Disclaimer: I am not going to write any of these anymore coz everyone knows
what's going to be in it. I love JK Rowling for giving me the characters to
this story!
Siriusly Mione – Thanx for your review!~ Read on to find out if you guess was right – and yes, I agree, Tom Felton is HOT!
NewSecretRose – I'm glad you liked it! Yes, I got the name 'Tom' from Tom Felton. Hehe. More waiter/Hermione scenes coming soon!
Ku – Hey, you give great suggestions and things!! I'm going to take your ideas on the meeting between the two into great account, I was thinking about that after you mentioned it, and it would be too out of character to be nice towards Hermione wouldn't it? Yay! Thanx so much! Please continue to put forward your fantastic ideas! (
Draco's Bloody Valentine – Thank you soo much for reviewing again!! Lots and lots of hugs! Hope you continue to stick with me (
NitenGale – Yeah, I thought it was a bit boring too, but otherwise I'll get into all the interesting parts too quickly into the story, or so I thought. So, I kind of had to dawdle a bit and drag the story going...and I wouldn't have thought it was that obvious, coz she hasn't seen him for 5 years and he's kind of different isn't he, not at all harsh and sarcastic. Oh well, she will sorta recognise him soon enough.
J Wish – Thank you! No, I wasn't thinking of having Tom blind – some shops and stuff have noise things on their doors so that they know when a customer comes in, even if they're busy. Should I make him blind? But then how would he do a waiter's job if he was blind? You'll guess soon enough whether he's Draco or not. Hehe.
Alaranth-88 – It's a pleasure to mention reviewers! It kind of gives me a chance to talk to them each about their suggestions/critiques/thoughts etc. I think that having another person looking out for him is a great idea! I was thinking about having his father looking out for him myself, that's why he was in danger in the first place...keep your ideas coming!! (
Chapter 3: Knock, Knock, Who's There?
* A dark room cascaded into view and Draco stumbled across the bodies scattered around the ground, decorated with dark splashes of blood. He could hear his heart thumping loudly inside his chest and with alerted eyes, surveyed the surroundings in case another death eater appeared.
Suddenly, a scream pierced the room. And then, a devastating silence followed. Draco froze. He felt like throwing up all the contents of his empty stomach onto the ground. This was no experience that he could just fold over. He could not let it be thrown into the black holes of his brain's wastepaper basket. Each scene tore his mind – little...by...little and he knew that once they were torn, a scar would remain forever. *
Beads of sweat settled on the young man's forehead as he groaned at the images coming through in his sleep. Knowing that it was only a dream and forcing himself to jolt to reality, he sighed heavily. He had tried his hardest over the five years to not think about those events that had happened. He had healed the wounds made by them, whether mentally or physically and now he was living a new life. A life free of all reminders.
Unsteadily, he got up from the corner of the room where he had dozed off and glanced through the windows. It was already dark and he knew that it was time he should be heading back to his little flat on the outskirts of the city centre of London. He gave a polite nod to the other workers, grabbed his jacket and rushed out of the room, just in time to catch a bus heading towards 'The London Eye'.
Sitting in front of two rowdy schoolgirls, he looked out of the windows and realised with dismay that it had started raining. Stupid London weather. As each droplet plopped onto the window, slid down the glass and bonded with another droplet, Draco was sure that he had heard his old name today. He had dared not turn around in case it was one of his father's spies, but the thought was quite ridiculous. He couldn't think of anyone who would remember him, let alone care to recognise him unless they were one his old fellow Slytherins. That however, was highly unlikely as they were all either dead, fleeing, in Azkaban prison, or hiding with his father. He had also seen someone that gave out a very familiar scent today. Hmm...he still couldn't figure out who she was though. He hadn't run into any of his other schoolmates during the last five years, so why should he now?
Shaking his head, Draco let his thoughts drift and he noticed how hungry he was. Was there anything in the fridge? Probably not. He sighed. He would have to do some shopping tonight.
*
I burst proudly back into my office and was secretly pleased to see the expected relief fall onto Harry and Ron's faces. They had obviously been worried about what had happened to me and why I had suddenly just run out like that.
I slapped the notes that I was carrying onto my desk and beamed. "Guess what? I found out where Malfoy Manor is."
Ron's eyebrows soared up. "And? What brings you so much joy over that?"
"Everything. It means that I can finally get some proper facts on Malfoy!" I said happily.
They still hadn't understood so I told them my fantastic plan in a hushed voice.
"Are you sure about this Hermione? You don't know what Narcissa's like though, how do you know this is not going to backfire on your or something." Harry said worriedly.
Aww. Trust Harry to think about my well being. "It's going to be fine. From what I've found out about Malfoy's mum, she's not a supporter of the death eaters."
Ron coughed and I had a suspicious feeling that it wasn't a natural cough either.
"Have you guys got any dinner plans today?" Harry asked while I glared at Ron.
We both shook our heads.
"Well then, I was thinking about maybe going out for dinner today and I'll invite Ginny along so that she can catch up on some recent news, including your new job." Harry implied.
It had sounded awesome to me, and Ron had obviously thought so too as we were both now sitting in The Leaky Cauldron, drinking butterbeer and waiting for Harry to arrive with dear little Ginny.
We did not have to wait long however and I soon saw the two familiar faces heading our way. "Ginny!" I greeted brightly and going to embrace my old friend in a tight hug. "How are you?"
"I'm great, Hermione!" Ginny and Harry shared a loving gaze. Of course she was happy, she was in a stable and caring relationship. "You?"
I smiled. "I'm fine." Apart from the fact that I was on a mission to find my school enemy and apart from the fact that I was so single, I dwelled with thoughts of muggle waiters, I was completely and utterly fine.
They both sat down and we ordered what we were going to eat and this is where I started telling Ginny my story and what I was up to...
The next morning, I smiled as brightly as the sun streaming through my window and scrambled off my bed. It was going to be an interesting day today and I wanted to get it started as soon as possible.
The warm water trickled down my bare skin and I felt myself dozing in and out of dreamless sleeps. I loved showers in the morning, it made everything seem so refreshing. Smiling contentedly, I twisted the tap around and ignoring the annoying drip, drop as the remaining water fell onto the floor of the shower, I stepped out, wrapped a towel around myself and started brushing the tangled mess of hair piled up on the top of my head.
Ginny was sitting on my bed when I got out of the bathroom. She had obviously apparated straight from The Burrow. "I told you I'd be here this morning." She said, looking at the slightly surprised look on my face. "Here."
She was holding out a sleek robe of a brownish maroon colour.
"I'm going to be wearing this today?"
Ginny grinned. "It's going to look fantastic on you. Go on, change into it."
Hurriedly, but also handling the soft material with care, I changed from my plain navy blue robe into the one she had brought me. The material was clearly not silk, but it felt like silk on my skin – floating as light as a feather. I gazed at my reflection in the mirror. The robe was tight; tight enough to accent my slim waist and hips, but not so tight that it was uncomfortable. It was sleeveless, perfect for such a nice summer's day as today, and stopped just above my knees. Sophisticated, professional and yet pretty, I couldn't have fancied a better robe for a journalist.
"Thank you so much Ginny. This means so much to me."
"Don't mention it. I live my life to make my friends happy. Now, if you don't mind, I promised I'd meet Harry at Hogsmeade." Ginny said and before I could go and hug her like I did the night before, she had already disapparated.
I dried my hair with a flick of my wand and casually pinned it at the back of my head. I then put on a little bit of make-up that would hopefully bring out my features, dropped some parchment and a quill into a black handbag and grabbed my wand on the bedside table. Hoping with all my might that this would lead me to the right place, I daintily swished my wand.
Pop.
Opening my eyes from behind my sunglasses, I found myself standing on a concrete pavement. A pair of lavishly woven black metal gates separated me from a grand, but gorgeous cream coloured mansion. Placing a hand underneath my chin and pushing it closed, I walked cautiously towards the gates. With a loud creak, the gates started to open and I stopped in mid- step, so shocked that it did so out of its own accord. Like a shy mouse approaching some cheese it found, apprehensive, as if it was a trap, I continued to walk through the opening breach.
A marble fountain stood before me, sprouting crystal clear water upwards where it fell in pretty drops down onto the smoothly carved basin. In awe, I went around the fountain, not being able to keep my gaze off it and advanced to the steps of the beautiful house. If I had not known that the Malfoys lived here, I would not have believed that this house belonged to a death eater. Urgh. I shuddered at the thought.
I was now literally three inches away from the front door and I had to stop and control the flutterings in my stomach. I had no idea why I happened to be so nervous – I had felt fine until I saw the magnificence of the house. Closing my eyes and taking a deep and meaningful breath, I raised a trembling hand to the elaborate knocker and tapped three times.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Each rang sharply and clearly in my ears and I took a step away from the door. All I could now do was wait until someone answered.
*
A sob issued from a bundle of rags seen on the ground.
"Shut up you idiot!" a low voice hissed. His long, blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail and his once magnificently furnished cloak brushed the ground as he walked towards the whimpering man. "You deserved such a punishment."
The man looked up, his round eyes fearful. "P-Please, I will try again."
The other man growled ferociously. "There is no point in you trying again, Wormtail! I gave you a chance after you begged me. You told me you would do anything to make Voldemort's memory exist. But you failed, you couldn't even bring back a stupid, weak child who ran away at the thought of our lord." The man brandished his wand and pointed it at the shaking figure, but then decided against it and kicked him hard instead.
"I'll give you another opportunity to prove to me that you are still useful once the actual task of bringing the bastard here has been achieved. Dolohov!"
Another man emerged from the shadow. He knew what was being asked of him. Nodding curtly in answer to the order that had not been spoken out loud, he pulled his hood over his head.
"Wait!" A girl shrieked.
Dolohov turned around and saw a girl scrambling out from underneath a tree. "I want to help too."
The blonde man stroked his chin carefully in thought and then looked at Dolohov, who shrugged back. "You may become useful in our plan Pansy, but just yet, I would not like you to get hurt."
Pansy's lips tightened in determination. "I know I can do this."
"Very well. But make sure that you listen to Dolohov and do as you are told. Acting with mere emotions is forbidden in current circumstances. Once he is here, you will have the pleasure of enjoying his company, but you must remind yourself constantly that if he fails to come, you yourself will be suffering a great loss – your future husband."
Pansy nodded and brought her wand out from inside her robes, preparing to apparate with Antonin Dolohov. She fought the happiness bursting in her heart and the joy at seeing Draco, her life-long crush, again. She always knew that she was going to marry Draco Malfoy, but this was the first time that Mr Malfoy had actually acknowledged it in public. Mrs Pansy Malfoy. How lovely did that sound?
Author's Notes: Hello everyone! Hope you've enjoyed my story so far. There's not much Draco/Hermione action going on yet, but I will promise you that there are some soon to be knocking on YOUR door! In the meantime, if you want some fluff, REVIEW as I will wait until enough reviews and suggestions have been made before I update!!! I will you all a very Happy Easter! Xx
Siriusly Mione – Thanx for your review!~ Read on to find out if you guess was right – and yes, I agree, Tom Felton is HOT!
NewSecretRose – I'm glad you liked it! Yes, I got the name 'Tom' from Tom Felton. Hehe. More waiter/Hermione scenes coming soon!
Ku – Hey, you give great suggestions and things!! I'm going to take your ideas on the meeting between the two into great account, I was thinking about that after you mentioned it, and it would be too out of character to be nice towards Hermione wouldn't it? Yay! Thanx so much! Please continue to put forward your fantastic ideas! (
Draco's Bloody Valentine – Thank you soo much for reviewing again!! Lots and lots of hugs! Hope you continue to stick with me (
NitenGale – Yeah, I thought it was a bit boring too, but otherwise I'll get into all the interesting parts too quickly into the story, or so I thought. So, I kind of had to dawdle a bit and drag the story going...and I wouldn't have thought it was that obvious, coz she hasn't seen him for 5 years and he's kind of different isn't he, not at all harsh and sarcastic. Oh well, she will sorta recognise him soon enough.
J Wish – Thank you! No, I wasn't thinking of having Tom blind – some shops and stuff have noise things on their doors so that they know when a customer comes in, even if they're busy. Should I make him blind? But then how would he do a waiter's job if he was blind? You'll guess soon enough whether he's Draco or not. Hehe.
Alaranth-88 – It's a pleasure to mention reviewers! It kind of gives me a chance to talk to them each about their suggestions/critiques/thoughts etc. I think that having another person looking out for him is a great idea! I was thinking about having his father looking out for him myself, that's why he was in danger in the first place...keep your ideas coming!! (
Chapter 3: Knock, Knock, Who's There?
* A dark room cascaded into view and Draco stumbled across the bodies scattered around the ground, decorated with dark splashes of blood. He could hear his heart thumping loudly inside his chest and with alerted eyes, surveyed the surroundings in case another death eater appeared.
Suddenly, a scream pierced the room. And then, a devastating silence followed. Draco froze. He felt like throwing up all the contents of his empty stomach onto the ground. This was no experience that he could just fold over. He could not let it be thrown into the black holes of his brain's wastepaper basket. Each scene tore his mind – little...by...little and he knew that once they were torn, a scar would remain forever. *
Beads of sweat settled on the young man's forehead as he groaned at the images coming through in his sleep. Knowing that it was only a dream and forcing himself to jolt to reality, he sighed heavily. He had tried his hardest over the five years to not think about those events that had happened. He had healed the wounds made by them, whether mentally or physically and now he was living a new life. A life free of all reminders.
Unsteadily, he got up from the corner of the room where he had dozed off and glanced through the windows. It was already dark and he knew that it was time he should be heading back to his little flat on the outskirts of the city centre of London. He gave a polite nod to the other workers, grabbed his jacket and rushed out of the room, just in time to catch a bus heading towards 'The London Eye'.
Sitting in front of two rowdy schoolgirls, he looked out of the windows and realised with dismay that it had started raining. Stupid London weather. As each droplet plopped onto the window, slid down the glass and bonded with another droplet, Draco was sure that he had heard his old name today. He had dared not turn around in case it was one of his father's spies, but the thought was quite ridiculous. He couldn't think of anyone who would remember him, let alone care to recognise him unless they were one his old fellow Slytherins. That however, was highly unlikely as they were all either dead, fleeing, in Azkaban prison, or hiding with his father. He had also seen someone that gave out a very familiar scent today. Hmm...he still couldn't figure out who she was though. He hadn't run into any of his other schoolmates during the last five years, so why should he now?
Shaking his head, Draco let his thoughts drift and he noticed how hungry he was. Was there anything in the fridge? Probably not. He sighed. He would have to do some shopping tonight.
*
I burst proudly back into my office and was secretly pleased to see the expected relief fall onto Harry and Ron's faces. They had obviously been worried about what had happened to me and why I had suddenly just run out like that.
I slapped the notes that I was carrying onto my desk and beamed. "Guess what? I found out where Malfoy Manor is."
Ron's eyebrows soared up. "And? What brings you so much joy over that?"
"Everything. It means that I can finally get some proper facts on Malfoy!" I said happily.
They still hadn't understood so I told them my fantastic plan in a hushed voice.
"Are you sure about this Hermione? You don't know what Narcissa's like though, how do you know this is not going to backfire on your or something." Harry said worriedly.
Aww. Trust Harry to think about my well being. "It's going to be fine. From what I've found out about Malfoy's mum, she's not a supporter of the death eaters."
Ron coughed and I had a suspicious feeling that it wasn't a natural cough either.
"Have you guys got any dinner plans today?" Harry asked while I glared at Ron.
We both shook our heads.
"Well then, I was thinking about maybe going out for dinner today and I'll invite Ginny along so that she can catch up on some recent news, including your new job." Harry implied.
It had sounded awesome to me, and Ron had obviously thought so too as we were both now sitting in The Leaky Cauldron, drinking butterbeer and waiting for Harry to arrive with dear little Ginny.
We did not have to wait long however and I soon saw the two familiar faces heading our way. "Ginny!" I greeted brightly and going to embrace my old friend in a tight hug. "How are you?"
"I'm great, Hermione!" Ginny and Harry shared a loving gaze. Of course she was happy, she was in a stable and caring relationship. "You?"
I smiled. "I'm fine." Apart from the fact that I was on a mission to find my school enemy and apart from the fact that I was so single, I dwelled with thoughts of muggle waiters, I was completely and utterly fine.
They both sat down and we ordered what we were going to eat and this is where I started telling Ginny my story and what I was up to...
The next morning, I smiled as brightly as the sun streaming through my window and scrambled off my bed. It was going to be an interesting day today and I wanted to get it started as soon as possible.
The warm water trickled down my bare skin and I felt myself dozing in and out of dreamless sleeps. I loved showers in the morning, it made everything seem so refreshing. Smiling contentedly, I twisted the tap around and ignoring the annoying drip, drop as the remaining water fell onto the floor of the shower, I stepped out, wrapped a towel around myself and started brushing the tangled mess of hair piled up on the top of my head.
Ginny was sitting on my bed when I got out of the bathroom. She had obviously apparated straight from The Burrow. "I told you I'd be here this morning." She said, looking at the slightly surprised look on my face. "Here."
She was holding out a sleek robe of a brownish maroon colour.
"I'm going to be wearing this today?"
Ginny grinned. "It's going to look fantastic on you. Go on, change into it."
Hurriedly, but also handling the soft material with care, I changed from my plain navy blue robe into the one she had brought me. The material was clearly not silk, but it felt like silk on my skin – floating as light as a feather. I gazed at my reflection in the mirror. The robe was tight; tight enough to accent my slim waist and hips, but not so tight that it was uncomfortable. It was sleeveless, perfect for such a nice summer's day as today, and stopped just above my knees. Sophisticated, professional and yet pretty, I couldn't have fancied a better robe for a journalist.
"Thank you so much Ginny. This means so much to me."
"Don't mention it. I live my life to make my friends happy. Now, if you don't mind, I promised I'd meet Harry at Hogsmeade." Ginny said and before I could go and hug her like I did the night before, she had already disapparated.
I dried my hair with a flick of my wand and casually pinned it at the back of my head. I then put on a little bit of make-up that would hopefully bring out my features, dropped some parchment and a quill into a black handbag and grabbed my wand on the bedside table. Hoping with all my might that this would lead me to the right place, I daintily swished my wand.
Pop.
Opening my eyes from behind my sunglasses, I found myself standing on a concrete pavement. A pair of lavishly woven black metal gates separated me from a grand, but gorgeous cream coloured mansion. Placing a hand underneath my chin and pushing it closed, I walked cautiously towards the gates. With a loud creak, the gates started to open and I stopped in mid- step, so shocked that it did so out of its own accord. Like a shy mouse approaching some cheese it found, apprehensive, as if it was a trap, I continued to walk through the opening breach.
A marble fountain stood before me, sprouting crystal clear water upwards where it fell in pretty drops down onto the smoothly carved basin. In awe, I went around the fountain, not being able to keep my gaze off it and advanced to the steps of the beautiful house. If I had not known that the Malfoys lived here, I would not have believed that this house belonged to a death eater. Urgh. I shuddered at the thought.
I was now literally three inches away from the front door and I had to stop and control the flutterings in my stomach. I had no idea why I happened to be so nervous – I had felt fine until I saw the magnificence of the house. Closing my eyes and taking a deep and meaningful breath, I raised a trembling hand to the elaborate knocker and tapped three times.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Each rang sharply and clearly in my ears and I took a step away from the door. All I could now do was wait until someone answered.
*
A sob issued from a bundle of rags seen on the ground.
"Shut up you idiot!" a low voice hissed. His long, blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail and his once magnificently furnished cloak brushed the ground as he walked towards the whimpering man. "You deserved such a punishment."
The man looked up, his round eyes fearful. "P-Please, I will try again."
The other man growled ferociously. "There is no point in you trying again, Wormtail! I gave you a chance after you begged me. You told me you would do anything to make Voldemort's memory exist. But you failed, you couldn't even bring back a stupid, weak child who ran away at the thought of our lord." The man brandished his wand and pointed it at the shaking figure, but then decided against it and kicked him hard instead.
"I'll give you another opportunity to prove to me that you are still useful once the actual task of bringing the bastard here has been achieved. Dolohov!"
Another man emerged from the shadow. He knew what was being asked of him. Nodding curtly in answer to the order that had not been spoken out loud, he pulled his hood over his head.
"Wait!" A girl shrieked.
Dolohov turned around and saw a girl scrambling out from underneath a tree. "I want to help too."
The blonde man stroked his chin carefully in thought and then looked at Dolohov, who shrugged back. "You may become useful in our plan Pansy, but just yet, I would not like you to get hurt."
Pansy's lips tightened in determination. "I know I can do this."
"Very well. But make sure that you listen to Dolohov and do as you are told. Acting with mere emotions is forbidden in current circumstances. Once he is here, you will have the pleasure of enjoying his company, but you must remind yourself constantly that if he fails to come, you yourself will be suffering a great loss – your future husband."
Pansy nodded and brought her wand out from inside her robes, preparing to apparate with Antonin Dolohov. She fought the happiness bursting in her heart and the joy at seeing Draco, her life-long crush, again. She always knew that she was going to marry Draco Malfoy, but this was the first time that Mr Malfoy had actually acknowledged it in public. Mrs Pansy Malfoy. How lovely did that sound?
Author's Notes: Hello everyone! Hope you've enjoyed my story so far. There's not much Draco/Hermione action going on yet, but I will promise you that there are some soon to be knocking on YOUR door! In the meantime, if you want some fluff, REVIEW as I will wait until enough reviews and suggestions have been made before I update!!! I will you all a very Happy Easter! Xx