Ideas
Title: Ideas
Author: little_dollface
Rating: PG
Warnings/Notes: Written for Round 4 Challenge #5 at dramione_ldws and 100quills prompt Torn. I had a feeling this one wasn't going to do all that well in the voting and it didn't (but I'm still in). I didn't super love it either but it kind of grew on me after a while. Idk.
Word Count: 499
“Stunning, isn’t it?” Draco gestured to the elaborate decorations lining the walls of the Great Hall. His eyes focused on Hermione as his arm cut through the air.
She scrunched her nose. “It’s garish. Your father is just showing off.”
“He’s trying,” he stated quietly. His tone bothered her, as if he wanted to convince her that Lucius Malfoy was somehow capable of being more than cravenly selfish. Only a fool would think this Hogwarts Rededication Ball was anything other than a transparent attempt to get back on the Governing Board.
“Some people can’t be bought.”
The way he looked at her gave her pause and for a second she regretted her harsh words. She huffed and craned her neck to look for Ron. Where did he go? They were supposed to be there together. Maybe coming with Harry and Ginny had left things too open. Did she really need to spell everything out for him?
“He left.”
She flinched slightly and glared at Draco. “Excuse me?”
“You’re looking for Weasley, right?” Grinning, he continued, “I saw him leave. Not sure with whom … a blonde, I think.”
Her heart clenched, but she refused to show any weakness. “I was looking for Ginny,” she said, with narrowed eyes.
“Too bad.” He moved closer, his nearness making her uncomfortable. The room was already too stifling this late in the summer. “I would be willing help you with your little problem.”
Hermione snickered. “Ron and I don’t have any problems,” she informed him. Quickly searching the room again she added, “And if we did, I certainly wouldn’t come to you for help.”
“Just an offer.” He raised his hands in mock defeat. “No need to get snippy.”
Moving her hands to her hips, she replied, “And why exactly would you want to help me? We’re not friends.”
His grin became wider. “But we could be.”
Part of her wanted to believe he was sincere, the same part that knitted hats for elves and always had a good word for Grawp, but she stopped herself. Malfoy wasn’t some poor elf or homeless giant; she brushed off his gesture. He was just playing games with her, taking advantage of her momentary vulnerability. The prat.
“That’ll be the day, Malfoy,” she said, scowling.
“Well, have it your way, Granger. I’ll also be returning to Hogwarts in September and the offer still stands, for your Weasley problem … should you need it.” Then he leaned in close and whispered, his breath warm and heavy against her ear, “Think about it. I’m sure we could come up with a way to get his attention.”
The moment he left, she realized her heart was beating erratically. Watching his back as he disappeared into the crowd, she hated herself for even considering his proposal. Another quick scan of the hall confirmed that Ron had indeed left. Suddenly it occurred to her that Malfoy’s “plan” might have some merit.
No, being friends with Malfoy was simply a bad idea.
Author: little_dollface
Rating: PG
Warnings/Notes: Written for Round 4 Challenge #5 at dramione_ldws and 100quills prompt Torn. I had a feeling this one wasn't going to do all that well in the voting and it didn't (but I'm still in). I didn't super love it either but it kind of grew on me after a while. Idk.
Word Count: 499
“Stunning, isn’t it?” Draco gestured to the elaborate decorations lining the walls of the Great Hall. His eyes focused on Hermione as his arm cut through the air.
She scrunched her nose. “It’s garish. Your father is just showing off.”
“He’s trying,” he stated quietly. His tone bothered her, as if he wanted to convince her that Lucius Malfoy was somehow capable of being more than cravenly selfish. Only a fool would think this Hogwarts Rededication Ball was anything other than a transparent attempt to get back on the Governing Board.
“Some people can’t be bought.”
The way he looked at her gave her pause and for a second she regretted her harsh words. She huffed and craned her neck to look for Ron. Where did he go? They were supposed to be there together. Maybe coming with Harry and Ginny had left things too open. Did she really need to spell everything out for him?
“He left.”
She flinched slightly and glared at Draco. “Excuse me?”
“You’re looking for Weasley, right?” Grinning, he continued, “I saw him leave. Not sure with whom … a blonde, I think.”
Her heart clenched, but she refused to show any weakness. “I was looking for Ginny,” she said, with narrowed eyes.
“Too bad.” He moved closer, his nearness making her uncomfortable. The room was already too stifling this late in the summer. “I would be willing help you with your little problem.”
Hermione snickered. “Ron and I don’t have any problems,” she informed him. Quickly searching the room again she added, “And if we did, I certainly wouldn’t come to you for help.”
“Just an offer.” He raised his hands in mock defeat. “No need to get snippy.”
Moving her hands to her hips, she replied, “And why exactly would you want to help me? We’re not friends.”
His grin became wider. “But we could be.”
Part of her wanted to believe he was sincere, the same part that knitted hats for elves and always had a good word for Grawp, but she stopped herself. Malfoy wasn’t some poor elf or homeless giant; she brushed off his gesture. He was just playing games with her, taking advantage of her momentary vulnerability. The prat.
“That’ll be the day, Malfoy,” she said, scowling.
“Well, have it your way, Granger. I’ll also be returning to Hogwarts in September and the offer still stands, for your Weasley problem … should you need it.” Then he leaned in close and whispered, his breath warm and heavy against her ear, “Think about it. I’m sure we could come up with a way to get his attention.”
The moment he left, she realized her heart was beating erratically. Watching his back as he disappeared into the crowd, she hated herself for even considering his proposal. Another quick scan of the hall confirmed that Ron had indeed left. Suddenly it occurred to her that Malfoy’s “plan” might have some merit.
No, being friends with Malfoy was simply a bad idea.