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Chapter Twelve
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Note from Author: Argh! If I could express my emotions, this'd be rated T for bad language. I've just realised that my times are completely out. So, let's presume that when Harry met Lupin, it was night, whatever was said before, like when Malfoy saw him. And Ron and Hermione were talking in the tense of the next DAY, so that's why they've been a bit slow-moving. However, Malfoy is now in 'the next day', and so will Harry be soon in the next chapter. Phew. Thanks, SP. ¬¬
So, just to make sure you understand the time zones, Malfoy is on the morning where Hermione has her amazing transformation.
Malfoy's POV
I look round the corner and dodge out from behind a suit of armour. I'm not really sure whether I should be at Hogwarts. I never got a letter, but there was no reason I shouldn't come. It's the reason I'm not throwing my weight around with the first years. And the fact that I have to focus on finding Weasley and Granger unawares. I know I'm capable of Unforgivable Curses… it's just, not with someone like -
I sit down at the Slytherin Table next to Pansy, and cast swift glances over to the Gryffindor table. Why isn't she there? Weasley's there alright - just a glance and it's like he's got a load of towering flames atop his head. Lanky git. But why isn't she there? She's always on time. Always - with no exception. She couldn't have had a tragic accident, could she? I've heard the stairs in the Gryffindor Common Room can be pretty steep. What if she fell, and broke her neck? What if the girls turned on her and tried to -
Argh! Stop thinking about her, Draco, before you tear all of your gorgeous blond hair out.
And there she is.
She's hardly recognisable, really, but loads - no, tons - more beautiful, with the aid of muggle cosmetics. My jaw is ready to drop. Doesn't she know exactly how wonderful she looks? No. Wonderful is such a little word. Completely insignificant to such a … exquisite person. As she comes down the steps, she smiles. Oh, god. That smile, with those newly straight teeth that I caused. Me. She has me to thanks for something.
Pansy looks at me in annoyance.
"Didn't you hear what I just said, Draco?"
"Uh, no…"
"Well - just look at Granger. What's she trying to be? Another Cho or Ginny? She's been a nerd way too long for that, muggle freak…"
"Er, yeah…"
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"Legilmens!"
She's angry, I can tell that as much. Weasley's face swims into view, and he seems to be getting satisfaction out of annoying her. I snarl. Lanky git! How many times do I have to think that before he gets the picture that I think he's a bloody lanky… git?
And now she's counting down, really angry -- and he appears to be completely oblivious. She gets to one, announcing it's his last chance, and he reads again. And then, then she lunges forward and --
Kisses him?
No way! This can't be happening! Weasley and Granger? She's going out with that blood-traitor, when she could be seeing me? It's unbearable! Someone tell me this isn't happening - for my own sanity. Let me go and hex Weasley, now.
I said NOW.
I pull out of Granger's thoughts with a sneer. She's betrayed me. She was supposed to be going out with me… or was she? Well. Either way, she's betrayed me -- whether she knew it or not. If I was a romantic then I'd say she'd broken my heart, but seeing as I'm not, I'll stick with betrayal, the lying little Mudblood. I reach for my wand, as if I can jinx her from the Slytherin Common Room, but I know it's no good. Maybe I can send her a note or something, and if she rejects me… well, it'll be the last thing she'll do. And the last thing that Weasley ever did was let me see that. I'll see how his Blood-traitor family and new girlfriend like it when they find out he was found dead in his bed…
The world is going to pay for what's happened to Draco Malfoy. For what's happening.
And so is everyone he ever hated and loved.
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Note from author: Eek! Harry's turn now…