**AUTHORS APOLOGY!** I am so sorry these chapters are coming out so slow, but I have a really busy schedule and I just cannot find time to write, breath, sleep, play field hockey, go to drama practice, do homework, and go to school. I mean, I'd skip school if I could, but then I couldn't play field hockey and that's not good. So here it is! Number eighteen!
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October thirty first dawned cool and gray. A thick fog lay heavy on the grounds, threatening to drown any student who dared to walk outside. Hermione and Camille had lain awake late the night before, talking about Ron, Draco, and the ball. Camille had been so excited when Ron sent her an owl, telling her to meet him for breakfast at eight a.m. She had woken early to get ready. She showered and, still in her towel, dragged Hermione out of bed.
"Come on, Hermione! You have to help me get ready!" Camille begged, ripping the covers off of Hermione.
"Oh, Camille, it's just Ron! He'll think you look beautiful no matter what." Hermione yawned, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Camille blushed slightly. "Now, first thing is first. I found this make-up charm last year that really helps…" Hermione and Camille spent all morning fixing Camille's hair, make-up, and outfit. Hermione grumbled about having to be too girlish too early, but Camille's pleading looks made her help. At quarter to eight, the girls emerged, both dressed and clean. Draco was sitting in the common room with Dillon. Both boys were silent, and didn't notice the girls' entrance. Hermione went up behind Draco and placed her fingers on his shoulders, slightly squeezing. He jumped at her light caress and grabbed her wrists. She yelped out in surprise before Draco stood to hug her.
"Good morning, love." He said softly, kissing her lightly. Hermione smiled.
"Morning. Camille has to meet Ron soon, so lets go down to get some breakfast. Dillon, would you like to come? I'm sure we would all love to have you." Dillon stood, walking over to the group.
"I would love to come." He said, smiling slightly. Camille smiled at him broadly, and skipped out of the portrait hole. Draco laughed quietly at the younger girl's antics as the remaining three went to breakfast.
Ron was waiting for them outside the dining hall. His face considerably brightened when Camille showed up. They all said their 'good morning's and sat down to breakfast. Amongst the excited chatter about the ball, Ron and Camille managed to secretly discuss their plans for costumes. Hermione kept questioning them, hoping to get an answer, but the two merely smiled at one another and shook their heads. The rest of the day seemed to drag on forever. Hermione suggested a trip to visit Hagrid, but it took much longer than expected to find their way through the thick, wet fog. Much to the groups chagrin, Hagrid had a note tacked to his door.
Gone for a week. Care of Magical Creature lessons canceled until then.
-R. Hagrid, Gamekeeper
"I've never known him to write a note like that, much less go away for a week." Hermione commented on the hike back to the castle. "I wonder if something's wrong." Hermione chewed on her bottom lip nervously. Draco put an arm around her shoulder, leading her through the fog.
"I'm sure he's fine. Maybe he just wanted to take a vacation, you know, get out and see the world. I hear Paris is lovely in the fall…maybe we should go there sometime." Draco said in a comforting voice. Hermione smiled. They came upon the wooden doors faster than they had anticipated, but were still glad to be out of the relentless fog. Camille and Ron said quick good byes and ran away, laughing. Dillon excused himself, saying he needed to finish his homework. Hermione asked him to stay, but he insisted on leaving. Shortly after, Draco and Hermione returned to their dormitory, finally deciding to finish their costumes. Hermione had conjured hers up. It was a floor length crimson dress that laced up in the front. Underneath was a pale cream skirt and bodice. She opted for the full costume and included a corset. Draco's costume consisted of a dark blue tunic, a white shirt with billowy sleeves. Hermione had convinced him to wear tights, which he griped and grumbled about consistently, even though Hermione told him they were "very flattering to his figure." The couple, having finally finished their costumes, settled down to talk.
"I feel really bad for Dillon," Hermione said quietly. "I mean, he's this wonderful young man, who is extremely polite and good-looking, but no one seems to notice him." Draco furrowed his brow in thought.
"You know, he doesn't have a date for tonight." Draco ran his fingertips over his eyelids. "Hermione, maybe you should go with him."
"Oh, Draco, that is such a nice thing to do! But you know I wouldn't want to go with anyone but you." Hermione moved closer to him.
"No, really, Hermione, I think you should go with him. I mean, the kid is always alone. I have never seen him talk to anyone about more than classes or homework. He's lonely, anyone with two eyes can see that." Draco sighed, draping an arm around Hermione's shoulder, bringing her closer. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she inhaled deeply. She loved the way he smelled. A mixture of soap, clean laundry, spicy after-shave, and a tinge of cologne. "I'm going to talk to him about it."
"Maybe you're right. What harm can it do if I go with him? But Draco, what about you? You've been equally looking forward to this. Maybe we can find him a date. What if he already has one? I mean, Dillon is such a sweet-" Hermione stopped abruptly as Dillon came into the common room. She sat up straight, and looked at Draco nervously. He smiled congenially towards Dillon.
"Hello, Dillon. Excited about the ball?" Draco asked casually. Hermione smiled to herself. As sweet and kind as Draco could be, he was still a cunning Slytherin. Dillon shook his head.
"I'm not going," He responded in his deep, raspy voice. Draco raised an eyebrow in inquiry. "I don't go to a lot of Hogwarts' social affairs." Dillon explained. " I prefer to keep to myself. I'm sure you two will have a lovely time." Hermione looked at Draco quickly, and jumped in.
"Actually, we decided not to go together. Would you like to come with me? I'm sure we would have a wonderful time." Hermione smiled, standing. She casually walked to Dillon and placed a hand on his upper arm. She could feel his muscles tense under her touch. "Please?" Hermione asked again.
"Look, I find it very nice that you decided not to go together so Hermione could go with me, but I must decline." Dillon stopped Hermione's protest. "I know that's why you weren't going together. If I do go, I'll probably go alone. I've never been one for dating." Dillon smiled slightly and turned to leave. As the portrait hole closed silently behind him, Hermione sighed and sank into the seat next to Draco.
"I still feel awful. I mean, we probably made him think he was a loner. Oh, Draco! What do we do now?" Hermione fell over, landing her head in Draco's lap. As he absentmindedly twirled her hair in his fingers, his eyes started to sparkle.
"Do you have any friends in seventh year?" He asked, eyes alight with mischief. Hermione looked up at him, questioning him with her expression.
"Yes…There's Camille and Shana, both Slytherins. Holly is a Hufflepuff. Oh! There's Ginny Weasley-"
"Perfect," Draco interrupted. He lifted Hermione's head off his lap and placed it gently on his vacant seat. "She would be in the dining hall, am I right? It's about lunchtime anyway…" Draco's voice trailed off as he headed for the door.
"Where are you going? And what are you doing?" Hermione called after him. With a smirk, Draco answered.
"You'll see, love." And he left.
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Ginny was sitting in the middle of the Gryffindor table, surrounded by her classmates and friends. She looked terribly forlorn and she just sat there; staring at the space her brother had just occupied with Camille. She heaved a deep sigh, causing her best friends Avery and Katrina to stop their conversation (about the ball, of course. It seemed like Ginny was the only one that was not excited about it.) and look at Ginny worriedly.
"What's wrong, Gin? Is it the ball? Look, I can easily have Bryan come with you…" Avery offered, placing a hand lightly on Ginny's back. Bryan was a seventh year Slytherin with dark brown hair, tan skin, and a very defined figure. The girls had been falling over him to go to the ball, but so far he had turned every one down. Avery had been his friend since first year, despite their feuding houses.
"Uh, Avery? She can't go with Bryan…" Katrina's usually creamy white skin had turned a shade of scarlet. She was nervously poking at her plate.
"Why not?" Avery said, turning to face Katrina head on. "Are you saying Ginny's not good enough for him?" Avery's eyes had started to flicker. She was a wonderful friend, but had an awful temper.
"Because I'm going with someone else." A sultry voice said from behind Katrina. Bryan had made an appearance in the shadows behind their table and laced his arm around Katrina's waist. "Isn't that right, babe?"
"Oh! Bryan, why didn't you tell me you and Kat were dating? Oh, Ginny, isn't that adorable?" Avery's temper had immediately extinguished.
"Yeah, great." Ginny said in a voice completely lacking emotion. The doors slammed open, causing a resounding wooden thud as Draco walked through. His lengthening blond hair was in his eyes, and he looked around the hall quickly as the doors shut silently behind him. Apparently spotting what he was looking for, he paced over to the Gryffindor table. Some of the students gave him a disdainful glare, some smiled, and some didn't notice as they were still staring at Bryan. Draco stopped behind Ginny.
"Virginia, darling, would you care to talk a walk with me? I would like to discuss a few things." Draco said in a deep voice. Avery, grinning madly, gave Ginny's shoulder a little shove.
"Go away, Malfoy. I'm not in the mood." Ginny turned her back to Draco. He sighed impatiently and leaned down to whisper to her. His lips brushed her earlobe as he spoke.
"Look, I need your help. Yes, a Malfoy asking a Weasley for help. Unheard of, until now. Listen to me closely Virginia. There's a friend of mine who is very lonely, someone you probably know. I am afraid for him. If he continues as he is, I fear for his life. Now, tell me you'll help me Virginia." Draco pulled back, carelessly dragging his hand down her back. Ginny stood up and faced him. Looking up the six inches that divided their heights, Ginny smiled.
"You have yourself a deal, Malfoy, as long as I know who this mystery man is." Draco smirked. He raised his eyebrows at her, laughing softly.
"Perhaps you've heard of him. Dillon Rossi? From Ravenclaw?" Ginny's eyes traveled over to the Ravenclaw table and settled on the well-known face of Dillon. As she watched, he stood and left the dining hall. Her eyes widened. "So, Virginia, do we have a deal?"
"Yes." Ginny managed to whisper before Draco dragged her out of the dining hall and into the corridors, explaining as he went.
"Okay, Virginia? You get all of that?" Draco said, halting at the portrait or the mermaid. Ginny nodded, out of breath. "Good. Now, Hermione is going to help you get ready. Camille and her are already in there." The portrait swung open and Draco stepped inside. Dillon was positioned in a chair next to the fireplace. The warm yellow light cast shadows on his face. Ginny watched him as he stood and faced them.
"Dillon, I'd like you to meet my friend Virginia Weasley." Draco said smoothly, nudging Ginny forward. Dillon took her small hand in his larger one and pressed it lightly to his lips. Ginny blushed and looked at him. His dark green eyes had a tint of blue around the edges. She was vaguely aware of Draco talking. "Virginia has been a long-time admirer of you, Dillon. She wanted to know if you would take her to the ball tonight." Dillon still had his lips against Ginny's fingertips. He had been studying her face closely. Her dark copper hair, the pale freckled skin, the bright cornflower blue eyes…she was beautiful.
"I would love to take you, Virginia." Dillon said without hesitation. Ginny smiled broadly. She had only agreed to help Draco because she wanted to make Harry jealous. In all the years her brother had been Harry's best friend, Harry had failed to notice that Ginny was his devoted admirer. If he came to the ball and saw her with Dillon, he might actually see her as a woman, not just his best friend's sister. Draco had left the room, leaving the 'couple' alone.
"So, Dillon, I was thinking we could go as…you know…something to do with winter? I just love that season, don't you?" Ginny smiled, and pulled Dillon to sit with her on the couch. Dillon sort of nodded. "Maybe you could be Jack Frost, and I could be the Snow Queen?" Dillon looked skeptical for a moment. "Please?" Ginny added hastily.
"Fine. I'll meet you here at six o'clock." Dillon smiled slightly and went to his room. He heard Ginny leave and opened the door. Draco was standing next to his bed.
"So, Dillon, how did it go?" Draco asked, smirking.
"Why did you make her ask me?" Dillon demanded. Draco raised his eyebrows in silent inquiry. "I know she doesn't like me Draco. Now why did you do that?" Dillon wouldn't let it show, but he was crushed. The moment he had seen Virginia, he had felt an odd flutter in his chest, some feeling he had never felt only once before. When she had looked at him in the eyes, his mind had sent a message through him before he could think. I've fallen in love again, he had thought. But the moment she spoke he knew it was all a lie. And he was furious with Draco for initiating it.
"Dillon, don't get mad. I did it because I'm afraid that you're going to do something drastic if you don't have someone there for you. I probably wouldn't be alive today if Hermione hadn't come around. Just trust me, I did it to help you." Draco watched Dillon sink onto his bed.
"I guess you're right. Just next time you decide to save me, let me know, okay?" Dillon said, feebly attempting humor despite his mood. Draco laughed softly and placed a hand on Dillon's shoulder. He gave it a small squeeze and left. Dillon sighed and pulled out his journal.
October 31-2:13 p.m.
Virginia Weasley, a Gryffindor, has just asked me to the ball. Draco tells me that he arranged it for fear I would become suicidal if I stay alone. I wish it were that she wanted me to take her. The moment I saw her I knew that she was meant for me. I just hope she realizes it in time.
Dillon stopped writing. The perception of his last sentence sank in.
In time for what? Am I really suicidal? Or am I just contemplating the war? I can't leave someone behind. Virginia seems to be a wonderful person, so undeserving of someone like me. She ought to have someone better.
Dillon, sickened with himself, placed his journal roughly in the drawer and slammed it closed. Deciding that it was time to get ready, he stood and left, not noticing when he hit his shoulder on the door frame, or when he dropped his quill on the floor. Nothing really mattered.
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When six o'clock rolled around, the Head students' common room was a flutter of activity. Camille had taken a bag with her costume and ran to the bathroom to change in peace. Ron and her had decided to keep their costumes a secret until they arrived at the ball. Hermione had changed into her costume and braided her hair on top of her head. Draco was also dressed and sitting with her. Ginny was changing in Hermione's room, and Dillon was waiting patiently next to the fireplace. He was wearing a dark blue silk shirt, dark blue pants, and a slivery white cape. The tips of his hair were silver. The mere sight of him was breathtaking. Ginny appeared moments later, dressed all in white, silver, and blue. She had icy blue robes, a white muff and scarf, and silver sparkles brushed around her face. Dillon held out an arm to her and the two couples went downstairs. The hall was decorated with thirteen massive pumpkins, all carved in different scenes and lit with a soft yellow glow. The enchanted ceiling showed a clear, starry night. Instead of the normal four tables, there were about one hundred little ones, each fitting about ten people. The doors opened into the Great Hall, leaving sufficient room to dance. At six thirty, Dumbledore stood in front of the students and clinked his knife on his water glass.
"Attention!" His voice rang clear through the silent hall. "I would like to say a few words. We will be serving dinner at promptly seven thirty. Until then, you may dance and mingle as you please." Dumbledore clapped his hands and music started to play. The notes drifted through the hall. Draco sat down next to Hermione at a corner table.
"Enjoying yourself?" He asked, smirking a little. Hermione smiled, her eyes tender.
"Of course. Now, come dance with me before I find a new date." Hermione pulled Draco to his feet and whisked him to the dance floor. Just as they had started to dance, Ron and Camille came down the staircase. Camille was wearing a long cream colored gown with billowing sleeves and a corset over the bodice. Ron came down in a black shirt with an open neck and black pants and boots. He had a cape over his shoulders. The two slowly descended the stairs, unaware that every set of eyes in the hall was fixed upon them. As soon as they had reached the bottom, Hermione rushed over. She was smiling broadly and her eyes were sparkling.
"Hello, Hermione! You look beautiful!" Camille said, her cheeks rosy. Hermione swept her up in a hug. Ron watched them with a slightly amused look on his face. Draco sauntered over, surveying the newly arrived couple.
"Oh, Camille! You just look so beautiful! I can't believe this!" Hermione was still smiling. Draco placed an arm around her waist and drew her closer to him.
"So, Weasley, what exactly did you come as?" Draco asked. Ron gave him a glare before realizing that he was just trying to be friendly, only in a very Malfoy kind of way. Camille answered for him.
"Marius and Eponine from Les Miserable. It's a muggle Broadway show." Camille smiled as Ron placed an arm around her waist.
"Well, you two are simply lovely. Now, I came here for a ball, not to chat all night. If you'll excuse us, Draco and I were about to dance." Hermione smiled and winked at Camille before heading off again into the crowd with Draco. The music playing in the background was soft and sweet, the rhythm slow. Wrapping her arms around Draco's neck, Hermione started to sway back and forth. She leaned against Draco and sighed. I am so happy, she thought. Draco traced light circles on her back with his finger. His arms were around her waist, pulling her even closer to him. Before they really had a chance to start their dance, they were once again interrupted by an entrance. Harry and Tanith came in the front doors, and immediately Ron rushed over. Camille came over to Draco and Hermione, telling them who had arrived, and taking them with her to say hello. Harry was smiling as he talked to Ron, and as soon as Hermione came over, he hugged her tightly.
"Hermione! I haven't seen you in ages!" Harry said, twirling her around a bit. Hermione laughed and smiled at Tanith. She was dressed in a navy blue gown and her long black hair was in curls down her back. She smiled at them. The group went to a table and sat down, conversing about the past few weeks until Dumbledore made the announcement for dinner. The tables filled with food and the feast commenced. It dragged on until almost nine o'clock. When the last crumbs had faded from the shiny platters, the groups stood and went back to the dance floor. Ron and Camille went off to dance before any of the others had moved. Harry stood and walked to Hermione. He smiled at her.
"Yes, Mr. Potter?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
"Don't do that, Hermione." Harry said, laughter dancing in his eyes. "You look too much like Malfoy over there." Hermione laughed.
"Is there something wrong with that, Potter?" Draco asked, slightly amused. "I happen to think I'm very good-looking."
"The old Malfoy vanity." Harry sighed, rolling his eyes. He extended a hand to Hermione. "Care to dance?" He asked.
Hermione looked sideways at Draco, silently asking for permission. "Go on, Hermione. You can dance with whomever you like, as long as I get to dance with Tanith." Draco flashed Tanith a smile, and she stiffened abruptly. Harry nodded and took Hermione to the Great Hall. Draco stood and offered his hand to Tanith. "May I have this dance?" He asked, smiling. Tanith smiled uneasily and put her delicate hand in his own. He pulled her to her feet and took her to the dance floor. Tanith nervously wrapped her arms around Draco's neck as her put his arms around her waist. "You're tense," Draco observed after a few moments of swaying. Tanith stiffened even more as he rubbed small circles on her back. "What's wrong?" He asked, voice thick with worry.
"Nothing," Tanith murmured. "I'm fine." Draco pulled her back a little bit to look Tanith in the face. She avoided his glare and looked down.
"Don't lie to me, Tanith. I cannot stand it when I'm not told the truth. I know something is wrong. Please, let me help." Draco put a finger under Tanith's chin and pulled it up so she looked him in the eye. "Oh, my god." He whispered.
"Draco…" Tanith said, her voice apprehensive. He looked around them quickly, before dragging her off into an empty corridor. There were no lights, leaving them in still blackness. He pulled her around and whipped his wand out of his packet.
"Lumos," He whispered harshly. A cold white light emanated from his wand and cast eerie shadows on the stone walls. "Tanith, if that really is your name…" He started out. When she tried to interrupt, Draco placed a finger to her lips. "I know you. Your parents were Death Eaters. The Lestranges, if memory suits me. But why the hell are you here? My father talked about killing your father for a week." Tanith raised her eyes from the ground. "Tell me why you're here, Cosette."
A silent tear escaped Cosette's eye. "Draco, please, don't be upset. My father ran off with some muggle woman. They didn't kill him; they killed Edan." Draco stepped back. The news of his friend's death had come as a hard blow.
"They killed Edan?" Draco whispered. Cosette nodded. She sank down onto the floor, silent tears pouring down her cheeks. Draco sat next to her, pulling her tiny frame against his chest. "Who knows your true identity?" Draco asked softly.
Cosette took a few deep breaths and pulled back. "Just Dumbledore and Moody. Please, don't tell Harry. He'd think I'm spying on him for Voldemort if he knew who I was. Tell anyone you want, just not Harry." Cosette wiped her eyes. Draco nodded.
"Now, you go wash up and I'll meet you back in the Great Hall." Draco hugged her quickly and left the corridor. Cosette took a few deep breaths before lighting her own wand and continuing down the corridor to the bathroom. She splashed some cold water on her face and looked at her reflection quickly. Running her fingers through her hair, Cosette smiled. She went back down the empty corridor and into the Great Hall. Draco was leaning against a wall, watching Harry and Hermione dance.
"Thanks," Cosette whispered as she moved to stand next to Draco. Her smiled at her.
"Anytime." He said softly as Harry and Hermione walked towards them. Hermione smiled at Draco and Cosette.
"Did you two have fun?" She asked. Draco gave a quick glance towards Cosette and nodded. Hermione narrowed her eyes at them, before laughing and leaning on the wall next to Draco. "Come on, Draco. I still haven't gotten to dance with you." Hermione pulled Draco off onto the dance floor, leaving Harry and Cosette behind. As the next song started, Hermione pressed her body against Draco's and rested her head on his chest. Closing her eyes, Hermione swayed back and forth with him, their bodies moving to the rhythm of the music. Draco kissed the top of Hermione's head lightly. For minutes they just stood there, swaying slowly, content with just holding the other in their arms. After awhile, Hermione sighed and reluctantly pulled back.
"Thank you." Draco whispered, smiling. Hermione kissed him lightly and went back to their table. Ron and Camille were sitting there.
"Hello Hermione!" Ron said cheerfully. Hermione smiled and sat down. Camille whispered something to her and Hermione laughed softly. Ron rolled his eyes. "Can you two stop sharing secrets? Honestly Hermione, you managed seven years of school with less of them combined than today alone!" Hermione smirked, but before she had a chance to answer, Harry and Cosette came over to the table. The three couples sat contentedly for quite awhile, idly chatting, before Dumbledore stood up.
"Students!" He called over the sea of color. Immediately every head turned to face him. The music stopped. "I would like to thank you all for coming, but it is now midnight and I believe most of us should be going to bed. Sixth years and below, please return to your dormitories. I expect the prefects to patrol the halls in one half hour for any students not in seventh year who fail to return. Good night!" And with that, Dumbledore sat back down. The hall around them emptied slowly, leaving only about one hundred students, Dumbledore, and Professor Sprout in the hall. Dillon and Ginny came over shortly after.
"Hello all!" Ginny said cheerfully, obviously a little too energetic. "How is everyone and how were your evenings?" Everyone muttered a little something. Ron leaned over to Harry and whispered something about his sister being a night person and that they should expect this the rest of the evening. Ginny sat down next to Hermione. Dillon stood behind her chair. The company engaged in small talk for a few more minutes before a Spanish melody started drifting through the still night air. Camille smiled mischievously at Ron and pulled him off to the dance floor. Much to the amusement of the other three couples, Ron and Camille started doing the tango.
"They're actually quite good." Hermione remarked between laughs. Draco rolled his eyes and stood. Heading towards the door, he motioned to Hermione to follow him. Puzzled, she quickly ran to catch up to him. When they were outside, Draco turned to Hermione. Looking her in the eyes, he sighed and sat down on a stone bench. Hermione sat next to him, reaching out to hold one of his hands.
"Hermione," Draco whispered, leaning towards her. He placed a kiss on her cheek before moving to her mouth. Hermione, a little unnerved because Draco had seemed so worried, kissed back, but pulled away.
"Draco, sweetheart, what's wrong?" She asked, eyes searching his face for clues. Draco ran a hand over his eyes and looked at Hermione.
"Tanith. She's not who you think. She's Cosette Lestrange." Draco said softly. Hermione put a hand over her mouth and looked at Draco.
"But her parents were caught and put in Azkaban. Harry said Tanith's parents died." Draco shook his head. He stood and turned away from Hermione. She sat in silence, not daring to turn him around or press him for information.
"They were Cosette's aunt and uncle. Her father's brother and her aunt were even more devoted to Voldemort than my father. Of course, Lucius made it clear that he was Voldemort's true follower after they were sentenced." Draco sighed, his back still to Hermione. "Cosette's family was broken apart when her father ran off with a muggle woman. Her mother, Deirdre, kept coming to meetings and eventually fell in love with Judas Rookwood, Augustus Rookwood's oldest son. I don't really know what happened, but Deirdre killed herself. After that, Cosette and her brother Edan stopped coming. I haven't talked to either one since then. Edan was murdered." Draco's voice was even. Hermione stood and placed a hand on his shoulder. "He was the only person I dared to confide in, likewise with him. We were like brothers." Draco whispered. Hermione hugged him tightly.
"I'm so sorry Draco." She whispered, holding him close. Draco hardly ever showed depression, and he never cried, but Hermione could see how much this pained him. Draco took a deep breath.
"Just one more reason to kill the bastards." He said, turning away from Hermione and walking up to the castle. She sighed and followed him back. Harry was standing next to the door, glaring at a retreating figure.
"Harry?" Hermione whispered, touching Harry's arm softly. His deadly glare settled on her, but immediately softened. "What's wrong?" She asked.
"Malfoy comes in here and starts stalking off to the dungeons, and when I ask him if he's all right, he just glared at me and told me not to interfere with his life." Harry loosely crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't exactly call it interfering when I ask if someone is all right." Hermione smiled.
"Thanks for trying Harry, but Draco is in a rather bad mood. I'll go talk to him." Harry shrugged and watched Hermione walk towards the dungeons. She imagined he would be heading to either Snape's quarters or the Slytherin common room. The narrow stone passageways were damp and dark. Hermione went to Snape's room first and knocked on the door. Narcissa opened it and smiled.
"Hello, Hermione." She said lightly. "How are you?"
"I'm okay." Hermione said, smiling slightly. "Have you seen Draco?" Narcissa shook her head. "Right, is Professor Snape there?"
"Yes, I'll go get him. Why are you looking for Draco anyway?" Narcissa asked, walking across the room and rapping on a door.
"He left in a hurry and I wanted to talk to him." Hermione said as Severus came out into view. "Professor, I know that it's late and I have no reason to be asking, but could you lead me to the Slytherin common room? I think Draco might be there and I need to talk to him." Severus furrowed his brow and looked at Narcissa. She shrugged and Severus nodded.
"This way." He said, motioning for Hermione to follow him out the door. They paced through a labyrinth of corridors before reaching a bare expanse of stone wall. "Purezza scura," Severus whispered. A hidden door slid open, revealing the Slytherin common room. It was a large room, going very far back from the door. The walls were rough gray stone and a few green lamps suspended from the ceiling lighted the room. An ornately carved fireplace stood in the middle of one wall, and Draco was leaning on the mantle, staring at the flames. Hermione stepped inside, the door closing immediately behind her, leaving Severus on the other side. Draco didn't turn to look at her, but spoke all the same.
"Hermione," He whispered. The flames were dancing in the fireplace, the shadows falling over Draco's face. His hair looked like molten gold in the orange light. "Come here." The pleading tone in his voice made Hermione nearly sprint to him. He leaned down and kissed her hard. She could see that his eyes were bloodshot, and as she kissed him, she felt a single hot tear fall down his cheek.
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*There it was; now review and leave me alone! The next chapter will be out in a week or so.* btw, the Eponine and Marius thing is my adaptation…with help from Jes…its sort of like girl falls in love with guy secretly, guy falls for another girl, first girl is heartbroken, second girl falls in love with guy. Works, don't you think?