Disclaimer: THEY DON'T BELONG TO ME (sadly)
It had been several days since Hermione told Seth that she was, in fact, Hermione Granger. Although he took it well, it still felt a little funny that someone knew whom she was, even if it was another wizard.
On this particular day, it looked like Hermione would actually on time to rehearsal. She locked the door to her flat, then continued down the stairs and out onto the street. She was so intent on her train of thought that she didn't even notice the man walking towards her. Unfortunately, the blonde man apparently didn't see her either. Naturally, the two ran into each other. Hermione was caught off guard, and stumbled backward. Two strong arms caught her before she fell.
"Sorry." She said without looking up. "My mind's a million miles from here…"
"Or maybe, it's on the other side of London, in a flat with a redhead…" said a familiar drawl.
Hermione's head snapped up. Standing in front of her was Draco. He had changed only a little since the ball, so many months ago. His hair was a little longer, hanging down over his eyes. He needs to eat more was her first thought, His cheeks were thinner than she remembered them. However, his eyes still sparkled as they had while swing dancing.
"Hello, Hermione." His voice sounded amused. Of course he's amused. Obviously, he's been planning this. "Did you think you could hide forever?"
She pulled back out of his grasp. "I wasn't hiding!" She spat back, indignant. "I was trying to get on with my life! Like you suggested, might I add!"
"By what? Breaking off a friendship with Ron? By quitting your job and moving out of your house?" Draco asked. He's furious with me.
However, something in his voice rubbed her the wrong way. "What would I have done if I stayed?" She demanded. "Go out on dates with guys who like me only for my fame? Try something new just to have critiques show up in every newspaper the next day? How is living in a fishbowl really living?"
"So you were perfectly fine leaving the rest of us to answer questions on where you went and why. Do you even realize how much of a field day the press had when you disappeared? You've been everything from on the run with Ron's love child to dead by my hands." He paused for a second, then added, "Although I did have to laugh at you carrying Ron's love child."
"Why is that funny?" She asked. Is it really that impossible that Ron and I could be a couple?
He looked her in the eye. "If Ron was in a relationship with you, then he'd be stupid to have any other girlfriends. You'd be all he needed."
There was an awkward pause after he said that. What can I say in response to the biggest compliment a guy has ever given me? "Um… I have to go. I'll be late."
Draco nodded in response. "And Aria will have your head if you're late one more time."
"Yes, yes she will…" Hermione replied absently. Her mind was still reeling from his previous statement. So it wasn't until she was halfway down the street before she realized what he had said in parting. When her brain had registered the statement, she whipped around, but he was already gone.
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Since Draco has disappeared, she had to continue on her way. How did he know I work at Aria's? I haven't seen him there, so how did he know…
Suddenly it came to her. Seth. She picked up her pace, determined to confront him as soon as possible. She reached Aria's, and stormed through the door. Enraged girl enters, stage left.
Zack was the first to notice her. "Hey Bella, how are – "
However, Hermione had already found Seth with her eyes. "How could you?" She demanded, not paying any attention to Zack. She stormed over to him, heedless of the fact that there were twelve very confused band members in the room with Seth.
Seth looked up, startled. "Pardon me?"
"How could you?" She repeated.
"Well, I think we'll leave this tower of fury to her prey, what do you say fellows?" Asked a nervous Chris, who looked ready to bolt from the room.
Hermione had never raised her voice with the boys, so this was unusual, to say the least. Top it off with the fact that no one seemed to know why she was upset, and the boys' natural answer was, "Nah, we'll stick around."
However, Hermione was oblivious to all this. She simply waited for Seth's answer. "How could I what?" He asked.
He looks so confused. Maybe he DIDN'T do it. But how else would Draco have found me? He must just be a really good actor. "I trusted you. I told you everything. I thought you were my friend." Maybe if I rage on like this, he'll figure it out and break.
"I am your friend. Bella, what did I do wrong?"
"You told HIM where to find me." She whispered.
"Him who?" was his only reply.
Damn him, he's going to make me say his name. "Draco." Damn, I was supposed to say his last name. Why'd I have to go and say Draco?
"Bella, honey, sweetheart, I didn't tell him."
With those words, Hermione's façade began to crumble again. "You didn't?" She asked. "Please Seth, tell me you did. Tell me you told him." She was practically begging now. I never thought I'd be begging Seth to TELL me he told Draco Malfoy where I was.
"I'm sorry Bella. I wish I could." His eyes looked down at her sorrowfully.
The question remained unsaid between them, but it echoed in both of their heads. How had Draco Malfoy found her?
A/N:
Laura-Grace: Happy? Draco's back in this chapter! And not EVERYONE knows/is related to someone else – just look at all those handsome boys in the band – they don't even know magic exists! grin
DarkDragon: Here's the next chapter. Soon as I could get it. wink
Totally-2bular-girl: I'm still honored that you think this is a work of art!
Annabelle G: Never fear, her original looks will come back. And the point of hiding the brown eyes and frizzy hair was to HIDE.
waterdragon: Any guesses on the mysterious observer? And I'm betting Ron was just being Ron. but then, again, I'm the author, and already know the ending! he he he grin
enoimreH: Well, I'm going to be vague and say, the answer to the question about the eyes is yes. If you don't remember what I'm talking about, e-mail me and I'll explain. Thanks, as always for beta-ing. even though I took NO suggestions this chapter. Don't shoot, don't shoot!
REVIEWS ARE THE AMBROSA OF WRITERS. BIG HUGE GRIN