Winter Wonderland
Chapter Five: London Eye
I listened to Enya's "May It Be" from Lord of the Rings the whole time I wrote this chapter. LOL It's a really soothing song and I got a bit fluffy because of it. (Some of you are most likely going FINALLY!) I actually had to do a lot of research for this chapter it was fun to do though, I feel like such a bookworm. I've never visited the London Eye (though I want to badly) So I spent a great deal of my time looking at www.londoneye.co.uk learning about the wheel and looking at a lot of pictures trying to get a feel for what it would be like to go there and experience it all. I hope I did good enough job. A lot of people have been asking about Surnia's name, its pronounced Sir-Knee-Ah. Thank you all so much! Fluff to you all!
To those who reviewed: (should I be moving this to the bottom of the story?)
Draco-Lover: Draco is acting a little strange I've noticed too! But maybe this chapter will clear a few things up. (I hope) Poor Draco. Thank you for your review! I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Lil-spitfire: Hermione can see the future! Ha-ha. I don't know why I even put that in. Maybe to lead into romance, hum? We shall see. Thank you for your review. Fluff to you!
Risquer: I surely can and here it is. Thank you for your review! I appreciate it!
WormmonABC: Ah! The dreaded "R" word, where poor Taka has to get all mushy and fluffy. But with the right music and it can happen! (Like the LOTR music LOL) I'm sure you'll be happy with this chapter. Thank you for your review! (also to your second review) I e-mailed you about that so look for it!
FieldHockeyGrl-23: Thank you I'm working hard on it and really enjoying writing it Thank you for your review!
Molly-chan: Your review had me a little confused at first but I think I figured it out, sort of. Anyhow, thank you for your review, you make me laugh.
Broken-Hermione: ME TOO! Gr. I'm jealous of her in this chapter even more then the last gosh dangit!! I think we all want Draco. LOL (or Tom Felton at the least) Thank you for your review!
Silver Dragon: Thank you so much for your review, I'm glad I actually have a path to take this story down now, I was a little lost before!
Hiyuki*Renge: I'm glad you like Poppy's name. I was trying to come up with something very cunning but as you can see I didn't to hot a job with it. LOL But thank you for your review!
DiOsA4u: WEE! I owe you big time, I was a little lost on where I was going to go with this story but when you suggested that Hermione should take Draco somewhere the London Eye popped into my head like that. I don't know why I really didn't think about it before. Anyhow a thousand thanks for ideas and reviews!
Paper Star: I had to kind of make up my own world surrounding the London eye, I've never been there but I did a lot of research on it and its surrounding area, I hope you get a good feel for it. Also I included a link where you can look at the London eye and find out some information for your self if you so choose to.
S_Star: Wow you've been on the London Eye? I wanted to go before and now that I've read more about it I want to go even more! I hope I got a good grasp of the area. Thank you for your review!
Kai Shikaido: LOL yes. Hermione and the elf. Elves are fun to write for I found out. You get to use funny English and in Poppy's case use a lot of sirs! Thank you for your review!
Katater: I have here it is, you should like this chapter I'm sure everyone will. I hope. I think this is the chapter that I've worked on the hardest out of them all. It certainly is the longest. Thank you so much for your review!
Chapter Five: London Eye
"Draco."
"Draco get up." The young blonde felt someone moving around his room he cracked his eyes open a little only to be met by the blinding sunlight. He groaned and pulled the covers over his head.
"Draco. Get up now." The voice got louder as it neared him.
"Go away." He muttered holding on tightly to the blanket he had thrown over himself as a shield from the sun. Living down in the dungeons at Hogwarts hadn't really acclimated him for sunlight to be pouring through his windows at such an early hour.
"You have to get up. I have so much planned for us today." Draco finally registered that this voice belonged to Hermione.
"What are you doing in my room!?" He shot up to a sitting position, his blonde hair was pushed in front of his eyes and what wasn't blocking his vision was sticking up in every direction. He pushed hair out of his eyes and rubbed them squinting in the light leaking through the blinds.
"Classic." Hermione let out a laugh.
"What do you mean by that?" Draco looked at her through puffy eyes.
"Nothing much, I never figured you as much of a morning person, but I didn't ever imagine you looking this ridiculous though." Hermione couldn't hold in her laughter.
"Better to look only ridiculous in the morning rather then always." He threw her a nasty glare then began to rub sleep out of his eyes.
"Don't start. I'm in much to good of mood for even you to foul it up. Do you even know where we're going today?" She came over next to his bed and pulled the covers off him to force him out of bed.
"No idea." He said lazily suddenly feeling a little cold from the absence of his warm sheets.
"London Eye or as some know it, the Millennium circle. It over looks all of London and raises to an amazing 140 meters." Hermione could have gone on if a hand hadn't clasped over her mouth.
"Save it." He slid out of be cradling his head in one palm rubbing at his scalp with his fingers.
"That's making your hair worse. I just thought I would let you know." Hermione sat on his torn apart bed. He looked back at her sharply. "Get off of my bed." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Technically this is my bed." Hermione crossed her arms in defiance. "So I really don't have to get off of it if I don't want to."
"Technically, I don't care." Draco leaned in the doorframe. "Where can I take a shower around this place?" He raised his arms above his head and yawned waiting for her reply. Hermione didn't answer right away, she had been a little pre-occupied watching him stretch. She blinked a few times trying to get the image out of her head. What was coming over her?
"Do you not have a shower here?" Draco raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow at her.
"No, I mean yes! It's the next-door over. Uh, I'll get you a towel." Hermione hopped off the bed and rushed past him, she was sure she was blushing. She grabbed a fluffy towel from the linen cabinet and shoved it to him. "I'll be downstairs, come down as soon as you can because we have to catch a bus to get to the Eye." Hermione said quickly.
"Alright." Draco nodded.
"You know." Hermione turned back to him before going downstairs. "You're a horrid morning person." She laughed teasingly at him.
"Funny Granger. Just funny." Draco clutched his towel and entered the bathroom.
"Good morning Father, Mother." Hermione sat at the table and opened a book to read more about London Eye.
"You're extra happy this morning, what are you planning?" Mr. Granger eyed his daughter from across the table.
"The London Eye Father! I've decided to take Draco there. I thought it would be a good way to show him all of London. We're supposed to learn about a Muggle historical sight and I figured rather then just go see one we can see over fifteen in one shot! I've already read up on the different places as well as the London Eye, of course." Hermione continued leafing through the book she was reading.
"Then what are you doing now." Mr. Granger asked her as he slid her a plate of bacon handed to him by Mrs. Granger.
"Draco is in the shower. So I'm just refreshing. Thank you." She began to eat the bacon that had been handed to her.
"This is amazing." Hermione mumbled to herself after reading a few passages.
"Father, did you know that passengers can see a total of twenty-five miles in each direction." Hermione looked up at him.
"Oh yeah? Well that wonderful! But maybe you should save you facts for Draco, I have to get to work." Mr. Granger slid away from the table. "But you'll be sure to take me to the London Eye and tell me about it someday, won't you?" He smiled at her.
"Yes Father, but work? It's the weekend." Hermione's brow wrinkled.
Mr. Granger shrugged at her. "Duty calls, and I got called in by it. Have a good day at the Eye, tell me about it when you get home." He waved. "Goodbye dear." He smiled at his wife who gave him a quick hug.
Hermione sat reading for a while after her father had left. She would make little comments to herself when she found some good information. She was pretty engrossed in a book when her mothers voice interrupted her reading.
"A few letters came for you this morning Hermione. They're in the living room if you wanted to see them." Mrs. Granger turned to look at her briefly.
"From Harry and Ron?" Hermione's eyes lit up as she raced into the next room.
"Whoa, watch it." Draco caught Hermione, she about bulled him over racing after the letters.
"Draco." Hermione's head snapped up, his skin was warm from the shower he must have just gotten out of and his smell made her inhale deeply trying to soak up more of it. "Are you ready?" she regained her composure but completely forgot the letters waiting for her on the coffee table.
"Yes. Is my hair to your liking now?" He huffed.
"Perfect." Hermione beamed at him. "Do you want anything to eat before we go, my mom made bacon." Hermione was ready to fetch him some.
"Have you got anymore of those biscuits?" He asked quickly. "I'll eat them on the go, I can tell you want to get to this Eyeball thing." Draco seemed to be developing a taste for the little disks of cracker.
"London Eye and sure." She went into the kitchen and brought back an unopened package for him. "Lets get going. We'll have to walk to catch the bus but it's not really that far." She started for the door. "G'bye mother!" She yelled before exciting.
"Your really excited about this aren't you?" Draco had to take extra long strides to keep up with her as she hurried down the street. She nodded. "Can't we slow down just a bit?" He struggled to open the biscuit package.
"Oh yes." She stopped in the middle of the sidewalk causing Draco to crash into her back. He hadn't been looking up because was to busy fiddling with the biscuits which were now scattered all over the snow. Draco closed his eyes and pursed his lips together as not to yell. 'She didn't do it purposely. She didn't do it purposely.' He repeated over and over in his mind.
"Sorry Draco." She really did look it as she stooped down to collect the fallen wafers. "Here there's at least half left for you." She started to stand but was surprised when a strong hand helped her up to her feet. "T- thank you." She stuttered out. 'Maybe Draco is in a good mood today too.' She thought hopefully. He was being a lot kinder now then this morning when she had to wake him up. He shrugged at her and kept walking, a smile played on his lips as he walked faster to get a distance between himself and her.
"Draco, wait up!" Hermione broke into a jog to catch him but got a face full of snow. She heard Draco's deep laugh fill the air around her.
"Oh you!" She steamed as she whipped snow from her eyes then bent down to collect some snow to fire back at him Draco had taken off in a full sprint down the street. "Come back here!" Hermione was surprised at her own speed as she gained ground on Draco; apparently he was to when he caught a snowball in the back of the head.
"HA!" Hermione let out triumphantly. "Don't ever turn your back on me." She pretended to flex her muscles at him. Draco was grinning from ear to ear. "That was a pretty pathetic throw Hermione, you didn't even knock me out." He adjusted the Slytherin scarf around his neck shaking snow out the back of it. Hermione noticed his face was much more handsome when he smiled. Usually she had always seen him grimacing when their paths had crossed at Hogwarts.
"Knock you out? Is that how you want to play?" She scooped more snow up. Before she could stand up snow was dumped all over her back and she felt herself pushed to the ground and Draco's heavy from had pinned her down into the soft snow. She let a little giggle slip out.
"Get up!" She tried to scream but her laughing was making it hard for her to speak. He kept her pinned down she looked up and met his gaze. A smile stretched across his lips again. "You know. You really aren't so bad." He licked his lips, which were drying out from the cold whether.
"You aren't really either." She smiled back. He rolled off of her and stood dusting snow off of his pants and jacket, and slung the scarf back around his neck.
Hermione was a little shocked at him. She could feel a deep blush prickling at the skin on her cheeks. They really burned through the cold snow on her face.
"Need help up." He stood over her and offered a hand down to her. She reached up and took it feeling herself being pulled to her feet again. She was surprised when she didn't feel him let go.
'What has come over him? He's so weird.' Hermione grinned to herself. She was honestly enjoying the feeling of his warm palm on hers. 'A few days ago he would have rather cut off his hand then hold the hand of a "Filthy Mudblood."' She thought silently. Draco was a different person when he was away from the pressures of Hogwarts and the other Slytherin students and more importantly his father's ever-watchful eye on him at school. It had to be all a part of Dumbledore's wondrous plan, the man had ceased to amaze her with each new thing he shared or came up with for his students. He truly was the greatest headmaster Hogwarts had seen if he could turn a hateful Malfoy into someone friendly and warm to anyone, especially someone like Hermione who had all the makings of any true Malfoy enemy: Brains, natural talent and Muggle parents.
"Are we almost there?" He looked over at her.
"Just one more block." She fastened her pace a little pulling Draco along.
The bus stop was now in view. Passengers from around the community were waiting to board outside all bundled up. Hermione and Draco joined the line to get seats to take them into the heart of London. Hermione could tell Draco was feeling a little uncomfortable around the pack of Muggles. A young girl bumped into the back of Draco sending him stumbling a few steps forward.
'Oh no.' Hermione shut her eyes waiting for the worst. 'Don't do anything stupid, Draco.' She thought silently hoping it would get to him somehow.
Draco turned quickly and looked down on the little girl with a hateful glare, she looked up at him a little teary-eyed. "Sorry." She said in her tiny voice. His gaze must have been really frightening because after that she burst into tears. Draco's eyes softened a little when he watched the girl run into the supportive arms of her mother who sent him an equally hateful stare. Draco looked away holding his head a little higher in the air then normal. "Worthless Muggles."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, she was sure she saw him reach for his wand. "Lets get on." She quickly paid as they boarded the bus. Draco stood outside of the open doors a little apprehensive. His eyes shifted back and forth nervously before he took a giant step onto the fist platform to board the bus. Realizing it was okay he fallowed Hermione who had found a seat towards the back of the bus. It was much warmer on board and Draco began shedding layers before he sat down, he was feeling a little more comfortable, and at least no one could really bump into him if he was seated.
"What happened back there? I was sure you were going to blast the little girl with some sort of curse for bumping into you." Hermione looked at him sideways.
"I do have some self control you know." He leaned back into his seat and decided that a change of subject was in order. "So tell me about this eye. It's not a real eye is it? That would be wicked!" He placed his discarded jacket and scarf in his lap.
"No. Gross." Hermione stuck out her tongue and scrunched up her nose she relaxed a little, she could tell he was too.
"Then why would they call it an eye? Why would you call it an eye if it had nothing to do with an eye at all? Stupid Muggles. They should all-" He stopped when he saw Hermione roll her eyes at him.
"Okay fine. Then answer my question, why London Eye?" He jumped a little as the engine of the bus roared to life and they began to roll down the street ways.
"The London Eye is a giant observation wheel. It was the focal point of the Nations celebration of the new century. It's the biggest one there is and we get to ride it. It's a really famous landmark now in London. I suppose they call it the eye because you can see all of London from one of its capsules. The higher we go the more will be able to see! I figured that If we got on this we could see more then one historical site and in a short amount of time. I read up on most of them so I can tell you about the different buildings when we're up there." Hermione fidgeted in her seat in anticipation.
"Anything else?" Draco laughed a little, she must have read a book cover to cover to find out all this information and it left him wondering just how much sleep she had actually gotten last night.
"Actually yes. But I figured I would save it for when we actually arrived at the Eye. Doesn't that sound good to you?" Hermione let out a little yawn.
"Hermione?" Draco's voice caught her just as she was dozing off.
"Hum?" She mumbled.
"Exactly how long will we be on this thing." He was referring to the bus trip.
"I'm guessing about an hour." She closed her eyes again.
"Wonderful." He said sarcastically, he was suddenly feeling claustrophobic and a little agitated by the amount of people surrounding him. "Are you going to sleep?" He turned to Hermione.
"Is that okay?" she looked up over at him opening her eyes once more. He shrugged a little and found her hand once more intertwined with his. Hermione smiled, content with herself as she held tightly to his hand. He really wasn't so bad after all. She could tell he was trying to deal with all this the best he could. The idea of not killing a muggle on spot or at least hurting them in some way was pretty new to him after all.
"Hermione?" Draco shook her awake gently; it was his turn to pull her out of a peaceful sleep like she had done to him that morning. "Hermione, I think were here." She slowly opened her eyes to stare into his deep grey ones. "Everyone is getting off." He told her.
"We're here!" She sat up and turned to look out the window. She saw the massive ring towering above everything in London. "That's it Draco. That's the Eye." She pointed, not that he could miss it or anything like that.
"We ride on that." Draco said with disbelief in his voice.
"Yes! Get out of my way I want off." She began pushing at him to get out of his seat so that she could too. Draco practically fell out of his seat as she pushed on his back he stood in the aisle and put back on his winter clothing Hermione decided to worry about getting bundled up later she had already tore off the bus and was waiting for Draco to make his way out.
"Hurry up." She hissed at him, he seemed to be walking slowly to push her buttons (which he was doing a good job of.)
"Hermione I don't think its going anywhere." Draco walked at a steady pace towards the great wheel. "Just take it easy, take it all in you know? You don't want to rush this. It seems so important to you and if you rush straight to it you might miss something." He smiled at her and looked up at the huge wheel. It seemed like it went on forever into the morning sky hundreds of steal cables held the rotating circle in place, it must have weighed a ton. There were cars evenly spaced out on the outside of the wheel all glass. He could make out tiny spots moving back in forth on the inside they looked like little fish swimming in tiny tanks. It was more like a giant bicyclical wheel than anything else. It really made Draco feel small standing next to something of such grandeur. He imagined it would look even more spectacular at night all lit up. There was nothing like this anywhere else in the world to compare to it.
"I guess you're right." She took in a deep breath and took in her surroundings at the same time. Today was a perfect day for riding the eye, there wasn't a cloud in sight and the London sky was a bright blue. They would be able to see for miles. They were walking riverside the trees were all giving off a heavenly sent of pine and they glittered with frost and snow. The area around them was really beautiful. She was now thankful for Draco's slowness. Holiday decorations littered lampposts and some of the tall firs were lit up in colorful lights. She watched as an anxious child pulled his mother towards the eye she laughed a little realizing that she and Draco must have looked ridiculous with her pulling him along like that. There were enchanting ice sculptures lining the walkway leading to the eye. The snow and ice would make this an amazing experience.
"So you don't have any interesting facts? You were loaded with them this morning." Draco asked her suddenly.
"Oh." She smiled. "I have plenty. The London eye is the world's highest observation wheel. We'll be up there for thirty minutes and going 140 meters up this river that we are walking next to is the Thames river, the eye, as you can see is right on it. Spectacular isn't it? I called last night and got us a private capsule, it was a bit more expensive but I thought it would be easier for us to study the historical sites without any other people mucking it up." In truth Hermione was expecting the worst from Draco. She thought that if he had to be surrounded by muggles he might go off on them and she didn't really want him bouncing curses off the walls of the capsule at anything that moved. Imagine explaining that to Dumbledore, or Fudge even.
Draco had raised an eyebrow at Hermione when she mentioned that they would have a private viewing. "It's pretty big." He craned his neck to look at the top of the wheel. "Not bad for a muggle contraption, imagine they had to make this without magic, what a pain." Draco shook his head.
"You would be surprised what some people can do without magic, Draco. They aren't all heathens you know. There just like us." Draco flinched a little when Hermione spoke of muggles on the same level as himself. Pure blood would always pump though his veins, not all of his thoughts could be altered. "Just wait until were up there. They'll really amaze you, I know they will." Draco had a look of doubt.
They walked up to the Private capsule check-in. It was a lot nicer than having to wait in line to board the grand wheel. They were escorted to their capsule the man taking them gave Draco a wink, which utterly confused him. "Have a wonderful flight." He said to them both before locking them securely into the glass room. Hermione walked up to one of the huge glass windows and pressed herself against it.
"Ready for your lesson in Muggle history, Draco?" Hermione smiled back at him.
"I suppose I have no choice, I'm locked in here aren't I?" He joined her by the window but sat in one of the cushioned seats.
"This will be so fun. We should be able to see Windsor Castle because it's such a clear day. She wavered a little as the eye began to lurch forward taking them high into the sky. Hermione's heart was beating hard against her chest as they rose higher and higher into the sky.
"This all started with an story of determination, do you want to hear it?" Hermione looked over at Draco who was now mimicking her pressing his hands against the glass panes too. "Sure." He didn't take his eyes off of London's skyline.
"A husband and Wife came up with the idea and entered a competition to design something that London could remember the millennium by. At first no one thought they could really make the Eye but then everyone who heard about their idea was excited about this new way to see one of the most well known cities in the world. The people pulled together to make it happen. Five countries were involved in making this observation wheel. Its one of the most popular attractions in the world. Even though odds were against the couple and the whole idea of the wheel but now its such a great success because the couple never gave up on their dream to see it built." Hermione remained silent for a while. "I read it in a book of top things to visit in London." Draco nodded at her.
"What is that?" Draco pointed to a tall tower strait across from them.
"That's the BT tower. It's 543 feet tall and its Britain's highest building next to the Nat West Tower." After Hermione spoke Draco nodded his head again to show his understanding. He couldn't stop starring out the giant windows.
"And you mean to tell me that all this was made by Muggles. Just Muggles and their hands?" Draco brow wrinkled.
"Yes. How else would they do it?" Hermione scooted closer to Draco spotting a new place to tell him about. "See that over there towards the South, the really big cream building? It kind of looks like Hogwarts in a strange sort of way? Its got the two big towers, see them? That is the British Parliament, or some call it the House of the Parliament, It was built for Edward the Confessor but after a fire they decided to move the royal residence and make it become the seat of two houses or parliament. It's also known as the Westminster Palace. There are two houses, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The queen comes here in November to open it and deliver the an opening speech." Hermione was just bubbling with information like always.
"Mad. Absolutely mad." Draco couldn't grasp the fact that all of these amazing things had been made without any use of magic whatsoever.
Hermione began to tell him about the Westminster bridge but Draco had heard enough of Hermione's facts and in fact he had already blocked out what she had been saying and was really just listening to the steady rhythm of her voice. He managed to tear his eyes away from the panoramic view in front of her and turned to Hermione who was gazing softly out the window.
'She's not so bad.' He smiled to himself. 'Not bad at all.'
Draco wasn't really sure what was coming over him. He reached a hand out to her and brushed it down her cheek, he was surprised when she didn't pull away. "Hermione?" He breathed out. She looked right into his grey eyes with her caramel chocolate ones Draco next found himself pulling her towards his own body and enveloped her into a tight hug pressing his lips fully against hers. Hermione was a little surprised but that feeling was quickly replaced with happiness. She leaned into him taking every thing in about him wrapping her arms about his neck. She felt his arms tighten around her waist pulling her closer to him to the point where she found herself in his lap. Their lips released, Hermione blushed and Draco smiled that sexy grin Hermione had found herself begging to notice plastered on his face more and more. He leaned in and tasted her lips once more. "You know. You were right. I am amazed."
Aw. There you get a lesson on things and London and little fluff while you're at it! Please read and review! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!
Takanori TakaEnna@MSN.com
I listened to Enya's "May It Be" from Lord of the Rings the whole time I wrote this chapter. LOL It's a really soothing song and I got a bit fluffy because of it. (Some of you are most likely going FINALLY!) I actually had to do a lot of research for this chapter it was fun to do though, I feel like such a bookworm. I've never visited the London Eye (though I want to badly) So I spent a great deal of my time looking at www.londoneye.co.uk learning about the wheel and looking at a lot of pictures trying to get a feel for what it would be like to go there and experience it all. I hope I did good enough job. A lot of people have been asking about Surnia's name, its pronounced Sir-Knee-Ah. Thank you all so much! Fluff to you all!
To those who reviewed: (should I be moving this to the bottom of the story?)
Draco-Lover: Draco is acting a little strange I've noticed too! But maybe this chapter will clear a few things up. (I hope) Poor Draco. Thank you for your review! I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Lil-spitfire: Hermione can see the future! Ha-ha. I don't know why I even put that in. Maybe to lead into romance, hum? We shall see. Thank you for your review. Fluff to you!
Risquer: I surely can and here it is. Thank you for your review! I appreciate it!
WormmonABC: Ah! The dreaded "R" word, where poor Taka has to get all mushy and fluffy. But with the right music and it can happen! (Like the LOTR music LOL) I'm sure you'll be happy with this chapter. Thank you for your review! (also to your second review) I e-mailed you about that so look for it!
FieldHockeyGrl-23: Thank you I'm working hard on it and really enjoying writing it Thank you for your review!
Molly-chan: Your review had me a little confused at first but I think I figured it out, sort of. Anyhow, thank you for your review, you make me laugh.
Broken-Hermione: ME TOO! Gr. I'm jealous of her in this chapter even more then the last gosh dangit!! I think we all want Draco. LOL (or Tom Felton at the least) Thank you for your review!
Silver Dragon: Thank you so much for your review, I'm glad I actually have a path to take this story down now, I was a little lost before!
Hiyuki*Renge: I'm glad you like Poppy's name. I was trying to come up with something very cunning but as you can see I didn't to hot a job with it. LOL But thank you for your review!
DiOsA4u: WEE! I owe you big time, I was a little lost on where I was going to go with this story but when you suggested that Hermione should take Draco somewhere the London Eye popped into my head like that. I don't know why I really didn't think about it before. Anyhow a thousand thanks for ideas and reviews!
Paper Star: I had to kind of make up my own world surrounding the London eye, I've never been there but I did a lot of research on it and its surrounding area, I hope you get a good feel for it. Also I included a link where you can look at the London eye and find out some information for your self if you so choose to.
S_Star: Wow you've been on the London Eye? I wanted to go before and now that I've read more about it I want to go even more! I hope I got a good grasp of the area. Thank you for your review!
Kai Shikaido: LOL yes. Hermione and the elf. Elves are fun to write for I found out. You get to use funny English and in Poppy's case use a lot of sirs! Thank you for your review!
Katater: I have here it is, you should like this chapter I'm sure everyone will. I hope. I think this is the chapter that I've worked on the hardest out of them all. It certainly is the longest. Thank you so much for your review!
Chapter Five: London Eye
"Draco."
"Draco get up." The young blonde felt someone moving around his room he cracked his eyes open a little only to be met by the blinding sunlight. He groaned and pulled the covers over his head.
"Draco. Get up now." The voice got louder as it neared him.
"Go away." He muttered holding on tightly to the blanket he had thrown over himself as a shield from the sun. Living down in the dungeons at Hogwarts hadn't really acclimated him for sunlight to be pouring through his windows at such an early hour.
"You have to get up. I have so much planned for us today." Draco finally registered that this voice belonged to Hermione.
"What are you doing in my room!?" He shot up to a sitting position, his blonde hair was pushed in front of his eyes and what wasn't blocking his vision was sticking up in every direction. He pushed hair out of his eyes and rubbed them squinting in the light leaking through the blinds.
"Classic." Hermione let out a laugh.
"What do you mean by that?" Draco looked at her through puffy eyes.
"Nothing much, I never figured you as much of a morning person, but I didn't ever imagine you looking this ridiculous though." Hermione couldn't hold in her laughter.
"Better to look only ridiculous in the morning rather then always." He threw her a nasty glare then began to rub sleep out of his eyes.
"Don't start. I'm in much to good of mood for even you to foul it up. Do you even know where we're going today?" She came over next to his bed and pulled the covers off him to force him out of bed.
"No idea." He said lazily suddenly feeling a little cold from the absence of his warm sheets.
"London Eye or as some know it, the Millennium circle. It over looks all of London and raises to an amazing 140 meters." Hermione could have gone on if a hand hadn't clasped over her mouth.
"Save it." He slid out of be cradling his head in one palm rubbing at his scalp with his fingers.
"That's making your hair worse. I just thought I would let you know." Hermione sat on his torn apart bed. He looked back at her sharply. "Get off of my bed." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Technically this is my bed." Hermione crossed her arms in defiance. "So I really don't have to get off of it if I don't want to."
"Technically, I don't care." Draco leaned in the doorframe. "Where can I take a shower around this place?" He raised his arms above his head and yawned waiting for her reply. Hermione didn't answer right away, she had been a little pre-occupied watching him stretch. She blinked a few times trying to get the image out of her head. What was coming over her?
"Do you not have a shower here?" Draco raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow at her.
"No, I mean yes! It's the next-door over. Uh, I'll get you a towel." Hermione hopped off the bed and rushed past him, she was sure she was blushing. She grabbed a fluffy towel from the linen cabinet and shoved it to him. "I'll be downstairs, come down as soon as you can because we have to catch a bus to get to the Eye." Hermione said quickly.
"Alright." Draco nodded.
"You know." Hermione turned back to him before going downstairs. "You're a horrid morning person." She laughed teasingly at him.
"Funny Granger. Just funny." Draco clutched his towel and entered the bathroom.
"Good morning Father, Mother." Hermione sat at the table and opened a book to read more about London Eye.
"You're extra happy this morning, what are you planning?" Mr. Granger eyed his daughter from across the table.
"The London Eye Father! I've decided to take Draco there. I thought it would be a good way to show him all of London. We're supposed to learn about a Muggle historical sight and I figured rather then just go see one we can see over fifteen in one shot! I've already read up on the different places as well as the London Eye, of course." Hermione continued leafing through the book she was reading.
"Then what are you doing now." Mr. Granger asked her as he slid her a plate of bacon handed to him by Mrs. Granger.
"Draco is in the shower. So I'm just refreshing. Thank you." She began to eat the bacon that had been handed to her.
"This is amazing." Hermione mumbled to herself after reading a few passages.
"Father, did you know that passengers can see a total of twenty-five miles in each direction." Hermione looked up at him.
"Oh yeah? Well that wonderful! But maybe you should save you facts for Draco, I have to get to work." Mr. Granger slid away from the table. "But you'll be sure to take me to the London Eye and tell me about it someday, won't you?" He smiled at her.
"Yes Father, but work? It's the weekend." Hermione's brow wrinkled.
Mr. Granger shrugged at her. "Duty calls, and I got called in by it. Have a good day at the Eye, tell me about it when you get home." He waved. "Goodbye dear." He smiled at his wife who gave him a quick hug.
Hermione sat reading for a while after her father had left. She would make little comments to herself when she found some good information. She was pretty engrossed in a book when her mothers voice interrupted her reading.
"A few letters came for you this morning Hermione. They're in the living room if you wanted to see them." Mrs. Granger turned to look at her briefly.
"From Harry and Ron?" Hermione's eyes lit up as she raced into the next room.
"Whoa, watch it." Draco caught Hermione, she about bulled him over racing after the letters.
"Draco." Hermione's head snapped up, his skin was warm from the shower he must have just gotten out of and his smell made her inhale deeply trying to soak up more of it. "Are you ready?" she regained her composure but completely forgot the letters waiting for her on the coffee table.
"Yes. Is my hair to your liking now?" He huffed.
"Perfect." Hermione beamed at him. "Do you want anything to eat before we go, my mom made bacon." Hermione was ready to fetch him some.
"Have you got anymore of those biscuits?" He asked quickly. "I'll eat them on the go, I can tell you want to get to this Eyeball thing." Draco seemed to be developing a taste for the little disks of cracker.
"London Eye and sure." She went into the kitchen and brought back an unopened package for him. "Lets get going. We'll have to walk to catch the bus but it's not really that far." She started for the door. "G'bye mother!" She yelled before exciting.
"Your really excited about this aren't you?" Draco had to take extra long strides to keep up with her as she hurried down the street. She nodded. "Can't we slow down just a bit?" He struggled to open the biscuit package.
"Oh yes." She stopped in the middle of the sidewalk causing Draco to crash into her back. He hadn't been looking up because was to busy fiddling with the biscuits which were now scattered all over the snow. Draco closed his eyes and pursed his lips together as not to yell. 'She didn't do it purposely. She didn't do it purposely.' He repeated over and over in his mind.
"Sorry Draco." She really did look it as she stooped down to collect the fallen wafers. "Here there's at least half left for you." She started to stand but was surprised when a strong hand helped her up to her feet. "T- thank you." She stuttered out. 'Maybe Draco is in a good mood today too.' She thought hopefully. He was being a lot kinder now then this morning when she had to wake him up. He shrugged at her and kept walking, a smile played on his lips as he walked faster to get a distance between himself and her.
"Draco, wait up!" Hermione broke into a jog to catch him but got a face full of snow. She heard Draco's deep laugh fill the air around her.
"Oh you!" She steamed as she whipped snow from her eyes then bent down to collect some snow to fire back at him Draco had taken off in a full sprint down the street. "Come back here!" Hermione was surprised at her own speed as she gained ground on Draco; apparently he was to when he caught a snowball in the back of the head.
"HA!" Hermione let out triumphantly. "Don't ever turn your back on me." She pretended to flex her muscles at him. Draco was grinning from ear to ear. "That was a pretty pathetic throw Hermione, you didn't even knock me out." He adjusted the Slytherin scarf around his neck shaking snow out the back of it. Hermione noticed his face was much more handsome when he smiled. Usually she had always seen him grimacing when their paths had crossed at Hogwarts.
"Knock you out? Is that how you want to play?" She scooped more snow up. Before she could stand up snow was dumped all over her back and she felt herself pushed to the ground and Draco's heavy from had pinned her down into the soft snow. She let a little giggle slip out.
"Get up!" She tried to scream but her laughing was making it hard for her to speak. He kept her pinned down she looked up and met his gaze. A smile stretched across his lips again. "You know. You really aren't so bad." He licked his lips, which were drying out from the cold whether.
"You aren't really either." She smiled back. He rolled off of her and stood dusting snow off of his pants and jacket, and slung the scarf back around his neck.
Hermione was a little shocked at him. She could feel a deep blush prickling at the skin on her cheeks. They really burned through the cold snow on her face.
"Need help up." He stood over her and offered a hand down to her. She reached up and took it feeling herself being pulled to her feet again. She was surprised when she didn't feel him let go.
'What has come over him? He's so weird.' Hermione grinned to herself. She was honestly enjoying the feeling of his warm palm on hers. 'A few days ago he would have rather cut off his hand then hold the hand of a "Filthy Mudblood."' She thought silently. Draco was a different person when he was away from the pressures of Hogwarts and the other Slytherin students and more importantly his father's ever-watchful eye on him at school. It had to be all a part of Dumbledore's wondrous plan, the man had ceased to amaze her with each new thing he shared or came up with for his students. He truly was the greatest headmaster Hogwarts had seen if he could turn a hateful Malfoy into someone friendly and warm to anyone, especially someone like Hermione who had all the makings of any true Malfoy enemy: Brains, natural talent and Muggle parents.
"Are we almost there?" He looked over at her.
"Just one more block." She fastened her pace a little pulling Draco along.
The bus stop was now in view. Passengers from around the community were waiting to board outside all bundled up. Hermione and Draco joined the line to get seats to take them into the heart of London. Hermione could tell Draco was feeling a little uncomfortable around the pack of Muggles. A young girl bumped into the back of Draco sending him stumbling a few steps forward.
'Oh no.' Hermione shut her eyes waiting for the worst. 'Don't do anything stupid, Draco.' She thought silently hoping it would get to him somehow.
Draco turned quickly and looked down on the little girl with a hateful glare, she looked up at him a little teary-eyed. "Sorry." She said in her tiny voice. His gaze must have been really frightening because after that she burst into tears. Draco's eyes softened a little when he watched the girl run into the supportive arms of her mother who sent him an equally hateful stare. Draco looked away holding his head a little higher in the air then normal. "Worthless Muggles."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, she was sure she saw him reach for his wand. "Lets get on." She quickly paid as they boarded the bus. Draco stood outside of the open doors a little apprehensive. His eyes shifted back and forth nervously before he took a giant step onto the fist platform to board the bus. Realizing it was okay he fallowed Hermione who had found a seat towards the back of the bus. It was much warmer on board and Draco began shedding layers before he sat down, he was feeling a little more comfortable, and at least no one could really bump into him if he was seated.
"What happened back there? I was sure you were going to blast the little girl with some sort of curse for bumping into you." Hermione looked at him sideways.
"I do have some self control you know." He leaned back into his seat and decided that a change of subject was in order. "So tell me about this eye. It's not a real eye is it? That would be wicked!" He placed his discarded jacket and scarf in his lap.
"No. Gross." Hermione stuck out her tongue and scrunched up her nose she relaxed a little, she could tell he was too.
"Then why would they call it an eye? Why would you call it an eye if it had nothing to do with an eye at all? Stupid Muggles. They should all-" He stopped when he saw Hermione roll her eyes at him.
"Okay fine. Then answer my question, why London Eye?" He jumped a little as the engine of the bus roared to life and they began to roll down the street ways.
"The London Eye is a giant observation wheel. It was the focal point of the Nations celebration of the new century. It's the biggest one there is and we get to ride it. It's a really famous landmark now in London. I suppose they call it the eye because you can see all of London from one of its capsules. The higher we go the more will be able to see! I figured that If we got on this we could see more then one historical site and in a short amount of time. I read up on most of them so I can tell you about the different buildings when we're up there." Hermione fidgeted in her seat in anticipation.
"Anything else?" Draco laughed a little, she must have read a book cover to cover to find out all this information and it left him wondering just how much sleep she had actually gotten last night.
"Actually yes. But I figured I would save it for when we actually arrived at the Eye. Doesn't that sound good to you?" Hermione let out a little yawn.
"Hermione?" Draco's voice caught her just as she was dozing off.
"Hum?" She mumbled.
"Exactly how long will we be on this thing." He was referring to the bus trip.
"I'm guessing about an hour." She closed her eyes again.
"Wonderful." He said sarcastically, he was suddenly feeling claustrophobic and a little agitated by the amount of people surrounding him. "Are you going to sleep?" He turned to Hermione.
"Is that okay?" she looked up over at him opening her eyes once more. He shrugged a little and found her hand once more intertwined with his. Hermione smiled, content with herself as she held tightly to his hand. He really wasn't so bad after all. She could tell he was trying to deal with all this the best he could. The idea of not killing a muggle on spot or at least hurting them in some way was pretty new to him after all.
"Hermione?" Draco shook her awake gently; it was his turn to pull her out of a peaceful sleep like she had done to him that morning. "Hermione, I think were here." She slowly opened her eyes to stare into his deep grey ones. "Everyone is getting off." He told her.
"We're here!" She sat up and turned to look out the window. She saw the massive ring towering above everything in London. "That's it Draco. That's the Eye." She pointed, not that he could miss it or anything like that.
"We ride on that." Draco said with disbelief in his voice.
"Yes! Get out of my way I want off." She began pushing at him to get out of his seat so that she could too. Draco practically fell out of his seat as she pushed on his back he stood in the aisle and put back on his winter clothing Hermione decided to worry about getting bundled up later she had already tore off the bus and was waiting for Draco to make his way out.
"Hurry up." She hissed at him, he seemed to be walking slowly to push her buttons (which he was doing a good job of.)
"Hermione I don't think its going anywhere." Draco walked at a steady pace towards the great wheel. "Just take it easy, take it all in you know? You don't want to rush this. It seems so important to you and if you rush straight to it you might miss something." He smiled at her and looked up at the huge wheel. It seemed like it went on forever into the morning sky hundreds of steal cables held the rotating circle in place, it must have weighed a ton. There were cars evenly spaced out on the outside of the wheel all glass. He could make out tiny spots moving back in forth on the inside they looked like little fish swimming in tiny tanks. It was more like a giant bicyclical wheel than anything else. It really made Draco feel small standing next to something of such grandeur. He imagined it would look even more spectacular at night all lit up. There was nothing like this anywhere else in the world to compare to it.
"I guess you're right." She took in a deep breath and took in her surroundings at the same time. Today was a perfect day for riding the eye, there wasn't a cloud in sight and the London sky was a bright blue. They would be able to see for miles. They were walking riverside the trees were all giving off a heavenly sent of pine and they glittered with frost and snow. The area around them was really beautiful. She was now thankful for Draco's slowness. Holiday decorations littered lampposts and some of the tall firs were lit up in colorful lights. She watched as an anxious child pulled his mother towards the eye she laughed a little realizing that she and Draco must have looked ridiculous with her pulling him along like that. There were enchanting ice sculptures lining the walkway leading to the eye. The snow and ice would make this an amazing experience.
"So you don't have any interesting facts? You were loaded with them this morning." Draco asked her suddenly.
"Oh." She smiled. "I have plenty. The London eye is the world's highest observation wheel. We'll be up there for thirty minutes and going 140 meters up this river that we are walking next to is the Thames river, the eye, as you can see is right on it. Spectacular isn't it? I called last night and got us a private capsule, it was a bit more expensive but I thought it would be easier for us to study the historical sites without any other people mucking it up." In truth Hermione was expecting the worst from Draco. She thought that if he had to be surrounded by muggles he might go off on them and she didn't really want him bouncing curses off the walls of the capsule at anything that moved. Imagine explaining that to Dumbledore, or Fudge even.
Draco had raised an eyebrow at Hermione when she mentioned that they would have a private viewing. "It's pretty big." He craned his neck to look at the top of the wheel. "Not bad for a muggle contraption, imagine they had to make this without magic, what a pain." Draco shook his head.
"You would be surprised what some people can do without magic, Draco. They aren't all heathens you know. There just like us." Draco flinched a little when Hermione spoke of muggles on the same level as himself. Pure blood would always pump though his veins, not all of his thoughts could be altered. "Just wait until were up there. They'll really amaze you, I know they will." Draco had a look of doubt.
They walked up to the Private capsule check-in. It was a lot nicer than having to wait in line to board the grand wheel. They were escorted to their capsule the man taking them gave Draco a wink, which utterly confused him. "Have a wonderful flight." He said to them both before locking them securely into the glass room. Hermione walked up to one of the huge glass windows and pressed herself against it.
"Ready for your lesson in Muggle history, Draco?" Hermione smiled back at him.
"I suppose I have no choice, I'm locked in here aren't I?" He joined her by the window but sat in one of the cushioned seats.
"This will be so fun. We should be able to see Windsor Castle because it's such a clear day. She wavered a little as the eye began to lurch forward taking them high into the sky. Hermione's heart was beating hard against her chest as they rose higher and higher into the sky.
"This all started with an story of determination, do you want to hear it?" Hermione looked over at Draco who was now mimicking her pressing his hands against the glass panes too. "Sure." He didn't take his eyes off of London's skyline.
"A husband and Wife came up with the idea and entered a competition to design something that London could remember the millennium by. At first no one thought they could really make the Eye but then everyone who heard about their idea was excited about this new way to see one of the most well known cities in the world. The people pulled together to make it happen. Five countries were involved in making this observation wheel. Its one of the most popular attractions in the world. Even though odds were against the couple and the whole idea of the wheel but now its such a great success because the couple never gave up on their dream to see it built." Hermione remained silent for a while. "I read it in a book of top things to visit in London." Draco nodded at her.
"What is that?" Draco pointed to a tall tower strait across from them.
"That's the BT tower. It's 543 feet tall and its Britain's highest building next to the Nat West Tower." After Hermione spoke Draco nodded his head again to show his understanding. He couldn't stop starring out the giant windows.
"And you mean to tell me that all this was made by Muggles. Just Muggles and their hands?" Draco brow wrinkled.
"Yes. How else would they do it?" Hermione scooted closer to Draco spotting a new place to tell him about. "See that over there towards the South, the really big cream building? It kind of looks like Hogwarts in a strange sort of way? Its got the two big towers, see them? That is the British Parliament, or some call it the House of the Parliament, It was built for Edward the Confessor but after a fire they decided to move the royal residence and make it become the seat of two houses or parliament. It's also known as the Westminster Palace. There are two houses, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The queen comes here in November to open it and deliver the an opening speech." Hermione was just bubbling with information like always.
"Mad. Absolutely mad." Draco couldn't grasp the fact that all of these amazing things had been made without any use of magic whatsoever.
Hermione began to tell him about the Westminster bridge but Draco had heard enough of Hermione's facts and in fact he had already blocked out what she had been saying and was really just listening to the steady rhythm of her voice. He managed to tear his eyes away from the panoramic view in front of her and turned to Hermione who was gazing softly out the window.
'She's not so bad.' He smiled to himself. 'Not bad at all.'
Draco wasn't really sure what was coming over him. He reached a hand out to her and brushed it down her cheek, he was surprised when she didn't pull away. "Hermione?" He breathed out. She looked right into his grey eyes with her caramel chocolate ones Draco next found himself pulling her towards his own body and enveloped her into a tight hug pressing his lips fully against hers. Hermione was a little surprised but that feeling was quickly replaced with happiness. She leaned into him taking every thing in about him wrapping her arms about his neck. She felt his arms tighten around her waist pulling her closer to him to the point where she found herself in his lap. Their lips released, Hermione blushed and Draco smiled that sexy grin Hermione had found herself begging to notice plastered on his face more and more. He leaned in and tasted her lips once more. "You know. You were right. I am amazed."
Aw. There you get a lesson on things and London and little fluff while you're at it! Please read and review! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!
Takanori TakaEnna@MSN.com