The Cage of Summer
by N0W WHAT

Disclaimer: None of the HP characters belong to me.

Author's Note: The formatting for this story was kind of difficult to write, because of all the thoughts and dialogue and narration. So, italic shall be Hermione's thoughts and narration. Sorry it's so confusing.

Author's Note 2: Heehee, I reposted this chapter since I felt like there was something missing in the end. Just some things to tie up the loose ends. :) Enjoy! Leave comments please, but no flames, I beg you...


Chapter 1

Summer had just begun. It was the day the cicadas had started singing. That was when Draco came to our home.

"Hermione, Emily, Haley…come out here and say hello." My sisters and I walked out of the living room and into the entryway, looking at our mom and the guest.

"Come on in. Girls, this is my old friends son, Draco. He's going to be staying with us for a while so be nice to him" Whoaaa…he's like an angel…

"I'm Draco Malfoy. Nice to meet you." He's just like an angel in a picture book.

"On the left is my oldest daughter, Haley. She's a second year student at a junior college. On my right is my youngest, Emily. She'll be in 5th year next year. And in the middle is Hermione. She's going into her 7th year. Draco is a 6th year. So she's closest to you, Draco."

That was my first impression of Draco. While his recently divorced parents were arguing over custody, he was going to be staying with us. He was a perfect gentleman, and smart too.

Flashback

"Where shall I take these dishes?"

"Please, please. Take a seat!" My mother loved him. "You could learn a lot from him girls."

Flashback

"Emily, you'll be in 5th year, so you're working on Arithmacy right? Let's see…in this case."

"Wow, you're even faster than my sisters," Even my little sister loved him.

Flashback End

To me...

"Huh? You're going to school on summer vacation?" I was dressed in my Muggle summer school uniform, and Draco had appeared on the stairs.

"Yeah, well…I'm going to one of my friends' soccer games," I wasn't sure if he knew what soccer was, but surprisingly, he did know.

"Really? Cool. Ever since I was a kid my mom always said, 'You can't play sports! You'll get hurt!' She's kind of overprotective," Draco stood there laughing in a casual blue jeans and white t-shirt outfit.

"Hmmm…. Do you want to come with me?" Immediately, his eyes lit up even more.

"Wow! Really?" ...So cute!

To a girl with only sisters, Draco was a breath of fresh air. We walked quietly to the field, until we met up with my friend, Ginny.

"OOOOHHH! Who is he? He's so cute!" No surprise, Ginny was all over Draco. With delicate features and soft-looking, white-blond hair, hewas just the kind of person who would attract attention from people across the field.

"This is my family friend, Draco Malfoy. You're scaring him…" But Ginny kept staring at him with teddy bear eyes, taking in every inch of him. I could tell that she was struggling to not squeeze him.

"That's rude! I am not! Malfoy? As in the Malfoy the resort company?" What? This was new to me.

"Oh, you've heard of my father's company?"

"Sure! I'm the queen of part-time work during tourist season! Call me Ginny." Ginny stuck out her hand and Draco brought it up to his lips, kissing it softly.

Hmm…so he's a rich kid. Maybe that's why he's so classy.

PHWEEE I was ripped away from my thoughts by the loud whistle sounding.

"Oh! The game starts in 5 minutes." Ginny squealed. "There's a good spot over there," Ginny led us towards an empty spot in the stands. Then, he showed up, whacking me on the back to get my attention.

"Hey, you're late!" He slowly jogged in front of us, clad in his red, white, and black soccer uniform and cleats.

"Eeek!" Grrr, that stupid idiot. "Potter?!" I couldn't help but snap at him. He was just so annoying!

"Root for me, okay?" And again he grinned that boyish smile that lured in all the girls…except me that is.

"Grrr…you creep. I hope you lose!" I yelled to him as he ran over to the rest of the team. The only response I got was a quick wave of the hand.

"Heehee, it's only morning and you two are already going at it! Potter is definitely interested in you," Ginny was constantly bugging me about this. And I hated it.

"No, he isn't, Ginny!" But like always, the answer was the same. "There's no way he is."

"Don't try and deny it, Hermione!" Ginny jabbed me in the forehead. "You've got a strong will…but at the crucial moment you always run away! It's a bad habit of yours. I know you don't hate him!" She stood there, feet firmly planted on the ground, hands on her hips, and a frown on her face. Man, this girl was stubborn.

"Let's go, Draco," You're right Ginny…I get it already…

After the Game

Not long after the game, we headed out to a party to celebrate our team's victory.

"Say, Draco. I'm sorry for dragging you to the part after. You must have been bored."

"No, not at all. I had fun," He had a relaxed, calm smile on his face, like his mind was elsewhere. "It's been a long time sinceI had this much fun."

Oh, that's right. But...how could he have fun when his parents were in the middle of a divorce?

"Draco...Do you like staying at our house?" He was so much fun to have around, and my parents sure loved him. Suddenly, I came up with an idea. Brilliant, if I do say so myself.

"Yeah, I love it,"

"Then you should stay with us...through summer vacation," I grinned gently, hoping that he would consider my offer. Draco shoved his hands into his jean's pockets, and a slow smile spread over his face.

"Okay. Thanks Hermione."I'd like to have a brother...like Draco.

At least....that was my first impression.

Chapter 1 End


Author's Note: Well, how was it? This is going to be a short fic, probably no longer than 5 chapters long. I know that it's really out of the whole Harry Potter storyline, but this is just for fun. :) Reviews would be nice! But, please, no excessive flaming! And thanks to my beta reader, PurpleMidnightCrystal. xD