Must Be Hell Freezing Over

MUST BE HELL FREEZING OVER

CHAPTER 5

It was a terrible Christmas from the start of it. The day had started out on a bad note and then proceeded to end on a dreadful one. It wasn't anyone's fault, really. Actually, Hermione would later find that untrue. There was only one person to blame and that was Draco Malfoy.

He had it all planned, she would eventually realize. He knew exactly what he was doing when he sent her that note at breakfast. And she would, unknowingly, play her role out splendidly and as predicted, whether she wanted to or not.

"So Hermione, who are you going with to the Yule Ball?" asked Ginny while buttering a piece of toast.

The question seemed innocent enough to the young, pretty redhead, and in all aspects it was. She just asked it at the wrong time.

"No one," replied Hermione, prying her gaze from the Slytherin table to focus on her golden plate.

This answer was not the expected one so it drew many heads to Hermione.

"What?" Ginny asked, completely forgetting the piece of toast she held in midair, halfway to her mouth. "Didn't anyone ask you?"

Hermione shrugged indifferently, trying not to think about how the only person she wanted to go with did not ask her. Not that that would have changed her sour mood because if Draco had asked her she then would have said no. Hermione wasn't stupid. She knew exactly what people would do if they went together.

Rumors of their 'forbidden love' would flicker until it grew into a raging fire. Hermione didn't want to have a one-sided love in a relationship. The rumors of their supposed love affair would only be halfway true and would constantly remind Hermione of that. She couldn't bear that kind of pain and it wasn't fair for him to ask her to.

Hermione, finally remembering that Ginny had asked her a question, answered, "Yes, I was asked."

Ginny was, understandably, beside herself in confusion. "I don't understand."

Looking up from her plate, Hermione fixed her friend with a defiant glare. "I just felt like going stag, okay?" It came out more harshly than Hermione had meant for it to.

As Ginny's expression changed from one that was confused to one that was hurt, Hermione immediately felt sorry.

"Ginny, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just under some pressure right now and I'm sorry for taking it out on you," she spilled out in an earnest rush.

The youngest Weasley took pity on the girl who had befriended her and smiled. "It's okay, Hermione. I know that your bark is worse than your bite."

Hermione broke out into a relieved grin and was about to respond when a sudden whoosh of sound announcing the arrival of mail silenced her. Hermione tilted her head up to take in the sight. Even after her seven years there the morning post never failed to amaze Hermione.

A small frown crossed her face when a beautiful eagle owl swooped towards her, dropping a small envelope in her scrambled eggs.

"Expecting mail?" Ginny inquired, catching a glimpse of Hermione's frown of confusion.

"No," Hermione began slowly, taking the letter into her hands.

With a dismissive shrug, Hermione tore open the envelope, read the short note and then promptly gasped in surprise.

Meet me in the Transfiguration room after breakfast. I'll be waiting.

There was no signature but Hermione already knew who it was from. Only Draco's handwriting could look that superior.

She had somehow managed to avoid him, ever since that faithful day out on the Quidditch pitch. She'd been very careful to have either Harry or Ron walking around with her so that there would be no chance for him to speak to her. Hermione didn't want to find herself alone in a room with Draco Malfoy.

It seemed ages ago, their first kiss. The fact that it had only been two days ago did little to soothe Hermione's raging emotions. Licking her lips ever-so-lightly she swore she could still taste him. She could still feel the soft but persistent pressure of his mouth against hers.

Damn, she could feel herself blushing again.

"What? Good news?" Ginny asked, confused by the tide of red staining Hermione's cheeks and the small smile that played around her lips.

Hermione, in all appearances, did not seem to hear her. She continued to stare unseeingly down at her plate, that small, wistful smile plastered on her face. When Hermione finally focused on her plate, she gave a small start.

There wasn't much food left on it. She could go meet Draco now. Hermione had to mentally chastise herself for thinking that she'd actually go to him. She shouldn't be at his beck and call. She had a life that just so happened not to revolve around him and he'd just have to accept that.

Hermione sighed as she realized that that wasn't true. Her life did revolve around him, especially as of late. She was just scared to face him. If Harry or Ron had sent her a note asking her to meet them somewhere she'd go without a second thought. It was only fair that she not be a hypocrite and gather up the courage to meet Draco. She could do it; she was a Gryffindor, after all.

Before she lost the nerve Hermione shot to her feet, told Ginny she was going to the library and then proceeded to make her way to the Transfiguration classroom.

He was, as he said he would be, waiting there for her.

Turning at the sound of her hesitant entrance Draco flashed Hermione an encouraging smile that she shyly returned.

"There you are," he began, taking small, measured steps to her.

He was, in all aspects, treating her as if she were a frightened animal that might run away if he was not careful.

"Yes, here I am," Hermione lamely responded, eyeing Draco warily as he took another step toward her.

Draco, noticing her apprehension, decided to get straight to the point. Turning on his smile that no woman could resist, Draco announced, "Hermione, I was wondering if you would like be my date for the ball."

There was no reaction.

With a frown Draco took another calculated step closer. "Hermione?"

She wasn't listening, though. All she could acknowledge was the despair turning inside her. It figured that he would ask her after she decided she wouldn't go with anyone, even him. Draco loved to be ironic.

With a deep, calming breath Hermione told herself that he didn't know what he was asking. He didn't know that she loved him; no one knew, and they never would.

Gathering up the courage Hermione met Draco's worried gaze with courage even Godric Gryffindor would envy. "I'm sorry, Draco. I can't go to the ball with you."

"Come again?" He must've heard her wrong.

"I said, I can't go to the ball with you," she repeated slowly as if speaking to a small child.

Confusion muddled his mind. "Why not?" he asked sharply.

Hermione, seeing that she had wounded his pride, something very near and dear to him, took a small step to him, forgetting her earlier hesitation. "Draco, you know what would happen if we showed up together. All hell would break loose."

Hermione thought she saw him smile at the thought, but it was quickly gone.

He was looking at her again, with those intense, penetrating eyes of his. "Why does that matter?"

Hermione's breath caught when she suddenly realized how close together they were. "You know what people would say."

Draco gave her that wicked grin of his. "I don't care what people would say."

She steeled herself to make her next response. "But I do."

Those three small words crashed into him, wiping the grin off his face. He gave a small start when he grasped that she was serious. She really did care what others would say about them. She really would not go with him.

Irrational anger swept through him. She was saying no. He was being turned down.

Oh dear, he thought to himself. Must be hell freezing over, yet again.

At least he had anticipated this. Always plan for every possible outcome, no matter how unlikely- Malfoy Family Code number 72. He had planned for her potential refusal, and he had come prepared.

She wouldn't like what he was going to do but later she would realize it was for the best. At least he hoped she'd realize.

Hermione, while observing Draco throughout his eternal monologue, was shocked when he suddenly smiled at her.

"I respect how you feel, Hermione. I won't push the issue."

Letting out a small breath she hadn't been aware she was holding in, Hermione eyed his suspiciously. "You won't?"

Draco flashed her a smile. "No, I won't."

Hermione was torn from being extremely relieved and being thoroughly confused. Before she could come to terms with what had just happened Draco began speaking again.

"Hermione," she looked at him with those big, wide eyes of hers.

He was stepping closer to her. "Yes?" she prompted.

All too slowly his smile turned into a wicked, knowing grin. "Look up," he gently commanded.

She did as told, her mouth dropping open. Right above their heads was mistletoe.

That's funny; I don't remember that being there when I walked in, Hermione thought with a hint of suspicion.

Slowly, Hermione brought her eyes back down to Draco who was grinning madly.

"Wizarding custom, you know? Wouldn't want to break tradition."

Before the meaning of his words sank in his lips were already pressed firmly to hers. That same rush of emotion flooded into her, pushing out all reasonable thought. All she could do was react. Passion, lust, and love all assaulted her, leaving Hermione clinging to Draco for life. Right when Hermione began to participate in the kissing Draco pulled away.

"Alright then, I suppose I'll see you around," he proclaimed nonchalantly, making his grand exit.

Hermione stood there for a moment, gaping like a fish out of water.

"Oh my," she finally managed, touching the tips of her fingers to her lips and then she departed the room to go sit on her bed and think about anything but Draco Malfoy. He was all she ended up thinking about.

~*~*~

"Wow, Hermione. You really look great," Harry complimented as the close group of friends made their way to the Great Hall.

Hermione smiled and blushed. Clad in peach, silky dress robes that did wonders with her eyes, Hermione really did look great. Her hair was sculpted into what seemed to be a masterpiece. Half of it was piled on the top of her head while the rest gently cascaded down to the small of her back with a few stray strands strategically placed to frame her face.

"Thanks, Harry. Ginny's really to blame, though. She's the one that picked out the robes and helped me with my hair."

Ginny flushed a lovely shade of pink when Harry turned his smile to her.

"It was nothing, really," she said in a small, shy voice.

Hermione, noticing her friend's discomfort, grinned from ear to ear. "Don't be so modest, Gin. You're a miracle worker!"

They were now entering the Great Hall and were promptly awed at the magnificent sight.

Ice sculptures littered the place, charmed not to melt. Candles drifted in the air, lending a very romantic atmosphere. Snowflakes were falling from the ceiling, but disappearing before they could hit the floor. Silver ribbons and bows were purposefully placed around the room, making it glow in a brilliant radiance. The house elves had really outdone themselves this year. It was breathtakingly gorgeous.

Everything was perfect and the ball was shaping out to be the most wonderful in the past few years.

It was when Hermione had that revelation an hour into the ball that the massive wooden doors swung open to admit her downfall. Draco Malfoy casually sauntered into the room, fashionably late. His eyes scanned the crowded room, ignoring the few people staring at him. Finally, he found who he was looking for.

Hermione was standing in a cluster with her friends, looking positively dazzling. A small smile curled his lips as he watched her smile and laugh with her friends, her eyes glowing warmly. Shaking it off, Draco adopted his sneer and pompously strolled over to the group of unsuspecting Gryffindors.

"Hermione! There you are!"

The small circle of friends went dangerously quiet. Closing her eyes in dread, Hermione twirled around to face a grinning Draco.

Hermione was about to ask what he was doing, but was rudely cut off by Ron. "What are you doing here?" he snapped.

That got the attention of most around them.

"Just wanted to have a word with Hermione," he began, way too innocently.

Ron's eyes widened in anger as he took a menacing step forward. "Don't call her that!"

Draco feigned ignorance. "Call Hermione what?"

"Don't call her, Hermione," Ron ordered through clenched teeth.

"Well, that's her name, isn't it? If I'm not supposed to call her by her name then what shall I call her?" Draco asked, deliberately taking a step forward to provoke the redhead.

It was when Ron moved forward to counteract Draco that Hermione finally found her voice.

"What are you doing here, Draco?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

His expression softened slightly when his eyes met hers. "Just meeting here as planned, luv," he announced, his dry voice carrying across the span of the entire hall.

Hermione inwardly winced after a quick glance to Harry and Ron. That 'luv' had stood out quite splendidly.

"Hermione, what is this prat going on about?" Harry asked with eyes dangerously flashing from her to Draco.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione glared at Draco who was smiling smugly. "Harry, Ron... I can explain everything," she tried to pacify.

Ron and Harry, ever the overprotective brothers, were not appeased. Mind racing, Hermione tried to figure out what was happening. Why was Draco deliberately provoking her friends? He had to be drunk, that was the only explanation her brilliant mind could come up with. Either that or he had a Death Wish.

Ginny, ever the observant little Weasley, began to think. She thought about Hermione's odd behavior as of late coupled with Malfoy's lack of insults to her. It wasn't that hard for her to think up of the correct conclusion.

"You two have been seeing each other." It wasn't a question, really.

Hermione, completely shocked, neither confirmed her friend's suspicions nor denied them. She didn't have to; the crimson red blush was confirmation enough.

Draco, wishing to drive the point home, grinned down at Ginny. "Finally Hermione, one of your friends figured it out! I was beginning to wonder if I'd have to spell it out for this lot."

The reaction of this statement was immediate. Harry had his wand out and ready. Ginny and the rest of the Gryffindor girls kept glancing from one and then the other with, what was that? Envy? The Hall had virtually been set on pause as everyone stared at the scene, most likely waiting for some proof. Unbeknownst to them, their proof was soon to come.

Ron, whose was the only reaction Hermione was truly worried about, launched himself at the Slytherin, but Hermione, being the clever little Gryffindor that she was, had suspected this. Before her redheaded friend could reach his prey Hermione flew in front of Draco, wrapping her arms protectively around him.

"Stop it, Ron! Don't hurt him!" She had cried out, finally finding her voice.

The Hall as a whole gasped in incredulity. Ron froze in mid attack staring at Hermione as if he had been scandalized. She had told him to stop, but for Malfoy's sake.

Draco appeared to be the single person not surprised by this. He only grinned maddeningly, casually slipping a possessive arm around Hermione's waist. His smirk widened when Ron face turned a very unattractive cherry red up to the tips of his ears.

"Aw... Hermione, I'm touched," he whispered to her, purposefully brushing his lips against her earlobe.

Hermione, coming to her senses, slightly withdrew from his hold to glare at him. "What are you doing Draco? I thought you knew this wasn't a game," she said in an angry, confused voice.

"Hermione, how could you?" Ron began in a low, incredulous voice. She didn't have to look at him to see the betrayal in his eyes.

She felt bad for deceiving him, she really, truly did. But she knew from experience not to try and placate him.

"Hermione!" he proclaimed, his voice gradually rising. "How could you? A Death Eater?!"

That was it. What Ron had said to bring her back to her senses only succeeded to drive her past any anger she had ever felt before.

"He is not a Death Eater, you stupid prat! You don't even know him!" she said in a voice all the more threatening for its mere calmness. It was nothing more than a scathing reply, whispered to him in cruelness that sounded so alien coming from her.

Ron blinked in genuine surprise. He wasn't used to Hermione staying composed and measured in an argument with him. He had expected a shouting match, but this was way more effective in getting his attention.

Slowly, Ron collected himself. "Hermione, what are you doing with him?" he asked in a controlled, rational voice.

Hermione, thankfully calmer than she was moments before, retorted, "That is none of your business Ron," in a simple, dismissive voice.

"None of my business! None of my business!" Ron began, his voice adopting the familiar tone he always took when he was frustrated. "Of course it's my business, Hermione!"

"No, it's not Ron."

Ron turned to stare in amazement at Ginny. The young girl blushed, but stubbornly met his glare with her own.

"Virginia!" Ron began dubiously.

"Oh, stuff it Ron!" Ginny cut him off. "It's Hermione's life, not yours. She's your friend, not your little sister!"

"But Ginny-" Harry was beginning.

"But nothing, Harry," Ginny interrupted, surprising all. Everyone knew that she had once worshipped the ground Harry walked on, sometimes still did. The fact that she was staring Harry defiantly in the eye without blushing unnerved anyone else who wanted to voice their objections.

Harry grinned slightly, holding up his hands in defeat. It was then that Ginny flushed red and quickly broke the gaze to meet her brother's.

"Ron, just calm down, alright? I mean, Hermione is a sensible person and we should trust her judgment. Come on, it's not like they've kissed under mistletoe or anything."

That seemed to have the desired affect. Ron gave a relieved half smile to his kid sister. She was right, after all. He was just becoming cool and rational when he finally noticed Hermione's face. A blush had swept across her cheeks all the way down her neck. Dread began to fill him when he saw Draco's small smile. Was it just him, or did Draco's smile appear suspiciously triumphant?

"Ginny, why do you say that like it's a bad thing?" Hermione asked, trying admirably to stay in control of the flush she knew was staining her cheeks.

"Oh God, Hermione, look at me," Hermione obediently turned her head to a worried Ron. "Tell me you didn't. For the love of all that is good in this world, tell me you didn't kiss him under mistletoe!" he pleaded.

Hermione, thoroughly confused by Ron's urgency, shifted guiltily under his stare. "Well, it was just a small kiss!" she defended.

"Hermione! Have you gone mad?" Now Ginny was venting angrily after she had just defended her.

"Mistletoe?!" That one word was now being muttered amongst the students in excited voices.

Dismay drained all color out of Hermione's face. "Oh, Ron, what does it mean?"

Ron shook his head in wonder. "You really don't know, do you?" The anger was now replaced with sympathy, which scared Hermione like nothing else could.

Ron took a deep breath and adopted the teaching voice he had heard Hermione use often. "Have you ever heard of the Muggle phrase, 'seal it with a kiss'?"

Hermione deafly nodded.

"Well, it was actually derived from an ancient wizard practice still used amongst many wizarding families." He broke off with a tired sigh.

"Couples in the Wizarding world are often betrothed at an early age. To seal this engagement, the couple kisses under mistletoe. This act serves as a symbolic contract that is legally binding. It binds the two together; it is how betrothals are made in the Wizarding World. Legally binding betrothals, Hermione," he explained, desperate that she would understand him.

Silence; that terrible, knowing silence followed Ron's little speech.

The band, the acclaimed Sisterhood, began to play yet another song, heedlessly breaking the dramatic atmosphere.

Draco came up to Hermione's side and casually slipped his arm around Hermione's waist, gently pulling her possessively to him.

"If you'll excuse me and my fiancé," Draco began as if he were merely catching up on the latest Quidditch scores. "They're playing our song."