Disclaimer: This is the coolest chapter ever! So much fun stuff happens.
That has nothing to do with the fact that all the characters belong to JKR
does it? Oh well, I'm sure you'll figure that part out sooner or later.
Last time on LGG:
"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.
"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. Hermione peeped, obviously disagreeing with the second half of his plan. "It won't be bad; I promise, Mya. No strings attached." She sighed.
"Okay, okay... we can fly," she said and he smiled.
"Good."
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE: Look Before you Lip
"Hermione..." called a soft voice, a firm hand shaking her shoulder. Hermione groaned a little. "Hermione, wake up."
"No, Draco... leave me alone," she pleaded, and the blonde beside her bed smiled, moving his hand away and leaning close.
"You have to wake up, Hermione," he said in whisper and Hermione sighed slightly, then leaned forward, connecting her lips with her human alarm clock. Her eyebrows furrowed after only a few seconds; something was wrong. Draco wasn't kissing back. She pulled away and opened her eyes, planning on asking what was bothering him, but her words were lost the second her vision cleared. Hermione gasped.
"Lucius?" she asked in frightened surprise, looking into the widened eyes of her boyfriend's father. He said nothing, and didn't move. Hermione swallowed. "Wha...what are you doing, Lucius?" she asked stupidly, planning on just pretending the kiss had never happened. Lucius blinked as she spoke again, and pulled back quickly, standing up straight. He took a small breath.
"D-Draco asked me to wake you up. He's downstairs helping Jasper put your bags in the car... he wants you to get dressed and meet him there," he said, trying to sound professional and unbothered. His voice lacked volume and Hermione could tell he was hurt by her involuntary action. She sighed.
"Oh... thank you, then, Lucius," she said softly, sitting up, and Lucius nodded, turning toward the door. "I'm sorry," Hermione added impulsively and Lucius paused, then childishly ran out of the room. With a sigh, Hermione sleepily got dressed, then picked up her wand and the purse she was never found without.
With a quick flick of the wrist, Hermione made the bed and left the room sparkling clean, double checking to make sure she'd brought everything she would need. Draco had decided to leave their trunks there, and Hermione had agreed. It made more sense to simply pack an overnight bag and travel light.
~*~*~*~
"Hey, there you are," Draco said, smiling widely as Hermione approached him in the entry hall. She smiled slightly. "I thought maybe Lucius got sidetracked and forgot to wake you up," he joked and Hermione's smiled dropped, but she picked it up again before he could notice.
"Nope," she said, shrugging. "I'm here. Are we leaving now?" Draco smiled and took her hand.
"If you're ready," he answered and she nodded quickly.
"I'm ready." Draco was about to smile, but instead raised an eyebrow.
"Are you okay?" he asked and Hermione looked up, wearing the most convincing fake smile she'd ever worn.
"Of course, I'm fine," she said happily and Draco smiled, taking her hand. He wasn't sure if he believed her, but it couldn't be too bad, whatever the problem was. He led her out the front door and to the same black limo that had taken them to the manor a week ago, opening the door and letting her in before him.
"Alright, Jasper," Draco said as he settled himself on the opposite side, smiling widely at Hermione, who kept her small smile as she looked out the window. "Twenty seven Westchester Ave., right?" Hermione turned to him and smiled slightly, nodding.
"Yep." Draco grinned and leaned back in his seat, joining her in looking out the window. It wasn't raining, but it wasn't overly bright and cheerful. Hermione seemed blissful, though, and Draco smiled at her just because. Even in her regular clothes, dark jeans and a baggy black sweatshirt, she was eye-catching.
The car ride was quiet for almost an hour, only the sound of the wheels against the pavement and the occasional question from Jasper broke the silence. Draco knew something was wrong. It wasn't like Hermione to be this distant... she was acting like she had on the train; depressed, lonely, and waiting to arrive in hell. She fidgeted quite a bit, crossing and uncrossing her arms and legs, daintily picking at her fingernails, running her hands through her hair.
"Her-" Draco started as Hermione reached down to rub at her leg, planning on again questioning her well being, but she interrupted him.
"Ow, ow, bloody hell, what the fuck was that?" she asked, holding the leg she'd just ran her fingers over.
"What? What's wrong?" Draco asked, sitting up, and Hermione shook her head.
"I don't know... but it hurts like a bitch..." she said, sounding slightly pained, and rolled up her pant-leg. There, nestled on a rapidly swelling red spot of skin, was a large yellow hornet. She shrieked and flicked it away, but not before it could sting her one last time. "Damn you, devil spawn!" she yelled at the little insect on the floor, struggling to get off his back and away from danger. Instead of simply stepping on the bug like any normal person, witch or muggle, Hermione grabbed her wand from the pack at her feet and sent painful curse after painful curse at the poor thing. Draco winced at each she uttered, mentally noting not to ever make her mad... or pinch her.
When she finished, Hermione was out of breath; both her wand and the hornet steaming black smoke. The insect was no longer even recognizable. She decided on one last curse; just one, then she'd stop. Although, this was a good way to vent her frustration.
"Lacarnum inflamare," she said with a sneer, anticipating a burst of flames to char the little devil to ash... but, surprisingly, nothing happened. "Lacarnum inflamare!" she tried again, but again, her wand only spouted black smoke.
"I think you burned it out," Draco said, a little shell-shocked, and Hermione sighed, dropping her shoulders and staring at the little black bug- shaped being. Then, it twitched. Draco was pretty sure it was dead; it must have been postmortem nerves. Hermione didn't realize this. With gritted teeth, she crushed the brittle shell into the black carpet with her shoe. Now satisfied that she'd successfully killed her attacker, Hermione began to tend to her leg, running her fingers over three visibly swollen bumps. Draco frowned. "Are you okay?" Hermione laughed, fingering her skin lightly.
"Yeah... I just really hate bees," she said softly and Draco smiled.
"I noticed."
"Well, this day has started out just peach-ily. First I accidentally ki- I mean," Hermione started, stopping herself just in time, and Draco raised an eyebrow at her.
"What? First what?" Hermione almost panicked... what to say, what to say... think of something quick...
"I kicked my trunk... now the stupid bees..." she mumbled expertly, covering her slip-up. Draco looked convinced.
"Oh," he said, then paused for a moment. Draco got up unexpectedly, not able to fully stand inside the car, but able to walk in a slight crouch. He moved across the aisle, sitting next to his girlfriend and gently drawing her leg onto his lap. "Let me see," he said gently, and Hermione complied, turning her body toward him and letting her injured limb stay in his gentle hands. Draco looked at the stings for a moment, then to the still-smoking wand in Hermione's hand, and sighed. He reached above him, opening a hidden cabinet and extracting a silver bucket, half a bottle of wine inside, chilling on ice. Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doing?" she asked, only slightly accusingly. She was pretty sure he wasn't up to anything sinister, but she couldn't be positive. She couldn't put anything automatically past Draco. He smirked at her.
"Can't you trust me at all?" he asked and Hermione smiled, but said nothing. "Ice, Mya. Ice. Not wine; that's Mum's... not even going into the position I'd be in if anything happened to her stash..."
"Ice?" Draco nodded.
"You burned out your wand and mine's in my bag, so yes... ice," he explained, then Draco leaned forward, unbuttoning his black over-shirt and sliding it down his arms, now sitting beside her in only the white wife- beater he wore below. Once finished ogling, Hermione looked skeptical, but didn't question him. Draco removed the bottle from his bucket, setting it on the floor beside him, then poured about half the ice into his shirt, which he rested over Hermione's leg. She flinched slightly and he smirked at her.
"It's cold," she said in explanation, although it was unneeded. Draco nodded.
"Yes, that WOULD be an appropriate adjective; one commonly used to describe ice," he said smartly, hoping to maybe get a rise out of her, but Hermione smiled, closing her eyes and leaning back against the door, basking in his gentle touch and forgetting all about her incident that morning.
Draco watched her silently, taking in everything from the slight disarray of her hair, to the swelling purple bumps on her leg. Even something so grotesque as a bee sting made her more beautiful. He reached out to her with the hand not holding the ice sack, gently touching her cheek as if to prove that she were real. Hermione smiled, tilting her head toward his hand, enjoying the soft caress of his thumb against her skin. She fluttered her eyes open, looking lovingly at him, and Draco smiled. There was a pause. Not an awkward pause, per say... but there was definitely the feeling that something should be said... and Draco felt he should be the one to say it... but he was at a loss for words. He couldn't begin to describe what he was feeling at that particular moment... it was impossible... he kept quiet.
Hermione didn't seem to mind. She sat up straighter, still keeping her leg on his lap, letting him aid her, and leaned slowly forward, touching her lips to his in a gentle, loving kiss. For the first time since she'd declared to him her love... Draco found himself able to kiss back to her subconscious expectations. In fact, he went far beyond her timid approach, countering each of her moves and dishing up one better. Hermione, surprised but intrigued, moved even closer, holding his neck in one hand and his shoulder in the other, concentrating on giving everything back. In the end, it was she who pulled away, breathing slightly heavily, but with a gallant grin. Draco looked sheepishly at her, his mind unknowingly working triple overtime trying to figure out just what had happened. Then, it came to him... like collision with a truck... he was in love.
~*~*~*~
An hour later, Draco was still sitting on Hermione's side of the limo. He had his arm around her shoulders, and she laid her head gently on his chest, legs draped over one of his. Draco made sure not to touch her injured one, and Hermione noticed. It made her smile. All was silent. There was no need for words... nothing to talk about... everything was perfect the way it was. That is, until a whirring sound was heard from behind them and both teens sat straight, turning toward the sound.
On the wall behind their seat, a hole had appeared, displaying Jasper, who was looking ahead, toward the road. He spared a peek in his rear-view mirror to speak to them.
"I'm sorry, miss. Twenty seven, correct?" he asked and Hermione looked confused for a moment, then realized what he was talking about.
"Oh, yes, sir. Twenty seven." Jasper sighed.
"I hate to be a disturbance, but I seem to be unable to locate your residence, miss," he said embarrassedly and Hermione smiled, but Draco frowned.
"I don't pay you to get lost, Jasper," he grumbled and Hermione shook her head.
"You don't have to get upset, Draco. It's just a simple question," she reminded him, then turned back to Jasper. "It's the green one on the left, sir. The one with the embarrassingly poor lawn conditions," she said, pointing, and Jasper smiled.
"Right, miss. I do apologize," he said, pulling up in front of the house Hermione had described. She smiled.
"No problem, sir," she finished, then turned back to the blonde, mocking his frown. "What is it, Draco?" she asked softly, and he looked up.
"Nothing, Mya," he assured, and Hermione wasn't sure if she should believe him. He sounded genuine, but his tone lacked enthusiasm. He was bothered by something, that's for sure. "Let's go, hm?" he asked and she grinned, nodding. Draco slid to the end of the seat and opened the door, getting out first and turning to help Hermione, holding out a hand. That was one thing she could fully expect of Draco; he was always a gentlemen.
"Thank you," she said and he smiled, then ducked back into the car. Curious, Hermione looked in after him, smiling. "What are you doing now?" she asked with a slight laugh and Draco smiled at her, but didn't answer. Instead, he showed her; Draco emptied the ice from his now soaking shirt back into the bucket, replacing the wine, then placed the chrome piece back into the cupboard. Hermione smiled and stepped away from the car, giving him room to get out.
Draco rang his shirt out on the ground, then shoved it into his pocket. He could dry it once he got his wand, but for now, he wasn't going to wear it. Hermione definitely didn't mind. She smiled widely.
"Thanks for that too," she said, pointing, and Draco, grinning, stepping forward to kissing her softly.
"That's my job, isn't it?" he asked, stepping toward the end of the car, where Jasper was loading himself with bags. Hermione smiled and followed, but quickly double-checked to make sure she'd grabbed everything from the car first.
"Your job just got some new requirements," she said, and Draco lifted an eyebrow, turning to her. "These would be: 1) Don't do anything stupid that could get us killed, and 2) Don't do anything stupid that could get us exposed. Oh, and don't make fun of my crappy house... I don't like it either," she said and Draco looked behind her to what must have been her residence, considering it was the only green one on that side of the street. He had no idea what she was talking about. It was, although old looking and paint peeled, a beautiful house. With a little work, it could have a nice lawn, too. In fact, Hermione's house looked like one of those from that celebrity home show... except that it'd been abandoned for at least a decade. When Draco looked back down, Hermione wasn't standing beside him. She was happily arguing with Jasper, who insisted on bringing their baggage to their rooms, but she laughed and contradicted him. Shaking his head, Draco stepped in to aid.
"Mya, what are you doing?" he asked, although he already knew. Hermione turned to him, looking a bit agitated. Evidently, the friendly argument had turned tables.
"Draco, tell him he doesn't need to bring the bags in," she said, and Draco turned to Jasper, who was looking as if she'd asked him to be killed.
"But miss, that is my job... I must assist you with your luggage," he stated, once again, and Hermione glared. Draco, however, laughed.
"Compromise, people. Jasper, bring the bags into the.... well, whatever room is behind the front door. We'll take it from there; agreed?" Jasper looked a bit uneasy, but nodded.
"Fine," Hermione said and Draco smiled, watching as Jasper carried away their bags. "Draco, what have you done to that poor man... he's like a zombie or something..." Hermione asked, stepping closer to him, and Draco shrugged.
"Nothing. That's his nature," he said and Hermione looked up.
"What do you mean, 'his nature'?"
"Jasper grew up in our home, serving me until I left for school, then my mother until he was twenty, then father until... the 'accident'."
"It wasn't an accident," Hermione corrected, and Draco smiled, draping his arm over her shoulders.
"True. Anyway, that's why; because it's all he knows," he said and Hermione sighed.
"It seems... weird, though," she said and Draco shrugged.
"Nah. He's always been a little off," he said, then paused. "So, do I get a tour or what?"
"I never got a tour," she said, looking up at him with a smirk and an inclined eyebrow. Draco laughed.
"Mya, if I gave you a tour, we'd still be on it," he said and she laughed quietly.
"Sure," she agreed, taking his hand and pulling him toward the door to her home, just as Jasper exited.
"Are you sure I can't bring them somewhere else?" he asked again and Hermione shook her head.
"Go home, Jasper. Thank you, in all honesty," she said and he smiled slightly.
"Alright, miss. Mr. Malfoy." Draco gave Jasper a nod and the man sighed, moving back toward the limo. Hermione pulled Draco inside before their chauffer could even buckle himself back in.
"Welcome to the Granger domicile. Forgive the mess, it seems everyone's been too busy to clean in months..." she said, running her finger along a table, lifting at least a centimeter of dust. She sighed. "It's even worse than I thought. Oh well... as soon as my wand heals itself, I'll fix it. In the meantime... this would be the entry room," she said, gesturing to the large empty room they stood in, then, starting with the wall to their left, Hermione began naming doors. "Through there is the staircase, but if you pass it, you'll get to the laundry room," she said, then started on the wall directly across from them. "Bathroom, kitchen," she listed, then pointed to the one door on the right wall. "Living room."
Draco said nothing, simply looking around, but listened to every word she said. Hermione smiled up at him and picked up her bag, slinging it over her shoulder.
"Come," she instructed, beckoning him with a finger as she backed toward the door that she'd said led to the staircase. Draco picked up his bag and followed, amazed at the... muggle-ness of her home. There was no other way to say it... it was, in reality, boring... but at the same time, interesting.
The paintings didn't move... you could stare at them for hours, appreciating every brush stroke without the occupants shooing you away... There were dozens of things he'd never seen before, each, no doubt, with some astounding purpose he could only dream of... such as everything in what Hermione called 'the laundry room.' He was still to figure out why you would need a room just for laundry... it wasn't like it took long to have it brought back to your room...
"Okay," Hermione said as they reached the top of the stairs. There was a hallway, with four doors along the wall opposite the stairs. Hermione pointed to each, explaining what was behind them. "My parents' room. Bathroom. Guest room. And... my room," she said, walking toward the last door she'd identified. She opened it with a smile, but it dropped and she sighed. "I guess they redecorated." Draco stepped up behind her, looking through and into the room.
It wasn't even recognizable as a bedroom. The walls were a smoky gray; the carpet green, and every spare spot was filled with junk. Boxes labeled Christmas, toys, kitchen... it was like they'd just moved in. Hermione's bed was still there; a simple twin with a cheep metal frame sat in the corner, piled high with dumbbells and more boxes. Hermione sighed again and scowled.
"You'd think I'd died or something," she said, closing the door again. Draco shook his head.
"If you'd died, chances are they'd have left your room exactly how you left it... this is more like you were never even there," he said and Hermione turned to face him.
"That makes me feel a whole lot better," she said sarcastically, but smiled. Draco looked guilty.
"Sorry," he said, but Hermione shook her head and walked down the hall, opening the bathroom door and tossing her bag in, then continued back toward Draco, opening the next door, revealing the guest room, which, thankfully, was still intact. Hermione smiled.
"You can sleep here," she said, digging in her pocket for her wand. "Just let me see if... oh, here." Hermione pointed the newly located magic stick toward the room and gave it a flick, hoping it'd work. It did. She smiled triumphantly at the sparkling room, then turned to Draco. He smiled and walked toward her, dropping his bag inside the doorway. Hermione smiled and gave him a little kiss, then trotted down the hall, cleaning with her wand. She left her room alone... it didn't seem like a good idea to go back in there. Once the second floor was spotless, Hermione started down the stairs. "Coming?" she asked Draco and he smiled, sliding the wand he'd taken from his back into his pocket, and followed her.
Hermione cleaned downstairs, then cast a spell over the lawn so that it would clean itself, slowly so as not to alert the neighbors. Then, she proceeded to the kitchen, opening cupboards and drawers, tallying the food situation.
"Well that's great. I think we have two cans of pineapple and a year old box of cheerios. Happy breakfast," she said, pulling down one of the cans and slicing it open with her wand. "Looks like first stop is Wick's Mini Mart... unless, of course, you enjoy moldy... dry... cereal?" Hermione smiled up at Draco, who really didn't have a comment, and simply watched as she inspected the pineapple. With a face, she placed the can in the sink. "I can wait. Can you wait?" she asked and Draco laughed, shrugging.
"Eating is overrated anyway," he said and Hermione smiled.
"Agreed. Come, Malfoy... to the world of muggle shopping," she said, taking his hand and pulling him back into the entry room and through the door, onto the wrap-around porch. As soon as she got out, however, Hermione paused, walking down the long warped boards, stopping in front of a garden gnome that rested at the corner. She crouched down in front of it, staring into its eyes for a moment, then picked it up. "Goodbye Alfie," she said, and slammed the plaster sprite onto the sidewalk over the railing. Draco looked surprised, but Hermione didn't seem to think her action strange at all. She walked back to him, taking his hand, and descended the steps of the porch, then walked back to where she had dropped Alfie. On the ground, mixed with the plaster, was a fairly large amount of muggle money.
"Confusion, noted," Draco said and Hermione laughed.
"As if I would trust my summer job money in my house with people like that? Yeah right. I've been saving this since I started babysitting in forth grade," she said, picking the bills out of the plaster mess. "Let's see... I should have about..." she said, counting silently. "Wow, more than I thought. Think £856 should be enough for groceries?" she asked, laughing, and stood, folding the bills and shoving them into her pocketbook.
"How the hell should I know?" Draco asked, smiling, and Hermione laughed again, taking his hand.
"It is, Drakey. It is. It'd be about the equivalent to... oh, say 1000 galleons." Draco laughed.
"I'd assume that, yes, that would be plenty," he said and Hermione nodded, leading him down the path and to the street. They walked in slow silence toward what Draco assumed was probably a grocery store. Hermione didn't seem upset, but she didn't seem overly happy to be back home, either. She wouldn't admit it, but seeing her room like that had hurt her; he could tell. Draco didn't blame her; she really hadn't been kidding when she said her parents were neglectful. It hurt him that she was hurting... out of impulse, Draco kissed her temple, and Hermione looked up at him, eyebrow raised. Draco smiled, but pretended to back off.
"That's Froth's house," Hermione said a few minutes later, pointing to a dumpy one story white house with a grass-free front yard.
"Can I make fun of his house?" Draco asked and she laughed, but nodded just to play along. Draco shook his head. "What a piece of crap," he said and Hermione took his hand again. "I bet Weasel's house is better."
"Agreed and it is, actually. Froth's has always been like that... and his parents are always home... they're just really lazy. They're not as poor as they look. I'm not either. Well, *I* am, but my parents aren't. We could have a nice house if they'd put in a little effort. I'm sure as hell not going to help them... I'm out of there after graduation, and I don't plan on coming back. I don't know what I'm going to do, but I'll figure out something... as long as it gets me far, far, away from here," she said, sighing. "Gotta love Oriskany." Draco smirked as he listened, eyes still on the dumpy white house.
"Hey, look," he said, nodding toward it, and Hermione turned to see her ex- boyfriend leaving his home.
"Damn... quick," she said, and pulled Draco behind a big tree conveniently placed near the sidewalk. Both peeked around the tree, watching they figure across the street.
"Who's that?"
"Froth. Oh, and look, Lance too... reunion time," she said as a taller brunette followed him down the steps, both getting into their rusty station wagon. Hermione waited until they drove a good distance away before she stepped back out from behind the tree, pulling Draco behind her.
"Well, that was... interesting."
"Good looking guys, aren't they?" Hermione asked sarcastically and Draco laughed.
"I wasn't going to say anything...but..." Hermione grinned.
"I vote we... I don't know, burn all their clothes or something," she suggested. "Something small to start with, just to give them warning."
"That's good... if they're wearing them."
~*~
A/N if you find mistakes, I apologize. I DID proofread, but not as many times as usual... and it was quarter of two when I did it, so don't expect superior quality. Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter. The Lucius part at the beginning is something I pride myself on. Bet that took you by surprise, hm? Mwa, ha, ha, I am SOOO evil!
PRF:
Silent Fire: Actually, it was a while, huh? I apologize. And ya... gotta love Lucius
Tom*Feltons*Babe: Wow! I missed you, girl! And ya Brazillian guys are hot! Send me cute picture and I'll forgive you! Lol. He does love her, by the way, he just doesn't know it yet. Hehe.
Seraph: Yeah, poor Lucy. Gotta love the dude. I want a resturaunt like Hades' Lair when I grow up. I think it'd get good buisnes... except I'd make the food actually look good... hehe.
Crystalline Lily: Just about, yep! Told you I'd have a chapter b4 the 19th!
HarryPotterWanter: Lol, another wonderfully long review. Thanx bunches. Of course he notices that Celia's jealous! She practically growls! Lol. He doesn't use it against Hermione because he doesn't need to... she's already head over heels for him, what good would that do? And if Hermione used Lucius or Osric to make Draco jealous, I'd have to shoot all three of them... lol. Lol, yeah, that thing about the food is true... guess you have to recommended by a friend ;o) I'm sure word spreads that it's not as bad as it looks. About the ring, of course she doesn't want to get married yet. She loves him, yes, but for one she's only seventeen, and for two, they've only been going out for... less than a month. That's a little sudden. It'd have scared me all to hell, too. I thought the navel ring was a nice touch, myself. Hehe. Draco's such a sweetie... in his own way... Right now, he's just playing in the sandbox (Lucius) I don't think the thought of a relationship had crossed his mind. He IS married after all. First off, Draco wanted to get back at Lucius just because he got the chance, and I quote, 'Might as well have some fun if I have to go back home' but then, he thought Lucius was trying to make passes at Hermione, and he got angry, which is why he was so against taking him off the list when she asked him to. And yes, that's why he took the snacks, because he felt that was a compromise. Hermione didn't want him to hurt Lucius, but he still wanted revenge... so he made it a minor revenge. But Lucius is five; no snacks is a big deal, lol. And I have plans for our muggle friends... lol.
Cherryplumb11: Lol, if Mya and Ceecee got into a fight, Mya would SOOO kick that bitch's ass. Lol. And he's five, and it's a JUICEBOX. How do you spike a juice box without people noticing? Lol. And, like I said, he's five! It's not even crossing his mind, trust me.
Little Witch: Ohhhh yeah. They did take him off the list, but only because they got him back! No cookies for Lucy!
Ezmerelda: Me too... lol. I even made them kiss ::gasp:: Lol. Welcome.
LadyLoca231: is it just me, or are you blowing this out of proportion? Lol.
George: I sure did, braggart! Lol. I try to read most of my reviewers' stories... particularly if they're Hr/D
MoshiMoshiQueen: Lol, glad I could spread a little joy with my sadistic ways; lol.
Arwen Undomiel: Thanx for not hating me! Draco asked Hermione if she wants to go home because they need to take revenge on Froth and Lance; her ex- boyfriend and his pass-making brother. That's the whole reason.
BlacKat: Lol, I get that 'mine sux compared to yours' thing a lot. Don't be so hard on yourself. I've been writing for a while... Yeah, that could be what's under his shell, but I'd like to think that love changes him for the better. Lol. Like Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, lol. I'm glad you liked the train scene. I just wanted them to finally fuck and get it over with; lol, and the fact that they were on their way to meet his mother just makes it all he more risqué. You can't have Draco; he's mine!
Kitcatcole*: Will do!
Crissy the Amazing: Lol. Nice name. I know. I'm a Draco/Hermione shipper all the way!
Stacey: McGonagall sent Mione's peeps an owl, but Mione said that her parents are afraid of them and don't open the letters, so I guess not... lol. Lol. That's a good idea, but they did that in that movie 'sixteen candles' lol.
Erilyn Rose: Lol. We all love Lucius. Draco's not a monster, he couldn't harm a mere child! Celia sucks arse! Lol, I hate her too. For the same reason. And yes, I have plans for when Celia comes... you just be waiting... Mwa haha....
Bitch With a Sword: Yeah. Flames sucks. Don't read it! No! It will burn out your eyes! AHHHH!
Tainted Black: Who said anything about lucky charms? Lol. Oh yeah, and she'll win that pussy fight too! And no. His only flaw is that he can sometimes be insensitive... such as the whole Olympus thing. Lol. I should have made that more believeable... hehe. Hey, it fooled Mya!
Lady Ktulu: Thanx! And my term paper is well on it's way to completion, thanks!
Princess: I wish I had a b/f... period. Lol. One like Draco wouldn't be bad, though... hehe. That's a great disclaimer! Write a story and use it! Lol. Sometimes I forget to put mine up there. I'm usually so full of ideas I write 'disclaimer:' then I start out the story, planning to put it in later, but I forget... lol.
._. : Interesting name, there... lo.. thanx! I love Lucius, and I've never liked h/r... lol. Gimmie chocolate!
EgyptianQueen17: Lol. Thanx. I know she's a tad bit creepy, but she's gradually getting more normal... I thought the whole breakfast scene was pretty good, myself. I have plans for Oz and Ceecee, Draco WILL tell her, very soon... and I don't think they'll get married. Unless it's like at a chapel in Vegas or something. I can't see them having a big huge wedding... lol. And who would come? Draco's parents... and the house elves. Whoa...
That was like 4 pages of just reviews! That's half a chapter! Lol. A little less. They're usually about 10pgs. This one was 9
Last time on LGG:
"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.
"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. Hermione peeped, obviously disagreeing with the second half of his plan. "It won't be bad; I promise, Mya. No strings attached." She sighed.
"Okay, okay... we can fly," she said and he smiled.
"Good."
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE: Look Before you Lip
"Hermione..." called a soft voice, a firm hand shaking her shoulder. Hermione groaned a little. "Hermione, wake up."
"No, Draco... leave me alone," she pleaded, and the blonde beside her bed smiled, moving his hand away and leaning close.
"You have to wake up, Hermione," he said in whisper and Hermione sighed slightly, then leaned forward, connecting her lips with her human alarm clock. Her eyebrows furrowed after only a few seconds; something was wrong. Draco wasn't kissing back. She pulled away and opened her eyes, planning on asking what was bothering him, but her words were lost the second her vision cleared. Hermione gasped.
"Lucius?" she asked in frightened surprise, looking into the widened eyes of her boyfriend's father. He said nothing, and didn't move. Hermione swallowed. "Wha...what are you doing, Lucius?" she asked stupidly, planning on just pretending the kiss had never happened. Lucius blinked as she spoke again, and pulled back quickly, standing up straight. He took a small breath.
"D-Draco asked me to wake you up. He's downstairs helping Jasper put your bags in the car... he wants you to get dressed and meet him there," he said, trying to sound professional and unbothered. His voice lacked volume and Hermione could tell he was hurt by her involuntary action. She sighed.
"Oh... thank you, then, Lucius," she said softly, sitting up, and Lucius nodded, turning toward the door. "I'm sorry," Hermione added impulsively and Lucius paused, then childishly ran out of the room. With a sigh, Hermione sleepily got dressed, then picked up her wand and the purse she was never found without.
With a quick flick of the wrist, Hermione made the bed and left the room sparkling clean, double checking to make sure she'd brought everything she would need. Draco had decided to leave their trunks there, and Hermione had agreed. It made more sense to simply pack an overnight bag and travel light.
~*~*~*~
"Hey, there you are," Draco said, smiling widely as Hermione approached him in the entry hall. She smiled slightly. "I thought maybe Lucius got sidetracked and forgot to wake you up," he joked and Hermione's smiled dropped, but she picked it up again before he could notice.
"Nope," she said, shrugging. "I'm here. Are we leaving now?" Draco smiled and took her hand.
"If you're ready," he answered and she nodded quickly.
"I'm ready." Draco was about to smile, but instead raised an eyebrow.
"Are you okay?" he asked and Hermione looked up, wearing the most convincing fake smile she'd ever worn.
"Of course, I'm fine," she said happily and Draco smiled, taking her hand. He wasn't sure if he believed her, but it couldn't be too bad, whatever the problem was. He led her out the front door and to the same black limo that had taken them to the manor a week ago, opening the door and letting her in before him.
"Alright, Jasper," Draco said as he settled himself on the opposite side, smiling widely at Hermione, who kept her small smile as she looked out the window. "Twenty seven Westchester Ave., right?" Hermione turned to him and smiled slightly, nodding.
"Yep." Draco grinned and leaned back in his seat, joining her in looking out the window. It wasn't raining, but it wasn't overly bright and cheerful. Hermione seemed blissful, though, and Draco smiled at her just because. Even in her regular clothes, dark jeans and a baggy black sweatshirt, she was eye-catching.
The car ride was quiet for almost an hour, only the sound of the wheels against the pavement and the occasional question from Jasper broke the silence. Draco knew something was wrong. It wasn't like Hermione to be this distant... she was acting like she had on the train; depressed, lonely, and waiting to arrive in hell. She fidgeted quite a bit, crossing and uncrossing her arms and legs, daintily picking at her fingernails, running her hands through her hair.
"Her-" Draco started as Hermione reached down to rub at her leg, planning on again questioning her well being, but she interrupted him.
"Ow, ow, bloody hell, what the fuck was that?" she asked, holding the leg she'd just ran her fingers over.
"What? What's wrong?" Draco asked, sitting up, and Hermione shook her head.
"I don't know... but it hurts like a bitch..." she said, sounding slightly pained, and rolled up her pant-leg. There, nestled on a rapidly swelling red spot of skin, was a large yellow hornet. She shrieked and flicked it away, but not before it could sting her one last time. "Damn you, devil spawn!" she yelled at the little insect on the floor, struggling to get off his back and away from danger. Instead of simply stepping on the bug like any normal person, witch or muggle, Hermione grabbed her wand from the pack at her feet and sent painful curse after painful curse at the poor thing. Draco winced at each she uttered, mentally noting not to ever make her mad... or pinch her.
When she finished, Hermione was out of breath; both her wand and the hornet steaming black smoke. The insect was no longer even recognizable. She decided on one last curse; just one, then she'd stop. Although, this was a good way to vent her frustration.
"Lacarnum inflamare," she said with a sneer, anticipating a burst of flames to char the little devil to ash... but, surprisingly, nothing happened. "Lacarnum inflamare!" she tried again, but again, her wand only spouted black smoke.
"I think you burned it out," Draco said, a little shell-shocked, and Hermione sighed, dropping her shoulders and staring at the little black bug- shaped being. Then, it twitched. Draco was pretty sure it was dead; it must have been postmortem nerves. Hermione didn't realize this. With gritted teeth, she crushed the brittle shell into the black carpet with her shoe. Now satisfied that she'd successfully killed her attacker, Hermione began to tend to her leg, running her fingers over three visibly swollen bumps. Draco frowned. "Are you okay?" Hermione laughed, fingering her skin lightly.
"Yeah... I just really hate bees," she said softly and Draco smiled.
"I noticed."
"Well, this day has started out just peach-ily. First I accidentally ki- I mean," Hermione started, stopping herself just in time, and Draco raised an eyebrow at her.
"What? First what?" Hermione almost panicked... what to say, what to say... think of something quick...
"I kicked my trunk... now the stupid bees..." she mumbled expertly, covering her slip-up. Draco looked convinced.
"Oh," he said, then paused for a moment. Draco got up unexpectedly, not able to fully stand inside the car, but able to walk in a slight crouch. He moved across the aisle, sitting next to his girlfriend and gently drawing her leg onto his lap. "Let me see," he said gently, and Hermione complied, turning her body toward him and letting her injured limb stay in his gentle hands. Draco looked at the stings for a moment, then to the still-smoking wand in Hermione's hand, and sighed. He reached above him, opening a hidden cabinet and extracting a silver bucket, half a bottle of wine inside, chilling on ice. Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doing?" she asked, only slightly accusingly. She was pretty sure he wasn't up to anything sinister, but she couldn't be positive. She couldn't put anything automatically past Draco. He smirked at her.
"Can't you trust me at all?" he asked and Hermione smiled, but said nothing. "Ice, Mya. Ice. Not wine; that's Mum's... not even going into the position I'd be in if anything happened to her stash..."
"Ice?" Draco nodded.
"You burned out your wand and mine's in my bag, so yes... ice," he explained, then Draco leaned forward, unbuttoning his black over-shirt and sliding it down his arms, now sitting beside her in only the white wife- beater he wore below. Once finished ogling, Hermione looked skeptical, but didn't question him. Draco removed the bottle from his bucket, setting it on the floor beside him, then poured about half the ice into his shirt, which he rested over Hermione's leg. She flinched slightly and he smirked at her.
"It's cold," she said in explanation, although it was unneeded. Draco nodded.
"Yes, that WOULD be an appropriate adjective; one commonly used to describe ice," he said smartly, hoping to maybe get a rise out of her, but Hermione smiled, closing her eyes and leaning back against the door, basking in his gentle touch and forgetting all about her incident that morning.
Draco watched her silently, taking in everything from the slight disarray of her hair, to the swelling purple bumps on her leg. Even something so grotesque as a bee sting made her more beautiful. He reached out to her with the hand not holding the ice sack, gently touching her cheek as if to prove that she were real. Hermione smiled, tilting her head toward his hand, enjoying the soft caress of his thumb against her skin. She fluttered her eyes open, looking lovingly at him, and Draco smiled. There was a pause. Not an awkward pause, per say... but there was definitely the feeling that something should be said... and Draco felt he should be the one to say it... but he was at a loss for words. He couldn't begin to describe what he was feeling at that particular moment... it was impossible... he kept quiet.
Hermione didn't seem to mind. She sat up straighter, still keeping her leg on his lap, letting him aid her, and leaned slowly forward, touching her lips to his in a gentle, loving kiss. For the first time since she'd declared to him her love... Draco found himself able to kiss back to her subconscious expectations. In fact, he went far beyond her timid approach, countering each of her moves and dishing up one better. Hermione, surprised but intrigued, moved even closer, holding his neck in one hand and his shoulder in the other, concentrating on giving everything back. In the end, it was she who pulled away, breathing slightly heavily, but with a gallant grin. Draco looked sheepishly at her, his mind unknowingly working triple overtime trying to figure out just what had happened. Then, it came to him... like collision with a truck... he was in love.
~*~*~*~
An hour later, Draco was still sitting on Hermione's side of the limo. He had his arm around her shoulders, and she laid her head gently on his chest, legs draped over one of his. Draco made sure not to touch her injured one, and Hermione noticed. It made her smile. All was silent. There was no need for words... nothing to talk about... everything was perfect the way it was. That is, until a whirring sound was heard from behind them and both teens sat straight, turning toward the sound.
On the wall behind their seat, a hole had appeared, displaying Jasper, who was looking ahead, toward the road. He spared a peek in his rear-view mirror to speak to them.
"I'm sorry, miss. Twenty seven, correct?" he asked and Hermione looked confused for a moment, then realized what he was talking about.
"Oh, yes, sir. Twenty seven." Jasper sighed.
"I hate to be a disturbance, but I seem to be unable to locate your residence, miss," he said embarrassedly and Hermione smiled, but Draco frowned.
"I don't pay you to get lost, Jasper," he grumbled and Hermione shook her head.
"You don't have to get upset, Draco. It's just a simple question," she reminded him, then turned back to Jasper. "It's the green one on the left, sir. The one with the embarrassingly poor lawn conditions," she said, pointing, and Jasper smiled.
"Right, miss. I do apologize," he said, pulling up in front of the house Hermione had described. She smiled.
"No problem, sir," she finished, then turned back to the blonde, mocking his frown. "What is it, Draco?" she asked softly, and he looked up.
"Nothing, Mya," he assured, and Hermione wasn't sure if she should believe him. He sounded genuine, but his tone lacked enthusiasm. He was bothered by something, that's for sure. "Let's go, hm?" he asked and she grinned, nodding. Draco slid to the end of the seat and opened the door, getting out first and turning to help Hermione, holding out a hand. That was one thing she could fully expect of Draco; he was always a gentlemen.
"Thank you," she said and he smiled, then ducked back into the car. Curious, Hermione looked in after him, smiling. "What are you doing now?" she asked with a slight laugh and Draco smiled at her, but didn't answer. Instead, he showed her; Draco emptied the ice from his now soaking shirt back into the bucket, replacing the wine, then placed the chrome piece back into the cupboard. Hermione smiled and stepped away from the car, giving him room to get out.
Draco rang his shirt out on the ground, then shoved it into his pocket. He could dry it once he got his wand, but for now, he wasn't going to wear it. Hermione definitely didn't mind. She smiled widely.
"Thanks for that too," she said, pointing, and Draco, grinning, stepping forward to kissing her softly.
"That's my job, isn't it?" he asked, stepping toward the end of the car, where Jasper was loading himself with bags. Hermione smiled and followed, but quickly double-checked to make sure she'd grabbed everything from the car first.
"Your job just got some new requirements," she said, and Draco lifted an eyebrow, turning to her. "These would be: 1) Don't do anything stupid that could get us killed, and 2) Don't do anything stupid that could get us exposed. Oh, and don't make fun of my crappy house... I don't like it either," she said and Draco looked behind her to what must have been her residence, considering it was the only green one on that side of the street. He had no idea what she was talking about. It was, although old looking and paint peeled, a beautiful house. With a little work, it could have a nice lawn, too. In fact, Hermione's house looked like one of those from that celebrity home show... except that it'd been abandoned for at least a decade. When Draco looked back down, Hermione wasn't standing beside him. She was happily arguing with Jasper, who insisted on bringing their baggage to their rooms, but she laughed and contradicted him. Shaking his head, Draco stepped in to aid.
"Mya, what are you doing?" he asked, although he already knew. Hermione turned to him, looking a bit agitated. Evidently, the friendly argument had turned tables.
"Draco, tell him he doesn't need to bring the bags in," she said, and Draco turned to Jasper, who was looking as if she'd asked him to be killed.
"But miss, that is my job... I must assist you with your luggage," he stated, once again, and Hermione glared. Draco, however, laughed.
"Compromise, people. Jasper, bring the bags into the.... well, whatever room is behind the front door. We'll take it from there; agreed?" Jasper looked a bit uneasy, but nodded.
"Fine," Hermione said and Draco smiled, watching as Jasper carried away their bags. "Draco, what have you done to that poor man... he's like a zombie or something..." Hermione asked, stepping closer to him, and Draco shrugged.
"Nothing. That's his nature," he said and Hermione looked up.
"What do you mean, 'his nature'?"
"Jasper grew up in our home, serving me until I left for school, then my mother until he was twenty, then father until... the 'accident'."
"It wasn't an accident," Hermione corrected, and Draco smiled, draping his arm over her shoulders.
"True. Anyway, that's why; because it's all he knows," he said and Hermione sighed.
"It seems... weird, though," she said and Draco shrugged.
"Nah. He's always been a little off," he said, then paused. "So, do I get a tour or what?"
"I never got a tour," she said, looking up at him with a smirk and an inclined eyebrow. Draco laughed.
"Mya, if I gave you a tour, we'd still be on it," he said and she laughed quietly.
"Sure," she agreed, taking his hand and pulling him toward the door to her home, just as Jasper exited.
"Are you sure I can't bring them somewhere else?" he asked again and Hermione shook her head.
"Go home, Jasper. Thank you, in all honesty," she said and he smiled slightly.
"Alright, miss. Mr. Malfoy." Draco gave Jasper a nod and the man sighed, moving back toward the limo. Hermione pulled Draco inside before their chauffer could even buckle himself back in.
"Welcome to the Granger domicile. Forgive the mess, it seems everyone's been too busy to clean in months..." she said, running her finger along a table, lifting at least a centimeter of dust. She sighed. "It's even worse than I thought. Oh well... as soon as my wand heals itself, I'll fix it. In the meantime... this would be the entry room," she said, gesturing to the large empty room they stood in, then, starting with the wall to their left, Hermione began naming doors. "Through there is the staircase, but if you pass it, you'll get to the laundry room," she said, then started on the wall directly across from them. "Bathroom, kitchen," she listed, then pointed to the one door on the right wall. "Living room."
Draco said nothing, simply looking around, but listened to every word she said. Hermione smiled up at him and picked up her bag, slinging it over her shoulder.
"Come," she instructed, beckoning him with a finger as she backed toward the door that she'd said led to the staircase. Draco picked up his bag and followed, amazed at the... muggle-ness of her home. There was no other way to say it... it was, in reality, boring... but at the same time, interesting.
The paintings didn't move... you could stare at them for hours, appreciating every brush stroke without the occupants shooing you away... There were dozens of things he'd never seen before, each, no doubt, with some astounding purpose he could only dream of... such as everything in what Hermione called 'the laundry room.' He was still to figure out why you would need a room just for laundry... it wasn't like it took long to have it brought back to your room...
"Okay," Hermione said as they reached the top of the stairs. There was a hallway, with four doors along the wall opposite the stairs. Hermione pointed to each, explaining what was behind them. "My parents' room. Bathroom. Guest room. And... my room," she said, walking toward the last door she'd identified. She opened it with a smile, but it dropped and she sighed. "I guess they redecorated." Draco stepped up behind her, looking through and into the room.
It wasn't even recognizable as a bedroom. The walls were a smoky gray; the carpet green, and every spare spot was filled with junk. Boxes labeled Christmas, toys, kitchen... it was like they'd just moved in. Hermione's bed was still there; a simple twin with a cheep metal frame sat in the corner, piled high with dumbbells and more boxes. Hermione sighed again and scowled.
"You'd think I'd died or something," she said, closing the door again. Draco shook his head.
"If you'd died, chances are they'd have left your room exactly how you left it... this is more like you were never even there," he said and Hermione turned to face him.
"That makes me feel a whole lot better," she said sarcastically, but smiled. Draco looked guilty.
"Sorry," he said, but Hermione shook her head and walked down the hall, opening the bathroom door and tossing her bag in, then continued back toward Draco, opening the next door, revealing the guest room, which, thankfully, was still intact. Hermione smiled.
"You can sleep here," she said, digging in her pocket for her wand. "Just let me see if... oh, here." Hermione pointed the newly located magic stick toward the room and gave it a flick, hoping it'd work. It did. She smiled triumphantly at the sparkling room, then turned to Draco. He smiled and walked toward her, dropping his bag inside the doorway. Hermione smiled and gave him a little kiss, then trotted down the hall, cleaning with her wand. She left her room alone... it didn't seem like a good idea to go back in there. Once the second floor was spotless, Hermione started down the stairs. "Coming?" she asked Draco and he smiled, sliding the wand he'd taken from his back into his pocket, and followed her.
Hermione cleaned downstairs, then cast a spell over the lawn so that it would clean itself, slowly so as not to alert the neighbors. Then, she proceeded to the kitchen, opening cupboards and drawers, tallying the food situation.
"Well that's great. I think we have two cans of pineapple and a year old box of cheerios. Happy breakfast," she said, pulling down one of the cans and slicing it open with her wand. "Looks like first stop is Wick's Mini Mart... unless, of course, you enjoy moldy... dry... cereal?" Hermione smiled up at Draco, who really didn't have a comment, and simply watched as she inspected the pineapple. With a face, she placed the can in the sink. "I can wait. Can you wait?" she asked and Draco laughed, shrugging.
"Eating is overrated anyway," he said and Hermione smiled.
"Agreed. Come, Malfoy... to the world of muggle shopping," she said, taking his hand and pulling him back into the entry room and through the door, onto the wrap-around porch. As soon as she got out, however, Hermione paused, walking down the long warped boards, stopping in front of a garden gnome that rested at the corner. She crouched down in front of it, staring into its eyes for a moment, then picked it up. "Goodbye Alfie," she said, and slammed the plaster sprite onto the sidewalk over the railing. Draco looked surprised, but Hermione didn't seem to think her action strange at all. She walked back to him, taking his hand, and descended the steps of the porch, then walked back to where she had dropped Alfie. On the ground, mixed with the plaster, was a fairly large amount of muggle money.
"Confusion, noted," Draco said and Hermione laughed.
"As if I would trust my summer job money in my house with people like that? Yeah right. I've been saving this since I started babysitting in forth grade," she said, picking the bills out of the plaster mess. "Let's see... I should have about..." she said, counting silently. "Wow, more than I thought. Think £856 should be enough for groceries?" she asked, laughing, and stood, folding the bills and shoving them into her pocketbook.
"How the hell should I know?" Draco asked, smiling, and Hermione laughed again, taking his hand.
"It is, Drakey. It is. It'd be about the equivalent to... oh, say 1000 galleons." Draco laughed.
"I'd assume that, yes, that would be plenty," he said and Hermione nodded, leading him down the path and to the street. They walked in slow silence toward what Draco assumed was probably a grocery store. Hermione didn't seem upset, but she didn't seem overly happy to be back home, either. She wouldn't admit it, but seeing her room like that had hurt her; he could tell. Draco didn't blame her; she really hadn't been kidding when she said her parents were neglectful. It hurt him that she was hurting... out of impulse, Draco kissed her temple, and Hermione looked up at him, eyebrow raised. Draco smiled, but pretended to back off.
"That's Froth's house," Hermione said a few minutes later, pointing to a dumpy one story white house with a grass-free front yard.
"Can I make fun of his house?" Draco asked and she laughed, but nodded just to play along. Draco shook his head. "What a piece of crap," he said and Hermione took his hand again. "I bet Weasel's house is better."
"Agreed and it is, actually. Froth's has always been like that... and his parents are always home... they're just really lazy. They're not as poor as they look. I'm not either. Well, *I* am, but my parents aren't. We could have a nice house if they'd put in a little effort. I'm sure as hell not going to help them... I'm out of there after graduation, and I don't plan on coming back. I don't know what I'm going to do, but I'll figure out something... as long as it gets me far, far, away from here," she said, sighing. "Gotta love Oriskany." Draco smirked as he listened, eyes still on the dumpy white house.
"Hey, look," he said, nodding toward it, and Hermione turned to see her ex- boyfriend leaving his home.
"Damn... quick," she said, and pulled Draco behind a big tree conveniently placed near the sidewalk. Both peeked around the tree, watching they figure across the street.
"Who's that?"
"Froth. Oh, and look, Lance too... reunion time," she said as a taller brunette followed him down the steps, both getting into their rusty station wagon. Hermione waited until they drove a good distance away before she stepped back out from behind the tree, pulling Draco behind her.
"Well, that was... interesting."
"Good looking guys, aren't they?" Hermione asked sarcastically and Draco laughed.
"I wasn't going to say anything...but..." Hermione grinned.
"I vote we... I don't know, burn all their clothes or something," she suggested. "Something small to start with, just to give them warning."
"That's good... if they're wearing them."
~*~
A/N if you find mistakes, I apologize. I DID proofread, but not as many times as usual... and it was quarter of two when I did it, so don't expect superior quality. Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter. The Lucius part at the beginning is something I pride myself on. Bet that took you by surprise, hm? Mwa, ha, ha, I am SOOO evil!
PRF:
Silent Fire: Actually, it was a while, huh? I apologize. And ya... gotta love Lucius
Tom*Feltons*Babe: Wow! I missed you, girl! And ya Brazillian guys are hot! Send me cute picture and I'll forgive you! Lol. He does love her, by the way, he just doesn't know it yet. Hehe.
Seraph: Yeah, poor Lucy. Gotta love the dude. I want a resturaunt like Hades' Lair when I grow up. I think it'd get good buisnes... except I'd make the food actually look good... hehe.
Crystalline Lily: Just about, yep! Told you I'd have a chapter b4 the 19th!
HarryPotterWanter: Lol, another wonderfully long review. Thanx bunches. Of course he notices that Celia's jealous! She practically growls! Lol. He doesn't use it against Hermione because he doesn't need to... she's already head over heels for him, what good would that do? And if Hermione used Lucius or Osric to make Draco jealous, I'd have to shoot all three of them... lol. Lol, yeah, that thing about the food is true... guess you have to recommended by a friend ;o) I'm sure word spreads that it's not as bad as it looks. About the ring, of course she doesn't want to get married yet. She loves him, yes, but for one she's only seventeen, and for two, they've only been going out for... less than a month. That's a little sudden. It'd have scared me all to hell, too. I thought the navel ring was a nice touch, myself. Hehe. Draco's such a sweetie... in his own way... Right now, he's just playing in the sandbox (Lucius) I don't think the thought of a relationship had crossed his mind. He IS married after all. First off, Draco wanted to get back at Lucius just because he got the chance, and I quote, 'Might as well have some fun if I have to go back home' but then, he thought Lucius was trying to make passes at Hermione, and he got angry, which is why he was so against taking him off the list when she asked him to. And yes, that's why he took the snacks, because he felt that was a compromise. Hermione didn't want him to hurt Lucius, but he still wanted revenge... so he made it a minor revenge. But Lucius is five; no snacks is a big deal, lol. And I have plans for our muggle friends... lol.
Cherryplumb11: Lol, if Mya and Ceecee got into a fight, Mya would SOOO kick that bitch's ass. Lol. And he's five, and it's a JUICEBOX. How do you spike a juice box without people noticing? Lol. And, like I said, he's five! It's not even crossing his mind, trust me.
Little Witch: Ohhhh yeah. They did take him off the list, but only because they got him back! No cookies for Lucy!
Ezmerelda: Me too... lol. I even made them kiss ::gasp:: Lol. Welcome.
LadyLoca231: is it just me, or are you blowing this out of proportion? Lol.
George: I sure did, braggart! Lol. I try to read most of my reviewers' stories... particularly if they're Hr/D
MoshiMoshiQueen: Lol, glad I could spread a little joy with my sadistic ways; lol.
Arwen Undomiel: Thanx for not hating me! Draco asked Hermione if she wants to go home because they need to take revenge on Froth and Lance; her ex- boyfriend and his pass-making brother. That's the whole reason.
BlacKat: Lol, I get that 'mine sux compared to yours' thing a lot. Don't be so hard on yourself. I've been writing for a while... Yeah, that could be what's under his shell, but I'd like to think that love changes him for the better. Lol. Like Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, lol. I'm glad you liked the train scene. I just wanted them to finally fuck and get it over with; lol, and the fact that they were on their way to meet his mother just makes it all he more risqué. You can't have Draco; he's mine!
Kitcatcole*: Will do!
Crissy the Amazing: Lol. Nice name. I know. I'm a Draco/Hermione shipper all the way!
Stacey: McGonagall sent Mione's peeps an owl, but Mione said that her parents are afraid of them and don't open the letters, so I guess not... lol. Lol. That's a good idea, but they did that in that movie 'sixteen candles' lol.
Erilyn Rose: Lol. We all love Lucius. Draco's not a monster, he couldn't harm a mere child! Celia sucks arse! Lol, I hate her too. For the same reason. And yes, I have plans for when Celia comes... you just be waiting... Mwa haha....
Bitch With a Sword: Yeah. Flames sucks. Don't read it! No! It will burn out your eyes! AHHHH!
Tainted Black: Who said anything about lucky charms? Lol. Oh yeah, and she'll win that pussy fight too! And no. His only flaw is that he can sometimes be insensitive... such as the whole Olympus thing. Lol. I should have made that more believeable... hehe. Hey, it fooled Mya!
Lady Ktulu: Thanx! And my term paper is well on it's way to completion, thanks!
Princess: I wish I had a b/f... period. Lol. One like Draco wouldn't be bad, though... hehe. That's a great disclaimer! Write a story and use it! Lol. Sometimes I forget to put mine up there. I'm usually so full of ideas I write 'disclaimer:' then I start out the story, planning to put it in later, but I forget... lol.
._. : Interesting name, there... lo.. thanx! I love Lucius, and I've never liked h/r... lol. Gimmie chocolate!
EgyptianQueen17: Lol. Thanx. I know she's a tad bit creepy, but she's gradually getting more normal... I thought the whole breakfast scene was pretty good, myself. I have plans for Oz and Ceecee, Draco WILL tell her, very soon... and I don't think they'll get married. Unless it's like at a chapel in Vegas or something. I can't see them having a big huge wedding... lol. And who would come? Draco's parents... and the house elves. Whoa...
That was like 4 pages of just reviews! That's half a chapter! Lol. A little less. They're usually about 10pgs. This one was 9