A/N: Before you guys slaughter me, let me explain. My exam ended on the 13th of December but after that date I've been really busy. Believe me, I tried to squeeze in some writing time to get this out as soon as I could but it has been so hectic that I've only just managed to get my hands on the laptop today.
So, anyway, happy new year! And, I hope none of my readers will leave me for what is to come in this chapter. I just thought the new pair can provide some comic relief. Hah!
As always, R&R!
Hermione,
You're avoiding me.
Draco
O
No, I'm not. I've just been really busy. How are you and Ginny doing?
O
I'm fine. But Ginny's still upset about losing Harry. She needs you.
O
She'll get over it. She's got you. I'll bet she's over it already.
O
She isn't. How can a girl just get over a guy she's in love with? She needs you.
O
Well, she's in love with you now – not Harry. She was over him before the relationship ended.
O
What are you saying? She's not in love with me.
O
Oh, haha, Draco. She's cheated on Harry for you. Who do you think she's in love with?
O
Oh. You still don't know what really happened, do you?
O
Of course I do! Don't insult my intelligence.
You asked Ginny out for lunch by the lake then you two went out on a date in Hogsmeade where you two held hands and all that. Harry saw, got mad and dumped her.
O
You really don't know what happened? No wonder you've been avoiding Ginny and I.
O
I haven't been avoiding anyone! What do you mean I don't know what happened? Did something else happen now?
O
Hermione, it was a ploy to get you to feel jealous, Ginny and I aren't really dating. We planned the hand-holding scene for your benefit but we didn't expect Harry and Ron to turn up.
O
You git! I can't believe you allowed Ginny to suffer the consequences of your selfish intentions!
O
Ginny volunteered to help me. Besides, she explained everything to Harry right after but he won't accept her apology. I was going to talk to him about how stupid he was for dumping Ginny but he hexed me.
Ginny told me to not go looking for him again. She said it was kind of worth it to see how jealous you got when she held my hand. I told her she was being silly – how could seeing you get jealous over me make it worthwhile to lose her boyfriend? She just smiled at me in a kind of sad way. I seriously don't understand what is going on in that girl's head; and yours, too.
O
Alright, I'll owl you soon. Right now, I've got to go speak to Ginny.
Potter,
I know you don't like me. Well, I don't like you very much, either. But you have to hear me out now.
Ginny is miserable without you, She loves you. I don't understand why you're so narrow-minded to the extent that you can't accept her giving me a hand in wooing Hermione. Maybe it's because you can't stand the thought of Hermione being with me or you don't like the idea of Ginny actually supporting this or, maybe, it's both.
Whatever it is, Potter, why are you allowing outside factors to affect your relationship with someone you obviously care for a lot?
You're starting to act like Weasel. Remember how he stupidly dumped Hermione because I kissed her? Well, now, you're dumping Ginny because (again) I held her hand.
I recall something from back when we used to go to school together, when I was a git (and maybe still am to you). Well, you used to say I'm not worth it over and over again when I pick on the three of you, Why is it that of all the moments you could have thought I was worth losing something important over, you pick now? Because this one time is definitely not the one moment I'm 'worth it'.
Ginny is worth so much more, Potter. Don't let me get in the way of your relationship with her like that. Not now, not ever.
Yours sincerely,
D.M.
O
Malfoy,
I appreciate what you're trying to do for Ginny. Sincere or not, I'm thankful you're being an almost decent friend to her now that she needs it.
However, I will not go back to Ginny. Rest assured it isn't about you.
H.P.
Malfoy,
What did Harry say in reply?
Hermione
O
Why don't' you read it? It's attached with this note.
O
It isn't about you? What else could it be about?
O
Obviously he doesn't want it known by me.
Anyway, enough about Ginny and Pothead; I want to talk about us.
O
There isn't an 'us', Malfoy.
O
Not yet. Anyway, what are your Christmas plans? Going home?
O
Nope, I'm staying here for Christmas. I need the library to get some studying done.
O
Figures. But I'm not complaining. I have a question for you, by the way.
O
Well? What is it?
O
I was just wondering, Hermione, if you would like to spend your Christmas eve dinner with me.
O
Give me one good reason why I should go off with you when there is a perfectly fine feast going on in the Great Hall that night?
O
Let me see, a romantic moonlit picnic by the lake and maybe a kiss under a mistletoe with a very good-looking blond Slytherin. I don't see a reason why not to join me.
O
Is that a habit of yours? Taking girls out for picnics by the lake, I mean.
O
No, it's not. Why would you say that?
O
Well, you once told me you would like to do that with me. Then, you took Ginny out for it. And, now, you're asking me. It just got me wondering how many girls you've asked to have a picnic with you by the lake.
O
Hermione, darling, are you jealous, now?
O
No! I bloody hell am not!
O
If you say so... So, what do you say? Yes or no?
O
Let me see, a picnic by the lake at night where insects are out and about, maybe slapping an immensely annoying and pale Slytherin under a mistletoe when he tries to kiss me… Absolutely terrific.
O
That sounds like a yes. I shall take it as I think it is, then. I'll see you on Christmas eve, then, Hermione.
O
NO! That was completely sarcastic! What is with you? It's like you're missing a sarcasm sensor in your system.
O
I'll see you on Christmas, Hermione. I love you.
I can't believe that just happened.
O
What, Hermione? You kissing me willingly this time?
O
No! Not that! You know what I'm talking about. Argh. How are we going to tell Ginny?
O
It isn't really our place to say anything. It's up to Potter. And Weasel, of course.
Although… it was quite em… awkwardly interesting the way things turn out, don't you think? Potter dumping the sister for the brother – didn't see that coming at all.
O
It's weird that my best friends are in love with each other. I guess I understand how Harry feels now when Ron and I were together.
O
No, you don't. That was pretty much expected. You didn't expect this, now, did you?
Honestly, how many people find out that their best guy friends are actually gay by walking in on them making out in a bush? Funny how they didn't even think to use Silencio. They must have been really… uh… distracted by each other.
O
I don't want to talk about this anymore. I'm having very mixed feelings over this matter.
O
Let's not talk about this, then. We'll talk about us.
O
Oh, 'us'- my next favourite topic.
O
You kissed me willingly this time, Hermione. And you have to admit, that kiss was really something. It's funny how all my kisses with you could make the top three of my best-kiss list so easily.
Will you be my girlfriend now?
O
You have a list? I really don't know what to think of that. And, no, I will not be your girlfriend. Not yet, anyway.
O
Are you saying you will be?
O
Maybe. Because, Malfoy, as much as I hate to admit this, I realize you're right. Our kisses are always… something. But it'll take more than good kisses to convince me. So, maybe we could… date first.
O
Finally, Hermione. Finally you're not so utterly blind.
O
Charming, Malfoy.
O
Thank you.
O
You really need to work on detecting sarcasm.
O
Hey, I could have been thanking you for agreeing to date me.
O
Were you?
O
Nope, I was thanking you for complimenting my charms.
O
Figures.
Mum,
You would be pleased.
I'm dating Malfoy now. He and Ginny weren't really going out. He was just trying to make me jealous by going out with her. She was an accomplice.
It had cost her Harry. I've never thought Harry would be such a sod - to dump Ginny for something quite very meaningless to her.
Recently, things fell into place. Harry dumped Ginny using that as an excuse to be with Ron.
Don't freak out, mum. But it's true. I saw them making out in a bush during Christmas when I was out with Malfoy. I think it's kind of sweet for things to unfold this way between them. But it's hard for Ginny.
They would have to keep quiet about things, though. The wizarding world aren't that big on gay relationships.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Love,
Hermione
O
Dear Hermione,
Is it exclusive between you and Draco?
Love,
Mum
O
Mum,
What's with you? My letter was revolving around Harry and Ron being gay but all you've picked up was that? Well, no. We're not exclusive. Where did you learn how to use that word in the relationship context anyway?
Hermione
O
Gina from next door taught me that. I figured that the whole Harry and Ron story was made up to distract me.
O
Mother,
It so isn't made up! They really are gay. And very much in love with each other.
Hermione
O
Alright, then. But it's still in there just to distract me, right?
O
No! Come on, this is big, mum. My best friends are gay – of course I'll be telling you this.
O
Yeah, but the point of it being in there is to distract me. Am I right?
O
Well, that's just one of the perks. But like that's such a big deal.
O
It kind of is. It shows you have aversion towards the idea of Draco being with you.
O
Of course I do! He's Slytherin.
O
Look who's talking. You're so big on house unity but you can't date a boy from your rival house?
O
Well, I'm dating him now.
O
Not exclusively.
O
Can't you just allow me to take things slowly?
O
Well, you can't go much slower than this now, darling. You're going at a pace slower than the world's slowest snail.
Anyway, you said you two went out during Christmas? What exactly happened?
O
Well, we had picnic by the lake.
O
Hermione! Details!
O
You're sure?
O
Yes!
O
Um… Okay, then.
It was really dark out when we left the castle. I might as well have been blindfolded but Malfoy won't let me use Lumos. He had me hold his hand as he led me there. He seemed to know exactly where he was going while I couldn't see a thing.
It felt like we were walking on forever. Then, finally, he tugged at my hand and told me, "I want to give you a surprise." With his stupid smirk I could barely see, he took my shoulders with both his hands and pushed me to stand in front of him. His hands went to my eyes, covering them – as if I could see anything with them open, anyway.
After a short while of standing there with my eyes staring into utter darkness, I felt his breath on my neck, near my ear lobe. It felt tingly. He whispered, "Surprise," and his hands fell away. The moment the vision before me flooded my sight, I gasped.
Before me was a quaint garden like the one at Grandma's house. There were fireflies everywhere, lighting up the garden like Christmas lights would except they gave the garden a lot more life as the actually move as opposed to the usual lights that just blink in a fixed pattern. Set in the centre of the garden was a round table with two chairs. Food and champagne was laid out already. Beyond the garden was the lake, shimmering, reflecting the lights of the fireflies.
"Happy Christmas," He whispered again, after I've taken in everything before me. He gave me a peck on my cheek then took my hand again, leading me to the table then sitting me down.
It was the most magical dinner I've had in all my life. Instrumental music was playing around us as we ate, its source unknown. The food was fantastic and so was the champagne. I felt completely hypnotized that night. That place with all its charms and fireflies was so beautiful I almost teared at how romantic Malfoy has been to have done that for me.
When we were done eating, he stood up and came to my side. Bowing, he asked me to dance. How was I to say no, when he's done so much for me? I just smiled and took his hand.
Merlin, mother, it felt so right when he pulled me close. He made me laugh so much as he twirled me around. I was intoxicated with happiness, mum. The atmosphere was not helping, either – I was losing my head completely.
There was one moment when Malfoy stopped talking and I stopped laughing. He was just smiling at me. Smiling, mum – Malfoy never just smiles, he smirks. He looked so happy… so serene. His grey-blue eyes were pools of joy – they looked almost warm. He didn't look one bit like the sneering boy who stepped all over me because of my blood status since first year. The thought of how nice and sweet he's become was almost too much. The edges of my lips curled up then and I made a decision.
I tiptoed and leaned into him. Before my eyes close as my lips touched his, I saw the surprise in his eyes. I smirked, then. Realising his annoying habit is slowly becoming mine, I immediately stopped smirking. It was as if he read my mind because I felt his lips curl into that familiar lip motion against mine. I bit his lower lip for being annoying even when I was kissing him and felt his smirk stretch wider.
Gosh, was I mad at him. I tried pulling away but his hand held the back of my head firmly and his lips force fully crushed against mine. I bit his lower lip again, punishingly and he took it as an encouragement and stuck his tongue out to part my lips.
It felt like instinct was taking over because after willingly allowing his tongue into my mouth, all I remember was dizziness and hearing my fast heartbeats pounding loudly in my ears.
Merlin knows how long later we stopped and he took me back to the castle. Somewhere along the way, we heard a lot of panting going on in a nearby bush and decided to investigate. I Disillusioned myself and parted the bushes to find, well, Harry and Ron. My concentration snapped then and the charm lifted. They saw me and stared. I stared back with my mouth hanging open then finally decided to run for it.
That part of the night sort of ruined the spell if the dinner I've had with Malfoy. But, still, it was a pretty amazing night.
Hermione.
O
Okay, maybe less details would have been okay with me.