Chapter ten
Students sat in the Great Hall, discussing what exactly they would be doing in Hogsmeade later on that day. Hermione walked between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables nervously, unsure of how Harry and Ron were going to act towards her. She had returned late last night, they had both retired to their rooms, so she never had the chance to speak to them that night. She also had left early for the library that morning, looking up various counter-curses for her next lesson with Draco. She scanned the table and noticed her friends. Harry and Ron seemed quite happy, discussing the prospects of their trip today which included Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop which apparently now sold Quills which did your homework for you, and was guaranteed to get at least 85% correct. Ginny sat across from them, reading a magazine and absently nodding to whatever Ron and Harry said. Next to Ginny, Neville was perched on the bench, arguing with his owl who was refusing to take the letter from him. It continued to bite and nip him every time he tried, causing Ron and Harry to roar with laughter. She finally reached them, and sat next to Ginny. Ron and Harry fell silent, and exchanged a glance. Hermione looked down, and Ginny put her magazine down on the table, glaring at her brother and his best friend.
''You can't honestly be mad at Hermione, you two. Harry practically assaulted her, and you are expecting her to just allow him to do so? Grow up, the pair of you.'' Ginny snapped at them, causing Harry to turn red and Ron looked startled.
''Harry did not assault her, Ginny. Why don't you mind your own bloody business.'' Ron replied, burning.
''You two whined about it all morning to me, then expect me to keep out of it? Honestly.'' Ginny sighed, and patted Hermione on the shoulder. Hermione smiled at her younger friend weakly, and then looked at Harry.
''I was hoping we could talk about it, Harry. Just us two.'' Hermione offered, and Harry looked at Ron.
''What about me? I'm affected by this too.'' Ron said, puffing his chest out slightly.
''No, you're not Ron. You just don't like being out of the loop.'' Ginny tutted, before picking up her magazine again.
''Okay, Hermione.'' Harry agreed, and Ron looked defeated. He folded his arms for a moment, before remembering he had a few liquorish wands in his pocket. He pulled them up, and chewed them determinately, refusing to share them with Harry. Ginny rolled her eyes at both of them, and Hermione felt a small weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Hermione glanced over to the other end of the hall, to see Draco Malfoy talking to Madison Green, a girl in their year. She was pretty, quite known for being a flirt and popular with the boys. Hermione felt a painful jab in her chest as she watched Draco lean in and speak quietly with her. She noticed that Pansy was sitting further down the table, crying. She had her friends arm around her, gently comforting and reassuring her. Hermione began to be worried, had he began a relationship with Madison?
''Hermione, why do you look like you just got 99% on a test?'' Ron asked, waving his hand in front of her face. She quickly snapped out of her trance, and gave Ron a glare.
''Ronald, I was just thinking about all the first years I'm going to have to take to the Infirmary after you've fed them whatever you find in Honeydukes today.'' She said promptly, causing Ginny to giggle and Neville to look up from his struggle with the owl.
''What exactly are you trying to do, Neville?'' Hermione changed the subject quickly, deciding to avoid another argument with Ron.
''This blooming owl doesn't want to go back to my grandmother's house. She must torture him or something.'' Neville sighed, defeated, and fed the owl a piece of toast. All five friends laughed together, and despite the laughter, Hermione couldn't help but feel disheartened as she looked over at the Slytherin table. She spent the next hour with her friends planning their trip to Hogsmeade, and deciding what she wanted to buy on this trip. She tried to ignore Harry's longing glances at her as they spoke, she was already feeling guilty and miserable about the entire situation.
–
A few hours later, Hermione found herself walking down the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade with Harry, Ron, Ginny and Luna. Luna had joined them after Ginny decided it would be a good idea if Ron had somebody to distract them whilst Harry and Hermione tried to sort things out. They had already visited Zonko's Joke Shop, where Ron had purchased enough Dungbombs to last the rest of the year and Luna had admired a necklace which screamed and began to bite whenever the wearer tried to remove it. Now, they were wandering around aimlessly looking into small store windows and Luna was talking about the Shrieking Shack. She did not know that it had never really been haunted, so she was listing aimless false facts her father had told her.
''Did you know that there was a savage murder in there? Dad told me all about it, it was between three goblins and their master..'' Luna said dreamily, and only Ron was paying attention to her.
''Why don't we go there, while Harry and Hermione are in the Three Broomsticks?'' Ron offered eagerly, causing Ginny to roll her eyes. Luna glowed, she wasn't used to people actually wanting to invite her anywhere – so she was keen to agree. As Harry and Hermione began to walk towards the Three Broomsticks they waved to Ron, Luna and Ginny as they walked the opposite direction. The few minutes walk to the Inn was awkward, Hermione found herself once again stuck for words. They arrived, and quickly sat down at a small table in the back corner close to the fireplace. It was relatively quiet in the Inn, a handful of other people were scattered across the room, which was unusual when the Hogwarts students were in Hogsmeade. Perhaps it was the nice weather of the day, the sun had been in view all day and there hadn't been much wind.
Hermione paid for two Butterbeers from the bar, and then sat down across from Harry. He quickly pulled a few coins out of his pocket and offered them to Hermione, but she shook her head. He shrugged, and began to drink his, eyeing the other people in the Inn. Hermione took a mouthful of Butterbeer, and appreciated the warmth it brought her. She smiled at Harry again, before saying anything.
''Harry, I know you're pretty mad at me right now.'' Hermione started, then stopped, unsure of how to continue.
''I'm not mad at you, Hermione. I just thought that you..'' Harry responded, then looked down at his Butterbeer.
''I wish that things weren't so difficult right now. I think with all the stuff that's going on right now, with my parents and..'' Hermione trailed off, feeling herself choking up over the thought of her family. She had been attempting to keep her mind off of the entire affair and the recent events had distracted her, but now that she was confronted with speaking of it she could feel the familiar ache of guilt.
''Hermione, we don't need to talk about your parents right now, if it's too difficult.'' He said comfortingly, reaching over and squeezing her hand. Hermione did not pull away from his gesture, she took comfort in it. She squeezed back, and smiled weakly.
''Harry, I'm so sorry about yesterday. I don't want to lose you, you're my best friend.'' Hermione said gently, and Harry nodded.
''You're not going to lose me, Mione.'' Harry comforted, and continued to hold her hand. They both smiled, and began talking of what they thought Luna would be telling Ron now, laughing and drinking they Butterbeer. Hermione knew that Harry was a forgiving person, and he was not likely to hold a grudge towards Hermione, but it had worried her that their friendship would not return to what it was. But in the midst of the warmth of the Inn, the delicious Butterbeer and the relaxing atmosphere, it felt like it was already back on track, and that yesterday seemed far away. Harry did not loosen his grip on her hand, and Hermione forgot about this, she liked having the comfort of having her best friend back.
Hermione didn't notice the door of the Inn open, nor did she see that Draco Malfoy had just entered the Three Broomsticks. He walked towards the bar, alone, and ordered himself a Butterbeer. He glanced around the Inn, happy to be alone finally, and noticed Hermione in the corner. He felt a strange warmth come to him, before he noticed that she was holding hands with Harry Potter. Suddenly, he was filled with jealousy and rage, that when his Butterbeer arrived he simply threw his coins onto the bar, without even taking the beverage. He stormed over to the table, causing both Hermione and Harry to look up startled. His eyes met with Hermione's for a brief moment, who then looked down at her hand and tugged it out of Harry's. He then looked at Harry, a look of pure disgust on his face.
''I didn't realise Golden Boy came here. I thought this place would have been below him.'' He snarled, the need to insult Harry was insanely powerful all of a sudden. Harry stood up from his chair, and glared back at Draco.
''I thought the sons of Death Eaters went to the Hog's Head, where they'd be welcomed by the characters in there.'' Harry spat back, and Draco took a step forward, pulling his wand out of his pocket.
''You better watch your mouth, Potter.'' Draco growled, pointing his wand at Harry's chest.
''Both of you, just stop it!'' Hermione cried, standing up. This drew attention from Madam Rosmerta, who hurried over and glared at both of the teenage boys.
''If you don't put that wand away, you're out of here.'' She warned, and Draco glared at her. He reluctantly put his wand back in his pocket, and shook his head in a mocking way. He walked out of the Inn quickly, without looking back. Hermione's gaze followed Draco out, her heart beating fast. She looked at Harry, who was laughing and apologising to Madam Rosmerta, who smiled and patted him on the shoulder. He sat back down, and looked at Hermione expectantly. She sat down, but couldn't seem to stop looking towards the door.
''I can't believe him, he just comes in here and picks fights over nothing. I wonder why he was alone? Hermione, are you alright? Did that thing with Malfoy upset you?'' Harry asked, looking concerned. Hermione shook her head.
''No, it's not that. I just need to go buy a few things, you know. Why don't you catch up with Ron, and I'll meet you back at school? I'll only be an hour or so.'' Hermione suggested, and Harry reluctantly agreed.
Hermione knew that Harry was not stupid, and he would be suspicious of her for leaving so quickly and suddenly, but she had to catch Draco. She patted Harry's hand, before standing and leaving the Inn. She could see Draco's platinum blonde hair further down the street, pushing through the small groups of students. Hermione quickly followed, making sure she stayed a little bit behind until he turned down a quiet street which had mainly book stores and school supplies, which was unappealing to most students this early on in the year. Draco slowed down once he was in the quiet street, only a few older witches and wizards wandered down the street, along with two other Hogwarts students who were younger and both in Ravenclaw. Draco glared at the younger students, causing them to quicken their pace. Hermione finally caught up with him.
''What the heck was that all about? Picking fights with Harry, pointing your wand at him?!'' Hermione demanded, attempting to keep her voice down. Draco whirled round, startled to see that she had followed him. For a moment he was silent, unsure of what to say. His face twisted from shock into rage, he quickly looked around to see if anyone was looking, before hissing at her,
''Here on behalf of your boyfriend? Does he know that you've been kissing me before getting all cosy with him in public?'' The enraged look in his eyes frightened her, she knew he was furious but she didn't realise it was because he suspected her of being with Harry. Why did it bother him so much, he was with Madison now.
''Harry isn't my boyfriend, and even if he was I doubt you'd be trying to tell him I had been unfaithful!'' Hermione spat back, causing an older wizard to turn and look at the pair. He frowned, but then quickly went back to window shopping.
''Perhaps I would want to tell Lover Boy, seeing as I'm some sort of vicious disease that loves nothing more than spreading misery amongst you Gryffindors.'' Draco snarled at her, his eyes bright with anger.
''Why are you being so horrible? Why can't you just leave me alone?'' Hermione cried at him and turned her head away, causing the older wizard to look around once again.
''If I am correct, didn't you follow me, Granger?'' He took her by the arm, forcing her to look at him.
''Excuse me, are you alright, young lady?'' The elderly wizard asked, moving towards Draco and Hermione. Draco let go off Hermione, and sighed. He turned and quickly went into Trift's Essiantal Reading, a small book store which mainly sold books which were enchanted and novels. Hermione smiled at the elderly wizard and nodded her head, before following him in.
''Don't just walk away from me, again.'' Hermione warned as she followed him through the book shelves, as he ran his fingers along the spines of the books. Draco didn't seem to acknowledge her presence, which infuriated Hermione. She continued to follow him, as he browsed the books. He occasionally pulled one out, briefly looked at the blurb before putting it back. He refused to look at Hermione. Finally, he reached the end of the the shelves he had been browsing.
''I don't understand why you decided to follow me. Potter and I have had plenty of feuds and you have never decided to ruthlessly follow and harass me.'' He stated, curtly. Hermione felt the sting of his tone, and she stood wounded for a moment.
''You know why I followed you, Draco.'' Hermione whispered, and Draco turned to look at her, startled that she had used his name.
''No, I don't. Feel free to tell me, Granger.'' He emphasised her last name. Hermione blushed, then quickly looked around, to make sure nobody was standing close by.
''What is going on with you? One moment you're so compassionate, and it seems like you really care, then you're hostile and cruel. How am I supposed to keep up with you?'' Hermione whispered.
''Why are you suddenly so eager to keep up with me?'' Draco demanded, shrugging.
''Because you keep kissing me!'' Hermione exclaimed, then flushed. Draco looked around frantically, then his features softened slightly.
''I believe it was you kissing me, Granger.''
''That's a lie, Draco.''
''So you play no part, what so ever?''
''I never said that. But you were always the one to kiss me. Why, Draco?'' Hermione hissed at him, and Draco sighed once again.
''I don't know, I wish I did.'' He moaned, before turning away from her again, and moving into the next aisle. Hermione listened to his footsteps for a moment, then followed.
''Is that why you picked a fight with Harry?'' Hermione questioned, watching his hands run across the books.
''Why?'' Draco asked, in a curious tone. He did not turn to face her.
''Because you were jealous? Because you thought I was with him?'' Hermione suggested, causing Draco to stop but not to turn around. His shoulders sagged, and he gave our a defeated sigh.
''Perhaps. You seem to be all I think about, I'm constantly wondering what you're doing, who you're with. I don't know why, I don't know what to do about it.'' Draco muttered, but Hermione heard it all. She stood unsure of what to say for a few moments, fearing that she may say the wrong thing at just an open confession. In all truth, she was shocked. She hadn't really believed he was feeling that way, she had hoped that he would scoff, reject the theory, tell her to leave him alone. But he had confirmed her fears, but she couldn't help but return the feelings.
''Ever since the incident on the train ride this year, you have been on my mind at every moment of the day.'' She said honestly, fear lacing her words. Draco stood still, his fingers lingering on a book, before he turned to face her. His face was not twisted in disgust, nor anger or resentment, but fear.
''Well, what do we do now, Hermione?''
–
Okayyy, this was a slightly longer chapter because I had a lot to say. I believe I've managed to move the story along a lot more, and that I've let you guys with a pretty good cliff hanger. Now don't be thinking everything is going to be easier from this moment on, it's definitely going to get a little harder for our characters. I'm hoping to develop Luna and Ron, so stay tuned with that. Anyway, reviews and favouriting really help me move along with my updates. Also, if you're a Twilight fan, please check out my other fanfiction I'm currently working on. So yes, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I felt I had to make up for my long absence!
Happy reading.
- Amy.