Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 9/16
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 story, "The Haunted". Check out my other stories:
"Summer Camp" (Draco-Hermione fic) and "Picture Perfect" (Sirius-
Hermione fic).
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 8
The Date
Hermione felt a bit ecstatic at being alone with Draco. She had fun spending some time with him at Viktor's place and she longed to feel the same feelings again. She couldn't sleep well last night in anticipation. At first she felt bad that her best friends can't able come with her but then she thought about the possibilities that can happen with Draco.
She woke up earlier than usual and decided to waste her time inside the bathtub. She poured the same soap as always and day dreamed. She began reminiscing the fun times that happened last summer. She felt that there was something important that she forgot during her stay there. Her mind drifted back to the time she got sick. One minute she was lying in her bed, alone. The next thing she saw was Draco moving away from her because of Arabelle. 'Arabelle was really mad that time. I wonder what happened that could make her react like that?'
She took her time in preparing herself. She paid more attention to her once bushy hair. She chose carefully what she would wear for the day. She chose a pink floral tank top with matching skirt. She wore makeup to highlight her features.
She can still remember her date with Harry last year. She had a hard time enjoying before because she was trying to avoid messing things up. It was a bit awkward as well being alone with someone you've been calling your best friend for six years. Skipping breakfast was also a mistake. She felt a bit woozy during the walk to "Three Broomsticks". That's why she woke up earlier this time.
'Ok, who said that this is supposed to be a date?'
'As if! You and Draco are going out alone! What's that supposed to mean?'
'It only happened because my two best friends backed out.'
'I know you want this date, don't deny it.'
'I just don't want to read into it more than it really is-'
'A date!'
However Hermione tried to argue she still came up with the same conclusion that she and Draco were going to have a date. She really didn't mind. In fact she was more excited than when she went out with Harry.
'Forget about Harry. If he was still interested then he wouldn't have let Draco and I to go on a date.'
She found it strange that Harry and Ron didn't argue when she said that she would be going to Hogsmeade alone with Draco. 'I guess they finally accepted the fact that Draco is part of me now.' She was way too happy to think otherwise.
When she was satisfied at how she looked she decided to go get some breakfast. She didn't know whether Harry or Ron would be there this early but she didn't care, she headed straight for the Great Hall.
Upon reaching the hall, she took a deep breath before entering it. Her eyes then scanned for her date. She was eager to see his reaction. Last year, she was amused to see him drooling over a plain dress. She wanted the same reaction. He was not that hard to find, as soon as he saw her he stood up. Hermione gave her an innocent smile before heading to her table. By now, most of the male population had their eyes on her. Hermione was getting used with this idea. She didn't mind them hooting anymore. She blocked everything in the background.
Although there are people who wanted more than just to look, one of them was Dale. He gallantly stood up and attached himself with Hermione as he guided her to the table. The hooting now changed to teasing. Hermione wasn't prepared for this however and blushed. Dale was more than happy at what was happening. He led her to the end of the Gryffindor table so that he can at least have her this morning.
Before the couple reached the end of the table, Hermione's bodyguards finally appeared. "I can't believe she didn't wait for us." Ron was ranting.
"What do you expect Ron, she might still be mad at us for dropping out on her."
Ginny saw them enter and attached herself to Harry. "I don't think she's mad at you. Actually I think she's rather enjoying herself without your company." She pointed at Dale's direction.
Harry formed a big scowl at his back.
"Bloody hell!" Ron was infuriated. 'He fucking lost to Malfoy, he had no right to be with her!'
Harry peeled himself from Ginny and walked calmly towards the couple. "Hermione!" Harry waved at her.
Hermione was quite relieved to be called by Harry. "Excuse me Dale, I think Harry's got something to tell me."
Dale was left looking like a dork standing on his own. It was clear to the people watching that she'd very much rather stay with Harry rather than Dale. Who can blame them? Harry and Hermione were quite a couple last year. There were people who were rooting for them. Nobody really knew what happened during the summer.
~~~~~~~~~~
It was a good thing Harry got to her first because Draco was already seeing red. 'The fucking bastard has no word. The deal was to leave her alone for a week starting now!' He was already halfway across the room towards the Gryffindor table when Harry got in between. He felt stupid if he would turn around and go back to his place so instead he marched to his date.
~~~~~~~~~~
"That's what you get by dumping your best friends at breakfast." Ron teased.
Hermione sat between her two over protective friends. "Thanks guys. I promise not to leave without you two from now on." She teased back.
Harry couldn't speak. His eyes were busy memorizing everything about Hermione today. She had a different glow in her. It was not just the dress because he's seen her in a more extravagant clothes and her glow today was different.
To ruin the mood, Ginny chose to seat across Hermione. "So Hermione, you were trying to get Dale and I together for a reason right?"
Hermione nodded cautiously. She wanted her to leave her case.
"I didn't realize what the reason was until now."
Hermione didn't trust herself to speak especially not in front of her brother. She raised an eyebrow questioningly instead.
"You were just displacing your little crush on him to me. How quaint. Is that your strategy on getting guys?"
"She doesn't need a strategy Weasley, she's perfect just the way she is. Now if you really want to learn how to fish for guys, I could recommend Pansy for that kind of thing." Draco was able to hear her last remark. "You see any guy Hermione chooses to be with will be lucky. Now if any guy would choose out of their free will to be with you, then you'd be lucky as well."
The Gryffindor trio tried not to laugh. Ron was in a dilemma. He much rather laugh than to defend his sister.
Dale found himself back within Hermione's range. "I think that was kind of harsh Draco."
"Wow Weasley. I didn't think your tactics would work on any man. I guess you're lucky to have Krum over here."
Both Ginny and Dale gave him their best death stares.
Ron decided that he didn't want to laugh or defend anyone so he just changed the subject. "So Malfoy, what brings you here."
"I just wanted to tell Hermione how perfect she looks today." With that he took her hand and kissed it. "I'll see you later." He then turned his attention to Dale and whispered to him, "You and me outside, now."
Dale followed willingly. He wanted to make a point to him for embarrassing him in front of Hermione.
Hermione arched an eyebrow at Ginny as if asking 'why are you still here?'
Ginny stood up and sat with Lavender and Parvati. People have been watching the scene. They saw everything and were buzzing as Ginny left the trio.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco slammed the door behind him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I should be the one upset! What was that for? Don't you ever play fair?" Dale shouted back.
"You should talk. We had a deal. You should leave her alone for a week starting now!"
"We agreed that it starts during the Hogsmeade trip which is in about a few minutes."
"You're just sour because all your work was in vain. I'm the one who gets to spend the Hogsmeade trip with her."
Dale couldn't take his smug attitude and started to lunge at him.
"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Krum. What do you think you're doing?" Snape got in their way.
"Draco started it!"
"Mr. Krum as far as I can see, it was you who started everything."
"Then I would suggest that you should go to the hospital wing sir, since your eyes are not working properly."
"Say that again Mr. Krum and I swear you'll leave this school before your brother catches the Snitch!" Snape challenged.
Draco didn't even have to do anything. Everything worked out fine for himself. 'This will be a great day, I can feel it.'
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco met Hermione outside the great hall. The trip to Hogwarts for the 7th years was composed of a ride on a coach. Luckily they were alone. They didn't have to share it with other people. This gave them some time alone.
"I didn't have a chance to thank you earlier." Hermione started.
"There's no need. You've done a lot for me too."
Hermione didn't understand what he meant and raised an eyebrow.
"You saved my life."
Hermione blushed. She didn't know how to react but to change the subject. "I was afraid you were going to back out on me as well."
"Now why would I do that?" He stared into her captivating eyes.
"I. I don't. I don't know." She was defenseless from his eyes as well.
Draco could feel his pulse racing. This was the closest he got to having her alone. Hogwarts was a very crowded place for him. She was either with Harry, Ron, Dale or with other people. He never had a chance to be alone with her. He wanted to make this trip as memorable as possible. He didn't want to ruin his chance with her but she damn looked irresistible.
He started to lean towards her, carefully watching her reaction. They both knew where this was leading and he wanted to know whether it was all right. He found no sign of resistance. He closed his eyes and closed the remaining gap between them. Before he was able to close the gap entirely their coach suddenly halted. The couple blushed furiously. Draco was more outraged at his luck. 'Don't worry it's just the start of the day. A lot can happen later.' He comforted himself as he helped Hermione out of the coach.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco being a Slytherin had visited different shops in Hogsmeade. This is what made things interesting for Hermione. She had never expected to go inside any of the shops they visited. Most of these were shops were one could buy unusual potion ingredients. As soon as they entered these shops and got acquainted in the place, Hermione's curiosity rose to full bloom. She dragged Draco all around to have him explain what these unusual ingredients can do.
Draco knew she would love these shops. She wasn't the kind that always sticks to the book. That's what makes her interesting. For example he didn't actually expected her to save him the day he sat outside the lake. From that moment on he knew she was different, someone like him.
Draco also knew that she would want to find anything that can help out in their thesis. He knew that their potion would require more than the normal ingredients. He watched her reaction as she entered the first shop. Of course there was a possibility that she'd claw his eyes out for bringing her in such a store. But the moment she entered the room she reminded him of children inside a candy store. He thought she'd only have that reaction when she enters the bookstore. All in all he was having fun just watching her get excited with the various ingredients.
"Draco?" Hermione finally finished her shopping.
"Yes?" He smiled as he saw her eyes sparkling.
"I never would have thought that there was this kind of shop here. How did you find this out?"
"You hang out with the Gryffindor crowd. They don't go entering dark alleys."
Hermione nodded, "So what does the Slytherin crowd do for fun here?"
"We're just like ordinary witches and wizards, we only differ in the atmosphere."
"So you like buttlebeers as well?"
"Of course, who doesn't?"
"So where do you guys get them?"
"I don't think you'll like the atmosphere though."
"I'll be fine, I just want to see where you hang out here." Hermione pleaded.
"My answer is still no. We can get buttlebeers at the Three Broomsticks." Draco didn't want her inside the pub he goes to because he knew there would be Death Eaters hanging out in there.
Hermione gave him a frown and grumpily asked, "Where are we going now?"
"I heard you wanted to look for some books that can help with Etheral."
Hermione blushed, embarrassed. "I was only teasing my friends."
"The sun's still high, we can still afford some time for the project." He smiled at her red face.
"Don't say I didn't warn you." Her eyes glimmered dangerously.
"What do you mean?" He arched an eyebrow.
"You haven't seen me shop inside a bookstore yet have you?"
"Don't worry, I'll pull you away. I didn't plan this day to spend my Hogsmeade weekend inside a bookstore."
"What makes you think you can do that? Both Harry and Ron had a hard time peeling me off."
"I can be very persuasive." He gave her a seductive smile.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco watched her wowing at the books that awaited her. He watched her as she frantically ran all over the store. Although they haven't really talked about anything, he was content at seeing her so happy. Then it happened. A man in a dark hood entered the shop. Draco grabbed his wand as the man walk towards him.
Hermione was having fun checking out the books. Just like in the ingredients shop these books contained dark arts spells, charms and others. 'No way he's going to be able to pull me out of here.' She scanned for him among the crowd. She teased him upon sight, "Hey are you just going to stand there or are you going to help me out here?" She didn't notice the hooded man whispering something to him.
"Do I really have a choice?" Draco's heart started beating fast. He could feel hate forming inside him but he didn't want to alarm Hermione. He just wore his usual expression as he went to her side.
~~~~~~~~~~
When Draco was finally able to pull her outside the shop, his heart started to ache at what he was going to do next.
"So that was fun, anymore surprises?" Hermione searched his face for his reaction.
"We haven't eaten yet." Draco replied.
"So are you going to show me where you get some grub here?" She was still hoping he would reconsider. She was having fun at the new things she found out today.
"NO!" Draco hastily said. "No, especially not now."
Hermione was shocked at his reaction; "Fine then I suppose we're heading for the Three Broomsticks then?"
Draco was feeling very agitated now. He looked over his shoulder as if making sure nobody heard before he nodded. "You lead the way." He wanted to make sure that he 'd be able to protect her in every direction.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione found it rather intriguing that Draco wasn't his talkative self. She didn't really like the silence that came over them as they walked toward the Three Broomstick. She imagined something different would happen between them, something interesting like the one at the coach. She was a girl, a very attracted girl if I might add. She figured that now they would have time alone and then they would be able to talk and then some. He wouldn't be able to avoid her now. She smiled inwardly at her thoughts. She chose a table in one corner to have some privacy with him.
Draco was really jumpy now. Every time a man would come near them he would grab hold of his wand just in case. He knew that there would be lots of Gryffindor people who'll be hanging here and he immediately saw a familiar group entering. 'Bloody Potter and Weasley!' He didn't know whether to be happy or to be annoyed.
Hermione also saw her friends and felt rather outraged to see them with Ginny and the other girls. She stood up and walked to them with Draco following behind. "Hi guys!" Her tone was very irritated.
Harry and Ron turned to face her. "Hermione?" Both of them were loosing their color by now.
"So this is what came up huh?" She arched an eyebrow at them.
Ginny stood up and attached herself to Harry's side, "You shouldn't be surprised Hermione, you two are so over. It would only be natural for Harry to move on."
Hermione just ignored her and glared at her best friends. "Look guys if you wanted to spend time with them all you had to do was SAY THE TRUTH. It's a good thing Draco showed me a REALLY good time." She grabbed her escort's arm and tried to head back to her table.
Draco however didn't budge. He knew this wasn't a great time but he had no choice. "Um, Hermione?"
She turned with an angry scowl on her face. "WHAT?"
"Actually, I just realize that I needed to do something." He decided to deal with them later. He's got some more important business at hand.
"So where are we going now? I thought you wanted to eat?"
"I need to do something alone." He stressed on alone.
Ginny started to form a smirk on her face.
Hermione felt a pang of pain shot through her. 'How could he desert me like this?'
"Your best friends are here, maybe you can join them?" He added quickly, regretting what he just said. He knew that she needed him right now but what can he do? He must leave now or else there would be a mess.
Harry and Ron exchanged curious glances. "You can join us Herm."
"I feel sick maybe I can go back to Hogwarts right now." She managed to answer.
"We'll come with you." Harry offered. Nobody noticed Draco slip out.
"I would never dream of ruining your date with them." She glared at Ginny.
"If so, then you can go now." Ginny wanted her to leave. She knew Harry was still smitten with Hermione. She wanted him all to herself.
Ron glared at his sister as he offered a seat for Hermione. "Just ignore her."
"I don't know how." She accepted the chair.
"Watch and learn." He gave her a comforting smile and took her things.
Harry took the seat next to her. "Hermione, I'm really sorry about all this."
"Whatever Harry, it's done. Let's just forget about it." She however couldn't. She felt betrayed by her best friends and Draco. She felt her eyes growing damp. "Excuse me I have to go freshen up." She stood up quickly and headed to the ladies room.
"Excuse me, I have to do the same." Ginny stood up and followed her.
Both Harry and Ron knew she was up to something but they can't very well do anything especially not inside the ladies room.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione was about to go inside a cubicle to cry her heart out when someone called her name. "Ginny, what are you doing here?"
"Last time I checked this was a public restroom."
Hermione forced herself to be strong. She knew she was in for a battle. "What do you want?"
"I just wanted to know how you feel?"
Hermione thought those words were comforting but since it came to her mouth it sounded like filth. "And your curious because?"
"Because I don't know how it feels to be bet on."
"Bet on?"
"Why don't you go ask your best friends, I'm sure they know a lot about it?" She smirked at her and left.
'What the bloody hell does she mean?' Hermione didn't like it when she couldn't understand something so she thought real hard at what she meant. She focused on the boys' actions before they backed out. 'Ron backed out and told me that Dale would take his place. Harry just lost to Dale during DADA when he backed out. Dale backed out right after he lost to Draco on Quidditch.' Then everything made sense. 'They all fucking bet on me!' By now, all feelings of self pity left her, she was fuming mad at what her so- called 'friends' did to her.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ginny walked triumphantly back to her seat. 'This'll be fun!'
Harry and Ron exchanged worried glances. 'If Ginny's happy that only means Hermione's feeling the opposite.' Their attention was caught upon the banging of a door.
Hermione slammed the door as she headed back to their table.
"Uh Hermione? Are you alright?" Ron braved to talk first.
Hermione glared at him. "Tell me Ron, Harry, what would you feel when you find out that you were bet on?"
Both Harry and Ron's eyes widened in horror. 'How did she find out?'
"How could you do this to me?" Hermione was beyond hurt this time. She headed for the door without looking back. The only trace that Hermione was there were the ingredients and the books she bought earlier.
Harry and Ron both started to go after her but they were pulled back. This time it was Parvati and Lavender.
"She needs to be alone first." Lavender explained.
Alone, that's how Hermione feels right now.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco was oblivious of what happened at the Three Broomstick but he had other things that made him preoccupied. He grudgingly went inside a dark pub. He felt horrible for leaving Hermione but this was more important. He couldn't prepare for what was to happen. Another Death Eater saw him with Hermione. He knew things were going bad but he didn't expect the worse. . . at least not yet. He took in a deep breath as he awaited for his punishment. He scanned the room for a person that he hated the most. "Father."
"Crucio!"
~~~~~~~~~~
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 story, "The Haunted". Check out my other stories:
"Summer Camp" (Draco-Hermione fic) and "Picture Perfect" (Sirius-
Hermione fic).
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 8
The Date
Hermione felt a bit ecstatic at being alone with Draco. She had fun spending some time with him at Viktor's place and she longed to feel the same feelings again. She couldn't sleep well last night in anticipation. At first she felt bad that her best friends can't able come with her but then she thought about the possibilities that can happen with Draco.
She woke up earlier than usual and decided to waste her time inside the bathtub. She poured the same soap as always and day dreamed. She began reminiscing the fun times that happened last summer. She felt that there was something important that she forgot during her stay there. Her mind drifted back to the time she got sick. One minute she was lying in her bed, alone. The next thing she saw was Draco moving away from her because of Arabelle. 'Arabelle was really mad that time. I wonder what happened that could make her react like that?'
She took her time in preparing herself. She paid more attention to her once bushy hair. She chose carefully what she would wear for the day. She chose a pink floral tank top with matching skirt. She wore makeup to highlight her features.
She can still remember her date with Harry last year. She had a hard time enjoying before because she was trying to avoid messing things up. It was a bit awkward as well being alone with someone you've been calling your best friend for six years. Skipping breakfast was also a mistake. She felt a bit woozy during the walk to "Three Broomsticks". That's why she woke up earlier this time.
'Ok, who said that this is supposed to be a date?'
'As if! You and Draco are going out alone! What's that supposed to mean?'
'It only happened because my two best friends backed out.'
'I know you want this date, don't deny it.'
'I just don't want to read into it more than it really is-'
'A date!'
However Hermione tried to argue she still came up with the same conclusion that she and Draco were going to have a date. She really didn't mind. In fact she was more excited than when she went out with Harry.
'Forget about Harry. If he was still interested then he wouldn't have let Draco and I to go on a date.'
She found it strange that Harry and Ron didn't argue when she said that she would be going to Hogsmeade alone with Draco. 'I guess they finally accepted the fact that Draco is part of me now.' She was way too happy to think otherwise.
When she was satisfied at how she looked she decided to go get some breakfast. She didn't know whether Harry or Ron would be there this early but she didn't care, she headed straight for the Great Hall.
Upon reaching the hall, she took a deep breath before entering it. Her eyes then scanned for her date. She was eager to see his reaction. Last year, she was amused to see him drooling over a plain dress. She wanted the same reaction. He was not that hard to find, as soon as he saw her he stood up. Hermione gave her an innocent smile before heading to her table. By now, most of the male population had their eyes on her. Hermione was getting used with this idea. She didn't mind them hooting anymore. She blocked everything in the background.
Although there are people who wanted more than just to look, one of them was Dale. He gallantly stood up and attached himself with Hermione as he guided her to the table. The hooting now changed to teasing. Hermione wasn't prepared for this however and blushed. Dale was more than happy at what was happening. He led her to the end of the Gryffindor table so that he can at least have her this morning.
Before the couple reached the end of the table, Hermione's bodyguards finally appeared. "I can't believe she didn't wait for us." Ron was ranting.
"What do you expect Ron, she might still be mad at us for dropping out on her."
Ginny saw them enter and attached herself to Harry. "I don't think she's mad at you. Actually I think she's rather enjoying herself without your company." She pointed at Dale's direction.
Harry formed a big scowl at his back.
"Bloody hell!" Ron was infuriated. 'He fucking lost to Malfoy, he had no right to be with her!'
Harry peeled himself from Ginny and walked calmly towards the couple. "Hermione!" Harry waved at her.
Hermione was quite relieved to be called by Harry. "Excuse me Dale, I think Harry's got something to tell me."
Dale was left looking like a dork standing on his own. It was clear to the people watching that she'd very much rather stay with Harry rather than Dale. Who can blame them? Harry and Hermione were quite a couple last year. There were people who were rooting for them. Nobody really knew what happened during the summer.
~~~~~~~~~~
It was a good thing Harry got to her first because Draco was already seeing red. 'The fucking bastard has no word. The deal was to leave her alone for a week starting now!' He was already halfway across the room towards the Gryffindor table when Harry got in between. He felt stupid if he would turn around and go back to his place so instead he marched to his date.
~~~~~~~~~~
"That's what you get by dumping your best friends at breakfast." Ron teased.
Hermione sat between her two over protective friends. "Thanks guys. I promise not to leave without you two from now on." She teased back.
Harry couldn't speak. His eyes were busy memorizing everything about Hermione today. She had a different glow in her. It was not just the dress because he's seen her in a more extravagant clothes and her glow today was different.
To ruin the mood, Ginny chose to seat across Hermione. "So Hermione, you were trying to get Dale and I together for a reason right?"
Hermione nodded cautiously. She wanted her to leave her case.
"I didn't realize what the reason was until now."
Hermione didn't trust herself to speak especially not in front of her brother. She raised an eyebrow questioningly instead.
"You were just displacing your little crush on him to me. How quaint. Is that your strategy on getting guys?"
"She doesn't need a strategy Weasley, she's perfect just the way she is. Now if you really want to learn how to fish for guys, I could recommend Pansy for that kind of thing." Draco was able to hear her last remark. "You see any guy Hermione chooses to be with will be lucky. Now if any guy would choose out of their free will to be with you, then you'd be lucky as well."
The Gryffindor trio tried not to laugh. Ron was in a dilemma. He much rather laugh than to defend his sister.
Dale found himself back within Hermione's range. "I think that was kind of harsh Draco."
"Wow Weasley. I didn't think your tactics would work on any man. I guess you're lucky to have Krum over here."
Both Ginny and Dale gave him their best death stares.
Ron decided that he didn't want to laugh or defend anyone so he just changed the subject. "So Malfoy, what brings you here."
"I just wanted to tell Hermione how perfect she looks today." With that he took her hand and kissed it. "I'll see you later." He then turned his attention to Dale and whispered to him, "You and me outside, now."
Dale followed willingly. He wanted to make a point to him for embarrassing him in front of Hermione.
Hermione arched an eyebrow at Ginny as if asking 'why are you still here?'
Ginny stood up and sat with Lavender and Parvati. People have been watching the scene. They saw everything and were buzzing as Ginny left the trio.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco slammed the door behind him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I should be the one upset! What was that for? Don't you ever play fair?" Dale shouted back.
"You should talk. We had a deal. You should leave her alone for a week starting now!"
"We agreed that it starts during the Hogsmeade trip which is in about a few minutes."
"You're just sour because all your work was in vain. I'm the one who gets to spend the Hogsmeade trip with her."
Dale couldn't take his smug attitude and started to lunge at him.
"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Krum. What do you think you're doing?" Snape got in their way.
"Draco started it!"
"Mr. Krum as far as I can see, it was you who started everything."
"Then I would suggest that you should go to the hospital wing sir, since your eyes are not working properly."
"Say that again Mr. Krum and I swear you'll leave this school before your brother catches the Snitch!" Snape challenged.
Draco didn't even have to do anything. Everything worked out fine for himself. 'This will be a great day, I can feel it.'
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco met Hermione outside the great hall. The trip to Hogwarts for the 7th years was composed of a ride on a coach. Luckily they were alone. They didn't have to share it with other people. This gave them some time alone.
"I didn't have a chance to thank you earlier." Hermione started.
"There's no need. You've done a lot for me too."
Hermione didn't understand what he meant and raised an eyebrow.
"You saved my life."
Hermione blushed. She didn't know how to react but to change the subject. "I was afraid you were going to back out on me as well."
"Now why would I do that?" He stared into her captivating eyes.
"I. I don't. I don't know." She was defenseless from his eyes as well.
Draco could feel his pulse racing. This was the closest he got to having her alone. Hogwarts was a very crowded place for him. She was either with Harry, Ron, Dale or with other people. He never had a chance to be alone with her. He wanted to make this trip as memorable as possible. He didn't want to ruin his chance with her but she damn looked irresistible.
He started to lean towards her, carefully watching her reaction. They both knew where this was leading and he wanted to know whether it was all right. He found no sign of resistance. He closed his eyes and closed the remaining gap between them. Before he was able to close the gap entirely their coach suddenly halted. The couple blushed furiously. Draco was more outraged at his luck. 'Don't worry it's just the start of the day. A lot can happen later.' He comforted himself as he helped Hermione out of the coach.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco being a Slytherin had visited different shops in Hogsmeade. This is what made things interesting for Hermione. She had never expected to go inside any of the shops they visited. Most of these were shops were one could buy unusual potion ingredients. As soon as they entered these shops and got acquainted in the place, Hermione's curiosity rose to full bloom. She dragged Draco all around to have him explain what these unusual ingredients can do.
Draco knew she would love these shops. She wasn't the kind that always sticks to the book. That's what makes her interesting. For example he didn't actually expected her to save him the day he sat outside the lake. From that moment on he knew she was different, someone like him.
Draco also knew that she would want to find anything that can help out in their thesis. He knew that their potion would require more than the normal ingredients. He watched her reaction as she entered the first shop. Of course there was a possibility that she'd claw his eyes out for bringing her in such a store. But the moment she entered the room she reminded him of children inside a candy store. He thought she'd only have that reaction when she enters the bookstore. All in all he was having fun just watching her get excited with the various ingredients.
"Draco?" Hermione finally finished her shopping.
"Yes?" He smiled as he saw her eyes sparkling.
"I never would have thought that there was this kind of shop here. How did you find this out?"
"You hang out with the Gryffindor crowd. They don't go entering dark alleys."
Hermione nodded, "So what does the Slytherin crowd do for fun here?"
"We're just like ordinary witches and wizards, we only differ in the atmosphere."
"So you like buttlebeers as well?"
"Of course, who doesn't?"
"So where do you guys get them?"
"I don't think you'll like the atmosphere though."
"I'll be fine, I just want to see where you hang out here." Hermione pleaded.
"My answer is still no. We can get buttlebeers at the Three Broomsticks." Draco didn't want her inside the pub he goes to because he knew there would be Death Eaters hanging out in there.
Hermione gave him a frown and grumpily asked, "Where are we going now?"
"I heard you wanted to look for some books that can help with Etheral."
Hermione blushed, embarrassed. "I was only teasing my friends."
"The sun's still high, we can still afford some time for the project." He smiled at her red face.
"Don't say I didn't warn you." Her eyes glimmered dangerously.
"What do you mean?" He arched an eyebrow.
"You haven't seen me shop inside a bookstore yet have you?"
"Don't worry, I'll pull you away. I didn't plan this day to spend my Hogsmeade weekend inside a bookstore."
"What makes you think you can do that? Both Harry and Ron had a hard time peeling me off."
"I can be very persuasive." He gave her a seductive smile.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco watched her wowing at the books that awaited her. He watched her as she frantically ran all over the store. Although they haven't really talked about anything, he was content at seeing her so happy. Then it happened. A man in a dark hood entered the shop. Draco grabbed his wand as the man walk towards him.
Hermione was having fun checking out the books. Just like in the ingredients shop these books contained dark arts spells, charms and others. 'No way he's going to be able to pull me out of here.' She scanned for him among the crowd. She teased him upon sight, "Hey are you just going to stand there or are you going to help me out here?" She didn't notice the hooded man whispering something to him.
"Do I really have a choice?" Draco's heart started beating fast. He could feel hate forming inside him but he didn't want to alarm Hermione. He just wore his usual expression as he went to her side.
~~~~~~~~~~
When Draco was finally able to pull her outside the shop, his heart started to ache at what he was going to do next.
"So that was fun, anymore surprises?" Hermione searched his face for his reaction.
"We haven't eaten yet." Draco replied.
"So are you going to show me where you get some grub here?" She was still hoping he would reconsider. She was having fun at the new things she found out today.
"NO!" Draco hastily said. "No, especially not now."
Hermione was shocked at his reaction; "Fine then I suppose we're heading for the Three Broomsticks then?"
Draco was feeling very agitated now. He looked over his shoulder as if making sure nobody heard before he nodded. "You lead the way." He wanted to make sure that he 'd be able to protect her in every direction.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione found it rather intriguing that Draco wasn't his talkative self. She didn't really like the silence that came over them as they walked toward the Three Broomstick. She imagined something different would happen between them, something interesting like the one at the coach. She was a girl, a very attracted girl if I might add. She figured that now they would have time alone and then they would be able to talk and then some. He wouldn't be able to avoid her now. She smiled inwardly at her thoughts. She chose a table in one corner to have some privacy with him.
Draco was really jumpy now. Every time a man would come near them he would grab hold of his wand just in case. He knew that there would be lots of Gryffindor people who'll be hanging here and he immediately saw a familiar group entering. 'Bloody Potter and Weasley!' He didn't know whether to be happy or to be annoyed.
Hermione also saw her friends and felt rather outraged to see them with Ginny and the other girls. She stood up and walked to them with Draco following behind. "Hi guys!" Her tone was very irritated.
Harry and Ron turned to face her. "Hermione?" Both of them were loosing their color by now.
"So this is what came up huh?" She arched an eyebrow at them.
Ginny stood up and attached herself to Harry's side, "You shouldn't be surprised Hermione, you two are so over. It would only be natural for Harry to move on."
Hermione just ignored her and glared at her best friends. "Look guys if you wanted to spend time with them all you had to do was SAY THE TRUTH. It's a good thing Draco showed me a REALLY good time." She grabbed her escort's arm and tried to head back to her table.
Draco however didn't budge. He knew this wasn't a great time but he had no choice. "Um, Hermione?"
She turned with an angry scowl on her face. "WHAT?"
"Actually, I just realize that I needed to do something." He decided to deal with them later. He's got some more important business at hand.
"So where are we going now? I thought you wanted to eat?"
"I need to do something alone." He stressed on alone.
Ginny started to form a smirk on her face.
Hermione felt a pang of pain shot through her. 'How could he desert me like this?'
"Your best friends are here, maybe you can join them?" He added quickly, regretting what he just said. He knew that she needed him right now but what can he do? He must leave now or else there would be a mess.
Harry and Ron exchanged curious glances. "You can join us Herm."
"I feel sick maybe I can go back to Hogwarts right now." She managed to answer.
"We'll come with you." Harry offered. Nobody noticed Draco slip out.
"I would never dream of ruining your date with them." She glared at Ginny.
"If so, then you can go now." Ginny wanted her to leave. She knew Harry was still smitten with Hermione. She wanted him all to herself.
Ron glared at his sister as he offered a seat for Hermione. "Just ignore her."
"I don't know how." She accepted the chair.
"Watch and learn." He gave her a comforting smile and took her things.
Harry took the seat next to her. "Hermione, I'm really sorry about all this."
"Whatever Harry, it's done. Let's just forget about it." She however couldn't. She felt betrayed by her best friends and Draco. She felt her eyes growing damp. "Excuse me I have to go freshen up." She stood up quickly and headed to the ladies room.
"Excuse me, I have to do the same." Ginny stood up and followed her.
Both Harry and Ron knew she was up to something but they can't very well do anything especially not inside the ladies room.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione was about to go inside a cubicle to cry her heart out when someone called her name. "Ginny, what are you doing here?"
"Last time I checked this was a public restroom."
Hermione forced herself to be strong. She knew she was in for a battle. "What do you want?"
"I just wanted to know how you feel?"
Hermione thought those words were comforting but since it came to her mouth it sounded like filth. "And your curious because?"
"Because I don't know how it feels to be bet on."
"Bet on?"
"Why don't you go ask your best friends, I'm sure they know a lot about it?" She smirked at her and left.
'What the bloody hell does she mean?' Hermione didn't like it when she couldn't understand something so she thought real hard at what she meant. She focused on the boys' actions before they backed out. 'Ron backed out and told me that Dale would take his place. Harry just lost to Dale during DADA when he backed out. Dale backed out right after he lost to Draco on Quidditch.' Then everything made sense. 'They all fucking bet on me!' By now, all feelings of self pity left her, she was fuming mad at what her so- called 'friends' did to her.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ginny walked triumphantly back to her seat. 'This'll be fun!'
Harry and Ron exchanged worried glances. 'If Ginny's happy that only means Hermione's feeling the opposite.' Their attention was caught upon the banging of a door.
Hermione slammed the door as she headed back to their table.
"Uh Hermione? Are you alright?" Ron braved to talk first.
Hermione glared at him. "Tell me Ron, Harry, what would you feel when you find out that you were bet on?"
Both Harry and Ron's eyes widened in horror. 'How did she find out?'
"How could you do this to me?" Hermione was beyond hurt this time. She headed for the door without looking back. The only trace that Hermione was there were the ingredients and the books she bought earlier.
Harry and Ron both started to go after her but they were pulled back. This time it was Parvati and Lavender.
"She needs to be alone first." Lavender explained.
Alone, that's how Hermione feels right now.
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco was oblivious of what happened at the Three Broomstick but he had other things that made him preoccupied. He grudgingly went inside a dark pub. He felt horrible for leaving Hermione but this was more important. He couldn't prepare for what was to happen. Another Death Eater saw him with Hermione. He knew things were going bad but he didn't expect the worse. . . at least not yet. He took in a deep breath as he awaited for his punishment. He scanned the room for a person that he hated the most. "Father."
"Crucio!"
~~~~~~~~~~
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.