(A/N: I decided that I would leave you all with more to think about instead
of that boring chapter. So here's chapter three! Enjoy!)
Orchid6297: Thanks so much for your speedy review! It makes everything worthwhile! I agree, the whole Head thing is WAY overdone, I mean how many times can that happen?! Thanks for everything!
Disclaimer: Anyone reading this I want you all (after your done) to sign my petition. I figure that since I don't own the rights to Harry Potter, maybe I can petition for them. Help me out!! I really want those!
And so the story continues....
CHAPTER THREE: BREAKDOWN AT BREAKFAST
"Who's that I hear?"
"It's me Mrs. Weasley"
"Hermione dear what are you doing up so early? And what's this...breakfast?" The woman asked happily looking at Hermione, setting a dish of steaming hot sausages on the table.
"I wanted to surprise you" Hermione said
"Oh now isn't that nice?! Thank you sweet!" The woman gushed. "What's the occasion?"
Hermione smiled coyly, "I got Head Girl"
Ron came down the stairs rubbing his eyes, but when he saw breakfast he hurried to the table and began loading his plate with food.
Mrs. Weasley smiled, "Well of course you did! Now where are Fred and George? They should see this! Our Hermione got Head Girl but yet not one of them managed even prefects!" And Mrs. Weasley trailed off, muttering about Fred and George as she busied herself with the rest of breakfast. By this time, Ginny and Neville were down; Ginny following her brother in piling her plate high with food.
Hermione laughed, "I can never seem to fathom how you and Ron can eat so much! If I tried eating that much I'd be sick!"
"Well when you grow up eating Mum's cooking you can't help but have seconds!" Ginny said through a mouthful of food.
"Virginia Weasley! Come on sweet, you know better than to talk with your mouth full!" Mrs. Weasley scolded. Ginny rolled her eyes in response, giving Hermione and Neville a smile behind her Mum's back. Neville and Hermione laughed.
By this time, Fred and George and Mr. Weasley had joined their number.
"Where's Bill and Charlie?" Ginny asked
"They had to leave last night after you lot went to bed for work. They don't have the whole summer off like you do" Mr. Weasley responded brightly.
"Neville! Ron! What do you think you're doing?" George asked in a rough manner, making Neville and Ron both freeze with their lips around their straws.
"Uh...we're drinking?" Neville said confused
Fred sighed, reaching over the table and yanking the straws from both of their orange juice glasses out.
"What are you doing?!!!" Ron yelled, getting aggressive.
"Ron please," Fred said, rolling his eyes. "C'mon boys, we're men! We don't drink out of straws!!"
Neville looked at Ron and raised an eyebrow, but both smiled. "Yea that's right, we're men!" Neville said enthusiastically, banging his hand on the table.
Hermione and Ginny who were watching this with great amusement, laughed.
"What is so funny?" Ron asked
"Oh nothing" Ginny said catching Hermione's eye as both broke into fits giggles.
At that moment, Errol smacked into the window again, causing the table to laugh while Mrs. Weasley scoffed "Third time this week...really" and taking the Daily Prophet from Errol's talons and handing it to Mr. Weasley. Scanning the Headline, Mr. Weasley gasped.
"What is it Arthur?"
Mr. Weasley sighed deeply, rubbing his head. "Death Eaters"
"What's happened now?" Molly asked, dirty frying pan in hand.
"They're taking a last stand. Now that You-know-who is dead, they're still trying to prove that they don't need him here to cause terror. And it's working. Got ole Fudge running up and down frantically, assuring the people that no great harm can come to them without He-who-must-not-be-named leading them. Yesterday, they attacked a muggle town and killed four muggles."
As he unfolded it to begin reading out loud, something fell out. Surprised, Mr. Weasley picked up a letter and announced in a loud voice "Hermione, you have a letter."
"Oh" was all Hermione said, resisting the urge to rip the letter out of Mr. Weasley's hands, since it was obvious it was from Draco. She knew that her friends had been accepting with her and Draco's relationship but knowing full well what the reactions of others were; she had failed to mention this to the remaining Weasleys.
Mr. Weasley handed the letter over but the table had gone quiet. All were curious to know who the letter was from, and more importantly, what it said.
Breaking the seal, Hermione quickly read the letter.
"Who's it from?" George asked curiously, as Hermione cringed and inwardly panicked. She considered lying but when Mrs. Weasley who wasn't really paying attention told her to read the letter out loud, she knew she couldn't. Voice quavering and her hands shaking, worried about the outcry that was sure to follow, she read:
Hermione, That's bloody brilliant! But you act surprised? C'mon, we all knew you'd get it from first year! ("Very true" Mrs. Weasley commented) But anyway, congratulations and no, I'm not Head Boy. (Mr. Weasley raised his eyebrows at her, realizing that this person was a boy) Dumbledore offered it to me but I declined. I know, I know, I'll tell you all about it when I see you tomorrow on the train. See you then. (Hermione stole a glance at the table that seemed satisfied by the letter, but deeply intrigued to know who the writer was) I love you. (At this Neville spat out his orange juice, as the three exchanged worried glances, realizing that the letter was from Draco) Love, (Hermione paused, unsure if she should read it as penned. She considered making up another boy's name but knew that that could land her in some serious trouble. So, taking a deep breath she read on) Draco
After that, Hermione looked down at the table trying to block out the uproar that had sounded from the other end of the room.
"DRACO??" George asked before breaking into fits of laughter.
"YES, NOW LEAVE HERMIONE ALONE!" Ginny screamed. Ron, Ginny and Neville had all stood up, reading to fight.
"Draco MALFOY???!!!" Mrs. Weasley's voice shrieked
"YES MUM, WE'VE ALREADY ESTABLISHED THAT!" Ron said frustrated
"LUCIUS'S SON??" Mr. Weasley asked, fist already formed.
"DON'T GET MAD AT HERMIONE!" Neville pleaded, yet shouting at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley the same.
"THE FERRET?" Fred asked grinning from ear to ear. At this comment, the room went silent and the three snorted to themselves remembering the nickname, which only sent George into another set of hysterical laughter.
"Surely this is some infatuation that the Malfoy boy has with Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley said more like a statement than a question. Everyone turned to look at Hermione who had tried to remain calm during all of this.
"No Mrs. Weasley." She said, standing up and looking into her eyes.
'This is it; I'm not going to pretend anymore. I love Draco and he loves me and there should be nothing to be ashamed about, nothing to hide.' Hermione reassured herself.
Mrs. Weasley was taken aback and seemed to be at a loss for words. Finally she said, "Hermione sweet...take it from me, that Malfoy boy is nothing but trouble."
"With all due respect Mrs. Weasley, but have you ever gotten to know him?"
The woman smiled, "I know what this is Hermione. This is another S.P.E.W. thing isn't it?"
"No it's not!" Hermione snapped, causing Ron to look at her with awe. "Look, I know you all are just looking out for 'my best interests' but we've been through enough together. I love him, end of story"
"Love?" Mr. Weasley stepped in, "Hermione dear, that's a very strong word. You're still in school, you all are only seventeen years old!"
"Yes Mr. Weasley we are. But does that mean we can't feel certain emotions? Like I said before, I don't mean to be disrespectful but we've all lived through a bloody war! I think that should be enough evidence."
Both elder Weasley's looked speechless. Finally, Mrs. Weasley spoke shrilly, as if in a last resort. "RON!"
"What?!"
"You approve of this? I know how much you hate the boy!"
"Sure mum. It's Hermione's choice. I mean it's not the first person I would have chosen but they really do love each other, you should see 'em go at it!" Ron said smiling mischievously causing Hermione's ear to go red with embarrassment. But she smiled up at Ron, chocolate eyes saying "Thank you"
"And you all?" Mr. Weasley indicated to Neville and Ginny
"Just like Ron said Mr. Weasley. We're all fine with it. Merlin knows, she's been so much happier!" Neville said grinning broadly
"Definitely" Ginny said
"Well I guess that's it then." Mr. Weasley said tiredly.
"We didn't mean any harm Hermione, but honestly I worry about you all. Just be careful okay dear? I would hate for something bad to happen to you!" Mrs. Weasley said biting her bottom lip. Hermione nodded and smiled, and as much as she sometimes denied it, it was nice to have a 'mother' and 'father' every once in a while.
(A/N: Alrighty I've got three reviews for three chapters so far, I know we can do better than that! Lol...make me extra happy and review for me. Please? And let me know what you think so far! Thanks! Hugs Haystack)
Orchid6297: Thanks so much for your speedy review! It makes everything worthwhile! I agree, the whole Head thing is WAY overdone, I mean how many times can that happen?! Thanks for everything!
Disclaimer: Anyone reading this I want you all (after your done) to sign my petition. I figure that since I don't own the rights to Harry Potter, maybe I can petition for them. Help me out!! I really want those!
And so the story continues....
CHAPTER THREE: BREAKDOWN AT BREAKFAST
"Who's that I hear?"
"It's me Mrs. Weasley"
"Hermione dear what are you doing up so early? And what's this...breakfast?" The woman asked happily looking at Hermione, setting a dish of steaming hot sausages on the table.
"I wanted to surprise you" Hermione said
"Oh now isn't that nice?! Thank you sweet!" The woman gushed. "What's the occasion?"
Hermione smiled coyly, "I got Head Girl"
Ron came down the stairs rubbing his eyes, but when he saw breakfast he hurried to the table and began loading his plate with food.
Mrs. Weasley smiled, "Well of course you did! Now where are Fred and George? They should see this! Our Hermione got Head Girl but yet not one of them managed even prefects!" And Mrs. Weasley trailed off, muttering about Fred and George as she busied herself with the rest of breakfast. By this time, Ginny and Neville were down; Ginny following her brother in piling her plate high with food.
Hermione laughed, "I can never seem to fathom how you and Ron can eat so much! If I tried eating that much I'd be sick!"
"Well when you grow up eating Mum's cooking you can't help but have seconds!" Ginny said through a mouthful of food.
"Virginia Weasley! Come on sweet, you know better than to talk with your mouth full!" Mrs. Weasley scolded. Ginny rolled her eyes in response, giving Hermione and Neville a smile behind her Mum's back. Neville and Hermione laughed.
By this time, Fred and George and Mr. Weasley had joined their number.
"Where's Bill and Charlie?" Ginny asked
"They had to leave last night after you lot went to bed for work. They don't have the whole summer off like you do" Mr. Weasley responded brightly.
"Neville! Ron! What do you think you're doing?" George asked in a rough manner, making Neville and Ron both freeze with their lips around their straws.
"Uh...we're drinking?" Neville said confused
Fred sighed, reaching over the table and yanking the straws from both of their orange juice glasses out.
"What are you doing?!!!" Ron yelled, getting aggressive.
"Ron please," Fred said, rolling his eyes. "C'mon boys, we're men! We don't drink out of straws!!"
Neville looked at Ron and raised an eyebrow, but both smiled. "Yea that's right, we're men!" Neville said enthusiastically, banging his hand on the table.
Hermione and Ginny who were watching this with great amusement, laughed.
"What is so funny?" Ron asked
"Oh nothing" Ginny said catching Hermione's eye as both broke into fits giggles.
At that moment, Errol smacked into the window again, causing the table to laugh while Mrs. Weasley scoffed "Third time this week...really" and taking the Daily Prophet from Errol's talons and handing it to Mr. Weasley. Scanning the Headline, Mr. Weasley gasped.
"What is it Arthur?"
Mr. Weasley sighed deeply, rubbing his head. "Death Eaters"
"What's happened now?" Molly asked, dirty frying pan in hand.
"They're taking a last stand. Now that You-know-who is dead, they're still trying to prove that they don't need him here to cause terror. And it's working. Got ole Fudge running up and down frantically, assuring the people that no great harm can come to them without He-who-must-not-be-named leading them. Yesterday, they attacked a muggle town and killed four muggles."
As he unfolded it to begin reading out loud, something fell out. Surprised, Mr. Weasley picked up a letter and announced in a loud voice "Hermione, you have a letter."
"Oh" was all Hermione said, resisting the urge to rip the letter out of Mr. Weasley's hands, since it was obvious it was from Draco. She knew that her friends had been accepting with her and Draco's relationship but knowing full well what the reactions of others were; she had failed to mention this to the remaining Weasleys.
Mr. Weasley handed the letter over but the table had gone quiet. All were curious to know who the letter was from, and more importantly, what it said.
Breaking the seal, Hermione quickly read the letter.
"Who's it from?" George asked curiously, as Hermione cringed and inwardly panicked. She considered lying but when Mrs. Weasley who wasn't really paying attention told her to read the letter out loud, she knew she couldn't. Voice quavering and her hands shaking, worried about the outcry that was sure to follow, she read:
Hermione, That's bloody brilliant! But you act surprised? C'mon, we all knew you'd get it from first year! ("Very true" Mrs. Weasley commented) But anyway, congratulations and no, I'm not Head Boy. (Mr. Weasley raised his eyebrows at her, realizing that this person was a boy) Dumbledore offered it to me but I declined. I know, I know, I'll tell you all about it when I see you tomorrow on the train. See you then. (Hermione stole a glance at the table that seemed satisfied by the letter, but deeply intrigued to know who the writer was) I love you. (At this Neville spat out his orange juice, as the three exchanged worried glances, realizing that the letter was from Draco) Love, (Hermione paused, unsure if she should read it as penned. She considered making up another boy's name but knew that that could land her in some serious trouble. So, taking a deep breath she read on) Draco
After that, Hermione looked down at the table trying to block out the uproar that had sounded from the other end of the room.
"DRACO??" George asked before breaking into fits of laughter.
"YES, NOW LEAVE HERMIONE ALONE!" Ginny screamed. Ron, Ginny and Neville had all stood up, reading to fight.
"Draco MALFOY???!!!" Mrs. Weasley's voice shrieked
"YES MUM, WE'VE ALREADY ESTABLISHED THAT!" Ron said frustrated
"LUCIUS'S SON??" Mr. Weasley asked, fist already formed.
"DON'T GET MAD AT HERMIONE!" Neville pleaded, yet shouting at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley the same.
"THE FERRET?" Fred asked grinning from ear to ear. At this comment, the room went silent and the three snorted to themselves remembering the nickname, which only sent George into another set of hysterical laughter.
"Surely this is some infatuation that the Malfoy boy has with Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley said more like a statement than a question. Everyone turned to look at Hermione who had tried to remain calm during all of this.
"No Mrs. Weasley." She said, standing up and looking into her eyes.
'This is it; I'm not going to pretend anymore. I love Draco and he loves me and there should be nothing to be ashamed about, nothing to hide.' Hermione reassured herself.
Mrs. Weasley was taken aback and seemed to be at a loss for words. Finally she said, "Hermione sweet...take it from me, that Malfoy boy is nothing but trouble."
"With all due respect Mrs. Weasley, but have you ever gotten to know him?"
The woman smiled, "I know what this is Hermione. This is another S.P.E.W. thing isn't it?"
"No it's not!" Hermione snapped, causing Ron to look at her with awe. "Look, I know you all are just looking out for 'my best interests' but we've been through enough together. I love him, end of story"
"Love?" Mr. Weasley stepped in, "Hermione dear, that's a very strong word. You're still in school, you all are only seventeen years old!"
"Yes Mr. Weasley we are. But does that mean we can't feel certain emotions? Like I said before, I don't mean to be disrespectful but we've all lived through a bloody war! I think that should be enough evidence."
Both elder Weasley's looked speechless. Finally, Mrs. Weasley spoke shrilly, as if in a last resort. "RON!"
"What?!"
"You approve of this? I know how much you hate the boy!"
"Sure mum. It's Hermione's choice. I mean it's not the first person I would have chosen but they really do love each other, you should see 'em go at it!" Ron said smiling mischievously causing Hermione's ear to go red with embarrassment. But she smiled up at Ron, chocolate eyes saying "Thank you"
"And you all?" Mr. Weasley indicated to Neville and Ginny
"Just like Ron said Mr. Weasley. We're all fine with it. Merlin knows, she's been so much happier!" Neville said grinning broadly
"Definitely" Ginny said
"Well I guess that's it then." Mr. Weasley said tiredly.
"We didn't mean any harm Hermione, but honestly I worry about you all. Just be careful okay dear? I would hate for something bad to happen to you!" Mrs. Weasley said biting her bottom lip. Hermione nodded and smiled, and as much as she sometimes denied it, it was nice to have a 'mother' and 'father' every once in a while.
(A/N: Alrighty I've got three reviews for three chapters so far, I know we can do better than that! Lol...make me extra happy and review for me. Please? And let me know what you think so far! Thanks! Hugs Haystack)