I KNOW!!! I know that six months is unacceptable…. I'm so sorry… my only excuse is that I've been doing my A Levels and University entrance, and then my exams and all that…
Anyway, now it's my summer holidays, so…. And there are only three more chapters left after this one…
So…
Regardless, I hope u guys review even though I don't deserve it… I really am very sorry… but here's a nice long chapter to make up for it…
You Know I Love You…
Firebirdflame
PREVIOUSLY ON MR MAYBE…'So, Why did you really run out of breakfast?"
'I-I was jealous, OK?"
'YES YOU FUCKING WERE! Do you think I'm blind?"
"Blaise was right! For you, it's always been about the looks, the money, the manor…"
"I really think that you should make up with Ginny."
"Maybe…"
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
HOGSMEADE IS ALWAYS THE BEST PLACE TO START A RUMOUR…
17:51/ SATURDAY 23RD OCTOBER/ HOGSMEADE/ WEASLEY'S WIZARDLY WHEEZES
HERMIONE P.O.V
I wave to Lee Jordan who reciprocates. I love that guy. The twins made him manager of their Hogsmeade branch so that they're free to monitor their flagship store over in Diagon Alley. Now, let's see if I can wrangle some free merchandise…
The whole gang has been in here for the past half an hour and we've all got carrier bags bulging with the latest in pranking merchandise. I, of course, don't plan to use what I've bought – I'm just saving it for when Harry and Ron inevitably run out, so that they don't have to risk getting caught trying to sneak out to Hogsmeade to buy some more (as they almost did at the end of 6th Year). I yawn. I'm so exhausted; we've been shopping all day and I still haven't bothered to look for a dress to wear to the Ball. But, no worries, I've still got a whole other week.
"Harry and I are a bit hungry," Ginny tells me, throwing her bag over one shoulder/ "We're gonna head over to the Three Broomsticks."
I give her a kiss on the cheek, as does Pansy, but Draco, who is standing right beside me, blatantly ignores her. I roll my eyes at the sudden burst of whispering from the student spectators around us. Ginny, returning the favour, turns her back on him very obviously and leaves the store with Harry. The whispering gets even louder as Blaise, Pansy and Ron exchange glances. Is there something going on here that I don't know about?
"Hey, Mione," Pansy says. "We're gonna head back, 'K? Can you stay with Draco?"
Yes. I nod, happy at the suggestion, as they leave.
I turn to see that Draco is looking at a crate of Pygmy Puffs. I love those things; thank God I remembered to buy one this time. He looks up at me, a strand of his side fringe falling into his eyes.
"Where'd the other three go?" he asks.
"Back to school."
He nods, thoughtfully before putting back and orange Puff. He eyes me for a moment, seeming considering something.
"let's get out of here," he says, holding out a hand," I want to show you something."
I glance at his ocean eyes and then take his hand. We walk out of the store to the sounds of excited murmuring.
He leads me around the back of the sore into a small cobbled street with minute cottages either side. And, as we're walking, as the cottages become fields, I get the oddest sense of déjà vu; as if I've been somewhere very much like this before. The slight breeze is fairly warm for the time of year and I'm grateful, I've only got a D&G cropped bomber jacket on.
We're silent as we walk, the wind rustling the remaining leaves of the trees being the only sound. Eventually, we come to a shady woodland which Draco starts leading me thought. Uh, maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I mean, it's kinda dark in here. But, and this surprises me even more than it does you, I trust Draco. Something I wouldn't have said even two short weeks ago.
We have been walking for rather a long time now; over fifteen minutes in this woodland alone. D'ya think-
OH MY GOD…
We're standing at the entrance to the most beautiful place I've ever seen. A clearing about the size of the Great Hall, it has a crystal like lake in center with a grassy, slightly sloping bank leading to it. A severe sense of déjà vu hits me and I gasp in wonder as I turn a full circle, looking at the clearing. Suddenly, a large oak tree catches my eye and I frown at how familiar it seems…
I whip around. He's practically on my tail and, to my surprise, is laughing raucously. More giggles gurgling out of my throat, I turn back around and continue running as fast as I can.
Ooh… I say! Two strong arms suddenly wrap firmly around my waist, sweeping me off my feet. I turn around in the tight grasp, still giggling, and look up at Draco's laughing face. He looks so adorable; nose scrunched up like a baby's, eyes twinkling merrily. We're both laughing so hard we can barely stand, his arms being the only thing holding me up. Foolishly, I make to take a step back in order to regain some control as being in his heated embrace is making my insides perform somersaults. I say 'foolishly' because the next thing I know I've stumbled on a large boulder and Draco and I have collapsed to the ground and are now rolling down the grassy slope.
I've never laughed so hard in my life and, as we roll down the slope, his arms remain wrapped tightly around me. I barely notice the small rocks and clumps of grass that dig into my back every couple of seconds or so as I'm too wrapped up in how good Draco's strong, well built, frankly huggable body feels pressed against mine.
As the slope gives way to a relatively flat piece of land just by the water's edge, we come to abrupt stop. I remain on top of Draco giggling down at him. He's laughing up at me, eyes watering from the exertion. We just lay here, clutching each other tightly, my hands now resting gently on his shoulders, laughing so hard we could almost wet ourselves….
After around thirty or more so seconds of this, our giggles begin to come to a stop but we stay where we are, gazes locked, slight smiles still on our faces…
Could Draco get any more perfect? This whole day has just been wonderful and he so gorgeous. He's smiling up at me, teeth glinting white in the sunlight, ocean blue eyes dancing merrily, that gorgeous platinum hair spread out over the green grass, contrasting beautifully…
Gasp.
I turn to Draco, eyes wide. We've been here before? Why?
And why does it seem to me that we were a little more than the previously accepted 'just friends'?
" So, we've been here before, haven't we?"
DRACO P.O.V
She's willing to share the fact that she's beginning to remember with me! A burst of happiness and relief explodes within me. It isn't just wishful thinking. We are getting somewhere.
" Yes."
HERMIONE P.O.V
I nod as a lump comes to my throat. I'm so jealous of Ginny at this moment, it's eating me up inside. How I wish Draco and I could be like that again.
Sigh.
It's getting darker by the minute now; the sky is now a light indigo. I glance at my watch. It's 18:41.
"We should get going," I tell my gorgeous companion, my gaze on the woodland, too shy to meet his eyes. He nods, sending me a smile, and we leave the clearing.
I'm not sure how much more of this I can take…
18:57/ SATURDAY 23RD OCTOBER/ HOGSMEADE/ THE THREE BROOMSTICKS
NARRATOR P.O.V
The Boy Who Lived and his beautiful companion ( and girlfriend, as we happen to know), are seated at the very back of the tavern, steadfastly ignoring the whispers of the numerous Hogwarts students seated around them.
"What at they doing here together – alone? I thought she was dating Draco Malfoy?"
"Don't you read the papers? They broke up!"
Of course the fact that the popular duo have their arms wrapped around each other certainly doesn't help. There's a big difference between friendly and friendlier if you catch my drift. But, as we happen to know, they are doing all this on purpose to fuel the inevitable rumours.
" I hope he took the hint," Ginny says, finishing her butterbeer. Notice how she was careful not to mention any names? Can't risk news of The Plan getting out. She glances at her watch.
" It's seven now," she continues, " We should get going."
Harry nods and, as the two stand up, he leaves a small pile of sickles on the table. As the two walk through the now emptying tavern, all eyes are on them.
" Apparently, they've been dating for over a year now."
" No way!"
"Yes, way!"
Ginny, hearing the whispers, smiles as she and Harry leave.
22:11/ SATURDAY 23RD OCTOBER. HEADS'S QUARTERS/ HERMIONE'S ROOM
HERMIONE P.O.V
I
Am
So
Bored
….
I've finished my homework, watched both Mean Girls and Clueless and (out of sheer boredom) cleared up my only slightly untidy closet, and now I have absolutely nothing to do…
Hmm…
I could always go and visit Draco. I doubt he's doing anything right now, there being no party to get ready for. And I really like spending time with him.
Don't look at me like that; I know it could never happen, he's Ginny's. Now, all I have to do is remember that.
But, I have a feeling it's going to be easier said than done.
I slide off my bed, walk to my door and across the landing to his door. Deep breath. OK, here goes…
KNOCK, KNOCK.
Before my hand has even returned to my side, the door is open and he's standing there. An adorable look of surprise is on his face before it lights up with the smile I love so much.
Sigh.
Pay attention, Hermione!
" Can I come in?" I ask, suddenly shy, though an irrepressible smile curls my lip. He nods, immediately, smile irresistibly sexy.
" Sure."
He stands back to allow me to pass through. His room is almost identical to mine, the main difference being his colour scheme of silver, cream and green.
" This is the third time you've been in here," he informs me. I turn to see him leaning against the wall. Huh? Third time? I wonder what I was doing in here the other two times.
A desk to the other side of his room catches my eye. Or, to be more specific, the cork notice board above it. Frowning in curiosity, I walk over to it, my feet sinking into the cream sheepskin rug.
The board is crowded with letters (from his mother and Tonks), quidditch notices and (similarly to my own corkboard) a lot of both moving and stationary photos of the various parties we've attended so far this year. Many include me having fun at them with Pansy, Ginny, Lavender and Parvarti (such as one of us laughing together at a drink filled bar, another of us with our arms around each other). I choose not to comment on them.
I glance over at Draco to see that he is watching me. I quickly look away, a blush rising to my cheeks. Wait a minute…. What are those…
On the desk is a small pile of pencil drawings. Frowning once again, I pick up the one on tope. What the- it is of me, my head thrown back in laughter, hair windswept.
I look up at him, puzzled, the drawings in my hand.
" What are these?"
They're beautiful. Drawings of Blaise and Pansy, a beautiful woman ( who I'm sure must be his mother due to the close resemblance between the two), various landscapes, owls and a huge mansion that I think must be the famed Malfoy manor.
He snatches away the drawings as I gaze up at him and, is he… is he embarrassed?
I blink in surprise. So, I saw his drawings last time as well?
"You've seen these before," he tells me. He's now standing beside me, his eyes on my face. I nod.
"I know."
He motions to the picture I'm holding in my hands.
" I drew that from memory."
My stomach wrenches at his words and I gulp, amazed. From memory? He's really talented. I glance down at the picture. I've only just seen it and already I want it very badly. I wonder…
" Can I keep this?" I ask, shyly. He frowns in surprise.
" Are you sure?"
I nod, smiling a little.
" Can you sign it for me?"
He looks at me for a moment longer (my heart speeds up), before picking a quill from the desk and scribbling his name on the bottom right hand corner of the sketch. He's so close I can smell that delicious musky smell of his. And I know I have to leave before I do something stupid.
" Goodnight," I say, quickly, smiling at him, then I turn and leave the room, walking faster than I've ever walked in my life.
I can feel his gaze on me all the way.
15:34/ SUNDAY 24TH OCTOBER/ THE FIELDS
NARRATOR P.O.V
Once again, we have found Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley hanging out alone – in public. The two are seated in the covered entrance to the Quidditch Pitch, huddled together. As the weather is quite cold and windy, there are only a few other groups of students dotted around the fields. They are faking an attempt to be discreet by sitting here, as you (supposedly) can't be seen from the Fields from here.
" I bet you can't wait for Quidditch season to begin," Ginny grins, snuggling against her raven-haired companion's side. He smiles back down at her.
" Yeah, " he replies, looking out at the pitch, wistfully. 'There's no way we can't win this year. Think about how hard we've been practicing."
" Slave driver," she snorts. He plants a light kiss on her forehead.
" You'll thank me when you're kicking arse on the pitch," he chuckles. Ginny rolls her eyes, playfully, then blinks rapidly as something flashes brightly. She looks out at the Fields but doesn't see anything. Frowning a little, she turns back to Harry. The two are silent for a moment, just enjoying one another's company.
" It seems like the plan is working," she murmurs, breaking the silence.
" Yeah," Harry agrees. "She's definitely warming up to him. Have you seen them when they're around each other? It's just like before the Potion wore off."
Silence reigns uncontested for a moment before Harry shifts uncomfortably, eyes shifting around as if deciding something.
" I hope it'll be over soon," he admits, " I hate having to share with someone else – no matter the reason. I – I love you."
What? OH MY GOD. Make a note of this, would you?
Ginny's eyes widen in surprise and she turns her face up to look at Harry. She smiles broadly as she sees his red face and twinkling green eyes.
" I love you, too."
The two smile at each other before falling into a deep kiss.
08:42/ MONDAY 25TH OCTOBER/ THE GREAT HALL/ BREAKFAST
NARRATOR P.O.V
ARE DREASLEY SEEING OTHER PEOPLE?
(Turn to page 6…)
(Front cover is split in half: one half = picture of Draco and Hermione in a clearing
other half = Harry and Ginny hanging out in the entrance to the Quidditch
Pitch)
It is definitely starting to seem like Dreasley is over for good. Not only did they just have on the most publicized fights of the year, but they are also now apparently seeing other people. Two people who we should have always suspected as being the real reason behind their now infamous argument all along.
Hermione Granger and Harry Potter.
Yes, I know. Shocking, right? But, Hermione and Draco don't seem to be all that broken up and over each other, if their recent sighting in a secluded clearing in Hogsmeade is anything to go by. And Harry's well known crush on Ginny is, judging by the pictures, hardly unrequited.
Everyone knows that Ginny and Draco haven't been speaking to each other for the past few days, but it must be said that the two are appearing as if they weren't quite as into each other as they lead us to believe. This argument must have been bubbling under the surface for quite some time now.
And all at Hogwarts are talking about it. This is what a member of the still active, living-in-hope, Dramione fan club has to say about it: ' It won't be long now until Dreasley officially call it a day. The relationship was doomed from the start, everyone else just had to realize what we already knew.". Susan Bones of Hufflepuff has this to say: 'I saw Harry and Ginny in the Fields, myself. They were trying to be discreet, but it so didn't work. And Sara told Vanessa who told Lana who told Jessica who told me that they were practically making out in the Three Broomsticks."
So far neither the Platinum Six nor their extensive entourage have said a word to reporters on the matter. And, despite being chased all over Hogwarts, none on of the involved four have given neither a denial nor an acceptance. An admission of guilt, perhaps?
Either way, this seems to be the end of Dreasley…
Ciao For Now…
The Editor…
12:13/ MONDAY 25TH OCTOBER/ DUNGEON 19/ POTIONS
HERMIONE P.O.V
' So, then he said to me that I should probably go with him to the dance to get over it," Pansy snorts. 'And I said to him 'Honey, don't hijack a Ferrari if you can't drive!"
The two of us burst into loud laughter, me slapping the table, tears of mirth blurring my vision. I'm still surprised that I can be having this much fun with someone even have talked to voluntarily just two months ago.
We've been partnered up by Snape to make Polyjuice Potion. And, thanks to the fact that I mate it in 2nd Year ( much as I may want to forget that debacle), we finished over ten minuted ago and have been chatting and laughing ever since.
I lean back on my stool, trying desperately not to fall off. Pansy rocks forward and goes to rest her head on the table – lightly tipping the stoppered potion-
OH MY GOD.
Instinctively, I jump up and step back out of the falling Potion's way. As it spills harmlessly to the floor, I watch it in relief, remembering what happened the last time.
What happened last time…
- - * - - * - -
I can't prevent a little giggle escaping me, and then I blink twice. Why does he look so angry? Actually, now that I come to think about it, the entire class looks about ready to give birth to an entire litter of kittens. What the hell is going in here? It seems as though all hell has broken loose. A chair whizzes past my ear as I strain my neck to see what Harry and Ron are doing… ah, there they are. They're shouting at Snape to "fix it". First off, why are they being stupid enough to do such a thing? Do they want us to lose points? And secondly, 'fix' what? What is going on here?
- - * - - * - -
" Hi, um, Draco. Would you like some cookies? I made them just now…" I ask him, shyly. He watches me for a moment before, to my endless joy, holding out a hand for the tray. My smile widening, I eagerly hand it over.
When he hurls it to the other side of the room, I jump back, startled and hurt.
" Did you actually fall for that? DAMN GIRL! I thought you were mean to be the Cleverest Witch Of Our Age!"
- - * - - * - -
"Heck, no! Sure, maybe it spilled on me, but it had no effect on me whatsoever." I assure her.
"Oh, thank God."
"Because I've always been in love with Draco."
"Oh, dear Lord. It is true." She looks appalled. At what? I mean couldn't everyone tell what my true feelings for him were? Ah, Draco. I sigh in remembrance. He's so perfect. She shakes her head in disbelief and seizes hold of my hands.
"There isn't a snowball's chance in Hell that you're actually in love with the freak-above-all-freaks. This is what you must remember." Why is this girl so intent on fooling herself?
"Nini, honey, I am and I always have been. This is what you must remember." I tell her earnestly. Her eyes widen in shock as she gasps in horror. What? Is there a lack of oxygen in the room, 'cause I certainly haven't noticed.
"Mione, this is the potion's effect. Fight it! You are, nor never have been, in love with the Ferret!" Alright. That is it. I am growing tired of this conversation and Ginny's refusals to accept the truth. I jump up, homework forgotten. I mean, proving my love for Draco is far more important than anything else. I storm towards the door.
"Fine! I'll prove it to you!"
- - * - - * - -
-
"DRACO, I KNOW THAT I'M JUST ONE OF THE MANY GIRLS WHO ARE TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION, BUT I JUST HAVE TO LET YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL."
- - * - - * - -
"Why are purebloods better than muggleborns, Draco?" I ask, heart thumping at the intensity of his ocean-blue gaze. He watches me, silent, gaze serious. O-K, maybe he needs a little more time. That and I can feel a fiery heat creeping up my cheeks at the eyes that seem to be able to see right to my very soul.
- - * - - * - -
My cheeks are so hot you could fry eggs on them. Why is he looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?
His eyes are the deepest blue I've ever seen, so deep I could drown in them. Oh my God. Is he…blushing? Yeah… I think he is. His cheeks are glowing a rosy pink. This must be the first time I've ever seen him do that. It makes him look more…human, rather than some cold, unapproachable (though absolutely beautiful) angel.
- - * - - * - -
"What are these?"
They're beautiful. Drawings of Blaise and Pansy, a beautiful woman (who I'm sure must be his mother due to the close resemblance between the two), landscapesm owls and a huge mansion that I think must be the famed Malfoy Manor.
He snatches the drawing as I gaze up at him and, is he… is he embarrassed?
- - * - - * - -
The Slytherin Team fly over and hover beside our bleacher. Pansy raises an eyebrow at them, apparently unimpressed, as I blush furiously and keep my eyes on the ground, desperately trying to avoid their frankly lecherous gazes.
"So, Hermione, what made you decide to come visit us?" one of them, a very good-looking, Indian boy asks, dark eyes flickering over me.
"Pansy invited me," I glance over at the girl beside me.
"Yeah, well, we're not exactly complaining," at another boy's words the team laughs, lecherously, many slapping palms. I didn't think that it was possible but the temperature of my cheeks increases even more.
Their laughter appears to attract their captain's attention and, as Draco emerges from his search for the snitch (which is now clutched tightly in one hand), he glances over atus. His surprise expression changes to a very odd one that I've never seen him do before and don't recognise. He gazes at me, jaw set, muscle pulsing in his forehead and ocean blue eyes glinting. My heartbeat speed up as our eyes clash and I feel as if I'm drowning as his eyes become even more intense…
- - * - - * - -
As his lips brush mine ever so softly for the fist time, the strength goes from my legs and his arms are the only thing holding me up. Each tender caress of his mouth leaves me breathless, his hand coming up to gently stoke my cheek. What he's dong to me is so beautiful, I want cry. And I think I'm going to die from the soft pleasure, the taste of chocolate and coffee. I think it can't possibly get any better-feel any better than what he's doing right now, tongue teasing just the outside of my lips.
That is at least, until he gently takes my bottom lip between his teeth and nibbles it, oh so gently.
And I just don't understand. I don't know how such a bad boy could be kissing me so softly.
Suddenly, Draco pulls away, and I almost stumble at the abrupt loss of contact. What's wong? I gaze at him, confused. We're both out of breath, my mouth still tingling, eyes still on each other.
"Did I do something wrong?" I ask, nervous and fearful. I knew shouldn't have come. Damn that Pansy. He runs a shaky hand through his platinum locks.
"No," he sighs, heavily. "Look… it's just…"
I gaze back at him, fearful. Please don't say-
"This was a mistake," he blurts out, confirming my worst fear." I can't go from insulting and hating you one day, to k-kissing and falling in love with you the next…. I-I can't deal with this…"
- - * - - * - -
Oh. My. God. Gasping, I look around at what lays just beyond the doorway. Out in the corridor, what seems like hundreds of reporters and photographers scream out questions and snap a million photos. Bewildered, I take in the situation in utter disbelief. What the fuck is going on here?
"Miss Granger! Just how long have you and Mr Malfoy been involved?"
"Is it true that you and Draco are no longer an item because you slept with Ron Weasley?"
"Miss Granger, do you want to comment on a rumour that you and Mr Malfoy were caught having sex under the Quidditch Bleachers?"
- - * - - * - -
I've never laughed so hard in my life and, as we roll down the slope, his arms remain wrapped tightly around me. I barely notice the small rocks and clumps of grass that dig into my back every couple of seconds or so as I'm too wrapped up in how good his strong, well built, frankly huggable body feels pressed against mine…
- - * - - * - -
I almost die as his soft lips brush mine for the first time. His mouth is warm, each caress burning all the way to my toes. And it feels so good, so beautiful is the way his arms wrap around me, as if I'm a china doll about to break. And I couldn't bring myself to pull away from his embrace even if I wanted to. His tongue strokes my lip, begging for entrance to my mouth, which I grant willingly.
This is Heaven.
Pure HeavenWith a sharp jolt I come to, to find Pansy shaking me, eyes worried.
NARRATOR P.O.V
No one else has notice Hermione's ashen face. What the Hell is wrong with her?
HERMIONE P.O.V
I remember everything.
Everything.
Well, OK, almost everything, seeing as there is still a big blank from just after out kiss in the Astronomy Tower to when I woke up with no recollection of the past month,
I sit back on my stool, heavily. My mind is reeling from the sudden blow. The cookies, the Howler, the drawings, the kiss, the media interest…
I glance over at Draco to see him watching me, an unreadable look in his eyes. Suddenly, it hits me as I stare back at him helplessly.
Gasp.
Oh. My. God.
I'm in love with Draco Malfoy.
And there it is… now we start wrapping things up… See u all very soon, I promise…
XOXOXO…
Firebirdflame