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Dance with the One that Brought You	By : KatDiva Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 43176 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 18
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Chapter 19: Happy Birthday

Hermione couldn’t exactly see the entire big picture yet, but she had bits and pieces assembled. And what she saw infuriated her. All that she needed to work out now were the actors in this farce and a few more missing details, before she dealt out the punishments. While brainstorming, she had to remain calm, or they would suspect something. She found it almost impossible to believe that Viktor could be an accomplice in this mess, but she had to know for sure.

He had spent hours on end with Professor Karkaroff, working out the secrets of his egg. She had seen very little of him the past several days. In the meantime she had other things to focus on.

She knew that Malfoy and Fleur would be working with Cedric and Viktor for the next two days. It turned out that the Hufflepuff champion was quite adept at dancing, needing very little tutoring. Malfoy would work with Cedric, and Fleur would teach Viktor.

Hermione had asked Draco if she could work alone with Harry since he seemed to be in greater need of private lessons. He couldn’t learn any choreographed steps until he got the basics down. Although Draco didn’t seem to cotton much to the idea, she was able to convince him once she suggested an alternative: that Draco work alone with Harry.

Teaching Harry Potter to waltz was no easy feat. He could speak Parseltongue, battle dragons, and fight against the Dark Lord, but she could not find a rhythmic bone in his body. She counted with him, clapping his shoulder to keep rhythm. She tried blindfolding him, thinking maybe that would help him rely on his sense of feeling, but to no avail. Her most recent brainchild was to try and use something that Harry could relate to: Quidditch!

With Ron’s help she was able to acquire a golden snitch, and placed a charm on it that caused it to float around at her command, dipping lower or rising higher when she motioned her wand.

“Just follow the bouncing snitch, Harry,” she coaxed.

“Right,” he attempted, trying not to feel embarrassed.

As the snitch moved forward, so did Harry. Hermione smiled. She counted off to him, “One, two, three, that’s it!” she praised. “Dip, two, three, yes! You’re getting the feel of it!” Having charmed the snitch, she placed the wand in her robe pocket, and approached Harry.

“Now with a partner,” she said.

She wasn’t certain, but for a moment she thought she saw Harry blush. Without wanting to read more into it than there might be, she held up her hand and waited for him to step into their dance position.

He nervously approached her and inhaled deeply, releasing his breath before taking her in his arms.

He watched the golden winged ball dip and float two counts and he mouthed out the steps. “One, two, three,” he concentrated. “Hermione, two, three,” he continued. He lowered his voice on the two latter words.

“That’s it, Harry,” she complimented, “you’re doing fine.”

“Yourbirthday, two, three.” He was trying to talk to her without losing count or breaking his determined concentration. She tried to stifle a grin as she saw his brows furrowed while keeping his eye on the snitch.

When she responded he was still counting quietly.

“It’s tomorrow,” she stated.

“Iknow, two, three,” he continued, “party, two, three.”

“Harry this is really quite distracting, do you want to wait until after we dance to discuss this?”

“SoRight, two, three... tomorrownight, two, three... GreatHall, two, three.”

She cocked her head to one side while watching him. This was her the best friend that made her laugh, and brought true joy in her life. He was a constant source of surprise.

“Tomorrow night, we are supposed to share the Great Hall with Slytherin again,” she corrected.

“Yeah, two, three... Iknow, two, three... Noworries, two, three.”

“What have you planned, Harry?”

Unexpectedly Harry lifted Hermione up and spun her around, and then just as surprisingly he continued dancing, but this time without counting out loud.

He seemed to get the swing of it finally, and although he was no Draco Malfoy, he was no longer stomping on her toes or shuffling his feet!

“Just a bit of an informal gathering, the Slytherins have agreed to beg off early.”

“How did you ever get them to agree to that?”

He smiled at her and winked. He almost missed a step, but quickly recovered. Maybe a bit too confident, he renewed his concentration by watching the snitch in front of him.

“I told them that we will give the room to them completely next week Friday night.”

Her eyebrows raised up in surprise. “Without consulting anyone else?”

“Who’s there to consult, Hermione? Just you, and I know you won’t say no to a birthday bash!”

“Ever the cocky upstart, aren’t we?” she chided.

“It will just be a few of us, once the others leave,” he promised. “Don’t say no!”

He blinked his enormous, emerald eyes at her and pouted his lip in such an endearing way that she wanted to laugh.

When she smiled freely at him, he shocked her by attempting a dip, only he wasn’t as smooth or balanced as he should have been. He lurched forward, putting his weight onto his right foot and leaned her backwards. When Hermione let go of his shoulder and grabbed the back of his neck by natural instinct to keep from falling, he lost what little balance he had, and tumbled to the ground, directly on top of Hermione.

Both of them laughed. So much for his dance skills!

“I guess I can really sweep a girl off her feet, ennit?”

He grinned boyishly as he looked down at Hermione. He slowly lifted himself off of her, by raising himself up with his arms. He didn’t move beyond that.

“Harry,” she prompted.

He looked down at her face. Her cheeks were blushing crimson right before his eyes, matching his own. Her eyes darted to his and she blinked nervously several times. When she wet her lips with her tongue, he nearly lost it. He wanted to kiss her.

He had behaved so well towards her for the past week, reigning in his desire to touch her, to caress her and to kiss her. But now he felt it wash over him with such power that his arms trembled.

Would it be so wrong? She was right there, inches away. All he had to do was to close the space between them.

“Rita Skeeter!” she blurted out.

Harry jumped up and looked around.

“What? Where?”

Hermione started straightening her robes out as she stood up quickly. She had seen it in his eyes. She knew what he was contemplating, and she knew she had to take control quickly, before her own resolve melted.

“No, I mean, Rita Skeeter must have some sort of devious way of obtaining information and listening in on our conversations!”

“What? Where did that come from all of sudden?”

“Because, she seems to always print partial truths in her column, Harry. How does she get them? How do we know she’s not listening now?”

When Harry shrugged she continued, “I think she has some way of bugging us. I’m not sure how because I know Muggle bugging devices won’t work here. But it’s like Professor Moody says, Constant Vigilance!”

0----0----0----0

Draco had taken to pacing quite often now. He found it relaxing. He had explained his newly hatched plan to Blaise, assigning him to convey it to Goyle and Crabbe. Draco would take personal responsibility for convincing Krum. He couldn’t think of any other way to get Hermione on his own without raising suspicions all around.

He didn’t think the Bulgarian would object, because it was just good, clean fun, after all. Nothing toxic or venomous. Not this time.

When Viktor entered the Slytherin common room, Draco smiled and beckoned him closer, ready to reveal his plan.

Up above them, several stories higher, Harry, Ron, Padma, Parvati and Neville scurried around, instructing house-elves, levitating balloons, and magicking the ceiling to appear as though it were raining confetti.

Ginny carried a large box as she entered the doorway, followed by the Weasley twins, Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet. Each carried an odd sized carton, and the other Gryffindors paused to see what they had brought.

“I thought it would never get here!” she announced.

“Ginny,” Ron started, “I’m almost afraid to ask. What’s in the boxes?”

“Something fun!” grinned George.

“Something brilliant,” piped Fred.

“It’s a surprise,” corrected Ginny. “You’ll see when everyone else does!”

She set the older teens to work, explaining to them in hushed tones what she wanted to have done. They went about their tasks efficiently while the others continued with the decorations and food orders.

Harry reminded Dobby to tell the other kitchen elves that they were to make an appearance tonight, so that Hermione could enjoy one evening of their company without them scurrying around working. Dobby fretted over the details, because he was certain the other house-elves wouldn’t be as willing to forego their tasks as Harry wished.

It wasn’t long before Harry shooed everyone out, reminding them to be back in the room at half past seven. Harry had asked the Headmaster if he could invite Hagrid and Professor McGonagall for the first hour of the party, and Professor Dumbledore agreed it would be a welcomed gesture.

An hour later the room began filling with Slytherin and Gryffindor students, all casually dressed in jeans, t-shirts, sweaters and hoodies. With the exception of one, of course. Draco Malfoy probably didn’t own a pair of Muggle jeans. He wore a tailored pair of black trousers with a black turtleneck. The only casual part of his appearance was that he had his sleeves pushed up to his elbows.

Ginny, Fred and George had placed themselves in charge of the music, and had set up two wizarding phonographs, with stacks of modern day music for them to choose from. They were placed in position of the head staff table, with a small gift table next to them. As the students filed in, several carried their gifts over to the smaller table, where Hermione stood talking to Harry and Ron. Harry wasn’t surprised that none of the Slytherins brought gifts, because technically the birthday celebration for Hermione wouldn’t begin until nine o’clock.

The food magically appeared on the two long tables, Slytherin and Gryffindor, with the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw long row of tables removed from the room, leaving an open space down the middle. Hermione was very pleased when she saw Hagrid and Professor McGonagall make an appearance, each handing her a gift. Hermione thought that Hagrid’s appeared to have moved slightly, and she gestured with her head to Harry. He leaned over and whispered, “Probably one of his Nifflers; it’ll help you find some gold!” Hermione blanched at the thought!

It wasn’t long before Ginny revealed her surprise: the wizarding version of Dance, Dance Revolution! Fred and George grabbed Angelina and Alicia by the hand and ran out to the middle of the floor. Ginny pointed her wand down at the stone floor, and placed the needle on a snappy tune. The boys demonstrated as each of the stones lighted with different colored arrows. Ginny called out for the others to join them, and then Fred pointed his wand to the head table and a translucent screen appeared, with an exact replica of the illuminated arrows throbbing to the beat of the music.

Even Harry was enjoying the easier, less complicated songs. But no one could match the rhythm and expertise of Dean Thomas, not that any of the Slytherins had tried. Dean was in his element.

Hermione was clapping with the others as the songs grew more complex, eliminating several of the dancers, while they cheered Dean on. She was so happy to be surrounded by her friends, and was so thrilled that they had gone to the trouble of throwing a party for her.

Viktor had slowly worked his way over to her, and placed a nicely wrapped package down on the table.

“It’s from Bulgaria,” he smiled at her.

She smiled back, genuinely confident that Viktor could hold no malice toward her.

“Thank you, Viktor, you really didn’t have to, you’ve already given me so much.”

“It’s not much, Hermyninny,” he said, “but it comes with invitation.” He took her hand and leaned over and kissed it. Draco had been watching him intently, and began moving closer in their direction.

“I would like you to come visit me in Bulgaria, perhaps in summer?” he invited.

Hermione’s mouth dropped open in surprise and she stared at him.

“This gift,” he motioned to it, “it is from the Vitosha Mountain, near the capital city of Sofia. It was made at the Rila Monastery. I’d like to take you there.”

Before she could respond, Draco cleared his throat as he tapped her on the shoulder.

“I didn’t bring you a gift,” he confessed.

She raised her eyebrow at him, and looked at him, from head to toe. The boy was immaculate. He looked positively fetching. She couldn’t help but think he was too handsome for his own good.

“I wouldn’t expect one from you, Malfoy,” she admitted honestly.

“Well, I’m just saying, to show we Slytherins can be good sports, we would like to play a game before we shove off.”

Hermione narrowed her eyes and promptly noticed that they were joined by Harry and Ron. Draco expected no less. They were so predictable.

“What do you say, Krum,” Draco offered. “A nice, fair yet competitive game. Show these Gryffindorks how to really have some fun?”

“What are you on about now, Malfoy?” asked Ron.

“Just a game, Weaslebee. No need to get your knickers in a twist.”

“Looking for a bit of retribution from the snowball fight?” Harry asked. He referred to the indoor snowball fight that the Gryfindors had with the Slytherins in the Great Hall last week, one that the Gryfindors triumphed.

“Not really,” shrugged Draco. “Something a bit more strategic: Capture the House Flag.”

He pointed with his wand, and the esteemed emerald and maroon house flags instantly appeared on opposite corners of the Great Hall. Fred and George had noticed the appearance of the flags, as did Professor McGonagall and Hagrid. All four joined the circle of conversation.

“Look, it’s not that complicated, Potter. Since you don’t trust me, we can make Krum our Captain. I assume you’ll want to lead the Gryffindor team, no surprise there. Might be entertaining to watch the two Triwizard champions.”

Harry seemed to be mulling over the idea.

“It’s not as if we can do anything with Professor McGonagall right here. Unless of course you’re scared of us showing up your kack team.”

Harry rolled his eyes upwards and responded, “Malfoy, tonight is sort of a private celebration. We only have an hour or so more before you Slytherins slink back to your dungeon. Why not just try and enjoy yourselves? I don’t want to ruin this for Hermione.”

Draco played his trump card. “What do you say, Granger? Up for a bit of friendly payback? I mean, it’s not quite fair making our house mull around while your lot bop up and down to this rubbish.” He motioned at the phonographs.

Hermione smiled wickedly. “I’m always ready for payback, Malfoy.”

“Right!” Draco exclaimed before anyone could change their minds.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and spoke for the first time. “Mr. Malfoy, it’s only prudent to convey the rules of play to the entire room.”

Draco swept low into a bow and said, “Of course, Professor. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As both Slytherin and Gryffindor students gathered, Draco proceeded to explain the rules of the wizarding game. “Krum will captain the Slytherins,” he directed, “and Potter will attempt to lead the Gryffindors. The objective of this game is for each house to capture the other’s flag. Each team should have an offense and a defense. Obviously the more stealth you can be at slipping into enemy territory, the better. If an enemy is captured within the opposing team’s borders, then they are sent to jail.”

Blaise began converting the middle of the room from a colorful dance floor into a forest of trees. Fred and George aided in the ambiance by dimming the ceiling candles.

Draco continued, “The flags cannot be removed by anyone other than the opposing team. No baby-sitting the flags either. You cannot post a guard within ten feet. Anyone that manages to get themselves captured must stay in jail without yelling out any instructions to their teammates, just to make sure, the prison will have a Muffliato charm placed on it.”

Professor McGonagall asked, “Mr. Malfoy, what about wands?”

“Yes, Professor, excellent point. The only hexes that can used in the game are: Expelliarmus, Incarcerous, and Mobiliarbus. Professor McGonagall will use Prior Incantato if there is any question as to whether any other type of spell or hex was used to win the game.”

He explained how the area behind the staff table would be the impromptu prison. With a wave of his wand, everyone’s clothing became identical to his, black on black.

“Camouflage,” he grinned. “And Longbottom, do make sure to memorize your team mates faces. I wouldn’t want you incarcerating your own crew. Each team has ten minutes to go and hide their flags.”

Hermione cleared her throat, getting his attention.

“Any last words, Granger?”

“How do we ensure the prisoners don’t escape?”

He cocked his head at her and then slowly smirked.

“You and I will be the jail wardens. It’s your birthday, so we don't want you getting hexed up.”

When the opposing teams retreated to their own boundaries, Harry huddled the Gryffindors together and began whispering strategies and tactics. Ron quickly lowered the Gryffindor flag and ran off to hide it. Draco ambled over to Hermione and casually folded his arms.

"Check out Winston Churchill Junior, will ya?" Draco drawled, as he nodded in Harry's direction. He moved a few steps closer to Hermione.

“Let’s say we make this interesting, Granger. Fancy a wager?”

“I know better than to fall for your traps, Malfoy. This game was your idea after all, I wouldn’t be surprised if you had some way of rigging it.”

“Ah bless! There you go, showing such faith in me! You wound me, Granger.”

“Don’t be an moron, Malfoy. Your reputation proceeds you.”

“Right, then. No friendly wager. How about just some friendly repartee then?” He smiled at her devilishly. “Let’s get comfy whilst I chat you up.”

Hermione sighed deeply and shrugged her shoulders. There were probably dozens of ways she had envisioned spending her fifteenth birthday. Being chatted up by Draco Malfoy wasn’t on the list. If arrogance was a cologne, Malfoy would have reeked from it. But there was something slightly different about tonight. He seemed more open, and less malicious.

He began by speculating at the incredible manky gift she could have received from Hagrid. He then gave a great oration on a list of books that Professor McGonagall could have given her. When he started teasing about about Molly Weasley possibly sending her homemade socks, Hermione couldn’t help but giggle.

“No worries, though, you can always distribute them amongst your little mates in the kitchen, if they’ll even have them.”

“Malfoy, you’re not a total arse, when you put a bit of effort in it.”

He feigned being shot by an arrow in the heart, and yanked out the invisible weapon.

“And you, Granger,” he said as he genuinely smiled at her. “You’re not half bad yourself.”

When she blushed, he raised his hand to her hair, as if to touch it. He changed his mind at the last minute and shrugged.

“Except of course this hair. Really! I know what to get you for your birthday now! They’ve got some great wizarding product that will do nicely.” She slugged him playfully in the arm. “And those trainers, come on! Didn’t anyone ever tell you that solid white trainers aren’t acceptable attire after September?” She shook her head at him, rolling her eyes. “And is the word ‘cosmetics’ even in your vocabulary?”

No, she thought to herself, Draco Malfoy wasn’t a complete arse.

A/N: I wanted to thank everyone for their Get Well wishes! It worked! I'm feeling much better! Yata! So much so that I cranked out another chappie! I hope you liked it. We will have some real fun in the upcoming chapter with the Capture the Flag game and a few reveals for Hermione!

I want to thank Courtney for nominating my story on Dangerous Liaisons. I can't think of a bigger honor than for someone to enjoy it so much that they would nominate me. It's my first story so I am just glad someone's reading it! Thank you!
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Dance with the One that Brought You