LIFETIME MATE

Chapter Twenty-Six

It was a week before Halloween that Dumbledore announced that there would be a formal ball held for the fourth years to seventh years, and a separate masquerade ball for the younger years. Most of the students, mostly the girls were very excited for the chance to dress up in their formal dresses.

The weekend before the ball, Hermione and Katrina went shopping for their gowns in Diagon Alley. They flooed their way there shortly after lunch and spent their afternoon trying dress after dress, enjoying this rare time that they could share together.

For Katrina, they picked out a fairy costume, complete with gossamer wings. For Hermione, they both agreed on a strapless slim fitting black dress with silvery threads running throughout it, where it sparkled in the light. The hem touched down to the floor, with a long slit up the side that stopped at mid-thigh. She silently couldn’t wait until Draco could see it on her at the dance.


The night of the dance, Hermione helped Kat get ready first, minus the wings until just before they were to leave. Hermione put on her black lingerie, then slipped on the elegant black dress, liking the feel of it against her skin. She looked to Kat who sat on the edge of the bed. “Should I wear my hair up or down?” Hermione asked as she looked in the mirror at her reflection.

“Definitely up, with some loose wispy pieces hanging down.”

Hermione waved her hand over her hair, and it spiraled up in a loose knot. She added the black hair clip with diamond edging that Draco’s mother had given her for Christmas so long ago. And finally a silver necklace that Katrina had given to her for her birthday in September.

She stepped in her black sparkly heels and held out her hand to Kat. “Well, how do I look?”

“Beautiful.” Kat answered smiling, also thinking that father will not be able to take his eyes off her mother tonight.

“Just in time too.” Hermione attached the wings to Kat’s back. “The dance has just started.” She put a black lace shawl over her bare shoulders, and they left to go to their individual dances.

They both walked down hand in hand, smiling, both getting noticed by the other students that were along the hallways and stairs. Hermione went in with Kat and sat with her for awhile until her friends came in to sit with her. Once they arrived she chatted with them for a few minutes, then looked to her watch. “Well, I’m going to go now Kat. Have fun.” Hermione said, straightening out her dress. “You know where I’ll be.”

“I will, you too mum.” Kat said. ‘See you in a bit.’ she thought to herself.


Draco sat before the fireplace dressed for the dance, sipping his whiskey. He did not particularly want to go to this Halloween ball. He knew she would be there.

“Come Draco, the dance has most likely started.” Narcissa said as she placed the shawl over her shoulders. She had arrived earlier in the day, since Dumbledore had invited her to the dance.

“I’m not sure I want to go mother.” He said grumpily.

“Of course you do. Hermione will be there.” She hedged.

He looked up. “Yes, with Snape.” He snorted.

“So. They’re friends. Nothing wrong with that.”

TheyThey’re more than friends mother, did you know that?”

“No I didn’t. Since when?”

“Last November they slept together.”

“Are they still?” Narcissa asked sitting across from him.

“I don’t know, she says she hasn’t been with anyone since she found out I was alive.”

“You are a stubborn fool Draco. You condemn her for something that happened when she thought you were dead. Get over it.” Narcissa scolded. “Well, let’s get going anyway, I also want to see my granddaughter. She owled me and told me she would be dressing in a fairy costume.” She got up and pulled him to his feet.

“Well, I would like to see Katrina....I won’t be staying long at this dance mother.” He said giving into his mother, as he knew he would have eventually.

“Of course. Whatever you like.” She answered smugly.


Narcissa and Draco went into the smaller hall where the younger students were dancing. They entered and saw quite a few girls dressed as fairies, and a few boys as well, but there was one that seemed to stand out amongst the others, with her long blonde hair and the ready smile.

Katrina saw them when they came in and rushed up to them, and hugged each in turn. “Father, grandmother, you look really good. I’m glad you stopped by.”

“You look beautiful Katrina.” Narcissa said as Kat spun around to show her wings.

“Thank you grandmother. Have you seen mum yet, she looks great.” Kat gushed as she looked to Draco for a reaction.

Draco tried not to show his eagerness to see Hermione. “No. Not yet. We’ll be going in right away.” He looked around the room and heard a slow song start up over the hall. He looked down to Katrina. “Katrina, may I have this dance?” He asked her bowing at the waist.

Katrina smiled brightly and gave a deep curtsy. “I would be honored father.” She said impishly.

Narcissa watched father and daughter step out to the dance floor, both blonde heads together as they talked. She hoped that things worked out between Hermione and her son. She sat down and waited patiently until the song ended.

Draco walked back to his mother, still holding Kat’s hand, smiling to himself. The first genuine smile of the day. “Well, we should go Katrina, I’ll see you tomorrow?” He turned to go, but stopped to look at his daughter eye to eye. “Katrina, I know this is sudden, but.....I’m very proud of you.....and I love you.”

Kat’s eyes welled up with tears of happiness and she hugged him tight. “I love you too father.”

They pulled apart, both smiling, then turned to go. He looked back to see his mother hugging Kat again.

“Grandmother, make sure he stays. I have something planned for them later.” She whispered in her ear, for her just to hear.

Narcissa looked to Kat and smiled mischievously. “I’ll try. Anything I can do?” She whispered back.

“No. I don’t think so, unless you think of something.”

Narcissa winked to Katrina, then went to Draco. “What was all that about?” He smirked.

“Oh nothing. She just told me to have a good time and she would see me later.” She lied, wondering what her granddaughter was up to, and hoped it worked.

Draco and his mother walked into the Great Hall, looking around at Hal Halloween festivities. The enchanted ceiling held several sizes of jack-o-lanterns, bobbing in the air among a starry t skt sky. The tables were laden with a feast fit for the whole entire school, with large round tables scattered around a large dance floor. At one end of the dance floor, a man with a long black ponytail stood at a large console playing muggle music for the wizarding crowd.

Narcissa saw Severus at a table off to the side with Minerva, Harry, Ginny and Albus. Hermione was out dancing with a boy from she presumed to be in the seventh year here. She walked to the table and practically dragged Draco to her side, as he had noticed Hermione on the dance floor and couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of her.

“Hello everyone. Sorry we’re late. We were visiting with Katrina.” Narcissa said as she sat beside Albus.

“No problem Narcissa. You look lovely tonight.” Albus stated.

“Why thank you Albus. It’s been awhile since I was able to dress up like this. Thank you for inviting me.”

Just then the song ended, and Hermione was escorted back to the table with the seventh year. “Thank you Dean.” Hermione said as she took his hand.

“Not a problem Professor. Maybe another dance later?” He asked hopefully, not noticing the glare he was receiving from Draco.

“Maybe.” She smiled, then looked around the table. “Narcissa! So glad you could make it.” She declared as she went to kiss Narcissa’s cheek.

“Hermione, you look stunning.” Narcissa smiled. “We saw Katrina before we came in, she makes an enchanting fairy.”

“Yes, she does.” Hermione laughed. “We saw the costume and we had to get it.”

A slow song came on and Severus stood up. “Hermione.” He held out his hand for her to take and led her out to the crowded dance floor.

Draco watched the two as they talked and laughed while they danced, not noticing at first that his mother was out there dancing also with Albus. He suddenly needed something to drink, preferably a shot of whiskey. He went to the punchbowl at the side, hoping that someone had spiked the pumpkin juice. He took a sip. No such luck. He stood by the table talking to some of the students, occasionally glancing towards Snape and Hermione. He saw Snape place his hand at her back pulling her closer, and Hermione’s hand rubbing an area at his chest.

He was about to leave in frustration, when a nervous sixth year had asked him to dance. He smiled to the girl and nodded his head as he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. The song had ended and another started. He noticed that Hermione was now dancing with Albus and his mother was dancing with Snape. He escorted the girl back to her friends, where he was soon asked by a seventh year Slytherin girl.

Narcissa looked to Draco while dancing with Severus. “My son doesn’t look like he’s having a good time, does he?” She smirked, knowing the cause of it.

Severus smirked back. “Not, he doesn’t.”

“You might have something to do with that Severus.”

“Yes, I imagine so.” He said simply.

“So is there any truth to the matter of you and Hermione?” She asked bluntly.

Severus looked to the elegant blonde woman before him. “And, who would be asking?”

“I would.”

He sighed. “Yes, it is partially true.” He paused. “Back in November, during her cycle, we spent four days together. Either one of us regrets it Narcissa. That was the only and the last time that we were intimate with each other. We both thought Draco was dead. We are still friends.” He paused again, letting her take the information in. “Does that bother you Narcissa?”

She smiled in answer. “No. But what was that with you dancing close just now? It looked like you two still were close, ‘very’ close.”

“Oh that.” Severus smirked. “There’s a few of us here at Hogwart’s that are helping Hermione seduce Draco back. That was to make him see green.”

She laughed. “Well, I would say it definitely worked. Katrina has some plot in her mind for tonight. Any idea what it would be?” She asked.

“Yes.” He smirked. “Let’s just say it will be a bit later and they will agree to it.” He said mysteriously.

During the night Draco kept an eye out for Hermione, his thoughts and confusions sorting through his head. She was truly beautiful tonight. He thought about what his mother had said to him earlier about being a fool. Right at this moment he felt like one. If he did die in actuality, he wouldn’t want her to pine away for him for the rest of her life. He loved her too much for that.

Later in the night Hermione and Draco ended up sitting side by side at the table. Draco was thinking about asking her to dance, and Hermione was looking at him, drinking him in with her eyes.>‘Sh>‘She really did love him.’ she thought to herself.

He felt her gaze and looked into her chocolate brown eyes. “What?” He asked, smiling.

“Uh....I noticed you have some sparkles on your suit jacket.” She thought up quickly as she tried to brush them off.

“Oh that. I had a dance with Katrina earlier, some of her sparkle dust must have stayed on me.” He said as he also tried to brush it off. “No wonder some of the students were looking at me kind of funny.” He smirked.

“You danced with Kat?”

“Yes, before I came in her. She’s a terrific girl.” He said proudly.

“Speaking of that terrific girl.....” Hermione began as she looked to the disc jockey who was bent over listening to a certain fairy. “What is she doing in here?” She asked puzzled as she watched Katrina approach their table.

“Hi mum, dad. I was just heading off to bed and wanted to say goodnight.” Katrina said as she put her arm around her mum’s shoulders.

“Where’s your wings?” Draco asked as he reached out for her hand to take, happy that she responded with holding onto his.

“Oh....Christina helped me take them off. I didn’t want to poke anyone’s eye out in here.” She paused. “So are you two having a good time?”

“Yes, it’s been....” Just then the music stopped and cut off what Hermione was about to say.

“Attention professors and students. I have a special request from Kat, who would like to see both of her parents share this particular dance.” The DJ requested.

“Kat, I don’t think....” Hermione began.

“Please, for me.” Katrina begged.

Draco looked to Katrina’s face and was secretly pleased that his daughter had done this. He looked to Hermione and stood up and held out his hand, which she took, and led her to the dance floor. Katrina sat beside her grandmother and Severus and watched her two most favorite people.

The song slowly started and Hermione stepped into his arms. One hand was held onto his at his chest, the other on his forearm. “Sorry about this Draco.” She said.

He shrugged and they started to sway to the music, his one hand at the small of her back.


A hundred days had made me older since the last time that I saw your pretty face
A thousand lights had made me colder and I don’t think I can look at this the same
But all the miles had separate
They disappear now when I’m dreaming of your face.

I’m here without you baby but your still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time
I’m here without you baby but your still with me in my dreams
And tonight it’s only you and me.


Draco gathered her close as the words flowed around them. Hermione put her arm around his neck and she moved closer, feeling his body against hers.


The miles just keep rolling as the people either way to say hello
I hear this life is overrated but I hope it gets better as we go.

I’m here without you baby but your still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time
I’m here without you baby but your still with me in my dreams
And tonight it’s only you and me.


Draco caressed her back through the dress as Hermione’s fingers ran through the ends of his hair. His cheek softly grazed hers as he whispered into her ear. “‘Mione, you are in my dreams all the time.” As he lightly kissed her cheek.


Everything I know, and anywhere I go
It gets hard but it won’t take away my love
And when the last one falls, when it’s all said and done
It get’s hard but it won’t take away my love.


He pulled his head away to gaze into her eyes, and brought his hand up to cup the side of her face, running his thumb along the smoothness of her cheek. “I love you Hermione.” He whispered as he lowered his mouth to hers, showing how he felt in that one kiss.


I’m here without you baby but your still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time
I’m here without you baby but your still with me in my dreams
And tonight girl it’s only you and me.


Draco and Hermione were almost at a standstill as they clung to each other, their kiss deepening, not paying much attention to some of the older students disappointed looks, as quite a few of them had crushes on these two certain professors. Or the pleased and happy faces at the faculty table, Katrina’s most of all. The love that Draco and Hermione felt for each other was clearly revealed in their embrace.


I’m here without you baby but your still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time
I’m here without you baby but your still with me in my dreams
But tonight girl it’s only you and me.

(Authors note: song title is ‘Here Without You’ by Three Doors Down)


The song ended, as they pulled back from each other, him still clutching her hand to his chest so she wouldn’t turn away. “Hermione, let’s go for a walk.” He requested huskily. She nodded and he leaned down to give her a fleeting kiss and smiled. He took her hand and led her out the Great Hall doors, then out the school front doors as they made their way to the lake.

It was a warm evening for the end of October, but they walked close her arm around his waist. They reached the lake and she stood looking at the still waters, the moonlight reflecting off the blackness of it.

Draco stood behind her, putting his arms around her middle, bringing her back against his chest. “You look beautiful tonight Hermione.” He said as he kissed the side of her neck, then her naked shoulder.

She leaned her head back against his shoulder. “Thanks. You look really good too.” She smiled as she glanced to his profile.

They stood silent in each others arms for awhile when Draco tightened his hold on her. “I’m sorry Hermione.”

She turned in his arms so she could see him cly. ly. “What are you sorry for Draco?”

“For the way I’ve been lately. I’ve been such a bloody idiot. I tried to put you out of my mind, but I can’t. It’s like that song tonight we danced to, you are always on my mind and in my dreams.”

“Can you forget or let go what I had with Ron and Severus?” She asked hopefully, her insides twisting crazily.

He hesitated for the briefest second before answering, but saw the hope in her eyes. “Yes, I think I can. I am working on that.” He smiled. “It’s just that when I saw you in his arms tonight, laughing and having a good time, I wanted to be in his place, holding you close.”

“So you were jealous?” She smirked.

He shifted uncomfortably. “Well....Yes I guess I was.”

“Good. I guess it worked.”

“What worked?” He asked perplexed.

“I wanted to see if you still had feelings for me. I wanted to see if you got jealous. There’s a few people who were helping me with that particular scheme.” She smiled, the looked to his face. “You’re not mad are you?”

Draco thought about it, the lengths she went through to get through to him. “So the flowers at the opening feast....” he started.

Hermione smiled. “Ginny sent them to me, along with helping me pick out my new clothes.” She started to tick things off on her fingers. “Then there was my little ‘dip’ in the lake, the sundae incident and Severus attaching himself to me.”

“The dip in the lake was intentional?” He asked remembering the clinging wet t-shirt.

“Yes, and let me tell you it was bloody cold.” She chuckled.

He laughed with her. “Yes I could tell. And the Sundae?”

“Severus and Albus talked Peeves into doing that stunt. I thought it might make you remember our time in the hotel.”

“Well it did do that.” He sighed.

Hermione saw the confused look on his face and put her arms around his neck. She waited until she felt his warm hands go around her waist and smiled when they did. “Draco, all that, I did for you...and me I guess. I love you and I didn’t want to let you go without a fight. There has been no one else since I found out you were alive.” She repeated again, hoping that it would sink into his stubborn brain this time.

He saw the sincerity in her eyes. “I do love you Hermoine.” He pulled her closer as his lips found hers again. He brought his tongue out to lick along her bottom lip to gain access into her warmth. When his tongue met hers, they moaned into each others mouths, deepening the kiss yet even more.

He pulled back, his breathing erratic. “God I want you Hermione.” he groaned as he pulled her hips to his so she could feel just how much he did want he. “But not yet.” He sighed, trying to get his aroused state under control.

She ground her hips to his and smiled against his mouth. “You sure?”

He moaned as he savagely took her mouth, plunging his tongue in to find hers. His fingers tangled into her hair, undoing the clip to let her hair cascade down her back, running his fingers through the silken tresses, pulling her head closer.

He broke the kiss to trail wet hot kisses down to her neck. She arched her back and bent her head back as he nibbled his way along the slender column of her throat. Her hand went between them and stroked him through his pants, gripping the defined outline of his erection as she rubbed the length of him up and down.

He pressed himself into her touch as he suckled her neck, leaving a bright red love bite. He groaned into her neck, his cock aching for release. He placed his hand over hers to still her hand. “Hermione, please stop.” He groaned reluctantly then looked up into her eyes that were filled with passion and want, and confusion.

He pulled her into his embrace trying to get his breathing under control. “I do want you Hermione, badly. But there’s something I need to straighten out first.”

“Do you need help in straightening out this little thing you need to do?” She asked as she clung to him tighter, not wanting to let go.

“No. But thanks.” He drew away and kissed her softly. “Come on, I’ll escort you to your room.” He gallantly said as he held her hand and they walked side by side to the castle.