A/N: Hello people. Okay... I think the story is going to be a mix of drama, angst, romance (duh!), and maybe action/adventure... not sure about the last one. So glad you all like this story. So should I continue? Let me know. Thankyou for the reviews!
Disclaimer: No I don't own it! Only the plot to this story.
Chapter Seven: Falling Apart.
It was later that night and Hermione was reluctantly heading to the meeting room. She hadn't left her room since she stormed up there earlier that day. She didn't even leave for dinner when Ginny knocked on her door asking if she was.
Turning right towards the meeting room Hermione caught sight of Draco's back entering the meeting room. Hermione groaned inwardly and entered a few seconds later.
Draco looked up from the list he was reading to see Hermione walk in. He watched as she sat in the chair across from him and look at her hands.
"Didn't see you at dinner," commented Draco civilly.
"I wasn't hungry," replied Hermione, "Look can we please get this done with? We also have to work on out speech."
"Yeah alright, no need to get snappy about it."
"I wasn't getting snappy Malfoy."
"Than what do you all that?" asked Draco raising an eyebrow.
"I call it Hermione getting pissed off with Malfoy," replied Hermione snatching the letter from Draco.
"Hey! I was reading that!"
"Didn't look that way. It says we are to organise up coming Hogsmeade dates and Quidditch match dates."
"Fine. October first can be the first Quidditch match. Between Slytherin and Gryffindor."
"Already want to get your arse kicked so early in the Quidditch season?" smirked Hermione looking at Draco.
"You wish Granger. You wish."
"No need to. I know its true. You can't outdo Harry in the seeker section."
"We'll see."
"We will," murmured Hermione writing the date down.
"Alright next match will be between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff two weeks later."
"Uh huh... than you can verse Ravenclaw two weeks after that."
For the next half hour Hermione and Draco talked and argued over Quidditch match dates. But finally they finished and were onto Hogsmeade dates.
"No Malfoy! We need one trip to Hogsmeade a week before Christmas!"
"What for?"
"Christmas shopping you nit wit! What else?"
"Fine! Make the stupid monthly trip that date!"
Hermione smiled sweetly and wrote the date down, "There... that wasn't so hard now was it?"
"If you say so. What about January 26th?"
"Yeah. That'll do. Umm... Valentines day?"
"Plan on sharing that date with Potter huh?"
Hermione narrowed her eyes at Draco angrily, "We are just friends. You already know that you lousy thing."
Draco smirked, "Clam down Granger, don't want to cause any spilt ends to occur do you?"
"I'm not that pathetic. So Valentines day or what?"
"Yeah whatever. But if Pansy nags me for a date your dead."
"I hope she does."
"Do you want to be dead?"
"Maybe," murmured Hermione writing the two dates down they had just argued over.
Draco frowned at Hermione's answer with actual worry.
"What on earth did she mean by maybe?"
A week and a bit past rather quickly for Hermione. It was now Thursday and Hermione had taught herself not to let her 'mask' as Draco called it slip. Now no one suspected a thing to be wrong with Hermione... except Draco. He seemed to be keeping a close eye on Hermione's behaviour, much to his confusion. Why did he care what was wrong with her when he had to figure what he wanted in his own life? They didn't even get along. But when they did it only lasted for a spilt second.
Hermione entered her Charms class five minutes before lesson started. She was the first to arrive, much to her relief. Grabbing a table, second row from the back, Hermione pulled her journal out.
No one suspects anything to be troubling me. They think everything is 'perfect' in my life. But as my mother always told me "Nothing is how it seems." And I am going to live by that motto. They can think my life is peachy, but only I will know nothing is how it seems.
But I'm still curious about one thing. What was my name? And I still want to know who I really am. I should have realized something was different from my parents and myself. Dad had blue eyes and mum did too. Mum had black hair, dad had blonde. I have brown eyes and brown hair. Also I loved reading a lot. Mum and Dad only read every now and then... so many differences. I know my name is Hermione Granger. But who am I really meant to be? Can't anyone help me?
Hermione shut her journal as the classroom door banged open and students began filing in.
Padma and Hannah sat besides her smiling.
"Hey Hermione," grinned Hannah.
"Hey you two," smiled Hermione, "How you both been?"
"Oh great!" beamed Padma, "Guess what?"
"What?" asked Hermione and Hannah in unison.
"Well I have a date to this weekends Hogsmeade trip."
"Who?" asked Hannah.
"Dean Thomas!"
"Oh wow!"
"Good on you," smiled Hermione.
"Yeah... are you going with anyone Hermione?"
"No. I have to go and supervise with Malfoy of all people."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," drawled a voice behind her.
"That's because it is," replied Hermione not even bothering to look at him.
At that moment tiny Professor Flitwick waddled in and levitated himself to the top of his desk so he could face the class.
"Afternoon class! Today we will be focusing on turning flames into frozen snow. This spell comes in handy when handling Salamanders."
Hermione and Draco both looked at Flitwick with interest.
"The spell in Glacisis. It can even turn water into ice and lava into ice as well," Flitwick looked around his class and saw both Hermione and Draco looking eager to learn the spell, "Okay Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy, come to the front."
Hermione stood up, as did Draco and both walked to the front.
Flitwick summoned two cauldrons full of fire.
"Raise your wands to the fire... don't let them burn... now say Glacisis with a lot of emotion."
Hermione focused all of her built up emotion on the spell, "Glacisis!"
Draco watched in awe as a white cold substance flew out of Hermione's and onto the fire. He could feel the cold breeze coming from the spell and was glad when she finished.
"Wonderful Miss Granger! Ten points to Gryffindor! Your turn Mr Malfoy."
Hermione watched Draco curiously, not a smug expression to be seen.
Draco, just as Hermione did, focused all his hidden emotions onto the spell, "Glacisis!"
Hermione stepped back as the same white substance that had come from her wand erupted from Draco's.
"Oh excellent! Our two top students did it! Well done Mr Malfoy! Ten points to Slytherin! Now," said Flitwick facing the class as he summoned more cauldrons for the others, "I want the rest of you to try the spell."
"What do we do Professor?" asked Hermione.
Flitwick turned to Hermione and Draco, "Professor Dumbledore asked me to teach you both the spell first. He wants to see you both now. The password is now Fantails."
Hermione nodded and walked back to her desk and collected her belongings. Draco quickly followed Hermione out with his bag as well.
"Wonder what the old coot wants now," said Draco coldly as him and Hermione walked up the stairs to the floor to Dumbledore's office.
"Can't you ever respect anyone?" snapped Hermione.
"Why should I? No one respects me."
"Well what do you expect? Your nasty to everyone! You show no respect to anyone's feelings. That is one thing I have against you."
"No one has given me a chance! Look at Potter in first year! He turned down my friendship!"
Hermione stopped walking and starred at Draco, "You insulted Ron! What else did you expect?"
Draco sighed, "Fine I understand that. But no one else has given me a chance Granger. You want to know why? It's because of my father! Everybody expects me to act the way I do! So I do! But I'm trying to be my own person! Yet no one has given me the time of day to try! Even you!"
Hermione starred at Draco with her mouth open, "W-why did you tell me all that?"
"I needed to tell some one. It all came out," muttered Draco.
He glanced at his watch, "We'd better go."
Hermione nodded and followed Draco in silence.
Why, oh why did I tell her that? Next thing I know I'll be spilling to her that I don't know what I want in life! Than what? We could no longer be enemies thought Draco as he glanced over his shoulder at a silent Hermione.
Hermione focused on the ground confused. Draco Malfoy had just spilled his guts to her of all people.
Now what was she supposed to do? Give him a chance to prove he is different? How could she? She had her own troubles that no one knew about. Hermione looked up at Draco to catch him looking at her. Draco quickly looked away than sighed. He stopped walking to face Hermione right outside Dumbledore's gargoyle entrance.
"Granger... look what I said," started Draco, "Forget about it."
"No," said Hermione, "You are right. The other day when you came to talk to me about the mask thing... you were right. I didn't give you a chance."
"But I don't blame you for snapping at me. It was none of my business."
Hermione sighed, "We better go in. Fantails."
Hermione walked past Draco who looked at her walk up the revolving staircase.
"Okay," mumbled Draco, "We just had a decent conversation... weird."
"Afternoon Miss Granger," smiled Dumbledore, "How are you coping?"
"Umm... all right I guess," replied Hermione, "After this meeting... can I ask you a few questions?"
"Sure. Afternoon Mr Malfoy."
"Afternoon Professor," nodded Draco taking a seat beside Hermione.
"I have asked for you here to discuss a school event I would like to happen. An end of year dance for you seniors."
"But that's eight months away," said Draco.
"I know. We won't begin planning it till its 3 months away. I just want to know what you both think of the idea?"
"I like it," smiled Hermione, a true smile.
"Sounds good," shrugged Draco.
Dumbledore smiled, "Lovely. Well that is all for now. Mr Malfoy you may leave... Miss Granger wishes to speak with me."
Draco nodded and stood and left.
Once the door shut behind Draco Dumbledore spoke, "What are the questions you wish to ask Miss Granger?"
"My parents funeral is one... what's going on? It's been two weeks."
"Ahh yes. We have found a date. This Saturday here at Hogwarts."
"But that's the same day as Hogsmeade... I have to patrol with Malfoy."
"I am going to ask if he can stay with you at the funeral... I know you do not agree with that, but I do not think it would be wise if you walked to Hogsmeade on your own. As for patrolling Hogsmeade I have planned for Hagrid and Professor Vector to watch until you and Mr Malfoy arrive."
Hermione nodded, "Okay... and I want to know what my name was... before you took me."
"It was Ellawise Leonie Verbatim."
Hermione nodded, smiling a little, "Umm... and what are my real parents doing?"
"I can not tell you."
"What! Why?"
"It would endanger you."
Hermione stood up fuming and stormed out of Dumbledore's office.
Dumbledore sighed and looked at the letter before him:
Dumbledore,
It is well known by myself, the Verbatim's and the rest of my troops that the young Hermione Granger is Ellawise Verbatim, my future heir. Do be warned that we will do anything in out power to bring her to her proper home away from the pathetic goody, goody life you have brought her up to believe in. You already know we killed her fake family; next will be much closer to her heart once we find out whom she truly loves. You can watch her all you want but we will get her... yes we will.
Dumbledore sighed and looked at Fawkes, "We will not fail in protecting her. She shall stay safe... even if I die protecting her."
Hermione walked off the bottom stair still fuming, "Can't tell me... to dangerous... I'M NOT A BABY!"
Hermione threw her bag at the nearest wall and watched as green, blue and black inkbottles broke and leaked throughout her bag.
"LIKE I CARE ANYMORE!" screamed Hermione before breaking down in tears and collapsing to the ground.
Her life was a mess. First her and Harry break up, next her parents were murdered, than she finds out they weren't her parents and that her real parents were Death Eaters, now she's meant to be Voldemort's heir. And now Dumbledore won't tell her what is going on.
Draco had been descending the staircase near Dumbledore's office when her heard a screaming voice, a smash, than the same screaming voice. The voice was vaguely familiar. Turning back up the stairs Draco ran back to where he was coming from.
He came to a halt at the sight before him. In one corner was a bag covered in ink, in the middle of the corridor was Hermione crying her head in her hands.
This he had never seen before and thought he would never see: Hermione Granger crying in a complete mess.
He'd always seen her as one strong girl who could handle any crisis, big or small.
"What do I do?" thought Draco, "Comfort her or just leave?"
Hermione could feel someone looking at her, looking up she saw Draco standing there not knowing what to do. Why is that he always sees her at her weakest?
"What do you want?" mumbled Hermione wiping away her tears.
"You err... look like you could use someone to talk too," said Draco.
Hermione stood up and walked over to her bag, "I'm fine... thanks for the offer... but I'll be fine... sorry to put you in a odd spot."
Hermione cleaned her nag with a cleaning spell and turned to leave.
Draco sighed and ran after Hermione. He grabbed her by the shoulder and spun her around, "Look a spilled some of my troubles on you... you need to talk to someone and I am offering that. Think about it."
Hermione watched Draco walk away.
"Okay," thought Hermione, "This world is changing. Malfoy just offered some help."
Shaking her head Hermione headed to the Great Hall for lunch.
"Hey Herms!" grinned Harry taking a seat across from her with Ron.
"Hey," smiled Hermione, "Where is Ginny?"
"Dunno, "shrugged Ron.
"Err Ron," said Pavarti.
"Err what?"
Pavarti pointed to the Great Hall doors. Hermione, Harry and Ron looked in time to see Ginny hugging Blaise bye.
Harry and Hermione looked at Ron to see him turning bright red, starting at his ears flowing to his cheeks.
Ginny sat beside Hermione smiling.
"What... were... you... doing... with... that... scum?" said Ron slowly.
"Ron we are friends. Deal with it," snapped Ginny, "Now Hermsies how are you doing?"
"All right. Harry pass the chicken."
"Draco man, why are you checking Granger out for?" questioned Blaise frowning at Draco.
"You won't believe the state I saw her in," said Draco quietly.
"What?"
"She was a mess Blaise... I'd never thought I'd see the light of day where I would catch Hermione in a mess."
"Dude you just called her Hermione."
Draco's eyes widened, "I didn't mean too."
"Dude you've changed! You're changing!" smiled Blaise.
Draco smiled, "Hey I am... all because of her."
"I think your starting to like her."
"No way... nah doubt it."
Draco quickly looked at his food. How could he like her? He hardly knew her. No... no he didn't.
Or did he?
Saturday dawned far to quick for Hermione. Climbing out of bed, Hermione dressed in black dressy pants, a black button up top and black leather boots. She pulled her hair into a ponytail and than headed down to the Great Hall.
Harry, Ron and Ginny looked at Hermione with confusion as she sat beside Harry.
"Are you going to a funeral or something?" asked Ron.
"No," lied Hermione, "What time is it?"
"8:25am. You coming to Hogsmeade?" asked Harry.
"Later on. But I can't hang out with you three. Malfoy and I have to patrol."
"Oh so why aren't you coming straight away?"
"Head business," lied Hermione, she was starting to stress under the questions.
Across the room Draco could see Hermione squirming under the questions being fired at her. Standing up Draco made his way over to Hermione.
"So just regular head duties?" Draco heard Ron ask Hermione.
"Yes Weasley. Normal duties," butt in Draco. He saw actual gratefulness cross Hermione's face, "Her- Granger, we have to go."
"Right," said Hermione standing, "Bye you three."
"Bye," muttered the three.
Hermione quickly left with Draco.
"Umm... thanks."
"No need. I could see you needed to get away."
"Umm... can I ask you something?"
"Fire away."
"I-is this the you, you want to be?"
Draco nodded, "I can only hope you will let me be me... give me a chance to show you I am nothing like my father."
A/N: There we go! You will all have to wait! Review!Tell me your honest opinion please!
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