Draco returned to Wizard London and then apparated back to Malfoy Manor in time to catch his mother finishing her lunch. "I have a task for you, mother. I need you to organize a Winter Ease Ball for next Saturday. Invite anyone and everyone. It is time the world to see the Malfoy family as a force to be regarded with respect and look beyond our past. And send an owl to the Garderobe's. We all need new attire for this dance, Hermione included. Tell them to make…something out of the ordinary. Hermione must have hers by Thursday of next week with shoes and accessories. Have mind arrive by Friday. I'll return Friday evening and be the host for Saturday."
Narcissa simply nodded and only after Draco had left to return to work did a smile peek over her face. She called for Nimble and recruited a few more to accomplish the tasks desired.
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On Thursday evening Hermione arrived home after work, only to hear a knock upon her door moments later. She opened it and came face to face with she guessed was the Malfoy Family tailor, Madam Garderobe. The woman was of African American lineage with a French accent and held a large black fabric dress bag hiding the dress within. "Good evening Miss Granger! Well aren't you a treasure! Proud face, pretty eyes! Your portrait really does not do you justice. Mr. Malfoy asked me to deliver your attire for Saturdays dance to ensure it is all to your liking. May I come in?"
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It was surprising, but nice to receive such compliments from someone Hermione just met. She smiled and nodded, opening the door for madam Garderobe. "Yes, please come in. Can I offer you some tea or anything?"
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"A glass of water with lemon would be lovely, if you don't mind Miss Granger." Madam Garderobe answered as she readied Hermione's living room into a makeshift dressing room. She shrunk the furniture and moved it safely to the mantle. Then she created mirrors to surround them around the room.
Once Hermione returned with the requested glass of water, Madam Garderobe held it in one hand while the other held her wand at the ready. She took a sip, "Thank you my dear. Now if you will just stand in the middle there and close your eyes, I do love a bit of theatrics." Madam Garderobe mentioned with a pleased grin.
2,160 swarovski crystals, 3,000 feet of thread, 12,000 square feet of feather light satin, 1,000 meters of silk organza dyed yellow, 1,000 sheets of gold leaf print, 5 leaf shaped hair pins, 2 gold ear accessories, 1 pair of two inch pumps with gold leaf print.
"Open your eyes…tell me what you think?"
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Excited and a tad nervous, Hermione stood in the middle of the open space and closed her eyes. She could hear the fabric rustling around her. It felt smooth as satin and tickled a little though she remained still. When she opened her eyes, she gasped. In the mirrors Hermione saw herself in the most beautiful dress she'd ever seen. It billowed, swayed, and sparkled as she turned to examine herself. She almost couldn't believe how well it suited her. "It's…marvelous! No, better than that, really. I don't know what else to say, besides thank you. Thank you so very much, it's beautiful."
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Madam Garderobe held a look of pride in her eyes. As Draco said she got it right every time. The clothier woman showed Hermione where the hidden wand pocket was. After that she cleaned up, replaced the furniture back to its origins and left. Leaving Hermione a beautiful dress, pumps, and accessories for Saturday.
"Is everything ready, mother? Guests will be arriving soon. And are you sure I don't look like a fool?" Draco asked Narcissa as he came down the grand staircase. The manor was decorated in candlelight, bright spring decor and white faux snow that was not wet or cool to the touch. But soft and airy like a cloud. Budding flowers that were enchanted to peek through and bloom from beneath. They would disappear only to repeat the cycle once more. The drapes were open and the dreary estate appeared anew and welcoming.
Draco was dressed in a royal blue suit, a white dress shirt, a matching blue bow tie, cummerbund, and vest. The suit jacket and vest had gold print on the front. Even his footwear was of the right color orientation to match his overall attire. It was a far cry beyond his usual black suit and it certain put him out of his comfort zone. "You look splendid darling. I can only imagine Ms. Granger will find you dashing. It is a fitting outfit for the occasion." Narcissa reassured him.
Guests began to arrive thirty minutes earlier than anticipated time on the invitation cards. As they were announced Draco greeted each one. His focus on putting on being a gracious host, but his heart waiting anxiously for Hermione's arrival.
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"Mrow…" said Crookshanks, sitting atop the sofa grooming himself. He was completely indifferent to the stress Hermione was experiencing as she double and triple checked to make sure she was ready to go. Once more she went over her checklist and made sure her cosmetics was spot on and her pinned back and done up hair with the accessories provided with her attire was intact. "Okay…." She sighed with relief and turned to her cat. "I'm ready to go. It's just a fancy ball, nothing I haven't experienced before."
Crookshanks sneezed and looked up from his busy grooming to simply stare at Hermione. They both knew that wasn't the reason she was nervous. The loafing ginger cat simply rolled onto his side, and began cleaning his paws. Hermione saw he really wasn't fazed by her plight, but smiled at his nonchalant attitude. "You're right, I'm probably stressing for no valid reason and everything will be fine. At least, I'd hope that's what you might say if you could talk." She went over and stroked his messy fur. He purred happily, giving Hermione a sense of calm. A moment later she stepped away and apparated.
Hermoine was quite surprised to find herself at the back of a large crowd waiting to be announced upon entry. Apparently she was the last to arrive, despite arriving only a few minutes after the time stated on the invitation. A few people she recognized as officials from the Ministry and other high class wizards and witches, but many she did not recognize. However, most everyone seemed to recognize her. Alas, what was only a few minutes felt like a few centuries as she approached and was announced as Miss Hermione Granger and was bid permission to walk through the archway into the massive ballroom. She saw Draco in handsome blue ensemble. Trying to keep her heart from jumping out of her chest, she approached and curtsied. As much as she liked his usual black suit, something about this evening's outfit made him look in a dashing manner, beastly.
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As Draco greeted each guest he was being attentive to whom they were and brought up something of common ground to speak to them about such as family or business. Narcissa insisted that he knew at least enough about each person or their families business to greet them 'properly', as she so put it.
Like his father before him, he was social mostly for the business opportunities and positive presentation it displayed. It took a lot of effort on his part to be sincere in this endeavor of greeting others and carrying meaningful conversations as he was attempting to start the rebuild of his family name and reputation.
When Hermione's name as announced, he politely excused himself from the conversation he was having with an aristocratic wizard couple, who used to be great associates with his mother. Hopefully this event would allow his mother to reach out to those of high social status she used to associate with and engage once more.
He found himself walking toward the grand ballroom entrance as Hermione walked through the archway. He was so awestruck he came to a stop in the middle of the floor. Her attire was beyond appropriate for the occasion. The dance was to celebrate winter's ease. It was as if she embodied the sun itself, bringing brightness and warmth to dispel the winter cold.
There was no denying she would look phenomenal in any formal attire, as he had seen when she attended the Yule Ball. But this was something else. This, he could truly appreciate. The Garderobe's really proved their worth with this dress. His suits gold embroidery now made sense to him.
He was grateful she approached and curtsied. He could admire her more with every step. When her gaze rose, their eyes locked. He bowed in return then she offered her hands out to him. Narcissa motioned and the live band began to play a gentle waltz. A songstress with a gentle voice began to sing. Draco barely registered the surrounded noise or anyone else. He was lost in everything about Hermione. He grasped her hands in his and she began to gently lead their dance. After going through a few steps he registered the music and timing. He was able to take over leading with confident awareness. Lost within the music and body language they shared he guided her into a dip and then back upright into a lift during a crescendo.
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Everything melted away as soon as Hermione and Draco began dancing. They flowed together like water melting in spring. It felt like a trance, as natural as they looked into each other's eyes. Shifting the lead to himself Hermione's heart soared as he led her through a dip, a twirl, and a lift. It was almost as if they had rehearsed, but it was that he was excellent at leading and she at following.
All eyes seemed to be on them, even as more guests arrived; the silent wonder of their audience was palpable, but quickly many joined in and soon the ballroom floor was full of people dancing with Hermione and Draco at the center. The song ended and those who stayed off to the side gave quiet applause. "That was wonderful, Draco." Said Hermione, looking around as the applause arched then subsided.
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"You are wonderful, my dear." Draco whispered as they finished with a bow. As they proceeded off the dance floor and clapping concluded they were greeted by four particular guests. "Potter, Ginerva, Weasley, Miss Delacour so nice of you to join us this evening. I apologize we did not greet you upon arrival, we were otherwise engaged." He said to them.
"Thank you for the invitation Malfoy." Potter said casually, keeping to formality. "If I had not seen it I would not believed this place to be Malfoy Manor. Come on Harry let's see how much of the Yule Ball dance lesson you two remember." Ginny said taking hold of Harry's hand. Gabrielle did the same to Ron and unlike back in fourth year Ron was not about to say no to this part veela beauty. When the two couples were out of hearing range Draco leaned over and whispered, "It's been ages since I have participated in a dance like this. I had almost forgotten how it felt. I would be glad to do this more often, just the two of us to see you in this formal attire once more. Your beauty rivals the sun."
They were approached by newcomers and Draco with Hermione at his side continued as host of the party. He wondered about if Hermione felt uncomfortable with the amount of house elves catering this event. At least they had been put in attire appropriate for the occasion that they got to keep afterwards, giving them the right to leave the Malfoy residence after the event if they chose to do so.
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As they exchanged pleasantries, Hermione noticed that Ron actually looked happy. For a long time, he constantly looked downtrodden. Even when she got to catch a smile when he was around family, it didn't last long. But now that he and Gabrielle were dating, he…well they both really looked happy and cute together. She was happy for them.
Hermione's heart skipped a beat when Draco complimented her and she couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, but actually I have your seamstress to thank." She reached out and felt the fabric of Draco's lapel with her thumb. "And you look quite handsome in blue. Together we make a beautiful day."
As she and Draco welcomed guests, a house elf in a snappy little tuxedo and bellhop's cap approached Hermione with a platter of champagne flutes. "Would the lady and Master of the Manor like something to drink?" He asked.
At first she didn't know what to say. The little elf looked so adorably dapper in the tiny tuxedo; she was at a loss for words. It wasn't only the fact that the little creature was so cute dressed the way he was, but also all of the house elf staff were dressed similarly. Knowing full well what it meant to them, the fact that so many were still here in Malfoy Manor astonished her. They must be treated well. "Yes, I'd appreciate a drink, thank you." She took a glass and sipped it as the house elf departed to serve other guests. She leaned over to Draco when he wasn't occupied and whispered, "The elves are adorable! Did your seamstress make their attire also?"
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Draco agreed that the two of them together made a beautiful couple. For a moment his mind teased him of the idea about an equally beautiful child or children they could make. The thought soon gone as they were approached by a serving elf offering drinks. Malfoy Manor did not need many elves to keep it pristine, so on occasions such as this when hosting hundreds of guests, Draco had come around the idea of 'hiring' them for the event and letting them leave free elves afterwards via the clothing they wore. It came with a hidden benefit to him of course. He could always contact them later to serve a party and they would not require any payment. "Madam Garderobe's sole focus was your attire. Her husband did my suit with her approval and I am sure her assistants did the house elf tuxedoes with her design approval." He answered, taking a glass to quench his thirst.
The evening seemed like it dragged on for ages. Hosting was tiring. However he saw his mother basking in the middle of the event with renewed fervor that he had not seen in her eyes for a long time. Of course he had Hermione by his side to make the ordeal enjoyable. By the time guests began to depart and he bid each one farewell and thank you for coming, he was ready for a relaxing soak in a hot tub and receive a professional grade massage. "Potter, Ginerva, Weasley, Miss Delacour thank you for attending." He said, keeping his statement simple but accurate. He was grateful they came for Hermione's sake. He hoped this was a step in the right direction to be tolerant of their future associations civil to keep Hermione's friend and family life balanced.
If it were Draco's choice he would be content with just Hermione to himself, but that wasn't a viable option. As his mother told him once, females are social creatures. "Malfoy, thank you for the invite." Potter said in return, also keeping his reply short and to the point. He released Ginny's hand to give Hermione a hug. "You look happy Hermione. I'm glad." Harry whispered to her.
Meanwhile Ginny spoke to Malfoy, "It was a lovely dance party Malfoy. Please call me Ginny. No need to be so formal considering the circumstances." She asked of him. Draco resisted the urge to roll his eyes and instead forced a faux conceding grin on his lips. "Alright, Ginny." He said, giving into her request.
Ron said nothing but gave a simple head nod. Miss Delacour's eyes were alight at the grandeur of the overall event and spoke in French, "Thank you for the invitation Mr. Malfoy, it was splendid." Draco replied back in French something courteous.
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When Harry whispered to Hermione that she looked happy she whispered in return, "Thank you. I am. I think we both are." Ginny joined in giving her a big hug. "Hermione, you and Draco look terrific together, and I don't just mean out on a dance floor."
"Thanks Ginny. Ron, you and Gabrielle doing well I presume?" Hermione asked of him, since Draco and Miss Delacour were still engaged in French conversation. Ron blushed, "Yeah, we are. And…I suppose Malfoy's not so bad anymore. He invited us after all and nothing bad happened so…" He shrugged and left it at that.
"Eloquent as always Ron." Ginny teased her brother. Gabrielle returned her attention to the group and took a place at Ron's side. The four said their final goodbyes and departed.
Eventually Hermione and Draco were left alone in the ballroom, aside from the elves cleaning up. "Well, I think that went fabulously!" said Hermione to Draco. "Everyone looked like they had a splendid time. You and your mother made some good reconnections from the looks of it." She took his hand and held him close. "And I had a wonderful time as well; especially since I got to wear this wonderful dress for myself and you to admire me in."
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"Yes, that went better than I had anticipated." Draco agreed, as he led her through the ballroom and onto the back balcony. He took a seat and led her to sit down next to him. "That dress deserves to be worn by someone worthy of it. You are more than beyond its worth. I simply had the luxury of enjoying the view." He complimented.
Up to this point they had only been dating officially for a nearly two months. Between working with her as a Curse Breaker, officially dating, and their letter correspondences he felt he was falling for her hard. Was it too soon to validate those feelings? If he wanted to be successful in bringing a Alchemy Centre to England he needed to know beyond heated kisses and letters that there was something more between them. "Hermione, I had a brilliant time tonight. I always enjoy any time that involves you by my side. Working in Egypt hasn't been easy since we started dating. Do not misunderstand I enjoy our correspondence of letters, but waiting for the weekend to be with you is starting to try my patience. How would you feel about our relationship developing if I worked here in England instead?"
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A hot surge of embarrassment filled Hermione's face when Draco said she was too good for the dress she wore. Of course he would say something like that, she thought. Smooth as silk, his tongue was. Of course the dress was good enough, his family seamstress made it. If something made by someone associated with their family wasn't good enough for her, he must require an appointment at St. Mungo's. "Oh hush, you beastly handsome sweet-talker." She gave him a playful shove against his shoulder as she sat down with him on the balcony.
Before her lay a view of what would soon be the Malfoy Manor grounds and gardens. However, the weather as of yet had not permitted a proper atmosphere for growth beyond the few flower buds that bravely peeked through. But Hermione saw it as potential. She imagined all the flowers that could be blooming in the coming days. A potential not unlike the relationship Draco had just mentioned.
Hermione's eyes widened at the mention of the possibility of Draco working there in England. That would mean he would be closer by and they could see each other more often. Their budding relations could bloom into something more, just like the flowers in that garden that dared to peek now and would surely be the first to bloom in springtime.
She cleared her throat, not wanting to sound too giddy. "I must agree with you, it's been irritable having so much distance between us. So the thought of being closer to you sounds fantastic!" She couldn't hide the excitement in her voice by the end of her sentence. Hermione and Draco residing and working in the same country would allow many opportunities for them, including the upcoming day of Valentine's that she suddenly remembered with cheer.
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He noted the flush of pink that tinted her cheeks at his words. She was a very sober individual, always in control and thinking. For years he thought her to be impenetrable to the woo of wordplay or actions of any guy who may have had a desire to show interest in her. Then he saw her at the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum. So, she was more receptive than he had anticipated.
His own ego took a swell of pride at being called beastly handsome and a sweet talker. Only she could bring that out in him. Even in his causal relationship with Pansy Parkinson in his later teen years, he had always felt like his guard needed to be up. To keep everyone at a distance, to not become too emotional with those who called him friend. He didn't' go out of his way to compliment Pansy back then. Perhaps it was because he knew she flocked to him willingly, no matter how he treated her or others.
With present day Hermione Granger, he had subconscious worries (that he would never admit to) of her becoming displeased with his words or actions (or lack thereof) towards her or someone else. Either of which could result in that she would simply be done with him and move onto a bloke worthy of her. He realized in that moment as he watched her look over the snow covered gardens that they were alike in this way. Both very sober individuals, always thinking, always in control, yet when together they both brought out a part of their personality that was not seen often by any others they associated with.
When she took her time to answer his question he thought that maybe she was having doubts. Then she stated such a location change would be fantastic and he couldn't help but genuinely smile at the excitement he could sense in her final words of sentence. "That settles it then. I will persuade the Regional Alchemy Directors and the Ministry of Magic Department of International Magical Cooperation to hurry up with the paperwork so the Alchemy Centre of England can be built in a swift manner." He revealed to her. Their days of long week or weeks waiting to see one another were coming to a close soon. He took her hand in his once more and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
Granted he figured that also meant spending more time with Potter and Weasley, but at least with tonight's event allowing civil interactions to occur, it wouldn't be as awkward to do so in the near future.
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Draco's reassuring hand was all it took for Hermione to lose composure. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, "I'm so glad." She let go and looked him in the eyes, excitement burning in her own. "Does this mean you'll be getting another promotion? Will you be in charge of the England branch?"
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Draco was pleased when she hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her, embracing the moment. He could smell the tiny complimentary fragrance of perfume she had applied to her neck just below her upper jaw. The dress fabric felt heavenly under his fingertips, however he speculated that her skin would feel just as good under his touch, if not more so.
When they released she asked him about getting a promotion. He shook his head. "Technically, no. I will be the Director of the Alchemy Centre in England. Sincere there will only be one Alchemy Centre in the entire country, my position is equal to the Director position I have now over the Alchemy Centre in Egypt. I will still have my own office, make executive decisions, and oversee the potion assembly and shipment orders."
The grandfather clock in the house gave an audible chime and he figured the hour to be quite late, given the nights events. He grasped her hand and led them to standing up, "I suppose it is time to bid you farewell. Perhaps I can convince you to share one more dance with me? Since we have to cross the dance floor to get to the front door anyways." He remarked, feeling clever but forgetting that the musical entourage had already departed.
Narcissa with impeccable timing began to play the grand piano, a tune of slow waltz that was a composition of her own creation.
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"That sounds like a lovely idea." Hermione agreed as she stood with Draco, bowing slightly before letting him lead her through a slow waltz towards the exit. They meandered all around the ballroom floor, twirling and swaying to Narcissa's wonderful accompaniment. Hermione lost all track of time being in Draco's embrace as they danced. The time it took them to cross the ballroom floor seemed like eternity and yet instantly. She didn't want to leave, but figured it was most appropriate to do eventually.
They reached the door and broke away from each other as Narcissa ceased her playing. "Thank you for such a lovely evening, Draco." Said Hermione to him. "And thank you for the beautiful music just now, Mrs. Malfoy." She called out in kind. Narcissa smiled with a gentle nod of thanks.
Hermione faced Draco once again. "So, what are your plans for Valentine's Day? That is to say, I hope you don't have any, because I would like to plan something for us, since you set up this lovely ball tonight."
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"Well as tradition would have it, the gentlemen is supposed to plan that iconic romantic evening; But I suppose since you asked so nicely I will let you plan it." Draco answered Hermione with a smirking grin. He had briefly thought about Valentine's Day with only one conclusion: that it was on a Saturday so spending the entirety of it with her was possible.
He leaned forward and brought his fingers under her chin to tilt her head up slightly as he placed his lips against her own in a fervent but controlled action. It was a sensation that he thought surely he would never grow tired of. When they parted he looked into her eyes, needed to take a step back or risk not letting her be on her way. "Good night Hermione. I await your own and count the days until we meet again."
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Hermione's heart pounded in her chest as Draco's hand lifted her chin up to accept his kiss, which was so tender, yet passionate. It was almost unfair that she had to leave. However, she knew soon enough she would have more time to spend with her boyfriend than ever before in their dating. But that didn't stop the awful feeling of having to leave from assaulting her. A sense of longing to talk with him, know him better came to her as well. It felt like it would take a lifetime to get to know him aside from his interests. His quirks, his bad habits, the things he did in anger, what he did in joy. There was a word for this feeling, she thought. Andronitis. Hopefully this relocation would remedy that. "Good night, Draco. I will send you an owl soon." She stood up on her toes for one last quick kiss before turning to leave. As the door closed she apparated back to her home.
She took one look around her living room and said out loud, "Blast it! I forgot to tell him about my promotion!" Crookshanks, who had been previously sleeping meowed at her with a tone of grumbling for disturbing him. "Sorry, Crookshanks. Guess I could tell him about it in my next owl letter to him on the morrow. Good night." She said to the ginger creature and departed for bed.