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Monday, 27 August 2012

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The article in the Daily Prophet was not as bad as Hermione and Draco had feared it would be. Under the headline "Shacking up with snakes - Has Our hero Granger been seduced my the dark side?" were a few paragraphs of speculations about her and Marcus Flint, accompanied by a large picture of them laughing together at the opening party at Purple Palace. The reporter claimed that they had been seen together on numerous occasions and eluded to the two of them being the reason why Astoria left Marcus. But since the picture only had them laughing at a party it was not very incriminating. Basically it was nonsense from start to finish. Exactly the kind of story that the editors thought would get people to buy the paper.

Harry took the day off and the two of them served a lot of purple cupcakes that day. They also tried to get out every now and then and just be visible around Diagon Alley. That way any reporter wanting to confront Hermione about the story could get an earful from Harry for their troubles. Draco also managed to get Marcus to go out on a date that evening and gave him strict instructions to tell anyone who asked about what great friends he was with Hermione and the rest of the golden trio.

Diagon Alley was still getting a good amount of traffic, even if it was a Monday, which kept Ron busy all day at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes. But he said he would join them for dinner at the Leaky Cauldron at six. Harry said Ginny might be joining them too so they booked a table at the back.

Harry and Hermione arrived first, but at exactly six Ron walked in, slightly red in the face and holding hands with none other than Pansy Parkinson. Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance and then tried their best not to say anything that would make this harder on Ron than it already was. Pansy was putting up a brave face, but seemed just as nervous.

"Harry. Hermione. I would like you to meet my girlfriend."
"Well, good evening Miss Parkinson. How lovely to finally get to meet you," Hermione said with an extra big smile and an outstretched hand.

"Cut the crap, Granger."
"I believe that is Hermione, to you. Haven't you read the Prophet lately? We are best friends now."
"Yea, sure. Whatever."

Ron, still quite red in the face, just mumbled; "Well, we just figured it was time to get it all in the open now that the press is accusing you of being a fan of green and silver."
"How very considerate of you, Ron. Now come sit down."

Pansy did but Ron was still waiting for Harry to say something. When Harry stretched his hand out to Pansy and welcomed her to the gang, he relaxed a bit.

"So, you two don't seem particularly shocked. How long have you known?"
"A few months."
"You could have said something."
"If you want to keep secrets mate, then I am not going to be the one to out you."
"Thanks, I guess."

"So does that mean Pansy is invited to the Burrow on Sunday?"

At that Ron went from red to white in a heartbeat. All the blood just drained from his face.

"Are you Ok, Ron?"
"Try to breathe. This is not the end of the world:"

Ron just whispered: "They are going to eat you alive."

Harry, not being helpful at all, replied: "No, Ron. They will probably be nothing but polite and nice to her. They will eat you alive. Both for introducing a snake into the family and for keeping it a secret for so long."
"You're right. I am a dead man."
"Not dead, no. But I expect this is going to be very entertaining for the rest of us. Your mother is going to be delightful. She is probably going to go on for weeks about how she raised you better than this. Oh and Bill and Charlie are going to be fun too. George knows so he will not be as offended as the rest of them, but he will take some perverse pleasure in making everything just a little bit worse for you."

"Maybe we could move to Argentina. I hear it's lovely in Argentina."
"I am not moving to Argentina with you," came from Pansy.

"What? You expect me to make it on my own in Argentina? That's not very nice of you."

"I will teach you Spanish before you go. How about that."

"You know Spanish."

"No, not really."

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

[Hermione:] They finally went public.

[Draco:] Who?

[Hermione:] Ron and Pansy.

[Draco:] Was it bad?

[Hermione:] Not yet, no. It was just me and Harry there and we already knew.

[Draco:] I sense a 'but' coming up.

[Hermione:] If he is bringing her to the Burrow on Sunday it will be … entertaining.

[Draco:] Oh, if I only was an animagus. I would like to see that show.

[Hermione:] It's not too late to learn. Only takes a couple of years for the average wizard.

[Draco:] I guess I do have time on my hands. Did you ever consider learning.

[Hermione:] Oh yes. I tried once, but I didn't get the hang of it fast enough. Or at all.

[Draco:] I sometimes wonder which animal I would become.

[Hermione:] I guess it would be too cliche if you became a dragon

[Draco:]. Becoming something that large is extremely hard. I'm good, but not that good.

[Hermione:] What would you like to become?

[Draco:] Something that flies. Eagle or owl or raven or something.

[Hermione:] I could see that fitting you. You would make a cute little owl.

[Draco:]. Here I was hoping for majestic, regal or awe inspiring.

[Hermione:] Nah, just cute. You would probably be one of those birds who has troubles with flying.

[Draco:] I would not! I'm great at flying!

[Hermione:] I can just picture you splatted flat against my window when you forget it is closed.

[Draco:] Why am I trying to fly through your window when I can just take the floo?

[Hermione:] Who knows why you do anything. You're crazy.

[Draco:] Yea, whatever. Tell me which animal you were hoping to become.

[Hermione:] Something that keeps its feet firmly on the ground.

[Draco:]. You really dislike flying that much?

[Hermione:] Didn't I tell you about that time Harry made me fly for hours on an invisible thestral?

[Draco:] You should have played more quidditch as a kid. Get used to the feeling.

[Hermione:] I did not grow up in a magical home, remember?

[Draco:] Vaguely. It may have been mentioned once or twice.

[Hermione:] But you are right. I probably should have had more normal flying experiences. Without dragons.

[Draco:] Maybe we should have published your autobiography. Your life has not been boring.

[Hermione:] Meh, it's all covered in the books about Harry.

[Draco:]. True. And emphasizing you as his sidekick would not have been good.

[Hermione:] He never would have made it without me.

[Draco:]. What is your next Reflections article about again?

[Hermione:] This week I have reflections on time and on friendship coming out.

[Draco:]. Those are good. I particularly liked the one on time.

[Hermione:] Me too. I was rather proud of that one.

[Draco:] My suggestion is that we plan to publish them the moment you get through the first round.

[Hermione:] We should book a printer, how fast can they print?

[Draco:] Fast enough that it can be out by next morning.

[Hermione:] Sounds like a plan.

[Draco:] Do I finally hear some self confidence about you getting through the first round.

[Hermione:] Maybe. At least I want to be ready for all eventualities.

[Draco:] Good!

[Hermione:] I'm heading to bed now I think.

[Draco:] One thing before I stop bugging you. Your charm has faded.

[Hermione:] Your mark is back?

[Draco:] Yes. Can you teach me the charm?

[Hermione:] Sure. How about over lunch tomorrow? I can come over to Nott manor.

[Draco:] Is this a private party or can Theo tag along?

[Hermione:] Sure. I can teach both of you.

[Draco:] Then me and Theo will await your arrival tomorrow. Can I invite more people?

[Hermione:] Like who?

[Draco:] My mother. Greg's cousin Emily.

[Hermione:] Sure. Let's have a great big 'hide the mark' party.

[Draco:] Even my father?

[Hermione:] Has he completed his rehabilitation?

[Draco:] Yes. The orbs signed off on him a couple of years ago.

[Hermione:] Then even your father. Anyone who has a mark and has completed their rehabilitation is welcome.

[Draco:] This is going to be quite the party.

[Hermione:] I am trusting you to protect me from all the mean bullies.

[Draco:] I thought I was your bully.

[Hermione:] So you were.

[Draco:] Don't worry. We'll behave.

[Hermione:] Good night.

[Draco:] Sweet dreams.

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Tuesday, 30 August 2012

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After her 11:20 appearance in att Purple Palace Hermione hurried to the Leaky Cauldron. From there she took the floo to 'Nott Manor Library', as Draco had asked her to do. He was leaning against a sofa when she arrived, just waiting for her and looking mildly agitated.

The first thing he said was, "I'm sorry" which got Hermione slightly agitated too.

"About what?"

"People. Former Death Eaters.. They apparently took it seriously when you said anyone who needed it was welcome."

"How many are we talking about"

"Fifteen."

"Seriously? That is a lot."

"Me and Theo, Emily and her brother Jonathan, Stan Shunpike and his boyfriend, my parents, Macnair and Thorfinn Rowle, who showed up with five wizards who used to attend Durmstrang with him. I don't think I have met any of them before."

"Serves me right for being generous I suppose."

"Again. I am so sorry."

"Just… Just stay close. Ok?"

"Of course."

"Where are they now."

"Dining room."

"Let's go then."

They walked towards the grand staircase. When they got closer they could hear people talking downstairs. Suddenly there was a raucous laughter and Hermione thought she recognised It as being Macnairs. She stopped dead still and paled. Draco almost walked into her. It hit her that here was a crowd of people that not too long ago had wanted her dead. Had chased her, plotted against her and her kind and even sent deadly curses towards her on a few occasions. She felt trapped. She turned towards Draco and found him standing very close to her. She closed her eyes and tried to get her breathing under control.

"Hermione?"

Draco stepped even closer and put his hands on her upper arms.

"Are you Ok? Do you want to get out of here? We can just send them home."

"No. I'll be fine."

But she was anything but fine. It was one thing to be noble and talk about rehabilitation and forgiveness for the past. It was a whole other thing to face over a dozen witches and wizards that had fought a war against her and her kind. Those that had firmly believed she was a second class witch who did not deserve to carry a wand. It was just too much.

+ What can I do to help? +

Draco's voice projected directly into her mind. With her eyes still closed she once again noticed how that Draco smelled really really good. She leaned forward a couple of centimeters and found his shoulder meeting her forehead.

"I need… I need to feel in control of the situation."

Draco put his arms around her and stroked her back for a minute. It reminded her of their dance together, and it calmed her down a bit.

"How about this. Instead of going down there to face them we go to the drawing room in the north wing. We make it into a proper classroom and make them come to you. That way we establish you firmly as the lecturer and them as your students. We can even raise a platform to make the boundary between you and them even clearer if you would like."

She considered his idea as her heart rate and breathing calmed. Then she took a deep breath, stepped back from him, looked up and nodded.

"Yes. Let's do that."

"Just try to focus on me and Theo. Theo controls some powerful magic in this place. Trust me when I say that no one can harm you without taking him out first. He is the master of this manor and the protector of all who are here. That includes you."

"Sounds serious."

"The Notts have always taken security very seriously. Now come on."

Together they quickly turned and walked back, past the library and down a smaller staircase that suddenly appeared on the left. Draco kept his hand on her back most of the way, which was comforting.

"Nice library, by the way"

"Yes, Granger. You can browse it to your heart's content another time. You can probably move in there if you want. Theo likes you enough to allow that."

"How much time do we have before they get restless?"

"I told them you would probably get here by about noon, and it's about twelve minutes too now."

"I should call in reinforcements. Get the house elves to help."

"Good idea. Batty can help too."

They arrived in a comfortable looking drawing room with several floor to ceiling windows pointing out to the gardens. There were comfortable looking couches, side tables covered with statues and vases and a grand piano taking up one corner of the room.

Hermione called on Miffy, Spike, Toad and Crux. A split second later she realised that Miffy and Crux had been helping Ginny today, and she just hoped she was not calling them away from anything important. All four elves appeared with a pop at her call. Draco also called on Batty, and after a brief explanation of the situation the house elves were moving the furniture upstairs to Dracos quarters. Except for Toad who just sat sulking in a corner refusing to help. She was like that sometimes and Hermione respected her right to do whatever she wanted.

It then occurred to Hermione to also call on Dusty who had been with her a few years back but was now working at Hogwarts. Once Dusty was up to date he immediately said they could borrow Hogwarts furniture for the afternoon, which they did. In a matter of minutes the room had been transformed into a classroom.

The desk, benches and blackboard looked vaguely familiar, and might well have been those from their old "history of magic" classroom. Hermione had no time to confirm this suspicion though. The two of them thanked the house elves for their help and then sent them away. Draco went to get 'the students' while Hermione started writing instructions on the blackboard. She kept telling herself "this will be fine", "trust the orbs" and "the war is over", stealing herself into something resembling the attitude of professor McGonagall.

When the former Death Eaters entered the room, they found Hermione stoically staring out over the grounds. Draco got everyone to file in and take their seats. Theo made some quiet comment to Draco about how bookworms probably always travelled with a spare classroom in their purse, just in case. Once everyone else was seated Draco kept standing and just positioned himself to the side leaning against a wall by one of the windows. It was a statement of sorts that he was there, ready to help if she needed it. Hermione appreciated the gesture.

Hermione started talking quietly as she turned to face them.

"The war left everyone with scars. Some were visible and some were not. War changes people and it would be foolish to think any of the survivors camp out unharmed. But at least we survived. Not everyone did."

Hermione sighed and decided that talking about her fallen friends to the other side may not have been a good start to her little speech. "In the time that has passed since Harry defeated Voldemort we have all had time to mourn the ones that fell and to try to heal, each in our own way. Memories, nightmares and grudges all fade with time. And hopefully witches and wizards everywhere can learn to get along and even to forgive the past. Endlessly rehashing who cursed whom is not the way forward."

She had their undivided attention now, so she took a deep breath and pushed on.

"But some of us have scars that do not fade with time. And those scars often cause the strangers around us to see nothing but the past. People who were not there and do not understand make ill-informed assumptions based on what they see on our skin. It can be very difficult for them to see the person we are now when we are scared with such obvious reminders of who we were and what we were forced to endure. I have such a scar and I know you have one too."

At that Hermione took out her hand and waved her wand above it. The concealment charm she always wore faded and the word 'MUDBLOOD' became clearly visible. Her audience was shocked. Most affected were Draco's parents sitting in the second row. Lucius paled, which was impressive considering his already pale complexion, and Narcissa's hand went to her mouth as she let out a gasp. The two of them had been there when she received the scar and it was clear that they remembered. Theo looked a little like he was about to be sick. Draco, who had already seen it, was the only one who showed no reaction to her revelation.

"Now that you have seen mine, let me see yours."

Draco immediately rolled up his sleeve. The rest were more hesitant, but seeing her lack of reaction to Dracos revelation they followed suit and rolled up their own sleeves. Their marks were very close to identical. Slightly faded now that Voldemort was dead, but not gone. Never gone.

She noted that there was no significant difference between the marks of Lucius, Macnair and Rowle, who had gotten theirs in the first wizarding war, and the rest who had been recruited when Voldemort returned. Hermione made a comment about this but also reassured them that the charm she was about to teach them would be able to cover their scars.

Hermione told them how she had spent years concealing her scar with long sleeves and muggle makeup before finding the concealment charm she was now going to teach them. She then explained the basic components of the charm and where it could go wrong. She had over eight years of experience with this charm so she knew it very well. At some point during her lecture a ghostly white figure glided into the room. Apparently Nott manor was haunted by a young girl, maybe 14 years old. She just stood in the back and listened attentively to the lecture.

The concealment charm was called "abscondam" and came in three parts. The initial incarnation was the same for everyone, but the second part varied depending on the size and location of the area that was to be concealed. One also had to take into account the tone of the skin and adjust. She warned them that they would probably get the wrong skin-tone a few times in the beginning before they developed their own version of the charm. After the second part of the charm had been performed carefully over the entire area, the third part would set it in place. This part was crucial to get right or the concealment would not move naturally with the skin.

Hermione had kept her scar visible throughout the lecture, but once the theory part of the lecture was done it was time for the practical exercises. She started by showing how she performed the charm on herself. Then all wands were out and the former Death Eaters started practicing wand movements and memorizing the incantation. About half an hour later both Draco and Emily had their scars covered. It was not perfect, but it was a good start. Narcissa and a few of the Durmstrang wizards followed shortly thereafter. Hermione instructed those who had gotten the hang of it to help the others. Rowle seemed to have some difficulties so Hermione went to help him as Draco went to assist his father.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

Hermione never made it to her 14:30 appearance at what was now universally called, Purple Palace. She sent a message to Erik and Isabella who said they would cover for her. Instead she ended up in the Nott library with Draco and some late lunch.

"Look at the bright side. Now you have the votes of all the ex-Death Eaters."

"Excellent. All I ever wanted."

"Let's not tell the papers."
"When you say 'all the ex-Death Eaters'..."
"Yes, I think that was pretty much it. Voldemort did not mark his entire army. And a lot of the marked ones were in the front line at Hogwarts and did not make it. A few, like Theo's father, have died since the war. But I don't know. There might be more out there. It's not like we have a club where we get together every week to remember the good old times. I didn't even know about the Durmstrang wizards before today. But it makes sense that Voldemort would recruit abroad too. Maybe you will be the one to finally get a sense of how many we are. The word will spread and the marked will come to you to learn the secrets of hiding the evidence of past mistakes."

"I am amazed they all came."
"Hatred of the mark is pretty universal. Theo told Emily who told her brother, who told Stan. I told my parents, they told Macnair, who told Rowle who brought his friends. Word spread rather quickly about your solution to our little problem."
"Is there something going on between Theo and Emily?"
"Oh I hope so. He has been single for way too long."
"How old is she?"
"Five years older than we are. I barely remember her from Hogwarts."

"Well, good for him then."
"Just don't say anything about it. I doubt he wants to talk about it yet."

Draco scrutinised his own work on his arm, which did not quite have the same shade as the rest of his skin.

"How did you do make the concealment so perfect?"

"Come here. I'll show you again."

So Draco moved to sit beside her and laid his hand in her lap. Hermione took out her wand and started redoing the spell as he got himself comfortable and watched her. When she was done he lifted his hand for a quick inspection but then put it back in her lap as he closed his eyes.

"You are a saint; you know"

Hermione put her hand on his now concealed mark, and traced the mark with her fingers. You could still feel the ugly thing even if it wasn't visible.

"Hardly."

"It takes a saint to do what you just did. Most people wouldn't even consider talking to those of us that are marked. They mostly let us be nowadays, but to actually go out of your way to help us definitely counts towards your sainthood."

"Anything else would have been extremely hypocritical considering my public stand for the rehabilitation program."

"I wouldn't be at all surprised if my mother wanted to send you flowers."

"I like daisies and dark chocolate."

"I'll try to remember that."

His hand disappeared quickly, and he moved back a bit, when they heard Theo approach the library. He entered the library looking tired and threw himself onto the couch opposite theirs putting his feet up.

"So that's where you two are hiding. Is there any food left?"

"Help yourself," Hermione replied and pointed towards a side table where the platter that the house elves had brought. There were still 8 small sandwiches left plus some fruit and nuts.

Theo got up to get himself a couple of sandwiches and Draco called after him to just bring the plate. Which he did.

"So what are you two turtledoves whispering about in here?"
"I was just telling Granger that she probably shouldn't tell the papers that she now had the unanimous support of the entire ex-death eater club. I am not sure she was listening to me though because she was too busy drooling over your library."

"It is a pretty awesome library. Generations of my ancestors have been obsessed with books. There is even a large muggle section from some 18th century enthusiast to the left somewhere."

"Be careful Theo. She might rob you."

"Meh, she seems too weak to carry more than a book or two out of here."

Hermione joined the conversation at that point. "I am a witch you know. And I have actually been known to place extendable charms on my purses. I could probably empty a few shelfs if I found myself so inclined."
"Is that where my furniture went? I remember owning a grand piano that now seems to be displaced somewhere. Should I demand to be allowed to search your purse and your pockets."

"Your grand piano and the rest of your stuff are in my quarters."

And the two of them explained to Theo what they had done to his drawing room. Once again the ghostly white girl glided quietly into view, peering through a bookshelf this time. Draco and Theo ignored her so Hermione decided not to bring it up.

"So not only are you stealing my stuff, you have used your considerable power over house elves everywhere to rob Hogwarts. Well done, Granger. You will become an excellent minister for magic."

"I thought you were backing Zabini."

"I am. But you would be my second choice. Really, as long as it isn't Parkinson or Bulstrode I'll be Ok."

"Speaking of the bastard. Where is Blaze? Wasn't he supposed to be home by now?"

"He arrived a minute ago. I suspect he is on his way."

"Did I hear my name?"

Zabini strode into the library with Daphne, Alexey and Daphne's friend Eloise following him. Hermione noted that the girl-ghost quickly disappeared into a bookshelf as the newcomers arrived.

"And why are we hanging out in the library?"

"Just trying to calm the nerves of our little bookworm. Libraries are the natural habitat of our dear Granger here."

"Why does she need calming down?"

"She just faced an army of former enemies without blinking. Macnair, Dracos parents and Rowle with a bunch of Durmstrang goonies all waving their dark marks about. And our hero over here didn't even blink. You should have seen her, Zabini. If it had come down to a fight I would have bet on Hermione against the rest any day."

"Sounds like I missed quite an afternoon. I think you may have to start from the beginning on this one. I want to hear everything."

From somewhere deep within the library extra chairs were levitated out so everyone could get comfortable. Theo told the tale and Hermione estimated that about 35% of it resembled what actually happened. She, at least, did not remember McNair shooting any curses in her general direction or Draco having to imperius his parents into submission. But it was entertaining, so she went along with it confirming it every step of the way. She noticed that he skipped the part about why exactly "an army of ex Death Eaters" had invaded the manor. He also left Emily out of the story. Hermione suspected he didn't want it to be generally known about his now hidden, mark, nor about Emily's. And she suspected that he intended to also keep the concealment charm to himself. Blaise probably suspected there was more to the story, but he didn't say anything about it.

Blaise then told them what he had been up to this morning, which sounded rather boring after Theo's antics, and Daphne and Alexey shared their plans for another gala, which everyone supported wholeheartedly.

Although these new friends of hers were very entertaining, Hermione decided she should not miss two appearances at Purple Palace. So when she noticed it was approaching 3:30 she excused herself and headed for the floo. Before she left Daphne promised she would send her an owl as soon as she had set a date for her upcoming gala. Hermione requested an invitation for Ron, Harry and Ginny too, which Daphne agreed too and and the rest thought was an excellent idea. And while she was at it she also added Neville, Hanna, George, Luna and Rolf to the guestlist.

As she stepped into the fireplace and threw down the floo powder she heard Draco whisper in her mind.

+ Goodbye, saint Hermione. +

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

[Draco:] I think I'm getting better at this charm.

[Hermione:] Practice makes perfect.

[Draco:] You're a good teacher. Did you ever consider a career at Hogwarts?

[Hermione:] Oh, I have a standing invitation to join their staff. Maybe I'll try it at some point. Who knows.

[Draco:] But?

[Hermione:] I have mixed feelings about Hogwarts. Some great memories, but also a lot of death and destruction.

[Draco:] I know the feeling. Have you been back there?

[Hermione:] Once or twice. You?

[Draco:] No. Not at all.

[Hermione:] It's weird. Things look quite different after the rebuild. The Hogwarts we remember is gone.

[Draco:] I'm not sure I want to see that.

[Hermione:] It was fine right after the war when one wanted the memories of the war eradicated.

[Hermione:] I find it sad that it is full of students now that don't remember what it's "supposed" to look like.

[Draco:] Isn't that just a good thing? New school for a new era.

[Hermione:] I suppose. But it makes me sceptical about going back. To many memories.

[Draco:] You'll just have to find something else to do. Like becoming Minister for Magic.

[Hermione:] I suppose I do.

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Wednesday, 29 August 2012

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Hermione had eaten dinner at Harry and Ginny's and had just gotten home. Spike informed her that an owl had arrived for her while she was out, and when she entered the drawing room there was a bouquet of white roses and daisies waiting for her. A small box with some dark chocolate sat there too. She opened the note attached and found that it contained a simple "Thank you." It was signed, in a feminine handwriting; 'Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy'.

Not wanting to over-analyse this gesture of the Malfoy matriarch she left the chockolates but took the flowers with her upstairs. They looked beautiful and smelled divine. It had been a long day and she needed a bath. She was already out of her clothes and about to slip into the hot water when her fred gave a sudden pling.

[Draco:] Granger! Are you there? Turn on the wireless. NOW!

Not wanting to go back out into the living room she used her wand to turn on her radio and increased the volume enough to hear it.

"... after being taken ill this morning. The family would like to thank everyone for the support that the wizarding community has shown him during the past few weeks. Mr. Fawley was not available for interview himself at this time, but his daughter was adamant that his health is improving and that he suffered no permanent damage."

[Hermione:] Done. What am I listening to? What's happening?

[Draco:] Fawley is out of the running! He had some sort of collapse this afternoon.

[Hermione:] Poor guy. So you think he is OK?

[Draco:] Never mind him. This means you are going to win!

[Hermione:] No it doesn't. There are still five other candidates left.

[Draco:] Break out the champagne, Granger. Victory is ours.

[Hermione:] The campaign is downstairs.

[Draco:] And what? Is the staircase threatening to eat you or something?

[Hermione:] No. I'm just in the bath.

[Draco:] Naked?

[Hermione:] No. I'm wearing a scuba suit.

[Draco:] Complete with mask?

[Hermione:] With a full face snorkel mask. And fins.

[Draco:] I just had a great idea. I could come over with the champagne.

[Hermione:] Slight problem with that plan. My scuba gear is slightly invisible.

[Draco:] I don't mind.

[Hermione:] You are just evil sometimes.

[Draco:] A little evil will look good in Theo's Ferrari. .

[Hermione:] You and your cars.

[Draco:] Want a ride anywhere? Paris? Rome? Hong Kong?

[Hermione:] Getting into a car accident with you two minutes after winning the election may not be a good move.

[Draco:] I am an excellent driver. You have nothing to worry about. I'll take good care of you.

[Hermione:] So it's all about the expensive car then?

[Draco:] Of course not. We all win when the world is being ruled by a bonafide saint.

[Hermione:] Watch it, that was borderline sweet.

[Draco:] I can be sweet.

[Hermione:] Evil or sweet. Try to pick a team.

[Draco:] I pick your team, Granger.

[Hermione:] Sweet it is then.