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Cornerstone of Misery by Draco_Scorpio
Chapter 11 : Dance With Me Tonight
Rating: MatureChapter Reviews: 3

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“Look around, there’s a whole lotta pretty ladies but none like you – you shine so bright. I was wondering if you and me could spend a minute on the floor up and close getting lost in it. I won’t give up without a fight…”


George’s hand was clasped around Hermione’s and all Draco could do was boil beside Astoria, pretending to even care what was happening around him. Hermione hadn’t once looked at him since they went outside, but it wasn’t as if she was pointedly not looking at him, she was actually involved in what was going on around her. Ginny had just announced some big news and the girls were all sitting there, chatting, while the men were sipping at their butterbeer, congratulating Harry. He must have proposed because Ginny was flashing her left hand everywhere.

Draco thought a nasty thought; of course Ginny would be attracting the attention, that’s all she ever did. If someone didn’t notice her, she would make a big show so they would. Selfish prat. Hermione’s skin glowed from the flowers on the table and her eyes sparkled with amusement. She looked so natural and beautiful in that moment. Astoria squeezed his hand, noticing his distraction, and he looked at her. Her wide eyes were open, telling him to smile so he fixed his usual lopsided grin and tried to pay attention to his parents.






Hermione watched out of the corner of her eye as Draco wrapped his arm around Astoria, pulling her close. If she didn’t know this was all for show, she probably would have left then and there. But just because she knew they felt nothing for each other, it still hurt her to watch Draco have his arms on another woman. George pulled Hermione away from their friends as soft orchestral music filled the canopies. He pulled her in close to him and she inhaled through her nose deeply. He smelt wonderful, though she couldn’t place what it reminded her of. They began to dance slowly, his big hands travelling down to her hips. She let them rest there as her arms entwined around his neck. She rested her head across his chest, closed her eyes and they just stood there, swaying to the rhythm of the song. She imagined herself somewhere else. Not at Draco’s engagement party. She and George were in her small apartment, just enjoying each other’s company.

Hermione wished she could love George the way she loved Draco. It would be so easy for both of them. George was left without his partner in crime and he was floundering about what to do with the rest of his life. He worked every day in a haze, not caring about what happened. He just wanted Fred back. Fred would never come back though. He would never see his cheerful face walk through the door, cracking a joke as he sat down at their dinner table. Hermione hugged George closer and he responded positively. If Hermione loved George, she could look after him. She wouldn’t try to fill that hole; instead she would do anything to make him feel happier every day. She imagined their kids; red hair, freckles, buck teeth and frizzy hair. It was all she could do to stifle a laugh. George’s hands started stroking her back lightly and she looked up at him.

“I’m ready to go home now. Your stroking has made me tired.” She smiled at him, and he smiled back. She unwound her arms from around his neck and grabbed a hold of one of his hands. “Harry, Ron, I’m leaving now. I will see you all later.” Harry stared at their hands, an uncertain look danced across his face before he smiled at them and wished them goodnight. They left the party without looking back and apparated straight to Hermione’s place. She unlocked the door to a grumpy Crookshanks, whom she scooped up into her arms and pressed her face into his thick orange fur.

“Nice place” George commented, noting the hundreds of piles of books inside. He went and sat on the couch while she went to her bedroom. She happily kicked off her heels, her feet crying out with comfort. The next thing she took off was her stockings. She rolled them down her slender legs before throwing them in the dirty clothes basket in a corner of her room. She strolled out several minutes later in warm pyjamas, Crookshanks still in her arms. She sat beside George and rested her head on his shoulder. He draped his arm across her shoulder and she snuggled in closer. She couldn’t understand how this could be so effortless and yet they had no romantic interests towards each other. He shifted his body slightly, and while doing so he pecked her lightly on the lips. She closed her eyes and they fell asleep on the couch.







Crookshanks was grumbling early the next morning, and Hermione cracked one eye open. He was standing on guard at the door. George was still sleeping, snoring lightly under his breath. Hermione got up, and there was a cold breeze suddenly at the absence of his warm arm. She walked over to the door, rubbing her eyes and yawning. As she opened the door, she had just finished yawning when suddenly someone had pressed their lips against hers. She opened her eyes to see shining silver blonde hair and a pale face. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, but she pushed him off of her.




“What are you doing here?” She hissed, pushing Draco outside.


“I had to do that one last time.” He looked miserable and Hermione’s heart clawed up her throat.


“Last night was meant to be the last time I saw you” Hermione whispered, hearing the couch creak.


“I know, but please. Can I just kiss you once more before I leave? Astoria told me to come here.” His steel eyes were soft and wretched. She heard a soft pop come from inside and registered that George had left. She stared at Draco, and she bit her bottom lip unsure on how to answer. But Draco wasn’t waiting a moment longer and the next thing she knew, they were kissing passionately just inside her door. His hands gripped her to him tightly as the tripped back onto the couch. Her hands found the buttons on his shirt and she started to unbutton it. A cold spidery hand slipped up under her shirt and she let out a soft moan. It wasn’t until his hands started to move down to her bottoms that she pulled them up. Her mouth left his, but she cupped his face so he didn’t continue. He looked at her, his eyes full of love and lust. She let out a sad groan and slid out from under him.


“No. We can’t do this. You’re getting married soon. I think you need to go.” Draco was breathing hard, but he nodded sadly. He button his shirt back up as she smoothed his hair out. He stared at her while she did this and she blushed slightly under his gaze.


He kissed her once more before leaving and she was left sitting on the couch, misery crashing over her body.




15, October 1999

Wedding bells chimed as Draco stood up at the altar. It wasn’t until the Wedding March began that he turned to face south, to watch Astoria glide slowly and elegantly towards him. The grass was a vibrant green and it was soft and smooth under their bare feet. Everyone was sitting on cushioned wooden chairs. Astoria shone under the sun, the crystal beads on her white dress throwing tiny dancing rainbows on everything. Her veil was small and just covered one eye, which he found oddly amusing.

The priest was halfway through his sermon when suddenly Renae strode down the aisle. Her long blonde hair shimmering brightly under the sun and her blue eyes blazing with anger. She reached Draco within moments, pulled her arm back and slapped him across the face with everything she had. Blood bloomed on his bottom lip and he stared at her, shocked.

“You fallacious, ignorant son of a bitch!” She cried out. Everyone was sitting there, stunned at this sudden outburst.

“Renae, what are you doing here?” Draco whispered, his eyes darting around the space, making sure no one was doing anything.


“I think you know why I’m here” she said crossly, her eyes wild and fiery.

“Look, I chose to be here with her. I chose to marry her, please leave” Draco pleaded but Renae didn’t budge.

“You didn’t choose her, she stole you. She’s an uppity bitch!”  Renae’s voice reached a shrill level, and Draco winced. He glanced back at Astoria and her face was contorted with anger and disgust.


“Who the Hell do you think you are?” She snapped at Renae, and Draco looked torn between the two. Renae was giving him the chance to leave and return to Hermione, but he was promised to Astoria.


“Look, why don’t we go somewhere a little more private?” Draco hissed at the pair and they all strode towards the small greenhouse a few metres away. Once inside, there was so much tension he was surprised the girls’ hair wasn’t on end and spitting at each other like aggravated cats. “Renae, why are you here?” He asked again, blocking Astoria from her with his body. “You’re making a mistake. Have you seen Hermione after that episode?” Her eyebrow rose on the word and Draco shook his head, confusion clear on his face. Renae let out a deep, annoyed sigh before replying. “She’s upset all the time. No one sees her outside of work, but it’s evident she’s crying all the time. You have no idea of the effect you had on her. She might not have been your first, but you sure were hers and that meant more to her than any other girl you’re likely to meet. She still hoped, even after your engagement part, she still hoped that you two had a chance. She is in her house, right now, most likely crying her eyes out again because she’s aware it’s your wedding day. She sometimes wishes that you two never got together so she wouldn’t have had to go through all this. After everything she did and went through, everything with Voldemort and Bellatrix, she did it all for the promise that you two would reconnect. Now, you can stay here and marry this slapper, or you can hold to your promise to Hermione and go to her house right now. It’s your choice.” Renae smiled grimly at him before disapparating. Draco stared at the spot Renae was just standing, dumbfounded. There was a soft pop noise and he was gone. He appeared in Hermione's lounge room without her realising and just stared at her. She looked miserable and his gut wrenched. He strode over to her, picked her up, much to her surprise and pressed his lips against hers. They were so soft and supple. They melted under his touch and gave way to his burning passion. They stood there, swaying as if to music.


*Everything recognizable belongs to J.K Rowling. Lyrics to Dance With Me Tonight belong to Olly Murs.
I'm sorry for the horrid layout of this chapter. This is what happens when I'm rushing and copying from Microsoft Word. I promise to fix this ASAP.
In the meantime, enjoy this chapter I threw together kinda last minute and let me know. Cheers!


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