A Bunch of Love and Hatred

you look wonderful tonight

They didn't know that everything was just for a show. The usual bickering, name callings, pretending they mutually hate each other, all of them were just acts, a skit believed by all. None of them had any idea that they were all done on purpose.

Hermione Granger, the most brilliant witch of her age as they say, was heading to the astronomy tower-- at midnight. She didn't mind the cold atmosphere and the eery sounds at the corridors, eager to reach her destination.

Well, she have always done it a couple of times, sneak from the gryffindor's common room, day or night. And if fate allows, not be caught by the roaming Filch and his filthy cat and be in detention for a whole week. It has never happened before, though. In fact, the astronomy tower has already became their rendezvous whenever they want to see each other, and actually, it had already became their habit, their leisure.

Careful not to be seen, she turned her head from left to right as she walked her way through the spiral stairs that lead her to the top of the tower. Upon arriving at the top, she was met by a marvelous view of the stars above, shining brightly and twinkling colors of red, blue, and white.

To her delight, he was already there, waiting for her patiently. Hands crossed on his chest, leaning his shoulder on the stone cold pillar and said in a husky voice, "You're late."

It was Draco Malfoy. He placed both of his hands in his pockets, and slowly stepped towards Hermione Granger, who stood in front of him. She gave him a smirk, and proceeded to smile at the blonde in front of her.

"I'm sorry, had to wait until everyone's asleep." She replied.

"I realized I was quite-- over the top, a while ago." He caressed her cheek with the tip of his cold, slender fingers, leaned forward that she could feel his breath on her face. "I'm sorry about that ..."

Hermione reacted to his touch by closing her eyes, and with a warm smile, she whispered, "the more rude and uncalled for, the more realistic," she stared at his silvery blue eyes, "the more realistic, the better."

The space between their faces became so little that their personal spaces have already been invaded by the other, but none of that mattered to them. In fact, Hermione felt like he was going to go for a kiss because he had been staring at her lips for a second now, biting his lower lip. She closed her eyes and waited for the kiss on her lips, but instead, she felt his warm lips on her forehead, both his hands fell on her slender waist. And then, he began to move, more like a sway. Like in dancing.

"What are you doing?" Hermione chuckled. Her curls bouncing on her shoulders.

"What do you think?" He then took her hand and placed it into his while the other was comfortably placed on the blades of his shoulder, "we're dancing."

Draco took the lead since he was the better dancer between the two of them, which she willingly admitted, too. They made the tower their own dance floor, occupying the empty, large space in the middle, and spun her around and around and around. He constantly hummed a few melodies that served as their music. He's also a good singer, honestly.

Finally, they slowed their movements and Hermione rested her chin on his shoulder. Their bodies were so close they could almost capture the warmth of one another.

"Granger," he whispered to her ear, "admit that i look so good tonight." She laughed.

"You already know you're the best dancer between the two of us. But i don't think i could agree on the other." She teased.

"Aww, but you were eyeing me out just after you entered the room." He leaned back and took a good look on her now flustered face, a smirk plastered on his face.

"I am not, Draco Malfoy! Maybe it was you who's checked me out. Did you like my new jumper?"
She crossed her arms on her chest and gave a wide grin.

He shrugged his shoulders and took his chin with his hand, "It was very stylish of you, and you look amazing."

"I'd take that as a compliment." She beamed at him.

Everything happened so fast that suddenly, his cold hands were cupping both her red cheeks, and they both stared deep into each other's eyes, no one daring to turn their gaze away.

"Damn, Hermione Granger, I love you so much."

It was out of nowhere but still, it sounded romantic to her ears. She grabbed his hands from her face, put it on her waist and rested her arms onto his shoulders, hugging his neck.

"Draco Malfoy, I love you too, and yes," she giggled and nodded playfully, "you look wonderful tonight."

They stared at each other like that for a moment and after, they both giggled at themselves. Even though everything was rather pointless, going into the astronomy tower at midnight, doing nothing but sweet talks and dancing, they'd take all risks just to be able to see each other before the night falls.

"I think we could call this a night." Draco suggested and Hermione replied nods.

They were already out of the astronomy tower and were about to split ways since their common rooms lie in the opposite places at Hogwarts. But before Hermione could even turn around, Draco pecked her on lips chastely, smiled, and left the brunette beaming all by herself as she walked her way to the Gryffindor common room.

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Credits to the original owner of the photo and all other rights goes to J.K. Rowling and her amazing works.