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Wednesday, 12 September 2012
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Draco woke up as he heard his fred pling. He was in Hermione's bed and for once he was wearing his own face. He was starting to appreciate those moments more and more. The moments when he had a real girlfriend and not a fake one.
Hermione looked at him differently when he was wearing Louis's face and he definitely preferred the way she looked at him when he was himself. His fred gave another little pling so he decided to reach for it and check if it was anything important.
"Crap!"
Hermione opened one eye.
"What is it?"
"My mother cordially invites me for brunch this morning."
Hermione just laughed at that and closed her eyes again.
"You poor thing."
"Hide me," he said and pulled the duvet over both their heads.
- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -
When Draco got back from brunch with his parents he found Hermione sitting comfortably in her chair in the library reading a thick and ancient-looking book. She was completely focused.
+ Is there room for me on that couch? +
Hermione's eyes did not leave the page as she slowly drew her wand and waved it to extend the couch. Whatever she was reading had her whole attention.
Draco grabbed a random book from a nearby shelf and threw himself down on the couch besides her. He got comfortable, pulled up his feet and tucked his toes under Hermione's thigh.
After reading a few pages he closed the book and put it down on the floor. He then drew his wand and pointed it to a random shelf. One by one the books on the shelf floated towards him. In a neat little line they waited their turn as Draco read the titles and then they returned to their shelf just as neatly. This display of floating books continued for few minutes before Draco selected one and the rest floated back to their original spot.
As Draco started reading Hermione glanced up, curious to know what he had chosen. The title read "Demons" which didn't give away much of its content. Fortunately for Hermione she had read the book not too long ago so she remembered what it was about. It was a thriller by a little known Australian author that she had picked up in Perth. It was rather good. Her eyes returned back to the pages of her own book.
Half an hour later Hermione closed her book with a snap. Draco looked up.
"You know what I like about you."
A smile spread across Draco's face as he closed his own book. "Ok, this could be interesting. Tell me what you like about me."
"That you let me read in peace. And not only do you let me read, you get yourself a book and sit with me. I think it's really nice."
"I just assumed this was part of the deal. It's not like it's a secret that you like to read. Besides; I like reading too. It's one of my favourite hobbies."
"We'll it's nice. I have never had a boyfriend who wasn't constantly interrupting me when I was trying to read."
"Oh, so you're calling me your boyfriend now?"
"Well, you keep waking up in my bed so yes, I think the term might apply."
Quick as a seeker Draco got up, grabbed Hermione and dragged her down on top of him so he could kiss her.
"You're mine"
"Sounds good to me. Do I want to know what happened with your parents?"
"Probably not."
"Tell me anyway."
"They dragged it out of me that I was seeing someone but I didn't explicitly tell them who it was. We basically just danced around it for a while. They know it's you. And I know they know. And they know that I know that they know. But they are also smart enough to realise that it's my business and the best thing for them at the moment is to but out of my life for a little while. Give me time to sort it out. Especially since it's you and elections are around the corner."
"So I don't have to worry about them attacking me?"
"No. Don't worry. I can handle them."
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Thursday, 13 September 2012
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The 'moving' part of the party was a joke. Pansy had not been lying when she said there was practically nothing left at Ron's apartment. But they made a show of it anyway.
Daphne and Theo were already there when Draco and Hermione arrived. Theo just smirked at them, but Daphne needed an explanation of why they were flooing in together. It took a little while for her to pick her jaw up from the floor and find the ability to speak again, much to everyone's amusement. The rest of them had at least had a little while to adjust to the idea of Draco and Hermione together.
Pansy then announced that it was time for the 'hard work' to begin. It was time to head to Ron's apartment. Daphne and Ginny declared that they would not participating in the 'heavy lifting' and just stayed on the couch. Truth be told they were not invited because the floo had been disconnected at Ron's apartment and apparating should always be avoided when one was pregnant.
Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Pansy had all been there before so it was just, Draco and Theo that needed to be side-along apparated. Hermione apparated Draco with her and Pansy took Theo.
Ron had been renting a small apartment in Diagon Alley for the past three years. It was completely empty now, except for the 4 boxes sitting quietly in an otherwise empty living room. The boys took one box each as the girls pretended to 'ooh' and 'ahh' at their masculinity.
That being over with it was time for pizza and beer. All in all Hermione thought it was going very well. As always when boys are unsure what to talk about the talk turned to quidditch. Pansy and Hermione didn't dare to just leave them too it so they tried their best to contribute to the conversation.
Meanwhile Daphne had taken Ginny hostage in the kitchen. Being pregnant for the first time Daphne had a great need to discuss her pregnancy and since Ginny had already been through this three times Daphne would not leave her alone.
Pansy's house was bright and modern. The living room was large and had a high ceiling. Large floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over the small garden. It fitted her, and Hermione suspected that Ron would be very happy here too. The living room was open into the kitchen where Pansy had already prepared several pizzas on the kitchen island. Pansy was a master at operating the kitchen from her place on the couch where Ron was massaging her feet. One by one the pizzas were levitated into the oven, and then floated over to where the guests were sitting.
This would work. Hermione was sure of it. Just keep throwing them all together and they could all be friends. Or at least friendly. Maybe that was enough. At least no one was mentioning the war or childhood greevences. So maybe this wouldn't all blow up in her face. Maybe.
- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -
[Blaise:] Dude! Where are you? The party is starting.
[Draco:] You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
[Blaise:] Tell me anyway.
[Draco:] Hanging out with Potter.
[Blaise:] W.T.F.? Why?
[Draco:] Because I am into self-torture.
[Blaise:] Have you gone crazy?
[Draco:] Yes. Definitely.
[Blaise:] Whatever. Where is Theo?
[Draco:] Hanging out with his new bff Ronald Weasley.
[Blaise:] Very funny.
[Draco:] Oh, I'm hilarious.
[Blaise:] Well, stop messing about and get over here.
[Draco:] Don't worry. We won't miss your little get together.
[Blaise:] It's looking pretty awesome.
[Draco:] Save some booze for us. We'll be there soon.
- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -
The eight of them somehow all managed to squeeze together and grab hold of the parchment which was both an invitation and a portkey to Blaise's party. They appeared on a small hilltop near Fleshwick Bay. From there they had a good view over the area.
Blaise had gone all out. Since there was too little room on the beach to set up tents; the bay itself was filled with enormous, floating, bubble-like domes, Each floating dome was probably about 12 meters across and they were all interconnected with tunnels. One could not see what was going on inside but one could see lights dancing on some of the dome roofs and hear different music emanating from each dome. The central dome was somewhat larger and the lightshow there seemed relatively calm. Theo informed them that this was where one could find the drinks and food. Five of the bubble-domes had tunnels reaching to the shore and you could see people heading towards these entrances.
"We better go down there. Can't be late for the party!" came from Theo.
"Lead the way," answered Harry.
Draco put his hand on Hermione's back, but quickly withdrew it when he remembered that he was wearing his own face. He settled for walking behind her instead.
+ Sorry. +
Hermione just turned and smiled at him, wishing she too could project like that. He met her eyes and smiled back.
Alexey was waiting for them outside a nearby tunnel and Daphne waved him over. Theo then informed Draco that Emily was somewhere inside and he was going to try to find her. Draco nodded. Hermione was pleased to see that the two of them seemed back to their usual rhythm.
Theo half-ran into the first tunnel and the rest followed at a slower pace. Once through they found themselves in a dome with muggle eighties music blasting away. Hermione recognised the song. It was "Holding out for a hero" by Bonnie Tyler. But instead of people dancing they found the floor covered in trampolines. Several of the trampolines were already occupied with giggling wizards and witches jumping up and down. Pansy immediately grabbed Ron and dragged him towards an available trampolin. The rest of them continued towards a random tunnel, curious what they would find in the next dome.
The next bubble had calmer music playing. Here they found circular seating along the edges filled with mesmerised witches and wizards. Everyone's eyes were fixated on the show. It looked like a jungle of silk ribbons were hanging down from the impossibly high dome as acrobats performed impossible maneuvers between the ribbons. Jumping, stretching and rolling between the ribbons. It was beautifully choreographed to the music and absolutely mesmerizing. A magical acrobatic show. Hermione had never seen anything like it.
They stayed for a while watching before Harry and Ginny snapped them back saying they wanted to find out what was in the next tent. The six of them randomly chose a tunnel and found themselves in a dome where a live band played dance music. There were mostly older witches and wizards here waltzing about and having a good time. Daphne waved to her parents before they moved on to the next dome.
They had found the central dome. As large as the other bubbles were, this one was high enough that they could barely see the ceiling. There were standing tables in the middle and constellations of couches along the edges. Floating tapas trays flew gently around the room and the bar was open.
At the bar they saw Zabini wearing a bright yellow suit. Draco chuckled as they approached.
"Well, well, well. Isn't this an unlikely group of snakes and lions," Blaise commented.
"Yes, well. We are all besties now. We just came from Ron and Pansy's move-in party. Of course the two of them were the first to abandon the group when we got here," came from Daphne as she reached over the bar to give Blaise a hug.
"They had a move-in party? Why wasn't I invited?"
"It wasn't really a party. Just us. Besides, you were a bit busy throwing a party of your own, it seems. Oh, and while I remember. It's apparently a secret that they are living together. Pansy doesn't want her mother to get any ideas about ordering wedding dresses."
"My lips are sealed. So what can I get you lot?"
"Am I going to get a 'Zabine is my hero'-tattoo if I eat anything in here?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I could make you a special batch if you want to, but no. Everything I am serving is pretty harmless. I chose another route to remind people who is paying for tonight."
He lifted a finger and as if on cue the music stopped and Blaise's voice could be heard echoing throughout the party. "Forty seven hours to go until the election closes. Make your pebble yellow for Zabini."
"It may just annoy people, but at least they remember who threw the party"
"That explains the yellow suit then."
"Oh yes. They decided to give me a Hufflepuff colour and I decided to turn it around and own it. Make yellow my colour and learn to love it."
"Nothing wrong with yellow per say. You look good in yellow."
"Why thank you very much, miss Granger. Which colour did they give you?"
"Purple."
"Oh, come on! That's just favouritism. How can they do that?"
"I guess I could claim clairvoyance and that I knew what colour I was going to get when I decorated purple palace."
"Are you claiming clairvoyance?"
"No, of course not. Whoever decided the colours must just like me."
"Yea, whatever. I'm not going to even bother getting upset over this. Now what can I get you?"
They chatted for a bit while Blaise served them drinks. Harry asked about the security, and Blaise assured him that everything had been cleared with Jonathan at the Auror office. Harry relaxed slightly.
Draco looked over their little group and realised that they had already lost Pansy, Ron and Theo and it was only a matter of time before they would lose Daphne and Alexey too. When that happened people would wonder what Draco was doing with Hermione and the Potters. It was time for Draco to disappear. He excused himself and headed for the men's room where he altered his robes slightly and gulped down a polyjuice potion. When he got back Daphne and Alexey were, predictably, gone.
Hermione raised an eyebrow at him when he put his arms around her.
"So that's where you went."
"Yes."
+ It was time. Draco may have been fine as a part of the mixed group, but you may have noticed that the mixed group is gone now. Plus, I am better able to keep you safe if I'm allowed to touch you. +
"I suppose."
Harry and Ginny said nothing about Draco's new face and just suggested they explored a few more domes. So they wandered towards a random tunnel. The next dome was missing a large chunk of it's floor showing the ocean below. There were blue lights swimming about in the water. It was beautiful. Hermione suspected that there was a warming charm on the water because she heard people talking about jumping in. So far no one had dared to be the first to get wet though.
In the next dome the music was loud and the strobe lights flashed so fast it looked like a series of still images. Draco spotted Theo and Emily in the crowd but they did not see him. Lee Jordan was also there dancing with some witch they did not recognise and Hermione saw several of her Purple Palace staff. Erik, Isabella and Elina seemed to be trying to get Henry to dance. Ginny decided this was not the dome for them and led them towards the next tunnel.
In the next dome they found an opera singer on a stage singing something that sounded like a mix between rock and opera. Mrs. and Mr. Weasley sat on a couch nearby and waved them over. Harry, Ginny and Hermione all took turns at hugging Mrs. Weasley. Mr. Weasley also got a couple of hugs. Louis got officially introduced to the Weasley and then they sat down, each pair on it's own couch, and listened to the show.
"Are you Ok?" Hermione whispered to Draco after a little while.
"Yes."
"You're sure?"
+I'm fine. We seem relatively safe here. Plus, I get to hold you. Stop worrying about me and just enjoy the show. +
- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -
Later on Draco and Hermione were heading for the bar. They stopped to say hi to George and Iris and five meters later they were stopped by Septima Vector seemed to want to talk to Hermione about absolutely nothing. When they finally came to the bar Blaise was not there, but a young witch was ready to take their orders.
Draco leaned against the bar scanning the crowd as they waited for their drinks.
"See anyone dangerous?"
"No one obvious, but neither did I see it coming last time."
"Try to enjoy yourself a little bit."
"Want to dance?"
"With you? Always. Which dome were you thinking?"
"Probably best if we go waltzing. Try to gather votes from the older crowd. You're already pretty popular with the younger voters. Besides, no one can see anything at the rave. You can just say you were there."
They took their drinks and wandered towards what they thought was the right tunnel. It wasn't and they ended up in the dome missing a big part of the floor. People had apparently decided that swimming was an excellent idea. About twenty or thirty wizards were in the water. Blaise was easy to spot in his bright yellow, and now thoroughly soaked, suit. They walked around the water, trying not to get wet, and ran into Theo and Emily.
"Hi Hermione," Theo said as he gave her a quick hug. Then he nodded his head at Draco. "Louis."
"Hi Theo. Are you two going in?"
"I don't think so. You?"
"No. We're Ok. We were thinking about finding the dance floor. Do you know which tunnel we should aim for?"
"Classical dancing or muggle?"
"I think we'll go for classical."
"Over there."
"Thanks, Theo."
"Any time."
Theo did not acknowledge Draco as he put his arm around Emily and left them. Draco and Hermione started walking in the direction of the tunnel Theo had indicated.
"Are you two alright?"
"Probably. Who knows. Either Theo is like Pansy and just doesn't like me being Louis, or he is just trying to being extra careful about not giving anything away in front of Emily."
"Or he is mad about us not wanting to include Emily."
"Or that. Who knows."
Once through the tunnel they found themselves in a brightly lit dome with a large dance floor. About 40 pairs of dancers were twirling to the music and another 40 witches and wizards were standing to the side talking to one another. Hermione spotted Draco's parents and her eyes met Narcissa's for a moment.
But before she could point them out to Draco he heard something. A pop and a buzz. Not everyone would have recognized it for what it was, but Draco had not lived a calm and quiet life. He knew immediately that someone was in mortal danger. And most likely that someone was Hermione. He grabbed her hand and dragged her back towards the tunnel.
+ Run, Hermione. +
She did. She did not know what she was running from, but she trusted Draco and so she followed him. Draco started cursing when he heard another pop.
"What is it?"
+ We have to find Theo. He's the only one that can save us now. +
Hermione drew out her wand, quickly conjured her patronus and sent it to Theo. The otter skipped ahead of the running pair and Hermione directed Draco to follow it.
The two of them ran as fast as they could through the bubble where people were swimming. Hermione thought she heard someone calling for her but she did not slow down. They followed Hermione's patronus down the tunnel leading to the bar. Half way through that dome Harry spotted them and correctly assumed that something was wrong. He started running after them. Down another tunnel they went and this time all three of them heard the third pop. The buzzing got a bit louder and Hermione could hear Harry swear loudly somewhere behind them.
The otter lead them into a dome they had not been to before. The music playing here had a happy mellody and the people were playing some sort of enormous floor game. The whole floor was covered in brightly coloured hexagons, some of which were moving up while others were falling. Hermione did not have time to figure out what was going on. Her otter had found Theo, who immediately spotted them as he looked for the source of the patronus. He started running towards Draco and when they were close enough for him to be able to hear them Draco yelled
"Maledictapes. Set Nott-7.".
Theo's eyes bulged and he yelled back: "T-8. Go!"
Quick as lightning Draco turned around, grabbed Hermione and apparated them out of there, leaving Harry behind, frustrated and completely out of the loop. Theo did not spare him or Emily a second thought as he also apparated away.
- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -
They landed in a thicket of trees and Hermione recognized the Fourth Hollow quidditch pitch to the left of them.
"Keep running Hermione."
"What is it?"
+ Those things are called maledictapes. Dark magic. We need to keep running for another 8 minutes to give Theo time to set the trap. Hopefully we can catch them before they catch us. +
And they ran. Hermione did not know what Maledictapes were, but she assumed Draco knew what he was talking about. She used her wand to quickly change her shoes into running shoes. The muggle dress she had chosen to wear tonight was reasonably short, so at least that was not slowing her down. They had only gone half way across the quidditch pitch when she heard a pop again. Draco immediately grabbed her and apparated them to a new location.
This time they were on the outskirts of Hogsmeade and started running towards the Shrieking Shack. Fifty meters along the path Hermione heard two pops and Draco apparated them to a new location. This procedure repeated. They ran, heard the pop and then aparated. Every now and then Hermione heard Draco's voice in her head urging her on. He sounded genuinly worried.
Hermione recognised some of the locations they tan past and some she didn't. When she got winded she thought about those people who would jogg outside her house every morning in ridiculously colorful gear and she regretted that she hadn't taken up jogging herself. Draco noticed that she was slowing down and hit her with a healing spell of some sort. It helped and she picked up her pace.
When they apparated outside the Old Mill hotel in Salisbury Draco confessed he was running out of ideas for uninhabited areas. So it was Hermione's turn to choose where they went to. They ran and they apparated. This time they visited many of the places that Hermione, Harry and Ron had been to when they were on the run from Voldemort.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, Draco's fred gave a pling.
+ Finally. That must be Theo telling us he has the trap set. Are you ready? +
Hermione was completely out of breath so she just nodded. Draco put his arm around her waist and they apparated.
This time they landed at Nott manor. Immediately Hermione could feel a crushing weight pushing in on her entire body. Only one of her feet was on the ground. But it didn't matter because she was not falling. She could not move in any direction. Even breathing was a bit difficult. Draco's arm was still around her waist and she could see that he was in the same situation. Completely still and trying his best to take slow deep breaths. She mimicked him, which was hard when she was this out of breath.
+ Just relax and focus on your breathing, Hermione. We're safe here. They can't get at us now. +
Then she heard the pop.
This time she could see what it was had caused all the panic. It looked like an oversized wasp. Probably about 5 or 6 centimeters long, with thick red and black stripes. It moved lazily as if it was looking for something. As if it was hunting. When it spotted her it started flying in circles around her and eying her. She felt like pray. Her heart pounded in her chest. She couldn't move and there was an evil looking insect staring at her.
+ You're safe. I promise. +
Then there was another pop, followed by three more. Suddenly there were five of them. And it didn't stop there. More and more of these evil looking, oversized wasps popped in and watched her as she stood perfectly still in Draco's arms.
+ Crap, these are scary looking. I've never seen so many of them all at once. Someone really went overboard here. +
When there were about twenty of them, then the buzzing suddenly intensified and one after another they attacked. They came at her with high speed, aiming their sting right at her.
The weight on Hermione kept her from opening her mouth, but she screamed nonetheless. Hermione even thought she heard a yelp coming from Draco. It was a genuinely terrifying moment. Even when someone you trust tells you that you are safe, you don't want to see twenty oversized insects attacking you. It does not feel like the definition of safe you are used to.
About a meter away from them the insects meet with resistance. They too got caught in the heavy weight that was surrounding them, and they too appeared to be frozen.
One by one the insects attacked and were caught. The buzzing stopped. When all of them sat frozen together in Theo's trap Hermione could the angry little insects were staring at her with pure hate in their tiny eyes.
"Well, well, well. Time to check the traps and see what I have caught."
+ There he is. +
Theo strode out from the shadow with a huge grin on his face. He circled them and inspected his handiwork.
"Don't you two look cute together."
He winked at Hermione, but frozen as she was, she could just give him what she hoped was an annoyed look.
+ The git is enjoying this a little too much. +
"Well, I better get this show on the road. Call in the Aurors and whatnot. I am afraid the two of you are stuck for a little while longer though. If I take down the trap then these lovely little butterflies of yours will get loose and we wouldn't want that."
+ Well, if I have to be trapped here for a while then at least I have some good company. If you're bored you could try to figure out how to answer me. Just an idea. +
Theo took up his fred and started messaging people. Since he was not friends with Harry, he messaged Pansy, who was with Ron at the party. The two of them quickly found Harry, frantic with worry and surrounded by fellow Aurors.
Since Nott manor was on high alert Theo had to return to the party to fetch the Aurors. Once he explained the situation to them, Harry decided to deal with it himself. He only took two Aurors with him since he did not want to leave the party undefended. Ginny, Pansy and Ron refused vehemently to be left behind, and since Ginny was pregnant and couldn't apparate Harry took all of them back to the Ministry with a portkey, and from there they took the floo to Nott manor.
It had taken almost twenty minutes for Theo and the whole lot of them to finally return to the spot where Draco and Hermione still stood frozen and surrounded by angry maledictapes. Hermione had tried but she still hadn't figured out how to project her thoughts to Draco, whitch was starting to get her annoyed. It couldn't be that hard.
+ Finally. The cavalry has arrived. +
"Those are nasty looking. What are they?" asked Ron.
"Maledictapes," answered Harry. "They are bred to hunt a specific target. With some nasty bit of dark magic their sting is extremely lethal. Once I saw they were after Hermione I was afraid this was it for her. Apparating doesn't help. They will find you wherever you go."
"I've never seen so many. In the war Voldemort usually just sent one or two of these things after their target."
"You're right, Nott. This is rather extreme."
"Fortunately for you her blond protector over here had anticipated this possibility. You see, Potter, this is the difference between a snake and a lion. Snakes always have a plan. And a backup plan. And another backup plan in case the first backup plan fails."
"Seriously? You two had this all worked out in advance?"
"Well, yes. Years ago, The only difference is that we thought Draco would be the intended victim. He really is rather unpopular, poor thing."
+ I'm going to have to punch Theo one of these days. It would be good for him. He can be such a git. +
The Aurors got to work. Carefully they extracted the Maledictapes one by one, killing them and caging them for good measure. It took them almost fifteen minutes to get all of them. And another couple of minutes for Theo to ease the defences of the manor back to normal.
When the weight finally lifted of Hermione and Draco they collapsed on the ground taking a few deep breaths.
Ginny and Pansy rushed to Hermione to check on her while Harry took on his official Auror expression and faced Draco.
"So. Do you want to tell me exactly what happened?"
"I would think that was rather obvious, Potter. The assassin has stepped up his game," Draco said from where he was sitting on the ground with a hand on Hermione's waist as she lay in the grass recovering.
"And how exactly did you know what to do?"
"I recognised the sound. The buggers were used a few times during the war."
"Why didn't you come to me for help?"
"We didn't have time for a friendly chat. I already had a plan in place with Theo in case either one of us ever got targeted with maledictapes."
"You're seriously saying you were expecting someone would use maledictapes against you?"
"It was a possibility. One of many we discussed at some point. Never hurts to be prepared."
Harry did not look happy, but couldn't really come up with any logical reason for why he felt so annoyed at Malfoy. His plan had worked, it just hadn't included him.
"I guess I should just be happy you managed to handle it."
"Just out of curiosity, what would you have done?"
"Apparated you into the isolation rooms at the ministry. There is no time in there. It would have had a similar effect. You would have become bait as you were frozen in time and the insects would have been caught as they tried to attack."
"Good to know the Auror office isn't completely incompetent."
Harry sighed.
"Well, it doesn't matter now. You handled it your way and aside from me almost getting a heart attack, there is no harm done."
"You could say thank you."
"Don't push your luck, Malfoy."
Hermione finally sat up. Draco reached over and took her one hand while she used the other one to push her hair back a bit.
"There were a lot of people that saw us running like the devil was after us. We may have to give an explanation for what happened."
"I'm not to worried about that," Draco said. "The Auror office can give a statement of some sort. Right Potter?"
"What do you have in mind?"
"Something along the lines of how Hermione once again came under attack and once again she survived. No further details since it's an ongoing investigation. That way the papers will be full of speculations tomorrow, which is perfect since it's the day before the election. Hermione lies low in the morning and then gives Lee an exclusive interview in the afternoon, gaining tons of sympathy votes."
"There's the Draco we all know and admire," came from Theo. "Running for his life one moment and then using the maledictapes a pawns in his little political game ten minutes later. Bravo. Now let's get inside and get a drink. Who's with me?"
Harry helped Hermione up and gave her a hug, checking that she really was Ok. Then he had to go with the Aurors back to the ministry to analyse the maledictapes and issue a statement about what had happened. Ginny said she was heading home, so Harry changed his plans slightly so he could to escort Ginny home first. Even with the Nott manor defences back to normal levels apparating was out of the question so the Aurors and Ginny accepted Theo's offer to use the floo at the manor.
As they all started to walk towards Nott manor Harry held Draco back a bit.
"I'm going to have to ask you again."
"Ask me what?"
"Ask you to share your memories of the evening."
Draco's eyes narrowed and he slowed down considering the request.
"I really hate you, Potter."
"Well, some things never change."
"Ok, but I want to go through them first. I am not taking you with me to the bathroom and that bit with the opera singer is rather pointless. You were there and you can take a look at your own memories if you want to relive that bundle of joy. The bit about us running and apparating across the UK is also rather pointless. But yes. I can get the relevant bits to you later. Theo has a pensive so I should be able to owl it to you tonight."
"Thank you. That's all I ask. Let's go."
The Aurors left first, taking the maledictapes with them. Then Harry and Ginny gave Hermione a hug and disappeared after them. Ron looked like he wanted nothing more than to leave as well, but Pansy and Hermione ganged up on him, so he stayed.
Once everyone had a drink, and the house elves had served some snacks, the fireplace lit up and the twins came through. They introduced themselves to Ron and Hermione as Formido and Pavor Nott. Hermione realised that even if she had known about them she had never known their individual names. They were always just 'the Nott twins'.
Formido and Pavor had been at Blaise's party and seen Hermione and Louis run past the bar. They informed them that rumors were flying wild at the party after they left about what had happened. Since Hermione had been attacked twice already most people had correctly guessed that she was under attack yet again, although no one seemed to have guessed correctly to what really had happened this time.
Hermione snuggled up in Draco's arms, and since he still looked like Louis he did not want to draw too much attention to himself. So it was up to Theo to fill in the twins the best he could. Ron chuckled slightly at his awkward attempt to somehow explain what had happened without involving the Draco/Louis situation. Pansy just hit Ron on the shoulder and then tried to divert the conversation back to safe topics.
Hermione used this moment to check her fred. Sure enough there were several messages waiting for her.
[Harry:] Where did you disappear to? Those things are extremely dangerous.
[Ron:] Saw you running by. Should I be worried?
[Harry:] Please tell me you're alive at least. Get back here if you can. I can fix this.
[George:] Tell me you're Ok. I don't like the rumors I'm hearing.
[Ginny:] Harry is going out of his mind here. Where are you?
[Pansy:] Talk to me when you get this. I want to know what happened.
[Luna:] Seems like you are having an exciting evening. Care to fill me in?
[Molly:] Dear Hermione. I just heard a rumor about you getting poisoned again. Please tell me you're Ok. Sinc
[George:] Now I can't find Harry or Ron either. What is going on?
[Neville:] Is someone after you? Anything I can do to help?
[Lee:] Talk to me, Hermione.
Hermione answered George, Luna, Molly and Neville, assuring them that she was out of danger, all was well and she was just heading to bed now. She told Lee that he would have to wait until tomorrow before interviewing her about what had happened. Draco was watching what she was doing and projected towards her:
+ I hope that's my bed you're talking about there. +
Suddenly the fireplace lit up and Emily walked in. The twins made a quick exit at the sight of her expression. She looked furious and headed straight for Theo, who backed away as she approached.
"What on Earth, Theo! Two days ago you were furious at Hermione for something or other, and now you just take off with her without a word of explanation."
"Calm down, Emily. Whatever you're thinking… well.. do I even want to know what you're thinking? But, ehm, whatever it is I am sure it is nowhere close to what actually happened."
"I'm thinking that I got left alone on the dancefloor as you disappeared with Hermione and what's-his-name right in front of an absolutely furious Harry Potter. I thought Potter would bite my head off. I mean, you just left! I demand to know what is going on!"
Theo just opened and closed his mouth a few times not knowing what to say. He looked like he was doing a goldfish impression. Emily had a point. He had done just that. Just left her without a second thought.
Hermione sighed and decided to come to his rescue.
"Welcome to the afterparty, Emily. Grab a drink and join the fun."
Emily's narrowed eyes turned on Hermione instead.
"I'm very sorry I stole Theo away from you but I assure you that had a very good reason for it. You see; apparently I had maledictapes after me. So tonight Theo has been upgraded to my best friend, sorry Pansy, because he managed to save my life with some quick thinking."
Emily's eyes went wide at that and her hand flew to her mouth as she processed this new piece of information.
"Maledictapes? Seriously? No way!"
"Pretty much. It's a miracle I am alive, so get yourself a drink and kiss your boyfriend for me. He is a hero."
Emily calmed down significantly at that. It was obvious that she knew all about maledictapes, and the thought of over twenty of them being loose at the party sent chills down her spine.
Emily told them what had happened at the party after they disappeared. There had been plenty of rumors flying, but no one was taking it seriously enough to stop partying. She had been hoping Theo would return for her, but gave up as the fireworks were about to start and decided to find him instead. Hermione checked the time, and true enough it was 1 am already.
Seeing her move Pansy also checked the time.
"Well we better head home. We have to get up for work tomorrow."
And with that she threw a general "goodbye" to the room and dragged Ron towards the fireplace.
Suddenly Theo and Emily were left alone with Hermione and Draco, who still looked like Louis. Hermione couldn't help but smile as Theo tried to navigate the social awkwardness.
+ Now, this will be fun. +
"Well, Hermione. I know I've said this before, but I should maybe extend the offer again. There are plenty of guestrooms here at the manor if you would like to stay the night. Draco is away tonight, but I expect he will be back at breakfast and I know he would like to hear the story of today straight from you."
+ Look at him squirm. This is hilarious. +
"Why, thank you Theo. I think I will take you up on your offer to stay the night. It was rather scary to be chased half way across England and I wouldn't mind knowing you are in the building if I need further saving. I'll send you my patronus your way if I need you."
"Well Ok then. I recommend the rooms on the third floor. Just ask the house elves to assist you if you need anything. Let's go Emily."
And he grabbed Emily by the hand and dragged her out of there.
"That wasn't suspicious at all."
"You really should reconsider about Emily. She seems Ok."
"You trust everyone, Hermione."
"So, that's a no then?"
"Not tonight at least. Come on. My quarters are in the east tower."
"Ok. But you're not getting me naked with that face on."
"I know, don't worry. Now come on. Let me show you where I live."