Disclaimer: Pumpkin cake, pumpkin cake, writer man. Bake me a script as
fast as you can. You write it, you type it, you mark it with a J for
Rowling and me!
(to the theme of patty cake. I changed it to pumpkin, cause... you know... wizards... pumpkins... never mind)
Last time on LGG:
"The broom's gone," he said and she blinked.
"The broom's gone?" she repeated and Draco nodded. "Where did it go?"
"Back to the shop. I only rented it, Mya, I didn't buy it," he said, smiling and she smiled back. "We have to walk back to the shop. It's getting dark, anyway. Are you hungry?" Hermione rolled her eyes and sat up.
"What happened to it?"
"Oh; you get them for three hours, then they disappear," he said and she looked surprised.
"They just... disappear?" He nodded. "What if you're flying them?"
"Then you fall. Would you rather I'd have done that? Not said anything and just let us fall?" Hermione cringed.
"No, I'd rather you'd have said 'there's a big squishy thing about fifteen feet below us, no danger'," she said and he laughed.
"Now THAT would be unlike me."
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR: Cookie Capers
Hermione laughed and Draco stood, then offered his hands to help her up. He placed a hand on the small of her back and they started back to the shop.
"How far did we go, anyway?"
"Not as far as it seems. I know a short-cut," Draco said and Hermione smiled, sighing.
"Of course you do. God forbid you do anything normal," she said and he laughed, turning to kiss the side of her forehead.
"You're something else, you know that?" Hermione nodded.
"So I've been told, but this is the first time it's ever been a compliment," she said and Draco smirked.
"Who said it was a compliment?" Hermione shot him a sideways glare and he chuckled, leading her what seemed to be even farther away from the shop.
"Are you sure this is the right... way..." she said, but cut herself off as they came to the top of a small hill and found themselves on the other side of the shop. Draco smirked at her, but Hermione kept her eyes on the small building, remembering the girl behind the big red door. Noticing her lack of reaction, Draco gave up on rubbing it in and sighed, pushing her gently to come with him. At this jolt, Hermione looked innocently up at him, and Draco gave her half a smile.
"What?" he asked gently; with Hermione, there was always something wrong. However, she simply shook her head and picked up the pace a little, trying not to seem too obvious. Draco remained quiet and followed, not speaking or stopping until they made it back to the door. He knocked, and it opened.
"Hello again, Mr. Malfoy. I was expecting you'd be back soon," Celia said, smiling, and Hermione was the one to glare this time. Of course, only when Draco wasn't looking. Celia did the same. There was a cat-fight going on right under his nose and Draco didn't even notice. He smiled at Celia.
"Nice seeing you again, Cee. I'll tell Oz to be expecting you, hm?" Celia laughed.
"If you think I should come, I'd love to, Draco," she said, smirking under the glares Hermione was distributing, almost equally, to both Draco and Celia. Draco smirked.
"I'd like to see his reaction, that's for sure," he said, paused a moment, then turned to Hermione. "Hungry, love?" Celia dropped her smile into the fiery pits of hell as she heard this, and Hermione, although surprised, gave Draco a half smile. He pulled her a little closer and turned momentarily back to Celia, who couldn't seem to smile again. "Later Ceecee," he said and gave Hermione a gentle push toward the door. She smirked triumphantly back at Celia, who was burning in a jealous rage.
Draco closed the door to the shop behind them and took Hermione's hand, starting slowly down a random street. She eyed him curiously, still trying to figure out why Mr. Loves-nobody-but-me would call her such an affectionate name. Draco smirked, turning his head down to look at her.
"You know what? I think you're right," he said and Hermione lifted an eyebrow. "She does still like me, doesn't she?" Then, she frowned.
"So, now that we've left the horrid broom shop...let's talk about the CLERK. The clerk who has an INFATUATION with you. I don't feel at all uncomfortable," Hermione mumbled, but loud enough for Draco to hear. He laughed and smirked.
"Did you see the way she looked at you when I called you love?" he asked and Hermione looked up at him. Draco shook his head. "Priceless. That girl has some issues if she thinks she has even the slimmest chance of EVER coming within light-years of getting back with me." Despite the fact that he'd just admitted to calling her a term of endearment to gage the reaction of an ex-girlfriend, Hermione couldn't help but smile. It made her feel so much better knowing that Draco practically hated that girl. The feeling was mutual. Then, Draco turned to Hermione, looking thoughtful. "You know... I never called her love. Or rented a Cumulo when we went flying... or slept next to her." Hermione looked up at him, but Draco turned his head away, looking ahead.
"What did you do, fuck her and walk away?" she asked and Draco laughed.
"Of course not. It was the other way around... but I didn't want her to sleep in my bed," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Why not?" He paused a moment, then looked at her.
"I don't know," he said as if the thought had never crossed his mind before. "In fact... you're the only girl I've ever slept with. I've had my drive around the block, but I've never stopped at another gas station," Draco said and Hermione laughed at his crude metaphor. He smiled. Draco had lied slightly; he knew why. It was the same reason he hadn't given up and let Osric have Mya. It was the same reason he'd practically begged his mother to let her stay. It was the same reason he'd had so much trouble confessing his feelings. Because she was Hermione. Hidden, unprotected, frail, vague, gorgeous, intoxicating Hermione. Then, she sighed, breaking his chain of thoughts.
"Me neither," she said, smiling crookedly and Draco smiled. That actually made him feel a little better. He was, in some way, as special to her as she was to him. Just by that tiny confession, he knew. He sighed blissfully.
"Do you want dinner? I know the perfect place..." Draco asked and Hermione laughed a little.
"Why do you always ask me if I'm hungry? Is it because YOU are?" she asked suspiciously and Draco shrugged innocently.
"Partially. But it's mostly because you're so damn skinny... wouldn't want you to blow away or anything of such. What would I tell your parents?" he said playfully, but it made Hermione frown. Then, she glared slightly.
"If you really did fall off that damn cliff, what would *I* tell YOUR parents, provided I managed to fly out alive?" she asked coldly and Draco brought her hand to his lips.
"I thought, although we agreed it was surprising, you weren't mad at me?" he said and Hermione sighed, watching him pout and press his lips to her skin.
"Alright, alright... I'm not... but... I seriously think that joke was NOT funny. I mean, dead people are never funny... unless they happen to be in Gryffindor," Hermione said and Draco laughed, kissing her forehead again.
"Let's go. This time, it IS because I'm hungry," Draco said, pulling her down another street, toward a red neon sign which read: Hades' Lair.
~*~*~*~
"This has got to be the coolest place I have ever seen in my life," Hermione said, smiling widely as they entered the diner and Draco smiled in spite.
"I thought you might like it," he agreed, nodding, and Hermione beamed. She immediately pulled out her wand and changed her clothes back to normal, making her shirt black with the white skull and crossbones, and the skirt dark, but still denim. Again, her sneakers became black, as well as her bandana, and, just for looks, a black felt choker graced her neck. Draco raised an eyebrow at her and Hermione laughed.
"Oh, yeah, like what I WAS wearing was appropriate attire? Pa-lease," she said, shaking her head. Draco laughed and pulled her toward a table. Hermione looked around one more time before she would let herself settle into conversation.
The restaurant had a black and red-checkered floor, black walls, and tables of fingerprint-free chrome, the chairs with black cushioning. The bartender was dressed as a vampire, making what Hermione recognized a Bloody Mary. Then, a little surprisingly, he downed it himself. She chuckled silently. Maybe he really WAS a vampire. The jukebox seemed to play only old horror movie music, complete with screams of pain and evil laughter. Bats hung from the pitch-black ceiling, and would occasionally twitch, but didn't seem to do much else. Hermione assumed it was some sort of charm.
One waitress in a very short French Maid outfit was scrubbing one of the empty, and already gleaming tables. As she stood up, Hermione noted that she wore stage make-up, and looked vaguely similar to the bride of Frankenstein, minus the white streaks in her hair. When she bent to pick a sponge from a bucket, she gave the Hogwarts couple a pretty interesting view. Curious, and slightly suspicious, Hermione turned swiftly to Draco, trying to determine if he had been looking.
He hadn't.
Draco was, in reality, staring directly at Hermione. She smiled; causing him to do the same, then continued her survey. A couple in their mid twenties sat at a table quite far away from them, drinking strawberry daiquiris and smoking, dressed vaguely like Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. Another couple of, surprisingly, very old women, were contentedly sitting next to the jukebox, chattering and periodically slipping out their teeth. Other than that, the diner was pretty much empty. Hermione looked up at the clock, whose hands seemed to be made of real human fingers, to tell that it was, in fact, almost nine o'clock. Again, she turned back to Draco, smiling.
"This really is great, Draco. Do you come here often?" He smiled.
"Yep. But, I've never brought anyone before," he said, grinning as he leaned back, glad that Hermione had decided that she liked the place. She smirked.
"You experience a lot of firsts with me, don't you?" she asked and his grin grew.
"Indeed." Draco picked a menu from the caddy on the table and opened it, then turned it upside down and pushed it toward Hermione. "Pick anything you want; my treat," he suggested, and Hermione looked at him, slightly baffled, but Draco nodded his encouragement with a grin. A tad hesitantly, Hermione turned her eyes to the menu, only to look back up after about a minute of reading.
"Right... I have absolutely no idea what any of this is." Draco laughed and Hermione smiled at him. "Idea. Order for me." Draco straightened up.
"What?" She nodded, leaning back in her seat, work finished.
"Yep. Be gentlemanly. Nothing too revolting, please," she said and he smiled widely.
"That... I can do."
~
"And... this would be?"
"Chicken."
"Are you sure?" Draco laughed.
"Pretty sure... it's non-toxic, I know that much." Hermione blew a strand of hair from her face, closely inspecting the plate before her. Draco seemed to think it was blackened chicken... but it looked more like charcoal in fish-gut sauce. Although a bit hesitant, Hermione lifted her fork, dipping it into the blood red bath her 'chicken' was engulfed in. She looked up at Draco, who had ordered the same thing and was smiling and chewing happily. Swallowing slightly, Hermione brought the fork to her lips, gently tasting the delicate sauce.
It was delicious; syrupy and sweet... evidently some sort of berry... but it was much better than it looked. Hermione smiled at Draco, and he beamed.
"Good, right?" he asked and she nodded slowly, pausing before turning back to her plate. She had gained a bit of confidence. If the sauce was good, the chicken had to be, right? With much less hesitation and a smile on her face, Hermione sawed off a bite-sized bit of the crumbly substance, dipping it in her sauce. It looked literally revolting, but she was ready. As expected, it was delectable. Again, Draco beamed at her happiness.
The two suspended prefects talked and laughed together, slowly eating their dinner, both content with everything. After Draco finished, he pushed his chair back.
"I'll be right back," he said and stood up, turning toward the door. Hermione looked up at him, confused and suspicious.
"Wait," she said and he turned back, smiling at her. "You're not going to stiff me, are you?" Draco laughed.
"Maybe later," he said and kissed her lightly. Hermione rolled her eyes, but smiled.
"If I have to wash dishes, I'm going to stiff YOU," she said, glaring slightly and Draco nodded.
"I'm sure you would... if you were wearing a white shirt while doing said dishes," he quipped quickly, then turned and swept out of the restaurant. Hermione shook her head and concentrated on her just over half-eaten chicken. It was good, but there was just so much of it... With a sigh, she gave up on dinner, taking a sip of water before looking behind her, to the large picture window, decaled in black flames. Wherever Draco had gone, he was there before she could see.
Resting an arm on the back of her chair and her chin on her hand, Hermione waited for him to reappear. She didn't think he'd just leave her there... but then again, Draco had a habit of doing things she didn't think he would. It wasn't ten minutes before he suddenly appeared, walking by the window, and Hermione turned around, trying her best to look like she hadn't been watching. She kept her eyes down as he approached, still picking at her chicken.
Draco slid back into his seat, smiling widely, and took a sip of his water, as if he'd never left. Hermione looked up, putting down her fork again. She couldn't help but smile at the look on his face.
"Well, where'd you go?" she asked and Draco sat a little straighter, grin growing.
"I got you something," he said and Hermione's smiled dropped, accenting the look of surprise on her face.
"Me?" Draco nodded. "Why?" she asked, still somewhat shocked, and he shrugged a little, digging deep within his pocket.
"You're my girlfriend, right? What kind of a guy would I be if I didn't spontaneously get my girl presents?" he asked as if it were the stupidest question he'd ever had to answer and Hermione turned her head away from him slightly. Now that... felt good.
"I don't know... a normal one?" Draco laughed and slid a small felt box across the table toward her. Hermione looked to the gift, and the horrid image of a diamond ring passed through her mind. She looked up at Draco, who nodded, looking like a five year old at Christmas. Hermione smiled and looked at him curiously. "What is it?"
"Open it," he encouraged and she turned her eyes back to the ring-box. This could turn out very badly. With hesitant fingers, she opened the lid, afraid of what she might find inside. A smile crossed her lips as she observed the gift, and she looked up at Draco, who was grinning. It was a navel ring. She almost wanted to laugh... that was about the last thing she expected. It was gorgeous, however, and definitely fit her taste. A tiny silver shield, shaped like a coat of arms, with a snake-like black 'S' across it. "The closest thing I could find to a Slytherin crest," he said and she laughed, touching it lightly with her fingers.
"Thank you, Draco," she said softly and he smiled. After a moment, Hermione looked up at him. "Why a Slytherin crest?" Draco grinned widely.
"Inside joke."
"One I'm not in on?" she asked with an inclined eyebrow and Draco laughed
" Oh, you'd be surprised. I noticed you didn't have one... and all your others are so evil, it fit. Do you like it?" She nodded vigorously.
"I love it," Hermione said softly, then looked around. Sharon and Ozzy were still at their table, now a few daiquiris richer and pretty much fucking on Ozzy's chair. The golden girls had left hours ago... long past their bedtime, and the bartender was asleep, a Playwizard magazine draped across his chest. The waitress was nowhere to be seen, but that didn't bother Hermione in the slightest.
Convinced it was safe, Hermione leaned back in her chair and lifted her shirt, proceeding to remove her current ring. A small silver ball with sharp looking spikes. Once it was placed on the table, she immediately replaced it with her new crest. Hermione looked down and smiled, running her fingers over her stomach, then looked back to Draco, who was watching intently and grinning like mad.
~*~*~*~
"Hermione!" called a high voice and Hermione spun around to see the grinning face of Lucius Malfoy. It'd been almost a day since Draco had taken her to Olympus, and she was wandering about the manor, feeling content with so many big brass doors to take her to safety, should she lose her way. She smiled at the man who was about four inches taller than she.
"Hello Lucius."
"Hermione, will you come play with me? Draco's a big meanie, and Osric is all mope-y..." he shook his head. "I don't think I even want to ask them." Hermione seemed a tad nervous and hesitant.
"Um..." she said, looking around. Lucius gave her the puppy dog eyes and Hermione sighed, giving in. "Sure, Lucius. I'll play with you," she agreed and he looked ecstatic.
"Come on!" he said, taking her hand and leading her to the closest brass portal. "41D," he said and the door opened, revealing his playroom. Lucius led Hermione to a big round carpet, then stopped. "Sit here, I'll be right back," he said and Hermione smiled, doing as he asked and sitting cross- legged on the floor. She found herself glad she'd decided to wear jeans that day... if she'd worn a skirt and Draco happened to walk in, she could only imagine what he'd do. Lucius hurried toward a big cupboard and opened the large doors. Hermione smiled.
One side of the closet was filled with various muggle board games, the other with sugary snacks. Cookies, crackers, candy, and about fifty juice boxes. Lucius pulled out his favorite game; Candy Land, a bag of frosted animal crackers, a big wooden bowl, and a box of juice for each himself and his playmate. He hurried back over to Hermione, who smiled as he plopped down across from her and began to hurriedly set up the game. Once finished, Lucius poured the bag of crackers into the bowl and set it to the side, at easy reach to both players. Then, he handed Hermione her grape juice. She smiled brightly and accepted his offer.
"Thank you, Lucius," she said and he beamed.
"Wow... you're really nice, Hermione." She laughed and his smile grew. "Here," he said, handing her the dice. "You can go first." Again, Hermione smiled. She rolled the dice and moved her piece just as a knock rattled the door. Before either Lucius or Hermione could say anything, the doorknob turned and the intruder entered.
"Father, have you seen... oh," Draco said, stepping into the room. Hermione smiled brightly at him.
"Hey Draco. What are you looking for?" she said and Draco didn't lose his surprised expression.
"You," he said and Hermione smiled.
"Oh. Hey, do you want to play? We just started," she asked, looking to Lucius, who looked ecstatic, nodding like the child he seemed to be, and rocking a bit in excitement. Hermione turned back to Draco and tilted her head.
"Uh..." he started, but with the pleading look on both Hermione and Lucius' faces, he couldn't say no. Draco tried to smile as convincingly as possible. "Sure, I'll play." Lucius squealed, jumping up to get Draco a juice box. Hermione reached out to her boyfriend, and he smiled, coming to sit next to her. He kissed quickly behind her ear, but didn't say anything, and kept his smile.
~*~*~*~
"What was that all about?" Draco asked, after they'd played three games of Candy Land, two of Shoots and Ladders, and listened to Lucius talk quite animatedly about whatever went on in his twisted little mind. Hermione smiled.
"He asked me to play with him. I couldn't say no," she said and Draco frowned.
"Why not?"
"Oh, come on, Draco, he just wanted someone to do something with him. He's five years old, he must get lonely. I doubt Narcissa would do any of the such, and I know you and Osric don't." Draco sighed slightly and nodded.
"I guess maybe you're right," he agreed and she smiled, kissing his cheek.
"Of course I'm right. I kind of like him, Draco. He reminds me of... someone I knew once. Do we HAVE to keep him on The List?" Now Draco looked stern.
"If he goes, Snape goes with him. All or no one," he said and Hermione pouted, crossing her arms.
"Fine," she muttered and Draco smiled.
~*~*~*~
"I think I'm going to go to bed, Mya," Draco said later that night, getting up from her bed and moving toward the door. Hermione looked up from her book, frowning slightly.
"Okay, Draco," she said tonelessly and Draco smiled at her, then moved back toward her, crawling close to connect their lips. Hermione smiled and kissed him back, moving a hand to his shoulder. Draco moved down her neck and back up, ending with one last deep kiss on her lips. Hermione grinned as he pulled away. "Wait, I want to show you something," she said, turning away and picking her wand off the bed table. Draco raised an eyebrow, but complied and didn't get back up. "Finite incantrum," Hermione said, pointing the wand at herself, and Draco watched as a cropping of tiny purple bruises and teeth marks sprouted on her neck and shoulders. His eyes widened slightly and Hermione smiled.
"Did I do that?" he asked and Hermione grinned, nodding.
"Pretty, isn't it?" she asked, turning toward the wall and looking at the markings in the mirror.
"I'm sorry," Draco said gently, moving a hand to touch her discolored skin. Hermione shrugged her shoulders.
"Don't be. I like them," she said, smiling as she rubbed at a particularly dark bruise.
"Why are they still there?" Draco asked, silently confused as to why she would enjoy physical harm inflicted upon her by someone she trusted. In the midst of passion or not.
"I didn't want your mother to see, and they don't heal under the spell," she explained and Draco nodded, still staring at her neck. She turned to him, kissing softly. "Night Drakey," she said and he smiled, kissing her one last time.
"Night Mya."
~*~*~*~
The next few days were, frankly, a blast. Osric didn't bother Hermione again... in fact, she hadn't seen him, with the exception of dinner, for a week. At his request, Hermione frequently followed Lucius to his drawing room, playing simple games and listening to him read and tell stories. In a way, she could almost say she'd grown attached to the poor guy. It was sad that they'd have to do something bad to him in a few days. She requested many times to take him off the list, but Draco insisted. Maybe if she didn't mention it again... he would forget... Ha, good luck.
The time Hermione did spend with Draco was always enjoyable. They frequently just walked around the Malfoy grounds, which went for miles, but housed nothing. Hermione loved it. Draco had complained of the boredom the first time she'd asked, but seeing how happy it made her shut him up quick. They revisited Olympus a few more times, and at the last, Celia told of the specific time she would be visiting. Her glares intensified each time Hermione entered the shop, but she counteracted them expertly. Draco noticed every one, but was good at acting oblivious.
Most of the time Hermione spent away from Draco was either in the early morning, when he was still sleeping, or in the late afternoon, when he was doing his homework. She learned quickly to avoid all confrontation with him at these particular times. To keep herself occupied, she would chat with Narcissa, who seemed ecstatic that she was staying with them, or playing with Lucius, who was glad to have a friend. She continued to wear her perky clothing, and Narcissa seemed to approve.
~*~*~*~
"Hey," Draco said softly, walking up to Hermione, who was laying spread eagle on the ground beneath her favorite tree, eyes closed. She wore short denim shorts and a white t-shirt, proudly displaying the 'Witch Weekly Magazine' logo. Her lips curled into a smile as she heard his gentle voice, and she fluttered her eyes open to see Draco standing beside her, hands in the pockets of his black jeans, hair hiding his eyes. He was standing directly in front of the sun, and the beams of light caused him to practically glow. Hermione's smile grew.
"Hi. What are you doing here, I thought you had some 'big important thing' to do?" she asked, sitting up and moving back to lean against the tree, picking leaves from her hair. Draco smiled and sat down beside her.
"I finished," he said and she eyed him curiously. "You can take Lucius off the list now," he said, smiling, and Hermione frowned.
"What did you do?" she asked gently, looking to the ground, and Draco smiled.
"I emptied the Cookie Closet in the drawing room," he said simply and Hermione looked up at him.
"That's it?" He nodded, and a smile crept across her face. "Really?" Draco nodded again.
"He shouldn't have them anyway... rots your teeth," he added and Hermione squealed softly, then threw her arms around him.
"Thank you," she said and Draco smiled into her hair, breathing deep as he held her close. She pulled back, grinning widely, and planted a firm kiss on his lips.
"Hey, I wanted to ask you something," he said as she pulled back and Hermione smiled.
"What?" she asked, spinning around and lying back down, head on his lap. Draco smiled and gently combed through her hair with his fingers.
"If you wanted to go home," he said and Hermione frowned, looking up at him.
"What? No, I don't want to leave..." she said and Draco smiled.
"I'm coming too... we have to get your boyfriends, remember? We can't very well do that from here," he said and her frown grew back into a grin. "I was thinking, considering tomorrow is Saturday, we could leave in the morning, then come back Sunday night."
"Just one night?" she asked and he shrugged.
"Unless you want to stay longer."
"How are we supposed to get there?" she asked, figuring he had everything figured out and closing her eyes. Draco smiled.
"Jasper can drive us there, then I figured we could just fly back," he said.
"Mm," Hermione peeped, obviously disagreeing with the second half of his plan. Draco smiled.
"It won't be bad, I promise, Mya. No strings attached." She sighed.
"Okay, okay... we can fly," she said and he smiled.
"Good."
A/N: Hehe, so they're gonna go get Froth and Lance! Those bastards! Lol. And I promise, a couple of fights pop up! Not big ones... just teensy ones... but fun, just the same. Ooo, and Lucky Charms! And bees... I hate bees.
PRF:
Arime Setta: Lol, me too!
Girl-named-belle: I thought that was particularly witty, myself ;o)
Seraph: Yeah, I should change those inevitably's, but unfortunately, I'm too lazy. Lol. I didn't proofread that chapter, so there's where the mistake comes in.
KittyKat589: I guess you'll just have to wait and find out, lol... whatever will happen? ::looks clueless::
Crystalline Lily: You'll find out when I post it! Lol. Hey, people react strangely when they're about to die. I fooled some people...lol.
LadyLoca231: More action! Lol, more action! This is the most action I've had since 'the breakfast' scene... lol. If you want action, I think it's safe to say this is not the place to get it ;o)
Toms_gurl: Whenever I get the time to write the next chapter, I guess... lol. It's finished, It just needs to be typed!
Tainted Black: She was too shocked to do anything, okay! Lol. I would have been too, then I would have regretted it for like, ever. 'Goodness to the max...' I like that ;o)
Princess: If you had three thumbs, would I get three thumbs up? Lol. Thanx.
Cookie: I dunno... the idea just... fell onto me ;o) Or I fell onto it! She's not that much older, only like nineteen... Hermione didn't change. She's just trying to please Mrs. Malfoy... and Draco's getting a little soft, but pretty much only toward her and Lucius... he still hates everyone else, you just don't know that because no one else is there
Ezmerelda: Lol. Thanx! I couldn't have done it w/o your inspiration! Lol, even though Lucius didn't have much to do with that.... :oD
Lizard Queen: He's like an old man who's really really... really immature. He still screws Narcissa, why can't he love Hermione? My rents freak out on me too about computer time... I just have to make sure I never get in trouble or they'll hurt me!
George: It was there before hand... which is how he named it... the German guy, that is. And yes, lol, they went on a date... :oD
Starry Skies: Lol. Sorry... no more talk about chapter twenty five... promise... except that there's this one part... no, just playin :oD. I bet you can pretty much guess whats going to happen anyway... or the gist of it. They go to Mione's house. Whoopie! I have neutral feelings for Celia. I don't like her because she's a bitch, but I understand where she's coming from. I'd hate anyone who I saw come near Drakey too... although, she DID dump him, so it's her fault... I just don't know. Lol, I'm TRYING to harden them up... but they're in LOVE, what am I supposed to do? I hate making them fight.... :o(
Heather: Thanx!
Bitch with a Sword: Lol, me too! Except that would defeat the purpose of him NOT dying... but who the hell cares, what an ass! Lol. And I guess it'd do Celia right to spend the next few millennia in a trash can... but I suggest a compactor prior to disposal ;o)
Sleepy-kitty: Aw! That's so cute that Tom did that for you! ::sniff:: I wanna be loved! Or liked... Or at least at a mutual decision of tolerance! Lol.
MoshiMoshiQueen: Flattered! Lol. I love it that you love it that I update! He he he!
Krissy: Thanx. Did you go to register at the top? All you do is click that, accept the message, and follow directions. Simple as pie!
Silver Dragon Goddess: Lol. Conspiracy against SDG! Everyone, grab your torch and pitchforks! Lol. And yeah, just a slight overreaction...
HarryPotterWanter: Holy hell that's a long review... lol, the longest I've ever had, that's for sure! You got the point! That Hermione was depressed, but now Draco makes it all worth while! That was the whole point of the story... you're the only person to mention that! Lol. Go you! I like Lucius too. Ew, I don't want McGonagall screwing Snape on the GREAT HALL floor! I'd never go near that room again, much less eat in there! No, no antidote, but yes, that is why they don't like her anymore. You're like a genius... you've pryed me open and figured out what makes me tick... stop it... lol. I'm leaving Dumbledore pretty much out of this one... he's always barging in with his superior knowledge and messing things up. Lets just assume, for once, he had no idea what's going on... hm? Lol. When they put Mandy and Morag ON the list, they were just planning on continuing their mindless torture and scaring the crap out of them for the rest of the year, so no, Mandy stays. Sorry :oD. And yes, you'll learn more about Froth and Lance. Most definitely. Lol, you LIKE Osric? You're not supposed to LIKE him! He's like 19 or so. The same age as Celia, which I think I'll probably explain later. And yep, Celia realized she made a mistake and wants Draco back. Who wouldn't? And yes, his calm attitude gave the joke away... but Hermione still fell for it! Lol. That's all that counts! It WAS a pretty mean joke, though. I'd have been pissed. Thanx!
Ash Night: I had to, love.... it was the end of the chapter! Lol.
Erilyn Rose: Me too, Olympus rules! ROAD TRIP! And trouble? Hm...
CassieXanthe: Thanx, and I did!
Arwen Undomiel: Of COURSE peanut butter M&M's exist! Lol. And, I made you cry? Did you really think I'd kill Draco? I LOVE Draco! And I promised a few people I'd never kill him again, lol. I hate you too!
Fred And George Weasley Are Gods: Hey guys! Missed you! At least your departure was all in good cause. I forgive you. That doesn't mean you'll ever have a chance with me, boys. I'd rather screw Ron. ::bursts out laughing:: As if YOU could say that with a straight face! Lol. Ew. I apologize for momentarily deflating your exceptionally large, egotistical heads. I'll never do it again... BUT DON'T YOU BE DISSING MY BLONDES! :o)
To those who reviewed chapter 24: Thanks for your words of encouragement and luck. I'm glad you understand! This one's for you!
(to the theme of patty cake. I changed it to pumpkin, cause... you know... wizards... pumpkins... never mind)
Last time on LGG:
"The broom's gone," he said and she blinked.
"The broom's gone?" she repeated and Draco nodded. "Where did it go?"
"Back to the shop. I only rented it, Mya, I didn't buy it," he said, smiling and she smiled back. "We have to walk back to the shop. It's getting dark, anyway. Are you hungry?" Hermione rolled her eyes and sat up.
"What happened to it?"
"Oh; you get them for three hours, then they disappear," he said and she looked surprised.
"They just... disappear?" He nodded. "What if you're flying them?"
"Then you fall. Would you rather I'd have done that? Not said anything and just let us fall?" Hermione cringed.
"No, I'd rather you'd have said 'there's a big squishy thing about fifteen feet below us, no danger'," she said and he laughed.
"Now THAT would be unlike me."
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR: Cookie Capers
Hermione laughed and Draco stood, then offered his hands to help her up. He placed a hand on the small of her back and they started back to the shop.
"How far did we go, anyway?"
"Not as far as it seems. I know a short-cut," Draco said and Hermione smiled, sighing.
"Of course you do. God forbid you do anything normal," she said and he laughed, turning to kiss the side of her forehead.
"You're something else, you know that?" Hermione nodded.
"So I've been told, but this is the first time it's ever been a compliment," she said and Draco smirked.
"Who said it was a compliment?" Hermione shot him a sideways glare and he chuckled, leading her what seemed to be even farther away from the shop.
"Are you sure this is the right... way..." she said, but cut herself off as they came to the top of a small hill and found themselves on the other side of the shop. Draco smirked at her, but Hermione kept her eyes on the small building, remembering the girl behind the big red door. Noticing her lack of reaction, Draco gave up on rubbing it in and sighed, pushing her gently to come with him. At this jolt, Hermione looked innocently up at him, and Draco gave her half a smile.
"What?" he asked gently; with Hermione, there was always something wrong. However, she simply shook her head and picked up the pace a little, trying not to seem too obvious. Draco remained quiet and followed, not speaking or stopping until they made it back to the door. He knocked, and it opened.
"Hello again, Mr. Malfoy. I was expecting you'd be back soon," Celia said, smiling, and Hermione was the one to glare this time. Of course, only when Draco wasn't looking. Celia did the same. There was a cat-fight going on right under his nose and Draco didn't even notice. He smiled at Celia.
"Nice seeing you again, Cee. I'll tell Oz to be expecting you, hm?" Celia laughed.
"If you think I should come, I'd love to, Draco," she said, smirking under the glares Hermione was distributing, almost equally, to both Draco and Celia. Draco smirked.
"I'd like to see his reaction, that's for sure," he said, paused a moment, then turned to Hermione. "Hungry, love?" Celia dropped her smile into the fiery pits of hell as she heard this, and Hermione, although surprised, gave Draco a half smile. He pulled her a little closer and turned momentarily back to Celia, who couldn't seem to smile again. "Later Ceecee," he said and gave Hermione a gentle push toward the door. She smirked triumphantly back at Celia, who was burning in a jealous rage.
Draco closed the door to the shop behind them and took Hermione's hand, starting slowly down a random street. She eyed him curiously, still trying to figure out why Mr. Loves-nobody-but-me would call her such an affectionate name. Draco smirked, turning his head down to look at her.
"You know what? I think you're right," he said and Hermione lifted an eyebrow. "She does still like me, doesn't she?" Then, she frowned.
"So, now that we've left the horrid broom shop...let's talk about the CLERK. The clerk who has an INFATUATION with you. I don't feel at all uncomfortable," Hermione mumbled, but loud enough for Draco to hear. He laughed and smirked.
"Did you see the way she looked at you when I called you love?" he asked and Hermione looked up at him. Draco shook his head. "Priceless. That girl has some issues if she thinks she has even the slimmest chance of EVER coming within light-years of getting back with me." Despite the fact that he'd just admitted to calling her a term of endearment to gage the reaction of an ex-girlfriend, Hermione couldn't help but smile. It made her feel so much better knowing that Draco practically hated that girl. The feeling was mutual. Then, Draco turned to Hermione, looking thoughtful. "You know... I never called her love. Or rented a Cumulo when we went flying... or slept next to her." Hermione looked up at him, but Draco turned his head away, looking ahead.
"What did you do, fuck her and walk away?" she asked and Draco laughed.
"Of course not. It was the other way around... but I didn't want her to sleep in my bed," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Why not?" He paused a moment, then looked at her.
"I don't know," he said as if the thought had never crossed his mind before. "In fact... you're the only girl I've ever slept with. I've had my drive around the block, but I've never stopped at another gas station," Draco said and Hermione laughed at his crude metaphor. He smiled. Draco had lied slightly; he knew why. It was the same reason he hadn't given up and let Osric have Mya. It was the same reason he'd practically begged his mother to let her stay. It was the same reason he'd had so much trouble confessing his feelings. Because she was Hermione. Hidden, unprotected, frail, vague, gorgeous, intoxicating Hermione. Then, she sighed, breaking his chain of thoughts.
"Me neither," she said, smiling crookedly and Draco smiled. That actually made him feel a little better. He was, in some way, as special to her as she was to him. Just by that tiny confession, he knew. He sighed blissfully.
"Do you want dinner? I know the perfect place..." Draco asked and Hermione laughed a little.
"Why do you always ask me if I'm hungry? Is it because YOU are?" she asked suspiciously and Draco shrugged innocently.
"Partially. But it's mostly because you're so damn skinny... wouldn't want you to blow away or anything of such. What would I tell your parents?" he said playfully, but it made Hermione frown. Then, she glared slightly.
"If you really did fall off that damn cliff, what would *I* tell YOUR parents, provided I managed to fly out alive?" she asked coldly and Draco brought her hand to his lips.
"I thought, although we agreed it was surprising, you weren't mad at me?" he said and Hermione sighed, watching him pout and press his lips to her skin.
"Alright, alright... I'm not... but... I seriously think that joke was NOT funny. I mean, dead people are never funny... unless they happen to be in Gryffindor," Hermione said and Draco laughed, kissing her forehead again.
"Let's go. This time, it IS because I'm hungry," Draco said, pulling her down another street, toward a red neon sign which read: Hades' Lair.
~*~*~*~
"This has got to be the coolest place I have ever seen in my life," Hermione said, smiling widely as they entered the diner and Draco smiled in spite.
"I thought you might like it," he agreed, nodding, and Hermione beamed. She immediately pulled out her wand and changed her clothes back to normal, making her shirt black with the white skull and crossbones, and the skirt dark, but still denim. Again, her sneakers became black, as well as her bandana, and, just for looks, a black felt choker graced her neck. Draco raised an eyebrow at her and Hermione laughed.
"Oh, yeah, like what I WAS wearing was appropriate attire? Pa-lease," she said, shaking her head. Draco laughed and pulled her toward a table. Hermione looked around one more time before she would let herself settle into conversation.
The restaurant had a black and red-checkered floor, black walls, and tables of fingerprint-free chrome, the chairs with black cushioning. The bartender was dressed as a vampire, making what Hermione recognized a Bloody Mary. Then, a little surprisingly, he downed it himself. She chuckled silently. Maybe he really WAS a vampire. The jukebox seemed to play only old horror movie music, complete with screams of pain and evil laughter. Bats hung from the pitch-black ceiling, and would occasionally twitch, but didn't seem to do much else. Hermione assumed it was some sort of charm.
One waitress in a very short French Maid outfit was scrubbing one of the empty, and already gleaming tables. As she stood up, Hermione noted that she wore stage make-up, and looked vaguely similar to the bride of Frankenstein, minus the white streaks in her hair. When she bent to pick a sponge from a bucket, she gave the Hogwarts couple a pretty interesting view. Curious, and slightly suspicious, Hermione turned swiftly to Draco, trying to determine if he had been looking.
He hadn't.
Draco was, in reality, staring directly at Hermione. She smiled; causing him to do the same, then continued her survey. A couple in their mid twenties sat at a table quite far away from them, drinking strawberry daiquiris and smoking, dressed vaguely like Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. Another couple of, surprisingly, very old women, were contentedly sitting next to the jukebox, chattering and periodically slipping out their teeth. Other than that, the diner was pretty much empty. Hermione looked up at the clock, whose hands seemed to be made of real human fingers, to tell that it was, in fact, almost nine o'clock. Again, she turned back to Draco, smiling.
"This really is great, Draco. Do you come here often?" He smiled.
"Yep. But, I've never brought anyone before," he said, grinning as he leaned back, glad that Hermione had decided that she liked the place. She smirked.
"You experience a lot of firsts with me, don't you?" she asked and his grin grew.
"Indeed." Draco picked a menu from the caddy on the table and opened it, then turned it upside down and pushed it toward Hermione. "Pick anything you want; my treat," he suggested, and Hermione looked at him, slightly baffled, but Draco nodded his encouragement with a grin. A tad hesitantly, Hermione turned her eyes to the menu, only to look back up after about a minute of reading.
"Right... I have absolutely no idea what any of this is." Draco laughed and Hermione smiled at him. "Idea. Order for me." Draco straightened up.
"What?" She nodded, leaning back in her seat, work finished.
"Yep. Be gentlemanly. Nothing too revolting, please," she said and he smiled widely.
"That... I can do."
~
"And... this would be?"
"Chicken."
"Are you sure?" Draco laughed.
"Pretty sure... it's non-toxic, I know that much." Hermione blew a strand of hair from her face, closely inspecting the plate before her. Draco seemed to think it was blackened chicken... but it looked more like charcoal in fish-gut sauce. Although a bit hesitant, Hermione lifted her fork, dipping it into the blood red bath her 'chicken' was engulfed in. She looked up at Draco, who had ordered the same thing and was smiling and chewing happily. Swallowing slightly, Hermione brought the fork to her lips, gently tasting the delicate sauce.
It was delicious; syrupy and sweet... evidently some sort of berry... but it was much better than it looked. Hermione smiled at Draco, and he beamed.
"Good, right?" he asked and she nodded slowly, pausing before turning back to her plate. She had gained a bit of confidence. If the sauce was good, the chicken had to be, right? With much less hesitation and a smile on her face, Hermione sawed off a bite-sized bit of the crumbly substance, dipping it in her sauce. It looked literally revolting, but she was ready. As expected, it was delectable. Again, Draco beamed at her happiness.
The two suspended prefects talked and laughed together, slowly eating their dinner, both content with everything. After Draco finished, he pushed his chair back.
"I'll be right back," he said and stood up, turning toward the door. Hermione looked up at him, confused and suspicious.
"Wait," she said and he turned back, smiling at her. "You're not going to stiff me, are you?" Draco laughed.
"Maybe later," he said and kissed her lightly. Hermione rolled her eyes, but smiled.
"If I have to wash dishes, I'm going to stiff YOU," she said, glaring slightly and Draco nodded.
"I'm sure you would... if you were wearing a white shirt while doing said dishes," he quipped quickly, then turned and swept out of the restaurant. Hermione shook her head and concentrated on her just over half-eaten chicken. It was good, but there was just so much of it... With a sigh, she gave up on dinner, taking a sip of water before looking behind her, to the large picture window, decaled in black flames. Wherever Draco had gone, he was there before she could see.
Resting an arm on the back of her chair and her chin on her hand, Hermione waited for him to reappear. She didn't think he'd just leave her there... but then again, Draco had a habit of doing things she didn't think he would. It wasn't ten minutes before he suddenly appeared, walking by the window, and Hermione turned around, trying her best to look like she hadn't been watching. She kept her eyes down as he approached, still picking at her chicken.
Draco slid back into his seat, smiling widely, and took a sip of his water, as if he'd never left. Hermione looked up, putting down her fork again. She couldn't help but smile at the look on his face.
"Well, where'd you go?" she asked and Draco sat a little straighter, grin growing.
"I got you something," he said and Hermione's smiled dropped, accenting the look of surprise on her face.
"Me?" Draco nodded. "Why?" she asked, still somewhat shocked, and he shrugged a little, digging deep within his pocket.
"You're my girlfriend, right? What kind of a guy would I be if I didn't spontaneously get my girl presents?" he asked as if it were the stupidest question he'd ever had to answer and Hermione turned her head away from him slightly. Now that... felt good.
"I don't know... a normal one?" Draco laughed and slid a small felt box across the table toward her. Hermione looked to the gift, and the horrid image of a diamond ring passed through her mind. She looked up at Draco, who nodded, looking like a five year old at Christmas. Hermione smiled and looked at him curiously. "What is it?"
"Open it," he encouraged and she turned her eyes back to the ring-box. This could turn out very badly. With hesitant fingers, she opened the lid, afraid of what she might find inside. A smile crossed her lips as she observed the gift, and she looked up at Draco, who was grinning. It was a navel ring. She almost wanted to laugh... that was about the last thing she expected. It was gorgeous, however, and definitely fit her taste. A tiny silver shield, shaped like a coat of arms, with a snake-like black 'S' across it. "The closest thing I could find to a Slytherin crest," he said and she laughed, touching it lightly with her fingers.
"Thank you, Draco," she said softly and he smiled. After a moment, Hermione looked up at him. "Why a Slytherin crest?" Draco grinned widely.
"Inside joke."
"One I'm not in on?" she asked with an inclined eyebrow and Draco laughed
" Oh, you'd be surprised. I noticed you didn't have one... and all your others are so evil, it fit. Do you like it?" She nodded vigorously.
"I love it," Hermione said softly, then looked around. Sharon and Ozzy were still at their table, now a few daiquiris richer and pretty much fucking on Ozzy's chair. The golden girls had left hours ago... long past their bedtime, and the bartender was asleep, a Playwizard magazine draped across his chest. The waitress was nowhere to be seen, but that didn't bother Hermione in the slightest.
Convinced it was safe, Hermione leaned back in her chair and lifted her shirt, proceeding to remove her current ring. A small silver ball with sharp looking spikes. Once it was placed on the table, she immediately replaced it with her new crest. Hermione looked down and smiled, running her fingers over her stomach, then looked back to Draco, who was watching intently and grinning like mad.
~*~*~*~
"Hermione!" called a high voice and Hermione spun around to see the grinning face of Lucius Malfoy. It'd been almost a day since Draco had taken her to Olympus, and she was wandering about the manor, feeling content with so many big brass doors to take her to safety, should she lose her way. She smiled at the man who was about four inches taller than she.
"Hello Lucius."
"Hermione, will you come play with me? Draco's a big meanie, and Osric is all mope-y..." he shook his head. "I don't think I even want to ask them." Hermione seemed a tad nervous and hesitant.
"Um..." she said, looking around. Lucius gave her the puppy dog eyes and Hermione sighed, giving in. "Sure, Lucius. I'll play with you," she agreed and he looked ecstatic.
"Come on!" he said, taking her hand and leading her to the closest brass portal. "41D," he said and the door opened, revealing his playroom. Lucius led Hermione to a big round carpet, then stopped. "Sit here, I'll be right back," he said and Hermione smiled, doing as he asked and sitting cross- legged on the floor. She found herself glad she'd decided to wear jeans that day... if she'd worn a skirt and Draco happened to walk in, she could only imagine what he'd do. Lucius hurried toward a big cupboard and opened the large doors. Hermione smiled.
One side of the closet was filled with various muggle board games, the other with sugary snacks. Cookies, crackers, candy, and about fifty juice boxes. Lucius pulled out his favorite game; Candy Land, a bag of frosted animal crackers, a big wooden bowl, and a box of juice for each himself and his playmate. He hurried back over to Hermione, who smiled as he plopped down across from her and began to hurriedly set up the game. Once finished, Lucius poured the bag of crackers into the bowl and set it to the side, at easy reach to both players. Then, he handed Hermione her grape juice. She smiled brightly and accepted his offer.
"Thank you, Lucius," she said and he beamed.
"Wow... you're really nice, Hermione." She laughed and his smile grew. "Here," he said, handing her the dice. "You can go first." Again, Hermione smiled. She rolled the dice and moved her piece just as a knock rattled the door. Before either Lucius or Hermione could say anything, the doorknob turned and the intruder entered.
"Father, have you seen... oh," Draco said, stepping into the room. Hermione smiled brightly at him.
"Hey Draco. What are you looking for?" she said and Draco didn't lose his surprised expression.
"You," he said and Hermione smiled.
"Oh. Hey, do you want to play? We just started," she asked, looking to Lucius, who looked ecstatic, nodding like the child he seemed to be, and rocking a bit in excitement. Hermione turned back to Draco and tilted her head.
"Uh..." he started, but with the pleading look on both Hermione and Lucius' faces, he couldn't say no. Draco tried to smile as convincingly as possible. "Sure, I'll play." Lucius squealed, jumping up to get Draco a juice box. Hermione reached out to her boyfriend, and he smiled, coming to sit next to her. He kissed quickly behind her ear, but didn't say anything, and kept his smile.
~*~*~*~
"What was that all about?" Draco asked, after they'd played three games of Candy Land, two of Shoots and Ladders, and listened to Lucius talk quite animatedly about whatever went on in his twisted little mind. Hermione smiled.
"He asked me to play with him. I couldn't say no," she said and Draco frowned.
"Why not?"
"Oh, come on, Draco, he just wanted someone to do something with him. He's five years old, he must get lonely. I doubt Narcissa would do any of the such, and I know you and Osric don't." Draco sighed slightly and nodded.
"I guess maybe you're right," he agreed and she smiled, kissing his cheek.
"Of course I'm right. I kind of like him, Draco. He reminds me of... someone I knew once. Do we HAVE to keep him on The List?" Now Draco looked stern.
"If he goes, Snape goes with him. All or no one," he said and Hermione pouted, crossing her arms.
"Fine," she muttered and Draco smiled.
~*~*~*~
"I think I'm going to go to bed, Mya," Draco said later that night, getting up from her bed and moving toward the door. Hermione looked up from her book, frowning slightly.
"Okay, Draco," she said tonelessly and Draco smiled at her, then moved back toward her, crawling close to connect their lips. Hermione smiled and kissed him back, moving a hand to his shoulder. Draco moved down her neck and back up, ending with one last deep kiss on her lips. Hermione grinned as he pulled away. "Wait, I want to show you something," she said, turning away and picking her wand off the bed table. Draco raised an eyebrow, but complied and didn't get back up. "Finite incantrum," Hermione said, pointing the wand at herself, and Draco watched as a cropping of tiny purple bruises and teeth marks sprouted on her neck and shoulders. His eyes widened slightly and Hermione smiled.
"Did I do that?" he asked and Hermione grinned, nodding.
"Pretty, isn't it?" she asked, turning toward the wall and looking at the markings in the mirror.
"I'm sorry," Draco said gently, moving a hand to touch her discolored skin. Hermione shrugged her shoulders.
"Don't be. I like them," she said, smiling as she rubbed at a particularly dark bruise.
"Why are they still there?" Draco asked, silently confused as to why she would enjoy physical harm inflicted upon her by someone she trusted. In the midst of passion or not.
"I didn't want your mother to see, and they don't heal under the spell," she explained and Draco nodded, still staring at her neck. She turned to him, kissing softly. "Night Drakey," she said and he smiled, kissing her one last time.
"Night Mya."
~*~*~*~
The next few days were, frankly, a blast. Osric didn't bother Hermione again... in fact, she hadn't seen him, with the exception of dinner, for a week. At his request, Hermione frequently followed Lucius to his drawing room, playing simple games and listening to him read and tell stories. In a way, she could almost say she'd grown attached to the poor guy. It was sad that they'd have to do something bad to him in a few days. She requested many times to take him off the list, but Draco insisted. Maybe if she didn't mention it again... he would forget... Ha, good luck.
The time Hermione did spend with Draco was always enjoyable. They frequently just walked around the Malfoy grounds, which went for miles, but housed nothing. Hermione loved it. Draco had complained of the boredom the first time she'd asked, but seeing how happy it made her shut him up quick. They revisited Olympus a few more times, and at the last, Celia told of the specific time she would be visiting. Her glares intensified each time Hermione entered the shop, but she counteracted them expertly. Draco noticed every one, but was good at acting oblivious.
Most of the time Hermione spent away from Draco was either in the early morning, when he was still sleeping, or in the late afternoon, when he was doing his homework. She learned quickly to avoid all confrontation with him at these particular times. To keep herself occupied, she would chat with Narcissa, who seemed ecstatic that she was staying with them, or playing with Lucius, who was glad to have a friend. She continued to wear her perky clothing, and Narcissa seemed to approve.
~*~*~*~
"Hey," Draco said softly, walking up to Hermione, who was laying spread eagle on the ground beneath her favorite tree, eyes closed. She wore short denim shorts and a white t-shirt, proudly displaying the 'Witch Weekly Magazine' logo. Her lips curled into a smile as she heard his gentle voice, and she fluttered her eyes open to see Draco standing beside her, hands in the pockets of his black jeans, hair hiding his eyes. He was standing directly in front of the sun, and the beams of light caused him to practically glow. Hermione's smile grew.
"Hi. What are you doing here, I thought you had some 'big important thing' to do?" she asked, sitting up and moving back to lean against the tree, picking leaves from her hair. Draco smiled and sat down beside her.
"I finished," he said and she eyed him curiously. "You can take Lucius off the list now," he said, smiling, and Hermione frowned.
"What did you do?" she asked gently, looking to the ground, and Draco smiled.
"I emptied the Cookie Closet in the drawing room," he said simply and Hermione looked up at him.
"That's it?" He nodded, and a smile crept across her face. "Really?" Draco nodded again.
"He shouldn't have them anyway... rots your teeth," he added and Hermione squealed softly, then threw her arms around him.
"Thank you," she said and Draco smiled into her hair, breathing deep as he held her close. She pulled back, grinning widely, and planted a firm kiss on his lips.
"Hey, I wanted to ask you something," he said as she pulled back and Hermione smiled.
"What?" she asked, spinning around and lying back down, head on his lap. Draco smiled and gently combed through her hair with his fingers.
"If you wanted to go home," he said and Hermione frowned, looking up at him.
"What? No, I don't want to leave..." she said and Draco smiled.
"I'm coming too... we have to get your boyfriends, remember? We can't very well do that from here," he said and her frown grew back into a grin. "I was thinking, considering tomorrow is Saturday, we could leave in the morning, then come back Sunday night."
"Just one night?" she asked and he shrugged.
"Unless you want to stay longer."
"How are we supposed to get there?" she asked, figuring he had everything figured out and closing her eyes. Draco smiled.
"Jasper can drive us there, then I figured we could just fly back," he said.
"Mm," Hermione peeped, obviously disagreeing with the second half of his plan. Draco smiled.
"It won't be bad, I promise, Mya. No strings attached." She sighed.
"Okay, okay... we can fly," she said and he smiled.
"Good."
A/N: Hehe, so they're gonna go get Froth and Lance! Those bastards! Lol. And I promise, a couple of fights pop up! Not big ones... just teensy ones... but fun, just the same. Ooo, and Lucky Charms! And bees... I hate bees.
PRF:
Arime Setta: Lol, me too!
Girl-named-belle: I thought that was particularly witty, myself ;o)
Seraph: Yeah, I should change those inevitably's, but unfortunately, I'm too lazy. Lol. I didn't proofread that chapter, so there's where the mistake comes in.
KittyKat589: I guess you'll just have to wait and find out, lol... whatever will happen? ::looks clueless::
Crystalline Lily: You'll find out when I post it! Lol. Hey, people react strangely when they're about to die. I fooled some people...lol.
LadyLoca231: More action! Lol, more action! This is the most action I've had since 'the breakfast' scene... lol. If you want action, I think it's safe to say this is not the place to get it ;o)
Toms_gurl: Whenever I get the time to write the next chapter, I guess... lol. It's finished, It just needs to be typed!
Tainted Black: She was too shocked to do anything, okay! Lol. I would have been too, then I would have regretted it for like, ever. 'Goodness to the max...' I like that ;o)
Princess: If you had three thumbs, would I get three thumbs up? Lol. Thanx.
Cookie: I dunno... the idea just... fell onto me ;o) Or I fell onto it! She's not that much older, only like nineteen... Hermione didn't change. She's just trying to please Mrs. Malfoy... and Draco's getting a little soft, but pretty much only toward her and Lucius... he still hates everyone else, you just don't know that because no one else is there
Ezmerelda: Lol. Thanx! I couldn't have done it w/o your inspiration! Lol, even though Lucius didn't have much to do with that.... :oD
Lizard Queen: He's like an old man who's really really... really immature. He still screws Narcissa, why can't he love Hermione? My rents freak out on me too about computer time... I just have to make sure I never get in trouble or they'll hurt me!
George: It was there before hand... which is how he named it... the German guy, that is. And yes, lol, they went on a date... :oD
Starry Skies: Lol. Sorry... no more talk about chapter twenty five... promise... except that there's this one part... no, just playin :oD. I bet you can pretty much guess whats going to happen anyway... or the gist of it. They go to Mione's house. Whoopie! I have neutral feelings for Celia. I don't like her because she's a bitch, but I understand where she's coming from. I'd hate anyone who I saw come near Drakey too... although, she DID dump him, so it's her fault... I just don't know. Lol, I'm TRYING to harden them up... but they're in LOVE, what am I supposed to do? I hate making them fight.... :o(
Heather: Thanx!
Bitch with a Sword: Lol, me too! Except that would defeat the purpose of him NOT dying... but who the hell cares, what an ass! Lol. And I guess it'd do Celia right to spend the next few millennia in a trash can... but I suggest a compactor prior to disposal ;o)
Sleepy-kitty: Aw! That's so cute that Tom did that for you! ::sniff:: I wanna be loved! Or liked... Or at least at a mutual decision of tolerance! Lol.
MoshiMoshiQueen: Flattered! Lol. I love it that you love it that I update! He he he!
Krissy: Thanx. Did you go to register at the top? All you do is click that, accept the message, and follow directions. Simple as pie!
Silver Dragon Goddess: Lol. Conspiracy against SDG! Everyone, grab your torch and pitchforks! Lol. And yeah, just a slight overreaction...
HarryPotterWanter: Holy hell that's a long review... lol, the longest I've ever had, that's for sure! You got the point! That Hermione was depressed, but now Draco makes it all worth while! That was the whole point of the story... you're the only person to mention that! Lol. Go you! I like Lucius too. Ew, I don't want McGonagall screwing Snape on the GREAT HALL floor! I'd never go near that room again, much less eat in there! No, no antidote, but yes, that is why they don't like her anymore. You're like a genius... you've pryed me open and figured out what makes me tick... stop it... lol. I'm leaving Dumbledore pretty much out of this one... he's always barging in with his superior knowledge and messing things up. Lets just assume, for once, he had no idea what's going on... hm? Lol. When they put Mandy and Morag ON the list, they were just planning on continuing their mindless torture and scaring the crap out of them for the rest of the year, so no, Mandy stays. Sorry :oD. And yes, you'll learn more about Froth and Lance. Most definitely. Lol, you LIKE Osric? You're not supposed to LIKE him! He's like 19 or so. The same age as Celia, which I think I'll probably explain later. And yep, Celia realized she made a mistake and wants Draco back. Who wouldn't? And yes, his calm attitude gave the joke away... but Hermione still fell for it! Lol. That's all that counts! It WAS a pretty mean joke, though. I'd have been pissed. Thanx!
Ash Night: I had to, love.... it was the end of the chapter! Lol.
Erilyn Rose: Me too, Olympus rules! ROAD TRIP! And trouble? Hm...
CassieXanthe: Thanx, and I did!
Arwen Undomiel: Of COURSE peanut butter M&M's exist! Lol. And, I made you cry? Did you really think I'd kill Draco? I LOVE Draco! And I promised a few people I'd never kill him again, lol. I hate you too!
Fred And George Weasley Are Gods: Hey guys! Missed you! At least your departure was all in good cause. I forgive you. That doesn't mean you'll ever have a chance with me, boys. I'd rather screw Ron. ::bursts out laughing:: As if YOU could say that with a straight face! Lol. Ew. I apologize for momentarily deflating your exceptionally large, egotistical heads. I'll never do it again... BUT DON'T YOU BE DISSING MY BLONDES! :o)
To those who reviewed chapter 24: Thanks for your words of encouragement and luck. I'm glad you understand! This one's for you!