Disclaimer: Nothing Harry Potter related belongs to me..except maybe the
calendar hanging on my wall LoL.
A.N.: Hey, here's the next chapter. I hope you like this, and pleazzze review so I know whether people are reading this or not LoL. Thank you to those that did. Any suggestions are still welcome. :o)
Chapter 2: Rendezvous, Speeches, and Great Surprises:
Back in his room, Draco inspected the ring more closely. It was gold with a clear colored gem in the middle, and an inscription on it that he couldn't quite make out. "Who cares, it's just one of Pansy's stupid tricks." He tried taking the ring off to throw it in the trash, but it seemed to be stuck. He tried as hard as he could, but it was as if the ring were permanently glued to his finger. "Oh, yeah, this is just great!" He decided that he would find the little nitwit and make her take the damn thing off. "I don't know what she did, but she's going to fix her stupid mistake!"
Hermione was walking down the hall, not quite wanting to go back to the Gryffindor Tower yet. She loved them all dearly, but she couldn't take all the noise sometimes. She enjoyed these walks, being alone and relishing in the quiet peacefulness. Before she could realize what had happened, a large blur came around the corner and knocked her to the ground. Before she could say anything, she heard the voice of who had pushed her, and her anger grew by the second.
"Why don't you watch where you're going mudblood?"
"Me? YOU'RE the one that shoved me Malfoy, and you know it!"
"And? Beaver's don't get the right of way against us privileged wizards."
"Malfoy, you have no right to call me that. And what makes you so special anyway? The fact that you're the best at making everyone miserable?"
"No, I'm a Malfoy, and therefore, will always be better then you, because you're just a little mudblood. Try to stay out of my way next time you decide to daydream about your precious Potter in the halls." He retorted while heading back toward the dungeons.
"That's why no one likes you Malfoy."
He stopped dead in his tracks and without turning around said "What do you mean by that Granger?"
"You know exactly what I meant. You think you're better than me, just because of your name? Then why do I have friends and people that actually care about me, while you have....Hmmm, let's see...Pansy. Think about that next time you try to insult me." She walked off toward her common room and left him standing there just staring.
Hermione went up to bed, making an excuse to Harry and Ron who wanted her to play chess with them. However, she couldn't seem to stop thinking about her encounter in the hallway with Malfoy. Sure, he had been mean to her, in the past but maybe she was a little too harsh. Wait, no, he deserved it, 5 years of tormenting her and her best friends, he should have seen it coming. She just wished he could try to be a little more civil to them. But of course, that was impossible because he was Malfoy, a heartless git who didn't care about anyone except him self. With these thoughts in mind, Hermione fell asleep. The ring lay forgotten in her pocket, but it wouldn't stay that way for long.
Draco was having a similar experience as he lay in his bed trying to fall asleep. He knew that he shouldn't let Granger's words bother him, but for some strange reason they did. 'This is ridiculous. I don't care what she, or anyone else thinks. She doesn't even know what she's talking about.' But the sad truth was, she was right, and deep down he knew it. His father had been sent to Azkaban over the summer, and he was relieved he didn't have the pressure to become a death eater anymore, because quite frankly, he didn't want anyone controlling his life. He still had strains from his other relatives, but now he didn't feel obligated. However, he wondered why he didn't change his attitude now that his father wasn't breathing down his neck. But could he suddenly change now? "Forget it, my life is fine the way it is. Oh great now I'm talking to myself." With this said, he drifted off to sleep, all thoughts of Parkinson and her present gone, Hermione's...excuse me...*Granger's* words still haunting him.
The next morning in the Great Hall, all the students were talking excitedly because they had figured out that Dumbledore had an announcement for them. Hermione had heard from Harry, who heard from Ron, who heard from Ginny, who had heard from Susan Bones, who had heard two Ravenclaw fifth years talking together, that they had overheard Professors Trelawny and Hooch planning to throw a surprise baby shower for Professor McGonagall because she was pregnant with Snape's love child.
"That is utterly ridiculous Harry!" said Hermione, disbelieving every word he had just said.
"But Ron heard it from Ginny, who heard it from...."
"Oh, Harry, are you going to believe every rumor that flies wildly around this school?"
"Well, it could be true."
"Oh come on Harry, Professor McGonagall can do a whole lot better than Snape."
Suddenly Dumbledore stood up, and the students waited anxiously for the announcement they couldn't wait to hear. "Attention students. I am pleased to reveal a surprise you have all been awaiting. With the consent of the other teachers, we have decided on this wonderful event. I'm sure you'll all greatly enjoy it. It is to be a joyous occasion and you're sure to have fun. This event..." Before he could continue, Snape retorted harshly "Will you just spit it out already." "Oh, well then, yes, I am pleased to say that in three weeks there will be a Christmas Ball. You can bring a date if you like, but are not required. Dress robes or Muggle clothing are both acceptable." The students' disappointed looks of not hearing about Snape and McGonagall's intimate affair were quickly replaced by looks of excitement. They quickly began to chatter away, but were left in a mixed state of shock and amusement when Dumbledore finished with a mischievous look toward Snape "And any scandalous rumors regarding two certain Professors here... the baby should be due next September. Thank you."
The morning classes went by with no unusual occurrences, with the exception of Professor McGonagall denying profusely that she had any involvement with Sever...Professor Snape. By lunchtime, Hermione had suddenly remembered about the ring in her pocket.
"Harry, Ron, I have to go to the library because I want to start that Herbology homework due next week. Both of her best friends rolled their eyes.
"Sure 'Mione, we understand, but you'd better not be busy later tonight, we haven't been able to hang out in a while", replied a disappointed Ron. "See you later Hermione"
"Okay, see you Ron, see you Harry, and I promise I'll play wizard's chess with you tonight to make up for it." Hermione hurried along to the library, her curiosity about the jewelry intensifying. She went right to her usual table and inspected the ring. It was silver with a dark black gem in the middle. She casually slipped it on her finger, and it began to sting and shine a bright red. Before she could do anything about it, she felt herself being hurled into nothingness and fell unconscious.
Draco was having a very bad day so far. He had woken up with a splitting headache, was late for his first class, and Snape had taken away 25 points because he had made an unwarranted comment about how 'He was very happy about the great news, and expected an invitation to their wedding.' He just might have pushed it too far this time. He also couldn't stop thinking about what that stupid mudblood had said. Not to mention, that morning's announcement turned out to be much less than he expected, who cared about a dumb ball anyway? But was he just bitter because the only person that would want to go with him is Pansy? "Ah, Granger why couldn't you have just minded your own business?", he shouted into the door of the Great Hall. He was now on his way to lunch, but before he could grasp the handle, he felt himself being flung into a room. Before he could get up another person came plunging in after, and landed right on top of him.
When Hermione had awoken she felt something soft underneath her. 'I must have fallen down and someone brought me to the hospital wing.' Since she still felt weak, she made herself more comfortable, figuring she was lying in a bed.
"Granger, I know I'm irresistible, but would you mind getting your hands off of me?" , came a snide remark from what she was reclining on. Realizing just what she was on top of, Hermione let out a gasp, then a shriek, and leaped away from Malfoy as fast as she could. "Calm yourself down, you're so bloody irritating."
"Malfoy, where are we and what are we doing here?" Hermione said after she had finally gotten a good look at her surroundings. The room she was in looked like an abandoned common room, very similar to the Gryffindor one. It had two red couches and a big green squishy chair near a cheerful, roaring fireplace. There were long shelves filled with books along the right. Once she recovered from the shock and could feel her heart start to beat again, she walked over to two doors that were located on the left and opened each one, discovering a small kitchen stocked with food and a bathroom.
"Your guess as to why we're in here is a s good as mine mudblood. But if you don't mind, I'd like to find a way out." After about an hour of searching, they realized a means of escape was hopeless.
"So I guess we're stuck here for a while", said Hermione looking as though she had just found out she failed her O.W.L.S.
"This is just wonderful, absolutely fabulous."
"Look Malfoy, I know your just about as thrilled being in here as I am, but can you please not make it a living hell for the both of us."
"Why should I listen to anything you say Granger?" he replied as he turned the chair away from Hermione and plopped himself down in it.
Hermione had decided to make the best of this situation and just ignore Malfoy. She looked over the books for something interesting to read and it suddenly hit her. Why hadn't she thought of it sooner.
"Malfoy give me your hand."
"Like I said before Granger, I know you can't help yourself, but I'd rather not have your filthy mudblood hands caressing me.
"Can you stop being a prat for one minute and listen to me?"
"Hmm...it depends."
"Okay I guess you want to be trapped in here forever with me."
Draco rushed over to her and stuck his hand in her face. "Here, here, why didn't you tell me it had something to do with getting out of here?" "Look! You have the same ring I do" she said while showing the glowing red ring to him.
"Now I know why Pansy wanted me to wear this stupid thing so badly." Draco muttered under his breath.
"What?"
"Never mind. So, the way to get out of here is to just take the rings off?"
"Yeah, that sounds about right." Hermione tried pulling her ring off but it wouldn't budge.
"I'm one step ahead of you Granger, we probably have to do it at the same time."
They both used all their might, thinking of every possible thing that would get the rings off, but to no avail.
"Bloody hell!" Draco yelled while smashing his fist with the ring against the wall. "Owwww!"
"Well that wasn't too smart now was it? Did you honestly think that by doing that the ring would come off?"
"Shut up Granger, I don't see any of your brilliant ideas working."
"Where did you get that ring anyway?"
"Parkinson gave it to me, I guess she was planning on me being with her in this room a while."
"Pansy did this? Do you honestly think she'd go to the trouble to charm two rings just so she could be stuck in a room with you? Knowing her she probably messed it up."
"Yeah, well who knows what goes on in that twisted mind of hers."
"It looks like we're going to be spending some time together here, so right now I'm telling you if you do anything remotely severe, you'll be sorry you were even born Malfoy"
"Ooh, I'm so scared what is the mudblood Granger going to do?"
"You know perfectly well that I'm skilled in many advanced spells, and I'm not afraid to use them if I have to. Now, you've made my day exhausting, and I don't think anyone is going to find us soon, so I'm going to sleep. Don't bother me for anything." Having this been said, Hermione got a blanket she found in the kitchen and fell asleep on the couch. Draco returned to his spot in the green chair, wishing that this were all a bad dream.
Draco woke up during what must have been the middle of the night, not even realizing he had fallen asleep. He looked over to where Granger was and just stared at her in shock from what he saw. She was levitating over the couch and a dim, hazy radiance was emanating off of her. 'What the hell..', he thought, but was shaken out of his stupor when Hermione woke up, screamed and fell back down on the couch, the light fading away.
"What was THAT? What happened to me?" Hermione said pointedly at Draco.
"Don't look at me like I did it."
"Who else would it have been then?"
"I don't know, maybe you're more of a freak then I thought."
"Shut up Malfoy. And why didn't you even wake me up when you saw what was happening?"
"Well..." He started with a devilish grin on his face. "You told me not to bother you for anything."
A/N: Wow, this took me a long time to write! I still need some help as to where I'm going with this, and I'd reeaallllyy like it if you gave me your suggestions and reviews. Thank you! Also thanks to Susamina for all your help! Bye! ~SweetWater~
A.N.: Hey, here's the next chapter. I hope you like this, and pleazzze review so I know whether people are reading this or not LoL. Thank you to those that did. Any suggestions are still welcome. :o)
Chapter 2: Rendezvous, Speeches, and Great Surprises:
Back in his room, Draco inspected the ring more closely. It was gold with a clear colored gem in the middle, and an inscription on it that he couldn't quite make out. "Who cares, it's just one of Pansy's stupid tricks." He tried taking the ring off to throw it in the trash, but it seemed to be stuck. He tried as hard as he could, but it was as if the ring were permanently glued to his finger. "Oh, yeah, this is just great!" He decided that he would find the little nitwit and make her take the damn thing off. "I don't know what she did, but she's going to fix her stupid mistake!"
Hermione was walking down the hall, not quite wanting to go back to the Gryffindor Tower yet. She loved them all dearly, but she couldn't take all the noise sometimes. She enjoyed these walks, being alone and relishing in the quiet peacefulness. Before she could realize what had happened, a large blur came around the corner and knocked her to the ground. Before she could say anything, she heard the voice of who had pushed her, and her anger grew by the second.
"Why don't you watch where you're going mudblood?"
"Me? YOU'RE the one that shoved me Malfoy, and you know it!"
"And? Beaver's don't get the right of way against us privileged wizards."
"Malfoy, you have no right to call me that. And what makes you so special anyway? The fact that you're the best at making everyone miserable?"
"No, I'm a Malfoy, and therefore, will always be better then you, because you're just a little mudblood. Try to stay out of my way next time you decide to daydream about your precious Potter in the halls." He retorted while heading back toward the dungeons.
"That's why no one likes you Malfoy."
He stopped dead in his tracks and without turning around said "What do you mean by that Granger?"
"You know exactly what I meant. You think you're better than me, just because of your name? Then why do I have friends and people that actually care about me, while you have....Hmmm, let's see...Pansy. Think about that next time you try to insult me." She walked off toward her common room and left him standing there just staring.
Hermione went up to bed, making an excuse to Harry and Ron who wanted her to play chess with them. However, she couldn't seem to stop thinking about her encounter in the hallway with Malfoy. Sure, he had been mean to her, in the past but maybe she was a little too harsh. Wait, no, he deserved it, 5 years of tormenting her and her best friends, he should have seen it coming. She just wished he could try to be a little more civil to them. But of course, that was impossible because he was Malfoy, a heartless git who didn't care about anyone except him self. With these thoughts in mind, Hermione fell asleep. The ring lay forgotten in her pocket, but it wouldn't stay that way for long.
Draco was having a similar experience as he lay in his bed trying to fall asleep. He knew that he shouldn't let Granger's words bother him, but for some strange reason they did. 'This is ridiculous. I don't care what she, or anyone else thinks. She doesn't even know what she's talking about.' But the sad truth was, she was right, and deep down he knew it. His father had been sent to Azkaban over the summer, and he was relieved he didn't have the pressure to become a death eater anymore, because quite frankly, he didn't want anyone controlling his life. He still had strains from his other relatives, but now he didn't feel obligated. However, he wondered why he didn't change his attitude now that his father wasn't breathing down his neck. But could he suddenly change now? "Forget it, my life is fine the way it is. Oh great now I'm talking to myself." With this said, he drifted off to sleep, all thoughts of Parkinson and her present gone, Hermione's...excuse me...*Granger's* words still haunting him.
The next morning in the Great Hall, all the students were talking excitedly because they had figured out that Dumbledore had an announcement for them. Hermione had heard from Harry, who heard from Ron, who heard from Ginny, who had heard from Susan Bones, who had heard two Ravenclaw fifth years talking together, that they had overheard Professors Trelawny and Hooch planning to throw a surprise baby shower for Professor McGonagall because she was pregnant with Snape's love child.
"That is utterly ridiculous Harry!" said Hermione, disbelieving every word he had just said.
"But Ron heard it from Ginny, who heard it from...."
"Oh, Harry, are you going to believe every rumor that flies wildly around this school?"
"Well, it could be true."
"Oh come on Harry, Professor McGonagall can do a whole lot better than Snape."
Suddenly Dumbledore stood up, and the students waited anxiously for the announcement they couldn't wait to hear. "Attention students. I am pleased to reveal a surprise you have all been awaiting. With the consent of the other teachers, we have decided on this wonderful event. I'm sure you'll all greatly enjoy it. It is to be a joyous occasion and you're sure to have fun. This event..." Before he could continue, Snape retorted harshly "Will you just spit it out already." "Oh, well then, yes, I am pleased to say that in three weeks there will be a Christmas Ball. You can bring a date if you like, but are not required. Dress robes or Muggle clothing are both acceptable." The students' disappointed looks of not hearing about Snape and McGonagall's intimate affair were quickly replaced by looks of excitement. They quickly began to chatter away, but were left in a mixed state of shock and amusement when Dumbledore finished with a mischievous look toward Snape "And any scandalous rumors regarding two certain Professors here... the baby should be due next September. Thank you."
The morning classes went by with no unusual occurrences, with the exception of Professor McGonagall denying profusely that she had any involvement with Sever...Professor Snape. By lunchtime, Hermione had suddenly remembered about the ring in her pocket.
"Harry, Ron, I have to go to the library because I want to start that Herbology homework due next week. Both of her best friends rolled their eyes.
"Sure 'Mione, we understand, but you'd better not be busy later tonight, we haven't been able to hang out in a while", replied a disappointed Ron. "See you later Hermione"
"Okay, see you Ron, see you Harry, and I promise I'll play wizard's chess with you tonight to make up for it." Hermione hurried along to the library, her curiosity about the jewelry intensifying. She went right to her usual table and inspected the ring. It was silver with a dark black gem in the middle. She casually slipped it on her finger, and it began to sting and shine a bright red. Before she could do anything about it, she felt herself being hurled into nothingness and fell unconscious.
Draco was having a very bad day so far. He had woken up with a splitting headache, was late for his first class, and Snape had taken away 25 points because he had made an unwarranted comment about how 'He was very happy about the great news, and expected an invitation to their wedding.' He just might have pushed it too far this time. He also couldn't stop thinking about what that stupid mudblood had said. Not to mention, that morning's announcement turned out to be much less than he expected, who cared about a dumb ball anyway? But was he just bitter because the only person that would want to go with him is Pansy? "Ah, Granger why couldn't you have just minded your own business?", he shouted into the door of the Great Hall. He was now on his way to lunch, but before he could grasp the handle, he felt himself being flung into a room. Before he could get up another person came plunging in after, and landed right on top of him.
When Hermione had awoken she felt something soft underneath her. 'I must have fallen down and someone brought me to the hospital wing.' Since she still felt weak, she made herself more comfortable, figuring she was lying in a bed.
"Granger, I know I'm irresistible, but would you mind getting your hands off of me?" , came a snide remark from what she was reclining on. Realizing just what she was on top of, Hermione let out a gasp, then a shriek, and leaped away from Malfoy as fast as she could. "Calm yourself down, you're so bloody irritating."
"Malfoy, where are we and what are we doing here?" Hermione said after she had finally gotten a good look at her surroundings. The room she was in looked like an abandoned common room, very similar to the Gryffindor one. It had two red couches and a big green squishy chair near a cheerful, roaring fireplace. There were long shelves filled with books along the right. Once she recovered from the shock and could feel her heart start to beat again, she walked over to two doors that were located on the left and opened each one, discovering a small kitchen stocked with food and a bathroom.
"Your guess as to why we're in here is a s good as mine mudblood. But if you don't mind, I'd like to find a way out." After about an hour of searching, they realized a means of escape was hopeless.
"So I guess we're stuck here for a while", said Hermione looking as though she had just found out she failed her O.W.L.S.
"This is just wonderful, absolutely fabulous."
"Look Malfoy, I know your just about as thrilled being in here as I am, but can you please not make it a living hell for the both of us."
"Why should I listen to anything you say Granger?" he replied as he turned the chair away from Hermione and plopped himself down in it.
Hermione had decided to make the best of this situation and just ignore Malfoy. She looked over the books for something interesting to read and it suddenly hit her. Why hadn't she thought of it sooner.
"Malfoy give me your hand."
"Like I said before Granger, I know you can't help yourself, but I'd rather not have your filthy mudblood hands caressing me.
"Can you stop being a prat for one minute and listen to me?"
"Hmm...it depends."
"Okay I guess you want to be trapped in here forever with me."
Draco rushed over to her and stuck his hand in her face. "Here, here, why didn't you tell me it had something to do with getting out of here?" "Look! You have the same ring I do" she said while showing the glowing red ring to him.
"Now I know why Pansy wanted me to wear this stupid thing so badly." Draco muttered under his breath.
"What?"
"Never mind. So, the way to get out of here is to just take the rings off?"
"Yeah, that sounds about right." Hermione tried pulling her ring off but it wouldn't budge.
"I'm one step ahead of you Granger, we probably have to do it at the same time."
They both used all their might, thinking of every possible thing that would get the rings off, but to no avail.
"Bloody hell!" Draco yelled while smashing his fist with the ring against the wall. "Owwww!"
"Well that wasn't too smart now was it? Did you honestly think that by doing that the ring would come off?"
"Shut up Granger, I don't see any of your brilliant ideas working."
"Where did you get that ring anyway?"
"Parkinson gave it to me, I guess she was planning on me being with her in this room a while."
"Pansy did this? Do you honestly think she'd go to the trouble to charm two rings just so she could be stuck in a room with you? Knowing her she probably messed it up."
"Yeah, well who knows what goes on in that twisted mind of hers."
"It looks like we're going to be spending some time together here, so right now I'm telling you if you do anything remotely severe, you'll be sorry you were even born Malfoy"
"Ooh, I'm so scared what is the mudblood Granger going to do?"
"You know perfectly well that I'm skilled in many advanced spells, and I'm not afraid to use them if I have to. Now, you've made my day exhausting, and I don't think anyone is going to find us soon, so I'm going to sleep. Don't bother me for anything." Having this been said, Hermione got a blanket she found in the kitchen and fell asleep on the couch. Draco returned to his spot in the green chair, wishing that this were all a bad dream.
Draco woke up during what must have been the middle of the night, not even realizing he had fallen asleep. He looked over to where Granger was and just stared at her in shock from what he saw. She was levitating over the couch and a dim, hazy radiance was emanating off of her. 'What the hell..', he thought, but was shaken out of his stupor when Hermione woke up, screamed and fell back down on the couch, the light fading away.
"What was THAT? What happened to me?" Hermione said pointedly at Draco.
"Don't look at me like I did it."
"Who else would it have been then?"
"I don't know, maybe you're more of a freak then I thought."
"Shut up Malfoy. And why didn't you even wake me up when you saw what was happening?"
"Well..." He started with a devilish grin on his face. "You told me not to bother you for anything."
A/N: Wow, this took me a long time to write! I still need some help as to where I'm going with this, and I'd reeaallllyy like it if you gave me your suggestions and reviews. Thank you! Also thanks to Susamina for all your help! Bye! ~SweetWater~