Disclaimer: Still not mine...
A/n: Hey guys! Prepare yourselves for this. This is the longest chapter of all of the chapters here.ü Well, in my opinion that is.ü
Yeah, I know it's still not weekend... Well, today is a holiday in our country so I just thought... Heck, why don't I just submit a new chapter?ü
Anyways, enjoy!
By: Aningme
Chapter 27
Dilemma
Almost a week later…
Draco Malfoy woke up at exactly five fifteen in the morning. Staring at his watch, he smiled. It seems like his eyes involuntarily open at exactly five fifteen. He, then, would wait for her call and she would invite him to her house to fix something.
But then that wouldn't be possible anymore, would it?
He just sighed and stood up from his bed and walked to his bathroom. He had to be ready and fix up his things. He'll be leaving for tomorrow already.
Hermione sat in her office that afternoon and stared at her phone. She was used on receiving a call from him and he would play with her answering machine. He would call just to say hi.
But then, she shrugged that off. He wouldn't call. He has no right to.
Standing up from her comfortable chair, she was extremely startled to hear her phone ring. She turned to it and stared at it.
"This is Dr. Granger. I'm not here for now so please leave a message after the beep. BEEEEEEEEEPPP…"
"Hermy! It's Ginny." Ginny greeted. Hermione felt relieved. And at the same time, disappointed.
She took the phone and spoke. "Hey, Gin. Good to hear from you."
"Hey. You okay?" Ginny asked. Hermione sighed tiredly and sat on her chair again.
"Yeah. Sure." Hermione answered.
Ginny mumbled, "I don't think so. You still sound miserable. Is it about Malfoy?"
"I don't want to talk about him, Gin."
"We have to, Herm. Look at you. You're doing that thing again."
"What thing?"
Ginny sighed. "You know, hiding things from us and locking those emotions in you? You're just making yourself suffer ten times more than it should hurt."
Hermione thought. "I feel comfortable with what I'm doing."
"No." Ginny countered. "You're pretending to be comfortable with it."
"Gin, today is really not a good time."
"Why not? Saying it will make it feel better."
Hermione finally gave up. "Fine. What do you want me to say?"
"I don't know. What do you feel?"
Hermione thought. She really hadn't figured that out. "I don't know. Some kind of emotional rumble?"
"Oh, that's normal." Ginny cheered her. "You usually feel like that when you miss someone and you don't know what to do with it."
Hermione furrowed her brows. "It's not that."
"Yes, it is. You love Malfoy. We all know it, Herm." Ginny insisted.
Hermione sighed. "Honestly, I don't know what I feel about him."
Ginny paused for a while as if to think. "Well, if you want to forget him, go and see someone else."
"Ginny! It's not that easy you know!" Hermione exclaimed.
Ginny laughed. "Okay, okay. What about calling him?"
"And what? It's no use fixing up with him." She deduced. Ginny kept quiet and felt sympathy for her friend.
"Herm?"
"Yeah?"
"I have something to tell you. I know I should have told you this before but I wasn't bec—"
"Just blurt it, Gin."
"Okay." Ginny settled herself. She wasn't sure if what she was about to do was right. "Well, do you remember the night you and Malfoy came to my house to baby sit me almost three months ago?"
"Yeah? What about it?"
"Well," She swallowed hard. "Um, you see, I wasn't really asleep that time."
"What?"
"I mean," Ginny felt a little nervous. "I was watching you two. And then, you know, you got drunk."
"You watched us?"
"Yeah. I promised to watch your back so I did." Ginny sighed. "You see, when you got drunk, you acted hysterical again."
"I did?" She was surprised. "But you said that you didn't know wha—"
"I know I said that." Ginny interjected. "I lied."
"Oh." Hermione kept quiet.
"And you were calling Malfoy 'Harry'." Ginny revealed.
Hermione just kept quiet.
"You seemed like you were dreaming and… well, you were asking him why he left you and stuff."
Hermione was shocked. She could still remember that dream. She thought it was really a dream.
"And, well, you kissed him."
"I WHAT!" Hermione exclaimed
"I know I should've told you sooner but I just thought that, well, I shouldn't tell you."
Hermione just sat in her seat, petrified.
Dan Merrill (He's the doctor who liked Hermione too, if you have forgotten.ü) stared at Hermione Granger in the emergency room, doing her job. He had tried millions of times to talk to her and ask her out. But hell, if it wasn't for that Draco Malfoy guy. But then, he heard that they broke up already. And he had to grab this opportunity.
Walking out of the emergency room, Hermione took out her protective mask and sighed. She felt a little tired, working for almost ten hours straight.
Dan Merrill suddenly stepped up and blocked her.
"Dan." Hermione muttered.
Dan just stared at her and sighed. "You look pretty tired." He muttered.
Hermione smiled and sighed. "Yeah. I guess I am."
"Well then, you want to eat outside and freshen up?"
Hermione stared at him and thought for a while. She knew he was waiting for this chance to take her out.
"Dan, look, you know I just broke up with Malfoy—"
"Yes, and I respect that." He interjected. Hermione just stared back at him. "I just want, you know, just treat you for some dinner."
Hermione thought for a while and remembered what Ginny had said. She sighed and gave in. "Fine then. Just dinner." She managed to smile.
Dan brightened up and walked with her out of the hospital.
Sitting across him, Hermione just stared out of the window and watched the night sky loom before the city. It had been a busy day. And she felt really drained.
"So, what do you want to eat?"
Hermione snapped out of her trance and smiled. "I'll just have what you'll have." She smiled.
Dan smiled back at her and ordered some kind of roast beef.
Draco Malfoy felt weary having to have to arrange some paper works for his trip and pack up his things. He walked to a roast beef restaurant to have some dinner.
Walking in, he took a seat in a table for two and ordered some roast beef sandwich. Waiting for his order, he looked around and watched couples eat together. He suddenly remembered Hermione…
Taking a bite from the roast beef, Hermione felt the luxurious taste of full beef in her mouth. She felt great and sighed, calming herself. She had depleted herself too much from work these days. She didn't want to find herself all bored. It just reminds her of him.
Having his sandwich in his hand. He stared at the chair across him and felt alone. He wished for her to sit there, and see her face. He couldn't help it but think of her. Looking away from the chair, he looked at the other people in the restaurant and saw a couple two tables away from him. He saw a girl, her back facing him, sitting with a moderate brunette guy. He gaped at them first. He then stood up and walked to them. The girl's hazel brown hair looked familiar. That beautiful hair…
Hermione just stared at her food and played with it. She suddenly didn't feel like eating now. She didn't feel right being with Dan for now. It just didn't feel right.
Walking up to them, Draco saw her face. It was her. It was Hermione. He just stood there and stared at her. He couldn't believe it.
Dan Merrill stared at Draco, standing beside their table. He was startled to see him there.
Hermione, noticing the look on Dan's face, glanced at where he was gazing at. Turning, she felt her breath drain out of her, seeing his face.
Draco stared back at her.
"Malfoy?" Hermione mumbled, her voice sounding weak.
Draco just turned to Dan. "Mind if I join you two?"
Dan stared back at him and nodded, having no choice. Sitting beside them, Draco smiled and glanced at them.
Hermione was speechless.
"So, you two are seeing each other?" Draco started.
Dan and Hermione stared at each other.
"I was just taking her to dinner." Dan answered.
Hermione turned to Draco. "What are you doing here?"
Draco turned to her. "Well, I felt hungry, so I went here."
He answered.
Hermione fumed. "You really don't have anything better to do, don't you, Malfoy?"
"Is it bad to eat in a restaurant these days?" Draco answered back.
Dan just watched both of them.
Hermione glared at him and stood up. "I'll just go to the comfort room."
She walked off and left both of them there.
Draco excused himself and followed her.
Grabbing her arm, he pulled her to the women's bathroom and locked themselves.
"What the hell are you doing, Malfoy?" Hermione spat.
"Who's that guy?" He asked.
Hermione could feel her heart banging in her chest. "He's a doctor in our hospital. Dan Merrill." She answered. "What are you doing here?"
"Are you dating him?" He asked back, instead, not answering her.
Hermione glared at him. "Yeah. Maybe I do." She answered.
Draco just sighed. He finally decided."Look, if you are to date a guy, don't be playing harsh on him, alright?" He said.
Hermione was startled. She didn't get him.
"Don't torture him like making him paint your whole house or something." He added. "Act a little feminine sometimes too. And don't go punching them like you do to me."
Hermione stared at him. She couldn't comprehend what he was telling her.
"Don't be bossy around men and order them around to get you tickets in undergrounds and stuff. Some guys like girls who are quiet and really decent."
It looked like he was saying goodbye to her. He was really giving up on her. She could feel her tears well up in her eyes. She just stared at him, telling her things, things she didn't care about. All she cares for now is him.
"And also, if you are to date a guy," He stretched out his arms to her. She dodged back at first, leaning away from him. He hesitated and smiled. "If you are to date a guy, forget the past." He took her necklace off her neck. Holding her hand, he placed it on her palm. The diamond ring shimmered along with the light. "Remember that." He smiled.
Turning to his heel, he walked off and left her there.
A tear slipped down her cheek.
After fixing up herself and pulling herself back together, she went back to her table and found Dan alone on the table.
"Where's Malfoy?" She asked him.
Dan just smiled at her. "He already left."
Hermione turned to the door and sighed. Sitting down on her chair, she turned to her food and stared at it. She didn't feel like eating anymore.
Dan just watched her. "You know what?"
"What?" Hermione asked; her brows furrowed.
"He told me some rules to follow when dating you." He smiled.
Hermione just stared at him. "What?"
"You know, like guidelines." Dan answered. "I didn't take him to be a friendly guy at all. But he is."
Hermione didn't understand.
"You want to know? It's quite funny actually." Dan smiled at her. "First off, I shouldn't insult you, because he said you might punch me. Second, if you did punch me, I shouldn't feel bad about it. Third, I should be awake at five fifteen and take your calls. Fourth, when you call, I should be ready with my tool kit and fix the stuff you tell me. Fifth, I should take you some places with lakes and nature bound cottages. You'll like it very much. And lastly, I should buy you strawberry ice cream frequently. It'll make you feel good when you feel awful."
Hermione couldn't speak for a while. "He…" Her voice was quivering. "He… said that?"
"Yeah." Dan muttered. "So you like strawberry ice cream?"
"Dan…" She started. She couldn't do this anymore. "I'm sorry… I'm really sorry." She muttered and suddenly stood up, running to the door.
Running through the sidewalks, she searched for him. She knew he would be in the underground. He has to be.
Rumbling through the stairs, she went straight to the old man in uniform, Bert.
She was gasping for air when she got there. "Did you… Did you…"
"Woah, slow down there, young lady. Life is long!" Bert exclaimed, seeing Hermione.
Hermione looked around. "Did you see… Malfoy?"
"Young Draco Malfoy? Yeah. He went by here and bought a ticket." Bert answered. Hermione threw in a few dollars and grabbed the ticket in Bert's hand.
Bert just watched her in bewilderment, wondering what could've happened to them.
Running for the shuttle (or what ever you ride in an underground. Can anyone tell me what that is?ü I honestly don't know.), her eyes flew wide, seeing it starting to move without her. Running after it, she knocked and knocked on the door, begging it to open.
He's inside. She knew he is.
"Draco!" She exclaimed, banging on the door and running. But it was too late. The "shuttle" was too fast.
Watching the "shuttle" leaving, she stood there, appalled. She was gasping for air. He was gone.
She could feel her tears coming. She lost him again.
Walking defeated towards a nearby bench; she sat down and brooded. She didn't know what to do anymore. She was confused.
A/n: Wow. I guess this is the longest chapter yet.ü
chaste-aeon - That's a really great news. But I just hope that someday I would see one of your works posted HERE in I would really love to read one.ü
And yes, Voldie couldn't come near because of some power.ü
hplucky - I couldn't say what Draco's job is YET but that will come sooner or later.ü And I'm really glad you liked the gift.ü Also, Draco is leaving because, you know, some reasons he had.ü One part of him is drawing him back from her, since their relationship is just a bargain. But, you know, sometimes you can get the feeling of running away from the people you love because people sometimes get the tendency toNOT know what to do in certain situations like this.ü Did I explain it right?ü Sorry.ü
Aurum Potestas Est - Yeah... the angst.ü Anyways, thanks for always reviewing my work.ü Million gratitude for you too.ü Lol.ü Anyways, until weekend!ü
skaterchick235 - Hey! A new Reviewing Reader!ü WELCOME ABOARD!ü Hehe, it's good you liked the story.ü And I hope you enjoy it until the end!ü Thanks so much!ü
The Gryffindor Drummer - Yeah, I got the feeling that it was you.ü I always remembered your CYA.ü Lol.ü Anyways, sorry for mistaking you to be a guy.üI really did think you were a guy... Until I realized I was not so sure.ü Lol!ü Anyways, thanks for the review!ü
SpiritWell - It made sense already?ü Thanks!ü I was kinda afraid that I wasn't getting to any point.ü It's good you clarified that.ü THANK YOU!ü
BookWorm1214 - Yeah, the drama.ü I know it's really turning out to be really sad.ü But the happy chapters would be coming out sooner or later.ü Thanks for reviewing!ü
trapped-in-a-dream - Hey! Welcome back!ü We missed you around here!ü anyways, thanks for reviewing again.ü Means a lot!ü
Queen of Duct Tape - Wow. Most amazing review I have ever read.ü You're right. It's your specialty.
First of all, yeah. Your theory about the entire thing is correct.ü And I loved it, yes.ü
Second, about your questions. I just thought that maybe I would just let that part sink in to the readers' imagination and they will just fill in the blanks in what is much more appropriate for them.ü I remember reading something about that kind of writing, letting the reader work on some parts with the use of their imagination.ü (But yes, itis correct that Draco betrayed the dark side. And the spellVoldie used was a little different than the Imperius curse.ü But... I don't know... I really don't know what to call that spell.ü) And nope, you are not over analyzing. Your analysis isTOTALLY great!ü
Loved it. Seriously.
And thirdly, thank you for the typos comment.ü I'm glad I'm not committing so much mistakes. I sometimes fear about that in writing.And yeah, I don't have beta.üSometimes my friends wanted to see my works just to laugh at my grammar or spelling. (yeah, some good friends I have... lol.) And because of that, I became careful upon typing.ü
Lastly, thanks again!ü It was really fun reading your review.ü
MissDitzy - Thanks for liking that part.ü I was actually thinking hard on the letter thing.ü It's sad to write it in his point of view... really sad...
But anyways, until the next update!ü
MysteryALASKA- It's indeed sad...ü And yes, I will update soon.ü Until then!ü
curlyqntx - Lol.ü thanks for reviewing!ü And here, I tried to submit earlier so you won't fall off your seat.ü lol!ü Anyways, until next update!ü
DancingBabe- Hey new Reviewing Reader!ü WELCOME ABOARD!ü And yeah, I will update soon.ü And I hope to see your name until the end of this story.ü Thanks for reviewing! Until next weekend!ü
mysteriouscharm- Another new Reviewing Reader!ü WELCOME ABOARD!ü Thanks for reviewing!ü And I'm glad you liked the story!ü Until then!ü
Vegas Chick - Lol.ü Yeah... the story is getting really sad now... But again, thanks for reviewing and for liking the story.ü And yeah, I'll be seeing you until the end of this.ü THANKS!ü
MiSs Hobo099 - Hey!ü Another new Reviewing Reader.ü WELCOME ABOARD!ü And yes, I will continue.ü Until next update!ü
JinxTwix - Hey.ü Congrats about the expedition thing!ü Lol.ü And don't worry about the last review.ü Lol.ü Small misunderstanding.ü Thanks for the review and yes, more sadness to come..ü
catgurfurreel - Hey!ü I was wondering where you gone off to!ü But anyways, glad you're here.ü And thanks for reviewing again!ü Without you, I wouldn't be writing this story for long.ü THANKS SO MUCH!ü I still owe you my life...ü THANK YOU!ü