(HIYA EVERYONE!! WOW another long chapter… I really love this one!! I hope you'll all enjoy it… thank you all for your wonderful inspiring reviews… Thanks to my friend "InkCessation" (Justin) for all his support and for inspiring me to work all that much harder on my fan fics (Your fan fics ROCK! Please be sure to finish them.. or ELSE! ha ha)… Thanx to Michelle for always reading my work and helping me when I need it! And thanx to Michelle's friend Nad for helping me organize how I want Hermione's dress to look…. Okay I'll stop babbleing and let you all read!)
CHAPTER 10
"Can't you just wave your wand to straighten your hair, and put it up into a work of art?" Ginny asked with frustration in her tone after using the last bottle of straightening potion, with no success.
"I never learnt that." Hermione answered.
"Wait, let me get this straight… you know all sorts of advanced magic that adult witches have trouble doing, but you never looked into any spells that would make your life so much easier?... I'd kill to know some beauty charms!" Ginny exclaimed.
"I'm not in beauty school Ginny…I'm trying to become a Healer." Hermione stated.
Ginny rolled her eyes.
"I say we don't straighten her hair, she has such lovely curls, let's use that to our advantage." Luna voiced as she tossed the latest issue of The Quibbler on Hermione's bed.
"Hmm, maybe you're right Luna." Ginny said, running a hand through Hermione's spicy brown hair.
Luna took her wand from behind her ear, conjured a stool, and made Hermione sit down.
"Can't I sit in front of the mirror?" Hermione said pointing to a large human sized mirror on the other side of the room.
"Nope… you don't get to see until we're done." Ginny grinned.
Hermione sat on the stool for hours as Ginny and Luna tried several different styles. They would both stand back to examine their work, shake their heads, and like a pack of hungry animals tearing at a carcass, they would destroy their hard work and try a new idea.
Just when Hermione thought she wouldn't be able to take it anymore, both the girls stood back and exploded into shrieks of excitement.
"Oh Hermione you look gorgeous!" Ginny squealed.
Hermione felt her cheeks grow warm as a blush spread over them.
"Yeah you sure do look fantasto-fabulous... Seamus is going to have a heart attack!" Luna laughed.
"Can I see?" Hermione asked. She couldn't stand the suspense any longer.
"Oh no you don't, you have to put on your dress first." Luna nagged.
"Please, just a little peek?" Hermione pleaded as Ginny ushered her into her dressing room.
"If you need some help, just let us know." Ginny stated closing the door.
Hermione's hands trembled as she slowly lifted the lid off the large violet box and gently pulled the beautiful scarlet dress Harry had given her, from inside the box. She examined the gown from a distance before carefully slipping it on. It felt remarkably fluid and soft against her delicate skin.
"I'm going to need some help lacing the dress up." Hermione said opening the door.
Ginny and Luna wasted no time lacing the back of the scarlet dress for Hermione.
"Here put these on." Ginny said handing Hermione a pair of scarlet gloves.
"And these." Luna grinned pointing to a pair of heels to match the gown and gloves.
"Where'd you two get these?" Hermione asked with a surprised tone of voice.
"They came from Harry of course, you didn't think he would get you a dress and forget accessories did you?" Luna giggled.
"Harry." Hermione whispered feeling tears well up in her eyes.
"Oh no, no crying!" Ginny exclaimed fanning Hermione's face.
"Apparently red is your color, but believe me, you don't want red eyes." Luna added.
Hermione nodded and pushed the tears back.
"Can I see myself now?" Hermione questioned with excitement.
"Okay, but close your eyes. Me and Luna will lead you to the mirror." Ginny answered and Luna stood next to her nodding.
Hermione rolled her eyes, but obeyed the rules.
"Okay Hermione, open your eyes!"
Slowly, Hermione opened her chocolate brown eyes. She let out a gasp, and her eyes widened with shock.
`That's not me, that can't be me.' She thought.
"She's so beautiful." Ginny stated with an admirable sigh.
"Absolutely stunning." Luna added.
Hermione twirled herself in front of the mirror, tears were just begging to fall from her eyes, but she pushed them back once more.
"Thank you Luna, thank you Ginny… thank you both so much!" Hermione said sincerely giving each of them a grateful hug.
"I think it's our turn to get ready." Luna decided with a grin.
"Can I help you in any way?" Hermione asked.
"No, we're fine Hermione." Ginny answered.
"Yeah, you go ahead and find your… prince." Luna giggled.
Hermione carefully descended the Grand Staircase where Seamus promised to meet her. As the time began to pass at a painfully slow pace, the butterflies in her stomach steadily grew worse; each minute, the strange feeling doubled.
Hermione found that she wasn't nervous about Seamus's reaction; she was worried what Harry would think.
Hermione anxiously twirled her wand between her fingers. She had contemplated on leaving it in her room, but as soon as it left her fingers she felt bare, strange and oddly insecure. She tried placing her wand behind her ear like Luna had always done, (she had to admit, it was a fairly good place to carry a wand) but it felt uncomfortable. So in the end, Hermione decided she would give her wand to Seamus who would, without a doubt, put it in one of his pockets, and keep it safe for her. At least her wand would be somewhat near her in case of an emergency.
A cold chill ran through the large entrance hall. The sharp silence made her feel uneasy, something wasn't right; she gripped her wand and cautiously started looking around.
She heard a pair of feet scatter away in the direction of the dungeons, the individual was moving quickly, and the cloak made whipping sounds with each abrupt turn.
Perhaps she was being silly, maybe she should just call out and ask who's there. Her pulse began to throb in her veins, something inside her screamed to keep quiet, something wasn't right, and she would be the one to find out what it was.
As quietly as she possibly could, Hermione slowly made her way towards the dungeons. Her mind raced to keep up with her thoughts; she began to feel slightly light headed.
There was little light guiding her through the corridors and down the narrow stone stairs. She resisted the urge to use lumos, in case the individual would see they were being followed.
Hermione shivered when she reached the bottom of the stone steps and made her way through the dungeon. Goosebumps covered her bare arms and back, and she had to make sure to keep her mouth closed because the frosty air exposed her rapid breathing.
******
Harry,
I wanted to talk to you in person, but I felt like it would be easier for me to do this in a letter. I know we haven't been on the best of terms lately, and I hope that can change after… well you'll see I guess.
I feel really bad about what I did to Hermione in potions class, she hasn't mentioned it to me, so I've come to the conclusion that you hadn't told her what I did… thank you for that. I don't know why you didn't, I honestly deserve not to talk to her again.
Anyways, that's not why I'm writing this letter… I want YOU to take Hermione to the Pre Graduation Ball. Now wait… knowing you, you'll object and say that I have to, but I'll refuse to go with her, and she'll just have to go alone.
All she talks about is you Harry. She wont have a good time with me… she'll be trying to see what your doing, asking me if I know… it'll drive me mad mate!
Listen… you deserve to go with her and have a good time… you both need a good time.
Don't worry about me…I've been granted the opportunity to go home early for the Christmas break, so I'm happy... Tell Hermione that I'm sick with flue or something and couldn't take her so you're taking her instead.
Have a good time, take care of her Potter.
Your Friend - Seamus-
Harry felt his heart thunder in his chest; he couldn't believe he was going to be taking Hermione to the ball. He couldn't help but jump up and give a triumphant cheer of joy. He would now be able to dance with Hermione all night long. Somehow, one day, he would thank Seamus for what he did for him.
Harry's stomach gave an uncomfortable jolt, and his heart sank.
`Oh no… I can't dance.' He thought nervously recalling his dream.
****
"You can't win… give it up fool!"
Hermione knew that voice, the tone was cold like the frigid Arctic waters. She clenched her wand firmly and moved closer.
"Why… why do you do this?... you had a chance at freedom!" A man's voice trembled.
"I am choosing freedom. My Lord provides his faithful servants with wonderful rewards… Perhaps you would like a taste of power Rufus? I can offer it to you now… life, freedom and power."
Hermione heard Rufus spit.
"Never!... never will I follow in the path of darkness Lucius!"
"Come now Rufus… all I ask of you is to bring me the boy."
"Harry Potter?" Rufus questioned.
"Yes… Harry Potter… his life, for yours."
Hermione brought her hand to her mouth, and held back a gasp.
"Then you shall take mine!... mark my words, the Malfoy name will fall to their knees before Harry Potter one marvelous day!"
Lucius laughed deeply.
"Any last words Rufus?" Lucius said holding his wand up.
"Yes… Hermione Granger."
"Expelliamus!" Hermione yelled.
Lucius Malfoy's wand soared into the air.
"You filthy little Mudblood!"
Lucius Malfoy began to advance towards Hermione.
"DON'T MOVE!" She commanded.
To Hermione's surprise, Lucius lunged at her, knocking her to the ground. His angry red face hovered over her and his large pale hand squeezed her wrist where she held her wand. She struggled to keep a firm grip on the wand, but the pain became unbearable and the wand slipped from her delicate fingers.
"Filth!... how DARE you!... foolish girl thinking she could take down Lucius Malfoy with her useless stick!" Lucius screamed in her face.
Rufus struggled to free himself from the full body bind that had been placed on him.
Hermione tried to kick Lucius off her, but it proved to be very difficult to fight dressed in a gown and heels.
"Yes Granger… struggle… it makes you look all that more appealing." Lucius sneered. "The Dark Lord would surely enjoy having you as his slave."
Hermione felt anger surge through her entire body.
"I'm nobody's slave!" She yelled kneeing Lucius Malfoy between the legs.
Lucius fell over sideways in pain.
Hermione pulled herself up off the cold stone floor and made a dash for her wand.
SMACK
Hermione hit the hard stone floor. It knocked the wind from her lungs, she gasped for air. She felt the large hand that had curled around her ankle hold her firmly in place.
"Feeling helpless without your wand now Granger?" Lucius cackled.
"Feeling helpless without your wand Lucius?" asked a voice just ahead of where Hermione lay.
Hermione saw that her wand was no longer inches from her fingers, instead, she saw a pair of black dress shoes.
"Potter!"
"That's right Malfoy."
Lucius released his grip on Hermione's ankle, and scuttled in the direction of his wand.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" Harry yelled, giving Hermione's wand a quick swish and flick.
Lucius Malfoy's wand hit the ceiling with a clunk.
"Accio wand." Harry mumbled.
The wand shot painfully into his palm.
"Impossible!" Rufus muttered. "It listens to you as if it were your own!"
Cautiously Harry helped Hermione to her feet.
"Are you okay?" Harry whispered.
She nodded.
"You do as you're told Lucius… or you'll pay the price." Harry warned.
Harry handed Hermione Lucius Malfoy's wand and instructed her to set Rufus free.
"Diffendo." Hermione chanted clearly to cut the ropes binding Rufus.
Nothing happened.
"Diffendo." She tried again, making sure to pronounce the word correctly.
Nothing happened.
Hermione shrugged.
A spark flashed across Lucius Malfoy's eyes and a delicate evil grin spread across his face.
"I don't get it, your wand works for me." Harry said.
"You two go on and turn Lucius in. Bring him to Aberforth, he'll know what to do with him… and don't forget to send someone down to release me once you do." Rufus instructed.
"Are you sure sir?" Hermione asked.
"Yes… go on."
"Alright Malfoy... nice and slowly, and don't try anything funny!"
"Well, well, well… what've we got here?"
Harry spun around to find Draco grinning wickedly and pointing his wand.
"Potty and Whore-mione, having some fun in the dungeons. Care if I join?"
Harry pointed Hermione's wand at Draco ready to strike.
Draco shook his head slowly and stole a sideways glance at Hermione. Harry knew exactly what he was implying, dropped the wand and raised his hands in the air.
Draco smirked.
"You're such a fool Potter… you'd do anything for that Mudblood, wouldn't you?" He questioned with amusement. "Give my father back his wand Whore-Mione!"
Lucius strolled over and plucked the wand from her hand.
"The Dark Lord will be immensely pleased Draco." Lucius stated proudly.
"You mean to say you're sure he would be immensely pleased… now he'll be more then disappointed!"
Harry grinned, and a feeling of hope returned to his heart when he saw the tall, slender, grumpy-looking wizard, standing in the entrance to the large cold room, with a long wand carefully aimed towards Lucius Malfoy.
"Now's not a good time to be learning magic tricks Aberforth!" Lucius Malfoy laughed.
The old man raised an eyebrow, just like Hermione would. Harry recognized the same twinkle in Aberforth's eyes that he had seen illuminate in Professor Dumbledore's on many accounts.
"Perhaps it's time for you to observe the kind of magic tricks I'm capable of." Aberforth answered.
Lucius Malfoy suddenly looked apprehensive.
"You can't fool me old man… you had no proper instruction!"
"That's where your wrong… books are knowledge Mister Malfoy." Aberforth grinned.
"Enough of this" Lucius spat. " Crucio!"
Hermione gasped.
Harry quickly reached for Hermione's wand that he had dropped earlier, ready to strike into a battle with Lucius.
To both Harry and Hermione's amazement, Aberforth had vanished from the spot he had just been standing and appeared just behind Lucius Malfoy.
"Incarcerous!"
Thick ropes shot out of thin air and wrapped around Lucius Malfoy.
No one seemed to notice that Draco Malfoy quickly and quietly hid from view, waiting for a chance to escape unnoticed.
"Their wands are compatible!... Remember my words!" Lucius yelled.
"He's lost his mind." Harry muttered under his breath.
"You'll pay for this one day you filthy Mudblood, you'll pay dearly!" Lucius spat towards Hermione.
With a wave of Aberforth's wand, Lucius was silent; he was incapable of opening his mouth. Next Aberforth pointed his wand at Rufus.
"Diffendo." He chanted.
"Oh thank you Aberforth," Aberforth nodded. "Thank you Harry and Hermione, without the both of you, I may not have had the chance to see the light of another day." Rufus said gratefully.
"If you'll all excuse me… I'll be escorting Mr. Malfoy to the Ministry. Rufus, please be sure the school is run efficiently until I return." Aberforth instructed.
Rufus nodded.
Aberforth turned his attention to the young witch and wizard.
"Harry, Hermione… will you both be alright?" He questioned.
"We're fine sir." Hermione answered giving Harry a grin.
"I want you both to enjoy the ball… don't allow this incident to take away your magical night." Aberforth's icy blue eyes twinkled again.
"Oh," He added. "Before I go… you can't be attending the ball looking like that Miss Granger."
Hermione looked at her dress. The scarlet color was now replaced by a dark dirty black; it looked like Hermione had rolled around in soot. It no longer gleamed beautifully, and Hermione was sure her hairstyle was now completely destroyed.
She sighed heavily.
"Yes sir… I'll go change it."
"Nonsense dear… allow me?" Aberforth stated.
Hermione looked curiously at the old man.
"Bellemagnifico!"
Little lights like fireflies surrounded Hermione. There were so many, all that was visible was flickers of golden light. As quickly as they came they disappeared to reveal a grinning Hermione, who's dress looked brand new, and her hair was styled perfectly.
Harry's eye's widened to the size of enormous walnuts, and his jaw dropped open. He felt his heart racing in his rib cage.
The scarlet gown, made of the finest thin silk, wrapped gracefully around her alluring curves. The sleeveless dress exposed Hermione's soft skin on her shoulders, a part of her back where the gown was laced together and her arms to her elbows, where matching silk gloves covered the rest, including her delicate hands. A slit ran down the side of her dress exposing a part of her attractive legs. Hermione's hair was carefully pulled up, leaving only a few strands to cascade near her gentle face.
How was he going to control himself tonight? All he wanted to do was get lost in her eyes, her lips, her hands. He shook his head.
`Think Snape in a bikini, Snape in a bikini.'
It wasn't working, instead of Snape, he was picturing what Hermione would look like in a lovely red two piece.
"Harry?" Hermione asked with concern.
"Wow." He murmured breathlessly.
Hermione blushed, her face matching her scarlet dress, and she forced her eyes to the floor.
"You look… you look… so… amazing." Harry tried. "I mean, what I meant… you were already so beautiful, and now you're… more beautiful." Harry felt so stupid; he wasn't able to put his feelings into words at all.
A warm grin had spread across Hermione's face, and her eyes gleamed with joy. Harry didn't come across as a Romeo, but he had stolen her heart.
Harry held out his arm so Hermione could wrap her hand around him and they slowly walked out of the bitterly cold dungeon, up the stone steps and towards the Great Hall entrance.
"I… I want to ask you something Hermione." Harry said pausing before the large doors.
Hermione stared at his enchanting green eyes.
"Seamus… he… he wants us to go to the ball together, he decided to go home earlier for Christmas and he hoped you would understand… if… if, you know… you don't want to,"
Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat and felt warm tears gloss over her chocolate brown eyes.
"Of course I want to." She answered before he could finish what he was trying to say.
"You do?" Harry asked grinning.
Hermione nodded.
Harry gently guided Hermione through the large doors into the Great Hall, the decorations were magnificent. Hundreds of small tables for two lined the edge of the enormous rectangular room, each covered with a luxurious tablecloth, either red or pink rose petals surrounded the porcelain plates and silver cutlery, a small gentle candle created the romantic effect at each table, and a vase containing three Alpinia's (that matched the color of the rose petals scattered on each table) added a wonderful touch. House elves dressed in white collared shirts, black bowties, and tuxedo coats carried glasses of Champaign on large platters. A large cherry red grand piano stood near the dance floor where a gentleman was playing some soft music. Everything was so perfect.
Harry stole a quick glance at the look on Hermione's face. She was so awed and entranced by the splendor before her cinnamon brown eyes. Harry painted a mental picture of her expression in his mind, so it would remain there forever.
"Harry, Hermione… over here!"
They both noticed Ron at a table with Luna. He had saved them tables right next to theirs.
"I thought you two weren't going together." Ron frowned looking confused. "Didn't you say you had separate dates?"
Hermione had completely forgotten that Harry was suppose to bring a date of his own.
"Seamus went home early for the Christmas holidays, he asked me to bring Hermione." Harry grinned pulling out a chair for Hermione at a table with pink rose petals and Alpinia's.
"Harry," Hermione said with a worried look in her eyes. "What about… you know… your date?"
Harry laughed nervously.
"Oh, uh… her… see, there was… there was no girl." He answered feeling hot around the collar of his dress robes.
"Harry James Potter… what do you mean there was no girl?" She said frowning.
Harry swallowed hard. He may have had her wand safely tucked away in his breast pocket, but that didn't stop Harry from feeling intimidated, he knew well what Hermione was capable of doing.
"I, I… I sort of meant to come alone." Harry answered, feeling beyond nervous.
Hermione's eyes traveled around his face, she was trying to understand, and then she bit her lip and seemed to have come to a conclusion.
She removed the white cloth napkin from her lap and slid the chair back.
"I'm sorry Harry… I didn't realize… I don't want to be intruding,"
Harry's stomach gave an uncomfortable lurch, that's not what he had meant; that's not what he had meant at all.
"Hermione, wait!" He said raising his voice a little louder then he intended.
"No Harry I understand, you don't have to explain,"
"Hermione, will you just sit back down and listen for a second?" He pleaded.
She hesitated for a moment before Harry motioned for her to take her seat and pushed her chair towards the table again.
"I don't have a very good way with words," Harry began. "I didn't want to go with anyone to the ball," The spark from Hermione's eyes faded, and she looked hurt. "anyone but you." Harry finished.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Why?" She questioned.
The sound of Harry's heart pounded in his ears, he wanted to say it, but a sudden flash of his dreams reminded him not to.
"Can we… would you mind… will you dance with me?"
Hermione couldn't help but grin at the helpless look on his face, she couldn't help but adore that hint of innocence he still possessed, even after life had been crewel to him on many accounts.
"Of course." She answered.
He straightened his velvet emerald green dress robes, and offered a hand to guide her to the dance floor. She gladly accepted. His hands were strong; they made her feel safe and warm inside. She felt slightly foolish imagining what it would feel like to be caressed by those hands in loving ways.
"I… don't know how to dance." He mumbled nervously.
"Yes you can… everyone can dance." She carefully placed her hand on his shoulder and another in the palm of his hand.
"I'll step on your feet." Harry said uncomfortably.
"I've been warned then haven't I?" She grinned at him.
Harry grinned back. He swayed back and forth without lifting his feet off the floor, he didn't dare step on her toes.
"Dance with me." She whispered.
Harry felt the lump in his throat grow larger, and he tried to swallow it down.
"Please." She whispered again encircling her arms around his neck.
Harry cautiously wrapped his arms around her back and began to carefully dance with Hermione.
"Ouch." He felt Hermione jump.
Harry slightly pulled away to apologize, she brushed a strand of jet black hair from his eyes and grinned softly.
"I'm sorry Hermione."
"You warned me remember?" Her grin widened and Harry felt his heart give a double leap.
He smiled back and pulled her closer again.
The gentle melody was nearing to an end when he felt Hermione close the gap between them. He felt her warm, steady breath against the side of his neck where she rested her head.
"Care to step out for a bit of fresh air?" He asked.
"No, that'd be nice." She answered.
Hand in hand they emerged from the Great Hall and made their way to the front entrance of the school.
"It's cold out there." Harry said wrapping his velvety cloak around her bare shoulders.
"I'll be fine." She grinned.
But as soon as they stepped out into the frosty night, he saw her shiver. Her enticing lips trembled as she tried to hide her chattering teeth.
Harry wrapped his arms around her in an effort to keep her warmer.
"Maybe we should go back," Harry tried to say.
"No… it's beautiful out here." She answered breathlessly.
The full moon and scattered twinkling stars inspired the blanket of snow, cloaking the frozen land, to glitter like millions of diamonds scattering the earth's surface. Puffy, weightless snowflakes glided down from the shaded, clear sky; each unique in its own way. As several flakes of snow rested on Harry and Hermione, they lingered before they would melt and vanish forever.
Hermione leaned backwards to rest against Harry's chest, she felt him wrap his arms around her tighter. Together they admired the magnificent surroundings, silenced by their own thoughts; words were not needed to express the magic unfolding between them. Hermione sighed at the tranquility that cascaded through her entire body when he held her this way, she would be more then willing to be lulled to sleep and never have to awaken from such a marvelous dream.
She glanced into Harry's bright green eyes; she wanted to see if they danced with joy as much as hers did. She was surprised to find his eyes express longing.
Harry grinned at her gentle face. Her chocolate brown eyes reflected content, joy, and a wisp of desire. Harry's stomach filled with butterflies, and with each passing second they multiplied. He cradled her chin with one of his chilled hands, and felt her pulse race. He felt the lump in his throat return, his chest tightened, and he searched her eyes for answers she knew not. The desire in her eyes grew with every passing moment, melting Harry's fears, and escalating the hunger he had felt for so long; he wanted nothing more then to taste her soft lips, if only for a brief moment. He inched his face forward, he silently prayed she wouldn't hold back, but somehow deep down inside, he knew she wouldn't.
Her heart gave a double beat as pleasant arousing chills tickled her spine. Cautiously, she gradually closed the space between their faces, until Harry's warm breath drifted across her rosy cheeks.
Gently, Harry pressed against her lips, he felt Hermione's arms snake around his neck. Her lips were gentle, sweet and tenderly soft, she kissed him with such a passion; he couldn't help but crave more. He glazed her bottom lip with his tongue, pleading for entry.
Slowly she allowed him into her warm mouth, and as their tongues collided, a gentle moan escaped her lips, causing Harry to hold her closer and deepen the kiss with every emotion that pulsed through his body.
Her knees bucked slightly, but his hands wouldn't let her fall. He completely intoxicated her, making her feel pleasantly light headed; she moaned again at the pleasure that pulsed through her body, the numbing shivers that continued to envelope her.
Hermione's delight excited Harry more and more, he didn't know how to let go of her, he didn't know if he ever could. This moment was bliss; it would be embedded in his heart and mind for eternity.
He kissed her one more time when he felt her shiver.
"Let's go back inside." He said gently with a grin.
"Yeah." She whispered breathlessly.
The night for both Harry and Hermione was completely enchanting. They danced with one another until they weren't able to dance any longer; dinner had been enjoyable as they ordered their favorite meal and deserts, and shared looks of longing from across the table.
Sometime around two in the morning, Harry escorted Hermione to her room, where he gave her a gentle kiss before saying goodnight.
With his heart swollen to three times the size it was the night before, Harry was ready to dream of wonderful thoughts; wonderful thoughts of Hermione Granger.
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