Chapter 37

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The only noises to be heard in the headmistress' office were that of the fire crackling and light tapping against wood. It was odd to find the portrait of Dumbledore to be quiet as he sat stroking his beard, deep in thought. Abe and Luna sat across from Minerva, also deep in thought. McGonagall sat in her chair with a scowl as her fingers drummed on her desk in agitation. The drumming stopped as she slammed her fist onto the desk.

"Who does that arrogant bastard think his is?!" She snapped suddenly, drawing the others from their thoughts. "How dare he waltz into my school and try to lay claim to my apprentice!"

"Now, now Minnie-"

"Shut it you old fool!" She barked at Dumbledore, who blinked and recoiled in surprise.

Abe chuckled. "Well said Minerva." He cleared his throat as she turned her murderous glare on him.

Luna smiled warmly at the older woman. "May I say something?" McGonagall eyed her for a moment before nodding. "Thank you. Now I know this all my seem a bit.. overwhelming-" McGonagall snorted. "but Severus didn't seem very worried about Lucius and his intentions and we all know how possessive he's become over Hermione. Perhaps we should do as he suggested and let this play out. After all, it is Hermione he's after, and if there's anyone who can put the git in his place, it would be her."

McGonagall's brow furrowed. "But-"

"I agree… with Luna."

McGonagall rolled her eyes. "Must you always be so dramatic, Albus?"

Dumbledore smiled smugly. "Yes." He fixed her with a serious look over his glasses. "I do believe you are underestimating Miss Granger. You should have a little more faith in her." He admonished.

McGonagall sighed in defeat. "Alright. But, if he hurts her-"

"You are well within your rights to blast the fool to bits if he does." Abe cut it. "Let's just hope that her little harem she has going doesn't expand any further." It was quiet for a moment, but he broke it with a clap of his hands and grinned. "Now! Let's hear about this Halloween party you have planned."

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Monday morning, Hermione found herself sandwiched between Harry and Draco at breakfast. She did the one thing she knew that would help distract her from their overbearing antics, reading. Owls began flooding in as the mail arrived. Not expecting anything for herself, she stuffed a sausage in her mouth as she continued to read.

Draco growled causing her to look up as a large owl landed gracefully in front of her. Her brow furrowed in confusion as it dropped a small package on her open book and flew off. "What's this?" She reached out to grab the box, but it was snatched away by the fuming blond. "What are you doing?!"

He held the box away from her. "Nuh uh. I can't let you open this. It might be dangerous."

She fixed him with an unbelieving stare. "And what would make you think that?"

He glared at nothing in particular. "Because it's from my deranged father." He muttered under his breath.

Hermione snatched the box from his hands and rolled her eyes. "Yeah right, Draco." She pulled loose the string around the box and removed the wrappings. "Why would he, of all people, send me anything?" She unfolded the letter that was inside, ignoring the rest of the contents of the box.

My dearest Hermione,

I am sure you may have heard by now of my reformation and release of St. Mungo's. Draco, most likely, has also informed you of the mutual divorce of Narcissa and I. With that said, I no longer feel the need to hide my true feelings for you. Let this be the first of many gifts and proclamation of my undying love for you.

You are the most beautiful and most brilliant witch I have ever had the privilege to encounter. Your soft flowing locks and the fiery passion in your eyes, set my loins a blaze-

She threw the letter down as if it had burned her, stood up and stumbled over her seat as she ran from the Great Hall unaware of her friends calling after her.

Harry looked worriedly at Draco from over the rim of his cup. "What was that all about?"

"Lucius." Draco shared the worried glance and picked up the letter. He paled as he read the contents. "No wonder she ran off." He whispered and handed it to Harry to read.

Harry choked on his pumpkin juice. "He came on a bit strong, don't you think." He choked out torn between laughing and being horrified.

"That's just how he is." He drank the rest of his tea and stood. "Come on. We should find her."

"Yeah I'm pretty sure she'd be even more mortified if she was late to class." Harry chuckled as he gathered his and Hermione's bags and followed Draco out of the room.

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They checked the usual places Hermione would have gone to, but no luck. Their time was up and not wanting to receive a detention for being late, they headed for class. They were stunned when they walked into the DADA classroom to find Hermione seating in her usual seat as calm as ever. They shared a quick glance and darted over to join her.

"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed, hugging her tightly.

"Where have you been, love? We've been looking all over for you." Draco asked worried and kissed her cheek.

She smiled and waved them off. "Never mind that. I suppose I was a bit… surprised is all. After I calmed down and thought about it, its really quite amusing." They looked at her confused. "Finding out that Lucius Malfoy, Mr. High-and-mighty-pureblood, is secretly a mudblood lover." She shook her head. "I can't help but find myself wondering what he's going to do next." She pulled out a quill and parchment as Lupin and the other students entered the class.

"What are you, a Hufflepuff?" Harry joked.

"What?" Draco was lost when the other two chuckled.

"Don't tell me you've never noticed how they use the word 'find' a lot." Harry smirked as Draco caught on.

"That was kind of lame, Potty." The blond snorted.

"Not anymore than you are, Ferret."

"Scar-face."

"Foul, loathsome, evil, little cockroach!"

"Harry! Shush!" Hermione hissed when Lupin looked at them pointedly.

"Sorry Re- Professor Lupin." Harry said, as he pulled out his notes and quill.

Remus shook his head. "As I was saying, the dark arts..."

"Smooth, real smooth, Potter." Draco whispered. "Ouch!" He pouted and rubbed his arm where Hermione had pinched him.

"Shh!" She glared at him before turning back to taking notes.

Draco dropped his chin into his hand and pouted the rest of class.

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