The pursuit of happiness

With arms wide open

When they arrived at Hogsmead Station, Hermione helped Hagrid gather all the first years, after they were on their way she went to join the other students. Upon closer inspection she noticed that most of the older kids were gone.

“Come on, they've always been there, they are well trained and will not bring us any harm,” she could hear Draco tell the younger kids. So she assumed the younger kids were afraid of the Thestrals.

“What's up?” She asked Ron.

“Some of the younger kids are afraid,” Ginny told her.

“I thought so, did anyone try to partner them with an older student?” she asked, to her the solution was obvious.

“No, Malfoy has been trying to keep the calm,” Ron informed.

“He's not having much success,” Ginny whispered so that only Hermione would hear.

“Okay, here's what we'll do,” she said loud enough for the wide-eyed-sniffling kids to hear.

The kids seemed to relax visibly at the sight of her, she also noticed Draco take a relieved breath, this made her very proud of herself. “We have been doing this for years,” she said pointing to the prefects, “There's no danger, plus I'm sure Hagrid made sure that they are well fed, but if they do try to eat one of us we'll just give them the Head Boy,” she winked, and to Draco's displeasure they laughed. He glared at her, earning him a saucy smile.

With the mood now a little lighter, the kids were much more complacent, making it a lot easier to get them in the carriages and on their way.

“Just the two of us,” she heard his silky voice, making her shiver slightly.

“I guess so,” she smiled.

Draco opened the carriage door for her, and helped her in.

“So are you going to tell me the real reason behind the change?” he asked, restarting the conversation they had started in the train.

“I survived the war, don't you think that's reason enough?” his face fell a little, disappointment almost clear on his face.

“Yes, indeed,” he wanted to ask her if she was interested but now wasn't the right time.

They kept to themselves for the rest of the ride, once the carriage stopped he got out, and helped her out. 'Ron and Harry has never done that,' she thought. They walked in to the Great Hall together, but before Hermione could get away, he leaned in and whispered something to her.

“I'm sorry but I must play hard to get.”

“I thought that was my job,” she said over her shoulder, finally walking to join her friends.

“What was that all about?” Ginny asked as soon as Hermione sat her behind down.

“I think he knows,” she whispered so that only Ginny would hear.

“Why, did he say something?”

But before Hermione could answer, Dumbledore got to his feet to begin his speech. “Later,” Hermione told Ginny, both turning their attention to their Headmaster.

“Welcome back, let us use this moment to introduce this year's Head Students. For Head Boy we have Slytherin's pride, Draco Malfoy,” Dumbledore paused for the applauses that erupted, surprisingly enough, from all four house tables.

“Settle down please, also for Head Girl we have Gryffindor's joy, Hermione Granger,” now even the Slytherins applauded.

“Before we bring in the first years, there is a couple of things I would like to ask from you. We have all suffered through this war, and now that is behind us, let's keep it there. I will not tolerate prejudice within the walls of this castle. It might sound harsh, but it will be punishable by expulsion.

Heads and Prefects, I expect you to be examples. Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy please stay after dinner. Now let us welcome with open arms, no matter what house they are sorted into, our first years,” Dumbledore opened his arms, which in turn opened the Great Hall's doors revealing a group of starry eyed first years led by Professor McGonagall.

Professor McGonagall walked purposefully to the Great table, she placed the Sorting Hat on the stool and tapped it with her wand.

“You've taken my advice
And united you stood,
In a fight not only for your life
But for a better world.
Though Voldemort is GONE
Evil still remains,
Only uniting may you keep it a bay.
Pureblood, Halfblood, or muggleborn
You've all bled the same,
Crimson drops that stained the fields.
You've all suffered the same,
Crystal tears that watered graves.
You've all fought the same,
Strong, ancient magic that flows through your veins.
The time has come to rejoice and mourn
We mourn our fallen
But rejoice the new age.
Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Slytherin alike
Rejoice, for a peace era is born.”

Like every year before, the Great Hall erupted into cheers, only this year tears could also be seen. After the hat finished it's job, Slytherin had 12 new classmates. Gryffindor had 11, Hufflepuff with 9 and Ravenclaw took the lead with 13.

Once again Dumbledore got to his feet, at once silence reigned. “The elves were busy all day preparing this great feast, let's show them we appreciate their hard work,” in an instant food appeared and chatter resumed.

“I'll come get you after Dumbledore leaves us, wait for me in the common room,” Hermione told Ginny.

“I'll be waiting,” Ginny said before turning to her friends. After dinner, Dumbledore walked them over to the room they would call their own till the end of the year. He allowed to pick their password, which was agreed to be 'Victory'.

“I don't expect a weekly report from the two of you, unless there's an event to plan. As both of you know, your grades need to be top and your behavior exemplar. No fights, no abusing your position and no parties without permission. All your belongings have been put away, that way you know which room belongs to whom, I'll now leave you to it,” with that he bid them goodnight and left. As soon as he rounded the corner, Hermione left to go collect her friend. She walked into the Gryffindor common room to find Ginny waiting for her, ready to go.

“Ready?” Hermione asked anyway.

“Yes, let's go,” Ginny said, practically dragging Hermione out the door.

“Okay, so tell me everything,” Ginny demanded as soon as the portrait clicked close behind them.

“It's mostly just a feeling,” and she went on telling Ginny everything that had happened between her and Draco.

“I must admit that maybe I was wrong,” Ginny mused, Hermione could see the wheels turn in her friends head.

“About?”

“About him not giving you the time of day, but I still have my reservations about him,” they put their conversation on hold while Hermione said the password to the head's common room. Once in Hermione's room, they changed into their sleepwear, going through their nightly routines.

“Where are those cute little pajamas we bought for you?” Ginny asked eying Hermione's choice of sleep clothes.

“What? You don't like Ron's shirt?” she asked with mock innocence. After the break up she gave him all his stuff back except for this shirt. It was a simple gray t-shirt with a black r in the back, but it was extremely comfortable.

“I don't mind, but lets say you need to go to the loo or get a glass of water in the middle of the night, and he's up and about?” Ginny suggested.

“But this is comfy,” Hermione whined.

“you're the one who wanted to change you look for him,” Ginny reminded her.

“I know but it all sounded better in my head, I don't think I can go through with this,” Hermione sighed.

“Oh no you don't, what you need is a plan,” Ginny smiled, they talked into the wee hours of the night.

“No more sleepovers unless it's Friday nights, deal?” Hermione yawned. Ginny just nodded her agreement.

“Up all night?” Harry asked, trying not to burst out laughing as the two girls dropped onto the bench for breakfast.

“Most of it,” Ginny said through a yawn.

For the first time in a long time, Hermione just wanted to sleep, she did not want to be sitting here listening to Professor Snape go on and on about something she already knew. She had bought a little tape recorder to record her lessons that way she wouldn't miss a thing, after a lot of tampering she had finally gotten it to work inside Hogwarts. So now she could zone out and daydream about how sexy Draco would look on top of her. Okay maybe that wasn't such a good idea, thinking of Draco like that was making her all hot and bothered. She needed to at least look like she was paying attention, or she'd loose points for her house. She started to scribble, that way it would look like she was taking notes.

I want Draco Malfoy

Hermione Weasley

Nah, she quickly scratched that up, it had no ring to it.

Mrs. Hermione Malfoy

Now that had a ring to it.

“Miss Granger,” Snape bellowed.

“Yes, Professor,” she startled.

“I've called your name three times, what could you possibly be writing that is more important than my NEWTS explanation,” with a couple strides he was in front of her desk.

“I was taking notes Professor,” she stammered, she tried hiding the notebook but Snape had already snatched it away.

“Notes?” he raised one greasy eyebrow at her. “Though I must agree with you getting rid of that ,” Snape walked towards Draco's work station, “I think you should read this Mr. Malfoy-

“NO.”

“No? Perhaps, Miss Granger, you would like me to read it to him and the rest of the class?” The pleading look on Hermione's face was making Snape's day.

With a whimper, she slid down in her chair, hoping that Snape was just make her squirm a little. But hope was not on her side so she wouldn't even bother to hope for the floor to swallow her whole.

Blaise, who was Draco's bench partner, leaned in to read with him. He looked up at Hermione, winked at her than mouthed 'I knew it', and smiled to himself.

She wanted to die, how could she had been such a girl?

Snape took back her notebook and placed it back in front of her. She moved to erase what she had written, but as she was about to she noticed the letters rearranging themselves to read, 'meet me at our common room after classes.

Butterflies, no, mutant bats had taken permanent residence in her belly.

~@~

She was now avoiding him like the plague, she had wanted to go see him after classes the other day, but she was scared so she skipped it. She had already come to terms with the fact that he might reject her, but she didn't know what to say to him, so avoiding Draco Malfoy was on the top of her to-do list day after day.

There was only one itty bitty tiny problem, her period had come three days earlier than usual, so she wasn't prepared. Yes, she could take a trip to Madam Pomfrey, but the wizarding world was still a bit outdated and tampons were nonexistent , and she wasn't about to around asking everyone for one. She had them in her room, but that meant crossing the common room, which most likely had Draco in it.

“He's probably not even there,” she mumbled. She would be in and out in flash, where was all that Gryffindor courage.

Not even two steps in. “So you want to be the next Mrs. Malfoy?” Draco asked with clear amusement in his voice.

“I don't have time to talk right now,” she rushed up towards her room.

“Hermione, wait,” this time there was no amusement in his voice.

His voice froze her mid step, like a spell. He waited a couple of seconds to see if she would stick around. She did.

“You've been avoiding me for a whole week,” he said.

“I've been real busy.”

“Yeah, you've made hiding from the Head Boy your full time job,” he sounded almost hurt.

“I haven't been hiding,” she sighed, her back still turned to him.

“Cut the crap Hermione. I haven't been able to think of anything but you since that episode in potions, I want you. I don't know what these feelings are, I know I want you... I'm not in love with you but by Merlin do I want you-

“Draco, slow down. Did you just tell me you want me?”

“Yes, Merlin help me, but yes,” he was now mere inches from her.

“So the hard work paid off then?” was it hot in this room, or was it just him. The color in her cheeks made it clear to him the effect he had on her.

“What do you mean?” he asked a bit taken back by her question.

“I came to the conclusion that I had a little something for you about a week before term. I couldn't get you out of my mind, so I enlisted the help of Ginny Weasley,” Hermione explained looking anywhere but him.

“So, the new look was for me then?” he smiled.

“I was trying to get your attention.”

“I'm surprised she helped you,” he said taking a step closer to Hermione.

“She doesn't approve of you but she's my friend, and to tell the truth she's sort of hoping that I will catch the eye of some other wizard,” Hermione took in a sharp breath as he took another step towards her, she had room to move backwards but her feet seemed rooted to the ground.

“What about potty and his weasel?” he was now standing so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath tickle her forehead. He stood a good seven or so inches taller than her. He grabbed her hips, making her jump a little.

“Har... um Harry is um... he's being supportive, and Ron... well Ron's being a bitter ex,” she stumbled over her words. 'Great, now I sound like a, oh I don't know.'

“Do you think weasel would mind if I do this?” he pulled her body flush against his. Her only response was a soft whimper. “What about this?” he leaned in and brushed his lips over hers.

“That might tick him off a bit,” she whispered.

“I want him more than ticked off,” he placed a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. This was perfect, this was everything Hermione wanted, except for the fact that mother nature had chosen to interfere. Thank Merlin for long school robes.

“I have to go now,” she said hating Eve for eating that fucking apple.

He could feel she wasn't trying to run away from him, so he eased his grip on her hips. “I wanna finish this soon,” he placed a lingering kiss on her lips.

She closed her eyes, “Me too.”

@~~

It was August 15th 1997, exactly ten days after Voldemort's fall. The ministry was hosting a party, they called it, The Victory Ball. All the dead had been buried, and though the people still mourned they were definitely open to some light hearted festivity.

Not many had died on the light side, which was surprising being that the Death Eaters joined by the Werewolves were attacking to kill. The Weasley's had managed to come out intact, except for Percy, who was now permanently residing in the Mental Ward at St. Mungos.

But today was not a day to mourn, today was day for the women to get all dress up and for the men to get drunk. At the Burrow, the scene was the same as all the other houses, the ladies were running around like hippogrifs with their heads cut off.

“Hermione, get in here s I can do your hair,” Ginny yelled out of the bathroom door.

“I'm coming Ginny,” and from downstairs you could hear the thundering footsteps as she ran towards the bathroom.

“What do you want me to do with it?” Ginny asked her friend.

“Anything that makes it look less like a Salamander's nest,” Hermione sighed.

“Okay, I'll be right back,” Ginny left, only to return seconds later with a big heavy book.

“What's that?” Hermione asked.

“It's mom's book of beauty spells,” Hermione couldn't understand why Mrs. Weasley would have such a book.

“Lets get started, shall we?” without waiting for confirmation Ginny opened the book and went to work, even though magic was much quicker than the muggle way it still took Ginny over one hour to finish Hermione's hair. She applied a sticking charm and handed Hermione the mirror.

“Wow,” she whispered, not believing the beauty looking back was indeed herself. It was an average look, Ginny had tied some of her hair leaving soft curly ringlets around her face, making Hermione look like an angel.

“You like it?” Ginny asked.

“No, I love it, thank you Ginny,” both girls smiled wide and went to Ginny's room to get dressed and put on the finishing touches. The Ball was scheduled to start at six, it was now 8pm.

“Come on girls, this is not your wedding day,” Mrs. Weasley called from the foot of the stairs.

“On their wedding day we'll have to start getting them ready the day before,” Tonks giggled holding her very pregnant stomach. She was seven months along, and Lupin couldn't be more ecstatic.

“We're ready,” Ginny announced finally coming to join the rest of the family at the living room, where they would be taking the floo. Hermione was wearing a white dress, detailed with a silver belt, it was very un-Hermione-ish but she liked it. Ginny had opted for a pink dress.

“You girls look great,” Tonks complimented them.

“Thank you,” Hermione smiled at the pregnant witch.

“You're wearing that?” Ron seethed.

“Yes, Ronald I am,” she shot back.

“That is indecent, they won't let you in wearing that-

“Ron shut your trap,” Ginny told her brother, pushing him towards the fireplace.

Thankfully they arrived after all the boring speeches from the minister, leaving them to just enjoy the party. Well, except for Harry, who was immediately surrounded by reporters and adoring fans. Before they could be pulled apart harry pulled Ginny by the hand thoroughly kissing her lips, almost as if marking his territory. Bright flashes announced that that shot would be front page of the daily prophet.

“I'm sure he'll be able to sneak away to dance with you,” Hermione smile trying to cheer her friend up after noticing the sad look on her friends face.

“I'm sure,” Ginny smiled back.

“May I have this dance?” came a charming voice from behind them.

“Well, which witch?” Ginny asked, blushing softly at the school mate, Blaise Zabini.

“No offense Granger, but white is not my favorite color,” he winked taking Ginny by the hand and leading her to dance floor. Ginny mouthed an 'I'm sorry' before following the slytherin into the dance floor.

“Would you mind dancing with me?” Draco, who she didn't notice standing right beside her, asked her.

“I don't really know how to dance,” she told him.

“Can you fallow?” she nodded. “Then you can dance with me,” he offered her his hand. She took it. They danced together most of the night, but much too soon it was over, and time to say good-bye. She walked away from him with a quick good luck, but the tingling feel of his hand on her bare back still lingered.

She woke up still feeling his hand, she loved that dream, though it was just a memory it had become a repetitive dream.