The Dance

The Dance

The Dance

Looking back, on the memory of

The dance we shared, beneath the stars above

For a moment all the world was right

How could I have know that you’d ever say goodbye

“No!” She screamed, her heart in her voice. Her friends running to help her could hear her heart breaking in her voice. She heard someone yell “Stupefy!” as she ran to the prone form lying on the ground and threw herself down. Gingerly she lifted his head and placed it in her lap, tears were running down her cheeks. He was still alive, but she knew they only had moments left. A tickle of blood ran from the corner of his mouth as he turned his head to look at the face of the girl he loved.

“No, no, no. Please don’t leave me. I need you.” Sobs wracked her body as she grabbed his hand. “It’ll be okay. We’ll get Madame Pomfrey. Someone get Madame Pomfrey!” She turned and yelled at the crowd of students gathering behind them. She barely registered one of the younger students turning and running for the castle.

“You can’t leave me, I need you. Oh please don’t leave me.”

He turned his face to her. She looked at the features she loved so much. His pointed chin and pale blond hare, icy gray eyes that she knew could warm her from the inside out. She looked into his eyes and saw the inevitable. The icy gray eyes were fading, she cried harder and gripped his hand.

“I love you.” With those words, the beautiful boy died in her arms.

She kissed his face and held his lifeless body to her. As she held his body and rocked back and forth, she remembered everything about him and that year together.

****

“Miss Granger, you will partner with Mr. Malfoy.”

“But Professor…” Professor Dunbar cut Hermione’s objection off.

“You are the two best dancers I have Miss Granger. No objections, you will partner each other.” Professor Dunbar, the dance teacher, looked between the two angry students. “Also, at the end of the year recital you will be the closing act. I expect you to choreograph you own dance. During class time, you may use the small studio.” Hermione and Draco stood there, staring at her in disbelief.

“Well? Don’t just look at me, get to work.” With that, Professor Dunbar turned back to the rest of the class.

“Come on Granger.” Draco called for Hermione tersely as he entered the small studio and looked back to find her still standing where he had left her. Hermione hurried to follow Draco into the adjoining room. She shut the door behind herself quietly and watched him as he stood with his back to her, his annoyance apparent in his ramrod straight back.

“What do you think we should do?” Hermione ventured to speak the first words. She hated to admit it, but Draco Malfoy intimidated her. When he turned to her with cold eyes, she shrunk back a little. She knew that if he wanted to hurt her, he could. Without her wand, she was no match for his six foot two inch muscular frame. A nicely shaped frame. Hermione silently chastised herself for thinking about how good looking Malfoy was. Well built or not, he was her worst enemy.

“Let’s get to work.” With that, Malfoy strode toward Hermione. She was surprised by how gently he took her into his arms. With a flick of his wand, Malfoy started the music. Hermione hadn’t expected the soft music he chose. With ease, Malfoy tuned Hermione around the room in a slow waltz.

****

Hermione felt hands tugging at her, trying to remove her from his side. She slapped them away. “Leave me alone!” Her tears slowed from sobs to a steady flow that hurt worse, because she was becoming resigned to her grief.

****

“Five, six, seven, eight.” Draco counted to the beat they started on. Hermione walked toward him from across the room at the beginning of their choreography. She’s beautiful. Stop it Malfoy! This is Granger, a mudblood.

With anger coursing through his veins, Draco passionately grabbed Hermione as she walked past him as they had written. She’s so soft. Draco’s mutinous mind strayed again to thoughts of Hermione. He redoubled his efforts to hate her, his passionate anger coming through in his dancing.

He looks so dangerous, but he’s so gentle. Hermione blushed at her thoughts. Draco was fiercely passionate today and she felt herself caught up in the dance. With renewed vigor, she got angry with herself for thinking such treacherous thoughts about Malfoy. He’s no good Hermione, you hate him and he hates you. Hermione felt herself giving herself over to the steps.