Quick Note: Hello again! Thanks for clicking on this story… I changed the title and the summary to make it more "catchy". Did it work? Anyways, I hope you'd enjoy reading this chapter because it is really my favorite and I loved every minute I spent writing it. Also, thanks to my 3 reviewers. Wooohooo! It doesn't take much to please me, eh? Please review in the end! Thanks again!
Disclaimer: Only the idea and things NOT related to Harry Potter are mine.
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Chapter 2: Would you believe?
"Awww, they didn't want a mudblood on their silly show did they?" Draco teased as Hermione marched straight at him from the table. Hermione glared at him with dagger like eyes and walked right past him toward the building exit.
Hermione's heart was beating wildly, she could hardly bear it. Will her plan work? "They said they're not accepting individual contestants for now, the slots are full blah blah blah. I even tried to seduce the savage beast so that he'd make an exception." lied Hermione looking at the Argus-look-alike man and giving a disgusted face.
Hermione made her way out the busy London Street and gave a quick glance behind her. Yes, Draco Malfoy was still following her. "The man said that he could accept my application but I would have to wait until next season." Hermione called to Draco. "Unless - ," This was the crucial part of her plan. Hermione suddenly stopped walking and turned quickly to Draco obviously surprising him. He pulled back and instinctively reached inside his trench coat. Hermione assumed he was groping for his wand. Hermione continued to talk "Unless, I go as a couple. What do you say you pose as my boyfriend? I'm not exactly pleased, really, but well, drastic times call for drastic measures, you know?"
This was Hermione's brilliant plan. She figured that if Draco thought that she actually planned to ask him to partner with her, he would say NO, just for the fun of it. However, if he thought that the idea came to her out of the blue and desperation pushed her to ask him, he might actually consider it. Besides, Draco always looked for a chance to rub to her how absolutely pathetic she was. Maybe he could manipulate him into saying YES. Of course, he could also say NO, just for the fun of it. She knew it was a stupid and complicated idea but this was what her bright brain told her to do.
"Granger!" cried Draco. "Do you have any idea how pathetic you sound?" He pulled his hand away from his wand and stared dumbfounded at Hermione. He clearly didn't expect that question from her.
"Get a life Malfoy! It's not like I WANT you to be my partner. An idea just came to me, and you're like the only guy in a 10 mile radius who I actually know personally that is better than the Filch-look-alike in there." Hermione pointed at the building entrance clearly singling out the man at the 'THRESHOLD CONTESTANTS APPLY HERE' table.
"This is INSANE! What are you thinking?! Besides, I have a girlfriend!" said Draco recovering from the initial shock from Hermione.
At these words, Hermione's ears shot at attention. Draco had a girlfriend? That was new! As far as she knew, Pansy and he broke up after graduation. Could it be possible he snagged a clueless witch out of Hogwarts? Hermione's brain went in full blast. She wasn't about to give up that easy! Draco could be lying. But why would he?
"Come on Malfoy, we could just apply. And then IF we get in, we can tell your girlfriend that I talked you into it. I'll take full responsibility… IF Malfoy, IF. We're not even sure we can get in. I just want to give it a try. Besides, they give out super cool prizes and a HUGE amount of cash money... That would be enough to pacify your girlfriend… I think."
At the sound of 'huge' and 'cash money' Draco seemed to look interested. Hermione wasn't sure though if that look was a good or a bad sign. After all, she didn't know Draco Malfoy well enough to know what variations in his face meant.
"How much?" asked Draco slowly.
"About a MILLION POUNDS if you win the final competition. That's worth about 50 trunks of galleons. That's a LOT Malfoy. We could split it and – ,"
"FINE!"
Hermione stopped abruptly and gaped at him speechless. She didn't expect Draco to give in that easily especially at of the mention of 'money'.
Draco swiftly made his way back to the JAG building leaving Hermione staring at his back. Hermione, after a few moments realized what had just happened and hurried toward Draco's side looking at him like he was a lunatic. Together, they walked toward the Filch-look-alike man at the 'THRESHOLD CONTESTANTS APPLY HERE' table.
Just as they got about a yard from the table, Draco managed to whisper. "If I didn't know better Mudblood, you cooked this whole thing up to have me to yourself for a long time."
At least Draco was in his usual conceited self again. Draco then smiled at the revolted look Hermione gave him and focused his attention to a now jealous, scowling Filch-look-alike.
"It is true then, this is your boyfriend?" said the Filch-look-alike as he sized up Draco and turned his head accusingly at Hermione. Boy, he really was jealous! Fire was dancing in his eyes. "Before I hand you application forms, I have to conduct a little interview. To be SURE that you two really are a couple." Filch-look-alike stressed the word 'sure' and raised his eyebrows glaring at the pair in front of him.
Hermione stared back dumbfounded; she didn't expect an interview right there and then. Draco and she didn't even discuss what their act would be. They would be so busted!
"Okay then, question away, old git!" Draco said confidently placing his hand comfortably on Hermione's shoulder. Hermione couldn't help but stare at Draco's smug face. She didn't even notice the arm that was wrapped on her shoulder. They were really absolutely done for! Draco was pushing his luck way too much.
Hermione frantically looked at Filch-look-alike for a sign of rage. Apparently, there was none. Weird. It's as if he was accustomed to this kind of treatment. Hermione quivered as she felt Draco's arm on her shoulder. She didn't know if she should be horrified at Draco's 'public display of affection' or happy because he was playing along. Hermione just didn't trust Draco, she didn't know how his brain worked and what his intentions really were. However, his hand did fit perfectly!
At the thought of this, Hermione blushed. She quickly forced herself to smile and looked straight into the eyes of Filch-look-alike. What the heck was she thinking????
"Why do you want to join this reality TV show?" asked Filch-look-alike as he turned his gaze to Draco.
"What a stupid question! For the mon - ,"
"Errr, we'd like to have a wonderful bonding experience together as a COUPLE. I'm sure this experience will give us both memories that will last us a lifetime." Hermione interrupted Draco as she shot him icy glares from the sides of her eyes. What was he thinking! They have to get on Filch-look-alike's good side.
"And so she says, I'm all about the money!" Draco insisted not picking up Hermione's drift. So much for Hermione's anxious attempt.
"A very honest answer, boy. It's all about the money! I don't know why all other contestants give me the EXPERIENCE crap."
Draco let out a snicker and turned to Hermione. Hermione ignored him and waited patiently for Filch-look-alike's next question.
"What information can you give me about your partner that would prove that you really are a COUPLE." At this question, Filch-look-alike smiled to himself. He was sure he caught these two people in their own little lie.
The question stunned both Draco and Hermione. They weren't exactly expecting a straightforward question like that. Hermione wondered if this was really part of the interview or 'Argus' just wanted to catch them in their tall tale. Hermione racked her brain for an answer. She had to give him an answer soon or they were busted!
"He has a LARGE birthmark on his butt." Hermione said quickly as she looked at the stunned Draco by her side. "Would that be good enough?"
Draco immediately dropped his arm from Hermione's shoulders and scowled at her. Hermione tried her best not to laugh out loud. Draco's reaction was priceless!
Filch-look-alike howled with laughter clearly pleased to 'know' something personal about Draco. "Too much information, dearie. But good enough!" Filch-look-alike clutched his side as he continued laughing.
Draco, visibly pissed, clenched his jaw. Hermione was driven out of her wits anticipating what Draco might do. She knew what she said was way below the belt, but that was the only thing she could think of that wouldn't be verified right then and there.
"My dear girlfriend here refuses to shave her underarms. The hairs would be about an inch long by now. You could ask her to show you if you want." Draco countered innocently a grin starting to form on his lips.
The laughter from 'Argus' immediately died. He turned his eyes toward a flushed Hermione who had her eyes on the ground. Feeling 'Argus' staring at her, Hermione sheepishly turned her gaze upward toward him. Filch-look-alike abruptly dropped his gaze and started shuffling through papers picking up 2 sheets of paper and handed them to Draco.
"Fill this up with, uhhh, your girlfriend. When your done, give it to that lady over there," Filch-look-alike motioned to a skinny middle aged woman with eyeglasses wearing an orange sweater. "then, get your pictures taken over there." again pointing to a 20-something man clutching his camera. Filch-look-alike then leaned forward to Draco whispering "Honestly boy, if you could stand her, errr, situation," Filch turned to Hermione with an understanding smile. "that is LOVE."
Draco gave Filch-look-alike the largest smile Hermione had seen on anybody. Hermione thought his lips would tear out because he was grinning so much. Draco was clearly delighted with himself.
"Come here my dear HAIRY-MIONE." said Draco pulling her toward the corner table to fill up their forms. As they reached the table, Draco handed her the other sheet of paper and quietly picked up a pen, he silently scribbled away occasionally pausing to laugh to himself.
Hermione still reeling with shock picked up her pen and answered the basic questions in the application forms. She decided to ignore Draco's last statement. At least what he said got them the application forms without further questions.
After a few moments, she completed the form and looked toward Draco. He still was answering away on his paper. Hermione leaned slightly toward Draco trying to get a peek at his paper.
"Draco Narcissus Malfoy?" Hermione whispered amusingly. "Fits you perfect Malfoy."
"Think mudblood!" said Draco irritated. "If your parents' names are Narcissa and Lucius, it would be but logical to have a name like Narcissus."
"Right!" said Hermione smiling. "Say what you have to NARCISSUS."
Draco, looking annoyed, finished his application form and sauntered toward the orange sweatered lady leaving Hermione staring at his retreating back. Hermione immediately caught up with Draco and then smiled sweetly at him as she reached his side.
They both handed in their application forms as soon as they reached the orange sweatered lady. Hermione expected more questioning but the lady only motioned them toward the 20 something photographer clearly indicating that they both needed to have their pictures taken.
Draco and Hermione instantly made their way toward the photographer silently.
"Hey! You 2 looking forward to the show?" the photographer called as Draco and Hermione reached him.
"Can't wait! Looking forward to it!" Hermione said enthusiastically eyeing Draco. He was looking curiously at the Polaroid camera the man was holding. Hermione had to smile. Even if the smart Draco belonged to the richest and most prominent family in the wizarding world, there were still things that he didn't understand and was never exposed to.
"Stand over that white cloth." commanded the photographer pointing at the white cloth mounted on the wall.
Hermione went on first, discreetly demonstrating to Draco what to do.
"Smile for the camera!"
A flash of white light came from the camera appalling Draco. He stepped away from the photographer and looked questioningly at Hermione. Hermione gave him a reassuring smile and motioned him toward the white cloth for his turn.
"No matter what you do, don't close your eyes." called Hermione before another white flash came from the camera.
After a few minutes, Draco and Hermione made their way back to the orange sweatered lady with their pictures clutched in their hands.
Draco stared curiously at his scowling face turning the photograph over and over again. "Doesn't this thing move?"
Hermione laughed lightheartedly. Draco in turn gave her a puzzled look and turned his attention back at the photograph. Hermione then without a word, reached for Draco's picture and handed them to the orange sweatered lady. Taken by surprise, Draco just glowered at Hermione.
"Did anyone tell you both that you look good together?" said the orange sweatered lady.
Draco and Hermione rapidly stared at her like she was crazy.
The orange sweatered lady then stood up, patted Draco in the face and said "I can see the love you have for this girl in your eyes."
Draco rolled his eyes, arched his eyebrow and looked at Hermione incredulously. Hermione coughed, frantically hiding the laughter that was about to come out of her. If the lady didn't sound so serious she would have burst out laughing right then and there.
The lady then turned to Hermione and said "That goes for you too, young lady." The lady sat down and added "I can see a bright future for you both."
She then examined their application forms and looked up. "You will be receiving a letter in 2-3 weeks if you make the cut. Good luck."
Hermione and Draco stared at each other. This lady was odd!
"Errr, thanks." mumbled Hermione as Draco turned his heel to leave.
Hermione quickly followed Draco out the JAG building and savored the cold air that blasted on her face. "I guess I'll owl you when I get a letter, huh? Really, Draco, thanks for doing this for me."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Granger! Don't flatter yourself too much; I did it for the money, not for you. And don't call me Draco, people might thing we're actually buddies!"
"For the money?" repeated Hermione. "What do you need mon – ,"
"Owl me Granger!" cut Draco as he made his way back toward the Leaky Cauldron leaving Hermione alone on the street.
That was strange! Hermione shrugged and turned to the opposite direction. She caught sight of the setting sun and admired the beautiful combination of colors in the sky. Hermione started toward her apartment. This definitely had been a very interesting day! But surely, the next weeks would be even more interesting.
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So what do you think about it?
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Thanks to hedwigmail and Hime Shinidama no Megami for saying that my story is nice. I appreciate it!
To whoever blah is (I know he/she won't be reading this, but anyway…), you're right, I should get out more. Try telling that to my parents! AND, I'll take STRANGE as a compliment. Thanks.