Hermione woke with half an hour left of their trip. The carriage had emptied, and she could only see two other people. Malfoy was still asleep next to her, his head resting on the back of his chair. This gave Hermione a better chance to brew over what he had told her.
She still couldn't believe it. Yes, she knew he had been a Death Eater, but never imagined he would be so loyal to anyone. Hermione found herself wondering if he would transfer that loyalty into a relationship and what it would be like knowing that he had. She shook her head, causing that trail of thoughts to stop.
It would never happen, or if it did, she would never find out. Right?
Hermione then found herself thinking about what Pansy might say. Draco was right- she wouldn't be too forthcoming with information if Hermione were there…but then, why would she be if someone else was there? Hermione considered going invisible. She, after all, knew ways to make it impossible for anyone to know, even magical systems that were specifically designed to search for such spells.
She had made up her mind. Malfoy could find out the information much better if he appeared to be alone. He just had to think of a reason as to why he wanted to know.
Hermione looked out the window and saw the storm wasn't as bad out here, in the country, though it was still raining. She drummed her fingers on her knee, waiting for Malfoy to wake so she could share her plan with him.
Since, ten minutes later, the black haired Malfoy still hadn't stirred or shown signs of waking up, Hermione let her mind wonder again and came to the topic of Harry.
Now, this was one that got her blood boiling. Where was he? How dare he ask such a dangerous task of her, infiltrating a blood thirsty gang, when he wasn't going to be there, and hadn't had the curtsy of telling her where he was? So after she had infiltrated them, what was she meant to do with the information? Perhaps she could send it to Ron, but then she didn't bloody know where he was either.
How dare those boys leave her without saying anything. Now she was doing a favor to them, and still she didn't know where they were! It was just rude- plain rude. At least Harry had said she didn't have to do it- your damn right she didn't have to! But Hermione wasn't one to sit in her apartment, waiting to be arrested, or running around the country, avoiding detection and later hearing what was happening. No, she was always one to help when needed- maybe that's why she had come so close to death on occasion.
Perhaps I should say no once and a while…Hermione thought.
Never the less, her saying no wasn't the main topic here- how DARE those boys leave her?! She got arrested because of them…oh, when she got her hands on them…
Malfoy woke at a strange noise. He opened his eyes to see Hermione was gripping her seat so tightly that the plastic covering it was squeaking and groaning. He had an amused smirk on his face as his eyes traveled up to her face where he saw she was so lost in thought she didn't know what she was doing.
"Granger, you're going to pay for damages soon." He said, still smirking.
Hermione snapped out of her daze, then glanced down where she saw the green fabric of the chair was in her fist, and her knuckles were white. Hermione let go. The fabric slowly spread out, but it was wrinkled.
"What the hell were you thinking about?" Malfoy asked, lifting his feet to rest on the back of the next chair.
"Nothing," Hermione said. She now decided to take the spot light off herself and ask Malfoy why the train had emptied so much…almost as if the other people thought the train had terminated before at another stop.
Malfoy simply smirked at her. "It's a magical village Granger. You think the Parkinson's would have had an estate surrounded by muggles?"
Hermione shrugged.
"Well the muggles on the train thought the end stop was back there somewhere. Only witches and wizards are left on the train now because they can see past the magical barrier."
"Like the one they put on the Quidditch stadium for the World Cup all those years ago?" Hermione asked, remembering Mr. Weasley telling them back in forth year at Hogwarts that if a muggle were to wonder near the stadium, they suddenly remembered an appointment or meeting.
Malfoy nodded. "Exactly."
Hermione lowered her voice to a whisper so she wasn't over heard by the two other people. "It's not smart for us to be here- what if we have wanted posters?"
Malfoy snorted. "I look different."
"You do, I don't." Hermione hissed.
"If they had, the people here would have done something by now." Malfoy replied calmly.
As they were talking about appearances, Hermione suddenly remembered her plan and quickly shared it with Malfoy.
"If their sensors pick up on it…" Malfoy's voice trailed off. "Well we would both suffer."
"It wont." Hermione said confidently.
"You had better be sure." Malfoy said.
"I am." Hermione replied, then looked back out the window. "Merlin, how much longer?"
Malfoy looked past her, out the window. "About ten minutes."
Hermione sighed, then rested her head against the cold glass and waited for their trip to finally end.
The train entered a small village soon, and Hermione was reminded of Hogsmeade. It wasn't snowing obviously, but raining, and the houses were small cozy huts. It was like a post card. Hermione spotted people walking around in robes, carrying baskets of potion ingredients and food.
The train rolled to a stop at a small platform and Hermione and Malfoy got off. Malfoy, who had seen this village thousands of times when he was younger, simply took Hermione's hand and led her down the platform steps and into the streets. He expertly guided his way through the busy streets, and didn't pause. Hermione was a little angry, as she spotted at least five book stores that she was keen to explore but she knew this wasn't the time.
No one gave them a second glance as they walked past, which settled Hermione's stomach. It appeared not many knew of their escape. At least not the general public. This would help them.
After ten minutes, they were walking out of the village, following a wide dirt road up a slight hill. On either side of the road were large oak trees that towered over them. Hermione had the desirer to visit in the spring when it wasn't raining. This place would be surreal. As it was, the trees caught most of the rain, so the two of them were saved from the wet for a few minutes as they walked up the road.
Hermione soon spotted a large rusted wrought iron gate. She pulled out her wand, let go of Malfoy's hand and made herself invisible, though she allowed Malfoy to see her. For the time they were in this estate, only he would be able to tell where she was. Hermione quickly explained this as they crept up to the gate. Malfoy seemed unconvinced and thought the little speaker near the gate would ask why on earth someone was using an invisible charm.
Malfoy removed his disguise, then tripped the sensors that told the people within the house that someone was at their gate. Looking through the gaps, Malfoy could see the semi-long driveway that wound up a hill then came to stop at a large manor, though its size was pathetic to Malfoy's. The grounds were an apple green, and vibrant colored flowers. Mrs. Malfoy always loved their grounds. It was one of the reasons she loved to visit.
"Yes, who is it?" a snappy voice said. Malfoy looked around and spotted the stone gargoyle on a part of the gate. It's face was screwed into a suspicious frown.
"Draco Malfoy here to see Pansy Parkinson." Malfoy said. The features of the gargoyle changed, they softened and a different, more welcoming voice said:
"Draco darling! Why, what an honor!" the stone face was smiling.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Parkinson." Draco greeted, injecting warmth into his voice. He liked Mrs. Parkinson mainly because she liked him. They got along very well, and when Draco's farther and Pansy's farther were in another room talking 'business', Draco was often left with his mother, Pansy, and Pansy's mother. "Is Pansy home?"
"I believe she is…" the voice faded as the woman was thinking. "Yes, she's in her room. I'll send her down to the gate."
"No, don't do that. I'll just come up." Draco said.
"Such a gentleman. Alright."
There was a clinking sound then the gate parted, each side sliding back behind the fence. Draco didn't bother to say anything else to the gargoyle as he walked through the gate. He saw Hermione was very close to his side.
"Well, it worked." Malfoy mumbled when they were well away from the gargoyle's ears, and walking up the driveway.
"Why Malfoy, you sound surprised." Hermione said sweetly.
Malfoy rolled his eyes and continued up to the house. It was designed on older manors, with stone columns, huge slabs of dark limestone, large open windows and two tall front doors. Malfoy always thought this house looked inviting. The Malfoy Manor looked expensive, luxurious, and comfortable, though not as inviting. No, they didn't have barb wire, black grounds with dead plants, and wooden panels on the windows, but it still wasn't the warmest looking home in its district.
A few minutes later, they were approaching the door. "Remember, they don't know you're there- these are purebloods." Malfoy mumbled out the corner of his mouth. "If they say something offensive, you cant react. Alright?"
"Dah." Hermione said as he reached forward and knocked on the door.
Hermione could hear his knock echoing, and seconds later, an older, mature looking Pansy opened the door in a long flowing black dress. Her face still resembled a pug, though not so much.
"Draco!" Pansy greeted, smiling. "This is the first time you've come here alone."
"Well yes…" Malfoy said, smirking at her. "Can I come in?"
Pansy blinked. "Of course." She stepped aside, and held the door open for him. Hermione only just managed to slip in directly behind him before Pansy pushed the door closed.
Hermione looked around, her mouth hanging open. The walls were a dark wood, with a dark carpet. Paintings of relatives and other purebloods hung on the walls, along with an assortment of books, and other decorative items. As Pansy led Malfoy up the hall, Hermione close behind them for fear of getting lost, Hermione spotted a large portrait of the Malfoys and Parkinsons.
The hallway lasted about 25 meters before it ended in what could be a normal foyer, except it was unnaturally big, a large staircase that looked like it was pulled out of the 18th century, and a few scatted chairs. Hanging on the wall was a hand that was gripping cloaks and jackets.
Pansy led them through the foyer, into one of the off shooting rooms and sat herself down on a plush lounge chair. Malfoy sat down opposite her, but Hermione couldn't as Pansy would notice the cushion sag. So instead, Hermione moved to stand just behind Malfoy, leaning against the wall.
"So Draco, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Pansy asked, crossing her legs, and resting into the couch. Hermione was surprised- she thought Pansy would have been all over Malfoy by now. After all, that's all she ever did in Hogwarts. Maybe she's grown up too.
"I just wanted to say hello." Malfoy said casually. Hermione rolled her eyes. Great. He didn't have a plan.
Pansy raised a curious eyebrow. "Just to say hello?"
"Yes. Mother hasn't been able to get out of the house much, and she felt really bad about not seeing your gardens before the weather destroyed them. Apparently you had work done."
Hermione couldn't believe it- it was the most obvious lie, but whatever it was, Pansy seemed to believe it as she nodded. "Yes. Mother had some muggle gardeners come in a few weeks ago to do some work…"
"Mother will regret not seeing it." Malfoy mumbled, as he had no interest in their garden, though what he had said had some truth- the last time he spoke to his mother, she was intending to come and see it.
"Where have you been?" Pansy asked. "I haven't heard from you in a while. Thought the Ministry might have you."
"They couldn't catch me." Malfoy said dismissively. Hermione had the urge to say but they did. She pressed her lips together. "I've just been around. Traveling mostly."
"I see…" Pansy sat forward. "I'll get us some tea."
Malfoy nodded as Pansy stood up and left the room. As soon as she was gone and out of ear shot, Malfoy spoke out of the side of his mouth, barely noticeable. "Granger. Go back down the corridor, to the main stairs. Go up to the second floor, and follow the hall way along far enough until you come to a black door. Go in, and search for a bottle of Veritaserum."
"Why?" Hermione hissed, moving to crouch behind him.
"I wont get anything out of Pansy." Malfoy mumbled. "Go!"
Hermione sighed, then straightened up and headed out of the room. She avoided what looked like a slave in black robes, and crept over to the grand staircase. She ran up the stairs, not making a sound and got off at the first landing. A corridor led off to the left, the continuation of the staircase to her right. Hermione turned left and took careful note of the doors that looked like they were made out of solid oak. These doors were brown in color, but soon Hermione found a black door.
Hermione tried the handle but it was locked. She pulled out her wand, pointed it at the lock, muttered a spell, then pushed the door open. Hermione slipped into the room, silently closing the door. She raised her wand, and saw the room was not too big, but full of rows of shelves that had all different potions, lotions and liquids in jars. It had an isle of ingredients, then a bench set up with clean vials and three cauldrons.
Hermione sighed. It would take her ages to read all these labels by hand. She pointed her wands at the isles of potions, and muttered "Accio Veritaserum."
A few seconds later, a small vial of clear liquid was flying smoothly through the air and landed in Hermione's out stretched hand. She quickly pointed her wand at it, cloned it, so she had her own vial of the truth serum. She sent the original back to its spot somewhere in the isles, then pocketed her own copy and headed back to the door.
Hermione made sure she relocked the potion room door, before she hurried back down the corridor, soon finding the staircase. It occurred to her that she could explore the manor, but she feared getting lost.
Hermione was on her way down the stairs and back in the larger room, just about to rejoin Malfoy when a bulky woman, in a blood red dress, long flowing black hair, kind features was walking out of one of the other rooms. By her slightly pug face, Hermione knew it was Pansy's mother.
Hermione ducked into the room and saw Malfoy who was still on his own. He was about to say something, but Hermione shook her head, gesturing behind her. She crept up to the couch were she knelt down behind Malfoy. Malfoy was watching her curiously but spun around just as the woman walked into the room.
"Draco darling!"
"Mrs. Parkinson!" Draco said, smirking and standing up. They kissed on the cheek then sat back down, the woman near where Pansy had been sitting.
"Where has my daughter gotten off to?"
"Getting some tea." Malfoy said.
"Ahh." Mrs. Parkinson said. "Well better tea then firewhisky."
Malfoy nodded.
"So what brings you here?"
Malfoy repeated his story about his mother wishing him to convey her apologies that she couldn't get to see the improved gardens.
"Ahh, dear Narcassia. How is she doing?"
"She's in perfect health." Malfoy said, leaning back casually. He found it amusing that he could see Hermione's head just out of the corner of his eye, but Mrs. Parkinson never even glanced there as she couldn't see it.
"That's good to hear…and is your father still away on business?"
"I believe so." Malfoy said, not actually having a clue.
"I shouldn't think he would be away for too much longer." Mrs. Parkinson mused. Just then, her daughter walked into the room with the tea. Once everyone had a cup, except Hermione of course, they sat down.
Hermione, who found in uncomfortable to kneel for too long, sat on her butt and leaned against the back of the couch as the purebloods begun a catch up conversation. They talked of friends, what they've been doing, who they've seen, news they've heard. Hermione found it all very boring.
She begun fiddling with her jacket, and felt sleepy again. The glass vial of veritaserum pressed against her thigh but Hermione couldn't be bothered to remove it.
A few minutes later, the purebloods began talking about muggles, mudbloods, and Harry Potter. Hermione felt her cheeks glowing when they mentioned house elves and how mudbloods were a step above them. Strangely though, Malfoy never said "mudblood."
Pansy went on, talking about Potter, and how bloody ridiculous it is how people put him on a pedestal. Hermione found it refreshing that Mrs. Parkinson actually defended Harry, saying he's done a lot, even if it is against them, but one must admire his strength. Malfoy didn't say anything.
Half an hour later, Hermione was swallowing responses as Pansy was picking off all the kids in school, making fun of each one. It seemed though it was to inform Pansy's mother, as Pansy constantly was talking and said "Draco, do you remember that brat in third year with the ring?" Draco didn't pick on anyone, just simply said "yes" or "no"
Hermione wondered why he wasn't more engaged. Mrs. Parkinson though, who was soon becoming a favorite of Hermione's, kept telling Pansy not to be so rude. Hermione liked this pureblood. She didn't appear to hold herself above others by blood, and didn't really enjoy picking on someone who wasn't there to defend themselves.
Half an hour later, Hermione was getting very bored and stiff. Luckily, Mrs. Parkinson said something about spell reading, and excused herself. Hermione didn't wait for an invitation. She stood, stretched, and moved around the couch.
It was odd, considering Malfoy watched her with a curious expression, but Pansy continued on talking, seeing straight through Hermione. Malfoy watched as Hermione took the vial out of her pocket and poured two drops into Pansy's teacup.
When Hermione turned around, she saw Malfoy had his wand beside his leg, and cast a quick spell at Pansy. She immediately stopped talking, and a glazed expression came over her face before her eyes closed.
"What did you do to her?" Hermione asked, sitting down beside Malfoy.
"She's sleeping. Wont remember that we had this conversation- not even her subconscious will notice." Malfoy said looking pleased. "Beauty of it is, she will still be able to talk."
"Wow." Hermione said. "well get on with it."
Malfoy leaned forward. "Pansy?"
Pansy gave a feeble nod.
"What do you know about the Searers?"
"Hmm…dated one for a while- great kisser. Keith Quor was his name. hmmm. Underground group, work for Voldermort…"
"I know all of this Pansy." Malfoy said impatiently. "Tell me something new."
"Their loyalty swings…hmm. Don't stay in the one place for too long…most members are squibs…who were hard done by the Ministry, or in some cases the minister himself…occasionally, a member is a wizard who wants to help Voldermort, but not become a Death Eater…hmmm…"
Malfoy exchanged glances with Hermione. "Who is their leader?"
"Not many know…hmmm…I know…I know because Keith was his friend…hmmm…the leader is an ex auror…interesting job change…he knows ways to keep the group out of Ministry detection…didn't form them though…someone else did…he just took over…hmmm…Voldermort likes him…yes…"
"What is his name?" Hermione asked.
"Paul Daption." Pansy said.
Hermione glanced at Malfoy, looking confused. She had never heard of that name before. Malfoy shrugged in response.
"Anything else you know?" Malfoy said, turning back to Pansy who still had her eyes closed.
"Hmmm…they party a lot…attend big functions as unknown members of society…"
"Ok." Malfoy sighed. She obviously didn't have any more information for them. He waved his wand, and she slumped over, asleep. Malfoy stood, along with Hermione, and led her from the room, back out to the stairs then along the front corridors. He held the door open so Hermione could go out, then followed her down the dirt road. They didn't speak until they were back outside the gates and out of earshot.
"Have you ever heard of Paul Daption?" Hermione asked, taking the spell off herself.
Malfoy shook his head. "No…"
"I wonder if Harry knew he was an ex auror…" Hermione mumbled.
"I think he may have." Malfoy replied. "Potter was always a nosy one."
Hermione rolled her eyes, refusing to take the bait. She opted to change the subject. "So what happens now?"
"Well I don't know about you, but I want to get out of here as soon as I can." Malfoy said, noticing how the sun was slowly disappearing behind the mountain. "We'll go back into London and get a hotel somewhere…just wait it out until tomorrow night when we enter hell."
"No need to be so dramatic." Hermione drawled. "Surely it can't be that bad."
Malfoy gave her a 'I wouldn't doubt it' look, then continued to walk down the hill, back into the village. They soon found themselves walking onto the village platform and waited ten minutes for the train.
They were the only two sitting in the carriage they chose, which was probably a good thing as neither of them wore a disguise anymore. The train slowly rumbled forward, gathering speed. By now, the sun had practically gone, and a dark night had crept in over the village as the train sped out of it.
Lights flicked on in the carriage, along the isles and above their seats. Neither of them could find anything to say as the train continued and left the lights of the village, winding its way around a mountain.
They stopped twenty minutes to pick up at the muggle's official first station.
Soon after the train had begun rolling again, Hermione drifted asleep and Malfoy did the same.
Malfoy woke up two stops outside of London. He realized with a slight jolt that Hermione was resting on his shoulder, her hand on top of his. He couldn't be bothered to move her, and instead closed his eyes again and rested his own head against his chair.
Hermione woke only a few minutes later and gasped when she saw how she was lying. Not realizing the smirk on Malfoy's lips, Hermione sat up, and pretended nothing happened when Malfoy opened an eye to ask if everything was alright.
When the train finally rolled to a stop in Kings Cross station, Hermione and Malfoy sleepily got to their feet and made their way off the train. Ten minutes later, they had climbed into the back of a cab, and were on their way to a hotel.
The storm had since dyed down in the city, thankfully, and only left a strange but cold mist behind.
In less then half an hour, they had paid the cab, got a hotel room, and were inside a comfortable room, lighting the fire to take the chill out of the air. Hermione didn't say anything as she walked over to the bed and collapsed on top. Even though she had slept most of the day, she was asleep within moments.
Malfoy however, wasn't so fortunate. He stayed up for a few hours, trying to tell himself that tomorrow night wasn't going to be suicidal. When that obviously didn't work, he tried to think of a way to get them into the Searers. He had to be tough, and granger had to be sexy. That task would take most of the day, he was sure of it. Malfoy knew he would have to do most of the talking as the Searers sounded like a group where the females were simply toys and for show.
After another hour of brewing, Malfoy managed to fall asleep on the couch.
Hermione woke early the next morning and dragged herself off the bed. Her clothes were wrinkled, and her hair was unbelievably messy. It took her a few minutes to make herself presentable before her stomach growled painfully, reminding her that she hadn't eaten in quite a while. Hermione left her room, then called for room service. She ordered enough for her and Malfoy, then hung up. She jumped when she saw Malfoy slumped on the couch.
He wasn't in his disguise but it got Hermione thinking of what she should do. Malfoy would have to change his appearance for this thing, but should Hermione? Her question was immediately answered with- yes of course! What if someone there recognizes you? That was unlikely to happen, but she didn't want to take the risk.
The room service arrived a few minutes later. Hermione smiled as she took the food from the man and sat it down on the small table in the lounge room. She tipped the man, then locked the door. She returned to the lounge room, and sat down before tucking into the food.
It didn't take long for the smell of the food to waft through Malfoy's nostrils. He stirred before slowly waking and spotting the food.
They ate in silence for a few minutes. It was around 8:30 when Hermione had finished eating, and had had time to sit back and relax for a bit. She then decided that she would go shopping this time for a few skimpy outfits that would make her look sexy…she was going to regret this.
Malfoy didn't even have time to ask her where she was going before Hermione left the hotel room. She was off to burn yet more holes in her money bag. But, she reasoned, she would make Harry and Ron pay her back, as she was doing this because of them.
Half an hour later, Hermione was in a store, examining some skirts. Some had horrible floral patterns while others were far more stylish. Hermione walked up to the counter with her selected items, paid, and was onto the next shop. This one specialized in shirts. Hermione found a few that she could mix and match with her skirts, paid, then walked into a dress shop. After some, slightly interesting ones were examined, a few bought, Hermione found a shoe shop, brought two pairs of heals, and some fancy thongs, before stumbling upon an accessory shop. She walked out with a few bangles, necklaces, rings, and hair things.
Hermione was sitting at a table at an outside café, her bundle of shopping bags at her feet. She felt satisfied and knew Ginny would be so proud- as Hermione sat there, delicately sipping her coffee and hoping the heavens didn't open up on her again, she looked like a serious shopper. She hadn't gone crazy, but she was easily carrying 10 or more bags and repeatedly told herself it was what she needed.
When she returned after some lunch, and hours after her abrupt departure, about mid afternoon, to the hotel room, she saw Malfoy had turned on the T.V and was watching an action movie. He heard the door click shut, and sprang off the couch.
"Where the hell did you go?" he demanded, then as he saw Hermione emerge, carrying her shopping, a smirk spread across his face. "You went shopping?"
"It's not what you think." Hermione insisted, walking into her room with Malfoy close behind.
"Not what I think?" he said incredulously.
"Look, I needed some clothes for this whole thing to work didn't i?"
"No argument here." Malfoy mumbled as Hermione shot him a dangerous look and dumped her bags on the bed. "But how did you chose the clothes? You should have let me go. With my taste, you would be in their clique within seconds-"
"Malfoy, I don't want to look like a 5 pence hooker." Hermione snapped. She hit his hand when Malfoy reached for one of the bags. "Oh no, you are out. Right now."
"Excuse me?"
"Get out. I need to organize this rubbish, then organize myself before we head over to where the Searers will be arriving."
"Can't I get a preview Roxanne?" Malfoy asked, smirking at her.
"No you bloody cant." Hermione said. "You will see shortly enough Jake."
"What am I supposed to do in the meantime?" Malfoy asked as he sulked towards the door.
"How should I know?" Hermione said, following him so she could lock the door. "Get yourself ready- Merlin knows how long that's going to take- and think of a tough way to get yourself in their crowd." She shut the door in his face.
She turned back to her bed and emptied all of the bags. After glancing at the digital clock on the small bedside table and seeing that it was nearly 3:30, Hermione began to pick out her outfit for the nights events.
Staring up at her was an assortment of clothes. One denim mini skirt, one white, blue, green and black skirts, a long and flowing black skirt, two singlet tops, two halter necks, one clubbing shirt, and another, classy dark colored floral type patterned shirt. The three dresses she had chosen were red, white and black, all with different styles.
After a tedious twenty minutes, Hermione had decided on the black skirt that flowed around the point just above her knees. It was a gentle material that swayed when Hermione moved. She had also chosen a red halter top that clung comfortably to her chest, and left a tiny gap between its end and the beginnings of the skirt, though it wasn't smutty and could be pulled down if she wanted to. Hermione shrunk the rest of the clothes before turning to the accessories and shoes.
She chose the pair of black heals, then a sparkly black necklace that would draw attention to her cleavage, some black bangles, and a ring.
By now, with her outfit sorted, Hermione glanced at the clock and saw it was almost 4:30. Picking an outfit was hard! And she still had her hair and makeup to do before actually getting dressed.
Hermione ducked out of the bedroom, making sure to lock it again so Malfoy couldn't go in, and ran to the bathroom. Here, she had a steamy shower, relaxed her muscles, then grabbed a towel to dry herself off. She grabbed a bath robe, put it on, wrapped her hair in a towel then went back to her room. She caught site of Malfoy who was watching T.V. typical male- leave it to the last minute.
Hermione was back in her room, and was just getting into the skirt. She slipped her bra and shirt on, then realized she would need a jacket… her eyes settled on the jacket she had been wearing that day. It wasn't exactly club material, but it was still stylish and matched her outfit.
Hermione went over to the mirror on the wall and dried her hair with a spell. She tied it up into a messy yet smart looking bun, with pieces of her hair hanging gently over her face. Next came the make up.
Malfoy had a shower after Hermione. After she had kicked him out of the room, Malfoy had ducked out and bought himself a casual black shirt that buttoned up, and black jeans and had cleaned his other clothes. He dressed himself in his new black jeans that were slightly baggy, black singlet shirt, then put his new button shirt on, though he left it open.
After ruffling his hair and changing his appearance to the black haired, ice blue eyes it was before, Malfoy was ready to go.
Hermione however, wasn't for another ten minutes. Malfoy was sitting on the couch, muttering to himself, and glancing at the clock- 5:30. Suddenly the bedroom door opened and Hermione nervously stepped out.
Malfoy had to do a double take, when he took in the heals, that nearly made her equal to his height, the skirt, top and jacket. She wore red lip stick, gentle red eye shadow and a touch of blush.
"Well what do you think?" Hermione asked, knowing he was the test- if he didn't like it, then the Searers wouldn't either.
"It will do." Was all he said before heading to the door.
Hermione shrugged and followed him out. In the hotel lobby, she attracted many stares and gawks but she didn't react. They climbed into the back of the cab, gave the driver the address and drove in silence.
Twenty minutes later, they were staring at the entrance to the club where Fly had said the Searers would be. It had quickly become dark during the cab ride and there was a short line to get into the club.
After a few minutes wait, they were allowed inside. The club wasn't exactly flashy, but it was packed. The dance floor was in the middle, and it was packed with sweating bodies. Tables and chairs surrounded it, and the bar ran the length on one wall.
"Now what?" Hermione shouted over the music to Malfoy.
Malfoy shrugged. "I dunno. Just blend in."
Hermione rolled her eyes. Easy for him to say. They made their way over to a spare table and sat down. Malfoy went to get drinks while Hermione just anxiously tapped her fingers on the table. Two minutes later, a tall, handsome and muscled guy sat down in Malfoy's seat.
Hermione wasn't sure what she was supposed to do, as she didn't really want to pick anyone up. But she couldn't tell him to bugger off incase he was a Searer. So, resigned, Hermione plastered a sweet smile on her face.
"You with that dude?" the guy asked in a voice as smooth as honey.
Hermione nodded.
"He wouldn't mind if ya danced with me would he?" the guy said, standing up and taking Hermione's hand without waiting for her reply. Hermione glanced at the bar and realized Malfoy would be kept busy anyway- a group of five strong girls were gathered around him.
They pushed their way onto the dance floor and began dancing.
Malfoy, who was actually trying to get away from his newest fan club, and find Hermione, was rather put out to spot her on the dance floor with some guy. Malfoy made his way back to their table and sat down, waiting for Hermione to return.
She did ten minutes later, a little red in the face, and smiling.
"Have fun?" Malfoy asked icily.
"Oh chill down dude." Malfoy looked past her to see the guy she was dancing with.
"Chill down?" Malfoy repeated.
Hermione turned back to her dance partner. "Thanks for the dance."
"But-"
"Thanks. For. The. Dance." She said forcefully.
The guy seemed confused and slightly angry.
"You heard her." Malfoy said, standing up. "Now piss it."
The guy growled but left.
Hermione sat down. Malfoy sat down. "Malfoy, it was only a dance."
Malfoy didn't reply.
"Would you rather I hadn't spoken to him and lost a chance to see them?" she asked loudly, so he could hear over the music.
"Was he?"
"He didn't seem like it." Hermione replied honestly.
"Then you wasted your- and my- time."
"Oh, quit being a drama queen!" Hermione said, sighing.
"I want to go." Malfoy said, standing up.
"Are you serious?" Hermione asked, not getting to her feet. "We haven't even been here twenty minutes, nor heard a whisper of the Searers."
"Does it look like I care?" Malfoy snapped.
"Actually, I would say that it does." Hermione said angrily. "I know you care- otherwise you wouldn't have helped as much as you have."
"I haven't."
"Don't bullshit me." Hermione growled. Merlin- had he made her swear? Prick.
"I…" Malfoy was suddenly smirking.
"What?" Hermione asked uneasily.
"I have a plan." Malfoy said, walking around to stand in front of her. He leant down. "Are you absolutely sure you want to get involved with this crowd?"
"It's what Harry wanted."
"I don't give a damn what Potter wanted. Is it what you want?" Malfoy asked, his eyes gleaming in the club light.
Hermione hesitated then nodded.
"Fine. Then I have a plan." Malfoy said, standing up confidently.
"Oh?" Hermione asked, eye brow raised. "You thought of one all by yourself?"
"Yes, it's been known to happen on the odd occasion." Malfoy said, brushing off her sour nature. "Now poppet," he saw her glare at him, "Which way did your dancing pal go?"
ok…long chater…
Yay!!
Well, R&R and you find out Malfoy's plan.
Aj