Special Authors Note: Azn-Sweetie this chapter is all for you because
you're my 100th reviewer!!!!!! :) Thanks so much it means so much to me
that this story has gotten so many reviews and it is especially nice for
you to have this chapter dedicated to you because you have been such a
loyal reviewer of mine! So thanks again! :)
Chapter 7
Much later everyone made their way slowly upstairs, it was late and they all needed to get some rest before the Order meeting the next day. Hermione and Draco walked up the stairs side by side, Ron had gone to bed first with Harry and Ginny following soon after.
"Well that went a lot better than I expected," Hermione said looking straight ahead.
"Not one single hex, I must say I am impressed," Draco drawled and Hermione couldn't help but laugh softly.
"Come on, Harry and Ron have matured a lot since we were at Hogwarts, and Harry didn't lose his temper at all," Hermione pointed out and Draco nodded.
"They were good about it, I know Harry had every right to ask me to leave here considering our history." Draco said as they stopped outside of his door. "Would you like to come in for a bit, we can talk a little, I don't feel like sleeping just yet," Hermione felt her cheeks redden slightly but she nodded and hoped that the darkness that surrounded hid her blush from his view.
"Sure, for a little while at least," Hermione followed Draco into his room and she took a seat on one of the armchairs in his room. Draco sat in the other armchair, the chairs were tilted towards one another but they faced the fire that heated the entire room.
"Did you ever tell Harry and Ron about our friendship?" Draco asked after they had been silent for a while.
"Sure, well I told them that we were getting along because we had to do so much work together being Head Girl and Head Boy together. I never did tell them that we were real friends though, Ginny knew," Hermione said.
"Were you ashamed to be friends with me?" Draco asked and Hermione could hear the anger in his voice.
"No, I wasn't ashamed! But I did know that Ron and Harry wouldn't understand. Well Harry may have but Ron would never have approved. Ron has always had a bad temper and in our 7th year, well every year we were at Hogwarts the merest mention of your name had him red faced and spluttering curses. Harry and Ron have both grown up a lot since we left Hogwarts, they had no choice but to." Hermione finished.
"I guess I can see where you were coming from, but I have to say that it did then and still does hurt that you weren't honest about our friendship," Draco looked into the dancing flames not entirely comfortable admitting that his feelings had been hurt. So he avoided eye contact with her, if he had have been looking at her he would have seen remorse.
"I am sorry Draco, I really wasn't ashamed of you but I did think that it would be easier for the both of us if they didn't know that we were good friends, I'm sorry for being a coward, I did tell Ginny though and she thought that it was good we were friends even though you were mean to her family and your father almost killed her," Hermione said and Draco shook his head, a half smile on his face.
"Apology accepted," Draco said and they smiled at one another.
"Draco, why did we stop being friends? Everything was fine up until graduation and then you wouldn't even look at me," Hermione had to ask him the question that had been on her mind for over a year.
"Why don't you tell me?" Draco asked, he frowned at her and then turned his head away and Hermione was dumbfounded.
"What do you mean? I have no idea why you stopped talking to me," Hermione looked at him, perplexed. Obviously, he felt that she had done something wrong and she had no idea what it was. Anger flashed across his face and Hermione was taken aback, she hadn't done anything to him to make him so mad at her but he obviously felt that she had. "Draco I won't know what I did wrong if you don't tell me," Hermione said and she waited for his reply.
"End of seventh year," he finally said. "We were planning the graduation ball and we were trying to organise all of the final details. We finished organising the decorations with Flitwick and we were discussing dates for the ball..." Draco trailed off, not really wanting to continue. Thinking about it now it sounded trivial but she had hurt his feelings... bruised his ego.
***I am starting to sound like a complete and utter pansy boy*** Draco thought to himself, ***she hurt my feelings*** he imitated himself in a babyish manner ***listen to me complaining all the time it isn't like me. Hurt feelings... bah she only pricked my ego and as everyone keeps telling me it needs to be deflated a bit. *** Draco thought to himself.
Hermione on the other armchair was also thinking, ***what on earth happened after we spoke to Flitwick... we walked back to our common room and Draco mentioned dates and I said that I had someone in mind of asking but didn't think that it would go down well, and then he got really distant and after that he only spoke to me when he had to...*** Hermione was thinking things through and slowly things began to dawn on her.
"When we were walking I told you that I was thinking of asking someone to the ball, but I didn't think that he would go with me." Hermione said quietly and Draco was distracted from his thoughts.
"You didn't go with anyone, did you?" Draco asked.
"No, I never asked the guy I wanted to, I knew he wouldn't have gone with me." Hermione said not wanting to really tell Draco who she was going to ask.
"Why wouldn't he have gone with you?" Draco asked, curious and a little impatient to finally find out who the guy was.
"There would have been too much backlash, to many questions that I knew I wasn't ready to face, and neither was he," Hermione said, she was thankful that the only light in the room came from the fire so Draco couldn't see the blush that stained her cheeks. She knew he was going to ask her who the guy was, he hadn't figured it out yet and she was embarrassed to tell him. In a last ditch effort to remove the focus from herself she asked, "Why did you take Pansy? I knew you couldn't stand her."
"The girl I had originally intended to ask was otherwise taken and Pansy was a last resort, I didn't want to go stag and have to watch her all night in the arms of another," Draco said quietly.
"Did she?" Hermione asked.
"Did she what?" Draco asked confused.
"Did she go with someone else?" Draco shook his head no.
"She went alone." Hermione nodded, secretly wondering if it was she that he wanted to ask, just as it was he that she wanted to ask.
"I was going to ask you Draco, to be my date." Hermione said after they had been silent for a while. Hermione looked straight at the fire so that she could avoid his gaze. She missed the smile that spread across his face.
"You were going to ask me?" He asked, just to make sure, Hermione could hear the smile in his voice and was instantly hurt, thinking that he was making fun of her.
"Yes," she said defensively, no refusing to look at him so that she wouldn't see his laughter. Hermione felt the sting of tears in her eyes and rapidly blinked away the gathering moisture.
"I was going to ask you," Draco said and Hermione eyes wide turned to look at him shock evident on her face. "I didn't after you said that you wanted to ask someone else," Hermione smiled and then giggled in an uncommonly girly way.
"That is funny, you were angry at me because I wanted to go with you and I was angry at you because you went with Pansy because you though I was going with someone else?" Hermione laughed again and Draco joined in, laughing at their own stupidity. After they calmed down Hermione looked down at her watch and gasped. "I think it is well past my bedtime, good night Draco," Hermione got up from her chair and Draco followed her to the door.
"You're right, it wouldn't have worked the two of us going to the ball together, even though we both wanted to," Draco said. They were standing in the doorway to his room and Hermione nodded knowing that she should leave but something held her there. Draco sensed the same feeling of not wanting her to go but he knew that she had to.
Without though... well rational thought anyway Draco bent down slowly with the intention of kissing Hermione, she could read his intentions in his eyes and instead of turning and fleeing to her room she tilted her lips up and her eyelids fluttered closed. Finally Draco lightly brushed his lips over hers testing her reaction, when she didn't pull away he pressed a little harder and almost smiled when he felt her respond. Draco had every intention of pulling away and stopping the kiss all together but as soon as he pulled away, she gave a little sigh and Draco couldn't help but capture her lips in a deeper kiss. They finally broke apart when the need for oxygen became apparent and Hermione dragged her eyelids open and she smiled at Draco who returned it with one of his own.
"Good night Draco," Hermione whispered and she turned and walked to her door, when she reached it she turned and looked at Draco who hadn't moved a muscle, she smiled at him and quickly went into her room.
"Night," Draco mumbled before going into his own room and shutting the door behind him.
As soon as she shut the door, Hermione lent against it unable to wipe the smile off her face. She had been kissed before, but she had never felt what she had with Draco before, with him, she felt passion. His kisses had been amazingly gentle but they had left her breathless and shaking and they had left her wanting more. Hermione sighed and moved into her room quickly changing for bed. When she slept that night, he dreams were filled with a dashingly handsome prince with grey eyes who rescued her from a tower of loneliness. In the room next door Draco was having similar dreams but he was being rescued by a whiskey eyed gypsy who made him feel alive again, she rescued him from himself.
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"Morning Ron," Hermione said to her red headed friend as she stepped out of her room and saw him walking down the hall towards her.
"Morning," he mumbled looking more asleep than awake.
"What are you doing up so early?" Hermione asked him as they made their way down to the kitchen.
"Wanted to talk to you," Ron said and Hermione looked at him curiously.
"What is it Ron?" Hermione asked, concerned.
"You really think Malfoy is trustworthy?" Ron asked, not usually one to questions Hermione, he trusted her judgement knowing that she didn't give her trust away lightly.
"If I didn't then I would never have brought him here, besides Ron he saved his life, risking his own to do so. I think that move alone would have inspired my trust, as well as yours." Hermione said pointedly and Ron thought for a moment before nodding his head.
"Well anyway I knew you would be up early and I wanted to give you your things," Ron said, as if the matter was now closed, he waved his wand and food started flying and began to cook itself. Ron walked over to a small door that most people never noticed the door was tiny and the exact colour of the wall that surrounded it. Ron knocked on it three times before the door flew open and Hermione smiled recognising her things. Ron pulled out three books, 'Hogwarts: A History', 'Standard Book of Spells: Grade 7' and a well-worn brown leather coloured ledger. Hermione smiled as she rubbed the cover and fingered the lock that kept it closed.
"I found these photos," Ron handed her many framed photos, one of herself, Harry and Ron at Hogwarts, one of Ron and Harry flying, one of Harry and Ginny from their wedding day, one of her parents and one her and Ginny smiling and waving. While Hermione was looking over the photos Ron pulled out the heavy brown box and passed it to her quickly, not wanting it to spurt sparks at him again.
"Thanks Ron, it means so much that you were able to save this stuff." Hermione turned and placed all of her things on the kitchen table where French toast and pumpkin juice was now waiting to be consumed.
"I got some of your clothes here as well," Ron pulled out an assortment of robes and a select few muggle items of clothing, she was happy to see her favorite jumper sticking out of the pile and she laughed softly.
"This is great, thanks Ron," Hermione walked over to him and kissed him lightly on the cheek not noticing the blush that stained his cheeks. Hermione was to busy looking through her things that she almost didn't notice the arrival of Remus, Harry, Ginny and Draco.
"Morning," Harry said cheerfully, "see you got your things then," Harry stole a piece of Ron's French toast and the boys proceeded to have a mock fight over the food on the table. Hermione just shook her head at heir antics and smiled at the fact that they looked happy.
"Yeah, I'm glad that my photos survived, though most have gone." Hermione looked a little sad but was determined not to let it get her down.
Ron waved his wand again and more French toast set about being cooked. Ginny looked amazed that her brother was actually cooking and from the looks of it not doing to bad a job.
As soon as the plate settled on the table Ron lifted the plate and pretended to be a waiter by serving everyone on the table, when he got to Draco everyone unconsciously paused, everyone except for Hermione that was.
"And how many pieces were you after, sir?" Ron said and Draco looked momentarily taken aback, quickly getting over it her looked as if he were deep in thought seriously pondering just how many pieces he was after.
"I think that 4 should suffice," Draco said regally and Ron promptly put four slices on his plate, before moving on to the others. There was an inaudible sigh of relief around the table and breakfast, after that was a joyous affair.
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"I see that everyone is now here," Dumbledore said looking around the crowded kitchen. Every single member of the Order was present and there was no room left in the packed kitchen. "I have a few notices that I wish to announce," Dumbledore sought out Draco in the crowd with his eyes, and at Draco's nod he proceeded. "The Spy who we have all come to know as Primus has revealed himself and I would like you all to know that Primus is Draco Malfoy the newest member of the Order." There was a murmur of angry voices throughout the room and at Dumbledore's raised hand quiet presided over the room as everyone waited for him to speak. "I ask you all to trust my judgement her here and also trust that Draco is fight alongside us and with his help we will be able to defeat Voldemort once and for all." There was a collective flinch from most people in the room at the sound of his name.
"Well now that that is settled, I have something else important to discuss. It has come to my attention that there is a planned attack on Harry. Since their plot involving Hermione failed they have decided that it is now time to finish this once and for all." Dumbledore paused his face grave. The room was deathly silent, each member knowing what would follow this statement but no one wanting to preempt it.
"They know that this is the headquarters of the Order, and that this is the most logical place that Harry is staying," Dumbledore paused when a hand shot up in the air, he nodded and Tonks spoke up.
"How did they know that?" She asked shocked.
"I think that I can answer that," Draco said surprising everyone. "I think that they would have gotten that information from my father. My mother was a Black, your aunt I believe," Draco said motioning to Tonks. "My mother knew all about this house and would have told my father. He extracted all useful," Draco said the word with scorn, "information from her before he killed her." Many in the room gasped and Mrs. Weasley paled.
"I believe that you are right Mr. Malfoy. That is the latest problem that we face, the only way to improve our situation is if we draw them out and fight the war elsewhere and on our terms," Dumbledore paused. "Only I am not sure on how to accomplish that," the old wizard sighed, his face showing all of his numerous years.
"When we have worked out where we wish to fight and when I believe that I have a idea on how to get the Dark Lord there," Draco said, once again surprising everyone.
"Well?" Harry asked wanting to know his plan.
"I have a friend, the only Deatheater loyal to me. He is the closest thing I have to a brother. The Dark Lord knew that he and I were close, we were initiated together. If I were able to tell him of our plans then I would have no trouble getting him to assist us," Draco said.
"That is all and well but how would you get Voldemort there, " Harry asked.
"Easy, I will get him to betray me," Draco said simply. Over the next two hours Draco was questioned his plan picked over by everyone there, more and more questions were asked finally all of the details were settled and the plan was made.
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After everyone had left each with their own jobs to fulfil and tasks to complete Draco and Hermione sat in Draco's room silently facing each other.
"Do you think we will win Draco?" Hermione asked, finally able to voice the question that had been haunting her conscious for the longest time.
"I think we will, but then we only have a small role to play, it is up to Harry if we win or not," Draco said finally moving to his closet pulling out his traveling cloak.
"Where are you going?" Hermione asked confused as to why he was putting on his cloak.
"I have to go see my friend," Draco said, deliberately not telling her the name of his so-called brother.
"You can trust him?" Hermione asked, the only question he had not been asked at the meeting.
"With my life, I have been talking to him since I first came here, he would have joined me here if I had but uttered the word. But I thought that his presence there would have assisted us, especially with what we are going to do." Hermione nodded at him and Draco spoke again before she could, "he never wanted to become a Deatheater, his father made his choice for him and he chose that so he would not be killed. I have no doubts as to his loyalties and I need to go see him now." Hermione nodded and looked sad.
"How did you talk to him? Only the kitchen fire is connected to the floo network," Hermione said confused.
"I didn't use floo," Draco nodded to the book that she often saw him writing in. "That book is like a two-way mirror. He and I enchanted the books so that we could write freely to one another with out worrying about anyone else reading what we had to say. If you were to pick up that book all you would see was blank, slightly yellowed pages, when I look I see years worth of conversations." Hermione was amazed not realising that someone else had a book like that.
"I have a book like that," Hermione confessed as she pulled the worn leather book from her robes. "It is a book that Harry and I have, it was something that we shared. Ron doesn't know about it though." Hermione said and Draco nodded indicating that he wouldn't divulge her secret to the redhead. "How long will you be gone for?" Hermione asked.
"I will be back before morning," Draco said and he quickly, without though crossed the room, took Hermione in his arms and kissed her deeply. They finally broke apart gasping for breath and Draco leant down and kissed again, unable to help himself. Hermione tingled where his lips touched hers and where his hands rested on her hips, the book feel from her hands and she reached up to grasp around his neck, burying her fingers in his silken hair. Finally Draco eased his lips from hers breathing heavily.
"I shouldn't have done that," he said quietly and Hermione wanted to argue with him, but she knew it was true. They had other things to focus on at the moment without drugging kisses fogging her senses. Hermione nodded and gently unwound her fingers from his hair and took a step back from him.
"I'll be back," Draco said as he turned and swept from the room, down the stair and out the front door and into the dark and cold night.
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Hey All!
Thanks once again for reading my story I really appreciate it! I was wondering something... I think this may be an American thing and that is why I'm not getting it but what is a wifebeater? I am assuming that it is some form of clothing, but a little help please! Lol!
One thing I have to mention, over the next month I am not going to be updating very much, though I will try my best. It is the end of semester here and I have an alarmingly high pile of homework that needs to be completed or I don't pass... and if I don't pass that is very bad for me! I'm sure I don't have to explain the importance of homework to most of you! So this is an advanced warning that I won't be updating as much as I have been these past couple of weeks! Sorry guys!
Ok, in Siruisly Mione's review she pointed out that I had made a mistake when I said that Harry and Ron knew about her friendship with Draco while they had been at school, but in the last chapter I said that only Ginny had been accepting of the friendship... I hope that I was able to clear everything up in this chapter!
Went to see Maroon 5 this week... and they were AMAZING! I had so much fun!! I can't believe that they were so good live! And they will forever remain in my heart because they did a cover of 'Highway to Hell' by AC/DC! The drummer from Maroon 5 is sooooooooo hot!
Well enough about that! Lol! Thanks for reading and hopefully thank for reviewing! lol!
Once again, this chapter has not been beta read so sorry for any mistakes!
Spaced Out Space Cadet
A big thanks to all who reviewed...
Shedraconis – Hey! Summer concert season huh? Are you going to see anything?? I agree bring on the romance, and there will be more from now on, even if it is only subtle at first!
Lgobgirlie15 – Ya think?? I'm glad! They will get together... eventually but I'm not sure of exactly when yet but it will happen! I promise!
Danika – Thanks for reviewing! It was good to hear from you again!
Hells Angel – Glad to hear that your arm is getting better, you poor thing!! That takes talent! I will give it a read! Thanks for the review!
Disneydoll0424 – Awww thanks! :) I will have fun, glad that you liked the chapter but your right even if I think that they are boring they have to be done, but it is just a stepping stone because I know things are going to get better from now on! :)
Doriansportrait – Thanks so much! I'm happy that you stumbled across my little fic! I promise to update as often as I can!
Dawn1 – No this story is going to be going for a while yet! I'm still not sure about the length but you know I will write this story as long as it needs to be... I just wish it would tell me how long! Lol!
Meg – Thanks so much, I'm happy that you like it! I had a great Easter and as with all holidays it was soooo busy! I'm glad that you know who Maroon 5 are, I tell so many people I am going and the response is always the same... 'who??' I will have to tell you all about them after I have gone!
Jay-Ven1988 – Sorry about the wait but I post as soon as I have a chapter written, if I was quick and had some pre written I would update sooner... but at the moment I just don't have the time!
Pigwidgeon188 – I love your name! :) Thanks for the review! I thought that it was time for Draco to reveal himself too!
Mesmer – I try to make the characters as close to cannon as possible but it isn't always possible but I thought that Ron's reaction would be the most like himself, Harry's I was a little worried about but I thought of the two he would come around to Hermione's wishes the quickest, that is why he was so serious and no temper.
Alka – Thanks for the honest review, I need them! :)
Jenny – Thanks so much! As for what's in store... I have a few ideas but then I guess your just going to have to wait! Lol! How mean am I?!?!
Lestrange24 – Thanks!
Scholz03 – Aw thanks! Lol! I know I was mean but I couldn't resist! Thanks for the review, you always make me smile!
Siriusly Mione – Thanks for the review! Thanks also for pointing out my mistake, I hope that I unconfuzzled you in this chapter? As for the concerts I would love to take you... and I'm sorry that I can't! If you want to hear about Maroon 5 look up and as for Nickelback I will have to tell you all about it after I have gone to see them!
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Danika – Thanks for the e-mail! I'm glad that you can picture my story, it often makes them easier to read! :) Thanks!
Azn-Sweetie – Hey! Thanks for the review, am I must say I am glad that you don't know whats going to happen next... hopefully it is a good surprise to you! OMG You're my 100th reviewer!! Thanks soooooooo much! :)
Serpiente-oscura – Thanks for the reviews! Can't wait to see the next chapter of your story... am looking forward to it! And I am looking forward to your e-mailing me as well!
Chapter 7
Much later everyone made their way slowly upstairs, it was late and they all needed to get some rest before the Order meeting the next day. Hermione and Draco walked up the stairs side by side, Ron had gone to bed first with Harry and Ginny following soon after.
"Well that went a lot better than I expected," Hermione said looking straight ahead.
"Not one single hex, I must say I am impressed," Draco drawled and Hermione couldn't help but laugh softly.
"Come on, Harry and Ron have matured a lot since we were at Hogwarts, and Harry didn't lose his temper at all," Hermione pointed out and Draco nodded.
"They were good about it, I know Harry had every right to ask me to leave here considering our history." Draco said as they stopped outside of his door. "Would you like to come in for a bit, we can talk a little, I don't feel like sleeping just yet," Hermione felt her cheeks redden slightly but she nodded and hoped that the darkness that surrounded hid her blush from his view.
"Sure, for a little while at least," Hermione followed Draco into his room and she took a seat on one of the armchairs in his room. Draco sat in the other armchair, the chairs were tilted towards one another but they faced the fire that heated the entire room.
"Did you ever tell Harry and Ron about our friendship?" Draco asked after they had been silent for a while.
"Sure, well I told them that we were getting along because we had to do so much work together being Head Girl and Head Boy together. I never did tell them that we were real friends though, Ginny knew," Hermione said.
"Were you ashamed to be friends with me?" Draco asked and Hermione could hear the anger in his voice.
"No, I wasn't ashamed! But I did know that Ron and Harry wouldn't understand. Well Harry may have but Ron would never have approved. Ron has always had a bad temper and in our 7th year, well every year we were at Hogwarts the merest mention of your name had him red faced and spluttering curses. Harry and Ron have both grown up a lot since we left Hogwarts, they had no choice but to." Hermione finished.
"I guess I can see where you were coming from, but I have to say that it did then and still does hurt that you weren't honest about our friendship," Draco looked into the dancing flames not entirely comfortable admitting that his feelings had been hurt. So he avoided eye contact with her, if he had have been looking at her he would have seen remorse.
"I am sorry Draco, I really wasn't ashamed of you but I did think that it would be easier for the both of us if they didn't know that we were good friends, I'm sorry for being a coward, I did tell Ginny though and she thought that it was good we were friends even though you were mean to her family and your father almost killed her," Hermione said and Draco shook his head, a half smile on his face.
"Apology accepted," Draco said and they smiled at one another.
"Draco, why did we stop being friends? Everything was fine up until graduation and then you wouldn't even look at me," Hermione had to ask him the question that had been on her mind for over a year.
"Why don't you tell me?" Draco asked, he frowned at her and then turned his head away and Hermione was dumbfounded.
"What do you mean? I have no idea why you stopped talking to me," Hermione looked at him, perplexed. Obviously, he felt that she had done something wrong and she had no idea what it was. Anger flashed across his face and Hermione was taken aback, she hadn't done anything to him to make him so mad at her but he obviously felt that she had. "Draco I won't know what I did wrong if you don't tell me," Hermione said and she waited for his reply.
"End of seventh year," he finally said. "We were planning the graduation ball and we were trying to organise all of the final details. We finished organising the decorations with Flitwick and we were discussing dates for the ball..." Draco trailed off, not really wanting to continue. Thinking about it now it sounded trivial but she had hurt his feelings... bruised his ego.
***I am starting to sound like a complete and utter pansy boy*** Draco thought to himself, ***she hurt my feelings*** he imitated himself in a babyish manner ***listen to me complaining all the time it isn't like me. Hurt feelings... bah she only pricked my ego and as everyone keeps telling me it needs to be deflated a bit. *** Draco thought to himself.
Hermione on the other armchair was also thinking, ***what on earth happened after we spoke to Flitwick... we walked back to our common room and Draco mentioned dates and I said that I had someone in mind of asking but didn't think that it would go down well, and then he got really distant and after that he only spoke to me when he had to...*** Hermione was thinking things through and slowly things began to dawn on her.
"When we were walking I told you that I was thinking of asking someone to the ball, but I didn't think that he would go with me." Hermione said quietly and Draco was distracted from his thoughts.
"You didn't go with anyone, did you?" Draco asked.
"No, I never asked the guy I wanted to, I knew he wouldn't have gone with me." Hermione said not wanting to really tell Draco who she was going to ask.
"Why wouldn't he have gone with you?" Draco asked, curious and a little impatient to finally find out who the guy was.
"There would have been too much backlash, to many questions that I knew I wasn't ready to face, and neither was he," Hermione said, she was thankful that the only light in the room came from the fire so Draco couldn't see the blush that stained her cheeks. She knew he was going to ask her who the guy was, he hadn't figured it out yet and she was embarrassed to tell him. In a last ditch effort to remove the focus from herself she asked, "Why did you take Pansy? I knew you couldn't stand her."
"The girl I had originally intended to ask was otherwise taken and Pansy was a last resort, I didn't want to go stag and have to watch her all night in the arms of another," Draco said quietly.
"Did she?" Hermione asked.
"Did she what?" Draco asked confused.
"Did she go with someone else?" Draco shook his head no.
"She went alone." Hermione nodded, secretly wondering if it was she that he wanted to ask, just as it was he that she wanted to ask.
"I was going to ask you Draco, to be my date." Hermione said after they had been silent for a while. Hermione looked straight at the fire so that she could avoid his gaze. She missed the smile that spread across his face.
"You were going to ask me?" He asked, just to make sure, Hermione could hear the smile in his voice and was instantly hurt, thinking that he was making fun of her.
"Yes," she said defensively, no refusing to look at him so that she wouldn't see his laughter. Hermione felt the sting of tears in her eyes and rapidly blinked away the gathering moisture.
"I was going to ask you," Draco said and Hermione eyes wide turned to look at him shock evident on her face. "I didn't after you said that you wanted to ask someone else," Hermione smiled and then giggled in an uncommonly girly way.
"That is funny, you were angry at me because I wanted to go with you and I was angry at you because you went with Pansy because you though I was going with someone else?" Hermione laughed again and Draco joined in, laughing at their own stupidity. After they calmed down Hermione looked down at her watch and gasped. "I think it is well past my bedtime, good night Draco," Hermione got up from her chair and Draco followed her to the door.
"You're right, it wouldn't have worked the two of us going to the ball together, even though we both wanted to," Draco said. They were standing in the doorway to his room and Hermione nodded knowing that she should leave but something held her there. Draco sensed the same feeling of not wanting her to go but he knew that she had to.
Without though... well rational thought anyway Draco bent down slowly with the intention of kissing Hermione, she could read his intentions in his eyes and instead of turning and fleeing to her room she tilted her lips up and her eyelids fluttered closed. Finally Draco lightly brushed his lips over hers testing her reaction, when she didn't pull away he pressed a little harder and almost smiled when he felt her respond. Draco had every intention of pulling away and stopping the kiss all together but as soon as he pulled away, she gave a little sigh and Draco couldn't help but capture her lips in a deeper kiss. They finally broke apart when the need for oxygen became apparent and Hermione dragged her eyelids open and she smiled at Draco who returned it with one of his own.
"Good night Draco," Hermione whispered and she turned and walked to her door, when she reached it she turned and looked at Draco who hadn't moved a muscle, she smiled at him and quickly went into her room.
"Night," Draco mumbled before going into his own room and shutting the door behind him.
As soon as she shut the door, Hermione lent against it unable to wipe the smile off her face. She had been kissed before, but she had never felt what she had with Draco before, with him, she felt passion. His kisses had been amazingly gentle but they had left her breathless and shaking and they had left her wanting more. Hermione sighed and moved into her room quickly changing for bed. When she slept that night, he dreams were filled with a dashingly handsome prince with grey eyes who rescued her from a tower of loneliness. In the room next door Draco was having similar dreams but he was being rescued by a whiskey eyed gypsy who made him feel alive again, she rescued him from himself.
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"Morning Ron," Hermione said to her red headed friend as she stepped out of her room and saw him walking down the hall towards her.
"Morning," he mumbled looking more asleep than awake.
"What are you doing up so early?" Hermione asked him as they made their way down to the kitchen.
"Wanted to talk to you," Ron said and Hermione looked at him curiously.
"What is it Ron?" Hermione asked, concerned.
"You really think Malfoy is trustworthy?" Ron asked, not usually one to questions Hermione, he trusted her judgement knowing that she didn't give her trust away lightly.
"If I didn't then I would never have brought him here, besides Ron he saved his life, risking his own to do so. I think that move alone would have inspired my trust, as well as yours." Hermione said pointedly and Ron thought for a moment before nodding his head.
"Well anyway I knew you would be up early and I wanted to give you your things," Ron said, as if the matter was now closed, he waved his wand and food started flying and began to cook itself. Ron walked over to a small door that most people never noticed the door was tiny and the exact colour of the wall that surrounded it. Ron knocked on it three times before the door flew open and Hermione smiled recognising her things. Ron pulled out three books, 'Hogwarts: A History', 'Standard Book of Spells: Grade 7' and a well-worn brown leather coloured ledger. Hermione smiled as she rubbed the cover and fingered the lock that kept it closed.
"I found these photos," Ron handed her many framed photos, one of herself, Harry and Ron at Hogwarts, one of Ron and Harry flying, one of Harry and Ginny from their wedding day, one of her parents and one her and Ginny smiling and waving. While Hermione was looking over the photos Ron pulled out the heavy brown box and passed it to her quickly, not wanting it to spurt sparks at him again.
"Thanks Ron, it means so much that you were able to save this stuff." Hermione turned and placed all of her things on the kitchen table where French toast and pumpkin juice was now waiting to be consumed.
"I got some of your clothes here as well," Ron pulled out an assortment of robes and a select few muggle items of clothing, she was happy to see her favorite jumper sticking out of the pile and she laughed softly.
"This is great, thanks Ron," Hermione walked over to him and kissed him lightly on the cheek not noticing the blush that stained his cheeks. Hermione was to busy looking through her things that she almost didn't notice the arrival of Remus, Harry, Ginny and Draco.
"Morning," Harry said cheerfully, "see you got your things then," Harry stole a piece of Ron's French toast and the boys proceeded to have a mock fight over the food on the table. Hermione just shook her head at heir antics and smiled at the fact that they looked happy.
"Yeah, I'm glad that my photos survived, though most have gone." Hermione looked a little sad but was determined not to let it get her down.
Ron waved his wand again and more French toast set about being cooked. Ginny looked amazed that her brother was actually cooking and from the looks of it not doing to bad a job.
As soon as the plate settled on the table Ron lifted the plate and pretended to be a waiter by serving everyone on the table, when he got to Draco everyone unconsciously paused, everyone except for Hermione that was.
"And how many pieces were you after, sir?" Ron said and Draco looked momentarily taken aback, quickly getting over it her looked as if he were deep in thought seriously pondering just how many pieces he was after.
"I think that 4 should suffice," Draco said regally and Ron promptly put four slices on his plate, before moving on to the others. There was an inaudible sigh of relief around the table and breakfast, after that was a joyous affair.
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"I see that everyone is now here," Dumbledore said looking around the crowded kitchen. Every single member of the Order was present and there was no room left in the packed kitchen. "I have a few notices that I wish to announce," Dumbledore sought out Draco in the crowd with his eyes, and at Draco's nod he proceeded. "The Spy who we have all come to know as Primus has revealed himself and I would like you all to know that Primus is Draco Malfoy the newest member of the Order." There was a murmur of angry voices throughout the room and at Dumbledore's raised hand quiet presided over the room as everyone waited for him to speak. "I ask you all to trust my judgement her here and also trust that Draco is fight alongside us and with his help we will be able to defeat Voldemort once and for all." There was a collective flinch from most people in the room at the sound of his name.
"Well now that that is settled, I have something else important to discuss. It has come to my attention that there is a planned attack on Harry. Since their plot involving Hermione failed they have decided that it is now time to finish this once and for all." Dumbledore paused his face grave. The room was deathly silent, each member knowing what would follow this statement but no one wanting to preempt it.
"They know that this is the headquarters of the Order, and that this is the most logical place that Harry is staying," Dumbledore paused when a hand shot up in the air, he nodded and Tonks spoke up.
"How did they know that?" She asked shocked.
"I think that I can answer that," Draco said surprising everyone. "I think that they would have gotten that information from my father. My mother was a Black, your aunt I believe," Draco said motioning to Tonks. "My mother knew all about this house and would have told my father. He extracted all useful," Draco said the word with scorn, "information from her before he killed her." Many in the room gasped and Mrs. Weasley paled.
"I believe that you are right Mr. Malfoy. That is the latest problem that we face, the only way to improve our situation is if we draw them out and fight the war elsewhere and on our terms," Dumbledore paused. "Only I am not sure on how to accomplish that," the old wizard sighed, his face showing all of his numerous years.
"When we have worked out where we wish to fight and when I believe that I have a idea on how to get the Dark Lord there," Draco said, once again surprising everyone.
"Well?" Harry asked wanting to know his plan.
"I have a friend, the only Deatheater loyal to me. He is the closest thing I have to a brother. The Dark Lord knew that he and I were close, we were initiated together. If I were able to tell him of our plans then I would have no trouble getting him to assist us," Draco said.
"That is all and well but how would you get Voldemort there, " Harry asked.
"Easy, I will get him to betray me," Draco said simply. Over the next two hours Draco was questioned his plan picked over by everyone there, more and more questions were asked finally all of the details were settled and the plan was made.
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After everyone had left each with their own jobs to fulfil and tasks to complete Draco and Hermione sat in Draco's room silently facing each other.
"Do you think we will win Draco?" Hermione asked, finally able to voice the question that had been haunting her conscious for the longest time.
"I think we will, but then we only have a small role to play, it is up to Harry if we win or not," Draco said finally moving to his closet pulling out his traveling cloak.
"Where are you going?" Hermione asked confused as to why he was putting on his cloak.
"I have to go see my friend," Draco said, deliberately not telling her the name of his so-called brother.
"You can trust him?" Hermione asked, the only question he had not been asked at the meeting.
"With my life, I have been talking to him since I first came here, he would have joined me here if I had but uttered the word. But I thought that his presence there would have assisted us, especially with what we are going to do." Hermione nodded at him and Draco spoke again before she could, "he never wanted to become a Deatheater, his father made his choice for him and he chose that so he would not be killed. I have no doubts as to his loyalties and I need to go see him now." Hermione nodded and looked sad.
"How did you talk to him? Only the kitchen fire is connected to the floo network," Hermione said confused.
"I didn't use floo," Draco nodded to the book that she often saw him writing in. "That book is like a two-way mirror. He and I enchanted the books so that we could write freely to one another with out worrying about anyone else reading what we had to say. If you were to pick up that book all you would see was blank, slightly yellowed pages, when I look I see years worth of conversations." Hermione was amazed not realising that someone else had a book like that.
"I have a book like that," Hermione confessed as she pulled the worn leather book from her robes. "It is a book that Harry and I have, it was something that we shared. Ron doesn't know about it though." Hermione said and Draco nodded indicating that he wouldn't divulge her secret to the redhead. "How long will you be gone for?" Hermione asked.
"I will be back before morning," Draco said and he quickly, without though crossed the room, took Hermione in his arms and kissed her deeply. They finally broke apart gasping for breath and Draco leant down and kissed again, unable to help himself. Hermione tingled where his lips touched hers and where his hands rested on her hips, the book feel from her hands and she reached up to grasp around his neck, burying her fingers in his silken hair. Finally Draco eased his lips from hers breathing heavily.
"I shouldn't have done that," he said quietly and Hermione wanted to argue with him, but she knew it was true. They had other things to focus on at the moment without drugging kisses fogging her senses. Hermione nodded and gently unwound her fingers from his hair and took a step back from him.
"I'll be back," Draco said as he turned and swept from the room, down the stair and out the front door and into the dark and cold night.
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Hey All!
Thanks once again for reading my story I really appreciate it! I was wondering something... I think this may be an American thing and that is why I'm not getting it but what is a wifebeater? I am assuming that it is some form of clothing, but a little help please! Lol!
One thing I have to mention, over the next month I am not going to be updating very much, though I will try my best. It is the end of semester here and I have an alarmingly high pile of homework that needs to be completed or I don't pass... and if I don't pass that is very bad for me! I'm sure I don't have to explain the importance of homework to most of you! So this is an advanced warning that I won't be updating as much as I have been these past couple of weeks! Sorry guys!
Ok, in Siruisly Mione's review she pointed out that I had made a mistake when I said that Harry and Ron knew about her friendship with Draco while they had been at school, but in the last chapter I said that only Ginny had been accepting of the friendship... I hope that I was able to clear everything up in this chapter!
Went to see Maroon 5 this week... and they were AMAZING! I had so much fun!! I can't believe that they were so good live! And they will forever remain in my heart because they did a cover of 'Highway to Hell' by AC/DC! The drummer from Maroon 5 is sooooooooo hot!
Well enough about that! Lol! Thanks for reading and hopefully thank for reviewing! lol!
Once again, this chapter has not been beta read so sorry for any mistakes!
Spaced Out Space Cadet
A big thanks to all who reviewed...
Shedraconis – Hey! Summer concert season huh? Are you going to see anything?? I agree bring on the romance, and there will be more from now on, even if it is only subtle at first!
Lgobgirlie15 – Ya think?? I'm glad! They will get together... eventually but I'm not sure of exactly when yet but it will happen! I promise!
Danika – Thanks for reviewing! It was good to hear from you again!
Hells Angel – Glad to hear that your arm is getting better, you poor thing!! That takes talent! I will give it a read! Thanks for the review!
Disneydoll0424 – Awww thanks! :) I will have fun, glad that you liked the chapter but your right even if I think that they are boring they have to be done, but it is just a stepping stone because I know things are going to get better from now on! :)
Doriansportrait – Thanks so much! I'm happy that you stumbled across my little fic! I promise to update as often as I can!
Dawn1 – No this story is going to be going for a while yet! I'm still not sure about the length but you know I will write this story as long as it needs to be... I just wish it would tell me how long! Lol!
Meg – Thanks so much, I'm happy that you like it! I had a great Easter and as with all holidays it was soooo busy! I'm glad that you know who Maroon 5 are, I tell so many people I am going and the response is always the same... 'who??' I will have to tell you all about them after I have gone!
Jay-Ven1988 – Sorry about the wait but I post as soon as I have a chapter written, if I was quick and had some pre written I would update sooner... but at the moment I just don't have the time!
Pigwidgeon188 – I love your name! :) Thanks for the review! I thought that it was time for Draco to reveal himself too!
Mesmer – I try to make the characters as close to cannon as possible but it isn't always possible but I thought that Ron's reaction would be the most like himself, Harry's I was a little worried about but I thought of the two he would come around to Hermione's wishes the quickest, that is why he was so serious and no temper.
Alka – Thanks for the honest review, I need them! :)
Jenny – Thanks so much! As for what's in store... I have a few ideas but then I guess your just going to have to wait! Lol! How mean am I?!?!
Lestrange24 – Thanks!
Scholz03 – Aw thanks! Lol! I know I was mean but I couldn't resist! Thanks for the review, you always make me smile!
Siriusly Mione – Thanks for the review! Thanks also for pointing out my mistake, I hope that I unconfuzzled you in this chapter? As for the concerts I would love to take you... and I'm sorry that I can't! If you want to hear about Maroon 5 look up and as for Nickelback I will have to tell you all about it after I have gone to see them!
Dracodolenz – Thanks for the review!
Little Electric Blue Pixie – I love your name! Lol! Thanks for the review!
Danika – Thanks for the e-mail! I'm glad that you can picture my story, it often makes them easier to read! :) Thanks!
Azn-Sweetie – Hey! Thanks for the review, am I must say I am glad that you don't know whats going to happen next... hopefully it is a good surprise to you! OMG You're my 100th reviewer!! Thanks soooooooo much! :)
Serpiente-oscura – Thanks for the reviews! Can't wait to see the next chapter of your story... am looking forward to it! And I am looking forward to your e-mailing me as well!