♕ seventeen

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 Draco could've skipped down the halls and whistled Christmas tunes, he was so happy. The feeling Hermione gave him- it was like a bubble in his chest that would never pop, that would always keep him up and running. 

He rounded the corner and felt the bubble pop as he found himself face-to-face with Cormac McLaggen.

"Oi, watch it snake," McLaggen growled. He was obviously still aggravated from their run-in at the party. At least Draco could now say that he and Hermione were together without lying about it.

"Sorry," was all Draco said. He walked away quickly, dreading a conversation.

"Hold up, Malfoy."

Draco inwardly cringed and turned slowly on his heel to face McLaggen, who was pointing a finger lazily at him.

"You're taking Granger to the ball?" he asked, more of a statement than a question.

Draco nodded. Just the thought of it brought the bubble back to life. He couldn't help but grin a little.

"Yes, I am," he said happily.

McLaggen's arm dropped to his side.

"And how long has this been going on between you two?"

Draco rolled his eyes. The last thing he wanted now was an interrogation. They had a Ron-be-Gone meeting in five minutes, and Ginny would most likely be digging his grave tonight if he was late.

"None of your business," Draco answered curtly. "Now if you'll excuse me..."

He tried to walk away swiftly but McLaggen interrupted him.

"How long d'you think it'll last?" he said smugly. Draco stopped in his tracks and turned slowly around, instantly territorial.

"What're you implying, McLaggen?" he asked cooly. McLaggen shrugged.

"I'm just saying... Granger and her friends used to hate you. They used to despise you. They're probably up in Gryffindor tower making fun of you right now. It's only a matter of time before she remembers how slimy you are. Why not save us all the trouble and just end it now?"

Draco shook his head. Who did this idiot think he was?

"Wow. I'm really upset," he said dryly. "That was a good one."

McLaggen's glare hardened as Draco strutted away, his happy mood returned.

And his cheerful attitude was sustained for much longer when he entered the Ron-be-Gone meeting. He had made it just on time, and although he was the last to arrive everyone greeted him with smiles and embraces. The second Draco's eyes met Hermione's the bubble was back, floating buoyantly at the top of his heart. He took the armchair next to hers and Hermione wrapped her fingers around his, running her thumb over his knuckles comfortingly. Draco smiled like an idiot over at her as seven identical expressions stared back at them.

After a couple moments, Hermione realized her friends were staring. 

"What?" she asked, annoyed. "Two people can't hold hands around here?"

"Uh, no," Blaise said hurriedly, "no, we love handholding. Hold away."

The group was silent for an awkward amount of time. 

"Anyway," Harry said with a cough, gesturing to his girlfriend, who stood with authority.  

"The ball is in three days, as you all know," Ginny announced, "And our two lovebirds need outfits. Who can help them with that?" She asked, oblivious to the giggles. Luna raised their hand. 

"I can dress Hermione!" she exclaimed airily. Ginny nodded, satisfied. 

"Thanks, Luna, you and I can help Hermione. Boys?"

The boys were still. 

Ginny gave a dramatic sigh. "Come on, guys. Draco needs help here. They need to be the best dressed couple at the dance. Let's do this for the greater good. There you go, Blaise, that's it!" She exclaimed as Blaise raised his arm tentatively. 

"Neville, awesome, I knew I could count on you." Neville shyly put his hand up. 

"There you go Harry, wow, yes, thank you!!" Draco looked up in surprise as his former nemesis raised his hand. 

"Then its settled," Ginny concluded. "Luna and I will assist Hermione with her wardrobe for the dance... while Harry, Neville and Blaise help Draco with his." 

The group nodded in agreement. 

"Alright then." 

Ginny gave Hermione a mischievous smirk.

"We're going to Diagon Alley."

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