So, so, so, so sorry for taking so long to update. I've been trying to re-adjust to school/work life and I'm exhausted. But here it is...the second to last chapter to CL & PS! Thanks for sticking with me this long, you wonderful readers and followers, you! xx
Naturally, Marie and Blaise asked Draco and Hermione to be the godparents to Marie's baby. After Marie's slip and Hermione's badgering, the couple finally revealed that Marie was in fact two months pregnant and were trying to wait until the end of her first trimester to share. Draco had the audacity to act genuinely shocked that Marie and Blaise would ask him to be the godfather, which resulted in Marie less-than-gently swatting him in the back of the head mumbling about how dumb he could be sometimes. "The baby got offended," she said in response to the glare he sent her way. Hermione, being the thoughtful person that she was, wanted to make sure the work Marie was doing for the showcase wasn't too stressful, because if so she could definitely go in the stock room and find some costumes. "Hermione, doll, I'm pregnant not porcelain," Marie found herself repeating the mantra multiple times a week up until the day of the showcase. Draco and Hermione continued to date while still avoiding the giant red elephant about the L word, which continued to drive Marie up a wall. They really did want to send her to an early grave.
At long last, the day of the dinner showcase arrived and Hermione was predictably a ball of nerves. Hermione could barely keep still, which caused Marie to almost burn the girl's ear with a curling iron as she put the finishing touches to her hair. After a few waves from Blaise's wand (loaned graciously to Marie because trying to do alterations by hand just wasn't in the cards the way Hermione kept moving), the burgundy tuxedo fit Hermione like a glove. She opted not to wear a top underneath the tuxedo jacket, and Marie tailored the jacket and pant to be a very slim fit. Hermione paired the tuxedo with black stilettos with a gold bottom and chandelier gold earrings, and with her chocolate brown hair in big curls loosely tossed over her right shoulder, Hermione looked like an executive badass. Or at least, that's what Marie said, dressed in a simple fitted mid-length dress, her almost three-month baby belly just starting to show. After managing to calm Hermione down a little bit, Marie went to her table with Blaise, Draco, Harry, Ginny, and Ron. Hermione gave a brief speech, thanking those who have supported Make A Pointe Studio and giving a synopsis of the evening: dinner followed by a few performances from the current students, the silent auction from M. Photography, and ending with two performances for her advanced students. Polite applause followed Hermione as she exited the stage to join her table, just as waiters came around with the first course of the catered dinner. Hermione took her seat next to Draco, releasing a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding and running a hand through her curly hair, as Draco leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek and whisper supporting words in her ear. In between the first course and the entrée, Hermione changed out of her tuxedo into a long sheer-sleeved burgundy leotard with matching sheer skirt, tights, and her well-worn soft shoes; instead of her usual ballet bun, Hermione opted to leave her curly hair down. Halfway through the entrée, Hermione introduced the first set of performances; the audience ooh'd and aww'd as the younger performers took the stage with their group routines. Ginny and Harry smiled brightly and proudly as their watched their little Lily dance with her Aunt Mimi, as Marie smiled at the beaming parents, absent-mindedly began to rub her belly. Blaise took notice of his wife's line of view, taking her other hand resting on the table and placing a soft kiss across the knuckles. Draco was so wrapped up in watching Hermione as she led and danced with her students ("Would our kids be dancers? Our kids would probably be dancers. Wait…now I'm thinking about having kids with this woman?! Oh God, I'm in deep…"), he completely zoned out and missed hearing the object of his affection calling him up to the podium to start the auction. He sent a glare towards Marie and Ginny, who were failing at hiding their giggles at the love-struck man, and within thirty minutes, all the guests had dessert, four guests had exclusive piece for M Photography's personal collection, and low and behold Mrs. Ginny Potter won the big prize of a one-on-one photo shoot with Draco Malfoy. Naturally, Draco thought as he returned to his seat across from the now-openly and fully laughing redhead. Hermione had to hide her laughter as she introduced the last two performers of the night, her most advanced and oldest students Stephen and Leanne. The duo performed two pieces, a classic and an original piece. The first performance was the classic duet from Romeo and Juliet.
The young dance couple, dressed in Marie's slightly modified designs of the original costumes, was moving flawlessly across the stage when all went to hell. The music was coming to an end when the Leanne's leg slipped from under her, causing her to tumble to the floor. At first glance, it seemed like it was a minor slip that could easily be recovered from. But then she didn't get up. In fact, the young girl was doubled over, clutching her ankle. Hermione was quickly on stage and kneeling next to the girl, Stephen standing behind Hermione, to check on her student. Marie jumped up on stage, addressing the audience briefly, and helped Hermione take Leanne offstage. Once they entered the room across the hall designated as the dressing room for her students, now empty as the earlier performers were now in the audience, Hermione waved her wand, which had been sitting behind a mirror, to transfigure some excess chairs into a small bed. Marie looked over to Hermione like she had completely lost her mind.
"It's okay, they're both Hogwarts students. They have special permission to see me for lessons during the school year," Hermione said, answering Marie's unspoken question. She ran some tests over the girl's ankle, which reported that it was a sprain. Thankfully, not a bad one, but it would be a bad idea to continue dancing on it tonight. Leanne began to cry softly, a mix of pain, embarrassment, and sadness, as Stephen sat next to her on the bed, comforting her. Hermione stood and ran her hand through her hair again, the loose curls now on the frizzy side due to running her hand through it every ten minutes or so.
"Well, I'm not going to let her go out there again and Stephen can't perform the piece on his own…I guess I'll just go and tell them that unfortunately Leanne has injured herself and can't perform the second dance…"
"Can't you?" Marie interrupted Hermione's aloud thinking.
Hermione stopped her pacing to look at her friend and sighed. "I mean, I suppose I could but…"
"But what? Isn't it your choreographer? Give me one good reason why you can't step in for Leanne."
Hermione sputtered a few times, trying to come up with a reason to get Marie off her case. She settled with, "Stephen isn't used to lifting me and I don't want him to get hurt!"
"Stephen has great technique and I've seen him lift you before, so that's bullshit. Hermione, come on! You can do this; stop selling yourself short! And technically you wouldn't really have to change…"
Running a hand through her hair again, Hermione sat in an extra chair rather ungracefully and closed her eyes as she rubbed her temple. She was about to politely decline and just end the night, when Leanne sniffled and spoke softly.
"Ms. Hermione, if it's worth anything, I think you should do it." Stephen nodded his head in agreement. Hermione smiled at her young students.
"Come on, Mimi; don't let down that babies," Marie playfully pouted, using her New Orleans drawl to emphasize the sentence.
Hermione laughed at Marie's antics. "Well, it looks like I've been outnumbered. Fine, you've sucked me into it. But I can't wear my every day practice wear, not when you've made a beautiful piece, Marie. And I have to put my hair up which will take…"
"Shhhhhhhhhh-shhh-shhh-shhhh," Marie dramatically placed two fingers over Hermione's mouth to silence her, "One problem solved: just leave your hair down. Second problem solved: give me your wand and I can make you something right now. And your pointe shoes are always in your bag…so whenever you're ready, just hand me your wand."
Hermione eyed her friend warily, before handing over her wand. Well, this was happening…
…..
Draco was about to get up from the table to check on Hermione and Marie, who had been gone about 30 minutes, when Marie walked back out on stage.
"Hi everyone; sorry about the delay? Ms. Leanne is going to be fine, just a sprain but Hermione thought it was best she stay off it. So unfortunately, Leanne will not be able to perform her second piece. Still, let's hear it for her beautiful performance as Juliet, yea?" The crowd gave a sound applause for the young girl. "But, in true show biz style, the show must go on, and I must say y'all are gettin' a real treat. Dancing an original piece to Josh Groban's 'When You Say You Love Me', please welcome back to the stage Mr. Stephen Blacke and his new partner, Ms. Hermione Granger."
Ohh's and aww's accompanied the crowd warm applause as Hermione and Stephen took the stage. Hermione shot a glance towards Marie just as she was taking her seat, the black girl giving her a quick thumbs up and a wink just as the soft piano in the intro started to play over the loud speaker. Marie didn't do much transfiguration Hermione's original leotard and skirt; designing it so it was all one piece as opposed to separates, Marie made the leotard sleeveless with a longer sheer skirt that opened on the side. Dancing next to Stephen, who danced barefoot in dance denim and a white button-up that was left up buttoned, it was a perfect match. Hermione's anxiety quickly disappeared as she moved and soon, she found herself lost in the music and lyrics. This was why she fell in love with dancing; there was no better feeling than that of being able to give yourself over to the music and let it inspire your movements. Those seated at her table watched in amazement as Hermione floated across the stage, Stephen not missing a beat with every lift and step. All but Blaise had seen her dance before, but it had been years since they saw Hermione dance as Hermione and not Ms. Hermione or Ms. Granger. Like his tablemates, Draco found himself enchanted by Hermione and he also found himself feeling strangely warm inside from the song's lyrics. They spoke his truth and encompassed everything he felt for his beautiful witch. As the song came to an end and the crowd rose in a standing ovation as Hermione and Stephen took their bows, Draco Malfoy knew without a doubt that he was in love with Hermione Granger. And he was going to tell her tonight.
….
"I've never seen you dance like that; you were breath-taking," Draco said. After the showcase, the entire table, including little went back to Marie and Blaise's home for a toast of sparkling cider, being sensitive to Marie's temporary new drinking habits, in Hermione's honor. Harry, Ginny, and Ron left shortly after the toast and Marie was asleep within minutes. Draco took the opportunity to take a walk around the garden with Hermione. It was an unusually warm evening, so Hermione left her performance dress on and opted to go barefoot. Hermione smiled at his compliment as the pair continued their walk hand in hand.
"Thank you," she said softly, "I can't say I've danced like that in a long time. It felt amazing."
Draco made a humming sound to acknowledge her words. "What made you choose that song?"
Hermione continued walked silently and, for a moment, Draco thought she hadn't heard him. He was about to ask her again in a soft voice when she responded.
"I don't know, truthfully. I've always liked that song; it's a beautiful and forward way for a man to talk about the moment when his partner says they love him. What it's like for him in that moment, you know?"
Draco nodded, a small smile gracing his face. "I do, indeed. Very much so."
"And even in perfect moment, he still can't help but wonder if his partner knows that he feels the exact same way. It's touching, really." Hermione continued walking, looking down as her feet shuffled through the soft grass when she felt Draco gently tug her hand to pull her back to where he was standing. She looked up into those gray eyes she had come to love over the past few months; she had memorized every flicker and shade they take on. Bright grey when he's happy, a dull slate when he's upset, molten charcoal when he's aroused…she had learned them all. Which was why she was confused by the look he was giving her now; this one seemed more open and vulnerable and it threw her off a little bit. Her eyes fluttered shut, though, when he reached to tuck a curl behind her ear and gently cup the side of her face as he rubbed his thumb across her cheek. Hermione was so engulfed in the sensation caused by the simple touch, that she had to ask him to repeat himself because she missed what he said the first time.
"I asked, do you think that he feels that same way?"
Hermione sighed, her eyes still closed. "I'd like to believe so."
She felt Draco take a step closer to her to wrap his arms around her waist as hers rested on top of his arms. He leaned forward to rest his head against hers, whispering so softly that Hermione had to run it though her head a second time to make sure she actually heard him.
"Well, I feel the exact same way."
Hermione leaned back slightly so that she could look into his eyes again. "What? What are you saying?"
"I'm saying, you silly little witch," he chuckled, "that I'm absolutely in love with you and I'm sorry it took me so long to say it."
Draco vowed he would never forget the smile that graced her face at that moment, and as she jumped into his arms, he vowed he would do everything in his power to keep it there for the rest of their lives.
Let's all congratulate our dear Draco for finally saying the magic words! *applause, applause* For those who don't know that song I referenced for Hermione's second piece, I'd strongly suggest listening to the song. I love Josh Groban and often listen to his music when I'm doing homework or in between classes and this song came on one day and it just had to be included in the story. So again, that's 'When You Say You Love Me' by Josh Groban. One more chapter to go; I can't believe it! Reviews and feedback, as always, are welcome! xx