Some of you got confused in the 8th chapter.. Sorry! *pouts* Anyway, I think your mind will clear up after this chap ends.. To all of you who reviewed, this is dedicated to you! (yup.. not Kobe Bryant anymore!) Btw, Prantis - Queen of Hearts, they are in their 6th year..
Chapter 9: Disruptions
"What does Snape have to do with this?" Hermione asked Malfoy.
"He was the one who told me to practice." Malfoy answered her, like she knew what he was talking about.
"Practice?" Hermione said, suddenly frowning. "Practice what?"
Malfoy cleared his throat, straightened his pose, raised his eyebrows and said arrogantly, "I got the part of Romeo."
Hermione burst out laughing. "Romeo? You ARE kidding, right?"
"No. No. No. No. Hermione. This time, I'm telling the truth." Malfoy said lethally. Then Malfoy shut up at that moment. /I said her FIRST name. That wasn't supposed to happen../
Hermione was also stunned. /He said it again. I don't think that was supposed to happen../
Then Malfoy regained his composure and continued bragging, "Snape said I was PERFECT for the part. He's directing it, you know. Anyway.."
/Waitaminute!/ Hermione thought. /No one ever said Snape was directing that play! I thought it was just Stojakovic../
She remembered Dumbledore's words last Monday.
"Before we sit down to dinner, I would just like to say that I have already approved of Hogwarts' first ever Wizards' Night."
Everyone cheered. They've heard rumors of this, but now that it was officially announced, they were so excited. Dumbledore raised his hand to silence them.
"This is in line with the celebration of Christmas and the New Year. There is a lot of planning to be done, but I am sure we can make this a success if all of you cooperate. The specifics of the Wizards' night will be posted in the notice board next week."
Stojakovic promptly stood up and whispered something to Dumbledore.
"Ahh, yes." Dumbledore said as his face lit up. "Auditions for the play will be tomorrow, after classes, right here."
There were soft murmurs among the students. Dumbledore smiled and continued.
"The highlight of the Wizards' Night will be the play 'Romeo and Juliet.' It was written by a brilliant muggle named Shakespeare. I am actually not familiar with it, all I know is that it is about a girl and a boy.. and their forbidden love."
Everyone was thrilled. There were already loud noises about who might be perfect for the girl and boy. Some muggle-born students were narrating the plot. Several students were talking about how gifted they were on stage. Almost everyone wanted to take part in this play. Hermione and Harry, on the other hand, had no intention of being in it. And they were both sure that Ron, who was still in the hospital wing, will never act in front of the school.
"..so Snape told me that I got the part. I'm sure my father will be exceedingly proud. Granger, you listening?" Malfoy said when he was in the middle of his arrogant piece.
"Yes, Malfoy. Go on." Hermione was relieved he didn't call her 'Hermione.'
"Snape told me that practice would begin next, next week. Stojakovic still needs to find people who will take charge of the sets, costumes, lights and stuff."
"I thought the list of the cast would be posted next week." Hermione asked.
"Snape told me right after the audition that I got the part. Didn't you hear what I just said?"
"Um.." She didn't hear what he said on account that she was too busy reminiscing.
"Anyway, he gave me this thick book and told me to memorize - and practice. The play is too bloody long! That Henry Shakespeare! Can't he write a short 'forbidden love' story? Hell! The love is FORBIDDEN, so why bother?" Malfoy said in his sarcastic tone.
"It's William." Hermione said. "Honestly, if you're playing the part of Romeo, you should at least KNOW who wrote it!"
"Fine. 'Romeo and Juliet' by Henry William."
"William Shakespeare, Malfoy!" Hermione said as she rolled her eyes.
Malfoy snickered, how he loved annoying Hermione. Then unpredictably, Pansy came waltzing in.
"Draco, darling. Do you like this new blush I put on?" Pansy said as she clutched his arm.
"Um.." Malfoy didn't know what to say. /Pansy, whatever you do with your face, you still look the same - annoying./
Hermione rolled her eyes. /Whatever you do with that face, it still looks annoying./
"I knew you'd love it!" Pansy said as she smiled at Malfoy. It was a smile that scared the hell out of him.
Then Pansy noticed Hermione. "Granger? What is she doing here?"
"We had to discuss.. prefect stuff." Malfoy said without flinching.
"Oh.. Well, I need 8 galleons, my shopping went way over budget." Pansy said as she gave that creepy smile again.
"Here," Malfoy said as he reached for his pocket. He frowned and started taking out some stuff and laying them on the table. "Wait.. I can't seem to find my money." When he dug deep and finally pulled out a bag of coins, he handed the coins to Pansy.
Pansy gave that eerie smile again, and left without a thank you.
"Do you usually give Pansy 8 galleons?" Hermione asked.
"It's just 8 galleons, not a big deal. I mean, it's not that much, right?" Malfoy said apathetically. /Incredible! She asks that like I'm a pauper or something./
"Sure, sure. It isn't" Hermione said without looking at him. /Incredible! He says that like I'm a pauper or something./
Malfoy started putting all his scattered stuff back in his pocket. When he reached for a crumpled piece of paper, Hermione stopped him.
"That's ok, I'll throw it." Hermione offered. She took the paper. Then, the scent of the paper caught her nose. Hermione realized what it was. She smiled at Malfoy.
"So, you want me to throw your prop? Or do you want to cherish it forever?" Hermione said.
"It's not a prop." Malfoy said without smiling.
Hermione opened the creased paper. She was right, it was the letter of Malfoy's mother. She was confused.
"I thought this was fake." Hermione said despondently.
"Nope. It's as authentic as you." Malfoy said desolately. "It wasn't part of my act, but it did fit in."
Hermione sensed the same gush of sadness she felt last Thursday. Part of her believed him, but /Heck! As convincing as he sounds, I'm not falling for that again!/
"No, Malfoy. I am not gonna fall in your trap again." Hermione said.
"Granger. You are a VERY difficult woman. I told you it's REAL!" Malfoy's voice was getting a tad louder.
"Malfoy, what do you take me for?" Hermione asked with the same volume as Malfoy's voice.
Then, without warning, a dark voice spoke.
"A mudblood."
She knew that voice. That voice was the bane of her and every other muggle-born's existence.
/Lucius Malfoy!/
"Well, well, well, MY son in the same table with.. this." Lucius looked at Hermione.
Hermione was mad. /Who the hell does he think he is? Just barging in and insulting people!/
Malfoy was silent. /Hello there, my loving, caring, wonderful father! The same father who taught me that interrupting is unprincipled./
"We were just settling matters on the Wizards' Night, sir." Malfoy said without looking at Lucius.
"I do not care about what you are, were, or will be settling on. I came here for one thing." Lucius stretched out his hand.
Malfoy rapidly remembered what it meant. He gasped. "I left it at Hogwarts, sir."
"How very convenient. Draco, didn't you read the note?" Lucius' eyes were glaring.
"It didn't say when you were gonna get it from me, sir." Malfoy said.
"When did you think I was GOING TO get it? Damn it! I have to catch a train in ten minutes." Lucius said.
Malfoy didn't speak. Hermione was getting impatient. /Malfoy already said he didn't know when his 'sir' was GOING TO get whatever he was GOING TO get! Does this big shot have to force the issue?/
"He already said he didn't know. So maybe you should come back some other time." Hermione said without thinking.
/What is she doing?/ Malfoy asked himself. He didn't want Hermione involved in his battle.
Lucius defiantly stared at Hermione. "Teach this thing to keep its tongue behind its teeth, Draco."
Hermione was steaming. "It's MY mouth, Mr. High-and-mighty. If you don't like what I say, then don't listen!"
If looks could kill, Hermione would be dead by now. Lucius looked like he wanted to strangle her. But, whatever he planned to do, he knew he couldn't do it because he was aware of the other people in the Three Broomsticks. "YOU will address me as Mr. Malfoy. And I suggest you take some lessons on being more respectful towards your superiors."
"Mr. Malfoy ISN'T my superior." Hermione said. She was extremely angry - and scared. She didn't know where she was getting all this courage.
Lucius noticed a paper in Hermione's hand. He grabbed it from her, turned to Malfoy and said, "Draco, Narcissa was quite upset when she received a muggle present, but I guess she told you all about it here." He pointed at the letter. "Why is your filthy hand holding this?" He said as he glowered at Hermione.
"I let her read it, sir." Malfoy said promptly. "I told her it inspired me to think of a theme to suggest for Wizards' Night." Malfoy lied.
"And what is this theme you inspiringly thought of?" Lucius raised his eyebrows.
"A Wizards' Night - celebrated muggle style." Malfoy said. /It sounds pathetic. But it's the best I can come up with right now./
"Not bad, son. You sounded more convincing than last time." Lucius threw the letter on the table and turned to leave. "I'll be back for the book soon. I'll send you an owl - with the exact day and time."
"Yes sir." Malfoy said.
Lucius scowled at Hermione and left swiftly. Hermione rolled her eyes and said, "Do you have to address your own father like that?"
"Yes." Malfoy said blankly. "Look, the way sir.. I mean my father spoke to you, I ap.. apo.."
"You don't have to." Hermione said. "He gave you a harder time."
"It wasn't that hard." Malfoy said. /Father is too problematical. I cannot stand him sometimes. Actually, today, he looked like he was in a fine mood./ Malfoy thought as he stared at Hermione.
"Sure, Malfoy, it wasn't." Hermione said. /Mr. Malfoy is just too bigheaded. Malfoy's arrogance, I can stand. But MR. MALFOY's? I WILL NOT stand!/ Hermione thought angrily.
Hermione noticed that Malfoy was different when his 'sir' was around. He wasn't the supercilious and authoritative Malfoy she knew. With a father as cold as that, she understood why Malfoy was so - difficult. Malfoy had an unfeeling father who expected a great deal from him. /Draco is Mr. Malfoy's little puppet. He would do anything for his 'sir.'/
Malfoy didn't hate his father but he didn't exactly love him either. To Malfoy, his 'sir' was someone to follow and please every minute of every day. That was why he was amazed at how audacious Hermione was a while ago. /I didn't know that Hermione could stand up TO my father and stand up FOR me - her tormentor and foe. Not that I need any standing up for. But hell, that was amazing! Hah! 'Mr. High-and-mighty.'/
Malfoy felt a little better. He smirked at Hermione. "Do you believe me now?"
"Believe what?" Hermione asked.
"The letter."
"Yes.. Unless, you and your sir.."
"Do you really think he'd come all the way here just to do that?" Malfoy asked.
"I guess not." Hermione said dolefully. "What book was he looking for?"
"'Magic At Its Darkest'. You know, the one that has the curse that you used to blind me." Malfoy said sarcastically.
"I know the book, I just want to know why he has to come all the way here to get it." Hermione said edgily.
Malfoy told her everything he knew about the book. He knows that he wasn't supposed to, but since she had one too, he figured she might as well recognize its value.
When Malfoy was done reporting, Hermione was stunned. She never knew that that black book was so important. Then, for some ungodly reason, Ron emerges.
"We have been waiting for an hour, Hermione!" Ron was a bit irritated. He ignored the fact that Malfoy and Hermione were still talking.
"Well, I didn't say when I'd be there." Hermione shot back. She knew that Ron had the right to be angry, but he didn't have to butt in her conversation with Malfoy. She already had a hell of an interruption from 'Mr. Malfoy.'
"Hermione, we need to talk." Ron looked at Malfoy. "Now."
Hermione knew that look. It was the this-talk-will-affect-the-rest-of-our-lives look.
She stood up, said goodbye to Malfoy, and stepped out of the Three Broomsticks with Ron. Harry was nowhere to be found.
Ron looked into Hermione's eyes.
"Hermione.."
Hermione knew that tone in his voice. It was the same tone in the hospital wing - when he wanted to break up with her.
"Teach this thing to keep its tongue behind its teeth" - this line is from LOTR2. Btw, I changed my pen name to stupefied.. hehe.. CLARICEKARN1234 and jovy, thanks for putting me in your faves.. This chap (even if it's so hideous) is for you!
Ahh! My brain is so blank.. What will happen next? GAWD! I hate this chapter. I so hate this chapter. I hate this chapter so much.
Chapter 9: Disruptions
"What does Snape have to do with this?" Hermione asked Malfoy.
"He was the one who told me to practice." Malfoy answered her, like she knew what he was talking about.
"Practice?" Hermione said, suddenly frowning. "Practice what?"
Malfoy cleared his throat, straightened his pose, raised his eyebrows and said arrogantly, "I got the part of Romeo."
Hermione burst out laughing. "Romeo? You ARE kidding, right?"
"No. No. No. No. Hermione. This time, I'm telling the truth." Malfoy said lethally. Then Malfoy shut up at that moment. /I said her FIRST name. That wasn't supposed to happen../
Hermione was also stunned. /He said it again. I don't think that was supposed to happen../
Then Malfoy regained his composure and continued bragging, "Snape said I was PERFECT for the part. He's directing it, you know. Anyway.."
/Waitaminute!/ Hermione thought. /No one ever said Snape was directing that play! I thought it was just Stojakovic../
She remembered Dumbledore's words last Monday.
"Before we sit down to dinner, I would just like to say that I have already approved of Hogwarts' first ever Wizards' Night."
Everyone cheered. They've heard rumors of this, but now that it was officially announced, they were so excited. Dumbledore raised his hand to silence them.
"This is in line with the celebration of Christmas and the New Year. There is a lot of planning to be done, but I am sure we can make this a success if all of you cooperate. The specifics of the Wizards' night will be posted in the notice board next week."
Stojakovic promptly stood up and whispered something to Dumbledore.
"Ahh, yes." Dumbledore said as his face lit up. "Auditions for the play will be tomorrow, after classes, right here."
There were soft murmurs among the students. Dumbledore smiled and continued.
"The highlight of the Wizards' Night will be the play 'Romeo and Juliet.' It was written by a brilliant muggle named Shakespeare. I am actually not familiar with it, all I know is that it is about a girl and a boy.. and their forbidden love."
Everyone was thrilled. There were already loud noises about who might be perfect for the girl and boy. Some muggle-born students were narrating the plot. Several students were talking about how gifted they were on stage. Almost everyone wanted to take part in this play. Hermione and Harry, on the other hand, had no intention of being in it. And they were both sure that Ron, who was still in the hospital wing, will never act in front of the school.
"..so Snape told me that I got the part. I'm sure my father will be exceedingly proud. Granger, you listening?" Malfoy said when he was in the middle of his arrogant piece.
"Yes, Malfoy. Go on." Hermione was relieved he didn't call her 'Hermione.'
"Snape told me that practice would begin next, next week. Stojakovic still needs to find people who will take charge of the sets, costumes, lights and stuff."
"I thought the list of the cast would be posted next week." Hermione asked.
"Snape told me right after the audition that I got the part. Didn't you hear what I just said?"
"Um.." She didn't hear what he said on account that she was too busy reminiscing.
"Anyway, he gave me this thick book and told me to memorize - and practice. The play is too bloody long! That Henry Shakespeare! Can't he write a short 'forbidden love' story? Hell! The love is FORBIDDEN, so why bother?" Malfoy said in his sarcastic tone.
"It's William." Hermione said. "Honestly, if you're playing the part of Romeo, you should at least KNOW who wrote it!"
"Fine. 'Romeo and Juliet' by Henry William."
"William Shakespeare, Malfoy!" Hermione said as she rolled her eyes.
Malfoy snickered, how he loved annoying Hermione. Then unpredictably, Pansy came waltzing in.
"Draco, darling. Do you like this new blush I put on?" Pansy said as she clutched his arm.
"Um.." Malfoy didn't know what to say. /Pansy, whatever you do with your face, you still look the same - annoying./
Hermione rolled her eyes. /Whatever you do with that face, it still looks annoying./
"I knew you'd love it!" Pansy said as she smiled at Malfoy. It was a smile that scared the hell out of him.
Then Pansy noticed Hermione. "Granger? What is she doing here?"
"We had to discuss.. prefect stuff." Malfoy said without flinching.
"Oh.. Well, I need 8 galleons, my shopping went way over budget." Pansy said as she gave that creepy smile again.
"Here," Malfoy said as he reached for his pocket. He frowned and started taking out some stuff and laying them on the table. "Wait.. I can't seem to find my money." When he dug deep and finally pulled out a bag of coins, he handed the coins to Pansy.
Pansy gave that eerie smile again, and left without a thank you.
"Do you usually give Pansy 8 galleons?" Hermione asked.
"It's just 8 galleons, not a big deal. I mean, it's not that much, right?" Malfoy said apathetically. /Incredible! She asks that like I'm a pauper or something./
"Sure, sure. It isn't" Hermione said without looking at him. /Incredible! He says that like I'm a pauper or something./
Malfoy started putting all his scattered stuff back in his pocket. When he reached for a crumpled piece of paper, Hermione stopped him.
"That's ok, I'll throw it." Hermione offered. She took the paper. Then, the scent of the paper caught her nose. Hermione realized what it was. She smiled at Malfoy.
"So, you want me to throw your prop? Or do you want to cherish it forever?" Hermione said.
"It's not a prop." Malfoy said without smiling.
Hermione opened the creased paper. She was right, it was the letter of Malfoy's mother. She was confused.
"I thought this was fake." Hermione said despondently.
"Nope. It's as authentic as you." Malfoy said desolately. "It wasn't part of my act, but it did fit in."
Hermione sensed the same gush of sadness she felt last Thursday. Part of her believed him, but /Heck! As convincing as he sounds, I'm not falling for that again!/
"No, Malfoy. I am not gonna fall in your trap again." Hermione said.
"Granger. You are a VERY difficult woman. I told you it's REAL!" Malfoy's voice was getting a tad louder.
"Malfoy, what do you take me for?" Hermione asked with the same volume as Malfoy's voice.
Then, without warning, a dark voice spoke.
"A mudblood."
She knew that voice. That voice was the bane of her and every other muggle-born's existence.
/Lucius Malfoy!/
"Well, well, well, MY son in the same table with.. this." Lucius looked at Hermione.
Hermione was mad. /Who the hell does he think he is? Just barging in and insulting people!/
Malfoy was silent. /Hello there, my loving, caring, wonderful father! The same father who taught me that interrupting is unprincipled./
"We were just settling matters on the Wizards' Night, sir." Malfoy said without looking at Lucius.
"I do not care about what you are, were, or will be settling on. I came here for one thing." Lucius stretched out his hand.
Malfoy rapidly remembered what it meant. He gasped. "I left it at Hogwarts, sir."
"How very convenient. Draco, didn't you read the note?" Lucius' eyes were glaring.
"It didn't say when you were gonna get it from me, sir." Malfoy said.
"When did you think I was GOING TO get it? Damn it! I have to catch a train in ten minutes." Lucius said.
Malfoy didn't speak. Hermione was getting impatient. /Malfoy already said he didn't know when his 'sir' was GOING TO get whatever he was GOING TO get! Does this big shot have to force the issue?/
"He already said he didn't know. So maybe you should come back some other time." Hermione said without thinking.
/What is she doing?/ Malfoy asked himself. He didn't want Hermione involved in his battle.
Lucius defiantly stared at Hermione. "Teach this thing to keep its tongue behind its teeth, Draco."
Hermione was steaming. "It's MY mouth, Mr. High-and-mighty. If you don't like what I say, then don't listen!"
If looks could kill, Hermione would be dead by now. Lucius looked like he wanted to strangle her. But, whatever he planned to do, he knew he couldn't do it because he was aware of the other people in the Three Broomsticks. "YOU will address me as Mr. Malfoy. And I suggest you take some lessons on being more respectful towards your superiors."
"Mr. Malfoy ISN'T my superior." Hermione said. She was extremely angry - and scared. She didn't know where she was getting all this courage.
Lucius noticed a paper in Hermione's hand. He grabbed it from her, turned to Malfoy and said, "Draco, Narcissa was quite upset when she received a muggle present, but I guess she told you all about it here." He pointed at the letter. "Why is your filthy hand holding this?" He said as he glowered at Hermione.
"I let her read it, sir." Malfoy said promptly. "I told her it inspired me to think of a theme to suggest for Wizards' Night." Malfoy lied.
"And what is this theme you inspiringly thought of?" Lucius raised his eyebrows.
"A Wizards' Night - celebrated muggle style." Malfoy said. /It sounds pathetic. But it's the best I can come up with right now./
"Not bad, son. You sounded more convincing than last time." Lucius threw the letter on the table and turned to leave. "I'll be back for the book soon. I'll send you an owl - with the exact day and time."
"Yes sir." Malfoy said.
Lucius scowled at Hermione and left swiftly. Hermione rolled her eyes and said, "Do you have to address your own father like that?"
"Yes." Malfoy said blankly. "Look, the way sir.. I mean my father spoke to you, I ap.. apo.."
"You don't have to." Hermione said. "He gave you a harder time."
"It wasn't that hard." Malfoy said. /Father is too problematical. I cannot stand him sometimes. Actually, today, he looked like he was in a fine mood./ Malfoy thought as he stared at Hermione.
"Sure, Malfoy, it wasn't." Hermione said. /Mr. Malfoy is just too bigheaded. Malfoy's arrogance, I can stand. But MR. MALFOY's? I WILL NOT stand!/ Hermione thought angrily.
Hermione noticed that Malfoy was different when his 'sir' was around. He wasn't the supercilious and authoritative Malfoy she knew. With a father as cold as that, she understood why Malfoy was so - difficult. Malfoy had an unfeeling father who expected a great deal from him. /Draco is Mr. Malfoy's little puppet. He would do anything for his 'sir.'/
Malfoy didn't hate his father but he didn't exactly love him either. To Malfoy, his 'sir' was someone to follow and please every minute of every day. That was why he was amazed at how audacious Hermione was a while ago. /I didn't know that Hermione could stand up TO my father and stand up FOR me - her tormentor and foe. Not that I need any standing up for. But hell, that was amazing! Hah! 'Mr. High-and-mighty.'/
Malfoy felt a little better. He smirked at Hermione. "Do you believe me now?"
"Believe what?" Hermione asked.
"The letter."
"Yes.. Unless, you and your sir.."
"Do you really think he'd come all the way here just to do that?" Malfoy asked.
"I guess not." Hermione said dolefully. "What book was he looking for?"
"'Magic At Its Darkest'. You know, the one that has the curse that you used to blind me." Malfoy said sarcastically.
"I know the book, I just want to know why he has to come all the way here to get it." Hermione said edgily.
Malfoy told her everything he knew about the book. He knows that he wasn't supposed to, but since she had one too, he figured she might as well recognize its value.
When Malfoy was done reporting, Hermione was stunned. She never knew that that black book was so important. Then, for some ungodly reason, Ron emerges.
"We have been waiting for an hour, Hermione!" Ron was a bit irritated. He ignored the fact that Malfoy and Hermione were still talking.
"Well, I didn't say when I'd be there." Hermione shot back. She knew that Ron had the right to be angry, but he didn't have to butt in her conversation with Malfoy. She already had a hell of an interruption from 'Mr. Malfoy.'
"Hermione, we need to talk." Ron looked at Malfoy. "Now."
Hermione knew that look. It was the this-talk-will-affect-the-rest-of-our-lives look.
She stood up, said goodbye to Malfoy, and stepped out of the Three Broomsticks with Ron. Harry was nowhere to be found.
Ron looked into Hermione's eyes.
"Hermione.."
Hermione knew that tone in his voice. It was the same tone in the hospital wing - when he wanted to break up with her.
"Teach this thing to keep its tongue behind its teeth" - this line is from LOTR2. Btw, I changed my pen name to stupefied.. hehe.. CLARICEKARN1234 and jovy, thanks for putting me in your faves.. This chap (even if it's so hideous) is for you!
Ahh! My brain is so blank.. What will happen next? GAWD! I hate this chapter. I so hate this chapter. I hate this chapter so much.