Disclaimer: I in no way shape or form own any characters, real people or
places you may recognize in this story. However if I did I would be a very
rich woman.
Chapter 12
The Invitation
"This is absolutely ridiculous," Hermione yelled. "I don't want to stay here for the holidays. You couldn't have told me about this earlier?" She slammed her fists on the desk in front of her.
"Ms. Granger, I ask that you refrain yourself from abusing my furniture." Professor Snape said. "I am well aware that you are not happy about this; but it is for your own safety. Lucuis Malfoy has found out that Draco is linked with you in some prophecy. While he doesn't know what this entails neither you or Draco is safe."
Hermione sighed in resignation, "Alright Professor, I will stay here; but I will need your help on something."
Aggravated that he was still having this conversation, when he could be relaxing in his private laboratory, he asked her what she needed.
"I am working on a special project and need these herbs," she tossed a list to him. "I had planned on gathering them on vacation; but that's not possible now, is it? I know you have them stored here."
"Absolutely not," he said looking over the list. "When these particular herbs are mixed together, they form a very powerful drug. I will not allow you to manufacture narcotics on Hogwarts property."
Hermione was about to protest when a lovely pure black owl flew into the room, dropping a letter directly on Professor Snapes desk.
He opened it and began to read.
Severus,
I have received information that Hermione Granger will be residing at Hogwarts for the coming Holidays. What a fine idea. However, I do require your assistance. Ms. Granger is working on a project for me. I ask that you give her whatever she needs.
Albus Dumbledore
"Very well Ms. Granger," Snape said with a sneer, "I will have those to you within twenty-four hours."
Hermione nodded and made her way back to her rooms.
When she entered the common room, she saw no sign of Draco. She hadn't seen him since the Yule Ball and didn't understand why he was avoiding her. She sat on one of the couches immersing herself in her worn copy of 'Hogwarts a History".
Hermione sat up quickly, the top of her head connecting with Draco's jaw.
"God damn it Draco what the hell are you doing, you hurt my head," she said rubbing the sore spot.
"Me Granger? You're the one that just assaulted me with that know-it-all head of yours. You missed your train."
"Doesn't matter, I wasn't going anywhere anyway. Seems that the GREAT Lucuis Malfoy doesn't like his son being linked with a mud blood in anyway."
She had been about to say more when a knock sounded on the portrait. Draco went to see who it was.
When he opened the portrait a woman stood there who he had never seen before.
"Can I help you?" he said impatiently.
He heard her mumble something. He couldn't make it out completely but he heard 'just like the asshole'.
The woman looked him straight in the eye and said, "I am here to see Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. I know for a fact that this is the heads room and that you are Draco Malfoy, so I am just going to assume that Hermione is inside. So kindly move aside so I can talk to you both."
"Draco, what is taking so long? Is it another of your adoring fans?"
When Hermione reached the portrait she saw Draco arguing with some woman.
"Oh Mrs. Franklin," Hermione said recognizing her immediately. "What are you doing here?"
Draco was stunned. This is the woman who his mother had risked her life to save. He regained his composure immediately.
"Mrs. Franklin, my sincerest apologies, please come in."
She followed Hermione into the common room and accepted the tea that was offered.
Hermione sat across from her and Draco soon joined them.
"Mrs. Franklin," Hermione said. "May I ask what you are doing here?"
Julianne began. "Well first of all I would like to say that I am surprised by your reaction Mr. Malfoy. I had assumed that you would hate me and my family. Rightly so too."
"Why would you say such a thing? I have no reason to hate you."
"It is because of me that you and your mother are living in seclusion."
"And that is exactly the reason that I don't hate you. My mother risked her life to save you and your husband. She must have held you in high regard to do that. Yes, your return has forced us from the manor; but it was the best thing that could have happened to us."
Julianne looked as if she was going to cry. Draco stood up and walked over to her.
"Mrs. Franklin," he said a question in his voice.
"It's Julianne. Do you think your mother feels the same? Do you think she would see me? I don't know if anyone told you but your mother and I were best friends back at Hogwarts. When she married Lucuis, he forbid her to see me. We still managed to meet, behind his back. Then she told me she was pregnant with you. I couldn't let her risk coming to see me anymore. I had no idea what would have happened if Lucuis found out. After that I saw her on the street occasionally, and when our eyes would meet they would be full of sorrow. Until that night I haven't even been in the same room with her."
"Don't worry Julianne, I will ask her if she will see you."
"Thank you Draco. Now on to the reason I have come visiting. It has come to my attention that you both will be staying here for the winter holidays. I want you both to join me and my family for Christmas dinner. Aaron has talked about you both so much that I feel as if you are family already. Before you protest let me tell you that all the Weasleys will be there as well as Harry. I love to cook, and the more the merrier."
Hermione laughed, "I swear Julianne, you may not look like Molly, but you sire act like her. I can't speak for Draco; but I would love to come."
Draco frowned. "I am sorry but I must decline."
Hermione knew that this would be his answer but had hoped that he would have surprised her.
Julianne's face fell, "I had hoped that you and your mother could be there."
Draco started to fell guilty so he told her he would speak to his mother about it.
They spoke for a few more minutes and then Julianne left.
Hermione looked at Draco and said, "Are you really going to ask your mother."
He looked angry. "Of course I meant it Granger. I don't say things I don't mean." He walked to his room.
"What was that all about?" she wondered.
Even more confused about the last few days, Hermione decided that she would confront Draco soon.
In his room Draco was pacing. "Stupid woman," he thought. "I pour my heart out to her and she rejects me."
He decided not to deal with that right now. He decided to contact his mother. Using the floo network he called for her.
"Mother will you please come thru? I need to speak to you."
Narcissa came thru the fire and asked her son what was so important.
"I had a visitor today," he said. "Julianne Franklin came to see me."
Tears welled \in Narcissas eyes. "How is she doing? Does she blame me for those lost years? I want to see her."
"Calm down mother. She doesn't blame you for anything. She wants to see you too. In fact she wants to know if we would join her for Christmas dinner."
"Do you want to go Draco?"
"No. I honestly cannot see myself sitting with a bunch of Weasleys and Harry Potter."
"I understand Draco; but I am going to ask you to do this for me."
"Fine whatever mother, but I won't be nice to Potter or the rest of the trio."
"I didn't expect you t be. Now where do I find Julianne?"
"You can not go and see her. What would happen if one of the Slytherins associated with The Dark Lord saw you walking down the hall? The only reason I am safe is that everyone assumes that I know nothing and have been at school the entire time. If they see you we are both in danger, and all the ward at Hogwarts will not save me."
Draco saw a flash of fear go thru his mother's eyes. "Oh Draco I am so sorry. I have put both our lives at stake."
"Don't you dare ever say you are sorry again." Draco said angrily. "You never apologize for doing something that you know was right. Just give me a minute."
He left his mother in his bedroom and went in search of Hermione.
He found her once again sitting on the couch reading with her feet tucked underneath her.
"Granger," he said startling her.
"What is it Malfoy?"
"I need a favor."
"Oh really," she said angrily. "Well you know the rules. To get a favor you must owe a favor." Hermione was pissed. She had time to think since he had left and could find no reason for him ignoring her. She thought he had wanted her help.
"Whatever Granger. Ok I owe you one. Now please go and get Julianne for me and bring her back here."
"Why?"
"Because I asked you to."
"Fine Malfoy," she said as she stood up. "Just remember, you owe me."
Hermione left and Draco called his mother into the common room. "I just sent Granger to get Julianne. I suggest you meet with her here. Do not leave this room. When you are finished floo back to headquarters. I am going to my room now and want to be left alone."
"Draco wait. What is going on between you and Hermione? "
"Nothing mother, she rejected me." He walked away.
In his room Draco sat down on his bed. He picked up the silver dagger that was sitting on his nightstand. At the hilt there was a scarlet jewel. Then there were ribbons of emeralds twisting around the handle. He had seen it the day before the Yule Ball, during a special Hogsmeade visit. He didn't know what had possessed him but he knew he had to buy it for Hermione. He guessed he would still give it to her for Christmas. He didn't need after all; but had a feeling she did.
Hermione had gotten Julianne like Draco had asked. When they returned to the common room she saw Narcissa sitting on the couch. She smiled as the two embraced and began talking at once. She made sure they had everything they needed and went to her room.
When she got there she sat down on her bed and began to think about what had happened.
"I just dint understand him," she thought.
"WHAT DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND," a voice asked.
Hermione looked around the room in surprise and then began laughing at herself when she realized it was her subconscious.
"What the hell," she thought. "I am already going nuts, might as well talk to myself too."
"I don't understand why he asked for my help and then walked away."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY WHEN HE ASKED YOU A SECOND TIME THAT NIGHT TO HELP HIM?"
"I told him I loved him."
"BEFORE THAT."
Hermione thought hard. "I told him it was too late. Oh my god he didn't hear the rest. He thought I rejected him."
"LET'S GIVE AN OUTSTANDING TO THE BRAIN."
Hermione was going to storm to his room; but she didn't want to make a scene in front of his mother. She would have to show him, so there would be no doubt as to her love for him.
She made her plans and sent off several owls.
Afterwards she lay down and fell asleep, thinking the whole time that he wouldn't know what hit him.
Chapter 12
The Invitation
"This is absolutely ridiculous," Hermione yelled. "I don't want to stay here for the holidays. You couldn't have told me about this earlier?" She slammed her fists on the desk in front of her.
"Ms. Granger, I ask that you refrain yourself from abusing my furniture." Professor Snape said. "I am well aware that you are not happy about this; but it is for your own safety. Lucuis Malfoy has found out that Draco is linked with you in some prophecy. While he doesn't know what this entails neither you or Draco is safe."
Hermione sighed in resignation, "Alright Professor, I will stay here; but I will need your help on something."
Aggravated that he was still having this conversation, when he could be relaxing in his private laboratory, he asked her what she needed.
"I am working on a special project and need these herbs," she tossed a list to him. "I had planned on gathering them on vacation; but that's not possible now, is it? I know you have them stored here."
"Absolutely not," he said looking over the list. "When these particular herbs are mixed together, they form a very powerful drug. I will not allow you to manufacture narcotics on Hogwarts property."
Hermione was about to protest when a lovely pure black owl flew into the room, dropping a letter directly on Professor Snapes desk.
He opened it and began to read.
Severus,
I have received information that Hermione Granger will be residing at Hogwarts for the coming Holidays. What a fine idea. However, I do require your assistance. Ms. Granger is working on a project for me. I ask that you give her whatever she needs.
Albus Dumbledore
"Very well Ms. Granger," Snape said with a sneer, "I will have those to you within twenty-four hours."
Hermione nodded and made her way back to her rooms.
When she entered the common room, she saw no sign of Draco. She hadn't seen him since the Yule Ball and didn't understand why he was avoiding her. She sat on one of the couches immersing herself in her worn copy of 'Hogwarts a History".
Hermione sat up quickly, the top of her head connecting with Draco's jaw.
"God damn it Draco what the hell are you doing, you hurt my head," she said rubbing the sore spot.
"Me Granger? You're the one that just assaulted me with that know-it-all head of yours. You missed your train."
"Doesn't matter, I wasn't going anywhere anyway. Seems that the GREAT Lucuis Malfoy doesn't like his son being linked with a mud blood in anyway."
She had been about to say more when a knock sounded on the portrait. Draco went to see who it was.
When he opened the portrait a woman stood there who he had never seen before.
"Can I help you?" he said impatiently.
He heard her mumble something. He couldn't make it out completely but he heard 'just like the asshole'.
The woman looked him straight in the eye and said, "I am here to see Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. I know for a fact that this is the heads room and that you are Draco Malfoy, so I am just going to assume that Hermione is inside. So kindly move aside so I can talk to you both."
"Draco, what is taking so long? Is it another of your adoring fans?"
When Hermione reached the portrait she saw Draco arguing with some woman.
"Oh Mrs. Franklin," Hermione said recognizing her immediately. "What are you doing here?"
Draco was stunned. This is the woman who his mother had risked her life to save. He regained his composure immediately.
"Mrs. Franklin, my sincerest apologies, please come in."
She followed Hermione into the common room and accepted the tea that was offered.
Hermione sat across from her and Draco soon joined them.
"Mrs. Franklin," Hermione said. "May I ask what you are doing here?"
Julianne began. "Well first of all I would like to say that I am surprised by your reaction Mr. Malfoy. I had assumed that you would hate me and my family. Rightly so too."
"Why would you say such a thing? I have no reason to hate you."
"It is because of me that you and your mother are living in seclusion."
"And that is exactly the reason that I don't hate you. My mother risked her life to save you and your husband. She must have held you in high regard to do that. Yes, your return has forced us from the manor; but it was the best thing that could have happened to us."
Julianne looked as if she was going to cry. Draco stood up and walked over to her.
"Mrs. Franklin," he said a question in his voice.
"It's Julianne. Do you think your mother feels the same? Do you think she would see me? I don't know if anyone told you but your mother and I were best friends back at Hogwarts. When she married Lucuis, he forbid her to see me. We still managed to meet, behind his back. Then she told me she was pregnant with you. I couldn't let her risk coming to see me anymore. I had no idea what would have happened if Lucuis found out. After that I saw her on the street occasionally, and when our eyes would meet they would be full of sorrow. Until that night I haven't even been in the same room with her."
"Don't worry Julianne, I will ask her if she will see you."
"Thank you Draco. Now on to the reason I have come visiting. It has come to my attention that you both will be staying here for the winter holidays. I want you both to join me and my family for Christmas dinner. Aaron has talked about you both so much that I feel as if you are family already. Before you protest let me tell you that all the Weasleys will be there as well as Harry. I love to cook, and the more the merrier."
Hermione laughed, "I swear Julianne, you may not look like Molly, but you sire act like her. I can't speak for Draco; but I would love to come."
Draco frowned. "I am sorry but I must decline."
Hermione knew that this would be his answer but had hoped that he would have surprised her.
Julianne's face fell, "I had hoped that you and your mother could be there."
Draco started to fell guilty so he told her he would speak to his mother about it.
They spoke for a few more minutes and then Julianne left.
Hermione looked at Draco and said, "Are you really going to ask your mother."
He looked angry. "Of course I meant it Granger. I don't say things I don't mean." He walked to his room.
"What was that all about?" she wondered.
Even more confused about the last few days, Hermione decided that she would confront Draco soon.
In his room Draco was pacing. "Stupid woman," he thought. "I pour my heart out to her and she rejects me."
He decided not to deal with that right now. He decided to contact his mother. Using the floo network he called for her.
"Mother will you please come thru? I need to speak to you."
Narcissa came thru the fire and asked her son what was so important.
"I had a visitor today," he said. "Julianne Franklin came to see me."
Tears welled \in Narcissas eyes. "How is she doing? Does she blame me for those lost years? I want to see her."
"Calm down mother. She doesn't blame you for anything. She wants to see you too. In fact she wants to know if we would join her for Christmas dinner."
"Do you want to go Draco?"
"No. I honestly cannot see myself sitting with a bunch of Weasleys and Harry Potter."
"I understand Draco; but I am going to ask you to do this for me."
"Fine whatever mother, but I won't be nice to Potter or the rest of the trio."
"I didn't expect you t be. Now where do I find Julianne?"
"You can not go and see her. What would happen if one of the Slytherins associated with The Dark Lord saw you walking down the hall? The only reason I am safe is that everyone assumes that I know nothing and have been at school the entire time. If they see you we are both in danger, and all the ward at Hogwarts will not save me."
Draco saw a flash of fear go thru his mother's eyes. "Oh Draco I am so sorry. I have put both our lives at stake."
"Don't you dare ever say you are sorry again." Draco said angrily. "You never apologize for doing something that you know was right. Just give me a minute."
He left his mother in his bedroom and went in search of Hermione.
He found her once again sitting on the couch reading with her feet tucked underneath her.
"Granger," he said startling her.
"What is it Malfoy?"
"I need a favor."
"Oh really," she said angrily. "Well you know the rules. To get a favor you must owe a favor." Hermione was pissed. She had time to think since he had left and could find no reason for him ignoring her. She thought he had wanted her help.
"Whatever Granger. Ok I owe you one. Now please go and get Julianne for me and bring her back here."
"Why?"
"Because I asked you to."
"Fine Malfoy," she said as she stood up. "Just remember, you owe me."
Hermione left and Draco called his mother into the common room. "I just sent Granger to get Julianne. I suggest you meet with her here. Do not leave this room. When you are finished floo back to headquarters. I am going to my room now and want to be left alone."
"Draco wait. What is going on between you and Hermione? "
"Nothing mother, she rejected me." He walked away.
In his room Draco sat down on his bed. He picked up the silver dagger that was sitting on his nightstand. At the hilt there was a scarlet jewel. Then there were ribbons of emeralds twisting around the handle. He had seen it the day before the Yule Ball, during a special Hogsmeade visit. He didn't know what had possessed him but he knew he had to buy it for Hermione. He guessed he would still give it to her for Christmas. He didn't need after all; but had a feeling she did.
Hermione had gotten Julianne like Draco had asked. When they returned to the common room she saw Narcissa sitting on the couch. She smiled as the two embraced and began talking at once. She made sure they had everything they needed and went to her room.
When she got there she sat down on her bed and began to think about what had happened.
"I just dint understand him," she thought.
"WHAT DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND," a voice asked.
Hermione looked around the room in surprise and then began laughing at herself when she realized it was her subconscious.
"What the hell," she thought. "I am already going nuts, might as well talk to myself too."
"I don't understand why he asked for my help and then walked away."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY WHEN HE ASKED YOU A SECOND TIME THAT NIGHT TO HELP HIM?"
"I told him I loved him."
"BEFORE THAT."
Hermione thought hard. "I told him it was too late. Oh my god he didn't hear the rest. He thought I rejected him."
"LET'S GIVE AN OUTSTANDING TO THE BRAIN."
Hermione was going to storm to his room; but she didn't want to make a scene in front of his mother. She would have to show him, so there would be no doubt as to her love for him.
She made her plans and sent off several owls.
Afterwards she lay down and fell asleep, thinking the whole time that he wouldn't know what hit him.
