The New Girl-Ch. 8

Chapter 8: Hermione



Hermione observed as Malfoy talked to Zabini after their meeting with the prefects. Up until recently the two boys hadn't talked much. No one really knew why. Hermione absently thought that it probably had had something to do with Dani, she would bet money on that. Now they were laughing like nothing had ever happened.

"Do you know who you want to ask you to the Halloween ball?" Ginny asked Hermione as the rest of the prefects filed out of hers and Malfoy's common room. The prefects had all agreed on throwing a Halloween Ball for all fourth years and up. And with the first Hogsmeade weekend coming up, everyone was planning on doing their costume shopping those days. Each person was also required to wear a mask with their costume. Hermione couldn't help but think how typical it was.

"No, I don't know, Gin. I'm assuming you will go with Harry?"

"Of course. I think we should pick out our costumes together. I don't want to look like a slag. Something classy maybe." Hermione was lost in thought as Ginny ranted on about possible costume ideas. She was the Head Girl, surely she had to have a date?

"Alright, guys. Out. I'm tired. Granger probably is as well," Malfoy said as he ushered the remaining students out of the room. He gave Zabini a quick, 'manly', one-armed hug and then gave a tight squeeze to Dani, whispered something in her ear that made her smile, and shoved the two out the door. Hermione hugged Ginny and led her to the open portrait hole.

They weren't alone for long. Once Malfoy had closed the door, they heard a loud whoosh come from the fireplace. They both turned to see Dumbledore standing in the center of the room, brushing lingering floo powder off of his royal purple robes.

"Hello, Draco. Hermione. How was your meeting?" The headmaster asked, taking a seat on the armchair.

"Fine, Headmaster. And to what do we owe the pleasure?" Malfoy questioned, gesturing towards the old man. Always the gentleman.

"About the Halloween Ball." How did he know about that already? "Every time we had thrown a ball of some sorts, the Head students had attended the dance together."

"As dates?" Hermione didn't like where this was going.

"Precisely. I would like it if you two were each others 'dates' for the Ball," The headmaster replied airily. Even though he sounded like he was open for discussion, his face clearly stated that it was not to be argued. "I hope this arrangement is alright with the pair of you. Neither has asked or has been asked yet, correct?" Both students shook their heads back and forth. "Splendid! Then it is settled." Dumbledore stood up and headed back towards the fireplace. "Oh! One last thing. Draco, you will escort Hermione to the ball, entering after everyone has arrived. And, as a pair, you will open the dance with a waltz. That is all I ask." Dumbledore took a pinch of floo powder and stepped into the fireplace. Before the headmaster departed she could've sworn she saw him wink at her.

"This is absolutely ridiculous!" Hermione blurted. She was not looking forward to this dance at all.

"Relax, Granger. We will only be together for 10 minutes tops." Hermione couldn't believe how calm he seemed. It was like he was actually looking forward to it. As he started to ascend the staircase, he called back down to her saying: "And, Granger, try to look presentable. I don't want everyone to see me with a hag on my arm."

Hermione huffed as she followed him up the stairs, heading straight for her room. As she passed Malfoy's, she made an obscene hand gesture at him. She could hear him laughing as she slammed her door.

After Hermione climbed into bed, she extinguished the lights with a flick of her wand. She only had one thought in her mind as she drifted off into a peaceful slumber: I'll show him. He won't even recognize me. I swear to it.



***



After a long week of classes, the much awaited Hogsmeade weekend had finally arrived.

Hermione could see Ginny (and surprisingly, Dani) waiting for her at the main entrance. The three girls were going to check out the new costume shop that had just opened.

"It's chilly out," Ginny stated, her teeth chattering as they exited the warm castle into the bitter cold. Hermione cast a warming spell around the three of them, hoping it would be enough against the freezing snow.



***



Hermione flung the door open and rushed into the warm, cozy, little shop. Ginny and Dani following, rubbing their arms to, hopefully, get warm.

"H-how cu-cu-cute." Hermione said, stuttering from the cold.

"I th-think we sh-should get d-dresses," Ginny shivered. "Elegant, long ones."

Hermione allowed the two girls to lead her through the racks of dresses. They pulled dresses of all colors and styles. The three girls tried them all on. Ginny found hers quickly. It was a silky, green, strapless dress. It was tight in her torso and thigh, with silver beads criss-crossing, then flared out at the bottom. The shopkeeper told the girls that it was a mermaid costume. She helped Ginny find a mask that went with it. The mask was silver with green beads trimming the edges. The eye holes were outlined with black thread. A green ribbon held it in place. Even with the mask, everyone would know the beautiful girl in the mermaid dress was Ginny. The fiery red hair gave her away.

Dani's dress was just as beautiful. It was a spaghetti strap dress that dipped low in the front, and the straps made a 'V' on her back. It was zebra print that flared out with a slit cut into the side. The middle of the dress was aquamarine. It had a band in the same color that accentuated her tiny waist. The mask was a fuzzy zebra print as well, with black beads outlining the sides. There were sparkles encrusted in the coarse fur of the mask. It tied to her head with an aquamarine bow. She looked stunning.

Hermione didn't have as much luck in finding an outfit. She was starting to lose hope, until she saw the most gorgeous mask she had ever seen. It was an iridescent white mask, trimmed with gold. It tied to the back of her head with a white, silk ribbon. It was beautiful. If only she could find the dress that matched it. Hermione asked one of the workers if they had the dress, while Ginny and Dani checked out. The young girl led her to the back room where the dress was. Hermione fell in love with it instantly. She tried it on and was overjoyed with it. The store would send it by owl post within the week. It was perfect.

And best of all: it was going to be a surprise.



***



A week later, Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table, eating breakfast.

"Post is here," Harry announced. Hermione watched as the owls dropped letters and packages to the surrounding students. She really hoped today would be the day her dress came in.

Finally, a snowy barn owl dropped a pristinely wrapped box in front of her. Her dress! Hermione was so excited. Refusing to let anyone see the gorgeous gown, she excused herself so she could go put it on and make adjustments.



***



Tonight was the night. The night of the Halloween Ball. It had been exactly one week since she received her dress and she couldn't wait to show it off.

She made the last few finishing touches to herself and examined her reflection in the full length mirror.

Her caramel ringlets flowed loosely down her back, half of it pinned back. Her eyes popped out of the mask that was now secured in place (she did a smoky eye, hoping it would accentuate them behind the mask).

Her dress was…perfect. Perfect for Hermione. It was simple but beautiful, nonetheless. It was an Aphrodite Greek goddess gown. It looked like a wedding dress to Hermione. It was pure white strapless gown with silver beading around the bust. It flowed down like a waterfall of silky fabric. Her mother had sent her a rather large diamond necklace that she had inherited to wear with it and earrings that matched.

She couldn't wait to see Malfoy's face.

"Granger! Let's go!" Speak of the devil. Hermione took one last glance in the mirror, placed a smirk on her face, and left the room.



***



Hermione saw Malfoy before he saw her. From the top of the steps, she examined his costume. He was a prince. 'Shocker' she thought sarcastically. He wore a navy blue tunic with silver embroidery, tight black pants, and black dragon hide boots. His white-blond hair was gelled back and his silver eyes were covered with a simple black mask trimmed with silver thread. He was…gorgeous.

Hermione gasped in pure astonishment. Malfoy heard her and looked up the stairs. His mouth dropped open when he saw her.

Hermione quickly placed the smirk back on her perfectly glossed lips. "Is this presentable enough for you?"

"Yes," Malfoy whispered as she descended the stairs. "You clean up nice, Granger."

"You too, Malfoy."

"Pfft, don't be ridiculous, Granger. I always look good." Hermione shook her head. A small smile was playing at her lips.

He held his arm out to her, "Shall we?" he asked. Hermione linked her arm through his--a small shiver ran up her spine--and they headed for the door.


***


Hermione looked up at the young man standing next to her. Her bare arm tingled with the touch of his, which was still linked to hers. They stood in front of the closed doors that led into the Great Hall.

They were about to make their grand entrance.

"Are the two of you ready?" McGonagall asked. Both students nodded their heads, bracing themselves for the eyes of their peers.

Dumbledore stood next to McGonagall in front of the two nervous teenagers. With a flick of his wand, the doors flew open. The Head students followed five paces behind the two professors.

Hermione tried not to look at all the masked faces staring at her and Malfoy. Everyone clearly knew who they were. There was no escaping it.

Malfoy and Hermione stopped in the middle of the dance floor, awaiting to open their dance with the first waltz. Malfoy pulled Hermione into his strong arms, positioning her into a perfect waltz stance.

The band started playing a traditional waltz, and right before they took their first step, Malfoy whispered in her ear: "Aaand, here we go."


***