There Were Those Moments

September 6, 2011

Disclaimer: After eight years of being an avid reader of Draco and Hermione fanfiction, I finally came up with my own story. It's nothing much (it probably even sounds generic), but it was really something I wanted to try and accomplish. I do hope you enjoy this light read! Reviews will be very much appreciated.

Chapter 1:

In 4th year, Hermione Granger descended the marble staircase wearing a lovely pink frock. The dress flowed gracefully in ways that caused many to be astounded. She was a vision—hair styled in a unique twist, revealing a pleasant face that not many realized she had. It felt new that she carried neither heavy books nor her usual messenger bag; just a simple matching clutch she held on to very nervously. One of the Patil twins had gushed about how beautiful she looked, Harry Potter could not keep his eyes off his dear friend, and even Draco Malfoy thought she looked half-decent.

But that, of course, was a very underplayed version of what he genuinely thought.

That evening, Viktor Krum had been her date. It was awkward yet giddy—exactly how a first date was expected to be. He was a complete gentleman; very traditional but a bit thick—however, she blushed each time he flashed a lopsided smile or took her waist to lead her around the Great Hall. Once, he brought her to the refreshments table to fill for her a goblet of light punch. There, Draco Malfoy stood; quietly sipping his own drink.

"Ah, Draco," Viktor greeted in his heavy Hungarian accent, holding out a large hand to shake Draco's.

"Viktor," Draco nodded, taking his hand firmly. "Granger," he acknowledged, giving a curt bow while flashing the tiniest of smirks—a smirk that only Hermione caught.

"Malfoy," Hermione replied, keeping a stoic face and avoiding all eye contact. "Viktor, is it alright if we head back to our table?" she suddenly asked, forcing a polite smile.

"Oh, I vas just going to ask if I could have a moment vith some of my friends? It von't be long," he assured, his voice low yet courteous. He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and motioned to Draco. "Perhaps Draco can keep you company, yeah?" he faced the blonde, smiling at him for the favor he just asked.

Hermione nearly choked from the punch. "Oh, that's really not—"

"Go on ahead," Draco suddenly spoke. "We'll just be here."

"Thank you," Viktor clapped Draco on the shoulder. "I'll be right back, Hermin-niny."

A few short seconds after Viktor had left, Hermione took a sip from her punch and cleared her throat. "This really isn't necessary, Malfoy. You can go now."

"And get on Krum's bad side once he realizes I left his date alone after specifically asking me not to? I think not. He asked me for a favor, Granger. I'm a man of my word."

"Whatever," Hermione muttered under her breath, biting her tongue from commenting that she hardly thought he was a man. After all, he was doing something somewhat nice—except she didn't know what his deal was.

They stood a broom's length away from each other—Draco's arms were crossed while Hermione took a sip of her punch every so often. All around, students were dancing. Even Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore had managed to leave the teacher's table and shared a fun dance with Neville, Seamus and Ginny.

"Shouldn't you be with your date?" Hermione asked, placing her goblet down on the refreshments table and crossing her arms as well.

"I never considered Pansy my date," he spoke, the smirk never leaving his striking features. "She was merely…convenient."

"You're a pig."

Draco snorted at her remark. Hermione waited for a harsh or sarcastic reply, but nothing came. At that point, Viktor had returned with two plates of pumpkin pies from the dessert table. "Draco, thank you for keeping my Hermin-niny company," he bowed his head gratefully.

"It was a pleasure," he nodded, facing Hermione all of a sudden. "Evening, Granger."

And with that, he walked off in his usual swagger leaving Hermione utterly speechless.

The night came to an end and Hermione found herself crying at the bottom of a deserted staircase. Of course, the evening would've been perfect especially after Viktor took Hermione's hand and placed a light kiss. But no, stupid Ron just had to ruin everything. She cried harder after recalling the events, feeling so hurt, angry and humiliated for what he had done and the words he chose to say. She began hiccupping, and just when she started to shiver from the cold of the castle walls, she felt an expensive-looking coat being placed over her shoulders. "Weasley's an idiot," she heard the familiar drawl. He stood just a step above her, arms crossed and shoulder leaning coolly against the stone banister. "Quite frankly, you're being a bigger idiot for crying over the likes of him."

"Malfoy," she started, her voice cracking a bit. "I would really appreciate it if you could just leave me alone."

"No," came his reply. "I think I'll stay."

"Well then, I'll go," Hermione stood, drying her eyes with the back of her hand and making a move to leave.

"I honestly think you need the company."

Hermione stopped in her tracks. "Right. So you didn't come here to make fun of me?" Her voice was cynical.

Draco shrugged. "I think Weasley's done enough of that for tonight."

Hermione fell silent; as if she was actually considering his unusually gracious offer. "Fine," she said. "But I'd prefer it if you just didn't…talk."

And so, they sat in stillness at the bottom of the deserted staircase, almost a foot away from each other. Draco took out his wand and conjured paper birds that flew exquisitely just above their heads. Together, they watched them silently.