Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 5/31
A/N: Thanks again for the reviews. By the way, I need to know if there's someone still interested. If there were anything you'd like me to change or add, do it in the reviews. I'm open for suggestions.
Title: Models
Chapter31: The News
Draco Malfoy couldn't sleep that night. He sent an owl to his father to see if there was any truth to the news. He wanted to wait in the Owlery eager for his father's reply. He did actually go looking for Dumbledore because he seemed to know what's happening all around but he didn't find him anywhere. The halls of Hogwarts seem getting smaller every minute. He needed some air to cool himself. He walked towards the lake. He welcomed the cool air that surrounded him. He sat near the water and started to reminisce.
He remembered the times when he was with his mother. Lucius never showed any sign of compassion. As a child, he yearned it from his father but never received any. His mother was the only one to give him what he wanted and somehow, it sustained him up to this moment. He couldn't bear the idea of losing her. He wanted to know the truth. desperately. He stared far away as if looking for something and didn't remember falling asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next day Hermione was still overflowing with energy from the night before. After her morning ritual she saw that she still had the extra energy and the extra time to do something. She looked out her window remembering that there was a person near the lake last night to check if the person left. She was shocked to see a body lying very near the water. 'Who could that be? It's freezing cold today, who'd be able to stand these temperature?' As a Prefect her instinct told her to rush to the person's side. She rushed out of her room and down the flight of stairs. She ran directly towards the lake and saw a very pale Malfoy.
She walked to his side and nudged him to wake him up. "Malfoy, wake up. It's cold here, you'll catch a cold."
Draco did not react.
She removed her robe and placed it around him. She looked around to see if there was someone who could help her. She remembered the spell Snape cast for the dungeon and tried it. There was a slight change of temperature near them, since they were in an open space. She felt him and rubbed his hands to help circulate his blood. When she was done with her task, she tried to wake him up. "Malfoy, you have to wake up or you'll catch your death."
This time Draco stirred. He was after all a light sleeper. He regained consciousness as he felt someone rub his hands. He was a bit shocked to hear Hermione's voice. That's what he needed to circulate his blood. "That would make you and you're Gryffindor friends happy."
Hermione smiled to hear him respond. 'He'll never change.' "Yeah, but that's not how it should be." She said as she helped him into a sitting position.
"And how should it be?" He was still focusing his eyes to the sunlight.
She didn't answer him. She just stared at him checking if he was ok. 'His mouth seems to be working well. Is that good?' She eyed him making sure that he'll be all right. Draco watched her as she did so. "You seem, to be doing ok."
"I guess, if you define ok as freezing."
"I did what I could, if you're not thankful then I guess you'd better hand me back my robe."
Draco looked at her and then at himself and saw her robe hanging on him. He peeled himself of her robe. He handed her the robe.
Hermione took it and wore it around her. "What were you doing out here all night?"
"How did you know?"
She pointed at her window and said, "I saw someone near the lake last night."
He looked at where she pointed and nodded.
"So are you going to answer my question?"
"It doesn't concern you."
"Fine." She started to stand up but was prevented when he held her hand.
"That was rude of me, when you took care of me."
"Are you trying to apologize?" She smiled wryly. "I didn't know Malfoy's knew how."
He didn't respond and just started to look down.
Hermione knew this was not the time for teasing of the sort he really needed someone to talk to. "Is it about your mother?"
Draco raised his head and stared at her eyes. Hermione knew the answer.
"The news are not always true you know. Have you tried contacting your father? Professor Dumbledore could help. I mean, if the news were true then your father would have said something."
"You don't understand."
"I'm willing to listen."
Draco looked hesitant. He'd never opened up to anyone before. He sighed and said, "I wouldn't be surprised if my father wouldn't tell it to me. He doesn't care. He's attending to more important business."
"Not all news are true though, remember when you made up stories about Harry, me and Victor?" She was trying to lighten the mood.
Draco smiled a little. "I guess. But then again, we're talking about death here. Those things I said were just gossips."
Hermione was starting to feel apprehensive. His reasons were logical. She tucked the loose strands behind her ear. "What about Dumbledore?"
"I searched for him last night and he wasn't around."
Draco looked really depressed. "Then stop looking so glum. Let's ask him when he arrives. That look doesn't suit you. I've never seen you this way before."
Draco fixed his face to his normal smirked and looked up. "That better?"
Hermione couldn't believe how easy for him to mask his feelings. 'How many times has he done this? It seems like it's a natural thing for him.' She nodded.
"Uh, Granger?"
"Yes?"
"About today." He couldn't look at her.
"Don't worry, it's our little secret." She gave a smile and offered a hand. "Let's go in. It's cold and I wanted to get some hot coco. Want to join me? I'm going to head to the kitchen."
Draco couldn't believe Hermione Granger offering him a hot coco. He hesitated, remembering that he was a Slytherin and she was part of the Gryffindor trio.
Hermione could feel his hesitation, "It's still too early for other students lingering around."
That seemed to convince him and made him nod.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione had a better relationship with the house elves now than before. Dobby was her favorite. As she entered the kitchen, most of the house elves greeted her. They offered some hot choco and she didn't refuse. She then pulled Draco inside. Draco didn't want to be seen entering a kitchen. She pulled him in. Draco was uneasy at all the house elves staring at him. Dobby was getting uneasy at seeing him.
Draco and Hermione were given some stool and hot coco. Draco had to admit this was the most fun he had drinking coco. The place was not admirable but it was improved by his company. Hermione's cheeks were flushed from the cold. She looked different from how she was with him. She looked at ease and carefree as she sipped her cup.
"That's much better eh?" She looked up to stare at his eyes. She tried to look for the eyes that she saw earlier, the sad and hurt eyes.
"I suppose this would do. Why are you up so early?"
"I'm usually up early, how do you think I manage to complete everything that I have to do?" She winked at him.
"Imagine, I wasted one whole day to get away from Hogwarts."
"If I were you, I would have come to Hogsmeade to forget things. It's what we all need."
"Anything exciting happened?" He said as he regretfully remembered how she looked yesterday. What bothered him was the fact that there was some glow radiating from her and the only reason he could think of that's responsible for it was, Harry Potter.
"Nothing really. Same place, although the buttlebeers did taste better than before."
"Really?" He didn't care about those things. He wondered how would he get her to tell him about what happened with her date yesterday.
Hermione noticed his lack of interest and tried to think of a topic that they'd both appreciate. "So I guess I'll still be seeing you sometimes for the advance potions."
"I guess."
'This is hard. I don't know anything about him except that he's a seeker and that he's got wonderful abs.' "If you need help in any potions, tell me and I'll help."
'She's not your friend. She's just trying to be polite because you lost your mother.' "I think Potter would mind."
"Who can blame him, you've been at his back the moment he stepped out of the train."
"It's called rivalry. I've heard that it's healthy to have one. It brings out the best of everyone involved."
"I wouldn't mind rivalry but not the kind you have with Harry. That, I can do without. Why do you hate him so?"
"Tell me again, why are we talking about Potter?"
"You started it."
"What is it in him that make you and the female population like him?"
"Aside from the fact that he's a hero?"
"When did that happen? I thought it was all luck. He was at the right place at the right time. That's all. He still has to prove himself before he should be considered a hero."
"I suppose you have some point."
"You agree with me?" Draco raised an eyebrow in disbelief. He expected her to side with Harry no matter the reason.
"It's no big deal. Harry isn't fond of being a 'hero' himself. All he wants is peace and quiet."
Draco didn't believe her.
She eyed him and said, "You know, you could do without all those hostile words."
"I can't help it, its how I was brought up."
Hermione felt sad. She couldn't imagine living in a house that offered hatred instead of love.
Draco saw pity in her eyes. 'Great, I wanted to see something different and I get pity.'
Hermione looked at him and smiled. "If you need someone to talk to, I want you to know I'm here."
Draco nodded his answer. 'She pitied me. I have to change that.'
"It's almost breakfast, we should be getting back to our friends." She said as she looked at her watch.
~~~~~~~~~~
The two went to the Great Hall side by side until.
"Herm! Wait up!"
The two looked for the source and the 4 people involved turned white. Both Harry and Ron stood shocked with their mouths open. Draco was uneasy with being caught together with Hermione. Hermione however was the first to recover.
"Stop calling me that Ron!" Hermione decided to act as if nothing happened.
That was the signal that made Draco turn around and continued on his way.
Harry couldn't help but glare at his back.
"Hey Harry, get a move on. I'm starving." Ron was already by Hermione's side. Ron started towards the Great Hall as Hermione waited for Harry.
"What were you doing with Malfoy?"
'This is a good way to start a morning. Should I lie or not? If I won't the awkwardness between us might increase. And there will be a lot of explaining to do. Maybe I should avoid it.' "Nothing, we just met in the hallways and talked about Potion's class."
'You're a lousy liar Hermione.' He just nodded as he held the door for her.
When they arrived at the table, Ron was seated between 2 Gryffindors already so Hermione sat beside Harry instead. Their breakfast was uneventful. The guys kept talking about Quidditch. She felt really bored. A Slytherin guy who seemed eager for something captured her gaze. She looked around and saw Dumbledore was sitting in his usual chair, then it hit her. 'He's anxious to know the truth.' She locked his gaze and nodded.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco wanted desperately to know what happened and saw his chance. 'I'll go talk to him after he eats. He's mind was drifting that Pansy got tired of talking to him when he was not paying any attention at all. Then he saw Hermione sitting beside Potter looking aimlessly as if bored stiff. Then their eyes locked. He tried to look busy but couldn't fight the temptation to look at her. Then she nodded. 'She understood?' He couldn't believe it. Then he saw the headmaster standing up. Without thinking he stood up knocking his juice to a shrieking Pansy. He didn't look back and headed directly to Dumbledore.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione saw him stand and walked towards Dumbledore. 'I guess Slytherins provide the same atmosphere he gets at home.' She wasn't thinking and before she knew it she was already standing ready to walk towards him. She didn't hear Harry and Ron asking where she's going. She was intent on going to Draco and be at his side when he needs her. 'Doesn't he have any real friends at all?' She glared at the whole Slytherin table in disgust.
She caught up with Draco in the headmaster's office as he was closing the door. "Wait!"
Draco raised his eyebrow questioning her. "What are you doing here?"
"Ah, Ms. Granger, its nice of you to visit. Please come in."
Hermione smiled at Draco and went in.
Draco sat across Hermione. 'I don't want her to see me at my worst.'
"Mr. Malfoy, what was it you wanted to ask?"
"Um, sir, there were news about my mother. I just wondered if there was any truth to it."
"I'm afraid Mr. Malfoy that it is true."
Draco didn't even bother to hide how he felt. His face went white. His lips dropped open. His eyes were a bit misty. "How? The Daily Prophet didn't give any details."
"I'm afraid that there were problems with the Death Eaters."
"And my father?"
"From my knowledge." He stopped for a while. "I'm afraid he was there when your mother suffered her faith."
"Are you saying my father killed my mother?"
"Nobody knows what happened that night. One fact remains that your parents had visitors that night and the next day your mother was seen lying on your lawn."
Hermione couldn't stand the news. She couldn't imagine her father harming her mother in any way. She felt really bad for Malfoy. And the fact that it seemed like he doesn't have any friend to share his anguish. She reached her hand for his in an effort to comfort him in some way.
He drew his hand away from her not wanting any comfort. There was a long silence that followed.
Draco stood up and left. Hermione started to go after him.
"Ms. Granger, may I speak with you for a moment?"
Hermione looked at the headmaster and sat down. "What is it professor?"
"I allowed you to stay here while Mr. Malfoy and I talked because it seemed like you are the closest he has of a friend."
Hermione didn't know what to say.
"He needs someone and I believe you can help him. So, I am asking you if it wouldn't trouble you, to be there for him."
"Don't worry professor, I'll do what I can."
"I knew you'd say that especially since you came after him."
She smiled at him and left the room. 'Where could he be?'
A/N: Thanks again for the reviews. By the way, I need to know if there's someone still interested. If there were anything you'd like me to change or add, do it in the reviews. I'm open for suggestions.
Title: Models
Chapter31: The News
Draco Malfoy couldn't sleep that night. He sent an owl to his father to see if there was any truth to the news. He wanted to wait in the Owlery eager for his father's reply. He did actually go looking for Dumbledore because he seemed to know what's happening all around but he didn't find him anywhere. The halls of Hogwarts seem getting smaller every minute. He needed some air to cool himself. He walked towards the lake. He welcomed the cool air that surrounded him. He sat near the water and started to reminisce.
He remembered the times when he was with his mother. Lucius never showed any sign of compassion. As a child, he yearned it from his father but never received any. His mother was the only one to give him what he wanted and somehow, it sustained him up to this moment. He couldn't bear the idea of losing her. He wanted to know the truth. desperately. He stared far away as if looking for something and didn't remember falling asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next day Hermione was still overflowing with energy from the night before. After her morning ritual she saw that she still had the extra energy and the extra time to do something. She looked out her window remembering that there was a person near the lake last night to check if the person left. She was shocked to see a body lying very near the water. 'Who could that be? It's freezing cold today, who'd be able to stand these temperature?' As a Prefect her instinct told her to rush to the person's side. She rushed out of her room and down the flight of stairs. She ran directly towards the lake and saw a very pale Malfoy.
She walked to his side and nudged him to wake him up. "Malfoy, wake up. It's cold here, you'll catch a cold."
Draco did not react.
She removed her robe and placed it around him. She looked around to see if there was someone who could help her. She remembered the spell Snape cast for the dungeon and tried it. There was a slight change of temperature near them, since they were in an open space. She felt him and rubbed his hands to help circulate his blood. When she was done with her task, she tried to wake him up. "Malfoy, you have to wake up or you'll catch your death."
This time Draco stirred. He was after all a light sleeper. He regained consciousness as he felt someone rub his hands. He was a bit shocked to hear Hermione's voice. That's what he needed to circulate his blood. "That would make you and you're Gryffindor friends happy."
Hermione smiled to hear him respond. 'He'll never change.' "Yeah, but that's not how it should be." She said as she helped him into a sitting position.
"And how should it be?" He was still focusing his eyes to the sunlight.
She didn't answer him. She just stared at him checking if he was ok. 'His mouth seems to be working well. Is that good?' She eyed him making sure that he'll be all right. Draco watched her as she did so. "You seem, to be doing ok."
"I guess, if you define ok as freezing."
"I did what I could, if you're not thankful then I guess you'd better hand me back my robe."
Draco looked at her and then at himself and saw her robe hanging on him. He peeled himself of her robe. He handed her the robe.
Hermione took it and wore it around her. "What were you doing out here all night?"
"How did you know?"
She pointed at her window and said, "I saw someone near the lake last night."
He looked at where she pointed and nodded.
"So are you going to answer my question?"
"It doesn't concern you."
"Fine." She started to stand up but was prevented when he held her hand.
"That was rude of me, when you took care of me."
"Are you trying to apologize?" She smiled wryly. "I didn't know Malfoy's knew how."
He didn't respond and just started to look down.
Hermione knew this was not the time for teasing of the sort he really needed someone to talk to. "Is it about your mother?"
Draco raised his head and stared at her eyes. Hermione knew the answer.
"The news are not always true you know. Have you tried contacting your father? Professor Dumbledore could help. I mean, if the news were true then your father would have said something."
"You don't understand."
"I'm willing to listen."
Draco looked hesitant. He'd never opened up to anyone before. He sighed and said, "I wouldn't be surprised if my father wouldn't tell it to me. He doesn't care. He's attending to more important business."
"Not all news are true though, remember when you made up stories about Harry, me and Victor?" She was trying to lighten the mood.
Draco smiled a little. "I guess. But then again, we're talking about death here. Those things I said were just gossips."
Hermione was starting to feel apprehensive. His reasons were logical. She tucked the loose strands behind her ear. "What about Dumbledore?"
"I searched for him last night and he wasn't around."
Draco looked really depressed. "Then stop looking so glum. Let's ask him when he arrives. That look doesn't suit you. I've never seen you this way before."
Draco fixed his face to his normal smirked and looked up. "That better?"
Hermione couldn't believe how easy for him to mask his feelings. 'How many times has he done this? It seems like it's a natural thing for him.' She nodded.
"Uh, Granger?"
"Yes?"
"About today." He couldn't look at her.
"Don't worry, it's our little secret." She gave a smile and offered a hand. "Let's go in. It's cold and I wanted to get some hot coco. Want to join me? I'm going to head to the kitchen."
Draco couldn't believe Hermione Granger offering him a hot coco. He hesitated, remembering that he was a Slytherin and she was part of the Gryffindor trio.
Hermione could feel his hesitation, "It's still too early for other students lingering around."
That seemed to convince him and made him nod.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione had a better relationship with the house elves now than before. Dobby was her favorite. As she entered the kitchen, most of the house elves greeted her. They offered some hot choco and she didn't refuse. She then pulled Draco inside. Draco didn't want to be seen entering a kitchen. She pulled him in. Draco was uneasy at all the house elves staring at him. Dobby was getting uneasy at seeing him.
Draco and Hermione were given some stool and hot coco. Draco had to admit this was the most fun he had drinking coco. The place was not admirable but it was improved by his company. Hermione's cheeks were flushed from the cold. She looked different from how she was with him. She looked at ease and carefree as she sipped her cup.
"That's much better eh?" She looked up to stare at his eyes. She tried to look for the eyes that she saw earlier, the sad and hurt eyes.
"I suppose this would do. Why are you up so early?"
"I'm usually up early, how do you think I manage to complete everything that I have to do?" She winked at him.
"Imagine, I wasted one whole day to get away from Hogwarts."
"If I were you, I would have come to Hogsmeade to forget things. It's what we all need."
"Anything exciting happened?" He said as he regretfully remembered how she looked yesterday. What bothered him was the fact that there was some glow radiating from her and the only reason he could think of that's responsible for it was, Harry Potter.
"Nothing really. Same place, although the buttlebeers did taste better than before."
"Really?" He didn't care about those things. He wondered how would he get her to tell him about what happened with her date yesterday.
Hermione noticed his lack of interest and tried to think of a topic that they'd both appreciate. "So I guess I'll still be seeing you sometimes for the advance potions."
"I guess."
'This is hard. I don't know anything about him except that he's a seeker and that he's got wonderful abs.' "If you need help in any potions, tell me and I'll help."
'She's not your friend. She's just trying to be polite because you lost your mother.' "I think Potter would mind."
"Who can blame him, you've been at his back the moment he stepped out of the train."
"It's called rivalry. I've heard that it's healthy to have one. It brings out the best of everyone involved."
"I wouldn't mind rivalry but not the kind you have with Harry. That, I can do without. Why do you hate him so?"
"Tell me again, why are we talking about Potter?"
"You started it."
"What is it in him that make you and the female population like him?"
"Aside from the fact that he's a hero?"
"When did that happen? I thought it was all luck. He was at the right place at the right time. That's all. He still has to prove himself before he should be considered a hero."
"I suppose you have some point."
"You agree with me?" Draco raised an eyebrow in disbelief. He expected her to side with Harry no matter the reason.
"It's no big deal. Harry isn't fond of being a 'hero' himself. All he wants is peace and quiet."
Draco didn't believe her.
She eyed him and said, "You know, you could do without all those hostile words."
"I can't help it, its how I was brought up."
Hermione felt sad. She couldn't imagine living in a house that offered hatred instead of love.
Draco saw pity in her eyes. 'Great, I wanted to see something different and I get pity.'
Hermione looked at him and smiled. "If you need someone to talk to, I want you to know I'm here."
Draco nodded his answer. 'She pitied me. I have to change that.'
"It's almost breakfast, we should be getting back to our friends." She said as she looked at her watch.
~~~~~~~~~~
The two went to the Great Hall side by side until.
"Herm! Wait up!"
The two looked for the source and the 4 people involved turned white. Both Harry and Ron stood shocked with their mouths open. Draco was uneasy with being caught together with Hermione. Hermione however was the first to recover.
"Stop calling me that Ron!" Hermione decided to act as if nothing happened.
That was the signal that made Draco turn around and continued on his way.
Harry couldn't help but glare at his back.
"Hey Harry, get a move on. I'm starving." Ron was already by Hermione's side. Ron started towards the Great Hall as Hermione waited for Harry.
"What were you doing with Malfoy?"
'This is a good way to start a morning. Should I lie or not? If I won't the awkwardness between us might increase. And there will be a lot of explaining to do. Maybe I should avoid it.' "Nothing, we just met in the hallways and talked about Potion's class."
'You're a lousy liar Hermione.' He just nodded as he held the door for her.
When they arrived at the table, Ron was seated between 2 Gryffindors already so Hermione sat beside Harry instead. Their breakfast was uneventful. The guys kept talking about Quidditch. She felt really bored. A Slytherin guy who seemed eager for something captured her gaze. She looked around and saw Dumbledore was sitting in his usual chair, then it hit her. 'He's anxious to know the truth.' She locked his gaze and nodded.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco wanted desperately to know what happened and saw his chance. 'I'll go talk to him after he eats. He's mind was drifting that Pansy got tired of talking to him when he was not paying any attention at all. Then he saw Hermione sitting beside Potter looking aimlessly as if bored stiff. Then their eyes locked. He tried to look busy but couldn't fight the temptation to look at her. Then she nodded. 'She understood?' He couldn't believe it. Then he saw the headmaster standing up. Without thinking he stood up knocking his juice to a shrieking Pansy. He didn't look back and headed directly to Dumbledore.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione saw him stand and walked towards Dumbledore. 'I guess Slytherins provide the same atmosphere he gets at home.' She wasn't thinking and before she knew it she was already standing ready to walk towards him. She didn't hear Harry and Ron asking where she's going. She was intent on going to Draco and be at his side when he needs her. 'Doesn't he have any real friends at all?' She glared at the whole Slytherin table in disgust.
She caught up with Draco in the headmaster's office as he was closing the door. "Wait!"
Draco raised his eyebrow questioning her. "What are you doing here?"
"Ah, Ms. Granger, its nice of you to visit. Please come in."
Hermione smiled at Draco and went in.
Draco sat across Hermione. 'I don't want her to see me at my worst.'
"Mr. Malfoy, what was it you wanted to ask?"
"Um, sir, there were news about my mother. I just wondered if there was any truth to it."
"I'm afraid Mr. Malfoy that it is true."
Draco didn't even bother to hide how he felt. His face went white. His lips dropped open. His eyes were a bit misty. "How? The Daily Prophet didn't give any details."
"I'm afraid that there were problems with the Death Eaters."
"And my father?"
"From my knowledge." He stopped for a while. "I'm afraid he was there when your mother suffered her faith."
"Are you saying my father killed my mother?"
"Nobody knows what happened that night. One fact remains that your parents had visitors that night and the next day your mother was seen lying on your lawn."
Hermione couldn't stand the news. She couldn't imagine her father harming her mother in any way. She felt really bad for Malfoy. And the fact that it seemed like he doesn't have any friend to share his anguish. She reached her hand for his in an effort to comfort him in some way.
He drew his hand away from her not wanting any comfort. There was a long silence that followed.
Draco stood up and left. Hermione started to go after him.
"Ms. Granger, may I speak with you for a moment?"
Hermione looked at the headmaster and sat down. "What is it professor?"
"I allowed you to stay here while Mr. Malfoy and I talked because it seemed like you are the closest he has of a friend."
Hermione didn't know what to say.
"He needs someone and I believe you can help him. So, I am asking you if it wouldn't trouble you, to be there for him."
"Don't worry professor, I'll do what I can."
"I knew you'd say that especially since you came after him."
She smiled at him and left the room. 'Where could he be?'