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BKC

Chapter 30

Grabbing his watch from the bedside table, Draco let out a deep sigh before bringing the back of his hand to rest on his forehead, watch still clutched in fingers. Today would be the first time he might really have to speak with her since the disaster at the Cannons game. Michael's word rang in his head once again, 'Do not ruin her.' Those words had been haunting him since. He'd wanted to go to her, walked the long walk to her office what felt like a hundred times but Michael's words replayed in his head every time. Growling in frustration, he threw his watch at the wall but felt no joy as it broke apart into tiny pieces.

How had this happened? When did his original plan get pushed to the rear? What about taking Granger's job? What about winning the World Cup? He had to be honest, the Cannons game was one of the lowest moments he'd had since the war and why? Why had he been so damned determined to see her face in the crowd?

"Damn Granger." Her name sounded like venom spewing from his mouth. "Fucking Granger and her plans and her bloody team and her bloody fucking offer. BLoody flying lessons. Bloody pencil skirts. Bloody hair. So soft, so smooth. Bloody smile. Who has that much time to smile anyway?" He buried his fingers deep in his blonde locks.

What was happening to him? When had he become this person? Draco Malfoy did not pine for women. Women flocked to Draco Malfoy. But here he sat, alone in his room, the morning before a game, thinking about bloody Hermione Granger. He bolted straight up in bed, slowly removing his fingers from his hair.

"Fuck," Draco shook his head a bit, as if to sort it all out in there. "FUCK. I love her." He fell back hard, in total disbelieve. He was in love with Hermione Granger. Head over heels. Every annoying habit, every pain in the arse comment that spilled from her perfectly pouty lips.

"I've got to tell her, before it's too late." Throwing the comforter off his legs, he threw himself from the bed, rushing to the closet, quickly pulling on whatever item was in his reach.

"Master Draco, Master Draco. Twinkie has the morning Prophet for you master." The tiny elf appeared in the doorway to his closet. Her eyes were wide in confusion as a shirt went flying over her short head.

"Not now Twinkie. I don't have time. I'm in love." Draco gave her a quick pat on the head before rushing around her and leaving his room in search of the nearest fireplace. He had to get to her. Before the game. He had to tell her before it was too late.

Spilling out of the long row of fireplaces, Draco cast his eyes around the lobby of the pitch. Many stopped upon seeing him, quickly pulling out cameras to snap pictures. He was used to this of course, but certainly did not have the time today. He pulled the sleeve of his shirt up, letting out a frustrated groan when his watch was not in its normal place.

"Bloody Granger." He scanned the room quickly, locating a clock tower on the far side. It read quarter past twelve. He had one hour before he needed to be on the pitch ready to take to the air. He took off at a run towards the field. Hopefully she was doing pregame interviews.

When he couldn't find her curly locks anywhere, he turned around quickly but still catching the eye of a few media outlets. He ignored them as they yelled his name from the field, unable to follow him into the tunnel as security had the area blocked off.

Looking left and right, Draco wondered if Hermione was in the media room or if she had yet to make an appearance from her office. Just as he was about to run towards the left, Nigel's unruly mop caught his eye.

"Nigel!" The assistant in question turned upon hearing his name and his expression quickly faded from upset to disgusted.

"You have some nerve Malfoy. They ought to suspend you." Draco's face scrunched up in confusion.

"Nigel, I have no idea what you're talking about but I don't have the time. Where is Granger?" Nigel let out sarcastic laugh.

"Like you don't know. Just go change Malfoy. Stay away from Miss Granger." Nigel turned to leave but Draco was beyond frustrated at this point. He reached out, grabbing Nigel by the back of his collar. His grip was strong and thanks to Nigel's small build, Draco was able to left him from the ground to once again turn him towards him.

"Tell me where she is." His voice was dangerously low, it came out like a growl. Nigel had every intention of keeping his mouth shut, but at the look in Draco's eyes, Nigel swallowed hard before bringing his hand up and attempting to pull his collar free from his neck.

"I haven't seen her all morning. But after that article in the paper, I doubt she'll be here." Nigel voice was scratchy and when Draco's grip slipped at his words, Nigel lost his balance a bit as he came back down to the ground.

"Article? What Article?"

His feet could hardly keep up with the rest of his body. He offered no apologies to the people he left in his wake. If she wasn't in her office, then he'd miss the game and floo to her home. Heart beating in his chest, his brain repeated the words Nigel told him just moments before.

'Everyone knows.'

That was all it took and he was off. They'd been careful, hadn't they? Sure, he could have been more discreet but now that it was out in the open, what was the harm? Surely they could be together now. The public had to understand love, right?

When he finally reached her office, her door was open and he could hear loud sobs coming from within. Swallowing hard and taking a deep breath, Draco stepped into her office, the sight bringing him to his knees in her doorway.