Chapter 2: He's Back
Hermione kept running as fast as her legs and shoes could carry her. 'How did they find me? Was it coincidence, or something else? This was way too close. And to make it worst, they recognized me! Shit!' She was too caught up in her own thoughts to notice where she was going when suddenly she ran into someone. "Sorry." She looked up to see who it was that she had crashed into, and felt her stomach drop. "Malfoy" she finished.
"Granger?" Malfoy stared at her in disbelief. Here was this exquisite woman standing right in front of him. 'Who would have thought the mudblood would be so stunning in a few short years? Maybe I should lose the jerk act, and pray she'll forgive me, cause I'd love to have her in my bed waiting for me.' "Where are Potter and Weasley?" As if on cue, the two ran up to them.
"Hermione. Why'd you run off?" asked Ron, still stunned that this much of a change could be made in such a short time.
"Erm.." She started, but just as she thought this day wasn't going to get any worse, another voice was heard calling her.
"Hermione!" She looked up and her heart literally stopped. There he was, not at all surprised by what she looked like, but more surprised by her company. "Honey. It's been way to long." Jim Morris was staring down at her. Her swiftly pecked her on the cheek before she could react.
Hermione started to back away in horror, and to nearly everyone's surprise she turned and ran as fast as she could in those high-heeled shoes she was wearing, not caring about the condition of her shoes. She just ran for the second time today, scared as hell.
Jim didn't look at all put out, if anything he smirked a triumphant smirk. Ron's curiosity got the better of him. "Who are you? Why did Hermione run off?" He asked.
Jim just laughed. "Jim Morris." He shook each of their hands as they said their names. "So, how do you know Herm?" He asked.
"Well Harry and I are her best friends."
"I'm the.erm.enemy of her, and them so to speak." He said, waving his hand at Harry and Ron. "How do you know her? And why haven't I seen you around school. You aren't old enough to be out of school."
"Oh, I'm in Ravenclaw. I'm Herm's.boyfriend." He smirked after saying the word. Silence. Everyone stared at Jim.
"You can't be serious!" Ron said, his anger towards Hermione starting to build.
"Oh yeah, we've been dating since the end of last year." Jim watched with satisfaction as each face went from one emotion to the next, even Draco Malfoy's. Hermione obviously hadn't told anyone about him. Perfect. She was just as stupid as he had thought.
While all this was going on however, Hermione kept running, until she reached muggle London. Realizing she hadn't gotten anything done, she slowly left muggle London, and went back to Diagon Alley. She saw them all standing right where she had left them, and she snuck back into the stores, careful not to be seen by Harry, Ron, Draco, or Jim, Hermione got all of her shopping done. She was just leaving the last shop when someone grabbed her from behind.
Jim held on tight as she squirmed in his grasp. "Hey Herm! Did you miss me? And what's with this get up? Are you trying to arouse me on purpose?" Hermione's eyes filled with terror when she realized what he had just said. " Anyway, I guess you didn't tell your little friends about me huh? Well, I told them for you. I have to go, but I'll talk to you later ok? She you at school!" And with that, he left a trembling Hermione all alone, shivering even with the summer heat.
^^^^^^^
When Hermione got home, she found the house empty; notes from her parents told her they were at work. She also found two owls waiting for her. One was a 'Why didn't you tell us about your boyfriend Jim?' note, and the other was a Howler that Ron had so graciously sent her. 'Great. This is just what I need. Jim's back, turning my friends against me, aroused, and ready to attack again. This is just Fucking Perfect.'
Tired, Hermione immediately dropped her things off in her room, and headed towards the bathroom for a long, calming bath. Just what she needed now, a long hot bath to sooth her, and her nerves? She opened the door, and started to unrobe while turning the taps for hot water. Sinking into the warm water she grabbed the tube of bubble from the side of the tub. When she was finally to her shoulders in the water she relaxed. All the torments of the summer were washed away. She felt the grease and grime and sweat she had built up over the days disappear. She sank deeper into the tub.
The water was so mesmerizing. It's warmth spread, never diminishing, and before Hermione could realize what was happening she was in a dream world, when petty human things didn't matter, but strong mental images did.
She didn't know how long she had been asleep for, but the water was freezing by the time she woke up. Hurriedly she grabbed a towel and dashed to her room to get dressed in her relaxation clothes. It was only 6:00pm, and she didn't have any visitors coming over so she was free to dress as she wanted. Grabbing her blue pajama bottom and her blue tank top to match she quickly got dressed and through her hair into a ponytail before running downstairs to make popcorn. She felt like watching a movie, so she grabbed her bathrobe and slippers while thinking which movie she'd watch.
When the popcorn was ready, and the DVD was in the DVD player (a/n: who knew the grangers were loaded with cash?) She sat on the large couch, stretching her legs out. This was the way she liked it. Watching her favorite movie, Shrek, while relaxing. No work, no stress, and no school guys. This was almost perfect. Almost. Suddenly, it came to her. She ran into the kitchen and grabbed a big box from one of the cabinets.
Inside the box was the oddest assortment of sweets, both magical and muggle. This was her private stash, one even her parents didn't know about. They assumed the box was filled with old junk she didn't want to throw out. Now, it was perfect.
^^^^^^^
Hermione ran upstairs to her room once the movie was done. It was her sanctuary. The one place she could be alone and no one could bother her. She walked in to her closet and pulled out an outfit she never would have bought had Ginny not been with her. It was a Minnie shirt and a top like a bikini top with a light blue see through jacket to go over it, so it seemed a bit more acceptable. Grabbing her keys she headed to her car after leaving a quick note to her parents.
Blasting the radio as she drove her favorite song came on. It was one of the few songs she felt understood her; for all that she was unfeeling.
Night lift up the shades let in the brilliant light of morning
But steady me now for I am weak and starving for mercy
Sleep has left me alone to carry the weight of unraveling where we went wrong
And all I can do to hang on, to keep me from falling into old familiar shoes
How stupid could I be
a simpleton could see
that you're no good for me
but you're the only one I see
Love has made me a fool set me on fire and watched as I floundered
unable to speak except to cry out and wait for your answer
and you come around in your time speaking of fabulous places create
an oasis that dries up as soon as you're gone
you leave me here burning in this desert without you
How stupid could I be
a simpleton could see
that you're no good for me
but you're the only one I see
Everything changes everything falls apart
I cant stand to feel myself losing control
In the deep of my weakness I know
How stupid could I be
a simpleton could see
that you're no good for me
but you're the only one I see
How stupid could I be
a simpleton could see
that you're no good for me
but you're the only one I see
She drove until she reached a pond by the side of the rode. She went into the back seat of her car, and brought out her paints. The only thing that had kept her sane through the last few months, her art. She had always loved art, but since that night she had become obsessed with her painting. Lately she had been selling her least favorite ones to help pay for books, and more paints. These were truly the only things that she responded emotionally to.
Heading to the park bench, Hermione, started to set up her easel and watercolors. She had come to a lovely circle of trees around a pond covered in water lilies. It was one of her favorite spots to come and paint, and on a beautiful day like it was, it was just what she needed to relieve stress.
Hermione knew she would ruin her outfit, but she didn't care. It wasn't like she was ever going to wear it again. She was much too preoccupied with capturing the light for her work. When she started painting the colors led her hand, creating a magical piece of work if anyone ever saw one. Many of the famous composers, and artists that you hear so much about had been wizards and witches, as she had learned, and it had become her goal to follow in their footsteps by revolutionizing the world of art.
Already locals recognized her for her work, but at Hogwarts she would truly create lovely pictures of the lake, the forest, the creatures, and even the castle itself. She couldn't wait to take her paints to school. It would truly be magical.
Finally, having set up her work, and having started her latest piece she heard something behind her. Turning, her view was blocked by the legs of someone. Her eyes traveled up, and she found herself face to face with someone who she did not need to see right now.
(A/N: If I was really cruel I'd stop here, but I'm not, luckily for you!)
"Malfoy, what the Hell are you doing here? I really don't need this now, so if you'd be so kind." Hermione started, afraid he would so something to her work.
"Is that how you great an old friend? No, I don't think so. Where did your manners go young lady, your parents would be very disappointed?" He said while wearing his signature smirk.
"Why would you care? You're so wrapped up in yourself, or Pansy. depending on the situation."
"Bitch!"
"I don't have time for this."
"So, what made you leave Potty and Weasel earlier today? They seemed really pissed off when you left. Is there a reason behind your mysterious absence?" Asked Draco.
"Fuck off, and go find someone else to bother. The light is almost gone, and I want to finish this painting." Hermione sat down again and kept working on her watercolor, while she could still see.
"I see. You're not a bad artist, for a mudblood. Any way, who's your boyfriend? Apparently Potter and Weasly didn't know about Mr. Jake. Is there a reason for that? Like you wanted to keep them from meeting him?"
"Go away, I need to finish this. And, no, Ron and Harry didn't know about Jake, but I have a good reason, and he is NOT my boyfriend!"
"Oh, problems in Paradise. I understand completely." He said with a sneer on his face.
"Leave me alone you bastard." The sun had set, and she was packing up to go. Within seconds she was in her car driving off, leaving a baffled Draco in her dust.
^^^^^^^
Hermione sped off as fast a she could. She knew the route by heart. But that couldn't help her now. She was blinded by her anger towards Malfoy. It was hard to understand, but that git had managed to get her so mad, and she wasn't paying attention to the road.
Speeding down the road as fast as her car could go, she lost all sense of safety and common sense. She kept going faster 60 mph, 70 mph, 80 mph way way way above the speed limit. She had gone completely oblivious to life around her. That is, until she saw a cat cross the road. She instantly hit the breaks. It wasn't fast enough, or maybe it was to fast. The car sped off the road, spinning as it went. It finally tipped over and hit a tree as it rolled down a steep hill. The last thing she saw before slamming her head against the windshield was that damned cat, and it looked like it winked at her, but being in the state she was, she couldn't be sure.
^^^^^^^
Draco watched her get into the car and speed off. He noticed how fast she had started going. He knew she wasn't in a safe mind to drive. He got into his black convertible and sped off after her. He could just see her as a cat ran in front of her car. She sped off the road into the worst car crash he had ever witnessed. Parking the car on the side of the road he ran to her. Pulling out his cell phone he called 911 and got an ambulance heading to her aid. He got back into his car, praying she would be all right, and hoping he had done the right thing.
^^^^^^^
The song is Stupid by Sarah McLachlan
Hermione kept running as fast as her legs and shoes could carry her. 'How did they find me? Was it coincidence, or something else? This was way too close. And to make it worst, they recognized me! Shit!' She was too caught up in her own thoughts to notice where she was going when suddenly she ran into someone. "Sorry." She looked up to see who it was that she had crashed into, and felt her stomach drop. "Malfoy" she finished.
"Granger?" Malfoy stared at her in disbelief. Here was this exquisite woman standing right in front of him. 'Who would have thought the mudblood would be so stunning in a few short years? Maybe I should lose the jerk act, and pray she'll forgive me, cause I'd love to have her in my bed waiting for me.' "Where are Potter and Weasley?" As if on cue, the two ran up to them.
"Hermione. Why'd you run off?" asked Ron, still stunned that this much of a change could be made in such a short time.
"Erm.." She started, but just as she thought this day wasn't going to get any worse, another voice was heard calling her.
"Hermione!" She looked up and her heart literally stopped. There he was, not at all surprised by what she looked like, but more surprised by her company. "Honey. It's been way to long." Jim Morris was staring down at her. Her swiftly pecked her on the cheek before she could react.
Hermione started to back away in horror, and to nearly everyone's surprise she turned and ran as fast as she could in those high-heeled shoes she was wearing, not caring about the condition of her shoes. She just ran for the second time today, scared as hell.
Jim didn't look at all put out, if anything he smirked a triumphant smirk. Ron's curiosity got the better of him. "Who are you? Why did Hermione run off?" He asked.
Jim just laughed. "Jim Morris." He shook each of their hands as they said their names. "So, how do you know Herm?" He asked.
"Well Harry and I are her best friends."
"I'm the.erm.enemy of her, and them so to speak." He said, waving his hand at Harry and Ron. "How do you know her? And why haven't I seen you around school. You aren't old enough to be out of school."
"Oh, I'm in Ravenclaw. I'm Herm's.boyfriend." He smirked after saying the word. Silence. Everyone stared at Jim.
"You can't be serious!" Ron said, his anger towards Hermione starting to build.
"Oh yeah, we've been dating since the end of last year." Jim watched with satisfaction as each face went from one emotion to the next, even Draco Malfoy's. Hermione obviously hadn't told anyone about him. Perfect. She was just as stupid as he had thought.
While all this was going on however, Hermione kept running, until she reached muggle London. Realizing she hadn't gotten anything done, she slowly left muggle London, and went back to Diagon Alley. She saw them all standing right where she had left them, and she snuck back into the stores, careful not to be seen by Harry, Ron, Draco, or Jim, Hermione got all of her shopping done. She was just leaving the last shop when someone grabbed her from behind.
Jim held on tight as she squirmed in his grasp. "Hey Herm! Did you miss me? And what's with this get up? Are you trying to arouse me on purpose?" Hermione's eyes filled with terror when she realized what he had just said. " Anyway, I guess you didn't tell your little friends about me huh? Well, I told them for you. I have to go, but I'll talk to you later ok? She you at school!" And with that, he left a trembling Hermione all alone, shivering even with the summer heat.
^^^^^^^
When Hermione got home, she found the house empty; notes from her parents told her they were at work. She also found two owls waiting for her. One was a 'Why didn't you tell us about your boyfriend Jim?' note, and the other was a Howler that Ron had so graciously sent her. 'Great. This is just what I need. Jim's back, turning my friends against me, aroused, and ready to attack again. This is just Fucking Perfect.'
Tired, Hermione immediately dropped her things off in her room, and headed towards the bathroom for a long, calming bath. Just what she needed now, a long hot bath to sooth her, and her nerves? She opened the door, and started to unrobe while turning the taps for hot water. Sinking into the warm water she grabbed the tube of bubble from the side of the tub. When she was finally to her shoulders in the water she relaxed. All the torments of the summer were washed away. She felt the grease and grime and sweat she had built up over the days disappear. She sank deeper into the tub.
The water was so mesmerizing. It's warmth spread, never diminishing, and before Hermione could realize what was happening she was in a dream world, when petty human things didn't matter, but strong mental images did.
She didn't know how long she had been asleep for, but the water was freezing by the time she woke up. Hurriedly she grabbed a towel and dashed to her room to get dressed in her relaxation clothes. It was only 6:00pm, and she didn't have any visitors coming over so she was free to dress as she wanted. Grabbing her blue pajama bottom and her blue tank top to match she quickly got dressed and through her hair into a ponytail before running downstairs to make popcorn. She felt like watching a movie, so she grabbed her bathrobe and slippers while thinking which movie she'd watch.
When the popcorn was ready, and the DVD was in the DVD player (a/n: who knew the grangers were loaded with cash?) She sat on the large couch, stretching her legs out. This was the way she liked it. Watching her favorite movie, Shrek, while relaxing. No work, no stress, and no school guys. This was almost perfect. Almost. Suddenly, it came to her. She ran into the kitchen and grabbed a big box from one of the cabinets.
Inside the box was the oddest assortment of sweets, both magical and muggle. This was her private stash, one even her parents didn't know about. They assumed the box was filled with old junk she didn't want to throw out. Now, it was perfect.
^^^^^^^
Hermione ran upstairs to her room once the movie was done. It was her sanctuary. The one place she could be alone and no one could bother her. She walked in to her closet and pulled out an outfit she never would have bought had Ginny not been with her. It was a Minnie shirt and a top like a bikini top with a light blue see through jacket to go over it, so it seemed a bit more acceptable. Grabbing her keys she headed to her car after leaving a quick note to her parents.
Blasting the radio as she drove her favorite song came on. It was one of the few songs she felt understood her; for all that she was unfeeling.
Night lift up the shades let in the brilliant light of morning
But steady me now for I am weak and starving for mercy
Sleep has left me alone to carry the weight of unraveling where we went wrong
And all I can do to hang on, to keep me from falling into old familiar shoes
How stupid could I be
a simpleton could see
that you're no good for me
but you're the only one I see
Love has made me a fool set me on fire and watched as I floundered
unable to speak except to cry out and wait for your answer
and you come around in your time speaking of fabulous places create
an oasis that dries up as soon as you're gone
you leave me here burning in this desert without you
How stupid could I be
a simpleton could see
that you're no good for me
but you're the only one I see
Everything changes everything falls apart
I cant stand to feel myself losing control
In the deep of my weakness I know
How stupid could I be
a simpleton could see
that you're no good for me
but you're the only one I see
How stupid could I be
a simpleton could see
that you're no good for me
but you're the only one I see
She drove until she reached a pond by the side of the rode. She went into the back seat of her car, and brought out her paints. The only thing that had kept her sane through the last few months, her art. She had always loved art, but since that night she had become obsessed with her painting. Lately she had been selling her least favorite ones to help pay for books, and more paints. These were truly the only things that she responded emotionally to.
Heading to the park bench, Hermione, started to set up her easel and watercolors. She had come to a lovely circle of trees around a pond covered in water lilies. It was one of her favorite spots to come and paint, and on a beautiful day like it was, it was just what she needed to relieve stress.
Hermione knew she would ruin her outfit, but she didn't care. It wasn't like she was ever going to wear it again. She was much too preoccupied with capturing the light for her work. When she started painting the colors led her hand, creating a magical piece of work if anyone ever saw one. Many of the famous composers, and artists that you hear so much about had been wizards and witches, as she had learned, and it had become her goal to follow in their footsteps by revolutionizing the world of art.
Already locals recognized her for her work, but at Hogwarts she would truly create lovely pictures of the lake, the forest, the creatures, and even the castle itself. She couldn't wait to take her paints to school. It would truly be magical.
Finally, having set up her work, and having started her latest piece she heard something behind her. Turning, her view was blocked by the legs of someone. Her eyes traveled up, and she found herself face to face with someone who she did not need to see right now.
(A/N: If I was really cruel I'd stop here, but I'm not, luckily for you!)
"Malfoy, what the Hell are you doing here? I really don't need this now, so if you'd be so kind." Hermione started, afraid he would so something to her work.
"Is that how you great an old friend? No, I don't think so. Where did your manners go young lady, your parents would be very disappointed?" He said while wearing his signature smirk.
"Why would you care? You're so wrapped up in yourself, or Pansy. depending on the situation."
"Bitch!"
"I don't have time for this."
"So, what made you leave Potty and Weasel earlier today? They seemed really pissed off when you left. Is there a reason behind your mysterious absence?" Asked Draco.
"Fuck off, and go find someone else to bother. The light is almost gone, and I want to finish this painting." Hermione sat down again and kept working on her watercolor, while she could still see.
"I see. You're not a bad artist, for a mudblood. Any way, who's your boyfriend? Apparently Potter and Weasly didn't know about Mr. Jake. Is there a reason for that? Like you wanted to keep them from meeting him?"
"Go away, I need to finish this. And, no, Ron and Harry didn't know about Jake, but I have a good reason, and he is NOT my boyfriend!"
"Oh, problems in Paradise. I understand completely." He said with a sneer on his face.
"Leave me alone you bastard." The sun had set, and she was packing up to go. Within seconds she was in her car driving off, leaving a baffled Draco in her dust.
^^^^^^^
Hermione sped off as fast a she could. She knew the route by heart. But that couldn't help her now. She was blinded by her anger towards Malfoy. It was hard to understand, but that git had managed to get her so mad, and she wasn't paying attention to the road.
Speeding down the road as fast as her car could go, she lost all sense of safety and common sense. She kept going faster 60 mph, 70 mph, 80 mph way way way above the speed limit. She had gone completely oblivious to life around her. That is, until she saw a cat cross the road. She instantly hit the breaks. It wasn't fast enough, or maybe it was to fast. The car sped off the road, spinning as it went. It finally tipped over and hit a tree as it rolled down a steep hill. The last thing she saw before slamming her head against the windshield was that damned cat, and it looked like it winked at her, but being in the state she was, she couldn't be sure.
^^^^^^^
Draco watched her get into the car and speed off. He noticed how fast she had started going. He knew she wasn't in a safe mind to drive. He got into his black convertible and sped off after her. He could just see her as a cat ran in front of her car. She sped off the road into the worst car crash he had ever witnessed. Parking the car on the side of the road he ran to her. Pulling out his cell phone he called 911 and got an ambulance heading to her aid. He got back into his car, praying she would be all right, and hoping he had done the right thing.
^^^^^^^
The song is Stupid by Sarah McLachlan