Chapter Six- Letters and Photos

Author's Note: Wow, thanks for reviewing! Sorry it took so long to write this chapter. I've been busy with schoolwork, but now it's my holidays. So I'll get stuck into finishing this story off. Regarding the title, I just thought it would be an interesting change to read the characters' story through their letters. If you're wondering, there's not really a set grade that Draco and Hermione are in, but I'd say they're in their senior years.


The students were waiting anxiously in the Great Hall. They were about to find out which students had been deemed suitable for the trip to spend two weeks in the most prestigious wizarding school in the United States of America.

"I just know you're going to get it," exclaimed Hermione, squeezing Draco's hand.

"We're getting it together," he smiled.

"Now I will announce the recipients of the trip to The Merlin Academy of Magic. From Gryffindor, Parvati Patil and Harry Potter. From Slytherin, Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy. From Ravenclaw Mandy Brocklehurst and Terry Boot. From Hufflepuff, Hannah Abbot and Ernie Macmillan," McGonagall called.

Draco looked sadly at Hermione. "I can't believe this! You're the cleverest witch in our year!"

"Cleverness is not everything," Hermione said, trying to cover up her disappointment.

"Could these students come to the front of the Great Hall to receive your acceptance letters?" McGonagall called to the students.

"I could reject the offer," Draco whispered hurriedly.

"No, you have to go for it Draco," Hermione hugged him. "Congratulations," she told him sincerely. She shoved him forward playfully so he couldn't back down, now that everyone was looking at him. She was really happy for him that he had received this opportunity, just crestfallen that she couldn't be with him in America.

The students received details about the trip and were told that they had to pack as they were leaving in a week. For the remainder of their days together, Draco and Hermione went to the library to study or to read about America and its school of magic. She tried to tell Harry about her discoveries, but he didn't want to hear it. At night Draco and Hermione would sneak out together and well, do things couples do. Amazingly they never got caught no matter how close a teacher may be. The day came that Draco had to leave, but they weren't sad because they could handle two weeks apart, no big deal.

Dear Draco,

How is the US? What's school like there? Are you being treated well? I miss you so much! Don't worry about me, my friends are taking good care of me. Nothing much is going on at Hogwarts, except for a Potions competition which you would do well at, and a Hogsmeade weekend soon. I'll buy you something nice. That's all. Write back soon.

Love,
Hermione

And two days later...

Dear Hermione,

The US is really great. The city has so much to do and I'm learning so much at the Academy. I think what this place (and me) is missing is you. I miss Hogwarts, and can't wait for these two weeks to end. Don't get me wrong, it's a fun experience, but it's not the same. It's almost just like Hogwarts, although I think this Academy looks more like a large high school. They did this to trick the muggles into thinking it was ordinary from far distances. However, if a muggle gets to close they'd be faced with certain muggle-repelling charms. Damn, it's the end of my ever-so-short lunch break, so I'll sign off.

Love,
Draco

Draco emitted from his letter, the event that happened two days before he written the letter. He had been standing in his dormitory when Pansy came up to him.

"Draco, I've been thinking lots. I was wondering if you've changed your mind about me?" Pansy asked tentatively.

"I'm sorry Pansy, I just want us to be friends," Draco said softly. This caused Pansy to cry and break down into his arms. She looked in so much pain that he couldn't let her go. He had thought that they were alone, when he heard a crash.

"Let me get that," Draco moved.

"No!" Pansy cried, then began sobbing again, "Stay..." So, Draco stayed. He stayed there, holding Pansy, but he knew it wasn't wrong because they weren't doing anything. Most importantly, Draco was going to stay firm about his decision.

Draco and Hermione sent letters as much as they could, however one week into their separation, Hermione received a mysterious parcel. The black, string-wrapped paper contained two photos, with no return address. One glance at the photos and Hermione dropped them as if she was holding hot coal. However, she leaned to pick the photos up and inspected them more closely. Two figures were standing close, two inches away from each other. The next photo showed them in a close hug. She couldn't be sure about their facial expressions.

Thousands and thousands of miles away, Draco had received a similar black parcel, with the exact same photos. Draco knew that there were no feelings on his side of the photo, but it looked very misleading. Although there was no return address, Draco knew exactly sent the letter. A note dropped from the parcel with a simple statement in extremely neat and familiar cursive.

"These will go to good use."

Draco did not know exactly what it meant, but he knew it wasn't good.

Dear Draco,

Let me ask you a question. How do you really feel about me? Would you happen to know anything about a certain photo with you in it? You and Pansy Parkinson... Please tell me that there were no feelings beyond friendship in this photo. I think it's only natural that I should ask you.

Love,
Hermione

Draco replied soon after. He figured that the perpertrator knew that it would take a long time to regain Hermione's trust. He had been set up. Draco had no idea how he would get out of this commotion. Draco's guilty conscience had gotten the better of him. Over and over in his mind, he kept saying that he should have told Hermione about what Pansy had asked him. But it was too late.

Dear Hermione,

I won't pretend that I don't know about the photos, but I believe that I know who is behind this. He has also sent me copies of the photos. I'll tell you what happened. Pansy asked me out again, but I refused. Then she burst in to tears and hugged me, but I couldn't push her away. It was a spur of the moment thing. I don't want to force you to believe me, but I'm telling you the truth. The only one is you.

Love,
Draco

Hermione was restless, and wanted to find out all she could. She wrote to Harry, to see what he had to say. She asked whether he believed that anything was going on between Draco and Pansy.

It took Harry awhile to reply to Hermione.

Dear Hermione,

I have no idea what is going on between Draco and Pansy, as I've been to busy observing what goes on in the US wizarding world, and would rather not Slytherin-watch. However, it seems that they have started talking again. Best be on your watch.

Harry

The brevity and vagueness of this letter confused Hermione even more. She wanted answers, but it seemed that no one could giver her them, even if they knew. Hermione hesitated before finally writing to Draco.

Dear Draco,

Draco, I want to believe you, I really do. But I've just been through too much. I'm going to have to think about this. Please give me time.

Love,
Hermione

Hermione was extremely confused about the photo. Her insecurities and ignorance were burning her up. She trusted Draco, but to what extent did this trust go? The two no longer communicated and merely kept to the own selves. It was a depressing time. Draco... Pansy... Draco and Pansy... the photo engraved in her mind. Didn't Draco say that Pansy was a burden to him? Hermione would have to wait until Draco came back, and then she would decide what would happen next. Draco loved Hermione, and Hermione loved Draco. But could they ever say this to each other's faces?