Disclaimer: Ok, I'm putting this one up because as I've told you, this chap is going to have a cameo and a slight crossover…so, anything you recognize from the HP series obviously belongs to J.K. "Genius" Rowling and anything you recognize from Buffy the Vampire Slayer obviously belongs to Joss Whedon and co. Oh, and I don't own Starbucks either. Everything else (including Severin), though, is ruthlessly mine.
Continued A/N: Ok, before I go on, I would like to greatly apologize for extending my update to be one whole week after the date I promised you last time…you see, I tried for days after my finals to write, but I didn't go very far because nothing I wrote satisfied me…it was all horrible, and I guess it was because I was feeling crappy about my performance on my exams. Anyhow, my parents had planned this beach trip during the week I told you I'd update, so I figured perhaps a change of scenery and atmosphere would do me good and bring me out of my writing stupor…so I took my laptop with me and here you have it! My first time ever writing something in my bathing suit and sarong at the beach!! Well ok, I had to finish it again when I got back home and send it over to my beta and revise again, and I figured I'd make it really long to make up for all the time I left you all hanging.
Now for my usual messages:
horsegrl8311: thanks, but sorry for not updating fast like you asked me to! Hope you'll enjoy this!
Sailor Moon Rose: thank you, for the roses, especially hehe ;) but please, no special-edition killer Draco! Spare my life! I'll definitely write more, just a turtle when it comes to updating, so keep checking from time to time :P
Kitahoshi: I'm so sorry you got left out last time! But you know why, though? I went back to check on your ch 5 review to see where I had missed it and apparently, it came AFTER I had already posted by chap 6! Like 2 ppl already reviewed chap 6, then ur chap 5 review came, which would be ridiculous considering you would've noticed chap 6 by then as well…so I concluded that ff.net made a delivery error and was slow in getting the review to me so I couldn't put it in time for chap 6. in any case, thanks anyway, hope you come back to read this!
Francinator: yes, it's Spike indeed! Although I'm not sure how well I wrote him in, but glad you liked my story. I made Voldie like the Buffy master? I wouldn't know, it's been so long since I've seen that show, but if so, cool!
Esperanza: are you starting to like Hermione in general, or my portrayal of her :P I'll definitely take up your suggestion to freak him out more…in later chaps, unfortunately I couldn't do so much of that in this one. Oh and one more thing, I LOVE your story! Running Away, I think, or something like that, it's brilliant and your last chap…is a total cliffy. Update soon!
AoiiChan: hey again! THANKS so much, you were the first person to wish me luck for my finals! (I messed up royally though :S) Anyway, right, that was my reasoning too for making Hermione OOC, I'm happy you agree with it :) Hope you like this chap too :)
Kerbi: you who reviewed for every chap (except the 6th)!! LOVE YOU! you know what? I actually picture the scenes in my fic as though it was a movie, and then I write it out! But yeah, it would be beyond cool if it really were…a lot of the things that happen are better pictured as movie scenes. And I'm so honored you made this a fave…thank you :D oh and I don't have an update alert group yet, though I should because other ppl have also asked me to email them and I fail to do that because I forget, but when I do get around to it, I will add you :)
JoeBob1379: comically insane! That's the word I was looking for…thank you, I just picture villains in comedies to be comically insane you know…no point making them angstily hateful :P and you only stopped reviewing at the 2nd chap? *pouts* why???
hp-obsessed: yup, the one and only Spikey!
Dragoness666: sorry I couldn't update sooner, bad of me…but thanks, anyway :)
RaistlinofMetallica: you defined them completely! "the unhappily married couple" heheheh!
DazzilinAngel555: thank you! At first I was afraid that putting in different thoughts here and there would confuse some readers, but it's really how I write you know, from point of view to point of view…just glad you liked it and it didn't confuse you!
MysticalRing: yes, it is Spike, you and all the other reviewers guessed right! I suppose there aren't many blond TV vampires going around, huh? Well, anyhoo, thank you, any praise from a fellow D/Hr shipper is worth lots…this chap will be the longest, so I hope you will find that aspect enjoyable too :)
bz: in your extremely short review, you managed to say one of the nicest things: "it is worth the wait for [my] updates" *grins widely and sniffs*
Secoya: your praise is beyond all thanks…I'm just so honored and flattered you feel this fic is the best D/Hr fic! THANK YOU ~hugs and kisses~ I hope you'll keep on thinking this way, even through my not-so-good chaps, though! Please, review again! :D:D
Melanie: now that I've left you hanging even longer, I agree, I am the biggest meanie to date. BUT it's a long chap, so…*smiles sweetly* me nicer now? *bats eyelashes hopefully* oh and originally when I thought about putting Spike in, I wasn't even gonna mention Buffy, but then you said Spike has to love her, so yes, I did what you said! I don't know if I did it very well, but see how you like it!
lizz: kudos to you for your Seer guess! And me so happy you decided to review my fic, of all fics! I'll try updating more, but my summer isn't as free as I thought, but certainly I won't leave you hanging for a month like in the past :)
guitar-godess: I love getting reviews from other authors and by now you would've seen that I reviewed ur ficcy! And a nice happy ending you had, so cheers to you! And yes, Spike's the vampire.
couch-potato101: thank you for the originality comment…I try not to copy others' work, but consistencies might occur from time to time…but glad you loved this!
sleepy-kitty: heehee I thought Vladmir is vampirish too! It's your bro-in-law's name? Hehe cool, I don't know any Vladimirs!
kriss: hehe er…erm…*laughs uneasily* *blushes from shame* so this wasn't exactly…er…'soon' so to say…erm…forgive moi? *blinks thrice*
Melissa Pitt: thank you thank you! For thinking this is one of the best! Reviews like that make me feel on top of the world! [and then I come crashing down as usual, hehe]
~Kerri: 'adorable'! Hehehe what a cute comment! Ok, so this isn't soon, but it's at least an update!
Madame Plot Bunnie: a regular reviewer! :D and another one to wish me luck on my finals!! You're truly one of the best reviewers out there, I'm happy you find this hysterical…do tell me when I stop being hysterical, because I never want to, not with this fic anyway hehe…
Dreaming One: hehehehe. Thanks for reviewing my songfic, BIEH, by the way…the format's all goofy and it's real sad so I guess ppl don't like to review it, but I'm glad you did and think it's good…I originally planned to do a parallel fic from Hermione's POV and then a sequel, but I'll see how things go first.
Draco Lover: thank you, I think I'm gonna make all the stereotypical villains civil…or at least try to be, hehe…hope you'll enjoy this chap somewhat!
sakura angel90: hehe I read fanfics late at night too, ha! Sorry for being so slow with my updates, though, shame on me :S
dracoJAE: hehe I think I alluded in the teasers that Dracula was joining the party…heheh…and you still aren't updating ICDfY!! But yeah with tests and stuff, I totally understand…hope you do update when they're over!
avapouhi: another regulars! :D no, my grades are failing all because really, I've made fanfiction my life! Well, for now, at least. Um, about the index fingers…it was stupid of me to say that when I could've used 'ring finger' but really, that's what I meant, their ring fingers…they're called index fingers too, aren't they though? I always thought the second and fourth fingers were the indexes…I could be wrong…taow. But thanks for your comments and encouragements, reviews like yours light up my day!!
malibu barbie: yes, you're right…this chap surely is long, but I'm not sure about the good part…you decide that and tell me, yeah? Thanks!
'div: hi again! I think I do the least changes to Malfoy…keeping him just Malfoy…I'm really determined to keep him IC as long as possible, but I think I messed that up in this chap totally!
dark sapphire: I burst into laughter when you mentioned your fic that was left to rot :P:P anyhoo, yup I made Voldie OOC, hope you don't mind! It all adds to the comical nature of this fic, but don't worry, he's still just as evil as in the books!
The critict: yes, of course I'm doing this with the utmost interest! Even if I was a guy and I was a D/Hr shipper I would, too, I suppose…I would love to get married to Draco anyday hehe and I can't wait to write the part where "a benevolent love" as you put it will "engulf them both" hehe :D I just hope you'll do as you said and review more in the chaps to come! Oh and don't hesitate to tell me when you decide to put me on the most wanted author's list :P:P
storyteller: I pray dearly that you haven't died, being that I took an eternity to update!! Lol :D
Kate: yeah I came across this fact sometime ago as well. I think I saw it in this movie, it's about what they claim is the true life of Dracula and he didn't suck blood, he was some Eastern European ruler…Romania, I think, a few hundred years ago, and there were lots of bloodshed…but the ending was a bit mystical, though…so maybe we're talking about the same story here…but yeah, I had the real Dracula in mind when I wrote, but made him to be a vampire because we are in the fantasy world hehehe…but thanks for sharing!
Rosaline: hehee your review gave me a bigass smile! It's so cute that you sent quotes to your friends! But yeah, I can see how they might want to kill you for it lol! Thank you, and I do hope you return to review again!
C-Bob: you were? Good! :D:P yup, it's Spike alright and he seems popular with the reviewers!!
Cecelia: Cece hey!! You reviewed late, but I updated later! Though I keep looking out for your reviews because I love them to pieces :D Thanks for wishing me luck, by now you would probably have yours too, so I wish you the best and hope you did good…unlike me. About the warm and fuzzies…your comment made me realize that, right, Draco's the only one getting attracted here, but as you will soon see, Hermione's beginning to think about it too…but I purposely stalled her feelings for him because I just think it's more logical somehow that if there ever would be a D/Hr relationship, Draco would feel the fuzzies first. Ok, I'm kinda nervous about the reaction you will have with the Spike cameo…he's your man, and this was done for you, but I'm scared you won't like how I wrote him in…it was pretty difficult and I think I went OOC even though I researched his character and past and stuff so I could be as accurate as possible. I don't think my beta was too fond of what I did, but I don't know, see what you think of it. If you hated it, then I'm so sorry and will try to make up for it somehow. And also, thanks again for another new idea! I'm not using it yet but I thank you nonetheless because like all your other ideas, it was hilarious and I never tire of hearing your suggestions :D
Oliver's gurl: don't feel bad, at least you reviewed for last chap! I wish you would have nailed the plan scheduled thing into my head before I had written the chap…you're totally right, of course Voldie would do that! Argh, stupid me! Thanks for making me see it though! Draco and Hermione are indeed 19…I realize that I never made it clear what time of year this story was set in, so I'll tell you now it's after September because that's when Hermione's birthday is but before December because that's when Draco's birthday is (I think). So Hermione's just turned 19 and Draco is about to be 20.
FlAsHy-BeAm-PoLe, Amy: Thanks! I will, but I'm awfully slow in updating! Sowwie!
Phoenix Flight: yup he sure did! He's got a lot to learn about marriage life hehe! And now, I will relay a thank you back for reviewing and a you're welcome for thanking me for updating…you are a very sweet reviewer! :D
liar: hi! I was sooooooooo happy to see that I got a review from you! I LOVE getting reviews from other authors that I read…I thought I mentioned in my first review to your story that I had a fic of my own, so it surprised me that I surprised you :P Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Hehehehehehe!! I hope Hermione's not that nutters! :P I think the whole Draco and Pansy thing is common in fanon…like the whole Draco and Pansy evolving to Draco and Hermione…so that wasn't particularly original of me, but oh well…but you didn't think he would? Interesting! And yes, Spike's in the story now, you like him as well? Gosh, you're right, there are tons of ppl like you, a lot of the other reviewers are thrilled to see him! Anyway, no, you're not a freak, I am, hehe and I hope you update your story soon and read my reviews for them…I really wish you will review my story again. Hope to hear from you real soon!
FreeZe Mint: wadee ka! it's ok that you didn't review earlier…as long as you keep reviewing from now on! I'm so glad to find other Thai ppl here, have you been reading the story Yuka is translating? I still don't know where to find the Thai version of it…not that I'll be able to read it or anything (ok I can read Thai, but a little and very slowly only) but still…it'll be interesting to see it! Well, hope you like this chapter na ja and kop khun mak mak for reviewing ka!
ariel: haffy! Good one, I'd never think of it! I did my best with Spike here, but I'm scared it won't be as other haffy lovers will expect…hope you'll enjoy his cameo though!
Frankie: oh no, I'm scaring you again? You don't like Spike? If so, then you will officially be the first reviewer to not like him! A lot of the others do…but I'm glad you're still anticipating this chap…I hope it won't bore you, though, I hope!
jessica s: thank you!
PHEW!! There, finally! Gosh that took me an hour and half to do!! But I appreciate all of your reviews, love them all, so please, don't hesitate to do so again, and if I forgot anybody, I deeply apologize…there were a lot of reviews, so I could've missed out someone. Do tell me.
Oh and to Erin, my beta: thank you. It's ok if you didn't like the chap or Spike so much, but of course your comments matter because I like to please as many readers as I can and you'd be the first. I only wish you could've given me more comments, though. Your criticisms help me know where I should fix up the story, but I'm mentally drained, so I couldn't change much. But whatever confused you, you can tell me, and I'll try to clear it up.
Erm…anyway, here's the long-awaited chapter. I warn you that I think my style has altered a bit here because of my moods while writing this chap, and I'm aware that this probably isn't my best chap or writing piece out there…I hope the events here won't be too confusing for you. So…here goes and hope you'll enjoy this somewhat!
Happy reading!
**
Chapter 7: Startling Acquaintances
Hermione stirred from sleep as a ray of light filtered through the window and met her eyelids. By now her mind was only half asleep, and the half that was awake was slightly disappointed that she was about to wake, being that she had just had a really nice dream. Like a lot of dreams, she tended to forget them upon reaching consciousness, but she could vaguely recall an intense, fuzzy feeling she had had while dreaming. The dream, whatever it was, had made her happy, extremely happy.
Slowly, she began to happily twist and turn on the bed, when her arm smacked into something.
What the…?
To make matters worse, as the rest of her body regained its senses, she felt a certain weight on her stomach. Her hands automatically flew to the area, and upon reaching it, found what felt like an arm draped over it.
Horrified, Hermione's eyes burst open and she found herself staring right into the peaceful sleeping face of her husband, Draco Malfoy.
Instantly, she screamed from shock and shot right up in bed, as the previous day and night's events hadn't yet registered in her mind.
Her high-pitched scream and the sudden thrust of his left arm was enough to rouse Draco from his sweet slumber-a.k.a. beauty sleep. Groggily, he opened his eyes to find his wife propped up in bed staring at him as though he was the Grim.
"What is it?" he drawled lazily, rubbing his eyes as sunlight fluttered through his lids.
Hermione didn't reply but merely stared at him for a few minutes, hands covering her mouth. After regaining her memory, she wanted nothing more than to be away from this monstrosity that was her husband and made a dash for the bathroom.
Wow, thought Draco smugly. I must be even more good-looking in the morning than I thought.
**
"Vlad, darlink, I mosst devinitely do not underrstand vhy it iss that vee musst sspy on them."
"Vampira, I will not tell you twice. It was a personal request from Voldemort."
"But, Vlad, I don't underrstand..."
Count Dracula groaned. His wife was so persistently annoying…it was enough that he had allowed her to accompany him on this little espionage trip. Not wanting to reply to her silly questions, he fluttered his wings away and decided to perch himself on the ledge of another window of Draco and Hermione's bedchambers. He could see the sleeping couple much clearer from this view as well.
His wife, however, decided to follow suit, and this was really trying Dracula's patience.
"Really, Vlad, all thiss snoopink around iss ridiculous. I mean, this iss their third night with uss…and nothink has happened at all," Vampira tried to reason, flapping her wings at her husband.
"That's the point, dear. It's been three nights and they haven't even consummated. Naturally, Voldemort is worried. He wants them to be in love, you see," explained Dracula as he simultaneously examined the sharpness of his right fang from the window's reflection.
"But, vhy, darlink?"
"Some prophecy, apparently. He needs their blood…their blood and his mortal enemy's blood…for some concoction, no doubt, but he hasn't told me. The prophecy would supposedly make his so-called 'reign of terror' complete. Immortality, I presume. But no matter. He won't have his 'reign of terror' unless he sticks to his payment, that's for sure," Dracula responded.
"And so all ve do is report to him if they have made love orr not?" pressed Vampira further.
"Yes," Dracula answered and sniffled his minuscule bat-nose into an area of the open window.
"Then vhy must ve be the one to sspy? Couldn't ve have let Dimitri or someone do thiss? Thiss is serrvants' vork!" complained Vampira huffily.
"And miss out on free viewing pleasure, shall it become available? I think not, my dear!" Dracula declared.
**
After a week in Transylvania, Hermione had had enough. Not that Transylvania was all that horrid a place…in all honesty, Hermione actually found it quite enjoyable (if only for the reason that it satisfied her thirst for knowledge). Despite her preconceptions about the place being a barren land full of darkness and death, on the contrary, Transylvania also had its share of lush green landscapes and even a cozy beach. Of course, those places are rarely frequented, being that vampires sleep during the daytime and Hermione and Draco had to readjust their sleeping schedule so as to math the vampires'. In addition, bustling Vampiresburg (pronounced Vam-PEER-ess-berg), Transylvania's capital city, was also a very interesting attraction in itself. Here, wizards, witches, vampires, ogres, beasts, demons, supposedly fictional but apparently real creatures, and aliens (though there hasn't been any since the Third Kind last took off) from all corners of the globe gathered and meshed.
However, the thing that kept on ruining this extraordinary new experience for Hermione was none other than her very own husband. Despite their 'truce', they continued to find things to bicker endlessly about, from who misplaced the toothbrushes (Draco) to who used up SleakEasy's Sexy-Slick Hair Formula (Hermione…don't ask) to who kicked who first in bed (both). The classic 'old married couple' scenario, though they had only been married a week. The only thing they seemed to be able to agree about was sex. Or its lack, thereof. Ever since the first night, there had been an unspoken agreement about a completely celibate marriage between the two and neither had any desire even until now to consummate their-er-union.
Just as well. Anyway, on the Sunday night before they would be returning home, Hermione decided that Vampiresburg deserved another visit. Although Draco had wanted to spend the day (night…whatever) sleeping in (any day/night spent with Hermione was a chore for him) in the end he reluctantly agreed to come along.
Dracula was very proud of his city. He had given them detailed directions to visit the Blood and Fangs Museum, Le Musee d'Art Vampiresque, the Tower of the Undead, St. Lucifer's Cathedral, and the Elvis Presley House ("THE Elvis Presley had a house in Transylvania?!" Hermione asked in awe). But today, what Hermione really wanted to see was the Central Square (otherwise known as the City Market). The Central Square was a huge stone quad with a marketplace in the center, walled by countless stores and shops, both conventional and unconventional (LePeu's Guillotine Service, for instance). It was where a lot of the wizarding stores were gathered as well, and the rarest of creatures could be seen here.
"Well I s'pose Mother would want some nice Persian flying carpets for souvenirs," Draco announced once their carriage reached Central Square. Without another word, he set off towards an Arabic stand where several colorful rugs were whizzing around in the air.
Fine, leave me all by myself, selfish prick, Hermione thought, shaking her head at her husband.
She looked around, searching for a place to go, when suddenly she spotted a very familiar looking shop on the far end of the Square. It's bold, green sign was unmistakable.
Starbucks.
The only Muggle shop of any kind in the whole of Transylvania.
Feeling terribly homesick and comforted by such a familiar sight, she dashed instantly towards the coffee store. It had been years since she last stepped into a Starbucks. Way back before the War even started.
Anyway, she was there now, and she couldn't believe how normal everything was inside. Except for the fact that she was probably the only Muggle-related being inside the shop and that additions to the regular menu had been made (Blood Frappuccinos, Hot Blood Latte, Naked Flesh Cookies, etc), it still reminded her completely of the Starbucks back home.
After having purchased a cup of her favorite-the classic hot cappuccino-she found herself a window seat at a corner of the store and pleasantly sat down to sip her drink. She could use this time to reflect on her current situation and what was to become of it without her husband in the way.
Good, she thought.
However, her mind didn't get very far as she kept being disturbed by an annoying figure sitting by himself at a table near hers. The figure was sitting hunched up in his little corner, murmuring to himself and occasionally smacking himself in the head with his own fists.
After a few minutes of eavesdropping on his self-murmurs, she realized that the figure spoke with a clear British accent. Looking up at him, she was immediately startled by how strikingly similar his hair color was to her own husband's…she only thought the Malfoys had hair that blond (it was also slicked back just the same, but very short)…especially when it contrasted with his all-black attire (another Malfoy trait, save for the seemingly skin-tight leather pants and leather trench coat this guy was donning). She also saw instantly that the man looked human enough, and seemed to be around his mid-twenties…a few years older than herself.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid, idiot of course she wouldn't…should've killed her…too late…idiot, idiot…" the strange blond cursed himself.
There was no way Hermione could contemplate any escape plan if this guy kept blabbering to himself like this. After a few moments of hesitation, Hermione decided to approach him.
"Erm…excuse me, sir, I don't mean to be nosy or anything, but are you alright?"
The guy stopped his ranting and looked up at her.
"No…well, yes…well…do you mind, I'm having a life crisis here!" he snapped at her in the end.
"Well, sorry about intruding, it's just that well, with all your ranting aloud I can't really solve my life crisis either," Hermione replied, slightly irritated at his response.
The blond eyed her up and down. "Oh, is that so? How, exactly, can a pretty little thing like you be suffering from a life crisis?" he finally asked her, arching his eyebrows half-suggestively.
Hermione couldn't help but blush at his statement. Looking closer, the man was indeed, kind of good-looking. His face was a bit too small and gaunt, showing far too much of his cheekbones than necessary, but overall he wasn't too bad at all. He also had an immaculate air about him that reminded her of Draco…the hair, the air, the clothes, the accent…Draco…
WHAT?! Oh god-
"Excuse me? Hello? Still on Earth, are we?"
Hermione was driven out of her temporary reverie by the man's voice and his hand waving around in front of her face.
"Er…sorry. Erm…what did you say?"
The blond now looked disinterested. "Never mind. Maybe I can use some company. Here, why don't you sit yourself down and join me," he said, gesturing towards the empty chair opposite him.
Hermione couldn't refuse. "Alright."
"So, what's your name? Tell me, you look kind of familiar…have we met before? I've been around so long, I don't even know who I know anymore. You sound British too…perhaps we met sometime in England?" the man said to her.
"Er…no, we've never met, I don't think. But yes, I'm from England…London, to be exact. What about you? And my name's Hermione Gran-er-Malfoy. Hermione Malfoy," she told him, wrinkling her nose in slight disgust of her new name.
"Malfoy, eh? I've heard that name before…must be an old family, isn't it?"
"Well, as a matter of fact, it is…but it's my husband's family, actually, not mine."
"Husband? Good gracious, you're married?!" the blond asked, evidently surprised.
"Er…yes. A bit young, I know, but it couldn't be helped. I was forced to marry," she informed him sadly. "How did you know it was an old family? Are you a wizard, too?"
"Wizard? Haha! No, girlie, I'm no wizard. But wish I was, though, then maybe I can concoct myself a love potion…" he trailed off. "Hang on…you're married to a wizard? Are you a witch, then?"
Hermione nodded.
"Blimey! A real witch! Been ages since I met one! Well, there's these witches where I live…in California, Sunnydale, mind you…but they're trained Wiccans, Willow and Tara…not at all like the kind we've got back in England," he commented.
"California! You live in the States, then? Hold up, you know about witches and wizards, you look human yet you're not a wizard, but you've been around a long time, and now you're in Transylvania...then you must be…"
The man smirked, reminding her yet again of Draco, though Draco's smirk was much, much better. "Yes. A vampire."
Hermione's blood ran cold. Okay, so she was the honored guest of Count Dracula and Lady Vampira, and she'd already been in Transylvania a week and certainly no stranger now to Vampires…but still, to be in such a close proximity with one and carrying what had been a completely normal conversation with one was excruciatingly unnerving.
The man must've seen the worried expression on her face, for then he stuck his hand out and gently grasped hers on the table, whispering softly, "Don't worry, I don't bite. Humans, at least. Haven't for awhile. These US government weasels planted this chip into my head…makes me unable to harm humans…and that's still not good enough for her!"
And then again he began smacking himself with his fist.
"Hey! Don't do that!" Hermione told him. She never did think self-inflicted pain was a good thing, even for blood-sucking vampires.
"Sorry...it's just that…well…I used to be a poet you know, back in my Victorian days, and then after Dru, my vampire girlfriend, turned me into one of hers, I became this evil, cunning prat of a vampire…with minions and fangirls and a huge load of respect…but now, just look at me! I'm reduced to…oh I'm so pathetic now!" he told her miserably, then buried his heads in his hands.
Hermione didn't know what to say. "Er…honestly, you look fine to me, I'm sure you must have some fangirls still left around somewhere, mister…er…you've never told me your name!"
The blond muffled something inaudible in response.
"Sorry?"
"I said Spike."
"Spike? Your name is Spike? Spike what?"
"Just Spike, for now. I'm the only Spike in town, I can assure you," Spike said.
"Alright, Spike. What an odd name!"
"I was christened William, actually, but after I became a vampire, it's been Spike. Thanks to my reputation for-er-never mind, you needn't know so many details," he added a bit uncomfortably.
Hermione couldn't help but want to know more, though. "So…um…what happened? And what are you doing here?"
Spike looked away sadly. "Well after the whole chip implant incident, it's been a downfall. You see, I...I-I fell in love. That's what happened."
Hermione wasn't sure of what to make of this. Wasn't being in love a good thing?
"How is that bad?" she asked him innocently.
"Because I was a silly git, that's why. Of all the girls I could've had…nice, blood-sucking ones…like Drusilla-well not her, she dumped me-and not Harmony either, a real bimbo that one, but of all the others…I had to fall in love with…with…with…"
"With…?" Hermione carried on.
"With…a SLAYER! A vampire slayer!" he burst out in agony and began hitting his head on the table. "And it isn't just any slayer too, she's my one and only archenemy!"
Hermione looked about to see other customers eyeing them strangely.
"Err…Spike, please…stop, please, Spike, it's okay, it can't be that bad…"
"Oh, can't it?! Hello, have you even heard what I just said? She's a bloody vampire slayer, for god's sake! She kills my kind! And I've killed her kind too- got two dead slayers on my resumé! She's tried to kill me hundreds of times! In fact, she's just tried to kill me the other day and beat the sodding crap out of me! In front of all her stupid friends! And that after-after we slept together! We made fucking love to each other! But no, she can't love me, can't have anything to do with me, can she! Bitch! So I let her fight, and I don't want to fight back because I don't want her dead anymore, even if I claim I do. And why is that? Because I fucking love her!" he cried.
"Calm down! You know, Spike, maybe it's not really your fault, I mean…you are a vampire…and she is a slayer…it's highly probable that vampire men aren't her type," Hermione stated in her know-it-all tone.
Spike gave her a look. "Thanks for stating the obvious, genius," he remarked sarcastically. "But I wish that was the case. But it isn't. Her ex-boyfriend was a vampire like me. And he wasn't just a fling, too. They were soul mates. How pathetic."
Hermione was shocked. "Are you serious?! Who is this slayer of yours? I don't believe it!"
"Tell me about it. But her ex wasn't really like me…he was one of those cursed vampires with a soul, so he barely killed. Not like me, I haven't any soul. Anyway, her name's Buffy. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she's known as. But you just wait, she'll pay…they'll all pay…Oh god, how I miss her already…" moaned Spike.
Hermione thought this was ludicrous. A vampire who's in love with a slayer and the same vampire slayer who dated another vampire? What madness! That's just as good as mortal enemies dating each other, complete opposites, like Harry dating Malfoy-no, better Voldemort.
Or a Muggle-born witch with a prejudiced Pureblood husband.
Like Her and Draco.
They were truly archenemies…But Draco surely couldn't have much of a soul, could he?
Draco.
Suddenly, the idea of Spike falling for a slayer and Spike's slayer Buffy having a vampire ex-boyfriend didn't sound so crazy anymore. She could even begin to see the love/hate appeal of this. 'She kills my kind'…
He kills my kind.
Draco!
"Bahhh!!" Hermione suddenly exploded and began hitting her head on the table as well. She changed her mind. Self-inflicted pain was good after all.
"What's the matter with you, now?" Spike asked, stunned and confused at his new friend Hermione's sudden self-abusive behavior. "Don't tell me I've rubbed off on you as well!"
"Oh, but you have! You see…my husband…he kills my kind too!" she moaned, face in her hands.
"What do you mean? I thought he was a sorcerer like you!" Spike was confused.
"Well, yes, but he's Pureblooded and one of Lord Voldemort's most loyal subjects-you know, a Death Eater…and I'm-I'm Muggle-born-no magical heritage at all- and we've been mortal enemies for years…I'm the best friend of his nemesis, Harry Potter-"
"Harry Potter?!" exclaimed Spike. "The Boy-Who-Lived?"
"Yes…you know of him?"
"Well of course, doesn't everybody?"
Hermione nodded, then resumed her ranting. "Well anyway, yes, he's always been so horrid to me-my vile husband- and we've tried to kill each other numerous times, but oh, this is so horrible. It's my life crisis, you see. For some reason, Voldemort forced us to marry. It was either this or certain death. I mean, surely you've heard about the wizarding War a couple of years back?"
Spike nodded.
Hermione continued, "Well after the Light side lost-"
"Ha!" commented Spike as if in triumph.
"Hey!!" Hermione wailed angrily.
"Sorry about that, still have my evil reputation to maintain," Spike replied coolly.
Hermione continued once more, "So anyway, after we lost, I was captured and enslaved…and I still would be a slave, if the Dark Lord hadn't made me marry that prejudiced slimeball husband of mine."
For a moment Spike looked thoughtful. "Well isn't that good, then? At least now, you're one of the Dark Lord's faithful servant's wife, and judging from the looks of you," he quickly glanced at her robes, "a mighty wealthy one at that."
"Yes, but no! Eventually I'm going to have to fight him-my husband-off again…but what if-what if one day, while we're still married, before we can get out of this mess , I start to-start to get attracted to him or something? I know it's ludicrous, but look at you! And your slayer Buffy!"
"Well…hmm…I don't think there's anything you can do about that, dearie. Come to think of it, I might've written a poem about this once, back when I was alive. Love comes as it wills…we've got no control. It is a power no man, vampire, wizard, or demon can fathom…and it is remarkably extraordinary. Got to take it as it comes…even though it's killing you inside…like me," preached Spike the mentor. "Now you've made me sound a tidbit like Giles, there. What an insult."
"Who's Giles?"
"Another old British bloke. The Watcher. Never mind."
The two figures sat in silence for a few moments.
"So, you never told me what you are doing here in the first place," Hermione spoke, at length.
"Eh, business with the big man. The good Count himself."
"Vladimir Dracula?"
"Yes…hey, how did you know his real first name? Most people don't."
"Oh yeah, that's Bram Stoker's fault, apparently. My husband and I happen to be his honored guests over at his castle. We're here on our honeymoon, you see, courtesy of Voldemort."
"Ah, newlyweds, I see. So where is he, this husband of yours? Is he around? Or are you here all by your gorgeous self?" Spike said with a wink.
Again, this caused Hermione to blush. Spike definitely had his charms. "Erm…well, he went over to buy some flying carpets for his mother."
"And left poor darling you to my company?"
Hermione nodded and looked shyly away. Spike once again placed his hand over hers reassuringly. Damn, he was getting hotter by the second. But could it be because he reminded her so much of her Draco?
MY Draco?! Since when-
"GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS AWAY FROM MY WIFE!"
The all-too familiar angry shout drew both Spike and Hermione from their thoughts. Across the store, from the entrance of Starbucks Coffee, Vampiresburg branch, stood a glowering, red-faced Draco Malfoy.
**
How the hell am I supposed to find Honeydukes in a place like this?
A mysterious, hooded figure trampled along the streets of Central Square, Vampiresburg looking for the famous, international wizarding sweets and confectioneries store. It was amazing, really, that of all the things he was going through and had been through, he was now doing the menial task of searching for a sweets store. To actually buy sweets.
Truly amazing.
He mentally chided himself for it. How he let his best friend drag him into this, he couldn't figure out.
For the past two years, he felt as though he had traveled the world (which he really did)…and for what? To hide from a danger he knew he would one day have to face, anyway?
Maybe eating sweets is a good thing. Take my mind off of things. I could sure use a Chocolate Frog. Or Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans. Hell, even a Sugar Quill would do. But judging from where I am, most likely they'll only have Blood Lollipops. Rats.
The figure walked around the square for another ten more minutes before giving up entirely. There was no Honeydukes to be seen…at all. Maybe he'd gotten the instructions wrong. Besides, this was only his second time venturing into Central Square by himself. And in the first, he was disguised as a hobbit. Imagine drinking a horrifying shrinking potion along with Hair-Gro so that his feet could be hairy.
Disgusting.
Just as he was about to turn around and leave, something else caught his eye. He was surprised at first, but then shook it away.
Of course. They're everywhere.
After a moment of hesitation, he decided that his friends would have to do with coffee and muffins in place of candies. Without further ado, he marched his way up towards Starbucks, the internationally renowned coffee chain.
**
"Oooh, it's happening…it's happening…"
"Is it? Is it, really?"
"Yes, my Lord…it is…sort of…"
Voldemort's enthusiasm waned in an instant. "Sort of?"
His Seer looked at him uncomfortably and gave what she thought was her most confident smile. It looked all twitchy and dewy.
"Yes."
"I don't believe you," Voldemort claimed. "I have it on good authority that they've been bickering with each other every day since their wedding. And no high-and-mighty orb told me that…words of my trusted friend Dracula and his wife are all I need. I was merely testing out your accuracy and as this proves, you are false. What are you playing at?"
Although Voldemort's voice was fairly calm, it had a hard and dangerous malice behind it.
The Seer gulped.
"Nothing, my Lord. I foresee what I foresaw, and I foresaw what Dracula has seen."
Voldemort gave her a hard look. "No more games now, witch. Explain yourself."
"Well, love does take time, my Lord…but I can see some slight attraction on both parties…yes, attraction indeed, I foresee it…"
"I did not ask if you foresaw attraction, Seer! I asked if you foresaw love. Love! LOVE!" With that, Voldemort threw up his hands in utter exasperation and frustration, and he would be yanking on his own hair by now if he had any.
"I'm sorry, my Lord, it's just that I foresee love as taking awhile to surface. It is only attraction for now."
"You told me they would be in love after three weeks of being with one another. They have been engaged for two, and married for two. That's four weeks already, otherwise known as a month, but no, still no love. Now, let me remind you that it takes one month to get the potion right. It surely will take at least another month or two to lure Potter in. How long, exactly, must I wait now before my plan can go any further? I am sick of you making predictions and having them all wrong! Time is precious, witch, and it can't be spared waiting for nothing like this. Does this mean the plan you so brilliantly foresaw is on the brink of failure?" asked Voldemort severely.
"Erm…er…no…"
"No? Then what?!"
"It's just that, my Lord, perhaps we must…erm…extend the length of your plan. Better late than never, Sire. I propose an alternative situation, in the case that the honeymoon is not enough to bring about love."
"Well that's obvious. But I'm listening."
In a hushed whisper, she explained to him her idea.
Voldemort rubbed his cold chin thoughtfully.
"You have a good point, but if they aren't attracted to each other, then how will they…"
And in another hushed whisper, she explained to him his involvement in the idea.
"We can resort to this if we see that the honeymoon has not brought them closer, my Lord. The child's blood will be just as good as theirs…if they love it, and I know they will."
"This doesn't seem to make any sense to me."
"It will my Lord…when the reward comes, it will."
"Alright. It better. I'll go along with you for this one. But this is the absolute last. So this means it will take me a year, then. A WHOLE year! But no matter, the reward shall be worth it. However, if, by that time, I am still not supreme, invincible, and immortal, I will have your head on my wall, and the heads of every one of your pitiful relations. I will burn you alive and then dice you up slowly, body part by body part. Is that understood?"
"Most definitely, my Lord."
**
"Draco! W-what are you doing here?" Hermione carefully asked as her husband stomped furiously towards her and Spike.
Hermione hated being caught off-guard like this. It wasn't as though she was doing anything wrong. But he was looking at her as if she'd committed public adultery or something.
"What am I doing here?! You should be the one to ask! I, for one, have been looking everywhere for your pitiful Mudblood arse, and where do I find you? In some stupid Muggle shop holding hands with some stupid bloke who looks like a horrible clone of me gone wrong! And to think I was going out of my head wondering whether or not you've got the blood sucked out of you, when I find you here with this-this-this STUD!" Draco exploded, fuming.
The nerve of her to do this to him!
"Excuse me! I am no clone of anybody, punk, how dare you insult me! And stud?! Get real! I was here long before your great grandparents were even conceived!" cried the man across from Hermione.
By now, the whole coffeehouse had gone silent, as everyone watched this show with eagerness and excitement. Entertainment like this was hard to find.
"I beg your pardon, moronic twit, but I wasn't talking to you, was I?" Draco sarcastically shot back.
"Why, you bastard of a wizard-" began Spike as he rose from his seat, balling his hands into fists.
"Please!" interrupted Hermione frantically. "Please, don't fight, I can explain, please-"
"SHUT UP!" the two blonds both yelled at her.
"You don't scare me, you know, I am a spawn of evil," Draco declared defiantly.
"Oh yeah? For your information, Spawn of Evil, I am a vampire and can suck your blood in an instant! In fact, why don't I try now?" threatened Spike. In that moment, his human facial features metamorphosed frighteningly into that of a grotesque hungry vampire's, about to kill. Hermione was aware that Spike could hurt no human, but Draco hadn't been blessed with that knowledge.
Consequently, he changed tactic at once. "Oh so you abuse your abilities in wake of a duel, I see! I, at least, have the decency to not use my superb magical powers on you! Why, you're a coward then!" he provoked.
"Coward? Me? I, who have wrestled demons and murdered slayers! Alright then, we'll see about that! A physical duel should show who's the real pinprick! You and me, right now, outside!"
At this point, Draco and Spike were both standing inches apart, glaring angrily at each other, fists ready. Although Draco was only slightly more buff than Spike and half a head taller, Spike's immense vampire strength was not to be fooled by his skinny build.
Hermione went white. This was not supposed to happen at all.
"Please," she tried again, praying that both men would calm down. "Please, Draco, don't do this, we're on our honeymoon-"
"As if that matters to any of us, you unfaithful wife!" Draco growled back at her.
Hermione's face now turned a shade of crimson as fury began to seep into her.
"Excuse me, but I was NOT being unfaithful in any way! You know nothing about whatever that transpired, yet you have the nerve to waltz in here thinking you do, and accuse Spike of being a stud and me of being some-some scarlet woman! I won't have that, you hear?" Hermione shouted.
"Oh, right, and I'm supposed to believe that?" Draco bellowed, though a strange wave of relief did begin to fill him at her statement.
"Well of course! Besides, it's not like I even find Spike all that attractive," she lied, though not understanding why she should. After all, it wasn't like she cared about her husband, nor did he care about her, he was just being overly jealous for no reason…
…or is there a reason?
Now Spike turned to her. "What? Sorry to say this, but I am a very attractive young vampire, mind you! I'm deeply offended! I have fangirls, I told you!" he protested in his defense.
"So do I!" argued Draco, never to be unequaled.
Hermione sighed, feeling defeated. Just as she opened her mouth to speak once more, the door to Starbucks burst opened and out of the corner of her eye, she saw a mysterious figure enter.
For some odd reason, she began to feel a sudden sensation of comfort and-warmth?-at his presence and turned towards the figure.
And her jaw nearly hit the floor in shock.
Although it had been many years since she last saw his picture, she would recognize rolls of fat like that anywhere.
"DUDLEY DURSLEY!"
**
Severus Snape moaned miserably in his cell down in the Manor dungeons. Presently, his wrists and ankles were chained to the cold stone floor. It had been all Narcissa Malfoy could do to keep her husband from hurtling the Killing Curse at him.
Okay, so he'd trick his master Lucius into drinking a hallucination potion. So what. He was merely experimenting. More experiments like these and Lucius would really lose his mind. Which would mean escape for him.
Can't blame a fallen wizard for trying.
But now here he was, rotting away in the dungeons, starving and filthy.
Suddenly, foot steps could be heard echoing off the ancient stone floors and he prepared himself for yet another visit from Malfoy senior. If his luck ran out, then he'd be accompanied by Voldemort and his life would truly be over. Even Narcissa couldn't help him there.
A few moments later, the wooden dungeon doors flung open and in stepped three looming figures. Two were expected- Lucius Malfoy had indeed brought along his lord, Voldemort. But then who was the last figure?
"Well, well, been a naughty boy, have you, Severus?" came the cold hiss of Voldemort.
"I did what any evil, cunning wizard like our kind would, my Lord," Snape replied, trying out his luck one more time.
"True, true. In any case, you should be severely punished. Lucius here is my right hand man- I can't have him going loony like that. Not yet, anyway," Voldemort said, as Lucius unlocked Snape's cell and all three figures entered.
"So, how will I be punished now? The Cruciatus again?" Snape ventured, voice going shaky.
"Not in the least. No, I have something else planned for you. Or someone else, actually," Voldemort evilly replied.
At his queue, the third figure stepped forward and pulled down his hood. Even in the dim light of the dungeons, the features on this man's face was unmistakable.
Snape yelped in horror as he took in those features.
Because they completely mirrored his own.
**
He had been glad to reach Starbucks at last. His Muggle cover had nearly been blown when he'd walk right into the middle of a fray between an irritated old wizard and a goblin. The two decided to turn on him instead and he almost had to use his hidden wand to fight them off, when to his fortune, the Vampiresburg Law Enforcement Squad flew in and began biting the wizard's and goblin's necks, drawing out their blood.
So much the better. Now, as he sauntered into the warm coffeehouse, he realized that there was some sort of commotion down at the right end of the shop. Facing that direction, he noticed that some sort of verbal brawl was at play between two pale-blond-haired men and a brown-haired young woman.
Tucking his head further under his hood, he squinted to take a better look, finding that one of the blond men and the brunette looked somewhat familiar and were dressed in wizard's robes. Did he know them? If he did…
…well they wouldn't know him.
He hoped the Polyjuice potion would last for some time, being that if he did know them, he'd have to quickly make his purchase and flee before his real features could sink in.
However, before he could take another step, the woman whipped her head around and their gazes inevitably met.
And his heart stopped.
For it was none other than his best friend Hermione Granger who stared back at him.
HERMIONE?!
Hermione, who had been captured at the close of the War and who they all had thought long dead and mourned.
Unfortunately for him, she seemed to recognize him too, with that brilliant memory of hers, since she instantly cried out, "DUDLEY DURSLEY!" at the top of her lungs, causing the whole shop to turn their attentions towards him.
The two men she was with also did the same, and his heart froze for a second time when he recognized one of them to be none other than his long-time enemy, Draco Malfoy. The other guy just looked sort of like Draco, perhaps a relative of some sort, but was a few years older and looked more confused.
What the hell is Hermione doing with Malfoy?!
**
"This is impossible…I-I-" stammered Snape, as the figure before him smirked and began to snicker.
"It is NOT. Allow me to do the honors. Severus Snape, meet your illegitimate half-brother, Severin Snape," Voldemort introduced.
SeverUS Snape gaped at SeverIN Snape from his pitiful position on the floor.
"This is preposterous! This cannot be…I have no brother, half or otherwise!" Snape asserted.
" 'Illegitimate' being the key word here, Severus," Voldemort reminded.
"Yes, the shame, you never knew who I was," spoke Severin for the first time. "And we do look so much alike."
It was true. Severin's hair was black and greasy just like Severus Snape's, and the former's facial features were indeed very similar to those of the latter, though he was considerably younger. Perhaps distant descendants of Grima Wormtongue always looked alike.
In any case, Snape (Severus, mind you) was appalled. So he hadn't been terribly close to his parents, but that gave his father no right whatsoever to have an illegitimate son behind his back!
"But all these years…where have you been?" Snape asked, as the shock began to wear off.
"Under the private tutelage of one Jonathan Potente," Severin smugly replied.
"Professor Potente? You mean, the former Potions Master at Hogwarts?!" cried Snape.
"Yes, indeed. Father felt I had a one-of-a-kind affinity with Potions…knew I would excel as an apothecary…or a Potions Master myself," Severin said proudly.
"Ha, but I was the one to be made Potions Master of Hogwarts! I guess your affinity does not rival mine," Snape countered indignantly.
"That's what you think, Severus. But ever since Severin here has been of age, he has been under my personal employment as a high ranking alchemist," Voldemort put in.
"What? How come I never knew, then?" Snape argued, wanting to disbelieve them.
"Because I was doing top-secret classified work, that's why. Been inventing a whole array of very interesting dark potions and 'substances', I have," Severin declared.
"Yes, he has. And this is where you fit in, dear Severus," Voldemort drawled.
"How so?" Snape asked warily.
"You will become my personal guinea pig. My potions are no good if I can't-er-experiment on them, now can they?" Severin said with a twisted grin.
"I hope that is punishment enough for you, Snape. Now you will learn what torture and torment is really like and wished you had never crossed me, the one and only Lucius Malfoy!" Malfoy spoke at last.
Snape wanted to die. First he'd been chained up and starved, then he'd found out that his father's infidelity had produced a truly evil Snape spawn, and now he was to become a lab rat, so to say, to that spawn.
Life was so unfair.
"Better unchain him now, Lucius. Severin has much to do with him," Voldemort said.
Lucius nodded and freed the chains off of Snape with a quick spell.
"Goodbye and enjoy yourself, Severin!" Voldemort called out as Severin Snape picked up his half-brother Severus and with a whoosh Apparated the both of them away.
"Now, Lucius, before I go, there's something I must discuss with you."
Lucius Malfoy looked up at his master in surprise. "Yes, my Lord?"
"There are a few certain alterations I would like you to make to your greenhouse…"
**
Hermione couldn't believe this.
What in the WORLD was Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter's Muggle and magic-hating cousin, doing in Transylvania? And worse, how in hell did he even hear of Transylvania, let alone Vampiresburg?
What the bloody knickers was going on here?
"Who's Dudley Dursley?"
That was Draco. He'd seen the look of recognition on both his wife's and the stranger's faces and was now burning with curiosity.
His voice, however, seemed to snap her out of her amazement and she began to realized the potential hazardousness of the situation.
Dudley was a Muggle and Draco would certainly kill any that so willingly crossed onto his path. No matter how much she disliked the Dursleys for what they did to Harry, she couldn't let Dudley go through any danger.
"Er…he's…er…" Hermione began, racking her brain for anything safe to say.
On the other side, 'Dudley' was praying to god she wouldn't say 'Harry Potter's cousin'.
"Well?" Draco said impatiently, as he walked towards the stranger, sizing him up.
"He's my…er…ex-boyfriend!" Hermione answered finally, not being able to think of anything else.
Around her, the onlookers erupted into excited hushed whispers.
"WHAT?!" went Draco, Spike, and Dudley in unison. Surprised at their same response, the three men exchanged looks.
In the background, the crowd that had gathered to witness this event were snickering to themselves.
By now, Hermione and Spike had both left their positions by the table and walked over to join Draco and the fat man.
Draco shot a death glare at Dudley before turning towards Hermione. "Since when did you have an ex-boyfriend? I thought you were the property of one Ronald Weasley during our Hogwarts days?"
"I-er, Dudley was a summer fling!" Hermione stammered. "Didn't mean a thing!"
"Aha! Another evidence of your infidelity, is it?!" Draco practically screamed, enraged.
"Hey, chill out, mate, I'm sure she's got her reasons. Can't be the bloke's looks," offered Spike, who was now patting Draco's back reassuringly.
What the hell?! A minute ago they had been at each other's throats!
"No! Really, er…it was a long time ago…and, hey, I never was the property of anybody! Just because Ron was my boyfriend doesn't mean that he owned me!" Hermione argued indignantly.
"Maybe, but now that we are married, no matter the circumstances, you belong to me and are not to be scampering off with other men!" Draco avowed.
"What? YOU are married to HIM?!"
Now that was Dudley, aghast.
Has Hermione turned traitor against us all?
It made sense, as incredulous as it sounded…it would at least explain why she would still be alive and well all these years…
No, it can't be…could it?
Hermione saw the betrayal in Dudley's eyes and for the first time it hit her that this could not be the real Dudley Dursley.
There was no way the real Dudley Dursley would be caught dead wandering around in Vampiresburg. It was just plain impossible.
So his presence here could only mean one thing, and Hermione scolded herself inwardly for not being able to think of this sooner.
POLYJUICE POTION!
"Of course!" Hermione gasped aloud, smacking herself in the head in the process.
This wasn't Dudley, this was someone else entirely, someone quite possibly from the Alliance, someone who needed a disguise to go around!
And the only someone who had access to Dudley's hair would be…
OH MY GOD.
Harry.
By now, all eyes were fixed on Hermione.
Mild sweat began to form along her forehead. She had to do something-fast.
"Er…Yes, Dudley, I'm sorry to say. I know you were still smitten with me, even after I got with Ron, but seriously, Beauxbatons was just too far…you know how long-distance relationships never work. But if it's any consolation, it wasn't as if I wanted to marry this prat who, may I introduce, is Draco Malfoy. You see, I was forced to, Voldemort-" Hermione tried to explain to Harry, hoping he would get the message, but was rudely cut off by Draco.
"That's enough. Spare this git the details, woman, we'd best get going now. I've had enough for today and you've still got some explaining to do," Draco interrupted, eyeing Spike.
"Hey, man, look, Hermione's telling the truth. I mean, we just met! We weren't up to anything, I was merely lamenting to her my horrific love life," Spike defended. "No need to get worked up, mate."
"R-really?" Draco didn't want to believe it.
"Yes. She's faithful, trust me," Spike assured Draco.
Draco dug his hands nervously in the pocket of his robes. "Well, I wouldn't really know, I mean, we've only been married two weeks…" he said, sheepishly.
"Yes, and FOUR WEEKS ago, I was still a SLAVE," Hermione enunciated, all for Harry's hearing benefit.
She sent a pleading look towards Harry and he nodded, understanding.
Thank god…Hermione hadn't turned traitor after all.
But Draco was right, she did have a whole load of explaining to do.
Draco ignored her statement though. Instead, he took notice of Spike's clothing and was instantly fascinated. "A black leather trench coat and matching leather pants! What bloody good taste! The absolute neo-evil look!" he told Spike, clearly impressed.
"Oh, right, it's my signature look," Spike said proudly.
"Even for Muggle clothing, I must say it suits the purpose. Not that I would be caught dead wearing Muggle clothes, but what you're wearing sort of resembles wizard robes, don't you think?"
Spike agreed with him wholly and recommended the Muggle designer store Armani to Draco in case he ever changed his mind about Muggle clothes.
"Well I best be off now. Got to see good ole Vlad Drac. It was nice meeting you, Hermione," Spike said, hurrying towards her and shaking her hand, "and you too, mate, although we nearly ate each other's heads' off back there," he said to Draco and amazingly, the two shook hands as if a feud had never occurred.
"Hey, no problem, simple misunderstanding," Draco agreed politely. "Here, why don't I buy you an O neg Expresso, first?"
Hermione found this unbelievable. Were villains always like this to each other?
"Thanks, but really, I've got to run. I'll take a rain check on the O neg. Anyway, all the best to the both of you-hope you have a long, happy marriage!" Spike wished them before turning on his heels to leave, to be responded by a cough from Draco and a soft snort from Hermione.
"Oh, and good luck with Buffy!" Hermione called out after Spike, as the latter exited Starbucks.
"The SLAYER?!" came a few worried cries, as a few (well, most) vampires shot up from their seats and promptly fled the store after Spike.
Now that the gist of the 'entertainment' was over, nobody paid anymore attention to the three figures left standing.
Hermione shifted in her spot uncomfortably.
"Well…" Hermione began, to be once again silenced by her husband, who marched straight up so that his face was mere millimeters apart from Harry's.
If he only knew…but he didn't.
"Well now that you know she's taken, you best stay away from my wife," he snarled at who he thought was Dudley Dursley.
"Er…no problem," Harry hastily replied, hoping his voice would sound unrecognizable enough to Draco.
"Good. C'mon, we're going," Draco said, grabbing Hermione's arm and pulling her roughly away from the store.
As they left, Hermione whirled her head around to face Harry once more and mouthed helplessly to him, "Help me".
Harry nodded, and determinedly tightened the hood on his head, which had fallen off sometime during the whole confrontation.
Screw the coffee. This news was going to have to be enough for Ron, Sirius and everybody else.
They had a best friend to save.
**
Longass A/N: There's this little bit I wanted to continue with, but I'll save that for the next chapter. So, how was this? This was probably the most insane chapter I've ever written, and my whole style I think has altered somewhat. It's more like the style I had when I wrote TPW, my other fic, and I can't help but feel that I was very, very silly in some places. And it's probably not one of my best, despite its length…my beta has expressed that she feels it was rather confusing and I suppose it has a lot to do with me being incoherent sometimes. Sometimes I am like that, so I do apologize if this chap was confusing. She also wanted more D/Hr action, and again, I'm so sorry that there wasn't so much in here as expected…I took a different (rather, slower) turn when I wrote Spike in…it was hard, and I probably didn't do a very good job, so I apologize for that. I'm just happy to finally be able to post up anything, and I'll try to improve my next chap.
Regarding Spike:
Also, my apologies go to Buffy fans…I love that show too, but it's been a VERY long while since I've last seen it, so I think I sort of got Spike's character all wrong…I understand that he's probably quite OOC here, and I'm sorry. Also I had to keep in mind that this story is set around the year 1999-2000, and by this time, a lot that we know has happened to Spike hasn't really happened yet. For the sake of my story, I'm putting him as a lovesick vampire right after he and Buffy have their torrid affair...so somewhere around Season Five stuff. You guys probably want him as he is now, but the events after his affair I think are a bit too angsty for this fic…however, if you would like another Spike cameo, I can write it in farther down the story where some time passes, so we can be more up to date…how's that? Again, please forgive me for making him OOC- at least I put him in, yeah?
Regarding Draco:
And Draco, also, was terribly OOC here, I realize…but I only meant to show how very jealous he was because he's feeling very possessive over Hermione-like how a spoiled little rich boy would be over his 'belongings' even if he didn't want them in the first place. Hermione will confront him about this early in the next chap, so don't sweat.
Regarding Harry and the Seer:
I hope I've made Harry's first appearance reasonable enough…he'll have some explaining to do of his own later on. I'm also aware that I'm annoying elusive with the whole Seer thing and her business with Voldemort's plan, but very soon the answers will come…please bear with me.
Overall, this chap took ages to write…about 7 days!! I hope it's still up to your expectations *smiles hopefully*
Well…any suggestions? Comments? Criticisms? Anything? As usual…please send them over in your reviews!! Please review, review…they're all very, very encouraging and insightful…plus there's the added benefit that any one of your suggestions might be in my story! So please, have mercy on me and review, and lil' ole me will love thee very much :D
Teasers teasers teasers:
A lot of our old faves will make an entrance. Draco and Hermione go home…to receive yet again, another shocking news…how will they deal with their new living arrangements? And Harry goes back to his rebels…what rescue plan do they have up their sleeves? And…uh…some R rated material will greet you towards the end of the chap…*cough cough*
Thanks for all of your fabulous input!
~smashing sugar~