A/N Hey guys sorry it took a little longer and it is a littler shorter than last chapter, I'm trying to get to the good stuff but I can't forget that a good set up helps the story in understanding. So I'm at 3 reviews and I really appriciate everyone who reviewed! And I'm really hoping that more people are going to see this story and enjoy it. I'm nervous about what you guys are going to think of what I have planned for the next chapter, I like it but please review and give me some of your ideas as well! Love you all!
Chapter three: Graduation
Hermione and Draco both walked up onto the stage and stood behind the podium. Draco was going to speak first, and then Hermione would finish out the ceremony. Everyone had their diplomas, it was a matter of tradition now.
Draco began, "Every one of us has worked so hard to reach this point, we all had our struggles and we all had out times to shine. Each day we learned more and more, we fell in love, some of us with people, others possessions and a select few with knowledge. We thought of what we wanted to be, and for some of us that path has changed drastically. I know for me I always wanted to be a Healer but now I think I might want to teach at Hogwarts someday. For some of us the plan is exactly what is was before we entered this school. House rivalries aside, look at the rest of your life as a clean slate. Who cares that I was a Slytherin, maybe in five years the best friend I will ever know will be from Hufflepuff! I look forward instead of back, because I know I was a pretty rotten git sometimes," the crowd let out a chuckle, and he earned a smile from Hermione. "But the thing is I've changed and so have all of you. You lot aren't the scared little eleven year olds I met when I arrived at Hogwarts, quite to contrary, I mean take Neville Longbottom for example! He used to melt every cauldron he was ever given and he tied Hermione Granger and myself for tops in Potions. I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of you and me. Without further ado I'll turn you lot over to the real reason you've sat here and listened to my rant about the future, Hermione Granger."
Hermione quickly took the mic, she didn't even look down at her note cards because she rehearsed this speech so much it was ingrained in her mind forever. "Thank you Draco, first I'd like to congratulate you all on a mighty fine 7 years of Hogwarts schooling. We made it you guys! While my counterpart Mr. Draco Malfoy focused on the future I'd like to take a look back. When I first received my letter I was floored. I was always a logical child so the existence of magic didn't seem real. I thought it was a cruel joke my neighbor boy, Carl Sanchez, was playing on me. But I realized soon that it was all real, I saw a girl that I knew had one too. Her name was Susan Bones, of course she was raised in a magical family, I was not. When I approached her about the letter she asked to see mine, to make sure I wasn't tricking her, of course in due time she explained everything, she even took my parents and me to Diagon Alley for the first time. My first year at Hogwarts was definitely a very interesting experience; I mean how many first years get attacked by a full grown mountain troll and live? I only know three, and I happen to be one of them. As the years passed bonds formed, became stronger and some became weaker. I found out who was really there for me, and I cut my lose edges. I was sad to see friends go, but I was glad to see new ones come. I know she isn't here because she isn't graduating until next year but I became very close with one Luna Lovegood. She helped me when everyone turned on me in 5th year. I've made lifelong friends and Hogwarts has been a blessing. Now that we've covered the future and the past let's focus on the present, it is a gift after all! I don't know all of your stories but they were all magical. Remember these years well, we are all turning over a new chapter in our lives but always find the time to read the earlier ones, those are the ones that will keep us sane when the world around us has gone senseless. Now for cake!"
Draco knew exactly what those last sentences were about. He could sense her fear and he knew she had great reason to be so. He couldn't risk a comforting smile towards her because his parents might notice. Everyone was merry and ate, Hermione made her way back to Ron and Harry while Draco made for the other direction, ready to tell his parents the cover story.
"Mother, father," Draco nodded to a few people giving him congratulations on a wonderful speech. "We must talk; I don't want to be marked, not now at least. I have made arrangements so that I can stay here at Hogwarts for the next week while my things are moved into the safety house. I want to be around people my own age, to learn more. I know father you've taught me a lot and I don't think I could find a better teacher if I tried but I really want to do this, no I need to do this. Please, just agree for once."
"Why Draco! I had no idea that you were so passionate about learning the Dark Arts! Darling of course you can stay here and move into the safety house! It is just perfect! I was just talking to your father about not getting you marked until this whole war is over with, and I think the safety house is the perfect place you will get to spend time meeting who you'll be working with after the war, plus you will get some experience in the fighting side too!"
"So I can go right?" Draco looked up at his father pleadingly.
"Yes, Draco, believe it or not you've come up with a plan that is nothing short of brilliant. And if the war goes badly you won't be marked so they cannot arrest you so it seems to be a win, win situation."
"Thank you, I'll have to notify Dumbledore at once about this, he'll need to know that I need to stay for an extra week but no matter he won't have a clue as to why. That old coot has really lost it." Draco ran out into the crowd and disappeared inside of Hogwarts. Once the Malfoy's knew their son was safely inside the school they walked to Hogsmeade and dissaparated to the Manor.
…
Hermione had seen her friends off and sprinted into her new common room. Draco was already there. Hermione felt like crying that might be the last time she'd ever see her friends. Draco knew and wrapped her in a warm embrace, they sat like that for about ten minutes and then Hermione broke the silence.
"Draco, I know everything went well with your parents, but why are you so angry?"
"Sometimes I wish I could turn this feeling each other's emotions thing off. I'm angry because, you never told Potter and Weasel the truth. No don't cut me off, let me explain. Of course this thing you and I have, I'm talking about both our secret relationship and the way we know each other's emotions, must be a secret. But I'm angry that you told them that you would be teaching here; I mean why not tell them that you are going undercover to fight Voldemort?" He knew the answer to that but he just wanted to know that she felt like she was doing the right thing.
"Draco, their lives are already in danger. Ron's life is for being Harry Potter's best friend, and for hanging out with me when he is Pureblood and I'm a fifthly Mudblood in Voldemort's eyes. And Harry took him down; he will be out for blood, and not just Muggleborn blood Draco. The blood of everyone and anyone who ever was friends with Harry, but he'll use them as bait too. He won't kill me until he gets Harry and I've already told them if they are ever told that I've been captured let Dumbledore handle it because if Harry or Ron or both come barging in I'll die faster. They've promised no matter what Voldemort says or does they won't come to my rescue. Draco I didn't tell them because it would endanger them even more, and they really don't need that."
"Hermione, you know for a girl who studies so much you really don't look around your books a lot do you?" He felt the rage that surged through Hermione when she heard him.
"Are you insulting me?" Hermione glared at him but it quickly faded when she saw him beaming at her.
"I mean really Hermione! They are most wanted numbers 1 and 2! Knowing our plan wouldn't hurt them anymore. But I guess you are right in your protection idea. If one is captured they won't know I'm on their side so if they are tortured or veritaserum is used on them Voldemort will never know I've been playing on the other side the whole time. Hermione Granger you are truly the brightest witch of our age, of course I am the brightest wizard so it fits that we are together, doesn't it?"
"When you put it that way how can I say no?" She gave him a mischievous smile. Draco stared back with a questioning look on his face while Hermione closed the distance between them faster than the speed of sound. Draco was startled but kissed back quickly. Then it hit him, in one day Hermione, once his greatest enemy aside from Potter was his girlfriend, they were going on a mission together and it isn't likely that both would come out alive. His heart sunk, but he decided to live in the moment for a little while, then he'd plan for a last resort if one of their lives would be put on the line.
"Draco," Hermione said when they finally broke for air. "Why do you think Voldemort is putting Muggleborns in the safety house? Aside from the lure Harry part. Do you think that, that you might have to torture us?" She hid the fear she was feeling well in her voice but Draco could feel fear the trembling fright she felt.
"Hermione, I'm not going to lie, I think that is a fair assumption, Voldemort is a killer and I wouldn't put it past him to make teenagers torture the so called enemy. I really wanted to say no Hermione but I know that you'd rather hear the truth and hurt than hear a lie and be comforted."
"Thank you Draco." Hermione's voice was wavering she looked as if she was going to burst into tears.
"Hermione, don't thank me! It is my fault we are in this mess!"
"Draco, no it isn't! I could have refused, and you could have done the same we are in this mess because we want to do the right thing!" Hermione yelled indignantly.
"Yeah but if you hadn't agreed you would still be miserable dating Potter and I'd be stuck with Pansy! I'm still stuck with Pansy technically." Draco said the last part with disgust.
"Wait, Draco are you telling me you didn't break up with Pansy Parkinson?" Hermione was all red in the face, she was completely and utterly livid.
"Well I asked my parents if I could because she was making me miserable and they said no, because we have a good relationship with the Parkinsons and I'm not to spoil that." His tone was irate and he couldn't any angrier if his house burnt down with his family inside of it!
Draco, I demand you go and owl her right now telling her that you are breaking up with her, that is what Hermione wanted to say, but instead she stayed calm and spoke very quietly, "Draco, dear it is ok. She isn't going to be at the safety house so you will never have to see her again after the war, if Harry wins that is. But if Voldemort wins then I guess I die and you will live unhappily ever after with Pansy Parkinson."
"Hermione don't talk like that, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you died. And if Voldemort wins I quit, the Malfoy line is done! And nothing you could say will change my mind."
"What if I asked you to live for the both of us? If Voldemort wins then you need to live for yourself and me! I won't be living anymore so I need you to live your life because I can't. But don't you dare marry Parkinson or I might have to become a poltergeist and haunt you!"
"I wouldn't dare lay a finger on her, she is repulsive Granger!"
"Good!" They just sat looking at each other smiling. It was already 10 pm, they slowly drifted to sleep on the couch, enveloped in each other's arms.
