Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 7/21
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is not a continuation to "Models Have Fun".
Thanks for the reviews! Any thoughts? Thanks for the suggestions.
Title: Summer Camp
Chapter11: Complicated
Most of the students were getting used to seeing Draco and Hermione together so nobody said anything when they saw the 2 sitting together beneath a tree.
"So what did you think about the party?" Hermione asked the person beside her.
"What about?"
"Nothing, I mean, I wanted to know if our idea of fun is similar to yours."
"One thing I'm sure of is that we never have encountered that game we played."
"You mean twister? I still think our version, muggle-version, was more exciting."
"I doubt it."
"Maybe you should try it when you come to muggle community."
"Like I would."
Hermione rolled her eyes ready to argue when something caught her eye. "I didn't notice that you were wearing that before." She pointed at the chain dangling on his neck.
Draco looked down and saw why Hermione noticed it this time. It was a magnificent snake coiled around a sword. What surprised him was the fact that the eyes in the snake were glowing green. "Uh, I just remembered something. I'll see you later."
"Oh, ok." Hermione watched him walk away. 'I wonder what just happened.'
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco walked away from Hermione and the rest of the people. He went deep into the forest and search for a hidden place. He wanted to go back to the cave but he didn't want to be controlled by the fairies. When he was sure that nobody was watching, he twisted the sword. This act magnified the light coming from the snake's eyes. From within the light, a face emerged from it.
"Hello son." Lucius Malfoy stared directly to Draco's eyes.
Draco nodded at him. "Hello father."
"So?"
"So what father?"
"What's the news there?"
"Nothing much. Dumbledore asked Remus Lupin to chaperon us. Dumbledore did not come here with us. Maybe he's forming his plan somewhere else. I think it was a waste coming here."
"On the contrary, you are now living with Harry Potter and you're his leader. You can find out his weaknesses, or his friends'."
"Father, the only strength I see in him is pure luck. There is o doubt in my mind that the Dark Lord is more powerful than him. He's just lucky to have loyal friends to watch his back."
"Then that's it!"
"That's what?"
"Harry Potter's weakness!"
Draco felt a strange feeling in his stomach as he anticipated his father's orders.
"Draco, I saw you with the mudblood Granger earlier. Isn't she Potter's friend?"
Draco winced at the word mudblood. Somehow he became affected by the word. He felt weird disgust for the word but he was great at masking his feelings so that his father did not notice anything wrong. He nodded to answer Lucius' question.
"I thought that you were making a fool of yourself earlier. I guess I was wrong. You aren't really friends with her are you?"
"No!" Draco said almost immediately.
"I'm proud of you son. Your loyalty and actions will be met by the Dark Lord's praises."
"What do you mean?" Draco was really puzzled now.
"You're befriending the mudblood to get to Potter. You will look highly on the Dark Lord's eyes, sacrificing yourself to yourself to destroy the defenses of Potter. Continue your work son and in time we will rise together with the Dark Lord." Lucius' head faded as the light died.
'There's that word again. At least now I wouldn't have to worry about him finding out that I spend time with Hermione.' Draco was feeling helpless. 'Who am I really going against now?' He started back towards Hermione pondering at his father's words.
'Don't be stupid; your relationship with Hermione was put against you. It's not as if you wanted for it to happen, you had no choice.'
'Relationship? Do I really have one with her?'
'What does it matter? This will be all over when we leave this island anyway.'
'Really? Can we still go back to the way we were before?'
'You're a Malfoy, what else do you expect?'
'Maybe I could convince her to change sides. She's a pretty good witch. She can be of great help to the Dark Lord.'
'Like that's possible. She would never leave her best friend's side, which represents all that is good. The only thing she's good for is for the destruction of her friend. It doesn't matter what happens to her in the process so stop worrying about her!'
'I'm not, it's just.' Something caught his eye. Hermione was still seated under the same tree in the same position as he left her but there was another person sitting beside her in the same place he sat earlier.
"You back." Hermione saw him coming out of the woods. "Why don't you sit here." She motioned for the spot next to her.
Draco couldn't help but glare at he person who took his spot.
"Harry and I were just wondering what will be our next activity this week."
"I sure wish we'd continue playing Quidditch." Harry was completely ignoring Draco.
"Aw come on Harry, you've been playing Quidditch all year round." Hermione teased.
Draco was feeling out of place between the best friend's closeness. "Uh, what would you prefer doing?" He asked Hermione trying to connect with her.
Harry glared at him for interrupting what seemed like a private conversation with her.
"Well, frankly, I'm more interested with magical creatures. I mean, Professor Lupin is here. He could help us understand."
Before Hermione could continue further, Draco eyed her to keep her mouth shut. Draco didn't like the idea of letting his rival know about their situation with the fairies.
"Understand what Hermione?" Harry was getting irritated at the hidden meaning Draco and Hermione shared.
Hermione didn't want to lie to Harry. Right now, he's the only best friend that she's got. Ron has been giving all his time to Lavender and she didn't give a damn anymore. She decided not to address Harry but rather, tease Draco instead. "Understand why Draco suddenly stopped being such a prat."
Harry was about to agree and then add some but he was cut.
"And why Hermione suddenly loosen up, no wait, I already know the reason for that. She's already free from the demanding relationship form her friends."
Hermione suddenly blushed, she wasn't prepared for his comeback.
Harry however got up to his feet and towered over Draco. "What the hell do you mean by that?"
Hermione suddenly regretted her words more and more. She quickly stood up and go behind Harry. "Harry please stop. He's just playing."
"No I'm not Hermione. If he's too blind to see how much you've grown due to the separation of the Gryffindor trio, then you should be asking yourself whether he is a friend or not!"
Harry couldn't contain his anger anymore. "And what do you know about friendship? You haven't got any!"
"Wrong again Potter, I thought you were more perceptive than this. I've got Hermione for my friend." He put up his smug face.
"Only because she hasn't got a choice! If McGonagall hadn't put paired you with her, she wouldn't even dare look at you!"
This time Draco seized Harry. "HA! Shows what you know!" He wanted to go on but was interrupted.
"You guys, stop it! Harry please go back to the others." She pleaded.
Harry seemed like there were things that he wanted to release on Malfoy but decided against it. If he didn't knew her better, he got off lucky, which means Malfoy got the band end.
Draco smirked triumphantly at the back of Harry thinking that she chose him over Harry. He turned around and found one angry witch staring back at him. "What?" He asked innocently.
"What the hell were you thinking!?!"
"What did I do?"
"Harry's my friend, can't you at least be."
"It's not my problem if he can't handle it!"
"You practically attacked him!"
"I merely stated the truth!"
"Really!?!"
"You are my friend, right?"
"Frankly speaking, I'm not sure. Harry has a point. We wouldn't be speaking now if it weren't for the fairies and you know it!"
Draco stepped closer towards her. "But everything's changed now, right?" He wanted to hear her say yes but she remained silent. Somehow, he felt pain surging through his body. 'Stop saying things that are impossible. You're a Malfoy, you serve the Dark Lord and she fights for the other side. You're 2 worlds apart.'
Hermione sighed, thinking carefully what she was about to say, "We still don't know that. For all I know, you could be using me to get to Harry. I don't trust you and the way you acted in front of Harry is very discouraging." She turned around to go look for Harry but turned around to add, "Maybe we should just go back to the way we were before, things just get more and more complicated." She waited for an answer. When she got none, she nodded her head, disappointed. She turned around and sighed before leaving. You're not really hoping that he'll disagree with you right?' She shook her head and started scanning for Harry but it was Sirius who first caught her eyes. She walked towards him and leaned to tickle him under his chin. "You were right. Everything's gone complicated. But don't worry I've already thought of a plan. Could you tell professor Lupin that Draco and I would like to speak with you both tonight?" She scratched his back before looking for Harry.
Looking for Harry wasn't really a hard task. Harry watched out for her. He set foot as soon as he saw her leaving the forest. "Hey!" He reached her just as she finished talking with Sirius.
"Hey Harry!" She was surprise to find him so near. 'Did he hear what I just told Sirius?'
"I was just wondering if you could spend time with me tomorrow night, you know for my birthday."
That brought back some senses to her. "I'm sorry Harry, I have something to do that night."
"With Malfoy no doubt! Sorry if I wanted to spend my birthday with my friends!" Harry turned around and joined most of the Gryffindors.
"Harry wait up!" She called out for him and try to make up some alibi. The Gryffindors planned a surprise party for him that night. She and Ron agreed to keep it quiet. She felt guilty and she wanted to tell Harry the truth but she heard someone growling at her. "Look Fluffy, it's not what you think. The guys are planning a surprise party for him. We just didn't want him to make plans for that night."
"Hey Hermione! Snape's coming this way!" Neville called for her.
"Coming!" She kissed Sirius on his head before racing towards her team.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione try as she might didn't reach her friends in time.
"Ms. Granger, I wondered how could you check on your teammates when time and again you have been late?"
There were only a few giggles that passes on that remark but they soon shut up when they saw Draco's steely glares.
"Now that everyone's here, listen to my instructions carefully. You should already know that this is not a Quidditch camp meaning you would have to do other activities. This week will focus on how much of Potions class have you learned at the pat years. Come this Saturday the 2 teams will be competing against each other with potions at the morning and Quidditch game on the afternoon."
"The potions activity will be more of firing ammunitions at each other and using protective potions for defense. I will not help any team in making their ammunitions or protective potions. You must conjure them from memory. I think that that won't be any problem with some of you." He glanced at his favorite student trying to tell him that he expects a lot from him. "Those of you who have no talent for potions would do well to serve as a shield for those who know what they are doing." This time he glared at Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors making and exceptionally long pause on Neville.
"Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Granger would assist you since they are your leaders. I would make a suggestion to follow Mr. Malfoy's orders by heart. He knows what he's doing."
"Here's some advice, divide yourselves to those who would make ammunitions, defensive potions, strategic leader, and testers of the potions made. Those of you who are bookish in nature should do their part by writing down the ingredients and procedures of useful potions. I expect a lot from my team. If this team would lose it would be your fault." He once again glanced at the Gryffindors threatening them not to screw things up.
~~~~~~~~~
The whole session was uneventful after the assignments were passed. Harry joined Ron Parvati and Lavender as they conjure defensive potions. Neville, Seamus, and Dean were in charge for testing. Actually the Slytherins were testing the potions on them. Hermione was part of the bookish group so when she finished her task, she began making potions that can help Neville, Seamus, and Dean's luck. She didn't feel like joining Harry and the others. She didn't feel comfortable with Ron's relationship with Lavender and Harry seemed still angry at her. Draco was chosen as the strategic leader. He also joined the team on ammunitions. When he got bored, he inspected other's work. He didn't dare join Hermione, he figured it would be better if he let Hermione cool down first.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione waited for Draco outside her cabin. She asked him earlier if they could talk and he agreed. This was the 1st time that she was the one waiting for him. She saw him smiling from a distance. She jogged towards him to join him.
"What were we going to talk about?" Draco asked as she caught up with him.
"I wanted to talk with Professor Lupin. Maybe he could've find out another way to free ourselves from the fairies."
"Oh." Draco was disappointed. He thought that they were to talk about their relationship.
"You sound disappointed. May I ask why?"
"Nothing."
An awkward silence came between them as they headed to Lupin's room. Draco was about to enter when he noticed a black dog looking at him dangerously. "Isn't that Potter's dog?"
Hermione looked around and saw Sirius. "Yeah. You go on ahead." She watched Draco go inside the room. "Come on now, I want you to hear what I'm going to tell Professor Lupin." Sirius didn't budge. "I need to ask a favor of you afterwards."
Lupin went out to find Hermione talking with Sirius. "I think Hermione, he wants to speak with you alone."
Hermione realized what he said and led Sirius at a secluded area. "It's ok now, you can go back to your normal form."
Hermione watched as Sirius turned back to his human form. "Hi Fluffy!"
Sirius smiled at her warmly. "I just wanted to warn you at what you'll going to see inside Remus' room."
"What?"
"I asked Harry to join us."
"What!!!"
"I believe that he needs to know the truth."
"He'll hate me."
"He'll understand you. Frankly, there's nothing wrong with you being controlled. It would sure explain a lot of things for him. Your relationship would be a lot better afterwards."
"Relationship with whom? He'll get mad at me for not telling him. I don't think its wise to tell him now."
"Are you saying you would keep it from him?"
"If its for the better."
"You were the one complaining about how complicated your life has become. I promise, it will be easier when he finds out."
Hermione was apprehensive. This was not only her secret, this was also Draco's. "Whatever you say."
Sirius smiled at her and transformed back into a dog. He led her back to Lupin's room to find one enraged Draco.
Hermione entered the room with Sirius by her side. She looked around and found Harry seated across the room talking with Lupin. 'Here goes nothing.'
"Hermione, I think we better talk first." Draco stood up and caught her arm trying to drag her outside.
"Ow."
"Let her go Malfoy!" Harry was on his feet. He was a little upset with Hermione before but seeing her in pain because of Malfoy brought back his concern for her.
Draco only glared at him.
"Draco, wait up."
"What are you going to do with Potter?"
"It's alright."
"You mean, you knew he was here?"
"Only just now, but its no biggie."
"I'm not talking with him here."
"You can trust him, please?"
Harry was irritated at their exchanges. "What's going on?"
Lupin cleared his throat. "Why don't the 3 of you sit down."
Harry offered his seat to Hermione who took it without hesitation. Draco took his seat next to the door. Harry pulled another seat and sat beside Hermione.
"Good. Now everyone I'll be asking you all to be civil."
"What's going on?" Harry post his question again.
"I think Ms. Granger should narrate some things to you first." Lupin nodded at her.
Hermione looked at Draco first and sighed. "Harry, you've been asking me what's with the sudden change right?"
Harry nodded.
"Well it all started when I broke some rules by going to the forest alone. I found a place which looked for me as a beautiful lake surrounded by my favorite flowers."
"Lilacs." Harry filled in.
Draco raised his eyebrows irritated at Harry for knowing things about her that he did not know.
"Right. It turned out that there were fairies living in the lake. They were responsible for conjuring the place that I saw. In reality, the lake was just a dump full of rock. It seems like the fairies were playing with me. They also started controlling me. That's the reason why I acted weird."
"Are you alright now?"
"Professor Lupin told us that if I do the things that the fairies want me to do, they wouldn't have any reason to control me so I did. That's how I ended up getting close to Draco."
"How did Malfoy got into this? I mean, why would the fairies like you to befriend him?"
Hermione blushed not knowing how to answer him. Lupin saw this and answered for her. "Mr. Malfoy also found the lake. My guess is that the fairies want to do something to both him and Hermione."
Harry looked dangerously at Malfoy who matched his look then to the red Hermione. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? At least about the lake?"
"I guess, I just wanted a place to think about things. I just wanted to be by myself sometimes and if I told you or Ron about, then I would lose my sanctuary."
"You could've just told us that it's off limits to us. What if something happened to you?"
"Would you really stay away from the place though?"
"But what if something happened to you?"
"I could handle myself."
"What if there were Death Eaters hiding there? Wait how did Malfoy get to the lake?"
"I don't know, by accident I guess."
"The rumors about you and Draco leaving the forest together, are they true?"
Hermione looked down. "Draco and I felt something special in that forest. We couldn't stand to stay away from it."
"So you're saying that you two spend nights alone together in the forest?"
"Harry, keep in mind that the two were being controlled. They have no control on their actions. They may still be under control right now." Lupin didn't like to see Harry and Hermione fight.
Harry just nodded and looked back at Hermione. "I still think that you shouldn't have kept this to yourself."
"I didn't know how would you react." She gave him a smile.
"So now that the 2 of you are good again, can I go now?" Draco was fuming at what he saw.
"Please sit down Mr. Malfoy, I understand that Ms. Granger wanted to talk about something."
Hermione straightened, "I would just like to ask you sir, if you found another way to avoid being controlled?"
"I'm sorry Hermione but these fairies are different. I've sent an owl so that I could get my collection of books on ancient mythical creatures. We'd have to wait for it."
"I have a solution sir." Hermione stood up and walked towards him. Harry and Draco became curious and came nearer as well. "Maybe if Draco and I would go back to our family then the spell would be broken."
"Hey!" Draco and Harry said at the same time. They both did not like the idea of separation with Hermione.
"We still don't know that. The worst thing that can happen is that you two would remain to be under their control. I think that it is safe to say that you should wait for the book before doing anymore actions." Lupin explained to them.
"But."
"I know what you're going through now. I just ask you to be patient."
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry and Hermione left Lupin's room together heading towards the beach. "Are you mad at me Harry?"
"Not really, it's the fairies' fault anyway. Where are we going?"
"Somewhere. Um about tomorrow night?"
"What about it?"
"The guys and I were to give you a surprise birthday party but since you're upset and everything, we moved it for today." They reached the beach that was full of life. The Gryffindors and other houses were all there with the exemption of some Slytherins.
Ron headed the greeters as he shouted, "SURPRISE!"
Harry was overwhelmed. He never had a party before. He was grateful to have friends like them.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco was upset at what Hermione did. He wanted to talk to her but she got out of the room first, accompanied by Harry. He followed them at a safe distance reading their body language. He would get irritated whenever the two touched even if was an accidental touch.
He decided he couldn't stomach watching their every movement. He figured that they were heading towards the beach. He let them walk ahead for a minute or two. He wanted to let the two finish their conversation first. Then it hit him. 'Tonight's Potter's party. That means, there are other people to occupy him. He took his time practicing his alibi on why he went to the party.
He didn't notice it but he took a lot of time to reach the beach. He scanned the crowd. There were people dancing, there were people eating, and there were playing Twister. He looked hard to locate a brown haired witch. He then heard a few cheering sound on his left side so he turned in curiosity. He took in a deep breath as he saw a couple kissing in the middle of the crowd. The couple was a brown haired witch and a black haired guy. His mouth was hanging from surprise. 'Hermione and Potter?' He turned around and left the party.
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry and Hermione wanted to play Twister but since there were a lot of people lined for it they drifted away. "You bored Harry?"
"From the looks of it, we won't have a chance to play Twister."
"Maybe, why don't we play another game?"
"Like what? All we have here is a deck of cards and I'm not good in gambling."
"You know we can use these cards in another way." She drew her wand and cast a spell so that the card turned blank and clean.
"How? You just took the drawings on it."
"Harry, have you played Suck and Blow?"
"Huh?"
"Honestly, the Dursley's should've let you go out and have some fun some time."
"So what's the mechanics?"
"There's no mechanics. The thing is, we pass this card to each other."
"Don't seem hard or fun."
"You didn't let me finish."
"Sorry."
"We pass this card to each other using out lips. It's much more exciting if there were a lot of people involved. But I'm guessing you need to practice first."
Harry turned red at realizing how the game was considered fun. "Um, what if the card falls?"
"It depends. If the two are quick enough, they can avoid kissing each other. If not then the two would have to kiss."
Harry felt hot. Somehow the thought of kissing Hermione made her heart skip a beat. "You'd have to teach me first."
"Ok. I'll start. I'll be sucking the card and when I pass it to you, I'll blow it to you and you'd have to suck it in turn. Then when you pass it back to me, you have to blow it. It's just timing."
The first few rounds were unsuccessful. Hermione anticipated this and was able to avoid his mouth every time the card fell. Harry was upset for not being to transfer the card successfully. He would then feel irritated whenever Hermione avoided kissing him. 'Fuck! She's your best friend! Stop thinking of shit!'
When Harry got the hang of it, they started doing exhibitions. They began turning the card around, first clockwise then counter-clockwise. Soon enough the crowd gathered around them curious at what they were doing. Most were shock at first to see Harry and Hermione kissing but when they saw the card, they started cheering for them. Those far from them wouldn't be able to see the card between their lips. Some were disgusted to see friends kissing one of them were Ron.
Time passed when the line for the Twister disappeared as everyone came to watch them. Hermione noticed this and dropped the card without any warning. This caused Harry to kiss Hermione. It was just a smack so Hermione didn't really care. The crowd however cheered on teasing them both. Harry turned red with embarrassment although he did like the simple smack.
"Come on Harry, there's no more line." She pointed at the twister contraption.
Harry couldn't find his voice so he nodded instead.
"Oh no you don't!" Parvati grabbed her by the shoulder. "You definitely have to teach me that game first."
All night long Hermione got stuck with people who were trying to learn the game. Harry decided to move away from the crowd. He replayed the soft lips that touched his. The feelings he felt that moment came back to him but his daydreaming was cut short.
"You liked it didn't you." Ron sat beside him.
"Ron, I.I didn't."
He sighed. "Don't worry. I guess we're not meant to be."
"Stop it mate. She wants to come back to you but you keep pushing her away. And that was just an accidental smack."
"I'm fine with it. There were times when I saw you both staring at each other. differently."
"That's just your imagination, mate. It's nothing like that."
"Really? Tell it to me then that you didn't feel anything with that little smack you both shared."
Harry couldn't lie to him. "But she doesn't feel anything like that for me. For you maybe but for me."
"Harry, I've already accepted that Hermione and I were not meant to be. Even before we got to this island, I already felt like she was getting tired with me."
"I told you, that's just your imagination."
"No, mate. I know how she felt then. Besides, I'd rather that it be you rather than Malfoy."
Harry didn't know whether to tell him about the fairies. 'There's no rush. I'll tell him another day. This has been a great day, no sense of ruining it'
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is not a continuation to "Models Have Fun".
Thanks for the reviews! Any thoughts? Thanks for the suggestions.
Title: Summer Camp
Chapter11: Complicated
Most of the students were getting used to seeing Draco and Hermione together so nobody said anything when they saw the 2 sitting together beneath a tree.
"So what did you think about the party?" Hermione asked the person beside her.
"What about?"
"Nothing, I mean, I wanted to know if our idea of fun is similar to yours."
"One thing I'm sure of is that we never have encountered that game we played."
"You mean twister? I still think our version, muggle-version, was more exciting."
"I doubt it."
"Maybe you should try it when you come to muggle community."
"Like I would."
Hermione rolled her eyes ready to argue when something caught her eye. "I didn't notice that you were wearing that before." She pointed at the chain dangling on his neck.
Draco looked down and saw why Hermione noticed it this time. It was a magnificent snake coiled around a sword. What surprised him was the fact that the eyes in the snake were glowing green. "Uh, I just remembered something. I'll see you later."
"Oh, ok." Hermione watched him walk away. 'I wonder what just happened.'
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco walked away from Hermione and the rest of the people. He went deep into the forest and search for a hidden place. He wanted to go back to the cave but he didn't want to be controlled by the fairies. When he was sure that nobody was watching, he twisted the sword. This act magnified the light coming from the snake's eyes. From within the light, a face emerged from it.
"Hello son." Lucius Malfoy stared directly to Draco's eyes.
Draco nodded at him. "Hello father."
"So?"
"So what father?"
"What's the news there?"
"Nothing much. Dumbledore asked Remus Lupin to chaperon us. Dumbledore did not come here with us. Maybe he's forming his plan somewhere else. I think it was a waste coming here."
"On the contrary, you are now living with Harry Potter and you're his leader. You can find out his weaknesses, or his friends'."
"Father, the only strength I see in him is pure luck. There is o doubt in my mind that the Dark Lord is more powerful than him. He's just lucky to have loyal friends to watch his back."
"Then that's it!"
"That's what?"
"Harry Potter's weakness!"
Draco felt a strange feeling in his stomach as he anticipated his father's orders.
"Draco, I saw you with the mudblood Granger earlier. Isn't she Potter's friend?"
Draco winced at the word mudblood. Somehow he became affected by the word. He felt weird disgust for the word but he was great at masking his feelings so that his father did not notice anything wrong. He nodded to answer Lucius' question.
"I thought that you were making a fool of yourself earlier. I guess I was wrong. You aren't really friends with her are you?"
"No!" Draco said almost immediately.
"I'm proud of you son. Your loyalty and actions will be met by the Dark Lord's praises."
"What do you mean?" Draco was really puzzled now.
"You're befriending the mudblood to get to Potter. You will look highly on the Dark Lord's eyes, sacrificing yourself to yourself to destroy the defenses of Potter. Continue your work son and in time we will rise together with the Dark Lord." Lucius' head faded as the light died.
'There's that word again. At least now I wouldn't have to worry about him finding out that I spend time with Hermione.' Draco was feeling helpless. 'Who am I really going against now?' He started back towards Hermione pondering at his father's words.
'Don't be stupid; your relationship with Hermione was put against you. It's not as if you wanted for it to happen, you had no choice.'
'Relationship? Do I really have one with her?'
'What does it matter? This will be all over when we leave this island anyway.'
'Really? Can we still go back to the way we were before?'
'You're a Malfoy, what else do you expect?'
'Maybe I could convince her to change sides. She's a pretty good witch. She can be of great help to the Dark Lord.'
'Like that's possible. She would never leave her best friend's side, which represents all that is good. The only thing she's good for is for the destruction of her friend. It doesn't matter what happens to her in the process so stop worrying about her!'
'I'm not, it's just.' Something caught his eye. Hermione was still seated under the same tree in the same position as he left her but there was another person sitting beside her in the same place he sat earlier.
"You back." Hermione saw him coming out of the woods. "Why don't you sit here." She motioned for the spot next to her.
Draco couldn't help but glare at he person who took his spot.
"Harry and I were just wondering what will be our next activity this week."
"I sure wish we'd continue playing Quidditch." Harry was completely ignoring Draco.
"Aw come on Harry, you've been playing Quidditch all year round." Hermione teased.
Draco was feeling out of place between the best friend's closeness. "Uh, what would you prefer doing?" He asked Hermione trying to connect with her.
Harry glared at him for interrupting what seemed like a private conversation with her.
"Well, frankly, I'm more interested with magical creatures. I mean, Professor Lupin is here. He could help us understand."
Before Hermione could continue further, Draco eyed her to keep her mouth shut. Draco didn't like the idea of letting his rival know about their situation with the fairies.
"Understand what Hermione?" Harry was getting irritated at the hidden meaning Draco and Hermione shared.
Hermione didn't want to lie to Harry. Right now, he's the only best friend that she's got. Ron has been giving all his time to Lavender and she didn't give a damn anymore. She decided not to address Harry but rather, tease Draco instead. "Understand why Draco suddenly stopped being such a prat."
Harry was about to agree and then add some but he was cut.
"And why Hermione suddenly loosen up, no wait, I already know the reason for that. She's already free from the demanding relationship form her friends."
Hermione suddenly blushed, she wasn't prepared for his comeback.
Harry however got up to his feet and towered over Draco. "What the hell do you mean by that?"
Hermione suddenly regretted her words more and more. She quickly stood up and go behind Harry. "Harry please stop. He's just playing."
"No I'm not Hermione. If he's too blind to see how much you've grown due to the separation of the Gryffindor trio, then you should be asking yourself whether he is a friend or not!"
Harry couldn't contain his anger anymore. "And what do you know about friendship? You haven't got any!"
"Wrong again Potter, I thought you were more perceptive than this. I've got Hermione for my friend." He put up his smug face.
"Only because she hasn't got a choice! If McGonagall hadn't put paired you with her, she wouldn't even dare look at you!"
This time Draco seized Harry. "HA! Shows what you know!" He wanted to go on but was interrupted.
"You guys, stop it! Harry please go back to the others." She pleaded.
Harry seemed like there were things that he wanted to release on Malfoy but decided against it. If he didn't knew her better, he got off lucky, which means Malfoy got the band end.
Draco smirked triumphantly at the back of Harry thinking that she chose him over Harry. He turned around and found one angry witch staring back at him. "What?" He asked innocently.
"What the hell were you thinking!?!"
"What did I do?"
"Harry's my friend, can't you at least be."
"It's not my problem if he can't handle it!"
"You practically attacked him!"
"I merely stated the truth!"
"Really!?!"
"You are my friend, right?"
"Frankly speaking, I'm not sure. Harry has a point. We wouldn't be speaking now if it weren't for the fairies and you know it!"
Draco stepped closer towards her. "But everything's changed now, right?" He wanted to hear her say yes but she remained silent. Somehow, he felt pain surging through his body. 'Stop saying things that are impossible. You're a Malfoy, you serve the Dark Lord and she fights for the other side. You're 2 worlds apart.'
Hermione sighed, thinking carefully what she was about to say, "We still don't know that. For all I know, you could be using me to get to Harry. I don't trust you and the way you acted in front of Harry is very discouraging." She turned around to go look for Harry but turned around to add, "Maybe we should just go back to the way we were before, things just get more and more complicated." She waited for an answer. When she got none, she nodded her head, disappointed. She turned around and sighed before leaving. You're not really hoping that he'll disagree with you right?' She shook her head and started scanning for Harry but it was Sirius who first caught her eyes. She walked towards him and leaned to tickle him under his chin. "You were right. Everything's gone complicated. But don't worry I've already thought of a plan. Could you tell professor Lupin that Draco and I would like to speak with you both tonight?" She scratched his back before looking for Harry.
Looking for Harry wasn't really a hard task. Harry watched out for her. He set foot as soon as he saw her leaving the forest. "Hey!" He reached her just as she finished talking with Sirius.
"Hey Harry!" She was surprise to find him so near. 'Did he hear what I just told Sirius?'
"I was just wondering if you could spend time with me tomorrow night, you know for my birthday."
That brought back some senses to her. "I'm sorry Harry, I have something to do that night."
"With Malfoy no doubt! Sorry if I wanted to spend my birthday with my friends!" Harry turned around and joined most of the Gryffindors.
"Harry wait up!" She called out for him and try to make up some alibi. The Gryffindors planned a surprise party for him that night. She and Ron agreed to keep it quiet. She felt guilty and she wanted to tell Harry the truth but she heard someone growling at her. "Look Fluffy, it's not what you think. The guys are planning a surprise party for him. We just didn't want him to make plans for that night."
"Hey Hermione! Snape's coming this way!" Neville called for her.
"Coming!" She kissed Sirius on his head before racing towards her team.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione try as she might didn't reach her friends in time.
"Ms. Granger, I wondered how could you check on your teammates when time and again you have been late?"
There were only a few giggles that passes on that remark but they soon shut up when they saw Draco's steely glares.
"Now that everyone's here, listen to my instructions carefully. You should already know that this is not a Quidditch camp meaning you would have to do other activities. This week will focus on how much of Potions class have you learned at the pat years. Come this Saturday the 2 teams will be competing against each other with potions at the morning and Quidditch game on the afternoon."
"The potions activity will be more of firing ammunitions at each other and using protective potions for defense. I will not help any team in making their ammunitions or protective potions. You must conjure them from memory. I think that that won't be any problem with some of you." He glanced at his favorite student trying to tell him that he expects a lot from him. "Those of you who have no talent for potions would do well to serve as a shield for those who know what they are doing." This time he glared at Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors making and exceptionally long pause on Neville.
"Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Granger would assist you since they are your leaders. I would make a suggestion to follow Mr. Malfoy's orders by heart. He knows what he's doing."
"Here's some advice, divide yourselves to those who would make ammunitions, defensive potions, strategic leader, and testers of the potions made. Those of you who are bookish in nature should do their part by writing down the ingredients and procedures of useful potions. I expect a lot from my team. If this team would lose it would be your fault." He once again glanced at the Gryffindors threatening them not to screw things up.
~~~~~~~~~
The whole session was uneventful after the assignments were passed. Harry joined Ron Parvati and Lavender as they conjure defensive potions. Neville, Seamus, and Dean were in charge for testing. Actually the Slytherins were testing the potions on them. Hermione was part of the bookish group so when she finished her task, she began making potions that can help Neville, Seamus, and Dean's luck. She didn't feel like joining Harry and the others. She didn't feel comfortable with Ron's relationship with Lavender and Harry seemed still angry at her. Draco was chosen as the strategic leader. He also joined the team on ammunitions. When he got bored, he inspected other's work. He didn't dare join Hermione, he figured it would be better if he let Hermione cool down first.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione waited for Draco outside her cabin. She asked him earlier if they could talk and he agreed. This was the 1st time that she was the one waiting for him. She saw him smiling from a distance. She jogged towards him to join him.
"What were we going to talk about?" Draco asked as she caught up with him.
"I wanted to talk with Professor Lupin. Maybe he could've find out another way to free ourselves from the fairies."
"Oh." Draco was disappointed. He thought that they were to talk about their relationship.
"You sound disappointed. May I ask why?"
"Nothing."
An awkward silence came between them as they headed to Lupin's room. Draco was about to enter when he noticed a black dog looking at him dangerously. "Isn't that Potter's dog?"
Hermione looked around and saw Sirius. "Yeah. You go on ahead." She watched Draco go inside the room. "Come on now, I want you to hear what I'm going to tell Professor Lupin." Sirius didn't budge. "I need to ask a favor of you afterwards."
Lupin went out to find Hermione talking with Sirius. "I think Hermione, he wants to speak with you alone."
Hermione realized what he said and led Sirius at a secluded area. "It's ok now, you can go back to your normal form."
Hermione watched as Sirius turned back to his human form. "Hi Fluffy!"
Sirius smiled at her warmly. "I just wanted to warn you at what you'll going to see inside Remus' room."
"What?"
"I asked Harry to join us."
"What!!!"
"I believe that he needs to know the truth."
"He'll hate me."
"He'll understand you. Frankly, there's nothing wrong with you being controlled. It would sure explain a lot of things for him. Your relationship would be a lot better afterwards."
"Relationship with whom? He'll get mad at me for not telling him. I don't think its wise to tell him now."
"Are you saying you would keep it from him?"
"If its for the better."
"You were the one complaining about how complicated your life has become. I promise, it will be easier when he finds out."
Hermione was apprehensive. This was not only her secret, this was also Draco's. "Whatever you say."
Sirius smiled at her and transformed back into a dog. He led her back to Lupin's room to find one enraged Draco.
Hermione entered the room with Sirius by her side. She looked around and found Harry seated across the room talking with Lupin. 'Here goes nothing.'
"Hermione, I think we better talk first." Draco stood up and caught her arm trying to drag her outside.
"Ow."
"Let her go Malfoy!" Harry was on his feet. He was a little upset with Hermione before but seeing her in pain because of Malfoy brought back his concern for her.
Draco only glared at him.
"Draco, wait up."
"What are you going to do with Potter?"
"It's alright."
"You mean, you knew he was here?"
"Only just now, but its no biggie."
"I'm not talking with him here."
"You can trust him, please?"
Harry was irritated at their exchanges. "What's going on?"
Lupin cleared his throat. "Why don't the 3 of you sit down."
Harry offered his seat to Hermione who took it without hesitation. Draco took his seat next to the door. Harry pulled another seat and sat beside Hermione.
"Good. Now everyone I'll be asking you all to be civil."
"What's going on?" Harry post his question again.
"I think Ms. Granger should narrate some things to you first." Lupin nodded at her.
Hermione looked at Draco first and sighed. "Harry, you've been asking me what's with the sudden change right?"
Harry nodded.
"Well it all started when I broke some rules by going to the forest alone. I found a place which looked for me as a beautiful lake surrounded by my favorite flowers."
"Lilacs." Harry filled in.
Draco raised his eyebrows irritated at Harry for knowing things about her that he did not know.
"Right. It turned out that there were fairies living in the lake. They were responsible for conjuring the place that I saw. In reality, the lake was just a dump full of rock. It seems like the fairies were playing with me. They also started controlling me. That's the reason why I acted weird."
"Are you alright now?"
"Professor Lupin told us that if I do the things that the fairies want me to do, they wouldn't have any reason to control me so I did. That's how I ended up getting close to Draco."
"How did Malfoy got into this? I mean, why would the fairies like you to befriend him?"
Hermione blushed not knowing how to answer him. Lupin saw this and answered for her. "Mr. Malfoy also found the lake. My guess is that the fairies want to do something to both him and Hermione."
Harry looked dangerously at Malfoy who matched his look then to the red Hermione. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? At least about the lake?"
"I guess, I just wanted a place to think about things. I just wanted to be by myself sometimes and if I told you or Ron about, then I would lose my sanctuary."
"You could've just told us that it's off limits to us. What if something happened to you?"
"Would you really stay away from the place though?"
"But what if something happened to you?"
"I could handle myself."
"What if there were Death Eaters hiding there? Wait how did Malfoy get to the lake?"
"I don't know, by accident I guess."
"The rumors about you and Draco leaving the forest together, are they true?"
Hermione looked down. "Draco and I felt something special in that forest. We couldn't stand to stay away from it."
"So you're saying that you two spend nights alone together in the forest?"
"Harry, keep in mind that the two were being controlled. They have no control on their actions. They may still be under control right now." Lupin didn't like to see Harry and Hermione fight.
Harry just nodded and looked back at Hermione. "I still think that you shouldn't have kept this to yourself."
"I didn't know how would you react." She gave him a smile.
"So now that the 2 of you are good again, can I go now?" Draco was fuming at what he saw.
"Please sit down Mr. Malfoy, I understand that Ms. Granger wanted to talk about something."
Hermione straightened, "I would just like to ask you sir, if you found another way to avoid being controlled?"
"I'm sorry Hermione but these fairies are different. I've sent an owl so that I could get my collection of books on ancient mythical creatures. We'd have to wait for it."
"I have a solution sir." Hermione stood up and walked towards him. Harry and Draco became curious and came nearer as well. "Maybe if Draco and I would go back to our family then the spell would be broken."
"Hey!" Draco and Harry said at the same time. They both did not like the idea of separation with Hermione.
"We still don't know that. The worst thing that can happen is that you two would remain to be under their control. I think that it is safe to say that you should wait for the book before doing anymore actions." Lupin explained to them.
"But."
"I know what you're going through now. I just ask you to be patient."
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry and Hermione left Lupin's room together heading towards the beach. "Are you mad at me Harry?"
"Not really, it's the fairies' fault anyway. Where are we going?"
"Somewhere. Um about tomorrow night?"
"What about it?"
"The guys and I were to give you a surprise birthday party but since you're upset and everything, we moved it for today." They reached the beach that was full of life. The Gryffindors and other houses were all there with the exemption of some Slytherins.
Ron headed the greeters as he shouted, "SURPRISE!"
Harry was overwhelmed. He never had a party before. He was grateful to have friends like them.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco was upset at what Hermione did. He wanted to talk to her but she got out of the room first, accompanied by Harry. He followed them at a safe distance reading their body language. He would get irritated whenever the two touched even if was an accidental touch.
He decided he couldn't stomach watching their every movement. He figured that they were heading towards the beach. He let them walk ahead for a minute or two. He wanted to let the two finish their conversation first. Then it hit him. 'Tonight's Potter's party. That means, there are other people to occupy him. He took his time practicing his alibi on why he went to the party.
He didn't notice it but he took a lot of time to reach the beach. He scanned the crowd. There were people dancing, there were people eating, and there were playing Twister. He looked hard to locate a brown haired witch. He then heard a few cheering sound on his left side so he turned in curiosity. He took in a deep breath as he saw a couple kissing in the middle of the crowd. The couple was a brown haired witch and a black haired guy. His mouth was hanging from surprise. 'Hermione and Potter?' He turned around and left the party.
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry and Hermione wanted to play Twister but since there were a lot of people lined for it they drifted away. "You bored Harry?"
"From the looks of it, we won't have a chance to play Twister."
"Maybe, why don't we play another game?"
"Like what? All we have here is a deck of cards and I'm not good in gambling."
"You know we can use these cards in another way." She drew her wand and cast a spell so that the card turned blank and clean.
"How? You just took the drawings on it."
"Harry, have you played Suck and Blow?"
"Huh?"
"Honestly, the Dursley's should've let you go out and have some fun some time."
"So what's the mechanics?"
"There's no mechanics. The thing is, we pass this card to each other."
"Don't seem hard or fun."
"You didn't let me finish."
"Sorry."
"We pass this card to each other using out lips. It's much more exciting if there were a lot of people involved. But I'm guessing you need to practice first."
Harry turned red at realizing how the game was considered fun. "Um, what if the card falls?"
"It depends. If the two are quick enough, they can avoid kissing each other. If not then the two would have to kiss."
Harry felt hot. Somehow the thought of kissing Hermione made her heart skip a beat. "You'd have to teach me first."
"Ok. I'll start. I'll be sucking the card and when I pass it to you, I'll blow it to you and you'd have to suck it in turn. Then when you pass it back to me, you have to blow it. It's just timing."
The first few rounds were unsuccessful. Hermione anticipated this and was able to avoid his mouth every time the card fell. Harry was upset for not being to transfer the card successfully. He would then feel irritated whenever Hermione avoided kissing him. 'Fuck! She's your best friend! Stop thinking of shit!'
When Harry got the hang of it, they started doing exhibitions. They began turning the card around, first clockwise then counter-clockwise. Soon enough the crowd gathered around them curious at what they were doing. Most were shock at first to see Harry and Hermione kissing but when they saw the card, they started cheering for them. Those far from them wouldn't be able to see the card between their lips. Some were disgusted to see friends kissing one of them were Ron.
Time passed when the line for the Twister disappeared as everyone came to watch them. Hermione noticed this and dropped the card without any warning. This caused Harry to kiss Hermione. It was just a smack so Hermione didn't really care. The crowd however cheered on teasing them both. Harry turned red with embarrassment although he did like the simple smack.
"Come on Harry, there's no more line." She pointed at the twister contraption.
Harry couldn't find his voice so he nodded instead.
"Oh no you don't!" Parvati grabbed her by the shoulder. "You definitely have to teach me that game first."
All night long Hermione got stuck with people who were trying to learn the game. Harry decided to move away from the crowd. He replayed the soft lips that touched his. The feelings he felt that moment came back to him but his daydreaming was cut short.
"You liked it didn't you." Ron sat beside him.
"Ron, I.I didn't."
He sighed. "Don't worry. I guess we're not meant to be."
"Stop it mate. She wants to come back to you but you keep pushing her away. And that was just an accidental smack."
"I'm fine with it. There were times when I saw you both staring at each other. differently."
"That's just your imagination, mate. It's nothing like that."
"Really? Tell it to me then that you didn't feel anything with that little smack you both shared."
Harry couldn't lie to him. "But she doesn't feel anything like that for me. For you maybe but for me."
"Harry, I've already accepted that Hermione and I were not meant to be. Even before we got to this island, I already felt like she was getting tired with me."
"I told you, that's just your imagination."
"No, mate. I know how she felt then. Besides, I'd rather that it be you rather than Malfoy."
Harry didn't know whether to tell him about the fairies. 'There's no rush. I'll tell him another day. This has been a great day, no sense of ruining it'