Chapter 17: Long Distances

After their first kiss the previous day, Draco asked Hermione if she would like to try to be more than friends, and she laughingly agreed. It was time for them to finally go back to Hogwarts. The break for Easter would be relatively short – but perfect for Hermione to travel to Australia and back with parents in tow. After their portkey to Professor McGonagall's office, she bombarded them with questions, and gossiped quite the bit about the two foreign students Hogwarts had. Hermione, still giggling about their trip, explained to McGonagall that she would prefer to leave for the Easter break, and return to school when she knew where her parents were.

"My dear, all is well and I shall be certain to arrange everything for you. But certainly you won't be going alone? Do you have a family member you would like to accompany you? Must I arrange for an Auror to escort you?"

"Oh, Professor, thank you for the trouble, but I assure you I shall be perfectly fine travelling alone. Draco here is quite the competent flying instructor, and I couldn't possibly expect Harry or Ronald to go with me. I'll start packing the minute we leave your office, if that's alright?"

"Hermione, I'll go with you? I taught you how to fly, but I'll be there, in case you need me?" Draco offered.

"Why yes, Miss Granger, I believe that is a grand idea indeed. When we you be departing? Do you expect to be back in time to pass you N.E.W.T.s adequately?" McGonagall's eyes sparkled – She knew the Heads would pass their N.E.W.T.s with Outstanding.

"We believe so, Professor. We would like to leave as soon as possible, say tomorrow? Do we have your permission?" Draco asked.

"You certainly do, Mister Malfoy. Travel safely, dears."

Sleeping soundly, Hermione awoke to a yelp and a few hard clatters. She stormed outside of their dormitory, searching for an intruder, when she realized the yelp must've been Draco's. Upon her arrival at her room, she found; Ronald, unconscious, wand in hand; Krum, breathing heavily, and Draco, with a bleeding upper lip.

"What in Merlin's name is going on here? It's four in the morning! Draco are you alright? Viktor? How come you're at Hogwarts? Ronald? Ohhh, rennervate."

"Wha.. What's goin' on? Did we get him Krummy?"

"No, weasel, you did not get me. In fact, I think all you got was Hermione's wrath." Draco had a gigantic grin on his face.

"Huh?" Ron turned around, and found Hermione's death stare.

"Would you like to explain to me why you're in cahoots with Viktor Krum? And why you're in OUR dormitory? Where's Lav Lav? Viktor? And explanations to offer?"

"Hermy-own-ninny, this Ron said to me, if I help to hurt Mister Malfoy, I could have a date with you. He wanted to hurt Malfoy, because you made him jealous."

"What twisted logic is that? Only in your bloody mind, weasel!" Draco spat.

"Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time?" Ron offered weakly.

"Well Ronald, I will have you know, I'm reporting a defective Auror. I'm telling Harry, and I'll be owling your parents tomorrow. And you can tell Ginny why you cursed my broom and injured my boyfriend. Oh yes, he's my boyfriend. I already owled Harry, and Ginny is very happy for me. Now I suggest you get out of this dorm, before I alert the Headmistress of intruders. I'm sorry, but we can't be friends anymore. I made you jealous? You become jealous of your own accord – do not accuse me. And you offered me as bait to Krum? You're twisted, and I never want anything to do with you or Lav Lav again. Run to your werewolf girlfriend. And Viktor? I. WILL. NEVER. GO. ON. A. DATE. WITH. YOU. OKAY? But, you can go on a date with a friend of me and Draco's... Pansy Parkinson. You will find her near the Slytherin dorms. Ronald will show you the way. Bye."

"She's brilliant, isn't she?" Draco said proudly as they trudged out of the dorm.

"Ready to start packing, Draco?" Hermione asked with a smile.