A/N: Holy crap! This chapter is too long (cracking her knuckles which were
numb with tire)!!! I really should learn how to cut my chapters in the
right places. But anyway, this is for all of you nice, wonderful people who
never get tired of reviewing. Just keep the reviews coming and I promise a
faster update! (Reader groans and says: THIS IS BLACKMAIL!!!) Oh, well,
that's life! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: All of this belongs to J.K. Rowling except for the plot, which is mine!!
Chapter 9 - Ron's Big Blunder
"Hermione, it's me Harry. Don't go calling out the professors, we'll be dead!" said the person in front of her. She couldn't see if it was indeed Harry because the lights were already out but she recognized the voice.
"Harry, what are you doing here?"
"Same thing I wanted to ask you. What are you doing here-I mean, out there with Malfoy....I hadn't planned on prying but...okay, I saw the two of you, no point in denying that. But what exactly you were doing with that slimy rot, I have no idea, so I guess I should be asking you." Harry had said all this in one breath that it took him some time before he could breathe on regulars again. Hermione seemed to be as surprised as him at the question as she didn't answer right away. Instead, she dragged Harry all the way back to the Gryffindor Tower, and only after having both themselves seated in each of its squashy chairs did she start to explain.
"Harry, I was out there with Draco because he was showing me around.." Hermione said, trying to keep a straight eye on Harry.
"With his broomstick, eh?" Harry said, looking ludicrously at Hermione.
"Yes, with his broom Narcissa."
"What did he call it? Narcissa?" Harry started to ask, a would-be-grin forming in his face. But he started questioning Hermione again,
"Hermione, he told you that?"
"Yes. Why shouldn't he?"
"You mean to say, why should he?! The two of you are not really close buds in case you've forgotten and Malfoy's extremely touchy when it comes to things about his mother. So unless there's something going on that you ought to tell me, I can't find any reason why he should tell you that."
Hermione looked desperately at Harry but seeing that there was no way hiding anything from him, she decided to tell him the story. Harry's jaw dropped and opened several times. And sometimes, his face even screwed up in disagreement as Hermione tarried on with her story on how she came to teaching Draco. She purposely omitted certain details like what he actually Draco told her back in the field. And after she was done with the whole story, her throat was extremely hoarse from talking.
Harry stared at Hermione for a very long time. The weight of the whole thing took him by surprise and there were some things about it that didn't feel right.
"Umm, Hermione? Why did Draco wanted to pass the N E.W.T.s?"
"I realy don't know, Harry. He just said it was the most elite (actually, the word he used was descent but Hermione made some adjustments) spot you could get so..."
"He went for it, that's all?"
"Yes. But you don't believe that, do you?"
"You know, it's a little fishy Hermione...."
"I thought so too."
There was another pause as Harry watched the drained look Hermione was wearing. And there was something else he needed to clarify.
"Hermione, I didn't trade you for Quidditch. I was just so busy with the team reaching for my neck all the time, didn't realize what you were going through."
Hermione stared at Harry's bottle-green eyes and saw that he was being honest. She realized that she missed that look very much. And with someone so....deceitful like Draco, it wasn't unlikely at all.
"Hermione, I shouldn't have done that. I mean, I know you were already having trouble with Ron and I didn't even bother to stick up with you...." Harry was saying when Hermione cut him,
"Nah, Harry, it wasn't your fault. You didn't have the time because the match is this week. I should have known that but I guess everything just took me too hard, with the N.E.W.T.s coming and all.." Hermione stopped here and tears were threatening to roll down her cheeks but before Harry could see them, she hung her head. She was being such a cry baby already.
Harry placed a hand on Hermione's back and patted her clumsily. He didn't know it was that big a thing for her. He had been so insensitive
"But not half as cold as Ron" He thought feeling a spark of spite for the friend. The problem would have been easier to resolve if only Ron was with them right now.
"Hermione, I'm really sorry about that. Promise I won't insist that you watch our match with Ravenclaw this Wednesday. You could stay as far away from the field as you wish." he said grinning at her.
Hermione looked up at him and smiled. Harry knew what was coming.
"Thanks, Harry. I had been very silly!" she said flinging her arms around him, and when she finally let go, Harry started pouring her questions which he were killing him at the moment.
"Hermione, where do you and Malfoy stay after classes? And you actually stomached that leech near you?"
"First, I can't tell you where we stay." Hermione was saying. Harry was about to ask 'why' but she didn't let him finish.
"And I did a fine job bearing with him, thank you very much. He was quite fine apart from the fact that he hated Muggles like me and that he is a.."
"Slimy, stinking, rot who gives Death Eaters around the world a bad name?" Harry piped in.
"Not exactly what I had in mind, but yeah, something like that." What she was actually trying to say was that Draco didn't know how to consider the words that were spilling out of his mouth and that he was hopelessly insensitive-plus cold. The thought of the scene in the field still irritated the hell out of her
"And Hermione, you said Draco cured your ankle eh? Have you any idea how he knew how to do it?" Harry asked again, looking intensely at Hermione.
"Good point, Harry. But I asked him that already and he didn't give me a descent answer."
"I figured he wouldn't really spill everything out to you. Can you ask him that when you two get back together?"
"Er..get back together?" Hermione repeated meekly.
"I mean, when the two of you start the lessons again. What were you thinking?"
"Nothing."
But Harry was having big suspicions and he noticed that Hermione kept mistaking Harry's questions as accusations of one thing or another. It was starting to worry him. Which brings him back to the question,
"Hermione, what were you doing with Malfoy back there at the field?"
"Harry, I told you, he was showing me around." Hermione replied defensively.
"He had to place his arms around you?" Harry inquired.
"That's so I won't fall off the broom!" she spat. But Harry could see her cheeks burn.
"And he had to hold your hand too after the ride, I suppose?"
"Oh, whatever! Think of it anyway you want, Harry. I hope you're happy." she cried, sitting on her chair sideways, trying to avoid his gaze.
After a while, Harry spoke again, "Are you mad, Hermione?" he asked poking her in the ribs.
"Nah."
"But you're not happy at all that I'm asking you these?"
"Not really."
"Good! So how about it, what's there between you and that---er---Malfoy?"
"Oh, I've had enough!" Hermione cried, standing up but Harry caught her on the shoulder before she had the chance to exit. He was forcing to stop what Hermione suspected to be a grin. He raked his jet-black hair and pointed at a great big cushion on the floor.
"Hermione, I'm just joking. Sit down and relax, okay?" Then he added "I haven't heard from you for a long time. And I don't want to give you the impression that I'm trading you for Quidditch now, do I?" He told her smiling. Sitting with Hermione again even for just five minutes made him realize just how much he missed her. And adding the fact that he was guilty of ignoring his best friend, Harry couldn't help but feel his obligation to hear her out grow. He watched Hermione sink exhaustedly in the cushion and settled himself too at the black cushion next to her.
"Hermione, don't you think you should make up with Ron?"
"With him? After what said did to me?"
"But he always calls you stuff. You know him." Harry tried to sound casual.
"That's just the problem, Harry. He can't keep himself from insulting me and unless he decides to do just that, I am not supposed to talk to him again."
"That's what Malfoy told you?" said Harry, knitting his brows in concern.
"No. Keep Draco out of this please." Hermione said in a tone that seemed to say that Harry was giving Draco a hard time. But he didn't dare point this out to Hermione.
"Well, sure. If that's what you want. Just keep me posted, okay? In case you think it's time to lift your hostilities with him..." Harry tried to say in his calmest voice but it didn't work though because Hermione shot him a sympathetic look.
"Oh, Harry, I don't want to trouble you with our fight but I guess you're already caught in it. I still can't talk to Ron right now but are you okay with us warring on either side of you?"
"It's okay, I'm fine, really. But I think I'd be better off if I came up with a crappy game plan for the team." he told her honestly.
"Your talent and only talent-no game plan strategy didn't work?" Hermione asked grinning at him.
"And you had to rub it in?" he replied smugly. Hermione just said 'Aha' to this although Harry couldn't see the point of 'Aha-ing' him when it was such a serious case like Quidditch. He tried to shift the topic away from Quidditch since it just makes him feel weak in the stomach.
"Hermione, how is your review coming?"
"Quite fine. At least it was better than last week."
"Er-even with Malfoy around?"
"Harry, it's fine with or without him."
"No offense Hermione but I just can't imagine how it could be fine with him bossing you around."
"He's not bossing me much."
Harry stared at her not wanting to believe what she just said. He pulled his jaw together and blurted out,
"You think so?"
"Forget it, Harry. Let's just talk about something else like if you're ever planning to review yourself."
"Actually, I am not really-er-up to it and."
"You're not planning to take it?! But Harry, you have a good chance on it, you've done serious defense against dark arts before wtth-er-the Dark Lord..."
"C'mon Hermione, you know I still have to pass the tests and I'm not good on those." said Harry cutting her short.
"But you could study with me!"
"What? With Malfoy lurking around? Gee, that's a great idea Hermione but, no thanks." Hermione wrinkled her forehead
"It's just for three weeks. We could still have learning together afterwards..."
"I'm Quidditch captain now remember? I can't even put up with the practices, how do you expect me to have time for reviews?"
Hermione looked outraged with the thought of trading the N.E.W.T.s for a game but she just closed her mouth about it. It was a good thing she and Harry were on speaking terms again and she didn't want to risk it. And besides, Quidditch really meant a lot to Harry.
"Another topic do you reckon?" she asked smiling.
Harry beamed at her. They chatted on until dawn ('Oh my God! It's two in the morning. Harry!) And since they were too sleepy to get to their own rooms, they just conjured up sleeping bags and at about two in the morning, Harry laid staring at the half-sleeping Hermione.
"Hey, still up?"
"Yeah." came a groggy answer.
"I just wanted to ask you about Malfoy. It's something like this: was he being nice-I mean, less horrible to you in any way?" Harry asked although he knew it was pointless as Hermione was obviously drifting off to sleep. But he thought he heard her say 'ahlittle'. "Well, just don't let him get to you. You know how slimy that git can get eh, Hermione?"
No answer.
"Good night, Hermione. And do try to watch the match okay?" whispered Harry as he zipped the sleeping bag up to Hermione's neck. He didn't go to sleep right away. He was watching Hermione carefully. What could Malfoy possibly want with her? Whatever it was, it would definitely be foul. If only he could guess what it was and if only Ron was smart enough to make up with Hermione so he could spy on Draco while he didn't have the time.
"Blast that git!" he cursed silently to himself before zipping his own sleeping bag close. It was another Quidditch day tomorrow and he still had some smelly work to do with that game plan. Everything went well that night. He was thankful he went to field for some late practice. Otherwise he wouldn't have seen Hermione and Draco and their-er-nice ride. He just hope things go smoothly too tomorrow with the team.
"Hey, Ronald Weasley!"
Ron spun around and saw Albertine skidding to him. He just came down for some breakfast when the Slytherin team captain caught up with him. He grinned a half-grin at him and said, "How're yeh doing, you big oaf?"
Albertine looked taken aback at this but he forced a smile anyway. "Fine, Hey look. I got to talk to you about something."
"I really haven't had any breakfast. I am sure you could wait."
"Actually, no. This is a serious matter-the sort that only-er-high people like you could understand. Sure you have a minute?"
Ron smiled at the mention of being one of the 'high people'. Finally, someone actually appreciates his newly found status. Albertine really knew his way around people and he could take a good spot in his circle, if he kept it up, of course.
"Sure. What's up?"
"Follow me, okay?"
Ron nodded, careful to keep his chin up on the air all the time. He followed Albertine right on a sharp turn to the right and to a corner away from the noise of the Great Hall. He watched him twist his face in a nervous sort of way and waited for him to speak up.
"Ronald, you're friends with Potter, right?"
"What about him?" Ron asked in an annoyed tone. Albertine couldn't have possibly dragged him all this way just to ask for Harry's autograph now, could he?
"Nothing, really. Just thought he should be sticking out with you lately since his scar appeal is wearing off. It's just the right spot for him, y'know, right at center of all the attention."
Ron grinned heartily at this. Albertine had really good taste. He probably saw him for what he could really come up to be even before he had the bucks to spend on him.
"But you see, he's quite braggy about Quidditch and it kills me to know what he's so showy about. He can't really come up with a killer game plan can't he? I mean, without your help, Ronald. You see, I saw you mount his broom last week and you've got skills but you're probably not the showy type though, since you'd rather stroll around having fun than break your back having everyone slapping them." said Albertine, smiling sheepishly at Ron whose face lighted up.
"You know, I think he did come up with a crappy plan although I doubt if it would be of use since he hasn't shown me it yet." he told him without thinking.
"Good, then perhaps we could take a quick look at it, eh?"
Ron eyed him suspiciously . "Why do you want it?"
"So you and me could rate its efficiency. I am not saying I'm better than you but I do know some things about Quidditch. And with our tips, Potter could have some hope against Ravenclaw on Wednesday. God knows we want to meet him at the Finals. But first, we've got to help him out with Ravenclaw, don't you think so?"
Ron nodded numbly. He can't say no to Albertine. He won't think he's cool enough anymore. And besides, it was just a peek and they wouldn't be playing against Slytherin anyway.
"Right, so meet you back here in a few minutes?"
"Right." said Albertine beaming.
Ron walked up the Gryffindor tower to ask Harry if he could let Albertine a go on their sketch plan although he didn't think Harry would like the idea very much. He had just stepped in through the portrait of the fat lady when he remembered that he and Harry weren't talking.
"Oh real smart, Ron. How could you forget that all-purpose scarhead isn't sticking up for you? Really great.." he was muttering irritated when he stumbled on a heap at the floor. He looked down to see that it was Harry, still wrapped up in his sleeping bag.
"You still haven't gotten up yet, Harry?!"
Harry didn't even stir He was still breathing at regulars and it seemed obvious to Ron that from the time he left the common room for breakfast, he had still been snoozing. But what attracted his attention was the piece of parchment sticking out from beneath his sleeping bag. Ron pulled it off, careful not to wake Harry.
"Aha!" he muttered, recognizing the neatly scrawled circles and labels. It was Harry's game plan. Ron hesitated a little. Then after a moment of thinking, he realized that he'd rather see one furious Harry than not live to see the day when everyone was appreciating him. It was his last year at Hogwarts and he just can't remain a skinny nobody for the rest of the year.
"Just going to borrow this for a while, okay?" he choked, turning towards the hole before he had time to change his mind. Anyway, Harry was his friend. If anything went fishy, he'd make him understand. But right now, that was just the least of his worries.
It was Monday morning at Hogwarts. Hermione walked past the busy corridor to the grounds across for her Herbology class with Professor Sprout. She was in a very cheerful mood today since she had just had a nice Draco-free weekend. Apparently, he had enough decency to get out of her way for the whole Saturday and Sunday. And if he could just stretch it out a little..
"Ouch!" Hermione squealed as she felt herself crash to someone.
"Watch it, Granger." the cold, drawling voice of no other than Draco Malfoy came. He was standing right in front of her near the open greenhouse gate.
"Draco! What do you think are you doing, spreading yourself all over the place?!"
"I was just standing here when you came strutting and bumped your bushy head at me."
"Just get out of my sight Draco before I." she was fuming when Harry suddenly tugged from her side
"Umm.Hermione, we're running a little late here." he told her meaningfully. Hermione checked her watch and give out a small gasp. She looked at Harry apprehensively,
"You're right! Oh. Professor Sprout will not like this." And with that, she hurried away.
"See you later, Malfoy." Draco heard Harry say after throwing him a look that spelled out suspicion. He had just meant to talk to Hermione but leave it to Potter to stick around her like a parasite. Draco thrashed at the ground for a while, sending dust flying around him. Only after he saw Hermione and Harry disappear inside the greenhouse did he decide to head for the castle and leave. Surely, there must be somewhere Hermione went without scarhead at her heels and he had just the whole day to find out.
Inside the greenhouse, Harry dabbed a muddy finger at Hermione's working cloak.
"Harry!"
"Sorry, Hermione, but mind if we talk alone? I've got something to tell you." Harry told her, gesturing at the vacated working table at the far end. He saw Parvati and Neville nod their consent.
"What is it?" Hermione inquired hastily. Professor Sprout was discussing a very important lesson she was very interested at.
"Hermione, Draco's not in our Herbology class."
Hermione gaped at him. "Honestly, Harry! You wanted to tell me just that and you had to drag me away? Of course he's not in our class, where have you been all the time?"
"I know and that's what I'm trying to point out. He's not taking Herbology with us but you bumped into him on your way here."
Hermione continued to stare at him pretending not to get a clue of what he was talking about.
"Hermione, isn't it obvious he was waiting for you to show up there? Don't you see that?" Harry told her impatiently.
"What if he was just strolling around?"
"Strolling right in front of the greenhouse gate? I don't think so."
Hermione just shrugged and started to return to the working table. "Harry, you're just imagining stuff. I have better things to do than watch out for a stalking Draco or listen to you blubbering about him. Just drop it, okay?"
Harry watched her wearily. Hermione wouldn't notice a dirty motive unless it danced naked in front of her. But later events proved how entirely wrong he was. After catching Draco cast dark looks at Hermione far the umpteenth time, he finally had his doubts secured when their Potions class came.
Draco approached Snape to ask for a new seating arrangement and to Harry's disgust, he and Ron ended up working with Crabbe and Goyle while the whole back-most table remained for Draco and Hermione alone.
"But sir, I thought there's supposed to be four to a table." Harry prompted to Snape as he caught the triumphant sneer in Draco's face.
"You got that right, Potter. But if you will try counting the class, you'd notice there are two excess pupils. And I think this justifies my choice unless you prefer splitting up Granger into three pieces. And we don't want that now, do we?"
The whole Slytherin lot laughed heartily at this but Harry was glad to see that Draco didn't look too happy with his question. Once or twice he tried to purposely make round trips to the thrash can just to catch a bit of Hermione and Draco's conversation. ButSnape kept catching him all the time and he was starting to feel weary. Perhaps he'd just have to wait 'till end of Potions.
"Harry, are you okay?" Ron asked from his back. Harry spun around to see a very disturbed look at Ron's face. If there was anyone who'd not be okay, it'd definitely be Ron. But because he was too busy spying on Hermione, Harry didn't take any regard of this.
"I'm cool, Ron. Just worried."
"But the Quidditch match is not until Wednesday!"
Harry stared dumbly at Ron. "It's not the match that I'm worried about-it's Hermione." Harry wasn't able to catch Ron's reply because the bell just rang and as expected, Draco and Hermione were again nowhere in sight But so was Ron, Harry realized when he turned around to talk to him and found no one but Crabbe and Goyle. They were still pounding stupidly at their bicorn horn, oblivious to the fact that everyone was scuttling to get out of class.
"Trolls.you see them everywhere." he muttered disgustedly before hurrying out of the room himself. He turned hastily towards the Quidditch field, rehearsing the pep talk he intended to give the team that afternoon. If the team would bite it, they would probably believe his made-up game plan too. It was just too bad that he lost the sketch he made last Friday. It was mostly thrash but the team would believe anything that was labeled 'game plan' anyway. And it was the best he could do to improve their poor performance. The Draco-stalker thing had to wait 'till tonight. Right now, he'd better look convincing enough otherwise they could just forget placing a foot in the Finals.
"Calm down, Ron! You got everything under control. Harry didn't even notice that the game plan was gone. You're just going to tell Albertine that it's about time he hand you over the plan because you promised him a peek-just a peek at it. And he'd already had it for the whole weekend! Surely that was more than enough." Ron was telling himself over and over again when he heard familiar voices arguing at the vacant room to his left. He went over the door and peered inside to see Hermione and Draco having a row.
"Just drop it, Malfoy!"
"I'm not taking orders from you, Granger. Let's just get this over with."
"Forget it."
"Come on, Hermione. I have Quidditch practice tonight. Don't make me any later than I am already."
Ron saw Hermione give Draco an exasperated look then she threw her hands in the air in frustration.
"Fine Draco, whatever you want. Just let me go."
Ron watched as a lop-sided grin formed in Draco's face. Then too late, he realized that their little chat seemed to be just over because Hermione already had her back at Draco. But before he could make a run for it, he saw her already bounding towards the door-right at him!
"Hey, Granger, good night. I'll see 'ya." he thought he heard Draco say before he managed to duck into a narrow corridor at the side of the room, missing being discovered by a hairline.
He heard Hermione utter 'fine' but only after seeing her storm away angrily and Draco disappear at the other corridor, did he come out of his hiding place. Standing up, he tried to organize the things he had just heard. He could clearly recall hearing about getting something over with and 'Quidditch'. Yes, he definitely heard Quidditch. He was so sure the talk was about the coming match this Wednesday. Ron's stomach did a very funny lurch.
"Uh-oh, this is really getting screwed up. I think Harry should know this one." he muttered to himself concluding that Hermione hated them so much that she was willing to see a Slytherin victory just to extract her revenge. With that disturbed thought, Ron hurried towards the Gryffindor Tower looking more anxious than ever.
Late that night, Hermione was still in her chamber, flipping pages of an old book idly. She had already finished all her work and was already rechecking them for the third time but still Draco hadn't appeared. He insisted that they meet here tonight after his Quidditch practice because he had to tell her something. Hermione guessed this had something to do with the ride last Friday and tried to tell him off earlier after their Potions class, but he refused. So here she was waiting for Draco for God knows what time, Hermione thought irked, until she heard the hole scraping open.
"Oh, so you decided to show up after all."
Draco stared at her reluctantly and looked as away. He was late-dead late. It was all Albertine's fault. He made them practice all night, telling them that this was to compensate for their lost practice time last week. Draco thought this was bull since they didn't know that they were supposed to have a match this Wednesday until now. And he was 100 percent sure that the Gryffindors didn't know it either. This was what he had to talk to Hermione about. But before that, the disaster in the ride first.
"I'm sorry Hermione."
Hermione peered curiously at Draco. That was a strange response to get from him. "I told you already-it's nothing. It was just a very normal thing for you to say since you really hate me and I just over-reacted, that's all. End of story."
"I don't hate you.Really, I don't."
"But you hate Muggles and that's really just the same thing."
"But Hermione, you're different."
Hermione felt relieved to hear this but there was something else...
"But you pointed out to me last Friday that I am a Muggle, Draco!"
"Forget what I said Hermione. I was just trying to." Draco stopped at this. He was about to tell Hermione that he meant to say she was special even if she was a Muggle but the conflict his feelings for her brought about somehow got intertwined with his words, but he decided that this would sound too cheesy.
"You were trying to what, Draco?" Hermione asked.
Draco stared at Hermione's hazel eyes. They never fail to give him strange warmth whenever he looked at them. This was one of those times. And finally deciding that he cared the least whether his father would be outraged or not, Draco reached out for Hermione's hand.
"I don't know what I meant by that."
"That's nothing new."
"But I think I like you."
"You what? Now that doesn't make sense at all!" Hermione said, feeling a little dizzy at the moment. Draco just shrugged impatiently and dropped her hand. Hermione noticed that he was looking paler than usual. She started regretting having acted the way she had.
"I know it sounds stupid so just forgot I said that okay?"
Hermione nodded numbly. She was still not believing what Draco just told her.
"Hermione, I have another thing to tell you." said Draco, waving a hand lazily at the dazed Hermione. Hermione tried hard to look Draco in the eye.
"We are playing against Gryffindor this Wednesday."
"You are not. Ravenclaw is matched up with Gryffindor on Wednesday."
"That's what's supposed to happen but Albertine came up with this plan to bring the Gryff-I mean you guys down. He somehow convinced the Ravenclaw captain to ask Madam Hooch to cancel their match on Wednesday because of some crappy excuse about their chasers catching the flu at the same time. And since we have the same team standing as them, Madam Hooch agreed to put us on."
"But Albertine haven't told Harry about this."
"I know. He wasn't planning to tell anyone. At least not 'till late tomorrow afternoon."
"But Harry's been expecting Ravenclaw!"
"That's why you got to tell him this, Hermione. Otherwise, we're going to stomp them flat on Wednesday."
Hermione gaped at Draco. She must definitely be dreaming. Draco against a Slytherin victory?
"B-but why are you telling me this?"
"I don't know myself. Perhaps because I.."
"No don't tell me that crap again, Draco. It's getting on my nerves."
"Tell yow what again, Hermione? I was trying to say I wanted to crash Potter fair and square on Wednesday. What were you thinking?"
Hermione blushed deeply at this. Draco stifted a smile.
"Forget it, Malfoy."
"So we're back to surnames, Granger?" Draco asked grinning.
"Drop it, Draco."
"Fine with me."
"Is that all? It's getting pretty late." Hermione said flatly, getting the impression that Draco was toying with her.
"Ye p."
"Good."
Hermione started for the hole, darting quickly so as not to let Draco see her face. She was sure it went the color of a tomato. Draco scrambled quietly behind her and they both made their way up the Tower. But when Hermione turned right and Draco was still right behind her, she stopped and faced him.
"Draco, the Slytherin common room is to the left."
"I know, Granger, I know."
"Then why are you still stalking me?"
"Escorting, Granger, not stalking."
"You are what?"
Draco gave Hermione the measuring look she hated. Hermione flinched at the stare.
"Don't fuss, Hermione. I am just escorting you to your common room. It's late and it's my fault you're still up."
Hermione had her suspicions but the sooner she got to the common room, the sooner she get to tell Harry. And arguing with Draco wan't going to help.
"Whatever." she muttered.
They walked on without talking to each other until they arrived at the portrait of the Fat Lady. Hermione turned to Draco who was still fixing her a very peculiar look.
"This is it." she told him icily.
Draco nodded and turned lo leave. Hermione watched him in the dark but after a few, agitating seconds, she called him back
"Draco!"
"Uh-huh." Draco said without turning back.
"Did you really mean what you said?"
Draco stopped dead in his tracks. She couldn't be possibly be asking him about the match. But why should she care though? It was very nice of her to wear that mortified look earlier (at least she didn't slap him forthright as he'd expected), but did she really have to rub it in?
"Yes, Granger, I do mean it." Draco hissed. And with that, he stormed away feeling ashamed and relieved of a burden at the same time.
Hermione smiled to herself but after realizing the urgent matter she had to discuss with Harry, she quickly turned to enter the hole only to find Harry and Ron waiting for her at the common room. Ron, who looked outraged and shocked, spoke first.
"What were you doing with Malfoy at the dead of the night?"
"We can settle that later Ron. I have to talk to Harry."
"And you had to show him the way to our common room eh?"
"Ron! What are you saying? What's up with you and common rooms? It's not supposed to be exactly hidden, you know? Even I know where Draco's common room is."
"Aha, just as I thought! While me and Harry here are worrying about his stolen game plan, you are fraternizing with the enemy!"
With this, Ron got the same reaction from both Hermione and Harry.
"Ron, calm down!"
Ron turned to look at Harry who was staring at him as if he was a maniac.
"Ron, there's a lot of things you don't understand. Just sit down for a moment. Tell him Hermione." Harry said trying to force Ron to sit at a squashy chair.
"No. I am not listening to that traitor! All I know is while Albertine's feasting his eyes on your game plan, Hermione here is plotting against us with that slimy Malfoy."
Ron had hit the mark this time. Harry was surprised to see that Hermione wasn't crying instead, she was looking at Ron with something related to fury. He saw her walk up to Ron and give him a hard slap that left an ugly red mark across his face.
"I will not be spoken to like that, Ron. And since you're too much of an idiot than you are a friend, I am leaving you to figure everything out by yourself. And don't ever tell me to talk to this freak again, Harry-ever." Hermione said in a voice shaking with unmistakable anger. And after a final flash of her eyes at the stupefied Ron, she stormed to the girl's common room.
Meanwhile, Ron just stood there with his jaw hanging open, the intensity of the slap still evident on his face. Harry shoved him to the chair he was offering earlier and without hesitation, Ron took it.
"Ron, I think I've never seen Hermione that angry before. The last time was with...."
"Malfoy." Ron finished for him.
Harry looked at him. Ron was still looking quite disoriented. He couldn't blame him. The slap was nothing short of pain and surprise. But after Ron was finally able to get a grip of himself, Harry started telling him about Hermione's little run-down with Draco. Ron's jaw dropped and opened at the right places And after Harry was done with the whole story, he was glad to see that besides disbelief, there were traces of regret in Ron's face.
"But Harry, how about their chat this afternoon? I heard her and Draco arguing about the match in a vacated room, I swear!"
Harry looked at Ron's impulsive face. Recalling the way he had reacted a while ago to Hermione, without knowing the truth behind it, he wasn't very sure he was ready to take his word seriously.
"Look, Ron. They could be talking about anything. And even I who knew they were working together couldn't have guessed what that chat was about. How could you be so sure yourself?" He had intended not to sound too suspicious of Ron but it was of no use.
"Harry, you saw her and Malfoy back there! Malfoy was practically goggling at her and she didn't seem to mind!"
Harry wasn't able to stop himself from grinning.
"Ron, that has nothing to do with the match. I think you're just jealous."
Ron glared at Harry.
"Look, Harry, I don't give a damn about what those two could possibly be doing. I am worried about the match on wednesday."
"Okay Ron, if you say so.." Harry said in a very annoying tone. Ron glanced up at him. The look on Harry's face was killing him!
"I gave Albertine your game plan last Friday and he refused to give it back. Don't you think that's not enough to keep you worred?" Ron said without realizing that he had just made a confession. He was able to remove the funny look in Harry's face but it was now replaced with a very dark look.
"Ron, you gave Albertine my game plan." He heard Harry say. And he wasn't asking. He sounded like he was judging him. Suddenly, the guilt feeling at the pit of his gut burst out. He reached out for Harry's shoulder and shook him.
"I'm sorry, Harry! I didn't mean to. It was very stupid of me."
Harry just stared at him blankly. The game plan was really plain thrash and he would have willingly told Ron that he didn't mind, but a sudden idea occurred to him.
"I can see who's the traitor now, Ron. And it's definitely not Hermione." he said coldly, turning out of Ron's sight to avoid bursting out in laughter. He was sure he was going to remember that guilt-driven look Ron wore for the rest of his life. But as for now, he had to talk to Hermione.
Harry crept silently inside the hole to the girl's dormitories, careful not to wake up any of them and create a commotion. When he finally reached the last bunk with a sniffing bushy head in it, he slowly reached out to Hermione and poked her arm. Hermione almost jumped up in surprise. Luckily, her curtains were drawn, otherwise the other girls could have heard her gasp.
"Harry, what are you doing here?"
"I was just checking if you're okay."
Hermione wiped her eyes hastily and smiled,
"I'm fine. But that was an awful thing I did to Ron, I hope he's fine too..." Hermione said in worried voice.
Harry beamed at her. He knew she couldn't stay angry with Ron for a long time-even if it was not her fault Which brings him back to his little trick on Ron.
"Hermione, about Ron. He just told me that he gave Albertine my game plan and I could see that he was really sorry about it."
"You have a game plan?" Hermione asked dubious.
Harry grinned at her.
"Of course it was just trash but I thought it was nice to give him a scare so he wouldn't get used to calling you stuff next time." Harry said looking warmly at Hermione whose face suddenly darkened.
"Harry, I wasn't plotting against you."
"Of course you weren't. It was just Ron's imagina...." Harry was saying when Hermione cut him.
"And neither was Draco. He came to tell me that the Slytherins are playing against you this Wednesday and that Albertine wasn't planning on telling you 'till it was too late. He said he wanted to play fair, if you're thinking why he told me." She added hastily.
"And please don't get mad at me for working with Draco."
"I'm not mad-just worried And don't worry, I believe him. He isn't liable to tell you lies anyway, especially not now when he can't even take his eyes off you." Harry said as-a-matter-of-factly. He thought he saw Hermione blush.
"I don't believe he likes me, Harry. It's just one of his dirty tricks to toy with me."
"So, he actually told you he likes you? But how? What did he look like?"
Harry was saying when Parvati stirred at their side. Hermione placed a finger on Harry's mouth to hush him. They listened quietly for a while until they heard Parvati's regular wheezing again.
"Harry-tomorrow, okay?"
Harry nodded disappointedly. But before leaving, he gave Hermione a quick peck on the cheek.
"Good night, Hermione. Sweet dreams." he whispered, rushing out before Hermione could call out 'Harry!'. He was predicting this sort would happen but he trusted Hermione. She knows her way around and Draco would be too foolish to try to pull a trick on her. He assured himself this as he went to his own bunk. He noticed the big lump that was Ron at his side. He was covering himself with his too short blanket, trying hard not to stir. Harry knew he must have waited for him to return but he wasn't done with his trick yet. It wasn't long enough to make Ron repent.
"Good night, Harry. Quidditch match on Wednesday, so sleep soundly." Harry said loud enough for Ron to hear. He saw Ron squirm beneath the covers before he pulled the curtains in his own poster bed close. That reminded him of his biggest problem-how they will get through Slytherin.
"If only I had a crappy game plan..." he whispered to himself before drifting in a troubled sleep.
Disclaimer: All of this belongs to J.K. Rowling except for the plot, which is mine!!
Chapter 9 - Ron's Big Blunder
"Hermione, it's me Harry. Don't go calling out the professors, we'll be dead!" said the person in front of her. She couldn't see if it was indeed Harry because the lights were already out but she recognized the voice.
"Harry, what are you doing here?"
"Same thing I wanted to ask you. What are you doing here-I mean, out there with Malfoy....I hadn't planned on prying but...okay, I saw the two of you, no point in denying that. But what exactly you were doing with that slimy rot, I have no idea, so I guess I should be asking you." Harry had said all this in one breath that it took him some time before he could breathe on regulars again. Hermione seemed to be as surprised as him at the question as she didn't answer right away. Instead, she dragged Harry all the way back to the Gryffindor Tower, and only after having both themselves seated in each of its squashy chairs did she start to explain.
"Harry, I was out there with Draco because he was showing me around.." Hermione said, trying to keep a straight eye on Harry.
"With his broomstick, eh?" Harry said, looking ludicrously at Hermione.
"Yes, with his broom Narcissa."
"What did he call it? Narcissa?" Harry started to ask, a would-be-grin forming in his face. But he started questioning Hermione again,
"Hermione, he told you that?"
"Yes. Why shouldn't he?"
"You mean to say, why should he?! The two of you are not really close buds in case you've forgotten and Malfoy's extremely touchy when it comes to things about his mother. So unless there's something going on that you ought to tell me, I can't find any reason why he should tell you that."
Hermione looked desperately at Harry but seeing that there was no way hiding anything from him, she decided to tell him the story. Harry's jaw dropped and opened several times. And sometimes, his face even screwed up in disagreement as Hermione tarried on with her story on how she came to teaching Draco. She purposely omitted certain details like what he actually Draco told her back in the field. And after she was done with the whole story, her throat was extremely hoarse from talking.
Harry stared at Hermione for a very long time. The weight of the whole thing took him by surprise and there were some things about it that didn't feel right.
"Umm, Hermione? Why did Draco wanted to pass the N E.W.T.s?"
"I realy don't know, Harry. He just said it was the most elite (actually, the word he used was descent but Hermione made some adjustments) spot you could get so..."
"He went for it, that's all?"
"Yes. But you don't believe that, do you?"
"You know, it's a little fishy Hermione...."
"I thought so too."
There was another pause as Harry watched the drained look Hermione was wearing. And there was something else he needed to clarify.
"Hermione, I didn't trade you for Quidditch. I was just so busy with the team reaching for my neck all the time, didn't realize what you were going through."
Hermione stared at Harry's bottle-green eyes and saw that he was being honest. She realized that she missed that look very much. And with someone so....deceitful like Draco, it wasn't unlikely at all.
"Hermione, I shouldn't have done that. I mean, I know you were already having trouble with Ron and I didn't even bother to stick up with you...." Harry was saying when Hermione cut him,
"Nah, Harry, it wasn't your fault. You didn't have the time because the match is this week. I should have known that but I guess everything just took me too hard, with the N.E.W.T.s coming and all.." Hermione stopped here and tears were threatening to roll down her cheeks but before Harry could see them, she hung her head. She was being such a cry baby already.
Harry placed a hand on Hermione's back and patted her clumsily. He didn't know it was that big a thing for her. He had been so insensitive
"But not half as cold as Ron" He thought feeling a spark of spite for the friend. The problem would have been easier to resolve if only Ron was with them right now.
"Hermione, I'm really sorry about that. Promise I won't insist that you watch our match with Ravenclaw this Wednesday. You could stay as far away from the field as you wish." he said grinning at her.
Hermione looked up at him and smiled. Harry knew what was coming.
"Thanks, Harry. I had been very silly!" she said flinging her arms around him, and when she finally let go, Harry started pouring her questions which he were killing him at the moment.
"Hermione, where do you and Malfoy stay after classes? And you actually stomached that leech near you?"
"First, I can't tell you where we stay." Hermione was saying. Harry was about to ask 'why' but she didn't let him finish.
"And I did a fine job bearing with him, thank you very much. He was quite fine apart from the fact that he hated Muggles like me and that he is a.."
"Slimy, stinking, rot who gives Death Eaters around the world a bad name?" Harry piped in.
"Not exactly what I had in mind, but yeah, something like that." What she was actually trying to say was that Draco didn't know how to consider the words that were spilling out of his mouth and that he was hopelessly insensitive-plus cold. The thought of the scene in the field still irritated the hell out of her
"And Hermione, you said Draco cured your ankle eh? Have you any idea how he knew how to do it?" Harry asked again, looking intensely at Hermione.
"Good point, Harry. But I asked him that already and he didn't give me a descent answer."
"I figured he wouldn't really spill everything out to you. Can you ask him that when you two get back together?"
"Er..get back together?" Hermione repeated meekly.
"I mean, when the two of you start the lessons again. What were you thinking?"
"Nothing."
But Harry was having big suspicions and he noticed that Hermione kept mistaking Harry's questions as accusations of one thing or another. It was starting to worry him. Which brings him back to the question,
"Hermione, what were you doing with Malfoy back there at the field?"
"Harry, I told you, he was showing me around." Hermione replied defensively.
"He had to place his arms around you?" Harry inquired.
"That's so I won't fall off the broom!" she spat. But Harry could see her cheeks burn.
"And he had to hold your hand too after the ride, I suppose?"
"Oh, whatever! Think of it anyway you want, Harry. I hope you're happy." she cried, sitting on her chair sideways, trying to avoid his gaze.
After a while, Harry spoke again, "Are you mad, Hermione?" he asked poking her in the ribs.
"Nah."
"But you're not happy at all that I'm asking you these?"
"Not really."
"Good! So how about it, what's there between you and that---er---Malfoy?"
"Oh, I've had enough!" Hermione cried, standing up but Harry caught her on the shoulder before she had the chance to exit. He was forcing to stop what Hermione suspected to be a grin. He raked his jet-black hair and pointed at a great big cushion on the floor.
"Hermione, I'm just joking. Sit down and relax, okay?" Then he added "I haven't heard from you for a long time. And I don't want to give you the impression that I'm trading you for Quidditch now, do I?" He told her smiling. Sitting with Hermione again even for just five minutes made him realize just how much he missed her. And adding the fact that he was guilty of ignoring his best friend, Harry couldn't help but feel his obligation to hear her out grow. He watched Hermione sink exhaustedly in the cushion and settled himself too at the black cushion next to her.
"Hermione, don't you think you should make up with Ron?"
"With him? After what said did to me?"
"But he always calls you stuff. You know him." Harry tried to sound casual.
"That's just the problem, Harry. He can't keep himself from insulting me and unless he decides to do just that, I am not supposed to talk to him again."
"That's what Malfoy told you?" said Harry, knitting his brows in concern.
"No. Keep Draco out of this please." Hermione said in a tone that seemed to say that Harry was giving Draco a hard time. But he didn't dare point this out to Hermione.
"Well, sure. If that's what you want. Just keep me posted, okay? In case you think it's time to lift your hostilities with him..." Harry tried to say in his calmest voice but it didn't work though because Hermione shot him a sympathetic look.
"Oh, Harry, I don't want to trouble you with our fight but I guess you're already caught in it. I still can't talk to Ron right now but are you okay with us warring on either side of you?"
"It's okay, I'm fine, really. But I think I'd be better off if I came up with a crappy game plan for the team." he told her honestly.
"Your talent and only talent-no game plan strategy didn't work?" Hermione asked grinning at him.
"And you had to rub it in?" he replied smugly. Hermione just said 'Aha' to this although Harry couldn't see the point of 'Aha-ing' him when it was such a serious case like Quidditch. He tried to shift the topic away from Quidditch since it just makes him feel weak in the stomach.
"Hermione, how is your review coming?"
"Quite fine. At least it was better than last week."
"Er-even with Malfoy around?"
"Harry, it's fine with or without him."
"No offense Hermione but I just can't imagine how it could be fine with him bossing you around."
"He's not bossing me much."
Harry stared at her not wanting to believe what she just said. He pulled his jaw together and blurted out,
"You think so?"
"Forget it, Harry. Let's just talk about something else like if you're ever planning to review yourself."
"Actually, I am not really-er-up to it and."
"You're not planning to take it?! But Harry, you have a good chance on it, you've done serious defense against dark arts before wtth-er-the Dark Lord..."
"C'mon Hermione, you know I still have to pass the tests and I'm not good on those." said Harry cutting her short.
"But you could study with me!"
"What? With Malfoy lurking around? Gee, that's a great idea Hermione but, no thanks." Hermione wrinkled her forehead
"It's just for three weeks. We could still have learning together afterwards..."
"I'm Quidditch captain now remember? I can't even put up with the practices, how do you expect me to have time for reviews?"
Hermione looked outraged with the thought of trading the N.E.W.T.s for a game but she just closed her mouth about it. It was a good thing she and Harry were on speaking terms again and she didn't want to risk it. And besides, Quidditch really meant a lot to Harry.
"Another topic do you reckon?" she asked smiling.
Harry beamed at her. They chatted on until dawn ('Oh my God! It's two in the morning. Harry!) And since they were too sleepy to get to their own rooms, they just conjured up sleeping bags and at about two in the morning, Harry laid staring at the half-sleeping Hermione.
"Hey, still up?"
"Yeah." came a groggy answer.
"I just wanted to ask you about Malfoy. It's something like this: was he being nice-I mean, less horrible to you in any way?" Harry asked although he knew it was pointless as Hermione was obviously drifting off to sleep. But he thought he heard her say 'ahlittle'. "Well, just don't let him get to you. You know how slimy that git can get eh, Hermione?"
No answer.
"Good night, Hermione. And do try to watch the match okay?" whispered Harry as he zipped the sleeping bag up to Hermione's neck. He didn't go to sleep right away. He was watching Hermione carefully. What could Malfoy possibly want with her? Whatever it was, it would definitely be foul. If only he could guess what it was and if only Ron was smart enough to make up with Hermione so he could spy on Draco while he didn't have the time.
"Blast that git!" he cursed silently to himself before zipping his own sleeping bag close. It was another Quidditch day tomorrow and he still had some smelly work to do with that game plan. Everything went well that night. He was thankful he went to field for some late practice. Otherwise he wouldn't have seen Hermione and Draco and their-er-nice ride. He just hope things go smoothly too tomorrow with the team.
"Hey, Ronald Weasley!"
Ron spun around and saw Albertine skidding to him. He just came down for some breakfast when the Slytherin team captain caught up with him. He grinned a half-grin at him and said, "How're yeh doing, you big oaf?"
Albertine looked taken aback at this but he forced a smile anyway. "Fine, Hey look. I got to talk to you about something."
"I really haven't had any breakfast. I am sure you could wait."
"Actually, no. This is a serious matter-the sort that only-er-high people like you could understand. Sure you have a minute?"
Ron smiled at the mention of being one of the 'high people'. Finally, someone actually appreciates his newly found status. Albertine really knew his way around people and he could take a good spot in his circle, if he kept it up, of course.
"Sure. What's up?"
"Follow me, okay?"
Ron nodded, careful to keep his chin up on the air all the time. He followed Albertine right on a sharp turn to the right and to a corner away from the noise of the Great Hall. He watched him twist his face in a nervous sort of way and waited for him to speak up.
"Ronald, you're friends with Potter, right?"
"What about him?" Ron asked in an annoyed tone. Albertine couldn't have possibly dragged him all this way just to ask for Harry's autograph now, could he?
"Nothing, really. Just thought he should be sticking out with you lately since his scar appeal is wearing off. It's just the right spot for him, y'know, right at center of all the attention."
Ron grinned heartily at this. Albertine had really good taste. He probably saw him for what he could really come up to be even before he had the bucks to spend on him.
"But you see, he's quite braggy about Quidditch and it kills me to know what he's so showy about. He can't really come up with a killer game plan can't he? I mean, without your help, Ronald. You see, I saw you mount his broom last week and you've got skills but you're probably not the showy type though, since you'd rather stroll around having fun than break your back having everyone slapping them." said Albertine, smiling sheepishly at Ron whose face lighted up.
"You know, I think he did come up with a crappy plan although I doubt if it would be of use since he hasn't shown me it yet." he told him without thinking.
"Good, then perhaps we could take a quick look at it, eh?"
Ron eyed him suspiciously . "Why do you want it?"
"So you and me could rate its efficiency. I am not saying I'm better than you but I do know some things about Quidditch. And with our tips, Potter could have some hope against Ravenclaw on Wednesday. God knows we want to meet him at the Finals. But first, we've got to help him out with Ravenclaw, don't you think so?"
Ron nodded numbly. He can't say no to Albertine. He won't think he's cool enough anymore. And besides, it was just a peek and they wouldn't be playing against Slytherin anyway.
"Right, so meet you back here in a few minutes?"
"Right." said Albertine beaming.
Ron walked up the Gryffindor tower to ask Harry if he could let Albertine a go on their sketch plan although he didn't think Harry would like the idea very much. He had just stepped in through the portrait of the fat lady when he remembered that he and Harry weren't talking.
"Oh real smart, Ron. How could you forget that all-purpose scarhead isn't sticking up for you? Really great.." he was muttering irritated when he stumbled on a heap at the floor. He looked down to see that it was Harry, still wrapped up in his sleeping bag.
"You still haven't gotten up yet, Harry?!"
Harry didn't even stir He was still breathing at regulars and it seemed obvious to Ron that from the time he left the common room for breakfast, he had still been snoozing. But what attracted his attention was the piece of parchment sticking out from beneath his sleeping bag. Ron pulled it off, careful not to wake Harry.
"Aha!" he muttered, recognizing the neatly scrawled circles and labels. It was Harry's game plan. Ron hesitated a little. Then after a moment of thinking, he realized that he'd rather see one furious Harry than not live to see the day when everyone was appreciating him. It was his last year at Hogwarts and he just can't remain a skinny nobody for the rest of the year.
"Just going to borrow this for a while, okay?" he choked, turning towards the hole before he had time to change his mind. Anyway, Harry was his friend. If anything went fishy, he'd make him understand. But right now, that was just the least of his worries.
It was Monday morning at Hogwarts. Hermione walked past the busy corridor to the grounds across for her Herbology class with Professor Sprout. She was in a very cheerful mood today since she had just had a nice Draco-free weekend. Apparently, he had enough decency to get out of her way for the whole Saturday and Sunday. And if he could just stretch it out a little..
"Ouch!" Hermione squealed as she felt herself crash to someone.
"Watch it, Granger." the cold, drawling voice of no other than Draco Malfoy came. He was standing right in front of her near the open greenhouse gate.
"Draco! What do you think are you doing, spreading yourself all over the place?!"
"I was just standing here when you came strutting and bumped your bushy head at me."
"Just get out of my sight Draco before I." she was fuming when Harry suddenly tugged from her side
"Umm.Hermione, we're running a little late here." he told her meaningfully. Hermione checked her watch and give out a small gasp. She looked at Harry apprehensively,
"You're right! Oh. Professor Sprout will not like this." And with that, she hurried away.
"See you later, Malfoy." Draco heard Harry say after throwing him a look that spelled out suspicion. He had just meant to talk to Hermione but leave it to Potter to stick around her like a parasite. Draco thrashed at the ground for a while, sending dust flying around him. Only after he saw Hermione and Harry disappear inside the greenhouse did he decide to head for the castle and leave. Surely, there must be somewhere Hermione went without scarhead at her heels and he had just the whole day to find out.
Inside the greenhouse, Harry dabbed a muddy finger at Hermione's working cloak.
"Harry!"
"Sorry, Hermione, but mind if we talk alone? I've got something to tell you." Harry told her, gesturing at the vacated working table at the far end. He saw Parvati and Neville nod their consent.
"What is it?" Hermione inquired hastily. Professor Sprout was discussing a very important lesson she was very interested at.
"Hermione, Draco's not in our Herbology class."
Hermione gaped at him. "Honestly, Harry! You wanted to tell me just that and you had to drag me away? Of course he's not in our class, where have you been all the time?"
"I know and that's what I'm trying to point out. He's not taking Herbology with us but you bumped into him on your way here."
Hermione continued to stare at him pretending not to get a clue of what he was talking about.
"Hermione, isn't it obvious he was waiting for you to show up there? Don't you see that?" Harry told her impatiently.
"What if he was just strolling around?"
"Strolling right in front of the greenhouse gate? I don't think so."
Hermione just shrugged and started to return to the working table. "Harry, you're just imagining stuff. I have better things to do than watch out for a stalking Draco or listen to you blubbering about him. Just drop it, okay?"
Harry watched her wearily. Hermione wouldn't notice a dirty motive unless it danced naked in front of her. But later events proved how entirely wrong he was. After catching Draco cast dark looks at Hermione far the umpteenth time, he finally had his doubts secured when their Potions class came.
Draco approached Snape to ask for a new seating arrangement and to Harry's disgust, he and Ron ended up working with Crabbe and Goyle while the whole back-most table remained for Draco and Hermione alone.
"But sir, I thought there's supposed to be four to a table." Harry prompted to Snape as he caught the triumphant sneer in Draco's face.
"You got that right, Potter. But if you will try counting the class, you'd notice there are two excess pupils. And I think this justifies my choice unless you prefer splitting up Granger into three pieces. And we don't want that now, do we?"
The whole Slytherin lot laughed heartily at this but Harry was glad to see that Draco didn't look too happy with his question. Once or twice he tried to purposely make round trips to the thrash can just to catch a bit of Hermione and Draco's conversation. ButSnape kept catching him all the time and he was starting to feel weary. Perhaps he'd just have to wait 'till end of Potions.
"Harry, are you okay?" Ron asked from his back. Harry spun around to see a very disturbed look at Ron's face. If there was anyone who'd not be okay, it'd definitely be Ron. But because he was too busy spying on Hermione, Harry didn't take any regard of this.
"I'm cool, Ron. Just worried."
"But the Quidditch match is not until Wednesday!"
Harry stared dumbly at Ron. "It's not the match that I'm worried about-it's Hermione." Harry wasn't able to catch Ron's reply because the bell just rang and as expected, Draco and Hermione were again nowhere in sight But so was Ron, Harry realized when he turned around to talk to him and found no one but Crabbe and Goyle. They were still pounding stupidly at their bicorn horn, oblivious to the fact that everyone was scuttling to get out of class.
"Trolls.you see them everywhere." he muttered disgustedly before hurrying out of the room himself. He turned hastily towards the Quidditch field, rehearsing the pep talk he intended to give the team that afternoon. If the team would bite it, they would probably believe his made-up game plan too. It was just too bad that he lost the sketch he made last Friday. It was mostly thrash but the team would believe anything that was labeled 'game plan' anyway. And it was the best he could do to improve their poor performance. The Draco-stalker thing had to wait 'till tonight. Right now, he'd better look convincing enough otherwise they could just forget placing a foot in the Finals.
"Calm down, Ron! You got everything under control. Harry didn't even notice that the game plan was gone. You're just going to tell Albertine that it's about time he hand you over the plan because you promised him a peek-just a peek at it. And he'd already had it for the whole weekend! Surely that was more than enough." Ron was telling himself over and over again when he heard familiar voices arguing at the vacant room to his left. He went over the door and peered inside to see Hermione and Draco having a row.
"Just drop it, Malfoy!"
"I'm not taking orders from you, Granger. Let's just get this over with."
"Forget it."
"Come on, Hermione. I have Quidditch practice tonight. Don't make me any later than I am already."
Ron saw Hermione give Draco an exasperated look then she threw her hands in the air in frustration.
"Fine Draco, whatever you want. Just let me go."
Ron watched as a lop-sided grin formed in Draco's face. Then too late, he realized that their little chat seemed to be just over because Hermione already had her back at Draco. But before he could make a run for it, he saw her already bounding towards the door-right at him!
"Hey, Granger, good night. I'll see 'ya." he thought he heard Draco say before he managed to duck into a narrow corridor at the side of the room, missing being discovered by a hairline.
He heard Hermione utter 'fine' but only after seeing her storm away angrily and Draco disappear at the other corridor, did he come out of his hiding place. Standing up, he tried to organize the things he had just heard. He could clearly recall hearing about getting something over with and 'Quidditch'. Yes, he definitely heard Quidditch. He was so sure the talk was about the coming match this Wednesday. Ron's stomach did a very funny lurch.
"Uh-oh, this is really getting screwed up. I think Harry should know this one." he muttered to himself concluding that Hermione hated them so much that she was willing to see a Slytherin victory just to extract her revenge. With that disturbed thought, Ron hurried towards the Gryffindor Tower looking more anxious than ever.
Late that night, Hermione was still in her chamber, flipping pages of an old book idly. She had already finished all her work and was already rechecking them for the third time but still Draco hadn't appeared. He insisted that they meet here tonight after his Quidditch practice because he had to tell her something. Hermione guessed this had something to do with the ride last Friday and tried to tell him off earlier after their Potions class, but he refused. So here she was waiting for Draco for God knows what time, Hermione thought irked, until she heard the hole scraping open.
"Oh, so you decided to show up after all."
Draco stared at her reluctantly and looked as away. He was late-dead late. It was all Albertine's fault. He made them practice all night, telling them that this was to compensate for their lost practice time last week. Draco thought this was bull since they didn't know that they were supposed to have a match this Wednesday until now. And he was 100 percent sure that the Gryffindors didn't know it either. This was what he had to talk to Hermione about. But before that, the disaster in the ride first.
"I'm sorry Hermione."
Hermione peered curiously at Draco. That was a strange response to get from him. "I told you already-it's nothing. It was just a very normal thing for you to say since you really hate me and I just over-reacted, that's all. End of story."
"I don't hate you.Really, I don't."
"But you hate Muggles and that's really just the same thing."
"But Hermione, you're different."
Hermione felt relieved to hear this but there was something else...
"But you pointed out to me last Friday that I am a Muggle, Draco!"
"Forget what I said Hermione. I was just trying to." Draco stopped at this. He was about to tell Hermione that he meant to say she was special even if she was a Muggle but the conflict his feelings for her brought about somehow got intertwined with his words, but he decided that this would sound too cheesy.
"You were trying to what, Draco?" Hermione asked.
Draco stared at Hermione's hazel eyes. They never fail to give him strange warmth whenever he looked at them. This was one of those times. And finally deciding that he cared the least whether his father would be outraged or not, Draco reached out for Hermione's hand.
"I don't know what I meant by that."
"That's nothing new."
"But I think I like you."
"You what? Now that doesn't make sense at all!" Hermione said, feeling a little dizzy at the moment. Draco just shrugged impatiently and dropped her hand. Hermione noticed that he was looking paler than usual. She started regretting having acted the way she had.
"I know it sounds stupid so just forgot I said that okay?"
Hermione nodded numbly. She was still not believing what Draco just told her.
"Hermione, I have another thing to tell you." said Draco, waving a hand lazily at the dazed Hermione. Hermione tried hard to look Draco in the eye.
"We are playing against Gryffindor this Wednesday."
"You are not. Ravenclaw is matched up with Gryffindor on Wednesday."
"That's what's supposed to happen but Albertine came up with this plan to bring the Gryff-I mean you guys down. He somehow convinced the Ravenclaw captain to ask Madam Hooch to cancel their match on Wednesday because of some crappy excuse about their chasers catching the flu at the same time. And since we have the same team standing as them, Madam Hooch agreed to put us on."
"But Albertine haven't told Harry about this."
"I know. He wasn't planning to tell anyone. At least not 'till late tomorrow afternoon."
"But Harry's been expecting Ravenclaw!"
"That's why you got to tell him this, Hermione. Otherwise, we're going to stomp them flat on Wednesday."
Hermione gaped at Draco. She must definitely be dreaming. Draco against a Slytherin victory?
"B-but why are you telling me this?"
"I don't know myself. Perhaps because I.."
"No don't tell me that crap again, Draco. It's getting on my nerves."
"Tell yow what again, Hermione? I was trying to say I wanted to crash Potter fair and square on Wednesday. What were you thinking?"
Hermione blushed deeply at this. Draco stifted a smile.
"Forget it, Malfoy."
"So we're back to surnames, Granger?" Draco asked grinning.
"Drop it, Draco."
"Fine with me."
"Is that all? It's getting pretty late." Hermione said flatly, getting the impression that Draco was toying with her.
"Ye p."
"Good."
Hermione started for the hole, darting quickly so as not to let Draco see her face. She was sure it went the color of a tomato. Draco scrambled quietly behind her and they both made their way up the Tower. But when Hermione turned right and Draco was still right behind her, she stopped and faced him.
"Draco, the Slytherin common room is to the left."
"I know, Granger, I know."
"Then why are you still stalking me?"
"Escorting, Granger, not stalking."
"You are what?"
Draco gave Hermione the measuring look she hated. Hermione flinched at the stare.
"Don't fuss, Hermione. I am just escorting you to your common room. It's late and it's my fault you're still up."
Hermione had her suspicions but the sooner she got to the common room, the sooner she get to tell Harry. And arguing with Draco wan't going to help.
"Whatever." she muttered.
They walked on without talking to each other until they arrived at the portrait of the Fat Lady. Hermione turned to Draco who was still fixing her a very peculiar look.
"This is it." she told him icily.
Draco nodded and turned lo leave. Hermione watched him in the dark but after a few, agitating seconds, she called him back
"Draco!"
"Uh-huh." Draco said without turning back.
"Did you really mean what you said?"
Draco stopped dead in his tracks. She couldn't be possibly be asking him about the match. But why should she care though? It was very nice of her to wear that mortified look earlier (at least she didn't slap him forthright as he'd expected), but did she really have to rub it in?
"Yes, Granger, I do mean it." Draco hissed. And with that, he stormed away feeling ashamed and relieved of a burden at the same time.
Hermione smiled to herself but after realizing the urgent matter she had to discuss with Harry, she quickly turned to enter the hole only to find Harry and Ron waiting for her at the common room. Ron, who looked outraged and shocked, spoke first.
"What were you doing with Malfoy at the dead of the night?"
"We can settle that later Ron. I have to talk to Harry."
"And you had to show him the way to our common room eh?"
"Ron! What are you saying? What's up with you and common rooms? It's not supposed to be exactly hidden, you know? Even I know where Draco's common room is."
"Aha, just as I thought! While me and Harry here are worrying about his stolen game plan, you are fraternizing with the enemy!"
With this, Ron got the same reaction from both Hermione and Harry.
"Ron, calm down!"
Ron turned to look at Harry who was staring at him as if he was a maniac.
"Ron, there's a lot of things you don't understand. Just sit down for a moment. Tell him Hermione." Harry said trying to force Ron to sit at a squashy chair.
"No. I am not listening to that traitor! All I know is while Albertine's feasting his eyes on your game plan, Hermione here is plotting against us with that slimy Malfoy."
Ron had hit the mark this time. Harry was surprised to see that Hermione wasn't crying instead, she was looking at Ron with something related to fury. He saw her walk up to Ron and give him a hard slap that left an ugly red mark across his face.
"I will not be spoken to like that, Ron. And since you're too much of an idiot than you are a friend, I am leaving you to figure everything out by yourself. And don't ever tell me to talk to this freak again, Harry-ever." Hermione said in a voice shaking with unmistakable anger. And after a final flash of her eyes at the stupefied Ron, she stormed to the girl's common room.
Meanwhile, Ron just stood there with his jaw hanging open, the intensity of the slap still evident on his face. Harry shoved him to the chair he was offering earlier and without hesitation, Ron took it.
"Ron, I think I've never seen Hermione that angry before. The last time was with...."
"Malfoy." Ron finished for him.
Harry looked at him. Ron was still looking quite disoriented. He couldn't blame him. The slap was nothing short of pain and surprise. But after Ron was finally able to get a grip of himself, Harry started telling him about Hermione's little run-down with Draco. Ron's jaw dropped and opened at the right places And after Harry was done with the whole story, he was glad to see that besides disbelief, there were traces of regret in Ron's face.
"But Harry, how about their chat this afternoon? I heard her and Draco arguing about the match in a vacated room, I swear!"
Harry looked at Ron's impulsive face. Recalling the way he had reacted a while ago to Hermione, without knowing the truth behind it, he wasn't very sure he was ready to take his word seriously.
"Look, Ron. They could be talking about anything. And even I who knew they were working together couldn't have guessed what that chat was about. How could you be so sure yourself?" He had intended not to sound too suspicious of Ron but it was of no use.
"Harry, you saw her and Malfoy back there! Malfoy was practically goggling at her and she didn't seem to mind!"
Harry wasn't able to stop himself from grinning.
"Ron, that has nothing to do with the match. I think you're just jealous."
Ron glared at Harry.
"Look, Harry, I don't give a damn about what those two could possibly be doing. I am worried about the match on wednesday."
"Okay Ron, if you say so.." Harry said in a very annoying tone. Ron glanced up at him. The look on Harry's face was killing him!
"I gave Albertine your game plan last Friday and he refused to give it back. Don't you think that's not enough to keep you worred?" Ron said without realizing that he had just made a confession. He was able to remove the funny look in Harry's face but it was now replaced with a very dark look.
"Ron, you gave Albertine my game plan." He heard Harry say. And he wasn't asking. He sounded like he was judging him. Suddenly, the guilt feeling at the pit of his gut burst out. He reached out for Harry's shoulder and shook him.
"I'm sorry, Harry! I didn't mean to. It was very stupid of me."
Harry just stared at him blankly. The game plan was really plain thrash and he would have willingly told Ron that he didn't mind, but a sudden idea occurred to him.
"I can see who's the traitor now, Ron. And it's definitely not Hermione." he said coldly, turning out of Ron's sight to avoid bursting out in laughter. He was sure he was going to remember that guilt-driven look Ron wore for the rest of his life. But as for now, he had to talk to Hermione.
Harry crept silently inside the hole to the girl's dormitories, careful not to wake up any of them and create a commotion. When he finally reached the last bunk with a sniffing bushy head in it, he slowly reached out to Hermione and poked her arm. Hermione almost jumped up in surprise. Luckily, her curtains were drawn, otherwise the other girls could have heard her gasp.
"Harry, what are you doing here?"
"I was just checking if you're okay."
Hermione wiped her eyes hastily and smiled,
"I'm fine. But that was an awful thing I did to Ron, I hope he's fine too..." Hermione said in worried voice.
Harry beamed at her. He knew she couldn't stay angry with Ron for a long time-even if it was not her fault Which brings him back to his little trick on Ron.
"Hermione, about Ron. He just told me that he gave Albertine my game plan and I could see that he was really sorry about it."
"You have a game plan?" Hermione asked dubious.
Harry grinned at her.
"Of course it was just trash but I thought it was nice to give him a scare so he wouldn't get used to calling you stuff next time." Harry said looking warmly at Hermione whose face suddenly darkened.
"Harry, I wasn't plotting against you."
"Of course you weren't. It was just Ron's imagina...." Harry was saying when Hermione cut him.
"And neither was Draco. He came to tell me that the Slytherins are playing against you this Wednesday and that Albertine wasn't planning on telling you 'till it was too late. He said he wanted to play fair, if you're thinking why he told me." She added hastily.
"And please don't get mad at me for working with Draco."
"I'm not mad-just worried And don't worry, I believe him. He isn't liable to tell you lies anyway, especially not now when he can't even take his eyes off you." Harry said as-a-matter-of-factly. He thought he saw Hermione blush.
"I don't believe he likes me, Harry. It's just one of his dirty tricks to toy with me."
"So, he actually told you he likes you? But how? What did he look like?"
Harry was saying when Parvati stirred at their side. Hermione placed a finger on Harry's mouth to hush him. They listened quietly for a while until they heard Parvati's regular wheezing again.
"Harry-tomorrow, okay?"
Harry nodded disappointedly. But before leaving, he gave Hermione a quick peck on the cheek.
"Good night, Hermione. Sweet dreams." he whispered, rushing out before Hermione could call out 'Harry!'. He was predicting this sort would happen but he trusted Hermione. She knows her way around and Draco would be too foolish to try to pull a trick on her. He assured himself this as he went to his own bunk. He noticed the big lump that was Ron at his side. He was covering himself with his too short blanket, trying hard not to stir. Harry knew he must have waited for him to return but he wasn't done with his trick yet. It wasn't long enough to make Ron repent.
"Good night, Harry. Quidditch match on Wednesday, so sleep soundly." Harry said loud enough for Ron to hear. He saw Ron squirm beneath the covers before he pulled the curtains in his own poster bed close. That reminded him of his biggest problem-how they will get through Slytherin.
"If only I had a crappy game plan..." he whispered to himself before drifting in a troubled sleep.