: chapter viii :

Harry's POV

"What? Is that the reason why-"

My girlfriend sighed and nodded. "Yep. Hermione and Ron weren't meant to be after all."

Needless to say, I wasn't exactly that shocked.

I mean I did catch my best mate snogging with Pansy not just once, but, twice. Every time, Ron told me to shut my trap and never tell Hermione. Apparently, she didn't satisfy all of his 'needs'. I wanted to tell her! Believe me. But... I didn't want to see her get hurt as well. I planned to tell her one day. Guess that day just never came around.

"Then what happened on New Years', Ginny?"

The redhead laughed. "Everything wrong, Harry, everything wrong," her head shook in dismay.

I raised an eyebrow. "Was it Krum?"

"Nope," she popped the syllable.

"That Ravenclaw guy who stalked her?"

"No and who the hell is that?"

"Never mind," I chuckled. "Just tell me already, love."

Ginny pursed her lips then whispered in my ear. "Draco Malfoy."

My eyes widened and seemed surprised by my reaction.

"Do you know him?"

"Know is an understatement," I laughed bitterly.

Ginny tilted her head to the side, gesturing for me to say more.

"During the war. . . I found this badly injured lad fighting against this entire army of Inferi," I spoke in a hushed tone.

"Wow," she breathed out in disbelief. "All alone?"

"Yeah," I scratched my head. "It looked like he was cut in several places and the poor lad was limping on his left leg. I couldn't tell what side he was on from that distance. But, it would be inhumane to just watch him die. And so, I helped him out. But, Gin... I don't think he was conscious."

"What do you mean?"

My eyes scrunched in hard thinking. "It didn't feel right. His eyes were all. . . white."

"Oh Harry, he was under Imperio-"

I clapped my hand over her mouth, noticing nearby students glance at us. "Yes, one of the Unforgivables," I answered.

"And you think this is? . . ."

"Yes. Draco Malfoy."

"Are-are you sure?" Ginny gasped softly. "Hermione was positive that he was a Muggle."

I shook my head. "If she saw what I witnessed, she'd definitely think not. He was casting spells of Hermione's caliber. His most impressive ones were curses. Gin, Malfoy could even multi-task with spells! He was throwing spells left and right, wand-less and non-verbally and verbally. Bloody hell; I didn't even realize that was even possible for one single wizard to do! He is a force to be reckoned with. We have to warn Hermione-"

She ushered me to calm down and began to massage my tense shoulders. "Shush, Harry, you can't be The Boy Who Lived all the time."

"But, Hermione-"

"She can handle herself," Ginny smirked. "If she can handle You Know Who, she can bloody well handle one guy."

"The only thing I just can't seem to figure out is why he's living as a Muggle with all that power..." I trailed off, feeling my brain start to ache.

"Who knows? Maybe he wanted to stop doing magic altogether after the war. Or, maybe," she lowered her tone, "he can't remember using magic. That's why he acts very Muggle. That would explain why Hermione thinks he is a Muggle."

"You're a genius, love!"

She grinned. "Duh. It's either Draco doesn't remember being under Imperio and was knocked out unconsciously beforehand with some nasty powerful sleep potion. Or, somebody cast one strong Obliviate on him."

"Would he still feel magic though?" I inquired.

"How should I know, Harry?" She sighed. "Perhaps he does, but, being all Muggle assimilated, how could he tell the difference between feeling and magic? He probably thinks magic doesn't exist. All Muggles past childhood do. Well, with the exception of Muggleborns like Hermione."

"True, true. Still, I think it's only right for us to tell her."

"Nah," she smirked. "Let Hermione have some good ol' fun. I can tell she's bored out of her mind and St. Mungo's. Not enough interesting patients nowadays, I suppose."

"Why does that sound so believable for our bookworm friend?"

Hermione's POV

I know it's a bit unfair to do this.

However, I needed to know.

Although it is against the rules and regulations, I did Legilimens on Draco.

For some reason, it was difficult for me to penetrate his mental barriers. His defense for awfully strong for just some Muggle. It was almost like he was an advanced Occlumen. However, my strength in Legilimency beat his and I to magically navigate through the mental layers. Success!

What I saw astounded me.

The founder of DEUXY was a former Death Eater. Draco came from a family of Death Eaters that most likely worked for Voldemort. Knowing them, he was also most likely from a prestigious line of Purebloods. The exact opposite of myself, a 'mudblood'. The words were still etched on to my arms. I was sure of it. My soul mate was a Pureblood the son of Death Eater runaways. That would explain why his brain was so hard to crack open. He must have been taught the art of Occlumency.

How come I wasn't aware of this crucial fact?

No, I should be asking this.

Why is he under the misconception of being Muggle?

Rather abruptly, I was kicked out of his mind.

Is Draco Malfoy an incognito wizard?

"Shit," his curse made me jump.

"W-what?" I questioned in slight fear, scared he's transform into Death Eater mode any second.

"Massive headache," he clutched his head in pain. "I need some goddamn Advil or Tylenol."

If he was truly Pureblood, why would his family venture into the society they've been grown to look down upon? None of this made sense! I hated when I could not figure out something!

"By the looks of it," he smirked. "Perhaps you need a few pills too."

"Shut it," I huffed. "Let's go already."

"Yes sir," Draco mocked an officer's tone and I childishly stuck out my tongue at him.

A/N: Merlin, so much information given away gahhhhh- Welp, it had to be done sometime or another right? Also holy shit you guys review quickly. Got me updating daily, eh. Once the weekend ends, my updates won't be this Sonic fast, haha, don't expect it. xD

Thanks for reading/reviewing and please do comment! I love reading feedback of all kind. c: