Disclaimer: Do I look like I own Harry Potter to you? I didn't think so.
A/N: Hi everyone! I am really excited to get into another chapter. I just went and took a test to go into High school and I got a 3.95 on Math and 3.99 on Reading. I am pretty happy I start... I think tomorrow. Anyways I am not sure what I am going to write in this chapter at all. I have the plot, but it's just basically a general idea of where the story is headed. I wish I had as many twists as Trying Again had, but I am to spread out right now. Alright READ!
Chapter 5
Battle Cries
"Now I Will Tell You, What I've Done For You, Fifty-Thousand Tears, I've Cried, Screaming, Decieveing, And Bleeding For You, And You Still Won't, Hear Me, Going Under, Don't Want Your Hand, This Time, I'll Save Myself, Maybe I'll Wake Up, For Once, Not Tormented, Daily Defeated By You, Just When I Thought, I'd Reached The Bottom, I Die, Again, I'm Going Under, Drowning In You, I'm Falling Forever, I've Got To Break Through, So Go On And Scream, Scream At Me, So Far Away, I Won't Be Broken Again, I've Got To Breath, I Can't Keep Going Under, I Die,"
Evanescense - "Going Under"
Hermione bit back the bitter comment that wanted to come to her lips, as she stared into Harry's eyes. They were sitting on a fateful porch swing and nothing that Harry was saying was comforting her.
"But what is that supposed to mean," Hermione asked and Harry lowered his head as if afraid to tell her.
"It means that Voldemort can get inside of your head and mess with your thoughts," Harry said quielty and Hermione looked shaken.
"Do you think he is doing that to me," Hermione asked quietly and Harry lifted his head slightly to look her in the eye.
"The way you have described it.... yes. Most likely he is," Harry said sadly and Hermione paled considrably.
"So how do I block him out?" Hermione asked sounding very scared.
"Harry, you need to relax," Ginny said pushing him down so he was sitting on the floor in front of her.
She began to message his back and he didn't make a sound. Ever since he had come to her house that night he had been in a distant mood. Ginny didn't say anything as she rubbed his back.
Finally when Ginny pulled her hands away Harry began to talk.
"It's Hermione she is having the same problems I did. She isn't sleeping well, she has instances when she doesn't know what's going on. You know what that means Gin," Harry said in a whisper.
Ginny gasped and shook her head, as if it would make what Harry had just said, not true. Harry turned and looked at Ginny and as their eyes met, Ginny knew that he was just as scared as she was.
Ginny practically leapt off the couch and into Harry's arms. He kissed the top of her forehead and she breathed in slowly trying to get control over herself.
"It's going to work out," Harry said more to himself than to Ginny.
Hermione screamed as the owl took off. In her hand she held the best bit of news she had seen in such a long time. She ran into the nursery to find Draco, who was reading a story book to Destinee.
"Draco, I got in, I got in," she yelled happily brandishing the dark purple parchment at him.
"Got into where," Draco asked confusedly.
"You know St. Mongo's Academy of The Healing Arts. I was excepted and I have a full sholarship!" Hermione said excitedly and she did a waltz around the room.
"That's great love," Draco said and he bent his head to read again.
But before he could even say a word, a second owl came hurtling into the room, just having come through the kitchen window. It hooted softly and landed on the edge of Destinee's crib. Destinee squealed and reached out to the owl, as Hermione untied the letter from it's leg.
"It's to you," Hermione said handing the letter to Draco.
Draco took it from her and read the letter through quickly, then as if he didn't believe what it said, he read it again. He was just about to read it a third time when Hermione snatched the piece of parchment right out of his hands.
"You've been excepted to Mt. Bego's Wizard Business School,"Hermione cried hugging Draco.
"Yeah," Draco said as if he still didn't believe it.
"This is great," Hermione said and she danced around the room one more time.
"Leave it alone," Blaise cried as Ron advanced toward the letter the owl had left on the bed.
"Alright," Ron said stepping backwards.
"He most likely sent a curse. We should just destroy the letter," Blaise said pulling out her wand.
"Incinerate," Blaise called and the letter burst into flames.
As soon as the paper was ashes Blaise sat on the bed, her head in her hands. It was the second letter Voldemort had sent her and she had burned that one too.
Her thoughts were constantly on her little sister, wondering how she was and if anyone was hurting her. Blaise was subconsiously muttering under her breath and Ron was looking at her strangely.
"Who was the letter from," Rom asked and Blaise looked frightened.
"You-Know-Who," Blaise intoned her face becoming pale.
"Are you serious? But why would he owl you," Ron said sounding very nervous.
"Why would I lie? He wants me back," Blaisa said sounding weary and sad.
"But why," Ron asked moving closer to Blaise as though to protect her.
"For one this," Blaise said lifting up her left sleeve and showing Ron the inky black tattoo of a Death Eater, imprinted into her fore-arm.
"For another I am a relative of Mary Childs. She had a secret that no one knew, except her great-great-great-great grand daughter, which is me. I have a simple memory of something that is very instrumental in the Dark Lord's plans," Blaise said shrugging.
"That's awful," Ron said sounding horrified.
"Yes, I know. I would rather die than reveal my secrets. This the Dark Lord knows. He knows threatening my life will not do, but he also knows I love my little sister very much and would do anything not to see her get hurt," Blaise said dully itching her arm slowly, as if it pained her.
"Your worried about her," Ron implied now hovering over Blaises shoulder.
"Yes, I worry constantly. I swear, and this is going to sound horrible, that one day they will send me her head on a golden platter, just to make me give in," Blaise said shivering at the thought.
Ron put his arm tentively around Blaise and she burst into tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer in a quick rough action. Ron wore a shocked and suprised look as Blaise continued to cry her heart out on the front of his shirt.
Finally when the torrents of water stopped gushing out Blaise's eyes, she looked up at Ron and gave him a bleary smile. She hugged him tightly again and then stepped away from him, tottering a bit on her own legs.
"Thanks Ron. For listening and stuff," Blaise said hiccuping in the middle of her sentence.
"No problem, Blaise," Ron said seating himself on her bed.
"I really like you, Ron." Blaise said suddenly and she blushed crimson.
Ron blushed too but his was, of course, more noticable. Blaise turned away from him and laughed. Her hand covering her mouth even though she had her back turned.
"That isn't at all what I was going to say, originally," Blaise said her back still turned, as she was now looking out of the window.
"Hey Ginny is playing Quidditch with Harry. Wanna go and join them?" Blaise said warmly, trying to break the awkward silence that was threatening to beat them upside the head with a rock.
"Sure," Ron said springing to his feet and before you could say "snitch" he was out the door and into his room grabbing his broom. He met up with Blaise again as they both hit the bottom landing of the stairs.
"Good luck, rookie," Ron said, because he knew Blaise didn't play Quidditch very often at all. Not being on the house team made that clear to him.
"Be ready to have your ass handed to you," Blaise said good-naturedly as she raced out of the back door, blowing kisses to Ron as he trailed behind her.
It was early- to early for the annoying birds to even be awake. This time of morning usually found Draco sprawled out in his bed, blissfully asleep, but not today. It would be the first day Hermione was going to go to St. Mongo's.
Hermione was hurrying around the room collecting her coat and buttoning up her shirt. At the same time she was telling Draco everything that needed to be done for Destinee.
Draco had his head resting on his left hand and he felt like he was in a drunken stupor. The way Hermione was flitting around full of energy made him want to strangle her. Draco nodded dully as Hermione said something about giving Destinee a bath.
"Draco, you look horrible. Do you want me to brew some coffee before I leave?" Hermione said leaning in close and showering Draco with her minty- fresh breath.
"That would be nice," Draco grumbled, even though he had never had coffee before he had heard from Hermione, that mixed with the right things, it was delicious.
"I'm putting hazelnut flavoring and some hot chocolate in mine. Do you want me to do the same to yours?" Hermione asked as she fired up the coffee maker.
"Sure," Draco said now laying his head onto the table and shutting his eyes.
He could hear her rustling around in the cupboards for the things she needed and then her setting out the cups. He opened one eyes as she set a steaming mug infront of him.
As soon as Draco tasted the warmth and goodness that was coffee, he was hooked. He demanded that Hermione make him another cup after he had finished his first one.
After Hermione saw the addicted look that Draco wore, she pulled him over to the coffee pot and showed him how to make the coffee, then when it was done, she showed him the right amounts of hot chocolate, and hazelnut flavoring that he should add.
Draco smiled appreciatively as Hermione kissed him goodbye and ran out the door. As he looked at the coffee pot, he just knew he was in for a long love affair with this muggle appliance.
"Watch out," Blaise shrieked as she dove under Ron who had almost collided with her seconds before.
"Your the one who can't fly," Ron shouted back as Blaise did a barrel roll and slipped several inches sideways off her broom.
"Shut up you two," Ginny called as she sailed by carrying the quaffle.
"Yeah keep your lover spats to a minimum," Harry said laughing at the way Blaise and Ron both looked murderous after his statement.
Harry stopped laughing though when he hit Ginny. Blaise and Ron watched in horror as they fell to the ground. But when they both flew down and dismounted, Harry and Ginny were both laughing.
Ginny rolled over onto her stomach and heaved herself up, kicking Harry's shin, in the process. Harry swore as he clutched his leg to himself and rolled around in the grass.
Molly Weasley stuck her head out the window just then, expecting to see someone's mangled body on the ground, from all the noise. She wasn't quite sure why Blaise and Ron were laughing in that manic way, but she assumed everything was fine.
Ginny went to help Harry up, but as she stepped towards him she stepped on the hem of her robes and toppled over once more. Thankfully she had landed on Harry, but Harry wasn't so lucky in that Ginny's elbow went into his stomach, sucking all the breath from him.
This only seemed to make Ron and Blaise laugh harder. Ginny was blushing like crazy and Harry looked equally embarrased.
"Sod off! Just because I'm a clutz doesn't make it funny," Ginny said as she stood on shaky legs, with help from Harry, of course.
"Yes it does. You and Harry were flopping about on the ground, we had to laugh," Ron explained as if it was a simple matter.
Harry kept quiet and instead was patting Ginny's arms as if to check for damage. Ginny, smiling, reached up and hugged Harry, planting a delicate kiss on the tip of his nose, to loud complaints from both Blaise and Ron.
"Get a room please!" Blaise called in a song song way and both Harry and Ginny laughed.
"That can be arranged," Harry said and taking Ginny by the hand he walked into the house.
There was a loud sound of gagging, that followed Ginny and Harry all the way into the house.
"Have you traced Blaise yet," Voldemort asked the rather rotund man that kneeled before him.
"Yes, sir. We think she is living with the Weasley family. We have sent out a letter of warning to her with your official stamp on it." Woody Avers said smoothly.
"Very good, Avers," Voldemort said sinisterly.
"What are you going to do to her," Avers asked curiously.
"Kill her of course. We can't have wishy-washy Death Eaters mucking up our business, can we?" Voldemort said in his booming voice and Avers shivered with pleasure.
"Oh sir, please may I have the honors," Avers pleaded crawling closer to the Dark Lord's feet.
"No, Avers. The last person you "dealt with" went straight to the Ministry and five of our own were taken away for questioning. Your life will not stand to have another mistake added to it, is that clear," Voldemort demanded and Avers squeaked his answer of yes.
"Ron it isn't safe for me to be here anymore. I need to find somwhere else to stay," Blaise said sadly and Ron just gaped at her.
"But Blaise, we all love you here," At this admission Ron blushed deeply and went on, "I know Ginny would miss you terribley and Harry would too, and so would I."
"Oh, Ron!" Blaise cried and she leaped at him and pulled him into a teary hug.
"You are just about the sweetest person I have ever met. I know, I don't want to leave either, but it's best. If I stay here the Death Eaters will arrive one day on your doorstep and they don't take kindly to no either," Blaise sobbed and Ron nodded his head sadly.
"Where will you go?" Ron asked and Blaise shook her head wildly.
"Somewhere secret. I would tell you, but it's better if you don't know," Blaise said and she headed off to her room to start packing.
Ron felt his heart tearing in two. He was really starting to fall for Blaise, but at every turn she was pushing him away. It just wasn't fair.
Hermione had just gotten home, her arms were full of books and she was so tired her eyes flittered between being closed and being open. She set all her stuff on the kitchen table just as Draco came zooming around the corner.
"Hey, love," He said pecking her on the cheek, before he went into the living room and strode around it, inspecting the coffee table and book shelves for dust. His sleeves were rolled up and he wore Hermione's light yellow apron and had the bright pink duster firmly in hand.
Hermione peeked her head into the doorway and watched him as he ran around cleaning like a maniac. As he bent over to dust the side table one last time the door bell rang and he shot towards Hermione.
He ripped the apron over his head, patting his hair to assese damage, then he shoved the filthy duster into a cupboard and turned to Hermione.
"Who is expected?" Hermione asked. Mentally, she was checking herself over to make sure she was wearing something nice.
"My mother," Draco said as he moved towards the door.
Hermione sighed and went to fetch Destinee. Surely her grandmother would like to see her. Thankfully Draco had dressed her up, but his choice was slightly slanted, as he had put her in a green dress and had put a big silver bow in her hair.
"How is my baby," Hermione whispered as she picked up the smiling little girl.
Hermione carried Destinee out to the living room, where Draco was just seating his mother. Narcissa Malfoy, being a woman that was bred and not raised, sniffed the air as if it was stale and not to her liking.
"The place is rather small," she said stiffly, as Draco nodded almost happily at her bluntness.
"Yes, and it's very cozy. It's a wonderful place, really, mum. It just as much room as me, Hermione and Destinee need at the moment," Draco said warmly.
"Oh and this must be the child," Narcissa said kindly, her eyes getting round and her face becoming softer at the sight of Destinee's tiny body in Hermione's arms.
"Oh look at the wee thing! All done up in green and silver. Oh, what a beautiful baby," Narcissa said proudly and she smiled down at Destinee who had been placed in her arms by Hermione, just a moment before.
"Thank you. Yes, she is a charming little thing," Hermione said simply.
"Oh, what beautiful chestnut hair, and her eyes are such a nice shade of blue and gray mixed together. But she has her grandmother's nose, thin and safisticated," Narcissa said scrutinizing Destinee at close range.
"Can I hold her now," Hermione asked her face flushed in both embarrassment at the older woman's comments and the heat of the room.
"Of course, dear," Narcissa said handing the baby to Hermione.
"It's wonderful, now that I have a granddaughter, I can go shopping," Narcissa exclaimed her eyes filled with glee.
"You don't have to buy anything for Destinee. She has everything she needs right now," Hermione said firmly.
"Oh, but I insist, she is my first grand child I must spoil her just a bit," Narcissa said laughingly.
"Okay, mother, but don't go too crazy," Draco said winking at his mum who smiled back.
"How's the estate, mum. Isn't it a bit lonely there by yourself," Draco asked.
"Oh, yes it's such a large mansion and it's only me there," Narcissa said with the beginnings of a smirk.
"Maybe you should sell Malfoy Manor and buy a smaller house," Hermione suggested.
"Oh no! I couldn't possibly do that. The Malfoy family has owned that mansion since the Dark Ages," Narcissa said snippily, as if Hermione was implying she should buck tradition for something insane.
There was a pause of silence, then Narcissa continued on.
"But really, there is room and if you and Draco would sell this awful little hut we would all be happy and comfortable in the mansion," she said in a weedling tone.
"Ugh, mum no! The manor is large and cold and I don't want Destinee growing up there," Draco said making a face.
"Oh, but the child would be better taken care of there," Narcissa said and Draco winced.
"How dare you imply that we can't take care of our own child! Destinee is going to grow up in a small loving home, not the cold cell that is your house," Hermione said furiously.
"Temper, temper. Dear, I was only saying that you would have more room," Narcissa said although her eyes showed she was lying.
"I'm going to go put Destinee down for a nap," Hermione said tiredly and she left quickly, dodging into the kitchen as Narcissa turned on Draco.
"So you don't actually plan to live here with her for long, right? I know she had your child, but that doesn't at all mean your obligated to her. Well of course except for the child support," Narcissa said slowly and Draco colored with rage.
"Mother, I think it's time for you to realize that I am grown up and you can't push me to do whatever you want. I love Hermione and I plan to marry her once things stop being so hectic, and your going to have to get used to that," Draco nearly hissed, his face was white with rage and his fists were balled.
"But Draco, think about it. You're carrying on with a mudblood will reflect so badly on me. Please listen to you mother, marry a nice pureblood girl," Narcissa pleaded, but Draco's eyes were like ice.
"Leave," he said simply, but his voice held a dangerous edge.
"Fine, but you shall never get a cent of the Malfoy money, I shall see to it," Narcissa said as she walked to the front door.
"Good, I don't want your money," Draco nearly shouted.
Narcissa slammed the door angrily and in the next room Destinee started crying. Draco shook his head and went to talk to Hermione.
The Weasley family was having a barbeque [spll?]. Hermione and Draco had been invited, but they were having Hermione's mum watch Destinee.
There were lots of people there, most worked for the Ministry and Hermione wasn't to suprised to see a reporter sneaking here and there.
Draco and Hermione were making the rounds, meeting people and talking to old friends. Draco kept nodding his head when ever someone would talk to him, but Hermione was doing all the real talking.
The truth was, Draco's eyes were on the food table and even as they moved around the Weasley's large backyard he salivated over the many dishes that sat lined up and beautifully arranged on a picnic table.
Ginny and Harry came over, clutching each other's hands and looking very happy in summer attire. Ginny's long red hair hung down her back in long sweeps that blew in the breeze and Harry had a relaxed smile on, for the first time since Voldemort had started to rise.
"That woman over there says you're hot, but you have a ring of cheese around your mouth," Ginny said laughingly, and she pointed to a woman he winked at Draco. Draco, looking startled, wiped at his face.
"You're not looking to cute right now," Hermione said teasingly as she held up her hand mirror for him to see himself in.
"I am sexy!" Draco cried indignantly.
Ginny, who was smirking funnily, looked at Draco, who was clutching an oversized bag of chips to his chest protectively, then turned away and covered her mouth.
"What's so funny?" Draco asked almost spitting bits of chip all over Harry and Hermione.
"You're all that.... and a bag of chips!" Ginny shrieked, laughing so hard her eyes welled up with tears.
Hermione and Harry laughed, but Draco just look down at the big bag of Dorrito's he was holding.
"When your hot, your hot. Besides, these are really good," Draco said licking his fingers.
A/N: Hi everyone! I am really excited to get into another chapter. I just went and took a test to go into High school and I got a 3.95 on Math and 3.99 on Reading. I am pretty happy I start... I think tomorrow. Anyways I am not sure what I am going to write in this chapter at all. I have the plot, but it's just basically a general idea of where the story is headed. I wish I had as many twists as Trying Again had, but I am to spread out right now. Alright READ!
Chapter 5
Battle Cries
"Now I Will Tell You, What I've Done For You, Fifty-Thousand Tears, I've Cried, Screaming, Decieveing, And Bleeding For You, And You Still Won't, Hear Me, Going Under, Don't Want Your Hand, This Time, I'll Save Myself, Maybe I'll Wake Up, For Once, Not Tormented, Daily Defeated By You, Just When I Thought, I'd Reached The Bottom, I Die, Again, I'm Going Under, Drowning In You, I'm Falling Forever, I've Got To Break Through, So Go On And Scream, Scream At Me, So Far Away, I Won't Be Broken Again, I've Got To Breath, I Can't Keep Going Under, I Die,"
Evanescense - "Going Under"
Hermione bit back the bitter comment that wanted to come to her lips, as she stared into Harry's eyes. They were sitting on a fateful porch swing and nothing that Harry was saying was comforting her.
"But what is that supposed to mean," Hermione asked and Harry lowered his head as if afraid to tell her.
"It means that Voldemort can get inside of your head and mess with your thoughts," Harry said quielty and Hermione looked shaken.
"Do you think he is doing that to me," Hermione asked quietly and Harry lifted his head slightly to look her in the eye.
"The way you have described it.... yes. Most likely he is," Harry said sadly and Hermione paled considrably.
"So how do I block him out?" Hermione asked sounding very scared.
"Harry, you need to relax," Ginny said pushing him down so he was sitting on the floor in front of her.
She began to message his back and he didn't make a sound. Ever since he had come to her house that night he had been in a distant mood. Ginny didn't say anything as she rubbed his back.
Finally when Ginny pulled her hands away Harry began to talk.
"It's Hermione she is having the same problems I did. She isn't sleeping well, she has instances when she doesn't know what's going on. You know what that means Gin," Harry said in a whisper.
Ginny gasped and shook her head, as if it would make what Harry had just said, not true. Harry turned and looked at Ginny and as their eyes met, Ginny knew that he was just as scared as she was.
Ginny practically leapt off the couch and into Harry's arms. He kissed the top of her forehead and she breathed in slowly trying to get control over herself.
"It's going to work out," Harry said more to himself than to Ginny.
Hermione screamed as the owl took off. In her hand she held the best bit of news she had seen in such a long time. She ran into the nursery to find Draco, who was reading a story book to Destinee.
"Draco, I got in, I got in," she yelled happily brandishing the dark purple parchment at him.
"Got into where," Draco asked confusedly.
"You know St. Mongo's Academy of The Healing Arts. I was excepted and I have a full sholarship!" Hermione said excitedly and she did a waltz around the room.
"That's great love," Draco said and he bent his head to read again.
But before he could even say a word, a second owl came hurtling into the room, just having come through the kitchen window. It hooted softly and landed on the edge of Destinee's crib. Destinee squealed and reached out to the owl, as Hermione untied the letter from it's leg.
"It's to you," Hermione said handing the letter to Draco.
Draco took it from her and read the letter through quickly, then as if he didn't believe what it said, he read it again. He was just about to read it a third time when Hermione snatched the piece of parchment right out of his hands.
"You've been excepted to Mt. Bego's Wizard Business School,"Hermione cried hugging Draco.
"Yeah," Draco said as if he still didn't believe it.
"This is great," Hermione said and she danced around the room one more time.
"Leave it alone," Blaise cried as Ron advanced toward the letter the owl had left on the bed.
"Alright," Ron said stepping backwards.
"He most likely sent a curse. We should just destroy the letter," Blaise said pulling out her wand.
"Incinerate," Blaise called and the letter burst into flames.
As soon as the paper was ashes Blaise sat on the bed, her head in her hands. It was the second letter Voldemort had sent her and she had burned that one too.
Her thoughts were constantly on her little sister, wondering how she was and if anyone was hurting her. Blaise was subconsiously muttering under her breath and Ron was looking at her strangely.
"Who was the letter from," Rom asked and Blaise looked frightened.
"You-Know-Who," Blaise intoned her face becoming pale.
"Are you serious? But why would he owl you," Ron said sounding very nervous.
"Why would I lie? He wants me back," Blaisa said sounding weary and sad.
"But why," Ron asked moving closer to Blaise as though to protect her.
"For one this," Blaise said lifting up her left sleeve and showing Ron the inky black tattoo of a Death Eater, imprinted into her fore-arm.
"For another I am a relative of Mary Childs. She had a secret that no one knew, except her great-great-great-great grand daughter, which is me. I have a simple memory of something that is very instrumental in the Dark Lord's plans," Blaise said shrugging.
"That's awful," Ron said sounding horrified.
"Yes, I know. I would rather die than reveal my secrets. This the Dark Lord knows. He knows threatening my life will not do, but he also knows I love my little sister very much and would do anything not to see her get hurt," Blaise said dully itching her arm slowly, as if it pained her.
"Your worried about her," Ron implied now hovering over Blaises shoulder.
"Yes, I worry constantly. I swear, and this is going to sound horrible, that one day they will send me her head on a golden platter, just to make me give in," Blaise said shivering at the thought.
Ron put his arm tentively around Blaise and she burst into tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer in a quick rough action. Ron wore a shocked and suprised look as Blaise continued to cry her heart out on the front of his shirt.
Finally when the torrents of water stopped gushing out Blaise's eyes, she looked up at Ron and gave him a bleary smile. She hugged him tightly again and then stepped away from him, tottering a bit on her own legs.
"Thanks Ron. For listening and stuff," Blaise said hiccuping in the middle of her sentence.
"No problem, Blaise," Ron said seating himself on her bed.
"I really like you, Ron." Blaise said suddenly and she blushed crimson.
Ron blushed too but his was, of course, more noticable. Blaise turned away from him and laughed. Her hand covering her mouth even though she had her back turned.
"That isn't at all what I was going to say, originally," Blaise said her back still turned, as she was now looking out of the window.
"Hey Ginny is playing Quidditch with Harry. Wanna go and join them?" Blaise said warmly, trying to break the awkward silence that was threatening to beat them upside the head with a rock.
"Sure," Ron said springing to his feet and before you could say "snitch" he was out the door and into his room grabbing his broom. He met up with Blaise again as they both hit the bottom landing of the stairs.
"Good luck, rookie," Ron said, because he knew Blaise didn't play Quidditch very often at all. Not being on the house team made that clear to him.
"Be ready to have your ass handed to you," Blaise said good-naturedly as she raced out of the back door, blowing kisses to Ron as he trailed behind her.
It was early- to early for the annoying birds to even be awake. This time of morning usually found Draco sprawled out in his bed, blissfully asleep, but not today. It would be the first day Hermione was going to go to St. Mongo's.
Hermione was hurrying around the room collecting her coat and buttoning up her shirt. At the same time she was telling Draco everything that needed to be done for Destinee.
Draco had his head resting on his left hand and he felt like he was in a drunken stupor. The way Hermione was flitting around full of energy made him want to strangle her. Draco nodded dully as Hermione said something about giving Destinee a bath.
"Draco, you look horrible. Do you want me to brew some coffee before I leave?" Hermione said leaning in close and showering Draco with her minty- fresh breath.
"That would be nice," Draco grumbled, even though he had never had coffee before he had heard from Hermione, that mixed with the right things, it was delicious.
"I'm putting hazelnut flavoring and some hot chocolate in mine. Do you want me to do the same to yours?" Hermione asked as she fired up the coffee maker.
"Sure," Draco said now laying his head onto the table and shutting his eyes.
He could hear her rustling around in the cupboards for the things she needed and then her setting out the cups. He opened one eyes as she set a steaming mug infront of him.
As soon as Draco tasted the warmth and goodness that was coffee, he was hooked. He demanded that Hermione make him another cup after he had finished his first one.
After Hermione saw the addicted look that Draco wore, she pulled him over to the coffee pot and showed him how to make the coffee, then when it was done, she showed him the right amounts of hot chocolate, and hazelnut flavoring that he should add.
Draco smiled appreciatively as Hermione kissed him goodbye and ran out the door. As he looked at the coffee pot, he just knew he was in for a long love affair with this muggle appliance.
"Watch out," Blaise shrieked as she dove under Ron who had almost collided with her seconds before.
"Your the one who can't fly," Ron shouted back as Blaise did a barrel roll and slipped several inches sideways off her broom.
"Shut up you two," Ginny called as she sailed by carrying the quaffle.
"Yeah keep your lover spats to a minimum," Harry said laughing at the way Blaise and Ron both looked murderous after his statement.
Harry stopped laughing though when he hit Ginny. Blaise and Ron watched in horror as they fell to the ground. But when they both flew down and dismounted, Harry and Ginny were both laughing.
Ginny rolled over onto her stomach and heaved herself up, kicking Harry's shin, in the process. Harry swore as he clutched his leg to himself and rolled around in the grass.
Molly Weasley stuck her head out the window just then, expecting to see someone's mangled body on the ground, from all the noise. She wasn't quite sure why Blaise and Ron were laughing in that manic way, but she assumed everything was fine.
Ginny went to help Harry up, but as she stepped towards him she stepped on the hem of her robes and toppled over once more. Thankfully she had landed on Harry, but Harry wasn't so lucky in that Ginny's elbow went into his stomach, sucking all the breath from him.
This only seemed to make Ron and Blaise laugh harder. Ginny was blushing like crazy and Harry looked equally embarrased.
"Sod off! Just because I'm a clutz doesn't make it funny," Ginny said as she stood on shaky legs, with help from Harry, of course.
"Yes it does. You and Harry were flopping about on the ground, we had to laugh," Ron explained as if it was a simple matter.
Harry kept quiet and instead was patting Ginny's arms as if to check for damage. Ginny, smiling, reached up and hugged Harry, planting a delicate kiss on the tip of his nose, to loud complaints from both Blaise and Ron.
"Get a room please!" Blaise called in a song song way and both Harry and Ginny laughed.
"That can be arranged," Harry said and taking Ginny by the hand he walked into the house.
There was a loud sound of gagging, that followed Ginny and Harry all the way into the house.
"Have you traced Blaise yet," Voldemort asked the rather rotund man that kneeled before him.
"Yes, sir. We think she is living with the Weasley family. We have sent out a letter of warning to her with your official stamp on it." Woody Avers said smoothly.
"Very good, Avers," Voldemort said sinisterly.
"What are you going to do to her," Avers asked curiously.
"Kill her of course. We can't have wishy-washy Death Eaters mucking up our business, can we?" Voldemort said in his booming voice and Avers shivered with pleasure.
"Oh sir, please may I have the honors," Avers pleaded crawling closer to the Dark Lord's feet.
"No, Avers. The last person you "dealt with" went straight to the Ministry and five of our own were taken away for questioning. Your life will not stand to have another mistake added to it, is that clear," Voldemort demanded and Avers squeaked his answer of yes.
"Ron it isn't safe for me to be here anymore. I need to find somwhere else to stay," Blaise said sadly and Ron just gaped at her.
"But Blaise, we all love you here," At this admission Ron blushed deeply and went on, "I know Ginny would miss you terribley and Harry would too, and so would I."
"Oh, Ron!" Blaise cried and she leaped at him and pulled him into a teary hug.
"You are just about the sweetest person I have ever met. I know, I don't want to leave either, but it's best. If I stay here the Death Eaters will arrive one day on your doorstep and they don't take kindly to no either," Blaise sobbed and Ron nodded his head sadly.
"Where will you go?" Ron asked and Blaise shook her head wildly.
"Somewhere secret. I would tell you, but it's better if you don't know," Blaise said and she headed off to her room to start packing.
Ron felt his heart tearing in two. He was really starting to fall for Blaise, but at every turn she was pushing him away. It just wasn't fair.
Hermione had just gotten home, her arms were full of books and she was so tired her eyes flittered between being closed and being open. She set all her stuff on the kitchen table just as Draco came zooming around the corner.
"Hey, love," He said pecking her on the cheek, before he went into the living room and strode around it, inspecting the coffee table and book shelves for dust. His sleeves were rolled up and he wore Hermione's light yellow apron and had the bright pink duster firmly in hand.
Hermione peeked her head into the doorway and watched him as he ran around cleaning like a maniac. As he bent over to dust the side table one last time the door bell rang and he shot towards Hermione.
He ripped the apron over his head, patting his hair to assese damage, then he shoved the filthy duster into a cupboard and turned to Hermione.
"Who is expected?" Hermione asked. Mentally, she was checking herself over to make sure she was wearing something nice.
"My mother," Draco said as he moved towards the door.
Hermione sighed and went to fetch Destinee. Surely her grandmother would like to see her. Thankfully Draco had dressed her up, but his choice was slightly slanted, as he had put her in a green dress and had put a big silver bow in her hair.
"How is my baby," Hermione whispered as she picked up the smiling little girl.
Hermione carried Destinee out to the living room, where Draco was just seating his mother. Narcissa Malfoy, being a woman that was bred and not raised, sniffed the air as if it was stale and not to her liking.
"The place is rather small," she said stiffly, as Draco nodded almost happily at her bluntness.
"Yes, and it's very cozy. It's a wonderful place, really, mum. It just as much room as me, Hermione and Destinee need at the moment," Draco said warmly.
"Oh and this must be the child," Narcissa said kindly, her eyes getting round and her face becoming softer at the sight of Destinee's tiny body in Hermione's arms.
"Oh look at the wee thing! All done up in green and silver. Oh, what a beautiful baby," Narcissa said proudly and she smiled down at Destinee who had been placed in her arms by Hermione, just a moment before.
"Thank you. Yes, she is a charming little thing," Hermione said simply.
"Oh, what beautiful chestnut hair, and her eyes are such a nice shade of blue and gray mixed together. But she has her grandmother's nose, thin and safisticated," Narcissa said scrutinizing Destinee at close range.
"Can I hold her now," Hermione asked her face flushed in both embarrassment at the older woman's comments and the heat of the room.
"Of course, dear," Narcissa said handing the baby to Hermione.
"It's wonderful, now that I have a granddaughter, I can go shopping," Narcissa exclaimed her eyes filled with glee.
"You don't have to buy anything for Destinee. She has everything she needs right now," Hermione said firmly.
"Oh, but I insist, she is my first grand child I must spoil her just a bit," Narcissa said laughingly.
"Okay, mother, but don't go too crazy," Draco said winking at his mum who smiled back.
"How's the estate, mum. Isn't it a bit lonely there by yourself," Draco asked.
"Oh, yes it's such a large mansion and it's only me there," Narcissa said with the beginnings of a smirk.
"Maybe you should sell Malfoy Manor and buy a smaller house," Hermione suggested.
"Oh no! I couldn't possibly do that. The Malfoy family has owned that mansion since the Dark Ages," Narcissa said snippily, as if Hermione was implying she should buck tradition for something insane.
There was a pause of silence, then Narcissa continued on.
"But really, there is room and if you and Draco would sell this awful little hut we would all be happy and comfortable in the mansion," she said in a weedling tone.
"Ugh, mum no! The manor is large and cold and I don't want Destinee growing up there," Draco said making a face.
"Oh, but the child would be better taken care of there," Narcissa said and Draco winced.
"How dare you imply that we can't take care of our own child! Destinee is going to grow up in a small loving home, not the cold cell that is your house," Hermione said furiously.
"Temper, temper. Dear, I was only saying that you would have more room," Narcissa said although her eyes showed she was lying.
"I'm going to go put Destinee down for a nap," Hermione said tiredly and she left quickly, dodging into the kitchen as Narcissa turned on Draco.
"So you don't actually plan to live here with her for long, right? I know she had your child, but that doesn't at all mean your obligated to her. Well of course except for the child support," Narcissa said slowly and Draco colored with rage.
"Mother, I think it's time for you to realize that I am grown up and you can't push me to do whatever you want. I love Hermione and I plan to marry her once things stop being so hectic, and your going to have to get used to that," Draco nearly hissed, his face was white with rage and his fists were balled.
"But Draco, think about it. You're carrying on with a mudblood will reflect so badly on me. Please listen to you mother, marry a nice pureblood girl," Narcissa pleaded, but Draco's eyes were like ice.
"Leave," he said simply, but his voice held a dangerous edge.
"Fine, but you shall never get a cent of the Malfoy money, I shall see to it," Narcissa said as she walked to the front door.
"Good, I don't want your money," Draco nearly shouted.
Narcissa slammed the door angrily and in the next room Destinee started crying. Draco shook his head and went to talk to Hermione.
The Weasley family was having a barbeque [spll?]. Hermione and Draco had been invited, but they were having Hermione's mum watch Destinee.
There were lots of people there, most worked for the Ministry and Hermione wasn't to suprised to see a reporter sneaking here and there.
Draco and Hermione were making the rounds, meeting people and talking to old friends. Draco kept nodding his head when ever someone would talk to him, but Hermione was doing all the real talking.
The truth was, Draco's eyes were on the food table and even as they moved around the Weasley's large backyard he salivated over the many dishes that sat lined up and beautifully arranged on a picnic table.
Ginny and Harry came over, clutching each other's hands and looking very happy in summer attire. Ginny's long red hair hung down her back in long sweeps that blew in the breeze and Harry had a relaxed smile on, for the first time since Voldemort had started to rise.
"That woman over there says you're hot, but you have a ring of cheese around your mouth," Ginny said laughingly, and she pointed to a woman he winked at Draco. Draco, looking startled, wiped at his face.
"You're not looking to cute right now," Hermione said teasingly as she held up her hand mirror for him to see himself in.
"I am sexy!" Draco cried indignantly.
Ginny, who was smirking funnily, looked at Draco, who was clutching an oversized bag of chips to his chest protectively, then turned away and covered her mouth.
"What's so funny?" Draco asked almost spitting bits of chip all over Harry and Hermione.
"You're all that.... and a bag of chips!" Ginny shrieked, laughing so hard her eyes welled up with tears.
Hermione and Harry laughed, but Draco just look down at the big bag of Dorrito's he was holding.
"When your hot, your hot. Besides, these are really good," Draco said licking his fingers.