To the tune of I Would Walk 500 Miles by the Proclaimers:
When I write this, well I know it's gonna be
It's gonna be an opportunity to sue
Cause they're not mine, no the characters aren't mine
and now comes the time for me to tell the truth
Well Harry Potter is not mine,
and neither is the Hogwarts school
the story though is mine and I say
don't steal that! Don't be so cruel!
La la la la!
Author's Note: I know how horrible I am, because it took me so long to get this up, but trust me, I think a lot of you guys will hopefully agree that it was worth the wait. I decided to throw a little more confusion into the mix, so enjoy this chapter. Let me know whether or not you like it. If you don't, then I'll try to make it better. Read on, fellow shippers!
Chapter Fourteen: The Unexpected
Draco froze. He stared at the book, the film reel blazing at him. His head was spinning. It was impossible. Hermione... was Jim? He looked up at her, his eyes wide. She stared back, both of them unable to say anything. Draco swallowed.
"Hermione..."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Hermione blinked, trying to re-direct her attention. She tore her eyes away from Draco's and opened the door.
"Hello Hermione. I do hope that I am not interrupting."
Hermione smiled, relieved. "Not at all Headmas- Dumbledore," she said, correcting herself.
Dumbledore winked at her. "You'll get the hang of it soon," he whispered. He shifted his gaze to the rest of the room.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy," he said smiling. "It seems you are up and about, as it were."
Draco tore his gaze from the book in his hand. "Yes, I am," he said, giving him a smile.
Dumbledore smiled at him from overtop of his glasses. "And I see you have become used to riding in style, I would say. And you have found Miss Granger."
Draco nodded, trying not to look at Hermione. "Yes, I have."
It was Dumbledore's turn to nod. "Well, as glad as I am that you have found Miss Granger, I am disappointed to say that you will not see her for a little while," he smiled at Draco, then turned to Hermione. "I believe we have some business to attend to."
Hermione nodded, forcing a smile. She couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over her. "I believe we do."
Dumbledore smiled and passed a gaze between the two of them. Neither were looking at each other. He turned and stepped into the hallway. "Well, Miss Granger? Shall we proceed?"
Hermione looked up at Draco, who also lifted his gaze. She felt her heartstrings tighten as his eyes met hers. She saw confusion in his eyes. Disbelief.
Pain.
" I'm sorry" she said mentally, as though trying to speak with her eyes. Draco must have understood, because he then gave a small nod and forced a smile.
"Goodbye," Hermione said. She then went out the door, Dumbledore closing it behind her.
Draco sighed. "No, not goodbye. See you later."
* * * * *
Hermione scolded herself the entire trip to the Headmaster's office. She couldn't believe the bad luck that she had had. First, she had reminded him of Jim because of the fall on the train, now he knew it had to be her because she had the diary.
"Why did I leave it out where he could see it? Why didn't I throw it in at the bottom of my bag? she said to herself.
Dumbledore was silent, as though he could sense that she needed time to herself to think. He took her through the halls, and soon, to Hermione's relief, they found themselves at Dumbledore's office. He turned to her.
"I know I can trust you not to repeat or share the password with anyone," he said, as though checking to make sure.
Hermione nodded. "I won't tell a soul."
Dumbledore smiled. "Good. Besides, the password changes every week." He turned to the door. "New England clam chowder... white". Hermione's eyes widened as the painting moved. Dumbledore turned to her.
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
Hermione opened and shut her mouth. "Nothing."
Dumbledore smiled. "Good."
The two entered the office. A young boy who had been sitting in a chair in front of the desk stood up as they came in. Hermione looked at him carefully as Dumbledore greeted him.
"Thank you for waiting so patiently, Mr. Daughton," he said. The boy looked to be about Hermione's age, but was a little taller. He had brown hair that grazed gently across his forehead. His blue eyes seemed almost to sparkle as he listened to Dumbledore's introductions. As Dumbledore turned away to sit at his desk, Mr. Daughton shifted his gaze, and his eyes met Hermione's. Hermione smiled, a comfortable feeling settling over her, and she nodded to him. Mr. Daughton returned the smile as Dumbledore spoke.
"Miss Granger, I'd like you to meet Mr. Charles Daughton. He is going to be helping with duties for some time. Mr. Daughton, this is Miss Hermione Granger of Gryffindor."
Charles held out his hand. "It's nice to meet you."
Hermione took it. His hands were so warm. "Same here."
"Well now, I suppose if Miss Granger doesn't mind, she can show you around Hogwarts. I believe your memory might need some refreshing," he said smiling, his eyes twinkling over the rim of his glasses.
Hermione thought she saw Charles blush a little bit. He nodded. "I would enjoy that very much," he said, smiling at Hermione."As a matter of fact, if Miss Granger wouldn't mind, I was hoping that she would join me in a bite to eat. I didn't have anything on the train ride down here." Now Hermione felt herself blush.
Dumbledore nodded. "I will see that there is food for you on a table by the time you arrive there."
Charles smiled. He nodded to the headmaster and said goodnight. Hermione turned to Dumbledore.
"Good night, Dumbledore," she said.
Dumbledore nodded. "Good night, Miss Granger. I have no doubt that Mr. Daughton is in good hands."
Hermione smiled and gently bowed her head. "Not a doubt," she said, leaving.
* * * * *
Draco sat in bed, the television mute, the characters silently cursing each other and threatening to kill the spectators that looked on. The book sat in his lap, and he flipped it over again and again. He had read the book from cover to cover, and had sighed, upset and frustrated.
It was empty.
He sighed. "This doesn't mean Hermione is Jim," he thought, "There could be a hundred different books out there like this... besides, Jim said that it was a gift from her mother. Why would you carry around an empty book?"
He looked at the television. Mel Gibson was staring at his partner, bullets in his back, running off with his wife. Draco sighed at the look of absolute pity on his face.
"That's what I feel like right now," Draco thought to himself, "like I've been betrayed."
Draco sighed again, the action now becoming a habit, and turned off the tv. He cast another glance at the book. He groaned out loud. "What other possible explanation could there be?"
* * * * *
Hermione laughed as Charles Daughton turned a little red and blushed, trying to hide behind his mug of water. She held her stomach, now starting to ache from all the laughing she'd done.
"Well, Mr. Daughton... now that I know Pride and Prejudice is your favorite book, I feel much more comfortable with you," she said, teasing.
He smiled. "Ha ha," he said sarcastically.
She smiled back and took a drink of her water, trying not to smile.
"And it's Daughton," he said, putting his elbows up on the table.
Hermione looked at him quizzically for a moment. Daughton smiled.
"It's Daughton. All my friends call me by my last name," he explained.
Hermione smiled. "Oh, so that means I'm a friend now?"
Daughton grinned and shrugged. "There are a few exceptions to the rule."
"Good. Daughton it is," she said, laughing.
"Okay then. My turn," Daughton said, thinking. "Um... favorite color."
"Blue," Hermione said, smiling. "Favorite place?"
"New York," Daughton answered. "Good hot dogs there." He paused. "Favorite actor?"
Hermione stopped and looked at him cautiously. "Why?"
"Well, we are playing twenty questions. I would assume that the object is to ask questions, wouldn't you?"
Hermione sighed. "You know that's not what I meant."
Daughton smiled. "You know, you would think that one muggle would recognize another one."
Hermione's eyes widened. "You're a..."
Daughton laughed. "I take it Dumbledore didn't tell you."
"No, he certainly did not."
Daughton smiled. "I'll bet you also didn't know that I attended school here first year with you and Harry Potter."
Hermione frowned. "Really?"
Daughton nodded. "Yep. But then I was home schooled by my uncle during the summer. I can still come back to Hogwarts any time. I just didn't have any reason until now."
Hermione smiled. "Huh... that's interesting."
"Well, now we both know," said Daughton, smiling. "So, let's try this again: favorite actor?"
Hermione paused to think for a moment. "Um... Orlando Bloom?"
Daughton laughed. "Are we going by actual acting abilities, or just looks? Cause personally, I don't think he has either one..."
Daughton was interrupted by a bagel being thrown directly at his head. He ducked and it hit the wall behind him. He let out a laugh and leaned back, picking it up. He smiled at the bagel.
"It's not your fault, old boy. Don't blame yourself," he said, putting it back on the table.
Hermione laughed as she casually looked at the time. "Oh my God, it's two in the morning! I'd better get going."
They both stood up. "Want me to walk you back to your room?" Daughton asked.
Hermione shook her head. "Nah, it's okay. I know where I'm going."
Daughton laughed and stuck out his hand. "Okay. Thanks for the company, Hermione. I appreciate it."
Hermione smiled back and tried not to concentrate on how gorgeous his smile was. "It was my pleasure."
Daughton bowed his head gently and turned to walk away. Hermione started towards the door as all of the food disappeared.
"Oh, Hermione?"
She turned. "Yeah?"
Daughton leaned against a doorframe directly across from hers. "You didn't ask me a question."
She smiled. "Favorite Hogwarts moment."
Daughton paused and looked down, tapping his shoe against the floor. He looked up and smiled. "This one's climbing the charts."
Hermione stopped for a second, noticing true sincerity in his voice. "I'm flattered" she answered.
Daughton smiled. "Well, good night."
Hermione nodded. "Good night, Daughton."
* * * * *
Hermione entered her room to find Draco sitting on her bed, the book in his hands. He looked up as she entered, a desperation in his eyes that Hermione had never seen before. She sighed and closed the door behind her, but remained standing.
"Hermione, please... just... tell me one thing," Draco said, looking down and avoiding her gaze.
"Okay," she said carefully, trying to control the trembling in her voice.
Draco looked up at her. "Tell me the truth."
Hermione took a deep breath and ran a hand through her hair, her hand shaking. "Okay, the truth is..."
*********
Author's Note: (singing) "I am evil Homer! I am evil Homer!" I am SO SO sorry that I did that to you guys... but it's just too much fun. I apologize profusely. Roses and liquor for everyone. I am truly sorry, but this is fun. Anyway, I hope you guys liked Daughton. Trust me, he's a good lookin' boy. Hee hee. Oh, and to all those people who like Orlando Bloom? I love Orlando Bloom. I just put that because the response is something that my best friend Cory would say. So, yeah. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it. Let me know! I must know!
Oh, and could you guys do me a faovr as well? Give me some song titles that I can make into review and disclaimer songs. I spent so much inspiration on this that I had nothing left to write a new disclaimer or review song with!
My review poem (and I don't own "The Cat in the Hat"):
Review, said the cat, don't be shy, speak your peace!
The author will read it and comment at least
You know, said the cat, you should to just that
You should go review, said the cat in the hat
If You Liked this Fic, try...
- Haunted by Kara Black
- Secrets by Rebeltawn
- The Moment by Sabriel4
** Don't forget, if you want your fic added to this list, don't hesitate to e-mail me and ask, or tell me in your review! **
To My Reviewers:
leonsalanna: I don't know if you can remember, but there was a film reel on Jim's book that Draco spotted when they were on the train. Anyway, Justin Timberlake has some pretty interesting music- I'll give you that. I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for the review! And Harry will be back, so don't worry!
vegetarianxtc: "Here she comes to save the day!!" I saw your name! I saw it! I was like "Yay! She reviewed!" I was in the library, and while I was reading your review, I was laughing so loud that I was getting evil glares from the patrons nearby. It was quite amusing, I must say. And you were right- that quote is from LOTR. Actually, if you go back and read the story, I've hidden a few movie quotes. I had to print out all my chapters and highlight them all, cause at the end I'm making a "Did you spot this" kind of page after the story. Hee hee. You're making a list. You are the ultimate stalker/list-maker. My sister was asking me why I was laughing in the library, and I just looked at her, deadly serious, not a smile on my face and said "I have a stalker". She now looks behind us whenever we walk to the store. It's so funny! Anyway, I'm talking too much. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope you enjoy this chapter too! Thanks for the review! And as usual, I will be looking for another one... *hint, hint* lol!
BellethePhilosopher'sCookie: Ahh.... Tom Felton. I actually found an address where you can write to him and request an autograph. Whoops! Did I say that out loud. Hee hee.... if you want it, just let me know. I can hook you up! Lol! Anyway, I'm glad you're back! You have catching up to do! Thanks for the review. I hope Italy was great! (P.S. Did the twin have an Italian accent, cause Felton speaking Italian is something that I just cannot imagine, never mind handle!)
Slytherinangel922: Thank you, thank you! *bows*. I'm glad you like how this is going. I feel bad that I ended this chapter the way I did, but this way, everyone will come back! Right? Makes sense, I hope. You'll come back, right? Right? You know you will! Lol! Thanks so much for the review! Y'all come back now, y'hear?
*karly*: * laughs evily* Mwa ha ha! Directors, you say? No problem. We'll just make them all read Harry Potter and the stories that we can come up with! Yay! Anyway, Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the review. Let me know when you find a story as good as this one so I can whoop 'em! Lol! Kidding.... or am I? Lol!
Alexa Donaghy: AD's back! AD's back! Yay! I was wondering what happened to you! Seriousky, I thought you died, or got carried away by a band of basilisks, or got caught in a grease fire... sorry, imagination on overload. I'm glad you're back, and I'm glad you enjoyed this so much! How did the AC adaptor die? I'm typing on my laptop, so I hope that doesn't happen to me! Eep! Anyway, boyfriends have many good uses, like the Internet for example. Tell him that I thank him, cause that means you can review! Hee hee! Anyway, thanks for the review! Stop by again!
SilverDragon: I decided to write a new chapter just for you! I had started it, but I didn't feel like finishing it any time soon, so I decided to finish it just for you! I just hope you read this before you head off to camp. Oh... that would be bad if you didn't. Anyway, thanks for the review (and for having so much confidence in my abilities). I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Oh, and have fun at camp! Be back soon!
Kara Black: I so totally get what you mean. I was so worried that no one would review this story. But then, suddenly people started enjoying it. Anyway, I'm going to suggest your work to as many people as I can (I'm on a couple of Harry Potter fic clubs, so I'll drop your name). Don't you worry at all. I'll give you a hand with some publicity! Good luck with your surgery next month. If I'm not being to personal, might I ask what it's for? I'm getting my wisdom teeth out Aug. 28th, so that is not going to be a good day. Anyway, good luck, and thanks for taking the time to review! I appreciate it deeply!
Rebeltawn: She returns! Thank you so much for the review, and you're welcome for putting your story in. It's what I do! Why should I be hoggin all the glory when I can share it with so many talented writers? Anyway, I thought the title was "America's Sweethearts", but then again I could be wrong. It wouldn't be the first time. Lol! Thanks again for the review! Drop in again soon!
tfluver2142: Hee hee hee... I'm SO glad that you're enjoying this story so much. And as you can see, I have updated. I hope you liked it. And I'm glad I gave you butterflies. Sometimes, holding out on something you know that people want to happen adds suspense and makes the event even better (Draco and Hermione's kiss- finally!) Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for the review! Write me another one sometime!
eskimopie: First of all, I love the name. It's so cute! And I thank you for all your compliments. People have told me that I am too redundant when I write (I add words that are not needed), so I'm glad that it's like watching a film. I can see it in MY head, so I try to describe as much as I can of what I can see in my head. Here's some more for you too read! I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for the review! Come back soon!