, a fellow Healer who was coordinating the event came rushing to Hermione to say that she was needed as the ball was starting shortly.
"Go Hermione. Show him what you got. It's your final chance." Ginny said enthusiastically.
Hermione parted with Ginny and walked towards the place where all the Healers were supposed to be. The hall was done up in a theme of blue, white and silver. The ceiling was enchanted with a wavy ocean look. Hermione remembered the enchanted ceiling of Hogwarts looking up there. She was looking around nervously, for Draco but he had still not arrived.
Soon people began to fill in and not only Healers and their friends came in but also several people from Ministry. When Healer Bradshaw told her it would be a small charity ball, she never would have assumed this to be small. Looking at so many people gave her a living nightmare.
The ball got started by Healer Bradshaw's opening speech where she welcomed all. A wizarding band she had never heard before had come up to perform for the event. The ball started and as if on cue, Malfoy entered the hall. He wore a black dress shirt, black formal pants with silver tie and expensive black robes. His hair was not gelled back but he left them to fall freely on his face. His trademark smirk never left him. He looked so handsome that Hermione was sure girls would go gaga over him and she didn't like that idea any bit.
Hermione saw him and her breath stopped, she nervously gulped and looked at Ginny for help who was just two tables away from her. Ginny gave her a look that said not to worry.
Healer Bradshaw escorted Draco and soon he was seen talking to the people she assumed he knew from the Ministry. Draco darted a glance around to search for Hermione. He finally spotted her with the rest of the Healers and she looked nervous. His question was why was she nervous? He smiled. Something about her he never understood and would never understand.
Soon many witches and wizards could be seen dancing on the floor. A guy from the band asked Hermione to dance but she refused. Ginny came to Hermione and told her to look at someone across the hall. Hermione looked across the hall and saw Malfoy dancing with a pretty blonde hair Witch. She felt instant jealousy towards that witch. Looking at Hermione's fuming face, Ginny was satisfied that this is what she needed to do; she had pushed the right button. She hoped that at least now Hermione was ready enough for her big challenge.
While Hermione was busy looking or rather glaring at someone, Healer Bradshaw came for Hermione to tell her that her performance would be in next five minutes.
As soon as Hermione heard it, she had no chance to respond but to be dragged away next to the band. Hermione casted a glance at Ginny who nodded to tell her all the best.
The band stopped playing and Healer Bradshaw announced, "Attention everyone. I am sure you know Healer Granger over here. She has been doing a very good job at St. Mungo's at this young age. Well I have recently come across to her talent of singing and so requested her to present a song for all of us. She is a live example of how talented our Healers are." The crowd applauded.
Hermione panicked as something as similar to a mike was thrust into her hand.
She started, "Good evening to everyone present here. Now the song I will be singing will be dedicated to Mr. Malfoy, him being the chief guest."
What she was going to do could even cost her, her job. "I hope you understand my reason and forgive me." She looked straight at Draco and started with the song as the band started playing the music of a muggle song. The rest did not understand what she meant to say but who had to, understood it perfectly well.
I'm not a perfect person
There are many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
Draco got the hint of what she was singing and tried to look like he was not affected but it showed otherwise.
That I just want you to know
I found a reason for me
To change what I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you.
Hermione looked at Draco too see whether he got her meaning or no but he kept his mask perfectly hidden from any sings of emotions. He looked as though nothing had happened. This made her a bit sad. She was willing to accept her mistake in front of everyone (well the part that people did not know is a different thing!) and no response. She thought she might just start crying. She thought she saw his guard slip when she looked directly at him but he changed it immediately when he looked at her.
I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
I know the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear
People were wondering about her song selection and that she looked a bit emotional. One of the band members was eyeing her hungrily but when Draco caught him staring, he glared as if to say she's mine.
That I just want you to know
I found a reason for me
To change what I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
Slow tears had already started pouring out now.
I'm not a perfect person
There are many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I did
And the reason is you
( The Reason by Hoobastank )
By the time the song ended, Hermione was in tears. She dropped the mike like thing and streamed out of the hall with Ginny on her heels. She passed by Draco but he was looking down. She did not even look at him and passed by hurriedly before she could embarrass herself any more. Hushed whispers followed as she passed by. All were busy whispering with one another when Healer named Michael started to perform. Between all this, no one noticed Draco Malfoy slipping away from the hall and following the direction where the brunette just went.
She reached the lobby and plopped on a couch. Ginny came and hugged her as she was crying or instead just pouring out.
"Ginny it did not work out. See that git did not even respond. Why did I do it? Merlin I am so embarrassed now. What am I going to do?" Hermione sobbed.
"Sushhh Hermione. It was worth a try at least and anyways……." Ginny began but she saw Draco leaning casually on the door.
"You git are you even going to come and talk or only stand there?" Ginny said hotly. By the time Hermione turned around and saw Draco there. She was just about to stand and leave when he came over and grabbed her by her arms.
He whispered, "Planning to run away are you? Again." Hermione shivered as he whispered and he liked knowing that even after two years he still had the same effect on her.
When Hermione finally recovered she said "What do you want me to do then?" Tears were still filling her chocolate brown eyes.
He turned her around and saw her tears. "I don't know. Anything but leave me again and go" Draco said love filling his eyes. He wiped her tears away with his thumb.
On hearing these words, Hermione hugged him tightly. Oh how she missed being comforted by his strong arms.
"Draco I've missed you. I've missed you so much!" she whispered still in his arms.
"Then why did you leave me Hermione" Draco asked finally a tone of anger in his voice.
Hermione sensing his anger switched the topic. "Draco please don't bring that up. By the way what about the blond you were dancing with. She must be waiting for you."
"My my is someone jealous? Don't bother because she was just someone I met. Now that I've got you there is going to be no one else" Draco said feeling happy about her jealousy too.
"Was there anyone?" Hermione asked uncertainly.
"Not one. Was there for you?" Drao wanted to be sure.
"Never" Hermione replied proudly.
"What if I did not return?" Draco asked.
"I was hoping. I did not think otherwise" Hermione answered truthfully.
"So positive are we" Draco asked.
"Yeah you bet!" Hermione said.
"By the way you sang very well. I didn't know you were this good" Draco asked amusedly.
"I have never sung till I was eight you know. I had to take the trouble for you. But you know I am glad I did." Hemione said.
"I am glad too" Draco said. "The people inside didn't understand what was going on about your song and dedication"
"Who cares about them? I got what I wanted. Bradshaw is probably going to fire me for doing what I did. It was more than worth a try I guess" Hermione said quite happily, snuggling in his chest and inhaling his rare smell.
On hearing these words, he pulled her face in front of him and kissed her. His kissed her so gently as if this was a dream and would vanish if he would be rougher. But Hermione felt she could not take any of this slow teasing and entered his mouth to deepen the kiss. Draco was amazed but did not complain.
After quite a time they pulled apart, gasping for breath. Draco put his forehead on top of Hermione's head.
They were standing in perfect bliss when Hermione said "I love you Draco. I love you so much"
Draco looked into her eyes deeply and found her eyes reflecting the same amount of love she just proclaimed.
"Oh god how long? I have wanted to hear these words from so long" Draco said.
"Since the time I left you and I'm so sorry for breaking your heart but don't think mine din't break too" Hermione said. "But I've loved you so much evey day since then"
"So the lion finally fell in love with the Dragon" Draco asked.
"Yeah" Hermione replied blushing away to next century, which Draco found very cute.
With that he kissed her again, with all the passion he had, hoping to make up for the two lost years.
"I love you Draco Malfoy"
"I love you too Hermione"
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THE END
OF
PART 1
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Yay so I've finally finished this story Part 1. All those who wanted Draco and Hermione to get back together, I hope you are happy.
Some people wanted more of Harry and Ron in the story but I did not think they fit. Besides I was planning this to be a short fic and so they would only make it longer.
To all the people who reviewed, a big THANK YOU. I love you all. This story is not over for some who wanted a sequel, so a little bit of constructive criticism would not hurt. So hope you guys review and tell me.
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