Chapter 2:
" Ginny you look fabulous! " Hermione said as Ginny entered her room, " Come in. I'm having trouble deciding what to wear. "
Closing the door behind her, Ginny entered the room and sat down on the vanity stool in front of Hermione's dressing table. " I doubt the only reason you asked me in was to solve a fashion crisis, Herm. What on earth are we doing here? This is the weirdest thing, being whisked off to have dinner with the Malfoys... Draco never really got on with us in school. Why now the change of heart? "
Pulling a cobalt blue satin dress on, Hermione joined Ginny at the dressing table and began to pull her hair up into a set of braids. " Draco wants me to marry him. "
" Oh my God! You aren't going to are you? " Ginny's green eyes were wide with surprise as she stared at her best friend in shock, anxiously awaiting the answer.
" There's more, Gin... " Hermione paused to clip parts of the braids to her head with teal brettes that had pearls scattered on them, " Has has Ron. "
" WHAT?! " When Ginny shreiked, Hermione quickly covered her mouth.
" Quiet! " she whispered, " Just listen to me. Voldemort has somehow managed to regain power ... My guess is that's the reason Draco is suddenly the Minister of Magic. Did Dumbledore say anything interesting? "
" Nothing. He acted like none of this was happening. This is really strange, Herm. How can Voldemort be involved? There has been nothing to indicate it: no terror, no violence... "
" Not in the public eye. That means squat. Your brother is being held Here, by Malfoy, and the only way he's getting out of here alive is if I agree to marry Draco. "
" Ron wouldn't want you to do that! "
" Ginny! You and Ron and Harry ... You've been my best friends since forever ... I can't let this happen if I can prevent it ... "
" You're not marrying Malfoy! "
" Did I say that was how I planned to prevent it? " a sly grin spread across Hermione's lips and Ginny chuckled softly, catching on to this fact. " I say, let's let Malfoy think I'm going to ... But I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. "
" Uh, Herm ... That dress doesn't have any sleeves. "
" Right. I knew that. "
" Of course you did. " Ginny's voice suddenly became more serious, " Do you think Voldemort's uprising and Harry's disappearance could have any connection? "
" I know they do. Draco told me Voldemort has Harry, wherever the hell He is. " Hermione paused to take a deep calming breath and unclench her hands, which had instinctively curled into fists. " If we want to have any chance of saving them, we're gonna have to -- "
" -- Shhh... I hear footsteps. We can talk about this later, k? "
" Hermione, may I come in? " Hermione instantly recignized Draco's voice on the other side of the door, and her heart raced wildly in her chest as she wondered if he had overhead anything said between her and Ginny.
" Of course. " She replied, walking over to the door and opening it. She had to admit that he was incredibly handsome, standing their in his stylish black suit flashing her a sexy smile. If he wasn't evil he'd be everything she could desire. But he was, so daydreaming was useless. As her thoughts returned to the present, she realized that he was holding out a rose to her, and waiting for her to take it. Accepting the rose, she walked back to the dressing table, allowing him to enter, and placed it on the top of her braided-bun.
" Miss Weasley, what a surprise to find you in here. You look very nice. " Draco's tone, to Hermione, sounded full of suspicion.
" Congradulations on your engagement, Draco. " Ginny's smile was sincere to the degree that Hermione thought she ment it, " I would never have guessed had Hermione not told me. How long have you two been seeing eachother, and why the big secret? "
" My dear Hermione, you have decided? "
" Yes, I have. " Hermione hoped that her smile was as believable as Ginny's, " I figured it would be nice to tell you before we went to meet your parents. "
" This is wonderful! Mother and Father will be thrilled! " Draco moved forward, wrapped his arms around Hermione, and brushed his lips against hers teasingly, " Come on, you two. We don't want to be late. "
***
Draco felt like dancing. His plan had actually succeeded, and Hermione would finally be his. After staring at her longingly at the Yule Ball for three years, unable to make a move because Pansy Perkinson was glued to his side, he had thought that his new job working for the ministry would be a welcome change. Little had he counted on Hermione getting a job there, too. He should have, he now mused. Had she not been the smartest student at Hogwarts in 50 years? But now his yearning was nearly over. She had said yes.
But her reason for saying yes was only to save Ron. Would she ever love him? This thought was definately dampening the whole event, but no matter how much he tried to push it away, it continued to nag at his conscience. The glances that she and Ginny were exchanging when they thought he wasn't looking were not helping, either. What all had Ginny been told? That was definately a question in need of an answer ... and soon.
As they finally entered the diningroom, the faces of his Mother and Father were unreadable as they looked over Hermione and Ginny with as much descression as possible. Father looked rather unimpressed, and Mother still seemed quite upset about the method Draco was using to win his desired wife. Either way, it was 2002, and he was a big boy capable of making his own decissions. He just hoped that they were not getting Hermione and Ginny mixed up.
" Good evening Father, Mother. I am glad to introduce my fiancee, Hermione Granger, and her friend Ginny Weasely. " Draco watched to see which chair Hermione went to and pulled it out for her before sitting down himself, " How was your day? "
" Wonderful, dear. Your father and I went riding and had a picnic on top of Crescent hill. I hope you and your friends were able to take advantage of the beautiful weather, too. "
" Ginny, you are a herbalist. What did you think of the gardens? " Mr. Malfoy asked, before putting a peice of steak into his mouth.
" Your garden is megnificent. The design is absolutely stunning, and the plants all look wonderfully healthy. "
" That furtilizer you invented works miracles in the garden! I haven't seen a weed all year, and my Goldblumes look more beautiful then ever. " Mrs. Malfoy said, taking a bite of baked potato. " I hope you like the food. "
" Yes, its very good. " Ginny said. Draco watched Hermione's head nod up and down in agreement, " According to my mother you and she were dorm-mates at Hogwarts. "
" Yes, that's true. Molly was a true Gryffindor, always up to something... But once I met Lucius, making mischeif lost a lot of its flavor. "
" Hermione ... How goes the Auror business? " Lucius set his plate on the tray to the side of the table, then ruturned to his seat. " Any new cases? "
" Things have been very quiet lately. Almost too quiet, if you ask me. When it's this quiet, that's when you know something is going on. " Draco caught Hermione's eye, giving her a disapproving look and then returning to his blueberry pie.
" I think that the Auror business is dying, Herm. " he set his fork down and leaned back in his chair, " Now that Voldemort's gone, and I am the Minister of Magic, what is there left for them to do? "
" Draco, you shouldn't be telling her about that yet. It still hasn't been made official! " Ms. Malfoy scolded, picking up the rest of the empty dishes off the table.
" Mum, give it a rest! We all know I'm going to win. "
" How are you so sure, Draco? " Ginny exchanged a quick glance with Hermione then returned her gaze to Draco, " Surely you're not the only candidate. "
" No, of course not... But I have a brilliant campaign manager. "
" I think that you and Hermione have something to tell Mr. and Ms. Malfoy, don't you? " Ginny held back a laugh as she watched a look of relief spread across Lucius Malfoy's face.
" Thanks for bringing that up, Ginny! " although he felt happy, Draco's face became slightly red as he ran the news that he was about to tell his parents through his mind again. " Hermione and I are getting married. "
" How wonderful, dear. " Narcessa's baby blue eyes met Hermione's, but Draco could not tell what she was trying to express. All he knew was that it was now official. He would be placing a (very expensive) wedding ring on Hermione's hand very soon. The kiss he had given her earlier had been teasing, but he was dying for a more meaningful sequel.
" Congradulations, Draco. What a splendid choice for a wife. I'm sure you two will be very happy. " Lucius sounded confident, and Draco found himself desperately hoping that his father was right. " I take it you made a bargain with Ms. Granger. I think that you had better fulfill your end of it. "
" I will fulfill my end of the agreement once Hermione and I are married. " Draco was surprised at the steely tone of his words as they left his mouth. He had stated 'if you agree' not 'when you marry me', after all. One thing the Malfoy's prided themselves on was keeping their promises, for good or for ill. Hermione did not know this, though, so one little slip up couldn't do that much harm. He was going to free Ron, just not right now.
Ginny yawned, standing up, " Thank you for the lovely dinner. It has been a pleasure meeting you, and we'll have to talk some more, but right now I think I need some sleep. Good night, all. "
" 'Night, Ginny! "
" You're welcome, Ginny. "
" Yes, indeed. "
" Do you know how to find your room? " Draco stood up, " I can show you, if you're not sure. "
" I can take her. " Ms. Malfoy said, " We can chat about the garden along the way. You said you wanted some time with Hermione. I suggest you spend it with her before she gets sleepy, too. "
" Thanks mum. " Draco turned towards Hermione, " Would you like to see the Night Blooms with me? Maybe you're little fawn will be back. "
Hermione smiled, standing up and taking his hand, " That would be nice. Mr. Malfoy, did you know that there is a baby deer in your garden? "
" No. I usually don't go out in the garden unless I'm with Narcessa, and when I'm with her I don't notice much of anything. "
Hermione and Draco both laughed at this comment as they turned and headed toward the main exit of the castle. Draco knew that his mother and father had been through a lot together, and that they were very happily married now. Surely the same would someday be said for him and Hermione.
***
" Where on earth did you find these? " Hermione asked as she and Draco walked through the garden. Never in all of her life had she seen flowers like those she was standing among. There blooms stretched outward, ending in points so that each petal was tear-shaped, and the colours of them spaned the varety of shades within the rainbow. In the darkness, these colourful leaves glowed gently, giving off a pale golden light and marking the pathways of the garden lighted enough that she and Draco could see.
Draco bent down and picked a violet blossom from a nearby plant and brought it level with Hermione's face so that he could see it in the plants golden light. Gently, he ran the tips of the velvety petals over her cheeks, traced the outer edges of her lips and then playfully used them to tickle the tip of her nose. Backing out of his reach long enough to pick a blossom of her own, she began doing the same thing to him. At first she had thought this was childish, but as they both continued to stand there, surrounded by the golden light, she had realized that Draco could be sensitive and charming.
" I can't believe we're doing this... " Draco's voice broke the silence and pulled Hermione out of her train of thoughts.
" Which do you mean? Playing with flowers or getting married? "
" Either! I still can't believe you are here, really... I guess I should never have doubted that Lord Voldemort's idea would fail... "
" Voldemort knows about all of this? "
" His name is Lord Voldemort, Hermione... " Hermione shivered slightly, noticing that Draco's eyes had looked almost dangerous for a moment, " How could you expect my leige Not to know? He helped me plan all of this, right down to giving me Ron to allow me to persuade you. "
" Persuade me? Get real, Draco! What makes you think I won't take off like a bat outta hell the minute I know that Ron is safe? " Hermione was furious. The Dark Lord had all of this planned? First Harry, then Ron and now her? Hermione's body trembled beneath her dress as this started to sink in. For one glorious day she had pondered the idea that, just maybe, Draco Malfoy had changed... But it was clear now that this heroic Draco would only ever exist in her dreams.
" If you do, you'll regret it. " Draco's voice left her feeling even more confused. Instead of being threatening, he sounded genuinely concerned, " Hermione, I care about you. A lot. That isn't a part of The Plan. That is just a part of me. "
" And this great proclaimation of your undying love is supose to mean something to me? " Hermione gave a satisfied smirk as his eyes revealed the sting of her words, " You actually have feelings! Gosh, I guess it's true that we learn something new every day. "
" Hermione, please... You've got to listen to me. Voldemort has already won. " Draco came towards her and Hermione instinctively backed away, fearing that he might retaliate after what she had just said, " I only want what is best for you. You've got to believe me. "
" Draco Malfoy wanting something good for anyone other then himself? " Hermione laughed, " If you are telling the truth, you've changed big time. More then I've ever heard tell of anyone changing, anyway. "
" What is it going to take for me to prove it to you? "
" Save Harry. " Hermione gave him a triumphant smile, knowing that if he could, he wouldn't, and if he couldn't it really didn't matter.
" I can't make any promises about that, but I can certainly try. " He said, bringing her empty hand to his mouth and kissing each of her fingertips, " Let's go inside, Herm. Its getting kinda chilly, especially with you wearing only that dress. "
" Alright. " Hermione could manage no other reply. She was stil in shock from his answer, and the fact that he had given it with such a tone of sincerity. Could he possibly be telling the truth? Could he possibly care?
" I have something I want to give you. " Draco had one of his hands around her waist and was now guiding a very sleepy Hermione back into the Manor. Guiding her into one of the large green armchairs that sat before the blazing fireplace in the study, he headed upstairs to get her present.
***
Her words had definately stung, but thinking about the whole situation for the hundredth time, he certainly had it coming. Why had he mentioned Voldemort? He should have known that it would only cause trouble. But he hadn't been lying -- Voldemort Was going to win. The irony of it would come to the entire magical world in that he would do it without a drop of violence, under completely legal means... At least to begin with.
Entering his room, he had to smile. It looked like the usual kind of room that any young rich wizard would want to have. The carpet was white and the walls were painted a shiny metalic grey, with black stars. The bed was covered by a black comforter, which covered one of Draco's guilty pleasures: a set of scarlet satin sheets. Across from the bed sat a glass see-through desk, with all of his stationary stored neatly inside, and a comfy black leather armchair. Above the desk was a huge poster that Draco had ordered custom made of himself and his team-mates on the Slytherin Quidditch team. On his desk were three heart-shaped picture frames: the first held a shot of his mother and father, the second, a drawing he had done of himself and Hermione cuddling together and the third, real pictures of him and Hermione that he had put together himself using magic. When he waved his wand to cast Lumos, a black light turned on, giving a purplish-blue tinge to the entire place.
Walking over to the desk, he picked up the single item in the entire room that was out of place and tucked it under his arm. Hermione was going to love this, that was for certain. Smiling, he closed the door to his room and ran down the stairs. If she had any doubts about how he felt about her, this present, he hoped, would change everything.
***
End Notes:
1) What is Draco's surprise? How is Voldemort going to win? What is going to happen to Hermione if she tries to run? Will Draco release Ron? Will Draco Rescue Harry? What was Narcessa trying to say to Hermione? These questions and many more will be answered in the chapters to come, so Read, Review, and be prepared for more of "Dealing With Draco" Very, Very Soon. ^_^
2) Thanks go to Hermione Angel, me (), Fire Goddess, Icy Stormz, JudgeDP, Raining, Free-Spirit-Angel and Buffy Ann Summers for their reviews. They mean a lot, so please keep them coming. ^_^
" Ginny you look fabulous! " Hermione said as Ginny entered her room, " Come in. I'm having trouble deciding what to wear. "
Closing the door behind her, Ginny entered the room and sat down on the vanity stool in front of Hermione's dressing table. " I doubt the only reason you asked me in was to solve a fashion crisis, Herm. What on earth are we doing here? This is the weirdest thing, being whisked off to have dinner with the Malfoys... Draco never really got on with us in school. Why now the change of heart? "
Pulling a cobalt blue satin dress on, Hermione joined Ginny at the dressing table and began to pull her hair up into a set of braids. " Draco wants me to marry him. "
" Oh my God! You aren't going to are you? " Ginny's green eyes were wide with surprise as she stared at her best friend in shock, anxiously awaiting the answer.
" There's more, Gin... " Hermione paused to clip parts of the braids to her head with teal brettes that had pearls scattered on them, " Has has Ron. "
" WHAT?! " When Ginny shreiked, Hermione quickly covered her mouth.
" Quiet! " she whispered, " Just listen to me. Voldemort has somehow managed to regain power ... My guess is that's the reason Draco is suddenly the Minister of Magic. Did Dumbledore say anything interesting? "
" Nothing. He acted like none of this was happening. This is really strange, Herm. How can Voldemort be involved? There has been nothing to indicate it: no terror, no violence... "
" Not in the public eye. That means squat. Your brother is being held Here, by Malfoy, and the only way he's getting out of here alive is if I agree to marry Draco. "
" Ron wouldn't want you to do that! "
" Ginny! You and Ron and Harry ... You've been my best friends since forever ... I can't let this happen if I can prevent it ... "
" You're not marrying Malfoy! "
" Did I say that was how I planned to prevent it? " a sly grin spread across Hermione's lips and Ginny chuckled softly, catching on to this fact. " I say, let's let Malfoy think I'm going to ... But I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. "
" Uh, Herm ... That dress doesn't have any sleeves. "
" Right. I knew that. "
" Of course you did. " Ginny's voice suddenly became more serious, " Do you think Voldemort's uprising and Harry's disappearance could have any connection? "
" I know they do. Draco told me Voldemort has Harry, wherever the hell He is. " Hermione paused to take a deep calming breath and unclench her hands, which had instinctively curled into fists. " If we want to have any chance of saving them, we're gonna have to -- "
" -- Shhh... I hear footsteps. We can talk about this later, k? "
" Hermione, may I come in? " Hermione instantly recignized Draco's voice on the other side of the door, and her heart raced wildly in her chest as she wondered if he had overhead anything said between her and Ginny.
" Of course. " She replied, walking over to the door and opening it. She had to admit that he was incredibly handsome, standing their in his stylish black suit flashing her a sexy smile. If he wasn't evil he'd be everything she could desire. But he was, so daydreaming was useless. As her thoughts returned to the present, she realized that he was holding out a rose to her, and waiting for her to take it. Accepting the rose, she walked back to the dressing table, allowing him to enter, and placed it on the top of her braided-bun.
" Miss Weasley, what a surprise to find you in here. You look very nice. " Draco's tone, to Hermione, sounded full of suspicion.
" Congradulations on your engagement, Draco. " Ginny's smile was sincere to the degree that Hermione thought she ment it, " I would never have guessed had Hermione not told me. How long have you two been seeing eachother, and why the big secret? "
" My dear Hermione, you have decided? "
" Yes, I have. " Hermione hoped that her smile was as believable as Ginny's, " I figured it would be nice to tell you before we went to meet your parents. "
" This is wonderful! Mother and Father will be thrilled! " Draco moved forward, wrapped his arms around Hermione, and brushed his lips against hers teasingly, " Come on, you two. We don't want to be late. "
***
Draco felt like dancing. His plan had actually succeeded, and Hermione would finally be his. After staring at her longingly at the Yule Ball for three years, unable to make a move because Pansy Perkinson was glued to his side, he had thought that his new job working for the ministry would be a welcome change. Little had he counted on Hermione getting a job there, too. He should have, he now mused. Had she not been the smartest student at Hogwarts in 50 years? But now his yearning was nearly over. She had said yes.
But her reason for saying yes was only to save Ron. Would she ever love him? This thought was definately dampening the whole event, but no matter how much he tried to push it away, it continued to nag at his conscience. The glances that she and Ginny were exchanging when they thought he wasn't looking were not helping, either. What all had Ginny been told? That was definately a question in need of an answer ... and soon.
As they finally entered the diningroom, the faces of his Mother and Father were unreadable as they looked over Hermione and Ginny with as much descression as possible. Father looked rather unimpressed, and Mother still seemed quite upset about the method Draco was using to win his desired wife. Either way, it was 2002, and he was a big boy capable of making his own decissions. He just hoped that they were not getting Hermione and Ginny mixed up.
" Good evening Father, Mother. I am glad to introduce my fiancee, Hermione Granger, and her friend Ginny Weasely. " Draco watched to see which chair Hermione went to and pulled it out for her before sitting down himself, " How was your day? "
" Wonderful, dear. Your father and I went riding and had a picnic on top of Crescent hill. I hope you and your friends were able to take advantage of the beautiful weather, too. "
" Ginny, you are a herbalist. What did you think of the gardens? " Mr. Malfoy asked, before putting a peice of steak into his mouth.
" Your garden is megnificent. The design is absolutely stunning, and the plants all look wonderfully healthy. "
" That furtilizer you invented works miracles in the garden! I haven't seen a weed all year, and my Goldblumes look more beautiful then ever. " Mrs. Malfoy said, taking a bite of baked potato. " I hope you like the food. "
" Yes, its very good. " Ginny said. Draco watched Hermione's head nod up and down in agreement, " According to my mother you and she were dorm-mates at Hogwarts. "
" Yes, that's true. Molly was a true Gryffindor, always up to something... But once I met Lucius, making mischeif lost a lot of its flavor. "
" Hermione ... How goes the Auror business? " Lucius set his plate on the tray to the side of the table, then ruturned to his seat. " Any new cases? "
" Things have been very quiet lately. Almost too quiet, if you ask me. When it's this quiet, that's when you know something is going on. " Draco caught Hermione's eye, giving her a disapproving look and then returning to his blueberry pie.
" I think that the Auror business is dying, Herm. " he set his fork down and leaned back in his chair, " Now that Voldemort's gone, and I am the Minister of Magic, what is there left for them to do? "
" Draco, you shouldn't be telling her about that yet. It still hasn't been made official! " Ms. Malfoy scolded, picking up the rest of the empty dishes off the table.
" Mum, give it a rest! We all know I'm going to win. "
" How are you so sure, Draco? " Ginny exchanged a quick glance with Hermione then returned her gaze to Draco, " Surely you're not the only candidate. "
" No, of course not... But I have a brilliant campaign manager. "
" I think that you and Hermione have something to tell Mr. and Ms. Malfoy, don't you? " Ginny held back a laugh as she watched a look of relief spread across Lucius Malfoy's face.
" Thanks for bringing that up, Ginny! " although he felt happy, Draco's face became slightly red as he ran the news that he was about to tell his parents through his mind again. " Hermione and I are getting married. "
" How wonderful, dear. " Narcessa's baby blue eyes met Hermione's, but Draco could not tell what she was trying to express. All he knew was that it was now official. He would be placing a (very expensive) wedding ring on Hermione's hand very soon. The kiss he had given her earlier had been teasing, but he was dying for a more meaningful sequel.
" Congradulations, Draco. What a splendid choice for a wife. I'm sure you two will be very happy. " Lucius sounded confident, and Draco found himself desperately hoping that his father was right. " I take it you made a bargain with Ms. Granger. I think that you had better fulfill your end of it. "
" I will fulfill my end of the agreement once Hermione and I are married. " Draco was surprised at the steely tone of his words as they left his mouth. He had stated 'if you agree' not 'when you marry me', after all. One thing the Malfoy's prided themselves on was keeping their promises, for good or for ill. Hermione did not know this, though, so one little slip up couldn't do that much harm. He was going to free Ron, just not right now.
Ginny yawned, standing up, " Thank you for the lovely dinner. It has been a pleasure meeting you, and we'll have to talk some more, but right now I think I need some sleep. Good night, all. "
" 'Night, Ginny! "
" You're welcome, Ginny. "
" Yes, indeed. "
" Do you know how to find your room? " Draco stood up, " I can show you, if you're not sure. "
" I can take her. " Ms. Malfoy said, " We can chat about the garden along the way. You said you wanted some time with Hermione. I suggest you spend it with her before she gets sleepy, too. "
" Thanks mum. " Draco turned towards Hermione, " Would you like to see the Night Blooms with me? Maybe you're little fawn will be back. "
Hermione smiled, standing up and taking his hand, " That would be nice. Mr. Malfoy, did you know that there is a baby deer in your garden? "
" No. I usually don't go out in the garden unless I'm with Narcessa, and when I'm with her I don't notice much of anything. "
Hermione and Draco both laughed at this comment as they turned and headed toward the main exit of the castle. Draco knew that his mother and father had been through a lot together, and that they were very happily married now. Surely the same would someday be said for him and Hermione.
***
" Where on earth did you find these? " Hermione asked as she and Draco walked through the garden. Never in all of her life had she seen flowers like those she was standing among. There blooms stretched outward, ending in points so that each petal was tear-shaped, and the colours of them spaned the varety of shades within the rainbow. In the darkness, these colourful leaves glowed gently, giving off a pale golden light and marking the pathways of the garden lighted enough that she and Draco could see.
Draco bent down and picked a violet blossom from a nearby plant and brought it level with Hermione's face so that he could see it in the plants golden light. Gently, he ran the tips of the velvety petals over her cheeks, traced the outer edges of her lips and then playfully used them to tickle the tip of her nose. Backing out of his reach long enough to pick a blossom of her own, she began doing the same thing to him. At first she had thought this was childish, but as they both continued to stand there, surrounded by the golden light, she had realized that Draco could be sensitive and charming.
" I can't believe we're doing this... " Draco's voice broke the silence and pulled Hermione out of her train of thoughts.
" Which do you mean? Playing with flowers or getting married? "
" Either! I still can't believe you are here, really... I guess I should never have doubted that Lord Voldemort's idea would fail... "
" Voldemort knows about all of this? "
" His name is Lord Voldemort, Hermione... " Hermione shivered slightly, noticing that Draco's eyes had looked almost dangerous for a moment, " How could you expect my leige Not to know? He helped me plan all of this, right down to giving me Ron to allow me to persuade you. "
" Persuade me? Get real, Draco! What makes you think I won't take off like a bat outta hell the minute I know that Ron is safe? " Hermione was furious. The Dark Lord had all of this planned? First Harry, then Ron and now her? Hermione's body trembled beneath her dress as this started to sink in. For one glorious day she had pondered the idea that, just maybe, Draco Malfoy had changed... But it was clear now that this heroic Draco would only ever exist in her dreams.
" If you do, you'll regret it. " Draco's voice left her feeling even more confused. Instead of being threatening, he sounded genuinely concerned, " Hermione, I care about you. A lot. That isn't a part of The Plan. That is just a part of me. "
" And this great proclaimation of your undying love is supose to mean something to me? " Hermione gave a satisfied smirk as his eyes revealed the sting of her words, " You actually have feelings! Gosh, I guess it's true that we learn something new every day. "
" Hermione, please... You've got to listen to me. Voldemort has already won. " Draco came towards her and Hermione instinctively backed away, fearing that he might retaliate after what she had just said, " I only want what is best for you. You've got to believe me. "
" Draco Malfoy wanting something good for anyone other then himself? " Hermione laughed, " If you are telling the truth, you've changed big time. More then I've ever heard tell of anyone changing, anyway. "
" What is it going to take for me to prove it to you? "
" Save Harry. " Hermione gave him a triumphant smile, knowing that if he could, he wouldn't, and if he couldn't it really didn't matter.
" I can't make any promises about that, but I can certainly try. " He said, bringing her empty hand to his mouth and kissing each of her fingertips, " Let's go inside, Herm. Its getting kinda chilly, especially with you wearing only that dress. "
" Alright. " Hermione could manage no other reply. She was stil in shock from his answer, and the fact that he had given it with such a tone of sincerity. Could he possibly be telling the truth? Could he possibly care?
" I have something I want to give you. " Draco had one of his hands around her waist and was now guiding a very sleepy Hermione back into the Manor. Guiding her into one of the large green armchairs that sat before the blazing fireplace in the study, he headed upstairs to get her present.
***
Her words had definately stung, but thinking about the whole situation for the hundredth time, he certainly had it coming. Why had he mentioned Voldemort? He should have known that it would only cause trouble. But he hadn't been lying -- Voldemort Was going to win. The irony of it would come to the entire magical world in that he would do it without a drop of violence, under completely legal means... At least to begin with.
Entering his room, he had to smile. It looked like the usual kind of room that any young rich wizard would want to have. The carpet was white and the walls were painted a shiny metalic grey, with black stars. The bed was covered by a black comforter, which covered one of Draco's guilty pleasures: a set of scarlet satin sheets. Across from the bed sat a glass see-through desk, with all of his stationary stored neatly inside, and a comfy black leather armchair. Above the desk was a huge poster that Draco had ordered custom made of himself and his team-mates on the Slytherin Quidditch team. On his desk were three heart-shaped picture frames: the first held a shot of his mother and father, the second, a drawing he had done of himself and Hermione cuddling together and the third, real pictures of him and Hermione that he had put together himself using magic. When he waved his wand to cast Lumos, a black light turned on, giving a purplish-blue tinge to the entire place.
Walking over to the desk, he picked up the single item in the entire room that was out of place and tucked it under his arm. Hermione was going to love this, that was for certain. Smiling, he closed the door to his room and ran down the stairs. If she had any doubts about how he felt about her, this present, he hoped, would change everything.
***
End Notes:
1) What is Draco's surprise? How is Voldemort going to win? What is going to happen to Hermione if she tries to run? Will Draco release Ron? Will Draco Rescue Harry? What was Narcessa trying to say to Hermione? These questions and many more will be answered in the chapters to come, so Read, Review, and be prepared for more of "Dealing With Draco" Very, Very Soon. ^_^
2) Thanks go to Hermione Angel, me (), Fire Goddess, Icy Stormz, JudgeDP, Raining, Free-Spirit-Angel and Buffy Ann Summers for their reviews. They mean a lot, so please keep them coming. ^_^
