Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Author's Note: Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. I was having a bit of writer's block, and I had these big projects due at school, I was distracted. I know exactly what I'm going to do for my next story, and I am very excited to start writing it. I hope you guys like it, too!
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Hermione walked down the kitchens alone, wondering about the scavenger hunt. She had a pretty good idea what the "prize" was going to be and even admitted that she was excited about getting to it. Or him.
She entered the kitchens and was surprised to find it empty. She hoped it wasn't necessary to say hi to Dobby, because she had no idea where he was. She noticed a piece of parchment folded up on the counter.
Dear Hermione,
So far so good. Your next clue: For as long as I can remember, I have hated people in this house. However, after meeting you, I may change my mind. Of course, I had a certain redhead put this clue in its spot, because I wasn't sure if I'd be welcomed in.
I can't wait till you get to me. I hope you're enjoying yourself, because I love making you smile.
Yours truly,
?
Hermione thought for a moment then smiled. The Gryffindor common room! She quickly left the kitchens and headed in that direction.
Breakfast had been let out five minutes earlier, so the halls were filled with students planning their days. Hermione tried not to get distracted as she weaved her way in and out of people.
The common room was partially filled and Hermione noticed Ginny sitting near the fire, working on homework. Hermione walked over to her.
"Hey, Hermione," Ginny said, looking up. "Why weren't you at breakfast?"
"I was working on a scavenger hunt."
Ginny smirked. "Right, I'd forgotten about that. How are you doing so far?"
"Pretty good. I can't wait to find out what my prize is."
"Right," Ginny said. "Your next clue is above the fireplace."
Hermione pulled down the piece of parchment and hurriedly read the note.
Dear Hermione,
How are you wearing your hair today? I personally love it down, because then I'm able to run my fingers through it. You seem to be wearing it up more often. I really wish you wouldn't.
I'm going to assume that you missed breakfast today. You should go back, and see what you can find.
Love,
?
Hermione smirked. He was getting much more daring.
"I've got to go," she told Ginny, walking to the door.
"Tell me everything after, okay?"
Hermione nodded, smiling, and left the room. She headed to the Great Hall.
The next clue was under the Hufflepuff table. That was the last place she looked. She had started to get a little worried, like maybe she hadn't read the last clue correctly. She was relieved when she found it.
Dear Hermione,
Before we became friends, you spent eighty percent of your time in this place. After we became friends, that number, thankfully, has dropped to sixty percent. It's good to know that I can distract you. I think I deserve it, seeing as how you distract me one hundred percent of the time.
Love,
?
Hermione's next stop was to the library. She had a feeling this was going to take longer than the previous clues. And it did. She spent about twenty minutes searching under tables, in bookshelves, on chairs. Finally, a first year hesitantly approached her and handed her a note.
Dear Hermione,
It seems our hunt is coming to an end. I'm very excited to give you your prize. It seems to be getting wet and some crazed sea monster keeps swatting at it. You better come get it before he gets eaten.
Love,
?
This one had Hermione confused. The wet part made her think bathroom, but she didn't know what the sea monster meant. She walked around the library for a few minutes, hoping it would come to her. And suddenly, it did: the lake!
She ran out of the school, down the hill (almost tripping on a tree root), and stopped by the lake. The lake was huge, and Hermione could see kids all around it. She just couldn't make out anyone specific.
"Looking for me?" Whirling around, Hermione saw Draco standing a few feet away, watching her. She walked over to him.
"I think so," she said, smiling. "I keep getting these notes that tell me to go to the weirdest places. I have no idea what it means."
Draco smirked. He stepped closer to her. "Interesting. It could possibly mean that you love me."
Hermione thought for a moment. "That doesn't sound right," she said sarcastically.
Draco grabbed Hermione's arms, pulled her close to him, and planted his lips on hers. And, for once, she didn't even think about struggling.
THE END
