A/N: Ok, I write when the feeling moves me. I'M FORCING THE FEELING TO MOVE
ME. I scrounged up what I could from your reviews and studied the
Disneyland site about a hundred times over, and I'm going to write this
chapter whether it's ready or not! *deep breath* And this chapter is longer
than others and over 4, 000 words, so love me!
Yeah, by the way, thanks so much to everyone who reviewed my author note. It was so nice of you to help me, even if you could only remember few things--I swear, every last thing helped. I thought a few of you had confused Land and World and did doublecheck the Disney Land site, but wow-- thanks so much. It really means a lot to me.
OKAY, so I've been reading Cassandra Claire's trilogy at http://www.schnoogle.com, and I almost gave up on becoming an author. I am sooo inferior, her writing kicks ass! I hope one day I can write like that. I'm in Ch12 of Draco Sinister, the second one.
Yeah, so this is a very long author's note but w/e. Not like ya read em anyway, and to those of you who do--thanks. I've been finding and jotting sound several humorous things I've heard and I really wanna write a comedy-- well, not a comedy persay, but a good story that's funny and sarcastic as well. I was faced with this dilemma: save it for an awesome new story, or distribute it through the remaining ones of this story and my others. I chose neither the former nor the latter: I'm doing a bit of both. Yes, as soon as I close down (by that I mean finish, of course!) I'm going to write something new that I had better love... 'Cuz if I don't, I won't continue. I hate writing like a chore.
OH AND NOT TO OFFEND. If you're a nun or a monk or just some nun-happy person, please try to remember that I am just exaggerating and I'm sure that this would not be the reaction. It was just something that occurred to me and I thought it'd be funny. If you are easily offended by nun jokes or whatever, then don't read it, k? Okay.
So, onto the disclaimer.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and such is JK's. One or two jokes or comments I've gotten off web sites and TV, god knows where and which shows--most quotes are from a bunch of pages, everyone knows 'em. Most of its my sarcastic wit, though... scary, isn't it? Well, on with it... love you!
P.S. Ahh, ff.net is down (yikes) so I'm gonna guess that I left off at a random point and pick up from... Critter Country!
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"You are here, unless some smart aleck kid moved the sign."
"Move! Draco, it doesn't really say that!"
"I know, but with a few flicks of my wand it could."
The six were all trying to push their way toward the front as they loitered by a directory sign in a very unBrady Bunch-like fashion. "I know, I know, Potter," Draco added as he caught an irritated look from Harry. "No magic. We're as clear and sheer on that matter as Pansy Parkinson's panties. Hmm. Interesting tongue twister. Lay off, Hermione, I was just kidding!"
Draco was, of course, referring to the condescending looks Hermione kept shooting at him. Her face seemed to hold a mixture of resentment, anger, jealousy, disappointment, and perhaps boredom. Whatever it was, she seemed taller than him, as if she was an authority figure and he was a little kid with a lollipop that had just given her the wrong finger and was now cowering with fear. She had a way of being superior. That was why he hated her. Which, obviously, added to why he seemed to be attracted to her. Which he was lost at the reason why. Which he was simply confusing himself more by trying to analyze it. Which he would stop now. Really. That's better.
Ginny had resumed her position as the observer and cocked her carrot-topped (Although, really, it was more of a red. But, she didn't exactly want people going around calling her beet-top.) head to the side and chuckled, just quiet enough to sound innocent but loud enough to catch suspicious attention.
"What?" Draco snapped, although eager to relieve himself from the severity of Hermione's face. She, too, turned to face Ginny.
"I just love nonverbal communication!" exclaimed Ginny with a perky twitch.
Draco felt exasperated, to say the least. "Gin, she's giving me that look."
"Oh," said Ginny. She nodded knowingly. "That look."
This infused Hermione even more. "What look? I don't have a look!"
"Oh, yes you do," Draco said smugly. "You have a very definite look."
"Do not!" Hermione tantrummed.
"He's right, Herm," Ginny agreed firmly. "There is no doubt about it. You have a look. And you were giving Draco that 'I-so-do-not-approve-of-what- you-just-said-and-yet-I'm-jealous' look."
"I DO NOT!" Hermione exploded. "I mean, I didn't. Jealous?!" she sputtered, flailing her arms as she stared at Ginny with fiery flames leaping up in her eyes. "I don't have a look! Stop it!"
"Face it, Hermione," said Draco. He yawned casually, eager to be back on top of the authority scale. "Right now you have a sort of 'deer-caught-in- headlights' look. And, honestly, I don't blame you. Green, even with envy, has always been a flattering look on you."
"And just then," said Ginny, "you were giving me your demonic glare."
"Oh, this just take the cake! This just takes the goddamn cake!"
"Chill, Hermione," said Draco. "I sense another look coming on."
"Urghhhhhhh." She stormed away to a wooden bench a few yards down the sidewalk. There she sat, giving a 'I-do-so-not-have-a-look' look to a random crack in the ground. That poor, poor crack, having to be a victim to that not-look.
Harry had seized control of the group and waved Hermione back over. "Hermione, get over here. Don't give me that look! What? What'd I say?" Begrudgingly, Hermione stomped over with her arms crossed flatly and decisively across her chest. Her eyes were closed. The crack was saved! (A/N: Did I mention that I'm in an odd mood while writing this?)
"So we're in Critter Country," said Ron, nodding idly. "Yup. Critter Country. Let me tell you, time flies when you don't know what you're doing."
"If you think this week was a drag, wait till you see what happens next week!" Harry quipped.
"Critter Country? Poor Ginny, that animal-loving vegetarian. Luckily these animals are made out of the dead carcasses of the ones not eaten because of vegetarians, and not the fluffy bunnies." Draco stood back to smirk at his statement, but turned a faint shade of pink that might be compared to a Medium-well steak--whereas the Weasleys could be eaten raw--upon realizing that everyone was staring at him blankly.
Ginny was the first to make any sort of comment in response. "Okay, number one, that made no sense," she said flatly, arching her eyebrows and rolling her eyes. "Number two, I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals."
"No, it's because you hate plants."
"Shut up, Draco," Ginny said, but she giggled along with the rest. Whether or not she liked it, Ginny would always be remembered and fondly joked as being "the plant-hating vegetarian." God, road trips do that to you.
"Okay, well I love animals. They taste great."
"Uh huh."
"In fact, I see why animals attack humans. If they taste good to us, imagine the flip!"
"Uh huh."
"And I bought Severus Snape five pairs of vintage blue panties at Victoria's Secret for $19.99 during its semi-annual sale."
"Uh huh--wait?!"
"Ah, so you do love me!" Draco reveled in being an annoyance to the crowd. The crowd, which had begun migrating without him. Draco scrambled to catch up.
"Well, we know whom you love," Harry said in a singsong voice.
Draco looked up sharply, unfazed. "If you mean those Victoria's Secret magazine models, I swear that was simply lust."
Harry appeared faintly amused as he replied, "I'm not talking about your adventures with a catalogue, the bathroom floor, and tempting blindness."
Hermione snickered and found that Draco was just as capable as she was at giving "looks." In fact, his was so intimidating that she thought it best not to point out this little similarity in their quirks to him at that exact moment. Perhaps never. Yes, never was looking like the clear option as the moments passed very slowly. Too slowly. Quick, Hermione, she willed herself, find a distraction. And she did. God almighty, she did.
"Look! Is that a waterfall?" That didn't seem to do anything to anyone's attention span. She sighed and tried again. "Look! It's a Victoria's Secret model." At least it got Ron, Harry, and, yes, Draco's attention.
Draco, who gave her a dry look. "That's not a model, Hermione, that's a waterfall. Although..." He tilted his head to the side thoughtfully. "Although I must admire those curves on Brer Rabbit. Mm hmm. Brer patches did him good."
Hermione wanted to be angry but, against her will, laughed. "What?" asked Draco, as he had joined in. "You beg to differ, Hermione?" She only laughed harder, causing Draco to laugh harder, causing Harry to find a bigger stick to poke him with. "Ow!" Draco yelped as his hand flew behind his back. "Of all places, Potter, did you have to poke me there?"
Harry wiggled his eyebrows. "It could've been worse." Draco seemed satisfied with that. Hermione didn't dare to comment on his '"you're-one- psycho,-Harry-Potter" look.
Cho, in the midst of this all, had wandered over to the sign by the entrance to the ride that appeared to include the waterfall—yes, the one that was not a Victoria's Secret model. That one. Splash Mountain. Ron eventually caught on and had followed her over, bringing Ginny to follow for lack of anything better to do. In fact, Harry had poked Draco to alert Hermione and Draco as to where the crew had drifted. They seemed to pause, and suddenly realize what he was talking about as they began laughing once more. "Hopeless," Harry could only say as he shook his head hard. "Completely and utterly hopeless." Forget them. Harry gave up and plodded back to the three sane members of the group. Not counting Ron's fear of spiders, Ginny's quirkiness, and Cho's odd privacy issues. Okay, so the more sane members. That's better.
Hermione realize in that moment that she was alone with Draco—she didn't, persay, realize that the others were not with them, but that it was just them two. It brought back a tension that she had hoped to avoid until one of them died or something of the sorts. A grim thought, but on the upside, chances are the deceased one would be Draco. Women were likely to live five more years than men, in actuality. That, in its own deranged and probably sadistic way, brightened Hermione's spirits appreciably.
"But," gnawed that annoying, reality-driven spirit on the somewhat more sensible side of Hermione's brain, "he doesn't love you. Remember, last night by the tent? He said that he had too much to drink. Remember how that made you feel?"
"Shut up," said the first, simpler spirit, and its argument was so well worded and thought out that Hermione couldn't help but agree with it. Draco would die in sixty-something years, and she'd be happy. Suddenly, and all in a rush, Hermione realized what the hell she was telling herself and fell dizzily back onto the bench she had formerly occupied.
A flash of concern crossed through Draco's eyes. He watched her for a moment, and then joined her on the bench. He was hesitant to speak, for reasons unknown to him. "Are you… okay?" She nodded, but said nothing. "Can I get you anything?" She shook her head. "Are you capable of verbal communication, or is this nonverbal talk prompted by Ginny's amusement? I saw that! You cracked a smile."
"Sod off," she muttered through a blatant, but weak, smile.
"Come on, Miss Hermione Anne Granger! You're contestant on…" Draco gave himself a drum roll by drumming on the bench. "…the hit game show… 'What's on your mind?', starring Draco Malfoy as his beautiful self. Today we have Miss Granger with us. My, isn't she lovely? Well, spill it, Hermione. A dime for your thoughts."
Hermione glanced up furtively with a bemused smile. "I thought the phrase was 'A penny for your thoughts.'"
"Well it was, but you know how inflation is."
Hermione let herself laugh freely for a couple minutes, the whole time fully aware that Draco was being patient with her. He really wasn't as bad as he thought. In fact, even as though he had often compared himself to the likes of Darth Vader ("Darth Vader sleeps with a Teddywookie," Ron had retorted.), he really was more of a… More of a… Well, he fell into the Miscellaneous category. But he wasn't as horribly rotten as he liked to behold himself as. Another thing she doubted that she'd mention to him.
She was aware, too, that he was looking at her—NO, not with a "look," but looking. It wasn't as if he was trying to look at her mentally or physically, but watch. She blushed, although she wasn't quite being gazed at. She didn't know quite what to do, or feel. Instead, she looked up suddenly.
"Draco, I've been thinking about you," she said flatly, and no sooner did the words come out of her mouth that her lips parted into a gasp and her eyes widened to the size of a two Quidditch Snitches.
He, however, wasn't surprised or shocked at all. And if he was, he did a hell of a good job hiding it. Hermione felt anxiety creep in as she tried to conspicuously study his face for what he might be thinking. "Oh, god, look what you've gone and done now," she told herself. Then, shaking it off, looked back to Draco. "Say something."
He looked up, a shy (Draco? Shy? Nah!) simper playing on his lips. "You have a look right now. It's a 'oh-my-God-did-I-just-say-that-well-now- what?' look."
"So, now what?"
"Well," said Draco, gathering his bearings. "It would help if you told me what you were thinking about me." He raised an eyebrow suggestively. "Or is this something the little kiddies shouldn't hear? I mean, we're at Disney Land; they're everywhere."
"Draco!" She swatted him weakly with her park ticket.
"Well, then, tell me what your PG-13 thoughts are."
Hermione paused. Myriads of things ran through her head. Once something is out there, it can't be taken back. Look before you leap. Fools rush in. Hurt me once, shame on you; hurt me twice, shame on me. But the only proverb that seemed to blare in big, flashing red letters in Hermione head was one that she took to heart: Actions speak louder than words. And so she kissed him.
It was not the type of kiss you see in movies. For one thing, Draco was completely unexpecting and his eyes bulged out of their sockets. It took him a moment to realize what exactly was happening. Also, Hermione had simply leaned—well, lunged—forward and kissed him; she hadn't anchored him toward her with arms laced around his neck or wrapped around his waist. In fact, both Draco and Hermione's arms lay at their sides.
And yet it was probably the most romantic kiss that the children at the St. Mary's Catholic Pre-School for Girls had ever seen. As luck would have it, Sister Mary Margaret and Sister Mary Jane were leading a herd of ten four- year-old girls toward Splash Mountain as Hermione abruptly kissed Draco. It wasn't long before he was kissing her back, and it wasn't quite as awkward as it had begun. And, while I'm at it, I might as well mention that their arms were now entwined and smacking noises could be heard.
A small, blonde-haired child tugged at her teacher's long coat. "Sister Mary Margaret, what are they doing?"
"Sinning, Agnes. Sinning their way to Hell."
Draco and Hermione were completely oblivious to the fact that two angry nuns and ten small children were now watching their public display of affection.
And so, it was a major shocker for Hermione and Draco when they noticed that a pointy cross was now shoved in their faces. Especially when that cross is attached to a pissed homely nun in traditional uniform. Quite a startling experience.
What happened next was a blur of a few connected events. Hermione screamed. Draco nearly choked with astonishment. Hermione's teeth sank into Draco's lip, mid-scream, mind you, causing Draco to yelp as the bleeding began.
Hermione and Draco finally stopped making panic noises and realized that regardless of how much yelling they did, the nuns and children were still there, staring with condemning eyes. Those black, black eyes bore into them as they sat huddled on the bench, suddenly feeling as if they were naked and stripped of dignities. "Come now, children. These adolescents cannot be saved." Sister Mary Jane ushered the girls, who were reluctant to go, forward as Sister Mary Margaret thrust the cross once more into their faces, turned, spun on her heel, and left with a mighty "Hmph." But, not before she shot Hermione and Draco another haunting black stare.
"Whoa," said Draco finally. He blinked rapidly.
"I know," Hermione cringed, burying her face in her hands. "That was an experience like no other."
"I meant that look! Did you see that nun? She must've practiced that glare for years!"
Hermione looked up and could only gape at the devilish expression in his eyes. That is, until she began a whimper that seemed to combine the aspects of laughing and crying. "My god, Draco," she moaned. "That's our first kiss."
"I know," he replied, and for a moment she thought that he was being serious—until he broke into that infamous lazy grin. "Just imagine how great our first time in the sack will be."
"There will be no sack time!" Hermione laughed, although it was half- heartedly.
"I guess you're right. I can only picture what the nuns would do if they caught us doing it, based on their reaction to pre-marital kissing."
"Draco, why'd we kiss?"
"Huh? That was out of nowhere."
"Well, why?"
"Don't ask me. I was the one being kissed. Which, allow me to say, is a very rare event. Although it didn't last that way for long," he winked.
"Fine, then. Why'd I kiss you?"
"I'm sorry, Hermione, but I've yet to figure out the workings of your mind. I was hoping that perhaps you might know. It's crazy, but I thought that you'd have a better idea of what you were thinking than I would."
"Work with me here, Draco."
"Do you like me?" he prompted.
She chewed on her lip thoughtfully—while Draco handled his own that was bleeding harder than before. It was beginning to swell, too, she noticed. "I… don't know."
"Do you love me?"
"We're taking baby steps. Babies don't have footprints the size of Godzilla's."
"Okay, then," Draco sighed. Hermione was making this excruciatingly hard for him. "I don't really know what to say."
"I do."
"Care to share it with the class?"
"You told me that you didn't mean it. When you said you cared about me, you said that that was just nothing. Boredom and," she added dryly, "piña coladas."
"Oh, that's easy," said Draco. "I lied."
She simply stared at him. There was no "look." "You… 'lied'?"
"Yup," he said. "Do you think that we could get a Coke or something? I'm more of a Pepsi fan myself, but I thought that—"
"How do I know that you're a Pepsi fan?" Her voice was suddenly cold and acidic.
"I just told—aw, gee, Herm." Draco pouted very visibly. "Don't do this. I only lied because I was embarrassed. I had opened up to you, and you had given me this 'what-am-I-supposed-to-do-about-it?' look, and I felt… I felt…"
"How do you think I felt?" She was standing up now, presuming her statue-like authority look. "Do you ever think of anyone else but yourself?"
"Uh, yes, I mean—well, yes, I…" Draco had begun to squirm. He, too, stood, but felt considerably smaller than Hermione who was omitting her fiercest look yet. No, this wasn't a look: it was a blaze. She turned on her heel.
"Wait, come on! Hermione!" But it was fruitless. She began wiggling her way through the crowd, not listening to a word Draco was saying. He lost her; not just in the crowd, but he had really lost her. "Aw, crap," he groaned. "I suppose this is the part where I go off looking for her." He disappeared into the swarm of people (mostly tourists) just as Cho, Ginny, Harry, and Ron emerged from the exit to Splash Mountain, thoroughly soaked to the skin. They gazed at the empty bench across the walkway from them.
"Aw, crap," said Ron. It was the second time that day that that phrase had been said, but it would certainly not be the last. He winced as Ginny swatted him upside the head.
"Nice one, Ronnie."
"Hey, this isn't my fault!" he protested.
"I know," said Ginny, "I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was going to blame you."
Ron rolled his eyes. "I'm not going to stand here. I'm going."
"What, and not leaving a goodbye note?" Ginny rolled her eyes.
"'Auntie Em, Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog. Dorothy.' How was that, Ginny?"
"Um, just fine."
"Now can we go look for them?" No one could think of a good reason on the spot to abandon them—given a few minutes of thought, maybe, but not on the spot. They reluctantly went in search of the missing "Hell-bound sinners," as Sister Mary Margaret would later describe them to Mother Elizabeth.
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A/N: Okay, it's frickin 3 a.m. I'll write thank yous tomorrow, I PROMISE. I really don't have anything to do tomorrow anyway, so never fear, you all will be thanked. For this chapter, especially, because I *really* appreciated all of the input. You guys are the best.
Enjoyed the kiss? lol! Just another example of my sadistic mind. Ugh, back hurts, tired. Adios, g'night everyone.
Adios~Escritora
Ok, I'm back, and I didn't post last night so I'll write up my thank you's before posting.
NewYorkChick16, christine (I'm pretty sure you did Disney World, but I was able to take bits anyway), Miss Spinn, harrypotterfreak, Mderelina the Weird (message was short and to the point), JM (er, glad to know you're an Aladdin fan), gray frog (gracias!) and my reviewer of the chapter…
Mylene Devin!!! Thanks for reviewing every chapter :o) (I realize the rest of you prob have as they go by, but I just had to thank her for reading this in one sitting and actually reviewing each chapter… awesome props) Actually you stopped at 28…ah well…
…Angel of Death (yeah, another one who wants Draco engaged to her :o)), Rina (thanks for the good description of Space Mountain), Disney Land Manager (haha, cute name), damsalndistress-asif (I'll go email you), Kase, Lanni (thanks so much! Awesome!), sassinak, mineeme, Flame and Ice, Mione G (thanks!), Silver Unicorn, jackrussel666, FallenAngel (I might, but not right away… or maybe I should right away… dunno… but it'd prob be them in college or something), TRIPPLE A (I did, and thanks for reviewing), charmed (awww, thanks so much!), Ice, Sunflower-chan, Lady Alanna Salmalin of Conte (wrong park, but thanks!).
Ahh, so thanks again! Love you all, and thanks for waiting… here's the deal. If I delete the last chapter you'll have to log out to review if you have any questions, so I thought that I'd just leave that thing there and move on. Maybe I'll edit it to say something else… w/e… I'll think of something. Either way, here's your chapter.
Adios~Escritora
P.S. If anyone wants to read something new, please try my "Even Heroes Have the Right to Bleed." It's a Harry/Hermione, I'll admit, but I happen to think it's better than "Road trip." *shieds herself from thrown tomatoes* It's an interesting combo of angst/fluff with a real plot developing.
So… READ IT! I really, really want more reviews until I start the next chapter of "Even Heroes Have the Right to Bleed." Thanks! THANKS! And, if any of you Road trippers start r/ring "Even Heroes…" then… I'll think of some way to thank you. Like, in a chapter of that story I incoprorated the names of people who helped me with another story. So, r/r that and mention in your review that you were referred from Road trip and I'll mention you in a chapter. PROMISE.
^Read that paragraph! Adios~Escritora
Yeah, by the way, thanks so much to everyone who reviewed my author note. It was so nice of you to help me, even if you could only remember few things--I swear, every last thing helped. I thought a few of you had confused Land and World and did doublecheck the Disney Land site, but wow-- thanks so much. It really means a lot to me.
OKAY, so I've been reading Cassandra Claire's trilogy at http://www.schnoogle.com, and I almost gave up on becoming an author. I am sooo inferior, her writing kicks ass! I hope one day I can write like that. I'm in Ch12 of Draco Sinister, the second one.
Yeah, so this is a very long author's note but w/e. Not like ya read em anyway, and to those of you who do--thanks. I've been finding and jotting sound several humorous things I've heard and I really wanna write a comedy-- well, not a comedy persay, but a good story that's funny and sarcastic as well. I was faced with this dilemma: save it for an awesome new story, or distribute it through the remaining ones of this story and my others. I chose neither the former nor the latter: I'm doing a bit of both. Yes, as soon as I close down (by that I mean finish, of course!) I'm going to write something new that I had better love... 'Cuz if I don't, I won't continue. I hate writing like a chore.
OH AND NOT TO OFFEND. If you're a nun or a monk or just some nun-happy person, please try to remember that I am just exaggerating and I'm sure that this would not be the reaction. It was just something that occurred to me and I thought it'd be funny. If you are easily offended by nun jokes or whatever, then don't read it, k? Okay.
So, onto the disclaimer.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and such is JK's. One or two jokes or comments I've gotten off web sites and TV, god knows where and which shows--most quotes are from a bunch of pages, everyone knows 'em. Most of its my sarcastic wit, though... scary, isn't it? Well, on with it... love you!
P.S. Ahh, ff.net is down (yikes) so I'm gonna guess that I left off at a random point and pick up from... Critter Country!
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"You are here, unless some smart aleck kid moved the sign."
"Move! Draco, it doesn't really say that!"
"I know, but with a few flicks of my wand it could."
The six were all trying to push their way toward the front as they loitered by a directory sign in a very unBrady Bunch-like fashion. "I know, I know, Potter," Draco added as he caught an irritated look from Harry. "No magic. We're as clear and sheer on that matter as Pansy Parkinson's panties. Hmm. Interesting tongue twister. Lay off, Hermione, I was just kidding!"
Draco was, of course, referring to the condescending looks Hermione kept shooting at him. Her face seemed to hold a mixture of resentment, anger, jealousy, disappointment, and perhaps boredom. Whatever it was, she seemed taller than him, as if she was an authority figure and he was a little kid with a lollipop that had just given her the wrong finger and was now cowering with fear. She had a way of being superior. That was why he hated her. Which, obviously, added to why he seemed to be attracted to her. Which he was lost at the reason why. Which he was simply confusing himself more by trying to analyze it. Which he would stop now. Really. That's better.
Ginny had resumed her position as the observer and cocked her carrot-topped (Although, really, it was more of a red. But, she didn't exactly want people going around calling her beet-top.) head to the side and chuckled, just quiet enough to sound innocent but loud enough to catch suspicious attention.
"What?" Draco snapped, although eager to relieve himself from the severity of Hermione's face. She, too, turned to face Ginny.
"I just love nonverbal communication!" exclaimed Ginny with a perky twitch.
Draco felt exasperated, to say the least. "Gin, she's giving me that look."
"Oh," said Ginny. She nodded knowingly. "That look."
This infused Hermione even more. "What look? I don't have a look!"
"Oh, yes you do," Draco said smugly. "You have a very definite look."
"Do not!" Hermione tantrummed.
"He's right, Herm," Ginny agreed firmly. "There is no doubt about it. You have a look. And you were giving Draco that 'I-so-do-not-approve-of-what- you-just-said-and-yet-I'm-jealous' look."
"I DO NOT!" Hermione exploded. "I mean, I didn't. Jealous?!" she sputtered, flailing her arms as she stared at Ginny with fiery flames leaping up in her eyes. "I don't have a look! Stop it!"
"Face it, Hermione," said Draco. He yawned casually, eager to be back on top of the authority scale. "Right now you have a sort of 'deer-caught-in- headlights' look. And, honestly, I don't blame you. Green, even with envy, has always been a flattering look on you."
"And just then," said Ginny, "you were giving me your demonic glare."
"Oh, this just take the cake! This just takes the goddamn cake!"
"Chill, Hermione," said Draco. "I sense another look coming on."
"Urghhhhhhh." She stormed away to a wooden bench a few yards down the sidewalk. There she sat, giving a 'I-do-so-not-have-a-look' look to a random crack in the ground. That poor, poor crack, having to be a victim to that not-look.
Harry had seized control of the group and waved Hermione back over. "Hermione, get over here. Don't give me that look! What? What'd I say?" Begrudgingly, Hermione stomped over with her arms crossed flatly and decisively across her chest. Her eyes were closed. The crack was saved! (A/N: Did I mention that I'm in an odd mood while writing this?)
"So we're in Critter Country," said Ron, nodding idly. "Yup. Critter Country. Let me tell you, time flies when you don't know what you're doing."
"If you think this week was a drag, wait till you see what happens next week!" Harry quipped.
"Critter Country? Poor Ginny, that animal-loving vegetarian. Luckily these animals are made out of the dead carcasses of the ones not eaten because of vegetarians, and not the fluffy bunnies." Draco stood back to smirk at his statement, but turned a faint shade of pink that might be compared to a Medium-well steak--whereas the Weasleys could be eaten raw--upon realizing that everyone was staring at him blankly.
Ginny was the first to make any sort of comment in response. "Okay, number one, that made no sense," she said flatly, arching her eyebrows and rolling her eyes. "Number two, I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals."
"No, it's because you hate plants."
"Shut up, Draco," Ginny said, but she giggled along with the rest. Whether or not she liked it, Ginny would always be remembered and fondly joked as being "the plant-hating vegetarian." God, road trips do that to you.
"Okay, well I love animals. They taste great."
"Uh huh."
"In fact, I see why animals attack humans. If they taste good to us, imagine the flip!"
"Uh huh."
"And I bought Severus Snape five pairs of vintage blue panties at Victoria's Secret for $19.99 during its semi-annual sale."
"Uh huh--wait?!"
"Ah, so you do love me!" Draco reveled in being an annoyance to the crowd. The crowd, which had begun migrating without him. Draco scrambled to catch up.
"Well, we know whom you love," Harry said in a singsong voice.
Draco looked up sharply, unfazed. "If you mean those Victoria's Secret magazine models, I swear that was simply lust."
Harry appeared faintly amused as he replied, "I'm not talking about your adventures with a catalogue, the bathroom floor, and tempting blindness."
Hermione snickered and found that Draco was just as capable as she was at giving "looks." In fact, his was so intimidating that she thought it best not to point out this little similarity in their quirks to him at that exact moment. Perhaps never. Yes, never was looking like the clear option as the moments passed very slowly. Too slowly. Quick, Hermione, she willed herself, find a distraction. And she did. God almighty, she did.
"Look! Is that a waterfall?" That didn't seem to do anything to anyone's attention span. She sighed and tried again. "Look! It's a Victoria's Secret model." At least it got Ron, Harry, and, yes, Draco's attention.
Draco, who gave her a dry look. "That's not a model, Hermione, that's a waterfall. Although..." He tilted his head to the side thoughtfully. "Although I must admire those curves on Brer Rabbit. Mm hmm. Brer patches did him good."
Hermione wanted to be angry but, against her will, laughed. "What?" asked Draco, as he had joined in. "You beg to differ, Hermione?" She only laughed harder, causing Draco to laugh harder, causing Harry to find a bigger stick to poke him with. "Ow!" Draco yelped as his hand flew behind his back. "Of all places, Potter, did you have to poke me there?"
Harry wiggled his eyebrows. "It could've been worse." Draco seemed satisfied with that. Hermione didn't dare to comment on his '"you're-one- psycho,-Harry-Potter" look.
Cho, in the midst of this all, had wandered over to the sign by the entrance to the ride that appeared to include the waterfall—yes, the one that was not a Victoria's Secret model. That one. Splash Mountain. Ron eventually caught on and had followed her over, bringing Ginny to follow for lack of anything better to do. In fact, Harry had poked Draco to alert Hermione and Draco as to where the crew had drifted. They seemed to pause, and suddenly realize what he was talking about as they began laughing once more. "Hopeless," Harry could only say as he shook his head hard. "Completely and utterly hopeless." Forget them. Harry gave up and plodded back to the three sane members of the group. Not counting Ron's fear of spiders, Ginny's quirkiness, and Cho's odd privacy issues. Okay, so the more sane members. That's better.
Hermione realize in that moment that she was alone with Draco—she didn't, persay, realize that the others were not with them, but that it was just them two. It brought back a tension that she had hoped to avoid until one of them died or something of the sorts. A grim thought, but on the upside, chances are the deceased one would be Draco. Women were likely to live five more years than men, in actuality. That, in its own deranged and probably sadistic way, brightened Hermione's spirits appreciably.
"But," gnawed that annoying, reality-driven spirit on the somewhat more sensible side of Hermione's brain, "he doesn't love you. Remember, last night by the tent? He said that he had too much to drink. Remember how that made you feel?"
"Shut up," said the first, simpler spirit, and its argument was so well worded and thought out that Hermione couldn't help but agree with it. Draco would die in sixty-something years, and she'd be happy. Suddenly, and all in a rush, Hermione realized what the hell she was telling herself and fell dizzily back onto the bench she had formerly occupied.
A flash of concern crossed through Draco's eyes. He watched her for a moment, and then joined her on the bench. He was hesitant to speak, for reasons unknown to him. "Are you… okay?" She nodded, but said nothing. "Can I get you anything?" She shook her head. "Are you capable of verbal communication, or is this nonverbal talk prompted by Ginny's amusement? I saw that! You cracked a smile."
"Sod off," she muttered through a blatant, but weak, smile.
"Come on, Miss Hermione Anne Granger! You're contestant on…" Draco gave himself a drum roll by drumming on the bench. "…the hit game show… 'What's on your mind?', starring Draco Malfoy as his beautiful self. Today we have Miss Granger with us. My, isn't she lovely? Well, spill it, Hermione. A dime for your thoughts."
Hermione glanced up furtively with a bemused smile. "I thought the phrase was 'A penny for your thoughts.'"
"Well it was, but you know how inflation is."
Hermione let herself laugh freely for a couple minutes, the whole time fully aware that Draco was being patient with her. He really wasn't as bad as he thought. In fact, even as though he had often compared himself to the likes of Darth Vader ("Darth Vader sleeps with a Teddywookie," Ron had retorted.), he really was more of a… More of a… Well, he fell into the Miscellaneous category. But he wasn't as horribly rotten as he liked to behold himself as. Another thing she doubted that she'd mention to him.
She was aware, too, that he was looking at her—NO, not with a "look," but looking. It wasn't as if he was trying to look at her mentally or physically, but watch. She blushed, although she wasn't quite being gazed at. She didn't know quite what to do, or feel. Instead, she looked up suddenly.
"Draco, I've been thinking about you," she said flatly, and no sooner did the words come out of her mouth that her lips parted into a gasp and her eyes widened to the size of a two Quidditch Snitches.
He, however, wasn't surprised or shocked at all. And if he was, he did a hell of a good job hiding it. Hermione felt anxiety creep in as she tried to conspicuously study his face for what he might be thinking. "Oh, god, look what you've gone and done now," she told herself. Then, shaking it off, looked back to Draco. "Say something."
He looked up, a shy (Draco? Shy? Nah!) simper playing on his lips. "You have a look right now. It's a 'oh-my-God-did-I-just-say-that-well-now- what?' look."
"So, now what?"
"Well," said Draco, gathering his bearings. "It would help if you told me what you were thinking about me." He raised an eyebrow suggestively. "Or is this something the little kiddies shouldn't hear? I mean, we're at Disney Land; they're everywhere."
"Draco!" She swatted him weakly with her park ticket.
"Well, then, tell me what your PG-13 thoughts are."
Hermione paused. Myriads of things ran through her head. Once something is out there, it can't be taken back. Look before you leap. Fools rush in. Hurt me once, shame on you; hurt me twice, shame on me. But the only proverb that seemed to blare in big, flashing red letters in Hermione head was one that she took to heart: Actions speak louder than words. And so she kissed him.
It was not the type of kiss you see in movies. For one thing, Draco was completely unexpecting and his eyes bulged out of their sockets. It took him a moment to realize what exactly was happening. Also, Hermione had simply leaned—well, lunged—forward and kissed him; she hadn't anchored him toward her with arms laced around his neck or wrapped around his waist. In fact, both Draco and Hermione's arms lay at their sides.
And yet it was probably the most romantic kiss that the children at the St. Mary's Catholic Pre-School for Girls had ever seen. As luck would have it, Sister Mary Margaret and Sister Mary Jane were leading a herd of ten four- year-old girls toward Splash Mountain as Hermione abruptly kissed Draco. It wasn't long before he was kissing her back, and it wasn't quite as awkward as it had begun. And, while I'm at it, I might as well mention that their arms were now entwined and smacking noises could be heard.
A small, blonde-haired child tugged at her teacher's long coat. "Sister Mary Margaret, what are they doing?"
"Sinning, Agnes. Sinning their way to Hell."
Draco and Hermione were completely oblivious to the fact that two angry nuns and ten small children were now watching their public display of affection.
And so, it was a major shocker for Hermione and Draco when they noticed that a pointy cross was now shoved in their faces. Especially when that cross is attached to a pissed homely nun in traditional uniform. Quite a startling experience.
What happened next was a blur of a few connected events. Hermione screamed. Draco nearly choked with astonishment. Hermione's teeth sank into Draco's lip, mid-scream, mind you, causing Draco to yelp as the bleeding began.
Hermione and Draco finally stopped making panic noises and realized that regardless of how much yelling they did, the nuns and children were still there, staring with condemning eyes. Those black, black eyes bore into them as they sat huddled on the bench, suddenly feeling as if they were naked and stripped of dignities. "Come now, children. These adolescents cannot be saved." Sister Mary Jane ushered the girls, who were reluctant to go, forward as Sister Mary Margaret thrust the cross once more into their faces, turned, spun on her heel, and left with a mighty "Hmph." But, not before she shot Hermione and Draco another haunting black stare.
"Whoa," said Draco finally. He blinked rapidly.
"I know," Hermione cringed, burying her face in her hands. "That was an experience like no other."
"I meant that look! Did you see that nun? She must've practiced that glare for years!"
Hermione looked up and could only gape at the devilish expression in his eyes. That is, until she began a whimper that seemed to combine the aspects of laughing and crying. "My god, Draco," she moaned. "That's our first kiss."
"I know," he replied, and for a moment she thought that he was being serious—until he broke into that infamous lazy grin. "Just imagine how great our first time in the sack will be."
"There will be no sack time!" Hermione laughed, although it was half- heartedly.
"I guess you're right. I can only picture what the nuns would do if they caught us doing it, based on their reaction to pre-marital kissing."
"Draco, why'd we kiss?"
"Huh? That was out of nowhere."
"Well, why?"
"Don't ask me. I was the one being kissed. Which, allow me to say, is a very rare event. Although it didn't last that way for long," he winked.
"Fine, then. Why'd I kiss you?"
"I'm sorry, Hermione, but I've yet to figure out the workings of your mind. I was hoping that perhaps you might know. It's crazy, but I thought that you'd have a better idea of what you were thinking than I would."
"Work with me here, Draco."
"Do you like me?" he prompted.
She chewed on her lip thoughtfully—while Draco handled his own that was bleeding harder than before. It was beginning to swell, too, she noticed. "I… don't know."
"Do you love me?"
"We're taking baby steps. Babies don't have footprints the size of Godzilla's."
"Okay, then," Draco sighed. Hermione was making this excruciatingly hard for him. "I don't really know what to say."
"I do."
"Care to share it with the class?"
"You told me that you didn't mean it. When you said you cared about me, you said that that was just nothing. Boredom and," she added dryly, "piña coladas."
"Oh, that's easy," said Draco. "I lied."
She simply stared at him. There was no "look." "You… 'lied'?"
"Yup," he said. "Do you think that we could get a Coke or something? I'm more of a Pepsi fan myself, but I thought that—"
"How do I know that you're a Pepsi fan?" Her voice was suddenly cold and acidic.
"I just told—aw, gee, Herm." Draco pouted very visibly. "Don't do this. I only lied because I was embarrassed. I had opened up to you, and you had given me this 'what-am-I-supposed-to-do-about-it?' look, and I felt… I felt…"
"How do you think I felt?" She was standing up now, presuming her statue-like authority look. "Do you ever think of anyone else but yourself?"
"Uh, yes, I mean—well, yes, I…" Draco had begun to squirm. He, too, stood, but felt considerably smaller than Hermione who was omitting her fiercest look yet. No, this wasn't a look: it was a blaze. She turned on her heel.
"Wait, come on! Hermione!" But it was fruitless. She began wiggling her way through the crowd, not listening to a word Draco was saying. He lost her; not just in the crowd, but he had really lost her. "Aw, crap," he groaned. "I suppose this is the part where I go off looking for her." He disappeared into the swarm of people (mostly tourists) just as Cho, Ginny, Harry, and Ron emerged from the exit to Splash Mountain, thoroughly soaked to the skin. They gazed at the empty bench across the walkway from them.
"Aw, crap," said Ron. It was the second time that day that that phrase had been said, but it would certainly not be the last. He winced as Ginny swatted him upside the head.
"Nice one, Ronnie."
"Hey, this isn't my fault!" he protested.
"I know," said Ginny, "I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was going to blame you."
Ron rolled his eyes. "I'm not going to stand here. I'm going."
"What, and not leaving a goodbye note?" Ginny rolled her eyes.
"'Auntie Em, Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog. Dorothy.' How was that, Ginny?"
"Um, just fine."
"Now can we go look for them?" No one could think of a good reason on the spot to abandon them—given a few minutes of thought, maybe, but not on the spot. They reluctantly went in search of the missing "Hell-bound sinners," as Sister Mary Margaret would later describe them to Mother Elizabeth.
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A/N: Okay, it's frickin 3 a.m. I'll write thank yous tomorrow, I PROMISE. I really don't have anything to do tomorrow anyway, so never fear, you all will be thanked. For this chapter, especially, because I *really* appreciated all of the input. You guys are the best.
Enjoyed the kiss? lol! Just another example of my sadistic mind. Ugh, back hurts, tired. Adios, g'night everyone.
Adios~Escritora
Ok, I'm back, and I didn't post last night so I'll write up my thank you's before posting.
NewYorkChick16, christine (I'm pretty sure you did Disney World, but I was able to take bits anyway), Miss Spinn, harrypotterfreak, Mderelina the Weird (message was short and to the point), JM (er, glad to know you're an Aladdin fan), gray frog (gracias!) and my reviewer of the chapter…
Mylene Devin!!! Thanks for reviewing every chapter :o) (I realize the rest of you prob have as they go by, but I just had to thank her for reading this in one sitting and actually reviewing each chapter… awesome props) Actually you stopped at 28…ah well…
…Angel of Death (yeah, another one who wants Draco engaged to her :o)), Rina (thanks for the good description of Space Mountain), Disney Land Manager (haha, cute name), damsalndistress-asif (I'll go email you), Kase, Lanni (thanks so much! Awesome!), sassinak, mineeme, Flame and Ice, Mione G (thanks!), Silver Unicorn, jackrussel666, FallenAngel (I might, but not right away… or maybe I should right away… dunno… but it'd prob be them in college or something), TRIPPLE A (I did, and thanks for reviewing), charmed (awww, thanks so much!), Ice, Sunflower-chan, Lady Alanna Salmalin of Conte (wrong park, but thanks!).
Ahh, so thanks again! Love you all, and thanks for waiting… here's the deal. If I delete the last chapter you'll have to log out to review if you have any questions, so I thought that I'd just leave that thing there and move on. Maybe I'll edit it to say something else… w/e… I'll think of something. Either way, here's your chapter.
Adios~Escritora
P.S. If anyone wants to read something new, please try my "Even Heroes Have the Right to Bleed." It's a Harry/Hermione, I'll admit, but I happen to think it's better than "Road trip." *shieds herself from thrown tomatoes* It's an interesting combo of angst/fluff with a real plot developing.
So… READ IT! I really, really want more reviews until I start the next chapter of "Even Heroes Have the Right to Bleed." Thanks! THANKS! And, if any of you Road trippers start r/ring "Even Heroes…" then… I'll think of some way to thank you. Like, in a chapter of that story I incoprorated the names of people who helped me with another story. So, r/r that and mention in your review that you were referred from Road trip and I'll mention you in a chapter. PROMISE.
^Read that paragraph! Adios~Escritora