A/N: Hey! Thank you all for the reviews, I just wanted to make a note on some things:
-Although it may seem like it, I don't write to get reviews, I write because I love writing. Not saying I don't like reviews though, they help me to know that people like what I'm writing :)
-I've noticed (as some of you may have) that this story is a bit like others (in a cliché sense). Don't worry though cause I plan for my sequel to be completely original (hopefully!) and for future stories to be different.
Also, one last thing: In the last chapter, the lyrics hold a MAJOR CLUE for this story (sequel included). I suggest you read them if you didn't ;)
On with the story!
Chapter 20: Advice and a Spy
Draco and Hermione each made their separate ways to breakfast. Draco joined Blaise, who was busy with Vixen.
"As soon as you're done snogging your girlfriend, I'd like you to know I've got news," Draco drawled while buttering a bit of toast, not bothering to look at the couple.
Blaise reluctantly pulled away from Vixen and turned to Draco.
"Oh really? What's it?" Blaise asked curiously.
Draco thought for a moment, thinking about how to word what he wanted to say. Others were listening and he couldn't risk his secret being let out.
"You know that thing we've talked about that not many people would like?" Draco said loudly as if they were discussing the weather, his eyes motioning toward the Gryffindor table subtly.
Blaise seemed to be a bit lost at first, but a sudden look in his eyes told Draco he had gotten it.
"Oh yeah, that thing…what about that thing?" Blaise returned, grinning.
"Well, things have gotten more advanced now," Draco whispered.
Blaise's eyes grew wide and a smirk appeared on his face.
"Draco, you dog you, did you do what I'm thinking you---" Blaise said a bit louder than he meant to.
"No, you bloody wanker! Not that far!" Draco said in a hushed whisper, kicking his friend under the table.
Over at the Gryffindor table, however, things were not as hushed.
"'Have you all seen Seamus?" Harry said as he entered the Hall, followed by Ron.
"Happy Christmas to you, too," Hermione replied in a dry tone.
"Oh, Happy Christmas to you too, Hermione. Thanks for the presents," Harry said somewhat absentmindedly. "But honestly, have you seen him? We've got practice in a few minutes—"
"Practice? For Quidditch? But it's Christmas! We should be doing something fun today, don't you reckon?" Hermione protested.
"Quidditch is fun, Hermione, and we've got to practice for that match against Slytherin coming up," Harry replied.
"Besides, reading or shopping with Ginny isn't exactly our idea of fun," Ron said, helping himself to some eggs.
"Fine then," Hermione sighed, and turned to face Ginny who had just arrived. "Happy Christmas, Gin! We've got to talk later while the boys are out practicing," she whispered the last bit.
"What about?" Ginny whispered back, as the boys, who were thankfully too busy to be interested, quickly finished breakfast and scurried off.
Hermione took a deep breath. "Draco."
Ginny's eyes grew wide. "Malfoy? Since when do you call him by his first name?"
"Since we became more than friends," Hermione said carefully.
Ginny's eyes grew wider, if that was possible. At first, it seemed like she was going to shout, but then threw herself onto Hermione into a huge embrace.
"Oh Hermione! That's wonderful! I mean, sure, he's been our enemy for the last seven years but I'm sure he must've changed if you, the smart one of the bunch, decided to go out with him…" Ginny was rambling.
"He has changed, Ginny. For the better. Or, at least I hope he has," Hermione replied, cutting off her friend.
"Oh, this is so sweet! I'm sure you two are positively adorable together, even if it is a bit…strange. But if you're happy, I'm happy for you!" Ginny said all at once.
Hermione just smiled. At least telling Ginny had been easy. But she was sure Ron and Harry would not react similarly. She decided simply not to tell them.
"Before I forget, though, we'd best not tell Harry and Ron just yet. Especially Ron. I mean, imagine how he'd react if he found about you and Harry," Hermione told Ginny.
Ginny nodded. "You're right. I'd hate to have to keep a secret from them, as would you I'm sure, but it's the right thing to do right now."
Hermione hugged her friend. "Thanks for understanding, Ginny."
Ginny grinned. "No problems, 'Mione. Just follow your heart and things will work out."
Something in Hermione's mind clicked.
Just follow your heart.
Where had she heard that before?
Then, she remembered.
"I've got to go see someone for a bit, I'll be back soon! We can visit Hogsmeade later if you like," Hermione said, getting up to leave the Hall.
---
Hermione wandered for a bit through the chilly castle corridors until she reached her destination. Around the beginning of the year, someone had given her a good bit of advice. It was time to pay her another visit.
"Myrtle?" Hermione called at the entrance of the abandoned girl's bathroom.
A pale, gray figure emerged from one of the stalls.
"Yes? Who is it? Who has decided to come visit poooor Moaning Myrtle?" she sobbed in her usual dismal tone.
"Myrtle, it's Hermione Granger, remember me?" Hermione said carefully, stepping into the bathroom.
"Ah yes, Hermione…I do indeed remember you…boy troubles, hmm? Never did like boys in my year…always made fun of me…" she let out a small sniff.
Hermione grinned politely. "Myrtle, I'd just like to thank you for your advice. Everything worked out very well."
"That's a bit of good news then! And I could sure use some, being cooped up here all day," Myrtle replied in her high-pitched tone.
"Yes, yes it is," Hermione said a bit absentmindedly.
After a few moments of awkward silence, and the occasional sniff or sob from the ghost, Hermione suddenly remembered she was to meet up with Ginny.
"Oh, Myrtle, I really should get going. I've got to meet a friend in a bit…well, Merry Christmas to you!" Hermione said cheerfully, heading out the door.
"Off you go then. I'll just return to my stall, pondering life…or the after life I should say," she said with a small sob.
---
Hermione hurried off to her dormitory to grab a coat (as it was snowing outside) and her bag. Upon the coffee table near the Christmas tree, Hermione spotted a bit of parchment.
Hermione—Off with Blaise and some friends in Hogsmeade since the Quidditch Pitch was booked by those lovely friends of yours.
-Draco
Hermione had to smile. At least he was making an effort to be nicer, no matter how sarcastic.
---
The ground appeared as if a sparkling white blanket covered it for miles. The air was cold yet crisp, and the sun shone brightly above the trees. The lake was frozen and some students could be seen skating across it. Other strolled about with friends, enjoying the lovely Christmas day.
"It is a gorgeous day, isn't it?" Ginny said jubilantly.
Hermione was gazing out at the landscape, obviously in thought.
"Hermione? Hermione, 'you alright?" Ginny questioned.
Hermione seemed to snap back to reality.
"Hmm? Oh, yes, very pretty day, indeed…"
A grin crept across Ginny's lips. "Can't stop thinking about him, can you?"
Hermione sighed. "No; but I'm also wondering if I made the right decision. I mean, he's been our enemy for years now, how can we be sure he's not using me?"
"Oh, 'Mione, don't worry so much! I mean, you can't guarantee it'll be the same as Seamus. I don't mean to frighten you, but I hear from Parvati and Lavender that he was obsessed with you!"
"Oh, that's quite comforting," Hermione said sarcastically.
"I also hear, though, if it helps, that Draco has been different this year. People have been talking; they notice he's been quiet. Still his pompous, cocky self of course, but quiet. Girls think that makes him even sexier, if that's possible…" Ginny grinned.
Hermione couldn't help but smile. Ginny was right. Her boyfriend was the most-wanted guy in Hogwarts. Why he had chosen the bookworm of the school was beyond her, but he had. And for now, that seemed to make all the difference.
"You're right, Ginny. I shouldn't worry. Now, let's enjoy our day in Hogsmeade. There's a new book store I'd like to check out…"
Ginny rolled her eyes and and smiled. "Now there's the Hermione I know!"
The girls scampered off without any other thought on the matter.
Little did they know, someone nearby was listening to every word of their conversation.
Pansy scowled to herself. "That stupid mudblood with Drakie-poo? Not over my rotting corpse!"
---
A/N: Ohh, a bit of a cliffie, eh? What has Pansy got in store for this shy, new couple? Find out, next chapter! MWAGERHARHARHA.
…. Yeah, I don't know why I said that….
ANYWAY. That was a fast update, RIGHT RIGHT? That's what happens when you're home sick for TWO DAYS –sobs-
Just another note, I HAVE got a sequel planned for this. Even though it's a bit early, as I'm NOWHERE near the climax of the story (you'll find a few surprises along the way, and if you have any guesses, please don't give them away in your review!), I thought you all would like to know.
Now, onto the thank-yous…
MalfoysAngel1985: Thanks, glad you like it!
sugar n spice 522: Yay, thanks! Hope you like what I've got planned ;)
Piper Redfern: Yeah, things can get pretty busy at points. Thank you! At one point, my beta said I had too much dialogue and not enough depth, so I made the dialogue…deeper. Glad someone noticed! Thank you for taking time to write a long-ish review; I like it when people tell me what they like/don't like specificially instead of just a simple "Good story!" or "Update soon!" (not that I mind, a review is a review!). I appreciate it :)
dracosgirl2515: Haha, thanks! I was thinking something simple yet 'charming' since Hermione is more of the simple girl, you know? You're story's coming out lovely by the way!
ever Draco's girl: Haha, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)
AngelSerpent91: Thanks for R&Ring!
MJ432: Lmfao, I would be quite worried if one didn't! Yessss, yessss my faithfullll housssssse Elf…COUGH I MEAN, reviewer :) Haha, don't we all…keep reviewing XD
natty123: Whoo! Thanks! Glad you think so :) I'll update ASAP!
Samantha Cameron: Haha, yeah, isn't it? Thanks!
paper-sky: Thanks! :)
sxcting: Thanks! Nooo way, much more to come!!
That's it for now…till next time!