A/N: HEY GUYS! I'm back! I'm gonna try to finish this up because I was reading it over one day and decided that I was so close to finishing it that it's not fair to leave it open ended. Sorry if I mislead you all and I lost most of my fans, but if you're a writer, I know you can sympathize.
Chapter Seven:
Keeping Secrets
Hermione went down to Snape's office at ten o'clock. He said her potion should be ready by then. She had been the Order's Secret Keeper for over a month now, and it was really wearing down on her. She found it incredibly difficult to concentrate during class, and what was even worse than that was her chronic lying. She had to keep lying to Harry, to Ron, but worst of all to Draco. It wasn't fair to him after he had been so good to her for the past few months. She decided to make it up to him somehow.
"Good evening, Ms. Granger," Snape greeted her solemnly. He had taken on a new approach to his student. He had never been partial to Gryffindors, and her know-it-all attitude rubbed him the wrong way for six years. Now that Hermione was the Secret Keeper for the Order, she deserved more respect. He was completely taken aback when Dumbledore had informed the Order that Hermione had accepted the responsibility. He had expected her to turn it down after hearing what kind of danger it could place her in. Snape had obviously underestimated her, and she deserved recognition of some sort.
"Evening, professor."
"Have the headaches been horrible lately?"
"Just recently, professor. Midterms are coming up so I'm under more stress than usual," Hermione said, wincing from the pain that was ricocheting through her brain. Snape chuckled wryly.
"Since you have to worry so much about doing well on your midterms, Ms. Granger," He said, sarcastically as he filled a thermos with the potion.
"It's my worrying that leads to my success, professor. And thanks again for brewing this potion every week. I appreciate it."
"It's my pleasure, Ms. Granger. A Gryffindor is traditionally brave, but you are the most courageous Gryffindor I have ever known," Snape told her honestly. Hermione was purely shocked by his sudden praise.
"Thank you, professor."
"The house cup is in the bag for Gryffindor this year due to your service, but I wasn't really supposed to tell you that." Snape cracked a small smile, and Hermione almost passed out. He had never been so nice to her, and truthfully, it was beginning to scare her.
"Well, I imagine you know the drill by now. One glass every morning before breakfast, and do not swim or fly for two hours after consumption."
"I know, professor. Thanks again." Hermione gave Snape a brief smile before coming out of the dungeons and headed back to the Gryffindor common room. As she rounded a corner, she slammed right into a solid form.
"Whoa! Sorry, Hermione!" Draco exclaimed, reaching out to steady her. Hermione had dropped the thermos in the chaos, but luckily none of it spilled. She bent down quickly to pick it up.
"Oh, don't worry about it. I wasn't really looking where I was going."
"What's in the thermos?" Hermione quickly pushed the thermos inside of her robes.
"Just some hot cocoa." Draco eyed her curiously, but did not question. Instead, he took her arm and pulled her into an empty classroom. Moonlight spilled through the windows and cast a bluish hue onto Hermione's fair skin. Draco placed his hands gently on her hips and kissed her softly.
"Are you all right, Hermione?" He asked quietly. Hermione looked down at the stone floor of the classroom. Don't lie, Hermione. Not again.
"I've been having a lot of headaches lately. It's nothing serious," She reassured him. She only felt half satisfied. She hadn't really lied. She didn't know for sure if the headaches weren't serious. They could be abnormal and deadly for all she knew. Hermione hadn't done much research on Secret Keepers in her lifetime. She made a quick mental note to look them up in the library next time she was there. Draco kissed her neck and Hermione felt shivers slip down her spine.
"Draco, I want to thank you." Draco lifted his head to look at her.
"For what?"
"For being so wonderful."
"I was born wonderful, Hermione. You don't have to thank me for it," He teased. Hermione smiled slightly.
"I'm serious, Draco. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. You completely understand me and how I think. I sometimes feel like you're the only person who really gets me. And that's an amazing feeling. Do you have any idea what I'm trying to say?" Hermione asked, realizing that she had been talking in circles. Draco grinned and brushed a brown curl away from Hermione's face.
"I know exactly what you're trying to say." Draco placed his hand on the back of her neck and gently guided her face to his as he captured her lips in a loving kiss. As his tongue slipped between her lips, the door to the classroom slammed open. Both Draco and Hermione froze and jumped away from each other. Pansy and Blaise were snogging and walking at the same time. They were doing a horrible job multi-tasking. A desk crashed to the floor and the two Slytherins broke apart. Pansy was the first to become aware of their company.
"Draco? What are you doing in here with her?" Pansy sniffed, giving Hermione a disgusted look. Hermione bristled and was about to tell the ugly bitch off when Draco spoke first.
"Head business, Pansy. Now you and Blaise better get out of here before I deduct points for being out after curfew," Draco replied smoothly. Pansy didn't seem to buy the story, but Blaise seemed to be more upset at being interrupted.
"Come on, Pansy. We'll just go back to my room."
"I wouldn't do that either, Zabini. That's also against the rules," Draco snapped. Blaise glared at Draco, who stared back evenly. Pansy put her hands on her hips.
"You just want to get rid of us so you can get back to snogging that mudblood."
"Don't call her that," Draco hissed without thinking. Pansy raised her eyebrows.
"When was the last time you defended a Gryffindor? Especially Mudblood Granger." Draco's fury escalated at a dangerous level.
"Fifty points from Slytherin! And if I hear that word come from your disgustingly revolting face one more time, it will be detention until you graduate!" Draco thundered. Pansy glowered at him, but paused to smirk.
"What will the rest of the school think if they heard I walked in on Draco Malfoy snogging Hermione Granger?" She asked maliciously.
"Say whatever you want, Pansy. No one is going to believe you," Draco retorted, sounding more confidant than he felt. Pansy gave him a smug smile before taking Blaise by the hand and leaving. Hermione remained silent. Draco turned to her and ran his hand through her brown curls.
"Sorry I lost my temper, love."
"Do you think Pansy is going to tell anyone?" Hermione asked fearfully.
"It wouldn't be the worst thing, would it?"
"No. It would be the absolute worst thing. Don't you remember Clarice and Marcus?" Draco frowned at her.
"Clarice transferred to Beauxbatons, didn't she?"
"Yes! And do you know why?"
"Uh...no."
"She was dating a Slytherin! Her house mates abused her and made life miserable enough that she needed to leave Hogwarts! Draco, I don't want that to happen to either of us!" Draco sighed and sat down at a desk, putting his head in his hands. Finally he looked up at Hermione.
"I have an idea."
"What sort of idea?" Hermione asked cautiously. Draco frowned and looked down at the floor.
"A sick, twisted, makes-me-want-to-throw-up idea. But it might save us both." Hermione swallowed hard and waited for Draco to continue. "If the rest of the school thinks that we're both involved in other relationships, then they won't even begin to believe what Pansy is saying."
"You want me to get involved in a relationship just to cover up that fact that we're in a relationship?" Hermione asked, incredulously. Draco nodded.
"It's a rough plan, but it's the best I've got. Just think about it, okay? But you need to decide soon so that it happens before Pansy starts spreading the rumors."
"So I have to get a boyfriend, and you have to get a girlfriend, but we're still going to be seeing each other?"
"I guess."
"I don't like this, Draco. It's not fair to the people we're going to be dating."
"So date someone you're not really friends with."
"I can't do that to someone, Draco!"
"You decide, Hermione. Just let me know by tomorrow so I can start to scope out a potential girlfriend." Hermione felt her eyes welling up with tears. Just the mere thought of Draco being with another girl was making her queasy. Draco noticed her glassy eyes and he pulled her into a hug.
"It's going to be hard, Hermione. But I am going to be here for you when ever you need me to be," He reassured her softly. Hermione cried into his shoulder for a while before backing away and brushing the tears from her cheeks. Draco leaned down and kissed her.
"I'll see you tomorrow, baby," He said quietly before leaving the classroom. As Hermione was walking into the Gryffindor common room, she bumped into Dean Thomas.
"Sorry, Hermione," He apologized with a charming smile. Hermione returned the gesture and paused to think. Draco was right. If they were both with other people, then no one would bother to consider a relationship between her and Draco. But the plan wasn't fair to their "significant others". She never considered herself to be a person who would cheat on her boyfriend. She had too big of a heart. Unfortunately at the moment, it seemed to be the only way to escape the hell that was slowly closing in around her. Besides, in a month or so when everything died down, she could call it off on the terms of there being no chemistry. That was usually the best way to let a guy down gently.
"Hey, Dean?"
"Yeah?"
"Would you-" Hermione trailed off, trying to think through her decision. It's just a friendly relationship. As long as we go out a few times, that will take the heat off and we can just stop seeing each other. We can make it a low commitment arrangement. Most men are afraid of commitment to being with-
"Hermione? Are you all right?" Dean asked, his brown eyes glittering with concern. Hermione took a deep breath and smiled.
"I'm fine. Would you want to hang out some time?"
"Excuse me?" He asked, looking confused.
"I don't know. Maybe go out for lunch once in a while. I think we could have some chemistry, but we should just go out a few times before making a commitment," Hermione replied in a matter-of-fact way. Dean seemed stunned for a moment, but soon he nodded.
"You know, Hermione, I think you're right. We should look into it before establishing any sort of promises. Lunch tomorrow?" He asked, flashing her a charming smile. Hermione nodded.
"Absolutely. I'll meet you in the Great Hall."
"Sounds great. Good night, Hermione." Hermione watched Dean walk away and felt a stab of guilt. He was really a nice guy, but she didn't think that they would have any chemistry. That way it would make it easier for the both of them when it came time to break it off. Hermione headed up to the girl's dormitory and started to get ready for bed.
"What were you talking to Dean about?" Lavender asked Hermione. Hermione frowned. Lavender always had her nose in someone else's business. Normally, Hermione would have told Lavender that it was none of her business, but an idea suddenly came to her. Lavender was one of the gossip queens. Hermione didn't tell anything to Lavender that she didn't want circulated around the school by lunch time. But this time, Hermione did want something circulated.
"Dean and I are experimenting with a lunch date to see if we have any chemistry. I think we'd be good together, don't you?" Hermione asked. Lavender nodded, but Hermione could tell that Lavender thought otherwise. Good. At least people won't be thinking that this relationship will last.
"Ginny?" Hermione called.
"Yeah?" Ginny's voice came from inside the bathroom.
"Can I borrow Pig?"
"Sure." Hermione thanked Ginny and scribbled a quick note to Draco telling him what she had done. She just hoped that she had done the right thing.
Draco paced the study room impatiently. Hermione should have been there a half an hour ago. He began to wonder if something had happened to her. Just as he was about to go and find her himself, the door creaked open and she walked inside.
"Well, it's all set!" She said, happily. Draco swept her into his arms and kissed her fervently. Not being able to see her as often was wearing down on his hormones.
"What's set?" He asked when he pulled away. Hermione grinned.
"Your surprise."
"The one you were talking about last week?" Draco asked. Hermione nodded and gave him a smug grin. Draco took her into his arms suddenly.
"What is wrong with you tonight, Draco?" Hermione asked, laughing.
"I miss you, Hermione. And I don't like seeing you with that Thomas chap."
"Not as much as I loathe seeing you with Clara Hague. That girl is a total slut." Draco pulled away from the hug to look into Hermione's eyes.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I really am. I don't like doing it any more than you like seeing it, but it's working. I haven't heard so much as a whisper about us in weeks."
"Does that mean we can break it off now?" Hermione asked. Dean was so good and generous, but she knew that they had no future. Dean seemed to know it too, but they enjoyed each other's company more than anything. Harry had become antsy when ever Dean was around, and Hermione assumed that he was becoming jealous. Ginny was trying to distract Harry, but it was an exercise in futility. Ron was trying to pursue a relationship with Parvati, but she didn't seem to have much interest. Poor Ron seemed to be distraught that all of his friends were involved in relationships and he wasn't.
"The sooner the better. Clara has been trying to get me to have sex with her all week." Hermione frowned and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"You have to break up with her. End of story. I don't care if the rumors start again, it just has to happen," Hermione demanded. Draco paused.
"Wait a minute. If we both break up at the same time, it's gonna look suspicious."
"Does anyone pay attention to that crap?" Hermione wondered aloud, not bothering to hide her distain. Draco grinned.
"Anyone who doesn't pay attention to their school work. They need things to do with their lives."
"Well you're breaking up with Clara first. I can handle a few more lunch dates with Dean. At least he's not begging to get into my pants." Draco sighed.
"I don't like sharing you, Hermione."
"You have all of me, Draco. You're not sharing me with anyone," Hermione reassuring him, kissing his cheek gently. Draco seized the opportunity to kiss her lips passionately as he slowly guided her to the couch. He eased himself onto the cushions, keeping Hermione safely on top of him. The minutes seemed to go by so quickly as they both lost their sense of reality in the fiery passion they ignited. When they broke apart, breathing heavily, Hermione rested her head on Draco's chest.
"I never told you what your surprise was."
"Whatever it is, it can't be as good as that just was," Draco replied breathlessly. Hermione grinned and hit him with a pillow.
"Trust me, it's better."
"Better? Tell me more," Draco insisted, wrapping his arms around Hermione's waist.
"Dumbledore gave us permission to go into Hogsmeade for New Years Eve." Draco sat up suddenly, sending Hermione toppling to the ground.
"Oh my God! I am so sorry!" Draco exclaimed, helping her back up into his lap. He put his arms around her and sighed. "Okay, let's try this again. How did you get Dumbledore to agree to that?" Hermione paused for a moment. It had actually been Dumbledore's suggestion.
"Think of it as a sincere thank you from the Order for keeping our secrets safe. You have been so responsible and you deserve to have a little fun."
"Won't it be dangerous for me to be away from Hogwarts with the information I'm carrying?" Hermione had asked carefully. Dumbledore chuckled.
"I daresay that Lord Voldemort would be wise to stay away from Hogsmeade on such a populated holiday. Even so, Hermione, I think you should be accompanied by a companion of your choice."
"Thank you so much, professor!" Hermione had exclaimed graciously, her thoughts immediately infiltrated by Draco's face.
"Thank you, Hermione. You don't understand how much this means to the Order." Dumbledore had insisted.
"I don't know, Draco. He was in a very good mood, and he seemed to think that we needed a little release from our school work."
"So why not send the entire school? It's not like we're the only ones working."
"No. It just seems like it," Hermione admitted. Draco grinned.
"I don't even care anymore how you managed to spring that. I'm just thrilled that we're allowed to go," Draco said, tightening his grip around Hermione.
"I've been so excited ever since I found out."
"Well now we have to wait three more days."
"I can wait that long. Besides, the best things in life are worth waiting for."
"Ain't that the truth?" Draco replied, kissing her check gently. Hermione sighed with contentment and stared into the fire. She knew in that moment, that this was where she belonged. In Draco Malfoy's arms until the end of time. Draco discovered something in that moment as well, but it was a slightly different revelation. As Draco held onto his beloved Hermione, the only thing he could think of was the plot his father had revealed to him over a month ago. It was growing near to February. He was supposed to be gaining Hermione's trust in order to get the secrets she possessed. Or he was just supposed to be getting Hermione to come to Malfoy Manor on the specified date. As Draco sat with Hermione in his arms, he was the happiest man alive, and he never wanted to change that. Unfortunately, February was going to change that. Not because he was going to go through with the horrible, twisted plot his father had told him about, but because he was going to defy the world's most powerful wizard. He was going to show up at the manor without Hermione and without the secrets he had been assigned to steal. He was going to die in order to protect the one he loved, and he discovered in that moment that he was ready to make that sacrifice for Hermione. Because he loved her.