Bonding 5
The Ladybug
A/N: New Chappy! Enjoy guys (:
In other news, Bonding has been TRANSLATED into FRENCH by Malfoy4ever! Yay! Thank you! If you can read French (which I can't, unfortunately), pop over to her profile and check out the cool version of this story!
Disclaimer: Gosh I'd love to own Draco. In a perfect world, I would have enough money to buy HP off JK. However, we all know the world isn't perfect. Thus I own just about nothing. ;; Meep.
XxX
'Oh you're awake!' Pansy breathed excitedly.
Draco's head spun. 'Uhng...I feel like shit…' he groaned. What exactly was Pansy doing there? Then he looked down at the starched sheets covering him.
'You're awake!' Madame Pomfrey said moments later, scarily echoing what Pansy had said just awhile ago.
'Drakie-poo, how are you?' Pansy immediately cooed. 'I had the worst dream ever. You and the mudblood were acting civil to each other in front of everybody.' Pansy faltered at the sight of Draco's face, but she continued nevertheless. 'It was a dream, right…?'
'Miss Parkinson dear, I think it's best if you gave Mr. Malfoy a bit of space.' Madame Pomfrey said meaningfully, handing Draco a vial of pepper-up potion to drink.
'But, what he needs right now is me and-'
'Take her advice, Pansy.' Draco interrupted wearily, feeling worse for the wear. Images from his dream were disappearing like smoke. I'm sure it's nothing important. He shrugged off the little voice inside him warning him to take notice.
Pansy immediately stopped at his harsh tone. Nursing a wounded pride, she retreated back into her blankets. 'Her advice… yeah right…' She muttered.
'Excuse me?' Madame Pomfrey exclaimed. 'What was that, Miss Parkinson?'
'Oh, just… that my ankle feeling much better Madame. Is it possible for me to return back to my dormitory?' Pansy asked impatiently, a thin veil of sweetness disguising the nasty feeling she felt deep down.
'Alright, you may go now.' Madame Pomfrey watched Pansy leave with a small frown on her face.
Witnessing this, Draco pinched himself, watching the blood slowly rush back to the patch of skin. What the bloody hell was going on? Pansy not practically hanging herself to be around him? Maybe she was still resentful at Hermione. Ha, he scoffed softly, yeah right.
Speaking of Hermione, they were supposed to meet up in about an hour to plan out the next prefects meeting, which happened to be today. He had no idea what it was about; she was supposed to plan the entire thing. But, he was probably expected to contribute ideas. With the vision still niggling the back of his mind, Draco was in no mood to attend to the needs of the school.
He felt like tearing his hair out. Better not, a voice warned him, otherwise the entire female population of Hogwarts would lynch him.
XxX
Stomping loudly into the common room, Hermione plonked herself in front of the couch, wrapping her arms tightly around her. She was glad she decided to wear an oversized jumper and a pair of jeans.
It was a beautiful morning. When Hermione woke up, she loved to just spend a few quiet moments looking outside the long window that framed the outermost wall of her private room.
The air was crisp and peaceful, yet it seemed like something vital was missing. Not being able to place what was, it set a slightly gloomy mood for the day.
Hermione sniffed. It was rather lonely, having such a big common room yet having no one to share it with. She loved having a huge bathroom almost all to herself, but sometimes it did feel like the loneliness would overwhelm her. 'I can't believe I'm feeling lonely because Malfoy isn't here,' she moaned softly to no one in particular, 'How low can I get…?'
Since it was Saturday, she had nothing on until 11:30, when all the prefects would have a lunch meeting to discuss issues they felt concerned the school. Hermione was moodily contemplating simply sitting there for the next few hours when she heard voices outside the door.
'You knock!' a muffled voice that sounded suspiciously like Ron reached her ears.
'No you knock; you're the one that's closer to the door!' Harry whispered, still loud enough for Hermione to hear.
Ron protested indignantly. 'Well you were the one who suggested we do this, so you be the one to knock! It's only fair that way!'
'All's not fair in love and war, my dear,' Ginny laughed softly.
A dreamy voice floated through the door. 'What are we doing here? I don't believe I've seen this place before. Have you heard that Rafutors often visit such places like this? Oh dear, I hope we do encounter a Rafutor. Father says their such lovely creatures, he narrowly missed taking a photo of them. Such a shame, it would have been a brilliant picture to print.'
Ron hissed impatiently. 'Be quiet Luna, unless you want to be the one to knock. Speaking of which, shouldn't we have knocked by now?' Having put aside his bruised ego for the moment, Ron was rather irritable.
Having moved closer to the door, Hermione could hear Ginny making an exasperated noise. 'Fine then,' she said crossly, 'stop arguing. She might not even be here. I'll knock and-'
Hermione peered out; suddenly aware her hair probably didn't appear presentable. Nevertheless she fixed a glare on the person she saw first, which was, to his utmost bad luck, Harry Potter.
'Oh, um, hello there Hermione!' Harry looked flustered, nervously fiddling with his cuff.
Ginny spoke next. 'Hermione! We are terribly worried about you!'
'Yeah,' Ron interjected, 'What's going on with you and Malfoy? I bet that creep has already brainwashed you. That's what living with a total ass does to you. You don't listen to anything he says, you hear me? Gergh, I could just about strangle him for what he did yesterday. Actually, strangling is too good a death for him. He deserves something much worse, oh yes, much, much worse!' He finished several octaves louder than in which he started talking in, therefore it was no surprise that everyone around him had been wincing in pain.
Harry recovered fastest. 'And even though we might not understand the situation you are in currently, haven't we been best friends for far too long to be shattered by this one rather um… unfortunate event. We just came here to say that no matter what we say in the heat of the moment, we do want the best for you. So please say you'll come with us to Hogsmeade this weekend, we can do-'
'EEYAAAAAAAGH!' screamed Luna suddenly, blonde hair flying in all directions.
'What? What's wrong? WHAT!' Ginny screamed back, having been severely frightened by her outburst.
'OH MY GOD! A LADYBUG! OH MY GOD! DO YOU KNOW HOW UNLUCKY IT IS TO SEE ONE AT THIS TIME OF DAY! OH MY GOD! AHHHH! WHAT'S THE CHANT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO SAY TO WARD OFF THE BAD LUCK? CAN'T YOU SEE IT JUST STARING AT YOU WITH IT'S CREEPY BEADY EYES? THOSE SLIMY WINGS? EYAH I CAN FEEL THE BAD LUCK SEEPING INTO ME ALREADY! GYAAAAAAAAAAGH!'
Everyone stared at her flabbergasted. 'It's… just a ladybug, Luna.' Hermione said slowly. 'It's spring. Bugs come out in spring.'
Having recovered her composure remarkably fast for someone who just had a screaming fit, Luna replied solemnly. 'Oh no, it's not just a ladybug. You see the markings?'
'…' No one responded.
'Well, ANYWAY, see how the coloring consists of many different shades of colors? They all melt together into a spiral that is at the top of the insect. Touching one would be- EYAAAAAGH! GINNY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!'
'Touching the aforementioned ladybug, of course. It's such a pretty, delicate little creature,' she smiled smugly, and held out her hand; which coincidently held the hapless ladybug; towards Luna.
Poor Luna couldn't take it anymore. She turned a ghastly shade of grey. Motioning silently to Hermione if she could take a seat inside her common room, she stumbled into the room and fell onto the nearest couch.
Taking their cues from Luna, the rest of the crew followed her steps into the room, and arranged themselves as comfortably as they could.
Silence.
Hermione, having been distracted by the not entirely orthodox conversation they were having before, scrunched up her face and started to think.
Of course, this didn't mean she didn't think normally, she just felt the need to apply extra brainpower. And brainpower she had plenty of; she didn't follow all those 'brain gym' fads for years for no results. Okay. Focus Hermione, focus.
What on earth where they doing, simply coming up to her not even a few days after they had completely betrayed her? She hadn't made the deal with Malfoy for no good reason; she wasn't going to waste a completely good opportunity to freak them all out. Everyone had a sadistic streak in them somewhere, and it just so happened that Hermione Granger discovered hers at a rather late age; thus the maliciousness having time to mature properly.
She was still generally a nice person, but one would not expect her to be perfect at all times. After all, humans aren't perfect.
They are my friends, I suppose, she reasoned. All the more reason for them to respect her decision then; it would be fun to tease them a little.
'Okay,' Hermione said loudly, taking a seat in between Ginny and Ron.
Everyone looked up, including Luna who happened to be enamored with the silver figurine that stood on the mantelpiece above the empty fireplace.
I understand where you all are coming from. I don't expect you to understand my relationship-' at this Ron reddened, '-with Draco. You don't need to worry about me; I can take care of myself. But true friends are meant to stand by one another, no matter what. If you can promise to do that I will forgive you for the things you said.' Hermione finished on a stiff note.
Ginny gave Harry and Ron a Look. 'We can do that, 'Mione, haven't we always?'
'Yeah,' Harry contributed enthusiastically, 'we have! Remember the time we brewed Polyjuice potion? Speaking of potions…'
'We've been having a bit of trouble with the potions assignment. Snape's even being more of a real pain in the arse now that NEWTs are coming up. Damn bastard… well, we were hoping you could lend us a hand, since you were always the best out of us all!' Ron finished, grinning.
Hermione rolled her eyes good naturedly. Ginny, sensing chaos if Harry and Ron were allowed to speak further, quickly intervened.
'As I was saying, it would be good to have you back. Truly.'
'Hmmm…'
'I mean, we'll all even join SPEW again!' Dismayed looks from everybody.
'…'
'What?' Ginny exclaimed worriedly.
'It's S.P.E.W. Four syllables. Separate syllables. Get it right.'
'Yeah. So. Anyway about the Potio- OOF!' Ron hopped around on one foot with a pained expression on his face. Ginny smiled evilly.
'Well that shut him up,' observed Luna unnecessarily, having been silent for the past few minutes.
'Thanks, we didn't know that,' Harry commented dryly.
Hermione allowed herself a wry smile. They never did change. Although they will regret the day they decided to just shrug her off. 'Knock it off, I forgive you already. And yes, Ron, I will try to help you with the assignment. God knows what Snape was thinking of when he assigned that much homework in one week.'
'Hogsmeade weekend then?' Ron asked hopefully, 'we can all go together as a big group and stop by the usual; Three Broomsticks, Honeydukes, and Fred and George's shop.'
'Actually, I might have to get back to you on that,' Hermione replied with an evil glint in her eye, 'Draco and I might have … plans.'
Ginny looked mortified at her unusually risqué comment. Ron's eyes bugged out like a grasshoppers and he looked like he was about to gag.
'I didn't think you'd have changed that much,' Harry said with much difficulty, struggling with the mental image of Hermione and Draco, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I- Woah. Stop right there. Bad train of thought. Think of something innocent. Sunshine. Classical music. Birds flying around. Ahhhhh…
Noticing Harry was going off into Lala Land (being the savior of the wizarding world and all that, Hermione was willing to cut him some slack), she continued, 'But nothing's set in stone yet. So I'll confirm after I've talked to Draco. My fiancée.' She added for good effect.
Raising an eyebrow, Ginny decided for everyone's sakes that they should leave. Now. 'I'll see you around, ok?'
'Oh, you will see me around,' Hermione answered, evil glint not leaving her eyes.
XxX
Draco's POV
Shit. Trust the mudblood to find me. Well, I mean, it's not impossible to guess where I would be (i.e. Hospital Wing), but could she be not impeccably on time every single time we schedule a meeting?
At least Hermione looks like she's in a good mood. God, thank you for sparing me today. Her tempers were awful some days. Of course, some of the time, ok most of the time it's my fault, but that's not the point. It's her fault for being so damn easy to irritate.
'Hello.' This curt greeting was better than the usual stiff nod. I simply nod back, even though it makes my head hurt- I'm too tired to do anything more.
Her mouth kept moving, but for some reason I find myself not really paying attention. Like they say- 'In one ear, out the other,' I lean back onto my pillow and decide to study her instead.
Her hair looks much more manageable now that it was longer. Maybe it's just the late morning light, but at that moment her eyes seemed like liquid amber, boring holes into myself. She was sitting up straight on the edge of a wooden chair that stood about 3 meters from my bed. I scowl at this. What, did she think I was a monster or something? That I was going to sink my snake fangs into her? Actually, it would be quite interesting to see the reaction. She was always the gullible sort, ever since 1st year.
'-me to Hogsmeade? Oh for goodness sake I'm only going to ask once. Malfoy? Don't make me repeat myself. MALFOY?' Suddenly her face looks irritated. I didn't find that satisfying, for some odd reason.
'I thought we agreed to call ourselves by our first names, Hermione.' I reply affably.
Hermione looks sheepish for a moment. 'Sorry, force of habit,' she explains.
Whoa. Holy mother of god. Rewind there. Did I just hear Granger apologizing to him? I raise a thin eyebrow. So you do learn something new everyday.
'I understand. Now what about Hogsmeade? Did I hear correctly- you asking me to Hogsmeade weekend?' I was making a wild guess there, since I heard only the last part of what she was saying.
'Are you going to answer or what?' I could see her patience running out quickly.
I pull an amused face. I had no idea I was that psychic. 'Why should I?'
Hermione rolled her eyes so far back I began to fear they would never have the chance to return to their normal positions. 'Because, in case you haven't noticed, people are starting to believe that we are going out. And I hear your mother has been rather assertive. I think she would back off a little if she heard that we were actually making some progress.'
'Okay,' I reply nonchalantly. I could see her shocked reaction; she had expected more resistance on my part, I presume. This was going to be fun.
XxX
TY to my betas Lu and Amanda
Could someone help me write a decent summary? I suck at them ;; I would really appreciate it, MWAH!
A big chocolate muffin to you if you can guess what I'm going to say next!
Well here goes! Review please! REVIEW!
Whaaat? How did y'all know? Someone told… shifty eyes
