Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to someone else sadly, not me. I dreamt he did once but it was more of a sexy handcuffed kind of owned.
Thank you to LadiePhoenix007, who has reviewed every chapter so far.
Chapter 4
The morning went exactly as expected. Maybe I should apply for Trelawney's job seeing as my predictions are more accurate than hers. Ron had gone to Harry first, spinning a tale Rita Seeker would be proud of. Smart move really, what with his reputation for been honest and trustworthy, half the tower would side with Ron based on Harry alone. Then the big oaf poured his heart out over breakfast to the Gryffindor gossips, causing the prats tale of events to follow Hermione around all morning like a bad smell. Truth according to the lying bastard was that she'd come on to him in way of an apology, offering herself on a silver platter wearing nothing except a stolen shirt off his apparently and when he'd said no she'd slapped him then disappeared in a huff. Truth or lie the toad still has a shiner.
Which's now the reason she sat alone during lunch, in her dorm, with a sandwich from the kitchens. That and the hopeful chance of Winthrop waiting for her with another reason to smile.
Dear identity confused queen,
My mind refuses to shut down on a night, instead, I lay in bed wide awake unable to stop thinking, that's why I don't sleep. Thank you by the way, if Shakespeare said it then you can't really argue, can you? I'm gonna use your own words against you now, people are what they say and do, not what other people say they are. Clearly, you're surrounded by fools if they can't see how amazing you are. Maybe they're jealous of your intellect that's why it's your brain that gets attention, people get bitter when others have something they want. Who wants to be an idiot who hands themselves over easily like candy? No one, screw them. Yes, I know who I am, sadly I'm the only person who really does. The rest of the world apart from you, your majesty has watched my carefully constructed act for years.
You've no idea how much people controlling their own destiny's rings true with me, I've finally taken mine into my own hands. No, there hasn't been much light in my early life but I'm going to change that. My future won't be dark, I refuse to let that happen to me. I'm sorry if this topic is a bit too serious, it's just easy being honest with you and say what I really think. Never been able to do that before, everything's always hidden. You're not the only one who enjoys these letters more than they should. Where are my cookies? Had to read the part about you maybe letting me if the roles were reversed three times before I could finish the letter. Are you proud of yourself for putting such wicked thoughts into my mind?
Your perfect night is missing something.
I'd protest at me being named the flirt but after spending time thinking about spanking you well, I just can't.
Yep, I'm a pureblood that's what I'd be classified as. That's my second best-kept secret, I'll never tell but you can guess. No, it's not rude it's just complicated and probably would be an easier face to face conversation, but I'll try to sum it for you. Well, I suppose it's like you said other people's ideas shouldn't be forced onto others. Blood's just blood to me, muggle, half-blood, pure blood, does it really matter? To me, no, but my family is fanatical about it, to a point where they'd hurt people over it. That's not me and not what I want for my life. I've pretended so I can survive in their world, but I turn 17 in less than a year and when I do I'll be free.
Are you the kind of girl who weeps in bed over a love story? History books I love, muggle history's so complicated. I like classics too things by Dickens and Thomas Hardy. Years ago in a muggle library, I found a list of a hundred books you should read before you die, I've been working my way through that.
P.s. I'm officially jealous of my pen pal because she can drive, but I can ice skate and 22 is my lucky number.
P.s.s. Firstly, tell me your friend's name and I'll punch him for you if you'd like? Or hex him. Secondly, what a shit friend he is and you're better off without people like that if that's how they treat you. Don't be sorry I'm glad you feel like you can tell me your problems and I'll happily listen to them for you. The wanker deserved slapping.
The Dragon.
The lunch bell sounding had Draco sprinting back to the dungeons knowing that it was pointless. At best she's only just got the letter and hasn't replied yet. During first period he'd wrote his reply. It seemed like she'd needed someone to comfort her maybe vent a little, he couldn't wait till the evening with it gnawing away in the back of his mind. Between first and second period Draco made a mad dash to the owlery, lack of sleep and half marathons left him in no mood to deal with the pile of weeds waiting for him.
'' What do you want Pansy?'' There was coldness in his voice, it was unaltered, unaffected.
'' Who says I want anything Drackie.'' You didn't need to look at Pansy to see she was offering up everything she had, the only thing she had, her body, which had already done the rounds in Slytherin, twice.
'' Well, you're camped outside my room so it's obvious you want something.'' Picking her up as if she weigh no more than a feather Draco shifted her away.
'' Can't a girl just want to spend time with the best-looking guy in the dungeons?'' Fingers twiddled in the masses of dark hair that hung at her shoulders.
'' You don't 'spend time' with anyone Pansy, you fuck them because that's what whore's do. I've told you a hundred times you'll never be in my bed, not interested, I don't do damaged goods. Pick one of those replies and disappear.'' The door slammed in her face, Draco refused to waste any more time on the Hogwarts bike.
A smirk curled at the edges of Draco's mouth. Pansy had more than one use, after all, her interruption bought Winthrop enough time to bring him a reply.
Dear hidden dragon,
I'd suggest a sleeping draught but you seem intelligent enough to have thought of that for yourself already and have your reasons for not using one. You can never argue with Shakespeare the man was a god with words, plus its part of my decree. You're right, it doesn't matter what people say I am only what I say I am, that doesn't stop it from hurting, though. It's funny really the last few days I've felt so guilty because I'd been distancing myself from my friends and now it makes me think I was right too. There not jealous of me being smart I can promise you that, I've been the butt of their jokes for years. I have nothing they want. You've been putting an act on? For how long? Isn't it hard to keep that up and live like that for years, not been able to let anyone get close?
I can't blame you for taking control of your future, not from how you've described your life up to this point. I don't know all the facts or details but it sounds like the best thing for you is to get as far away as possible from it. No one should tell us how to live our lives, it's up to us as individuals. You sound so determined for a better life. Don't ever say sorry to me again for being serious or honest about how you feel. It's not exactly like I haven't spilled my guts to you, you don't have to hide anything from me. My weekly cookie supply will arrive tomorrow on schedule, I'll send you some if you say please. Little bit proud of that, is that wrong? Kinda tempted to ask if it was at least worth thinking about.
What's missing from it?
I'm so glad you admit to been the flirt, I'd get you say sorry but I liked it, looks like I'm guilty too.
Do you have a secret compartment in your trunk where you keep them? I didn't even consider it been too complicated to talk about. Except, it's not really is it when blood status means nothing to either of us. It must've been awful for you all these years having to live like that. I understand a bit why some might want to keep their line pure it's similar to the muggle royal family, it becomes tradition. People can't help the way they're born, though, they can't change their blood and hurting them doesn't change it either. So, until 17 you have to keep pretending to think like them?
No, not at all. I'd never weep in bed over a love story, I'd go find some corner to hide in and weep there so I couldn't be seen. How far down the list of 100 books are you?
P.s. I've never put a pair of ice skates on in my life, last year I nearly set my bed on fire with one of my scented candles, which happened to be my favourite smell, lavender.
P.s.s. Merlin, you've no idea how much I'd love to see that arsehole get hexed, but I'm better than that than him. I won't sink to his level. Seriously starting to thinking you're right about me been better off without him, the tool decided to twist the story before classes and seeing as it happened so early no one else was around to see what really happened. Now the whole of my house thinks I came on to him and slapped him because I can't handle rejection, not only that he turned my other best friend against me for it. What I would've done without you to vent to and cheer me up I don't know. Had no one else to turn to and you were there, thank you, again. We're saying that a lot.
The queen of Sicily.
There wasn't time to write a reply, instead, the letter got folded up and locked away safely.
Evening in the castle rolled around quickly, Hogwarts glowed in candlelight. Hermione gradually made her way to the great hall, feeling no rush to sit alone while the rest of Gryffindor whispered about her. A girl needs to eat, though, right? From her seat at the far end of the table she glanced around the room, hoping no one paid attention to why she was alone, the last thing she needed was Ron's bullshit becoming wide-spread. Hermione noticed she wasn't the only person eating alone, so was Malfoy. Blonde locks hung across his face in an unusual unkempt manner for him. Oh god, he looks yummy. Wait, did I really just think that? He's a tosser but a sexy tosser definitely sexy. Draco's head jerked up, grey eyes met golden brown, briefly, neither of them looked away, both unsure what to do. Hermione's name got called and the moment ended, time unfroze as Harry made his way towards her, when she looked back Draco had vanished.
Harry sat himself across the table from her, blank look written on his face with eyes that were resolute to talk.
'' Let's get this over with Harry, what do you want? Or have you just come to call me a whore in person instead of behind my back like everyone else is.'' Hermione did her best to keep her voice steady, trying not to let him see the damage done.
'' I just want to talk Mione, I think we need to, don't you? Seriously what were you playing at with Ron? If you like him fair enough, but throwing yourself at him and then hitting him. What's got into you?'' Harry leaned over the table as he spoke in a hushed voice as if the whole table didn't know what he was saying.
'' We don't need to talk at all. You believe Ron's bullshit story which means I've got nothing more to say to you.'' Rising from the table with her stuff gathered Hermione began to leave. Fingers wrapped around her wrist, yanking her down.
'' Are you saying it never happened?'' Fingers tightly held her in place.
'' I'm saying something happened this morning that was nothing near Ron's versions of events, other than the slap but he deserved that.'' Hermione pulled her arm free. '' This morning I woke early to use the prefect bathroom when I got back Ron was waiting for me. Said we should talk about the argument the night before and we did, I apologised for what I'd said to him. Then I hugged him the same way I've hugged you a thousand time. He kissed me and I tried to push him away, he was having none of it Harry. I threw myself on the floor to get away and by the way, I was wearing a robe with my PJ's under it, not one of his shirts. He didn't take my honestly very well, I told him I didn't feel that way about him and I only saw him as a brother and friend. His response was to call me a prude and tell me my 'act' wouldn't be hot for much longer. The bastard even told me he could fix me if I sat on his lap. That's why he got a slap.''
'' That can't be right Mione, you must've got it wrong or led him on because I know Ron isn't like that.''
'' And I am? You've known me for 6 years Harry and never once have I behaved like that or showed any romantic interest in Ron, but all of a sudden I throw myself at him, does that sound right to you? Or in any shape or way realistic?'' Hermione felt her friend slipping away from her. Everything she had begged him to see sense, to look at her, really look and see the truth.
'' Why would Ron make it up, though? He came to me straight away, he can't have had time to make that up in the walk from the common room to the dorm. Why wouldn't you of come to me sooner if that's what really happened? You'd just call him out for it, you girls always keep quiet on who you fancy. Mione you don't have to lie to me or be ashamed if you really did try it on with Ron.'' Harry thought he was being reassuring, to Hermione though it was another betrayal.
'' You've picked your side. I really thought you knew me better than that, actually, I thought you'd more respect for me than to think so little of me. You're as big of an idiot as he is and I can't wait to watch when you realise what a liar he is. Don't come crawling back to me when that happens because you burned that bridge tonight Harry. '' Holding her head high Hermione strode out the hall, curls waving down her back swaying in time with her hips.
Shouldn't I be sad? Why am I not upset that I just lost my best friends? By the time she reached the dorm all thoughts of former friends disappeared. Who wants to think about the thick head twins when a letter from her favourite dragon had arrived?
Dear flirtatious queen,
Don't you just hate lessons? They're getting bloody annoying, all I want to do is talk to you but waiting until the end of the day is a killer.
Once again you're right I do have my reasons for not using one, I like to be alert as possible, and a sleeping draught would compromise that. Part of your decree huh? Well, I best not argue with that, Merlin forbid I be a victim of your wrath. No, it won't stop it hurting but in time it will and until then maybe I can distract you, take your mind off it best I can anyway. You've nothing to feel guilty for, though, it's a sad reality of life that people grow apart and spend less time together. We're 16 going on 17 which makes us adults in our world, not all the friendships of our childhood are going to stay the same as we mature and become who we're supposed to be. Since I was seven, that's the first time I can recall thinking I need to blend in as much as possible. From there it progressed as I got older and my act developed, I got better at being like them. Which only made me more disgusted with myself buts it's all been for a good reason, I have to remind myself of that sometimes. It's lonely more than anything else but I'm letting you in, didn't mean to just couldn't help myself.
As far away as possible is exactly what I have in mind. My life will be entirely my own. Let's make a pact, how about we run away together after schools done, me, you and a year in Morocco, what do you say? Brave enough to make a deal with a stranger? Pretty please with a cherry on top, I'm allowed cookies now right? Hell yes, it was worth thinking about. Granted you didn't have a face but you had a nice arse.
Cuddles, that's what is missing from your night. You need to be wrapped up in someone's arms.
You'd never get me to say sorry for it anyway. Why the hell would I when you clearly love my flirty banter. Does it come across as charming, is that why?
My trunk has no secret spaces, guess again. Don't worry about it been complicated, it's not important. One day I'm sure we will talk about it again when further family stuff comes up or when we meet, if we meet that is. It's just not a letter conversation really, we'd have to really get into the serious family issues and I don't want to scare you off and you never hear from you again. At least in person, I could run after you in necessary. I think like you, though, people can't help or change the way they're born. Well, I turn 17 on June 5th so I figured if I stay at school for all the holidays and keep to myself then I can scrape through the year without having to pretend much. When school ends for summer I just won't go home.
P.s. Butterbeer is vile, I sneak to the kitchens when I can't sleep sometimes for crumpets and my favourite place to read is in the astronomy tower, swear I'm the only person to go up there.
P.s.s. Are you sure you don't want me to hex him because the more I hear the more I really want to. It won't be you sinking to their level it will be me and for you, I don't mind. They are not true friends if this is what they do to you. Time apart might be good for you, gives you a chance to work out if you want to fix your friendship or move on from it. Better yet it gives you time to heal from the pain they caused. Don't go thinking you're alone either because you're stuck with me now little witch.
The dragon.
Hermione dove into her trunk in search of something. Come on, I know you're in here I remember packing you especially. Quills, clothes and an assortment of belongs became scattered around the floor. Ha found you. Neatly she tidied everything away before staring at two notebooks that lay on her bed, there were supposed to be three, she'd not had chance to charm the third yet. They were going to be a surprise gift for the boys. The notebooks are charmed to pass messages to each other and come with protection to keep conversations private.
Dear wise dragon,
I've come up with a solution to our annoying problem, that's what your gift is. The notebook's one of two and obviously, I have the other. It's charmed so we can write messages, they'll only be seen when the notebook is open and disappear when they're shut. When the small quill in the front corner turns white you have a message. Also, for added privacy, if you place your thumb on the lock it'll open for you and no one else. Clever little seal charm I came across, nice huh? You're welcome. This will save us having to wait all day.
Thank you for accidentally letting me in, even If you didn't mean to I'm glad it happened. I think you need someone, someone who sees you and not whoever you've created.
Deal! Me, you and Morocco it is. Regretting your offer now it turns out I'm braver than you thought?
And just whose arms should I be in?
P.s. Being stuck with you doesn't sound so terrible to me.
The queen of Sicily.
Draco tore into the package after he'd read the letter it came with. Eager to test it out, knowing exactly what to write.
The small quill on Hermione's notebook turned colour like a mood ring, scrambling across the bed she opened the book with butterflies in her stomach.
You should be in my arms little witch.
Authors note: So, what do you think? Enjoy it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know I really do appreciate reviews.
