Chapter Nine: The Start of Something

A/N: I don't own Harry Potter. Pleez and thanx.

"Really now?" Ginny grinned, folding her nightdress in perfect angles.

"Really" Hermione insisted throwing her clean socks into her dresser drawer.

"And what are you going to be doing today then?"

"Well" Hermione began, opening the window beside her bed "I know for certain that we need to resolve the cake and flowers…I image invitations are also our duty"

"What about food?"

"That, I imagine, will be the job of the Malfoy house elves" Hermione said distastefully. Just yesterday she had argued with Malfoy's mother about house elves. Hermione refused to have one in her house, regardless of how nice a gift Narcissa thought it was.

Ginny nodded, and then she pursed her lips. "What?" Hermione asked looking at her skeptically, "Have it out now, what are you thinking?"

"You do realize…" Ginny sat down on her bed, and looked at Hermione rather seriously, "That this is a gigantic commercial for your union. I mean, the two of you walking around Diagon Alley, on the busiest day of the week…"

"So…"

"Well…it's a big step. It's acknowledging that you two are working together towards this marriage…"

"You think it could be the task!" Hermione said eagerly, sitting down by Ginny. "Is it possible that Malfoy knows it? And he's…"

They looked at each other excitedly.

"No…"

"Nah…"

Draco combed his hair carefully; he was at twenty-five strokes when Blaise thoughtlessly interrupted him.

"Mate! Where are you going so early?"

"Out" Draco replied, resuming the combing, but losing count.

"With your piece?" Blaise grinned salaciously.

"Yes"

"So, what do you and Mrs. Malfoy have planned for today?" he asked throwing himself down on Draco's impeccably made bed. Draco winced.

"We have errands to run"

"Oh, I see…errands"

"Yes"

"So you're going to make the pube sandwich, have a slap and tickle?" Blaise asked composedly, looking at his nails. Knowing perfectly how annoying he was, and how riled up Draco was becoming.

"Could you possibly be any more vulgar?" Draco asked in exasperation, throwing his comb at Blaise, "Not like I would share that information with you in any case"

"I'm your best mate, of course you'd tell me," Blaise laughed picking up the comb, which had landed a meter away from its target.

He had him on this point. Considering Draco had shared everything with Blaise thus far, it seemed most likely that he would continue to share everything he learned. "Well, never mind it. Our copulation is besides the point"

"It isn't though really…" Blaise frowned, sobering up.

Draco frowned as well. It wasn't. He had no idea how he was going to complete this task today. Either he failed to complete it, and so he died, or he would die trying at Grangers hands. He sighed and looked at Blaise, "Any ideas for today?"

"Sure, many. But if you're asking for ideas that pertain to your specific situation and Granger…no" Blaise grinned, reveling in Draco's anguish.

Hermione stood outside the main doors, her denim jacket clutched in her folded hands, and her eyes fixed on the Whomping Willow, which was attempting to kill a flock of birds with its snapping branches. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other and looked at her watch. He wasn't late…yet.

It was a beautiful spring day today, almost too lovely to be wasted on Malfoy. The weather was pleasant; all the trees were in full blossom, their white and pink flowers swaying with the breeze. Hermione was spaced out, and she knew, but it felt nice to not really be in reality. She hated the idea of having to come back to earth, where all of the problems were awaiting her. The breeze grew stronger, flapping the fabric of her dress around her legs.

"Granger"

Oh great, he was here.

"Granger? Are you brain dead? I'm sure there's some kind of loophole about that…"

"What?" Hermione said turning to look at him. She puckered her lips, holding back her laugh. He was dressed in muggle clothing, and it was bizarre. She looked him up and down. He was dressed normally enough, but the absurdity of seeing him in muggle clothes was just too great. He didn't seem nearly as impressive or daunting in his jeans and polo shirt, but looked like a regular boy. He didn't even look like a troublemaker.

"What?" he echoed.

"Nothing" Hermione smiled "Let's go then".

They walked in silence to the school gate, Malfoy as particularly silent. Hermione kept shooting him glances from the side, he looked very nervous to her. Perhaps Ginny was right this morning, maybe this task was all his. He didn't turn to look at her once, his hands were stuffed deep into his pant pockets, and his lips kept moving, as though he was talking to himself.

"Well then, what are we doing today?" Hermione asked, unable to bear the silence.

"We need to choose a cake, pick invitations, and then decide who's coming, as well as figuring out the flowers. Mother sent me a list of acceptable choices" he listed off, his eyes still fixed straight ahead.

"Your mother sent you a list of what we're allowed to pick from?" Hermione asked incredulously.

"Hmmm"

"Malfoy?"

He didn't reply. Hermione stopped walking, he kept on going. "Draco?" she called melodiously. He gave no indication that he heard her, nor that he'd noticed she wasn't next to him. Hermione was frustrated, she hated being ignored. It was one of her greatest pet peeves. "OOPS! My skirt flew up over my head!" He didn't even flinch.

Hermione exhaled angrily and stomped off after him. What was his problem today? She didn't like the look of this at all. He stopped outside the gate, and waited. Hermione smirked to herself; she rushed up behind him, pressing herself against his back. "Oh, sorry!" she cried "I just pushed my feminine body against you, and it was sooo wonderful".

"It's alright" he replied coolly.

Hermione blanched. He was sick, he must have been seriously ill. What illness could have caused this lethargy? Was it cancer? Did wizards get cancer? "Let's go" he sighed taking her hand.

"Ugh" Hermione groaned as her feet hit the cobbled street. She hated going side-along.

"Let's get this all done quickly, and then we'll be laughing" Malfoy said finally looking down at her. Hermione glared back furiously.

"Fine, where first?"

"We have an appointment in five minutes at Flora's Fantastic Flora" he said looking at his watch. Hermione tried to suppress her laugh, the alliteration in Diagon Alley was always so extreme. Malfoy began to walk down the street, and Hermione followed. As they passed Obscurus Books, Hermione made a mental note to stop by later to see if her book had arrived.

Diagon Alley was busy with shoppers today. And on this warm day all of the bright umbrellas in front of the restaurants and cafes were wide open, shielding customers from the blaring sun. Street peddlers yelled at the people walking past, some girl pushed a large pamphlet on cauldron cleaners into Hermione's hand. They weaved through the throngs of people. Hermione occasionally losing sight of Malfoy before his blonde head reappeared. She could see the shop before they reached it. It was covered in seasonal flowers. During the winter, no such flowers grew on the building.

Malfoy opened the door and Hermione walked in, her surprise at his gentleness late coming. "Mornin', croeso!" called Flora in a heavy Welsh accent from behind the counter where she appeared to be working on an extravagant arrangement. "Thrilled, I am, to be workin' on the flow's for yer wedding Mr. and Missus Malfoy" she grinned walking to them and shaking their hands. Flora, was covered in flowers, from her hair to her feet.

"Any idea's fer what uv want?" she asked excitedly, looking directly at Hermione, and wasting no time.

"Yes, I think" Hermione replied awkwardly.

"Da iawan!" she exclaimed clapping her hands. Hermione assumed this was good and not some cry of disgusted shock. Malfoy said nothing to next to her; he was looking around the shop with mild curiosity. But she knew he was going to be of little help today.

"U-uh" Hermione stuttered looking to Malfoy for help, but he had walked away, and was looking at some animated flowers. "I like hydrangeas" Hermione offered. She thought she saw Malfoy twitch in the corner, but he said nothing. If he wasn't going to help, it was going to be Hermione's way or no way.

Flora walked away without word, probably going to grab samples, or a picture book. "Malfoy!" Hermione hissed as she walked away "What is your problem? Be a little more helpful" she demanded.

"Hmm" he replied absentmindedly.

Hermione sighed and walked over the counter, looking at the price lists. One bouquet from this shop ran around thirty gallons, she couldn't even imagine how much the final price would be. Flora came back with a large bound book, full of pictures, as well as some ribbon and fabric. They carefully chose the flowers, the additional greens, ribbon for the bouquets, and for the corsages. Flora gave Hermione an approximation of a two weeks before all of the flowers could arrive, and that it would take her an additional week with her staff create all of the arrangements. Hermione had to return within that week to make sure that the flowers were to her expectation, another appointment on her long list. But they were done, and without any devastating setbacks.

"Hwyl am rwan!" Flora called after them as Hermione walked out with Malfoy trailing behind.

"You bloody idiot!" Hermione snapped, the moment the door closed behind them, smacking him with the bouquet of hydrangeas she had been gifted. "What is wrong with you today? Are you ill? Do you really have no comment? What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry, what?" he asked looking at her with a raised brow "What is it exactly that I'm doing?"

Hermione stuttered, astounded at his reaction, "You're doing nothing. That is the issue. You won't talk to me, you won't be helpful, and you just stand there silently!"

He looked at her blankly, as though he wasn't aware of what he was doing. "Hmm" he sighed, "Let's go to the cake shop"

Malfoy began to walk away, Hermione wailed in agitation. She was going to have a fit in the middle of Diagon Alley, she was two second away from stomping her foot. Why was he being so difficult today? She would have done anything at this moment to have him revert back to the overconfident ponce he usually was. At least he was more effective then. She followed him bitterly.

They were sitting across from each other at the small café by the owl emporium. Hermione had her arms crossed over her chest and was slouched in her chair. She was glaring had enough to burn a hole through Malfoy's head, but he paid no mind. He was sipping his late and watching the people on the street, blatantly ignoring her. Hermione just couldn't figure him out. At the cake shop he had once again stood by the door while Hermione had to make all the difficult decisions, and then only came over when it was time to pay.

Was he beginning to feel worried about the wedding? Was he finally realizing how miserable he was going to be with Hermione? Was this Malfoy depressed? It saddened her to think this was the cause. If this was how Malfoy really felt about what was going to happen, if all of his pep-talk, positive, we can do attitude was a farce…then Hermione didn't think she could handle this marriage either. She had just begun to accept that this was going to be her life, and not only that, but…also that it may not be such a horrible life. Malfoy wasn't the love of her life, but she was suspecting she could grow to love him as a partner and friend, to make it easier on them both. If this was the way he was going to be from now on…that was, if they even completed these ridiculous tasks set to them.

Was it the next task that was causing him to be so lackluster? Hermione wondered if he knew what it was, and if it was so impossible that he had given up. What could it be? Sex? It seemed unlikely this early on…so why wouldn't he tell her? She sighed deeply and sunk even lower into her chair. It was hopeless.

"Draco?" she said softly leaning across the table, suddenly inspired. He looked shocked for a slight second, but his face fell back into a frown. "Is something wrong? You can tell me. You should tell me" Hermione amended trying to draw out the information using her only advantage; female charm. As cold as Malfoy may have acted, no man could resist a well played female concern. She widened her eyes and opened her mouth slightly. He gaped back at her.

"I…it's nothing" he said with a rotten smile.

It didn't seem like nothing to Hermione. She picked up her coffee and began to drink, trying to take her mind off his issues. If she didn't know what was wrong, then she obviously couldn't help him. After this they only had invitations left, hopefully they could get through it and go back to Hogwarts. Hermione was too upset and frustrated to be around him anymore. She felt nears tears. For some reason, beyond her great intelligence, she felt he was being this way because of her. As though she had directly caused him to be so depressed, and that thought depressed her just as much. How horrible was she if she could dishearten Malfoy.

"Should we go?" he asked standing.

Hermione swallowed back her tears and stood. He dropped five gallons on the table and walked back out onto the street. She followed him, dragging her feet. She had been following too much today.

The scriptmasters shop was very small, and narrow. He carried assortments of specialty quills, parchments, and envelopes, as well as some very intricate stamps.

"Hello, how are you today?" a young man greeted as they entered.

"Well" Hermione replied, though she was aware she didn't sound 'well'.

"You have an appointment?" he asked.

"Yes, Malfoy" Hermione replied, hissing the name.

"Ah…yes" he looked up and grinned at Hermione nervously, "would you like to look at some samples, or did you want to go ahead and chose a parchment?"

"I'll just pick one" she replied tiredly, unable to match the enthusiasm of the young man. Hermione looked around the shop, there were many parchments to choose from, she didn't even have the slightest idea of how it should look, but at this point she was beyond caring. "That one" she said, pointing at a plain cream satin finish. The young man at the counter looked shocked by her quick decision.

"Script?" he asked politely, pulling down the parchment roll from the wall.

"Whichever cursive is perfectly fine" Hermione replied. "Matching envelopes too…pastel blue and white ribbon for the envelopes, here…" she said reaching into her bag and pulling out a piece of paper "is what it should say, we'll handwrite the names of people invited. Please make five hundred pieces"

"Uh…"

"Here's the deposit" Malfoy said handing over a bag of money.

The store keeper looked absolutely shocked, "Alright, I will get in touch with you soon, and send you a sample invitation, to see if you like your choice"

"Perfect" Hermione said, "Have a nice day" she turned on her heel and practically ran out the door. She was done with today. Malfoy followed her out. "Let's go back" Hermione said.

"Already?" he asked slightly surprised, or was he worried, but then said "If you want" and began walking towards the bank.

"Stupid arse" she muttered after him. He just kept walking away. "OI!" she yelled angrily "Are you listening to me?" People turned to look at her. "Malfoy! Stop!" he didn't.

She rushed after him, prepared to curse him to bits. "Stop!" she cried grabbing his hand. He turned and looked at her, or just past the top of her head.

Hermione made up her mind in a split second. It was a last resort she had been considering today. Hermione wasn't sure it would work in the least, but she could hope for a little reaction if nothing else. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. After five seconds she realized he hadn't moved in the slightest. Not to throw her off in disgust, nor to feel her up. Hermione dropped her arms and pulled back. She waited for a response, but he said nothing, his expression was of mild shock, but he didn't look astounded. Hermione had had it. She began to cry. Loudly.

And now she realized just how many people were watching their scene. Out of shame she began to cry harder, unable to calm herself. Malfoy just stood there in front of her, blank faced and open mouthed.

"Oh dear" someone whispered from beside her "poor girl".

Hermione wailed on. Not only had she kissed him, he had openly rejected her in front of everyone on Diagon Alley. She would kill herself over this; she would go back to Hogwarts and jump off the astronomy tower. It had been a stupid idea anyway; she had been better off cursing him.

"Stop crying, it's gaudy"

Hermione looked up. Malfoy was standing over her and finally looking at her, eye to eye. He seemed nervous, but aware of what was occurring, "You're making a very ugly scene"

But Hermione couldn't stop crying, the tears just kept coming. All of the resentment she had built up was finally exploding out. If she could fish her wand out of her purse she would blast him into a million bloody pieces all over the street. He sighed tiredly and grabbed her, pulling her towards him. "I don't want a hug!" she cried pushing him away in annoyance.

"Oh come on," he muttered leading her away from the crowd.

"Y-you're such a bloody idiot. Y-you have n-no feeling whatsoever f-f-for me and my s-situation. I c-can't stand you" Hermione hiccupped as he walked her down the street and away. "Well, at least we completed the mission, surprise!" he muttered. Hermione gasped as she felt the tug of apparition, he had left without warning.

Hermione landed on her behind, the skirt of her dress wrapped and warped around her waist, but she didn't care. She stood quickly and began walking away from him, trying to straighten her dress.

"Granger" he called tiredly, following her closely.

"Go drown in the lake!" Hermione yelled back acrimoniously, finally realizing what he had said to her.

"Would you wait, I need to explain!"

"Explain what?" she yelled venomously "How you treated me today? How you used me, and didn't tell me about the mission? I don't care!"

"It seems to me like you do care, otherwise you wouldn't be acting so impossible"

Hermione turned and marched back to him, dropping her jacket and bag on the ground. He must have not seen her coming, because he didn't protect himself. Hermione mustered all the strength she had in her arm and slapped him across the face, again. His head whipped around in a satisfying way. She smiled cruelly.

He looked at her in shock, his nose was bleeding. Even better.

"You…hit me!" he cried wiping blood from his face with the back of his hand.

"I…kissed you" Hermione said coldly, "Trying to get a reaction, any reaction from you today…and you…ooooh" she turned and picked up her bag, searching for her wand.

"Granger, listen…I couldn't-"

"-WHAT! YOU COULDN'T WHAT" she shrieked.

"I'm sorry" he muttered.

"I'm so stupid" Hermione replied shaking her head and looking away "I was actually worried about you, and you were just acting to get a rise out of me"

"Look, I'm really sorry. But…I didn't know what else to do. Besides I know you, you would never had agreed to the mission anyway-"

"But you wouldn't tell me" she said sadly "How could we ever live together, or even have children together…if you don't at least talk to me…"

"I couldn't"

"You could"

"No…I couldn't"

"What, was it one of the ministry appointed missions? Did they tell you to not talk to me about it? What kind of idiocy would that be? How could they give you a task to keep a secret from me? Just how does that promote matrimonial unity?" she asked skeptically.

He knew she was right. It didn't. The owl hadn't told him not to share the contents of the mission with Granger explicitly. But he thought it was strange at all that he had even received the mission alone, he thought it was for him alone. There was more to it than what the letter had said. And now he was beginning to think he'd failed.

"What exactly did it say?" she asked coldly.

He wiped off the blood running across his mouth, "It said that I had to conceive of a way to make you show affection towards me in public"

"Well, you succeeded" she whispered. Granger looked exhausted, upset, and very sad. He knew he'd done wrong on this one. The whole thing had gone to pot. "So what now?"

He frowned, not understanding.

"I mean, where does this leave us? You passed the mission, but I don't like you too much right now. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'd rather take whatever horrible punishment the ministry inflicts on me than be in your presence. If you'd just told me about this we could have easily thought of a way to complete the mission. Compared to everything we've had to do before, this could have been so simple. What, a kiss? Holding hands?"

Draco didn't know she felt that way. "I'm really sorry. I'm sorry I acted so ridiculous today, I'm sorry you kissed me, I'm sorry-"

"It's amazing how mean you can be" Granger smiled sourly, "You're sorry I kissed you? Merlin you're an idiot, but I'm worse"

"Come on Granger, don't talk that way, it's all past" he said approaching her.

"I don't want to talk about it anymore" she said softly, "I'm leaving now. Please wait five minutes before you follow me. Otherwise, I will curse you. "

He watched her turn around and begin the walk up to the castle. Draco felt like a fool for not realizing the real mission between the lines. It seemed obvious to him now that the correct answer would have been to discuss the task with Granger and decide together how to complete it. Not to keep secrets from each other. When she had explained it to him, it seemed so clear. Now because of his actions, they'd taken ten steps back.

All day, she been asking for a little attention, but he'd been too preoccupied to see that, too involved in his plan to annoy her into action. If he'd been more level headed it might have turned out better, rather than how he acted. And he realized Granger had done all of the hard work with the arrangements today, he'd been no help at all. He was beginning to wonder if she'd ever speak to him again, and what he needed to do to make it right.

Draco sighed and began to follow her up towards the castle. He needed to start groveling, and he needed advice from Weasley and Potter.