Secrets
Chapter Twenty: Problems and Solutions
(Disclaimer: I own no HP titles except for the ones thought up in this crazed head of mine…)
A/N- Well, twenty chapters! Thanks to all of my reviewers, but mostly Sillyseal for giving me this idea. This chapter is going to get really juicy and scandalous, but next chapter things will soften up, I promise. I don't even ask you to review, and you all kindly do! But -I know I shouldn't be saying this because I've only gotten two- no flames. Those have to be the worst things for a writer… I'm sure my fellow authors agree with me! But my internet was screwed up, so now it's fixed and I have a nice long chappie for everyone! .
Much Love (Especially to my beloved reviewers!),
Belle
XxX
"W-Well, Draco, a-as long as y-your happy…" I said, mentally slapping myself for stuttering. "I've g-got to g-go…"
I strode quickly from the room, ignoring Ron, Fred and Draco's pleads. I just couldn't take this any longer. I needed to get away… I flooed back to Hogwarts, my stomach growling. When I reached the common room, I transfigured one of my books into an apple and devoured it quickly, ignoring the fact that it tasted strongly of dust and paper.
It was becoming darker by the minute, and my energy was draining quickly. I plopped down on my bed without undressing and fell asleep on impact.
XxX
I woke up to sunlight pouring into my room, spilling shades of gold and orange onto everything, making them seem more alive. I knew today was special- the question was, did anyone else know? I changed into a clean set of robes, not noticing the tear stains on my pillow. I grabbed my bag and hurried out my door, seeing as I only had a few minutes to get to Potions- the dreaded class I had first period. Neither Harry nor Ron ((A/N- Nor is Ron spelled backwards…)) appeared in class. I wondered where Harry was and why I hadn't seen him lately…
I kept my head in class, making my potion once again flawless until I saw Dra- Malfoy snogging with India in the corner. The emotion I felt at that moment was a mix between sickness, hatred, jealousy and sadness. When the class ended, I got permission from McGonagall to skip the rest of the day. I told her I wasn't ready to continue after my grandmother's death.
When I arrived back to my room, I found five pieces of parchment- four being my assignments, and one being a letter from Ron.
Hermione,
How good it feels to be back! But it's horrible to see you in such a state. What Draco did was horrible and wrong, and he doesn't at all deserve you. I promise you everything will work out in the end. Just remember everyone back at the Burrow loves and supports you, no matter what. I'll always be here to hold you and continue to tell you everything's all right.
By the way, I'm sure everyone forgot (not Mum, of course, your presents should be arriving soon), but HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY! You can come to the Burrow this weekend (it'll be Max-free) for a little party, if you want to.
I Love You,
-Ron
I smiled. Someone remembered my birthday. I had gotten a letter from my parents last week telling me 'happy birthday' and to stay safe, ect. Only two people remembered my birthday. How sad.
I stayed up late, just gazing out my window and wondering what I did to deserve all that's happened and happening. I decided to go up to the Astronomy Tower, not to sing, just to be alone. After casting an invisibility spell on myself, I scurried up to the tower so that at midnight I could with myself a happy 16th birthday and continue with my life.
When I reached the tower, I felt someone's presence. Seeing no one, I sat down in front of the full-length window and stared out, admiring the beauty and wonder of it all. I looked at my watch. Eleven seconds.
10 Seconds. Why me?
9 Seconds. I heard something behind me.
8 Seconds. I turned around.
7 Seconds. I stood up.
6 Seconds. I heard a breath.
5 Seconds. The hairs on my neck stood up.
4 Seconds. "Who's there?"
3 Seconds. No answer.
2 Seconds. Breath on my lips.
1 Second. Lips on mine
My eyes fluttered open as I pulled away, missing my opportunity to wish myself a happy birthday. I saw Draco standing before me, looking rather worried and out of breath. "Happy birthday." He whispered, pulling me into his arms. I backed away, looking at him with a confused expression.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"It is your birthday, right?"
"Yes, but you kissed me! I thought you and that slut India were together." I snapped when I said India's name. That 'girl' doesn't deserve my Draco. No- he's not mine anymore.
"One night stand, my love."
"Oh, really?" I asked, getting aggravated. "And that's all I was, too? You just expect me to come crawling back to you?"
"Hermione-"
"You're so unfair, Draco. Look at what this whole thing between you and I has come to. Ron's in St. Mungo's, Harry's god-knows-where and I think Fred's in love with me! My favorite grandmother died yesterday! I really don't need secrets and pain any longer. I know you can give me everything and anything I need, but if it gives others and I pain, then I don't think it's worth it…" Tears began clouding my vision. Who was I kidding? I love Draco Malfoy with everything in me, but why couldn't this just work out?
"Hermione, listen to yourself." Draco said, taking cautious steps toward me. "We'll work through this. But first lets just get through this year. Then I promise we can spend every minute of the summer together."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
I threw myself into Draco's arms and kissed him on the cheek. I pulled back, still in his arms and looked up into those baby blue eyes. I leaned in to kiss Draco and he closed the gap, pressing his lips against mine. It had been weeks since we'd kissed, and I never realized how good it felt to have him so close to me. Draco pulled back all too soon and told me that he'd better be getting back. After one last kiss and an invisibility charm, I headed back to Gryffindor Tower, a little bit more content with my torn life.
XxX
I ran through the Burrow and up to my room so that I could unpack my belongings. Ron was finally out of St. Mungo's and was doing better than expected, though not totally back in the swing of things. I spent every minute with him, telling him everything- except last night; I had decided to keep that a secret.
As Ron beat me at Wizard's Chess for the fifth time, Fred and George entered the room.
"Hey 'Mione," George said, broomstick in hand. "Wanna go out for some Quidditch?"
I gave Ron a glance. "Don't' let me spoil your fun, 'Mione! Go ahead!" I smiled, gave Ron a hug and went out with the twins.
"Oh, guys, I don't have a broomstick…" I said before they had a chance to go into the air.
Fred scooted back on his. "You can ride with me," He grinned mischievously.
"Okay…" I said and awkwardly got onto the broom in front of Fred.
"Hold on tight…" I held on as we flew into the sky, air rushing through my hair. Fred wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his chin on my shoulder as I steered the boom, doing some risky turns now and then. "You're a natural flier, 'Mione."
I smiled and did a sudden dip, Fred's weight now leaning totally against me. I leveled out and landed, toppling from the broom. "Careful there, Hermione!" George said, landing and walking over to help me up.
"Thanks guys," I said, brushing myself off and grimacing at the grass-stains. "Yall are being so nice…"
They both smirked. "Hey, you're practically family…" Fred said, opening his arms and smiling.
"Maybe a little bit more than that, eh, mate?" George muttered to Fred, nudging him playfully.
"Hey, I heard that…" I said, smiling and heading back towards the house. "I'll be inside if you need me!"
When I came inside I heard two voices- one was Ron's and the other… Harry's? I bolted into the kitchen to find Harry and Ron talking animatedly about Quidditch.
"Harry!" I exclaimed, running into his arms and nearly knocking him into the sink. "Oh, where have you been?"
Harry wrapped me into a comforting hug and gave me a peck on the cheek. "Dumbledore sent me to stay with the Order at Grimmauld Place. ((sp))" Harry replied. I smiled.
"I'm glad you're okay."
"I'm sorry 'bout what I did, 'Mione." Harry looked over at Ron and grinned. "I'm surprised Ron and I are on speaking terms."
"But look on the bright side," Ron said, walking over to my other side and taking my hand. "We're all together again."
XxX
"Okay, everyone ready?" Mr. Weasley asked, looking at the television excitedly.
"Mr. Weasley," I said, standing up next to him. "Are you sure you know how to work it?"
"I'm sure Hermione knows how to work it, eh, mate?" Fred whispered to George, nudging him in the side. I turned around and raised an eyebrow, giving them a wink before turning back around.
"Yes, Hermione, I think I do." Mr. Weasley said. Standing at full height, he took out his wand and gave it a swish. The T.V. exploded with such ferocity that it sent him and I flying back wards, me landing on top of Fred and Mr. Weasley landing on the couch. "Okay, nevermind…"
Noticing the position Fred and I were in; I quickly stood up, brushing myself off. The remains of the television were smoking a foul-smelling green and red sparks were shooting out every now and then.
"It's okay, Mr. Weasley, it can be fixed…" I took out my unharmed wand. "Repairo!" I said, and the T.V. –with a poof of smoke- was back to normal. We, however, were all covered with soot. "I'm gonna go hop in the shower…" I said, looking myself up and down and wincing at the state of my hair.
As I went up the stairs I heard Ron and Harry in the room to my right. Ron called me inside after dismissing Harry.
"Yeah, Ron?" I asked as he walked up to me. He wrapped his arms around me and held me close to him.
"I love you."
"I love you, too, Ron." I said, pulling back only to look at him.
"Not like that, Hermione." I must've shown my confusion on my face. "Will you go out with me?"
Who was this man standing in front of me? Where did my best friend go? I love Ron, but only as a brother! How did he get that idea in his head?
"Ron," I said cautiously. "I can't do that. You're my brother, not my boyfriend. I love you with all of my heart… but not like that." I let out a sigh and broke from his embrace. "I'm getting in the shower."
I ran up to the bathroom and placed several locking charms on the door. After undressing, I stepped under the showerhead and let the warm water caress my skin. I washed my hair and body twice, shaved and climbed out and grabbed a towel, heading to my room.
"Hermione?" I heard a voice say from the room across from mine, as I was about to enter. I let out a sigh and entered the room, looking at Fred, who was sitting on his bed. ((A/N- Ha! That rhymes- Fred, bed!))
"Yes, Frederick?" I asked girl-ishly, batting my eyelashes.
"Come here." He patted the spot of the bed next to him.
"If you haven't noticed, Fred," I said, exaggerating his name. "I'm in a towel. If you'd let me get dressed ((Fred stood up and started walking towards me)) I'd be happy to talk or-"
But Fred's lips silenced me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him, shutting the door behind me. I closed my eyes and parted my lips, allowing him entry. Fred ran his fingers through my wet hair, still kissing me passionately. Suddenly the door flew open, hitting me on the back and sending Fred and I crashing to the floor. I let out a grunt as I landed on top of Fred and turned around to see who had intruded.
Ron stood in the doorway looking awestruck and hurt. "Am I interrupting something?" He snapped.
I clobbered off of Fred and stood in front of Ron. "Ron, please-" I tried to reason.
"Why didn't you tell me that you two were dating?"
"Because we aren't!" I said loudly.
"Then why were you two just snogging?" Ron asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just trying it on for size…" Fred muttered. I hit his arm.
"I don't know, okay Ron? I didn't know I was suppost to inform you about everything in my love-life." I snapped. I immediately regretted it. "Oh, Ron, I'm sorry…" I went to hug him, but he pushed me away, sending me to the floor. He walked out of the room without another word.
I stood up and glared back at Fred. "Goodnight." I said, willing my tears to stay hidden.
The moment I was alone in my room I slammed down on my bed and cried myself to sleep.
XxX
Lubby,
Things couldn't be more terrible here. Ron asked me out, and then walked in on Fred and I kissing ((it was nothing, I promise!)) and now everyone's mad at me. Some birthday party this has been… Anyway, can't wait to see you at Hogwarts tomorrow. I'm coming back early. Same time same place?
I Love You,
-'Mione
I sent the letter off with Errol and watched the old owl until it was out of sight. I decided to stay in my room for most of the day, just re-reading books and writing pointless letters to all of my friends- or the ones I had left.
Within the next hour, Draco wrote back. The letter was delivered my a gorgeous jet black owl with big brown eyes. I stroked it gently before opening the letter.
Hermione,
Sorry things aren't good at the Burrow. You'll never guess whom my mother's dating now- Snape. It's horrible just having him as a teacher, but it's even worse having him around the house. And what if they get married? Imagine having Snape as a father! But mother seems surprisingly happy with him, so whatever floats her boat…
So, you were kissing Fred Weasley? Well, I'm surprised at that; he never really seemed your type. And Ron asked you out? I thought you two were no more then friends! I'll leave tomorrow, too, only for you, my love. Same time same place.
Oh, next weekend would you be up to going to the Manor? I could sure use some company other than Snape…
Much Love,
-Lubby
I smiled. He wasn't mad at me for snogging Fred… But Ron was. What was I going to do?
Oh, and Draco invited me to the Manor! I was looking for a way to get away anyway…
XxX
"Thanks you so much for everything, Mrs. Weasley," I said as I was floo-ing my luggage back to Hogwarts. "I hope I'll be seeing you at Christmas-"
"Oh, no, dear, all of us are going out to Romania to visit Charlie, so sorry." She gave me a big hug. "Stay safe, dear!"
I jumped into the fire and came tumbling out in the Gryffindor common room. I stood up, brushing myself off, as Harry and Ron walked up to me. Ron glared ferociously at me.
"H-Hi Harry, Ron." I said softly, gathering up my belongings and carrying them up to my room. Harry followed, leaving Ron behind.
"Hermione, what's going on between you and Fred?" He asked after I closed my door.
"Nothing, Harry, I promise." I sat down on my bed and Harry looked up at me. "I've no interest in him, I only saw him as I temporary replacement for Ron. Only things went a little further than planned…"
"Oh, well, Ron's been pissed ever since last night, and has been snapping at me and everyone else." Harry let out a sigh. "I don't think that he's totally better, Mione. He just hasn't been himself. I think that he's still just getting used to being back and thought that you always… hanging on him and stuff gave him the wrong idea."
I plopped on my back onto my soft bed, closing my eyes. "He'll come back, though, Harry, I know it." I closed the subject, which Harry quickly changed.
"Are you and Mal- Draco back together?" I sat up and looked at him carefully. Should I risk telling him? "'Mione, you can trust me. I've changed."
"Yeah, and I don't know how we're going to get through the rest of the year, but we will somehow."
"Well, no matter what goes on between us, and no matter if Ron's pissed off or not, I'll always support you, 'Mione. I promise."
I smiled and stood up, taking him into my arms. I gave him and peck on the cheek before retreating to the library to catch up on some reading.
XxX
Weeks went by in a flash. I concentrated on my studies and got through my classes with the top grades. The exams were only days away, and I was spending every minute of my spare time in the library with either Harry, Ron –who had forgiven me- for Draco, or all three studying.
As I sat in the library, reading up on Binthe the Bewildered, I felt myself dozing off, sleepiness getting the better of me. I closed my eyes and slumped down, letting my dreams swim over me.
Later, I felt someone shaking me. "Hermione?" The voice whispered. I cracked open my eyes to find Draco kneeling over me. I involuntarily shivered, noticing that I was no longer in the library. Looking around, I saw that I was now placed in the Astronomy Tower, still wearing today's robes.
"Draco," I said, my voice horse from sleep.
"Hello, sleepyhead." He said smiling, propping me up in his lap. I stood, looking out the window. It was still dark outside.
"What time is it?"
"About midnight." Draco stood behind me, slithering ((A/N- wink, wink)) his arms around my waist. "I came here a little while ago, and when you didn't come, I went down to the library and found you there sleeping. I took you up here, and here we are now."
I turned around and placed a kiss upon his lips. "We shouldn't be up late, love, the exams are tomorrow."
"No worries, my love, I've brought two perfectly made sleeping potions." Draco pulled out two vials filled with a brown liquid.
"Oh, Draco, everything's working out wonderfully." I said, taking the bottle and setting it down, looking back into his endless eyes. "Ron's not mad at me anymore, Fred and I worked things out, Harry and I are best friends," I took a step closer to him and put my arms around his neck. "And I love you more than ever. Things just couldn't be better."
He pulled back a bit, pulling out a small back box. "Oh, but they can, and they will." Draco looked up at me, smiling. "We've been through so much together this year, and only God knows what'll happen next year. But we'll spend the summer together, and then get through our last year, and then," Draco kneeled down on one knee and looked up at me, opening the little black box. Inside was an emerald green ring, glistening up at me, lined with diamonds and rubies, stuck onto a silver band.
"Hermione Granger," He said as tears clouded my vision. "Will you marry me?"
"Y-Yes." I said, my voice shaking. Draco pulled out the ring and slipped it on my finger. It fit perfectly.
XxX
