Coolin' by day then at night working up a sweat.
C'mon girls, let's go show the guys that we know,
How to become number one in a hot party show.
Now push it- push it real good.

- Push it, Salt-N-Pepa

"Come inside girl, it's freezing outside," Verity greets me as she ushers me into the deliciously warm store. "So how was your night last night, darling? Draco seemed pretty ecstatic to get you home," she continues a little coquettishly as we walk up the stairs to the apartment.

"Oh, fine," I blush. "We mostly just did schoolwork, since I insisted; he wanted to do other things."

"Of course," she chuckles. "And did you?"

"Yeah, we did." I grin at the memory. "We worked on our music project a bit, I don't know if you heard about it since Ginny is also a part of it – "

"Yes, she explained it, sounded interesting. Go on," she pushes me, smiling. I laugh.

"So gossipy, aren't you?"

"Yep."

"Well, Draco had a bit too much to drink with the boys, and I was peeved, but I'm pretty bossy about school and he likes to have silly squabbles about the answers. But because he was a bit loopy, he didn't argue with me."

"God forbid," she says sarcastically, opening the door to the house. "Hopefully he doesn't get too out of control tonight."

Me neither, I think to myself.
"He won't, it was a coping mechanism. He has a bit of a problem from what I gather with depression…but he's working on it," I assure her.

"Good. Unpopular opinion, but I actually like Draco. He's straight-forward and witty, but to people he's been mean to, that's the combination for the arsehole label."

"Yes, Verity, you have no idea of his previous idiocy, how very perceptive you are," comes George's voice from the kitchen. He walks over to where we've just entered, wearing a suit jacket and jeans.

"George, you're looking dapper, but you're violating the Girl Code by being here while we get ready," I scold him lightly.

He smiles at me, and leans in to kiss Verity on the cheek. "Ahh, you think you got me Hermione, but I'm actually leaving for late lunch with the boys. Got ready beforehand. I'll come back in 2 hours, and hopefully everyone will be here ready to go! Thank you, by the way."

"How proactive, and you're welcome. Who're you seeing?"

"Oliver, Lee ,and Percy for some odd reason. He wanted to come," he shrugs, keeping a grimace off his face.

I chuckle. "That sounds nice, though."

"Yes. It is nice to do things with Percy you know," Verity says, like she's spoken the words a thousand times before. "He needs social interaction more than anyone."

"Too true, love, too true. I can only be a good influence," he says jokingly. "Anyways, best be off, see you ladies later. Ginny just turned off the shower, by the way Verity, she's waiting for a robe I think. And Lanka is awaiting your return to make-up land," he finishes, opening the door.

"Ooh, yeah, bad timing. I'll go get her one, see you later George." She scampers off to the linen closet as a sudden thought hits me.

I turn around, "Hey George." I exit into the stairwell to George standing curious on the stairs.

"Yes?"

"Sorry, I know you're in a hurry, just. About yesterday, with the whole dresses ordeal– I just wanted to thank you, you know, for not being…"

"A dick?" he tries, a glint in his eye. "Look, I get what Malfoy is trying, Hermione. I understand why he did it, and I let it slide because his intentions for once were not to outshine the opponent. If Harry and Ron had offered to pay, it would've been a different story, but because they didn't, I didn't see it as a cause for concern. In any case, I'm going to have a quick word about it to the ferret tonight, just to tell him why it might be bad idea in the future. Yeah?"

I sigh with relief. "Yes, thank you. It's just bad enough that I have to deal with the judgement, can't even imagine what he feels like all the time."

"Up until this year, probably fine," he smirks. "Growing a conscience makes you aware of emotion. Anyways, gotta jet, bye Hermione."

"Bye!"

Thank god for small favours. George has an amazing temper compared to Ron.

He waves as I try to discreetly return inside, going to find Verity's bedroom.

"I hear some intense snogging when on last night," Lanka's sing-songy voice calls as I peek into the right place. Ginny is sitting at a vanity brushing her wet hair in a satin white robe, Lanka is wearing a red one, hair straightened, face bright.

"No, not intense," I giggle nervously, catching Ginny's slightly reproachful look.

"Verity, you lied! You lied!" Lanka iterates, pounding the pillows.

"God, are you ever giddy. You're always like this right before we go out," Verity shakes her head, coming out of the bathroom armed with what looks like curlers and more makeup supplies.

"Yes, but I haven't been out vith a boy in such a long time. Training consumed my life. Which is vhy I need juicy secrets poured onto me about your love lives," she says dramatically, sprawling down on George and Verity's big four-poster.

"Oi, sit up or you'll ruin your hair," Verity snaps her fingers and commands. Lanka sticks out her tongue.

"So bossy."

"Yes, but effective! I get into full on bitch mode when I have a task at hand," she says, taking Ginny's hair and beginning to braid it in sections.

"Harry and I did it in the garden shed last night," Ginny says drily, and I practically trip while I sit down next to Lanka.

"Oh my god!" Lanka squeals. "Zat is amazing."

"You wanted a juicy story. There ya go," she explains, and like always, I'm in awe of how much she is not embarrassed of.

"Why the need for secrecy?" Verity asks, while I try to shove images of a naked Harry from my head.

"Mum had a word with us about making noise, which was awkward enough if you know how mortified Harry can get. I mean, the very fact she lets us room together means she is seriously in awe of my boyfriend. So Harry said we should respect that, which I know we should. But after half an hour of nothing before trying to sleep, I said 'screw this' and dragged him out there," she shrugs.

"You are bad. I never pictured Harry being able to keep up with feisty old you," Verity reveals, and I visibly gag.

"Oh shaddup, you want to bang the ferret. The fact there's photo evidence of you kissing is bad enough," Ginny teases me.

"Sorry, just….Harry will always be my brotherly friend, and ew. Just ew," I shudder.

"Once you've started fucking, love, you're going to want to talk about it. And who're you going to go to when nobody else wants to hear about Malfoy, hmmm?"

"Me!" Lanka volunteers, shoving her hand in the air. "I vant to know everything. Like vhy you didn't have sexy times last night?"

"We were doing work. And then because Draco kept trying to kiss me through the whole night, I well, made out with him before he left. It got pretty intense. Unfortunately, we were on the couch, and Crookshanks has yet to take a liking to him, so he got angry, hissed and scratched him. Killed the mood." Ginny stifles a chuckle, and Lanka pulls a face.

"Ugh, silly animals. Vell, you get to see him in someting attractive tonight, perhaps it vill make up for yesterday."

"I hope so, it's not the first time it's happened, but he didn't seem too upset about it."

"Even if he is, we're going to curl your hair with these," Verity throws the curlers up in the air and catches them, "doll you up and get you in that dress and he's going to be so swept up in your beauty he'll never get mad again."

I laugh, "Okay, well if you think you can achieve beautiful out of my average look, please."

"Sweetie, we already told you you're beautiful, were just going to make it more stated. Now, I see you painted your nails a pretty mint shade, and I have these platforms in almost that colour over in the closet, so put 'em on!"

I inspect my nails, remembering last night. I talked to Andrea on the phone after Draco left and explained what was happening. Of course she was psyched that I was going out glammed up, and gave me little reminders. Besides doing my nails, shaving, moisturizing and grooming my brows the topic of shoes never came up

"Merlin, I haven't worn heels since Bill's wedding. I'll try my best though. Size 7?" Verity nods.

I get up to grab the shoes, rifling and admiring the collection Verity has. They're only about three inches, thank god, I can definitely handle that, and they are very cute. The actual heel is thick, and there is a nice little bow on the backside of the shoes.

I slip them on, and they fit, not too tight thankfully.

"It'll get you used to it. Now your butt is high up, legs are long, damn, sexification is beginning."

"What does sexy mean, anyways?" I ask as I try out my runway walk between the vanity and the bathroom.

"First and foremost, confidence I think," Ginny says, contemplating her hair in the mirror.

"Ooh, ohh pick me!" Lanka says. "Verity and I were talking about zis last night."

"Oh, yes. There's different types we decided. Different types," Verity agrees, spinning Ginny round and beginning to apply some foundation.

"Like?" Ginny inquires, closing her eyes for face primer.

"Okay, so Lanka here has the obvious natural sex appeal, though she refuses to admit it. She has that look that makes the boys go 'dayum' upon first glance."

"Ugh, but zat is so boring," she huffs.

"You can dangle them by the pinky, get over it," Verity says dismissively. "Next we have Ginny here, who has the girl next door vibe. She can play Quidditch, isn't afraid to get dirty, mm double entendre, plus she's beautiful. One of the boys, but better?"

"I like that," Ginny nods pleased. "And what about you, Verity? What's your type?"

"Hm…."

"Verity is how you say, sassy. She's clever and funny, isn't afraid to say vat's on her mind and if you can make a boy laugh….I mean no wonder George loves you, look at him."

"Ooh, you're making me blush, Lanka," Verity laughs. "Yeah, it's odd. We like people who are like us. I mean, Harry obviously likes Ginny because she's not prissy or fretful, like him. She enjoys what he does for hobbies, that's really important, you can support each other. And George and I both find humour in everything, we're pretty invested in this business, we get each other, you know?"

I feel a nagging urge to ask them about my new beau. I keep forgetting that they aren't Harry or Ron. I don't have to tiptoe around boys any longer. I should be able to ask them anything.

"What do you think about Draco and I? Seriously. I know it's a very new thing, but I don't really think he's like me," I ask, scrunching my face. "Is that bad?"

"Hermione, before we delve into that; you're the last sexy type. And I know you're going to think I'm crazy, but yours is probably the most alluring. You are the shy, smart bookworm. You're the kind of girl guys fantasize about getting with because they know you have high standards and comprehend bullshit, you intimidate them. It would be like the ultimate conquest. Which is why Draco wants you, it's obvious. Not that he thinks you're just something to hit and quit. But he's used to having Slytherin girls fawn over him, and he likely ate it up. But when everyone turned their back because he was involved in all this crap, he realizes he needs somebody who isn't stupid and so judgemental. Ie; you. You are determined and know what you want, I think he sees that as admirable, not threatening. Maybe he finally feels like working for someone's affections is worthwhile."

"Deep." Ginny muses.

"You really are perceptive," I say, "I guess that sounds plausible."

"Yes, and I'll continue my psychoanalysis by saying you are a bit like him, to answer your question. The biggest difference is you're warmer than he is due to nurturing, or whatever. Clearly he's never had real friends, and you have great ones that hate his guts and can try to bear with him anyways. I mean, I don't know him that well, but you both act calculated, you aren't too emotional unless need be and are still interesting and fun. And then again, you're obviously intelligent, and have an air that you are a bit better in that respect over most people, and I don't mean that in a bad way. If you get in healthy arguments, that's what you need, you love it. You need someone to challenge you, you need somebody to push you into thinking harder. Someone to talk about silly laws with."

"Yeah, but not an insufferable amount," I reply, trying to stifle a grin, because she's 100% right. I love defending my case.

"You liar," Ginny narrows her eyes at me. "You love it. You like having debate and conversation."

"Yeah, I do. It's just -"

"Just what?" Verity pauses fixing Ginny's hair for a moment.

"I'm scared of how much I like him in such a short span. I don't know what it is about him that drives me so crazy. Like, I was head over heels for Ron and then we got together and it simply wasn't very exciting."

"Well, Ron's interests include fawning over pretty girls, chicken wings, the Chudley Canons, and chess. I mean, he's not stupid, far from it, but he's not exactly academic is he?" Ginny begins. "As I said, I wish you were together, but I'd rather you be happy. Ron's just very simple and easy to please. He was just able to calm you down and level you out, but you don't need that 24/7, you need challenging and let's face it, he would be too scared to piss you off."

Lanka laughs. "Stop it, don't ruin him for me now. I like how cutely embarrassed he was meeting me. I hope you are not upset about it, Hermione? I did not realize you had been togezer."

"Oh yeah, sorry," Ginny blushes. "He's just so easy to target."

"I think what it is, is low self-esteem. He's a great kid, but he doesn't realize it because Harry is so famous. He needs somebody who's going to fawn all over him, you know, to humour his abilities, fuck his brains out. I mean, Lanka, you know you're the Queen of flattery, no comment about sex."

"I am both, I assure you," Lanka gives us a cheeky grin.

"And you don't seem the exaggerating type, right, Hermione? And you're not that lovey-dovey are you?"

"Well, no, I guess not. And no, I don't care Lanka, I only would if you were mean. But one question, does that mean I'm cold? Do I really not come off as caring?"

"No, no, not cold. You're just reserved. I guess I meant it in a pucblic sense. Behind closed doors, you're clearly physically passionate. But I can't see you getting' rowdy on the dance floor. And same with Draco. Oh lord, that would be hilarious."

"No, it would be revolting," Ginny counters. "And if you ever touch his man parts, obscenely grind on him, or make out with him with hands and open mouths in my presence, I swear to Merlin, I will cut your tongue off."

"Says the girl who fucks in sheds!" I yell, a little taken aback at her warning. I guess I'm just sick of everyone tearing Draco a new one when he's not around.

"Oh my god! Swearing, Hermione?" Verity says shocked.

"Sorry, got a bit riled up there. I mean, I've seen you two go at it, it's not like It's any better," I retort a bit humiliated I let that slip.

Ginny has her eyes wide right now, a half-smile on her mouth, which looks funny as only one lip has lipstick. "I'm sorry if I insulted you, I just, I still can't get past Malfoy's inner ugliness, even if it's evaporated."

"I know, I know, it's fine. I didn't mean to be so rude." She shakes her head giggling.

"No, it's fiery I like it!" Verity cheers. "Honesty is good, remember?"

"Yes, but that was out of line."

"No, Hermione, I was being honest, so were you," Ginny reassures me, reaching out a hand and clamping my forearm. "And anyways, we'll forget about it by the time the night's over," she winks.

"Are you drinking then, love?"

"You know, I was really unsure about it, I contemplated it all day today," I state.

"And?"

"I think I'll go for it. One drink here and one drink out. I'm not afraid of getting intoxicated, I just don't like the idea of getting out of control, you know?"

"Yes, but we'll all be like that, the whole universe will be. It's going to be so fun!" Lanka exclaims.

"Yeah, don't worry, Hermione, we'll take care of you if you get a bit, hmm, sloppy?" Ginny raises her eyebrows. "It'll be fun!"

"You know it! I'm almost done here with Ginny, then we can move on to you, kay. We 'ave zese curlers and zen I 'ave le makeup, and ve vill make you lewk like a supere model!" She rings out in a fake Parisian accent.

"But first, a bit of Samuel Payne's Night Owl Spray. This makes your makeup stay on all night, no hot mess looks for us, and also I have his hairspray which makes curls stay plump. Close your eyes." Ginny squeezes her eyes shut and Verity spritzes her face. "Gin, I'm going to leave those braids in for now and then we'll let them out nice and crinkly when we finish the prep work, yes?"

"Whatever you say, master. I like my hair straight usually, and I only put on mascara and lip balm normally so this is a whole new world." She stands up off the chair and joins Lanka.

"And now," Verity claps her hands and turns towards me, still fumbling in too high shoes, "It's your turn, mademoiselle."

"Draco, are you sure this is a good idea?" my mother asks me, leaning in my room for the hundredth time as I fix my hair in the mirror.

"Nope. But I'm going anyways." I decide that I'm going to deeply part it, but not gel it down, let it kind of…..floof?

Is floof a word?

"But why go if it's not a good idea? What if Harry Potter or his friends tries something?"

"They won't, Hermione will kill them."

Maybe I should part it a little more to the left? No that's too far, that looks too pretentious.

"But love, what if you get in the papers again?"

I outwardly sigh.

"Mother, I don't care. As long as it doesn't hurt you in any way, then it's fine. Hermione really wanted me to go, since at school I'll probably be branded as public enemy #1, not like I wasn't already. It's one of the last nights I get to spend with her."

I stop messing with my hair and look at her standing in the doorway; her expression has immediately softened.

"Well…okay. Just please be careful and promise me you won't drink too much. You don't need your reputation slandered any further or fall back into old habits?" She's really concerned, isn't she. I just extremely dislike being treated as if I'm some child.

"I won't drink too much, mother. I don't feel so melancholy when I have people to talk to. And I actually have somebody to watch out for tonight."

"Oh, Draco," Before I have time to move, mother has wrapped her arms around me, squishing my ribs and messing up my jacket.

"Mother, please." She's trapped my hands to my side, so I awkwardly pat her back by wiggling my wrist against it.

"So responsible, you are. So caring," she practically sobs. Good god.

"Not really, it's the right thing to do, yeah?"

"Yes," she agrees, stroking my just finished hair with her hand. "I love you, darling, you're growing up."

"Mother, you're being emotional," I smirk, unable to keep my laughter in. "I love you, too."

"I know, I know, I'm sorry. I'm just so glad you're not moping around anymore," she moves back and stares at me, smiling.

"Me too, mother. Trust me, it's going to stay that way. I think I'd better go soon, though. They said to get there round 8, and it's already a quarter past."

"Of course. It's tacky to be fashionably late nowadays. Now let's have a look. Stand up straight."

I shake my head and step back, fixing my blazer. I decided to wear dark grey slacks, a forest green t-shirt, with a three button black blazer that has dragon leather sleeves. I think I look good.

"Yes, I approve; very put together. Would you like a tie?"

"No, it's more casual, but thanks." I grab my wand and wallet off the dresser and put them in my pocket. I wrap a scarf round my neck, and grab my coat.

"Are you coming home tonight, then?" she tries to ask non-chalantly, but I can tell she disproves of me staying over. I myself have been wondering the answer to this the entire afternoon.

My heart and my dick want to get drunk and horny and go back to Hermione's. I fucking love intoxicated making out (and sex related things obviously).

But realistically, whether Hermione drinks at all, I don't want anyone messing with her, and I have to remain tipsy or less to be aware of everything around me.

"I don't know, to be honest. I think our hosts for the evening said everyone could crash at their house, but I'd be uncomfortable. So, I'll be home if that ends up being the case, otherwise I'm going to get Hermione home safe and stay with her because she's alone…if that's okay with you." I add.

She is struggling between being authoritative and commending my chivalry.
"Sigh, yes it's alright. Just don't go making bad choices. You don't want to deal with a pregnancy scare."

Lord, I love my mother, but I really hope that Granger never has to meet her again, because damn, she'd humiliate me to death.

And anyways, sleeping with her would not be a bad choice.
Last night we only got to snog for 10 minutes until that mangy cat attacked me again. All, well, tonight will be different I hope.

"I'll be courteous, don't worry mother." I say seriously, though inside I'm cringing. "We've only been dating for what, a week?"

"Yes, but boys will be boys, and girls, even the headstrong ones, can't always resist handsome, charming ones like yourself." She gives me a look and a small smile.

I smirk again. "Is that what happened with you and father, then?"

Hurt flickers across her face for a moment. "I didn't mean to bring it up to harm you, I was merely curious. Sorry," I murmur, realizing that was an idiotic thing to say.

"I understand, Draco. And yes, to answer your question, I suppose it is. I mean, when I was younger I knew there was a pool of bachelors I was 'supposed' to be going for. But I really did fall for him like any normal person does. Of course we went to school together, but he's older. I met him properly when he graduated. Andromeda had been in his year. We all were invited to this manor, actually, and I suppose I caught his eye, as he found me across the room, standing by myself awkwardly with my wine, and he talked to me. We ended up chatting for the whole evening. And then he wrote to me often, it went from there. We got married almost immediately after I left school."

I picture my father as a young man with his never timid drawl, towering over her, leaning in so she feels like the most important girl in the room, hand lightly touching my mother's arm as she becomes continually charmed by his witty banter. This image makes me very sad; it'll never be rectified.

"Were you happy?" I can't stand to look her in the eye as I ask this.

"I was, Draco. Don't think for a second that we were unhappy all the time. Lucius just made the choice he was expected to make when he drabbled with the Death Eaters, and it was the wrong one. He knew I opposed it, and he knew what the consequences were but ignored it for the opportunity for more power. And I loved him, a part of me always will, but he'll be paying for that mistake forever."

Though that revelation is grim, it's good knowing that at least their relationship started out of love. If Lucius Malfoy, who made all the mistakes a man could make out of hidden fear, can make somebody fall in love and be in love, there's still hope for me. I don't want to feel like a bad guy any more, I don't want to feel guilty. I know feeling remorse is good because it means I'm experiencing emotions, that I'm not a huge sod anymore. But it's still painful.

"And will I?"

It's an innocent question, but I suppose it's loaded. She smiles sadly at me, shaking her head. "I know the world seems ever so unfair, but you're still young, and the things you were forced into too fresh in your peers' minds. Give it time.

Oddly, this makes me feel relief. I walk over to the door, and embrace her one last time.

"I'll see you later, okay? Seeing Jean later?"

"Yes, we're having dinner at home, may walk in the garden."

"Sounds nice. Well, bye." She leans in to kiss my cheek, and waves to me as I walk to the fireplace in front of my bed.

"Love you, Draco."

"Love you too," I wave back as I grab the floo powder and then articulate, "Diagon Alley!"

After the short uncomfortable ride to the Leaky Cauldron, I brush myself off and hurry to the outside trying to make up for my lapse in punctuality, feeling the brisk cold upon my cheeks. It's bloody freezing, actually.

I quicken my pace and make the short walk to George's store, knocking on the entrance three times, lie Hermione instructed.

After a few seconds of trembling in negative degree weather, George pops his head in the window frame, and lets me inside.

"Tsk, tsk, Malfoy," he greets me, tapping his watch. "A half hour late, are we?"

I'm about to go off on him when I realize he's teasing me. God, I can't get used to 'teasing' , Slytherin's don't do lighthearted insults.

"Yes, well, you know me. I have to make a dramatic entrance," I reply monotone. Luckily I achieve a laugh, and he ushers me inside.

I'm surprised by his attire, in that it's actually decent. He has those jean things on, a dark indigo, and his blazer is noticeably tailored, a navy blue.

"Your surprise is upstairs waiting for you, been anxiously anticipating your arrival," he raises his eyebrows and begins to amble upwards.

"My surprise?"

"Yes, the ladies look fabulous, old chap, if I do say so myself. I nearly had a heart attack when I saw Verity. Though, and don't take offence, your lady is the biggest shocker of them all. Quite reminiscent of the Yule Ball, I'd say."

I gulp, my palms sweaty, my trousers threatening to tighten on me.

Damn, she did look good at the Yule Ball, but she's 18 now, not 14. Her looks have drastically improved, as have everyone's, and now I'm actually nervous as I reach the doorway to the flat. I don't know what to expect, and frankly, I don't know how restrained I can act when she already turns me on without effort.

I think George can sense my sudden apprehension. He smiles wickedly at me and goes inside leaving the door ajar for me.

I inhale deeply, smooth down my jacket and enter the room.

"Hey Draco." That voice is not Granger's, it's Lanka's. And as I look to the right where it came from, in the kitchen, my date is absent.

Miss Russia is holding a margarita in her hand next to Ginny, Verity is mixing more. The boys are also drinking girly concoctions, reluctantly so, handling the glasses awkwardly.

Everyone looks pretty good, actually. If it were appropriate, I'd applaud them.

Ginny is wearing a merlot red dress, skin tight and mid-thigh, with one shoulder strap. Her hair is looking most like a lions mane as I've ever seen it, with her front pinned back, the rest flying away; but it looks good. Lanka is wearing a lacy white dress, so I'm going to rule out Hermione wearing one. Hers is strapless, with a tight bodice and very flowy skirt and her hair is pin straight. Verity's is dark blue exactly like George's outfit, which is a bit hilarious, and is Grecian-style, a halter that goes to her knees. Her blonde hair is in a small, low ponytail.

Potter is looking uncomfortable in a white vest and black dress shirt, but he looks a thousand times better than normal. His hair is still unkempt, but it's probably 'endearing' to Weaselette, so whatever. Weasley is wearing a grey long sleeve shirt and checked tan pants. His shoes are shiny and his hair is slicked back, which is good, but the whole ensemble is a bit lacking in style. But I won't make fun of him, especially as it's a good thing I look better.

Now, I wonder where Hermione is…

"You all look very smashing," I comment. When nobody says anything, a bit taken aback at Draco Malfoy doling out compliments, I try again to break the ice. "Guess we were wrong about the dress colours, huh?"

Potter and Weasel half-assedly shrug.

"Dress colours?" Verity asks.

"Yesterday we were guessing what colours you ladies would choose," I reply. Weasley groans for some reason.

"Oh really?"

"And vat did you say for us?" Lanka prods, grinning wildly.

"Well I sort of led the conversation, the lads didn't really disagree with me. But for you, blue; for Ginny purple or green; Verity, red; and Hermione, maybe white. Doesn't matter though, you all turned out looking very nice."

"Well you were sort of right, but you mixed up who had what. And yes, we do, don't we?" Ginny laughs. Potter glares at me, envious that I can actually hold a conversation with his woman. Well he's being a sourpuss, am I supposed to keep my mouth shut?

"We did, yes. Is Hermione wearing purple then? Green?" Where is she!

"No, she's not. She just decided to go and put on tights last minute, so she should be – "

Verity doesn't get to finish her explanation because a door suddenly is being pushed ajar, and the creaking makes everyone turn their heads to it. I swivel completely around, knowing this is the moment.

My breath hitches, my stomach drops way down to my toes when I see Hermione walk timidly out the door. She catches my gaze and I'm instantly mesmerized.

She is the most exquisite thing I've ever laid eyes upon.

I am almost frozen to the spot, I can't find my words or will to move because she looks better than I could have ever imagined. And just knowing that she is the whole package; wit, kindness and beauty, I feel completely inadequate next to her.

I drink in her appearance, every inch of her will be noticed.

She looks sinfully dark; The first thing that catches me is her face. Her usually blank canvas is painted artfully; red lips, dark eyeliner and golden eyelids maker her copper eyes smoulder. Her hair is curled in a deliberate manner, more shiny with tighter ringlets than normal. Her long hair peaks over her shoulders and frames her soft face.

Fuck, she's hot.

"I sink Draco is stunned, love." You can say that again. "Turn around and show him ze whole deal."

Hermione shakes her head at Lanka, then looks back at me, blushing lightly and biting her lip shyly. She tucks a strand of hair behind her head as she spins around slowly, mindful of her new height.

Her dress is the best part, hands down. Made of a black shiny material, it could be leather. The top has two thick straps with a scoop neck that tapers into her waist and glides down her torso, ending in a V shape where the bottom half begins. The skirt is lightly pleated, flaring outwards to just above her knees. And Jesus Christ, the back of her dress dips teasingly low down her body; I can see her shoulder blades, the curve of her spine, ending right above her arse.

Her nice long legs have on nude tights with a black back seam, which is a huge turn on for me, and she's matched these little aqua heels complete with a bow to her nail polish, which is adorable as fuck.

I am completely in awe of how much effort went in to this, the attention to detail, especially if it was all for me.

"So, what do you think?" This comes from Verity, amusement filled in her inflection.

I snap back to reality, realizing I'm being a bit creepy watching her so intently, and regain my composure.

"There are no words," I admit truthfully, feeling my face turn pink. George snorts.

"Atta boy, mate."

Remembering something, I open my jacket which I still have on, and grab a thick vial in my inner pocket.

I walk over to my girlfriend, relishing that word in my mind, and decide on kissing her once, lightly, as I am aware of the audience behind me. She smells like cinnamon, which adds another layer of planning to the outfit; it's spicy like she is tonight.

"This is for you," I whisper softly, handing the vial to her, and she looks into my eyes, a curious expression resting there.

"What is it?" she asks as she examines the little tube.

"You have to open it, genius," Ginny calls from across the room.

"Oh shut it," Hermione retorts, sticking her tongue out and smiling. "You are all being very nosy, by the way."

"Girl, have you seen yourself? I am a master of creating hot girl disguises, aren't I? I would not miss Draco's reaction for unlimited cocktails."

Hermione blushes, and turns a deeps scarlet as I say, "You are the master, Verity. And for that, we greatly thank you."

The girls chuckle, as does George. The other two are still not attuned to my obvious charm and appeal.

"Open it, open it!" Lanka squeals, jumping up and down.

"If this makes us look bad, Malfoy, I'm going to have to stun you," George jokes.

Hermione pops the small lid off the opaque vial, and immediately the magic spell works as I'd hoped. A dozen pink roses pop up from the bottom, the container acting as a small vase. I went to a florist in Diagon Alley, and I thought she'd appreciate the effort that went into creating something so unique.

Hermione gasps at them as they shoot up and form petals, surprised that it could hold such large flowers. She proceeds to look at me like I gave her the answers to final exam questions, which instantly gratifies me.

"Oh, they're beautiful. Thank you," she says sincerely. "How did they fit in there?"

"They're instant flower seeds, activated by oxygen. I don't know how it works exactly, I bought them admittedly. But I thought that you'd think the charm was really interesting, so," I fumble for further explanation, but I don't need to. She wraps her arms around me and kisses my cheek easily, now that she is a few inches taller.

"I do. Thank you."

She leans back and grins at me, and I positively melt at her expression. I have no idea how I managed to become one of those boys that fawns over a girl and will do anything to please them, but the feeling of satisfaction I get from her being happy is immensely better than that of any alcohol or insult getting under someone's skin.

I pull her in to hug her again, and I feel the warm skin on her back, and the softness of her hair, and fuck, I don't want to bloody go out. I want to take her into a bedroom and shag her silly, making her come again and again until she can't take it anymore.

"Alright, love birds, do you want a drink before we go?" I kiss Hermione's forehead before turning back round, silly smiles plastered on the girls faces, George raising an eyebrow at me, and Potter and Weasley absolutely livid at my romantic gesture.

Well, fuck them, I told them I was doing it, didn't I? I warned them.

"I would love one, thanks."

"I'll have a small one," Hermione agrees.

What?
"Are you drinking then tonight?" I ask incredulously.

"A teensy bit," she replies coyly to me. "I figured it can't hurt me, right? I just don't want to get out of control."

"Well I do! Make another round, please. Woo!" Lanka exclaims, waving her empty glass in the air. This enthusiasm seems to break the funk the boys were in and they chuckle, walking over to their respective dates.

"I'll take care of you, don't worry," I murmur to Hermione.

"Thanks. Me too," she agrees, smirking when I look at her oddly. "Drink?" she continues, swaying her hips ever-so-slightly as she walks to the island where the whole party stands.

Was she using innudeno? She'll 'take care of me'?

Something has happened to Miss Granger. I think she realizes she is quite the looker, up to par with her beautiful friends. And damn, if she's getting tipsy, this ain't going to go well for my sexual sanity. She is too sexy.

"I'm going to go get some whiskey from the downstairs. Sick of these sugary bitch drinks. Malfoy, wanna accompany me for a sec?"

I flash a look at Hermione at this request for privacy with George, but she only urges me with a swift jutting of her chin. So I shrug, feeling a bit uneasy at what he's going to say, and walk to the stairs.

"Now, Malfoy," he begins as the door slams. "Don't worry, you're not in trouble. I just want to let you know I saved your arse last night from getting a beating."

He jumps down the last step to the main floor and over to a locked cabinet in the corner of the storage room. "How so?"

"Well, you paid for all the dresses. That's not what we do in regular society."

I falter for a moment. "Don't tell me Potter and Weasel got pissy?"

He gives me a look before rifling through glass bottles. "Harry and Ron don't know a damn thing, actually. I understand why you did it, to you it's a polite gesture, and a nice one to boot. But the thing is, is that since you're new here in this circle, buying dresses for other people's dates seems like you're trying to outdo them, or gain power, but I know that wasn't your intent. Just ask next time about it, okay?"

I contemplate his words. I suppose that deduction seems logical. "Okay, I think I understand. I will try to behave."

"Good. Look, since Harry and Ron didn't offer to pay, it's fine. That's why it wasn't a national emergency. Just, can you imagine buying something for Hermione, and then have say Ron insist on paying for it for you? Makes you feel small as a man, yeah?"

"Yeah, I agree," I concede. Like Weasley could afford what I can, my dick of a brain thinks.

"Anywho, all is well! Let's go upstairs and indulge on this whiskey." He holds up my father's favourite brand, and I smirk, being ever so familiar with it. "

"I can already tell by the giddy girls and at least having somebody else loosened up (aka you but don't tell the blokes)," he says secretly, covering his mouth comically with his flared hand, "It's going to be a fun night."

As we re-enter the flat Verity has started blasting some dance music. The flowers I gave to Hermione are set carefully on the counter for safekeeping.

George pours me my first beverage of the night on the rocks, and I look at my date, flush already with one of her only experiences with liquor. She clinks my glass when I receive it and I relish in the taste of it. When everyone is distracted, she breathes to me, "I really love the flowers, Draco. By the way, you look divine. I can't wait for us to spend the night together."

Merlin.

"Me neither, Hermione. God, I'm going to try my hardest to make this amazing for you. Don't get me wrong, you're always attractive, but you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen as of tonight."

She makes a small audible groan and her face looks almost sad as she captures my lips with hers quickly, a kiss of need. I guess that was the ultimate thing to say. She deepens the connection, it lasts a minute before she forces herself to stop, and leans into my shoulder.

"I don't want to end up in the Prophet again," she murmurs a bit to herself, a bit to me. "But I may end up having to snog you at the club, so you're prepared."

Damn, this is going to be a good night.