Chapter 5 - Virtual Reality

Hermione opened one eye experimentally. Where am I? she wondered. She looked around curiously. Tall, lush trees stood around her. There were even toadstools. Behind her, she heard the swish, swish sounds of a waterfall.

"Hermione?"

She quickly turned around to see the source of this voice. Stared. And stared.

"R-Ron?" she sputtered. At the exact same time, both of them spoke.

"What are you doing here?"

Hermione blinked and took a step towards him. The images moved along, but much slower. "Where is this place, Ron?"

Ron gaped at her. "It's a virtual Muggle game, 'Mione. If you didn't know where we are, how did you get here? And where were you these months?"

She gazed up at the sky. "I have no idea how I got here. One moment I was in the Malfoy's study room, the next - " she paused. "I have no idea," she repeated.

Ron stared at her with big eyes. "You were at the Malfoys?" he emphasized.

Hermione shrugged confusedly. "I was kidnapped. By Lucius. I think."

Ron moved towards her with dizzying quick speed, making her eyes roll upwards. "You were kidnapped?" he repeated incredulously. "This is great! We can get him into Azkaban for that!"

Hermione rolled her eyes, this time on purpose. "He escaped, remember? Besides, it's not easy to look for the Manor."

"My father works for the Ministry of Magic," he reminded her.

"Yes, but -"

The images swirled around her. "Ron? Ron!" she called out. No! I'm losing him!

Draco touched Hermione's forehead. "Are you okay?"

She grimaced and opened her eyes. The hope she had felt earlier in the virtual game was now gone. She was back in the Manor.

Hermione sat up. "Where...?"

"We are back in the room. Hermione -" he stopped, biting his lip. "I have something to tell you."

Hermione looked at him interestedly. Draco looked so serious.

"Hermione, my father... you... " He sighed. "This is so difficult," he muttered.

"My father has cast a spell that if you shall leave the Manor, you will d-die," Draco mumbled.

Hermione stared. "M-me?"

"Promise me, Hermione, you wouldn't leave. Please, Hermione, promise me," he pleaded. "I don't want my father to kill you." Not that I will forgive him, he said to himself silently.

"But... why me?"

Draco gazed into her eyes. "Because he knows I love you." Taking her hands into his, he asked. "Will you forgive me for what I have done these days?"

Flustered, Hermione snatched her hands back a little too forcefully. "I-I forgive you."

Draco's heart dropped at her action. "Erm, and, my father..." wants me to become a death eater if you should leave me at the end of the year. The words hung in the air... and Draco let them vanish. "Nothing."

Hermione gave him a forced smile. "So... I'm supposed to stay here for a year? I can't contact anybody? No?"

Draco nodded. "I'm sorry to have brought this upon you, 'Mione."

Tears formed in her eyes, threatening to fall. Hermione fought them back and swallowed the lump in her throat. It had been so long since he called her that. "It's okay, Draco. I'm okay - " she saw Draco raised his eyebrow. "- Really," she insisted.

Draco took a deep breath. "Er, it's late. Go to sleep, Hermione. Sweet dreams."

The next morning, Hermione woke up early and was at the desk, writing with the quill on the book Draco had provided her.

I'm trapped in here
In a place so foreign
A place I fear

I ask myself
Do I know him?
It's not as easy as it seemed

Never been so afraid
I feel so lost
But all I can do is wait

I feel so cold
Don't know what to do
Out of control

Please, God, please
Answer my prayers
Help me dry my tears

A tear fell onto the book and she quickly blew it dry. Oh no, he's awake! Hermione hid it frantically behind her back. "Morning, Draco!" she called out brightly.

He squinted at her and so-called sauntered over. "What are you hiding behind you?" he asked suspiciously.

"Nothing!"

"That sounds like nothing, all right," he replied dryly, leaning forward and snatched the book out of her hands. He flipped through and skimmed the poem. I'm in trouble, Hermione thought, dreading this moment more than ever.

Draco simply closed the book and returned it to her, avoiding her eyes.

Hermione heaved a sigh of relief but stopped herself when she saw the look of hurt on his face. "Excuse me," Draco said gruffly, turning away and leaving the room.

Hermione's heart lurched unexpectedly. Draco... she thought desperately. She leaned on the door, tears running down her cheeks silently.

On the other side, Draco was slumped against the door. "She hates me..." Draco told himself repeatedly. He had never felt so... so empty in his life. So... useless.

A crash rang out in the room. Draco yanked open the door worriedly, his eyes immediately falling onto Hermione who was crouched down beside a valuable vase. Her right hand was bleeding.

Draco hurried over, attended to her and cast a healing spell. "What were you thinking, Hermione?" Draco asked softly.

Hermione's bottom lip trembled. "I'm sorry."