A Little Polishing

Chapter 4
The Valentines ball was beginning when Hermione met Malfoy outside the Gryffindor entrance. Her hair was pinned up in a neat chignon with pearl accents that matched her dress. Her makeup was subtle, just as Narcissa had taught her, but it gave her an elegant look.

“You look fabulous Draco.” She said looking at his robes. He had pearl cufflinks to match her and the ivory scarf under his collar was a high class touch.

“Nothing compared to you.” He looked at the image. “You look beautiful.” He kissed her cheek. “He will be floored Hermione.” He hope he was right, because in her finery she deserved to be appreciated.

“You think so?” She asked.

“Yes I do. Come on.” He offered her an arm. “If he asks you to dance, refuse at first but tell him you’ll save him one.”

“Why?” She asked. Draco stopped and faced her.

“He will think that all he had to do was ask and you’re his. If you give him anything that he asks for, it will make it seem like he doesn’t have to make an effort. He won’t appreciate having you. You have to make him work for it.”

“I had no idea you men thought like that.” She said.

“Another man rule and not to be repeated.” He said.

“I understand professor.” She joked and together they walked into the hall, decorated in ivory and red.

“It looks like Godric Gryffindor wanked off all over the place.” He said.

“That’s disgusting.” She said. “Where do we sit?”

“Right over there.” He said walking.

“With my friends.” She said thinking they would avoid the table.

“What better way to tempt him then to dangle you in front of his eyes the whole night.” He said grinning as they approached.

Neville was sitting with Luna Lovegood, Ginny was next to Harry and Ron was sitting with Lavender on his arm. She was in a pink flowing gown that she wore with confidence. Hermione couldn’t pull off certain shades of pink and pastels, but Lavender were all feminine colors with ease.

They sat down and Hermione greeted everyone, complimenting the ladies on their gowns, even Lavender’s. Draco had told her that being polite to Lavender will keep her in good graces with the girl. If there is an argument with her and Ron then Hermione would be a focus of her anger. If she stayed polite then Weasley would be the sole bearer of her tirade.

Conversation flowed easily between everyone but Ron. He was glaring openly at Draco and Hermione and it wasn’t making Lavender’s night any happier. A romantic slow song came on and Hermione stood to her feet along with Draco. Ron was on his feet a second afterward.

“Let’s dance Hermione.” He asked, ignoring Lavender’s angry look.

Hermione looked to Lavender who gave a slight shake of her head. Hermione gave her a small nod of hers, then looked at Ron. “I’m sorry Ron, I’m dancing with my date first, but I’ll save you a dance later.” She said, and turned taking Draco’s arm.

They walked to the dance floor and swayed to the music. “That wasn’t a good move on his part.” Draco said.

“The first dance?” Hermione said, still shocked. “I can’t believe that.” She said.

“You’re not happy that he asked?” Wondering where her mindset was.

“I am, but I feel bad for Lavender. Did you see her face?” She said.

“Yes I did and Ron is going to pay for it. Look.” She looked to the side and saw Ron dancing with Lavender and having to listen to an earful.

“Ignore him.” Draco said. “Try to look as if it annoyed you and didn’t hurt you.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t dance with him.” She said. “I would hate for Lavender to have a ruined evening.” She was beginning to feel very bad about this game. Lavender didn’t deserve to have her feelings hurt in the process.

“Listen, you can’t control what Ron does with his girlfriend, Lavender can handle herself.” Hermione smiled at the couple again. Lavender could handle herself no problem. “Besides, you did say you would save him a dance.”

Hermione enjoyed the dance, taking turns on the dance floor with Harry and Neville at some point. It wasn’t long before Ron tried to claim his dance. She looked over at Lavender, but Draco was leading her to the dance floor.

“Sure Ron.” She said and took his arm.

“Hermione what are you doing?” Ron asked.

“Dancing with you Ron.” She answered.

“I mean with Malfoy.” He said and her smile faded. “I don’t know what game he’s playing with you but I don’t like it.”

“Ron, Draco is my business.” She told him. “You worry about Lavender.” When his face fell, she looked at him closer. “What’s the matter?”

“Me and Lavender are having problems.” He admitted.

“Is there…..”

“May I cut in?” They both looked aside and saw Lavender standing and waiting. Draco was standing just behind her.

“Of course.” Hermione said smiling and reaching out for Draco’s hand.

“Well, that was short.” She said. She had just began to enjoy being in Ron’s arms, even though they were somewhat stiff. “Did you tell Lavender to cut it?” She asked.

“Actually no.” He said. “She wanted me to take you away because she thinks Ron is looking a little too closely. I told her that you were his friend but if she wanted to claim her boyfriend I wouldn’t stand in her way. It would also be better if he had only a taste of what it’s like to dance with you or hold you, he will beat himself up wanting more.” Hermione looked thoughtful. “I think you made a very good impression. He’s going to be thinking tonight I assure you.”

“Thank you.” She said, feeling slightly better. They enjoyed the song and danced slowly in the dim light. He tightened his arms around her and cuddled close. Hermione’s heart sped up.

“What are you doing?” She whispered.

“He’s watching you.” Draco whispered back and dropped his lips. When their lips met, Hermione lost the ability to breathe. Her lips exploded in lightning and she would have dropped to the floor if Draco hadn’t been holding her up.

Her lips parted and her tongue met his. She wasn’t expecting this. Draco had her whole body in flames and she felt a warmth pooling between her thighs. Her breasts ached and she pressed her body close to his. When they broke away Hermione was still clutching onto him.

“That will have him pulling out his hair.” Draco said with a smile and kept dancing. Hermione let his cheek brush against her temple. Ron may be pulling out his hair but what was she going to do.