Synopsis: You know, I have no clue what happened last chapter
A/N: HOOOOOOOLLY SHIT!!!!!!! I HAVE 1014 REVIEWS!!!! You guys are JUST the greatest!!! Thank you all sososososossoso much for sticking with me! And, here's a cute little present for you all, from me!
Disclaimer: Not mine
The next morning, Draco woke up early, and quietly got dressed. He crept out into the study and walked to Hermione's door, and listened. He heard nothing.
'Good, she's still asleep,' he thought to himself, as he silently left the room.
He met up with Harry on their was down to the hall.
"Morning, Potter."
"Hi, Malfoy. I wonder what we're doing."
Harry shrugged, and the boys continued down in a groggy silence. Malfoy swung the door to the entrance hall open, and Harry walked in.
"Hey! What're YOU doing here?" Harry exclaimed.
"Wh-? How did you know?" Malfoy added.
"Well, good morning to you, too, boys!" Hermione responded with a smile.
The boys stared at her, agape, wondering how she knew what was going on.
"Harry, a tip, don't leave the Marauder's Map out on the table in the Common Room where anyone can see. And Draco, you're a bad liar sometimes."
"Well, what are we doing?" Harry asked.
"I can explain that for you, young sirs," came a voice from behind.
Snape swept in front of the students with a small smile on his face. "Well, are we ready to go?"
Snape led the entourage out the door, with Hermione walking up front, smiling happily, and Draco and Harry exchanging curious looks.
"Where are we going?" Draco finally asked.
"To the deflated Quaffle over there," Snape responded.
Harry and Draco looked more confused than ever as Hermione and Snape picked up the Quaffle.
"Well, are you going to HOLD it or not?" Hermione asked snootily.
"Oh! Is it a Portkey?" Harry questioned.
"No, Mister Potter, we're just picking up trash, but, you know, team- style." Snape said witheringly.
Harry forced himself not to glare at Snape as Hermione and Draco snickered at him. He grabbed hold, and in a moment, the four of them were being jerked forward quickly. Harry's stomach was churning as his feet landed on solid ground.
After they took a moment to orient themselves, they began looking around. Draco had never seen such a place before. There were run-down buildings, and broken stony roads. Some half-up fences and overgrown grass surrounded them, there was a thin layer of snow on the ground.
"Where are we?" Draco whispered, aghast at his surroundings.
Suddenly an old man in a tattered jumper and old trousers walked up to them.
"Got 'ny cheenge?" he asked them gruffly.
Hermione looked at him sympathetically, and dug into her pocket, and fished out a five-pound note, and handed it to the man. Snape ushered them along towards a building.
"What did you just give that unkempt old man?" Draco demanded.
"Some money, Draco," Hermione said.
"That was money? Where are we?"
"We are in Glasgow, Mister Malfoy," Snape replied cooly. He stopped in front of a glass door.
Harry looked up and read the sign aloud, "Saint Helga's Center for Children (a/n: SHAGS, heehee). What is this?"
"It's an orphanage, Harry." Hermione told him.
They walked in. Hermione frowned at what she saw. There was a single Christmas tree standing in the corner, and a few tattered decorations hung from the walls. There were about 40 children running around, playing games with eachother, while a few harried-looking adults attempted futilely to keep them in control.
"Why are all of these children running around like maniacs?" Draco asked, looking mildly disconcerted.
Hermione giggled, "Because they're KIDS, Draco."
"Well, why are they here? Shouldn't their parents be looking after them? Or bathing them, for goodness sakes. It smells in here," he complained. "I mean, really, the condition of this place is quite shoddy. No school should be kept like this."
Hermione looked at him sadly, "Draco, they don't HAVE parents. That's why they're here… They live here."
Draco's eyes widened, and he looked around the room. A look of immense sadness crossed his face, as he saw the children laughing and playing.
"You mean, they haven't anywhere to live? No family?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head, as a tall woman walked over to them smiling.
"Hello! I'm Gemma MacGregor, I'm the director here at Saint Helga's. You all must be from Saint… Mungo's School?"
Hermioen stifled a giggle, "Yes ma'am. I'm Hermione Granger, pleased to meet you."
"Hello, I'm Draco Malfoy."
"Hello, dears, welcome. Are the other two with you?"
Harry and Snape walked over to them.
Snape shook hands with the woman, "Hello, my name is Severus Snape, these are my pupils. I'm the, err, chem-is-try professor?"
Harry quickly covered Snape's faltering, "I'm Harry Potter, how d'you do?"
"Fine, thank you! Now, today is our Christmas party, so the children are a bit more riled up than usual. You can just play with them and such. They each get one gift to open, so you can hand those out, that'd be a great help."
The four took a moment to digest the Scottish woman's fast voice and accent, and nodded. She walked towards the other staff, leaving the four of them alone.
"Well, I'm going now, I'll be back at four in the afternoon to pick you up. Good luck!" Snape swished quickly out the door.
Hermione, Harry, and Draco went over to the large sacks of presents, and took one each, and began to walk around the room.
Hermione walked up to a small girl with curly red hair, who appeared to be about six.
"Hello, what's your name?"
"Michaela Robbins," she responded in almost a whisper.
"Well, hello, Michaela, my name is Hermione. Would you like a present?"
The small girl nodded emphatically, and eagerly took her present from Hermione.
She moved on to the next child, a small boy with light brown skin and dark hair who looked about four. He immediately smiled up at Hermione.
"Hello, I'm Hermione, what's your name?"
"Jonah!" he exclaimed. "May I have a present?"
Hermione laughed, "Of course you may!" She handed the child a brightly wrapped package, gave him a smile, and moved on to a table of older girls. She sat down in an empty chair.
"Hi! I'm Hermione. What are all of your names?"
The girls, all about 12, went around and introduced themselves.
"Kelly, I've been here my whole life."
"Angeline, been here ten years."
"Danielle, here since I was four."
"Opal, here since three."
"Daisy, I've been here two years."
Hermione smiled at the girls, "Hi, I'm Hermione Gr-"
"You with that cute guy over there?" Angeline asked her, pointing to Draco.
Hermione smiled a bit, "Yes, I am, his name is Draco."
"And that other one, with the green eyes?" Opal asked.
"That's Harry, but he's got a girlfriend."
"But Draco doesn't?" Danielle asked excitedly.
Hermione shook her head.
"Well, THAT'S dumb!! Do you have a boyfriend, Hermione?" Kelly asked her.
"No, no, I don't."
"Well, you should go out with Draco!" she yelled loudly. So loudly, infact, that both Draco and Harry turned to look at Hermione who began blushing violently.
"Kelly!" Hermione hissed, "Keep your voice down!"
The girls all giggled at Hermione's red face.
"Ooh, look," Daisy said, "He's talking to Charlie, that's a waste of time!"
Hermione turned to see Draco approaching a rather diffident-looking boy with sandy brown hair.
"Well, what's wrong with Charlie?"
"His parents just died about a year ago. He doesn't talk to anyone. Not to Miss MacGregor, not to the other boys, no one. He's got a nasty attitude." Kelly informed her.
Hermione watched as Draco said something to the boy, and was ignored. He held out a present, but Charlie did not take it. Draco said something again, then shrugged and walked away. Hermione furrowed her brow and turned to look at Harry, who was playing a game of football on a lagre patch of clear floor.
"Well, girls, I've got a few more gifts to hand out, I'll be back to chat in a bit!"
She handed out the rest of her gifts, then approached Draco, who looked very put-out.
"What's wrong?"
"That kid over there, with the green shirt on. He wouldn't talk to me."
She sighed and sat down next to him.
"His name's Charlie. His parents only just died a year ago. He doesn't talk to anyone, apparently."
Draco still looked upset, "Well, I want him to talk to me!"
Hermione smiled up at Draco, and put her hand on his arm, "That's… that's really sweet of you, Draco. Maybe you could try again?"
Draco thought for a moment and nodded resolutely. He stood up and walked back to the boy.
"I'm Draco Malfoy."
Charlie glared up at him, "You TOLD me that already."
"Ah! So, you can speak! Well, why don't you tell me about yourself?"
"Why should I tell YOU anything? I don't know anything about you."
"Fine. I'm Draco Benjamin Malfoy. I'm in my seventh year at Ho- Saint Mungo's. I'm Head Boy, those are my friends Hermione and Harry. I've got a little sister named Lily… And my dad died this past summer."
Charlie looked up at him, surprised. "But… you don't look like-like…"
"Like one of my parents is dead?" Draco supplied.
Charlie shrugged, "I guess." He paused for a moment, sizing up Draco, "I'm Charlie, er, Charles Paul Garrety. I'm thirteen. My, my mum and dad… died a year ago, o-on Christmas."
For a moment, his exterior cracked, and Draco saw a thirteen year old boy who was scared, and who missed his parents, missed having a family. Draco saw himself sitting there. In a flash, Charlie had resumed his stoic countenance.
"Well," Draco said hesitantly, "do you want to talk about it?"
"No, I don't want to talk about it! Why does everyone always ask that? It's no one's business but my own!" Charlie yelled angrily at Draco.
"Well, I was just offering… I think I can empathize with what you're going through," he replied, trying to calm the boy.
"You can't," Charlie responded bitterly. "If it wasn't for me, they'd still be alive. Your dad didn't die because of you."
Draco sighed, "Actually, Charlie, he did. This… man was going to hurt me, but, he killed my dad first, and then I got away."
"Oh." A pregnant pause held in the air, but Charlie decided to continue. "I had a big indoor football match in Beckingham, Kent the day after Christmas. I wanted them to come, and so they told my coach they'd drive me down. Well, it was really rainy, and… and… Well, if it hadn't been for me, they never would have been driving," he said sadly.
Draco moved so that he was next to Charlie, and put his arm around the boy's shoulder.
"Charlie, that wasn't your fault, not at all. Accidents happen all the time. See that bloke over there, Harry? His mum and dad died when he was only a baby. But, you know, he knows he can't go on dwelling on it. You were lucky enough to have yours around for twelve years, Charlie. I can't believe that they would have wanted you to stay so upset about it. You must remember all the time you shared with them, but you must'nt be sad. You must believe that they'll be waiting for you, that they're always watching over you… that they're proud of you, Charlie."
Draco looked at the boy next to him, who's eyes were shining with tears. Charlie nodded mutely at Draco, and sniffed.
"Are you going to come back?" he asked Draco.
"If you want me to, Charlie, I will."
Across the room, Hermione sat silently, and watched everything that happened. She couldn't hear Draco, but she'd never seen him so… involved.
'I can't believe he's getting that boy to open up. Draco Malfoy relating to a common Muggle. If you told me that a year ago, I would never have believed it. He's so different now, I feel like I really know him, the way he always should have been.'
Harry, coming over and sitting down, broke her train of thought.
"Gee, Malfoy, who would have thought, huh?"
"Yeah… I know, I was just thinking about that."
"You know, Mione, he's ok. I mean, I never thought I'd say that, but, he's really, you know, proved himself. And, I guess, now I see why he was the way he was. The Dursleys weren't kind or loving by any means, but he grew up, you know, fearing for his LIFE… that's not bound to make some one a swell guy, is it?"
Hermione stared forward at Draco, Harry watched her intently, watching him.
"It's ok, Mione… HE'S ok."
Hermione looked at him, confused, "What do you mean?"
Harry stood up and shrugged, "I dunno, just talking I guess. But, I've got to get back to football, we're leaving soon anyway." He went back to the group of loudly playing children.
Hermione's gaze never left Draco, who was speaking intensely with Charlie.
'It's amazing how this year is turning out. Who would have thought Harry Potter would be sitting here, approving of Draco Malfoy. Approving of him! But, why? Because he's a good person. Because he deserves it. Because he's led a harder life than any of us had imagined. Because I'm Head Girl with him. Because I'm friends with him. Because I…'
Draco suddenly looked up at Hermione, right into her eyes. He gave her a true, genuine, sweet smile, and turned back to Charlie.
'… Because I… because… because I, I love him.'
A/N: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW ~was feeling fuzzy~ SO, I hope you liked that! OK, on to business…
1. General announcement- OK, you guys KNOW I love you all, and am extremely grateful for your reviews, BUT… once again, may I say that I'm going to take my sweet damn time with this, no matter how much pleading and begging and harassing goes on, they're NOT going to kiss until I post that chapter up. So, really, no offense, but to everyone who's telling me to hurry up with getting them some action, it's not doing you any good. I really really TRULY love the reviews, and I'm SO glad people like it, but I just can't have them get together at some random moment….. sorry! (Oh, and the mistletoe revenge is in…. 2 chaps, it'll be 29)
2. This chapter's recommendations are: Blurring Perceptions and Insensible Emotions by Nuada, they're both QUITE good, and deserve many reviews! Also, you should read "A Remus Story" by Xaviera Xylira, it's SO cute and yay-inducing! And all of the other recommendations I've made still stand.
3. THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT, SO READ IT!!! OK, so, one of the things that people have said they'd like more of, is stuff about the other 4 people (R,H,G, and M). Well, truthfully, I don't have the time/room/ideas to write them separate chapters. So, here's the deal: I've already got some one writing the Ron/Maya chapter, but if some one would like to write a Harry/Ginny supplement to NiaP, and have me post it with the story (I'd give you creidt, of course), you could send them to me to look at. I don't want this to sound odd, like I'd be 'letting' you write for my fic, but I really do feel bad not having anything on the other 4, but truthfully, I don't really know what I'd say! So, if you're interested, could you e-mail me? Knl837@yahoo.com. If you wanted to, I could tell you a bit more about what's going to happen, if you wanted to write a mor far-reaching chapter. But, if you're interested, email me, and we'll chat, ok? Thanks!
4. On to thanks, now! (You know, do you guys read this? I feel like it's jumbled-looking and people don't bother reading it… so, could you tell me?)
BoByN (lol), krissy, Cairo, Sweet'n'Sour, Erika Moonbeam, M'ika Q, black_ice, Hermione Malfoy, Monie, Mirielle, lion1990, katelyn, xAngelicDevilx, Avalon, Chrissy, firefaerie96, Kearie, ~*~Sugar Plums~*~, Rachel Hunt, BuffySummers168, Kstarrr74 (3 r's now? ;^P), Alanna Roseguard, AngeliGirl, BlueBubbleGrl, Beauty Full, Draco's Queen, jecy, DarkIllusion, Veronice, porkypop, carissa (grazie), Jade, Resonance
Ryoko- D/HR IS THE BEST!!!! It's perfectly normal, and I encourage it!! Lol
Jenna Malfoy- Pranks will be in 2 chaps! And, thanks for the long review, I love em! And tell your anti-d/hr friend that I said thanks anyways, lol!
Shaz Kay Gee Bee- Yessssssssss, I'll try to make the Italy chapters VERY LONG, just b/c you asked oh so nicely! ;^P
Akiri-pie chan- I have no clue what PWP means, lol… any takers on that one?
p.e.n.n.y- LOL, I just about wet myself when I read that animal sex thing!! Glad you approve!
OREO OF LOVE- I'M CAPS LOCKING YOU B/C I FEEL LIKE SCHMUCK B/C THIS IS THE 5 MILLIONTH TIME I'VE LEFT YOU OUT AND I FEEL REALLY BAD!!! LOL, 'DRACO THE BODY PILLOW' WAS V. FUNNY!
Fleur- Hey, exclamation marks are fine by me!! And, you'll just have to wait and see what happens in Venice, now won't you!! ~winks and smirks~
Holly- Oooh, thanks for the long review…. Donde esta el bano means where is the bathroom. As far as H/G goes…. Well, I mean, they were kind of default… I don't really like Harry with anyone. I've never had gorgonzola cheese, so I couldn't tell ya!
Nuada- ^^^ You're up there!!! And v. glad you liked Empire of Light…. Some of the prints of it are too light, it's sposed to be darker on the bottom, so it's a starker contrast between the night of the houses and trees, and the dayy time sky. (or that's what I think)
Melanie- Fucking evil? LOL…. Thanks…. I guess?
Xaviera Xylira- Awwwwwwww that was awfully sweet of you to say! And your fic is SO awesome!!! You have to post again soon!
Herby- LOL, that was a really good call! I'd never noticed that I do that a lot…. Must be stupid reading that over and over again… you'll note the next few chaps not ending with them going to bed, lol… thanks for the tip!!
Coolkid189- Hey, no I LOVE long reviews!! I read your fic, and I reviewed, sooo…. Well, there we are then!! If you have any more Q's feel free to ask, ok?
Natasha- Whew! Glad you liked it! Hope you got some sleep after staying up so long!
Rhiannon Greenleaf- Ooh, well, I'm glad I pass! I am also an aspiring LOTR fan, I'm just finishing Fellowship… you know, for some REALLY odd reason, that book makes me want to cry. I don't know why, it's quite inexplicable…
Camille- LOL, ~waves to you under the desk! Sorry about the math hw…. I never have to take math again in my life!! ~devilish laughter~
Squinny- Whew! I almost forgot you, heh heh…. Uhhhhhh…. Yeah… digging… must be soon, and josh needs to come home!! Stop being a tool!!! Heeheehee CHUKLINGS
5. The next chapter will be up on the 28th for those of you who asked. It's NiaP's 2 month birthday. Awww, look at how big she's getting! Seems like only yesterday…. And before I know it, I'll be paying college tution! Ooooook, I need to get out more… ahem, sorry, see you on the 28th! Oh, and it'll be the 28th chapter! How apropos! Adios*
PLEASE R/R !!! You guys are the wind beneath my wings! HAHAHAHAHAHA that was a joke…. Oy vey, I should just post this now, shall I? Yes.
A/N: HOOOOOOOLLY SHIT!!!!!!! I HAVE 1014 REVIEWS!!!! You guys are JUST the greatest!!! Thank you all sososososossoso much for sticking with me! And, here's a cute little present for you all, from me!
Disclaimer: Not mine
The next morning, Draco woke up early, and quietly got dressed. He crept out into the study and walked to Hermione's door, and listened. He heard nothing.
'Good, she's still asleep,' he thought to himself, as he silently left the room.
He met up with Harry on their was down to the hall.
"Morning, Potter."
"Hi, Malfoy. I wonder what we're doing."
Harry shrugged, and the boys continued down in a groggy silence. Malfoy swung the door to the entrance hall open, and Harry walked in.
"Hey! What're YOU doing here?" Harry exclaimed.
"Wh-? How did you know?" Malfoy added.
"Well, good morning to you, too, boys!" Hermione responded with a smile.
The boys stared at her, agape, wondering how she knew what was going on.
"Harry, a tip, don't leave the Marauder's Map out on the table in the Common Room where anyone can see. And Draco, you're a bad liar sometimes."
"Well, what are we doing?" Harry asked.
"I can explain that for you, young sirs," came a voice from behind.
Snape swept in front of the students with a small smile on his face. "Well, are we ready to go?"
Snape led the entourage out the door, with Hermione walking up front, smiling happily, and Draco and Harry exchanging curious looks.
"Where are we going?" Draco finally asked.
"To the deflated Quaffle over there," Snape responded.
Harry and Draco looked more confused than ever as Hermione and Snape picked up the Quaffle.
"Well, are you going to HOLD it or not?" Hermione asked snootily.
"Oh! Is it a Portkey?" Harry questioned.
"No, Mister Potter, we're just picking up trash, but, you know, team- style." Snape said witheringly.
Harry forced himself not to glare at Snape as Hermione and Draco snickered at him. He grabbed hold, and in a moment, the four of them were being jerked forward quickly. Harry's stomach was churning as his feet landed on solid ground.
After they took a moment to orient themselves, they began looking around. Draco had never seen such a place before. There were run-down buildings, and broken stony roads. Some half-up fences and overgrown grass surrounded them, there was a thin layer of snow on the ground.
"Where are we?" Draco whispered, aghast at his surroundings.
Suddenly an old man in a tattered jumper and old trousers walked up to them.
"Got 'ny cheenge?" he asked them gruffly.
Hermione looked at him sympathetically, and dug into her pocket, and fished out a five-pound note, and handed it to the man. Snape ushered them along towards a building.
"What did you just give that unkempt old man?" Draco demanded.
"Some money, Draco," Hermione said.
"That was money? Where are we?"
"We are in Glasgow, Mister Malfoy," Snape replied cooly. He stopped in front of a glass door.
Harry looked up and read the sign aloud, "Saint Helga's Center for Children (a/n: SHAGS, heehee). What is this?"
"It's an orphanage, Harry." Hermione told him.
They walked in. Hermione frowned at what she saw. There was a single Christmas tree standing in the corner, and a few tattered decorations hung from the walls. There were about 40 children running around, playing games with eachother, while a few harried-looking adults attempted futilely to keep them in control.
"Why are all of these children running around like maniacs?" Draco asked, looking mildly disconcerted.
Hermione giggled, "Because they're KIDS, Draco."
"Well, why are they here? Shouldn't their parents be looking after them? Or bathing them, for goodness sakes. It smells in here," he complained. "I mean, really, the condition of this place is quite shoddy. No school should be kept like this."
Hermione looked at him sadly, "Draco, they don't HAVE parents. That's why they're here… They live here."
Draco's eyes widened, and he looked around the room. A look of immense sadness crossed his face, as he saw the children laughing and playing.
"You mean, they haven't anywhere to live? No family?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head, as a tall woman walked over to them smiling.
"Hello! I'm Gemma MacGregor, I'm the director here at Saint Helga's. You all must be from Saint… Mungo's School?"
Hermioen stifled a giggle, "Yes ma'am. I'm Hermione Granger, pleased to meet you."
"Hello, I'm Draco Malfoy."
"Hello, dears, welcome. Are the other two with you?"
Harry and Snape walked over to them.
Snape shook hands with the woman, "Hello, my name is Severus Snape, these are my pupils. I'm the, err, chem-is-try professor?"
Harry quickly covered Snape's faltering, "I'm Harry Potter, how d'you do?"
"Fine, thank you! Now, today is our Christmas party, so the children are a bit more riled up than usual. You can just play with them and such. They each get one gift to open, so you can hand those out, that'd be a great help."
The four took a moment to digest the Scottish woman's fast voice and accent, and nodded. She walked towards the other staff, leaving the four of them alone.
"Well, I'm going now, I'll be back at four in the afternoon to pick you up. Good luck!" Snape swished quickly out the door.
Hermione, Harry, and Draco went over to the large sacks of presents, and took one each, and began to walk around the room.
Hermione walked up to a small girl with curly red hair, who appeared to be about six.
"Hello, what's your name?"
"Michaela Robbins," she responded in almost a whisper.
"Well, hello, Michaela, my name is Hermione. Would you like a present?"
The small girl nodded emphatically, and eagerly took her present from Hermione.
She moved on to the next child, a small boy with light brown skin and dark hair who looked about four. He immediately smiled up at Hermione.
"Hello, I'm Hermione, what's your name?"
"Jonah!" he exclaimed. "May I have a present?"
Hermione laughed, "Of course you may!" She handed the child a brightly wrapped package, gave him a smile, and moved on to a table of older girls. She sat down in an empty chair.
"Hi! I'm Hermione. What are all of your names?"
The girls, all about 12, went around and introduced themselves.
"Kelly, I've been here my whole life."
"Angeline, been here ten years."
"Danielle, here since I was four."
"Opal, here since three."
"Daisy, I've been here two years."
Hermione smiled at the girls, "Hi, I'm Hermione Gr-"
"You with that cute guy over there?" Angeline asked her, pointing to Draco.
Hermione smiled a bit, "Yes, I am, his name is Draco."
"And that other one, with the green eyes?" Opal asked.
"That's Harry, but he's got a girlfriend."
"But Draco doesn't?" Danielle asked excitedly.
Hermione shook her head.
"Well, THAT'S dumb!! Do you have a boyfriend, Hermione?" Kelly asked her.
"No, no, I don't."
"Well, you should go out with Draco!" she yelled loudly. So loudly, infact, that both Draco and Harry turned to look at Hermione who began blushing violently.
"Kelly!" Hermione hissed, "Keep your voice down!"
The girls all giggled at Hermione's red face.
"Ooh, look," Daisy said, "He's talking to Charlie, that's a waste of time!"
Hermione turned to see Draco approaching a rather diffident-looking boy with sandy brown hair.
"Well, what's wrong with Charlie?"
"His parents just died about a year ago. He doesn't talk to anyone. Not to Miss MacGregor, not to the other boys, no one. He's got a nasty attitude." Kelly informed her.
Hermione watched as Draco said something to the boy, and was ignored. He held out a present, but Charlie did not take it. Draco said something again, then shrugged and walked away. Hermione furrowed her brow and turned to look at Harry, who was playing a game of football on a lagre patch of clear floor.
"Well, girls, I've got a few more gifts to hand out, I'll be back to chat in a bit!"
She handed out the rest of her gifts, then approached Draco, who looked very put-out.
"What's wrong?"
"That kid over there, with the green shirt on. He wouldn't talk to me."
She sighed and sat down next to him.
"His name's Charlie. His parents only just died a year ago. He doesn't talk to anyone, apparently."
Draco still looked upset, "Well, I want him to talk to me!"
Hermione smiled up at Draco, and put her hand on his arm, "That's… that's really sweet of you, Draco. Maybe you could try again?"
Draco thought for a moment and nodded resolutely. He stood up and walked back to the boy.
"I'm Draco Malfoy."
Charlie glared up at him, "You TOLD me that already."
"Ah! So, you can speak! Well, why don't you tell me about yourself?"
"Why should I tell YOU anything? I don't know anything about you."
"Fine. I'm Draco Benjamin Malfoy. I'm in my seventh year at Ho- Saint Mungo's. I'm Head Boy, those are my friends Hermione and Harry. I've got a little sister named Lily… And my dad died this past summer."
Charlie looked up at him, surprised. "But… you don't look like-like…"
"Like one of my parents is dead?" Draco supplied.
Charlie shrugged, "I guess." He paused for a moment, sizing up Draco, "I'm Charlie, er, Charles Paul Garrety. I'm thirteen. My, my mum and dad… died a year ago, o-on Christmas."
For a moment, his exterior cracked, and Draco saw a thirteen year old boy who was scared, and who missed his parents, missed having a family. Draco saw himself sitting there. In a flash, Charlie had resumed his stoic countenance.
"Well," Draco said hesitantly, "do you want to talk about it?"
"No, I don't want to talk about it! Why does everyone always ask that? It's no one's business but my own!" Charlie yelled angrily at Draco.
"Well, I was just offering… I think I can empathize with what you're going through," he replied, trying to calm the boy.
"You can't," Charlie responded bitterly. "If it wasn't for me, they'd still be alive. Your dad didn't die because of you."
Draco sighed, "Actually, Charlie, he did. This… man was going to hurt me, but, he killed my dad first, and then I got away."
"Oh." A pregnant pause held in the air, but Charlie decided to continue. "I had a big indoor football match in Beckingham, Kent the day after Christmas. I wanted them to come, and so they told my coach they'd drive me down. Well, it was really rainy, and… and… Well, if it hadn't been for me, they never would have been driving," he said sadly.
Draco moved so that he was next to Charlie, and put his arm around the boy's shoulder.
"Charlie, that wasn't your fault, not at all. Accidents happen all the time. See that bloke over there, Harry? His mum and dad died when he was only a baby. But, you know, he knows he can't go on dwelling on it. You were lucky enough to have yours around for twelve years, Charlie. I can't believe that they would have wanted you to stay so upset about it. You must remember all the time you shared with them, but you must'nt be sad. You must believe that they'll be waiting for you, that they're always watching over you… that they're proud of you, Charlie."
Draco looked at the boy next to him, who's eyes were shining with tears. Charlie nodded mutely at Draco, and sniffed.
"Are you going to come back?" he asked Draco.
"If you want me to, Charlie, I will."
Across the room, Hermione sat silently, and watched everything that happened. She couldn't hear Draco, but she'd never seen him so… involved.
'I can't believe he's getting that boy to open up. Draco Malfoy relating to a common Muggle. If you told me that a year ago, I would never have believed it. He's so different now, I feel like I really know him, the way he always should have been.'
Harry, coming over and sitting down, broke her train of thought.
"Gee, Malfoy, who would have thought, huh?"
"Yeah… I know, I was just thinking about that."
"You know, Mione, he's ok. I mean, I never thought I'd say that, but, he's really, you know, proved himself. And, I guess, now I see why he was the way he was. The Dursleys weren't kind or loving by any means, but he grew up, you know, fearing for his LIFE… that's not bound to make some one a swell guy, is it?"
Hermione stared forward at Draco, Harry watched her intently, watching him.
"It's ok, Mione… HE'S ok."
Hermione looked at him, confused, "What do you mean?"
Harry stood up and shrugged, "I dunno, just talking I guess. But, I've got to get back to football, we're leaving soon anyway." He went back to the group of loudly playing children.
Hermione's gaze never left Draco, who was speaking intensely with Charlie.
'It's amazing how this year is turning out. Who would have thought Harry Potter would be sitting here, approving of Draco Malfoy. Approving of him! But, why? Because he's a good person. Because he deserves it. Because he's led a harder life than any of us had imagined. Because I'm Head Girl with him. Because I'm friends with him. Because I…'
Draco suddenly looked up at Hermione, right into her eyes. He gave her a true, genuine, sweet smile, and turned back to Charlie.
'… Because I… because… because I, I love him.'
A/N: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW ~was feeling fuzzy~ SO, I hope you liked that! OK, on to business…
1. General announcement- OK, you guys KNOW I love you all, and am extremely grateful for your reviews, BUT… once again, may I say that I'm going to take my sweet damn time with this, no matter how much pleading and begging and harassing goes on, they're NOT going to kiss until I post that chapter up. So, really, no offense, but to everyone who's telling me to hurry up with getting them some action, it's not doing you any good. I really really TRULY love the reviews, and I'm SO glad people like it, but I just can't have them get together at some random moment….. sorry! (Oh, and the mistletoe revenge is in…. 2 chaps, it'll be 29)
2. This chapter's recommendations are: Blurring Perceptions and Insensible Emotions by Nuada, they're both QUITE good, and deserve many reviews! Also, you should read "A Remus Story" by Xaviera Xylira, it's SO cute and yay-inducing! And all of the other recommendations I've made still stand.
3. THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT, SO READ IT!!! OK, so, one of the things that people have said they'd like more of, is stuff about the other 4 people (R,H,G, and M). Well, truthfully, I don't have the time/room/ideas to write them separate chapters. So, here's the deal: I've already got some one writing the Ron/Maya chapter, but if some one would like to write a Harry/Ginny supplement to NiaP, and have me post it with the story (I'd give you creidt, of course), you could send them to me to look at. I don't want this to sound odd, like I'd be 'letting' you write for my fic, but I really do feel bad not having anything on the other 4, but truthfully, I don't really know what I'd say! So, if you're interested, could you e-mail me? Knl837@yahoo.com. If you wanted to, I could tell you a bit more about what's going to happen, if you wanted to write a mor far-reaching chapter. But, if you're interested, email me, and we'll chat, ok? Thanks!
4. On to thanks, now! (You know, do you guys read this? I feel like it's jumbled-looking and people don't bother reading it… so, could you tell me?)
BoByN (lol), krissy, Cairo, Sweet'n'Sour, Erika Moonbeam, M'ika Q, black_ice, Hermione Malfoy, Monie, Mirielle, lion1990, katelyn, xAngelicDevilx, Avalon, Chrissy, firefaerie96, Kearie, ~*~Sugar Plums~*~, Rachel Hunt, BuffySummers168, Kstarrr74 (3 r's now? ;^P), Alanna Roseguard, AngeliGirl, BlueBubbleGrl, Beauty Full, Draco's Queen, jecy, DarkIllusion, Veronice, porkypop, carissa (grazie), Jade, Resonance
Ryoko- D/HR IS THE BEST!!!! It's perfectly normal, and I encourage it!! Lol
Jenna Malfoy- Pranks will be in 2 chaps! And, thanks for the long review, I love em! And tell your anti-d/hr friend that I said thanks anyways, lol!
Shaz Kay Gee Bee- Yessssssssss, I'll try to make the Italy chapters VERY LONG, just b/c you asked oh so nicely! ;^P
Akiri-pie chan- I have no clue what PWP means, lol… any takers on that one?
p.e.n.n.y- LOL, I just about wet myself when I read that animal sex thing!! Glad you approve!
OREO OF LOVE- I'M CAPS LOCKING YOU B/C I FEEL LIKE SCHMUCK B/C THIS IS THE 5 MILLIONTH TIME I'VE LEFT YOU OUT AND I FEEL REALLY BAD!!! LOL, 'DRACO THE BODY PILLOW' WAS V. FUNNY!
Fleur- Hey, exclamation marks are fine by me!! And, you'll just have to wait and see what happens in Venice, now won't you!! ~winks and smirks~
Holly- Oooh, thanks for the long review…. Donde esta el bano means where is the bathroom. As far as H/G goes…. Well, I mean, they were kind of default… I don't really like Harry with anyone. I've never had gorgonzola cheese, so I couldn't tell ya!
Nuada- ^^^ You're up there!!! And v. glad you liked Empire of Light…. Some of the prints of it are too light, it's sposed to be darker on the bottom, so it's a starker contrast between the night of the houses and trees, and the dayy time sky. (or that's what I think)
Melanie- Fucking evil? LOL…. Thanks…. I guess?
Xaviera Xylira- Awwwwwwww that was awfully sweet of you to say! And your fic is SO awesome!!! You have to post again soon!
Herby- LOL, that was a really good call! I'd never noticed that I do that a lot…. Must be stupid reading that over and over again… you'll note the next few chaps not ending with them going to bed, lol… thanks for the tip!!
Coolkid189- Hey, no I LOVE long reviews!! I read your fic, and I reviewed, sooo…. Well, there we are then!! If you have any more Q's feel free to ask, ok?
Natasha- Whew! Glad you liked it! Hope you got some sleep after staying up so long!
Rhiannon Greenleaf- Ooh, well, I'm glad I pass! I am also an aspiring LOTR fan, I'm just finishing Fellowship… you know, for some REALLY odd reason, that book makes me want to cry. I don't know why, it's quite inexplicable…
Camille- LOL, ~waves to you under the desk! Sorry about the math hw…. I never have to take math again in my life!! ~devilish laughter~
Squinny- Whew! I almost forgot you, heh heh…. Uhhhhhh…. Yeah… digging… must be soon, and josh needs to come home!! Stop being a tool!!! Heeheehee CHUKLINGS
5. The next chapter will be up on the 28th for those of you who asked. It's NiaP's 2 month birthday. Awww, look at how big she's getting! Seems like only yesterday…. And before I know it, I'll be paying college tution! Ooooook, I need to get out more… ahem, sorry, see you on the 28th! Oh, and it'll be the 28th chapter! How apropos! Adios*
PLEASE R/R !!! You guys are the wind beneath my wings! HAHAHAHAHAHA that was a joke…. Oy vey, I should just post this now, shall I? Yes.
