A/N- okay I'm gonna try something new this chapter. I know a lot of authors do this, but I haven't yet. It's just that I wanted to tell you guys more personally how much I love your reviews and encouragement ), so have fun! (p.s- sry if its squished…I didn't know how much room it would take up.) (p.s.s-just so everyone knows, I took the names from the reviews from the last chapter- so if your name isn't here- trust me, it's not personal, I love you all just the same, especially the reviewers who've been there since the beginning!)
Princess and the vampire- i'll update asap. I'm usually busy all week…but summer started so it'll hopefully go faster! I hope you like it! )
Sandiwandi-I'm so glad you like my fic. When I read your review, you actually gave me the idea to write the conversation of their life after "that night". I wasn't going to talk about it, but you changed my mind. So, thanks!)
Hotskittles- thank you! Your review make me smile. And btw, I love skittles, lol.)
DeeCohen- shh! Don't give it away! Lol, jk. I think you're one of the only people who picked up on that (or they just didn't say anything), but you'll see in this next chapter! And I agree, Hermione had to endure so much,..)
DracosHermione07- Thanks! Being called brilliant is certainly flattering, ). I'm really glad you enjoy this story and I hope you keep reading!
Amycharys- yes, the plot is getting interesting…many twists, lol. Glad you like the fic! )
Dmhg- haha. I don't know why but for some reason when I read this, it sounded like sarcasm (which it probably wasn't but it made me laugh). Anyways, glad you reviewed and like the fic!)
Degrassichick- hey again! Yea..it was kinda sad…well very sad, lol. Oh, and your friend Brandon saying "well duh" sounds exactly like someone I know, ha. But anyways- you should update too soon, I love walk away! Thanks for reviewing. )
AlanaKristyJenni- glad you liked the fic. I thought it was sweet too…well except for the whole Lucius cruico part, lol.. thanks for reviewing!)
Jesska-14- yeah…draco was really selfish in this chapter though he claimed he was doing it for her safety. But, don't worry, he'll fix it all soon. I'm so glad you've kept reviewing my story, I look forward to them! Thanks )
HPfanatic53072- well I was really confused cause first I thought u didn't like the story..but then it made u cry! Lol. Well I'm glad that it did (not cause it made you cry but cause you really felt what I was writing about) and maybe its turning out better than u thought it would. I am glad you were honest and I hope you become a fan of this fic )
Curlyg2713- haha, I agree….and maybe she will take them all down!..well hopefully, lol. Omg u've been such an awesome reviewer for my fic, thanks!)
Wiccan-witch88-I'm glad u liked the chapter! And don't worry draco and Hermione will be together without any problems or mistakes in the end…well we hope..)
Redsox1175- g, there's nothing for me to say. I love u and thanks so much for supporting me wit this fic! And I love how you read while review..ha)
Theobnixous1 – let me just say how much I love you! Ha- okay I don't know you or anything, but from ur first review u called me a genius and I was like, omg, she's so awesome! I'm so glad you like this fic and keep reviewing it, it makes me so happy! You even told me happy (belated) birthday..lol, and yes it was good. (wow that was delayed) And yes- Lucius is very evil..and stupid,…but it'll work out….or will it! )
EAWCBM06- so glad u love it! thanks for reviewing it…hope u like the next chapter!)
xOxOkIsSmYaSsXoXo- haha- love the pen name. yeah the last chapter was sad, but it'll get better! You're one of my first reviewers and I thank you for that! So glad you like the fic )
DragonGirl81- ah ha- so you found out what happened. I felt like I tortured you all long enough, lol. Yea, that was a horrible night but it will clear up. I'm so glad you like this and that you keep reviewing! It makes me happy )
Nevah888- glad you like the fic especially this last chapter, I took me a while to make that flashback just how I wanted it. I liked the promise ring as well, but its sad she gave it back. Thanks for reviewing!)
Lilchickidy0six-yay! I'm so glad you like it! more will be coming soon and it'll only get better!)
Juicy-fruit for draco- haha, love the pen name. thanks so much for saying that. I thought I did pretty well on that chapter too, lol. Thanks so much for your constant reviews, they're awesome )
Deztine- haha, you're review made me laugh. I love how I was evil in one sentence and then good a few ones later. Jk. I didn't mean to make you cry! But I am so glad you're enjoying it. It was hard to make her give him the ring back, but hey, they're together again so something good must have happened right? Maybe…lol, anyways- thanks for reviewing )
Clairence Claire, I love you! I can't believe school is over! Anyway- thanks for reviewing my chapters from the start of everything )
Genious04- I actually never really put into perspective when I was gonna end this, but you gave me an idea so thanks! It's probably not going to keep going much longer, but it's gonna get good. So glad you love this fic and thanks for reviewing)
Daretodream322- I always look forward to reading your reviews, lol. That review was probably one of the most flattering one's I've ever received, and I thank you. I know that's probably not entirely true, but I'm elated that you think so. You're definitely one of the people who really encourage me to keep writing, so that's awesome. Haha. Thanks for everything)
Act- yay! Finally alley! I felt so bad cause you were deprived of the net! What a horrible thing.. Thanks for supporting me from the beginning, and helping me out grammatically too. You're always looking out 4 me! )
Shaberry- haha, well..here's some more so I hope you enjoy it! thanks for reviewing this fic )
OutofTouch- I'm glad you think my fic is amazing! I try to update as quickly as I can, but I usually never take loner than 8 days. But I promise I'll try to go faster! Thanks for reviewing)
Isabelle Gibson- aww- thank you! That was really nice. I'm happy you love it, thank you so much for reviewing! )
The blonde Barbie- I'm sry andi! Don't hurt me! I promise I'll do better next time! Haha. ilu!
Okay, so I wanted to write to ALL of you, and I didn't want to exclude ppl, but since I would have had all shout outs and no room for a chapter, this is how I did it. But, each review makes me keep wanting to write more, so thanks guys :-D (note- if you want me to do this again, just tell me)
Real quick- to answer a question from suicidledesturbedperson- I usually update weekly, but now that I'm on summer break I hope it'll become more frequent.
I'm realllllllllllllllllllly sorry it took me like forever in 2 weeks to update. I felt horrible for making you all wait an extra week, but honestly, I had no idea what I wanted in to put in this chapter for the what felt like the longest time. And if I posted this last week, I don't know what it would have said. lol…so please forgive me!
Disclaimer- I don't own Harry Potter! Everything belongs to the rightful copyrighted owners….Jeeze, friggin idiots! (Sry- Napoleon Dynamite moment there…)
Chapter 9-
"…And that was that. You already know the rest."
Blaise looked at Draco and Hermione. Both looked a little sadder then when they had started, but it wasn't that major. He sighed deeply as he took in everything they just told him, sat back in his chair, crossed his arms across his chest and said, "…Wow…"
Chap. 10- Secrets revealed
"Yeah." Draco said under his breath. He moved his chair closer to Hermione and placed his chin on her head as she rested against his chest.
Blaise studied the two and did not exactly know what to think at the moment. He couldn't fully believe everything Draco just said; well- he believed it, but did not really want to. It was horrible and he almost regretted asking them to elaborate further…. almost.
"Wait? That's it?" Blaise asked, unsatisfied.
"What do you mean that's it? I just told you my most important secret and you say 'that's it'." Draco responded offended his best friend was still pulling for more information.
"I didn't mean it like that. I just meant, what happened after that? You can't just leave it there and then say 'oh by the way Blaise, we were engaged.'"
"Well there's not that much to tell there."
"But there is something."
"Yes there's something but it's-"
"I'll tell it." Hermione interrupted. Draco rolled his eyes as she sat up, propped her fists under her chin and rested her arms on the table.
"Well after that night, Draco and I didn't talk for the rest of the year. It was hard, I mean we did live together, but we avoided each other. It was almost like we broke up and moved out. I was always in Ginny's dorm room and whenever I wasn't, I was studying for the exams."
"Yeah I remember that. I never got a chance to talk to you cause I could never find you." Blaise realized.
Hermione half smiled apologetically and continued. "So after we graduated, we were off. I started working for the Ministry trying to pursue S.P.E.W for a while, but, you can see how far that went."
Blaise smirked; he never even heard of S.P.E.W, so apparently it didn't last long.
"Since no progress was being made in that I pulled away from it and settled for a good job working in a high department in the Ministry."
Judging from Blaise's cocked eyebrow, she added, "It complicated. It deals with finding medical advances using rare potions and sorts. Anyway, I was still with Harry and Ron all the time. Well…not so much Harry because he traveled with his Quiddich team a lot. Still, time was passing and before I knew it, two years escaped me."
"Did you ever date?" Blaise asked.
"Hardly."
"And you?" Blaise asked in Draco's direction, already knowing the answer.
"Yes." Draco said as if it was obvious, but after seeing Hermione's annoyed face he quickly added, "But none of them lasted long. It wasn't love, so I could barely even call them relationships."
Blaise looked at Hermione to continue.
"Two years later I was in Paris for some reason…I think I was on business picking up specific ingredients for some potion or something-."
"It was probably at Aleesa's place. If that's not irony then I don't know what is." Blaise snorted.
"-and Draco was there."
"What were you doing there?" Blaise asked Draco.
"I don't remember." He answered. Blaise knew there was something behind that; he'd return to it later.
"Then one day over there, we literally bumped into each other at some coffee shop-"
"And she means literally. I was waiting in line to order and I wasn't really paying attention. But when I did, I noticed her in front of me. Right when I was about to tap her shoulder, she turned around with her coffee and bumped into me, spilling it everywhere."
"I didn't exactly realize who it was because I was wiping his shirt frantically with a million napkins. But then he said my name. I looked up…and it was him."
"So then she kind of just…stood there-"
"So did you!"
"So after a sufficiently awkward meeting, we decided to actually sit down for a drink…or what was left of hers."
"Shut up!" she joked.
"Then we agreed on a secret relationship." Draco smirked.
"Wait, wait, wait. This all happened in the same day?" Blaise cut in.
"No…this happened about four or five meals later." She answered.
"With him?" Blaise asked disbelievingly.
"Yes…"
"But everything that had happened before-"
"-Didn't matter anymore." Draco warned finishing Blaise's sentence; he got the hint and sat quietly. "Though, it was hard to get her back. I didn't really deserve her forgiveness, but nonetheless, she did and agreed on being together again. And…things sort of fell back into place without us realizing it."
"Our relationship was back to normal, but we vowed not to say anything."
"Ever?" Blaise asked
"No not ever, just until he thought it was safe to tell." Hermione answered
"I don't get how the hell that lasted for two years."
"3."
"What?"
"I count it as three. We were together for two, and then stayed engaged for almost a year."
"What was your engagement ring? Surely someone would have noticed some huge diamond."
"That's because it wasn't. It was the promise ring." Hermione said looking down, trying to hide a small smile.
"Ahh. I get it."
"Unfortunately, around a year ago, I met Aleesa and I was told we were to be wed." Draco announced.
He looked over at Hermione slightly ashamed, and noticed she wasn't exactly comfortable either.
"Um, okay guys I'm going to go to bed."
"Goodnight." Blaise smiled.
Draco gave Hermione a quick kiss and she then ascended the stairs. Once Draco heard her shut the door he continued.
"Sorry about that." Blaise apologized.
"It's alright. You had the right to know, and you were going to find out sooner or later."
"Man I don't know. That's some crazy stuff that happened….and she never told anyone?"
"I'm not sure. She could have told Potter but he wasn't anymore annoying to me than usual, so no I don't think so."
"She must really love you mate."
"She does."
"But you know something I don't understand? It's how did you love Aleesa? I mean, trust me, I know better than anyone that it wasn't possible, in any means, except maybe death for you to get out of this marriage. But, you did love her."
Draco didn't answer. He just sort of sat looking angry and…ashamed.
"Am I right?"
"Yes!" Draco snapped. "But I would really appreciate it if you weren't constantly reminding me about that. It feels disgusting. It's like worse than betrayal, and she knows it too."
"She does?"
"Yea. She also knows that I knew Aleesa while we were together." He exclaimed embarrassedly.
"Really?"
"Uh huh. That time we were just telling you about…when we met at the coffee shop, I was in Paris meeting her. My father had arranged it….well not formally but it could have been expected."
"Is that why you wanted to keep the relationship secret?"
"Well who else do you think I was protecting Hermione from? My mother?"
"I love how we make it seem like Aleesa and Lucius will be the death of everyone." Blaise said sarcastically.
"No not everyone, just me."
"This is screwed up."
"What is?"
"Everything."
"Zabini you're gonna have to be more elaborate. There's so much screwed up shit in my life right now, that I need you to specify which part you're referring to."
Blaise chuckled. "Well just…in general. You already made up your mind…you're going to be with Hermione correct?"
"Of course."
"And she wants to be with you too, but won't tell any of her friends or family."
"I don't know now. That's up to her."
"Still, that sucks on her part because she can't tell her people about you."
"And you're still getting married soon, to the wrong person. If you don't, she tells your dad and all hell breaks loose."
"Naturally."
"So we just have more and more crap coming our way."
"Umm…yup. Oh. Don't forget that I told Aleesa the weddings off…and it got kind of rough."
"Okay so now we know for sure Lucius will be notified in the next…umm…24 hours."
"Probably."
"And we got no where tonight."
"Nope. No progress what so ever."
"All we did was open up Pandora's box…and that's about it."
"Right."
The two finished and sat in silence at the table. Although they just reviewed over everything like it was just some TV drama or another good myth, it was reality, and neither knew what was going to happen.
"Look mate, I'm tired. I'm going home and I'll be back tomorrow."
"All right."
Draco got up and led Blaise out. After he left, Draco locked the door and took the stairs two at a time, walking into the bedroom. He stripped down to his boxers, got in bed and fell into a restless sleep.
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After a good 10 minutes of Draco's absence, Pansy stood up from behind their back door. She had apparated onto Hermione's back porch to see how Blaise was handling the task, and had waited until she heard Hermione leave. She was just about to enter when she peered through the window saw the bracelet sitting on the table. 'What the hell? How did he get that of---mudblood…' She said the name through clenched teeth. Rearranging her intentions, she now longed to possess the bracelet. Pansy almost squealed from happiness minutes later when she saw both Blaise and Draco leave without discarding it. Apparating inside, she tip toed in, grabbed the bracelet off the table, and disapparated back to Aleesa's.
Arriving back at her office, the hyperactive receptionist told her Aleesa had just left. Sighing, Pansy asked for a manila envelope, a pen, and paper, placing the bracelet in the envelope with a note. She sealed it, requesting that the receptionist would give it to Aleesa first thing in the morning. After obliging, both the receptionist and Pansy let the building.
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Hermione woke up the next morning and rolled over in bed to find a sleeping Draco. Trying not to startle him, she kissed him lightly on the cheek. As she rolled to get out of bed, he grabbed her arm and pulled her back down in the sheets. Hermione smiled at him and laid on his arm.
"That was a pathetic excuse for a kiss."
"Good morning to you too Draco. And it was small because I didn't want to wake you."
"That was a pretty bad attempt not to wake me."
"What?" she laughed.
"You didn't want to wake me so you barely kissed me…only you should have known it would wake me because I'd want a better one."
"Not if you're asleep."
"Well…you woke me up."
"Okay Mr. Smartass… What would you suggest I should do next time?"
"Hmm…Well I-I can't really explain it. Would you mind if I showed you?" he asked in mock politeness with a smirk.
"If you must" she sighed playfully.
Draco moved in closer so he was talking into her neck. "Well you should do something-" (planted a small kiss an inch below her ear) "-like-" (lick) "-this-" (blow).
Hermione inwardly shivered then smiled and kissed him gently, "I'm going to take a shower."
"Hermione, about last night, I'm so-" Draco started as she entered the bathroom. (It's connected to her room)
"Draco."
"Yea?"
"Don't ruin this with an apology." She smiled and then entered the bathroom.
An hour later, both had showered and were eating breakfast in the kitchen. Draco was looking through the newest brooms catalogue while Hermione poured three coups of coffee, knowing they wouldn't be alone for breakfast for long.
"So what are you doing today?" Draco asked looking up from his magazine.
"I'm going into the office for a few hours, and then I'm going out to lunch with Ginny."
"Who?"
"Ginny…Ginny Weasley…"
"Uh…"
"The red-haired girl, Ron's sister…"
"Right, right!...her."
"Yes well her is taking me out shopping today."
"Hm. Hey, what's going on with Weasley and Potter?"
"I wouldn't know. I haven't talked to either of them in a couple of weeks. I should owl them." Hermione said to herself. "And what are you doing today?"
"I have to do some things with Blaise today."
"Like what?"
"We're going over to the manor."
"Oh. Have fun."
"Fun is probably the biggest understatement of the year."
Hermione snorted. "Yes fun and that place shouldn't even be used in the same sentence."
A knock at the door told them Blaise was here.
"Door's open!" Draco shouted as Blaise came in.
"Good morning people!"
"Hello Blaise." Hermione said while pushing the cup of coffee to an empty seat.
Sitting down, he responded, "Why thank you." 'And this would be my…5th cup this morning.'
"I see we're oddly happy this morning. Any particular reason?" Draco asked.
"No, no reason!" Blaise smirked. Draco narrowed his eyes at him and then continued reading. "But it sure is a nice day outside."
Hermione silently agreed so she got up from the table to turn the light off and open the windows. As she pushed the switch down, she noticed there was no difference. She rapidly flicked the switch up and down a few times, and realized there was no bulb in it.
"Draco can you go get a light bulb from up stairs?"
"But Hermione, it's morning. There's light from outside.
"I know Draco that's why I-" 'Whoa deja vou…wait' "Draco, did you get rid of that bracelet like I asked?"
'Shit' "Um, yea." He lied, suddenly finding the magazine extremely interesting.
"You did?"
"I'm sorry love, what did you say?" Draco asked coming up from his magazine pretending he didn't hear her.
"Did you get rid of it?"
"Rid of…?"
"Draco!"
He sighed. "No…I honestly forgot."
"Then where is it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well it's not here." she said worried.
Both Draco and Blaise looked at each other, eyes widening. "Shit!" They yelled simultaneously.
Draco ran over to Hermione, kissed her, and then he and Blaise bolted out the door.
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"Ms. Harris?" the receptionist asked stopping Aleesa on her way to her office.
"Yes."
"A woman dropped this off for you last night."
Aleesa placed her briefcase on the floor and reached over the counter to receive the envelope. She opened it, looked down, and smiled, "Thank you."
Unlocking her door and setting her things down, Aleesa sat at her desk and read the note:
Aleesa,
Arrived at Granger's house last night. The three were talking. Couldn't make much out of what they said but you're about to watch it anyway. Blaise is doing a good job, or so it seemed by the looks of things last night. He didn't say anything about the plan, and he probably "forgave them". But I don't know the why the bracelet is off of him. I'm also not exactly sure how much is on here because I only caught the last 10 minutes of the conversation and brought it directly to you. I'll be over around noon.
Pansy
Silencing the room, Aleesa activated the charm and began to watch.
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Draco and Blaise arrived at Malfoy Manor a few minutes later and practically ran through the house looking for Lucius. Ever since "that night" seven years ago, Draco hardly talked to his father, unless it was absolutely necessary; and that wasn't very often. However, since this new engagement and marriage into a family which he practically considered as his own (pure-blooded death eaters no doubt), he had been putting on a face in front of people, acting like a real father. It wasn't the same old, "I'm-an-asshole" face, but it was more welcoming and friendly. Of course that wasn't the case behind closed doors, but why he changed in front of others? No one really knew.
But right now, this…this moment was an absolute necessary time for Draco to talk to his father. Both Draco and Blaise could just feel it…they knew Aleesa played back everything and told him. Why else would the bracelet be gone?
Running into one of the more foreboding wings, Draco found his father exiting a room and locking the door behind him.
Lucius turned and saw his son and godson run to him in haste. He smirked and stared at the two for a second, and then welcomed them. "Good morning son, Blaise, what a surprise."
"Yea sure. I need to speak with you." Draco answered emotionless.
"Why of course. Come in." Lucius led them down the darkened hall into the last room. Blaise noticed that Draco fell behind. When he looked back, he saw all this fury built up in Draco's eyes. Wondering why, it dawned on him… 'Lucius is taking us to that room…where he almost killed her. Son of a bitch is doing this on purpose.'
They entered into the room and sat down in the two chairs in front of his desk while Lucius sat behind it.
"Now Draco, if this has anything to do with the mudblood, then I don't have anything to say."
Blaise looked at Draco waiting for him to answer. He noticed that the rage in Draco's eyes was slowly replaced with acute confusion. Not sure of what was going on in Draco's mind, he decided to listen. He watched as Draco raised his head up and answered, "Ah, no…no it has nothing to do with her. I came to ask whether you spoke to Aleesa's family or not about the new wedding details."
"No I did not. That will be taken care of this week."
"Okay good." Draco said, rising from his seat.
"Is that all?" Lucius taunted.
"Um, yes."
"You came all the way down here to ask me that?"
"I was curious."
"You could have owled."
"They get intercepted."
"Draco, no one is stupid enough to intercept my owls."
"True. Well…we'd stay, but uh, we have to get to work now."
Lucius did nothing but nod his head at the two. Blaise excused himself as he and Draco apparated to his house. Stepping inside Blaise went off.
"What the hell was that all about? Are you like, afraid of him or something? Think of Hermione mate! We went to tell the truth and you said nothing. Actually, you did say something, but the stuff that came out was bullshit. You encouraged the wedding Drac-"
"Blaise will you shut the fuck up? He doesn't know." Draco said annoyed, sitting on the couch.
"What?"
"Yet…"
"How did you-?"
"He asked me if it had anything to do with Hermione. If Aleesa had told him…if he already knew about everything, he wouldn't have asked me…he would have went off and killed her already."
"Maybe it was some sort of warning or something."
"Lucius doesn't do warnings. And if you're lucky enough to get one, it will only happen once."
"And she already used up her warning." He said to himself.
"Hey shut up." 'Asswipe'
"It slipped."
"Sure." he said sarcastically.
"So we don't even know if Aleesa has the bracelet. What if Hermione's bloody cat took it, or one of us knocked it off the table? Then we'd be wasting our time on this when we still haven't found out what to do with this wedding situati---Draco…are you even listening?" Blaise demanding, watching Draco stare off into space. "Draco!"
"We're going to Paris."
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It was now noon and Pansy was strolling into Aleesa's office for lunch bringing her a sandwich from the cafeteria. She walked in and saw Aleesa's head buried into her arms on her desk. She was breathing heavily while tapping her foot, though Pansy thought nothing of it; she always did that when she was stressed.
"Here Lisa. It's a chicken sandwich with fires. I hope you don't mind I ate like half of them" Pansy joked, placing the food on her desk receiving no answer.
"So…how about that bracelet? Did the charm work right?"
No answer…
"Aleesa?"
"Oh it worked alright.." she snapped; her voice was muffled and she responded through clenched teeth.
"That bad? Well…I guess that's good because now we have more information. I was probably right wasn't I?"
"No."
"What?"
"You knew nothing compared to what I just saw."
"I couldn't be that bad…let me see."
"No." she yelled
"Why not? I did equal if not more of the work and I deserve to see it." Pansy bit back insulted.
"You will! You'll see it when we get to Lucius."
"We're bringing it to him?"
"Yes."
Aleesa sat up and looked Pansy in the eyes. Never in her life had Pansy ever gotten so scared by just looking at a person. Aleesa's eyes were bloodshot red, hair was frazzled, and she looked as if she was going to explode from anger. What was most scary was the fact that Aleesa had never shown anyone this side, she was always sophisticated and composed.
"Pansy, this not only replayed what they said, it did so much more. It showed their feelings through their tone of voice and body language…and…you could almost see some of the things they described…as if you were right there with them. And they're planning on staying together. They've been planning it since the beginning! Hell, Draco probably even thought they'd be together after we were married. I have never felt so…so cheated or….or used. I thought he lo-- Fuck it. Let's go."
'Wow, Aleesa Harris actually loved him. I even thought she was going to cry' Pansy thought looking at her hurt friend.
Not wanting to stop an angry woman, Pansy followed Aleesa to the door only to abruptly bump into her. Looking over her shoulder to see what caused Aleesa to stop, she found Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini starting back at them.