Chapter 15 (part 2): THE MILLIONAIRESSSS!!
Thankfully, the Threshold Staff were considerate enough to Ginny's plight that they announced the postponement of the 1 Million Pound stunt – the last stunt, until Ron could be found.
Ginny however insisted that she knew her brother well enough and declared that he wasn't going to be found unless he wanted to be. So she told the producers to just get on with the stunt and instead just give her an hour to pick herself up together.
So for an hour or so, Hermione, Ginny, Harry, and Draco (surprise surprise!!!), sat huddled together on the sand trying to figure out where Ron could possibly be.
Draco of course was silent the whole time and only stayed there on the account of Hermione being there as well. He still had something important to tell her and he was determined to take her away the first moment he could and spill his guts out.
However, that was just impossible as Hermione participated fully in the conversation Harry and Ginny were having, endlessly theorizing about the places Ron could be.
Harry, Ginny and Hermione were so engrossed with Ron's possible location that when Jonah started waving at them, signaling the start of their stunt, it was only Draco who noticed.
"Hey, it's time." Draco said simply, immediately standing up, making his way to Jonah, leaving Hermione, Harry and Ginny to follow after him.
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"This is it!" said Jonah looking excitedly at Draco, Hermione, Harry and Ginny as the cameras started rolling. "The last stunt - the one with the Million Pound Prize... All of you have worked hard to get here and I must tell you that you guys are already winners in my eyes... Now, unfortunately, Ron and Cornelia cannot join us today due to unforeseen circumstances... But that is not all bad because that means that you guys have a 50/50 chance of leaving this experience as millionaires."
Hermione, Draco, Harry and Ginny exchanged furtive glances. 1 Million pounds suddenly resounded louder and louder in their ears. This was IT!
Jonah smiled gaily and winked at Harry and Ginny. "Now I know you both need the money more because you're planning to get married right?"
Harry and Ginny looked at each other, smiled and then nodded simultaneously.
"But," Jonah turned his attention to Draco and Hermione. "I'm sure you guys want that money too, possibly much more than they do."
"You bet!" Draco answered back, giving a surreptitious smile to Harry and Ginny.
"Since Ron and Cornelia can't join us today. I have good news for the 4 of you." Jonah studied each of the four faces in front of him and then continued. "I just got word from the producers that the consolation prize for whoever doesn't win, instead of being nothing, will be 50,000 pounds... For some reason, the producers wanted to show their appreciation for giving your best and doing such a good job..." Then Jonah added with a whisper "and also for sticking with us through out the show."
Jonah laughed lightly then winked naughtily at Hermione and Ginny.
"Well, enough talking. Let's start!"
Immediately, Jonah turned his attention to 2 rafts stationed near the beach and then started to shout enthusiastically. "Now the last stunt is a race. Whoever gets to the finish line first wins the Grand Prize!"
Jonah pointed at the 10 bobbing yellow beach balls grouped inside a circle in the middle of the ocean. "Inside 4 of those yellow beach balls are threshold flags. One of you must take each ball and try to burst it on the raft by sitting on it. Retrieve 4 threshold flags and then return as fast as possible to shore. Only one of you will be allowed to burst the beach balls. Your partner will be the one to pull or push the raft towards those balls from the shore." Jonah quickly turned to Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Draco. "Any questions?"
The 4 contestants shook their heads pleasing Jonah to no end. "Good luck you guys! Remember, this stunt is IT, give it all you've got. A million pounds or 50,000, you decide!" Jonah then clapped his hand and then turned Hermione and Ginny toward the starting position.
"Draco, Harry, take your places. Remember, this is a race. Do the stunt as fast as you can!"
When Jonah determined that the contestants were all in place, he didn't wait any longer, he boomed, "For the 1 million pound prize, In 3, 2, 1, GO!"
At once, Harry and Draco pushed the rafts bearing Hermione and Ginny toward the water and started kicking hard to push the rafts forward. Draco, who had a bigger built than Harry, breezed effortlessly toward the water while Hermione focused her attention on the yellow beach balls ahead. Ginny was frantically shouting encouragements at Harry, alarmed that Hermione and Draco had taken the lead.
In 30 seconds, Draco and Hermione reached the place where the balls were and immediately Hermione went to work. She took one ball and sat savagely on it while Draco held the raft in place to prevent it from turning over.
Harry and Ginny who trailed Draco and Hermione by a good 3 meters finally reached their yellow balls after a few seconds and then started to get to work too.
As Hermione sat on the ball, she was taken aback when the ball resisted to her weight. No damage was done to it at all. Instead, it only made the raft rock from one side to another throwing Hermione off balance.
"Hold the raft still!" commanded Hermione when she almost fell into the water.
"What do you think I'm doing, staring at you with goo-goo eyes?" countered Draco exasperated with fatigue. His arms and legs were already starting to cramp, crying for rest.
Hermione rolled her eyes and exerted her weight on the beach ball again.
"Try pinching the ball with your nails while you put your weight on it." Suggested Draco when he saw Hermione still couldn't get the beach ball to burst.
Hermione nodded and then pinched hard as she dropped her weight toward the ball. Sure enough, the ball gave way and Hermione grabbed its remains hoping to find a threshold flag inside it.
"Damn it! Nothing!" she screamed. "All that work for no flag? Damn this ball!"
Draco looked on at Hermione amused at her frustration. "Just get another ball then!"
As Hermione took her second ball, Draco stole a glance at Harry and Ginny. To his relief, Ginny was also having a hard time with the beach ball, while Harry looked like he was about to give up holding the raft steady. Draco looked closer at Ginny's side and then immediately felt cold inside. "They already have a flag!" he shouted looking at Hermione's progress.
At that moment, the beach ball Hermione was trying to pop gave way. "Well, so do we." She smiled confidently while taking another ball.
Hermione quickly placed the next ball beneath her and sat on it while maintaining her balance.
"Come on, 3 more! Faster!" Draco said urgently.
"I'm moving as fast as I can!" Hermione shouted back. "Keep calm okay?"
Draco wanted to laugh out loud. Keep calm she says!
Hermione held the beach ball under her and forced her weight on the ball while pinching it. It didn't burst at once, but on her third try, it gave way, only to disappoint Hermione again because it contained nothing.
Slowly, Hermione became accustomed to popping the beach balls, and soon enough she popped each ball on her first try.
Finally, after 3 more balls, Draco and Hermione had their 4 flags. "Draco, quick, back to shore." Shouted Hermione clutching the 4 flags to her chest.
At once, Draco pushed the raft back to the beach kicking hard while fighting the wind and the waves.
"Wind is too strong!" shouted Draco as he fought to keep the raft move forward. "Stoop down so that you don't catch the wind."
Hermione didn't understand what Draco was talking about but nonetheless, she listened and quickly nodded and obeyed.
As she shifted her weight on the raft to stoop down, one of the flags accidentally flew out of Hermione's hand. "Draco," Hermione screamed alarmed. "The Flag!"
Without any time to curse or be upset, Draco quickly swam toward the flag. Apparently, bad luck was on their side because the wind slowly pushed the raft backward giving Harry and Ginny the lead.
"Ahh, damn it!" shouted Draco in frustration. "They were meters behind us a while ago!" Draco placed his hands on each side of the raft and then started swimming to the shore trying to catch up with Harry and Ginny.
Hermione kept quiet though her heart was about to burst out of her chest. She silently prayed that Draco had enough energy left in him to win the stunt.
When Harry and Ginny neared the shore, Hermione couldn't take it anymore. "Draco, faster, their almost there."
With the last burst of adrenaline he had, Draco collected all his strength and kicked harder giving the raft speed.
Hermione looked at Harry and Ginny; they were only a yard away. "Come on, we can do it!" she encouraged Draco. Hermione caught sight of Jonah jumping up and down while clapping his hands. They were having such a close competition that even Jonah couldn't contain his excitement.
As fast as the wind, Ginny got out of the raft followed by Harry and they both started to run wildly to the finish line.
Following their lead, Hermione took their 4 flags, jumped out of the raft and started also for the finish line. She knew she was a fast runner, she just didn't know if she could catch up with Harry and Ginny. They were to far ahead already.
To Hermione's surprise, Draco overtook her and started catching up to Ginny who was running a few feet behind Harry. Slowly Draco overtook Ginny, and then slowly closed in on Harry.
Hermione watched helplessly as Harry and Draco raced head to head toward the finish line.
"Winner!" cheered Jonah as soon as the finish line was crossed. He offered his hand to Harry. "Well done Harry!" he shouted. "You and Ginny with 1 million pounds!"
While Jonah was still saying what he said, Ginny reached out to Harry and threw her hands around him. "Yes!" she screamed happily. They both tumbled toward the sand and wrestled like kids. "Can you believe it?" asked Ginny.
Harry who was breathless laughed back at Ginny and gave her a big hug. "I can't! I can't! 1 million? No way!"
At the sight of Harry and Ginny rejoicing, Hermione's knees buckled and all strength left her. Without trying to reach the finish line, she dropped to her knees and then looked helplessly at Draco who had disappointment written all over his face.
Hermione watched as Draco took Jonah's hand in a handshake, and then Harry's and then Ginny's.
After saying his congratulations, Draco approached Hermione, never taking his eyes away from her.
As soon as Draco reached her, though she tried to control her emotions, Hermione burst out crying. She placed her hands over her face in shame and in anger.
Without thinking, Draco immediately knelt down, took Hermione's trembling figure in his arms and then hugged her tightly. He couldn't help it. Even if he really was disappointed and worried about his Manor, Draco couldn't find it in his heart to be mad at Hermione. She just looked so helpless. He didn't want to see her cry; he didn't want to see her in pain. "It's okay. Don't think about it. It's okay."
Hermione sobbed harder and then said through her tears. "I lost the money for you. You must hate me!"
Draco rubbed her back and then forced her to look directly in his eyes. "I don't hate you. I told you, it's okay. Besides, we have still have 50,000 don't we? Now get up and congratulate your friends."
Draco helped Hermione up and then led the way to a celebrating Harry and Ginny who were oblivious to Hermione's crying.
"Well done." muttered Hermione quietly through her tears.
"Oh Mione, are you crying?" Ginny stopped jumping and rejoicing right then and there and instantly pulled away from Harry. She gave Hermione a tight hug and then said. "Don't... It's okay."
Seeing his friend in tears, Harry joined in and enclosed Ginny and Hermione in a big bear hug. "Our win is your win too."
"Aww isn't that sweet?" gushed Jonah watching the scene unfold before his eyes.
Before saying anything else, Jonah turned to Harry and Ginny and said, "Congratulations Harry and Ginny, you are now official millionaires! You have weathered the trials and outdid everyone. You deserve to be called The Threshold Champions."
Jonah then turned to Draco and then to Hermione. "You did well. Remarkable if I may add. And you made this show so much fun! I saw what happened to the flag, and it seems luck isn't with you today. But don't despair, you still have 50,000 pounds to take home and the cash prizes and vacation trips you have won in the previous stunts. Hermione and Draco, you still are winners."
Then Jonah continued his speech, looked at the cameras and addressed the would-be audience of the show. "And that concludes Couples Threshold. Join us again next season... If you have what it takes."
"And Cut!" shouted the director.
After a deafening 2 seconds, the whole place suddenly began to applaud loudly. Each and every one of the Threshold Staff cheered and rejoiced, relieved that all their grueling work was finished.
One by one, the crewmen, cameramen, props people, executive producers and the director approached Draco, Hermione, Harry and then Ginny, congratulating them for a job well done.
After all the formalities and the congratulatories, the Threshold people and crew slowly filed out and left the beach eager to go to their respective homes.
All that remained that gave away the presence of a production crew earlier was trash all over the place, janitors cleaning up the mess, Harry, Ginny, Hermione and then Draco.
"Good job Malfoy." said Harry clapping Draco on the shoulder.
On impulse, Draco wanted to give Harry a piece of his mind and lash out at him. How dare Harry clap him on his shoulder as if they were friends! They're not friends!
Draco got ready to insult Harry. But when he caught Hermione looking depressed and preoccupied, he immediately voted against it. Instead, he just gave Harry a small nod and a taut smile.
He then turned to Hermione and said. "You know Mione, forget about us losing already. Besides, Potter here can loan us their extra money if we need it." Draco looked at Harry mischievously. "Right Potter?"
Harry stared back at Draco in shock and then nodded meekly not wanting to disappoint Hermione even more. "Yeah, a million pounds is more than enough for a simple wedding."
Hermione nodded and smiled slightly. At least Harry could help them with the Malfoy Manor if push came to shove. If all went right though, Draco could pay up for the Manor and then they could all live happily ever after.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" Draco's voice interrupted Hermione's thoughts.
Without warning, Hermione's heart started racing like crazy. She felt she wouldn't be able to breathe and she'd just die on the spot. This was it! What Draco Malfoy, her former nemesis, was going to say!
"Sure," answered Hermione trying desperately to keep her voice steady.
As soon as Hermione and Draco took a few steps away from Harry and Ginny, Draco didn't lose a single beat. "Mione, you see, as I was thinking alone last night about Cornelia and me, and you..." Draco risked a glance at Hermione to see what her reaction was. She was very pale and it looked like the blood just magically drained from her face. "I realized that I have been hiding a lot of things from you. Feelings..."
Draco's throat suddenly tightened and he forgot what he was about to say. Fear suddenly gripped into his heart and he didn't think he could go on.
Hermione looked at Draco's face wondering why he suddenly stopped. He looked white as sheet. "Yes,"
Draco immediately made a choice. Was it wise to tell her now or not? She might not feel the same way! She might laugh at his face! She might get angry and tell him that he was out of his mind!
"Well, it's like this. I think I've - ,"
"Hey! You guys done there already?" Ginny's voice suddenly drifted in the air, cutting Draco off. "We still have to find Ron you know!"
Now is your chance. Tell her you've fallen in love with her!!! Draco's head screamed.
"Draco?" Hermione looked alarmed. "What are you trying to say? Just tell me."
But Draco couldn't do it. He just couldn't. He didn't think he could take it if she rejected him. He was too emotionally involved. That was a bad sign! How can he say it without shocking Hermione?
"Look Draco, we still have to find Ron, just tell me what you want to say." said Hermione starting to feel impatient. What she really meant of course was "Tell me you love me already coz I want to kiss you." But it was apparent she couldn't say that aloud, especially to Draco Malfoy!
"Oh, forget I ever said anything" Draco said trying to sound impervious. It was too early. He just couldn't do it. He still didn't fully understand the extent of his feelings for Hermione and he was afraid to find out. Just go find Ron first."
Hermione looked at Draco disappointed. What is wrong with you! She wanted to scream. But instead, she kept her cool and then added nonchalantly. "Why?"
"What do you mean why? You guys still have to find Ron."
"Are you planning to tell me eventually?"
Draco shrugged and then said nothing. He gave Hermione a small smile and then slightly pushed her toward Ginny and Harry. "Go." He said quietly.
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After 5 hours, Hermione walked the corridor toward Draco and her room. The events of the day were slowly wearing out her body. She was wobbling with fatigue and stress.
Harry, Ginny and Hermione have been looking for Ron for hours to no avail. They have called The Burrow, Cornelia (with Hermione's protests), and even Fred and George. No one seemed to know where he went.
Finally, just before Hermione, Harry and Ginny gave up, they received a letter from Ron carried by Pigwidgeon. The letter said that he was somewhere in America taking time off to think things. He said that he hasn't told anyone yet about his exact location but assured them that he would tell them as soon as he was ready.
Relieved about hearing from Ron, Harry and Ginny finally began to relax. Hermione quickly remembered Draco and then told them she needed to get back to their room at once to tell him about the news.
As soon as Hermione reached the room, she knocked slowly wishing Draco was awake. This was it. They were obviously alone now. No one to interrupt. Draco couldn't possibly stray from the subject anymore. This was the right time for him to tell her what he wanted to say.
After waiting a couple of seconds, she knocked again. Draco was obviously sleeping or doing something else. No matter. He'd probably awake as soon as she came in and then they could talk.
When there still wasn't any answer, Hermione looked for a bellboy and asked him to open the room for her. Draco must be pretty stumped if he didn't even hear her knocking... Well, he always was a sound sleeper.
As soon as the door opened, she thanked the bellboy and then proceeded inside. "Drake, we found Ron! What was it you were going to - ,"
Suddenly she stopped in mid sentence and looked around the room. Something was different. The left side of the room, Draco's side was empty.
Hermione quickly opened the cabinets and drawers and rushed towards the bathroom. No sign of Draco or Draco's things.
Hermione panicked and her blood immediately turned cold. Without thinking, she did the first thing that popped in her mind. Hermione took the phone and dialed Ginny and Harry's room number.
"He's gone!" wailed Hermione looking around the room, tears building up in her eyes as soon as Ginny picked up the phone. "Ginny, Draco's gone." And with that Hermione again broke into tears.
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Well? What do you think? Was it too much? It's pretty long no? Hope you didn't get bored or confused!
Happy Belated Birthday to PaintPro1000.
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Venus725 - I don't think you'll still hate Cornelia after what happened, I mean, don't you pity her now? lol... Hope you're not disappointed with this chapter though, with D/Hr losing and all... What do you think about it? Thanks a bunch for your review! Appreciate it!
lovablechick213 - Yep, it's a D/Hr story! Thanks for your review! What do you think of this new chap? Hope you liked it! Update your fic too! I'm waiting!!!
English-Foxlette - Hiya! Here's the next chap! What do you think of it!? I promise it will work out in the end. Don't worry!
citcat299 - Another sob story, I know... But there were parts with some laughs too... what do you think of it?
SRAndrews - Hey there! The thing with Cornelia is the funniest I could come up with. What did you think about it? Hope it wasn't too corny or something... Thanks for the review!!!
Lisi - I'm glad you thought last chapter was great... What about this one? They're kinda friends but not... lol...
PaintPro1000 - I swear I tried to update on your bday. But I'm just too darn slow. I stayed up till 2 am but to no avail... See how I sacrifice myself for you??? lol... kidding! Wow, so you're a Leo too? My bday was on July !!! (I'm dial-up too so don't feel too bad bout it! You're not alone.)
SwTnDrEaMyPnAy03 - Wow, thanks a lot for the compliment... I'm glad you liked last chapter. It was sort of heavy emotionally though... This new one is kinda lighter than the last one. What do you think of it? Hope you like it!
frifri - Yes! You definitely are special... I just didn't put you in the number one this time because people might think I play favorites... lol... What do you think of this new chappie? Hope you like it!
for the love of music - Don't cry... Here's the newest chapter and it's not so sad as the last one... what do you think of it? Hope it made you laugh this time...
Setsuna Bu - Thanks for the review!!! Appreciate it! What do you think of this new chap? At least they talked already right?
angelfire 2004 - Thanks for the compliment! I'm glad you liked chap 13 n 14. How bout 15 though? It's kinda long no? lol...
HogwartzBoizRHottiez - Yeah... Last chap was sad... But this chap isn't!!! :) Hope you liked the newest one!!! Don't you want D/Hr fall for each other?
mrs w00d nd malf0y - hehehe... nope, no cheating for Draco... I love him too much to do that! Here's the newest chap... What do you think of it? Hope you liked it... Thanks JP!
XxXHermione-GrangerXxX - So sorry for the cliffie... I just couldn't continue the chap anymore coz it was so long already... What do you think of this new chapter? Another cliffie, I know... Please, don't kill me!!! :)
Hime Shinidama no Megami - Yeah, I kinda lost the funny parts... But this chapter had one... It was crazy thinking up "punishments"... lol... I'll take you're advice, I won't share!!! My brother likes warcraft! Heck, what am I going to do with warcraft? lol...
Emily Malfoy - Don't worry, you're not alone... When I read other fanfics and something terrible happens I shriek like crazy too, or laugh out loud when something's funny... Seriously, people here already think I'm nuts! lol... thanks for the review! And update your story already!!! lol...
blandtaste - awww, don't be sad! Everything will be fine in due time... I promise!!! Thanks for the review! Appreciate it a lot! Hope you liked this newest chapter!
charmed-phoenixgirl - Thanks for your review! Your compliment warms my heart... blushes Here's the newest chapter though. Hope you like it.
SushiFelton - lol... Thanks! What you said was a great boost! I'm glad my twists are working... hehehe... thanks for your review! Hope you like this new chapter!
Callie - I took care of Cornelia, that's what I did!!! lol... what do you think of this new one? Hope you liked it!
Cassiel Oliviari - Yep, you're right! Everything will be fine, don't worry! heeheehee...
RikkuHermione - Of course I remember you!!! You were one of my first reviewers!!! I'm glad you're back! What do you think about the direction this story is going? Appreciate your review! Thanks!
kawaii&crazy - YIPPEE!!! I so love reading your reviews... It makes me swell up with pride!!! (tries to deflate self) What do you think of this new one?
sugar n spice 522 - Yeah, they are definitely over!!! No more Cornelia from now on... Hermione sealed her fate! heeheehee... She will be forever known as a lying, cheating, bird poop receiver... lol...
monkeybutt - Oh my golly!!! Thanks a million for reviewing every chapter!!! Appreciate it a whole bunch!!! I know last chapter was really sad... How bout this new one though? Hope you like it!!!
chamorro -Don't be sad! Cornelia is GONE!!! Yippeee!!! hehehe... Hope you like the new chapter!
Googley-Eye - thanks for the review! Appreciate it! Hope you like this newest one!
Paradise-Unknown - I had this possessed smile pasted on my face the whole time I was reading your review! Thanks a whole bunch! I love it! I wanted to finish the stunt in chap 14 and do just what you said you thought they would do but changed my mind. I promise it was on paper already, just deleted the whole scene when I typed it up. It just got too long I guess... well, I'm sorry I couldn't slip the uppercut anymore...lol... though that was a darn great idea... unfortunately, I took care of Cornelia the old fashioned way... But I will consider the suggestion for other fics!!! Thanks!!! heeheehee...
Satans Babe - Well, here's the next installment... I'm glad you like the story... hehehe... Hope you liked the newest chapter too... It's madder than mad! heeheehee...
firehottie - Update here!!! yippee!!! hehehe... what do you think of this new one? Hope you liked it!!!
ZeroOrDie - Thanks for the review! Appreciate it a lot!!! What do you think of this new chapter though!? Hope you liked it!