Sixteen Candles

Chapter Thirteen

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This was the moment it all had been leading up to for Draco. First her note that was meant for Pansy, then seeing her at the dancing and smiling at her, then sending her a note that didn't even get to her, to receiving her underwear from the most unlikely guest to attend his (mostly Luna's) smashing party.

And he didn't know what to say.

So he did the first thing that came to mind. Conjuring up some Gryffindor-esque courage in his Slytherin body, Draco crossed the courtyard and stopped just short of her and her friends, Harry Potter, Pansy, and those two redhead siblings. He quickly let out a string of words, so clumsy that one would've thought that he hadn't been the most popular boy in school, but instead at the bottom of the social totem pole, "Um, Hermione, are you doing anything after classes conclude today?"

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This must be a dream. There was no other logical way to explain this; this couldn't be happening to her, she reasoned with herself. But dream or not, Hermione felt obligated to answer, as her speechlessness had left an awkward pause in the conversation. Before she could think she blurted, "Yes."

Dream-Draco looked utterly rejected, "Oh, well I'm sorry to have bothered–"

She instantly realized her mistake, "Oh bugger, I mean yes, but it's only homework… I can do it later."

She was pretty sure that Pansy's eyes had left her eye sockets. Hermione figured it's a pretty miraculous day that the infamous know-it-all puts off homework for something else.

Though, Hermione must admit that her dream-boy's smile lit up his entire face, and she mentally praised her imagination for so vividly displaying a happy glimmer in his eyes. "Oh… that's good then," Draco responded to her, "Can we meet up after classes then? Is that ok?"

"Yeah, that sounds good."

Draco nodded, and walked away, "I'll see you later today then."

Pansy couldn't even wait until the blonde had walked out of earshot before she exclaimed how she would have to help Hermione get ready for tonight, and Ginny chimed in that she would try to help tame her hair a bit more. Harry decided to occupy himself with some toast.

It took Hermione to process all of this. And when she did…

"Wait… are you telling me that wasn't a dream?"

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It was all very strange to Hermione, but in a good way. The cool coffee table that she was perched upon should've given her shivers, but the brunette was too preoccupied with staring at the blonde. The only thing she could see from the glow of the candles was him; it was like the rest of the room had faded away except for two teenagers, a cake, and sixteen candles.

"Make a wish, Hermione," Draco whispered.

For once, she didn't know what to wish for. The magic of a special birthday had brought her everything she had wished for.

So in thanks, she took in a deep breath, and blew out her sixteen candles.

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Fin.

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Author's Note.

Oh my gosh. I can't believe it's finished. Took me long enough, right? I've learned a lot of things- this is my first completed multi-chapter story. I hope you've enjoyed this light-hearted journey with me.

As we say goodbye to the craziness of Ted and Jem, and whatnot- stay tuned for my next story to be coming soon! It will be based of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. The title has yet to be decided, but it should be in the works extremely soon. Hope you join me as I try my best to successfully turn Shakespeare into Harry Potter! (And if it's any incentive, it will be a Hermione/Draco and Ginny/Blaise. Now, if that isn't enticing, I don't know what will please ya'll.)

But until then- check out my two drabble collections- Connection and Hogwarts is Still a High School!

See you all very soon!

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