A/N: I will update this story weekly rather than every after three to four days because academics get in the way (or vice-versa). I hope you understand. TY's at the bottom. I hope I didn't make this chap hasty; I just felt like overly descriptions aren't too appropriate.
Disclaimer: Refer to Chapters 1 to 9 ok? *Gasp* I didn't write one for Chapter 9!
Being Draco
Chapter 10: Some Decisions
When will this end
It goes on and on
Over and over and over again…
Potter promised to tell me what had just happened later since talking seemed to be banned for the moment.
He carried Hermione all the way to her dormitory but remembered that Pansy was her roommate. He requested to some girl named Marietta to let Hermione stay with her for the night. The girl more than agreed *maybe she had a crush on Potter, which is quite a wonder, for I never really saw Potter that charismatic, but then again, inferior types of girls had always been his forte* and immediately took Hermione in.
^Can you shut up with the bloody arrogance and return to Earth? My ever-*loving* Brain Elf (yeah, it's Fed-Up Draco! Another chance of winning Who Wants to be With Snape?)^ I rolled my eyes and grunted. Potter looked at me oddly and I shrugged naively.
I was about to stop Hermione from going inside when my measly logical side of the brain said 'No!'. I did its advice.
Well, Hermione didn't want conversations anyway. She opted to sleep than talk to me. I guess she just wanted time alone or whatever…
But we always stuck together right? When she was down and all I was there right? I always protected her, right? So why the bloody hell did she opt to sleep than talk to me?
Maybe I didn't protect her all the time that's why she was kinda disappointed. But, Hermione's rational, she would understand. Maybe Potter was enough for her as a pain reliever or shock absorber or whatever. Maybe she doesn't need me anymore.
Maybe I should just shut up because this is so not me talking. A Malfoy never sulks nor thinks of himself inferior of others. Never.
*But why am I feeling this way?*
I already knew the full details of the story c/o Potter and it just made me angrier at myself, for not being able to sniff the devious ploy, Pansy for doing that to Hermione, and Snape, for limiting my revenge activities. The guy sure knew good *timing*
Anyway, all the bloody why's encircled my brain for the next hours of my lying in bed. Hermione was safe and she's still in a daze thus talking to me wouldn't be a logical option. Still I was worrying like a woman.
I shook my head and tried to shake the bloody why's off as well.
Next day, I decided not to attend classes except for Snape's coz I'm too unfocused to be shitting him. The why's still fucked my brain *they're currently on their 1067th round* and this caused some unexplainable heaviness in my heart *gosh, I didn't know it still functioned*. I wanted to talk to Hermione but she didn't want to; she kept taking her gaze away from me and avoiding me.
What did I do wrong? Why is she doing this to me? I decided to confront her to settle the score. The bloody why's has got to stop.
She had just taken her things from her locker when I held her arms. "We need to talk." I said.
She looked at me blankly but with a hint of hesitation. "O-Ok, but not now I …"
I cut her off, "It's now or never, Hermione. If we don't settle whatever it is that needs to be settled now, I swear to you, it will never be fixed." I gazed at her seriously, the kind that only Lucius was able to make me do when he beats me.
She sighed and followed my hand's lead to some empty classroom. Facing Hermione, who was seated languidly at the front row, I cleared my throat and began the conversation.
"Why haven't you talked to me?" I said in an almost monotonous voice, making her *probably* more scared for I never ever was that serious before her.
She stuttered, as I expected. I didn't want to scare her but I just can't find anything *light* about the situation. "I… I'm just confused right now, Draco. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you everything…"
"And Potter can know everything? Since when did I become second-man, Hermione?" I exclaimed, unable to hold the anguish inside.
She narrowed her eyes at me and snapped, "He was there, Draco. He saw everything that's why he knows."
I grunted. "Huh, so it's a matter of complete attendance now." I spat sarcastically. I don't know why I was so angry. I supposed it was because, for the fist time ever, Hermione kept something from me and told it to some *newly-inducted* priggish friend.
She narrowed her eyes even more, the fury in her orbs, palpable and hissed at me, "No, Mr. Malfoy, it is not. Why are you being immature? Were you thinking I was mad at you for not being able to defend me against Pansy when I know you were tricked? She told me she gave you and Harry letters to divert your attentions. I'm not that foolish, Draco." she chided rather rationally—the manner I am not able to do so now.
"Then why the bloody hell are you avoiding me?" I snapped back.
She hesitated, clouded once more by that dubious ambience she had a while ago. "I'm just confused, Draco. I can't take all of this anymore."
"What are you confused about? Tell me, please. I'm your friend, remember?" I said in a softer voice and sauntered to her. She looked up at me wistfully and sighed.
"I've just been thinking about really bad stuff lately and I don't know why I keep on entertaining them." she paused then sighed again, "I-I've been thinking what if… what if I never met you at the boys' comfort room? Would life have been simpler? Would I be happier, waking up each morning knowing no one will hurt me again? Would I not experience all this torture? Would I…" she sighed and stared at me sheepishly, her eyes growing misty.
I understood how she felt. I guess my rationality had finally barged itself in my brain for I didn't think she rued being my friend. *Maybe you didn't but I did! How dare she say those words to me after all the things that I've done for her?! That $%^&*@! …. Ranted my True Blue Malfoy Draco Brain Elf, who I ignored for I was in no mood to even activate my brain-elf summoning abilities*
I held her shoulders as her first teardrop fell. "I understand, Hermione, I really do. But we're in this together, right? You don't have to wallow in those feelings alone. I'm here. You can tell me and I will always listen to you." I said more softly while she muffled her sobs.
"I just can't sort out these things in my mind. I've been feeling so much hate to myself, to Pansy and you…" she inhaled sharply then continued, "I hate you because you simply get away with every bad thing you do to them and I get to be punished for it even if I didn't want their misfortune…" her tears welled up, flowing angrily on her cheeks, "and I hate myself for hating you because I know it's wrong! You've been my friend all this time… you even sacrificed your lifestyle just to be with me…. But I can't understand why I keep on entertaining these feelings…" she finally broke down, catching her face on her hands.
I was moved by the sight; Hermione was shaking terribly and her sobs stifled by her hands were getting louder. I have never seen Hermione like this before. It's all my fault. So much for being a *lucky charm*. Maybe 'un' arrived a bit late that's why we overlooked his presence in the phrase.
I hugged Hermione slowly, unsure if it was the right thing to do but her grabbing my arms proved that it was. I caressed her hair and hushed her. "I'm here, Hermione. Always remember that so please don't leave me out. I need you, you know. You're the only real friend I've ever had." I said through her sobs and tears. She hugged me tightly, maybe a 'yes' to my statement, and I let her. She needed comfort more than ever. This went on for the next five minutes.
We parted ways then. I felt a lot better now, finally closing the gap with Hermione.
But gap-closing will never happen to me and this guy. Snape. He informed me that Dumbledore wanted to chit-chat with me this afternoon. I didn't reply to him, only listened. He wanted cold atmospheres, I'll give him frigid.
I left immediately and tried to devise a plan to get back on Pansy and… shit! I just remembered I'm on Temporary Restraining Order. Sigh… life's really unfair. *Glad it finally dawned on you! said Fed Up Draco and for once, I agreed with him*
Afternoon came and I trudged my way to Dumbledore's office, which has been my former amusement park, *Got it? ^Amusement Park?^*.
I knocked on the door and heard a faint 'Come in!' and opened it. The room has been transformed to a homier one, with baby-designed wallpapers and, I guess, family pictures *they used to be Plaques of Being So Bloody Good at Anything by Grindelwald*
At the center, was the table where a John Lennon All White Version sat. I presumed he was the Dumbledore. He adjusted his really small glasses *interesting, it would definitely contrast with McDonald's HORN-RIMMED glasses. At least, she'll get over Grindelwald easier* and grinned at me.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy. Please sit down." he gestured his hand to the chair and retained the smile. I felt good vibes with him. He had this amiable aura. Hmmm… I'm beginning to be an Aura-Reader once more.
I lifted my brows. "Yeah, you too…" I opted to not say his name for I may mispronounce it. I wanted to give him a *good* impression, for this once at least.
"I suppose you know why you are called here." His grin faded but the *sort of* grin in his eyes did. Is he what I think he is doing? You know, checking on me? *Oh, please, Malfoy! Spat Sarcasm Draco Brain Elf and I glared at him*
"Because I scattered frog guts all over Parvati Patil's things?" I said nonchalantly.
"You did?" he asked with sincere curiosity.
"Yeah, I did. Aren't you the Dean? You're supposed to know all about this stuff." I shook my head disappointedly.
"I actually wanted to get to know you that's why I called you here. Not because of whatever happened with the frogs and Ms. Patil…" he looked at me with an amused expression.
I grunted. "Oh well, the fish is always caught with its own mouth. Don't mind if you punish me, though. I'm used to it. I can't blame you for wanting to know me, however. I'm kinda charismatic around here." I said nonchalantly once more.
He chuckled, to my surprise, and shook his head. "The rumors are true then. Draco Malfoy has an ingenuous sense of humor."
"I wasn't actually cracking a joke. I was merely speaking." It was then that I realized that Dumbledore wasn't an ordinary Dean. He wasn't Dean-like, especially not Grindelwald-like. I kind of liked that. *I smell love in the air, said Perverse Draco Brain Elf and I slit his throat*
"Then I guess this school year will be very exciting and interesting for the both of us, don't you think?" he looked at me for my answer and I nodded hesitantly. "Anyway, had Professor Snape already talked to you?" he entwined his fingers *Snape has a big effect on people, I conclude*
I nodded. "He bloody reapplied for the Father job and I *so* enthusiastically accepted him." I said, pokerfaced and I thought I heard Dumbledore stifle a laugh.
"I'm sure you are. Is there room for another Father however?"
I thought I heard he hint that he wanted to be my father but I still hoped he didn't so I asked, "Pardon me, sir?"
"I said is there room for another Father in the Father job? Like a second-man for I believe Severus cannot do the job all his own." You're bloody right he can't. He's actually resigned thrice then reapplied *whether I wanted it or not* thrice too for the past two years.
I pondered then said, "I don't know if Snape would want to share the work with you because he definitely loves it with all his heart already but I can assure you the Mother job. No one has applied for it yet and besides, you have long hair and typical glasses a mom your age would wear. They'd believe the set-up, I assure you. Snape's most likely to snag a woman with your looks." He didn't get offended with my words which relieved me for if I said these to Snape I would have been stabbed to death.
"I would love the offer but I am very sure of my sexuality, Draco." He said calmly.
"Oh, c'mon, it will be a secret! When we go out, we tell people you're my Father II but when we're the only ones together, you're actually Mother Dumbledore. Doesn't it sound nice?" I suggested to him but he just grinned.
"It is settled then, I am your Father II whether out there or in here. Being your Father II, I would like you to be open to me. If you have any problems you can't tell your friends and Snape, you could direct them to me. Would that be fine with you?"
"Yeah, at least I have a listening father." I sat properly then beamed, "We could switch it, you know. Snape's going to be the mother and you're going to be my Dad. Snape's been a good nagger, you see." I stated with conviction.
Dumbledore shook his head. "I think Snape would rather eat an elephant that be seen as that. Anyway, thank you for your time, Mr. Malfoy. It's been a pleasure meeting you." He shook my hand.
"Same here, Daddy Dumbo." I nodded.
He stopped, like he just swallowed some new information. "Now, I remember Snape reminding me of that strange habit of yours—name-calling, right?"
I nodded strongly, as if I was saying PlayBoyMagazine.com has changed its layout.
"Yeah, but you got to be used to it. You'll be experiencing it all year. Don't worry I'll be changing your name every now and then, but of course, you won't know."
He shook his head frustratingly. "Such a pity I won't know but I don't mind though. My name has been ridiculed many times. I would prefer if you would call me Albus."
"What? Alvin? As in the chipmunks? No wonder you're being derided." I shook my head frustratingly.
"No, it's Albus, Draco. If you're going to be formulating a new name for me, you better remember that." He smiled then stood up, "Again, it's a pleasure meeting you." We shook hands again and I left the room. He gave me a pack of Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans before doing so, however.
As I was walking my way back to the dorm, someone sissy blocked my way.
"Hello, Malfoy." said Pansy, her arms crossed over her chest.
***
Hermione had looked forward to the day after her conversation with Draco. It relieved her that she was able to tell Draco everything. Chemistry, however, dampened her spirit a bit.
Today was Lab Day which meant a brand new sinister experiment for Hermione. She was always able to perform them well but they require *hard work*.
She and Harry had just gotten the necessary materials and chemicals for the experiment posted on the board when something happened.
A flicker of yellow blaze appeared suddenly, eating up the wooden cabinets. "Fire!" screamed a blonde girl at the far right of Hermione. Almost simultaneously, this was also shrieked by another girl at her far left.
The whole room panicked; Snape's yells drowned in the screams. Scampering of feet, brushes of bodies and fearful screams later reverberated the room.
Instinctively, Harry took Hermione's hand and dragged her away from the commotion. "Let's go, Hermione before we get toasted here."
He was able to lead Hermione to the semi-filled hallway. "That was close. Good things I was able to grab you and escape." He panted, resting his hands on his knees.
"Yeah, Potter. Good thing." Mandy smirked at him and Harry could only stare back in shock.
***
"What is it you want, *Pansy*?" I stared at her degradingly and she tried to keep the eye contact.
"You got it wrong, Malfoy. It is you who needs something from me." She said with an air of sick confidence. Yeah, everything about her is sick.
I snorted. Except for a good job, I don't recall anything else. "Really? Like what? My one-year supply of condoms? You got to think of a better one." I slicked my hair back. She twitched a bit. I smirked inwardly *these gestures turn her on*.
"Granger's freedom." she said eloquently.
I furrowed my brows at her and squinted. "What do you mean Hermione's freedom?" the thought of strangling her right now sounds very appealing, no? *Very much! Beamed Chuck Draco Brain Elf and I hushed him*
She crossed her arms and smirked. "You know what to do, Draco. How to end all of this. You've always known yet you neglect it. If I were you, I would ponder on it now. Especially since Project Bucktooth is on its full steam ahead."
I narrowed my eyes even more and walked to her so that my face was merely inches away from hers. "If anything happens to her, Parkinson, I swear you're gonna pay and I won't give a damn if I get expelled for murdering all of you." I hissed.
She cocked an eyebrow and sneered. "Is that so? Then I'll be waiting. As of now, I think you should be saving her."
I walked past her, still throwing her death looks, and scuttled to save Hermione again.
***
Hermione moaned, clutching her head then suddenly jumped when her eyes formed the blurred figures. She was surrounded by Pansy's Brat Pack and a guy whom she recognized as Seamus. "Where am I? What are you going to do to me?" she asked in vain for only triumphant sneers greeted her.
"Tsk, tsk. Sometimes friends lead you to trouble did you know that, Hermione? Too bad you befriended the wrong sort." Seamus stood up, looming her, terrifying Hermione more. The last thing she recalled was being dragged by some arms and a hand covering her mouth with an odd-smelling hankie.
"Please, Seamus, don't…whatever you are to do…please…have mercy on me…" Hermione's tears flowed, her heartbeat racing a mile again.
Seamus glanced at the Brat Pack and gave a nod. They immediately left the room. He looked at her maliciously and caressed her hair. "Now, that's better. The more we get to spend some *quality time* together." He sneered at her and Hermione could only close her eyes and cry.
***
Harry was alarmed for he knew this was another Pansy trick. "Where is she?" he held Mandy's wrists and hissed.
"I wouldn't do that you know. It won't encourage me to tell you where she is." Mandy said derisively.
Harry let her go and asked once again, calmer this time. "Where did you take Hermione? Please, don't do anything bad to her."
Mandy snickered gloriously. "Now that's better. Still I won't tell."
"What do I have to do for me to know where she is?" Harry said, almost pleadingly. He had a queer feeling something terrible was happening to Hermione.
Mandy made a face at him. "Why do you care so much for that creature? Even the Boogie Man would get scared at her. I just hope Seamus won't."
Harry felt as though he had just swallowed his heart. "Seamus? What's he got to do with this?"
Mandy flipped her hair and told Harry as if she was retelling Beauty and the Beast, "He's going to rape her and wouldn't it be lovely? The whole pack's guarding them now. The place's kinda seedy, though. Pansy couldn't have thought of a better place."
Harry tried to infer on where Hermione could be with the clue Mandy had given. "A seedy place? Like the Stock Room?" he guessed, crossing his fingers he was right. He knew that Mandy was a bit *light-headed* which meant that if his guess was right, she would squeal instantly.
And he was. Mandy's eyes widened in shock and exclaimed, "How did you know?"
Harry grinned and left, not bothering to answer her question.
Mandy shrugged, not realizing her dumb mistake. "Oh well."
***
I ran as fast as I could to Lumiere Wing since Hermione and Potter had Chem today. I was greeted by a pool of people and some firemen, making my heart sank. Hermione… could it be….
I immediately struggled my way through the crowd and looked if Hermione was there. She wasn't nor was Potter.
Shit! I'm back to zero… I decided to look for any of the sissy hyenas and harass her of the answer.
There I found Mandy and grabbing her, barked, "Where is she?"
"Stock Room." She answered nonchalantly and even if I was a bit puzzled with her squealing-right-away moment, I headed off to the Stock Room.
***
Seamus was already on top of Hermione, who was almost naked with her blouse open and thighs exposed. He was gagging and hitting her when she fought back.
Harry barged in the room and instantaneously, grabbed Seamus and hit him square on the face. It was hard enough to knock him out.
Harry went to Hermione and hugged her, calming her down even if it was impossible as of now.
Hermione was shaking, her tears flowing uncontrollably and her eyes wide of shock.
Draco panted and knew he was too late.
***
Sinus was expelled out of his university as soon as they found out what had happened but he refused to admit that Pansy was the mastermind of all this. I attempted to kick him 'til he bled to death when he was knocked out but Potter restrained me. He said Hermione needs the attention more.
Potter and I took turns in calming Hermione. God, was she piteous. She was dumbfounded, speechless and trembling uncontrollably that I had to hold her to stop the shaking. She curled herself like a ball by my side as I caressed her hair to hush her. It was during the fifth time I took turns to calm her that she fell asleep. Marietta took her in again.
This was too much. Hermione doesn't deserve all this. She shouldn't be in this thing in the first place. Again, it's all my fault.
You know what to do, Draco. How to end all of this. You've always known yet you neglect it.
It's time maybe, to do what is necessary.
I grabbed Pansy out of the Jive Pub crowd and led her to somewhere quiet.
"What a way to say hello, Malfoy." she crossed her arms over her chest and cocked an eyebrow at me.
I inhaled then sighed, my hands fished in my pockets. "We need to talk." I said seriously.
A/N: Thanks to my reviewers:
Mizz Chili- yeah, the worms were disgusting. I tried to update soon…was it soon enough?
Tenshi Kanashii- Thanks for the review and love for my fic. I need a lot of it. Also, I appreciate you believing Harry is not OOC. I really thought he was.
Thepotionmaster- di bale, kikiligin ka na. yeba, malapit na!
Hahero01- THANKS FOR MAKING ME YOUR FAVE AUTHOR! Thanks for the review and e-mail too. I really appreciate it. Please review the next chap, too.
Dracofan9893- THANKS FOR MAKING ME YOUR FAVE AUTHOR! Thanks for the review too. Hope to see your review at the next chap.
Pinkbunny- I'm a goy, no a birl! Argh! Seriously, I'm a girl yet I write in a guy's POV. Oh well, that's the price I got to pay for writing this fic. Thanks for reviewing. See you next chap, I hope.