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Chapter Twenty-One
Halloween “Absolutely not! Not a chance in bloody hell!” “Please Draco,” Dawn said sweetly as she batted her eyelashes at him. After she talked with Ginny and Hermione the night before and filled them in on their responsibilities, she had set out the next morning to find Draco and pull him into her plan. They were again in the little room from the previous day. Draco turned away so he couldn’t see her pout. He had a feeling if he didn’t he wouldn’t last long. “No! Why would I care about Potter?” ~Pretty please with sugar on top.~ “That’s not fair!” ~For me.~ The blond could tell that he wasn’t going to win this battle and decided to go down with dignity before it got any worse. He sighed, “What do you want me to do?” “Oh goodie!” Dawn squealed. ******** That same evening the five Gryffindors were leaving the Great Hall after dinner. Harry walked up next to Dawn and said, “Can we talk? Alone?” “Sure Harry,” she said with a smile. They both slowed down so the others could go ahead. Dawn missed the thumbs up sign Ron gave Harry as he passed by. Harry looked everywhere but at the beautiful brunette beside him. He had no idea how to do this. “Umm...” “Well that’s a good start,” Dawn said sarcastically. “What’s up?” “IwaswonderingifyouwouldgowithmeonHalloween?” “What?” Harry took a deep breath and tried again. “I was wondering if you would go with me on Halloween?” Dawn got a sad little smile on her face. “That’s really sweet of you to ask Harry, but I’m already going with someone else.” “Who? Malfoy?” Harry spat out. “As a matter of fact, yes Draco.” “Why?” “Why what?” “Why are you going with him? He’s a Slytherin.” “So?” Dawn asked. “He’s the enemy!” Dawn narrowed her eyes dangerously. “He is not the enemy, Voldemort is. I will never believe that Draco is evil, not until I see a dark mark on his arm.” “What do you see in him?” “That, is none of your business, but I’ll tell you something. I can see more hidden in him than you will ever see, even if you would try to see. That’s all you need to know.” With that, Dawn turned and hurried to catch the others. ************ Halloween night the girls were gathered in Dawn’s room getting ready for the costume party. Dawn and Hermione were making the final touches on Ginny’s outfit before they left. “Are you sure about this?” Ginny asked nervously. “Trust me Gin. The first step of catching Harry is that he has to stop looking at you like Ron’s little sister. This is the perfect way to start that process.” Dawn patiently explained. “I know, I know. I just feel so exposed.” The redhead said as she crossed her arms over her exposed midriff. She turned to Hermione. “Do you think this is going to work?” “Honestly Ginny, I don’t really know, but it can’t hurt.” “Ginny you’re going to be the one everyone remembers tonight. He will notice you, believe me.” “But Dawn!” “No buts Gin. You are going to be as merciless in getting Harry as you are on the quidditch field.” “Fine,” she said with a pout. “Well girls. I have to go meet the boys, I’ll see you at the party.” Hermione said as she did a final check in the mirror. Satisfied with the reflection she gave a little wave and headed out the door. “I think Hermione was born in the wrong decade,” Dawn mused. “What do you mean?” “She looks really good in that flapper dress. She almost looks like she stepped out of the twenties. Eerie.” Dawn turned back to Ginny and circled her slowly, making sure that everything looked perfect. “What?” Ginny asked nervously. “You look absolutely fabulous. Let’s go meet Draco.” “Are you sure he’s ok with this?” “No, but he’ll do it anyway.” ************** Draco fidgeted nervously outside the Gryffindor Tower waiting for the girls. He kept asking himself how he got talked into this in the first place. Not only was his costume ridiculous, but he was also escorting the Weasley girl along with Dawn. And things just got worse as he noticed the famous trio exiting the tower. “Looking good Granger.” “Thanks Malfoy,” she replied. The other two looked at her as if she were mad before turning their attention to their adversary. “Keep your filthy eyes off her,” Ron snarled. Draco just smirked, “Whatever Weasel. I was just paying her a compliment, since I know you would never notice how good she looks.” He inwardly delighted at the indignant look that crossed the redhead’s face. “I’ll have you bloody well know...” “Easy Ron.” Harry said, eyeing Draco. “He’s just trying to piss you off.” “No, that’s just a bonus,” he said casually. “So who are you suppose to be, Potter? Some sort of nancy boy?” “No, he’s Robin Hood.” Ron said defensively. “And you would be Little John?” Draco asked, barely able to contain his laughter. “Well, yes.” Ron said, puffing out his chest a little. Draco couldn’t help it; he laughed out loud, startling the other three. “What?” Harry asked. “You’re in tights!” Draco gasped out between bouts of laughter. “You’re in bloody tights! You look like a bunch of poncy buggers!” “Oh, like your costume is any better.” Ron retorted. “What’s up with all the black and the ponytail?” He asked, indicating the pirate shirt and boots with the accompanying sash and sword. The blonde’s laughter died suddenly and a scowl crossed his face. “It’s none of your business.” Hermione, however, couldn’t let the opportunity to pass. “He’s a character from a muggle movie.” The two boys looked at Draco in disbelief. “Granger, can’t you keep your mouth shut?” “No, this is much more fun.” “Which movie?” Harry asked. “Princess Bride, I think,” she answered smugly. “Granger.” Draco growled warningly. “Don’t you three have a party to get to?” Her eyes revealed that she had almost forgotten the plan. “Right. Come on boys, let’s go.” “But I have questions for the ferret,” Ron protested. “Aren’t you hungry?” His face brightened at the mention of food. “Right, got to go. Come on Harry.” Harry just shook his head in disbelief as they headed down the hallway. Draco was again asking himself how he got into this mess when his angel walked through the portrait. He felt his breath catch in his throat. She had charmed her hair to look blond and longer than normal. She wore a beautiful pale blue dress in a style oddly reminiscent of the medieval age. As he stood there gawking, he noticed another lovely creature step through the portal. He couldn’t help but be amazed by the transformation. Ginny had her hair pulled up into a ponytail on top of her head, which revealed a beautifully detailed face. Her costume, which was done in a brilliant green that complimented her hair, left very little to the imagination. “See, I told you that being a genie would leave the boys speechless,” Dawn said in a conspiratorial whisper. Draco shook himself out of his stupor. “Ladies, you look amazing.” “Why thank you, sweet Westley.” Dawn said with a little curtsey. “I told you that you would be escorting the two most beautiful girls at the school.” “You weren’t lying,” he breathed. “Are you ready?” He asked. “As I’ll ever be,” Ginny said nervously. “Relax Weasel. If I noticed you, you’d better believe that Potter will. Unless he’s blind along with being a poncy git. Which, by the way, have you seen his costume?” “No, why?” Dawn asked. Draco couldn’t hide his smile, “Just wait, you’ll see.” Ginny just stared at the blond in amazement. She couldn’t believe how a true smile transformed his features. Acting out of pure instinct she gave him a big hug. Startled, Draco tentatively returned the hug. “What was that for?” She just smiled, “Thank you.” “For what?” “For doing this for me,” she said shyly. He just shook his head and offered his arms to the two beautiful creatures in front of him. “Let’s go wow the crowd, shall we?” ******** Harry was ranting to Ron about the whole Dawn and Draco fiasco when he noticed that his best friend was no longer paying any attention to him. “Ron, what is it?” He asked seeing the stunned look on the redhead’s face. “Bloody hell,” Ron whispered. “What?” Ron couldn’t speak; he just pointed to the doorway behind Harry. When he turned, he saw why Ron had been left speechless. In the doorway stood Malfoy, flanked by two visions of heaven. Dawn looked every inch of the regal princess who her costume was patterned after. She had told him all about her favorite movie over the summer and the true love shared by Buttercup and Westley. He felt a surge of jealousy that she chose Malfoy to dress as her counterpart. But all thoughts of Dawn fled as he glimpsed the redhead on the other side of the Slytherin. There was no hint of her being the youngest of six, but a beautiful young woman who was stepping into her own. She had an emerald green satin top which didn’t reach the bottom of her ribcage and had sheer sleeves. The top of her pants hung low on her hips and the legs were the same sheer material of her sleeves. “I’m gonna kill her,” said Ron. “Who?” Harry asked distractedly. “Ginny. What was she thinking dressing like that in public? I’ll be beating boys off her all night!” Ron fumed, “And she’s here with Malfoy!” Harry just nodded absently, not really hearing Ron’s rant. It was then that he noticed Malfoy lean over and whisper something in her ear and heard Ginny’s laughter. Anger began to build inside him. How dare that slimy git talk to her! How dare he enter in here with her on his arm. He got ready to storm over there and pull her away when he saw Hermione approach. She had seen the look in Harry’s eye and knew that Dawn’s plan was working. It was time that she played her part. “I see the girls have arrived with their date,” she said casually. “Their date!” Harry nearly yelled. “Well yes. Dawn had told Draco that Ginny didn’t want to go without a date so he asked her to go with him also.” “But he asked Dawn.” “Yeah, so?” “But, but, but...” “That’s a good reason Harry. Way to think that one through,” Hermione said sarcastically. “If she wanted a date, why didn’t she say anything to us?” Harry asked unhappily. “Don’t know. Maybe she didn’t want you to think she was desperate and ask her out of pity” “But she was desperate enough to go with Malfoy! He probably only asked her out of pity.” “I don’t think so. I think he kind of likes her,” Hermione said. Harry’s eyes widened but didn’t say anything. He just watched helplessly as Ginny, Dawn, and Draco began dancing together. He hated to admit it, but it looked like the redhead was actually having fun with his enemy. When did things get so out of hand? The girl who had a crush on him since she was eleven had suddenly turned into a young woman who was on a date with his rival. How did this bloody happen? Ginny was overwhelmed by all the attention she was receiving. Suddenly she was swamped with boys wanting to dance with her. Knowing her part of the plan she said yes to as many as she could and kept her attention firmly away from Harry. She began to understand what Dawn had been telling her over the past couple of days. That she had been perpetuating her image of being Ron’s little sister and in order for others to see her differently, she had to see herself differently first. She hadn’t really believed the brunette either when she had told her how beautiful she actually was. But if even Draco could see it, then maybe it was true. Dawn chanced a glance over at Harry and saw his jealous gaze follow Ginny. A sly smile graced her lips as she watched him mentally berate himself and a slow song began to play. ~Draco, go ask Ginny to dance.~ ~What if I wanted to dance with you?~ ~Too bad. Just make sure that you guys look friendly with each other.~ ~Shouldn’t be too hard, she’s actually kind of likable.~ Dawn just rolled her eyes, ~You’re too kind.~ He smirked and went over to Ginny. “I wish to dance.” She flashed him a smile and said, “Wish granted.” He easily pulled her into his arms and began dancing. “So how has your evening been?” He asked. “Haven’t seen you for a while.” She blushed and said, “It’s been great. For some reason all these boys keep asking me to dance.” “Just because Potter’s too much of a git to see you doesn’t mean others are blind. I can’t believe I’m actually about to say this, but you really are quite beautiful.” She began to think that he would never stop amazing her. A Malfoy was giving her, a Weasley, a compliment. Would wonders never cease? All she could do was smile back and say, “Dawn was right.” “About what?” “There’s more to you than what meets the eye.” Before he could say anything Pansy ‘accidentally’ bumped into them. “Oops, sorry Drakie. Stooping even lower by dressing as a muggle and dancing with a Weasley. Wait ‘til your father hears of this.” Draco’s body tensed at the mention of his father. “I seriously doubt that he would care Pansy. Now why don’t you run along and join the rest of the sheep.” Her eyes narrowed dangerously, but she walked away. Spike and Buffy noticed the brief confrontation from across the room. “Things are only going to get worse for him,” Buffy said sadly. “He’s strong. Plus he has us to support him,” Spike said as he put his arm around her. “He has Dawn, and it seems Ginny is also in his corner,” Buffy added. “Have you seen demon-girl lately?” Spike asked suddenly. “No. She’s been acting kind of funny, always disappearing,” Buffy said thoughtfully. “Who has?” Xander asked as he came up to them. “Anya,” Buffy answered. “I saw her talking to that scary professor guy earlier,” Xander supplied. “Were they arguing? Cause that’s all they seem to do,” Buffy said. “Don’t know, didn’t really pay attention.” Xander said as he wandered off. Buffy and Spike just shrugged and turned their attention back to the students in front of them. The two warriors were not the only ones watching the unusual pair on the dance floor. Harry sat miserably in a corner staring at them. Nothing Ron or Hermione did or said could move him from his position. He couldn’t figure out why Ginny had spent the entire evening in the company of others, and mostly in Draco and Dawn’s company. She hadn’t even come over to talk to him all night! To top it off she had danced with the slimy git as if they were best of friends. When the hell had that happened. Whatever he was saying to her it made her blush and laugh. That right should only belong to him! What was he thinking? This is Ron’s little sister he was thinking about. But as he looked at her, she obviously wasn’t little anymore. “You know, you could just ask her to dance,” a voice whispered in his ear. He jumped and turned to see Dawn smiling at him. “What?” “Ginny. Ask her to dance.” “Why would I do that?” Harry asked, trying to sound nonchalant. “Because I know you want to,” Dawn said laughing. She gave him a gentle push in Ginny’s direction then walked away. He could hear the last dance being called and decided that Dawn was right. He located the redhead’s location and started walking towards her. But before he could reach her, Seamus had pulled her out onto the dance floor. All Harry could do was stand and watch his last chance of the evening go down the tubes. Without saying a word he turned and walked out of the hall. “Damn.” “Dawn! Such language,” Draco said in mock seriousness. “No, Harry just left without talking to Ginny.” Draco twirled them around looking for the girl in question. “No wonder, she’s dancing with Finnegan.” “Crap, crap, crap!” “Listen, will you stop worrying. I’d like to enjoy this last dance with you if you don’t mind.” Dawn looked up and looked as if she were about to protest, but smiled instead. She let herself melt into his arms and placed her head on his shoulder. Draco smiled to himself and held onto her tightly. He thought that if he died right then, he would die happy. She felt so right inside his arms, as if she was meant to be there. The world faded into the background and all that existed was him and the angel in his arms. He rested his cheek lightly on top of her head and closed his eyes, savoring the moment. The song ended and they reluctantly pulled apart and began looking for Ginny. Dawn saw her first and the redhead indicated that the two could leave without her. “Looks like Ginny found a friend,” Draco whispered in her ear. Dawn turned to him in surprise, “You used her first name.” “Why wouldn’t I? She’s practically a friend,” he said with a smile. With a smile of her own, Dawn took his arm and they walked out the hall. They took their time walking back to the Gryffindor Tower wanting to make the night last as long as possible. They talked and laughed the entire way there. When they finally reached the portrait of the fat lady, the corridor was thankfully empty and quiet. Dawn stopped and leaned her back against the wall next to the painting. “Well, I had a good time tonight.” Draco moved to stand in front of her, “Me too.” They stood in awkward silence for a moment. Dawn looked up into his gray eyes and nearly gasped at the amount of emotion she saw swimming in them. She nervously watched him step in closer and lean in to meet his lips with hers. It was a soft kiss, tender and wary as first kisses tended to be, but it sent tingles down her spine. She reached her arms up and wrapped them around his neck to pull him closer. Heaven, she tasted of pure heaven as he wrapped his own arms around her waist and held her tight to him. He groaned when he felt her tongue dart out inviting him in. He deepened the kiss until he had to break so they both could breath. “Well...um...yeah,” Dawn said breathlessly. “I think I should get inside, got class in the morning. See you tomorrow?” Draco could only nod, not trusting his voice to be able to speak. Dawn reached up and kissed him gently on the lips again before slipping out of his embrace and into the tower. “I think she likes you,” said the fat lady. “You know what? I think you’re right,” Draco said happily. He then turned to go to his own room whistling a happy tune. Previous Chapter The Slayer... Menu Next Chapter |
