A/N Wow! I didn't know I'd get lotsa reviews asking about the dream sequence! I'm not going to say anything about it, except that it's a foreshadow about what's gonna happen later on x) im evil aren't I? Well I'm gonna start speeding up now, so I can wrap the story up soon and get more things in each chapter.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, I have nothing for you to take, so don't sue!

Chapter 23: Connections

In Hogsmeade the next day, all the villagers were either giving Draco dirty looks or skirting away from him in the streets. He seemed completely unfazed by it, while Hermione gave him curious looks. It wasn't until they were in The Three Broomsticks for some chilled pumpkin juice, and that a snooty new waiter came to give them their drinks, that he blew his top.

The waiter had a slicked do with the air that Draco himself used to have; the "I'm-better-than-thou" look. He gracefully handed Hermione her drink with, what was supposed to be, charming tone. "Enjoy your drink Miss." And threw in a wink, to Draco's disgust at his foolish attempt to flatter his girlfriend.

But with Draco, he said, "Sir." And practically tossed the drink on the table. It slid momentarily until Draco stopped it with his hand. He stood up, and glared at the snooty waiter, towering above him, "See here…" he looked at the name-tag, "Winston! I demand and deserve better service and respect then that garbage you gave me! Do you know who I am?" he roared, attracting the attemtion of the pub.

"Draco! Calm down!" Hermione hissed.

He ignored her and continued to bear down the waiter. Usually, those who were greeted by an angry Draco ran scared and nervous, but 'Winston' looked up at him with a bored and defiant expression. "Yeah I know who you are. You're nothing but some son of that bastard Malfoy who escaped from Azkaban yesterday. And you deserve about as much respect as the dirt on my shoes." He said cooly.

Hermione was shocked by his words and nervously looked at Draco. His face was still pale as ever, but there was a red tinge in his cheeks. His grey eyes like cold metal, glaring at the waiter, and a vein was slightly throbbing in his temple. "Why you little…" he started, pulling back a fist.

Winston was now scared as he saw Draco retract his fist from his sides, getting ready to swing. He aqeuaked, and was about to make a mad dash to Madam Rosmerta, who was glued to the spoit behind the counter, watching the scene. Hermione grabbed Draco's hand and rouphly clamped it to his side. "Don't! Draco! She warned.

Before he could argue, she glared at Winston, "Now see ere. You really have no right to have said those things. It's not his fault Lucius escaped Azkaban, and you certainly cannot go around with your snooty attitude, insulting paying customers. So say sorry." She said menacingly.

He stood rooted on the spot. His cowardice gone as Draco couldn't hurt him while Hermione was standing in front of him. He stood defiantly. "Now!" Hermione yelled.

He saw the momentary flash of red across her eyes and regained the fear. "Terribly sorry Mr. Malfoy. Won't happen again. Too much mead for me! Terribly sorry sir!" he squeaked awfully fast and high pitched.

"It better not happen again. Or you'll be out of a job, and without a nose." He added, growling darkly. He threw some coins onto the table and dragged Hermione from the silent pub.

Once away from the now frantic setting, Hermione faced him. "Why do all the villagers only know now, when it happened two days ago? And why did Winston say it happened yesterday?"

He was trying to avoid the question by gazing into Gladrag's shop window. "My Hermione, look at those robes! They'd look stunning on you!" he plastered on a faux grin when he looked back.

Her face was set in stone, and her arms were crossed under her chest, foot tapping on the cobbled stone. She raised her eyebrows in a look that said, "Go on…"

He avoided the question again by smirking, "Do you know how sexy you look in that position?"

She was unfazed by his lame attempt to swoon her. He inhaled and exhaled deeply and caved. "Fine!" he raised his hands up in defeat.

"That's a good boy. Now explain. NOW!" she said as she took his arm and continued to walk again.

"The paper I had yesterday is really a pre-printed copy of today's. So in reality, Lucius escaped yesterday morning." He explained.

"Why on earth would they wait until today! If it happened yesterday, then it should've been in yesterday's paper!" she reasoned.

"True, but the blasted ministry wanted more facts before they printed anything. And to cover some things up." He added quietly.

"And how on earth did you get today's paper, yesterday?" she stopped walking again.

"Gosh Hermione. I don't come from one of the most influential wizarding families for no reason!" he said it as if it were one of the most obvious thinking in the world.

She coughed but it sounded very much like bribery.

He ignored it and continued, "I do have connections too you know.

"I do have connections too you know" she mocked him as they walked back to school. "And Draco?"

"Mm hmm." He mumbled.

"I'm sexy anyway." She laughed and he followed suite.

~*~

Back at school, people were glaring at Draco even worse than they usually would. Some even went as far as to mutter under their breaths, as he walked by. He caught a few words, like, "convict" and "death eater spawn".

Pansy stopped them from walking to their room. She was flanked by Blaise, and to Draco's surprise and amusement, Crabbe and Goyle. "Well, well. Draco, seems like Daddy's out to find you and your whore. Maybe if you had just stuck with me instead of switching sides this never would've happened." She shrugged. Then she put a pink fingernail to her cheek, pretending to be deep in thought. "Or maybe…you can drop the excess baggage you have there, now, and I'll get my father to stop yours from murdering you on the spot. I can make it happen Draco." She smirked and crossed her arms.

Draco was mad. Not only had she called Hermione a whore, but also she even considered taunting him about his escapee father. Instead of just telling her to just shut the bloody hell up, he simply said, "I see you've picked up my useless baggage anyway. Having fun with Vinny and Greg? Or do they just test all the chocolate frogs you get now?"

Hermione snorted and even Blaise couldn't suppress a grin. Pansy went crimson at her embarrassing part. "I take it you'd rather tell a few jokes instead of being saved from Lucius' wrath. Very well then Draco. I'll just write to father and say you've picked the losing side." She smiled and stalked off with her cronies in her wake.

~ End of Chapter 23 ~

A/N: There, it's out and been read. Sorry I've waited a long time. Too much going on this month man. Cortex and I have a Muggle Conference coming up. We're testing the muggle forces of friction and gravity on a 'coverhaft', sorry, that's hovercraft. :D No, well Cortex and I have science fair coming up on Wednesday and we hafta finish. And on Thursday I'm seeing Sum 41 in concert!!! Ok, enough of me, onto my faithful reviewers!

Mediterranean Queen: YAY! A review about a sequel! Well, I'm thinking that the sequel's gonna be for the summer and that sorta thing. I might make them get married, or just dating and stuff. But thanks so much for the review! I love feedback!

waiting: No, please don't go crazy! You might not understand what I'm writing! Noooo!! More romance is on the way!! I'm sure Harry and Ron'll help them escape, that's what best friends are for! Right?

Calypso In Love: I could say the exact same to you! PiB is so well written and I love it! You HAVE to update soon! Sweetness is always a good thing. Thanks for the review…and the advertising! Haha!

KrayZM: Lucius has major plans ahead, and Draco's somewhat safe. Well, until summer that is. Dum dum dum!! Thanks for the review!

The Charmed One: Yes oh great Charmed One! I'm writing as I…write, lol! Thanks for reviewing!

lovinhp: Well, a few more chapters might do it. At most, I'd say 4 or 5. Then there's a sequel, possibly, feedback is needed!

'mione: Here's the next chapter for you! And don't 4get to review!!

Colibi: Cool, the 1st D/Hr fic you've read. That makes me feel special. :D Ah yes, a boxer-only Draco is very nice indeed ::sigh:: Thanks for the review!

porkypop: Thanks for the review! What do u think of a sequel, seeing as you've reviewed like every chapter! Goooo porkypop!

TFG: Oh thanks so much for the complement! It really makes my day to hear…read…people say that! Thanks!!

Ginn: Hehe, luv the plot twists! Always adds suspense! Thanks for the review!

Remember when I sad that Lucius escaping would play a big part in the story? Well, that depends on whether or not I'll have a sequel or not. So PLEAE give me your feedback! I have an idea for a sequel, it's probably going to be a short sequel, but that's OK! LOL! If you have any ideas, send em in your review and I'll consider them. And also, we're nearing the end of this delightful story, so that's why I desperately need sequel feedback! I'd say about 5 more chapters should do it. Review!