Hate's Just A Word
Chapter THIRTEEN: Hogsmeade
Hogsmeade was very different than usual. It seemed to have lost its life. Half of the shops closed down, and half of the people who were usually there, left. It was quieter than usual without a doubt. Luckily, the Hogwarts students were able to liven it up a little bit. They brought a little bit of life back. There wasn't as much to do anymore, so stores were extra crowded. Lindsay slipped away from the large group of Gryffindors and headed out to meet Draco. There were meeting at the Hog's Head, mostly because no students ever went in there. She had never been in the Hog's Head, and for good reason. It was dirty, dark, damp, and kind of quiet. She walked in, kind of afraid. Half the people were under dark cloaks, and everyone seemed kind of mysterious. She looked around for Draco. He was sitting at the bar, having some kind of alcoholic beverage, or that's at least what Lindsay thought.
She walked over and sat down next to him. "How can you drink that?"
"A cleaning spell," He replied, taking another sip. He looked at her. "You want a drink?"
"Er…no," She replied, looking around. It wasn't as comfortable here as in the Three Broomsticks. He shrugged.
"So, what do you want to do?" He asked as he finished off his drink. "If you don't want to be seen, there's not really much to do."
"I guess we could wander around, and browse through the shops that are open," said Lindsay with a shrug.
"Yeah, okay," Said Draco, standing up. "I'll buy you something…"
She stood up and they walked out of the Hog's Head. Lindsay was relieved. She didn't like the place at all. They walked out into the crowded Hogsmeade streets. Students were too preoccupied chatting with their friends or going to places. No one gave anyone else a second glance. She felt slightly worried. What if someone saw them together? Well of course, they wouldn't believe their eyes, and when they asked her, she was going to tell the truth, but they wouldn't believe that either. She knew she would have to make up some lie or avoid some places. Draco, on the other hand, would be all with the going to public places, because he loved the attention, even if it was negative attention. If they were together, everyone would stare at them. He loved attention.
"Over here," Draco said, and headed in the direction of Honeydukes. She almost stopped and refused it. Honeydukes! Everyone was in Honeydukes. What was he thinking? She figured that it was a test. He was testing her to see if they would go and to see if she lied about the part about being 'in public.' She followed him without any complaining or protesting. He entered the store and she followed. No one seemed to notice them. Honeydukes had always been Lindsay's favorite place in Hogsmeade. She was a big fan of candy and sweets. It had always been her heaven, and she couldn't help but love it, and forget a little bit about her situation.
"You look happy," He said. She looked at him and grinned.
"I love this place," She said.
"Alright then," Draco said, grinning back. "Get whatever you want. I'll pay."
"Oh, no. You're not paying for anything," Lindsay said, crossing her arms.
"Think about it. This is the only time in my life when I'm going to be nice. You better take advantage of it," He said, still with that grin. She couldn't help but smile.
"Draco, you are absolutely correct. I should take advantage. This is a onetime thing," She said.
"Alright, then," He said, looking around. "How about those? You want some of those?"
She followed his gaze. In front of her was the most delicious looking chocolate something-or-rathers she had ever seen in her life.
"Yes!" She said with excitement. Draco laughed, and she blushed. "Er… I mean, sure."
He walked over and grabbed her some of the chocolate things. "What else?"
"Some of these," She said, as she grabbed a handful of lollipops. She walked around the shop, trying not to spoil herself. She looked for the things that she liked the best, or at least, looked the best. She was addicted the sugar. She separated from Draco to get into one of the more crowded spots. She looked around the selection of flavored sugar, which was her favorite of all time. She saw it. The last package of red-flavored sugar. She reached to it, and grabbed it. Apparently, someone else wanted it as well, and grabbed her hand. Lindsay pulled back, holding the package in her hand. The other person pulled back their hand. She looked over at saw Pansy Parkinson, glaring. She glared back.
"Oh, you," Pansy said, crossing her arms.
"Yes, me," Lindsay mocked. She smirked for she had won the sugar. Blaise Zabini appeared out from behind Pansy. 'Wonderful…Slytherins…' She started to turn and head away, but it was too crowded to move. She was stuck waiting in her place until the people moved. 'Wonderful…stuck with Slytherins…'
"I have an idea—" Pansy started to say but Lindsay cut her off.
"You want me to hand over the candy or you'll have Zabini over here curse me? Yeah, that's going to happen," Lindsay said. Pansy glared. They glared at each other for a few silent moments. Then Draco appeared out of absolutely nowhere, having been able to get through the crowd.
"Ah, there you are. I—" He started to say, but stopped once he realized she had company. It was an awkward moment. They four of them stood there staring. Draco was frozen in place, and now Blaise and Pansy were looking at Draco. He didn't know what to say. He couldn't come up with an insult or explanation. Finally, Pansy spoke.
"What are you doing with her?" She asked in her usual, sneering way. They were silent once more.
"Well, congratulations," Blaise Zabini said, suddenly, taking everyone by surprise. "You two seem to be winning the bet. I bet that they couldn't spend a couple of hours together with out fighting."
"That's right," Draco said, quickly. "You'll be doing three transfiguration essays."
Lindsay stared. Did Blaise just…cover for them? Of course, Harry would have done the same thing, but he wouldn't ask for anything in return. Blaise was going to be reminding them that they owed him a bunch.
"Oh," Pansy said, looking very confused. She shrugged, and pushed past them. Blaise smirked at the two of them.
"Okay, what do we owe you?" Lindsay asked, crossing her arms.
"Well, you my friend, will be doing two transfiguration essays. I would make Draco do my potions one, but he won't even do his own…" Blaise said. "So, Draco, my other friend, how about treating me to a butterbeer and other assorted treats in the Three Broomsticks."
Usually, Draco would have protested, but he just nodded. He bought a bunch of candy for Lindsay, and some for Blaise. The three of them headed over to the Three Broomsticks. Draco found Crabbe and Goyle, and kicked them out. They actually listened and gave up a table (which was impossible to get). Blaise sat down and Draco went to go get the drinks. Lindsay didn't want to sit down.
"Look at all the people," She said. "I can't be seen with you two."
"Why not?" Blaise asked. "Just lie and say it was a bet or something."
"I really don't want to," She said, crossing her arms. Just moments later, Harry and Hermione wandered over.
"Hey Lindsay," Hermione said. "Have you seen Ron, by any chance?"
Lindsay shook her head. Harry looked at her, and then at the table.
"Er, why are you standing at a table that's near him?" Harry asked.
"Oh, such a long story," Lindsay said. She motioned for them to sit down. They sat down across from Blaise, who didn't say anything, but glared. Lindsay sat down next to Blaise and looked at him. He rolled his eyes.
"'ey, Malfoy. Get two more drinks!" Blaise yelled. Harry and Hermione sat there looking confused.
"Okay, you three are the only three that know about Draco and me," She started. Harry looked at Blaise, but then to Hermione.
"You knew?" He asked her. She nodded.
"Sorry, she told me I couldn't tell you I knew," She said.
"Anyway," Lindsay said. "Draco's been acting…weird and distant lately, so I invited him to hang out with me in Hogsmeade, yes, in public. Draco likes attention, so he agreed. Back in Honeydukes, Parkinson caught us together, and Zabini saved us, but now I'm doing his transfiguration essay, so not all is well."
Draco came back, and his expression turned unhappy when he saw who had joined them at the table.
"No way," He said. "How did I end up treating Potter and Granger to drinks?"
Draco put the drinks down, and everyone took one. He found a chair and pulled it up to the table.
"Lovely, the club is all here," Draco muttered, bitterly. He shot a glare at Lindsay. She just shrugged. There was a very awkward and tense silence. Everyone drank their butterbeers, quietly.
"Well, isn't this awkward?" Blaise Zabini stated. Everyone looked at him and glared. He didn't care about all this. He didn't like Hermione, Harry, or Lindsay, but it wasn't a big deal to him. Harry and Hermione shot occasional glares at Draco and he glared back.
"Why? Why bother with him?" Hermione asked Lindsay. Everyone looked at them. Lindsay didn't answer her.
"It's because of the way he looks, Hermione. You know what happened to Lavender and Pavarti… It happened to her, too," Harry said, bitterly. Lindsay crossed her arms.
"Don't even, Harry," Lindsay said. Blaise sniggered.
"Oh, fig—"
"Shut up, Blaise," Lindsay snapped at him. He was about to say something back, but Ronald Weasley walked over.
"Hey, Harry, Hermione, Lins—" He stopped and looked around. "What are you doing sitting with him and him?" He shot looks at Draco and Blaise.
"Long story," Hermione muttered. Harry stood up.
"Just leaving," Harry said. "Come on, let's go."
Hermione stood up and Ron was still confused.
"Aren't you going to thank me for the drinks?" Draco asked with a smirk.
"Don't," Lindsay hissed at him. Harry just glared and started to walk away. Ron stared at Lindsay.
"You coming?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, I'll meet up with you guys later. I'm going to finish my butterbeer," She said, holding it in her hand.
"Er, why are you with these two anyway?" Ron asked.
"It's a long story," Lindsay said.
"We're secret lovers," Draco said, with a smirk. At the same time, Blaise said, "It involves a bet and a couple of essays."
Ron stared and pretended he had not heard Malfoy. "Yeah, good one, Malfoy."
Draco just continued to smirk. He was going to speak again, but Blaise opened his mouth again.
"You see, I made a bet with the both of them. If they could stand each other for a couple of hours, I'd do their transfiguration essays for them…" Blaise started to go on. Ron stared.
"Okay, then," He said, giving Blaise a strange look. He looked once more at Lindsay. "I'll see you later then."
They all watched Ron walk away. Afterwards, Lindsay stood up and she looked at Draco.
"Come on. Let's go somewhere else," Lindsay said, grabbing her bags. Draco stood up and followed her out of the pub, before Blaise decided he wanted them to do more essays for him.
"That was fun," Draco muttered sarcastically as they walked down the busy street. Lindsay shot him a glare and rolled her eyes. He looked at her. "You started it."
"I disagree. I'm going to say that you started it the moment you kissed me," She said. Draco laughed.
"Oh, since we're going that far back, it's your fault for starting the fight."
"Which is your fault for annoying me."
"Which is your fault for becoming friends with Weasley."
"Which is your fault for becoming friends with Harry."
"Which is my uncle's fault because he tried to kill me."
"Which is your fault because you're quite cowardly."
"Which isn't my fault!" Draco snapped, bitterly.
"Which is your mother's fault for giving birth to you."
"Whoa, let's leave my mother out of this," Draco said. Lindsay smirked.
"Aw, it was just getting good," Lindsay said, with a laugh. Draco smiled. They walked down the busy street, not really sure where to go next. "So, what now?"
"I say let's go snog somewhere," Draco said, loudly, causing a few first years near them to stop walking, turn their heads, and stare.
"Oh, that sounds…" She paused and made sure the first years were still watching and listening. They were with deep interest. "…absolutely wonderful. Why go somewhere? I say, snog right here and now."
Draco had looked as if Christmas had come early. He couldn't believe his ears. His face lit up as if he were getting the worlds best Christmas present. He put his hand on her waist and started to lean in. She just laughed as he did so, she stepped back. Draco has a puzzled look on his face. He stared at her as she laughed.
"We have company," She said, very quietly, and in between laughs. He looked over at the group of first years.
"You're kidding me," He muttered. He glared at them in a very nasty and menacing way. They made startled noises and quickly ran off in the opposite direction. He looked back at Lindsay.
"Better now?"
She just smiled. "Come on. Let's go somewhere less public."
"Fine, fine," Draco muttered, as he followed her to an abandoned alley. Draco put her against a wall, and stood inches in front of her. They looked at each other for a moment. He leaned in and started to kiss her. It started it out as it normally did. Slow and sweet, and then turned deeper and more passionate. A few minutes into their snogging, they heard a sound nearby. Draco pulled back.
"Unbelievable," He muttered. Wandering through the alleyway was another group of first years. They stopped and stared at Draco and Lindsay. Draco shot them a mean glare. "Do you mind?"
Lindsay bit her lip and tried to keep herself from laughing. The group looked like a group of deer looking into car headlights. They finally realized what was going on, and turned around, walking away. Draco let out an angry sigh. He looked back at Lindsay.
"Shall we continue?" Draco said. Lindsay didn't reply. "Oh, don't you dare tell me you're not in the mood."
"I wasn't," She said with a smile. "But, good idea."
He smiled back, and started to kiss her once more. She put her hands around his neck and caressed the back of his neck. They snogged for a while, but then they realized that it was probably time to head back to the school. They separated and walked back onto the streets. It was the right time, as well. The students were leaving stores and heading back to the group of teachers. They walked, silently, back to the group of Hogwarts students.
"Well, I guess I'll see you tonight?" Lindsay said, before heading off to be with the Gryffindors.
"Yeah, see you later," Draco said. He went over to his friends in Slytherin, and she walked back to the Gryffindor group. She stood over by them, holding the bag of candies that Draco bought for her.
"Oy, Lindsay." Lindsay turned around to see Ron. This would be interesting. She hated questions.
"Hello, Ron," She said.
"Where'd you go?" He asked. A few moments later, Harry and Hermione appeared behind him.
"Well, I spent the remainder of my time torturing first years," Lindsay answered. Well, she did spend some time with first years, so it wasn't a total lie. Okay, it was a big lie.
"What'd you get at Honeydukes?" He asked, trying to make conversation. She figured this was his way of bonding with her. It had been obvious as of late, he was glad to have Harry back. He was also slightly romantically involved with Hermione. He didn't really need Lindsay as a friend to hang out with anymore. He was just pretending to be interested in order to be fair.
"Chocolate things, lollipop things. Oh, and I beat out Pansy Parkinson for the last red flavored sugar."
"That's good. I hate that Parkinson," Ron said. Lindsay nodded in agreement. She hated her for more reasons than Ron did, but that was beside the point. He continued to talk to her, and she answered him as if they were still friends. Before this year, Ron never paid any attention to Lindsay. She was just a quiet girl in their year that never really said anything or did anything. She didn't have friends. When Ron was having problems with Harry at the beginning of the year, she was happy to befriend him. Yet, it was only a short-term friendship. They would call each other friends, but she never hung out with him anymore. She was glad that he got Harry back, and the trio didn't have any outside members. Yet, she would never really be close to Ron again.
She gained Harry and Hermione as friends, but they only talked to her about Malfoy. As long as she was still with Malfoy, they would never really consider her a friend because she was dating the enemy, but once she and Malfoy were done, they would no longer pay any attention to her. Which was more important: Their trust or their attention? She noticed that Harry and Hermione treated her different ever since they found out. She didn't like it, and they were especially cold since Draco began his mission for Voldemort and got the dark mark. They didn't trust her and they hated that she was associating with the enemy. Harry, who was understanding at first, was suddenly showing his disapproval all the time. He wanted to talk to her and convince her out of the relationship. She knew that when they had that talk, she would listen to him and she would do as he said. She just ready for that day yet. She wanted to hold on to Draco Malfoy as long as she could.
A/n: Hogsmeade, how exciting. So, er, review. To reviewers:
T. Riddle- Right about Blaise. Go you. And we love mature DM.
Domonique Vida- Thanks for your nice words.
Phabandphat- Thanks, and thanks. Yep, Dark Mark. Draco is evil, but we love him anyway.
Kurama'sfoxykitsune- Thanks. You say the nicest things! Georgia, that sounded fun. Lord Voldy-pants is perhaps the best thing I've heard in a long, long time! That may make a random appearance when you least expect it.