Okay, Chapter 18. I actually thought this story wouldn't be that long, but hey! It goes to show that weird things can happen.
Chapter 18
Draco's black and white composition notebook
Hermione just went to bed. I could hear the candle being blown out and her turning in her bed, getting comfortable…
Crap. I'm doing it again.
WHY do I have to be attracted her? Can't people just give me a break sometimes, just leave my life as it is instead of adding all this complicated stuff to make go crazy? Is that what people want? Or seriously…am I crazy?
Maybe I am. I have a GIRLFRIEND already. We have a nice relationship…I guess. I think what Hermione said before is beginning to sink in. Like, how she talks about herself. She does it all the time! It's incredibly annoying. You know? She's like, "Ooh, look at this sweater! I need it! The color looks so good on me! It reminds me of that time I was at the palace in France, and I wore this beautiful blue and silver dress…" and then she would go on and on forever until she would say, "…What do you think? Draco? DRACO? Are you even listening to me?" And I would nod, and then she would go, "Oh, okay. So, then I saw the queen of France, and she gave me a medal, and…" It makes me want to smack her.
Then of course, I'm always so grumpy and mad when I come back. It ruins my day. And Hermione's always sitting in the common room when I come in, and she asks how I am. I really want to sit down and tell her everything, but I just stomp away. Talking to her would just make my feelings stronger. I mean, if we ever got together-not that she would consider it, and I have a girlfriend-what would our friends do? They would flip if they knew we were friends-but if we were more? That would just destroy them. They would explode. Literally. Little pieces of Potter, Weasel, Little Weasel, Blaise, and Pansy would fly everywhere. The Great Hall would be covered in their guts.
But I really like her.
Well, thinking about it now won't do anything, so I might as well get some sleep.
Good night.
…
Continue as a regular story
The next morning snow covered the ground, blanketing the entire grounds. Hermione sat by the fire, looking out the window, admiring it. It's so beautiful…she thought dreamily.
That's when Draco walked in. "Hi," he said gruffly.
Hermione's head snapped around, and she waved her wand. Script appeared over her head. 'Wait!'
Draco stopped and turned. "What?"
Hermione stood up and put her hands on her hips. 'Why are you avoiding me? What's going on? Do you not want to be friends or something?'
Draco sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Look…I still want to be friends. But Cho is so demanding. She's like a control freak."
Hermione snorted.
Draco sat down on the couch, frowning. "I just don't know...she's getting really annoying, but she's still my girlfriend and everything."
Hermione sat down next to him, and cocked her head to one side. 'Go on.'
"I don't know. I didn't mean to take it out on you or anything-just the dates are so frustrating and I'm always in a bad mood when I came back. I didn't mean to hurt you or anything." He looked at her pleadingly.
'It's okay. I was just wondering, that's all. I hope things get better between you two.' Hermione's expression was sympathetic, but inside she was screaming with joy. Please break up with her, please break up with her, please break up with her…she thought fiercely.
"Thanks for understanding, Hermione. You're a great friend." Draco grinned.
Hermione smiled. 'No problem.' Yes, there is a problem! You're supposed to…I dunno, leave her! Do something! She yelled angrily in her mind.
Draco stood up. "Well, I'm gonna go get something to eat, so see you later, I guess…"
'Wait!'
Draco looked at her. "What is it?"
'Um…well…would you like to go to Hogsmead with me? I mean, since we're friends, I thought maybe…' Hermione shrugged, but she was astounded at herself. What did I just do? Crap, he's gonna say no. I'm going to feel like such an idiot…
"I would like to-"
Yes! Hermione crowed inside.
"-but…what would your friends say? I mean, have you told them yet?"
'No…'
"And Cho would be really mad-not to mention confused. We're supposed to be enemies, and it would be weird. Plus, I was planning on using this trip for Christmas shopping." Draco said apologetically.
'Oh…okay. That's fine.' Hermione looked away.
Draco caught her arm. "Not that I don't want to go. I mean, it would be nice. Us two. Together. As friends. But I have other plans. I'm sorry."
'It's fine. Really. I don't mind.' Hermione smiled at him. She was crying in her mind.
"Well…see you…" said Draco, and he turned and left.
Once he had stepped out of the portrait hole, Hermione burst into tears.
…
Continue in note form
Hermione's diary
He does want to go…but he can't.
He has a girlfriend…but I like him.
He's going Christmas shopping for nice things…but they're probably for Cho.
He hasn't told his friends…and neither have I.
It would be weird…but it doesn't have to be.
He said 'friends'…but I want it to be more.
SO MUCH MORE!
-bangs head on table-
Ugh. He just wants to go as friends, but he doesn't want to tell his friends, and it would be weird, and he's shopping for Cho's Christmas gifts…
Might as well shop for some Christmas gifts myself…I have nothing better to do.
Draco's black and white composition journal, which had been in his pocket for the whole time
Hermione…just…asked…me…to…go…to…Hogsmead…with…her…and…I…said:
No.
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME?
I can't believe it. I like her, and I say NO? She wanted ME to go with HER! Just HER and ME. ALONE. Just like I've always DREAMT about. And I become a fucking IDIOT and say NO.
'I have to go Christmas shopping.' True…but I could've done it another time!
'It would be weird.' Maybe…but still!
'Cho would be mad.' True…but who cares?
'We're supposed to be enemies.' Yeah…but it's high time we tell people.
But what if she doesn't like me that way? And I would've ruined a friendship and my and Cho's relationship! Plus…Cho is my girlfriend. But if I really like her…why do I have to keep reminding myself?
Whoa…look at THAT! It's beautiful.
I'm looking in a jewelry store, and there's this stunning (YES, I know, that's a girly word to use, but I don't give a shit) necklace on display. It's a thin gold chain with a sparkling sunset-colored star sapphire cut into a shape of a rose...wow. AND it blossoms in the day and closes up at night (I read the card next to it). Wow, Hermione would look amazing in that—wait. I can't get it for her. Cho, remember Cho, Draco? Yeah, your GIRLFRIEND. She needs a present too, remember?
Oh look…a silver bracelet with a blue stone. Eh. It's not AS pretty as the other one…but it would look good on Cho. It's not as pretty as the other one…but then again…should I buy it for Hermione and give the gold one to Cho? Or the other way around? Decisions, decisions…
I'll buy both…and see how I'm feeling on Christmas.
And plus…I'm not sure I like Hermione that way…well, yet. I mean, I just don't know…
Well…they're gift-wrapped (courtesy of the store) and now I'm off to meet Cho. Yeah, I know I told Hermione that I wasn't going into town with Cho…but she's not here. So it can't hurt.
…
Continued as a regular story
Cho beamed as Draco walked up to her. "Glad you could come! Did you finish your Christmas shopping?"
Draco opened his mouth, but Cho cut him off.
"I did! I got you the cutest-oh, I can't tell you! It'll be a surprise! I know you want to know, but I'm not gonna tell you!" She giggled as she pretended to zipper her lips and throw away the key.
"Actually-" Draco began.
"Stop asking!" Cho said, and elbowed him playfully. Then she grabbed his arm and latched on to it. "Ooh, I think that we should go somewhere else today, somewhere romantic." She smiled sweetly at him.
"The Hog's Head?" Draco asked, relieved to finally get a sentence in.
"No, silly! There's this totally cute coffee shop down the way! It's really nice, and has cozy little booths-you'll just love it! Come on, down this way!" Cho nearly yanked his arm out of its socket as she pulled him down the road.
"Couldn't we-" Draco said.
"Shhh! Less talking, more walking!" Cho said. "We need to get there soon before it crowds up!"
It's more like running, Draco thought miserably. The wind was blowing in his face, and he felt his nose and ears going numb. I'm gonna have frostbite in a few minutes, he thought, and tried to pull his arm out of Cho's grip, but she squeezed it tighter until he couldn't feel it anymore and kept walking.
"Almost there!" said Cho happily. They were almost sprinting now, and people were starting to stare.
Why does she have to be so goddamned cheerful all the time? wondered Draco, and he sneered at a few people sniggering at them. What a sight we must be, he thought. Me being dragged down the road by a girl with a permanent smile plastered on to her face, and I'm probably all red in the face. He groaned, and shook his head. This is going to scar me for life, he thought sadly.
"We're here!" squealed Cho. She let go of Draco's arm and hopped up and down excitedly.
"Thank god," whispered Draco, massaging his arm. He looked up at the café, and recoiled in horror.
The outside was painted a sickly shade of bright, neon pink, and there was a huge blinking sign reading, 'Madame Liffu's Coffee House'. A little girl in a big puffy red heart was holding the door open, and she was singing cheesy little love songs. The roof was covered in snow, and the entire place looked like a giant neon pink gingerbread house.
Draco gulped. "Are you sure this is the place?" he asked, hoping dearly that it wasn't.
"Of course it is, silly! Don't you just love it?" she said, grinning, and without waiting for an answer, she gripped his arm again and pulled him inside. Draco let himself be dragged in with a sinking feeling in his stomach.
Cho hopped up to another little girl who was in a huge snowflake suit standing at a counter. "A booth for two please," Cho said.
"Follow me please!" said the girl in a fake sing-song-y voice. She took two menus and skipped off, motioning for Draco and Cho to follow her.
"Isn't this the greatest?" whispered Cho, her voice giggly.
"Uh…I…guess…" Draco said unhappily.
"Here's your booth! Call me over with a kiss when you're ready to order!" the girl sung. She placed the menus on the table and skipped off to help another customer.
Cho slid in one side and Draco the other. "This place is so adorable! I love coming here! And they have the greatest drinks! Have you ever tried the Love Shake?" Cho asked.
"No, but-"
"You have to try it! It's so delicious! I love it! It's simply the greatest drink ever!" Cho squealed.
"What about the-" asked Draco, squinting down at the menu, but he was cut off yet again when Cho kissed him right on the lips.
"Yes?" said another little girl who appeared at their table.
"Two Love Shakes please," said Cho happily.
"I'll be back soon!" chirped the waitress and she glided away.
"What," said Draco, breathing heavily, "was THAT for?"
"Isn't it great? You call the waitress by kissing!" Cho said, beaming. "Isn't it brilliant?"
Draco groaned softly. "Yes," he muttered. "It's…brilliant."
"Ooh, I KNEW you'd like it!" Cho clapped her hands together happily. "The Love Shakes are SOOOOOOOO delicious! I could LIVE on them! They're like strawberry and cherry and chocolate and caramel—just AMAZING!"
Draco raised his eyebrows. "All of those? Mixed-"
"Mixed together!" squealed Cho in a high-pitched voice that made Draco wince. Then she lowered her voice, as if she was telling a secret and whispered, "When you drink them, they make you say who you love most."
Draco blanched. "What?" he asked quickly. "They make you WHAT?"
"Say who you love most!" said Cho. "It's okay—I know it's me, so you don't have to worry." She patted his cheek.
Draco's mind tipped. Boy, is she in for a surprise, he thought unhappily. I don't know who I love most, but it sure as hell isn't her…and what will I say instead? That frightened him. What if it's someone completely unexpected, someone that will have her shriek and scream and then yell it to the entire world which will ruin me? I don't even know who I love the most! I mean…I can…guess…
Suddenly a snide little voice crept into his mind. 'It's Hermione Granger, isn't it?' the voice said.
Draco blinked rapidly. I don't…THINK so…I mean, uh…I don't…know…she's just a friend…just a good…really good…friend.
'Sure she is. We'll see how GOOD of a friend she is when you drink that milkshake!' the voice said, giggling in a mocking sort of manner.
How do you know-I mean, you have no proof! Draco thought angrily.
It cackled now. 'No proof? NO PROOF? Come on! You saw that necklace and what did you think? "Hermione." You try to avoid who so you don't have to confront your feelings? "Hermione." You really wanted to say yes to who's invitation to Hogsmead today? "Hermione." Its all there, you idiot! Open your eyes!'
Draco sighed. But then why is Cho my girlfriend? Why did I ask her over Hermione, then? He asked.
'Because you were being stupid and you know it. Draco. Look. You like Hermione. A lot. Just face it!'
Draco buried his head in his hands. But…I don't know! I just don't know!
"Draco…Draco…DRACO." said an urgent voice in his ear.
"WHAT?" said Draco, sitting upright.
"Are you okay? You just dozed off there for a moment-" said Cho, but then she turned away and grinned. "The Love Shakes are here!"
The waitress set the drinks down on the table. "Drink up!" She said, and left.
Cho looked at Draco happily. "Go on, have the first sip!"
…
Meanwhile, outside the café, Hermione was watching through a thick glass window. She had shopped for a little while and found some nice gifts for Harry, Ron, and Ginny, as well as her parents. She had decided to get something for Draco too…except she hadn't found any stores that looked like they would have something perfect for him. She has wandered down the street, and found the café. Hermione found it utterly repulsive, but decided to look in a window just to see who would actually eat at that place…when she saw Draco. With Cho.
Her face grew hot. He lied, she thought angrily. He LIED to me. But no matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't look away from the scene.
A little girl in a plushy heart costume-a waitress, perhaps?-was setting down two huge clear glasses filled with a disgustingly pinkish brown substance sloshing in them. Cho was smiling, and she told something to Draco, who made a slight face, and looked down at the drink.
Is he actually going to drink that crap? wondered Hermione. Then her face got hard. I hope he does! I hope he gets sick! He deserves it!
Draco was staring into the liquid fiercely.
Well, get on with it! thought Hermione irritably. Just drink it and throw up already!
…
Draco gulped and forced himself to look into the frothy brown glop, oblivious to Hermione's death stare coming from the window to the right. I can't do it, he thought. Not just because I can't-don't-want to reveal my feelings…but because this looks so damn disgusting!
"What are you waiting for?" asked Cho impatiently.
"Uhh…nothing…" answered Draco.
"Then drink up!" she said forcefully.
Draco picked up the cup and swirled it around a bit, and recoiled when little brown…lumps rose to the surface. "Um…I'm really not thirsty right now-" began Draco.
"That's what I thought the first time I saw it, but I soon changed my mind, and you…will…too!" Cho grabbed the cup from him and poured the gross concoction down Draco's throat.
…
I am SO SORRY that I didn't update in so long-I was in Colorado skiing with my friends for a week! Please forgive me…and I hope that this cliff-hanger will make you want to read more-and review!
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Anonymous Review Answers Column
Karen- -grins- I love it when people think I'm funny…XDD –tsk tsk- I doubt they're just nonsense ramblings. Please join? And your vote will be added! Thanks for reviewing!
lilsakura- I love romance too. And I promise if I have the time, I'll read and review your story! Tomorrow. And I'll try to update that story!
Moi- Your vote is counting…personally, I'd like mad then romantic, but you guys are choosing, so whatevs.
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Okay, so now that that's over…please review! And please don't hurt me for putting a cliffhanger! And for not updating in so long! And for which romance scene I will choose which results will be at the beginning of the next chapter! And for not being able to vote anymore because the results have already been counted! And—well, just don't hurt me! XDD
But feel free to review! XD