Chapter 14: Superposition
Draco had been annoyed that he been forced to work at the table closest to Madam Pince. When he had brought the very legitimate permission slip from Professor Snape for the Restrictive Section, the librarian had elected to make Draco's life more difficult. He much preferred one of the dark corners where no one could come up behind him. It was quieter in that section. Plus, it had the added benefit of being easier to smuggle a snack from the kitchen. Instead, Pince had required him to be on display as he read through the controlled book he had requested. The dusty tome was interesting. He was carefully reading and scribbling little notes about different spells that might prove useful for the Vanishing Cabinet in his journal.
"Oi! Malfoy!" Vaisey called out trying to get Draco's attention from the entrance in his quidditch uniform.
"SHHHHHH!" Madam Pince glared at the sweaty seventh year Slytherin.
Vaisey put his hands up in defense and mouthed sorry to the stern librarian. As soon as the cantankerous witch went back to her book, Vaisey rolled his eyes as he made his way to the empty chair across the table.
"All right." Draco greeted while he shut his journal to look up at Vaisey.
"Zabini, said I could find you here. I just realize that I have rounds on my anniversary with Imogen." Vaisey admitted lowly making sure that Pince was not eavesdropping on their conversation.
Draco couldn't help at the slight snort of laughter. Stretton would not forgive Vaisey forgetting that crucial detail. Every wizard knew it was not advisable to upset the future mother of their heirs. Vaisey could reach the age of Flamel and she would still find an opportunity to remind Vaisey how he fucked up this anniversary.
"Can you take the round on the twenty first? I'll trade any of your patrols. I'm sure you are dying to get a week off from Granger." Leo looked hopefully at Draco knowing the blonde had two evenings of back to back patrols this week.
Draco realized that this was an opportunity he couldn't resist. The full strength of the full moon came early in the morning before sunrise on September 27. He would need to be locked away before his patrol with Granger. Vaisey gave him the perfect cover to throw off anyone realizing Draco was trying to skive on his rounds when it aligned with the full moon if it was Vaisey who initiated the switch.
"You think I could say no. Stretton would hex me if I didn't switch." Draco took a moment to ponder and not appear too eager.
"The week of the twenty first… well Granger already switched with Lovegood for that patrol. So, if you take my round on the twenty sixth then I get two full weeks of Granger free patrols and you get a lovely evening … with the future Mrs. Vaisey. I'd say it's a fair trade." Draco teased at the Chaser.
"The twenty-sixth? Hmm, that won't be a problem. I'll take care of getting it approved by Carmichael and the Headmaster. I got to see if I can snag the prefect bathroom before it gets too late. Enjoy your… light reading, Malfoy." Vaisey was chuffed and eased out of the chair to make his way to clean up from the Slytherin's tryouts.
Pince had glared as Vaisey walked out making the student cheekily wave at her before he exited. Draco shook his head and returned to focus on his reading. There weren't many students who wanted to spend their Friday evening in the library. Pince finally left to grab her own dinner leaving the library unattended. Draco looked around and decided to reach down to sneak a green apple. He pondered if he could risk grabbing the package Aquila had delivered in the morning. Draco hadn't felt safe enough to open the letter and items he had asked his mother to send in the Great Hall. He didn't want anyone to see the jewelry and be able to trace it back to him if Granger decided to wear the watch after her birthday. Of course, the rest of the day had been overcome by events with Transfiguration and finally getting Snape to write him a permission slip for the Restrictive Section. He was intrigued to see what his mother could have found that wasn't overtly Slytherin themed in their vault, but he didn't want Pince to see as she watched him like a hawk. Now was a chance since the librarian had left. Should he risk it? Draco was distracted by a meow from a large ginger mass of fur that commandeered his messenger bag full of schoolwork as a bed.
"Well excuse me what do we have here?" Draco peered down at someone's lost familiar.
The ginger cat lifted its smushed head and bright yellow eyes to watch Draco's hand that had interrupted its nap. The large feline stood up from its curled position and stretched. Draco watched as the cat rubbed itself on his trouser making little request for pets as it walked in a figure eight around Draco's ankles. When Draco did not respond fast enough, the oversized cat elected to hop into his lap.
"Nnngh … Nice to meet you too." Draco grimaced at the unexpected weight.
He stared in disbelief at the creature as he rubbed the cat's ears to try to see if the thick fur concealed a collar. The large cat purred happily that Draco was trainable to follow its instructions.
"You know you aren't suppose to like me?" Draco couldn't believe that a cat had willingly jumped into the lap of a werewolf.
This galivanting familiar was devoid of concerned. The cat only seemed to pur louder as if it thought that Draco's claim was the silliest notion ever said. For some odd reason, this cat had either no natural instinct or had been desensitized to be around werewolves. The cat tried to twist in Draco's lap to get pets on his belly. Draco shook his head at the cat.
"I'm not falling for that one. My hand will not be your scratching post." Draco's fingers finally found the gold name tag.
The collar was red and gold stripes. He was willing to bet it had been transfigured from a Gryffindor tie that had no longer served its owner. Engraved on the tag one side Crookshanks was written and on the other had Granger followed by a bunch of numbers. Of course, Granger bought a bloody oversize ginger cat. Draco's disbelief huffed out of him. Even her cat had to look like a fucking Weasley. Well, a Weasley who ran headfirst into a sealed 9 ¾ platform wall.
"Granger is not going to be happy if she finds you here, Crookshanks." Draco stared directly at the yellow eyes of the cat.
The cat only yawned unconcerned before electing to knead the fabric near Draco's knee. Draco decided to grab his hidden apple from his robe pocket before Pince came back. Crookshanks looked up expectantly as if wondering where was his snack?
"I don't have anything for you. Plus, you wouldn't like this." Draco whispered before taking a bite of the apple.
In a calculated risk, Draco retrieved the package and placed it on the desk. He used the large restrictive section tome to hide it from view if anyone came in the library during his makeshift dinner. His mother's letter was tucked under the ribbon decorating the green and white striped package. He slid it out carefully and turned it over to break the wax Malfoy seal.
Draco,
What an unexpected surprise. This had been my grandmother's. Your father had updated the piece when you were born to replace the sapphires with alexandrite. Most people who knew the piece are dead. If you could have given me more of a warning that this "particular young lady" has a September birthday; then I could have gotten it to the jewelers to switch them back if you preferred. You'll learn what her preferences are I'm sure soon enough. I anxiously await your next holiday it appears we will have much to discuss. My only advice for you is to take your time with this. Be safe my darling.
Love
Draco found the knot in the dark green ribbon which had been used to secure the package. As soon as the ribbon was free, Crookshanks swiped the ribbon for his own entertainment. Draco was more concerned with opening the package. Inside there was another container of the star grass salve and underneath there was an old faded burgundy velvet jewelry box. Draco opened the box; inside was an art deco watch. The band was delicate geometric metal work. The gold was antique but not worn down. The face of the watch was a narrow rectangle with the numbers arranged in a stylized oval. It wasn't encrusted with stones which Draco was thankful about. He didn't think Granger would want anything gaudy. Instead, the alexandrite that his mother had referred to were two trilliant cut stones that would reflect green or red depending on the lighting. Crookshanks had jumped up on the table interested in what was in Draco's hand.
"Well, do you think she'll wear it?" Draco jokingly ask the cat.
Crookshanks only meowed in response before rolling over playing with the green ribbon. It was apparent the cat found the ribbon the best part of the gift. Draco quickly placed the watch back into the jewelry box and hid it carefully within his messenger bag. He then spelled any of the remnants of apple away before Pince came back.
When the librarian returned, Crookshanks attempted to fit in the box. Of course, it completely crumpled against the weight of the oversized feline. Draco looked at the cat in disbelief. Pince recognized Crookshanks and her eyebrows shot up. He half expected that she would march over to collect the animal. However, the cranky witch said nothing. It was getting late and he had no desire to be under the witch's scrutiny any longer. He packed up his items and returned the book from the Restrictive Section back to Pince as required before it was time for her to lock up. Draco wanted the opportunity to return his bag and grab his prefect badge before his patrol. Thankfully, Crookshanks elected not to follow Draco when he went to the closest stairway to get to the Slytherin common room. The dungeons were not worth the ginger cat's time. It was fair enough. He very much doubted the fur ball would like the way the common room looked with the Black Lake inky waters behind the windows.
When he came into the dormitory, Draco had not been prepared for the noise coming from their room. His mates had charmed the space not to disturb the other dormitories. Blaise, Vincent and Gregory were all excitedly passing a bottle of firewhiskey between the three of them as the wizarding wireless played music loudly. Draco was busy unloading his bag making sure all the items were securely spelled in his trunk while Gregory loudly explained the amazing work Harper had done trying for the alternate seeker position. Draco affixed his prefect badge to his robe glad that it been a productive quidditch tryout.
"Please just one drink with us! Zabini made the team; we will finally start all together!" Vincent asked as Blaise had the bottle out.
Draco sighed in defeat with a smile. He would be cutting it close for when he was required to meet Granger. Draco took the bottle and threw back a gulp. Maybe some liquid courage wouldn't be a bad idea after the complete silent patrol they had the previous night. He had been too busy trying to figure if her smelling grass meant more. It had been the ridiculous notion. Granger liked Weasley. The firewhiskey was warm and that burn helped push her out of thought for a moment as his mates cheered loudly. Draco would definitely miss these moments with his friends as they celebrated their wins and nursed their failures during the season.
"Congratulations, Zabini. We'll give them hell!" Draco gave Blaise a pat on the shoulder and handed the bottle to Goyle's outstretched hand.
"You better go before Granger comes down pounding on the common room door for you!" Zabini said before he started to belt along with the words of the song.
Blaise was a talented singer. Unfortunately, Vincent joining him ruined the moment. That wizard couldn't carry a tune in a bucket if he tried—Merlin help him—did Crabbe try. Draco warned them not to get too plastered as he left. It didn't take long for Draco to realize he was behind schedule.
As soon as he got cleared from the common room's door, Draco sprinted up the stairs for the patrol path Dumbledore had assigned them tonight. He knew he needed to slow his pace when he got closer; he didn't want Granger to think he was rushing to see her. It was for not because as he turned the corner, she was heading towards him. It appeared that Zabini's joke might have some truth if she had considered to go collect him. Well, this evening was not going according to plan. She looked him over. For a second, he thought she might be checking him out but that hope faded when her utter look of confusion marred her gaze.
"You are covered in hair?" Granger was clearly confused by his state.
Draco looked down and realized he forgot to spell off the fur Crookshanks had left behind. The ginger fur covered his trousers and was quiet visible against the uniform's dark color.
"Oh. Well, it's your—" Draco was unable to finish his statement before Granger raised her voice.
"Excuse me!" She was livid at the suggestion given most of the fur was located on his thigh.
Draco pinched between his eyes trying to fight off the headache. It was truly a gift to be able to upset her in less than five syllables.
"Your cat. Unless there is another Granger who owns the oversized ginger feline with a Gryffindor tie as a collar in this bloody castle." Draco glared at her.
"Crookshanks?" Realization dawned on Granger's face making her assess Draco more.
"Yes." Draco snapped as he got his wand out to spell away the fur from his trousers.
"Before you go accusing me, I didn't do anything to your damn cat but acquiesced to the demands of pets. Pince can confirm if you are truly worried."
"You cuddled my cat in the library?" Granger was fighting laughter at the mere thought.
"More like he occupied my space and stole a ribbon." Why did the blasted witch have to say cuddle? It wasn't his fault the damn cat had elected to bother him and jump on all his things.
"Malfoy, do you have a ribbon collection now?" Her tone was almost a friendly attempt to tease him.
Draco glared down at her and decided he had dug a large enough hole for himself. He started the path for their assigned patrol tonight. She chuckled at his expense. Draco fidgeted with the rest of his robe trying to make sure he was presentable.
"If I find it; I'll be sure to return this ribbon." Granger was now just trying to take the piss out of him.
"How thoughtful, a saliva covered frayed ribbon is just what I needed." Draco dryly added as he looked down at her as she tried to hide her smile.
That look, Merlin, it caused warmth to spread through him faster than the firewhiskey. This was probably the first time Granger had smiled because of him. He focused on the long pathway ahead. He didn't trust himself not to grin back at her. It was a dangerous game he was playing. He should be more careful. It was hard to resist. He needed to be guarded. She had to keep thinking he was a terrible prat.
Draco wasn't sure if their earlier loud outburst had caused any curfew breakers to scurry away; but, they were just alone tonight. The pair didn't cross the path of any snoggers, drunks, or fools out on a Friday night. With no one else and the somewhat comfortable silence their rounds finished faster than he expected. When she was about to leave, Draco realized he hadn't informed her of his upcoming traded patrols.
"Granger, Vaisey is taking my round on the twenty sixth." Draco felt it was only fair that she knew beforehand.
"That's a terrible trade. Doesn't he patrol on Saturdays." Granger's nose crinkled as she did the mental math.
"It is his and Stretton's anniversary." Draco shrugged.
She didn't need to know that it was much more valuable for him to be free from his obligation on a full moon. The truth was Vaisey was helping him out.
"I 3would have never guessed." Granger offered after she pondered over his words.
Draco wasn't sure why she would need to know of a pair of Slytherin's anniversary. He would be unable to say when Weasley and Thomas went official. It was another house and a level of minutiae that no one ever needed to care about.
"You aren't a complete selfish git." Granger stated as factually as describing the ingredients in a potion.
"Sure, Granger. I think you underestimate how badly Stretton would hex me if Vaisey couldn't find a willing victim to take a Saturday night patrol." Draco scoffed in response to her dig.
"Don't worry no one would believe me anyway. Your secret is safe with me. Night, Malfoy." A smile was breaking through her attempt of a dry delivery.
Draco stood there completely perplexed. His chest felt tight. Your secret is safe with me. Damn, he didn't know how desperately he wanted those words from her about a different and much darker secret. He had been standing there in confusion when Granger looked back once before turning on the stairs. He looked like a damn fool. He heard a soft giggle escaped at his expense.
"Fuck." Draco cursed before forcing himself to go back to the dungeons.
Draco was positive that Dumbledore was definitely trying to kill him with a thousand cuts with these patrols with Granger. It had to be the reason. How was he suppose to survive an entire year of this slow torture? Draco definitely needed to figure away to complete Voldemort's mission. Maybe the Vanishing Cabinet was a too complicated a measure. His aunt was sure if the Headmaster died the wards would be weakened enough for an attack. The sooner this is done the more space between his fated mate and himself. He was playing with fire and knew better than allow himself to be burned by something that could never work out.