Chapter 8: Double Life

It became obvious that the Golden Quartet has momentarily separated. Ginny won't speak to me, Ron won't look at me, and Harry won't do either. This is really getting ridiculous. The only person who would talk to me was Mickey, and I think he is starting to get fed up with me, mostly because every time we kiss, he always tries to take it to the next level.

I didn't feel right doing that. Even though I'm supposed to be that way with Mickey, I find myself more devoted to Malfoy. Well, I guess it would be because of the marriage certificate. That would explain a lot, but no one knows about that.

For the past two months, while I keep the whole good girl image for the public with Mickey, I found myself every night talking to Malfoy in the Astronomy Tower. By that time, Ron somewhat forgave me and Harry is more bearable, but I'm afraid to say that Harry and Ginny officially broke up!

It was breakfast when Harry announced it to Ron and I. I was drinking milk at the time, so shocking new plus milk equals splash zone. Sadly, poor Ron was the victim.

"Hermione!" exclaimed Ron. I felt myself blushing mad by then. I was glad Mickey wasn't around to witness that.

"I'm so sorry! Harry, what happened between you two?"

"As you know, the aftermath of the…event," I noticed he looked at Ron cautiously. "Ginny and I sort of became very awkward. I don't know how to explain it. We started fighting more, we haven't talked for days. She actually just left a note on my bed and said it's over."

I looked at Ginny evilly as she was chatting it up with Pavarti, gossip queen of Hogwarts. I guess I was…a little pissed. I've been Harry's friend longer than Ginny's. He is more like a brother, especially since we could relate with us going from the muggle world to wizarding. I than became aware at how Ginny dating Harry changed us a bit. We didn't talk like we used to.

Well, I guess it would be because of me being involved in my double life, and him…I don't know. Now that I think of it, did I even pay attention to their Quidditch game?

WHAT KIND OF A FRIEND WAS I???

I had to do something! First off, Harry was probably heartbroken about the whole thing, and second, he is the only sane person I could talk to. I don't think Malfoy and I were doing anything tonight, so better plan something now.

"Hey Harry," I said. "How 'bout me and you hang out tonight at the Quidditch field. During dinner."

"Okay," Harry said suspiciously. "May I ask why?"

"Well, your break up made me realize that we don't spend much time together."

"Sounds good to me! I'm bring the cauldron cakes."


I was thrilled about tonight. Just me and Harry talking about whatever we want to talk about without interruptions from Ron. I even made it clear to Mickey that I already had plans with Harry, so he was going to have to catch up with me some other time.

When I said this, he looked hurt. He really did make the most adorable hurt face. "Well, okay," he said slowly. "I really got a surprise for you though. I guess I could tell you tomorrow."

I gave him a quick kiss on the lips and headed to class. I didn't give much thought to what was going on with Mickey. I hope he wasn't jealous that I would prefer hanging out with my newly single guy friend rather than him.

Twilight was coming again, and all the school was getting ready for dinner. I set a quick picnic by the lake, setting some sandwiches and a big thing of butterbeer. I needed to hear what was going on with Harry, I felt so horrible that I wasn't there for the break up.

When I heard footsteps behind me, I thought that it was Harry, instead it was Malfoy looking more serious than usual. I wanted to hug him and kiss him, but people were still going into the castle, and if anyone would see us, well, that would be the end of it. I would have to break up with Mickey and would even consider myself an…um…mud-slut. I'm sure Malfoy would have some forgiveness since his father is rich, but I would have nothing. That was the problem with this whole cheating thing, I would come out looking like a whore in the end.

"Malfoy, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, just seeing what your up to. What's with the picnic?"

"It's for Harry, he broke up with Ginny and I felt pretty bad about it."

"I see."

We stood there for a while, his feet were kicking the earth and my hair twirled around my fingers. We wanted to forget about the public and laugh at the unwritten rule, but our bodies refused to move with each other.

"So…winter holiday is coming up," he said as an ice breaker.

"Uh huh." I said lightly.

"I was going to stay here for the holidays, but Nicki invited me to California to meet her parents for a few days."

My eyes widened. I was planning on sneaking out of the Weasley's during the holidays to meet him. The thought that our…romance would have to be put on hold made me so sad and angry. Did he have to go? Why couldn't he just stay…with me…away from Nicki.

"How do you feel about that?" he asked a little concerned. His eyes seemed to soften as his brow went down with worry. The site made me want to cry to his chest.

"I…I'm fine with that." I choked. I was ordering my eyes to just listen to me and not cry. It was too late though, they streamed down and I was sobbing. I felt his chest against my cheek and his arms were around me protectively. I wanted him to be mine, like it said on the marriage certificate. I felt ruined and weak. "I'm just so tired of this!" I said. "I hate having to share you for the public's sake!"

"Well…maybe we could go public," he said. "I know it sounds weird, but maybe we could. What's the worst that could happen?"

I looked at him like he was crazy, I was trying to look for some sign of a sick joke. "What?" He was serious though. His mouth always does that cute little frown when he was serious.

"What's the worst that could happen?"

"The worst that could happen?" I exclaimed. "Nothing would happen to you, but I would be considered a mud-slut! A whore! A tramp! You can buy yourself a reputation, but I can't do that!"

"Hermione, we're married, what's the worse the could-?"

"I just told you!"

"Hermione?" Malfoy and I both turned, shocked. Harry was right there with his green eyes confused and his hand scratching his head. "Are you okay? What are you doing with Mildew?"

Malfoy lets go of my shoulders and just runs off leaving me there in the dust. I felt angry with Harry and Malfoy. First off, Malfoy didn't need to go there with the whole 'lets go public thing', we both know he would be big man on campus for snogging a Gryffindor girl and going out with the hottest Slytherin. Secondly, Harry knows better than to not ruin the moment.

When Malfoy left the scene Harry didn't react like I always thought he would react. He didn't storm off to tell Ron, he didn't yell at me, or even kill me. He looked at Malfoy leaving and at my tear-stained face and laughed. He just stood and laughed like he just saw Ron coming out in his Aunt Tessie's wedding dressing.

"W-what's so funny." I sniffled. I was feeling a little hurt at this point. Harry managed to calm himself down.

"You're the girl who couldn't take their hands off Malfoy! Your Mrs. Malfoy!" he than chuckled a little more and got out some tears of laughter. He looks at the food. "Oh great! Did you bring the turkey or the ham?" he was referring to the lunch meat I used and sat down on the picnic blanket I set for him.

"Um…Harry, how come your not killing me?'

"Why should I? I mean, sure your taste in men have obviously lessened, but you're my friend."

I felt so relieved. It felt great just to get the secret out to someone. I sat on the blanket with him and started munching on my sandwich. It was like the whole deal didn't happen just now. It did make me worry on how everyone else would act.

"Do you think everyone would be as understanding as you if Malfoy and I do go public?"

"Yeah, good luck with that." He said sarcastically. I guess he heard me make a whimpering sound because he turned to me and smiled. "Don't worry Hermione, I won't tell a soul. Just don't make out with him in front of me."