Chapter 11: Questioning
January 6, 1992
(one month ago)
"Professor Snape, you wanted to see me?" Hermione called politely when he let her into his office.
Earlier this morning, a school owl landed in front of her breakfast, carrying a rolled parchment. It was a short note from Professor Snape, asking her to meet him in his office after dinner.
"Miss Granger," he nodded, towering over her. He stepped back and walked to his desk. "Have a seat."
Hermione sat on the visitor's chair at the professor's table. She smoothened her school robe and clasped her hands on her lap.
Professor Snape sat on his chair and turned to her. "Thank you for coming, Miss Granger. What you told me before the holidays had always been on my mind. So, I asked the Hogwarts helper assigned to me—a house-elf—to spy on Mr Potter and Mr Weasley, merely to know if they knew the Philosopher's Stone, where it is hidden, and if they suspected anyone was trying to steal it."
Hermione held her breath and did not break eye contact.
Professor Snape shook his head. "They have never been to the forbidden corridor and have no idea about the Philosopher's Stone. Do you know why Miss Granger?" he asked her calmly.
"Because I decided to be in Hufflepuff, Professor," she admitted. "As I told you, I'd seen myself in Gryffindor, being friends with the two of them. It was very surreal, Professor like I really lived that life. The scenes were vivid. I can remember every detail. One day, Draco challenged Potter to a midnight duel in the Trophy Room, but Draco didn't show up. I saw myself stopping them from leaving Gryffindor Tower. I even followed them, convinced them not to go because I knew it was a trap. Then, Mr Filch's cat saw us, so we ran and ran. Maybe it was me who led the way, that was why we ended up in the forbidden corridor. Or maybe they also ended up there but couldn't find a place to hide. It was me who found the door where Fluffy was hidden. I used the spell 'Alohomora', and we saw Hagrid's three-headed dog."
Professor Snape propped his face with his hand, looking tired. Silence.
"I'm sorry, Professor. I should've given that much thought before telling you. Now, it's like going on a wild goose chase."
Professor Snape turned to her calmly. "Please don't say that Miss Granger, and don't apologize. We can keep the children in harm's way with your pieces of information. Now, we just need to think how to catch Quirrell and Riddle."
"Can you just report him, Professor? Say, for example… Tell the headmaster that you feel Professor Quirrell is imbued with Dark Magic?"
Professor Snape studied her for a moment. He looked hesitant. "Do you see the headmaster trusting me?"
"He trusts you with his life, Professor, I am sure," she replied with a small smile.
He leaned back in his chair. "I guess I can try, then. He's going to have a hard time again finding a D.A.D.A. professor in the middle of the school year, if ever."
"I'm quite sure the headmaster will manage, Professor."
Professor Snape exhaled and nodded. "I shall keep my eye on Professor Quirrell, then, and look for the right opportunity, for the facts, and evidence before I report to the headmaster, then. I'll keep you and Draco in the loop. Thank you, Miss Granger. You may go."
She gave him a polite nod. "Good night, Professor."
.
February 22, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
"Harry, Ron," she nodded to them politely.
"Hey, Mione," Harry began, offering her a small smile.
"How are you, Mione?" asked Ron tentatively.
Hermione did not feel the swell of happiness she used to feel before, seeing her two best friends. She did not feel the joy she usually felt when she knew she was going to meet Draco, Theo, or the entire group.
"Do you have any business here?" she asked casually, walking past them to the common room. She sat at the table behind a bookcase – the spot she usually occupied since her first year when she wanted to concentrate on her studies; away from everyone.
Harry and Ron followed and joined her.
"We just wanted to visit you, Hermione," replied Harry carefully.
She frowned at them. "Is it allowed to visit the students anytime?"
Ron grinned. "Not really, but you know, Harry requested from Professor McGonagall, he said we wanted to surprise you. Perks of being war heroes, I guess."
"Ron," Harry warned.
She raised an eyebrow. "Ah, so not anyone can visit their friends at Hogwarts anytime. Only Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley."
Harry and Ron had the decency to look ashamed.
She gave them a condescending look. "If that's the case, care to explain why you didn't visit sooner? Say for example, in September? You know, my birthday. Or October? Halloween. Or maybe November or December?"
"Sorry, Mione, we were…" But Ron trailed off.
"Save that, Ron," she scoffed when he couldn't tell her more. "I know why you're here. You saw me with Draco in Diagon Alley. You wanted to confront me, but my new Slytherin friends stopped you. What did Pansy say? Ah, she said she knew you haven't been in touch with me for months. Right?"
"What were you doing with them, anyway?" Harry asked heatedly.
She remained calm but cocked an eyebrow; something that would probably make Draco proud. "They're my friends. We always hang out on weekends," she replied matter-of-factly.
"But why them?" asked Harry, still looking not pleased.
"What do you mean 'why them'? I became friends with them and they're not bad. They were just born into prejudiced families and misunderstood by people," she reasoned. Again, calmly.
"Mione, we know that we haven't been really good friends the past month," Ron said. "But we were just hurt."
"The war wasn't my fault, was it?" she asked coldly. "You were hurting, yeah, I understand that. And so was I! Were you even aware that I had to see a psychotherapist because of what we've gone through the day the Snatchers caught us and took us to Malfoy Manor? When that scum Scabior touched me and whispered dirty words to my ear while holding me like a sack of potatoes? When I writhed on the floor because Bellatrix tortured me?" She turned to Harry. "And you, Harry. You just stood outside my door in Grimmauld Place. Yeah, you took me, in, thanks for that by the way. But I still felt lonely. I understand Ginny needed you. I accepted it, but right now, you're in no position…" She exhaled and shook her head. "You have no right to question me with regards to my choice of friends. That's the only reason you're here. Because you decided that they are not good company for me. You know what? Just leave. I've nothing good to say to you. And don't dare come again using your special perks."
She grabbed her things and ran to her dormitory without looking back.
.
January 6, 1992
(one month ago)
When she exited the office, she found Draco waiting for her outside. He was leaning his back on the wall, arms folded on his chest. His eyes twinkled and smiled crookedly when he saw her.
She grinned at him, and before she could have a chance to speak, he had already taken her hand. "Let's go somewhere private."
They entered an old classroom in the dungeons, just near their Potions classroom. Draco warded the door before facing her properly. The last time they had been physically close was the night before their return to Hogwarts. They agreed that on the train, they would spend time with their housemates and friends. Hermione joined Justin and Susan in a compartment, while Draco was with Theo, Daphne, and Pansy.
"How did you know I was down here?" she inquired fondly.
Draco stepped forward, not breaking their eye contact, then pulled her in an embrace. "Theo and I saw you knocking earlier."
Hermione wrapped her arms around his torso, inhaling Draco's citrus and bourbon vanilla scent. "You smell so good," she mumbled against his neck.
Draco kissed her forehead. "I miss you already. So, what did you and Professor Snape talk about?"
Hermione pulled away gently but took Draco's hand, leading him to a student's desk and chair. She cast Scourgify first before hopping on the desk and Draco sat on the chair, facing her. She filled him in.
.
February 27, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
As soon as Hermione exited the Hogwarts gates, she was pulled to a hug by Draco. She smiled against the crook of his neck, enjoying his shaving cream's sandalwood scent.
"I missed you so fucking much," he whispered before planting a kiss on the crown of her head.
She pulled away gently and touched his chin, looking into his eyes. "I quite love the smell of your shaving cream." Then, he scanned him from head to toe. She smirked when she saw him wearing a mauve button-up shirt and a pair of navy-blue trousers under his black coat. His hair was brushed back, making his wide forehead exposed. His eyes looked tired, but he still looked handsome for Hermione. "You look good, but you didn't sleep well."
Draco sighed dramatically. "Oh, well, of course, I couldn't sleep for nights, knowing that I wouldn't spend my Saturday night with you."
Hermione laughed. "Oh, don't be such a baby. You know very well that I have to study hard for my N.E.W.T.s. After the school year, we could see each other every day."
Draco smiled and nodded, pulling her close to him, and kissing her forehead again. She smiled at the thought that Draco must really be in love with her. Head over heels. He couldn't stop kissing her, holding her. "Are you okay with a Side-Along Apparition?" he asked.
She cocked an eyebrow. "Why? I thought we'd just eat lunch at the Three Broomsticks."
Draco rolled his eyes. "I only get to spend four hours with my girlfriend today and I would like it to be romantic, special, unforgettable… name it, thank you very much."
"All right then," she replied, laughing. "Where to, Mr Malfoy?"
Draco gave her a crooked smile while leading her to the side of the road for their Apparition. "Ever heard of Shafiq's Vineyard?"
.
Shafiq's Vineyard was owned by Theo's deceased maternal grandfather and was now managed by his Muggle-born step-grandmother, Madam Shafiq, though it was inherited by Theo already.
"See, that bastard would never live like a peasant even if he spent a fortune on us," Draco smirked, looking around. They were in the middle of the vineyard.
"This is so beautiful," she said in awe, feeding her eyes with all the greens. She caught sight of a modest-looking house from afar. "Is that Madam Shafiq's house?"
"Yeah. That's also where Theo's mother grew up. Though they were really wealthy, they lived a simple life, in a simple home."
"Is she home?" she wondered.
Draco shook his head. "No. She's in Sweden."
She looked around some more and saw a gazebo, similar to the one at Beedle the Bard's Museum, where a table for two was already waiting. Hermione turned to her boyfriend who was now holding a bouquet of red roses. He gracefully walked toward her.
"Giving someone a red rose is a universal way of saying 'I love you,'" he said gently as he handed her the bouquet.
"Thank, you, Draco," she replied fondly. "You always make my days with you unforgettable."
He just smiled at that, looking really pleased, and offered a hand. "Shall we have lunch?"
.
January 6, 1992
(one month ago)
"I'm scared, Draco. What if we're just putting Professor Snape in a more dangerous situation?" she asked, looking down at him as she was still on the desk, and he was on the chair.
Draco held her by the waist, her legs pressed together between his. "Then the last resort would be telling him and Dumbledore about all the Horcruxes. It would be easier this time because there's no snake yet. Nagini's still somewhere, out there, living like a normal Maledictus."
She snorted. "Never use 'normal' and 'Madelictus' in the same sentence."
He tickled her sides, making her laugh loudly as if they were in their bedroom, not in a classroom. "You, insufferable know-it-all! You're lucky I love you so much."
"Oh, my goodness," she said after laughing. "You warded the door, didn't you? For a moment I forgot where we are. It's so easy to forget vigilance when I'm around you."
Draco smirked and rose to his feet, inching his face closer to hers. Hermione pulled back. "Draco, I said, no kissing in abandoned classrooms or anywhere in the castle," she reminded him.
Draco pulled away with a sigh. "Fine." And then, he reached for something inside his robes. "Here, look."
It was a letter. He handed it to her, and she accepted it, reading the letter.
6 January 1992
Dear Aunt Andromeda,
My name is Draco Malfoy, son of Narcissa. I honestly do not know how to begin properly, so please forgive me if this is the only way I could reach out to you.
I'm a first-year student at Hogwarts and I have learned that my cousin, Nymphadora, just graduated in June. It's very unfortunate that we didn't get to meet each other. To be honest, my parents don't know about me reaching out to you. I am not doing this to disappoint them, to rebel, or anything. I sincerely would like to know you and my family. Having a friend in the Hufflepuff house, I have heard so many wonderful stories about Nymphadora that makes me wish to know her.
Please accept my simple late Christmas present for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Draco Malfoy
Hermione smiled as she folded the letter and handed it back to Draco.
"What do you think?" he inquired.
She nodded. "It's good. What are you sending her?"
Draco shrugged. "Just some homemade cookies from Gus and Tenny. I'm just an eleven-year-old kid, after all, and Aunt Dromeda would feel bothered if I sent her expensive gifts."
"Good. Are you going to use a school owl?"
"Yes. Will you go to the Owlery with me tomorrow?"
She looked at him fondly and leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. "Of course. I'm so, so proud of you, Draco," she said, hugging him.
Draco chuckled. "Now, who's breaking rules?"
She pulled away and took his hand with a grin on her face. He grinned back. They left the dungeons together without saying anything to each other.
.
February 27, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
Hermione and Draco landed in his room at the manor, at the foot of the bed, still kissing. Hermione couldn't help but admire Draco's multi-tasking skills. One moment, they were walking around the vineyard after a sumptuous lunch, then they stopped, and he hugged her from behind while they were admiring the beautiful view. Draco's hands grazed her upper hip until they made their way under her jumper. He started planting wet kisses on her neck, and his hands were touching her erotically – one went upwards, to her bra, and the other one remained on her hip, but the touch became more intense. Later, Draco held her by the hips with both hands to make her face him, then crashed his mouth against hers.
Hermione, on the other hand, started unbuttoning Draco's shirt to run her hands on his broad chest, making her want for more. She pulled away from the kiss briefly just to say: "Take me to your room, Draco."
And so now, they were in his bedroom. Draco's hands went to her two most private areas – one of her breasts, and her crotch. Somehow, Draco managed to unbutton her denim trousers with just one hand and at the same time unclasped her bra.
Oh, gods, how did he become so skilled like this? They all implied that Draco never had sex before because there was only one witch he had always wanted. So, how? Can someone really learn sex by just reading?
The thought made Hermione aroused even more. Draco had never touched other witches and had never dated anyone because he only wanted her. He always makes me feel loved every day, but at the same time, I can sense his fear that I might, one day, realize I don't want him anymore. But even if I'm not there yet, I want him. I want him to feel loved, to let him know that I'm also crazy about him.
Hermione made an abrupt decision – thanks to the trashy romance novels Lavender and Parvati lent her two or three years ago. She pushed Draco gently, ignoring his questioning eyes. She knelt in front of him and removed his belt, unbuttoned and unzipped his trousers, pulled them down with his pants, and then led him to sit on the edge of the bed. She positioned herself between his knees, and looked up at him, licking her lips, as if asking for his permission.
Draco exhaled sharply and nodded. Hermione held his hardness and took him in her mouth.
.
January 6, 1992
(one month ago)
Hermione and Draco carefully left the Room of Requirement and walked hand in hand to the lower grounds together, giggling. Draco looked so pleased that he could not wipe his smirk off his face, and Hermione couldn't stop blushing, but they didn't say anything to each other. They were busy giving each other affectionate looks that they didn't notice two people standing on their way on the sixth floor until someone cleared their throat.
They stopped dead and their joyful looks were replaced with shocked and nervous expressions. Draco tightened his hold on her hand before they turned to the source of the noise.
Theo and Daphne were standing in the same corridor, a few feet away from them, both giving them questioning looks.
"Aren't you too young to have a girlfriend, Draco?" Daphne questioned in a bossy tone that reminded Hermione of her old self.
She turned to Draco and whispered discreetly. "Gods, I hate my old, bossy self."
Draco chuckled and inched his face closer to whisper in her ear. "But you weren't bossy with us at all. It was Pansy's job to boss around. Except when it was just you and me."
"What are you two whispering about?" asked Theo curiously, cocking an eyebrow.
They faced Theo and Daphne. "Nothing," she said.
"And we're not doing anything against the school rules," Draco said smoothly, and Hermione had to bite her lower lip to stop herself from laughing.
"Really?" asked Daphne, not convinced.
"We'll show you what we were doing, if you want," Draco offered.
Daphne studied the two of them for a moment. Hermione could not help but admire the beautiful blond witch. She could pass as Draco's sister. Her long blond hair was in place, only held by two or three pearl hair clips. Her school uniform was still crisp and clean despite the time being after dinner. Her eyes looked at them with concern, despite her tone.
Does she already have an idea that Theo likes her? Has it already crossed Theo's mind that he would end up with Daphne someday? That they would have a beautiful wedding at the vineyard, and Daphne would be the next Lady Nott?
Draco tugged her hand, and they led the two other Slytherins to the seventh-floor corridor. Draco paced back and forth in front of a wall, and then a wooden door appeared. Daphne gasped. Draco took Hermione's hand again, not bothered by Theo's and Daphne's gazes. They led them into the room.
"What's this?" asked Daphne curiously.
"This is the Room of Requirement," Theo replied. "I've read about this in –"
" Hogwarts: A History ," Hermione supplied and grinned.
Draco rolled his eyes but didn't let go of her hand. "Of course, it's your favourite book, and you and Theo are geeks."
"Hey!" she said sharply.
"And by the way, Daph, welcome to the Granger residence," Theo grinned at Daphne, and he walked backwards going in the direction of the TV room.
"So, this room turns into a place the user asked for?" asked Daphne.
"Five points to Slytherin!" Theo smirked and let them inside the TV room.
Hermione and Draco sat on the rather large armchair where the two of them could fit.
"Draco and I visited Hermione and her parents during the break," Theo informed Daphne. "Too bad my Nintendo isn't here, is it?"
"I doubt you could use Muggle appliances here," she replied.
Daphne turned to Theo and then, to Draco. "The three of you had been spending time together in the Muggle world, then? How come your parents didn't say anything?" Daphne asked the last part to Draco.
"Because… they don't have any idea," Draco grinned.
"Don't tell anyone, but Draco would go to my place, then Pinky would Apparate us outside the Granger residence." Theo sat on the sofa comfortably as if he was home.
Daphne patted his feet and Theo sat properly so she could sit. Then the blond witch turned to Hermione and Draco. "And what's this? Are you two going out?"
Draco wrapped an arm around her. "We're fond of each other and we like spending time together, so yeah, she's my girlfriend."
"But that's… too soon, don't you think so?" asked Daphne carefully.
"Stop worrying about them, Daph. They're careful and both brilliant, they already know that," Theo said gently. "And you see, Draco's not even bothered by the fact that Hermione's a Muggle-born even if his ancestors are the most bigoted, prejudiced, and arrogant pure-bloods."
Hermione and Draco laughed. "He's right, Daph. Why, are you going to tell my mother and father?"
Daphne shook her head. "Of course, not. I will never betray my best friends, even if they have forgotten about me and Pansy."
Theo pulled Daph into a side hug. "Oh, Daph… We're just worried you wouldn't like to be friends with Hermione."
Daphne gave her a sheepish smile. "Well, we don't share classes, so I don't really know you, but… it doesn't mean that I hate you."
Hermione smiled. "I know."
"So, uh… friends?" Daphne asked tentatively.
Her smile widened and she nodded happily. "Friends."
"Great!" Draco said happily, squeezing her tighter. "So, what do we tell Pansy? We don't want her to be left out, do we?"
"Oh, let her figure it out by herself," Daphne said matter-of-factly, making Draco and Theo chuckle.
.
February 27, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
Draco pulled her to straddle his lap, held her by her hips and bum, then he kissed her hard, not bothering if he could still taste himself on her. "You are such… a beautiful and wonderful witch," he said between kisses. "And I love you so much."
"I love you, too," she replied promptly.
Draco stared at her as if she had grown another head. She smiled coyly, arms still wrapped around his neck.
"Hermione, are you sure?" he rasped.
She nodded her head. "Maybe it's not as deep as what you feel for me… yet, but I'm falling in love with you every single day, and I don't want to lose you."
Draco shook his head before giving her a chaste, yet sweet kiss. "You're not going to lose me. I will never get tired of you; I will not leave you; only if you want me to."
She chuckled. "You're stuck with me, then."
Draco grinned before kissing her again. Just as Draco rose to his feet, carrying her to lay her on the bed, there was a knock on the door.
"Draco Malfoy, open the door! I know my best girlfriend is in there!" It was Pansy.
Draco groaned, but she giggled. "How did she know?"
"Probably Theo told her. As the master of the house, he is always alerted when someone Apparates directly inside the house," he explained.
"Granger! Malfoy!" Pansy knocked again. "Draco, don't be selfish! We only got an hour to be with Hermione!"
"She's right, you know," she told him.
Draco put her down to her feet and then caressed her face. "One day, I will no longer live here. We're going somewhere quieter. I will lock all the Floo Networks of our house, forbid anyone from Apparating there apart from you. No one will disturb us."
Hermione's heart leapt hearing Draco's words but refused to say anything about that. "That's the price you have to pay for being their family, especially Pansy's," she teased.
Hermione and Draco fixed their hair and clothes. Hermione also cast a mouth-freshening charm on her and Draco before they opened the door.
Pansy was there, outside, waiting patiently. Then, she instantly pulled her away from Draco. "Oh, good, you're here! Daphne heard something interesting about you and you've got to tell all of us."
.
February 1, 1992
(four days ago)
Hermione heard the door creak open. The looked over her shoulder and was greeted by an exhausted-looking Daphne.
They had been meeting twice or thrice a week in the Room of Requirement for a month now and they had chosen a place where they could study. The Room gave them a library similar to the one in Nott Manor. There were a few bookshelves, armchairs and sofas, a fireplace, and a long table enough for the three of them.
Hermione had developed a liking for the rug by the fireplace. She liked sitting there or lying on her stomach, just reading. Daphne and Theo preferred the table, and Draco liked the armchair by the fireplace where he could read near her. Sometimes he would join her on the rug.
"Hey, Daph," she greeted her friend. "What's up?"
"A lot of homework in Potions!" she exclaimed, placing her book bag on the table before joining her by the fireplace.
"Need help?" she asked.
"Maybe later," she slumped on the armchair.
"How's Pansy? Doesn't she suspect anything?"
"Not really," Daphne replied. "She's too busy to notice I don't even go to the library sometimes even if that's my alibi."
She smirked. "So, where are Theo and Draco?"
Daphne frowned. "I don't know. They said they have something else to do first and told me to go ahead. Didn't Draco mention anything?"
She shook her head. "Nothing. Maybe it's just boys' stuff," she shrugged.
"What about your roommates? They don't ask you why you don't hang out with them?" inquired Daphne.
"I just told them I like being alone. But during mealtimes, of course, we talk. I sit with Justin and Susan. Everyone's very kind in my house, even if we aren't all close friends," she informed her happily.
Daphne smiled. "And they say Hufflepuff is the worst house. I'd say Gryffindor."
It was her turn to frown. "Why?"
"Oh, well," Daphne said slowly. "You know, they're all loud, and there's just too much bravery… chivalry, whatever you call it. It's the opposite of gentle and humility."
She laughed. "Only some are loud."
Daphne rolled her eyes. "Please! I swear, I wouldn't be friends with any of them."
She raised an eyebrow. "What about me? What if I was Sorted in Gryffindor?"
"Then I would never bother to talk to you, especially if you were like Brown and Patil, always giggling, or if you were like Potter and Weasley, always arguing with someone, especially Draco."
"Draco pushes their buttons," she chortled. "Though I told him not to because it might just cause him trouble."
Daphne laughed. "Well, good luck. I hope he listens to you."
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February 27, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
Hermione allowed Pansy to take her to the parlour where Theo, Daphne, and Blaise were playing chess and talking. Draco was behind them, following.
"The Golden Girl is here," Pansy announced, then released Hermione.
Daphne looked up. "Oh, good! I've been meaning to ask you, but I don't think it's something I should ask in a letter."
"Oh, I think I have an idea what this is about," she said, Harry and Ron's visit in her mind.
"What is it?" asked Draco behind her.
She turned to her boyfriend. "I'm sorry, I didn't tell you soon. Truth be told, I don't want to talk about it."
Draco nodded in understanding.
She turned to Daphne and sat on an armchair. "What did you hear about me?"
"A witch in my department has a sister who goes to Hogwarts and your housemate," Daphne told her. "This student witnessed you having a row with Potter and Weasley. My colleague told everyone she knows that the three war heroes' friendship is on the rocks. Now, what did they say that made you upset and told them to leave?"
Draco sat on the arm of her chair, looking at her, waiting for her response.
She looked up to him, then to their friends who were waiting with concerned looks. She began telling them about what happened after Theo walked her to the Gryffindor Tower.
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February 5, 1992
(present time)
Hermione had not spent time with Draco in days because they agreed to spend time in the Room of Requirement two to three times a week only. Draco made sure to spend time with Pansy, Daphne, and Theo, while Hermione studied in the Hufflepuff common room with her housemates.
It was Friday when she saw him again. She and Daphne arrived first in the Room of Requirement. The Slytherin witch was reading a fashion magazine while Hermione had a book on Animagi for light reading. She still wanted to learn how to become an Animagus. That was how Draco and Theo found them.
"Hey!" Theo greeted excitedly, sitting on the sofa beside Daphne.
Hermione was on a wingback chair and Draco sat on the arm of her chair, placing an arm around her shoulders.
"Hey!" he greeted her.
She looked up at him with a smile. "It's been a while." Draco played with her curls secured in a ponytail.
"Where have you been?" Daphne asked the two wizards.
Theo grinned. "You wouldn't believe it! Hagrid's got a dragon!"
Daphne rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right, and there's a basilisk in the dungeons.
Hermione and Draco exchanged knowing looks.
"It's true! Draco and I saw it!" Theo insisted.
This time, Hermione glared at Draco.
"You saw the dragon?!" exclaimed Daphne. Then, the Slytherin witch turned to her. "Hermione, you know about this? You're not surprised."
And Hermione was caught off-guard.
Draco squeezed her shoulders. "She saw Hagrid in the library, borrowing books about dragons."
Hermione sighed in relief, thanking Draco inwardly for quick thinking. "Yeah. And I heard Potter and Weasley talking to him." It was a lie.
"We should tell Professor Snape!" Daphne said.
"Why?" inquired Draco.
But Daphne was looking at her. "Hermione, we should tell a professor before Draco does something stupid just to put Potter in danger."
Hermione turned to Draco who cocked an eyebrow. "She's right, you know."
Draco scoffed. "I'm not obsessed with Potter, thank you very much."
"So, how did you and Theo see the dragon? Was Hagrid carrying it all around the castle?" Daphne scrutinised.
"No! We saw him carrying a big egg the other night," Theo said. "He was on the way to his hut, probably from Hogsmeade."
"And what were you doing near his hut?" she asked Draco.
Draco gave her an unhappy look. "I was picking our potions ingredients for my project, all right?!"
"Oh," she muttered and place a hand on his knee. "Sorry."
"So, do we tell Professor Snape?" asked Daphne.
Hermione suddenly remembered what happened before.
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February 27, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
Hermione and Draco landed in the woods, instead of in front of the Hogwarts gates. She looked at him in confusion.
"The Forbidden Forest," he told her as he pulled away from their embrace (Draco like Apparating the two of them while hugging each other) and took her hand. "I'll walk you to the edge of the forest, near the greenhouses. It's been a while since I saw the castle closely."
They started walking. She just followed Draco's direction. She wasn't familiar with the path he knew. All she knew was the way from Hagrid's hut. "Why haven't we thought about it before?" she asked, grinning. "We had to rush because the gates will close, but then, here, we do not need to enter a gate!"
"Do you remember when we served detention together? It was here in the Forbidden Forest," he asked fondly.
She scrunched her nose. "Not a pleasant memory. Only Dumbledore sends children to the Forbidden Forest for detention. It scared me back then, you know, seeing someone attacking a unicorn."
"It was Quirrell with Voldemort, wasn't it?"
She nodded. "You sent red sparks that time, even if there was no need to."
He chuckled. "I was trying to get rid of Longbottom, hoping Hagrid would ask you to be with me instead. But he gave me Potter."
She laughed, cocking an eyebrow. "So, you already had a crush on me as early as that?"
Draco shrugged but grinned. "Well, you intrigued me. I was supposed to be the brightest in our year, but you arrived at Hogwarts with that smart brain of yours," he said fondly.
"I don't really remember, but Theo and Pansy said something like… you could tolerate me in our first year."
Draco nodded. "And I would have continued doing so if you weren't best friends with Potter and Weasley, and you weren't a Gryffindor. I thought I should hate you because my father was displeased, learning that I was only second to a Muggle-born Gryffindor, best friends with Harry Potter. But now, I don't care what my father and other people think." He released her hand only to pull her into his arms and planted a kiss on her head. "I only care about you."
Hermione stood on her tiptoes to give him a chaste kiss. Hermione Granger was taught by her parents not to be selfish. Her parents were very kind people, and they would always see the best in anyone – maybe except for Harry and Ron – that was still a sensitive topic for them. But Hermione was taught that she had to share what she had and be good to others. However, at the moment, Hermione felt like being selfish. She wanted Draco and she wanted him to be hers alone. She didn't want him to get tired of her, to leave her, and be with another witch. She wanted to be his one and only, even in the afterlife.
"Meet me here tomorrow," Draco whispered after their kiss.
Hermione studied him for a moment and chuckled. "Miss me already?" she teased.
Draco chortled. "You've no idea," he replied, placing a hand behind her neck and pulling her for another kiss. "You carry my heart with you," he breathed to her lips.