Hermione Granger, researcher, friend, Golden girl, and …single. She checked her once more in the mirror before heading to the floo. She could just see tomorrow's headlines. Pictures of all her friends embraced with their significant other, sharing a midnight kiss, and her downing her expensive wine. Thank the Gods Malfoy always splashes out on the best whites! Yes, another year she was again attending the Malfoys New Years gala alone. She mentally prepared herself for the barrage of questions surrounding the attendance of her date, from the old societal bitties.
Once inside Malfoys sitting room, she was greeted by her favorite little house elf. “ Cece welcomes Ms. Granger to the Malfoy Manor. Master Malfoy has asked Cece to give you your wine and escort you in.” The little elf handed Hermione a perfectly chilled glass of wine, and led her out to the grand ballroom. Hermione took in this year's theme. The ballroom was transformed into what can only be described as dancing amongst the stars. The ceiling was covered in thousands of constellations, floating gray clouds mingled amongst the guests, and the ballroom floor would slowly change from different hues of blues and purples.
“ Cece you all have truly outdone yourselves this year! This is absolutely breathtaking.” The little elf smiled and beamed up at her. “ So glad you like it Ms. Hermione. Master Draco took inspiration from your painting.” Hermione looked at the elf quizzically.
“ My painting?” She asked. Cece twisted her ear and smiled. “ Yes Miss, he says it's one of his favorites. Come, come, you can compliment him too.” Cece took off again through the crowds of people. Hermione wouldn't need help finding Draco, he was off to the side of the ballroom like always. A small crowd of dow eyed girls surrounded him. Cece jumped up to grab his hand. Draco bent down to speak with her, but his eyes landed on Hermione. A small smile spread across his face as he stood, bowing to the small group of girls, and making his way over to her. Hermione smiled back, noticing he took her advice and went with a gray suit instead of his usual black tux.
“ Granger, glad to see you could finally grace us with your presents.” He said as he bent to kiss her cheek. “ You look lovely,” he whispered in her ear. Electricity shot down her spine, and she shivered. “ I had prior engagements I needed to attend first. You know how it is, busy busy.” She took a sip of the wine, giving herself a moment to admire the handsome man in front of her. His platinum hair was styled in a way that looked effortless, a few strands hanging near his eye. His gray eyes popped in contrast with his blonde hair. The suit he chose hugged his slim figure in all the right places. And when he turned to grab his own glass of wine she couldn't help noticing the way his jacket clung to his broad shoulders. Draco Malfoy truly looked like he was sculpted by the Gods.
Draco turned back to her. “ How were the Potters?”
Hermione smiled, “ You don't care how they are.”
Draco smirked and shook his head. “ Not even a little bit, all I care about is that Ginerva is resting.”
Hermione rolled her eyes `` she hates that you call her that, and she's resting as much as a new mum can. However she does seem to be getting more rest now that they have Timpy. Thank you for that by the way, I'm sure that cost you a great deal.”
Draco shrugged “ I need my star player back and better than ever. If she wouldn't hire an elf herself, I saw to it to protect my team.”
The two started making their way outside to the balcony. “ ah, so it has nothing to do with the fact that she's my best friend? Just protecting your investment?” She said as she looped her arm through his as he pushed through the crowd.
“ It may have been a happy accident that ShePotter is one in the same.” He intertwined their fingers. “ You see I'm trying to woo this un wooable witch so I'm taking all the advantages I can.”
He waved his free hand and the doors to the balcony closed, and the curtains dropped giving them full privacy.
“ un wooable? That's not so” She said, turning herself so she was now standing in front of him. “ Trust me finding out you themed this entire gala around one of my paintings. Consider me wooed.”
Draco smiled,and grasped her hips. She stepped closer, lifting her arms around his neck. “ I'll theme every gala I throw to match one of your paintings if you would be mine.” Draco said.
She played with the hair at the nape of his neck. “ That would be a short list considering I only have five canvases finished.”
He chuckled “ See un wooable. I'll just have to try the old stand by.” He released his hold on her and pulled her hands from around his neck. She took a few steps back as he opened his suit jacket. He produced a small black velvet box. He opened the box and nestled on the bed of velvet were two ruby earrings. Her hand flew to her mouth for a moment, and her eyes widened.
She took the small box and pulled the earrings out. They were beautiful! “ Oh Draco, they're gorgeous!”
He motioned for her to turn around, and when she did he held her curls back for her. She took off her plain gold hoops and exchanged them for the ruby’s. Before he let her hair down Draco had clasped a necklace around her neck. He kissed her just below the ear. “ I forgot to mention it's a set.” He whispered, kissing her neck once more.
Hermione grabbed her compact out of her clutch and looked at herself. She was dripping in red rubys! “ Draco I.. I can't. This is too much.” He took her small mirror and closed it.
“ I didn't ask, did I?” She shook her head no and a small smile spread across her face. “ I intend on having you dripping in all the very best gems.” Draco said as he pulled her into him. The music from inside was getting louder as he started to slowly dance with her.
Hermione loved the way Draco could make her feel. Partly a teenager with her first crush, and partly as this wanted woman. His wanted woman. He noticed her face. “ Granger, your brain is running far too fast for this simple waltz. What are you thinking about?”
Could she do it? Could she take this next leap? She could be daring. She took a deep breath and slowed her steps, making Draco slow as well. He looked at her puzzled. She leaned in and whispered “ You have me dripping in places gems should never be.”
Draco faltered the next step, his eyes blown wide. “ Fuck, Granger I think you are trying to kill me!” He recovered his steps and continued the waltz. He cleared his throat “ if there's any truth to your statement you know my rule.” She nodded her head “ Yes I'm aware.
They finished their dance in silence. Draco bowed and kissed her hand. The door to the balcony flew open as Theo Nott rushed out. “ Come on you two, the countdown has started.” Draco held out his arm for her to take, and they walked back into the gala.
Narcissa Malfoy was at the front of the room, thanking all the attendees for their generous donations, and starting the counting. “ 60. 59. 58..” Draco handed her a glass of wine. “ What is it you will wish for tonight?”
“ 50.49.48.47..” She turned to him and smiled “ hmm I happen to have a painting that would be a very good Valentine's theme” Draco chuckled “ is that so?” She nodded “ mmhmm.”
“ 35. 34. 33.” Hermione's heart started thumping hard in her chest. This was it. She was going to leap. Draco turned to her and plucked the wine glass out of her hand and placed it on a tray. “ Granger I.” She interrupted him “ Draco please.” His face fell for a moment but he recovered quickly. He bent down.
“ 20. 19 18.” The crowd roared louder with each passing second. His hot breath ghosted her neck. “ I hope your New Year's wish comes true, and next year is all you could ever hope for.” He straightened. grabbed her hand and squeezed it with a smile. The crowd was deafening
. “ 5.4.3.2.1!” Fireworks went off in the enchanted ceiling, people cheered, and Hermione took a steadying breath. She grabbed Draco's suit jacket and pulled him closer to her. She crushed her lips to his as camera lights flashed in their faces. Draco's hands were in her hair instantly, as his mouth molded to hers.
She withdrew from him and smiled. “ I know your rules, I want us.” Cameras continued to flash, while reports yelled out their names. Draco shook his head while smirking at her. “ You're going to be the death of me, witch. So you're in?” She nodded her head yes, before she could say anything Draco surged forward. He had his hand in her hair and his other hand at the back of her knee. He pushed her down into a dip and kissed her while the crowd in the ballroom applauded and cheered.
Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger passionate midnight kiss! Is this a profession of their budding relationship? Turn to page 2 to get first hand accounts of what happend at the Malfoys New Years Eve gala.