Disclaimer: Only the plot and several unrecognizable characters belong to me!
A/N: I've been reading through my previous chapters every time I have a writer's block, and HOLY MOTHER OF MERLIN I realized I've not thanked my reviewers for many chapters.
I'm such an ungrateful bitch..
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED, FAVOURITED, STORY-ALERTED MY STORY, AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO PUT ME ON AUTHOR-ALERT, OR FAVOUTIE AUTHOR! THANK YOU SO SO MUCH.
HERE GOES CHAPTER TWELVE!
CHAPTER 12
A piercing pain in his chest momentarily brought Draco back to reality, before he brushed it aside and got up, summoning his quill and parchment from his trunk. Perhaps he had to put his plan into action. He knew he was not capable to handle the company anymore. Well, that was a lie. He was too tired. Tired of making up lies and trying to conceal his pain. Tired of being around Hermione all the time and feeling that pain in his chest knowing he couldn't have her. He was running away. Quickly writing a letter to his lawyer, Draco sent it off and plunged back into the memories of Hermione and him. And Potter, but we all know he wasn't important.
They arrived at his place, Draco suppressing a chuckle as he watched Hermione glare at Harry for 'forcing' her to be where she was currently.
"Don't let me interrupt, but do take a seat and make yourself at home." Hermione directed her glare towards Draco, who was removing his outer robe and throwing it into his room. Harry chuckled and went into Draco's kitchen, bringing out three bottles of firewhiskey.
Hermione was surprised at how familiar Harry was of Draco's place. No matter how much she knew he had changed, Hermione felt that Draco didn't seem like someone who would let anyone, let alone Harry Potter or her, into his home. It was like his holy sanctuary that was not to be contaminated by a half-blood like Harry and a 'mudblood' like her.
"Granger, seriously, stop gaping like a fish and sit down." Draco said, not bothering to hide his amusement.
Harry laughed, "Yeah 'Mione, Malfoy's place isn't that great." He commented, earning a cold glare from Draco.
Hermione frowned, but sat nonetheless. Taking the firewhiskey from Harry, she realized that he too had removed his outer robe, making her feel overdressed.
She tsk-ed and kicked off the 4-inch heels she was wearing, looking at the bottle of firewhiskey in her hand. Draco raised an amused brow. "What happened to your wine collection, Malfoy?"
Draco raised both hands in surrender, as if saying that it had nothing to do with him.
"I thought it would be better if we drank firewhiskey. Wine seems too… formal." Explained Harry.
Three-quarter bottle of Hermione's firewhiskey later, both Harry and Draco were already on their second. Being someone who takes a glass or two of alcohol occasionally, Hermione was already feeling a little tipsy, and groaned when Harry suggested a game of "Never have I ever."
"Alright, since I suggested it, I shall start." Hermione wasn't sure she liked the sardonic smile on Harry's face. "Never have I ever been an animal." He proudly declared as if he had won a medal, earning a glare from Draco and a hard smack from Hermione.
Draco thought that Harry might be scheming to get him drunk so that he would embarrass himself in front of Hermione, so he had prepared a sober-up potion for himself in his bathroom before he left his place if things inclined towards that direction. There was no way he was going to get drunk in front of her. Thinking he had nothing to lose since everyone present knew that he had been turned into a ferret before, he held up his bottle and downed half of it.
What surprised him most was when Hermione gave a childish pout and copied his actions.
"Granger?" He questioned. He couldn't believe that she had been an animal before.
"I turned into a cat in second year." She murmured, looking anywhere but him.
"You turned into a cat in second year?" Draco echoed after her. It was an interesting and shocking discovery.
Harry was trying hard to muffle his snigger. He could tell his partner had a slight 'thing' for Hermione, but obviously, him being Draco Malfoy meant that he would never admit it. His mission for that day was to let the two of them find out more of each other, and probably, hopefully, let them get to know each other better. Merlin, he loved playing matchmaker.
"Well," Hermione cleared her throat, trying to overcome the burning sensation her throat was going through. She could feel herself getting dizzy, and that wasn't a good thing. "During second year, the three of us were planning to polyjuice ourselves into Crabbe, Goyle, and Bulstrode to sneak into your common room to find out if you knew anything about the Chamber of Secrets." She told Draco.
Draco frowned, trying to recall if such a thing had happened. He vaguely remembered a day where Crabbe and Goyle had asked him questions, which crept him out awfully. Crabbe and Goyle simply did not ask questions; they took orders from him and talked only about food. He remembered one of them was wearing spectacles that day. Was it Goyle? Probably. Firstly, they certainly did not read, or wore spectacles. In fact, nobody in Hogwarts wore spectacles except Harry Potter.
"Harry and Ron managed to turn into Crabbe and Goyle successfully, while I…" She trailed and looked away, a cute blush creeping up her cheeks. "I turned into a cat."
Draco choked on his saliva.
"No shit, Granger."
"Yes shit, Malfoy." She retorted, glaring at him.
"How the fuck did you get cat hair?"
"How the fuck do I know, Malfoy. Ask Millicent Bulstrode." The firewhiskey was starting to affect her language.
Harry chuckled. "Come off it, you two. It's either of your turn now."
Hermione gave a devilish grin. "I've never been slapped in the face before."
Draco glared, while Harry muffled a snigger and watched as Draco downed the remaining half of his bottle of firewhiskey. "This is bloody unfair, Granger."
Hermione giggled.
Draco sniffed in disdain as he cast a spell for his firewhiskey to refill itself. "Well. Never have I ever had an embarrassing nickname."
Two snorts sounded simultaneously.
"You sure about that, Drakie-poo?"
"You sure about that, ferret?"
"Hey!" Draco shouted. His mask slipped for a second, showing his embarrassment before he put it back on. Hermione couldn't tell if the redness in his cheeks were from the alcohol or the fact that he was blushing. "First off, Pansy never called me Drakie-poo. I have no idea where that bloody name came from. And ferret was just stupid and annoying."
"That's not-
"They're not as embarrassing as beaver or bookworm or scarhead or pothead." Draco continued, cutting Harry off.
"How in the world not?" Hermione exclaimed, frowning at him.
Harry laughed. "I knew you liked being called a ferret."
Draco's glare was so intense that Hermione could almost imagine Harry being throttled to death. "Oh, just drink, two of you."
Harry downed half his bottle, and smirked. "Never have I ever had someone grope my ass before."
Draco groaned, muttering a few colourful words under his breath while Hermione shrieked. She was obviously getting drunk.
"Harry, this is ridiculous, I've not been groped on the a-" She let out a loud gasp, eye twinkling with realization and amusement. "MALFOY!" She shouted, laughing loudly and bouncing in her seat."Share share share share share!" She took another swig of firewhiskey, though she wasn't required to do so.
Harry frowned. Perhaps the game wasn't a very good idea, based on the way Hermione was acting…
"No thank you, Granger." Draco huffed, downing another half of his firewhiskey. The world spun for a while, and he shook his head to clear it.
Hermione gave a pout and crawled over to Malfoy, who was sitting on the other end of the couch she was currently camping on. She plopped herself down beside him, snuggling into him and leaning her head on his shoulder. Draco tensed, turning surprised eyes towards her, but she was well, drunk. A unique scent drifted into his nose as Draco turned towards her, and it took a bit of control for him to stop himself from burying his nose into her hair that he suspected the scent was coming from. Or was it her perfume? It was flowery, sweet… He willed his heart to slow down, and tried to distract himself by gulping down his firewhiskey. Bad choice. It was as if his senses were heightened and he could feel her soft body – her curves – fitting perfectly with his, and how she was playing with his shirt button.
"Gr- Granger." He cursed Merlin for making him stutter.
"Hmm?"
Draco hissed as she popped a button on his shirt, tracing his bare chest with her finger. He could feel bloody rushing downwards, and before she could pop another button, Draco caught her hand and held it in place, directing a desperate look towards Harry. The look turned into an eye roll when he found Harry dead to the World on his couch. That's funny, wasn't he just conscious? Draco pushed Hermione away from him, trying to stand.
"Draco!" Hermione whined at the loss of contact, moving to stand with him, clinging onto his arm.
"Sit down." Draco ground out, pushing her back onto the couch.
Hermione pouted again, giving him the puppy-dog look. Draco hesitated, staring back at her with wide eyes. Holy, the woman would be the death of him. "Just sit down… Hermione." He repeated, this time gentler and softer.
Hermione smiled, satisfied, and lay down on his couch, leaning on the armrest. "I'm tired, I want to sleep…" She said, pulling out a cushion from behind her and hugging it to her chest. Within seconds, she fell asleep.
Draco found himself staring at her face; the serene look and the contented smile gracing her face… She was beautiful, he realized. Her long curly lashes rested gently on her freckled cheeks, and the flush on her cheeks from the alcohol gave her a radiant glow. He could tell that she did not have much make-up on – a little bit of mascara and lip-gloss. Her skin was flawless. She had really changed a lot since Hogwarts. Her beauty was unique, and he found himself drawn to her. Unconsciously, he reached out, wanting to brush away the stray curl covering her face.
"Continue staring and you'll burn a hole through her."
Draco jumped, whirling around to see Harry smirking at him.
"Potter." He half-whisper half-scolded. "I thought you were asleep."
"Evidently not." Harry chuckled. Draco glared. "I was hoping to give you both some… time alone."
Draco glared harder. "Right. She's asleep."
"I know."
"I would appreciate it if you brought her home."
"She doesn't stay in London, Malfoy."
"I meant Australia, you fuckwit."
"I have no idea where she stays, Malfoy. She could be staying in a muggle community for all I know!"
"How can you not know where she stays, Potter? She's your best friend!" Draco exclaimed a little too loudly. A soft 'hnnn' came from Hermione and the both of them eyed her warily, afraid to wake her up.
"Just let her stay in your guest room, dude."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Fine."
Harry broke into a grin, and gave him a pat on his shoulder. "Thanks a lot mate, take care of her."
With that, he apparated away.
Draco turned back around and picked up Hermione, not knowing if it was a good thing that she felt as light as a feather.
Was university taking its toll on her?
Draco mentally smacked himself. No, he didn't care. Hermione Granger was just an acquaintance, his partner's best friend. He was only letting her stay in his guest room because she was half-drunk.
Yes, that's right. He was simply helping Harry. Nothing more. He felt nothing towards Hermione Granger.
Nothing.
Nothing at all.
Yep, keep telling yourself that.
Ah, shut the fuck up, brain.
He carefully carried Hermione into the room, taking care not to hit her against the doorframe. Placing her gently onto the bed, he accio-ed a shirt and sleeping pants of his and placed it over her, and spoke a charm to switch her clothing. Pulling the blanket over her, Hermione sighed contentedly and snuggled deeper into his guest bed. Draco got a cup of water and a hangover potion, placing it on the bedside table just in case she woke up earlier than he did, or in the middle of the night.
He found himself staring at her again, listening to her rhythmic breathing. Draco didn't know what compelled him to do so, but he leaned forward and gave her a light peck on the forehead.
"Goodnight, Granger."
"Mal…foy?"
Draco looked up from The Daily Prophet. "Granger. Good morning to you." He tried not to let his eyes travel downwards from her face; no matter how appealing she looked wearing his shirt and his sleeping pants.
"I…" she blushed, looking away. "Thank you for letting me stay over."
Draco smirked. "Not a problem, though Potter made me."
Hermione smiled. "Well, I'm sorry. I've not invited any of them over to my place in Australia, it's impossible for them to apparate."
Draco nodded. So Potter was telling the truth. "Yes, he told me." The conversation was a little too awkward for him. "Did you sleep well?"
Hermione sat opposite him at his dining table. "Yes I did." She looked down at the clothes she was wearing, and then looked towards the floor. "I… um, how-
"Flitwick's charm, Granger. Don't worry I didn't see anything."
She flushed crimson red. "Well, um, thank you then. For the water and potion too."
"You're welcome." He replied, putting down his paper. "Would you like some coffee and toast?"
Hermione looked up in surprise, shocked that he would treat her so civilly. Well, to be completely honest, in the events of them meeting, he had been very friendly and towards her for the past year or so. It was unnerving, yet… she found it nice. In fact, she liked it… It showed her that there was a humane side to him. "Yes please."
Draco stood to prepare them, and silence ensued.
For some reason, Hermione found herself completely at ease, as if having breakfast at Draco Malfoy's place was normal. She had woken up to a throbbing headache and unfamiliar surroundings, and had freaked out for a minute before she recalled what happened the night before. It was then that a horrible realization dawned on her.
Before she could control herself, Hermione let out a loud gasp, startling Draco, causing him to pour coffee onto his hand instead of into the cup.
Hermione squealed, running to him to check if he was alright. Apparently the coffee was scalding hot, and his hand was already turning red. Taking his hand into her own, Hermione muttered the soothing charm and his skin visibly returned to its original colour.
Draco looked up, wanting to thank her, but stopped as he realized how close her face was to his. Hermione looked up too, made the same observation, and her eyes widened.
Grey stared into hazel.
Hearts thumped in unison.
Hermione found herself lost in his silver pools, as they seemed to darken into the shade of mercury.
Blood rushed to her ears, her heartbeat quickened, and her eyes flickered south.
As she looked back up, she found him staring at her lips. Unconsciously, her tongue darted out and wet them.
He leant forward-
Snap out of it, Hermione!
She blinked, and sprang away from him as if he was Voldemort, pushing him away.
Hermione felt blood rush to her cheeks. "I-I… just remembered I have something on. Thank you for your accommodation!" She squeaked and apparated away.
Draco stared blankly at the spot she was previously standing at, unable to comprehend what just happened. He remembered resisting the urge to kiss her, then she anti-climaxed it by pushing him away.
He rubbed his face and sighed. There was something terribly wrong with him, because as much as he hated to admit it, he knew he was attracted to Hermione Granger.
An owl swooped into the room via the open window and Draco immediately recognized his lawyer's owl. Opening the letter clutched tightly in its legs, the corner of his lips lifted into a sad smile as he read its contents. It was a good thing that no one knew where he was going for the Christmas holiday – he made sure of it - or they would apparate to where he was and throttle him to death. For now, receiving death threats over the mail was the easy way out. Period.
(At the same time, in the Zabini residence)
Two owls were tapping furiously on the window, and Ginny rushed to get them. "Hermione, Blaise, they're for you!" She called, passing them the letter. It was about three in the afternoon, and they had just had lunch together, and were now sitting around talking about anything and everything over tea and cookies.
Hermione frowned. "At the same time?" She wondered out loud.
Blaise shrugged, breaking the wax seal. "It's from Lawyer Mason…"
Ginny watched as their eyes scanned through their respective letters, and her eyebrows rose as their eyes widened.
Blaise and Hermione looked up at the same time, a look of absolute shock marring their faces. Grabbing each other's letters, they read it, and put them back down at the same time.
"WHAT'S WRONG WITH DRACO?"
"WHAT THE FUCK?"
Ginny shrieked in alarm. "WHAT?"
"WHAT'S WRONG WITH DRACO?" Hermione shrieked again, throwing Blaise's letter back at him. "I KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH HIM! BLAISE ZABINI, YOU TELL ME NOW!"
"WHAT THE FUCK! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS GIT DOING?" Blaise was shouting at no one.
Ginny stared at them in exasperation. None of them explained anything to her! She tried to avoid their flailing arms and grabbed their letters.
Dear Mr. Blaise Alecto Zabini,
On behalf of Draco Lucius Malfoy, I would like to express my appreciation for your hard work and assistance in the research and development department as Head of Department.
Mr. Malfoy is unfit to continue withholding his position as the owner of this company due to personal reasons, hence as the next major shareholder, you are required to take over his position as stated in your contract.
Miss Bonnie Halter will also be promoted along with you as your personal assistant, as Mr. Malfoy understands your chemistry when working together and unique tacit understanding.
Mr. Theodore Nott will be taking over your position as Head of the Research and Development Department.
Yours Sincerely,
Richard Mason
Dear Ms. Hermione Jean Granger,
On behalf of Draco Lucius Malfoy, I would like to express my appreciation for your assistance as the company's financial consultant. I understand that you have also worked as Mr. Malfoy's personal assistant, tending to his schedule.
Due to personal reason, Mr. Malfoy is unfit to withhold the position as the owner of Malfoy Corporations, hence you are relinquished from your duties as his personal assistant. As ordered by Mr. Malfoy, your salary will remain the same, and you are allowed to stay in the office that you have right now.
I am also asked to inform you that Mr. Blaise Alecto Zabini will take over Mr. Malfoy's position as the owner of the company, and Ms. Bonnie Halter will be his personal assistant. Mr. Theodore Nott will take over his position as the Head of the Research and Development department.
Mr. Malfoy expresses his heartfelt gratitude for your years of assistance.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Mason
"Someone explain to me what this means!" Ginny exclaimed, waving the two letters in front of them. She was as flabbergasted as them, though she had 'an idea' what Draco was trying to do.
There were many possibilities.
First, he was crazy.
Second, he had given up trying to find the cure, and was planning to let someone else take over the company so that he could enjoy his remaining days. Though she thought that this was an unlikely possibility.
Thirdly, something happened in France.
Fourthly, something's going to happen in France.
Lastly, he's preparing to die.
She was so caught up in her thoughts that only a 'pop' brought her back to reality. Blaise had disappeared.
"Hermione…?" She questioned.
That seemed to have snapped her out of her daze, and Hermione turned haunted eyes towards her. "What's happened to Draco, Ginny? Something's wrong with Draco. Why is he giving the company to Zabini? What does lawyer Mason mean when he said Draco's unfit? This is crazy!"
"I don't know, Hermione. Where did Blaise go to?" Ginny asked, choosing her words carefully, trying to change the topic, and avoid answering her questions. She could not risk dying; she was under the unbreakable vow. She could not – would not – answer any questions from Hermione.
Meanwhile, Blaise had apparated to Bonnie's place, just at she finished reading a letter also from Lawyer Mason.
"Mr. Zabini!" She gasped. "What is the meaning of this?"
Blaise shook his head, collapsing onto her couch. "I don't know, Bonnie. I don't know what Draco is doing. I don't know why he gave the company to me. I don't know why he's doing this. I don't know what he's planning to do. I don't know what's going on. I don't know… I don't know what he's thinking!"
"It must have something to do with his curse!" Bonnie surmised.
"I don't know, Bonnie, I don't know. Hermione and Ginny are at my place now. I don't know what to tell Hermione; I can't face her knowing that I cannot tell her the truth. I can't leave Ginny there alone with her. Knowing Hermione, she will be pestering Ginny about it now. Both of you are under the unbreakable vow, both of you can't tell her anything!"
Bonnie took a deep breath. "Why not you stay here, Mr. Zabini. I'll go over and see what I can do. Meanwhile, try and calm yourself and see what we can do to find out what's going on and what Mr. Malfoy is planning to do. And also how you are going to handle the company from now on."
With a 'pop', she apparated to Blaise's place.
She jumped at the amount of noise that entered her ears the moment she set food on the ground.
"GINNY! SAY SOMETHING!"
"GRANGER, WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?"
"I DON'T KNOW, I REALLY DON'T KNOW, STOP ASKING ME!"
Apparently, Theodore Nott had apparated to Blaise's place too after receiving his letter from Lawyer Mason.
No one seemed to have noticed her appearance in the house.
"GRANGER, FUCK, ANSWER ME!"
"I DON'T KNOW, NOTT. STOP ASKING ME!"
"HOW THE FUCK CAN YOU NOT KNOW? DRACO FUCKING TELLS YOU EVERYTHING!"
Hermione felt like crying. She was desperate to find out what was going on. Ginny was overly suspicious for trying too obviously to change the topic for someone who didn't know anything. Hermione knew Ginny was keeping something from her; she knew something happened to Draco.
"Listen to me, everyone." Bonnie announced, taking the chance when everyone was quiet. Three heads snapped towards her in surprise and she willed herself not to take a step back in fear.
Hermione had a spark of madness and desperation in her eyes, and Theodore Nott had fire blazing within his hazel orbs. He was obviously pissed beyond anything. Ginny was just frustrated and tired from the repeated questioning from Hermione and Theodore.
"Where's Mr. Zabini?" She asked Ginny, even though she knew where he was.
"I don't know, Bonnie. He apparated away after receiving the letter from Lawyer Mason."
Bonnie sighed and rubbed her face. "I take it as no one knows what's going on?"
They shook their heads, indicating that they don't, though Ginny nodded, knowing that Hermione and Theodore couldn't see her.
Bonnie nodded, looking directly at Ginny. I know, we can't say anything, I'm here to help you.
Ginny nodded back. Thank you.
"Well," Bonnie clapped her hands. "Guess we can only wait for Mr. Malfoy to come back from France. There is no point fretting our arses over something that we will never get the answer to until he returns. Please, Miss Granger, don't give me that look. I'm as curious as you are."
"I'm not curious. I'm furious. I'm furious with Draco. There's something going with him and he's not telling us! Something that is affecting his ability to handle the company."
Ginny couldn't take it anymore. "EXACTLY!" She screamed at Hermione, who looked taken aback. "WE DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON, SO STOP SCREAMING AT US AS IF WE DO! LISTEN TO BONNIE! WAIT TILL MALFOY COMES BACK, HERMIONE. STOP ANALYZING AND JUST. WAIT!"
Hermione released a shuddering breath, unable to hold back her tears any longer. Ginny watched as a lone tear slipped from Hermione's eyes, glistening with anger, desperation, and hopelessness. "But... but what if he doesn't come back?"
Draco sighed. The pain in his head was getting a little worse and a little annoying. He had a feeling that it would be chaotic back in England, where everyone was trying to figure out what was going on and what he was trying to do. Hermione would be pissed.
He got up, wanting to open the window as the room was getting stuffy as he felt as if he couldn't breathe.
He halted in mid-step.
The window was open, and the wind was blowing strongly. He could tell from the billowing curtains.
Then why-
Before he could complete that thought, he felt a tight constriction in his chest before he passed out.
A/N: Rather short chapter, hope you enjoyed it! Sorry for the late update, I have a test tomorrow ): Anyway, thank you to all of you lovelies who reviewed the chapter, and all of you who favourited/alerted my story. Thank you so much!
Vale of Tears: What do you mean 'it's only been a few hours'? Was it in the chapter?
REVIEW! And wish me luck for my test (: