Chapter 7

Ron saw no way around it. He was between a rock and a hard place. Speaking to Hermione on Malfoy's behalf seemed to be the only way he could keep his secret life...secret. He had to do this delicately. Hermione was beyond smart as she never let him and Harry forget it these past 6 years.

He made it a point to stop by her common room the next day and catch up...as well as gather Draco's information.

"Hey Hermione, how've you been? You have time for a visit?"

"For you Ron, of course, how are you? How are things going?"

"Brilliant thanks, uh, Malfoy's not here, is he?"

"No, not right now, I believe he's got Quiddich practice this afternoon. Ron, tell me, what do you know about Draco?" she questioned matter of factly.

"Well, we know he's smart as hell, he's really dedicated to achieving his goals...no matter who he steps on along the way. Always gives 110, especially when it comes to something he loves like Quiddich or women." He couldn't help but to throw in a couple of jabs at Malfoy's expense or Hermione would see right through the kind words.

"I don't know," Hermione replied questioningly, "I've just been hearing even more awful things about him."

"Oh, yeah, like what? From who?" Ron couldn't help but to ask.

"I can't really say - I'm sworn to secrecy."

"Hermione, how long have we been friends?"

"Forever!"

"Exactly, it's my job to look out for you, right? You're like a sister to me, besides, do I look like a gossip queen to you - it's me, Ron - seriously!"

"Okay, you promise not to tell anyone?"

"Hermione, I swear on my mama's life!" He held up his hand to make his point.

"Funny you should say that..." was Hermione's response.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

As soon as Ron found out all he could from Hermione, he immediately made his way to the Quiddich pitch. There he found Draco finishing his last few laps after practice concluded. After Ron relayed all the information from his conversation with Hermione, Draco looked a bit taken a back.

"That nosey witch, are you sure?" Draco looked at Ron, the wheels in his brain clearly turning.

"She said it was my own mother," Ron repeated with a shocked quiver in his voice, "my mum mentioned things about you to Hermione in letters she sent her over the summer holidays - started right after the Heads were announced."

"Okay, did you do what I asked?"

"Yeah, yeah."

"Did she buy it?" prodded Draco.

"I'm pretty sure..."

"NO! Pretty sure or sure sure!"

"She bought it!" was Ron's final answer.