May 1999
Hermione
The past few months had flown by. In the week the article was published about Aremo and I being royals, more and more marriage proposals had arrived. I had made a standard response letter to all the marriage proposals, stating that I want to finish Hogwarts before even thinking seriously about a marriage. However, I had written a personal response to the ones Grace Selwyn, Michael Caldwell (yes, he had send one as well) and Viktor Krum had send me. Telling them how flattered I was, but not having the time for something serious right now. I had met up with Michael once, just to talk and we had more fun than I'd imagined. We went to a zoo, something that surprised me because it was so muggle that I didn't know Michael even knew about it. Aremo had almost forbidden me to meet with him again alone, even Harry, Ron and to my big surprise Luna said I shouldn't meet with him again. Draco had been especially relaxed about all of this, which was odd, because he'd responded so protective when I received Michael's first letter. But I let the matter go, glad that he wasn't stopping me as well.
Draco and I were studying every day, no matter what the weather, mood, or energy level was like. The studying drove us crazy, but I slept a lot better knowing that I wouldn't have to engage to anyone soon and just be happy with my friends and family, enjoying my freedom.
The Daily Prophet had written many articles, about Aremo, me, my future partner and job. They had whole pages about the change of my hair, the guessing about other unimportant stuff like partner preferences and secret crushes. The journalists had kept guessing about Aremo's relationship, but they didn't find out yet.
The letter Kingsley had sent me, was to offer me a job at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and to ask me how I would want to be addressed because I was a princess now. In the old laws, royals had a say in most of the law cases, able to veto certain laws and rules. When I had shown the letter to Aremo, he said he wished he wanted to be treated with respect, and not act like a ruler over other wizards and witches. I had agreed completely and answered Kingsley's letter with that response.
George and Angelina were finally dating officially, and in result George couldn't seem happier. With the emphasis on seem. He truly did seem happy, but I felt something deeper within that wasn't quite convinced of his 'happiness'. When Ron had told Harry what Luna had said about crushing on Harry, he'd apparently stuttered, not knowing what to do. Then, he'd asked her for a drink in Hogsmeade and they'd been on a few dates before the NEWTs came up but every date steering free of the reporters. Theo and Lisa were still happy together, smiling all the time, sweet touches and long conversations in the common room. To my big surprise Ron had started dating. Later it turned out to be a fan, which Harry, the complete Weasley family and I advised against as soon as it started as a fling, but Ron loved the attention and adoration. The girl, two years younger than he was, was gorgeous but dumb as a brick and I couldn't stand her because of it. She appeared to be very physical, pushing her tongue down his throat any time she wasn't using it to adore him, laugh nasally or eat.
The relationship I didn't get sick of was Aremo's and Astoria's. Aremo had told me he wanted to engage to Astoria as soon as she was finished with Hogwarts, finally able to introduce her as his to the papers. He had asked me to help and look for a ring, which I had slyly inquired about to Daphne.
The night after the last NEWTs were made, Blaise suggested throwing a party at the common room. Everyone agreed, it would take about a week before the results were known so we could relax and enjoy our study free time. We, as 8th years had grown quite close, all helping each other studying and so the mood had been nice. Not that was the same for Pansy; she apparently had some dirt on Terry Boot, the Ravenclaw student, so he helped her study for her Herbology, DADA and Divination NEWTs. And only because Terry wasn't taking Transfiguration, or she would probably force him to help her with that as well. But, to my surprise Terry didn't seem to mind all that much. It seemed to work because just like Pansy, Terry knew how to be blunt and demanding. Only Terry had a filter, Pansy didn't.
Still, to my surprise Pansy and Tracey also had been something close to what others would describe as nice, in their own way of course. Demanding anything they could, yet not sneering to anyone if not necessary. Daphne had been nicer, yet in a reserved way. And now I knew her story, about her history with her fiancées, I actually tried to be nice as well, actually making an effort because she was going to be family, sort of.
When the party had finally started Blaise had asked me to dance and I had gladly accepted. It was time for all of us to let our hair down.
"Thanks for a lovely dance Hermione, now it's time for some shots," Blaise grinned and guided me to the drinking table where all the hard alcohol was stored.
I wasn't even going to question the way they got it here but I doubted the way were legal. And before I could say something about it, Blaise handed me a shot glass filled with an amber coloured liquid and downed it the same second. Feeling awfully nervous for the results of the N.E.W.T.s I decided I had deserved some time to have fun, so I downed the shot as well and put the glass back on the table. I shivered as soon as I swallowed the bitter drink, which caused Blaise to grin amused. Without warning, he poured us both another. After downing that as well, he poured me a glass of wine and himself a glass of scotch.
"Cheers, Princess."
Our glasses touched and clinked.
"So how are you and Ginny doing?" I asked after having a sip from my wine.
"Not even waiting to start the big talk, huh? No Hermione, even though you are a Princess, and a gorgeous looking one I might add, I'm not going to join you in this game. I'll see you later," Blaise responded while raising his glass as a goodbye and walking over to Tracey.
"Hermione?" I felt a cold small hand on my back and I turned around to Lisa's voice.
"Lisa, are you enjoying yourself?" I asked friendly while looking around.
"Sure! Say…"
My eyes drifted off to the decorations of the common room. The common room was decorated with dark-lighting candles, making it look more beautiful than it actually was. Justin Finch-Fletchley had charmed the room, making it look like a fancy ballroom, nothing nowhere near as fancy as Aremo's back at Shafiq Manor, but still nice enough. Astoria was talking with Draco, Theo and Daphne all with an almost empty glass. Justin and Michael (Corner) were obviously both being held against their wills by Luna talking about Godric knows what and every once in a while, I saw Terry sending both Justin and Michael a thumbs up and a grin. Terry was dancing with Susan, while Anthony and Hannah were playing a game of Wizard's Chess at one of the couches. Tracey and Pansy just entered the common room from the dorm room. Pansy was dressed in a bright red dress and Tracey dressed in a blue dress, which, for some reason, didn't colour her skin in a flattering way at all. My view fell on Michael and Justin with Luna who were discussing NEWTs and suddenly I felt nervousness wash over me. What if I wasn't going to pass the NEWTs I needed to become a ministry employee at the DMLE department of the ministry? Michael was apparently thinking something similar because now Luna placed her hand on his at patted it twice. Justin gave Michael a hard clap on his shoulder when and just when I wanted to look at Astoria and Draco again, the cold small hand of Lisa now wrapped around my wrist softly.
I looked back at Lisa and smiled apologetic.
"Hermione? You didn't hear a word I just said, did you? Are you alright?" Lisa asked, looking worried.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just admiring the surroundings… and I'm a little nervous for the N.E.W.T.s scores," I answered.
"OKAY! If anyone is going to mention any kind of test again, they have to down three shots in a row and sustain one of my eviller hexes!" Pansy sneered over the music, looking straight at me.
I grinned back and held my face defiant. Defiance, I'd learned, was the best way to communicate with Pansy.
"I guess you are not the only one," Lisa added smiling while looking away from Pansy.
"I guess you are right."
"So, now that you have finished Hogwarts, what are you going to do? Are you going to travel and see the world, or are you still sticking to your ambitious plan to change the law for the less fortunate magical creatures?" Lisa asked after a hiccup.
Just before I could answer, the portrait opened again and Ernie and Neville entered, both dressed in dashing robes. Neville was at least two heads taller than Ernie was, but both of them looked handsome. Ernie was wearing a sand coloured set of robes, with a prominent family crest shape on the left side of his chest. The name Macmillan graced the crest, the same one I had seen in Patrick Macmillan's marriage proposal letter.
Neville's dark blue set of robes was, to my surprise, also graced with a family crest on his left chest. I had never seen the Longbottom shield, and oddly enough it had a huge sword in the centre, depicted on the shield.
I looked at the small group around Astoria, whose eyes had moved over both the shields. Pansy was nudged by Tracey, Hannah nudged Anthony in the middle of his chess move and suddenly all the eyes moved to Ernie and Neville.
"I didn't know that we were going to make this an official party, Macmillan," Pansy sneered to Ernie while her eyes were still glued to the family crests on their chests.
Draco nodded at Pansy's words, followed by Astoria, Daphne and Theo, and soon the other purebloods followed.
Ernie and Neville sent each other a look. Neville looked utterly nervous and Ernie gave him a tiny motivational nod before saying: "We are not, but there is something that needs to be done the proper way."
Silence filled the room and everyone waited expectantly, looking at Ernie who looked at Neville and Neville who looked at Hannah.
Anthony Goldstein who had quickly placed his chess piece back in its original place now nudged a clearly paralyzed Hannah.
"I have a feeling you need to stand up and straighten your dress," Anthony whispered while still looking at Neville who now slowly walked up to Hannah.
Hannah swallowed, hurried to rise to her feet and straightened her dress. Susan quickly hurried to Hannah's side making a high enthusiastic high noise. Ernie followed Neville who was almost in front of Hannah. I moved my eyes from Hannah, Susan and Neville to Lisa, to Theo whose eyebrows were raised slightly and to Pansy's face that radiated utter shock.
Then Neville and Ernie turned around and looked straight at me. Both Ernie and Neville knelt only slightly through their knees and nodded. Now, Ernie took a small step back while Neville opened his mouth.
"Princess, would you do me the honour of testifying as an official?"
I blinked at Neville.
He had sounded so official and serious that I felt the immediate urge to keep a straight face while a nervous smile wanted to rise to my lips.
I had a feeling Neville was going to do something official like propose to Hannah, even though we were only eighteen years old and the thought seemed preposterous to me.
Still I didn't know what was expected of me and suddenly my eyes found Draco, who was silently debating something with Theo and Blaise. I moved my eyes from Blaise to Draco, who sent me a small nod and walked forward to stand next to me after bowing slightly to me.
I bowed back and he placed my hand on his arm.
"Agree," Draco whispered while nodding to Neville, who nodded back instantly.
"Yes, of course Neville," I said smiling broad.
"Thank you, Princess," Neville sounded relieved.
"Walk with me," Draco whispered again.
Draco had taken me by the arm and guided me forward stand next to Hannah and Draco on my other side. Then the slightest feeling jolted through me and I realized that this may be something bigger than I anticipated a few seconds ago.
Ernie stepped forward slightly and inclined his head towards me and then towards Hannah.
"Princess, Mr. Neville Frank Longbottom would like to ask your permission to officially court Ms. Hannah Desiree Abbott," Ernie stated officially.
I slowly felt myself feel faint, what was I supposed to do now?
Draco moved his head an inch closer to mine and whispered, "Ask if her father gave him permission."
"Neville, do you have permission from Mr. Abbott to officially court her?" I asked clear.
My eyes fell on Theo whose eye twitched uncomfortably and I felt Draco's arm around my back tighten a little. Neville seemed to suffer from an instant heart attack because his knees gave out but were holding only just.
"I do, Princess," Neville answered nervousness clearly sounding through in his voice.
Again Draco's head moved closer to mine and whispered oh so soft, "Grant them permission."
"Then you have my permission to officially court Ms. Abbott," I said nodding once, because that seemed to be appropriate.
"Thank you, Princess," Ernie and Neville said at the same time.
Neville who looked deep red now, turned to Hannah who couldn't smile broader. And when Ernie smiled at her as well she smiled back and sent me a grateful look.
"Ms. Hannah Desiree Abbott, Mr. Neville Frank Longbottom let his wishes to officially court you be known previously. Do you have an answer for him?" Ernie now asked.
"I do, Mr. Macmillan."
"What is your answer, Ms. Abbott?"
"I accept the official proposal to be courted by Mr. Neville Frank Longbottom," she answered ceremoniously.
Neville's smile couldn't be wider and relief was now clearly visible on his face. Neville gave Ernie a small clap on his shoulder and after that he extended his hand to Hannah who took it slowly, not wanting to seem too eager.
Both of them now turned to me when Ernie said, "Then I would like to grant the Princess the honour of congratulating them first. Princess?"
I thought I was done with the official business but apparently there was a closing act. So I moved my head a little closer to Draco's.
"Repeat after me: I want to congratulate Ms. Neville Frank Longbottom member of the eleventh Sacred Twenty-Eight family and Ms. Hannah Desiree Abbott of the first Sacred Twenty-Eight family on their official courtship," Draco whispered fast.
Then I straightened my back and send both of them a polite smile.
"I want to congratulate Ms. Neville Frank Longbottom member of the eleventh Sacred Twenty-Eight family and Ms. Hannah Desiree Abbott of the first Sacred Twenty-Eight family on their official courtship," I spoke loud and slow.
Clapping arose from all around the room and then everything became chaotic. Neville and Hannah stood towards the rest of the room, waiting apparently. Draco's hand left my back and he quickly stood behind Astoria, sending me an apologetic look. And when everyone of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families seemed to line up, my eyes widened out of surprise and not knowing what was happening.
"Sacred Twenty-Eight Families; the Greengrasses," Ernie said moving his right hand towards Daphne and Astoria.
Daphne stepped forward with Astoria on her side.
They congratulated Neville and Hannah and then Ernie stepped forward.
"Macmillan," Ernie stated.
He congratulated Neville and Hannah.
Then 'Malfoy' was followed by 'Nott' and 'Parkinson'.
Luckily Draco returned at my side as soon as he had congratulated them and I felt his warm hand softly on my back again. While I leaned into his warmth, Ernie continued.
"Now I would like to call forward the noble house of Boot, Davis, Lovegood and Zabini."
All of them stepped forward and congratulated both Neville and Hannah by shaking both of their hands.
"The honourable houses of Bones, Corner, Goldstein, Finch-Fletchley and Turpin."
Blaise choked on his drink while Theo clapped him on his back with a look that could only be described as shocked while Lisa's eyebrows shot up questioningly.
I was surprised the halfbloods and muggleborns were called forwards together, yet it seemed more exclusive than inclusive and I didn't like how this was going. Everyone was worth as much as another so why did the halfblood and we muggleborns be called last?
And I was not the only one. Draco's hand tightened once more on my back and he sent Theo a meaningful look, who just smiled back. Then Pansy coughed, Tracey patted her back, Blaise now rose his eyebrows and Theo smiled broad at Ernie. Neville and Hannah both also smiled.
Draco moved his mouth closer to my ear and whispered: "For the official caller, the job Ernie is now doing, it is possible to address the names of all the four blood types, but it is uncommon, say extraordinary to grant any of the non-sacred or non-purebloods an honourable title. Macmillan is misusing his position, but no one is objecting…" Draco whispered.
Suddenly I felt myself getting more uncomfortable by the second. Daphne, Astoria, Ernie, Neville, Hannah, Pansy and Theo looked at me as if they were waiting for me to do something.
"Draco, what do I do?" I hissed as soft as I could.
"I don't know. Usually the highest present member is the one who has to make objection. Just to clarify, that is you," a hint of sarcasm sounded through.
"What would I be objecting against?" I asked to make it clear.
"Against calling the family names of the halfbloods and muggleborns honourable, but I would advise against it," Draco added, clearly confused with the whole situation.
"Good call," I agreed my tone now definitely sarcastic and nodded at Draco before smiling at Ernie.
Then the serious faces of the others turned into smiled and the music was turned up again.
Two weeks later – The Leaky Cauldron
Hermione
I looked around the crowded bar and noticed that the only word to describe the common ruling emotion was tense. We, as eighth year had hired part of the bar for our exclusive graduation party. Tonight everyone would receive their NEWT scores and we'd all agreed not to invite our parents our others that weren't eighth years. Michael Corner seemed more agitated than the average 8th year, but that also didn't mean that Ernie or any of the rest was acting normal. Justin, Luna, Neville, Hannah, Susan, Michael and Ernie were sitting at a table together, just like Anthony, Terry, Pansy, Tracey and Daphne. Astoria had joined the table I was going to join, but unlike her normal self she was now actually fussy about the seating arrangement. Blaise sat on the end, with Astoria next to him, I sat between Astoria and Draco, who sat next to Theo and Lisa. Astoria was constantly straightening her neat dress. It would turn out to be a big night for Astoria whether or not she got her NEWTs, because she thought that tonight was going to be the night Aremo was going to propose to her. I had my doubts about it, but she seemed certain, so I didn't bring it up anymore.
When the three owls arrived with all our letters, and they were handed to the rightful person, I could feel the agitation and nervousness getting even thicker than before.
I looked at the neat handwriting that addressed my muggle name.
Hermione Granger
I smiled at the envelope, apparently Headmistress McGonagall knew me well because she'd addressed me with my muggle name, and accepted it with shaking hands from Ernie.
When everyone got the letters, one could hear a pin drop in the bar.
My hands were shaking, and I didn't want to open my envelope. What if all I had worked for was going to be wrong? What if I had failed my studies, the thing I had worked so hard for since the first day I knew I was a witch? What if I wasn't going to pass any of the subjects? Would people laugh at me? What would my parents think? Or Harry and Ron? Or …
On the vague background I heard someone yell 'OPEN!' but I didn't actually register what it meant.
What if I failed my NEWTs?
Blaise
I straightened my hair and out of habit checked the envelope for jinxes with a simple spell. I looked around the table and saw that everyone was looking at their own letters. When Macmillan yelled "OPEN!" everyone, some squeaking and some deathly silent, were opening their letters.
The sound of tearing paper sounded followed by yelling and mostly cheerful exclamations.
I looked at my own NEWTS and to my surprise I had done exactly as I'd expected. A little bummed about the E on Defence against the Dark Arts, hoping I could've persuaded the DADA examiner by complimenting her dress and hair, but she apparently wasn't as struck by my charming skills as she let me think she was. I glanced from Astoria's letter, who did great and had passed all her NEWTs too, to Hermione whose hands were still shaking with the closed envelope in it. I knew she'd been very high-strung about the whole NEWTs, but I had no idea it was this huge for her.
Draco, who had seemed to forget his own results, or simply didn't care, looked at Hermione and placed his hand slowly around her shaking wrist.
"Hermione, how did you do?" Draco asked softly while looking straight at the reddening witch's cheeks.
"I can't seem to open it…" she whispered, clearly ashamed by the strong physical reaction to her nervousness.
Then, the room suddenly fell quiet, and everyone was looking at Hermione and the envelope tightly gripped in her hands. Her whole body was shaking and I felt myself only being able to look at her shaking hands. It was as if the room was enchanted, all hypnotized by her, but then she broke her eyes away from the envelope and looked at Draco. He visibly pinched her wrist and then suddenly Hermione's shaking stopped. Then, she tugged at the envelope and took out the paper.
I looked over Astoria's shoulder to read the letter.
Ministry of Magic
Certificate of attainment for Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests
Pass grades:
Outstanding (O)
Exceeds Expectations (E)
Acceptable (A)
Fail grades:
Poor (P)
Dreadful (D)
Troll (T)
-Hermione Jean Granger-
Has achieved
Alchemy O
Ancient Runes O
Arithmancy O
Astronomy E
Care of Magical Creatures O
Charms O
Defence Against the Dark Arts O
Herbology O
Potions O
Transfiguration O
Professor Griselda Marchbanks
Governor Wizarding Examinations Authority
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmistress: Minerva McGonagall
"All Outstanding and one Exceeds Expectations? Congratulations!" Draco said softly and pinched her hand again.
"I passed all my NEWTs!" she stuttered, flabbergasted.
"That, you did and gloriously I might add," Draco said, smiling so warm that I couldn't believe not more people knew he was in love with her.
"I did," she stammered while her eyes kept on moving over and over the letter again.
Everyone seemed to be talking with their neighbours again and the tense situation was very slowly calming down. Hermione however was silent now, still looking at the paper.
"Oh, I'm so happy, Draco!" she said, her eyes shining bright to Draco's and hugging him while not letting go of her letter.
"I'm proud of you," he said softly while hugging her back, actually closing his eyes.
I rolled my eyes, he was sooo far gone.
When they didn't let go, I started to feel like I was supposed to give them some privacy and then I realized we were at a party in a bar and that they were still completely oblivious to the things they said and did to each other.
"But wait!" she exclaimed and quickly released Draco, "How did you do, Draco?"
"I passed them all."
Just when I wanted to see how she was going to respond, Ernie Macmillan rose to his feet again and raised his glass.
"Now, I believe all of us have graduated from Hogwarts. And to congratulate you, I have arranged a special surprise for all of you!" he yelled over the music that suddenly played.
"Family and friends, please, come in!"
The room magically expanded and people came rushing in with flowers and gift cards. It took about three second for me to recognize different parents and friends of the graduates. I knew my mother was in Switzerland so she wasn't able to come, but I didn't care and kept on looking on someone I could talk to.
The Weasley's arrived together with Potter and Aremo who had hurried forward to hug his sister.
Hermione
When the doors had opened and people had begun hurrying in the room, I looked for my family and friends and suddenly I recognized eyes that looked exactly like mine, staring into mine and then he hugged me.
"I'm so proud, sis," Aremo said while smiling proudly.
Tears were already welled up in my eyes and I thanked him after which he quickly hurried to Astoria, who had waited patiently for us to finish. Then Harry, Ron and Ginny came to hug me as well.
Ginny quickly hurried to Blaise after telling me that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley assured me that I was welcome to stay at the Burrow whenever I wanted to for a celebratory dinner.
"Hermione, let's go and tell your parents, I'll bet they're waiting for you!" Ron suggested and grabbing my hand and Harry's arm.
I smiled broadly and nodded.
"Great idea, Ron! Let me say goodbye to the rest really quick!" I said, hurrying in Draco's direction.
He'd apparently seen me coming and looked at my rushed demeanour.
"Hermione, where are you going?" he asked.
"I'm going to parents, to tell them."
"Will you come back?" Draco asked, his eyes widening slightly.
"Eh, I don't know," I looked back at Harry and Ron who were waving at me to come.
Draco didn't seem to know what to say and I also felt increasingly weird. Was this the last time I was going to see him? A soft sad PANG rushed through me, but it was immediately swallowed by the huge waves of relief and happiness that I felt because of the NEWT results.
"Alright, so when…" he started.
"We'll see each other, right? Maybe we can meet up soon!" I suggested, while hugging him shortly.
"Uh, sure," Draco replied short.
"Hermione! Let's go!" Ron yelled.
"Bye everyone!" I yelled, looking at Theo, Lisa, Aremo, Astoria, Blaise, Neville, Luna and all the others.
"Bye!" I said to Draco and I hurried to Ron and Harry.
I couldn't wait to show my parents the letter. They were going to be so proud!
Two weeks later – Malfoy Manor
Draco
The door of my home laboratory opened and I saw Squaffy, my personal, but freed house elf stand in the door opening.
"Mr. Zabini is here to see you, Master," Squaffy said quickly.
I refrained myself from sighing, I'd hoped Blaise would drop the matter.
"Thank you, Squaffy. Let him in."
Squaffy left my laboratory again and then Blaise entered, wearing a set of tight, fancy, brown robes and looking at his smirk, he was definitely ready for Hermione's party.
"What are you doing here, Blaise?" I asked nonchalantly.
Blaise pushed his hair back in a way that he knew looked charming, it was his habit of some kind, then moved his eyes to mine to send me a sly smile before shaking his head at me.
"Why aren't you at Hermione's party at Shafiq Manor? You know, her small graduation party and Astoria's and Aremo's unofficial engagement party?"
"I am busy with this potion. I can't stop in the middle of it."
"Bullshit."
I ignored him, adding 9,5 cleaned leaves of the Yohvoo tree to the potion in the gigantic cauldron.
"I'm busy Blaise, just leave," I moved my hand with a vague gesture to the door and looked further into the recipe, even though I didn't need it and had memorized the recipe as soon as I knew it would be important in 8th year.
"Draco, that's a Potion of Dreamless Sleep and it only takes four hours to make," Blaise said, pointing at my factory-scale cauldron, his brows raised and clearly not impressed with my attempt to make up an excuse.
I hated him for knowing his potions so well and stopped myself from grunting in irritation out loud.
"St. Mungo's needs it, Blaise. Are you going to deprive the patients from the potion they need to heal, to sleep?" I asked incredulous followed by a deep sigh.
"I don't understand you! You are so emotionally involved with her; why don't you want to be at her party? Because of all your competition? You know she doesn't want Krum, she doesn't want Michael Caldwell the heir of Davenport Hotels, you have taken care of that, and you know she could never be so happy with a girl as she could be with you, but she might meet someone else if you don't hurry. So come with me and tell her how you feel! Congratulate her, be happy for her, sway her!" he ranted, frustration pouring out of every pore of his body.
"I don't know how your deluded mind came up with all of this, but I am not emotionally involved with Hermione," I stated dryly, ignoring the rest of his rant completely.
And just for the fun of it, I sent Blaise a look as if to question his sanity.
"When she met up with that horrible Caldwell guy in April to go to the muggle zoo, you had two house-elves follow her!"
I laughed on the inside because I hadn't told Blaise and Theo about the personal investigator I hired too, to make sure she would be safe from him. "Not one house elf, but TWO! Ordering both to attack as soon he did something wrong. That doesn't sound not involved, Draco! That sounds ridiculously involved, obsessed even!" Blaise shouted frustrated.
"Blaise, she is our friend and I wanted to protect her. Is that so strange?" I asked calm, looking over my bubbling potion to his highly frustrated being.
"You are obsessed and you know it! Why don't you confess your feelings to her?"
"My feelings?" I asked surprised.
"You can't be serious! YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH HER! TELL HER, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!"
I was silent for a while, thinking back of when the others said something similar to me.
Lovegood had asked if I'd written a marriage proposal when it came out in the newspapers that Hermione was a princess. Indicating oh so clearly that I had feelings for her. I had dismissed it easily then, but nonetheless she had commented on it.
The second memory wasn't much better.
A few weeks later, when Hermione had fallen asleep in the 8th years common room with her head against my shoulder, slowly gliding to my lap, Astoria had walked passed by grinning.
"If you could see yourself now… Oh Draco, you look like a lovesick puppy. Does she know?" Astoria had wondered.
"Does she know what?" I asked beginning to get irritated with my ex-fiancée for disturbing Hermione's peace.
"Does she know that you're in love with her?" Astoria clarified and looking at me as if she wasn't sure if I was kidding or just dense.
"Don't be ridiculous Astoria, now get out before you wake her," I hissed back angrily.
"So blind…" she muttered, walking away to the girls' dormitory.
And the conclusion was that Malfoys didn't have feelings for others or fell in love. My father had become a madman during the war, but before that he'd never been a loving father. Not that I needed his love, I wasn't one of those love-starved kids, but he could've at least been nicer to my mother, even if it was an arranged marriage. I doubted he'd ever loved my mother at all. I knew my mother hadn't been unhappy with their arranged marriage and I think she had actually loved him, but it was long over now, thank Salazar.
I turned back to reality, where a furiously frustrated Blaise was still standing in front of me.
"Did you organize this trick with Astoria and Lovegood?" I asked Blaise.
Maybe it was all a big setup, people trying to get us together or making us believe we were in love with each other.
"Excuse me?" Blaise asked, now looking almost genuinely confused.
I narrowed my eyes at him, he was a great actor, I had used those skills so many times, but this almost seemed genuine.
"You mean they said something to you as well? And you still don't see it? HA!" Blaise shouted out.
"You just don't want to see it! Why, are you afraid she doesn't like you back? Are you afraid she'll hurt your feelings?"
I ignored him again and decided to do just that until he left.
"Well?" Blaise hissed.
I held my tongue, looked at the recipe for the thousandth time and read the next few steps.
"If that is how low you have sunken, so be it," Blaise's sly voice suddenly clear.
He walked to my storage cupboard and took something out, and before I knew it, unicorn tears streamed into my cauldron and when they hit the potion, causing small ripples, white steamy smoke arose quickly from the cauldron.
I jumped up, in anger and hopelessness. "No!" I hissed, looking at my ruined potion.
Unicorn tears had the magical property to neutralize all the effects of various potion ingredients, ranging from the Yohvoo tree leaves to Albast powdered root.
My Draught of Dreamless Sleep was ruined.
"I will tell you once more, get dressed and make sure to wear your charming smile. Or otherwise I charm one on you," Blaise narrowed his eyes before hissing "permanently."
I still ignored him, and tried to vanish the ruined potion when Blaise grabbed the arm I was holding my wand with.
He snatched my wand out of my hand and now pointed it at me.
"Change," he hissed.
For a second I thought he'd be joking, but when I looked up at Blaise, feeling the anger rise inside of me, his face stood serious.
Knowing that Blaise would never give up unless I hurt him deeply, I thought about the party. Maybe it was good for me, to be present at the unofficial engagement party of Astoria and Aremo. And Astoria and Aremo both were dear friends. Maybe I really needed to go.
Blaise moved with my wand to the door of my laboratory and so I silently rose to my feet and walked to the door. It was time for me to get changed.
Hi guys,
Sorry for the late update. Maybe you have noticed my minor (read: friggin' huge) writers block. I have a better idea now and am more able to write the story now I've taken some time away from it. I hope you like the new chapter. It's very long, and you guys deserve it.
I hope to have the next chapter ready before the first of January, but no promises, I have work every day for the next two weeks…
SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE REVIEWERS:
Aria Dragoncrest, estatic2010, DemonicFox6548, guest, shanerkm, Vienna (guest), and as always, Snowflake Dazzle, Irmorena, Alexa SixT, Black Banshee please check out their stories as well.
Thank you to all the wonderful Harry Potter fans out there, who keep me going!
Love,
Aimee