AN: Hey guys! I wrote this chapter a little differently, and I may have sped things up a bit, but they'll slow down soon enough. I have been on a roll lately, writing one chapter each night. Your reviews totally help me find the confidence to keep writing this and I thank you. You guys are so sweet :D Hugs and Hershey kisses to all of you who have added me to your alerts/favorites! Enjoy & review :)
Disclaimer: *walks up to microphone * Why yes, I'm JK Rowling.
Angry person-No, you're not! After her!
*runs for life * Rats, foiled again!
The next couple of days saw Hermione aimlessly roaming corridors in the manor, trying to see if she could 'accidentally' bump into Draco. He had been ignoring her since he caught her eavesdropping on him and Pansy, and something told Hermione she needed to see if he was truly alright. Have I gone insane? I can't believe I'm actually searching for Malfoy so I can help him. She shook her head, laughing to herself. After all that he's done to me...and I'm going to check on him because his eyes showed sadness. Damn him. Damn him all the way to hell.
At dinner Hermione couldn't help but keep peaking over at him. He just sat there, fidgeting with his food and letting a sigh out every so often. She couldn't take it anymore and began to speak. "Is something bothering you?" She whispered. He didn't answer. "Malfoy."
He still made no reply to her, but got up from his chair and looked to his parents. They were too deep in conversation with each other, Narcissa chatting excitedly about her plans for the upcoming ball. Without so much as an 'excuse me' he left. Hermione waited a few seconds before leaving her own seat and decided to follow him. She was glad he had slowed his pace, and caught up to him as he turned into the library. "Malfoy."
He turned around to face her. "What?" He snapped, obviously annoyed by her presence. His eyes were hard, and they bore into her as she searched for the proper words.
"Um...uh...," she started, feeling like a babbling idiot. She could sense the heat of his gaze, and it made her face burn a violent red. "What's wrong?"
His unnerving stare didn't falter as his voice boomed. "Why the bloody hell do you care? I already told you before it's none of your damn business, Granger."
"I'm just trying to be nice and help you," she spat back, her voice elevating to a yell.
"Help me?" He yelled louder and moved closer, now looming over her as he continued. "You haven't helped me. You don't even care to help me. All you care about is being nosy and butting into my life, trying to find something incriminating to go and run home and tell your Ministry buddies." His features were twisted in pure frustration and bitterness, his eyes showing a fire burning in their midst.
Hermione cowered at the sight of him, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I-I'm sor-r-y," she sobbed, feeling the tears break free and pour down her face. They clouded her eyes making her trip as she ran all the way back to her room.
Days went past and Hermione and Draco acted like the other didn't exist. Lucius thought nothing of it, but Narcissa new better than that. "Something is going on between those two," she told him as they sat by a roaring fire. She was looking through catalogs and magazines, planning on what she wanted for the ball decorations.
Lucius didn't look up from the book he was reading. "They have never been friends, Narcissa," he pointed out. "They're acting quite normal to me."
She let out a huff. Men. "Honestly dear, do you not have eyes? They are usually tossing insults or witty comments at one another." She flipped through one catalog, glanced at the page and an idea hit her. A wide grin spread across her face, her eyes brightened with the thought. She let out a little squeal which caught the attention of Lucius, looking up curiously at his wife. "Lucius, I just had the most extraordinary idea," she beamed at her husband who let out a chuckle. This is going to be interesting, he thought.
Hermione was in her room reading reply notes she had just received from her friends, when a small knock came from the door. "Come in," she called. She knew it wouldn't be Draco.
Narcissa walked in exuding excitement and began speaking right away. "Oh Hermione, I've been struck with inspiration for your dress!" She held up a picture from a catalog. Hermione couldn't read the words as they seemed to be in a different language. Italian maybe? As soon as she looked at the picture her heart rate jumped, and her breath caught in her throat. The dress was absolutely stunning, too stunning.
"I can't wear that," she breathed.
Narcissa waved her hand and her smile stayed put. "But you will, dear," she said, noting Hermione's eyes float back to the picture longingly.
"But it's so-"
"Of course it is. Now it is to be a Halloween ball, and you know what that means."
Hermione tore her eyes from the dress. "What does that mean?" She asked confused, tilting her head up towards the woman.
"Costumes," was all she said, and left the room even happier than before she came in.
Draco was laying on his bed with one hand behind his head, the other outstretched holding his wand. He had been whipping a ball around the room, bored out of his skull, when his mom barged in. "Mother," he simply said, not even looking her way.
"Oh Draco, I have found your costume for the ball!" She cried, just as excited as when she had told Hermione.
He rolled his eyes. "What is it?" He asked feigning interest.
"This." Glancing over, Draco saw what she was pointing at. He lost control of the ball that was hovering over his head and it dropped. He rubbed the spot, sure there would be a bruise later.
"I can't." He muttered, eyes darting from the picture to his mother and back again.
"But you will, dear," she beamed and strode out of the room.
"What is it with mother and parties," he mumbled. Women. He didn't want to attend this stupid ball. Certainly Pansy was on the invite list, and he really didn't want to see her again, ever.
Hermione found herself wandering the grounds, the dress only one of many things on her mind. That dress. Merlin, it was gorgeous! She sighed, and thought about the reply notes laying inside on her bed. All of her friends had agreed to come, although both Ron and Harry were rather hesitant about it. Ginny probably forced them, she thought with a laugh. Ginny sure knows how to handle those two. She wandered the grounds and stopped by a cluster of trees. If I wear that dress I bet Ron won't be able to take his eyes off of me. She giggled and blushed at the thought.
A small rustling sound caught her attention, and she was surprised to see someone climbing a tree not too far off. Is that...no. She shook her head. It couldn't possibly be him. "Malfoy?" She questioned, eyebrows raised. Her voice caught him off guard and he stumbled, grunting as he fell. "Malfoy!" She cried as she ran towards his side. He had fallen from a pretty high branch and hit the ground with a loud thud. She scanned his body checking for anything broken, but found nothing. "Does anything hurt?" She asked, trying to hide the sudden concern she felt.
"I'm fine," He groaned, avoiding her gaze and concerned look. He tried to get up but felt a sudden pain flood through him as he shifted his weight onto his feet. "My ankle," he grumbled, falling. Hermione's arm swung out, trying to balance him.
"Let me help you," She spoke softly, catching him off guard again. He looked into her eyes and saw the worry flash through them. Reluctantly he nodded his head in agreement, and put his arm around her shoulder for support. They walked slowly back to the manor in silence. When they arrived inside she guided him into a chair and propped his ankle on a stool. "I'll be right back," she promised, and he couldn't help but watch her until she walked out of sight.
He let out a heavy sigh. I can't believe she's helping me. He had yelled at her with such ferocity days before that she had run off crying. A rush of guilt surged through his body, but he tried to hide it when he saw her come back. She went to work right away, rolling up his pant leg and wiping the dirt from the area. He winced when she placed a pack of ice down. "Why aren't you just doing this with magic?. Does it have to do with the fact you like touching me?" He smirked, lifting his eyes to hers. To his surprise, she just laughed.
"I prefer to only use healing magic on big wounds. Sometimes, the smaller ones heal better with a delicate touch." She looked up at him through her lashes and blushed. "As for me enjoying touching you, that's for you to decide." Shocked at her words, Draco sat there speechless. He couldn't help but let a grin spread across his face as he observed her.
Hermione could feel her face burning from the words she just voiced. Did I really just come on to Malfoy? Merlin, I did! She glanced up at him and noted his grin. Is he...okay with that?
Draco cleared his throat. "Granger, " he began, rubbing his head nervously. "I'm sorry."
Her head jerked up, and her eyes grew wide. He's apologizing? Honestly, this cannot be happening. "Um may I ask why?"
He rolled his eyes. "And they call you the brightest witch of our age," he smirked.
At that moment it dawned on her, and she simply said, "You're forgiven." As she rearranged the icepack on his ankle, she felt a finger lift up her chin. Her eyes stared right up into Draco's silvery-blues, and she recognized the burning curiosity from her first day. "Malfoy," she whispered, and before she could say anything more he brushed his lips against hers in a sweet and gentle manner. He pulled away just as fast as he leaned in, and that famous Malfoy smirk graced his face. Hermione could feel her cheeks burning, and her heart was racing at an uncomfortable speed. "You shouldn't have done that, Malfoy," she choked, tears in her eyes.
He lifted an eyebrow. "And why not, Granger?"
"I have a boyfriend." She couldn't bring herself to look at him, and averted her eyes to the icepack on his swollen ankle.
"Who says that I kissed you for romantic reasons? It merely was a thank you, if you will." He motioned his hand like he was bowing.
"Oh," was all she could manage as a lump formed in her throat. Don't cry. Not here. Not in front of him again. A single tear rolled down her cheek.
Draco noticed and his expression softened, but he quickly hid it behind an unaffected mask like always. What am I doing? I shouldn't act this way, feel this way. I'm Draco Malfoy, a pure-blood. She's Hermione Granger, a dirty mud-blood. He cleared his throat. "I'll be going to my room now," got up and apparated despite Hermione's small protest.
For the second time in a matter of a few days, Hermione ran to her room in tears. She flopped onto her bed and cried until her pillow was soaked with her sorrows. This can't be possible. This isn't right. "I am Hermione Jane Granger," she said firmly. "I love Ronald Bilius Weasley, and I hate Draco Malfoy," but even as she spoke the words aloud, she felt disbelief creep up. No. No you don't, a small voice told her. This sent her crashing into her pillow again, sobbing with such intensity that made her body shake and her heart ache.
Draco lay sprawled on his bed although he kept his swollen ankle propped on a pillow. He stared up at the ceiling, his head filled with questions and his mind reeling trying to search for answers. Why did I kiss her...and then why did I lie about it? "No," he scolded himself. "I didn't lie to her, it was just a simple thank you." No it was not. "Yes it was!" He yelled at himself, throwing his hands down against the sheets. You like her, a voice seemed to whisper to him, taunting. You fancy Hermione Granger. Rage and denial both mixed together, creating an acidic concoction that started to burn at his heart and tear at his soul.
While the two former-enemies fought with themselves locked away in their rooms, Narcissa Malfoy was brewing her own trouble downstairs. Her plan was already rolling into action. Hermione's costume had been chosen and so hadn't Draco's. She worked diligently at a table by the fire, making charts and jotting down menus. This ball had to be perfect, and not just for Narcissa's reputation's sake, but for the happiness of her son. Fear didn't come near her with this heavy challenge she had brought on herself. She was very trusting in her abilities as a party planner for it is one of her favorite hobbies. She always had roaring success, and no doubts were stopping her tonight.
Lucius looked at his wife with a twinkle in his eye as he stood by the door observing her every move. He truly loved his wife, and knew she felt the same way about him. The war had changed them a great deal, and now all he wanted for his son was that he too may find the love of his life. It didn't bother him at all when his wife had revealed her secret plans to him. Actually he found it quite amusing and even offered if he could be of assistance. He slowly made his way over to Narcissa and bent down to touch his lips to her forehead, crinkled in pure concentration. She looked up at him with a loving smile, and then went back to work. Yes, hopefully Draco will feel this way about another in his lifetime.
Hermione awoke to a knock at her door. She blinked her eyes a few times, and looked out towards the window. The sun was high in the sky, and her brow furrowed in confusion. What time is it? Another knock sounded, this time a little louder. "Come in," she called, not caring who saw her lying in bed. She hardly felt like getting up anyways, her eyes were sore and her throat scratchy from the night before.
To Hermione's surprise in walked Ginny, a smile glued to her face. "Hey 'Mione!" She cried as she jumped up on the bed beside her, crushing her in a hug.
"Ginny!" She rasped. "What are you-how did you-"
She laughed. "Narcissa insisted that I come over and visit you." Hermione gave her friend a look. "I know," Ginny laughed again. "I was a bit confused too, but she thought you could do with some girl time."
She smiled and hugged her friend again. "Oh Ginny I've missed you! How are Harry and...Ron?" She hesitated before saying his name, and hoped that Ginny didn't notice.
She looked her friend over, examining her as if she were about to take a test on the subject. "Are you alright?" She asked, concern washing over her face.
Damn her perception. "I'm fine," she insisted, adding a fake smile.
"I don't believe you," she shook her head. "Your eyes are red and bloodshot. Have you been crying or something?"
Yes, like a baby. Oh Ginny I don't know what to do! "I've just been really tired," she lied through her teeth. She knew Ginny didn't buy it for a second, but she nodded and let the topic drop.
"So have you figured out what you're going to wear to the ball?" She asked, a smile back on her face.
"Yes actually, Narcissa picked it out." She could sense the excitement build inside her friend.
"Show me, show me!" She squealed, bouncing up and down.
"I don't actually have it. Narcissa just showed it to me and walked away with it. I think she wants to keep it a surprise for everyone," she said, excitement building up inside herself as she remembered the gorgeous dress from the picture.
"Oh," Ginny replied, disappointment in her voice.
"Have any of you picked out your costumes?" She questioned, trying to lift her friend's spirits again.
"I've been looking," she started, enthusiasm returning. "And I think I've narrowed my choices down to two things."
"Well?" Hermione asked curiously.
"A bride or a vampire," she announced, a sparkle in her eyes. Hermione burst out laughing. "Hey, what's so funny about that?"
"Those are two totally different looks, Gin, I just wasn't expecting."
"I'm leaning more towards the sexy vampire. Maybe if I dressed like one, my seductive abilities will grow, and I can catch me a man," she winked. That caught Hermione off guard.
"What do you mean?" Ginny made a face and then the realization hit her.
"Oh that's right. You don't know." She said, biting her lip.
"Don't know what?" Hermione was starting to get aggravated, feeling like she had been left out of something big.
"Well," she started, grabbing onto Hermione's hand. "I broke it off with Harry. I realized that I just didn't love him the way I thought I did." She squeezed her friends hand, and gave her a small smile.
"I understand." I think I understand more than you know.
"You do? Oh thank you Hermione!" Ginny embraced her friend and rocked her back and forth. As the two of them let go, a small tapping sound came from the balcony doors.
"It's an owl," Hermione said as she opened the french doors. She unwrapped the note to find six words scrawled in the familiar perfect writing.
It wasn't just a thank you.
Hermione's heart thudded against her ribcage, begging to be free. Her thoughts went back to last night and her lips tingled remembering the feeling of his. She was brought back to the present when Ginny spoke.
"What in the bloody hell does that mean?"
Hermione turned to look at her friend who had one hand placed on her hip, her eyes boring into her face. Tell her. No! Tell her! She closed her eyes and sighed. "Ginny...I-I have to tell you something."
.