Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 7/14
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is the continuation to "Models".
R&R
Title: Last Chance
Chapter1:
Goodbye Hogwarts
Hermione Granger relaxed on her bed when she got home from one of her photo- shoots. Her feet were aching from the shoes that she wore earlier. She asked her mother to get some hot water for her foot spa. She wanted badly to do a potion that could easily relieve her pain but she knew her parents wouldn't approve.
Natasha was the one who introduced her to the fashion world. She is one of the local designers in their area. She was still single, focusing on her career. From the moment she saw Hermione, she became obsessed on turning her into a model. She treated her as the daughter that she never had. She has been booking her with every chance possible. But since Hermione was a fresh face, there were only a few who trusted working with her.
Hermione was grateful for Natasha but she didn't like the hassles that come with modeling. Right now she was having a hard time with her aching feet. She was having trouble standing so when an owl was pecking at her window, she had to grab things to support her. She was struggling to stand up when her mother came inside her room.
"What are you doing sweetheart?"
"I have to pay the owl." She pointed at the owl outside her window.
"You go back to bed dear. I'll pay it just tell me how much." Hermione's mum took a small pouch containing some wizard money.
"Mum, I've piled them on my desk."
She went over Hermione's desk and sure enough there were coins piled on her desk. Hermione piled her money as to how much she'll have to pay for the Daily Prophet everyday. She deemed it necessary to know the activities of Voldemort and his Death Eaters to help Harry in some way. Her mother took 1 pile and paid it to the owl as she took the paper in exchange. Hermione was fixing her mixture for her foot spa evidently not minding her mother looking at the paper, which was a big mistake.
Hermione looked up to ask her mum for the paper but was surprised at her mother's expression. "Mum, what's wrong?"
Her face was completely white, "This is what's wrong." She flipped the front page so that Hermione could see it.
Hermione didn't have to strain her eyes, she saw the headlines flashing, "Voldemort strikes terror at Windstale with the death of a Muggle-born Witch." 'Voldemort made his move at last. What will the Ministry do about this? What's Dumbledore's move? Are Harry and Ron aware of this? How is Harry doing? He'll be in trouble that's for sure. He's bound to be his target sooner or later."
"Who's this Voldemort?"
Hermione noticed the concerned tone that her mother used.
"Don't you dare lie to me Hermione!"
"He's just another wizard."
"A wizard who kills muggle-born witches!?!"
"Mum it's nothing serious. Our headmaster can handle him. Don't worry." Hermione was trying to convince herself as well.
"I know you better than you think and from what I can see, you're scared of him too!"
"Mum, I have great wizards as my friends. There's really no danger."
She sighed before answering her daughter, "Dearest, I think that you should skip this year."
"Mum, NO!" Her eyes were fiery with Passion. "This is my last year and I'm Head Girl! I just can't leave Hogwarts!"
"But dear, I don't want you to get hurt."
"Mum, I've worked real hard to get at where I am. Don't ask me to throw it all away." She pleaded.
"I know, I know." She stroked her daughter's hair, "We witnessed all your triumph and your father and I are very proud of you. We really are. But we also love you. And I think Hogwarts is not a safe place for you. Our first duty is to protect you and if we agree to let you go back there we would be putting you in danger."
"But the headmaster already set the necessary precautions. He has put up charms and other spells to protect the castle. He wouldn't let anyone hurt any of his students."
"I know how you feel, we're not really asking you to forget Hogwarts. You can go back when everything blows over."
"Mum, Harry Potter's my boyfriend and he has faced Voldemort a lot of times and survived. Surely he'll protect me."
"I don't want you to have any relationship that's prone to trouble."
"Harry's a great wizard! He can handle Voldemort any time!" She said although she wasn't so sure.
"Hermione, he will only cause you trouble. I want you to end your relationship with him and that's final! That goes the same with my decision with Hogwarts!" She turned around and left the room.
Hermione was left to wallow and absorb what her mother just said. "Me and my big mouth! Why did I even mention Harry?"
Suddenly she couldn't feel her feet throbbing; all she felt was the longing to see her friends. She walked across her room and sat at her desk. She took out a quill and parchment. "I don't think there's anything wrong with telling my friends that I won't be coming back to Hogwarts."
Ever since she got hurt in Hogwarts, her parents bought a family owl to communicate with her. She slipped her 2 letters and watched her fly away.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ron was playing Quidditch at his yard when he saw a familiar owl headed at his direction. 'That's Hermione's owl. What could she possibly want? It's only been 3 days." He reached for the letter and started to read it. When the meaning of the letter dawned on him, he felt shocked. 'I won't see her next year, our final year together.' He didn't realize it but the letter dropped and floated to one of the bedroom windows of the Burrow.
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry saw Hermione's owl flying towards his window. He was staying with the Dursley's this summer. Anything coming from her was refreshing. He eagerly waited for it to land in his bedroom. The owl dropped the letter and left in the same minute. Harry quickly read the letter. He was shocked when he realized that she wasn't coming back to Hogwarts next year then he read the last part of the letter. 'Fuck! She's even breaking up with me!' He crumpled the letter almost tearing it. He grabbed some parchment and a quill. He was thinking of words to say to woo her, to make her stay but then he realized that he sent Hedwig for a mission that could take a while. He cursed himself for not keeping Hermione's owl for a little while.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ginny saw a letter lying on her bed. She got curious and read it. She went to the yard to find Ron. "Hey Ron, can I borrow Pig?"
"Sure, Gin. Who're you writing to?"
"No one. There are just a few things I have to tell someone."
Ron shrugged thinking it was just some gossip she's passing to Parvati and/or Lavender.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione felt depressed at her mum's decision. She talked to her father about it but he agreed 101% with her mum. She usually argues with her parents to get things she wanted (like textbooks on the disarming world for extra reading) but this was not a debate she could win.
She took out 'Hogwarts, A History' and started reminiscing. She was expecting letters from Harry and Ron so she glanced at her window every 5 minutes. When she heard something pecking on her window, she eagerly stood up and almost ran to let the owl in. She didn't recognize the owl. 'This isn't Hedwig or Pig. Who would've sent this one?' She took the letter from the owl and started to read it. She paused recognizing the handwriting. She smiled as she continued reading it.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next day Hermione was full of spirit as she faced her parents for breakfast. "Good day Mum, Dad!"
"You're feeling good today sweetheart."
"I've a proposition to make."
"What is it?" Her mum raised her eyebrow preparing for another battle.
"Since you wouldn't allow me to go back to Hogwarts, I demand that you guys buy me the things I needed for next year. I would like to continue my studies even when I'm away from Hogwarts."
"Isn't that illegal?"
"Performing magic in front of muggles and outside Hogwarts is illegal but since I won't be attending Hogwarts next year, technically, that rule does not apply to me in some ways."
'I must admit my little girl's really determined.' "What makes you think that we support you with this decision?"
"I thought you wanted me to excel in my studies? I have to study my grades when I come back."
This time Hermione's father was first to talk. "Hermione has a point." He looked at her feeling guilty for separating her from her friends. "I support you in your self study."
Hermione smiled at him and turned hopefully at her mum.
"Fine!" She said accepting defeat. "Just make sure that this house won't attract attention and that this house will remain the same way as today."
Hermione nodded eagerly. "What are you guys waiting for? Let's go shopping!"
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione was pleased when she got all her things set up in her room. 'What should I do first?' She began thinking of the dangers that she's encountered or Harry's experiences. Then the article from the Daily Prophet appeared in her mind. "Death of muggle-born witch."
'Maybe I should try to make a potions that can withstand the 'Avada Kedavra Curse. Maybe mum would let me go back to Hogwarts if I can protect myself.'
'Don't be obnoxious, no one's ever found a solution to it.'
'Then again, there's no harm in trying.'
'Fine! I'll call this, project Etheral'
~~~~~~~~~~
One week has passed still there was no word from Harry or Ron. 'If they don't care about me then fine! I won't care about them either.' She kept repeating that line in her head everyday that passed without receiving a word from them. She would take her mind off by focusing on the potion that she was trying to conjure. But she was also getting frustrated with it since she didn't seem to be going anywhere.
She dropped herself on her bed and took out the only letter she received since she got home.
Dear Hermione,
How are you doing? I've missed your letters. The weather here is pretty much bearable. (The letter went on and on but she jumped to the last part). You never did answer my invitation before and I was wondering if you'd be able to accept it this time? It's your last year in Hogwarts and I just thought that I could help you prepare for it. Well, that's it I guess. Just owl me when so that I can meet you wherever.
Missing you,
Viktor Krum
She felt giddy after reading the letter. She considered accepting the invitation. 'Harry's already mad at me. I doubt that he'd mind me going to Viktor's for a while.'
'Yeah right, he'd blow his top off if he finds out, besides you still don't know if he's mad at you. He hasn't sent Hedwig yet.'
'He may not be mad, but I am.' She countered stubbornly.
'For not answering?'
'For ignoring me. It's as if its ok with him or Ron that I'm not coming back to Hogwarts!'
Hermione felt pissed. It's already been a week and she still hasn't received any word form her 2 best friends. 'Maybe they're not really my friends after all.' She went down to prepare dinner for their family. She loved baking. She decided to make Lasagna for dinner. That was her favorite dish. After putting the pasta in the oven she began preparing the table. She watched the clock as she waited for her parents.
Her parents arrived at the same time and headed straight for the dining table. Hermione welcomed them by giving each a kiss on the cheek. "Good evening Mum, Dad."
"Sweetheart? When will you finish that potion? I can hardly smell the food that you're baking." Her mum pointed towards the oven.
"Do you really want to get rid of the smell mum?"
"Of course dear. What would we say if let's say, Natasha came for dinner?"
"Well, I could go to a friend's house and take my potion with me."
"Which friend?" She raised her eyebrow. Hermione's father kept his distance not wanting to get involved.
"Viktor Krum."
"A guy?"
"Yes mum."
"How'd you met this guy and wouldn't he ask you about the potion unless he's a wizard?"
"Well, I don't see anything wrong with staying with him for a while."
"Don't you remember the reason why we wouldn't allow you to go back to Hogwarts next year?"
"But mum, he'll be having body guards with him. He's famous you know."
"I don't care. I'd rather inhale all the fumes you produce in your room rather than to allow you to go to a wizarding family."
"But." She turned to her father who just shook his head.
"No and that's final." She took the Lasagna from the oven ignoring any arguments from her daughter.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione took a backpack and started packing things inside. When she couldn't fit everything in it she cast a spell on it so that it could take in some extra room. When she fit most of her things in the bag she cast another spell so that the bag would weigh lighter.
She waited for her parents to start dreaming before leaving the house. She left a note, saying that she's alright, on the telephone. She looked around before closing the door behind her. She hailed the Knight Bus. She looked back before she went in the bus. She was uneasy for leaving her parents with no word. She didn't want to but she felt stressed in her house and wanted to forget everything for a while. She just wanted to forget everything, Harry, Ron, Hogwarts, everything.
She looked for a comfortable bed to lie down and saw a familiar figure looking straight at her.
"Hey Hermione!" He greeted her rather cheerfully.
She strained her eyes to see who called for her. 'Please not Harry or Ron. Please not Harry or Ron.'
"Where are you going at this hour of the night?" He flashed her a sincere smile.
She listened carefully for the voice. It was really dark and she was still far from him so that she couldn't see him. She eventually recognized the voice. "Draco? What are you doing here?"
"Took you a long time to recognize me." He teased watching her walk towards him.
"I'm sorry, it just too dark and I whoa." She lost her balance as the bus accelerated. She started falling face first.
Draco was quick to his feet and caught her a few inches before landing on the floor. He was quick and he didn't mind where his hands landed.
Hermione however minded and felt flushed as she felt his arms brushed at her chest. She felt a tingling sensation sweeping in her. She felt awkward and stood up as quickly as possible, too quick in fact that she ended up knocking Draco. They both started loosing their balance. Draco recovered and helped Hermione steady herself by taking her in his arms.
The slight brush of his arms brought her new sensations and when he hugged her these sensations seemed to explode. She began breathing fast not knowing what to do. She looked up at him to see two concerned eyes looking back at her.
"Are you alright Hermione?"
Hermione was breathless. This was the first time he saw him since Hogwarts Express and she found his face enticingly innocent. She wanted to close the little space between their lips but thought otherwise. 'You have a boyfriend.' 'Who? Harry seems like he doesn't care about me anyway.' "Uh, I guess I'm fine."
Draco released her although he didn't want to. He didn't want to ruin the new relationship they had. He could see though the disappointment forming in her face. "Good. Why don't we take a seat before we talk?" He led her to his seat earlier. "So, what are you doing here?"
"I should ask you the same thing. What are you doing here?"
"Frankly, I was on my way to see you." He said without looking at her.
Hermione blushed at his words. "And why would you do that?"
"I heard things about you."
"Things? What things?"
"I heard that you weren't going back to Hogwarts next year."
Hermione didn't expect him to know. She only told it to her best friends who still didn't send any word of comfort. 'Maybe my letters were intercepted.' Suddenly she felt her stomach began tying themselves into knots. "How did you find out? I mean, I only owled to Harry and Ron about it."
"Someone told me."
Her brain started doing its job as she thought of who could possibly told him. 'Harry would definitely not tell Draco. The chances of Ron telling him is considerably low as well. Wait a minute! Ginny, oooh that sneaky girl would do anything to separate Harry and me. Should I thank her or get mad at her?' She was grateful that someone cared about her and even went to all the trouble of visiting her.
"Are you still thinking who it is?"
"I have a pretty good idea who. But still, I don't see any reason for you to come visit me."
"I just thought that maybe I could help although it seems like your doing fine on your own." He looked at her backpack.
"Oh no. I didn't ran away. I'm just going for a vacation."
"Uh huh. A vacation that your parents don't approve of?"
"Well since you put it that way, I guess you can say that. You wouldn't tell anyone would you?"
"Course not. I came here to try to help you out, not harm you."
"Thanks." She was grateful to have a friend with her.
"So about this vacation you're going on, where is your destination?"
Hermione wasn't comfortable at their discussion. "Why do you care?"
"You were the one who told me that if someone would go hide, that person should at least tell one person."
Still refusing to answer, "Technically my parents know that I left."
"But they don't know where you're going to."
She sighed in defeat, "Ok, I give up." She took a deep breath before continuing. She was actually afraid of Draco's reaction to her news. "Viktor asked me if I could join him this summer for a week or so."
Draco's eyes widened at hearing a guy's name. He didn't know whether to be pleased that she wasn't headed to Harry. Then a thought came to him, "Viktor? The Viktor Krum?" 'Please say no. Please say no.' Harry was competition enough, competing with a superstar was impossible.
"Yeah. He invited me before our 5th year class started. I felt it necessary to accept his 2nd invitation."
"Have you seen each other since?"
"No, but we did stay in touch for some time."
'Fuck! If he liked her even before her transformation, how would he react when he sees her now?' "Why him? What would Harry say? Why not go to Potter or Weasley?" He was careful to pronounce their names correctly.
"It's something personal. Are you tagging along?"
"If it's ok with him then I might as well."
"You could go home now." She didn't like the idea of the 2 meeting again.
"Yeah, but I'd rather spend time having some fun than being stuck at home."
Hermione remembered what happened to him last year. His mother died in the presence of his father. "What happened when you got home?"
"Nothing much."
"What did you father say?"
"Nothing." He didn't want to talk about his problems.
"Nothing?"
"He wasn't home, even now. We haven't met yet."
"Did you find out what happened to your mum?"
"Not yet. Can we, can we stop this conversation?"
"Sorry." Hermione looked down embarrassed at how she acted.
"It's just that, I want to forget it. That's all."
"I understand." Somehow she forgot all the things that have come between them except those special moments she had had with him last year. She couldn't help but blame his parents for the way that he acts right now. He could've been different if it wasn't for his father. She just couldn't understand how a parent could refuse to love his child. Her parents did more than love her. She suddenly felt tensed. She felt guilty for going against her parents. All they've given her was love and now she betrayed them.
Hermione stood up and looked for a bed she could rest. That night her dreams deviate from her friends to another person that lay close to her.
~~~~~~~~~~
When Hermione left to sleep Draco felt the emptiness that he felt when she wasn't next to him. He was glad to be traveling with her, without her bodyguards. He wanted her for so long now. He just wanted to be near her. He recalled how soft she felt when he touched her earlier. He could've sworn that she responded to his touch. Somehow, he regretted getting so close to her. He'd be having a hell of a time trying to forget how good she felt against him. Before he realized it, he was out like a log dreaming of a beautiful lady who was sleeping near him.
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Thanks to Toni for checking my stories. Appreciate it!
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is the continuation to "Models".
R&R
Title: Last Chance
Chapter1:
Goodbye Hogwarts
Hermione Granger relaxed on her bed when she got home from one of her photo- shoots. Her feet were aching from the shoes that she wore earlier. She asked her mother to get some hot water for her foot spa. She wanted badly to do a potion that could easily relieve her pain but she knew her parents wouldn't approve.
Natasha was the one who introduced her to the fashion world. She is one of the local designers in their area. She was still single, focusing on her career. From the moment she saw Hermione, she became obsessed on turning her into a model. She treated her as the daughter that she never had. She has been booking her with every chance possible. But since Hermione was a fresh face, there were only a few who trusted working with her.
Hermione was grateful for Natasha but she didn't like the hassles that come with modeling. Right now she was having a hard time with her aching feet. She was having trouble standing so when an owl was pecking at her window, she had to grab things to support her. She was struggling to stand up when her mother came inside her room.
"What are you doing sweetheart?"
"I have to pay the owl." She pointed at the owl outside her window.
"You go back to bed dear. I'll pay it just tell me how much." Hermione's mum took a small pouch containing some wizard money.
"Mum, I've piled them on my desk."
She went over Hermione's desk and sure enough there were coins piled on her desk. Hermione piled her money as to how much she'll have to pay for the Daily Prophet everyday. She deemed it necessary to know the activities of Voldemort and his Death Eaters to help Harry in some way. Her mother took 1 pile and paid it to the owl as she took the paper in exchange. Hermione was fixing her mixture for her foot spa evidently not minding her mother looking at the paper, which was a big mistake.
Hermione looked up to ask her mum for the paper but was surprised at her mother's expression. "Mum, what's wrong?"
Her face was completely white, "This is what's wrong." She flipped the front page so that Hermione could see it.
Hermione didn't have to strain her eyes, she saw the headlines flashing, "Voldemort strikes terror at Windstale with the death of a Muggle-born Witch." 'Voldemort made his move at last. What will the Ministry do about this? What's Dumbledore's move? Are Harry and Ron aware of this? How is Harry doing? He'll be in trouble that's for sure. He's bound to be his target sooner or later."
"Who's this Voldemort?"
Hermione noticed the concerned tone that her mother used.
"Don't you dare lie to me Hermione!"
"He's just another wizard."
"A wizard who kills muggle-born witches!?!"
"Mum it's nothing serious. Our headmaster can handle him. Don't worry." Hermione was trying to convince herself as well.
"I know you better than you think and from what I can see, you're scared of him too!"
"Mum, I have great wizards as my friends. There's really no danger."
She sighed before answering her daughter, "Dearest, I think that you should skip this year."
"Mum, NO!" Her eyes were fiery with Passion. "This is my last year and I'm Head Girl! I just can't leave Hogwarts!"
"But dear, I don't want you to get hurt."
"Mum, I've worked real hard to get at where I am. Don't ask me to throw it all away." She pleaded.
"I know, I know." She stroked her daughter's hair, "We witnessed all your triumph and your father and I are very proud of you. We really are. But we also love you. And I think Hogwarts is not a safe place for you. Our first duty is to protect you and if we agree to let you go back there we would be putting you in danger."
"But the headmaster already set the necessary precautions. He has put up charms and other spells to protect the castle. He wouldn't let anyone hurt any of his students."
"I know how you feel, we're not really asking you to forget Hogwarts. You can go back when everything blows over."
"Mum, Harry Potter's my boyfriend and he has faced Voldemort a lot of times and survived. Surely he'll protect me."
"I don't want you to have any relationship that's prone to trouble."
"Harry's a great wizard! He can handle Voldemort any time!" She said although she wasn't so sure.
"Hermione, he will only cause you trouble. I want you to end your relationship with him and that's final! That goes the same with my decision with Hogwarts!" She turned around and left the room.
Hermione was left to wallow and absorb what her mother just said. "Me and my big mouth! Why did I even mention Harry?"
Suddenly she couldn't feel her feet throbbing; all she felt was the longing to see her friends. She walked across her room and sat at her desk. She took out a quill and parchment. "I don't think there's anything wrong with telling my friends that I won't be coming back to Hogwarts."
Ever since she got hurt in Hogwarts, her parents bought a family owl to communicate with her. She slipped her 2 letters and watched her fly away.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ron was playing Quidditch at his yard when he saw a familiar owl headed at his direction. 'That's Hermione's owl. What could she possibly want? It's only been 3 days." He reached for the letter and started to read it. When the meaning of the letter dawned on him, he felt shocked. 'I won't see her next year, our final year together.' He didn't realize it but the letter dropped and floated to one of the bedroom windows of the Burrow.
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry saw Hermione's owl flying towards his window. He was staying with the Dursley's this summer. Anything coming from her was refreshing. He eagerly waited for it to land in his bedroom. The owl dropped the letter and left in the same minute. Harry quickly read the letter. He was shocked when he realized that she wasn't coming back to Hogwarts next year then he read the last part of the letter. 'Fuck! She's even breaking up with me!' He crumpled the letter almost tearing it. He grabbed some parchment and a quill. He was thinking of words to say to woo her, to make her stay but then he realized that he sent Hedwig for a mission that could take a while. He cursed himself for not keeping Hermione's owl for a little while.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ginny saw a letter lying on her bed. She got curious and read it. She went to the yard to find Ron. "Hey Ron, can I borrow Pig?"
"Sure, Gin. Who're you writing to?"
"No one. There are just a few things I have to tell someone."
Ron shrugged thinking it was just some gossip she's passing to Parvati and/or Lavender.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione felt depressed at her mum's decision. She talked to her father about it but he agreed 101% with her mum. She usually argues with her parents to get things she wanted (like textbooks on the disarming world for extra reading) but this was not a debate she could win.
She took out 'Hogwarts, A History' and started reminiscing. She was expecting letters from Harry and Ron so she glanced at her window every 5 minutes. When she heard something pecking on her window, she eagerly stood up and almost ran to let the owl in. She didn't recognize the owl. 'This isn't Hedwig or Pig. Who would've sent this one?' She took the letter from the owl and started to read it. She paused recognizing the handwriting. She smiled as she continued reading it.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next day Hermione was full of spirit as she faced her parents for breakfast. "Good day Mum, Dad!"
"You're feeling good today sweetheart."
"I've a proposition to make."
"What is it?" Her mum raised her eyebrow preparing for another battle.
"Since you wouldn't allow me to go back to Hogwarts, I demand that you guys buy me the things I needed for next year. I would like to continue my studies even when I'm away from Hogwarts."
"Isn't that illegal?"
"Performing magic in front of muggles and outside Hogwarts is illegal but since I won't be attending Hogwarts next year, technically, that rule does not apply to me in some ways."
'I must admit my little girl's really determined.' "What makes you think that we support you with this decision?"
"I thought you wanted me to excel in my studies? I have to study my grades when I come back."
This time Hermione's father was first to talk. "Hermione has a point." He looked at her feeling guilty for separating her from her friends. "I support you in your self study."
Hermione smiled at him and turned hopefully at her mum.
"Fine!" She said accepting defeat. "Just make sure that this house won't attract attention and that this house will remain the same way as today."
Hermione nodded eagerly. "What are you guys waiting for? Let's go shopping!"
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione was pleased when she got all her things set up in her room. 'What should I do first?' She began thinking of the dangers that she's encountered or Harry's experiences. Then the article from the Daily Prophet appeared in her mind. "Death of muggle-born witch."
'Maybe I should try to make a potions that can withstand the 'Avada Kedavra Curse. Maybe mum would let me go back to Hogwarts if I can protect myself.'
'Don't be obnoxious, no one's ever found a solution to it.'
'Then again, there's no harm in trying.'
'Fine! I'll call this, project Etheral'
~~~~~~~~~~
One week has passed still there was no word from Harry or Ron. 'If they don't care about me then fine! I won't care about them either.' She kept repeating that line in her head everyday that passed without receiving a word from them. She would take her mind off by focusing on the potion that she was trying to conjure. But she was also getting frustrated with it since she didn't seem to be going anywhere.
She dropped herself on her bed and took out the only letter she received since she got home.
Dear Hermione,
How are you doing? I've missed your letters. The weather here is pretty much bearable. (The letter went on and on but she jumped to the last part). You never did answer my invitation before and I was wondering if you'd be able to accept it this time? It's your last year in Hogwarts and I just thought that I could help you prepare for it. Well, that's it I guess. Just owl me when so that I can meet you wherever.
Missing you,
Viktor Krum
She felt giddy after reading the letter. She considered accepting the invitation. 'Harry's already mad at me. I doubt that he'd mind me going to Viktor's for a while.'
'Yeah right, he'd blow his top off if he finds out, besides you still don't know if he's mad at you. He hasn't sent Hedwig yet.'
'He may not be mad, but I am.' She countered stubbornly.
'For not answering?'
'For ignoring me. It's as if its ok with him or Ron that I'm not coming back to Hogwarts!'
Hermione felt pissed. It's already been a week and she still hasn't received any word form her 2 best friends. 'Maybe they're not really my friends after all.' She went down to prepare dinner for their family. She loved baking. She decided to make Lasagna for dinner. That was her favorite dish. After putting the pasta in the oven she began preparing the table. She watched the clock as she waited for her parents.
Her parents arrived at the same time and headed straight for the dining table. Hermione welcomed them by giving each a kiss on the cheek. "Good evening Mum, Dad."
"Sweetheart? When will you finish that potion? I can hardly smell the food that you're baking." Her mum pointed towards the oven.
"Do you really want to get rid of the smell mum?"
"Of course dear. What would we say if let's say, Natasha came for dinner?"
"Well, I could go to a friend's house and take my potion with me."
"Which friend?" She raised her eyebrow. Hermione's father kept his distance not wanting to get involved.
"Viktor Krum."
"A guy?"
"Yes mum."
"How'd you met this guy and wouldn't he ask you about the potion unless he's a wizard?"
"Well, I don't see anything wrong with staying with him for a while."
"Don't you remember the reason why we wouldn't allow you to go back to Hogwarts next year?"
"But mum, he'll be having body guards with him. He's famous you know."
"I don't care. I'd rather inhale all the fumes you produce in your room rather than to allow you to go to a wizarding family."
"But." She turned to her father who just shook his head.
"No and that's final." She took the Lasagna from the oven ignoring any arguments from her daughter.
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Hermione took a backpack and started packing things inside. When she couldn't fit everything in it she cast a spell on it so that it could take in some extra room. When she fit most of her things in the bag she cast another spell so that the bag would weigh lighter.
She waited for her parents to start dreaming before leaving the house. She left a note, saying that she's alright, on the telephone. She looked around before closing the door behind her. She hailed the Knight Bus. She looked back before she went in the bus. She was uneasy for leaving her parents with no word. She didn't want to but she felt stressed in her house and wanted to forget everything for a while. She just wanted to forget everything, Harry, Ron, Hogwarts, everything.
She looked for a comfortable bed to lie down and saw a familiar figure looking straight at her.
"Hey Hermione!" He greeted her rather cheerfully.
She strained her eyes to see who called for her. 'Please not Harry or Ron. Please not Harry or Ron.'
"Where are you going at this hour of the night?" He flashed her a sincere smile.
She listened carefully for the voice. It was really dark and she was still far from him so that she couldn't see him. She eventually recognized the voice. "Draco? What are you doing here?"
"Took you a long time to recognize me." He teased watching her walk towards him.
"I'm sorry, it just too dark and I whoa." She lost her balance as the bus accelerated. She started falling face first.
Draco was quick to his feet and caught her a few inches before landing on the floor. He was quick and he didn't mind where his hands landed.
Hermione however minded and felt flushed as she felt his arms brushed at her chest. She felt a tingling sensation sweeping in her. She felt awkward and stood up as quickly as possible, too quick in fact that she ended up knocking Draco. They both started loosing their balance. Draco recovered and helped Hermione steady herself by taking her in his arms.
The slight brush of his arms brought her new sensations and when he hugged her these sensations seemed to explode. She began breathing fast not knowing what to do. She looked up at him to see two concerned eyes looking back at her.
"Are you alright Hermione?"
Hermione was breathless. This was the first time he saw him since Hogwarts Express and she found his face enticingly innocent. She wanted to close the little space between their lips but thought otherwise. 'You have a boyfriend.' 'Who? Harry seems like he doesn't care about me anyway.' "Uh, I guess I'm fine."
Draco released her although he didn't want to. He didn't want to ruin the new relationship they had. He could see though the disappointment forming in her face. "Good. Why don't we take a seat before we talk?" He led her to his seat earlier. "So, what are you doing here?"
"I should ask you the same thing. What are you doing here?"
"Frankly, I was on my way to see you." He said without looking at her.
Hermione blushed at his words. "And why would you do that?"
"I heard things about you."
"Things? What things?"
"I heard that you weren't going back to Hogwarts next year."
Hermione didn't expect him to know. She only told it to her best friends who still didn't send any word of comfort. 'Maybe my letters were intercepted.' Suddenly she felt her stomach began tying themselves into knots. "How did you find out? I mean, I only owled to Harry and Ron about it."
"Someone told me."
Her brain started doing its job as she thought of who could possibly told him. 'Harry would definitely not tell Draco. The chances of Ron telling him is considerably low as well. Wait a minute! Ginny, oooh that sneaky girl would do anything to separate Harry and me. Should I thank her or get mad at her?' She was grateful that someone cared about her and even went to all the trouble of visiting her.
"Are you still thinking who it is?"
"I have a pretty good idea who. But still, I don't see any reason for you to come visit me."
"I just thought that maybe I could help although it seems like your doing fine on your own." He looked at her backpack.
"Oh no. I didn't ran away. I'm just going for a vacation."
"Uh huh. A vacation that your parents don't approve of?"
"Well since you put it that way, I guess you can say that. You wouldn't tell anyone would you?"
"Course not. I came here to try to help you out, not harm you."
"Thanks." She was grateful to have a friend with her.
"So about this vacation you're going on, where is your destination?"
Hermione wasn't comfortable at their discussion. "Why do you care?"
"You were the one who told me that if someone would go hide, that person should at least tell one person."
Still refusing to answer, "Technically my parents know that I left."
"But they don't know where you're going to."
She sighed in defeat, "Ok, I give up." She took a deep breath before continuing. She was actually afraid of Draco's reaction to her news. "Viktor asked me if I could join him this summer for a week or so."
Draco's eyes widened at hearing a guy's name. He didn't know whether to be pleased that she wasn't headed to Harry. Then a thought came to him, "Viktor? The Viktor Krum?" 'Please say no. Please say no.' Harry was competition enough, competing with a superstar was impossible.
"Yeah. He invited me before our 5th year class started. I felt it necessary to accept his 2nd invitation."
"Have you seen each other since?"
"No, but we did stay in touch for some time."
'Fuck! If he liked her even before her transformation, how would he react when he sees her now?' "Why him? What would Harry say? Why not go to Potter or Weasley?" He was careful to pronounce their names correctly.
"It's something personal. Are you tagging along?"
"If it's ok with him then I might as well."
"You could go home now." She didn't like the idea of the 2 meeting again.
"Yeah, but I'd rather spend time having some fun than being stuck at home."
Hermione remembered what happened to him last year. His mother died in the presence of his father. "What happened when you got home?"
"Nothing much."
"What did you father say?"
"Nothing." He didn't want to talk about his problems.
"Nothing?"
"He wasn't home, even now. We haven't met yet."
"Did you find out what happened to your mum?"
"Not yet. Can we, can we stop this conversation?"
"Sorry." Hermione looked down embarrassed at how she acted.
"It's just that, I want to forget it. That's all."
"I understand." Somehow she forgot all the things that have come between them except those special moments she had had with him last year. She couldn't help but blame his parents for the way that he acts right now. He could've been different if it wasn't for his father. She just couldn't understand how a parent could refuse to love his child. Her parents did more than love her. She suddenly felt tensed. She felt guilty for going against her parents. All they've given her was love and now she betrayed them.
Hermione stood up and looked for a bed she could rest. That night her dreams deviate from her friends to another person that lay close to her.
~~~~~~~~~~
When Hermione left to sleep Draco felt the emptiness that he felt when she wasn't next to him. He was glad to be traveling with her, without her bodyguards. He wanted her for so long now. He just wanted to be near her. He recalled how soft she felt when he touched her earlier. He could've sworn that she responded to his touch. Somehow, he regretted getting so close to her. He'd be having a hell of a time trying to forget how good she felt against him. Before he realized it, he was out like a log dreaming of a beautiful lady who was sleeping near him.
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A/N: Thanks to Toni for checking my stories. Appreciate it!