Leather and Librarians

Round 2, Challenge #6

2008-10-04T05:25:25Z

Round 2, Challenge #6: Outside Looking In

It's all in perspective. You will be writing about Draco and Hermione's relationship from another character's perspective. How they feel about or see that relationship is completely up to you, dearest drabblers.

The drabble must be written from another character's perspective.
Drabbles must be between 100-499 words
Please do not post your drabbles (or alternate versions) anywhere else until the challenge is over.
What you wrote is to remain private/anonymous until the results are revealed.
Please refrain from drabbling explicit sexual or violent situations.
Comments on this post will be screened. Please comment with your submissions, and put the following information at the top of your comment:

Title:
Rating:
Warnings:
Word Count:
Submissions are due by 11:59pm United States East Coast Time (New York) on Wednesday, October 8th (This is GMT -4)

Your name will be crossed off when you submit a drabble:

delayed_poet	imogen_penn used skip
kate0404 used skip	inadaze22
emm718 used skip	snowe used skip
greenschist used skip	marlaichen used skip
bookishwench skip	ravenswing34
ilkee used skip

Special hints: Self-beta-ing tips. Obviously, you can and should use spell check. bambu345 also suggests reading your drabble out loud (something we mods have been known to do) and changing the font/size/color of type, which encourages you to read your work with fresh eyes.

Friendly reminder: If you are intending to use your skip, please remember they cannot be used during the semi-finals, which are TWO WEEKS AWAY! We're halfway there, people! SQUEE!

Good luck!

Round 2 Challenge #5: Results

2008-10-04T04:06:34Z

The Great Cliché Challenge!!

This was a really fun week! The clichés in these drabbles made us both cringe and laugh, and we thank each of you for the incredible contributions to this week’s challenge!!
(NOTE: banners will be up when they’re ready!)

This week’s winner, with a total of +16 points (16 votes), is ilkee, who wrote “How I Fell In Love with My Wife”.

I got a week’s reprieve from this part, my least favorite part. However, this is just a part of the challenge. We must say goodbye to someone, and this week, it’s just one participant. Thank you so much for joining this challenge! We wish the very best to dynonugget! Thank you so much for playing! And happy writing!

As a very special BONUS award this week, we’re also awarding dynonugget with the “Most Clichés Award!” Hope you like the surprise prezzie!

This week’s mod’s choice was fresh, fun, and smart. We laughed, we cried … Well, maybe not! Congratulations to imogen_penn for writing “For the Good of the Country”!!

The authors’ names have been revealed on the voting post.

Feedback: Will NOW be emailed to those who indicated at the beginning of the challenge that they wanted it. Sorry for everything, especially delayed_poet for the confusion!

Other results:

1. emm718 – With You (-4 points, 8 votes)
2. delayed_poet – The Spark (-5 points, 13 votes)
4. greenschist – The Head Students’ Bathroom (+4 points, 4 votes)
5. ravenswing34 – Sex Kitten (0 points, 6 votes)
7. inadaze22 – Oh How I Love Thee … Let me Count the Cliches (-3 points, 7 votes)
8. imogen_penn – For the Good of the Country (+4 points, 12 votes)
9. snowe – The Granger Problem (-1 point, 7 votes)
10. bookishwench – Subtlety is Relative (+4 points, 10 votes)
11. marlaichen – Ignited Passtions (0 points, 0 votes)

Voter count this week: 48 Not too bad, considering we skipped a week. We increased our votership this week!! Help us do even better next week! Next challenge up soon!

Round 2 Challenge #5: Voting

2008-10-02T12:29:28Z

Well, here we are in week 5. We hope the extra week was useful!!

A couple of things to remember when deciding which drabbles to vote for (most and least favorite):

Guidelines:

Which drabble best incorporates the prompt?

2. Is the drabble clever, different, fresh? Does it evoke an emotional response (good or bad)?

3. Does the drabble contain grammar, canon or spelling errors?

The “feedback” option.

As a voter, you have the option of leaving a brief statement about why you voted the way you did, for both most and least favorite. Your feedback will then be given to the drabble writer (if they want the feedback) ANONYMOUSLY.

Example: Most – #40: the ending was brilliant – OR – Least – #57: the ending fell flat

Here we go for week 5!

Choose your favorite and least favorite drabbles. Favorites will receive +1 point per vote, and least favorites -1 point per vote. Once again (despite the rules), we’ll only be eliminating one author this week.

Participants using a skip:
kate0404

Voting ends at 11:59pm, Friday, October 3, 2008.

The Great Cliché Challenge!

1

Title: With You.
Author: emm718
Rating: G
Warnings: A bit taken from that 70’s show. Paraphrased.
Word Count: 499

“We’re stuck in here.”

“Yes.”

“Together.”

Hermione rolled her eyes pointlessly, as it was too dark for her companion to notice and tried to light her wand again. Inexplicably, it wouldn’t glow. She grimaced. “We just have to find the door, no need to panic, Malfoy.”

“I’m not panicking,” he exclaimed, but the screech in his voice contradicted him. “And there isn’t a door.”

She sighed because he made a good point, when she followed Crookshanks into this alcove, she never did pass through any barrier whatsoever. Not even a magical one, as far as she could tell. “Well if there’s a way in, there’s a way out.” She reached out her hand, blindly searching for some sort of purchase to give her an indication of her surroundings, but all she could feel was nothingness. However, she wasn’t deterred; she continued to reach as her feet took tentative shuffles forward. Her diligence paid off when her fingers came into contact with a solid roughness. “A’ha!”

“What is that?” Draco’s voice held an edge.

“I found a wall.”

“Well done, but we weren’t looking for a wall. We want a way out.” Even in the darkness, she could feel his sneer.

“Yes, well if we follow the wall the way we came, eventually we will get out.” She paused ephemerally awaiting his response, and when it didn’t come she ordered him to follow her voice.

His unsure steps echoed until they neared her. Suddenly she stiffened. “Malfoy! You’re touching my arse!”

“Accident, Granger! ”

She held her breath anticipating his movement. “Hey! Your hand is still there!”

“It is still an accident!”

She wrinkled her nose as she grabbed his hand and laced her fingers with his, instantly surprised he didn’t object to the touching.

“What if there is a troll in here?” His whisper was harsh.

“There isn’t.”

“Or a manticore waiting to rip our heads off and feast on our dead bodies?”

“Gods, must you be so vulgar?” She didn’t understand why boys always assumed the goriest scenarios when afraid.

“We are going to die.”

She spun on him then and grabbed his face. “Draco Malfoy, be serious! We aren’t going to die!”

“Yes, we are and nobody will ever know.” He was nearly hysterical; she could hear his heart pounding against his chest and the anxiety straining his voice. So she did the only thing she could think of to soothe his stress, she kissed him. She put all she had into distracting him, but when his arms flew around her waist and he leaned into her, it threw her off balance and she stumbled backwards, taking him with her.

Then, surprisingly, they were in the middle of the hall, daylight pouring through the windows and most of Hogwarts staring at them as they slowly broke from the kiss.

She shoved him away and brushed off her robes. “Told you we’d get out.” With her face burning red, she walked away with what was left of her dignity.

2

Title: The Spark
Author: delayed_poet
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Word Count: 499

-September-

"Malfoy," Hermione said, standing stiffly on one side of the room.

"Granger," Malfoy bit out. She mentally applauded his ability to say her name without adding something derisive to it.

"We'll work together when we have to, and during the rest of the time, we'll ignore each other. Agreed?" She rather thought it was a generous offer. If he could pretend she didn't exist outside of their Head duties, she could, too.

"Agreed," Malfoy finally answered with a slight nod.

-Halloween-

Hermione sat cross-legged on the floor, leaning against the couch. The fire was alive in the hearth, flickering golden flames across the room. She was so engrossed in her letter that she didn't hear the door open.

"Don’t you ever stop studying, Granger? It's Halloween, for Merlin's sake!"

Hermione turned her tears-streaked face toward Malfoy. He looked immediately uncomfortable, but she couldn't find it in herself to care that he'd broken their agreement and bothered her outside of their Head duties.

-December-

Everyone was leaving for the holiday. Hermione stood at the small window in the Head's Common Room, looking down at the thestral-pulled carriages that were waiting to transport the children to Hogsmeade Station.

She wanted to go home, but she didn't have a home to go to. Not since Halloween. She sighed, her breath fogging the window, and she watched as the fog faded back again.

"Staying behind?" a voice asked softly behind her. She didn't have to turn to see who it was. Ever since Halloween, Malfoy had seemed to make more of an effort to leave her be; and not just her, but her friends, as well.

"I don't have anywhere to go," she answered, a trace of pain in her voice.

"Me either."

-Christmas-

Malfoy held the neatly wrapped present out to her. "Merry Christmas."

Hermione hesitantly took the gift. "Thank you," she said softly as she pulled the little silver ribbon from it. When she opened it, she found a stunning leather journal inside, engraved with her name. She looked up at Draco with moist eyes.

"Thank you," she said again, sincerely.

-March-

Hermione laughed as Draco told her a tale from his youth. He'd slowly worked his way into her life, and now she couldn't seem to shake him. She found that she didn't mind, though.

"Good night, Draco," she said as she stood up and stretched.

Draco stood, as well. He moved closer to her, his hand lifting to cup her cheek. Her breath caught in her throat as his lips moved closer to hers. He kissed her once, softly, then pulled away.

"Good night, Hermione."

-June-

The war was over.

Draco and Hermione stood hand-in-hand, looking over the grounds of Hogwarts. There was so much damage, so many dead and injured. Yet, somehow, they'd both survived.

Draco had shown his allegiance to Hermione during the battle, fighting alongside her, watching her back. Now, they walked away from it all, side-by-side.

"I love you, Draco."

"I love you, too."

3

Title: Working with Draco Malfoy
Author: dynonugget
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Implied sexual situation, crack!fic
Word Count: 493

Hermione Granger was hired to head the Department of Care of Magical Creatures only three days after graduating from Hogwarts. She was, after all, the brightest witch of the age and cutest member of the infamous Golden Trio. The only drawback was working with Draco Malfoy.

“Granger,” the youngest Malfoy sneered as he strode into her office like he owned it, “Where is that report? You were supposed to have it finished yesterday.”

“Malfoy, may I remind you that just because you think you should be the next Minister of Magic, it does not give you the right to boss me around.”

“Just you wait,” he simpered while admiring himself in the mirror. “Shacklebolt will go back to being an Auror and then the Ministry will be MINE!”

Hermione turned away; it would not do to allow him to see her laugh openly at him, but she couldn't help it.

“Are you laughing at me?” he said, his tone suddenly serious.

“I'm sorry,” she answered. “You just sound so intense! You really need to relax.”

“Hey! I have issues! My whole family is a bunch of Dark Wizards! I was quite spoiled as a child, and now I have to learn how to grow up and be a man! I've got some serious angst going on!”

“Oh, Draco,” she said as she rose from her desk. “There are so many other things to worry about. For example, you haven't asked me what color knickers I'm wearing today.”

“...”

“Well?” she huffed, hands on her hips.

“What happened to Weasley?”

“He hasn't cheated on me yet, but he will. Everyone says so.”

“So you're, um, single?”

Giggling, “Yeah.”

Shrugs, “Alright. What color are your knickers?”

“We could bother getting to know each other, and I could help you with all your angst, but it seems like such a waste when this great big desk is just waiting for us,” she said blatantly as she slipped off her robes.

Draco, hesitating only a second, allowed his eyes to roam over her. Ooh, yes, she'd been hiding quite a bit beneath those robes all these years. He licked his lips and moved closer.

“I can't wait to find out if the rumors were true,” she told him as he hiked her short black skirt up around her waist.

“The Slytherin Sex God rumors?” he asked as he pulled down his impeccably tailored slacks.

“Mm hmm,” she muttered and swiped the pile of papers out of their way.

*grunt grunt groan groan*

“Yeah, so the knickers thing was true,” he grinned a few minutes later. “I knew they'd be white.”

Blushing, Hermione bantered back, “Seems the rumors about you were not true, Draco.”

“...”

“You're not a Slytherin Sex God, but a Hogwarts Sex God! Wanna get married and have some Dramione babies?”

“Yeah, alright. We could have done worse.”

With a snort, Hermione zipped up her robes and said, “Yeah, you could have been Head Boy.”

4

Title: The Head Students' Bathroom
Author: greenschist
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Word Count: 494

“How dare you come in here, Draco Malfoy!” The Egyptian cotton washcloth that had seemed almost too luxurious for bathing was proving woefully inadequate as a cover-up. “Get out!”

Draco hooked his thumb behind the glittering “HB” badge on his chest and thrust it in her direction. “Head Boy, remember, Granger? That means--,” he resumed picking through the clothes she had left folded on the vanity, “--it's my bathroom, too. Don't you know anything about sharing?”

From the shower, she stared at his back in disbelief. “Sharing a bath doesn't mean sharing it at the same time! Anyway,” she sputtered, “this isn't about sharing. It's about basic things like respect and pri--” Hermione stopped, realizing he was still picking through her laundry. “What are you doing?”

“Looking for your knickers,” he replied, not bothering to turn around.

“What? ”

“Found them!” Like a knight with the Holy Grail, Draco held her knickers up over his head. “I knew they'd be white cotton.”

“Put them down!”

“Think of it as a good deed, Granger.” He lowered his arms and turned to her. “Half the student body can barely concentrate for all the time spent speculating about your knickers. Now I can put their minds at ease, let them get back to work.” He stuffed them into his pocket. “I might even get an award for Special Services to the School for this.”

Schoolwide speculation? About her underwear? Hermione thought she might faint from embarrassment. “I don't believe you,” she said weakly.

“Believe it.” His eyes lingered on the curves of her breasts, barely hidden by the washcloth.

At that moment, Hermione would have given up that precious cloth for her wand and the opportunity to hex his eyes out of his head. “Would you stop looking at me?”

He smirked. “Why? It's not like you have anything I haven't seen before.” The smirk broadened into a grin. “Many times before, actually.”

“Oh, right,” she snorted. “I forgot I was talking to the Slytherin Sex God. Well, I don't believe that, either, Malfoy. If you did half the things people say about you, your--” she scrambled unsuccessfully for a word that would make her sound more mature than him, “--your thing would have fallen off by now.”

Draco laughed out loud. “My thing?” Hermione was sure she was blushing harder than she ever had in her life. “That's just...precious, Granger.” He smiled like the world's best present had fallen in his lap. “You're a virgin.”

She had never felt anything quite like the mixture of embarrassment and rage that boiled her blood then. “That is none of your business! And for the last time, get out!”

“Okay, okay,” he drawled, finally turning toward the door. “Don't be embarrassed about your virginity, Granger. After all,” he paused and winked at her over his shoulder, “we have all year to take care of that.”

The door closed mere seconds before the washcloth hit it with a splat.

5

Title: Sex Kitten
Author: ravenswing34
Rating: PG13
Word Count: 489
Warnings: Cliches :D

A cloud of steam enveloped Draco as he headed into the Head’s bathroom. “Granger? Hurry up! You are over your allotted time! I know that taming that bush you call hair needs time but for Merlin’s sake…” Draco’s voice trailed off as he feasted his eyes on the vision before him. Tight butt, pert breasts, soft skin, amber hair in impossibly long waves, pink lips, luscious thighs - his brain could not keep up with visual bounty before him.

Hermione whipped her mane around and behind her as she leaned against the counter. Running a soft hand through her luxurious curls and waves, she smirked at the gaping Head Boy. Hermione knew she looked good. The year on the run and the ensuing battle had served to melt off the remaining baby fat of her youth. The extra year had also allowed her catch up to the other girls. Her mother had always said she was a late bloomer. And bloom she did. This was to be her year. She was hot and not just hot but Capital H-O-T hot!

Hermione turned around, making sure all assets were covered by her new fuchsia bra and panty set and admired herself in the mirror. Placing the last touch of bubblegum pink lip gloss to her luscious lips, she met Draco’s eyes in the mirror. “Like what you see, Malfoy?”

“Your hair! Your ti… er… your body!” Draco managed to stammer incoherently.

Hermione smacked her lips to make sure her new favorite shade was properly applied and turned around to Draco. She sauntered over to him and ran a small finger down his pajamas front.

“The extra length managed to pull out that pesky tight curl into these soft waves. The year away was good to me, wouldn’t you say? All that running and starving and sleeping in the cold managed to be the best diet a girl could ever have!” Hermione coquettishly said. Looping her arms around his neck, she pressed every curve she had tight against him. “Would you like a sample?”

Draco watched her bubblegum pink lips close in on him…

And woke up screaming.

“Draco, its okay! Its just a nightmare!”

Draco quickly ran a hand down over his wife. Bushy hair, decent breasts, slight tummy, flared hips and ample butt. He gathered his dear lovely wife in his arms and kissed her soundly.

“Another sex kitten dream?” Draco numbly nodded. “The baby and I understand, honey. The healer explained that these types of dreams are normal as you deal with my changing body,” Hermione serenely explained.

“I love you as you are - bushy hair and all!” Draco placed a light kiss on Hermione’s lips and traveled down to place a kiss on her slightly burgeoning stomach as well. As he welcomed the embrace of sleep, he mumbled, “I love both of you.”

Hermione’s only response was a soft smile as she too fell back asleep.

6

Title: How I Fell In Love With My Wife
Author: ilkee
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Marriage Law cliché
Word Count: 468

This was how he liked her best. Asleep.

When her dark, frank eyes were not staring at him, stretching his reluctant emotions like a rubber band, he could finally drop the scowl that had been etched on his face since the day he was told he would have to marry Hermione Granger.

As she lay in quiet surrender he could look openly at her. He could allow his eyes to take in the curve of her shoulder, to roam the resting planes of her cheeks, and the scattering of freckles on her nose. And to stare for long stretches of time at her mouth.

He hadn’t slept properly in months.

He lay next to her, in the bed she insisted on sharing, and listened to her breathing, eyes focused on her softly parted lips.

He had never really touched her. Not even to hold her hand on the day they were married. It felt like an insurmountable obstacle. The Great Wall of China.

Once, when she was sleeping, like she was now, he poked a curl lying defenselessly on his pillow.

But now, his fingers craved something far worse.

He wanted to touch her mouth.

For weeks he had been consumed with the idea. For some reason, the know-it-all’s mouth had become an obsession. With sideways glances he would catalog the many states of her mouth throughout the day. Her different smiles, a familiar smirk, pursed when she was reading, and this one, his favorite, her mouth at rest. This was the one that he sacrificed sleep for. The one he was desperate to touch.

He could do it. He could reach across and touch her mouth and be free of this madness and she would never know. He had been telling himself this for days. She would never know.

And just like he had done every night for more than a week, he slowly reached across the small space, eyes glancing up to hers to make sure she stayed locked in slumber.

But he stopped a millimeter away, the soft puffs of her hot, moist breath fanning over his fingertips and his heart racing. He watched his fingers hover over her mouth. She would never know.

He looked up at her then to see that it was safe, only to find dark, serious, eyes pinning him. His breath stuck in his throat. He was caught. Frozen in place.

Her gaze dropped to his fingertips and then back to his eyes and his heart hammered in his chest. And then her lips moved, and his eyes were riveted there, as her small pink mouth closed around his fingertip in a soft kiss.

“Wife,” he said in a surprised, strangled whisper. She smiled and wrapped her hand around his and brought it to her chest, and closed her eyes.

7

Title: Oh How I Love Thee…Let Me Count the Clichés
Author: inadaze22
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: nudity and light language
Word Count: 499

Trolls, Rita Skeeter, battles, and McLaggen’s hands were all tests that life had thrown her way; tests she had passed with flying colours. Well, tonight Hermione was being tested again. The Head Girl started up the stairs of the Astronomy Tower and instantly knew that she was going to fail this one.

She wasn’t going to survive the year without strangling Draco Malfoy.

Were they even thinking when they named him Head Boy? Apparently not! How could she work with the most egotistical, hedonistic, and indolent wizard in Hogwarts? So, he wasn’t calling her a Mudblood, but he was still an arse. And attractive—she swatted that thought and straightened her spine.

Hermione had expected to find Malfoy with a witch, but the sight of the topless fifth year had made her blush and stammer, “One hundred p-points from Ravenclaw, and a-a week of detention!”

The mortified witch wordlessly fled the scene with her hands covering her chest, leaving them alone. The Head Girl wasted no time. “You wanker!” she exploded. “I waited for you in the common room for an hour! It’s our patrol night, but here you are with some—!”

Malfoy folded his arms. “Do I detect a hint of jealousy?”

“I’m not jealous.”

“Yes, you are. I don’t blame you, though. I’m bloody sexy.”

Hermione snorted. “Your arrogance astounds me, Malfoy.”

“And so does your prudishness.”

It was only then that she realized the Head Boy had backed her into a corner. His scent and proximity unhinged her a bit, causing her voice to waver. “Stop c-changing the subject! This is the t-third time this week—”

He smirked. “Did you stutter, Granger?”

“No, now back away from me before I punch you.”

“You’re tense. You need to relax.” Malfoy hissed the final word.

Hermione held her ground. “I’m warning you, I’ll—”

“You’re not going to hit me. I’m Draco Malfoy: Slytherin Sex-God, virgin-deflowerer, and also, Head Boy.”

“We’ll see about that last one. I’m reporting you and that hussy—”

His face fell. “You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, try me.” She haughtily challenged.

Malfoy sneered.

“Not the Malfoy sneer! I’m shaking in my knickers!” Hermione exclaimed sarcastically.

“White knickers, I’m sure….” Malfoy started to go on, but caught sight of her tightening fist. “Granger, if you hit me, I’ll—”

“What? Run to daddy?”

He frowned. “Precisely.”

She scoffed. “You’re pathetic.”

“Tsk, tsk, you’re in denial, Granger.” He whispered into her ear, “You know you think I’m sexy.”

Ignoring the tingling in her stomach, the flustered witch shoved him away. He stumbled, but didn’t fall. “You’re completely deluded!” Hermione squared her shoulders and composed herself long enough to tell him about tomorrow’s Prefects’ meeting. “And you had better show up, or I’ll tell McGonagall everything.”

Draco Malfoy waited until she stormed off before he grinned, saying, “Oh, I’ll be there.”

Phase One of his ingenious plan had been a success. It was time for Phase Two….

Yes, Granger would be his before Christmas.

8

Title: For the Good of the Country
Author: imogen_penn
Rating: PG
Warnings: none...except for a high content of ridonculousness
Word Count: 498

Draco’s leather trousers let out a sort of sweaty grunting sound as he crossed his legs, fiercely staring down his father across his desk, eyes squinting in a manner that would have been intimidating if it did not make him look quite so much like a rodent.

“I don’t care if peace in the Wizarding world depends on my marrying that Mudblood, I won’t do it!” he bellowed, “And besides father, when did you join the side of order?”

“Oh it just sort of happened somewhere along the way,” Lucius airily waved a hand, dismissing the question, “Never mind that. You ARE going to marry the Mudblood, and you ARE going to take off those ridiculous leather trousers!”

“I refuse on both counts” Draco said firmly.

Just then, the door to the study opened and Guiton, the ghost butler, led in Hermione Granger.

Since the last time Draco had seen her, she had miraculously become very attractive. Hair straightened, skin tanned, a little less in some areas, a little more in others, and Draco was already reconsidering his opinion on the whole marriage thing…and the leather trousers. Truth be told, they were awfully constricting.

Like the gentleman his (only newly not evil) father (who somehow found time between the slaughtering of innocents) had raised him to be, he stood as she entered, his trousers creaking disconcertingly.

“Granger,” he said coolly,

“Malfoy,” she replied curtly.

“Granger,” he replied, indicating his approval of her new appearance,

“Malfoy,” she replied, suggesting perhaps that she appreciated the leather trousers

“Granger,” he said, taking a step towards her with intention (somehow, he knew not of what)

“Mal…”

“Oh for Merlin’s sake!” Lucius cried out, cutting Hermione off before she could evoke any more expository emotion through use of a last name. “We are here to discuss an arrangement that will benefit the entire Wizarding World, not to rip the trousers off each other. Although,” Lucius mused after a small pause, “If you are able to get my son out of those embarrassingly binding things Miss Granger, please feel free.”

...awkward pause...

“Now,” Lucius said in a business-like tone, “let’s draw up the terms of this arrangement, shall we?”

“Well obviously, there will have to be children, or no one will buy it.” Draco piped in eagerly.

“I really don’t think that’s…” Lucius began.

“Well, if it’s for the good of the country,” Hermione agreed with a not very convincing sigh, “and we should probably have the wedding as soon as possible.”

“I’m sure we can delay for…” Lucius tried to pipe in.

“I suppose if I’m being forced.” Draco agreed, “and we really ought to fall properly in love after a few months of sarcastic snarking.”

“Oh come on now!” Lucius rolled his eyes.

“For the good of the country,” Hermione said, signing her name to the contract with a long suffering sigh.

“For the good of the country,” Draco added, adding his own name.

And then they totally made out.

The End.

9

Title: The Granger Problem
Author: snowe
Rating: G
Warnings: watch out for Draco's self-delusions! :)
Word Count: 499

He couldn't remember, exactly, when the idea had first taken hold.

He'd certainly been shocked to learn that Granger, widely if grudgingly recognized as the cleverest of the first-years, was a Muggleborn, but when one hadn't any friends, and spend all that time in the library...well, he could do as well or better, if he'd tried. Still, though, there were plenty of Ravenclaw swots from proper backgrounds...it was odd. Of course, he had heard those stories of Muggles stealing wizarding children and leaving their own disgusting brats in exchange; maybe...He'd intended to ask his father about it, but Lucius had so furious over end-of-year exam results that he hadn't dared.

The idea danced around the outskirts of his brain once more when Slughorn, that fat old toady, had asked about her connections to Dagworth-Granger, founder of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. He and Nott had snickered over the idea of Miss Mudblood having such illustrious ancestry, but...well, that would explain the Granger problem quite nicely, wouldn't it? All speculation was put aside for the necessity of winning the Felix Felicis--just the thing he needed for his task. When Potter (Potter! Potter! He wouldn't even have had a place in the class if they'd still had a proper teacher!) had won, his fury and disappointment drove the notion out of his head completely.

When the Muggle-born Registration Commission had begun its investigations the following year, he'd wondered if it would turn out to be true; surely Granger would research the matter thoroughly. He couldn't imagine a school-year without her annoying presence, and surely she'd leave no stone unturned in order to come back to school. When he realized on September first that she really wasn't coming, he gave way to a mad impulse and sent her an anonymous owl with his theory. It came back later that night, unopened and, judging from the owl's dejected hoots, undeliverable. He burned the letter immediately, and wondered at his own stupidity in sticking his neck out for Granger. If anyone had found out he'd been trying to help a Mudblood...

When his mandated "service to the community" job put him across the hall from Granger's office in the Ministry, the notion changed from an idle fancy to an obsession. He scoured the Daily Prophet archives, clandestinely explored the Ministry personnel files, gradually piecing together a biography of Hector Dagworth-Granger.

It could be true--Hector was rather infamous for his dalliances with Muggle women...and the timing was right. He casually asked her about her family one day, steering the conversation towards her father's family. Her father had been raised by his mother and step-father...his mother had changed her name, but not her son's.

Granted, she'd be a half-blood, if one applied the term generously. Still, the granddaughter of Dagworth-Granger, even by way of an illegitimate squib, would rank above a Mud--a Muggleborn.

It had to be true. He just couldn't fancy a Muggleborn this way...could he?

10

Title: Subtlety Is Relative
Author: bookishwench
Rating: PG
Warnings: none
Word Count: 499

Snape’s Defense Against the Dark Arts exams were usually boring, but Goyle had a brilliant plan. Unfortunately, he was Goyle. His chosen jinx made not only Potter’s quill catch fire, but everyone else’s too, resulting in Lavender leaping into Weasley’s lap in terror.

“Granger,” Snape said, jaw twitching, “quickly retrieve more quills from the second floor supply closet or it’s fifty points from Gryffindor.”

She took off in a blur. Minutes passed, and the combination of restless students and an irate Snape spelled potential homicide.

“Draco,” Snape finally hissed, “get the quills. NOW!”

Despite himself, Draco fled the room. The supply closet door was shut when he arrived. He pulled the knob, but it was locked.

“Granger?” he yelled at the keyhole.

He heard a familiar voice swear quietly. Interesting…

“Leave!”

“No,” he drawled lazily.

“I’ll kill those two,” Hermione mumbled.

Forget interesting; Draco was downright intrigued.

“Back away from the door,” Draco said, chuckling. “One, two… Alohomora!”

The door promptly burst open.

“The quills are right there,” her voice said from the shadows. “Take them and go.”

“Not so fast,” he said, shutting the door. “The only way out is past me, and I’m not moving. Show yourself.”

Quiet sobbing came from the corner. For six years he’d been making her life hell, and she’d never cried in front of him. He didn’t know why, but he didn’t like it.

“Hermione,” he said, surprised he’d used her name, “what’s wrong?”

“Fine!” she yelled, stepping into view. “Look!”

She was almost unrecognizable. Her shoes had become high-heeled stiletto boots with marabou feathers at the cuffs. Above them black fishnet stockings disappeared under an extremely short robe. Its neckline plunged dangerously over a chest that could double as a flotation device. Heavy make-up plastered her face, including blindingly red lipstick, a knut-sized beauty mark, and false lashes so enormous he wondered if her eyelids were strong enough to blink. Stick straight hair as platinum blonde as his completed the effect.

He should have been laughing hysterically while taking pictures to send as Christmas cards. Instead, he felt ill.

“Who did this?” he asked.

She scuffed guiltily at the floor, and he noticed a sweets wrapper lying there.

“Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes Beautifying Bon-Bons?” he read. “You ate this rubbish?”

“They swore it was subtle,” she said miserably.

Fred and George knowingly making a girl who was like their kid sister resemble a tarty circus freak brought the sick feeling back.

“Why would…,” he began, then remembered Lavender leaping into Ron’s lap. “Oh. The Weasel.”

She blushed.

“But this stuff must wear off,” he said.

“In three hours!” Hermione wailed.

“I’ll bring the quills,” he sighed in resignation. “Stay here until you’re normal.”

“Thanks,” she whispered.

He glared at her bizarre, overly sexual appearance, grabbed the quills, and turned the doorknob.

“Weasley’s a fool for not seeing what’s in front of him, and you’re another for thinking you needed those sweets in the first place,” he said, then left, closing the door.

11

Title: Ignited Passions
Author: marlaichen
Rating: PG
Warnings: Implausibility
Word Count: 496

Draco couldn’t remember ever hearing of the Head Boy and Head Girl sharing a dormitory. After a three hour train ride, however, he wasn’t much in the mood to question and instead dropped his bags without a thought at the entrance of his new common room.

Yep, this was going to be a good year. Excepting, of course that one little hiccup. That one little hiccup in the form of a note inclosed with his Head Boy letter, that he dared not show to Lucius. That one little note that informed Draco who this year’s Head Girl was going to be.

With a sigh, Draco settled into the deep leather couch in the center of the common room. It was hard for him to see why he had been chosen as Head Boy, but what was even more difficult to understand was why someone had thought it a good idea to make Hermione Granger this year's Head Girl. Anyone who knew of Hogwarts knew of the infamous rivalry the two shared, as well as their loathing for one another. So who on God's green earth could have possibly thought that the school’s most turbulent year, at the center of a war, would best be governed by one of the most turbulent relationships in Hogwart’s history?

Draco closed his eyes as these and other thoughts swirling around in his head. Maybe I'll get lucky, Draco thought, as the couch slowly enveloped him. Maybe she's died over the summer. The idea did little to comfort him.

At the moment, a loud bang made Draco jump straight up in his seat. He whirled around to see the very girl he had just been pondering, though she differed from his vision of her in two main respects. Firstly, she was fuming. Out of the corner of his eye, Draco could see the cause of the bang as well as her anger. Smashed against the wall was his luggage, which had formerly been blocking the common room door before being blasted by Hermione's wand.

Surprisingly, though, this wasn't what was chiefly engaging Draco's interests. Because secondly, she was gorgeous.

There was something about Hermione that took Draco's breath away. Was it the charred splinters of his suitcase, stuck into the wall behind her, glowed so delicately against her skin? Or the way her eyes flamed so intensely in his direction? Or was it the way her school uniform clung to her form, sticky with sweat from the effort of trying to open the door?

No matter the reason, Hermione never even had the chance to open her mouth before Draco was across the room in three strides and her lips were captured in his own. They stood for a moment, neither daring to breath, as a thin smoke gently curled around them. Finally Draco pulled away.

Hermione blinked.

"Ferret."

She turned and stormed off to her room.

Yep. This was going to be a good year.

ooo

REMEMBER: Vote for the NUMBER of the drabble, NOT THE NAME. It just makes it easier on the mods!

Please leave both a MOST favorite and a LEAST favorite vote. We must have both in order for your votes to count.

Also, to make feedback better for everyone, we’d like your email address. The poll entries are viewable by only the mods, but if you’re still uncomfortable about leaving your email, that’s okay. We’ll still give you your feedback. Thank you!

View Poll: #1271008

Friendly Reminder Post

2008-09-30T23:10:27Z

Hello, everyone! Remember us?

Deadline for drabbles is a little under 29 hours from now.

Let's disco, drabblettes!

Submissions are due by 11:59pm United States East Coast Time (New York) on Wednesday, October 1st(This is GMT -4)

Confession time: I'm sure going to miss this icon...

Round 2 Challenge #5: Notice

2008-09-23T18:10:23Z

Greetings participants!!

As many of you know, the dmhgficexchange stories are due this Friday. We think the challenge might be adding stress to those of you participating, and we'd like to relieve some of that.

This challenge (week 5 of dramione_ldws) will be extended by one week, with entries due by 11:59pm United States East Coast Time (New York) on Wednesday, October 1st (This is GMT -4).

We hope this helps!

Round 2, Challenge #5

2008-09-20T05:02:50Z

Round 2, Challenge #5: She Punched Me ... and it was LOVE.

What gets your goat on the good ship Dramione?
What cliché makes you roll your eyes, shake your head, curse the Fates?
That's what you are writing about this week, dear drabblers we love ~~to torture~~.

Because no one expects the ~~Spanish Inquisition~~ Cliché Challenge!

Awww... you look shell-shocked. Lost that axe you wanted to grind? Never say we didn't give you anything.

The drabble must include AT LEAST one cliché in all it's glorious ~~putrid~~ magnificence.
(Hint: see "give" and "anything" links above for discussions about clichés in Dramione).
Drabbles must be between 100-499 words
Please do not post your drabbles anywhere else until the challenge is over, and what you wrote is to remain private until the results are revealed.
Comments on this post will be screened. Please comment with your submissions, and put the following information at the top of your comment:

Title:
Rating:
Warnings:
Word Count:
Submissions are due by 11:59pm United States East Coast Time (New York) on Wednesday, October 1st(This is GMT -4)
Two week deadline due to dm/hg fic exchange

Special note: Because we don't require an age statement to read or vote, and want to encourage a wide audience, we the mods (in whom you trust) ask that you refrain from explicit sexual or violent situations.

Special special note: An important component of dramione_ldws's competition is the anonymity of the writers' contributions. Please do not write drabbles that are continuations of previous answers to challenges. Please do not post alternative/extended drabble versions answering the current challenge (until after results are posted). Please have your drabble betaed by no more than one individual. You may request the community beta's assistance in a comment to this post.

Your name will be crossed off once you have submitted a drabble.

~~delayed_poet~~	~~dynonugget~~
kate0404 skip	~~inadaze22~~
~~ravenswing34~~	~~imogen_penn~~ used skip
~~emm718~~ used skip	~~snowe~~ used skip
~~bookishwench~~	~~ilkee~~ used skip
~~greenschist~~ used skip	~~marlaichen~~ used skip

Special special special hints: Self-beta-ing tips. Obviously, you can and should use spell check. bambu345 also suggests reading your drabble out loud and changing the font/size/color of type.

Good luck!

Round 2, Challenge 4: Results!

2008-09-20T04:01:17Z

Challenge: Happy Birthday, Hermione!!

This week, the votes were clear. Phew! Congratulations and many thanks to everyone who submitted a drabble – they were great, as usual. (NOTE: banners will be up when they’re ready!)

This week’s winner, with a total of +11 points (13 votes), is emm718, who wrote “The List”.

This week, we’re just eliminating one participant. Thank you so much for joining this challenge! We wish the very best to telperaca! Thank you so much for playing! And happy writing!

This week’s mod’s choice ended up earning double honors, as it’s also the drabble that won Mod’s Choice!! Congratulations to emm718!!

The authors’ names have been revealed on the voting post.

Feedback: Will now be left in a comment to the submission post, all of which will remain screened. Sorry for the confusion after last week! And please let us know if you can’t see your feedback!

Other results:

1. delayed_poet – Party for Two (-8 points, 8 votes)
2. dynonugget – One Hundred Years (+6 points, 10 votes)
3. kate0404 – I Hate You (+7 point, 11 votes)
4. inadaze22 – Forces of Nature (+1 points, 9 votes)
5. ravenswing34 – Birthday Wish (-2 points, 6 votes)
6. marlaichen – Can You Hear Me Now (-1 point, 1 vote)
7. snowe – 40 (+3 points, 7 votes)
8. bookishwench – Let Them Eat Cake … Then Leave (-2 points, 10 votes)

Voter count this week: 48 Woo-hoo! We increased our votership this week!! Help us do even better next week! I know that together, we can do it. PIMP, people, pimp! Next challenge up soon!

Round 2 Challenge #4: Voting

2008-09-18T13:42:05Z

Wow, this week went quickly! It’s already Thursday and time for voting for week 4.

A couple of things to remember when deciding which drabbles to vote for (most and least favorite):

Guidelines:

Which drabble best incorporates the prompt?

2. Is the drabble clever, different, fresh? Does it evoke an emotional response (good or bad)?

3. Does the drabble contain grammar, canon or spelling errors?

The “feedback” option.

As a voter, you have the option of leaving a brief statement about why you voted the way you did, for both most and least favorite. Your feedback will then be given to the drabble writer (if they want the feedback) ANONYMOUSLY.

Example: Most – #40: the ending was brilliant – OR – Least – #57: the ending fell flat

Here we go for week 4, down to 14 participants!

Choose your favorite and least favorite drabbles. Favorites will receive +1 point per vote, and least favorites -1 point per vote. Once again (despite the rules), we’ll only be eliminating one author this week.

Participants using a skip:
ilkee
imogen_penn

Participant eliminated for not submitting a drabble (already used skip):
ebilgatoloco

This participant lives in the path of hurricane Ike, so she gets a pass until things improve.
greenschist

Voting ends at 11:59pm, Friday, September 19, 2008.

Happy Birthday, Hermione!

1

Title: Can You Hear Me Now?
Author: marlaichen
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Word Count: 498

Hermione trudged up the stairs to her and Draco’s apartment. In one hand was her massive briefcase. In the other was her boyfriend, via a brand-new Elgerphone.

“So anyway, that’s why the Elgerphone is so superior to those muggle mobile phones.”

Hermione groaned. The first call she received on this dratted thing was an hour long conversation about wonders of wizarding technology. She fished through her pocket for her keys.

“So when are you coming home?” Hermione mumbled as she tried for the umpteenth time to change the subject.

“Oh, not until next week. Enough about that, though. Isn’t this Elgerphone just the coolest thing? It’s like I’m sitting right next to you.”

Once again, Draco blew into the receiver so that his breath was magically transported through the phone into Hermione’s ear. Hermione’s keys clattered to the floor from surprise and annoyance.

“Stop that, or I won’t answer the phone the next time you call.”

She had probably sounded a little angrier than she had intended, because there was a pause before Draco spoke again

“You know I love you, right?”

“Uh-huh.”

Keys retrieved, Hermione shoved one into the lock. The latch sprang open.

Hermione’s heart leapt with every primal girlish delight at the sight that greeted her. In the entryway, on a small glass table, sat a beautiful orange and green frosted birthday cake. Though the cake was about as wide as a tea saucer, every inch of it was covered with Stimpson’s EverGlo! Waxen Birthday Candles, even the sides, though more than a little precariously. Green streamers draped down the sides of the table, and overhead floated a delicate arrangement of colored bubbles.

“What the in god’s name is this supposed to be.”

Hermione could almost see him smugly examining his fingernails.

“Don’t try to tell me I don’t know what my girl wants.”

With the phone still clutched to her ear, Hermione gingerly stepped into the hallway to examine the glowing ball of flame more closely.

“This is what your girl wants? A fire hazard?”

“No. It’s a birthday party.” It was nearly sickening how pleased he sounded with himself.

Hermione sighed and put on her adult-talking-to-a-child voice, “Draco, I don’t know if you’ve ever thrown a party, but there are usually guests involved.”

“As if I was going to give you anything but the usual.” Hermione reddened at the feeling of his breath against her cheek.

The cake glowed softly in the darkness as Hermione approached it. Though it must have sat here through most of the day, the enchanted icing looked as if it had just been made.

“It’s still a party, love, but right now, this is just for the two of us. Just you and me. What else do you need?”

She gently touched the phone’s receiver, grinning ear to ear.

“Happy birthday, Hermione.”

In one breath, Hermione blew out the candles.

2

Title: The List
Author: emm718
Rating: G
Warnings: Viva Las Vegas
Word Count: 499

Yesterday, she was only twenty-eight.

Draco watched his favorite witch whilst she mingled with the other guest. Her ivory party dress was pert, but demure and fit her like butter on toast. Her hair was chaotic around her, and as she flipped it over her shoulder, she stole a peek at him, eyes twinkling, a lovely private smile just for him. He thought she was pretty.

When she returned to her animated chat, he shoved his hand into his pocket and retrieved a bit of folded pink parchment. It was faded from age and creased from being opened and refolded repeatedly over the years. Licking his lips, he carefully opened it to reveal a list, garrulously entitled "Things That I Must Achieve Before I'm Twenty-Nine But No Later Than Thirty."

He grinned bemusedly and continued reading. Although the list was long, it was majorly crossed off. A perfectly straight line of ink through each fulfilled goal and aspiration. So characteristically her. Organized, straight, perfect. Outrageously ambitious.

There were only three that weren't crossed off and despite them, he felt a sort of pride, an admiration. Because he knew this list was nearly sixteen years old, and it a way it was a story of her. Of the person she had become. Of the person she wanted to be.

Today she was just twenty-nine.

There was an abundance of gifts from him: lavish trinkets, luxurious clothes, and even a widely coveted handbag, they suddenly seemed worthless, thoughtless. And the exuberant party will all her friends seemed ordinary, generic. It all wasn't good enough. Not since he found the list.

He narrowed his eyes on item number 346: Be spontaneous.

It was an odd goal and even more strange that in all her years, she hadn't experienced spontaneity once. But then again, she'd always been a quick thinker. Strategies and ideas bloomed in her head faster than snow melted on the tongue. It wasn't so surprising that she hadn't considered herself truly impulsive.

Having only just arrived, he hadn't approached her yet, and as her glances grew more frequent, he knew he should probably greet her. Before he folded the vellum, he gave the the last two items a thoughtful glance and a decision formed immediately.

For her birthday, he'd make all her wishes come true.

After putting the list away, he crossed the floor and placed a sweet kiss on her rosy cheek. "Happy Birthday, Hermione."

"Thank you," she murmured as she snuggled into his side and wrapped her arm around his waist.

His breath hitched with desire before he led her away from the others and after he took another kiss, he whispered, "Do you trust me?"

She looked up at him, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Of course."

"Hold on. I have a surprise for you."

#259: Become a wife.

Tomorrow, she'd have a new last name.

And as for the item number one, well, they had an entire year to work on that.

3

Title: Party For Two
Author: delayed_poet
Rating: R
Warnings: Non-explicit sexual situations
Word Count: 438

A girl's twenty-first birthday should not be her worst, so how was it that this birthday in which Hermione was supposed to celebrate her twenty-first year could have turned out so completely wrong?

She'd woken up feeling warm and excited, only to find that Draco had already left. Why had he gone instead of giving her a proper birthday morning?

And then, then she'd gone into work, only to discover that someone had accidentally let loose a pack of pixies in her department, thus leaving it in a disaster that she was stuck sorting through. And of course, no one even remembered that it was her birthday.

When she finally made it out of the Ministry, an hour after her end of shift, she'd hurried to make it to the lift and had twisted her ankle. Exhausted, sore, and severely annoyed, Hermione opted to Floo home, rather than walk.

Stepping out of the Floo, Hermione called out to Draco, but received no response. It was odd, as he should have been home long before she was, and only succeeded in furthering her annoyance. She threw her bag onto the couch, and made her way to their bedroom, intent on finding Draco and giving him a piece of her mind.

Her breath caught in her throat as she stepped through the doorway. In that moment, she was speechless, having momentarily forgotten everything that had gone wrong.

Three candles were lit in the room, casting subtle light on the smooth surfaces of her bed and furniture. Rose petals covered the bed, shimmering slightly in the soft flames. Looking around more revealed a path of shimmering rose petals leading to the bathroom. Curious, she followed it.

There were more candles, and the tub was full and steaming, bubbles hiding the water from view. It smelled amazing, a lovely combination of jasmine and vanilla, and her back and feet ached to be in the warm depths of her tub.

Hands brushed against her sides, warm breath moved across the sensitive skin of her neck. She shivered, an automatic response to his presence.

"Surprise," Draco whispered in her ear. “Happy birthday, Hermione.”

Hermione turned around in Draco's arms, her hands resting lightly on his chest. She looked up at him with an expression of pure adoration.

“Thank you,” she answered before leaning up to press her lips against his in a soft, slow kiss.

They soaked in the scented water, touching and teasing one another until neither could wait any longer. As they made love in a bed of roses, Hermione couldn't help but think that maybe this wasn't the worst birthday ever.

4

Title: 40
Author: snowe
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Nothing bad!
Word Count: 401

September 19, 2019

She knew she should have called in sick today.

She'd always felt so smug and superior when other women had fussed over turning forty. Why should women be ashamed of their age? Wisdom and experience were beautiful things, after all. Women reached their sexual peak in middle age, after all! It would be time to relax, and travel, and really enjoy being married without the cares and inconveniences of children at home. She'd rather been looking forward to it...until the divorce.

Oh, she'd tried to seem as if she were enjoying her party. Her interns had worked so hard to pull off a surprise birthday luncheon, and seemed to think that they'd hit on just the thing to cheer her up. She'd been rather down in the few weeks since the children had left for Hogwarts. The house seemed so empty now.

So she'd smiled, thanked Matilde and Geoffrey profusely for planning the party, dutifully opened her presents, and really thought she might get through the day after all...until Malfoy showed up.

He always made it a point to mention the divorce when they met. She knew he was really sneering at her beneath the solicitous inquiries about her well-being and the children, and so she'd always brushed him off with curt replies and excused herself as soon as possible.

Now, though, it seemed impossible to shake him; he followed her around the room as she chatted with colleagues, brought her punch, and generally made a nuisance of himself until she ordered him to leave her alone. He just smiled in that nasty condescending way of his and insisted that she open his card.

It was ridiculously nice--probably cost more than most of the presents she'd received, she thought with a sniff. And inside:

For a know-it-all, you really are quite daft. I'm tired of chasing you all over the Ministry, trying to be kind and sensitive and considerate about this whole divorce nonsense. Really, you're better off, and it's time you stop moping about getting older. I've always heard that women reach their sexual peak in middle age; ditch the party and we'll find out if it's true.

She wasn't sure if she should slap or kiss him. So she did both, and wasn't quite sure which she enjoyed more. She told him further experimentation was required; he generously volunteered his services.

She was really glad she hadn't called in sick today.

5

Title: Forces of Nature
Author: inadaze22
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Light language
Word Count: 498

With his hand on the doorknob, Draco listened as his girlfriend of eight months chattered incessantly about the movie.

Flatly, “I was there, too.”

“You fell asleep!”

He shrugged, “You’re the only person in the world who enjoyed that shitty film.”

“If that’s how you felt, you should’ve stayed home!”

Draco smirked. “What kind of man leaves his girlfriend to her own devices on her twenty-fifth birthday?”

“I don’t understand why you rented the entire cinema so that I could watch Forces of Nature if all you were going to do was complain. I have it on video.”

“Well, I did it for you.” The meaningful sentiment hung in the air for a moment. “But, now I know what rotten taste you have in movies.”

“There was a great message in it!”

He opened the door for her. “What? If your plane crashes, don’t accept rides from strangers?”

“Hmmph!” Hermione stomped into his home with Draco on her heels. He suppressed his smirk while she ranted. “The main moral of the movie is that nothing works out exactly how you’ve planned and, speaking of, there’s something I—”

Draco turned on the lights and thirty of her closest friends immediately jumped from their hiding spots, yelling, “SURPRISE!!”

The explosion of noise had caused the shocked Hermione to literally jump in the air and scream, “ARRGH!”

Draco cackled.

The next hour of Hermione’s life was a big blur. Everyone bombarded her with gifts, hugs, and love. She didn’t know who had moved the furniture, brought out the Firewhisky, and started the music, but soon enough, Draco’s house was Birthday Party Central and everyone was having a fantastic time. Hermione slipped her hand into Draco’s and he whispered into her ear, “Happy birthday.”

She kissed him softly. Hermione often equated her life to Forces of Nature. Unforeseen circumstances, mistakes, failures, and other bumps had forced her to learn the true meaning of love. And in the end, for some inexplicable reason, some force of nature had drawn her to Draco.

“Hermione?”

“Hmm?”

“Tell me you’re not still thinking about that shitty movie.”

“I’m not thinking about—”

“It’s your birthday. You’re supposed to get drunk and sleep with a younger man.” He wiggled his eyebrow suggestively.

“The drinking part is out,” she mumbled.

“What?”

“It’s like the movie. Life never happens the way that you plan—”

He interrupted, “Hold that thought. I know I have a soapbox around here.”

She slapped him in the arm, “I’m trying to tell you something important!”

Grumbling, “Violent little—what do you want to tell me?”

Nervously, “I know we’ve been together eight months—”

He frowned. “You’re rambling—”

It just so happened that the music softened enough for everyone to hear her say, “I’m pregnant.”

Gasps, sputters, shrieks, and breaking glass were all that she heard next. And as sheer chaos erupted at her news and congratulatory drinks were passed around, Hermione grinned when Draco’s frown turned into a wide smile….

6

Title: The non-refundable gift.
Author: telperaca
Rating: -
Warnings: -
Word Count: 486

“Quiet! She’ll be here in a few seconds!”

“Can we at least light a candle?”

“Weasley have you been to the loo today?”

“Err.. I didn’t fart if that’s what you meant Malfoy.”

“Then stop spurting shit from your mouth and-”

“If you both don’t shut up, I shall set Ginny on you! God forbid you ruin her efforts.”

“Stop getting your knickers in a twist Potter. I’m going to haunt another corner where the IQ level is higher. Later Weasel.”

“Oouch!”

***

“Aww! Thank you. This was really a brilliant surprise. Really, it was so thoughtful of you all.”

***

“Granger. The party’s inside.”

“Everyone’s drunk. No one will notice if the birthday girl is gone for a breather.”

“I noticed.”

“Why are you here?”

“Potter and Weasel invited me.”

“No, why are you here?”

“I’m trying to keep out of line from the projectile vomit.”

“Ew. I’m pretty tipsy.”

“I’ll catch you if you fall. Just don’t puke.”

“The lights are pretty.”

“Didn’t even notice them.”

***

“Harry! I love you!”

“Ron, mate, I love you too”

“Draco, I love you!”

“Say that one more time, and I’ll hex your balls off.”

“Draco, I loooooooove you…”

“Oh Mia, you shouldn’t have said that! He’s going to hex your balls off!”

“I’ll make an acceptation for her.”

“Draco, if you keep doing me favours, I might get the wrong idea.”

“The book worm would never get the wrong idea, Bookworm.”

“Lickle Ferret.”

***

“Potter, finally I understand your evil plan! You only invited me so that you’d have someone to take you home. I hope you don’t expect me to tuck you in too! Now let go of my jacket so I can drop this drunktard off to her place and then finally get home.”

“Draco, please, I don’t think I can take another side along apparition!”

***

“I told you it was a bad idea! I still feel a little dizzy.”

“Pissheads, the bunch of you. And stop drawing little hearts on my back, or I’ll drop you! I swear on the powers that be.”

“That’s my bedroom. I love unicorns. I think I’ll redecorate. Silver unicorns.”

“…”

“Silver Dragons then?”

“I don’t give a rat’s arse Granger.”

“I don’t understand you Draco. You stare, you yell, you lick your lips- you just did it again! I just feel exhausted around you.”

“Then give up.”

“You know me better than that.”

“Do I?”

“What do you want, Draco?”

“It’s not my birthday. What do you want?”

“I want a big fluffy unicorn; but a kiss from you would be fine for now.”

“Drunken Granger is a devil Granger. Stop tempting me. You’ll regret it tomorrow!”

“Draco. My birthday. My choice of wish.”

“Technically, your birthday was yesterday.”

“Not in America. And you haven’t got me anything either!”

“Who said I haven’t got you anything?”

“Um… squee?”

“It’s a non-refundable gift.”

“Unicorn?”

“Better. My heart.”

7

Title: Let Them Eat Cake… Then Leave
Author: bookishwench
Rating: PG
Warnings: none
Word Count: 498

Draco stood at the door of their flat, waving as the last guest disappeared into the lift. Immediately afterwards, his face fell from its plastered-on smile to a look of deep mortification.

“Merlin, what a mess,” he muttered, shutting the door.

Hermione was still in the bathroom, and from the sound of swearing mixed with the running tap, she wasn’t having any luck getting Hagrid’s vomit off her shoes. Apparently, part-giant stomach bile was impervious to magic.

Draco looked at the scene of devastation. Three figurines were broken, his favorite chair had a gigantic smear of vanilla frosting on the seat, and the Potters’ youngest had somehow gotten ice cream on the ceiling. All of that would have been bad enough, but the true damage came from his insanely stupid idea of inviting his parents to Hermione’s surprise birthday party.

Draco had hoped (stupidly, he repeated to himself) that after he and Hermione eloped his parents would eventually accept her. She had urged him to invite his mother and father for dinner soon, though he knew she suggested it because she could tell the estrangement was making him unhappy. He’d thought (stupidly, he silently repeated yet again) his parents would behave civilly since the party was in Hermione’s honor. In retrospect, he supposed he probably shouldn’t have lied to them by neglecting to mention the party at all and saying Hermione was out of town to get them there.

“Stupid,” he said aloud as he cleaned the frosting off the chair.

He couldn’t decide which was worse: his father’s look of pained resignation at sitting between Potter and Weasley or his mother’s comments about the cleanliness of the house, Hermione’s appearance, Hermione’s fashion sense, Draco being too thin because of Hermione’s cooking, and of course, Hermione’s lack of Pureblood decorum, all hidden under a veneer of hypocritical concern.

At least his mother had been the one to sit in the frosting… not that he’d felt the need to tell her about the enormous stain across her bum. Good riddance.

“I should have just taken her out to dinner,” he said, directing his wand towards the ceiling only to have ice cream land on his head.

“It was a good try,” Hermione said as she wrapped her arms around him from behind, laying her head on his shoulder.

“You know the best thing about this party?” he asked as he turned to give her an apologetic kiss.

“No one died?”

“No,” he said with a grimace. “That it’s over.”

“Oh no, it’s not,” she said, smiling slyly. “There’s one more present to unwrap. My favorite one, as it happens.”

“Is that so?” he said with an answering grin.

“Yes, and it should be in the bedroom in a few seconds,” she said, disappearing through the door. “Coming?”

A moment later, her shirt hit him in the face.

“Most untidy. Someone needs a birthday spanking,” he called out, following her.

Yes, he thought, this party was a very smart idea.

8

Title: One Hundred Years
Author: dynonugget
Warnings: None
Rating: PG
Word Count: 435

The sound of conversation and laughter permeated the air. Someone had turned on the wireless a few minutes ago, and Hermione watched as a group of friends and relations began to dance on the other side of the patio. They were a lively group, but she stayed seated, content to observe.

Despite the threat of rain the night before, the day had dawned blue and bright. The air was crisp, the leaves only beginning to turn, and perfect for an outdoor birthday party.

She'd have been content, of course, with her family and a few close friends, but Draco wouldn't hear of it. It looked to her like half of the wizarding world was in the Malfoy's backyard.

“I know what you're thinking,” Draco said as sat next to her.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. You were thinking the wireless is too loud and the neighbors will complain.”

Laughing loudly, Hermione answered, “That's what you were thinking, Draco. And we don't have any neighbors for miles."

He made some tutting noise, relaxed back against the chaise and watched the group with her.

“They're a good bunch of kids,” he commented.

“I should hope so, but was it really necessary to invite so many?”

“It isn't every day you turn one hundred years old, Hermione,” he snickered. “Let them celebrate with you.”

Hermione sipped her tea and looked away.

Her entire life had been celebrated. She was a gifted witch, the brightest witch of the age, and best friend of Harry Potter. After the war, she worked to further rights for Magical Creatures. Then, after studying under Professor McGonagall for three years, Hermione became Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts. Upon McGonagall retiring, Hermione became Headmistress. She knew that many said she had lead a charmed life.

But looking around her, surrounded by countless friends, Hermione thought she had been lucky. Turning to see her husband beside her, Hermione thought back to the moment she realized she loved him. She thought of their first child and the two that followed. She thought of their grandchildren, and as of last week, their great-grandchild.

It was more than a charmed life.

It was more than luck.

Hermione Granger Malfoy was blessed.

Slowly, Draco stood and asked his wife to dance.

“I'd love to,” Hermione answered.

A moment later, everyone moved aside to watch the happy couple dance to their own music, and Draco kissed her softly on the lips. Enveloping her in his arms, Draco held her close and whispered, “Happy Birthday, love.”

“Yes, Draco,” she smiled back serenely, thankful for the blessings surrounding her. “I believe it is.”

9

Title: Birthday Wish
Author: ravenswing34
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Word Count: 128

He had never seen her so beautiful.

The light of the candles on her homemade cake lit up her face like a spotlight and bathed her ecstatic features in their golden glow. The sadness he had seen the last few months was finally replaced with happiness and glee. Her amber eyes shown with joy at the effort everyone had made. Laughter rang out as her friends butchered her birthday song at the top of their lungs. The candles haphazardly placed all over the cake caused even more delight as a few threatened to topple into the frosting. He silently watched everyone cheer her on as she blew out the candles.

"What did you wish for," they asked.

Her eyes raised to meet silver and mouthed the words - you.

10

Title: I Hate You
Author: kate0404
Rating: PG
Warnings: Fluff galore.
Word Count: 389
Author’s Notes: Takes place September 19, 2009.

Music and yelling in the next room.

“I…”

“Don’t say something you’re going to regret, Granger.”

“Hate…”

Shaking head: “Now you’ve done it.”

“You.”

“You know, that hurts.”

Screaming: “I don’t bloody care, Draco! What were you thinking?”

“That it’s your birthday, of course.”

“So, what, you thought you’d mark my transition into the ancient by inviting all our friends over and throwing me a bloody surprise party?”

Pointedly: “Thirty is not ancient, love.”

“It bloody well is!”

Sighs.

“And that’s not the point, Draco! We have a rule: no parties.”

“If I recall correctly, that’s my rule.”

Annoyed: “That rule applies to both of us!”

“You might want to keep your voice down, Granger, you’ll disturb the happy partygoers.”

Towards the door: “All those people out there… Merlin, Draco, why?”

“I already told you; it’s your birthday.”

“That doesn’t mean it has to be celebrated!”

Angry: “It bloody well does!”

Silence.

Staring.

Glaring.

More silence.

“I still hate you.”

Laughing: “You’ll get over it.”

“Pfft.”

“I got you something.”

Intrigued: “I thought we also agreed on a ‘no presents’ rule?”

Shrugging: “Some rules are made to be broken.”

Grumpy: “Apparently.”

“Open it.”

“You’re just trying to make it up to me for this ridiculous party.”

“You mean ‘this ridiculous party you’re refusing to attend in order to scream at me for planning’.”

Smirking: “Same difference.”

“Open it, Granger.”

Silence.

With a gasp: “Draco?”

“To ‘mark your transition into the ancient’, I thought I’d ask you the one question we’ve been dancing around for the last two years.”

Staring.

On one knee: “I practiced this speech for twenty-five minutes in the bathroom mirror today and it never sounded right. Finally, I realized why: anything I say to you would only be cliché and we are not a cliché, Hermione.”

Mouth agape.

“I love you. Merlin, it seems so simple and not nearly enough, but it’s what’s right. It’s us. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you – as my wife.”

Tears streaming.

“Please, Hermione, say you’ll be my wife.”

Whispered: “Yes.”

Passionate kissing.

Silence broken in the next room: “SHE SAID YES!”

Cheers.

Appalled: “You told them?”

Sheepishly: “Well, the invitation did have a dual purpose: Birthday and Engagement Party.”

Giggling: “I really hate you.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

ooo

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Reminder - Challenge #4

2008-09-16T19:43:27Z

It's about 32 hours until the drabbles are due.

(tick-tock)

Poor Hermione's pressie pile is pretty pathetic, people. And by pathetic, I mean: Do two presents actually make a pile?

Although, Draco would like to point out that these two pressies are a WHOLE LOT BETTER than an old pair of socks from a despised relative.