A few seconds after, Hermione begun to hear multiple footsteps heading her way. She mentally prepared herself as she expected it to be rather awkward between her and the rest of the pupils that had fought in the war, especially since she was one of the few that pushed Hogwarts away after the war.
Before she knew it, she was beginning to see faces that she recognised, even though some had changed a bit.
She began to make a mental note on those who she recognised...
Loony Lov- I mean Luna Lovegood, not changed one bit...
Wow, Nevill really grew a beard?
Fred and George Weasley...(as if I was going to let Fred die)
Oh, Ronald and Ginny with...Harry...
Ugh, Pug face Pansy Parkinson...
No way? Is that Draco? Wow, he's changed a lot. He no longer wore his hair slicked back, instead he let it fall on his face and he seemed less annoyed at the world.
How on earth did he get invited here?
Without realising, Hermione had been starting too long at Draco's chiselled face as he caught her eye. She quickly turned her head only to steal a quick look to make sure it was really him, the cocky wink she received confirmed it.
The room was filled with loud voices, many people were catching up with each other after not seeing some of them for many years. Hermione stood in her own corner trying to keep to herself whilst looking at the two remaining members of the Golden Trio.
"Hello Hermione." She jumped in response as she had zoned out slightly. She turned around to see Luna.
"Oh Luna, you scared me." She cleared her throat, "How have you been?" Hermione asked as she struggled to keep eye contact.
"I've been great. Just around still looking for a Crumple-Horned Snorkack. The usual." Hermione nodded her head in response. She opened her mouth but was interrupted by Professor McGonagall.
"Attention please." She spoke in her usual confident tone.
That woman hasn't changed one bit.
Hermione thought to herself. She smiled at her thought as it seemed to comfort her in a way.
POV SWAP : FIRST PERSON
"Thank you everyone for making an effort to get here this evening. I'm sure not many of you missed the long train journey here," I heard a few people laugh around me, she waited a while then resumed, "but I assure you it will be all worth it very shortly. We have arranged rooms for the ladys to get changed in and the same for the gentlemen. If the young ladies would like to follow me please, and if the men could follow Hagrid."
I looked to see Hagrid appear and stand next to Professor McGonagall. Once she had finished her speech, she made her way to the right side of the hall and all of the girls followed her into the dressing rooms. I spoke with Luna on the way there. She told me about all the adventures she's been on since Hogwarts and I told her about my muggle job. Although Luna and I weren't the best of friends in our Hogwarts days, she made the journey back here a little less intimidating.
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Once McGonagall ensured we were all settled in she left us to get dressed. We all split into groups of 3 as thats how many you could fit in 1 dressing room so I ended up with Luna and Ginny.
For the most part we were silent, aside from the occasional attempt at small talk and there was some obvious tension in the room so I excused myself to the bathroom to get dressed.
I changed into my gorgeous dress and decided to fix my hair and put on a bit of make up.
Once I stepped out of the bathroom I was greeted with many a gasp
"Oh my god Hermione." Ginny said with her hand over her mouth, "You look gorgeous." I giggled slightly.
"Thank you, as do you by the way. Your dress is breathtaking!" I looked her up and down and took in her light blue dress which complimented her gorgeous red hair beautifully.
Then came the awkward silence again.
Luna was getting dressed in her bathroom still so it was just me and Ginny waiting in the main lounge area. We sat there for a couple minutes before she said, "Look, Hermione. I hate this. I hate that this is awkward now. I truly do. I don't know why you became distant to us but that's none of my business, I just want us to be ok again. You remember? Hermione and Ginny? The best of friends?" I was silent and took in everything she said, then a tear escaped my eye. Ginny came over and brushed my tear away, attempting to keep my make up in tact.
"Ginny, I'm so incredibly sorry. I- I just." I broke down in tears and she took me into a hug.
"Shhhh it's ok, it's ok." She began to rub my back to comfort me, "I forgive you." Ginny whispered into my ear.
After a while, I began to calm down and fixed my make up just in time for the ball.
Luna was wearing a very... interesting dress, but none of us were surprised at that anymore.
Thought it was a bit strange, it was also beautiful at the same time. A bit like Luna herself.
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We all walked down to the ballroom with our arms linked together and we were one of the first ones to arrive.
We stood together and talked for a bit before the music began. Ginny walked up to me and asked like a gentleman if I would care to dance and I obviously couldn't refuse, so Ginny and I waltzed and laughed together like we used to.
Once more people began to flood the room we both became a bit embarrassed so stopped our foolish dancing to go and get a couple of fire-whiskeys for the three of us.
A short while later, Harry came to take Ginny away to dance with him. We shared an awkward smile and hello before he took her to the dance floor. I began to look around the room. I saw Ronald dancing with Lavender, Luna dancing with Neville and Fred and George dancing with each other, leaving an unhappy Angelina on the side. I chuckled to myself. Classic twins. I thought.
For the first time that week, I had a genuine smile on my face but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
"I have to say Granger. I think green is your colour."
I completely froze.
I could recognise that voice anywhere. That disgusting voice that would spit the words mudblood and filth in my face.
Draco Lucius Malfoy.
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I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter once again. I think my uploading plan id going to be 2-3 chapters a week hopefully. Worst case scenario I upload once a week depending on how long I want my chapters to be but I think for now, this is an ok length. Let me know what you think! Have an amazing day!