Harry cracked his neck and yawned. He hadn't seen Hermione for the whole day today, not even in lessons. It was never like her to miss lessons but he knew she was fine. Ginny had informed him that she was in a bad mood and wanted to sleep. Harry had frowned but let it pass. Mood or no mood, Hermione Granger never missed a lesson and yet somehow harry was not too concerned. He believed Ginny cared enough and she had given him the stern 'don't bother her today look' before she left and thus Ron was doing part- sorry most of Ron's work. Harry was always astonished at the patience Hermione had when it came to work and now, Harry couldn't stop thinking of her. His sisterly friend somehow managed to evoke a lot of concern from him towards herself and Ginny. Harry shook his head and leaned forward to continue scratching out sentences and re-writing them, not noticing the small little firefly that etched itself on the window of the Griffindor Tower.
Draco, was doing patrols. Alone. No Granger equaled to total silence –well uncomfortable and eerie silence- with no amusement. On top of that, the castle was quiet today. Making a turn around the Charms classroom, Draco decided to leave it to the professors. He would tell them he wasn't feeling well. Once he entered the common room, his eyes on habit scanned the surroundings and he made his way to his door. He slid in and was about to shut it when there, right across was Granger's room. He hadn't had a chance to pester her today! He grinned, his golden opportunity to bring back the feisty girl with the sharp tongue. Draco would finally get to mess with her head because she was messing with his. He shook off his robe, undid his tie and pulled off the sweater leaving him only in the white button down shirt with the first two buttons undone and his black slacks. He walked across the room and was mentally prepared to rack his brains for the password but he saw the small crack and knew little miss perfect had left the door open.
Draco peeled off his shoes outside the door so they wouldn't make noise and tip toed in. He was just as about ready to laugh, her things were all over the floor! Books, clothes, letters and photos everything on the floor. Broken. Somehow, among all the mess he spotted the dark caramel colored hair by the window ledge. He sighed and shook his head stepping over the mess that he wanted to clean. Draco was unusually tidy for a boy, he loved things being in their right state and place. Draco pulled his wand out and waved it twice so all the clothing was back in the closet the way it was supposed to be. Another flick and the textbooks placed themselves neatly along the bookshelf on the wall. The only thing remaining was the letters and photos. He didn't know if he should touch them and yet he found himself crouched on the floor his hand reaching out to the photos. He picked up one of apparently baby granger and family. He smiled involuntarily, the baby looked exactly like her mother which was good, Draco seldom liked girls who looked like their fathers. It was creepy. "So you like her?" he asked himself and then he looked back at her and then chuckled, "nope, not a chance." He saw various ones of Potter and Weasley with her. In some she looked at Potter and in some Weasley. Draco returned the photos back, he didn't want to see more of Weasley. All that was left was a few letters and a black leather bound notebook with a small butterfly sewn on the corner. It seemed to be home made. Draco picked up the letters, his curiosity got better of him and he opened the first one.
Hey honey,
I am so happy for you! I am really glad that you're doing well in school but you always have done and there is nothing more I wouldn't want from my beautiful baby! Oh honey, the house seems really quiet since you went back to Hogwarts. Silly me I thought I'd have gotten used to it by now. Be safe darling. Oh and Dad says Love you. He's trying to bake! I think we're going to need that repairing spell in the kitchen soon. So, this boy Victor Krum as you call him. How did the ball go? I got the wonderful picture of you! My baby looks so pretty anyways Dad said that he looks too old for you. How's things between Harry and Ron? Tell them the offer of spending Christmas here is still open. We'd love to see your friends. Write back soon kiddo, we miss you!
Love Mum and Dad
Draco realized then that it was in fourth year, the yule ball.
Hey Herms,
I got your letter and the picture. It was beautiful! Thank you. I am glad you haven't told Harry about this Draco boy-
Draco's mouth popped open, her parents knew him? Now he just had to read the rest so he continued-
Herms, sometimes we've got to make decisions. Do you really want to assassinate this boy because he says that your blood is filthy? I bet he is a wonderful boy who's just a little snobby –well quite a bit based on your description. You refuse to tell me why he says that your blood is filthy but honey, keep your head high and ignore this boy. I'll tell you a little secret between you and me, Boys only tease girls and infuriate them because they like you. Trust me this guy loves you! I was joking, wipe that scowl off your face and have a good time at school. We love you Hermione, no matter what people say. Hope you like the cookies I baked. Write soon.
Love Dad
As Draco read the letter, he chuckled at how Granger wanted to assassinate him and scowled when he read that part. Although he did feel sorry for what he had said to her. Her blood was no where near filthy as he'd seen back home in the manor. It was just as red and pure as anyone else's. Though he did understand why she never told them what the word meant. They'd be upset. Their daughter was facing humiliation, torture and discrimination everywhere because she was their daughter. That part made Draco's stomach drop quite a bit. His father had beaten him because he came second to a mud- muggleborn and somehow reading these letters made him realize that she was perfect. She was loved through out her life while he was not. He only had his mother. He picked up the next that caught his eye and began to read.
Dear Hermione,
I know we just met last night but I just found out this morning and I am terribly sorry about it. We both know you obliviated your parents memory's so they'd be safe during the war and wouldn't remember about you. What you did, was so brave, no body could have ever plucked up the courage to ever to do that at your age. Herms, you have to understand that your parents don't know you and they aren't going to see it. You cannot tell them now, they are muggles and you know the laws. I know you said "Fuck the Law" but you'll be sent to Azkaban and I wont let that happen you understand me? Take a deep breath Herms, Relax. I think your parents are going to have a baby. Your mom told me this morning. Shared the good news with her tenant. She's about 2 months along. Herms I truly am sorry! She wants a daughter. Can you believe? She told me she had dreams about the you cuz you constantly wrote saying how much you loved your mom. She wants a girl exactly like you. She may remember you, she may not I have no clue. I am trying to source out the potion for the restoration. I am trying my best, please don't do anything harsh ok? I'll be going to Canada for a bit of business but they will be safe. I promise. We are going to make this work ok? Just remember that she loves you and so do I.
Love Jay
Draco was speechless at the end, he was now sitting on the floor cross legged staring at Granger. His lungs were so tight that he was finding it hard to breathe. This stupid girl had made her parents forget they ever had her just so they'd be safe? So that they wouldn't undergo the pain of seeing her dead body, maybe cut and raped? So that if she never came back they'd live happy lives not mourning for their only daughter? This girl was mentally imbalanced. That was for sure. Draco couldn't think now. He needed to think. Away from her. He waved his wand so the letters were back where they were supposed to be and duplicated the black notebook with dark magic so whatever she wrote would appear on the copy. He picked up the duplicate and left the room. Turning back just once, well maybe twice to look at the face of peace on her face. It was his mistake. She looked absurdly gorgeous under the moonlight. Draco's mind took several mental pictures as he shut the door to his room. He sighed and tossed the book onto his bed.
He striped down to his boxers and crawled under the covers fingering the notebook, thinking. He succumbed to exhaustion and let his mother's face flood his dreams, not once thinking that the next few months would bring about as much change as a war could.