Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Last time: Draco and Hermione were on their date and Draco told a somewhat awkward story. So here's what happens next:

Chapter Thirteen: The Aftermath

It was the start of the new week, which meant that it was another week of more schoolwork. Everyone was groggy, grumpy, aggravated, annoyed; some were even ready to kill anyone who dared to make a sound. Those people included Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Blaise Zabini and of course Severus Snape. The Head Boy and Girl had not entered the Great Hall, but no one noticed.

---

Severus Snape as said before was tired. It was a long weekend and the previous week before he had assigned the usual homework and he thought that it was going to be quick, but what he hadn't expected was that ALL of his students decided to do the extra assignments. Overall, it was a long, long, terribly long weekend. He sighed. He couldn't even eat breakfast. As Snape nibbled on toast, the doors opened with a bang. The entire hall looked to see a happy person…on this not so happy morning.

---

Draco felt that he was on top of the world. The date with Hermione had been successful and there will be a second date. He felt powerful, confident, bright and bouncy. Let the name, "ALL HAIL THE BOUNCING FERRET!!" ring across the entire world. Draco couldn't care less. He didn't notice how everyone was staring at him. If looks can kill, Draco Malfoy would have been killed a thousand times…twice. As he sat down Blaise leaned over. "Well if it isn't Mr. Sunshine."

"Good morning Blaise." Draco replied. He began to pile some eggs onto his plate. Before he took a bite, he noticed that everyone was staring at him. "What?"

"Can't you tell that everyone is not in the mood for cheeriness?" Pansy said. There was nothing on her plate and she was sipping some pumpkin juice.

"Yeah, Snape looks like he's going to hex you to the future…if you have a future." Goyle added. Draco scowled at him, but nonetheless, he turned to see his godfather glaring daggers at him.

"Great, now you ruined my perfect morning." He said. Draco got up and headed for the doors. He didn't have to look back to see that Blaise was following him.

As they neared the dungeons, Blaise asked, "So how did it go with the ha…Hermione?"

"If you must know, it went well. We're going on a second date." Draco said. He sat down on the floor. "Are you and Luna going to get back together?"

"Why would I do that?" Blaise asked. "I've got the most perfect girlfriend anyone can ask for. Why do I need that loon?" Draco's eyes stared in disbelief.

"Well, you did tell me that that loon made you the happiest man in the world, even if it was for a few weeks." Draco said. Never in his life had he expected to defend anyone like Luna, but she was Hermione's friend. She was his friend or acquaintance too.

"I'm dating Daphne again. I've already taken her back and I'm going to be the father of her child. Luna Lovegood doesn't deserve me." Blaise retorted.

"You're right. She deserves someone better." Draco spat out. He walked quickly pass his friend. A guilty feeling took hold of him. He didn't look back.

---

During Potions, Draco sat next to Hermione as usual. Blaise was behind him and he can feel his eyes on his back. Hermione noticed that Draco was acting unusual. "Is there something wrong?" she asked. She sprinkled a pinch of black powder into the potion.

Draco looked at her. "I'll tell you later." Hermione didn't press further. That was one of the qualities of her that he loved. He liked the fact that if she knows that he didn't want to talk about, she'll leave him be. Later though, she will ask again when the timing was better. "Can you pass me the root?"

---

Hermione was walking to her next class. Her thoughts involved Draco. She just didn't like the way he was acting, even if they were to hide their relationship, he was still acting weird. She was so engrossed with her thoughts that she didn't see Ron come up behind her. All she felt was her sides being pressed on and she jumped up and squeaked. "I didn't know that you still squeak Mione." He said. A rather large smile was plastered on his face.

"I didn't know that myself. So was there something you wanted to tell me?" she asked. Ron's face turned red.

"Yeah, there was. I talked to Harry about Lavender and he said forget about her. So I did, but while I was forgetting about her I kind of ran into somebody." Ron started. His blue eyes darted to her brown ones.

"And this someone is someone I know." Hermione said.

"Yes, you know her quite well." Ron explained. Hermione smiled. "I like her a lot."

"You're not exactly helping me guess." Hermione replied. She was curious.

"She's blonde." Ron offered.

"Yes, now I can eliminate the girls with black, red, and brown hair and all of the guys so that leaves about oh I don't know a third of the class?" Hermione said.

"She's not in our year; she's in Ginny's year."

"That's still half of her class."

"It's Luna!" Ron exclaimed. "I know she dated Zabini, but they're not together anymore. So, what do you think?"

Hermione's mouth was propped opened like an "O". Oh boy, things have certainly taken a turn, but for better? Or for worse?

---

In the darkest depths of a forest Voldemort breathed in. As he exhaled, his breath can be seen. Bellatrix came forward. "Your brilliant plan is on its way. There is now a wall between friends. The mudblood is engaged and all of your loyal followers have received invitations. Shall we precede further my lord?"

"Not yet. Watch and wait. We must be patient for the right time. I can see it coming quickly. Soon the Golden Trio shall be no more." Voldemort rasped. He then turned to his thoughts. "Get me the prisoners."

Two muggles were pushed forward. They cowered in the sight of their captor. One of the muggles was a man in his forties the other was a small boy. A hooded figure spoke up. "Who are they?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

Hello! I know it's been months since I updated but some events happened and I couldn't bring myself to write anymore. Please I hope you like this one please review. Please.

I, blackXroseXpiano93 promise to update if you, the reader promise to review

Thank you for everyone who reviewed.

"If there is no change, there is no prgress." - Frederick Douglas