A/N: Sorry. Sorry, sorrry, sorry, sorry, sorry. I took a week-long or two-week long vacation from writing. Sorry. But these are long-ass chapters, you know! A-bubbedy THIRD CHAPTER!
A/N2: Oh yeah, that anonymous person who review saying this story is too "sexual" for a twleve year old; I'M THE ONE who's' twelve, but not the story.I f I want to put sexual themes in my story, then I will! Am I good at it? Well, strangely enough, yes! I find it a very good principle in writing, especially if it's rated T;to make it a little sexual. Why? BECAUSE, PEOPLE, IT MAKES IT INTRESTING! So, do not underestimate me because of my age, okay?
Malfoy seemed to resent me on my stay; but it was already the night of the third day, and I kept looking outside as I half-heatedly scrubbed the mahogany table, as the humidity in the air fell to the grass in mist like lace, covering the large yard. I needed to get out....
"You missed a spot!" he said before snapping his Daily Prophet back to his face. I scowled deeply, scrubbing even harder on the same spot furiously.
"Want your tea?" I asked, shoving the bristles of the stiff scrubbing brush near his arm and grazing him, hopefully painfully. He seemed to twitch at this, glare at me, then snap his newspaper back.
"Sure," he said gruffly. I stalked off to the kitchen, seeing the plastic bags on the table and pulling it's contents out; his house elf must have gone to the store. I pulled out several orange-wrapped bricks of dried noodles. I looked at words on the package: Top Ramen. Then under it, Chicken Flavored. I shrugged to myself, putting two of the blocks in a pot I had rinsed quickly. They also had little silver packets with straight, meat orange lettering on it. 'Full of flavor, I suppose,' I thought, leaving them be. I turned, seeing Malfoy, looking slightly dazed at the doorway.
"I had a dream about you last night," he said after two painful minutes of silence. There was a part of me that wanted to shove past him and not listen to any rubbish he had to say, but another part wanted to forget about the scene with Pansy, make up with him, and listen. I chose to stick around.
"You don't say? What was it about?" I asked curiously, but casually.
"Well, you were happy, really happy in this sundress on this really nice cliff that looked out over a warm river, and you were reading when I walked up to you. You closed the book and smiled at me, and told me how beautiful the sky was, turning around slowly and putting your arms out. Guess what I did." I smiled at the warm dream Malfoy had about me; maybe it was because he would start confiding in me so I could report, or it could've been because I just wanted to speak to someone again.
"What?" I asked.
"I pushed you, and you fell in the river," he said, trying to contain his laughs. White-hot burning anger blazed through me and I shoved him hard on the chest, walking away as he held his chest, laughing hard. I couldn't believe the little ferret, saying that to me, and laughing on top of it. Some company! But the only company, I thought, sitting down at the table.
"Claire, it was a joke, cool it!" he said.
"Well, it wasn't funny, it was nonsensical rubbish! Now leave me alone, I thought you weren't talking to me!" I said, my emotions getting the better of me. I wasn't sure of what I was really doing; yelling and getting angry at him for things that had nothing to do with Death Eaters or anything else that concerned what I was supposed to be doing. He seemed to get serious at this point.
"What's the matter?" he asked in a serious tone. I groaned in frustration with his calmness.
"YOU! You are the matter, you make me so mad!" I yelled.
"So...?" he asked, bemused. I stomped my foot in frustration again. "It's who I am, who I'll always be, and there's nothing you can ever do to stop it! But then again.." he swooped quickly next to me and snaked an arm around my stomach. "Maybe you could," I pushed him away, in frustration of him and my feelings towards him.
"What's different about you?! You're not the same stupid ferret I knew!" I felt slapping myself after that as Malfoy stared at me, wide-eyes and in shock.
"I've never...how do you know...?" he asked suspiciously, taking a good look at me.
"My best friend..who was a pen pal was Hermione Granger!" I invented wildly. He still stared at me, looking for any hints of lying, and I tried to look calm, but he slouched his shoulders in defeat.
"Hm, and I thought Potty and Weasel were her only friends..." he murmured to himself.
"Don't talk about Harry like that!" I snarled angrily, before realizing that he didn't know I had met Harry; Heck, he didn't even know I was Hermione Granger! He seemed surprised by this lashing out, but more surprised I knew of Harry personally.
"So, I guess Potter wrote in those letters too?" he asked rather calmly. I nodded slowly, thinking of why he'd eerily make such a good alibi. He nodded, with a look of satisfaction.
"Alright, alright. So she told you of my..nickname?" he said tersely.
"Yes, and she said you were a bloody prat too," I scolded. He frowned, striding to me and getting very lose to me in suspicion.
"Where is Hermione right now?" he asked.
"I dont know...she might be dead." I lied. Of course I wasn't dead, I would know! He didn't seem angry, or happy, but just confused. He began muttering things to himself, trying to make it look indiscreet.
"Oh. Is our food ready?" I gasped, turning on my heel and towards the stove, forgetting all about the pot. it was almost overflowing and as I tried to take the top off, it hissed and fizzled angrily until I shut the heat off, and even then it made a feeble attempt to burn me. I drained the water and took the two packets, opening them and spreading the powder slowly before stirring. Malfoy watched over my shoulder idly as I took the ladel from the sink, rinsed it and spooned the noodles into two bowls until the pots contents were empty. Malfoy seemed content, as was I; the scent of the chicken flavoring was delicious. Putting two forks in each and pulling out some firewhiskey, we walked, sitting down at the dining table.
We ate our dinner in silence, even though I caught him looking at me strangely every other second. When he was done, he seemed happy, but frustrated.
"Great," he said, sounding slightly mad.
"What now?" I asked, annoyed.
"Now, everything smells like chicken!" He said.
I laughed. "Well, what do you expect, it to smell like rosemary and cinnamon?" I was thinking of the same perfume Ginny gave me for Christmas.
"No. But that sounds a lot like what you smell like." he said. It was obvious he had smelled it before, and it wasn't a very good example. I blushed. "What about me?' he asked, leaning over the table and was evidently happy to see me loosened up again.
"You smell like AXE." I flatly retorted, downing his spirits, even though I knew it was a lie. With a sudden surge of pride, I strutted to the kitchen, carrying both of our bowls and, while I still could, bringing two goblets for firewhiskey. I came back in and he look very bored and tired as I poured a reasonable amount for the both of us. He smiled, a a smile crept onto my face also. Silence is golden.
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"Hey, Ginny." I said into the compact. I was in the confines of my room; Malfoy said he had something to show me, and it was getting dark, so I wanted to update with Ginny. She seemed bouncing and happy. "How's Ton-"
"As fit as a whistle!" she chirped happily. I was happy for her, but rolled my eyes. "Er, no, as wit as a fhistsle!"
"As fit as a fiddle. Anyways, that's wonderful!"
"So, how are you? Anything yet?" she asked.
I sighed. "No progress. Ginny...I think I...might like him. Like, alot." She scratched the back of her neck nervously.
"I saw this day coming. Well....is he really different?"
"So hard to explain, but overall, he's a different man." Ginny still look wary, and I sighed exasperatedly. "Listen..I've only liked so many guys in my life. But I know when I do...and I do. No denying it."
"Hermione.....he doesn't know it's you, he might kill you if he found out!'
"True..but, oh god, you should feel the feeling I get when I'm around him. He's greedy, he's an arse, and he's perverse. But I just.....I can't help it. He's like poisoned candy, Gin. You want it, but you just know you cant have it."
"Except in this case, it might kill you. Literally. I'm just saying.....oh, if you think you really like him, then I won't tell the Order. Promise me you'll be careful. And don't do anything stupid like....falling in love with him, okay?"
"Okay." but Ginny still seemed wary.
"Hermione. Be careful."
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"Why are you showing me this?" I asked, looking outside, seeing a 12-year-old use his wand to water the lawn and his mother, scowling as she dragged him inside, yelling.
"Because, it's beautiful. I haven't been here in months." They were on a small balcony a room in the back led to. Of course, it was small, but Hermione hadn't seen it while flying overhead. It was nearly sunset, and the sky was completely painted with bright yellows, happy oranges and deep reds, with a small exciting purple at the bottom.
"So it's true. The smog does make really good sunsets." I said bluntly, picking at my cuticle.
"Why are you such a wet blanket? I mean, this sunset is beautiful. but not as beautiful as you." he said quietly, taking my hand that was hanging over the edge and blushed.
I had to admit, he looked kind of cute like that, and his steely eyes innocent and soft, the faint red that made his pale face look as if someone brushed rose petals against his upper cheeks. He glanced at me quickly, and I sighed softly. He was Malfoy, but I felt.....something inside of me lighten and explode. I knew I wasn't who he thought, but...I was starting to like him. And in more than a lets-go-broom-riding-mate kind of way. I inhaled and exhaled deeply, feeling like that little bubble in my stomach was expanding.
"Why are you all like this? I mean, earlier today, during dinner you were-"
"Claire." he said quietly, and a turned to him, feeling my knees shake. He leaned his face close to mine.
"You know how people say you should think before you act?" he asked, slowly and barely touching his fingertips to the side of my face. I nodded, and tried to look away, but couldn't.
"Don't." he said. I stared, and understood what he meant. Ok, ok, Hermione, don't panic, just...let go! Who knew letting go meant holding onto his as he kissed me back. When he let go, I felt my face grow redder and redder. he just stared at me admiringly, a small smile. I realized it had gotten darker quickly, and it was almost dinnertime.
"Nice night." he said, grinning like a idiot as he turned, still smiling and walked towards the doorway. I knew he wasn't smiling because of the night.
"And I thought you were such a big, bad dragon." I mocked, smirking but was still shaking from that kiss. His face turned stony, and that's when I knew I had hit a nerve.
"Yeah, yeah, so I kiss you one time and you think I've gone soft? Please." he scoffed. I chuckled, shutting the door behind us.
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We were sitting in silence like an old married couple. I was reading a book from the library, as was he. I shot him admiring looks every once in a while. I had no idea he actually liked reading.
"I.." he started, but trailed off, mumbling.
"Hm?" I asked, curious.
"Have you ever had that feeling like you're...kind of missing out?" He asked. I was still confused and he elaborated. "Like everyone else in the world is happy except for you? And all the good things are happening somewhere else?" I lowered my eyes to the goblet, and blinked. Because inside, I knew exactly how he felt.
"Yes." I said quietly. "I'm guessing that's how you feel?" I was downcast, but at the same time, almost shocked Malfoy was expressing his feelings to me.
"Quite often when you live alone. I've lived all alone in this house for what, a year maybe? Almost no contact with the outside world. Although, I can't tell you why." he mumbled. I felt my stomach's knot loosen as I neared him.
"You can tell me." I determinedly.
"I...I almost tried to...murder my headmaster. Of my school. Some other bloke did it though." I gave a convincing gasp, even though I meant to; I didn't know he still thought about that. "The same guy and I ran when finally, after it all, I called it quits. I didn't want to be a part of...it anymore. it was dangerous, and it was wrong. God, I can even remember how scared I was. I chickened out, but I don't regret it. But, of course, that was right before the end of last summer I came back, and I heard......some guy down the street and his wife talking about Voldemort being dead. Then they talked about Potter, gossiped for minutes and minutes on end. And now....now I wonder if I had been there, if it would had made a difference If maybe I...." I closed my eyes, fearing tears would force themselves out. He seemed to have his eyes closed in deep concentration also.
I've got this down. Ron is pretty skeptical, but I say I've got this. Its such a beautiful wedding, but we had to be prepared.
Then, boom. A table of witches explodes, causing family members to scream and evacuate the small tables set up outside.
Bill chases after her, her white dress' trail drifting off as she pulls her wand out. I run behind a pole, covered in flowers under the arch, firing off spells like an AK47.
Bellatrix approached me, looking greedy to get her hands on me, a Mudblood. 'Well, not this Mudblood, and not today!' I thought, stunning her. Dolohov approached me quickly also. I saw a Death Eater carrying Ron, but was knocked out by an impressive Stun by Ginny.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!" Harry shouted, and everything seemed to stop as Voldemort tumbled to the ground, dead. I was going to hug him as The Azkaban officials got a hold on some Death Eaters, and I was relieved. Until a cold, clammy hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me in the bushes. I saw the shiny blade of the knife on my neck, and I screamed.
"HARRY!" was the only name I could think of, that I could call. He turned, right before Lucuis killed another Azkaban official and had his wand up to the hero.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!" the angered man screamed, and as he turned, to my horror, the spell hit him squarely in the chest. Flipping over, once, twice, three times, the conquering hero was dead. That's when I realized something.
It was all my fault.
It was all my fault.
It was all my fault.
I snapped my eyes open and Draco was holding my hand from across the sofa, looking worried. Touching my face self-consciously, I realized I had been fitfully crying. Why was I thinking about that now?
"Believe me. It wouldn't have." I said softly before getting up quickly, muttering a "excuse me" and walking upstairs to clutch the small, wool blanket around me, attempting to escape my memories.