A Reason To Be

The ball was going extremely well, everything was moving smoothly. Draco and Hermione spend the majority of it dancing. Draco was an excellent dancer and he was determined to turn Hermione into one as well. Slow dances and fast dances, Draco always seemed to have his hand around her waist or at the small of her back. Even if no one was looking, he enjoying himself so much he was practically giddy, only on the inside of course. When they were not out dominating the dance floor, the pair had chosen to sit with Blaise and his date. The Ravenclaw girl and Hermione knew each other so they had no problem delving into conversation immediately. Draco and Blaise talked as well, though without as much fervor as their dates. But now the last dance of the evening had come and Draco found himself once again holding Hermione close, swaying to the music.

“You are getting better at this.” Draco said casually. She really was. Hermione had learned to relax and just move with the music.

“Thanks, I think I am too. I never had much of a chance to dance before now.” Hermione said pleasantly, looking around the room at all the other students. When she caught Ron and Harry out of the corner of her eye she sighed.

“They are watching us again.” Hermione said. Of course it had been her aim to make them watch her and Draco, but now it was crossing the line into annoying. Draco did turn and look; he didn’t want to appear too obvious. He had no doubt that the two were watching his every move.

“What’s new? But I have been thinking about that. We have successfully made them cringe with jealousy but I have come up with a way to give it that extra kick to bring it home.” Draco commented casually, he had been mulling over this particular idea most of the evening.

“What is it?” Hermione asked curiously, looking up at Draco with her sparkling brown eyes. It was her eyes that gave Draco enough nerve to carry out his idea. A moment after she had spoken, Draco leaned down and claimed her mouth with his. It wasn’t a crude kiss, but it was by no means the kiss of a prude. Draco had decided there would be some tongue, but not much. Of course tongue or no tongue, Draco was melting inside. Draco had guts, he was a bold young man but he really had been nervous about this. And he felt his knees weaken ever so slightly when Hermione kissed back. After a few moments, Draco decided to slow it down and bring the marvelous lip lock to a close. He pulled away slightly and gave her one last small kiss on her bottom lip. That had not been for Harry and Ron. That last part had been for him. He pulled away and opened his eyes. Hermione’s eyes were still closed but they opened a second later. Her eyes widen and she bit her bottom lip.

“Uhhh…” Hermione whispered, she could not think for the life of her what to say. In truth, Draco couldn’t say anything either. He came to his sense quicker than she did and noticed that the music had stopped and people were filing out of the Great Hall.

“Time to go.” Draco whispered, letting go of one hand but grasping the other securely. With a slight pull, Hermione followed Draco over to the doors and through them. They didn’t say anything to each other until it was time to part ways. Before Hermione could say goodnight, Draco spoke up.

“I’ll walk with you.” Draco offered. Hermione nodded and managed a small smile. They still didn’t say much on the way there. They moved slowly, by the time they were drawing near to the portrait of the Fat Lady, almost everyone had already made it back to their respective rooms. Draco was surprised when Hermione pulled him right on past the portrait and down the hall. At the end of the corridor there was a small alcove with a window seat. Hermione went over and sat down and bent down to take off her shoes. For the last hour, her feet had been killing her. She was having some difficulty however; her skirt kept getting in the way. Without a word Draco knelt down in front of her and slid her shoes off.

“Thank you.” Hermione said softly. Draco stood up and plopped down beside her, setting her heels in her lap.

You’re welcome. But if I ever need someone to de-shoe me, I’m calling you.” Draco said teasingly. Hermione did giggle softly, but it was short-lived.

“That’s not what I mean…Thank you for tonight.” Hermione said with a sigh, resting her head on his shoulder. Draco smiled to himself and reached his other hand around and patted her head gently.

“No thanks required, luv. The expressions on Potter’s and Weasley’s faces were enough for me.” Draco said laughingly. Hermione laughed as well as she recalled the priceless looks they received frequently throughout the night. If a person could indeed turn green, Ron might have proved it.

“Well yes, our plan couldn’t have gone better but I didn’t mean just that. Tonight was just so…perfect. Everything was so nice; I had never been to a formal event like that. And you knew exactly what to do. You were civilized and even charming to everyone but the way you treated me…it was like I was the only one that mattered. I liked that, it was like a real date.” Draco turned his head and looked down at her, his brow furrowed.

“Those two have really gotten to you, haven’t they?” Draco whispered into her hair. She didn’t reply to his question but he felt her nod her head. He reached over again, only this time raising Hermione’s chin so her yes would meet them.

“I’m sorry they hurt you like that. But I do have some news for you, that wasn’t like a real date, that was a real date. It was for me. Sure we turned a few heads and made a few fools envious but believe it or not, I asked you because I wanted the pleasure of your company. And when I said that you were exquisite, that wasn’t some line. You were beautiful tonight.” Draco said confidently. He truly did mean it. For him it wasn’t about Harry and Ron, it was about going to the ball with Hermione, making them jealous was just a bonus.

“Really?” Hermione asked insecurely. Draco nodded.

“Really.” He confirmed for her. She rested her head on his shoulder again and sighed deeply.

“Thank you.” Hermione thanked him once again and he laughed.

“I know it’s hard to believe, given who raised me, but I do know how to treat a lady.” Draco teased. He inclined his head and rested it on the top of Hermione’s.

“Yeah, it is hard to believe.” Hermione replied in an amused tone.

“So can I chew on you now?” Draco inquired innocently but Hermione couldn’t help but crack up laughing. Hermione raised her hand up to her mouth, which Draco never expected her to do. Draco leaned forward and, trying not to laugh, gently bit her thumb. Hermione kept laughing even after he let go.

“Well I guess that could be considered a creepy and somewhat disturbing good-night kiss. So it is now time to go.” Draco said sarcastically and stood up. Hermione followed suite and stretched.

“See you tomorrow?” Hermione asked hopefully. Draco grinned, glad to see that she wanted to spend more time together.

“Yeah, whenever I drag my sorry ass out of bed.” Draco said exhaustedly, ruffling his hair unconsciously. Hermione yawned and nodded.

“I may not be rising very early tomorrow either.” Hermione added. Draco chuckled and nodded.

“Goodnight.” Draco murmured. He leaned forward and left a casual kiss on her cheek. Before she could say or do anything he turned and strode back down the hall, bound for his own bedroom.