Hello! Another biweekly update it seems, so sorry, it's just really hard to get internet access. Thank you very much to those that reviewed, though I noticed there were a lot of alerts/faves too…of course I love those as well, though I do wish more of you would review *hint hint* Nonetheless, I do hope you all are enjoying the story, and I would still like to know what you think of my Drarry idea (do you hate it?). Thanks, enjoy!
I do not own any of J. K. Rowling's world, solely the plot to this story.
The holidays came and went quickly. Too quickly for some more than others, and Hermione found herself at the Burrow one day before her departure for Durmstrang. They would be meeting in Hogsmeade for the portkey and it seemed to make sense that Ginny and Hermione leave together.
Unfortunately they weren't on speaking terms. It had been relatively easy falling back into her usual routine with Harry and Ron—though she still had yet to figure out what she wanted with Ron—and luckily for Hermione, Mrs. Weasley had Ginny busy most of the time. They slept in the same room, yes, but even then they'd managed to avoid talking to each other by going to sleep at different times.
And so things went somewhat decent for the two days Hermione spent at the Burrow, and she nearly collapsed when she'd received the latest edition of Hansel's Magnifique Potion-brewing II from Ron. So all in all, she could honestly say it was a good time.
Except … she couldn't stop thinking about him.
As soon as Draco had walked away from her that night, Hermione tried following, her curiosity—and suspicion—getting the best of her. Much to her surprise, however, he'd vanished past the second corridor and she was left standing alone. Again. Insufferable! That Slytherin was simply insufferable! One moment he wanted to talk—which she desperately needed—and the next he was running away, being the bastard git that she was more familiar with.
It was all so very confusing. And despite how angry she was with Ginny for making such ludicrous allegations, she had no solid evidence to prove the girl wrong. And solid evidence, facts, was the only rational way to go about doing most anything. Right?
Except emotions were involved this time, and one couldn't really consider emotions a rational factor, could they?
So confusing …
"Hermione, you ready?"
She looked up in response, offering a small smile. "Yeah, give me a few more minutes. Don't wait up, I'll be down in a bit."
Harry nodded in response and left.
She gathered a piece a parchment and a quill and made her way to the backyard, taking her place as scorekeeper-slash-referee. The boys and Ginny were already in position for the impromptu Quidditch match. They looked at her expectantly.
She grinned—at least she was happy for now—and blew the whistle.
The mansion was silent, only a tad emptier than usual without his father's presence. And even then Narcissa made herself scarce, so that Draco only really saw her at meal times and in passing.
Which really was hardly at all.
And so with nothing to do, and no orders to follow or duels to prepare for—his father dueled him regularly when he was home, with wands and even swords—Draco found himself utterly and ridiculously bored.
And so it was no surprise his mind kept reverting back to her.
Bloody Gryffindor, why did she have to baffle him so much?
It was a day before his departure for Durmstrang and Draco had long since been packed, the wrapped parcel included. His orders had been very direct concerning it and yet Draco couldn't help but feel anxious about the whole ordeal. He had no idea where his father was but he did have his suspicions. Which only confirmed his thoughts concerning Durmstrang and what might happen within the next three weeks.
And what could possibly happen to her … he wasn't sure how he felt about that.
He made his way down the torch-lit hallway, no particular destination in mind but to keep himself occupied. It was during this time, late in the evening, that a sudden noise made him stop.
What the hell?
The house-elves knew better than to make unnecessary noise, his mother had gone out for the evening, and the place was empty otherwise. There were no ghosts in his home—his father made sure of that—and as far as Draco knew, no other residents. Perhaps he had imagined it?
Draco shrugged, taking a few steps forward.
"Arrrghh! Ack! Ack!"
He halted, his eyes flicking towards the intruding noise. He hadn't mistaken it. Someone, or something, was behind the wall, a very possible feat considering the numerous secret passage ways and hidden doorways located throughout the manor. With a meaningful glare, Draco stepped forward and drew his wand.
"Alohamora."
Nothing happened.
Draco exhaled and rolled his eyes. I hate when I have to do this … In one swift movement he slashed his palm, not even wincing when a glistening line of red suddenly appeared across his pale skin, and pressed it firmly against the stone wall.
The effect was instant. Within seconds the stone-wrought wall disappeared, revealing a hidden doorway and a winding staircase leading downwards. Draco nearly laughed with the ominous irony, but instead kept his wand at the ready and began the slow descent. He was only halfway down when suddenly—
"I knew you'd come eventually. My apologies for the noise, it seems I've gotten a small cold."
Draco halted. What the fuck? He quickly made his way all the way down and frowned when he came upon what looked like Snape's dream Potion's lab.
"Hello, Mister Malfoy."
Draco's wand remained pointed warningly. Silver-blue orbs were hidden beneath narrowed eyelids and he spoke in a cold voice as he surveyed the unknown wizard in front of him. "Who are you and what is your purpose down here, old man?"
Despite the blond's penetrating glare, however, the old man seemed unperturbed. He elicited a series of sputters and coughs before replying. "I am working for your father on his latest … project."
Draco's gaze remained fixed, his nose wrinkling in disgust, though there was a glimmer of something behind his eyes that faltered the icy stare momentarily. Fleetingly. Keeping his wand trained he asked: "What is your name?"
"Kielm." The other answered, smoother than Draco would have expected. "Gerard Kielm. Please, young man, do not point that thing at me. I mean you no harm and even if I did I am under oath to not touch a single Malfoy."
"How did you know I would come down here?"
The old man laughed, albeit somewhat bitterly. "My boy, you live here and it's the holidays. Surely we were bound to run into each other eventually."
Draco's brow furrowed. That was hardly a decent response. But there were more important things to address. And Draco was almost certain his suspicions were correct. "You're the one making the formula, aren't you? The one for the mudbloods?"
When met with a wary sigh for a reply, Draco dropped his wand and glanced backwards. If his father found out he'd been down here he would have his hide. He turned to leave when—
"You can still do the right thing, you know."
Draco whirled around. "What are you talking about, old fool? You don't even know me, nor what I'm capab—"
"I have my ways of knowing. Trust me when I say, I know very well what you're capable of."
"Listen here, you psychotic—"
"I only hope," he continued, almost to himself as he turned away, "you realize all that you can do in the war that will soon erupt."
Draco felt his temper flare, and he took a menacing step forward. "Don't you try mind-fucking me—"
"You don't think like your father, do you boy?"
"That's none of your business."
"Oh but it is. You see, boy—"
"Stop calling me a boy."
"Mister Malfoy, then. I am more aware of things than you might know, than even your father might know. However, because of the oath and… circumstances he has bound me in, I cannot physically … act."
Draco made a face. "Clearly my father wasn't thinking when he hired you." He made to leave again, shaking his head. The man was an obvious lunatic. 'I cannot physically act'—what hell was that supposed to mean? Just as he took the first step up, however—
"I'm working on the antidote."
Draco stopped in his tracks. "What did you say?"
"Acck!"
Draco whirled around, glaring at the wheezing man once more. "I asked you a question."
"Excuse me, this cough just doesn't seem to be getting any better. And the temperature doesn't—"
"You said something about an antidote."
Weary eyes met glacier-like depths. Instead of answering, however, Kielm only nodded.
A sudden wave of anger seemed to wrack Draco then. He struggled to maintain his irritation. "And why the fuck would you tell me something like that?"
"Because I may not be here when it is needed. I need someone to know. Someone good. You are different. There is good inside—"
"You don't know shit about me!"
Despite his seeming confidence in the younger up till then, Kielm suddenly looked a tad uncomfortable. "There's no need to get—"
"I don't know and I don't care who the fuck you think you are," Draco retorted hotly, "but don't pretend you know me! Don't you ever—"
"Draco!"
He stilled with the new voice, barely realizing how close he was to the older man. And how said older man was suddenly cowering under his raised wand.
"Draco," his mother repeated, firmer than the surprised yelp she'd shrieked but seconds before, "if your father finds out—"
"He won't." Draco interjected quickly. With one more glance at Kielm, he pocketed his wand and left, making sure to avoid bumping into his mother on his way out.
He could hear her quiet pace behind him, hesitant … And the ready-to-burst rage he'd manifested just moments ago was doused out almost immediately. If his father got wind of him being near Kielm his mother would be the one to suffer. Not him, not Draco.
And as much as he hated her for not being the mother she should have been …
"Mother, don't worry," he heard himself say loudly, turning around and causing her to stop in her tracks but twenty feet down the hall, "I won't say a thing."
For an odd moment she simply stared back, though Draco was too far to see the emotion going on behind her pale blue eyes. Then, with a quick nod she turned around and left.
He couldn't sleep. It was all too much. The Dark Lord was dead and yet he felt as if an entire new war was already storming away. In his head. What exactly did his father have planned? What did the formula do? Did it hurt muggle-borns somehow? Kill them? How was it administered? Did he care? How would this affect Hogwarts?
… Could affect her.
And then the most confusing element: antidote.
Why had Kielm told him that? What could he possibly see in Lucius Malfoy's son that would suggest he, Draco, might be trusted with such information? True, he was not as bloodthirsty as his father, but Kielm didn't know that.
Did he? And if he did, how?
Draco sighed. He had a feeling he was going to make some huge decisions soon …
It's alright, you'll know what to do.
Go away, I don't have the firewhisky for you right now.
Well, on the bright side, you're not thinking about her so much now.
Gee, thanks for reminding me.
Always glad to help.
Review-replies:
Binotaurs- Once again, thank you for reviewing my chapter! Your consistency woos me lol. And I'm glad you approve of the character dynamics. I can't possibly have Draco in love with Hermione at this point—he doesn't even admit any attraction beyond physical yet—and yes, Harry is definitely the more understanding one when compared to Ginny. Maybe that's why J.K.R paired them together, parallel opposites. So your language is Latvian, huh? Wow, that's the first time I've heard of that language. I wouldn't mind if you translate, in fact I'm psyched that anyone would want to! I guess I would only ask if you could please send me a link or even the document so I can hyperlink it on my profile page. I've seen some stories that have been translated and the author, in turn, posts it on their profile for others to read. So, if you're really serious about it…let me know ;) Thank you!
iUknown- haha! Butthead lol, I like that word. You will find out what's in the box within …hmmm, I'd say about ten chapters? Lol, jk, maybe five. And thank you for addressing my Drarry idea! I don't think anyone else did…but no, it will not be a pwp, in fact I plan to give it a good romance plot ;) And thank you for the good luck wishes on my trip, it was, indeed, fun. Thanks so much!
Korra1sg- Greetings little one! Lol, jk, you know I was intrigued with your Pansy theory. I can't say if it's spot on, but I will say that there will be some sort of retribution for her, in some way. Anyway, so happy you liked the chapter! And yes, we shall commence cuddle position as soon as possible, perhaps on that comfy couch in the recording studio? (lol, I can imagine what this might sound like to others…)
Lonelygirl- hello! Don't you worry about the sex thing. To be honest I'm a bit doubtful about that Draco/Pansy scene, but…well I've battled it out in my head to justify it lol. So there will be no hasty Dramione sex. Thank you for reviewing!
Lovelollipops- Mmmm! Candies! You're the first one to offer me sweets, you know lol. I do enjoy cookies too *hint hint* as well as broccoli with cheese…Anyway, I'm flattered with your kind words, and happy you feel that way. I love you all too! And am ever grateful you're enjoying the story thus far. And silly girl, why would you freak out because you're mentioned? By the way, is your name really Athena? I'm dressing up as her for Halloween! Thank you for reviewing!
Yourbiggestfan698789- Must have more reviews! Lol thank you!
Sephra- dude! You don't apologize, unless you criticize my Clack yaoi infatuation…hehee, anyway, wrong story lol. Yeah, about Draco slapping Pansy…it just happened, Draco and I are still trying to figure out what the hell happened. At least he was somewhat sorry, right? Like I've mentioned before though, Pansy will have her happy ending ;) Ay sephra! Not all real men suck! Lol we shall find you a man, yes, yes …*dials the mustang guy's number* hehehe …thank you so much for reviewing!
Review please :)
