So good news first: I finished the outline. Bad news: I finished the outline… and there's going to be a sequel. I'm going to estimate about seven more chapters until I call it done and start on the sequel.
Disclaimer: I'm just a toddler in the JKRowling's sandbox, nothing more than that.
...
-Defining Words-
Draco was sitting in a lounging chair in his quarters with a dictionary in his lap. His eyes scanned the pages and stopped, his finger marking the location.
Surreal. adj. 1. having an oddly dreamlike quality. Also, describes Draco's last two weeks.
He flipped back a few pages to locate another word.
Statement. n. 1. a declaration; 2. a presentation of opinion or position. Or in other words, Hermione's actions on the first Monday of the winter recess.
In a sentence, one could say: Hermione's statement caused Draco's life to become very surreal.
That Monday, he could remember sitting down to breakfast in the Great Hall at the single table meant for all remaining stragglers to occupy as Hogwarts was scarce of students during this time of year as it was every year. However, the reason behind it was graver than the simple need to go home and visit friends and families. There was an underlying fear. It was an unspoken rule to never discuss matters of Voldemort and the looming war as to not disrupt their only safe haven away from such matters. Though, it was obvious from the scuffles among the students who kept strong opinions on the war that the rule was often broken.
Thus with such nuisances out of the way, on that morning of the twentieth of December, there was nothing to impede his partaking of food. Yes, nothing out of the ordinary. One might say too ordinary, but that one wasn't Draco Malfoy. The blissful ignoramus that he was, he did not recognize the portents or heed the quiet before the storm.
The storm that arrived in a hand-knit jumper and grey stockings with the intent to get to know him.
Hermione spent that morning in an awkwardly animated conversation with Draco and her various professors around her. Dumbledore was pleased at her actions, while the rest of the staff who bothered to show up were nursing their hangovers—instead of remaining in their chambers to sleep it off like so many others.
Severus Snape came midway through and when questioned about his tardiness, he simply answered that there was a snake in the common room that had to be exterminated before the students got back. He purposefully made no eye contact with either Draco or Hermione.
And then it hit them both, Zabini was not present. Hermione grinned evilly like a Cheshire cat. Draco had told her of Zabini's consequences as a result of his stupidity ("He deserved every bit of it; I'm just a bit sad I couldn't do it myself!" She ignored Draco's winces during the retelling.) because she had trouble sleeping that night. She refused to think that she was afraid of such a smarmy bastard.
It was a pleasant memory that Draco liked to keep tucked safely in the back of his mind only to bring it to the forefront every so often. This was darkened only by the hanging presence that their casual conversations would be disrupted in a mere hour.
He was brought out of his thoughts when Hermione casually remarked from across the low table on a chair similar to his own that she would like to meet Harry and Ron upon their return.
Carefully speaking, he told her it was not a good idea considering their history.
"But we had the same history, and we're fine now."
"I had to save you twice from a life-threatening situation and even then, you're still only just beginning to trust me."
"…."
He was a bit puzzled by her silence. Suddenly, he spoke, "You're not suggesting that we actually try to—"
"What? No, of course not. Unless, you're okay with that." A look from Draco. "No, of course not. No, I didn't even think of that until you said it. But do you believe it'd be such a bad idea?"
"Manslaughter is not something I'm particularly fond of, Hermione. Attempted, or otherwise."
"No, not that. But, what's so wrong about letting them know of our friendship?"
"Are you mad, woman? Think of their reactions. They'd sooner hex me then speak allow me to even stand near you. Use that famous brain of yours."
Not happy, but compliant, she stood and made ready to leave to greet Harry and Ron without Draco, "One day, Draco Malfoy, one day they will know. And I suggest you best take the advice of one Alistair Moody—or was it Barty Crouch, Jr.—No, not the point is: Constant Vigilence." She cackled.
She really was getting too good at that. Maybe he was rubbing off on her. No, he didn't cackle, but he certainly did have some sinful qualities about him.
…
Sinfully delicious maybe.
Just a short, very short! transitional chapter since I'm having less and less time. I really shouldn't have procrastinated on my homework.I'm also thinking about changing the genres… it has its moments, but I don't think I can classify it as humor anymore with the upcoming chapters. I think I'll create a poll?
You guys probably didn't notice, but according to the calendar, my storyline is in 1999, when they're supposed to have their seventh year in 1998, darn. Well, it's not really important, just a niggling little thing. :]
