Forbidden Feelings

Chapter 23

Draco

'So, any questions?'

Draco glanced up at Professor McGonagall, and scowled. 'Why do I have to get involved? Surely Granger is capable of organising a dance on her own?'

The witch studied him, frowning slightly. 'Mr Malfoy, are you saying you don't want to take part in organising this dance?'

'Yes. I am.' He folded his arms stubbornly, trying to ignore the death glares he was receiving from Hermione.

McGonagall sighed, turning her gaze to Hermione. 'Miss Granger, are you capable of organising this on your own? Or do you need a male hand in this?'

'Oh I'm not sure Professor. I believe I would benefit greatly from Malfoy's help.'

Draco glared at her furiously, to which she responded with a sweet smile, her eyes twinkling in amusement.

'Very well. Mr Malfoy, there's your answer. Now I expect you to participate with the organising of this dance, and to help Miss Granger out. I do not expect to hear anymore of this.' She looked at him warningly as he opened his mouth to protest. Draco rolled his eyes, frowning at the floor.

'Now the ball of course will be on the 14th, seeing as it Valentines day, so you have a week to organise this.'

'A week?!' It was Draco's turn to smirk as Hermione gasped, looking horrifed.

'Yes Miss Granger, a week. Is there a problem?'

He looked at her smiling, and she narrowed her eyes at him. 'Of course there isn't a problem Professor, I already have a few ideas of my own.'

He swallowed as she smiled at him, her eyes gleaming playfully.

Professor McGonagall eyed the pair of them suspiciously. 'I trust there will be no trouble between you two in the organisation of this. You've been living together in the Head Quarters for long enough, so there shouldn't be any...funny business.'

'There won't be Professor. I promise.' She nodded, looking at her seriously.

'I will hold you to that. Any problems, feel free to come to me. You have a week, please use the time well.'

'Of course.' Hermione smiled at her.

'Mr Malfoy?'

'Okay.' He muttered.

Professor McGonagall bid the pair goodbye and they made their way back to the Common Room.

'You want me to help you organise a BALL? Really?!' Draco hissed furiously.

'Yes, that's correct.' She nodded.

'Why?! I have no idea when it comes to dances! Especially romantic Valentines ones!' They stopped outside the portrait, Hermione quickly muttering the password.

'Honestly Draco. Stop being such a baby.' She shook her head at him as they entered the common room.

'You don't understand. I've never liked dances. I only went with girls in the past because of what they promised me afterwards!'

'Charming.' Hermione rolled her eyes. 'I guess I'm going to have a lovely romantic Valentines Day then.'

Draco stared at her, suddenly feeling flustered. 'No, I didn't mean-'

'Don't bother explaining yourself Draco. I don't want to hear about your previous conquests.' She sat herself down at the desk.

He sighed. 'Hermione-'

'No! I don't want to hear it! Now come on, we best get started on this planning.'

'Now? But it's late!'

She blinked. 'So?'

'So I wanted to have a shower and go to bed!'

'Oh well you can explain that to McGonagall then when the Ball isn't planned.'

He narrowed his eyes at her and she stared back hotly.

'Fine.' He muttered, throwing her a sullen look as he joined her at the desk.

'Okay...so first off, we need to get the prefects involved. They can help with decorations, music and the food and drink. I can ask Honeydukes to provide sweets and chocolate too.'

Draco watched as she hurridly scribbled onto a piece of parchment.

'Any ideas?' She stopped writing and looked at him expectantly.

'Not really.' He shrugged.

Hermione sighed, placing her quill down. 'Are you planning on helping at all?'

'I'm useless at this kind of stuff. I told you that, yet you still told McGonagall you needed my help and forced me into it!'

She blinked, then studied him for a second. 'Something's bothering you isn't it.' From the look in her eyes, Draco could tell it wasn't a question.

'I'm fine.' He muttered.

'No. You aren't. I know you, and I know that when you start being difficult or bad tempered that something is on your mind.'

'Honestly. I'm okay.'

She shook her head. 'No you aren't. It's your father isn't it.'

Draco closed his eyes at the mention of his father, remaining silent as he thought of the letter he had received from him only yesterday.

'It'll be okay. We'll think of something. I promise.' He opened his eyes as he felt Hermione take his hand.

'I don't want to talk about it. Please, can we just get on with this Valentines Ball rubbish?'

She frowned. 'Ignoring the issue isn't going to make it go away Draco.'

'I know. Which is why I want to get this planning done.' He smirked at her.

Hermione rolled her eyes. 'Fine. Now, we need to sort the rules of the dance out.'

Draco blinked. 'Rules? Since when has there been rules at a dance? You turn up, dance, eat and drink, then leave?'

She sighed. 'I meant as in partners. Do we let people go with who they want? Or do we make them go with a person from a different house? Or partner them up?'

'Well, I would say with whoever they want. I think if we partner them up, another war may break out.' Draco smiled slightly.

Hermione paused. 'Yeah that's probably for the best.' She nodded in agreement.

'Still. Not everyone will get to go with who they want.' He looked at her wistfully.

'Oh and why would you want to go with me? So I can 'repay' you afterwards?' Hermione rolled her eyes.

'Because even though I hate these dances myself, I can tell how much you want to go. And if it would make you happy then of course I'd want to go with you.'

She stared at him, and Draco could see the surprise in her eyes. 'You see it's moments like this when you show your sensitive, caring side, I start to see the real Draco Malfoy.'

He cocked his head to one side, grinning. 'Like what you see hey?'

Hermione swiped at him playfully, laughing. 'That's it, ruin the moment!'

'Sorry.' He grabbed her hand, kissing it.

'So. Who are you bringing as your date?' She raised an eyebrow, looking amused.

'I'm not going.'

'What? Why?'

'Because I can't take you, and that would have been the only decent reason to go.'

'Draco, you have to go. The Heads organise it so they have to turn up.'

He groaned. 'Well can't they bend the rules just this once?'

'No! You're going! Come on, you could get any girl you wanted if you tried.'

'Hang on, let me get this straight...you're encouraging me to go out with another girl?' Draco raised an eyebrow.

'No..it's not what I want at all. But it'll look bad if the Heads go along without dates.'

'Well what if I told you I don't want to go with anyone else?'

'Draco...'

He sighed. 'Fine. But I'm not happy about it.'

'Oh I'm sure you'll survive.' She smiled slightly. 'I'm sure Pansy Parkinson would be delighted to be your date.'

Draco looked at her, disgusted. 'I would rather go with a mountain troll then Pansy Parkinson.'

'I thought you two were a 'thing' before? In fact I recall witnessing you two together a few times.' Hermione shuddered.

He swallowed, muttering. 'That was a long time ago.'

'Hmm.' She smiled at him knowingly.

'Who are you going with anyway?' Draco asked curiously, keen to swerve the topic away from Pansy.

'Well..I'm not sure yet.'

'Not Weasley?'

'No Draco. I'm not going with Ron. I don't want to give him any ideas. Or anyone else.' She looked at him pointedly.

'Hermione, you can go with him if you want. I don't mind.'

'Really?' Hermione raised an eyebrow, looking amused.

'Okay, yes, I'd hate it, but if it would be easier for you then I don't mind.'

'I don't think it would be a good idea.' Her smile turned to a frown. 'I wish things were easier.'

Draco squeezed her hand. 'Why don't we stop with the planning for now?' He suggested gently.

'Okay.' Hermione yawned, running a hand through her hair.

'Tired?' He smirked at her.

'A bit.'

'Well why don't you come to bed then?'

She smiled at him. 'I think I might take you up on that offer.'

Draco planted a small kiss on her hand before standing up and leading her to his room.

Hermione

'For the last time Hermione; sit still!' Hermione scowled at Ginny as she let out an exasperated sigh.

'Really Ginny, there is no need for all this fuss! Do I really need all of this?' She gestured to the make up sitting on her dressing table.

'You'll thank me when I'm done. Now close your eyes, and keep them that way.'

'Fine.' She slowly shut her eyes, remaining quiet as her friend worked her magic. The past week had flown by quickly; much too quickly for Hermione's liking. She'd spent the previous night frantically running through last minute plans for the Valentines Ball with the prefects and a very unenthusiastic Draco, and could honestly say she was extremely glad it would be over after tonight.

'And I'm done.'

She opened her eyes at Ginny's voice. 'Is that everything?'

'Well you could do with a little eyeliner..' She grabbed the pencil which was laying nearby, at started lining her eyes.

'Is this really necessary?'

'Hermione...'

'Alright, alright. I'll be quiet.' She muttered.

'Besides, you're going to want to look nice for who is it? Oh yes, Anthony Goldstein.' Ginny waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

'Oh please stop. We're just friends Ginny, he's my Charms partner and we get on well. And I'm doing him a favour actually.'

'Oh I'm sure you are.' She started giggling.

'No, not like that!' Hermione said crossly. 'He wants to make Susan Bones jealous, he's liked her for ages and I told him I'd help him out!'

'Whatever you say. Hey, I wonder what your secret guy will think of this new..development.'

'I'm not sure.' Hermione looked down at her hands, thinking about Draco. She wished with all her heart she could be going with him tonight, and she knew he felt the same.

'Hey. Are you okay?' Ginny asked gently.

'Yeah. I'm fine. Really.' She smiled at her reassuringly.

'Good. Now you'll be pleased to know that you are now officially ready.'

'I am?'

'Take a look for yourself.' She nodded in the direction of the mirror.

Hermione stood up, walking slowly towards it. She took a deep breath and looked at her reflection, finding herself pleasantly surprised. Her hair had been left tumbling down past her shoulders in a thick mass of curls, and although Ginny had used make up on her, she'd left it very natural, the small amount of eyeliner she'd used complimented her brown eyes, and there was a slight pink tint to her cheeks. The deep emerald dress she'd selected clung to her torso, finishing in deep waves falling to her feet. She turned slightly to the left, admiring how it glittered in the light.

'Well?' Ginny appeared at her side, grinning at her refection.

'I love it..thank you!'

'Told you.' She said smugly.

Hermione rolled her eyes. 'Yes okay, I admit it. You did a great job. And you look great too.'

'Do you think...'

'Harry will be swept away.' She finished for her friend, smiling at her.

'Thanks 'Mione.' She smiled back gratefully.

'We better get going..' She glanced at the clock on her bedside table nervously.

'It'll be fine.' Ginny patted her arm reassuringly.

'We'll see..'

The two girls left the common room, making their way down to the Great Hall to meet their dates. They spied Harry talking to a slightly anxious looking Anthony by the entrance.

'Hey guys!' Ginny greeted them, and Hermione smiled slightly at Harry's expression as he spotted his girlfriend.

'You look..'

'Great, I know.' She grinned at her boyfriend and he placed a kiss on her cheek.

'Umm, I got you this.' Hermione turned to face Anthony as he awkwardly cleared his throat. He was holding out a box of Honeydukes' famous valentines chocolates.

'Oh Anthony! You didn't have to do that!' She exclaimed, taking the box and placing it on the table of student's gifts behind them.

'It's the least I can do. You're really doing me a favour here Hermione.'

She smiled. 'It's nothing, really. Besides, you're doing me a favour too.'

'Well you look amazing.' He nodded, and Hermione felt herself blush.

'So, shall we?' He gestured in the direction of the hall.

'Yes, let's go.'

Anthony took Hermione by the arm, and led her into the hall. She swallowed, suddenly feeling very nervous, hoping that everything had gone to plan. As she entered, a wide smile immediately spread across her face at the scene. The hall had been decorated in pinks and reds, and as Hermione looked up at the ceiling, she noticed tiny hearts were slowly falling from it then disappearing, as if they were snowflakes. Tables were scattered about holding a variety of foods, sweets and drink, and she smiled slightly as she noticed the table that held spare tickets was crowded with male students making last minute purchases. There was a stage located towards the end of the room where a band was playing, and there were a number of students dancing with their partners.

'Good job 'Mione!' Ginny appeared to Hermione's left, looking impressed.

'Thanks!' She grinned, feeling rather pleased with herself.

'Hey, want to dance?' Anthony nudged her slightly.

'Why not?' Hermione giggled as he took her arm, ignoring Ginny's suggestive smirk.

He led her to the dancefloor, casually sliding his arms around her waist.

'You really do look great you know.' He smiled down at her.

'Oh rubbish.' She rolled her eyes.

'You do. Everyone's been looking at you. Even Draco Malfoy can't take his eyes off you.'

'What?' She gasped.

'Malfoy. He hasn't stopped looking at you since we entered the room.' He nodded slightly to her right, and she turned to see where he was looking.

Sure enough, Draco was stood completely still, staring in her direction. As she caught his eye, he seemed to break out of his trance, and scowled at her quickly.

'Pig.' She muttered under her breath, aware Anthony was watching her.

He smiled. 'There's no love lost between you two then I take it?'

'No. Most definitely not.'

He didn't answer, and Hermione was glad that the topic of Draco had come to an end. When the song had finished, Anthony led her to the drinks table, where they joined Harry and Ginny.

'Having fun?' Ginny whispered to her, smirking slightly.

Hermione frowned. 'Yes I am actually. But not in the way you are alluding to.'

Ginny rolled her eyes, taking a sip from the goblet she was holding.

'Where's Ron by the way?' She asked.

'Way to make things awkward 'Mione.' Ginny sighed.

'What?' Hermione frowned, puzzled.

'He found a date. And he's with her.'

'Ginny. I'm completely over him. He can date who he pleases. Honestly.'

'Are you sure?'

'Of course I am! Who is it?'

'Romilda Vane.' Hermione could tell she was trying to suppress a smirk.

'Romilda Vane?! She didn't spike him with love potion meant for Harry again did she?' She gasped.

Ginny snorted with laughter. 'No. Apparently they got talking in the common room. Hit it off quite well from what I've heard.'

'Wow...'

'You are okay though aren't you?' Her smile faded slightly.

'Of course I am. I'm pleased for him.' She nodded.

'Good.' She patted her arm. 'Has mystery guy made an appearance yet?'

Hermione's eyes flittered in Draco's direction. He was stood with the girl she recognised as his one time partner in Potions class. The girl looked ectastic to be in his company; her cheeks were bright pink and her eyes were shining in delight as she chattered away to him. As Hermione watched, Draco looked towards her, catching her gaze. She quickly looked away, turning her attention back to Ginny.

'I haven't seen him.' She forced a smile, trying to sound convincing.

Ginny looked in the direction of where Hermione's gaze had previously been, and frowned slightly as she turned back to face her friend. As she opened her mouth to speak however, Harry interrupted her.

'Okay, you win. Come on, I'll dance with you.' He smiled at Ginny, and held out his arm.

She glanced quickly at Hermione, the same strange expression on her face.

'Ginny?' Harry looked confused.

'Sorry. Yeah, okay.' She took his arm and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor.

Hermione felt sick as she watched them walk away. She was sure Ginny had noticed her watching Draco, and she did not like the look on her friend's face.

'Hermione?'

She was jolted out of her thoughts as Anthony said her name. 'Sorry?'

'I just said Susan wants to dance. Is that okay?'

Hermione looked at Anthony, and spied a shy looking Susan a few feet away, watching them anxiously.

'Of course it's okay.' She smiled at him knowingly, then nodded at Susan.

'Thank you; for everything.' He quickly squeezed her hand.

'It's okay. Go enjoy yourself.'

He nodded at her, then hurried over to Susan, who quickly mouthed 'thank you!'

Hermione gave her a small smile, pleased she had helped the pair out. She watched as they made their way onto the dance floor, standing with their heads close. She spotted Harry and Ginny, shaking her head in disbelief as he pulled her into a passionate embrace. As Ron and a very giggly Romilda came into view, Hermione found herself feeling deflated, and tore her gaze away from the happy couples. But as she looked around the hall, she started to feel suffocated. She was surrounded by loved up students, and this was not helping the sudden feeling of lonliness that had crept up on her. Shaking her head to herself, she decided that she needed air, and made her way out of the hall.

As Hermione stepped outside, she fought back the tears that were threatening to spill. She knew she was being silly, but seeing everyone around her so happy and loved up made her wish even more that herself and Draco could go public. She walked along slowly, finding an empty Transfigeration classroom to sit in. As she perched on a table, she jumped as the door opened and her eyes widened in surprise as Draco entered.

'What are you doing here?' She whispered.

'I saw you leave.' He walked over to her.

'Oh.' She looked at the ground.

'Hey.' Hermione felt his hand lift her chin up so he could look into her eyes. 'Are you okay?'

She smiled slightly. 'I guess I was finding it a bit difficult watching all the happy couples.'

'Well you looked happy enough when you had Goldstein's hands all over you.' He smirked.

Hermione raised her eyebrows. 'As did you with your little Slytherin friend.'

'You know I didn't want to go with her. I didn't want to go at all in fact.'

'I know, I know.' She sighed.

'What do you say we go back to the common room and spend some time together of our own?' He took her hand.

'I would like that.'

Draco pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 'You look amazing by the way. Green suits you.'

Hermione didn't answer, closing her eyes as he held her, feeling completely content. The peace she felt at being in his arms again was shortlived however, as she heard a small voice behind them.

'What the hell...'

As the they sprung apart, Ginny stared at the pair, eyes wide in horror.

Thanks again to those who have reviewed/favourited/followed!