Divine Humiliation

Divine Humiliation

Hermione awoke that morning with the feeling that she'd been repeatedly hit over the head with a bludgeon. It was caused by the fact that, in her dream, a certain blond-haired demon wielded the damn thing in his hands and chased her across the grounds with it. Then, the last thing she remembered before waking up was that the scenario had changed; instead of the bludgeon the demon now held roses and instead of the fields they were now in a dim place, surrounded by music and dancing and--

The incessant rapping noise she heard the moment she woke up did not help her pounding head.

"Hermione! I demand that you open this door this instant!"

"Dear little redhead girl, stop scratching me! Oh, how many times do I have to tell you my mistress is--"

"I won't let a portrait like you stop me. Hermione! Open this door or else I'll--"

"Coming, I'm coming!" She grabbed her robe and wrapped it around herself, trying to chase away lingering images of gold hair and silver eyes and blood-red roses--

"HERMIONE!"

Abruptly, Hermione opened the door and beheld Ginny. "What?"

"Well thank goodness you're finally awake." The younger girl pushed herself into the room. "I've been knocking on that door for who knows how long. Look! I might have to do my nails again. Just look!" She held her hands up, palms facing her, to show Hermione the dreadful fates her fingernails suffered.

Hermione cocked her head to one side. "I'm... sorry?"

"You better be." Ginny inched her face up haughtily. "Why are you still in bed, anyway? Practically all seventh years are out doing their last minute shopping!"

Hermione raised her brow skeptically. "Even your brother? Harry?"

Ginny nodded. "They're somewhere out there, buying cheap corsage. And with their taste in flowers? Please." She snorted. "Good luck to their dates, that's all I'm going to say."

Hermione rubbed her eyes warily. "Look, I'm sure it's fun to hear how dreadful you think Harry and Ron's tastes are but--"

"Oh no, silly! That's not what I came here for."

"Then why--"

"I came to say goodbye." She flipped her hair. "With yesterday being the last day of school and all, we woeful younger ones are to be sent home today since we don't have your stupid ball."

All sleepiness disappeared from Hermione as she stared at her friend. Despite the flippant tone she opted for, there was no denying the genuine distress in her voice. "Ginny--"

"Yeah." Ginny sighed, then drew her in for an impulsive hug. "Oh, Hermione! Good luck with the whole you-and-Malfoy-against-the-entire-world thing you've got going on. Even if he is a git and a Slytherin to boot, I'm hoping you two will make it work. After all, someone's bound to take a whack at that stupid prejudice issue, and it might as well be you, right?" She sniffed. "I'm so going to miss you!"

Hermione awkwardly patted her at the back. "There, there. You don't have to be sentimental right now, you know. We'll still see each other in a few days..."

"Right." Ginny pretended to wipe tears from her eyes. "Of course. There's still your graduation. And if things get really well with him, then there's your engagement party, your wedding..."

"Ginny!"

"Oh, before I forget... here." She took something from her pocket and handed it over. "Wear it, will you?" When she saw Hermione's brows drew together, Ginny said exasperatedly, "Don't tell me you weren't planning on wearing it."

"With you having this, the thought didn't exactly cross my mind."

Ginny let out a martyred sigh. "Hermione Granger, you are hopeless. No offense."

"None take--"

"Do you know how important the ball is? Have you thought of the severity this occasion entails?" She crossed her arms. "Are you even aware of what today is?" Ginny grabbed the invitation lying innocently on Hermione's table and wagged it mercilessly before she flung it at the bed.

"Of course I--"

"If you've been attending the previous meetings instead of doing Merlin knows what then you wouldn't have missed so much: dress rehearsals, color coordination seminars, hair workshops - basically every essential tool a girl needs to know to get ready for tonight!" Ginny's eyes flashed. "And now that I'm leaving, who's going to help you? Let's face it; even a girl as smart as you is really uneducated with the ways of real women."

A flush of indignation quickly rose to her cheeks. "Ginny--"

But the girl merely smiled. "Maybe you could get Parvati to get that exact hue. She's brilliant with colors, you know. And Lavender's a wizard - pun intended - with hairs. She'll get your tangles all untangled in no time." She squinted, as she looked Hermione over. "I wish I could help you dress since your style leaves much to be desired when it comes to--"

"I can dress myself well, thank you!"

"Sure you can." Ginny took her hand and dragged her out of the room. "I mean, you've got the whole librarian look flat and perfect. But for tonight, you should look... hot. Something that'll show Malfoy--"

"I don't care one way or another if Malfoy--"

"Oh, gi-irls!" Ginny sang as she pushed Hermione into the Gryffindor common room. The very cluttered, very messy common room. "Pro-ject!"

Hermione watched, aghast, as Lavender and Parvati ran to her with hairbrushes and makeup bags in hand.

Truly, she had never seen a scarier sight.

"I'd love to stay and help, but our carriages are leaving anytime now." Ginny opened her arms to the two girls. "Last group hug before I go?"

"Oh, Ginny!" Lavender shrieked, pushing past Hermione as she rushed at Ginny.

"Ginny!" Parvati squealed, rushing as well.

And the three girls squealed and shrieked as they hugged.

"We're so going to miss you!"

"I know! I'll miss you too!"

It's a wonder Hermione wasn't deaf yet with all the exclamation points poking her ears.

"I'm expecting lots and lots of owls, especially from you, Hermione! Oh, and pictures! Lavender, do you--"

"Still got Creevey's camera," Lavender said, pointing to a purse. "Don't worry about missing anything."

"And I've borrowed that quill from Padma. You'll get a transcript of tonight's events, I promise," said Parvati.

"Awesome." Ginny bit her lip, looking reluctant to depart. "Well, I really have to go. Bye everyone! Don't forget your owls and pictures and stuff!" And with a last flying kiss, she was gone.

They were silent for a couple of seconds, each lost in her thoughts.

"Ah, I'm going to miss that girl," Parvati said wistfully, staring at the space Ginny vacated.

"Yeah," Lavender agreed softly. "But she did leave us a legacy..."

And Hermione felt her heart stop when two sets of beady eyes focused on her. "Um," she began lightly, backing towards the door, "I'm sure you're both busy doing your own... well, preparations. Must not let all those workshops and seminars go to waste!" She let out a nervous chuckle as inch by inexorable inch they closed in on her. "Why don't I just... leave... and..."

"You are not going anywhere," stated Lavender, closing the door behind Hermione with a determined click.

"We promised Ginny we'll help you look hot and Merlin help us that's exactly what we're going to do," said Parvati.

Trying one last resort, Hermione said, "But you still have to worry about your own appearances! I'm just going to slow you down, and--"

"Not if we're multitasking," answered Parvati. "She can do your hair while I do your make-up. Now hush! Let us prep you up for your ball with the gorgeous Mr. Malfoy." She grinned wickedly. "Think of us as your fairy godmothers."

Lavender winked. "We'll make sure that boy won't be able to keep his hands off you the whole--"

Hermione just knew she didn't like the sound of that.

"So before anything else... let's see. What's the color of your gown?"

Resigning herself to her fate, Hermione answered flatly, "White." Then she bent and started picking up the clothes strewn all over the room. Some semblance of order must be restored in this place! When she faced the other girls, she noticed that their skin had turned an ugly shade of gray. "What?"

"Are you going to do it or am I?"

Lavender clutched at her chest. "You do it. I still can't get the image off my mind... white..." She shuddered. "...why?"

Parvati slowly came to her, a look of absolute pity on her face. "Hermione..."

"What?" An edge colored Hermione's tone as she stared right back.

"I have to ask... when did you get that gown?"

"Please don't say at the beginning of the year don't say at the beginning of the year..."

"As a matter of fact," Hermione snapped with a look at Lavender, "I've had it since the beginning of the year."

"Oh oh oh Hermione..."

"Calm down Lavender, we can still salvage this!" Parvati took deep breaths, gave Hermione a watery smile. "And... and did you... pick up the dress yourself?"

"Well..." Hermione squinted as she remembered that shopping trip she had several months back. "I think my mum--"

"Stop it," Lavender cried dramatically. "I can't take it anymore!"

"Oh shut it, Brown," Hermione huffed. "It's only a gown!"

"Only a gown, she says! Only a gown she says!"

"Here, drink this and calm yourself down." Parvati shoved a bottle at Lavender, before saying to Hermione, "She's been out of sorts since this morning. Nerves, you know, with her hair in a frizz and--look, let's burn your gown and find something else to wear. What do you say?"

"Are you mad? NO!"

Parvati was visibly desperate. "But Hermione, you can't wear white tonight! You just can't!"

"Why the hell not?"

Lavender had composed herself enough to insert, "Are you going to a funeral?"

"No."

"Wedding?"

"No!"

"Then, my dear Granger, unless you're planning on being a bride or a corpse at your own graduation ball then you will not wear that damned thing. Over our outrageously gorgeous dead bodies, comprende?"

Tired of being argumentative and wary of the throbbing vein at Lavender's forehead, Hermione said, "Fine. Fine! I'll be your guinea pig, all right? But I'm telling you, this will be a disaster and I'll--"

"You won't be a disaster," Parvati said, wearing a tight smile.

"You definitely won't." Lavender gave her a beatific grin and patted the dresses gathered in Hermione's arms. "Now, I want you to fit all these and parade each one in front of us. Just so you know, Parvati's wearing lime and my own color's beige, so no similar hues on you, 'kay?"

"But... there are at least thirty gowns in this pile!"

"So move already."

There was that throbbing vein again. With a huff Hermione trudged to the closet and took her robe off, then selected a plum-colored gown and placed it on.

She showed herself to the two dragons judging her, waiting on bated breath as they made their verdict.

Parvati wrinkled her nose. "The color's hideous on your skin. Makes all your blue veins more visible."

Lavender shook her head. "Your hair won't look good with that. Change."

Hermione did. She chose a nice pink tube top with bell skirt that she quite liked.

"No... the color makes you look... top-heavy. Change."

A butter-yellow straight gown with ribbons at the hem was next to be showcased.

Lavender frowned. "I'm planning on roses for your hair, dear, and that simply won't do. Change."

Just to spite them, Hermione chose a long-sleeved maroon gown with a boat neckline.

The looks of pain on Parvati and Lavender's faces gave her no small amount of satisfaction.

Temper, Hermione, she thought, as she placed a chemise-like gray dress with transparent sleeves. They are helping you, no matter how unwanted or unnecessary their help may be...

"Oh oh oh Hermione..." Parvati moaned.

"What are you moaning for? These are your dresses, for crying out loud!" she snapped, before going back to the closet and grabbing a black gown.

When Hermione stood before Lavender and Parvati, she mirrored the look of impatience on their faces. "Now what?"

"What d'you think?" asked Lavender as she turned to the other girl. "The roses I have will actually look great with that dress."

Parvati thought for a moment, then shook her head. "She has unfortunate coloring. With that material any type of makeup on her, no matter how subtle or bold, will make her look dead."

Lavender bit her lip. "Do we have time for a tanning spell? But that takes hours, and I think Ginny has that cream with--"

"We don't. I swear some sun on her skin would've done her a lot of good! All those hours buried in books instead of--"

"I know! Shame, isn't it, I mean with those lovely eyes some color on her face would've--"

"I'm right here!" Hermione shrieked. "Don't talk about me as if--"

"Right, darling. Change."

Fuming mad now, Hermione blindly groped for a gown lying near her feet. I don't care if I end up looking like a clown, she thought, savagely zipping up the dress at the side. If this gown doesn't get their approval then I'll wear my own, just they wait! She stepped out, nearly tripping over the discarded gowns as she went. With that fueling her rage she bit out, "Well?"

For a few moments, all the two girls could do was stare at her.

Irritated, she bit out, "Oh please don't tell me this gown makes my arms look fat, or my eye bags more noticeable, or--"

Then the unthinkable happened.

"Oh, it's perfect! Just perfect!" shrieked Lavender, leaping from her seat to engulf Hermione in a hug.

"W-what?"

"Yes! Oh, and I have just the shade for your eyes and cheeks, and for foundation--"

"Roses on your hair for a feminine flair--"

"Eye shadow! Maroon... no, no dark magenta--"

"With one side pulled to the back and--"

"So I take it this gets your approval," said Hermione dryly, flapping her palm against the cascade of lace on her skirt.

"Oh yes! It's perfect!" they both squealed.

Thank Merlin! "Now that I've got my dress... what next?" she asked innocently, playing with the fabric that ballooned below her waist. "What are you... going... to..."

And when they fixed their beady eyes on her with intent clearly shining on them, Hermione silently cursed her curiosity. She just had to ask!

Hours zoomed by, and in those minutes Hermione had endured heaven and hell in alternation. The hot shower Lavender insisted on released the stiffness in her muscles, and the facial mask the girl provided soothed her eyes and made her skin feel smoother. But having Parvati do her nails and shape her brows were wrong moves on her part. Looking at the bleeding mass her digits had become, she wondered if the Gryffindor held a grudge she wasn't aware of. And plucking her eyebrows hurt, dammit!

So now she sat, clothed in a robe with her hair wrapped in a hot towel over her head and her fingers and toes spread wide open. Hermione watched bemusedly as the two girls scrambled to dress themselves, as their hair and makeup were already in place. She had to admit, the lime brought a bloom to Parvati's skin, and the beige accented Lavender's eyes and hair. She wondered briefly what Ginny would've worn if she were--

Then Lavender's rough pulling of the towel snapped her back to reality. "Ow! What--"

"Your nails are dry," Lavender announced. "Get to your feet and dress yourself, quick! We don't have much time!"

"Time check, an hour and a half 'til the Ball," said Parvati, wringing her hands. "We can still do it!"

"Yes, yes we can. Hand me that brush, and here's your foundation - let's get to work!"

And just like that, hell started for Hermione again.

She was unaware that in another room, someone else was experiencing her own version of hell.

Blaise was busy spreading some blush on her cheeks when she caught Pansy's eyes in the mirror. Recognizing the unhappy glaze in her face she asked, "What's wrong with you? Aside from the usual, I mean."

Pansy sighed, and with trembling hands she fastened the diamonds on her ears.

"Come on," said Blaise gently, though she had a clear idea on what was bothering the girl. "Tell me. After all, what are pseudo-friends for?"

"You missed a spot," Pansy said low, before sinking in a swath of lilac swirl on the bed. "And I don't have a date."

"What?" Blaise demanded.

"I said I don't have a--"

"I missed a spot? Where? Oh Merlin I can't let Harry see--" Then Blaise caught the murderous expression on Pansy's face and said hastily, "Oh, right, your pain. Um... didn't Weasley ask you?"

"He did." Seeing the box her latest gift arrived in, Pansy stood and took the note attached to it. She sighed again. "But I told him I already have a date."

"Did you?" Satisfied that no spot on her face was left uncovered, Blaise elaborated, "Why on earth would you say that?"

"Because he's stupid! He's such a stupid, filthy plebian and--"

"I'm sorry," said Blaise affably, not hiding the fact that she was very much enjoying the disgruntled expression on her friend's face. "You kind of lost me there. Shouldn't you be saying that you're the stupid one? After all--"

"I know, Blaise! I know! But--" Pansy threw the note away. "He made me so angry that I--well, I blurted it out. Oh, this is a disaster!" She made a vague gesture at Blaise. "It's so unfair that you and Draco get to enjoy tonight whereas I--I mean, what will my mother say when she finds out that not only did I reject Draco as my date but I also can't get a Weasley as replacement?"

"Don't you worry your pretty head over that." Blaise grinned. "Everything will turn out fine, you'll see..."

Pansy sent her a resentful look. "You're just gleeful you can legally manhandle Potter without him whining like a girl about it."

"Well, there is that," agreed Blaise quickly. "See, I've spotted this dark little room near the hall where we can sneak in, and if Harry plays his cards right he may just get lucky--"

"Spare me the emotional trauma," Pansy snapped. "I don't want myself scarred in any way, thank you."

"As you wish." Blaise applied her final coating of lipstick with a flourish. "There! All done. I must admit I'm most impressed with this Muggle lipstick - what's it called again?"

"Lipfinity."

"This is the one that stays on for a long time, right?"

"Yes." She sighed for the third time.

"Oh quit sighing, Parkinson! You're being pathetic, for Merlin's sake. Here, let's talk about something else... why don't you tell me about that project Snape had you do."

Pansy shrugged. "Just some potion for the walls. You'll see later on what it's for."

"Huh. Interesting."

"Yes, it is." Then she smiled brilliantly. "There was one time when Ron spilled the--" And just as sudden, the smile disappeared, and Pansy sighed again.

Blaise pouted at herself in the mirror. "Oh, frickin' great. Here we go again."

In the Gryffindor common room, Hermione fought the urge to elbow Lavender as the girl all but broke her neck while brushing her hair. "Ow! Will you just--"

"Hush and pucker up." Parvati applied a heavy coat of paint over her lips and cheeks.

"But isn't this too--"

Crack! "Dammit, that's the fourth time my hairbrush broke! Reparo! Honestly, don't you ever brush your hair?"

"Of course I--"

Crack!

"Care to tell the truth this time?" said Lavender briskly. "Reparo!" Then, she placed the repaired brush down and with her fingers dragged half of Hermione's hair to one side and held it in place with something heavy. "There! That should do it. Are you done?"

Parvati nodded. "I think she's ready."

Hermione pursed her heavily painted mouth. "Can I at least see myself, please?"

"Of course." And Parvati all but dragged her to a mirror that exclaimed its delight at being able to reflect "three outrageously lovely ladies!"

"Oh my..." said Hermione, her mouth hanging open.

"You betcha, honey," the mirror sang.

Lavender tapped the side of her lips with a coated nail. "Like I always say, nothing but perseverance and patience can tame that damned bushy hair to perfection. Now look at it. Look at you."

Parvati nodded and smiled. "You do Gryffindor's colors proud, Hermione."

"That you do. Oh Hermione! Malfoy's just going to die when he sees you!"

Inside, Hermione felt a delightful, delicious tingle as she thought of how he was going to react... and she couldn't help the smile that broke out of her face as she did.

The dress practically clung to every curve she had no idea she had, but instead of making her look tacky and tasteless the gown gave her sophistication and style. Its soft fabric warmed her and heightened her sensuality at the same time - like an open invitation for a man to hold her close. The dipping neckline revealed a very subtle, very subdued cleavage, and the perfume Parvati sprayed on her made her scent assertive and alluring. The flowers that pinned half her hair away from her face were both feminine and flirtatious, and their color - blood red - complemented the lacy swirls of dark pink, red, and black that coated her body.

"Oh, Her-mi-o-ne..." Parvati sang. "I think you dropped this in the closet." And in her hands the necklace Ginny returned dangled. She quickly fastened it around Hermione's neck, watching in satisfaction as the ruby settled right in her chest.

"Purrrfect. And that reminds me..." Lavender took out a box from her purse.

Hermione's eyes widened as she watched the girl open the box that Malfoy gave her that day she'd served as his slave. Her 'bonus', as he called it then. "Where'd you get that?" she inquired sharply.

"Ask Ginny," answered Lavender flippantly. She slipped the ring on Hermione's finger and the earrings on her lobes. "There. Now you're ready to kick arse, Hermione Granger!"

And as Hermione stared at herself in the mirror, the two girls exchanged highly triumphant grins and high-fives behind her back.

"Only thirty minutes to the ball," announced Parvati. "Come on, let's go. I'm meeting Dean in a few minutes." She placed a hand on Hermione's back and gently pushed her forward. "Lavender, where're you meeting Seamus?"

"At the hall. I think he has to see Susan for the dance first. How about you? Where will Malfoy pick you up?" asked Lavender curiously.

Hermione placed a hand on the door. "Actually, I--"

The words died in her mouth.

For on the other side of the door stood Draco Malfoy.

The few seconds that their eyes met were enough to make her nervous and edgy. She curbed the desire to tuck in an errant strand of hair behind her ear - she thought the act was too girly. Instead, she watched his reaction, and in doing so did not miss the way his eyes widened, or the way his face contorted to a look that was purely masculine and possessive in form. Hermione felt a blush color her cheeks in response, and cursed herself for not being able to control her reaction to his gaze.

"We'll leave you lovebirds alone," said Lavender, pulling a giggling Parvati behind her.

But Malfoy barely paid them any mind. His lips quirked upward, and Hermione was surprised when her hand was swept up and blessed with a kiss. "You've outdone yourself this time, Granger," he said, his lips lingering near her skin.

She wanted to pull her hand away, but didn't. "Lavender and Parvati's work, all of me." And she was suddenly grateful, because at least she didn't feel, or look, inadequate next to him.

"Then I have to see to it that they're lavishly thanked." He placed her hand in the crook of his arm and together they strode to the Hall.

Hermione couldn't help it; she stole glances at him whenever she thought he wouldn't notice. She'd burn in hell before she admitted it to anyone, but Malfoy looked absolutely... absolutely...

Her brows knitted. Handsome was too common a word. Gorgeous wasn't fitting enough. Attractive was tame compared to what he was.

Tonight, Draco Malfoy was simply... magnificent.

Although wearing the most basic of black suits, he made it more elegant and refined with how he carried it. As her arm brushed against the cloth, she didn't have to be an expert to know its value. The cool, soothing way it collided with her skin made her ache to rub herself against him. The green tie didn't miss her scrutiny - Slytherin to the core, that he was. And the gold cufflinks on his sleeves as well as the cold tang of rings on his fingers bragged the wealth Malfoy was synonymous with.

"Enjoying the view?" he asked, stroking her skin with his thumb.

"I--" She paused, then looked away. "I won't dignify that with an answer."

"You're wearing the gifts I gave you."

Hermione felt warmth seep into her face again. "It'd be a waste not to, after all--"

"Always had to be practical, Hermione?" He gave her an approving glance, his eyes settling over her necklace. "I'm glad you took that back from Weaslette," he said succinctly. "It looks better on you."

"I never gave this to Ginny in the first place. She only borrowed it for a time."

He grinned. "You're full of surprises tonight."

She frowned. "Quit being so, so..."

"Handsome? Gorgeous? Attractive?"

Shocked, she stared at him. "How did--no, no." Hermione shook her head. "I was going to say 'pleasant'. And if you're fishing for compliments--"

"I'm not." Malfoy reached out and brushed a knuckle against her jaw. "Smile for me, luv. Together we're going to blow them away."

"Them? What--"

And at that moment, they stepped inside the hall.

The room was already full of students, most of them hustling and bustling, and literally all activities halted when they appeared. Gasps of shock and surprise came out of their mouths, making Malfoy smile - clearly, he was enjoying the attention lavished on them. Hermione, on other hand, was feeling faintly uncomfortable with the gawking and staring they received, but remembering her place and determined to have a good time, she gave her best impression of a smile and did a little wave to those she personally knew.

"They're all looking at you," Malfoy said, bending to whisper in her ear. "They're wondering what you've done to yourself... who you are..."

"They can all go to hell," she said, her smile freezing in place. "If by now they still don't know I'm actually female I--"

"I think now they get it," he said, giving her a warm, meaningful smile. And just as he spoke, a horde of people crowded them.

"Wow, Hermione," said Neville, taking along an obviously reluctant Bulstrode beside him. "You look... you look..."

"Hot," said Ernie, winking at her.

"Stop drooling over her," snapped Malfoy. "She's mine."

For that alone, she could've happily strangled him. Getting over her choked denial she asked, "Have you seen Harry and Ron?"

Neville shook his head. "They're not here yet."

She wrinkled her brow. "But why--"

"You look so beautiful, Hermione!" gushed Susan, nearly sloshing and spilling her drink as she showed.

"That dress, I absolutely adore it!" cried Hannah, after agreeing with Susan. "Where'd you buy it?"

"Why don't you ask Lavender and Parvati? They lent this to me," she answered, pointing at the two girls standing near the drinks. She then sent Malfoy a helpless look.

He got the message. "Come on, let's get ourselves a drink." To the others he said cheekily, "You can still marvel at how striking a couple we make by watching us walk away." And with that, he guided her out of their reach.

"Well, that was... uncomfortable," she stated, unconsciously drawing closer to him for security.

He shrugged. "It's the price you have to pay for being beautiful."

She snorted. "And you'd know that how?"

Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Because I'm me."

"Yeah, right." She scanned the crowd, and let out a delighted shriek. "Oh, look! Harry and Ron, there they are! I have to--"

"No you don't," said Malfoy, tightening his hold on her. "I doubt they have time for you, anyway."

Stung, she asked, "Why would--"

"Look." He pointed at them. "They're already heading towards Pansy and Blaise. You can talk to them later, if you can get their attention."

Seeing that what he said actually was the truth, she huffed.

"Don't pout, luv," Malfoy told her, taking something from his pocket. "People might think you're not having fun with me."

Annoyed, she slipped her arm from his hold. "And do you think I'm actually--what's that?"

The smile he gave her was lazy and insolent. "Your corsage. I forgot to hand it to you earlier, seeing as I've been busy trying not to have a heart attack when I first saw you."

Cursing the fact that her own heart was beating furiously, she stammered, "You--you don't mean that."

"Mean what? Is it wrong for me to tell my girlfriend how beautiful she is tonight?" He placed the corsage around her wrist and snapped the gold link that held it in place. "Besides, it's only fair I complimented you, since you called me magnificent. And coming from you, that's--"

She took her eyes off the blood-red rose adorning her wrist to meet his wickedly amused ones. Oh, Lord. Did she actually say that part aloud? "I did not!"

"You did," he said, taking her arm again. "You look shaken, Granger. Come, let's really get ourselves that drink." And off they went.

On the other side of the room, Blaise smiled as her eyes met Harry's. Giddiness overcame her, and she had to restrain herself from jumping on him right then and there. "Look at you," she said happily once he was standing beside her. "Is that... gel on your hair?"

Harry adorably tugged at his slicked head. "The boys insisted I place some," he answered. "Like it?"

"Like it?" Blaise chuckled. "It's only the answer to my prayers!"

He smiled in return, clearly pleased with himself and her reaction. "I have something for you."

She raised her brows as Harry took out a purple corsage, noting for a second that it clashed ridiculously well with the pale blue silk dress she wore.

What the hell. She'd gladly drag a barrel behind her if that were what he brought her. "Oh, Harry. They're lovely," she said softly, leaning close and kissing him on the cheek.

"...oh," he muttered very faintly, making Blaise giggle at his awestruck reaction. "S-so," he started, trying to regain his wits and dignity, "do you--uh--know when our dance will be?"

Blaise pointed at the group of teachers huddled at one dark corner. "The program hasn't started yet but - Oh my, Harry! Look at that!"

At her shriek, the students looked up and gasped as a cascade of bumbling, glowing balls came down from the ceiling. Like sheer snowflakes it glided to the ground, and like heavy rain more came down to replace those already spent. Add this effect to the flowers, ribbons, and balloons decorating the room, and the students could only marvel at the sudden transformation that gripped the ambiance of the Great Hall; from fun and fantastic it became tender and romantic.

Clearly, the night was for fantasies and dreams, for wishes and desires came true.

Blaise reached for a ball floating near her and found it warm to the touch. "It's beautiful," she said, smiling at Harry.

He gently took her arm and turned her around. "Wait until you see the walls..."

She gasped and covered her mouth. As the balls of light fluttered near the walls, it gave her a fleeting glance of her and Harry dancing together during their first practice. "What--how's that possible?"

Harry grinned. "Remember Snape's secret project, the one he had Ron and Parkinson do?"

"Potion for the walls, that's what Pansy said..."

He nodded. "Ron told me as well. He said with the potion on it, the walls now reflect our best memories in Hogwarts."

Best memories... Blaise stared at the dreamy scene of Harry asking her to be his date for tonight. "I--I can't believe it," she said. "Oh Harry, this is beyond amazing. Seeing these memories again I... just..." And her eyes unexpectedly filled with tears.

"Why?" Harry lifted her face with his finger. "What do you see?"

Smiling softly yet shrewdly, she answered, "The time when Theodore and I kissed in sixth year. You see, that was the best--"

"The hell it is." And before Blaise could elaborate on her lie, Harry had swooped down and kissed her hard on the mouth.

Her first reaction was shock. Numbly, her arms automatically floundered about. But as she was smacked with what he was actually doing, her hands developed minds of their own and she used them to gather him closer to her.

When they drew apart, they were both wearing idiotically wide grins on their faces.

"What do you see now?" Harry demanded, his breathing slightly hitched.

"Other than the jealous look on your face?" she asked, then giggled when he scowled. "I guess we have to work on it, since Nott's still the one I see in those damned walls."

And before Harry knew it, he was the one floundering and gripping her hard in his arms.

Pansy spotted Weasley walking towards her. She fought it, but she got more nervous just seeing him. The slight feeling of panic first attacked her when she spotted those walls, and now that she was seeing the real thing... well. What was it about poor, filthy plebeians that made her feel like this? Never before had she acted this unsettled and distracted - until that day they became dance partners, then co-workers for the potion they made...

She swallowed hard, noting for a fact that Weasley actually looked human today. Instantly she scanned for a bumbling idiot trailing behind him - Merlin forbid what she'd do if he introduced his date to her - and found, to her relief, that there was none.

"Hello, Weasley," she said flippantly. "Why, you look half-decent today."

He grunted. "So do you." Weasley looked behind her, frowned, then demanded, "Where's your date?"

There. The dreaded question. "He's... around." Pansy arched a brow. "Where's yours?"

He shuffled his feet. "I... I don't have one."

That surprised her. "You didn't ask somebody else?"

Weasley shrugged. "What's the point? You're already--" He paused, embarrassed and afraid to meet her eyes.

"I'm already what?"

"Nothing." But the telltale flame on his face told her otherwise. "Just... just forget--"

"Damnit, Ron! Finish a sentence for once in your life!" she shrieked, causing the others to look at her.

Damned if she cared about them now.

"All right!" he snarled. "You were taken! You're already taken so I didn't see the point in asking someone else!" He savagely combed his hand through his hair, sent self-conscious looks around them. "Merlin, Pansy! You make me so angry sometimes that I just want to--"

"Angry?" she snapped. "Try being laughed at, then you'll see what anger really is."

"I already apologized for that!"

"Then why are you here?"

He pursed his lips. "It'd be better if your date's here - I need to speak to him."

She waved her hand. "You can tell me."

"But I have to--"

"Trust me, it'll be a while before you see him. Now spill it."

"Fine." Weasley took a small box from his coat, tapped it with his wand, and once it swelled handed it to her. "Here."

"What's this?"

"You'll see."

Pansy tossed him a confused look, then pulled the red bow that was wrapped around the box. She saw that inside was a black... something. Taking it out, her suddenly nerveless hands dropped everything else except the gift. "It's... it's a robe," she muttered. She looked at him for confirmation.

He only nodded.

Stunned, she automatically searched for the label, and her knees buckled when she saw - "Cha--Chanel?"

Weasley shrugged. "I spent a lot on that this time. I thought tonight was special." He snatched the robe from her numbed hands. "Whoever your date is, he's not your secret admirer. I am. He's lying. I don't know why, or how he found out I'm giving you gifts, but I want you to know - it's been me all along."

Something fluttered in Pansy's chest. "Ron--"

"I mean, Merlin knows why I--you're snobbish, you're irritating, you've been a completely cruel cow to me and my friends for the past seven years--"

The fluttery feeling fleeted away, replaced by a burst of anger. "Ron--" That was a threat.

"--but I like you. I like you so much, and I don't even know why, or how--"

She could've hugged him. She could've snogged him. Hell, she could've shoved him to the floor and done some nasty, naughty, Slytherinny things to him.

Pansy cried on him instead.

"Wha--Parkinson--" Forgetting his tirade, he immediately wrapped his arms around her. "Don't cry. You'll make yourself uglier if you do."

"I..." She sniffed delicately. "I hoped it was you." Pansy laid her head on his undoubtedly cheap coat, and linked her arms around him tightly as well. "I wanted it to be you..."

"But... your date..."

She lifted her face and grinned at him. "I don't have a date, you idiot."

"But--but you said--"

"I only said that because--oh, damnit." She paused considerably, knowing that she'd never been happier as she was that night. "If you don't kiss me right now I swear I'm going to smother you with that robe."

Weasley looked confused for a second, before a smile slowly engulfed his features. "Is that a threat, Pugkinson?"

"A promise, Weasel." And with that, she drew his face to hers and snogged the living daylights out of him.

Hermione grinned as she saw Harry and Zabini, Ron and Parkinson, in various intimate positions. She had to admit, she still had reservations about those two girls, but seeing her friends with them and considering how happy they were was more than enough to keep her mouth shut. Of course, she'd voice her opinions if ever they asked for it but as of now... she doubted if they would.

She glanced around her, then turned quickly and focused her eyes on her friends again. The walls, she thought, confused. Why on earth would they show me... and Malfoy... when he, when he--

Someone cupped her elbow. Turning, she saw that Malfoy was also looking at the two pairs with some disdain etched on his face. "Looks like some people are having fun tonight."

She tipped her head to one side, determined to ignore the scenes playing around her. "It's amazing," she said. "I never thought--I mean, I've always thought that, of all people, Harry and Ron are the last on earth to fall for Slytherins. They just seem to despise your house for so long..."

Unexpectedly, he grinned. "I see. Does that mean you expected yourself to fall for a Slytherin?"

Hermione blinked. And felt color rise to her cheeks. "Excuse me?"

"My dance, Granger."

She stared at his offered hand. "But--the dance's still an hour from now," she muttered, cursing the fact that her heart was thumping aloud again.

"Doesn't mean we can't dance before that."

When she refused to take it, his hand moved downwards - trailing from her fingers, to her arms, to her bare shoulders, to the side of her neck. Soft, slow strokes intended to drive her out of her mind and make her breathing hitch. "I--"

"Tell you what." Malfoy edged closer to her, until he was so near his legs pushed the swell of her skirt to her knees. "I'll give you a choice. Either you dance with me or--" He placed his lips against her ear, and she felt it widen when she shivered, "--I kiss you right here, right now."

A gasp was hot and ready to emerge from her mouth. "You--you wouldn't dare." Hermione swallowed, her throat dry and constricted.

"Oh, I would dare, all right. Believe me." He kissed the skin below her ear. "Your call, Granger. I can only wait for so long..."

The scent of musk dulled her senses, and as her feet moved - guided by his - she felt his hand snake around her waist. It was but natural that she placed her own hand on his shoulder, and the other she curled intimately with his.

She looked at his face, saw that it was alighted by a strange, exotic smile. "What are you doing?" she asked in a low voice, coming to terms with what was happening.

"What do you mean?" He made the first move, and she echoed his movements.

"You're seducing me." The words lashed out from her in rapid succession.

An insidious chuckle emerged from him. "Is it working?"

"You--you admit it?"

"No," he said easily. "I'm not seducing you."

"You're coming on to me, then."

He squeezed her hand and, as it was possible, pulled her closer to him. "We're long past that, Granger. Don't you know?"

"What's that supposed to--"

"Hush, Hermione. Enjoy the dance, will you? We can snipe at each other later, if you want."

The music was slow, soothing, and oddly hypnotic. Soon, she found herself leaning heavily on him, her head on the curve of his shoulder as if it owned it all along. With her eyes closed it was so very easy to pretend and forget - pretend that she was dancing in the arms of the man she loved, forget that in reality she was dancing in the arms of the man she hated. She listened to the rhythm and pace he created with his body, and she responded to it. She felt so relaxed and calm and safe, and her defenses crumbled as they swayed...

And just when she was at her most vulnerable, he kissed her.

The invasion of his lips on hers was as unexpected as it was uncalled for. And yet, the soft pressure and slight movements were like nothing she had experienced before. This kiss wasn't like the first two she had with him; this one was yielding, giving, delicate, fragile. It was a kiss that told her she could pull away if she wanted, that she had the power to end it much like the power he had to initiate it.

Hermione found out she didn't want to, to the dismay of her logic and delight of her heart.

She deepened his kiss, and he sensed her intentions; just like that the kiss became torrid and insistent, passionate and hard.

It left her reeling and drunk in its aftermath.

Malfoy pushed his forehead against hers until she had hers tipped and they were meeting eye to eye. "Do you have any idea," he drawled slowly, "how wrong we are for each other?"

The way he said it - low, whispered - did nothing to ease the sting of his words. "Do you?"

"I've thought about it." He lifted a hand and started playing with the stray curls of her hair. "Do you know what I've come to realize?"

"What?" Hermione hated how her voice sounded like - throaty, scratchy, needy.

"To hell with it. To hell with everything." He was smiling now, and there was nothing sinister and cruel behind it. "I've told you before, I thought we are a perfect match in every possible way. I still do. I think I always will."

Her eyes widened. Is he... is he saying what I think he's saying? "Malfoy--"

"Are you going to argue with the truth, Hermione?" he asked lightly.

Slowly, she shook her head.

"That's my girl." The smile became a grin. "I guess the question now is: are you stupid enough to let me go?"

Merlin help her, she was smiling in return. But she had one defense left. "You're insufferable."

"I know."

"Egotistic."

"You don't know half of it."

"Arrogant."

"Hm-hmm."

"Pompous."

"Definitely."

"Conceited."

"Of course."

"Scum."

"Hey!"

"And I absolutely hate you."

"Well." He kissed her on the cheek, and trailed his lips downwards... "If this is your definition of hate, then I absolutely love it." And with that, he kissed her again.

When she responded to him, her only giddy thought was, Oh, yes. I hate him so. Very. Much.

Near the refreshments table, Lavender tapped Parvati on the arm. "Oh dear, I forgot to bring my brush and with my hair--can you go with me to the common room? I think I left it there."

"And miss this snog-fest?" But Parvati finally relented when she saw the vein on Lavender's forehead throb. "Okay, okay."

They walked outside the room, and just when they were turning at the corner the audible click-clack of high heels called their attention much more than the voice did.

"Excuse me! Yes, you two, um--can you tell me where the Graduation Ball is?"

Lavender stared at her, her mouth open. "You're--"

"--Georgiana Sinclair!" Parvati gasped.

The woman smiled thinly at them. "Yes. And the Ball?"

"It's... it's over--"

"Why are you here?" Parvati pounced. "Will the Daily Prophet feature us in their next issue?"

"Well, yes, but--"

"Oh wow!"

"That's brilliant!"

"Wait 'til Ginny--"

"The Ball. Where is it?" the woman snapped.

Lavender and Parvati perkily pointed the way.

"Finally," Georgiana said beneath her breath. "What a bunch of air-headed idiots."

She spotted the dimly lighted room, and thought that must be it. But before she entered, she checked her appearance to see that nothing was amiss.

After all, as Draco Malfoy's official date to the Ball, she had to look both beautiful and presentable...

-

Author's Notes: Yes, I *did* promise you the Graduation Ball's coming... *smiles* Oh, my. I loved writing this part! As for the idea about the potion on the walls and the lights, I took that from my other fic, "Freedom to Become". If you haven't checked that out, please do so. It's D/Hr, don't worry. If you have, then here's a warm 'thank you!' -tackle glomps readers-

If you're wondering about the dance and what that last line in this chapter was all about, then chapter fourteen would come and explain that. After all, I'm evil, sadistic, and I can't stand to have the characters all warm and fuzzy, right? *wicked grin* Please be on the lookout for that, as the end is drawing near... ;) Thank you very much for reading, and see you next chapter!