Blissful Oblivion

Chapter 23 - Moment

Sunday passed quickly, and it was almost time for dinner and so Hermione headed down to the Great Hall to find everyone. She was met at the table by Harry, Ron, Ginny, Luna and Neville.

'Hello Hermione.' Luna said.

'Hi Luna.' Hermione smiled at her friend. She had always liked Luna. She had always been so carefree and easy to be around. Suddenly Ron interrupted her train of thought.

'There is a big Quidditch game on Friday. Are you coming? It's against Slytherin.' He seemed excited, but Hermione knew it was only because he wanted to beat Draco.

Great she thought. 'Sure, I'll be there.'

'Me too.' Luna joined in.

In that moment, something occurred to Hermione. Which team would she cheer for? Gryffindor! It was like there was a voice that was inside of her head shouting the answer at her. Always Gryffindor. She shook the thoughts from her mind and focused on the people in front of her.

'You know, I was thinking about the fact that Halloween is coming up soon, and thought that we could have some kind of party.' Luna suggested, looking towards Hermione.

'I could ask Professor McGonagall. What sort of party are you talking about?'

'Hmm.' Luna looked lost in thought.

'What about a masquerade ball?!' Ginny squealed.

'Perfect! I will ask about it tomorrow.'

The boys on the table groaned at the thought of having to dress up and go to the party, but they ignored them completely, and went on about how fun it would be.

At that very moment, Draco waltzed into the hall to take his place at the Slytherin table. They both made awkward eye contact, but Hermione looked away, embarrassed. But not before she caught sight of the annoying smirk that had planted itself on his face. She smiled, looking down at the table.

After dinner, Harry walked her back to her common room, and she sat on the sofa reading a book, as usual. Just as she was starting to get into it, she was interrupted by footsteps outside of the front door.

'Draco?' She called wearily. But there was no response.

Hermione pulled out her wand and walked slowly towards the door. Pointing her wand forwards, she opened the door.

'Hermione! What are you doing?!' Draco exclaimed.

'Sorry. I called out but you didn't answer!'

'I didn't hear you. Now could you please lower your wand from my face?'

Hermione did as she was told and put her wand back into the inside pocket of her jacket.

'What were you doing out here anyway?' She asked.

'Thinking.' Was all he answered.

'About what?' She refused to let the subject go.

'About you.' He looked straight into her eyes as he spoke.

'Me?' She said, almost chocking on the word.

'Seeing you at dinner made me realise how much I wanted to do this.'

Hermione was surprised as Draco strode towards her, grabbing her arms and draping them round his neck. He pulled her closer, so that her body was pressed against his and placed his hands on her waist, until finally, he kissed her. The soft touch of his lips moving against hers sent her into a blissful oblivion that she couldn't escape. All of her worries disappeared until eventually she had to pull back for air. He placed his forehead against hers and they stood for a moment, not saying anything until finally, Hermione spoke.

'What was that for?' She asked, still breathing heavily.

'I'm sorry about the last few days. I just didn't know what to say to you. What people would think. But then I realised. I don't care. I just want to be with you Hermione.'

'Good.'

Draco arched an eyebrow, confused.

'I want to be with you too.' Hermione leaned in to kiss him again.