Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 9/4
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is the continuation to "Models".
I wanted to thank everyone who reviewed. Loved everything. I was
horrible to Ginny in this story so I thought I'd at least make up for
it in my new stories, "The Haunted" and "It's All About the Money".
I just noticed that when you type three dots (.) it appears as one dot
only.
R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R
Title: Last Chance
Chapter 7
Gambling is Bad
Hermione was having the time of her life. Her friends finally accepted the fact that Draco was now part of her life. She didn't have to plan her day to spend time with each of them. Actually the three of them, meaning Ron, Harry and Draco, were able to spend time together without really hurting each other. For that Hermione was grateful. Not only that, Hermione was glad to be doing a worthwhile thesis with her closest friends.
I guess all good things have something bad that goes along with it. Although Hermione's social life was getting good, her school life was beginning to put stress on her. She's scared that she wouldn't be able to finish the thesis. She didn't want to stay in Hogwarts longer than necessary. So, she spent more of her free time trying to come up with a good idea to make things work. The extra classes were also having a toll on her. They were eating up the free time that she was supposed to be having. Most of the time, she would just skip meals just to meet ends, academically that is.
Her friends were starting to get worried. They could see that she was really stressed out that's why they decided a truce. This way Hermione didn't have to worry about her relationship with them. It's the least thing that they can do.
Even the professors were getting worried. Hermione seldom recites anymore, but her test results were still remarkable. They gave Hermione less assignment during extra class and in Head Girl duties as well. They noted her capabilities last year and they knew about Snape's project for her. They all seem to think that it was an impossible potion. Some of the professors with the likes of Professor Flitwick offered her a thesis project were it seemed more realistic but she didn't entertain the idea. She was set on taking a stand. She wanted to prove to everyone that there's nothing impossible. She did love a challenge.
Harry and Ron knew that she needed to relax a bit. It was still a long year and a lot can happen with that period. At first, they thought that the project was impossible but as they hear her out, they got more and more interested. They were always in harm's way. They've been fighting against the Dark Lord for the past what, six years. It only seemed logical to try to escape their ultimate weapon. Although they thought that this potion was necessary for their own survival, they didn't want this to get in Hermione's health. She has been getting less and less sun exposure. She was starting to lose her color.
They just wanted to help her out. They knew that the Hogsmeade weekend was coming in a few days. They started planning things on how they can get Hermione to go with them. There's no way that they're going to miss this trip for a bloody thesis. In Harry's opinion, he would rather stay longer in Hogwarts if that meant that he'd spend more time with Hermione.
They planned to take Sirius in their discussion about Hogwarts. He seems a bit convincing. Hermione had an extra Defense Against the Dark Arts this part of the school year. They planned to convince her then.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione was feeling a bit tired when she reached the room where she had her extra Defense Against the Dark Arts. She was glad that she had this class for this part of the year. She was having a hard time adjusting to her schedule but she didn't want to give up on anything. She was just happy that Sirius was not the type who gives assignments. He was also a great professor. She was able to perform spells after only a few trials.
She was quite late for the class because her body seemed too heavy to lift. She found Harry and Ron talking with Sirius about a spell or the sort. She tried to hold on the feeling of serenity for once.
When Harry finally noticed her, they put in their plan into action. He came up to her and offered her a seat. These was one of the times were Harry was happiest. He was spending time with his godfather and his best friends, namely Hermione without Draco Malfoy to ruin the feeling. "Are you alright Hermione?"
Hermione gazed at his worried expression and gave him a smile. "Just let me rest for a while."
"You do look awful." Ron observed.
Harry glared at him for his comment.
"What? I was just telling the truth. I think she needs a week's rest."
"As much as I want to, I can't." Hermione didn't have an ounce of energy to argue with Ron.
"Wow you do need a break. You didn't even argue with Ron." Sirius looked at her carefully.
"I can't afford to lose that much time." Hermione whined.
"Then take a day's break. Hogsmeade weekend is coming near." Harry started.
"Yeah, I mean you deserve a break. And it's only for one day. It can do you good to relax. You might think of other ideas for the thesis." Ron started to argue. He made a whole speech to convince her.
"The guys are right. I'm afraid if you don't relax once in a while you'll explode from exhaustion. You might end up spending time in the hospital wing. You'd lose more precious time. Why don't you go with them on your Hogsmeade weekend?" Sirius joined in not letting Hermione argue her way.
"You know we're right." Ron added just to seal the deal.
"Who said anything about missing the Hogsmeade weekend? You know how much I love buttlebeers." The three guys seemed a little shock at her answer. They didn't expect her to say those words. "Besides, I was thinking of buying some more books to help out with the project." Hermione added.
The three guys sighed. "That's our Hermione." Ron teased.
"But then you guys should promise me that you'll put in extra time for the project?"
"But we have Quidditch and all." Ron whined.
Harry nudged him, "Of course."
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione felt restless as she headed to her dorm. She wasn't looking at where she was going. She didn't realize that she almost bump into a wall when a voice called her attention.
"Hermione?"
She turned around to look at the person who called her. "Draco? What are you doing up this late?"
"I was worried when you didn't pass by earlier?"
"Oh, the project? You see I still had those extra classes."
"You look tired."
"I feel tired."
"I know a spell that can-"
"No spells. I don't want to get addicted to those kinds."
"How about the traditional way?"
Hermione could see some mischief forming in his eyes. "What are you talking about?" What can she say she was intrigued.
"Massage of course."
"Hmm, sounds tempting but no thanks. We still have classes tomorrow." She checked her watch, "I mean later."
"Are you sure? I'm pretty good with my hands."
"Even if I agreed, where do you suggest we do this?"
"Do you still remember that room in the Slytherin tower where we shared a night together?"
Hermione blushed a bit, "Don't say it like that. It sound as if we did something."
"But we did." Draco liked it when she blushed.
Hermione's eyes grew larger, "What do you mean?"
Draco flashed a seductive smile, "We slept together."
"But- but-" Hermione's face paled.
Draco almost laughed. He loved these mind games that they were playing, "Yeah, I could've sworn that I've never heard anybody snore that loudly." He teased.
Hermione hit him at the back of his head.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"Do that again and I swear you'd get worse than that." She said playfully.
Draco grinned at her, "See now you look like the old you again."
Hermione arched an eyebrow questioningly.
"You've been pretty tense this past few weeks, I thought you needed some release."
"Thanks." She gave him a warm smile. 'Am I that tired that everybody seem to notice?'
"Um, there's only a few more days before the Hogsmeade weekend."
"Uh huh." Hermione nodded.
"I was wondering if you could join me there. Not romantically of course, just as friends."
Hermione found it amusing to see the great Malfoy stuttering. "I'm already going with Harry and Ron and maybe a few more Gryffindors."
"Oh, I see." Draco looked disappointed. 'I should've asked earlier.'
"But if you'd like to come with us-"
'At least she'll be there.' Draco's brain started to think of ways to ditch her bodyguards. "Are you sure it's alright?"
"Why not, you guys have been behaving well for these past few weeks."
"Then count me in."
Hermione couldn't help but smile. She was pleased that there weren't any problems with her friends anymore.
"Uh, about that massage, are you sure you don't-"
"I'm sure. Why don't you go back to your room now? It's really late."
"Tomorrow then?"
Hermione nodded, "Good night." She watched as Draco's silhouette figure disappear from a distance.
She was about to go inside when somebody called her again.
"Hermione!"
Hermione didn't approve of this rendezvous but she turned to acknowledge the person. "Arabelle, what are you doing here?"
"I heard about the Hogsmeade weekend. Are you going?"
"Yes. I'm going with Harry, Ron and Draco."
Arabelle's eyes widened at Malfoy's name. "Do you think it wise?"
'Why is it everybody's questioning my decision?' "Don't worry, Harry and Ron will understand."
Arabelle seemed a little upset, "Is there any chance that I can convince you to ditch your dates?"
Hermione raised an eyebrow questioningly. "What for?"
"Hogwarts is a boring place! I thought us women should do something fun. Besides, I don't know my way there."
"I could ask Sirius to accompany you."
"It's not that fun to be hanging out with a dog. I would look real weird if I would talk to a dog."
"Sirius would definitely be fun and he knows the best places there. I'm sure you'll have fun with him." Hermione tried to stop her mouth from yawning but it was an impossible task especially since she was really tired.
"Fine then. You better get to sleep. There are only a few more hours before the sun shines."
Hermione nodded and gave her a weak smile before she entered her room.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dale was irritated at being left alone. As soon as he got used with everyday Hogwarts life, Hermione seemed to have cut her responsibility with him. He was actually having problems in getting hold of her. She seemed too busy to socialize aside from Harry, Ron and Draco. He was annoyed at being put aside. Technically this wasn't true. He got most of the female population's attention. Every time he turned to a corner, a group of girls would be waiting for him.
He was already regretting studying in Hogwarts. There were only rare times when he would find a deserted corridor. Fortunately he found one to hide from his fan club for a moment.
"Dale, isn't it?"
He felt agitated to hear a female voice at his back. "What do you want?" He almost shouted.
"Don't get mad at me, I'm at your side."
'This is the girl who's been at Hermione's case ever since they met.' "What makes you think we're on the same side?"
"You want Hermione am I right?"
"As far as I can remember, you hate her, correct?"
"Well, to be perfectly honest, I do."
"So how can you say that we're on the same side?"
"Just let me finish will you?" She gave him a death glare. "You want Hermione Granger and I want Harry Potter. We could team up and break this two up. You can take Hermione away from Harry and I will gladly take Harry away from her."
Dale considered her words well, "Go on, I'm listening."
"Hogsmeade weekend is coming in a few weeks from now. Why don't you ask her to go with you?"
"I heard she was already going with Harry, Ron and Draco."
Ginny thought for a while of a plan to get them all out of the way. "I know what you can do." She smiled deviously revealing a dangerous sparkle in her eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dale was playing Wizard's chess with Dean. Dean in just a few moves has cornered his king. "Checkmate!"
Dale shook his head dramatically as he saw his mistake. Just then he heard familiar voices coming from the portrait hole. 'What took them so long?'
Dean was jumping up and down at finally defeating somebody. He heard people coming from the portrait hole and saw Harry and Ron. "Hey Ron, I finally won!"
Ron looked at his direction. "Won at what?"
"Wizard's chess!" Dean grabbed Dale's king piece.
"Good for you mate." Ron thought it was a bit pathetic to be jumping around for winning at that game.
"Hey Ron, I heard you are great in this game." Dale caught his attention.
Ron's ego suddenly bloomed because of the compliment. "You heard right mate."
Harry however didn't want to stay to hear any of Ron's ego boosts. "I'll head down to the lab for the project."
"Sure mate." Ron then turned his attention to Dale. "Do you want some lessons?"
Dale was trying hard to hide his disgust at the cocky red head. "Maybe I can challenge you so that I can learn first hand from the master."
Ginny was reading some book by the fire and when he heard the two guys talking about chess she decided to watch. "Are you sure Dale, my brother's pretty nasty at that game."
Dean wrinkled his face; "You wouldn't stand a chance with him Dale. Even Dumbledore gave high praises for his skills on our first year." He thought it was unbelievable for Dale to challenge Ron.
"I'm a quick learner especially if we make the game interesting."
Ron narrowed his eyes. He wasn't quite sure what he meant. "You mean a bet?"
Dale smiled mischievously. He moved closer to Ron so that he was the only one to hear. "Let's say, if I win, you'd give up your place with Hermione on the trip to Hogsmeade."
'Man this guy's desperate.' "And what do I get in return?"
"I heard you have your eyes on my broom."
Ron considered this for a moment. 'Hermione for a broom? Doesn't seem fair.' But then his ego got the better of him. 'If Dean won against him then this will be a sure win.' "Deal." He held out his hand.
Dale took it all too eagerly.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Herm!"
Hermione waited for Ron to catch up with her. "Ron, what do you want?"
"Uh, about the Hogsmeade trip. I was wondering if it's alright if I won't come with you?"
"Why? Did something come up?"
"You can say that."
"Ron, I don't want to get stuck with Harry and Draco all alone." She knew there had to be a mediator if things get nasty.
"That's why I asked Dale if he could fill for me."
"What's Dale got to do with this?"
"Um, you see he hasn't found any real friends. He'd like to go to Hogsmeade but he doesn't want to go there with his fan club. Do you get my drift?"
"What's really going on? I know you and I know that you'd never give up any trip to Hogsmeade for anything."
"Well maybe for a broom." He mumbled to himself.
Hermione however didn't quite catch it. "What did you say?"
"Nothing. So, what should I tell Dale?"
"I guess it's fine. I did agree to baby-sit him for Viktor."
"I'm sorry again Herm." He couldn't believe that he lost to Dale. The thing was he didn't lose to him once but three times. He wanted a rematch but Dale was much better than anybody would've thought.
"You don't have to be."
'If you only knew.'
~~~~~~~~~~
Ron and Hermione were partners for their Defense Against the Dark Arts class, which left Harry with Dale.
"I hate these lessons. I'm much better with Dark Arts than Defense." Dale whined as he tried to cast a simple spell.
Harry bit his tongue to stop himself from laughing. The spell was a simple one that even Neville could handle with one of his eyes closed.
Arabelle was a strict professor and she didn't like anybody taking it lightly. She got irritated at the lack of enthusiasm that Dale was showing and Harry wasn't helping. Instead of helping him, he was snickering at him. "Mr. Potter, I've heard a great deal about you and your skills on this subject. Would you like to show some of your skills for the class?" It wasn't really a request but an order.
Harry moved towards the middle of the room rather embarrassed. He looked for his two best friends for support. Hermione and Ron both gave him a smile.
"Is there anybody here who would like to challenge Mr. Potter?" Arabelle scanned the crowd. Nobody seemed to like the idea of challenging Harry at the thing that he does best. If Draco were in this class, he would've jumped on the opportunity to hex him legally. Unfortunately he wasn't so the next best thing was, "Mr. Krum are you sure you'd like to challenge him?"
"I'd like to learn from the master." Dale gave her an innocent smile.
Ron suddenly felt the urge to talk to Harry first. 'This is very similar to what happened to me before.'
Dale shook hands with Harry but before he let go he challenged him but soft enough that he was the only one to hear, "Why don't we make things more interesting."
"A bet?"
"Let's say, if I win, you'd give up your place with Hermione on the trip to Hogsmeade."
"And what do I get out of this?"
"What do you want?"
"I want you to stay away from Hermione altogether."
"Deal!" Dale smiled mischievously.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Hermione!" Harry called out from the frenzied crowd.
"Harry, you were great." Hermione gave him a friendly hug.
Harry was caught off guard by the warmth and fragrance from her. "Can we talk?"
"Is it important?"
"It's about the Hogsmeade trip."
"Not you too." Hermione was feeling rather down.
"What do you mean?"
"Ron backed out, don't tell me you're going to back out too. I mean weren't you and Ron the ones who wanted me to go to Hogsmeade?"
"Yes but something came up. Don't worry I'll ask Dale if he can come with you." 'What's going on? Why did Ron back out?"
"Ron already asked him. Don't leave me alone with him."
'That fucking bastard planned all this. Why didn't Ron warn me about this?' "I heard Malfoy was coming with you." Funny but he trusts Malfoy more than Dale.
"Yeah, but it's still different if I have my best friends with me."
"I'm really sorry Hermione. Let me make it up to you sometime."
"I guess I have no choice." Hermione released a deep sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco was practicing some moves for the Quidditch match the following month. It was a match against Gryffindor and he wants to be on his best shape. He was also busy making plans on how to dump Hermione's bodyguards in the Hogsmeade trip. He didn't realize that somebody was flying towards his direction.
"Hey Draco!"
He expected to see Crabbe, Goyle or any other Slytherin because they were the only ones who called him by his first name. He got annoyed when he saw Dale zooming towards him.
"I heard you play Seeker for Slytherin."
"So what?" Draco hasn't heard about Dale's victory over both Harry and Ron.
"I wanted to test your skills." Dale was rather proud of his skills. He wasn't up to par with his brother but he was still the best Seeker in his school after Viktor left.
"I wouldn't get so cocky if I were you." Draco was containing all of his patience to avoid doing anything rash.
"I heard you always lost to Harry Potter."
By now, Draco was seeing red. He wanted to crush his little head. "You don't know what you're talking about."
"Why don't we put your skills to the test then."
"Fine!"
"And to make things rather interesting, why don't we bet on something?"
Draco knew about these things. He wanted to be careful at what he was going to do. "What are your terms?"
"This Hogsmeade trip, I want you to back out with your date with Hermione."
'Date? It's hardly a date with the two jerks hanging around. If I lose then he'd still have to worry about Potter and Weasley.' "Fine."
"And your terms are?"
"When we get to Hogsmeade, you'll stay away from her."
"Fine, but I should warn you, I've been training in Quidditch camp back at our place."
"Why don't we raise the stakes a bit then?" Draco was getting really irritated at his attitude.
"Fine why don't we extend the limit to a week then?"
"Fine, if I catch the Snitch first you'd stay away from her for a week starting on he Hogsmeade weekend."
"Ditto here."
Harry and Ron were on their way to the pitch with the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Harry was the first to see Dale and Draco. "Bloody hell. He's even challenging Malfoy."
Ron looked at the scene Harry was talking about, "Don't worry Malfoy isn't that daft. He knows that he's the little brother of a genius Seeker. He wouldn't bet on Hermione."
Harry wanted to find out if Ron's peculations were correct. He mounted his broom and headed to Draco's direction. "Is everything alright here?"
"Are you checking up on your housemates, because you really ought to?" Draco asked rather aggravated.
"That's what I'm doing Malfoy." He glared at Dale. "We need to talk about Hermione Malfoy."
"We have some things to finish first." Dale interjected.
"It's about Hermione." Harry stressed on her name. He didn't look at Dale but focused his attention with Draco.
Draco considered the situation before he finally agreed. Both flew a good distance from Dale.
"Did you make a bet with him?" Harry didn't waste time.
"What is it to you?"
"Ron and I made a bet with him already. Don't be fooled by his exterior idiocy. He's-"
"Don't worry I know how to handle his kind."
"Fine but I just want you to know that if you lose to him, Hermione will be stuck with him, alone."
"You fell for his tricks?" Draco couldn't believe what a simpleton Harry could be. "Wait, are you saying you'd rather see Hermione with me than Krum?"
"Don't flatter yourself Malfoy, it's a choice of lesser evil."
"Interesting, you'd still choose the son of a Death Eater to a brother of a star Seeker."
"As long as he's not yet a Death Eater. Look, Hermione seems to trust you more than Dale."
Draco felt his spirits lift high. "I know his kind. I bet he doesn't know my skills as a Seeker. His arrogance will be his downfall."
"I just wish that you're right." Harry started to glide back down with Ron.
"Oh and Potter! Weasley! When I win this match your conditions with Krum still applies!" Draco shouted from his spot.
"Just play the damn game!" Harry shouted back.
"You're actually thinking that you're gonna win!" Dale smirked at Draco.
"I'm not intimidated by your words. You have to prove it to me first!" Draco was planning to be cool until the last moment. From what he was seeing Dale was already agitated and sweating. 'Just as I thought, he's not confident with his skills.' "Hey Potter why don't you release the Snitch?"
Harry didn't want to be ordered around but he did want to see the results of this match. "Hey Malfoy, don't you want me to play for you instead?" He teased as he threw the Snitch he got from the container of balls.
There was a good crowd forming to watch the match between Draco and Dale. The Snitch was hiding for a while and both Seekers were roaming around the pitch like crazy. Harry was scanning for the Snitch as well.
A few minutes passed without the appearance of the Snitch, Hermione walked up in the pitch eager to see if the rumors were true. She heard from Lavender that the hottest guys were in the pitch competing to find the Snitch first. The two guys that came to her mind were Harry and Draco. She was a bit upset. She didn't want to see them fighting more than necessary. She thought that the relationship of the guys was too good to be true.
When she got to the field she found Harry and Ron watching intently at two guys flying high in the pitch. "Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley! What the hell's going on here!"
Harry and Ron turned to face Hermione. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be doing the thesis or something?"
Before Hermione could answer there was a scream that break the silence among the spectators.
Dale saw the Snitch first, Draco got distracted by Hermione's appearance. The Snitch appeared in the middle of the pitch. Dale dashed towards it.
When Draco heard people screaming, he quickly responded. He soared as quick as his broom could handle. He was able to make up for the lost time. In just minutes, the two guys were side-by-side following the Snitch. Draco had a very good advantage over Dale. Draco has been training to win over Harry and this means that he was on top shape. Dale on the other hand was just hanging on to their family reputation. Just as he said before he was a born Chaser and not a Seeker. In a few breathtaking seconds, Draco's advantage became evident. Draco was able to follow the Snitch gracefully while Dale was using everything he learned during his camp training to use. The Snitch was flying down with incredible speed. Draco was following close behind. He wanted to showoff a bit as he waited for the staggering Dale behind him. When the Snitch almost reached the ground Draco grabbed it without hesitation. If it was Harry, he might have waited a few more moments before reaching for it, for a little drama.
Hermione, Harry and Ron all took a sigh of relief. They were after all rooting for Draco.
Draco was relishing his conquest by doing stunts all over the pitch releasing all the energy he got from winning.
Dale slowly went back to the ground near Hermione.
"You were great," Hermione said out of sympathy. Most of Hogwarts especially the Slytherins were rooting for Draco.
"Yeah, whatever." He couldn't believe that he lost and not even to the best Seeker in Hogwarts. He couldn't ask for a rematch because he knew what the result would be. Draco already made sure that he realized that he was no match for him. "Um, about the Hogsmeade trip."
Hermione raised an eyebrow questioningly. "What about it?" 'What's going on with the guys?'
"It seems like something came up and I wouldn't be able to come with you."
Hermione didn't know whether to feel pity or feel pleased. She didn't have to baby-sit after all. She was feeling all giddy. She's been wishing that he would back out. She didn't mind being alone with Draco because she's already spent time with him back Viktor's place. She knew that she'd have fun.
Dale was waiting for something from her. He was at least expecting her to ask for an explanation. When she didn't he marched of back to the castle feeling more disgruntled than ever.
Draco was praising himself. He won! He got Dale off Hermione for a week! He wanted to gloat in front of Harry and Ron so he landed near them.
"Good job." Harry praised him.
Draco was a bit shocked at what he heard. "Did I hear you correctly?"
"Come off it Malfoy, if he challenged me with Quidditch then I'd have won hands down."
Draco just laughed.
Hermione marched off to her friends to congratulate Draco. "My, my, my. Are my eyes deceiving me?" She was happy to see her friends having what it looked to her a decent conversation.
Draco's smile widened.
Hermione gave him a big friendly hug. "Congratulations! You were great."
Draco savored the moment. This was the sweetest victory he has ever won. It didn't matter anymore to him if Potter beat him in every Quidditch match. What mattered was that he won against the arrogant Krum. "Thanks."
"Did you know that Harry and Ron backed out from the Hogsmeade trip?" Hermione was making sure her best friends heard her.
"Really?" Draco thought it was better to act dumb. "Then that means you'll be stuck with me." He made it sound as if it was the last thing he would want to do. He received gracious glares from Harry and Ron.
Hermione nudged him on his ribs playfully. "Not if they reconsidered and join us."
While Harry and Ron's face lighten, Draco each gave them dangerous glares warning them.
"We really can't. But if by chance something else comes up, we'll meet you there." Harry was a decent guy. He wouldn't go against his word.
Ron just nodded in agreement.
"Fine then! I don't see what's so important that you'd miss the trip! It's a good thing I can count on Draco!" She took Draco's arms and dragged him to the castle leaving an even more frustrated Harry and Ron.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dale sat miserable in a couch inside the Gryffindor common room. He wasn't good at dealing with defeat.
"You fucking destroyed our plans!" Ginny was bellowing at him as she joined him in the corner.
"How was I to know he was damn good with a broom as well?"
"It told you to wait for me to come up with a plan first but no you have to challenge him!"
"Then tell me where should I have challenged him instead."
"Potions, dumb ass. Not that I care, Harry's already free for the Hogsmeade trip anyway. You know you did this to yourself."
Dale kicked himself. He became too freaking arrogant. 'All those work for nothing.'
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: I'm really sorry if this took so long. I'm having a hard time
adjusting with my new schedule. I didn't anticipate that my new
subjects would require more pressure as before. I might not be able
to update as frequently as before. Sorry! And to all those who
reviewed, thank you and please be patient! I'm starting to lose my
inspiration and I'm having a hard time thinking of plots to make my
story interesting so please review. It would help me a lot.
Oh and my priorities are as follows, 1) Last Chance, 2) Summer
Camp, 3) Picture Perfect, 4) The Haunted, 5) It's All About the Money.
The top three would be given my full attention and the other two
might be updated let's say once a month or so. The last two are
something I just felt writing, no plot but with an ending of getting
Draco and Hermione together.
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is the continuation to "Models".
I wanted to thank everyone who reviewed. Loved everything. I was
horrible to Ginny in this story so I thought I'd at least make up for
it in my new stories, "The Haunted" and "It's All About the Money".
I just noticed that when you type three dots (.) it appears as one dot
only.
R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R
Title: Last Chance
Chapter 7
Gambling is Bad
Hermione was having the time of her life. Her friends finally accepted the fact that Draco was now part of her life. She didn't have to plan her day to spend time with each of them. Actually the three of them, meaning Ron, Harry and Draco, were able to spend time together without really hurting each other. For that Hermione was grateful. Not only that, Hermione was glad to be doing a worthwhile thesis with her closest friends.
I guess all good things have something bad that goes along with it. Although Hermione's social life was getting good, her school life was beginning to put stress on her. She's scared that she wouldn't be able to finish the thesis. She didn't want to stay in Hogwarts longer than necessary. So, she spent more of her free time trying to come up with a good idea to make things work. The extra classes were also having a toll on her. They were eating up the free time that she was supposed to be having. Most of the time, she would just skip meals just to meet ends, academically that is.
Her friends were starting to get worried. They could see that she was really stressed out that's why they decided a truce. This way Hermione didn't have to worry about her relationship with them. It's the least thing that they can do.
Even the professors were getting worried. Hermione seldom recites anymore, but her test results were still remarkable. They gave Hermione less assignment during extra class and in Head Girl duties as well. They noted her capabilities last year and they knew about Snape's project for her. They all seem to think that it was an impossible potion. Some of the professors with the likes of Professor Flitwick offered her a thesis project were it seemed more realistic but she didn't entertain the idea. She was set on taking a stand. She wanted to prove to everyone that there's nothing impossible. She did love a challenge.
Harry and Ron knew that she needed to relax a bit. It was still a long year and a lot can happen with that period. At first, they thought that the project was impossible but as they hear her out, they got more and more interested. They were always in harm's way. They've been fighting against the Dark Lord for the past what, six years. It only seemed logical to try to escape their ultimate weapon. Although they thought that this potion was necessary for their own survival, they didn't want this to get in Hermione's health. She has been getting less and less sun exposure. She was starting to lose her color.
They just wanted to help her out. They knew that the Hogsmeade weekend was coming in a few days. They started planning things on how they can get Hermione to go with them. There's no way that they're going to miss this trip for a bloody thesis. In Harry's opinion, he would rather stay longer in Hogwarts if that meant that he'd spend more time with Hermione.
They planned to take Sirius in their discussion about Hogwarts. He seems a bit convincing. Hermione had an extra Defense Against the Dark Arts this part of the school year. They planned to convince her then.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione was feeling a bit tired when she reached the room where she had her extra Defense Against the Dark Arts. She was glad that she had this class for this part of the year. She was having a hard time adjusting to her schedule but she didn't want to give up on anything. She was just happy that Sirius was not the type who gives assignments. He was also a great professor. She was able to perform spells after only a few trials.
She was quite late for the class because her body seemed too heavy to lift. She found Harry and Ron talking with Sirius about a spell or the sort. She tried to hold on the feeling of serenity for once.
When Harry finally noticed her, they put in their plan into action. He came up to her and offered her a seat. These was one of the times were Harry was happiest. He was spending time with his godfather and his best friends, namely Hermione without Draco Malfoy to ruin the feeling. "Are you alright Hermione?"
Hermione gazed at his worried expression and gave him a smile. "Just let me rest for a while."
"You do look awful." Ron observed.
Harry glared at him for his comment.
"What? I was just telling the truth. I think she needs a week's rest."
"As much as I want to, I can't." Hermione didn't have an ounce of energy to argue with Ron.
"Wow you do need a break. You didn't even argue with Ron." Sirius looked at her carefully.
"I can't afford to lose that much time." Hermione whined.
"Then take a day's break. Hogsmeade weekend is coming near." Harry started.
"Yeah, I mean you deserve a break. And it's only for one day. It can do you good to relax. You might think of other ideas for the thesis." Ron started to argue. He made a whole speech to convince her.
"The guys are right. I'm afraid if you don't relax once in a while you'll explode from exhaustion. You might end up spending time in the hospital wing. You'd lose more precious time. Why don't you go with them on your Hogsmeade weekend?" Sirius joined in not letting Hermione argue her way.
"You know we're right." Ron added just to seal the deal.
"Who said anything about missing the Hogsmeade weekend? You know how much I love buttlebeers." The three guys seemed a little shock at her answer. They didn't expect her to say those words. "Besides, I was thinking of buying some more books to help out with the project." Hermione added.
The three guys sighed. "That's our Hermione." Ron teased.
"But then you guys should promise me that you'll put in extra time for the project?"
"But we have Quidditch and all." Ron whined.
Harry nudged him, "Of course."
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione felt restless as she headed to her dorm. She wasn't looking at where she was going. She didn't realize that she almost bump into a wall when a voice called her attention.
"Hermione?"
She turned around to look at the person who called her. "Draco? What are you doing up this late?"
"I was worried when you didn't pass by earlier?"
"Oh, the project? You see I still had those extra classes."
"You look tired."
"I feel tired."
"I know a spell that can-"
"No spells. I don't want to get addicted to those kinds."
"How about the traditional way?"
Hermione could see some mischief forming in his eyes. "What are you talking about?" What can she say she was intrigued.
"Massage of course."
"Hmm, sounds tempting but no thanks. We still have classes tomorrow." She checked her watch, "I mean later."
"Are you sure? I'm pretty good with my hands."
"Even if I agreed, where do you suggest we do this?"
"Do you still remember that room in the Slytherin tower where we shared a night together?"
Hermione blushed a bit, "Don't say it like that. It sound as if we did something."
"But we did." Draco liked it when she blushed.
Hermione's eyes grew larger, "What do you mean?"
Draco flashed a seductive smile, "We slept together."
"But- but-" Hermione's face paled.
Draco almost laughed. He loved these mind games that they were playing, "Yeah, I could've sworn that I've never heard anybody snore that loudly." He teased.
Hermione hit him at the back of his head.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"Do that again and I swear you'd get worse than that." She said playfully.
Draco grinned at her, "See now you look like the old you again."
Hermione arched an eyebrow questioningly.
"You've been pretty tense this past few weeks, I thought you needed some release."
"Thanks." She gave him a warm smile. 'Am I that tired that everybody seem to notice?'
"Um, there's only a few more days before the Hogsmeade weekend."
"Uh huh." Hermione nodded.
"I was wondering if you could join me there. Not romantically of course, just as friends."
Hermione found it amusing to see the great Malfoy stuttering. "I'm already going with Harry and Ron and maybe a few more Gryffindors."
"Oh, I see." Draco looked disappointed. 'I should've asked earlier.'
"But if you'd like to come with us-"
'At least she'll be there.' Draco's brain started to think of ways to ditch her bodyguards. "Are you sure it's alright?"
"Why not, you guys have been behaving well for these past few weeks."
"Then count me in."
Hermione couldn't help but smile. She was pleased that there weren't any problems with her friends anymore.
"Uh, about that massage, are you sure you don't-"
"I'm sure. Why don't you go back to your room now? It's really late."
"Tomorrow then?"
Hermione nodded, "Good night." She watched as Draco's silhouette figure disappear from a distance.
She was about to go inside when somebody called her again.
"Hermione!"
Hermione didn't approve of this rendezvous but she turned to acknowledge the person. "Arabelle, what are you doing here?"
"I heard about the Hogsmeade weekend. Are you going?"
"Yes. I'm going with Harry, Ron and Draco."
Arabelle's eyes widened at Malfoy's name. "Do you think it wise?"
'Why is it everybody's questioning my decision?' "Don't worry, Harry and Ron will understand."
Arabelle seemed a little upset, "Is there any chance that I can convince you to ditch your dates?"
Hermione raised an eyebrow questioningly. "What for?"
"Hogwarts is a boring place! I thought us women should do something fun. Besides, I don't know my way there."
"I could ask Sirius to accompany you."
"It's not that fun to be hanging out with a dog. I would look real weird if I would talk to a dog."
"Sirius would definitely be fun and he knows the best places there. I'm sure you'll have fun with him." Hermione tried to stop her mouth from yawning but it was an impossible task especially since she was really tired.
"Fine then. You better get to sleep. There are only a few more hours before the sun shines."
Hermione nodded and gave her a weak smile before she entered her room.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dale was irritated at being left alone. As soon as he got used with everyday Hogwarts life, Hermione seemed to have cut her responsibility with him. He was actually having problems in getting hold of her. She seemed too busy to socialize aside from Harry, Ron and Draco. He was annoyed at being put aside. Technically this wasn't true. He got most of the female population's attention. Every time he turned to a corner, a group of girls would be waiting for him.
He was already regretting studying in Hogwarts. There were only rare times when he would find a deserted corridor. Fortunately he found one to hide from his fan club for a moment.
"Dale, isn't it?"
He felt agitated to hear a female voice at his back. "What do you want?" He almost shouted.
"Don't get mad at me, I'm at your side."
'This is the girl who's been at Hermione's case ever since they met.' "What makes you think we're on the same side?"
"You want Hermione am I right?"
"As far as I can remember, you hate her, correct?"
"Well, to be perfectly honest, I do."
"So how can you say that we're on the same side?"
"Just let me finish will you?" She gave him a death glare. "You want Hermione Granger and I want Harry Potter. We could team up and break this two up. You can take Hermione away from Harry and I will gladly take Harry away from her."
Dale considered her words well, "Go on, I'm listening."
"Hogsmeade weekend is coming in a few weeks from now. Why don't you ask her to go with you?"
"I heard she was already going with Harry, Ron and Draco."
Ginny thought for a while of a plan to get them all out of the way. "I know what you can do." She smiled deviously revealing a dangerous sparkle in her eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dale was playing Wizard's chess with Dean. Dean in just a few moves has cornered his king. "Checkmate!"
Dale shook his head dramatically as he saw his mistake. Just then he heard familiar voices coming from the portrait hole. 'What took them so long?'
Dean was jumping up and down at finally defeating somebody. He heard people coming from the portrait hole and saw Harry and Ron. "Hey Ron, I finally won!"
Ron looked at his direction. "Won at what?"
"Wizard's chess!" Dean grabbed Dale's king piece.
"Good for you mate." Ron thought it was a bit pathetic to be jumping around for winning at that game.
"Hey Ron, I heard you are great in this game." Dale caught his attention.
Ron's ego suddenly bloomed because of the compliment. "You heard right mate."
Harry however didn't want to stay to hear any of Ron's ego boosts. "I'll head down to the lab for the project."
"Sure mate." Ron then turned his attention to Dale. "Do you want some lessons?"
Dale was trying hard to hide his disgust at the cocky red head. "Maybe I can challenge you so that I can learn first hand from the master."
Ginny was reading some book by the fire and when he heard the two guys talking about chess she decided to watch. "Are you sure Dale, my brother's pretty nasty at that game."
Dean wrinkled his face; "You wouldn't stand a chance with him Dale. Even Dumbledore gave high praises for his skills on our first year." He thought it was unbelievable for Dale to challenge Ron.
"I'm a quick learner especially if we make the game interesting."
Ron narrowed his eyes. He wasn't quite sure what he meant. "You mean a bet?"
Dale smiled mischievously. He moved closer to Ron so that he was the only one to hear. "Let's say, if I win, you'd give up your place with Hermione on the trip to Hogsmeade."
'Man this guy's desperate.' "And what do I get in return?"
"I heard you have your eyes on my broom."
Ron considered this for a moment. 'Hermione for a broom? Doesn't seem fair.' But then his ego got the better of him. 'If Dean won against him then this will be a sure win.' "Deal." He held out his hand.
Dale took it all too eagerly.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Herm!"
Hermione waited for Ron to catch up with her. "Ron, what do you want?"
"Uh, about the Hogsmeade trip. I was wondering if it's alright if I won't come with you?"
"Why? Did something come up?"
"You can say that."
"Ron, I don't want to get stuck with Harry and Draco all alone." She knew there had to be a mediator if things get nasty.
"That's why I asked Dale if he could fill for me."
"What's Dale got to do with this?"
"Um, you see he hasn't found any real friends. He'd like to go to Hogsmeade but he doesn't want to go there with his fan club. Do you get my drift?"
"What's really going on? I know you and I know that you'd never give up any trip to Hogsmeade for anything."
"Well maybe for a broom." He mumbled to himself.
Hermione however didn't quite catch it. "What did you say?"
"Nothing. So, what should I tell Dale?"
"I guess it's fine. I did agree to baby-sit him for Viktor."
"I'm sorry again Herm." He couldn't believe that he lost to Dale. The thing was he didn't lose to him once but three times. He wanted a rematch but Dale was much better than anybody would've thought.
"You don't have to be."
'If you only knew.'
~~~~~~~~~~
Ron and Hermione were partners for their Defense Against the Dark Arts class, which left Harry with Dale.
"I hate these lessons. I'm much better with Dark Arts than Defense." Dale whined as he tried to cast a simple spell.
Harry bit his tongue to stop himself from laughing. The spell was a simple one that even Neville could handle with one of his eyes closed.
Arabelle was a strict professor and she didn't like anybody taking it lightly. She got irritated at the lack of enthusiasm that Dale was showing and Harry wasn't helping. Instead of helping him, he was snickering at him. "Mr. Potter, I've heard a great deal about you and your skills on this subject. Would you like to show some of your skills for the class?" It wasn't really a request but an order.
Harry moved towards the middle of the room rather embarrassed. He looked for his two best friends for support. Hermione and Ron both gave him a smile.
"Is there anybody here who would like to challenge Mr. Potter?" Arabelle scanned the crowd. Nobody seemed to like the idea of challenging Harry at the thing that he does best. If Draco were in this class, he would've jumped on the opportunity to hex him legally. Unfortunately he wasn't so the next best thing was, "Mr. Krum are you sure you'd like to challenge him?"
"I'd like to learn from the master." Dale gave her an innocent smile.
Ron suddenly felt the urge to talk to Harry first. 'This is very similar to what happened to me before.'
Dale shook hands with Harry but before he let go he challenged him but soft enough that he was the only one to hear, "Why don't we make things more interesting."
"A bet?"
"Let's say, if I win, you'd give up your place with Hermione on the trip to Hogsmeade."
"And what do I get out of this?"
"What do you want?"
"I want you to stay away from Hermione altogether."
"Deal!" Dale smiled mischievously.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Hermione!" Harry called out from the frenzied crowd.
"Harry, you were great." Hermione gave him a friendly hug.
Harry was caught off guard by the warmth and fragrance from her. "Can we talk?"
"Is it important?"
"It's about the Hogsmeade trip."
"Not you too." Hermione was feeling rather down.
"What do you mean?"
"Ron backed out, don't tell me you're going to back out too. I mean weren't you and Ron the ones who wanted me to go to Hogsmeade?"
"Yes but something came up. Don't worry I'll ask Dale if he can come with you." 'What's going on? Why did Ron back out?"
"Ron already asked him. Don't leave me alone with him."
'That fucking bastard planned all this. Why didn't Ron warn me about this?' "I heard Malfoy was coming with you." Funny but he trusts Malfoy more than Dale.
"Yeah, but it's still different if I have my best friends with me."
"I'm really sorry Hermione. Let me make it up to you sometime."
"I guess I have no choice." Hermione released a deep sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco was practicing some moves for the Quidditch match the following month. It was a match against Gryffindor and he wants to be on his best shape. He was also busy making plans on how to dump Hermione's bodyguards in the Hogsmeade trip. He didn't realize that somebody was flying towards his direction.
"Hey Draco!"
He expected to see Crabbe, Goyle or any other Slytherin because they were the only ones who called him by his first name. He got annoyed when he saw Dale zooming towards him.
"I heard you play Seeker for Slytherin."
"So what?" Draco hasn't heard about Dale's victory over both Harry and Ron.
"I wanted to test your skills." Dale was rather proud of his skills. He wasn't up to par with his brother but he was still the best Seeker in his school after Viktor left.
"I wouldn't get so cocky if I were you." Draco was containing all of his patience to avoid doing anything rash.
"I heard you always lost to Harry Potter."
By now, Draco was seeing red. He wanted to crush his little head. "You don't know what you're talking about."
"Why don't we put your skills to the test then."
"Fine!"
"And to make things rather interesting, why don't we bet on something?"
Draco knew about these things. He wanted to be careful at what he was going to do. "What are your terms?"
"This Hogsmeade trip, I want you to back out with your date with Hermione."
'Date? It's hardly a date with the two jerks hanging around. If I lose then he'd still have to worry about Potter and Weasley.' "Fine."
"And your terms are?"
"When we get to Hogsmeade, you'll stay away from her."
"Fine, but I should warn you, I've been training in Quidditch camp back at our place."
"Why don't we raise the stakes a bit then?" Draco was getting really irritated at his attitude.
"Fine why don't we extend the limit to a week then?"
"Fine, if I catch the Snitch first you'd stay away from her for a week starting on he Hogsmeade weekend."
"Ditto here."
Harry and Ron were on their way to the pitch with the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Harry was the first to see Dale and Draco. "Bloody hell. He's even challenging Malfoy."
Ron looked at the scene Harry was talking about, "Don't worry Malfoy isn't that daft. He knows that he's the little brother of a genius Seeker. He wouldn't bet on Hermione."
Harry wanted to find out if Ron's peculations were correct. He mounted his broom and headed to Draco's direction. "Is everything alright here?"
"Are you checking up on your housemates, because you really ought to?" Draco asked rather aggravated.
"That's what I'm doing Malfoy." He glared at Dale. "We need to talk about Hermione Malfoy."
"We have some things to finish first." Dale interjected.
"It's about Hermione." Harry stressed on her name. He didn't look at Dale but focused his attention with Draco.
Draco considered the situation before he finally agreed. Both flew a good distance from Dale.
"Did you make a bet with him?" Harry didn't waste time.
"What is it to you?"
"Ron and I made a bet with him already. Don't be fooled by his exterior idiocy. He's-"
"Don't worry I know how to handle his kind."
"Fine but I just want you to know that if you lose to him, Hermione will be stuck with him, alone."
"You fell for his tricks?" Draco couldn't believe what a simpleton Harry could be. "Wait, are you saying you'd rather see Hermione with me than Krum?"
"Don't flatter yourself Malfoy, it's a choice of lesser evil."
"Interesting, you'd still choose the son of a Death Eater to a brother of a star Seeker."
"As long as he's not yet a Death Eater. Look, Hermione seems to trust you more than Dale."
Draco felt his spirits lift high. "I know his kind. I bet he doesn't know my skills as a Seeker. His arrogance will be his downfall."
"I just wish that you're right." Harry started to glide back down with Ron.
"Oh and Potter! Weasley! When I win this match your conditions with Krum still applies!" Draco shouted from his spot.
"Just play the damn game!" Harry shouted back.
"You're actually thinking that you're gonna win!" Dale smirked at Draco.
"I'm not intimidated by your words. You have to prove it to me first!" Draco was planning to be cool until the last moment. From what he was seeing Dale was already agitated and sweating. 'Just as I thought, he's not confident with his skills.' "Hey Potter why don't you release the Snitch?"
Harry didn't want to be ordered around but he did want to see the results of this match. "Hey Malfoy, don't you want me to play for you instead?" He teased as he threw the Snitch he got from the container of balls.
There was a good crowd forming to watch the match between Draco and Dale. The Snitch was hiding for a while and both Seekers were roaming around the pitch like crazy. Harry was scanning for the Snitch as well.
A few minutes passed without the appearance of the Snitch, Hermione walked up in the pitch eager to see if the rumors were true. She heard from Lavender that the hottest guys were in the pitch competing to find the Snitch first. The two guys that came to her mind were Harry and Draco. She was a bit upset. She didn't want to see them fighting more than necessary. She thought that the relationship of the guys was too good to be true.
When she got to the field she found Harry and Ron watching intently at two guys flying high in the pitch. "Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley! What the hell's going on here!"
Harry and Ron turned to face Hermione. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be doing the thesis or something?"
Before Hermione could answer there was a scream that break the silence among the spectators.
Dale saw the Snitch first, Draco got distracted by Hermione's appearance. The Snitch appeared in the middle of the pitch. Dale dashed towards it.
When Draco heard people screaming, he quickly responded. He soared as quick as his broom could handle. He was able to make up for the lost time. In just minutes, the two guys were side-by-side following the Snitch. Draco had a very good advantage over Dale. Draco has been training to win over Harry and this means that he was on top shape. Dale on the other hand was just hanging on to their family reputation. Just as he said before he was a born Chaser and not a Seeker. In a few breathtaking seconds, Draco's advantage became evident. Draco was able to follow the Snitch gracefully while Dale was using everything he learned during his camp training to use. The Snitch was flying down with incredible speed. Draco was following close behind. He wanted to showoff a bit as he waited for the staggering Dale behind him. When the Snitch almost reached the ground Draco grabbed it without hesitation. If it was Harry, he might have waited a few more moments before reaching for it, for a little drama.
Hermione, Harry and Ron all took a sigh of relief. They were after all rooting for Draco.
Draco was relishing his conquest by doing stunts all over the pitch releasing all the energy he got from winning.
Dale slowly went back to the ground near Hermione.
"You were great," Hermione said out of sympathy. Most of Hogwarts especially the Slytherins were rooting for Draco.
"Yeah, whatever." He couldn't believe that he lost and not even to the best Seeker in Hogwarts. He couldn't ask for a rematch because he knew what the result would be. Draco already made sure that he realized that he was no match for him. "Um, about the Hogsmeade trip."
Hermione raised an eyebrow questioningly. "What about it?" 'What's going on with the guys?'
"It seems like something came up and I wouldn't be able to come with you."
Hermione didn't know whether to feel pity or feel pleased. She didn't have to baby-sit after all. She was feeling all giddy. She's been wishing that he would back out. She didn't mind being alone with Draco because she's already spent time with him back Viktor's place. She knew that she'd have fun.
Dale was waiting for something from her. He was at least expecting her to ask for an explanation. When she didn't he marched of back to the castle feeling more disgruntled than ever.
Draco was praising himself. He won! He got Dale off Hermione for a week! He wanted to gloat in front of Harry and Ron so he landed near them.
"Good job." Harry praised him.
Draco was a bit shocked at what he heard. "Did I hear you correctly?"
"Come off it Malfoy, if he challenged me with Quidditch then I'd have won hands down."
Draco just laughed.
Hermione marched off to her friends to congratulate Draco. "My, my, my. Are my eyes deceiving me?" She was happy to see her friends having what it looked to her a decent conversation.
Draco's smile widened.
Hermione gave him a big friendly hug. "Congratulations! You were great."
Draco savored the moment. This was the sweetest victory he has ever won. It didn't matter anymore to him if Potter beat him in every Quidditch match. What mattered was that he won against the arrogant Krum. "Thanks."
"Did you know that Harry and Ron backed out from the Hogsmeade trip?" Hermione was making sure her best friends heard her.
"Really?" Draco thought it was better to act dumb. "Then that means you'll be stuck with me." He made it sound as if it was the last thing he would want to do. He received gracious glares from Harry and Ron.
Hermione nudged him on his ribs playfully. "Not if they reconsidered and join us."
While Harry and Ron's face lighten, Draco each gave them dangerous glares warning them.
"We really can't. But if by chance something else comes up, we'll meet you there." Harry was a decent guy. He wouldn't go against his word.
Ron just nodded in agreement.
"Fine then! I don't see what's so important that you'd miss the trip! It's a good thing I can count on Draco!" She took Draco's arms and dragged him to the castle leaving an even more frustrated Harry and Ron.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dale sat miserable in a couch inside the Gryffindor common room. He wasn't good at dealing with defeat.
"You fucking destroyed our plans!" Ginny was bellowing at him as she joined him in the corner.
"How was I to know he was damn good with a broom as well?"
"It told you to wait for me to come up with a plan first but no you have to challenge him!"
"Then tell me where should I have challenged him instead."
"Potions, dumb ass. Not that I care, Harry's already free for the Hogsmeade trip anyway. You know you did this to yourself."
Dale kicked himself. He became too freaking arrogant. 'All those work for nothing.'
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: I'm really sorry if this took so long. I'm having a hard time
adjusting with my new schedule. I didn't anticipate that my new
subjects would require more pressure as before. I might not be able
to update as frequently as before. Sorry! And to all those who
reviewed, thank you and please be patient! I'm starting to lose my
inspiration and I'm having a hard time thinking of plots to make my
story interesting so please review. It would help me a lot.
Oh and my priorities are as follows, 1) Last Chance, 2) Summer
Camp, 3) Picture Perfect, 4) The Haunted, 5) It's All About the Money.
The top three would be given my full attention and the other two
might be updated let's say once a month or so. The last two are
something I just felt writing, no plot but with an ending of getting
Draco and Hermione together.