Hidden Feelings - A Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter Twenty-Seven

"I've never been so thankful for having a friend who thinks ahead so much," I breathe out as we enter the hair salon. The place is incredibly packed, every stylist occupied as a crowd of girls wait for their appointment to start.

"Imagine coming in here without having scheduled anything," Hermione giggles.

I laugh. "You really think people would try that the day of the only dance we're getting at Hogwarts?"

"I'm certain. Look," she says, pointing to the front desk where a red-faced Slytherin girl waves money at the woman's face.

We have to wait longer than we anticipated, but once we're finished, it's totally worth it; Hermione's hair is treated for the frizz and curled, smoother than I'd ever seen it, the top pulled up into a half up half down look. Wanting to experiment with my hair, it's layered so it could be pulled into a low bun with the shorter strands curled, framing my face. We both have to refrain from hugging each other when we see our new looks; as silly as it sounds, the whole idea of dressing up like this makes me incredibly excited.

We make our way back to the castle to get ready, our dresses hung up in advance. Hermione gets changed first, and when she exits the bathroom, I let out a squeal, jumping to my feet.

"Oh, Hermione...you're going to make Ron so sorry," I giggle, admiring her blue flowing dress. She bites back a smile.

"Very funny."

When I get into the dress, I stare at my reflection in the mirror for a moment, studying the dress. In the store with Hermione back in the summer, I wasn't sure if it was the right choice; but now I know that it is.

It's a sleeveless grey dress which wouldn't regularly my my first choice; however, the light color almost made it appear silver, the top section covered in lace before flaring out at the waist into regular material with a lace trim. It doesn't go out too far, but layers of fabric beneath the dress give it some thickness that makes it look like a ball gown. I step out of the bathroom with a smile, spreading my arms a little.

"So?"

"It looks even more amazing on you than before!" she squeals, clapping a little. "You're going to make all the guys wish they asked you sooner."

"Oh, that's a good compliment," I sigh, smiling teasingly. "I wish I'd thought of that."

"Making Ron sorry is enough for me," she laughs. "Makeup last?"

I nod, returning to my desk that has a mirror and all my makeup set out. About ten minutes later, we're ready to walk down.

"Wait," I suddenly gasp, rushing back into the room before Hermione closes the door. I grab the ring that I had set down on my desk earlier, slipping it onto my finger. "Thanks, Mione."

"I was meaning to ask where you got that," she says, closing the door as we start down the hall.

"The ring?" I confirm, glancing down at it. You don't know it was from him.

"Yes."

"Well, it got sent to me last Christmas. I never found out who it was from," I explain, running my hand along the railing on my way down the stairs.

"Really?" She frowns a little at me. "That's odd. Some sort of secret admirer?"

Oh dear god, I hope not. "I'm not sure."

When we exit the common room, the corridors are filled with people on their way to the great hall. Hermione and I glance at each other, both of us holding our breaths as we near the door. Adam has been somewhat of a mystery over the past weeks; I've only seen him passing by in the halls, where he'd offer a cute smile or a wink. Each time I'd simply smile and wave. The last time we talked, he agreed to wait at the bottom of the stairs for me.