Author's Note: Bet you all thought it would take me another six months. =p
They divided the tasks so that the project required minimal interaction. Hermione would go into the library, do the research, and once she'd leave, Harry and Ron would come in and continue it. It was Harry who'd thought of that, Hermione had put on an 'I-Don't-Care' attitude and had nearly gotten into another fight with Ron. Hermione didn't really process it, she had aggravated Ron by saying. 'uh huh' and 'I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that.' She knew that Ron had said something about pedestals. and somewhere in there had thrown in a really complex metaphor. Something about ice queens, glaciers. and a car engine.
Hermione found it very surprising that she didn't care about loosing their friendship. at least that was what she told herself, which was partly true. she didn't care as much then as she had the past year. But now, she found herself wanting Ron's friendship less and less. He wasn't as mean as he was last year, he was downright cruel. But there were times. like when she saw them laughing together, or when they were huddled over their divination homework, or when she found Ron fussing over Harry. she felt the sharp stabs of loss. that she quickly disregarded.
Hermione didn't find herself completely alone. Some people still came and spoke to her, such as the Ravenclaws she sometimes studied with and asked for help. She noted that those people were purebloods.
The Christmas holidays were approaching. Hermione was going to Malfoy Manor, when she found the list, her name was already on it. She didn't have a choice, as Lucius had sent a letter to Professor McGonagall, specifically asking her to make sure Hermione. or rather Tatiana, made it onto the train.
She knew Ron was going home. they had a Weasley reunion that Christmas, she had overheard that from the twins.
The twins weren't mean to her, but they weren't exactly all that friendly either.
Harry of course was staying at Hogwarts, the only one in their year staying. She knew Ron had invited Harry to come with him, but Harry had refused. She had overheard them in the common room.
Hermione walked in Hogsmeade alone, wondering if she should get gifts for anyone. It wasn't as if anyone was going to give her anything, or if anyone was going to accept gifts from her. Hermione had already bought gifts for Harry and Ron. she had bought the before the whole glamour fiasco. Ron's gift was a Chudley Cannon robe, and Harry's was a journal. Hermione figured he kept too much pent up inside. Of course, she was still debating if she should send it or not.
Money wasn't an issue for her. Every four days week, she was sent money by Lucius and Narcissa, money that she promptly sent back. Of course, the only thing they did was include it in the next week's, and would even add to it. along with a letter from Lucius praising her restraint. Hermione stopped sending the money back after a couple weeks. It was too much hassle. She'd given the money to Draco once. but he'd just looked at it and said, "I have enough, you know. Give it to Weasley if you don't want it. He sure could use a few Galleons."
Of course, money wasn't the only thing sent. They sent her books, school supplies. all expensive ones. Hermione found it strange. maybe she shouldn't, considering they were Malfoy's. but they just gave, and gave, and gave. and not once had Hermione heard a harsh word or received a harsh message from either Lucius or Narcissa. He had gotten mad only once, when she and Draco had quarreled. but other than that, even though she had been flippant, annoying. in her letters she tried really hard for obnoxious. still, they spoiled her. It was if they thought she could do no wrong.
She answered back, Lucius would comment on how witty, or courageous she was. She got a perfect score on her paper, for some reason they knew, and would send a letter congratulating her, along with it a book on the same topic. She yelled at Crabbe or Goyle for following her, Lucius would write a letter on how good it was she knew how to show superiority.
Hermione went into Honeydukes, and bought some sweets. As she was choosing them, she didn't notice as Draco Malfoy came behind her. Hermione gasped as he suddenly tapped her on the shoulder.
"What do you want Malfoy?" she said, annoyed.
"First of all, sister dear," he said, smiling mischievously as she flinched at the word sister, "my name is Draco. And, mother and father just wrote me. There's been a change in plans. We're staying at Hogwarts. They were invited to a Christmas cruise around the world."
Hermione resisted the impulse to ask how they could have a cruise around the world for only Christmas. It seemed as if Draco read her mind though. "It's a wizard cruise. They experience Christmas all over the world. well, in ten countries. They start in Asia, then Europe, then. well I don't know, but with the time difference, they can catch everything. Of course, they don't allow children on board."
She nodded, and walked to the counter to pay for the sweets. Before she got her money out, Draco already paid for it.
Hermione frowned. "Why'd you do that?"
Draco shrugged. "I was being nice."
"I didn't think that word was in your vocabulary," she answered as she walked out of Honeydukes. Draco walked beside her.
"I'm sorry for all the times I called you a Mudblood," he said ignoring her previous comment.
"Only because I'm your sister."
"So you admit it?"
"Not much I can do about it," she shrugged. "But I still maintain that you only apologized because I'm your sister. If I was still Hermione Granger, you would never have apologized."
"Well, no. Technically it would be true."
"The fact that it was an insult didn't mean anything to you."
"No, why should it?" Draco said, surprised.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Typical Malfoy."
"Don't forget you're a Malfoy too."
"As if I could forget. Every time I pass a shop, I see my reflection in the window."
"It's a very nice reflection," Draco commented.
"Are you complimenting me?" she asked him, shocked.
"We're twins. We look alike. I can't very well insult you because of your looks, can I?"
She rolled her eyes. "Sod off, Malfoy."
"Do you realize this is the longest conversation we've ever had?" Draco asked her, still walking beside her.
"It'll probably be the last."
He studied her carefully. "You have no idea what we are, do you?"
"Twins," she replied shortly.
He shook his head. "More than that."
"Enlighten me then."
Draco looked to his right. "Three Broomsticks. shall we go in?"
Hermione scoffed. "I am never going any where with you."
"Are you afraid I'll hex you? I wouldn't do that. Mainly cause Father would kill me, but also because you'd just absorb it. Don't you want to know why?"
Hermione glared at her brother. "You hexed me once, why wouldn't you do it again?"
"When did I ever hex you?"
"Last year. Remember the big teeth?"
Draco had the grace to look abashed. "Well, I was aiming for Potter. Besides, that was while you were under the glamour. Come on, this is a peace offering."
"Malfoy, you teased and insulted me ever since I met you."
"Technically, no. We must have met when we were kids, right? I don't think I was teasing you then. Hell, I didn't know how to talk then."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You're missing the point. I've always disliked you Malfoy. What makes you think I'll start liking you now?"
"Because I'm the only one you have at this school."
Hermione flinched. "That's not true."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Please. Dumbledore? He's Headmaster, he doesn't play favorites. McGonagall? She's a teacher. Besides, I don't see you opening up to her. The Gryffindors. well, I think how you sit alone every meal speaks for itself. Weasley? He hates you. Potter. well, I don't think Potter likes you very much either. Those Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs speak to you, but they're not really your friends. You don't know them that well. Potter and Weasley monopolized you for nearly five years. The purebloods who speak to you only speak to you because their parents tell them to."
"That's your reason too."
"No, my reason is you're my sister. I don't like seeing you left out, insulted, or ignored. Family pride, you know."
"I don't need you to look after me Malfoy. You're not my father."
Draco smirked. "What do you think Father told me to do?"
Hermione glared at him. "Will you please leave me alone?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm killing two birds with one stone."
"Meaning?"
"I'm pissing off Potter and Weasley too. They're across the street, in the Three Broomsticks, staring at us."
Hermione turned her head, and sure enough Harry and Ron were staring at her, identical expressions of disgust on their faces.
"I hate you, Malfoy."
"No you don't."
"How would you know?"
"I think you like arguing with me. Besides, I know what you're feeling. It's a Gem-" Draco stopped himself.
Hermione turned. "It's a what?"
"Nothing."
"How would you know what I was feeling?"
"I know you're feeling annoyed."
"Way to go Mr. Stating the obvious," she said, walking ahead of him.
"I also know you miss Potter but you don't miss Weasley. In fact, you're furious at him, more at him then at me."
Hermione gasped and spun around. "How do you know?"
Draco smirked. "Come into the Three Broomsticks with me and I'll tell you."
"Are you doing it because you want to or because you want to annoy Harry and Ron?"
"Both."
Hermione sighed. "All right."
_________
"Look at them. It makes me sick," Ron stated, staring at Draco and Hermione. Hermione was laughing at something Draco said.
Harry followed his gaze. "Removing that glamour gave Hermione a complete personality transplant."
"I can't believe I was friends with a Malfoy."
Harry shrugged.
"Look! They're coming in here!"
Harry watched as Hermione took Draco's arm, and they walked in. Draco spoke with Madame Rosmerta, and sat down in the table diagonal from them. Draco saw them clearly, but Hermione's back was to them.
Ron pulled out his wand.
"What are you doing?" Harry hissed. "You can't hex them in here! McGonagall's right there!"
Ron muttered something and tapped his glass. Draco's glass glowed too, but neither of them noticed, they were too busy talking.
"What did you do?"
"Eavesdropping spell. Fred and George taught me."
They heard the conversation clearly.
Hermione: Spill.
Draco: Nope.
Hermione: Why not?
Draco: I've changed my mind.
Hermione: Come on, you have to tell me.
Draco: No.
Hermione: Please?
Draco: No.
Hermione: For your favorite sister?
Draco: No.
Hermione: So I'm your favorite?
Draco: I only have one.
Hermione: Favorite?
Draco: Sister.
Hermione: Oh.
-silence-
Hermione: Please?
Draco: No.
Hermione: What can be so bad about it?
Draco: It's bad.
Hermione: I'm prepared for anything.
Draco: You may be, but I'm not.
Hermione: I'm prepared to beg.
Draco: Tempting as that sounds, no.
Hermione: I'll do anything?
Draco: Anything?
Hermione: Well, anything reasonable.
Draco: Go kiss Weasley and make a big show of throwing up after.
Hermione: I can do that.
Draco: No, don't kiss Weasley! Father would kill me.
Hermione: I know.
Draco: You're more evil than I am.
Hermione: You're changing the subject! Come on, tell me!
Draco: No.
Hermione: Stupid big brothers.
Draco: Nosy little sisters.
Hermione & Draco: I miss being an only child.
Ron quickly ended the spell.
Harry looked at the two Malfoy's playfully arguing with each other. "Ron, they sound like you and Ginny."
"Scary, really."
Harry shrugged. "Let's get out of here."
Ron nodded. They left, Harry pointedly not looking at Hermione.
______________
Hermione went into Gryffindor common room, noting that it was deserted. Well, someone was seated in one of the chairs. She made her way to her room, but she stopped as the person called to her.
"Uh, Hermione? Tatiana?" It was Dean.
Hermione blinked. "Hermione. I'm more used to it."
Dean grinned awkwardly and stood up. "Can I talk to you for a sec?"
Hermione frowned, puzzled. "Uh, sure, I guess." She sat down and Dean followed suit.
Dean looked down at his feet, and then back up at her. "You know I'm muggle- born, don't you?"
Hermione was taken aback. "Well, of course I do. I didn't forget anything just because I look like Malfoy."
Dean gave her a funny expression. "Why are you talking to me then?"
Hermione grew even more confused. "What?"
"You're a Malfoy. Pureblood, and all that."
"Dean, just because I'm a Malfoy doesn't make me a horrible person."
Dean visibly relaxed. "Good. I've been telling Seamus that, but he won't listen."
Hermione sighed. "Can't really expect anyone to be. well, level headed. Even the most level-headed people I know. aren't so level-headed when it comes to the Malfoys."
Dean shrugged. "I'm muggle-born. I don't have that prejudice."
Hermione smiled. "I'm glad."
"Draco, I hate. You I don't. Just so you know."
It was Hermione's turn to shrug. "I don't like him either. It takes all my energy not to curse him whenever I see him coming."
"May the force be with you."
Hermione laughed. "Oh, god, Star Wars! Natalie Portman and Christopher Lloyd. what was George Lucas thinking."
Dean looked offended. "What's wrong with Natalie Portman?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Aside from the fact that she can't act? Absolutely nothing."
"You can't say that Ewan McGregor was bad."
"He didn't have much parts in the first movie. He was awesome in Moulin Rouge, though."
Dean made a face. "It was a musical."
"And so?"
"It was a musical."
"I got that. What's wrong with musicals?"
"They're strange! People burst into song at random parts, and out of no where, chorus lines appear and music is rising. give me a real film anytime."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You have no taste."
"Says the girl who likes musicals."
"Musicals are great!"
"Whatever you say."
"They are!"
Dean nodded. "Yep, people bursting into song at the strangest moments is absolutely inspiring."
Hermione laughed so hard, she didn't know why.
"It wasn't that funny." Dean muttered, his ears turning red.
Hermione shook her head and smiled at him. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For making me laugh. I miss it."
"I thought evil cackling was considered laughing," a cold voice interrupted. Hermione and Dean turned their heads. It was Harry. And he looked pissed. "You sure seemed to do enough of it with Malfoy."
Hermione stood up angrily. Even though she was taller with the glamour off, she still wasn't as tall as Harry. But in this situation it didn't matter. Her anger made her seem twice as tall. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Dean looked nervously from Harry to Hermione. "Okay. I think that was my cue to leave." and he picked up his things and went into the dormitory. "Play nice, you two."
Harry looked at Hermione. "I think we've played enough."
With a disgusted look and a toss of her blond head, Hermione walked away.
____________
Hermione woke up Christmas morning to see a literal mountain of presents in front. Who would be giving her gifts? She got up and read the tags. Happy Christmas, from Laurence, Angela and Millicent Bulstrode. She unwrapped it. It was a jewelry box. She opened it, and it played a prelude by Chopin. "Cute," Hermione said out loud.
She sighed and went through the rest of her presents. all were from families, all were expensive. all were from rich, pureblood, snobbish families.
A mirror, a bracelet, a gold cauldron, a Magipal (sort of like a wizard- version of the Palm Pilot). even some things she thought were muggle stuff, like aromatherapy candles, and bath stuff. there really was a lot of stuff.
Hermione picked up a gift wrapped in silver paper, with a green bow. She read the card. To Tatiana. Happy Christmas. Do anything you want with these gifts, just don't give them back to me. Don't think they'd suit me. Draco. She carefully removed the tape and wrapper. It was a box. She opened the box, and there were many things in it. First, there was a small black velvet box. It was a pair of- was that diamond?- earrings. Next to the box was. was that more jewelry? It was. Many boxes. she opened and it would be emerald earrings, or a pearl necklace, or a sapphire bracelet. How much did he spend? Well, really there were seven pieces of jewelry. Two necklaces, three sets of earrings, and a couple braclets. Jeez. And that wasn't everything. What she thought was a padding just to make sure the jewelry wasn't destroyed was in fact dress robes. Designer dress robes.
Hermione eyed a four large boxes tied together that she hadn't opened. the only gifts she hadn't opened. She looked at the card. To Tatiana, from Father and Mother. Suddenly, Hermione didn't know want to know how much Lucius and Narcissa spent on her. She stood up, and cleaned up her mess. She quickly changed and headed to the common room. She paused when she saw Harry, and made a decision. She ran back up to her dorm.
_________
Harry sat in front of the Gryffindor fire, Christmas morning. When Ron had been there, he had been certain that Tatiana Malfoy was evil. That there had been no real Hermione Granger. But with Ron gone, now he was starting to have doubts. The past few days he had observed her, she had been kind, nice. not to mention that when he had spoken to Ernie, David apparently had been in an accident in Potions, which was why he was in the hospital wing.
He was beginning to doubt his hasty judgment. The only thing different about this new girl and Hermione was that she spent a lot of time with Malfoy. But really, who else was she supposed to stay with? But Harry's mind wandered again to the conversation he and Ron had overheard. There hadn't been anything bad about it, it could have been any brother and sister. but when the brother was Draco Malfoy.
Should have stuck with my first impulse, Harry mused. Something was not right at Hogwarts.
The sound of someone clearing her throat made her look up. He saw Hermione looking at him. He looked up at her, face passive.
She held out a gift, wrapped in blue, not saying anything.
Harry stared from it, to Hermione and back again. Slowly, he lifted his hand, took the gift, and put it on the table beside him.
Hermione nodded curtly and walked out of the common room. Harry watched her leave, a cold mask still on his face. He unwrapped the gift slowly, and took it out of it's box. A journal. He picked up the card. To Harry, Happy Christmas. I hope you find this useful. From, Hermione.
She signed it Hermione, not Tatiana.
Harry flipped the journal open and started writing.
___________
Realization came into her deep grey eyes. "No."
He was silent. His silence was his death warrant.
"You mean to tell me that you fell for that. Weasel?" she asked, completely horrified.
"I didn't mean to."
"Oh, don't give me that," she spat. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"I-I-"
"Listen to yourself," she said in disgust. "You're pathetic!"
He balled his hands into tight fists, his nails digging into his palm. He took a deep breath and tried to clear his head.
She pressed on. "What happened to the powerful wizard I knew? Who is this. pitiable. they don't have a word for what you are. You and I are better than a. Weasel. You do not grovel at the feet of a WEASEL!"
"I was not groveling!" he said hotly.
She scoffed and gestured to the flowers beside him. "Roses? Love letters?" she shook her head. "I don't know why I didn't see it before."
He mentally dug his heels in. "I don't care what you say. I'm not going to break it off with her."
Her eyes widened in shock. "You're not seriously considering a long-term relationship with her? Do you have a death wish?"
"I love her."
She raised a hand to her mouth. "No."
"I love her and there's not a thing you can do about it."
She shook her head, as if what he said could be erased.
Harry woke up, gasping for air.
There were only five students who stayed behind for Christmas break. Two Gryffindors, and one Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. The meal was silent on the student's end.
"So," Professor Dumbledore smiled. "Harry, Draco. I trust you are looking forward to the first game of the year? Slytherin versus Gryffindor?"
"Yes, Headmaster," Draco replied shortly.
"Of course, Professor Dumbledore."
"Ms. Malfoy, I was very impressed with the report you handed in last week." chirped Professor Flitwick.
"Thank you, Professor."
And so the meal went. As soon as Draco left, Hermione got up to follow him.
She caught up to him in one of the corridors that led to a secret passage to Hogsmeade.
"Uh. Malfoy? Draco?"
He turned around surprised. "Yes?"
She looked down, and then back at him. "I wanted to say thank you. For the gifts."
He smiled faintly. "You're welcome. Anything else?"
Hermione sighed. "I also want to apologize. You've been nothing but nice. and you were right, you are the only one who'll be there for me. I know enough of your family loyalty not to doubt that."
"Apology accepted."
Draco knew that under ordinary circumstances, Hermione Granger would not have easily gotten over her prejudice. But Tatiana Malfoy, under the pull of the Geminus, would. It was inevitable that the Geminus would be reunited.
"I'm going to sneak out and go to Hogsmeade," Hermione announced. "Wanna come with? I have to buy you and our parents presents."
"You don't have to."
"That's where you're wrong," Hermione declared. She smiled mischievously. "Come on, we've got a load of shopping to do."
____________
"She has it," Draco commented for what seemed like the hundredth time.
Hermione sighed exasperated. Hermione had bought gifts for Lucius, a state- of-the-art Magipal, which Draco knew he had been meaning to buy, and he hadn't. He was forever debating which type to buy, and had completely forgotten about it, and a black leather magical planner. Hermione figured he could use both.
Buying gifts for Narcissa was proving to be a challenge. They walked into a jewelry shop and it seemed like Narcissa already had everything in it.
"Is there anything she doesn't have?"
Draco looked around, and pointed. "I don't think she's bought that."
Hermione looked at what he was pointing. "That necklace in the display case?"
"No, look behind that."
Hermione squinted. "Draco, that's a plant."
"Exactly. I think that's the only thing in this store she hasn't bought yet."
Hermione rolled her eyes, and approached one of the sales clerks. "Excuse me."
But Hermione didn't get that far. "Excuse me, Ms. Malfoy. I'll go call the manager."
And in an instant she was gone. Hermione turned to Draco, puzzled. "Huh?"
Draco made a gesture to the Daily Prophet behind the counter. Malfoy Heir Found. And underneath was. how did they get her picture? Both pictures were shown. her picture as Hermione, and then her picture as Tatiana.
"I thought you were older?"
"I am. But you would still inherit something, wouldn't you?"
Hermione shrugged, and suddenly Desiree, owner of the Desiree Jewelry shop they were in, came in. "Ms. Malfoy, Mr. Malfoy. how wonderful it is that you could come see our store."
Hermione was taken aback. Harry probably had this done to him, too. "Uh, yes. I'm looking for a gift for my mother, unfortunately, she seems to have everything on display."
Desiree smiled. "That isn't a problem. Come with me, to the back showroom. New pieces just came in."
Hermione and Draco followed Desiree to the back, where she led them into a sort of room with a stage in the middle. "Here are a few of our newest pieces." she tapped the stand with her wand, and a set of tiger's-eye necklaces, bracelets, and earrings came out.
Hermione looked at Draco. He shook his head.
Hermione sighed. "Next."
Desiree flipped to the next item. "This is a beautiful piece. this charm is."
But Draco was already shaking his head.
"Next."
"This ruby and sapphire-"
"Mother doesn't wear ruby."
Hermione ran a hand through her long hair. "No rubies then. Next."
Piece after piece was shown. finally.
Desiree, still bubbly and informative, even though Hermione and Draco were nearly bored to tears went on. "This diamond and amethyst necklace was crafted by Jacques de Montreuil. He used silver for the chain. it is one of a kind..."
Hermione wasn't listening anymore. Her eyes were wide. "If she doesn't want this, I'm buying it for myself."
Draco inspected it. "Good choice."
"For me?"
"For her."
Hermione smiled. "I'll take it."
Hermione whipped out a newly issued MagiCard, and paid.
They walked along Hogsmeade's main street. "Come on, there has to be something you want."
"You volunteering to be my personal slave for the week?"
Hermione glared at him.
"Didn't think so. Tell you what, you help me out with my Charms paper, you don't have to get me anything."
Hermione considered it. "Fine."
__________
"You fool. Did you even think what that would mean?"
He was silent once more.
The room faded and merged together. it was another time, another place.
It was them. but they looked different somehow.
"These people are fools." she said softly, peering into a large fountain. "Tell me again why we don't get rid of them."
He came up next to her and smirked. "Even Kings and Queens of old had fools and jesters for their amusement."
She smiled at him, but there was no warmth in her smile. "Of course. Our amusement. To see how they struggle to win a battle they will always fight. To win a war that they cannot end."
"Poor misguided fools." she said, turning to the fountain once more. "Doomed to fight, doomed to loose. doomed to be hurt again and again."
He smiled. but there was something in his smile that she pretended she didn't see.
___________
Hermione once again was leafing through another book. This one had one of the weirdest titles she had ever seen. Twins, Twins, and Twins Galore: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Twins.
She had read about Castor and Pollux, Siamese twins, identical twins, fraternal twins, twins separated at birth, twins that grew up differently, twins that had the same background but turned out differently, twins that were identical except for their teeth. it really was all about twins, but nothing was mentioned of freaky twins who could mysteriously read each others minds.
She pondered her conversation with Draco that day in the Three Broomsticks.
Hr: Spill.
D: Nope.
Hr: Why not?
D: I don't feel like it.
Hr: Ugh. I knew you'd do something like this.
D: What can I say?
Hr: You can tell me why I absorbed those stuns, and why you know what I'm feeling.
D: It's your genetic structure and again, it's your genetic structure.
Hr: Want to be more vague?
D: That's all I can tell you.
Hr: What if I read your mind?
D: You can't do that. I can block you. You can't block me.
Hr: Then I'll block you.
D: You can't. You don't know how.
Hr: And how exactly would you know?
D: I'm always right. I say you don't know, and you can't know, not yet anyway.
Hr: So when will I be able to?
D: When you're ready.
Hr: Ready for what?
D: Nice try, but I'm not answering any of your questions.
Hr: So you dragged me in here for nothing?
D: I did not drag you here. You came here of your own free will.
Hr: To get answers. Since it's clear I'm not getting any, I'm going.
D: Herm- Gran- Tatiana, wait.
Hr: What?
D: Happy Birthday.
___________
"All right there, Harry?" asked a familiar voice as she walked towards the dark-haired boy sitting next to the lake.
He shrugged. "I've been better."
She plopped down beside him, pushing her long black hair away from her face. "Want to talk about it?"
He exhaled. "I don't know."
"I'm here if you do." she said anxiously, carefully examining him. He said nothing. "Or if you'd rather be alone, I can leave."
Harry shook his head. "It's fine. It's giving me something else to think about."
"Knut for your thoughts? I haven't a clue what you're feeling."
Harry didn't reply. She finally decided he wasn't going to answer, but before she could speak again, he answered. "I'm just having one of those days. Those days when you're so tired, and you don't know why."
She nodded sympathetically. "Is this about Hermione?"
"Maybe. Partly. mostly." he shook his head. "I don't know. It's just- everything's so different now. It's like. someone's made a mistake in the whole cosmic order of things. you know, like it's only now they're realizing their mistake. It's like, 'Oh, wrong place to put that girl, she was supposed to be evil. Easily fixed, give her long silver hair, a dab of make-up, Malfoy name. and presto, evil again.'"
She bit a perfectly manicured nail thoughtfully. "Is that really what's bothering you Harry?"
Harry covered his face with his hands. "I don't know. I just feel tired. and so unbelievably. emotionless. It's like I can't feel anything. but tired."
She put a hand to his forehead, then his neck. "You don't have a temperature. do you want to go see Madam Pomfrey?"
"I don't thing it's got anything to do with my health. I feel like there's a weight on my shoulders. literally. Like there's something I have to correct. But. I don't want to correct it, I don't want to know what it is. I just feel so damn tired."
"Maybe you should take a nap-"
He cut her off. "I woke up tired."
"Harry, you're making me worry."
Harry sighed and stood up. "Sorry. Don't think about it anymore. I'm sure when school starts again this will all go away."
She got up, put her hands on his shoulders, and pushed him down. Harry plunked down on the ground. "Come on Harry, talk to me." she said, kneeling down.
"What do you want me to say?" he asked, in that same drained tone.
"Just, answer my questions, will you?" He nodded. "All right. do you in anyway feel suicidal?"
He gave a wry grin. "I don't think so."
She smiled. "Knew I could get a grin. So. what's your name?"
He turned to her confused. "I'm tired, I don't have amnesia. though I almost wish I did."
"Just do it. What's your name?"
"Harry Potter."
"How old are you?"
"Fifteen."
"When did you turn fifteen?"
"July 31."
"What house are you in?"
"Gryffindor."
"Do you know why you were put in Gryffindor?"
"Courage, I guess."
"Do you know why Draco Malfoy was put in Slytherin?"
"He was power-hungry. Cruel."
"Do you know why all Malfoys have been put in Slytherin?"
"It's how they are."
"How they are? Or how they were brought up?"
"How they were brought up. You can't judge people by their families." at this point, Harry could see what she was getting at.
"Do you know why Hermione was put in Gryffindor?"
"For her courage."
"What else?"
Harry sighed. "And loyalty."
"Is she the type of person who would betray you?"
"Look, I don't know who she-"
She arched an eyebrow. "Is that you or Ron speaking?"
Harry blinked, realizing something. "Ron."
She shifted so she was sitting Indian-style. "I think I know what it is. You've been feeling this. void, ever since Hermione got the glamour off and you saw how she acted, you didn't want to deal with it. You didn't want to deal with it, so you let Ron do all the thinking. That, and keeping up with school, Quidditch, and you-know-who's attacks. you just let everything take you. Now, Ron's gone. You have to think for yourself." She stared at him intently. "Now, it's all catching up on you."
He was silent, he just stared at the lake. She spoke again. "You're Harry Potter. There's always another homework to write, another innocent life to save, another Quidditch game to win, another bad guy to defeat, another apocalypse to prevent to make the world a safer place for puppies and children. There's always something more you have to do. Now, there's no word on you-know-who, his attacks have stopped, no plots for you to uncover. and it's Christmas."
"You're right. That's it." But she noted he didn't exactly sound jubilant. He still sounded exhausted.
"Harry, I don't know what to do for you."
He shook his head. "You don't have to do anything."
She gave a small smile. "Harry, you have this thing about you that makes everyone want to take care of you, to help take that load off your shoulders."
"I didn't ask for it."
"I know. That's why everyone tries to help you. You've made it so far, and you've done so well. Don't let a little teenage angst stop you."
She could practically see him take an internal deep breath, physically pulling himself out of his reverie. "You've been a big help. thanks," Harry got up. "I'm going to go to the common room. Thanks for putting up with me, Cho."
She smiled, and stood up. "Anytime Harry."
Harry watched her leave. He had befriended Cho Chang at a Quidditch Training Camp they had had at Hogwarts the last four weeks of break. Privately, Harry thought it was an excuse for Dumbledore to keep him at Hogwarts. Surprisingly, he got over his crush on her, and they ended up quite good friends. She was one of the few people who treated him as a normal person, not Harry Potter Defeater of All Things Evil and Nasty. Although she wasn't as close as Hermione or Ron, she was still the only person he could talk to about himself without getting uncomfortable.
__________
It was dinner time, but Harry wasn't in the mood for dinner. He waited by the fireplace, knowing Sirius was going to appear. He wasn't worried about Hermione, she wouldn't be back until eight. After writing in his journal for a few moments, his godfather's face appeared.
"Happy Christmas, Harry." he said, smiling.
Harry crouched down to the fireplace. "Nice to see you, Sirius. Happy Christmas to you too."
But Sirius wasn't paying attention. He was studying Harry carefully. "What's wrong?"
Harry sighed. "Guess you haven't heard about Hermione, then."
"Well, no. I've sort of been in hiding. What happened? Did you to get together and break up?"
Harry was taken aback. "What? No. Of course not. What ever gave you that idea?"
"You have the whole 'my-best-friend-just-died' look." Realization came into Sirius' face. "Oh no. Is Hermione-"
"No," Harry answered at once. "She's not dead. She's a Malfoy."
A strange look came across Sirius' face. "Come again?"
"During DADA class, a teacher was talking about glamours. She said Hermione had one on, though Hermione denied it. She took it off. and she looked exactly like Draco Malfoy. Lucius came to the school, got papers. well, now she is Tatiana Malfoy, younger twin of Draco Malfoy."
Sirius nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. Harry suddenly thought of something. "What do you know?"
"What?"
"You know something about this. What do you know?"
Sirius sighed. "I won't lie to you, Harry, I know quite a lot. But I'm not sure now is the time to tell you. Are you and Ron speaking to Hermione?"
"No. I mean, Ron and Malfoys?"
Sirius nodded understandingly. "The Weasley's and the Malfoy's. like oil and water."
"You said it. So, are you going to tell me?"
Sirius sighed. "Hermione herself doesn't know yet. I think I she should know before you do, don't you?"
Harry let out a deep breath. "I guess so."
Author's Note:
Okay, just some clarifications about the story. What Harry and Ron hear and see is completely different from what actually happened. So obviously there is something mysterious at work. oooohhh.
See I gave it away. Oh well. Next chapter is written already. and it involves someone making his peace with Hermione. oooohh. Bye! =)
They divided the tasks so that the project required minimal interaction. Hermione would go into the library, do the research, and once she'd leave, Harry and Ron would come in and continue it. It was Harry who'd thought of that, Hermione had put on an 'I-Don't-Care' attitude and had nearly gotten into another fight with Ron. Hermione didn't really process it, she had aggravated Ron by saying. 'uh huh' and 'I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that.' She knew that Ron had said something about pedestals. and somewhere in there had thrown in a really complex metaphor. Something about ice queens, glaciers. and a car engine.
Hermione found it very surprising that she didn't care about loosing their friendship. at least that was what she told herself, which was partly true. she didn't care as much then as she had the past year. But now, she found herself wanting Ron's friendship less and less. He wasn't as mean as he was last year, he was downright cruel. But there were times. like when she saw them laughing together, or when they were huddled over their divination homework, or when she found Ron fussing over Harry. she felt the sharp stabs of loss. that she quickly disregarded.
Hermione didn't find herself completely alone. Some people still came and spoke to her, such as the Ravenclaws she sometimes studied with and asked for help. She noted that those people were purebloods.
The Christmas holidays were approaching. Hermione was going to Malfoy Manor, when she found the list, her name was already on it. She didn't have a choice, as Lucius had sent a letter to Professor McGonagall, specifically asking her to make sure Hermione. or rather Tatiana, made it onto the train.
She knew Ron was going home. they had a Weasley reunion that Christmas, she had overheard that from the twins.
The twins weren't mean to her, but they weren't exactly all that friendly either.
Harry of course was staying at Hogwarts, the only one in their year staying. She knew Ron had invited Harry to come with him, but Harry had refused. She had overheard them in the common room.
Hermione walked in Hogsmeade alone, wondering if she should get gifts for anyone. It wasn't as if anyone was going to give her anything, or if anyone was going to accept gifts from her. Hermione had already bought gifts for Harry and Ron. she had bought the before the whole glamour fiasco. Ron's gift was a Chudley Cannon robe, and Harry's was a journal. Hermione figured he kept too much pent up inside. Of course, she was still debating if she should send it or not.
Money wasn't an issue for her. Every four days week, she was sent money by Lucius and Narcissa, money that she promptly sent back. Of course, the only thing they did was include it in the next week's, and would even add to it. along with a letter from Lucius praising her restraint. Hermione stopped sending the money back after a couple weeks. It was too much hassle. She'd given the money to Draco once. but he'd just looked at it and said, "I have enough, you know. Give it to Weasley if you don't want it. He sure could use a few Galleons."
Of course, money wasn't the only thing sent. They sent her books, school supplies. all expensive ones. Hermione found it strange. maybe she shouldn't, considering they were Malfoy's. but they just gave, and gave, and gave. and not once had Hermione heard a harsh word or received a harsh message from either Lucius or Narcissa. He had gotten mad only once, when she and Draco had quarreled. but other than that, even though she had been flippant, annoying. in her letters she tried really hard for obnoxious. still, they spoiled her. It was if they thought she could do no wrong.
She answered back, Lucius would comment on how witty, or courageous she was. She got a perfect score on her paper, for some reason they knew, and would send a letter congratulating her, along with it a book on the same topic. She yelled at Crabbe or Goyle for following her, Lucius would write a letter on how good it was she knew how to show superiority.
Hermione went into Honeydukes, and bought some sweets. As she was choosing them, she didn't notice as Draco Malfoy came behind her. Hermione gasped as he suddenly tapped her on the shoulder.
"What do you want Malfoy?" she said, annoyed.
"First of all, sister dear," he said, smiling mischievously as she flinched at the word sister, "my name is Draco. And, mother and father just wrote me. There's been a change in plans. We're staying at Hogwarts. They were invited to a Christmas cruise around the world."
Hermione resisted the impulse to ask how they could have a cruise around the world for only Christmas. It seemed as if Draco read her mind though. "It's a wizard cruise. They experience Christmas all over the world. well, in ten countries. They start in Asia, then Europe, then. well I don't know, but with the time difference, they can catch everything. Of course, they don't allow children on board."
She nodded, and walked to the counter to pay for the sweets. Before she got her money out, Draco already paid for it.
Hermione frowned. "Why'd you do that?"
Draco shrugged. "I was being nice."
"I didn't think that word was in your vocabulary," she answered as she walked out of Honeydukes. Draco walked beside her.
"I'm sorry for all the times I called you a Mudblood," he said ignoring her previous comment.
"Only because I'm your sister."
"So you admit it?"
"Not much I can do about it," she shrugged. "But I still maintain that you only apologized because I'm your sister. If I was still Hermione Granger, you would never have apologized."
"Well, no. Technically it would be true."
"The fact that it was an insult didn't mean anything to you."
"No, why should it?" Draco said, surprised.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Typical Malfoy."
"Don't forget you're a Malfoy too."
"As if I could forget. Every time I pass a shop, I see my reflection in the window."
"It's a very nice reflection," Draco commented.
"Are you complimenting me?" she asked him, shocked.
"We're twins. We look alike. I can't very well insult you because of your looks, can I?"
She rolled her eyes. "Sod off, Malfoy."
"Do you realize this is the longest conversation we've ever had?" Draco asked her, still walking beside her.
"It'll probably be the last."
He studied her carefully. "You have no idea what we are, do you?"
"Twins," she replied shortly.
He shook his head. "More than that."
"Enlighten me then."
Draco looked to his right. "Three Broomsticks. shall we go in?"
Hermione scoffed. "I am never going any where with you."
"Are you afraid I'll hex you? I wouldn't do that. Mainly cause Father would kill me, but also because you'd just absorb it. Don't you want to know why?"
Hermione glared at her brother. "You hexed me once, why wouldn't you do it again?"
"When did I ever hex you?"
"Last year. Remember the big teeth?"
Draco had the grace to look abashed. "Well, I was aiming for Potter. Besides, that was while you were under the glamour. Come on, this is a peace offering."
"Malfoy, you teased and insulted me ever since I met you."
"Technically, no. We must have met when we were kids, right? I don't think I was teasing you then. Hell, I didn't know how to talk then."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You're missing the point. I've always disliked you Malfoy. What makes you think I'll start liking you now?"
"Because I'm the only one you have at this school."
Hermione flinched. "That's not true."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Please. Dumbledore? He's Headmaster, he doesn't play favorites. McGonagall? She's a teacher. Besides, I don't see you opening up to her. The Gryffindors. well, I think how you sit alone every meal speaks for itself. Weasley? He hates you. Potter. well, I don't think Potter likes you very much either. Those Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs speak to you, but they're not really your friends. You don't know them that well. Potter and Weasley monopolized you for nearly five years. The purebloods who speak to you only speak to you because their parents tell them to."
"That's your reason too."
"No, my reason is you're my sister. I don't like seeing you left out, insulted, or ignored. Family pride, you know."
"I don't need you to look after me Malfoy. You're not my father."
Draco smirked. "What do you think Father told me to do?"
Hermione glared at him. "Will you please leave me alone?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm killing two birds with one stone."
"Meaning?"
"I'm pissing off Potter and Weasley too. They're across the street, in the Three Broomsticks, staring at us."
Hermione turned her head, and sure enough Harry and Ron were staring at her, identical expressions of disgust on their faces.
"I hate you, Malfoy."
"No you don't."
"How would you know?"
"I think you like arguing with me. Besides, I know what you're feeling. It's a Gem-" Draco stopped himself.
Hermione turned. "It's a what?"
"Nothing."
"How would you know what I was feeling?"
"I know you're feeling annoyed."
"Way to go Mr. Stating the obvious," she said, walking ahead of him.
"I also know you miss Potter but you don't miss Weasley. In fact, you're furious at him, more at him then at me."
Hermione gasped and spun around. "How do you know?"
Draco smirked. "Come into the Three Broomsticks with me and I'll tell you."
"Are you doing it because you want to or because you want to annoy Harry and Ron?"
"Both."
Hermione sighed. "All right."
_________
"Look at them. It makes me sick," Ron stated, staring at Draco and Hermione. Hermione was laughing at something Draco said.
Harry followed his gaze. "Removing that glamour gave Hermione a complete personality transplant."
"I can't believe I was friends with a Malfoy."
Harry shrugged.
"Look! They're coming in here!"
Harry watched as Hermione took Draco's arm, and they walked in. Draco spoke with Madame Rosmerta, and sat down in the table diagonal from them. Draco saw them clearly, but Hermione's back was to them.
Ron pulled out his wand.
"What are you doing?" Harry hissed. "You can't hex them in here! McGonagall's right there!"
Ron muttered something and tapped his glass. Draco's glass glowed too, but neither of them noticed, they were too busy talking.
"What did you do?"
"Eavesdropping spell. Fred and George taught me."
They heard the conversation clearly.
Hermione: Spill.
Draco: Nope.
Hermione: Why not?
Draco: I've changed my mind.
Hermione: Come on, you have to tell me.
Draco: No.
Hermione: Please?
Draco: No.
Hermione: For your favorite sister?
Draco: No.
Hermione: So I'm your favorite?
Draco: I only have one.
Hermione: Favorite?
Draco: Sister.
Hermione: Oh.
-silence-
Hermione: Please?
Draco: No.
Hermione: What can be so bad about it?
Draco: It's bad.
Hermione: I'm prepared for anything.
Draco: You may be, but I'm not.
Hermione: I'm prepared to beg.
Draco: Tempting as that sounds, no.
Hermione: I'll do anything?
Draco: Anything?
Hermione: Well, anything reasonable.
Draco: Go kiss Weasley and make a big show of throwing up after.
Hermione: I can do that.
Draco: No, don't kiss Weasley! Father would kill me.
Hermione: I know.
Draco: You're more evil than I am.
Hermione: You're changing the subject! Come on, tell me!
Draco: No.
Hermione: Stupid big brothers.
Draco: Nosy little sisters.
Hermione & Draco: I miss being an only child.
Ron quickly ended the spell.
Harry looked at the two Malfoy's playfully arguing with each other. "Ron, they sound like you and Ginny."
"Scary, really."
Harry shrugged. "Let's get out of here."
Ron nodded. They left, Harry pointedly not looking at Hermione.
______________
Hermione went into Gryffindor common room, noting that it was deserted. Well, someone was seated in one of the chairs. She made her way to her room, but she stopped as the person called to her.
"Uh, Hermione? Tatiana?" It was Dean.
Hermione blinked. "Hermione. I'm more used to it."
Dean grinned awkwardly and stood up. "Can I talk to you for a sec?"
Hermione frowned, puzzled. "Uh, sure, I guess." She sat down and Dean followed suit.
Dean looked down at his feet, and then back up at her. "You know I'm muggle- born, don't you?"
Hermione was taken aback. "Well, of course I do. I didn't forget anything just because I look like Malfoy."
Dean gave her a funny expression. "Why are you talking to me then?"
Hermione grew even more confused. "What?"
"You're a Malfoy. Pureblood, and all that."
"Dean, just because I'm a Malfoy doesn't make me a horrible person."
Dean visibly relaxed. "Good. I've been telling Seamus that, but he won't listen."
Hermione sighed. "Can't really expect anyone to be. well, level headed. Even the most level-headed people I know. aren't so level-headed when it comes to the Malfoys."
Dean shrugged. "I'm muggle-born. I don't have that prejudice."
Hermione smiled. "I'm glad."
"Draco, I hate. You I don't. Just so you know."
It was Hermione's turn to shrug. "I don't like him either. It takes all my energy not to curse him whenever I see him coming."
"May the force be with you."
Hermione laughed. "Oh, god, Star Wars! Natalie Portman and Christopher Lloyd. what was George Lucas thinking."
Dean looked offended. "What's wrong with Natalie Portman?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Aside from the fact that she can't act? Absolutely nothing."
"You can't say that Ewan McGregor was bad."
"He didn't have much parts in the first movie. He was awesome in Moulin Rouge, though."
Dean made a face. "It was a musical."
"And so?"
"It was a musical."
"I got that. What's wrong with musicals?"
"They're strange! People burst into song at random parts, and out of no where, chorus lines appear and music is rising. give me a real film anytime."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You have no taste."
"Says the girl who likes musicals."
"Musicals are great!"
"Whatever you say."
"They are!"
Dean nodded. "Yep, people bursting into song at the strangest moments is absolutely inspiring."
Hermione laughed so hard, she didn't know why.
"It wasn't that funny." Dean muttered, his ears turning red.
Hermione shook her head and smiled at him. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For making me laugh. I miss it."
"I thought evil cackling was considered laughing," a cold voice interrupted. Hermione and Dean turned their heads. It was Harry. And he looked pissed. "You sure seemed to do enough of it with Malfoy."
Hermione stood up angrily. Even though she was taller with the glamour off, she still wasn't as tall as Harry. But in this situation it didn't matter. Her anger made her seem twice as tall. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Dean looked nervously from Harry to Hermione. "Okay. I think that was my cue to leave." and he picked up his things and went into the dormitory. "Play nice, you two."
Harry looked at Hermione. "I think we've played enough."
With a disgusted look and a toss of her blond head, Hermione walked away.
____________
Hermione woke up Christmas morning to see a literal mountain of presents in front. Who would be giving her gifts? She got up and read the tags. Happy Christmas, from Laurence, Angela and Millicent Bulstrode. She unwrapped it. It was a jewelry box. She opened it, and it played a prelude by Chopin. "Cute," Hermione said out loud.
She sighed and went through the rest of her presents. all were from families, all were expensive. all were from rich, pureblood, snobbish families.
A mirror, a bracelet, a gold cauldron, a Magipal (sort of like a wizard- version of the Palm Pilot). even some things she thought were muggle stuff, like aromatherapy candles, and bath stuff. there really was a lot of stuff.
Hermione picked up a gift wrapped in silver paper, with a green bow. She read the card. To Tatiana. Happy Christmas. Do anything you want with these gifts, just don't give them back to me. Don't think they'd suit me. Draco. She carefully removed the tape and wrapper. It was a box. She opened the box, and there were many things in it. First, there was a small black velvet box. It was a pair of- was that diamond?- earrings. Next to the box was. was that more jewelry? It was. Many boxes. she opened and it would be emerald earrings, or a pearl necklace, or a sapphire bracelet. How much did he spend? Well, really there were seven pieces of jewelry. Two necklaces, three sets of earrings, and a couple braclets. Jeez. And that wasn't everything. What she thought was a padding just to make sure the jewelry wasn't destroyed was in fact dress robes. Designer dress robes.
Hermione eyed a four large boxes tied together that she hadn't opened. the only gifts she hadn't opened. She looked at the card. To Tatiana, from Father and Mother. Suddenly, Hermione didn't know want to know how much Lucius and Narcissa spent on her. She stood up, and cleaned up her mess. She quickly changed and headed to the common room. She paused when she saw Harry, and made a decision. She ran back up to her dorm.
_________
Harry sat in front of the Gryffindor fire, Christmas morning. When Ron had been there, he had been certain that Tatiana Malfoy was evil. That there had been no real Hermione Granger. But with Ron gone, now he was starting to have doubts. The past few days he had observed her, she had been kind, nice. not to mention that when he had spoken to Ernie, David apparently had been in an accident in Potions, which was why he was in the hospital wing.
He was beginning to doubt his hasty judgment. The only thing different about this new girl and Hermione was that she spent a lot of time with Malfoy. But really, who else was she supposed to stay with? But Harry's mind wandered again to the conversation he and Ron had overheard. There hadn't been anything bad about it, it could have been any brother and sister. but when the brother was Draco Malfoy.
Should have stuck with my first impulse, Harry mused. Something was not right at Hogwarts.
The sound of someone clearing her throat made her look up. He saw Hermione looking at him. He looked up at her, face passive.
She held out a gift, wrapped in blue, not saying anything.
Harry stared from it, to Hermione and back again. Slowly, he lifted his hand, took the gift, and put it on the table beside him.
Hermione nodded curtly and walked out of the common room. Harry watched her leave, a cold mask still on his face. He unwrapped the gift slowly, and took it out of it's box. A journal. He picked up the card. To Harry, Happy Christmas. I hope you find this useful. From, Hermione.
She signed it Hermione, not Tatiana.
Harry flipped the journal open and started writing.
___________
Realization came into her deep grey eyes. "No."
He was silent. His silence was his death warrant.
"You mean to tell me that you fell for that. Weasel?" she asked, completely horrified.
"I didn't mean to."
"Oh, don't give me that," she spat. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"I-I-"
"Listen to yourself," she said in disgust. "You're pathetic!"
He balled his hands into tight fists, his nails digging into his palm. He took a deep breath and tried to clear his head.
She pressed on. "What happened to the powerful wizard I knew? Who is this. pitiable. they don't have a word for what you are. You and I are better than a. Weasel. You do not grovel at the feet of a WEASEL!"
"I was not groveling!" he said hotly.
She scoffed and gestured to the flowers beside him. "Roses? Love letters?" she shook her head. "I don't know why I didn't see it before."
He mentally dug his heels in. "I don't care what you say. I'm not going to break it off with her."
Her eyes widened in shock. "You're not seriously considering a long-term relationship with her? Do you have a death wish?"
"I love her."
She raised a hand to her mouth. "No."
"I love her and there's not a thing you can do about it."
She shook her head, as if what he said could be erased.
Harry woke up, gasping for air.
There were only five students who stayed behind for Christmas break. Two Gryffindors, and one Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. The meal was silent on the student's end.
"So," Professor Dumbledore smiled. "Harry, Draco. I trust you are looking forward to the first game of the year? Slytherin versus Gryffindor?"
"Yes, Headmaster," Draco replied shortly.
"Of course, Professor Dumbledore."
"Ms. Malfoy, I was very impressed with the report you handed in last week." chirped Professor Flitwick.
"Thank you, Professor."
And so the meal went. As soon as Draco left, Hermione got up to follow him.
She caught up to him in one of the corridors that led to a secret passage to Hogsmeade.
"Uh. Malfoy? Draco?"
He turned around surprised. "Yes?"
She looked down, and then back at him. "I wanted to say thank you. For the gifts."
He smiled faintly. "You're welcome. Anything else?"
Hermione sighed. "I also want to apologize. You've been nothing but nice. and you were right, you are the only one who'll be there for me. I know enough of your family loyalty not to doubt that."
"Apology accepted."
Draco knew that under ordinary circumstances, Hermione Granger would not have easily gotten over her prejudice. But Tatiana Malfoy, under the pull of the Geminus, would. It was inevitable that the Geminus would be reunited.
"I'm going to sneak out and go to Hogsmeade," Hermione announced. "Wanna come with? I have to buy you and our parents presents."
"You don't have to."
"That's where you're wrong," Hermione declared. She smiled mischievously. "Come on, we've got a load of shopping to do."
____________
"She has it," Draco commented for what seemed like the hundredth time.
Hermione sighed exasperated. Hermione had bought gifts for Lucius, a state- of-the-art Magipal, which Draco knew he had been meaning to buy, and he hadn't. He was forever debating which type to buy, and had completely forgotten about it, and a black leather magical planner. Hermione figured he could use both.
Buying gifts for Narcissa was proving to be a challenge. They walked into a jewelry shop and it seemed like Narcissa already had everything in it.
"Is there anything she doesn't have?"
Draco looked around, and pointed. "I don't think she's bought that."
Hermione looked at what he was pointing. "That necklace in the display case?"
"No, look behind that."
Hermione squinted. "Draco, that's a plant."
"Exactly. I think that's the only thing in this store she hasn't bought yet."
Hermione rolled her eyes, and approached one of the sales clerks. "Excuse me."
But Hermione didn't get that far. "Excuse me, Ms. Malfoy. I'll go call the manager."
And in an instant she was gone. Hermione turned to Draco, puzzled. "Huh?"
Draco made a gesture to the Daily Prophet behind the counter. Malfoy Heir Found. And underneath was. how did they get her picture? Both pictures were shown. her picture as Hermione, and then her picture as Tatiana.
"I thought you were older?"
"I am. But you would still inherit something, wouldn't you?"
Hermione shrugged, and suddenly Desiree, owner of the Desiree Jewelry shop they were in, came in. "Ms. Malfoy, Mr. Malfoy. how wonderful it is that you could come see our store."
Hermione was taken aback. Harry probably had this done to him, too. "Uh, yes. I'm looking for a gift for my mother, unfortunately, she seems to have everything on display."
Desiree smiled. "That isn't a problem. Come with me, to the back showroom. New pieces just came in."
Hermione and Draco followed Desiree to the back, where she led them into a sort of room with a stage in the middle. "Here are a few of our newest pieces." she tapped the stand with her wand, and a set of tiger's-eye necklaces, bracelets, and earrings came out.
Hermione looked at Draco. He shook his head.
Hermione sighed. "Next."
Desiree flipped to the next item. "This is a beautiful piece. this charm is."
But Draco was already shaking his head.
"Next."
"This ruby and sapphire-"
"Mother doesn't wear ruby."
Hermione ran a hand through her long hair. "No rubies then. Next."
Piece after piece was shown. finally.
Desiree, still bubbly and informative, even though Hermione and Draco were nearly bored to tears went on. "This diamond and amethyst necklace was crafted by Jacques de Montreuil. He used silver for the chain. it is one of a kind..."
Hermione wasn't listening anymore. Her eyes were wide. "If she doesn't want this, I'm buying it for myself."
Draco inspected it. "Good choice."
"For me?"
"For her."
Hermione smiled. "I'll take it."
Hermione whipped out a newly issued MagiCard, and paid.
They walked along Hogsmeade's main street. "Come on, there has to be something you want."
"You volunteering to be my personal slave for the week?"
Hermione glared at him.
"Didn't think so. Tell you what, you help me out with my Charms paper, you don't have to get me anything."
Hermione considered it. "Fine."
__________
"You fool. Did you even think what that would mean?"
He was silent once more.
The room faded and merged together. it was another time, another place.
It was them. but they looked different somehow.
"These people are fools." she said softly, peering into a large fountain. "Tell me again why we don't get rid of them."
He came up next to her and smirked. "Even Kings and Queens of old had fools and jesters for their amusement."
She smiled at him, but there was no warmth in her smile. "Of course. Our amusement. To see how they struggle to win a battle they will always fight. To win a war that they cannot end."
"Poor misguided fools." she said, turning to the fountain once more. "Doomed to fight, doomed to loose. doomed to be hurt again and again."
He smiled. but there was something in his smile that she pretended she didn't see.
___________
Hermione once again was leafing through another book. This one had one of the weirdest titles she had ever seen. Twins, Twins, and Twins Galore: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Twins.
She had read about Castor and Pollux, Siamese twins, identical twins, fraternal twins, twins separated at birth, twins that grew up differently, twins that had the same background but turned out differently, twins that were identical except for their teeth. it really was all about twins, but nothing was mentioned of freaky twins who could mysteriously read each others minds.
She pondered her conversation with Draco that day in the Three Broomsticks.
Hr: Spill.
D: Nope.
Hr: Why not?
D: I don't feel like it.
Hr: Ugh. I knew you'd do something like this.
D: What can I say?
Hr: You can tell me why I absorbed those stuns, and why you know what I'm feeling.
D: It's your genetic structure and again, it's your genetic structure.
Hr: Want to be more vague?
D: That's all I can tell you.
Hr: What if I read your mind?
D: You can't do that. I can block you. You can't block me.
Hr: Then I'll block you.
D: You can't. You don't know how.
Hr: And how exactly would you know?
D: I'm always right. I say you don't know, and you can't know, not yet anyway.
Hr: So when will I be able to?
D: When you're ready.
Hr: Ready for what?
D: Nice try, but I'm not answering any of your questions.
Hr: So you dragged me in here for nothing?
D: I did not drag you here. You came here of your own free will.
Hr: To get answers. Since it's clear I'm not getting any, I'm going.
D: Herm- Gran- Tatiana, wait.
Hr: What?
D: Happy Birthday.
___________
"All right there, Harry?" asked a familiar voice as she walked towards the dark-haired boy sitting next to the lake.
He shrugged. "I've been better."
She plopped down beside him, pushing her long black hair away from her face. "Want to talk about it?"
He exhaled. "I don't know."
"I'm here if you do." she said anxiously, carefully examining him. He said nothing. "Or if you'd rather be alone, I can leave."
Harry shook his head. "It's fine. It's giving me something else to think about."
"Knut for your thoughts? I haven't a clue what you're feeling."
Harry didn't reply. She finally decided he wasn't going to answer, but before she could speak again, he answered. "I'm just having one of those days. Those days when you're so tired, and you don't know why."
She nodded sympathetically. "Is this about Hermione?"
"Maybe. Partly. mostly." he shook his head. "I don't know. It's just- everything's so different now. It's like. someone's made a mistake in the whole cosmic order of things. you know, like it's only now they're realizing their mistake. It's like, 'Oh, wrong place to put that girl, she was supposed to be evil. Easily fixed, give her long silver hair, a dab of make-up, Malfoy name. and presto, evil again.'"
She bit a perfectly manicured nail thoughtfully. "Is that really what's bothering you Harry?"
Harry covered his face with his hands. "I don't know. I just feel tired. and so unbelievably. emotionless. It's like I can't feel anything. but tired."
She put a hand to his forehead, then his neck. "You don't have a temperature. do you want to go see Madam Pomfrey?"
"I don't thing it's got anything to do with my health. I feel like there's a weight on my shoulders. literally. Like there's something I have to correct. But. I don't want to correct it, I don't want to know what it is. I just feel so damn tired."
"Maybe you should take a nap-"
He cut her off. "I woke up tired."
"Harry, you're making me worry."
Harry sighed and stood up. "Sorry. Don't think about it anymore. I'm sure when school starts again this will all go away."
She got up, put her hands on his shoulders, and pushed him down. Harry plunked down on the ground. "Come on Harry, talk to me." she said, kneeling down.
"What do you want me to say?" he asked, in that same drained tone.
"Just, answer my questions, will you?" He nodded. "All right. do you in anyway feel suicidal?"
He gave a wry grin. "I don't think so."
She smiled. "Knew I could get a grin. So. what's your name?"
He turned to her confused. "I'm tired, I don't have amnesia. though I almost wish I did."
"Just do it. What's your name?"
"Harry Potter."
"How old are you?"
"Fifteen."
"When did you turn fifteen?"
"July 31."
"What house are you in?"
"Gryffindor."
"Do you know why you were put in Gryffindor?"
"Courage, I guess."
"Do you know why Draco Malfoy was put in Slytherin?"
"He was power-hungry. Cruel."
"Do you know why all Malfoys have been put in Slytherin?"
"It's how they are."
"How they are? Or how they were brought up?"
"How they were brought up. You can't judge people by their families." at this point, Harry could see what she was getting at.
"Do you know why Hermione was put in Gryffindor?"
"For her courage."
"What else?"
Harry sighed. "And loyalty."
"Is she the type of person who would betray you?"
"Look, I don't know who she-"
She arched an eyebrow. "Is that you or Ron speaking?"
Harry blinked, realizing something. "Ron."
She shifted so she was sitting Indian-style. "I think I know what it is. You've been feeling this. void, ever since Hermione got the glamour off and you saw how she acted, you didn't want to deal with it. You didn't want to deal with it, so you let Ron do all the thinking. That, and keeping up with school, Quidditch, and you-know-who's attacks. you just let everything take you. Now, Ron's gone. You have to think for yourself." She stared at him intently. "Now, it's all catching up on you."
He was silent, he just stared at the lake. She spoke again. "You're Harry Potter. There's always another homework to write, another innocent life to save, another Quidditch game to win, another bad guy to defeat, another apocalypse to prevent to make the world a safer place for puppies and children. There's always something more you have to do. Now, there's no word on you-know-who, his attacks have stopped, no plots for you to uncover. and it's Christmas."
"You're right. That's it." But she noted he didn't exactly sound jubilant. He still sounded exhausted.
"Harry, I don't know what to do for you."
He shook his head. "You don't have to do anything."
She gave a small smile. "Harry, you have this thing about you that makes everyone want to take care of you, to help take that load off your shoulders."
"I didn't ask for it."
"I know. That's why everyone tries to help you. You've made it so far, and you've done so well. Don't let a little teenage angst stop you."
She could practically see him take an internal deep breath, physically pulling himself out of his reverie. "You've been a big help. thanks," Harry got up. "I'm going to go to the common room. Thanks for putting up with me, Cho."
She smiled, and stood up. "Anytime Harry."
Harry watched her leave. He had befriended Cho Chang at a Quidditch Training Camp they had had at Hogwarts the last four weeks of break. Privately, Harry thought it was an excuse for Dumbledore to keep him at Hogwarts. Surprisingly, he got over his crush on her, and they ended up quite good friends. She was one of the few people who treated him as a normal person, not Harry Potter Defeater of All Things Evil and Nasty. Although she wasn't as close as Hermione or Ron, she was still the only person he could talk to about himself without getting uncomfortable.
__________
It was dinner time, but Harry wasn't in the mood for dinner. He waited by the fireplace, knowing Sirius was going to appear. He wasn't worried about Hermione, she wouldn't be back until eight. After writing in his journal for a few moments, his godfather's face appeared.
"Happy Christmas, Harry." he said, smiling.
Harry crouched down to the fireplace. "Nice to see you, Sirius. Happy Christmas to you too."
But Sirius wasn't paying attention. He was studying Harry carefully. "What's wrong?"
Harry sighed. "Guess you haven't heard about Hermione, then."
"Well, no. I've sort of been in hiding. What happened? Did you to get together and break up?"
Harry was taken aback. "What? No. Of course not. What ever gave you that idea?"
"You have the whole 'my-best-friend-just-died' look." Realization came into Sirius' face. "Oh no. Is Hermione-"
"No," Harry answered at once. "She's not dead. She's a Malfoy."
A strange look came across Sirius' face. "Come again?"
"During DADA class, a teacher was talking about glamours. She said Hermione had one on, though Hermione denied it. She took it off. and she looked exactly like Draco Malfoy. Lucius came to the school, got papers. well, now she is Tatiana Malfoy, younger twin of Draco Malfoy."
Sirius nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. Harry suddenly thought of something. "What do you know?"
"What?"
"You know something about this. What do you know?"
Sirius sighed. "I won't lie to you, Harry, I know quite a lot. But I'm not sure now is the time to tell you. Are you and Ron speaking to Hermione?"
"No. I mean, Ron and Malfoys?"
Sirius nodded understandingly. "The Weasley's and the Malfoy's. like oil and water."
"You said it. So, are you going to tell me?"
Sirius sighed. "Hermione herself doesn't know yet. I think I she should know before you do, don't you?"
Harry let out a deep breath. "I guess so."
Author's Note:
Okay, just some clarifications about the story. What Harry and Ron hear and see is completely different from what actually happened. So obviously there is something mysterious at work. oooohhh.
See I gave it away. Oh well. Next chapter is written already. and it involves someone making his peace with Hermione. oooohh. Bye! =)