Take On Me

By

Ponderer

DISCLAIMER: As always, I don't own these characters, just the plot. Don't sue me!!!

Chapter Three

          Ron woke up the next morning in Paris's arms. She was gorgeous when she slept, even more so when she was awake. He had seen her when he played the French Team a month before, and it was love at first sight. It was a Romeo and Juliet sort of love, because she was dating the keeper of the Parisian Gumdrops. But they hadn't given up. They were never seen together, and never spoke to one another, only sat in comfort with one and another and made love. It was a cruel game they were playing, but it was worth it.

Slowly, he got out of her bed and dressed, leaving before he did anything he regretted. He wanted more with her, a decent relationship, but he knew she didn't want that. She was engaged, and loved him. It was hard on both, but they promised to end what they had once she was married, a promise that would be hard to keep.

He got to the manor around five, knowing full well no one was up yet. He made himself some tea and found a note to meet Hermione for breakfast. He smiled to himself, wondering how her evening had gone with Draco. He knew his friends' feelings because Ginny had told him, and hoped his friend had told the truth.

Draco lie in bed, not having slept at all, staring at the ceiling. Sighing, he turned to his side, grazing his eyes on the empty spot beside him. He imagined waking up one day to see Hermione's sleeping figure next to him, but he knew that it would never happen. He could very well have any girl he wanted, on his beck and call, and he had, but everytime it had happened, he imagined it was Hermione. Alas, when his eyes opened after his highest peak, he would see some random girl.

With Ginny it was different. He was attracted to her as she was with him, but there wasn't love. Sure, they cared for one another, but they were there to comfort each other. And, one night, as their sweat covered their bodies, it was Hermione's name that Draco exclaimed, and that's when Ginny found out.

She wasn't hurt by what had happened. In fact, she had expected it. When they broke up for good, Ron had been upset at Draco, afraid he had hurt his sister but before her tempered brother got a hold of her ex, she told him everything, making him swear not to tell anyone. He promised he wouldn't, mostly because he couldn't believe it. Draco in love with Hermione? It was preposterous to even think about, but as he watched the two interact, he saw Ginny was right. The world had indeed turned over. A Malfoy was in love with a Mudblood. 

It had taken weeks for Draco to get used to his current position. He didn't know how people would react to that kind of information. He swore never to tell anyone but Ginny found out, than Ron. He thanked his lucky stars though because Ron never spoke about it, nor did he get mad. If anything, he was more considerate of his feelings as if they shared some kind of mutual understanding. Draco still found it odd to know he was friends with his school enemies, but it strangely fit. Who knew they'd become more than co-workers. He had to admit though; Ron and Harry were his best friends. He hadn't forgotten about Crabbe and Goyle, just had distanced himself.

Tired of being awake, Draco finally fell asleep, no thoughts in his mind except for a certain brown eyed girl.

Hermione waved toward her red-headed companion as he maneuvered his way between the tables at the restaurant. The first thing he noticed about her was her saddened eyes and a fake smile on her face. "Morning Ron," she said softly as he kissed her cheek in greeting.

"How was your evening?" he asked and her smile completely disappeared, but it came back momentarily.

"Oh, it was lovely. The restaurant Draco picked was excellent. I ordered a salmon, and I even asked for the recipe it was so wonderful," she rambled.

"Did anything happen? You seem different," Ron observed, anxious for details.

"It's nothing really. It's just," she sighed, "Draco told me he was in love, but he wouldn't say who she was. He looked so nervous telling me and when I asked about her, he seemed sad. I guess I'm still thinking of that and it's making me sad," she told him, her words flowing slowly.

"He didn't tell you who she was?" Ron managed out. Draco had evidently tried to tell her but she simply misunderstood.

"No," Hermione frowned. "I didn't push him though, but it seemed he wanted me to. It was strange," she shrugged and took a sip of her juice.

"Oh, maybe he just needed to tell you," Ron answered thoughtfully.

"But why me? He could have told you or Harry," she replied.

"Maybe he's more comfortable around you with the more mushy stuff. I think it's because he trusts you, cares for you," he answered softly.

"Yes, well, it was an interesting evening," Hermione said minutes later.

"Indeed it was," Ron agreed.

"Why didn't you tell her?" Ron asked, barging into Draco's room when he got home. Hermione had went to work so he knew there was time for him to talk before she got back. Draco had still been sleeping when Ron had come in, and he yawned in response.

"What the hell Weasley?" he said groggily and sat up, watching his friend glare at him.

"Don't pull this with me Malfoy! You know exactly what I'm talking about," Ron exclaimed.

"I couldn't tell her. I tried, I swear I did, but it came out wrong and she wasn't helping me in any way. It's difficult," Draco answered quietly, yet calmly.

"You have to try again. She has to know…" Ron rambled but the blond stopped him.

"It took me long enough to do it once. I'm not sure I have enough strength to do it again," he answered with a laugh while running his hand through his untidy hair. It took several moments for Ron to speak again, but when he did, there was an almost evil smile on his face.

"Maybe you wouldn't exactly have to tell her…" he started and Draco looked up him.

"What do you mean?"

"You could always show her."

"I'm not just going to kiss her Weasley. I'm not that thick," he drawled.

"Not that. Just, act sweet on her, leave little hints about it," Ron replied.

"Like what?"

"I don't know. I've never had to do this," he said. "Like when you touch her, linger your hand, or smile more often, be more romantic in sorts," Ron shrugged while Draco watched him in surprise. "What?"

"You're good," he answered.

"Yes, well, I happen to watch many muggle movies. Besides that, it's a natural talent," Ron smirked.

"All right then, I'll try. But, you will have to help. I can't do this on my own," Draco pleaded. Ron still was bewildered when he heard Draco ask for help. It was a rare occurrence, but he knew if he were in that place, e too would ask for help.

"Sure mate. I'll help you," he nodded. Both men smiled, one more scared than the other, hoping this would all work out.

"If you ever need anything, I'd help you too," Draco said softly and Ron held back his surprise. Did Malfoy know about Paris?

"I'll think about it," he replied carefully. Draco accepted his words, and fell back against his pillows and both sat in a comfortable silence.

Hermione returned home awhile later, still with her scrubs on. Her hair had pretty much fallen out of her braid and her tired face searched around the foyer, looking for a place for her shoes. "Good evening Ms. Granger," Rosetta said as she carried a tray of tea with her. Hermione smiled at the old woman. She was her favorite maid in the house and often confided in her because they were the only women in the house.

"Hello Rosetta," she murmured and nodded appreciatively when she was handed a cup of tea.

"How was the clinic today?" she asked, as Hermione followed her into the kitchen. They often spoke to one another, almost gossiping. It became a daily ritual whenever Hermione came home from work. She'd sit at the counter while she watched the elderly woman clean up the kitchen.

"Busy as usual. It's so mind boggling how I've managed through the day," Hermione explained, sitting in her stool. The woman laughed softly.

"Well, you are a very determined girl Ms. Granger. When you set your mind at something, you keep at it. You should be proud."

"I am. It's just so tiring. The boys think I have the easiest job. It's the complete opposite. I have to tell people they're dying. You know how difficult that is?"

"No, I don't Mam," she replied.

"It's no fun. Then, to turn around and tell someone else. It's heartbreaking."

"It must be. Would you like anything else?"

"No, I'm not very hungry. A child threw up on me today and I lost my appetite."

"Yes Miss," she laughed again.

"Rosetta, do you think I'm a fool complaining?"

"No, I don't Miss." Hermione nodded and watched in silence as the woman finished. It was some time later when Rosetta was done, and she smiled to see the young woman fast asleep. Her arms were cradling her head on the counter top, her light breathing making her hair blow up every few seconds. Draco appeared in the doorway in his pajamas and sighed at the sight before him.

"How long has she been like that?" he whispered, creeping toward the sleeping girl.

"At least an hour. Carry her upstairs would you dear? I'll see to it that she's changed." Draco nodded and gingerly picked up his love, holding her protectively against his chest. Hermione's arms securely wrapped around his neck voluntarily as he began to move up the stairs, the old woman following behind. She watched as the young man placed her on her bed and kissed her forehead, his lips lingering. Rosetta saw everything he did with a secret smile. The boy was in love. He reminded her of the beast from a muggle tale, and how a beautiful girl tamed him, not knowing how far his feelings were for her. "She's a sweet girl She just pushes herself too far sometimes. Yet, you can't help but love her," Rosetta said softly. He kept his eyes on the sleeping figure, not really upset that the elder witch was hinting at something rather obviously.

"Yes," he agreed and began walking out of the room, but stopped again when he met the main. "Good night Rosetta," he said sweetly, before kissing her cheek and leaving, shutting the door behind him. Rosetta went forward to Hermione, shaking her head.

"You are one lucky girl to have his attention like that."

Ginny knocked on the door to the manor, knowing it was late, but figured someone would be up. She thought perhaps it would be Ron, and was a bit surprised when Harry opened the door. "Ginny," he questioned.

"Hello Harry. May I come in?" she asked tearfully, but tried her best to smile.

"Yes, come in," he said and allowed her in with a frown. He followed her small figure into the sitting room. "What's wrong?"

"Oh Harry, it was horrible. I though he would be different. I thought maybe that we had something special, you know? It's just so hard," she cried out. Harry felt helpless but didn't know what to do, so he let her talk it out.

"Who Ginny? What happened?" he asked soothingly. Ginny calmed down slightly as she breathed in deeply and sat down on the arm of the chair, holding onto her hand.

"Jean. The French man I was seeing, he dumped me. Evidently he was in a vulnerable state when he met me. He had been engaged to marry but when he came here, they fought. He thought it was over between them. She called him, begging him to come home," she sniffed before trying to calm herself, but it wasn't working. "He is," she choked out before bursting into a new set of tears. Harry kneeled in front of her, pulling the shaking body into his arms, trying to ease her pain.

"I'm so sorry Ginny," he whispered, his hands running up and down her back smoothly, her small hands balling into fists on his shirt. He felt her hot tears through the material and he wanted to kill the man who had hurt her that way. Ginny had been known to not have very good relationships, so each heartbreak was worse than the one before.

Finally, her sobs softened, but her grip did not. Harry didn't pull away from her either, pretty comfortable in their position. He felt bad for thinking it right there, yet he couldn't help it. Something about the red head had always been alluring. "Ginny," he whispered as he slowly pulled away. She watched him carefully, almost sizing her up. Screw the consequences, her mind thought as her eyes sought out his lips. She unconsciously licked her own before leaning in and kissing him. It took a few moments before Harry reacted. He began kissing her back, enjoying the sensations he was getting. She too was feeling the same and all her doubts of her actions disappeared. Giving herself into the kiss fully, she forgot about Jean and her heart as Harry cautiously entered his tongue into her mouth. She let a moan escape from deep within her throat, which Harry returned gratefully. Before either knew what happened, Ginny pulled away. She didn't push him away, but simply gave him a look. He nodded and stood, helping her up. They held hands as they went upstairs, and when they found his door, they entered, locking the door behind them.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Are you surprised by this chapter? I am! I wanted to introduce the minor characters sooner, but this was the best place for them so everyone got used to the whole Hermione/Draco idea. I hope everyone doesn't think I rushed the whole Ginny/Harry thing, but what goes on with them isn't really important here. As for Ron and Paris, more of their problems will come later on. So, please review and continue reading! Thanks for all the recent reviews and wonderful words of encouragement! And, I'm sorry for the delay for this chapter. This past week was hard to write ch. 4 but it is done and is a bit shorter than expected. I'm currently working on Ch. 5 and it's going good so far. So, keep an eye out for the next chapter!

Thanks!

Ponderer