Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
I also decided to change it to a first person point of view, instead of third person. I hope you guys don't get confused.
(Hermione POV)
Being with Blaise was…easy, normal. He was charming and attentive and didn't have little habits that would eventually drive me crazy. Ron had a lot of those, and I had spent most of my time trying to correct him. ("Don't slurp, walk straight, stop scratching your head, etc.") He was funny and extremely good looking, to the point where women would blatantly stare at him when we went out. It didn't bother me though, which Ginny thought was odd.
We were having tea in her house, sitting on the back deck. She had given me a disbelieving look, her eyebrows scrunching together, her lips pursed. I merely kept drinking my tea, partially ignoring her.
"What do you mean you don't get jealous?"
"I don't. Am I supposed to?"
"Yes!" she flailed her hands in the air as if to prove her point.
"Why?"
"Because!" I gave her a pointed look, thinking she was over reacting a tad bit.
"Hermione that is the only natural reaction. If someone was making googly eyes at Harry, I would want to rip her eyes out." She said this as if she was explaining the basic rules concerning relationships.
I looked at her as if she was crazy, continuing to drink my tea. What she said made sense, but those feelings weren't evoked with being with Blaise. Perhaps it was because it had only been two months. Two months weren't enough for me to get attached to someone, at least, not with Blaise or Ron.
But then, maybe something was wrong with me. It was as if I couldn't get attached to people when it came to relationships. That is why Ron and I broke up, and I didn't want it to happen with Blaise and me. I didn't want to have another failed relationship added to my background.
"Don't worry Hermione, it will work out."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll get jealous eventually."
"And that's good?" I asked incredulously.
"Yes, it is very good," she said as if it was the most obvious reason. I only nodded my head, clearly thinking how wrong it sounded.
"If you say so," I said slowly.
"So, have you seen Malfoy lately?" Ginny smiled brightly, throwing me off.
I scrunched my eyebrows together. "No, why?"
"Oh, I'm just curious. You know, Harry said Malfoy has been really quiet and reserved these past months."
"Really? Well, I wouldn't know that. I only see him in passing sometimes. I haven't stopped to talk to him."
"But I thought you were like attached to his kid?"
"I haven't seen Adrian either." Oh my god, what was wrong me? I had placed Adrian in the back of my mind and hadn't attempted to see him since I had agreed to go out with Blaise.
"Yeah, well apparently, Malfoy has been really moody. Harry thinks something is bothering him but won't ask him, thinking they'll just end up in a row." Ginny raised her eyebrows at me.
"What?"
"Don't you think that's a bit of a coincidence that since you've been going out with Blaise, Malfoy has been in a foul mood?"
"No, why would you think that?"
"Think about it: Malfoy and Blaise are best friends. And now, Blaise has you to flaunt in front of him. Don't you think he might be a bit jealous?"
"No." It was pretty ridiculous thinking that Malfoy would be jealous of Blaise. "And, Blaise hasn't even made me be in the same room as Malfoy."
"Perhaps, but he can still think about it. And I'm not going to lie; he is a bloody gorgeous man."
"Ginny, what would Harry say?" I giggled.
"Harry is not here. Plus, there's a way that Malfoy looks at you. Like he wants to grab you in his arms and take you away into a secluded room to have his way with you."
"Ginny! Don't say that, it's weird."
"I know what I'm talking about. Remember last week when we were shopping for the baby crib? When we bumped into him in that coffee shop?"
"Yeah?"
"You didn't notice the way he was looking at you? It was like he wanted to eat you, in a good way."
I blushed furiously. Last week, Ginny had a sudden craving for caffeine, so went to the little place next to the baby shop. It was mostly empty, except for the blond man. Ginny had instantly gone up to him and said hi, while I ordered the drinks. When I turned around, he was already leaving, and only raised his hand in my direction before walking outside.
"No, I didn't even talk to him."
"But I did. And let me tell you, while you were ordering, his eyes were glued to you."
I scoffed, thinking it absurd that Malfoy would blatantly stare at me. "Well, it doesn't matter. I'm still with Blaise."
"But you could be with someone else," she said shamelessly. "I saw the way you looked at him before he left the shop. You had this dreamy look on, the same one you have whenever we talk about him."
"I don't have it right now," I countered.
She rolled her eyes, shaking her head. I thought I heard say, "You don't even know Hermione."
"What did you say?"
"I said; help me put these cups in the kitchen."
I narrowed my eyes at her, but let it go. I watched as she stood up, her baby bump slightly showing. She was almost three months along, and there was a slight change in her appearance. I couldn't wait to know the sex of the baby, and neither could Harry. He kept saying he wanted a girl, and I would agree with him. Ginny only wished it to be healthy, but I secretly thought she wanted a girl too.
"Hermione, I wanted to ask you if you could come with me to my next appointment. Harry is going to be gone, and I don't want to be alone."
"Ginny, you don't even have to ask. Of course I'll go with you."
"Thanks."
I smiled at her, happy that she would want me there.
I couldn't help but grab Blaise's hand tighter as I spied Narcissa Malfoy upon entering Flourish & Blotts. The blond woman was sitting down, a book in a hand, while the other held a cup of tea. She appeared calm, almost as if ready to fall asleep, but with such an air of authority that had me stepping closer to Blaise. The Italian man squeezed my hand back, a reassuring gesture of sorts.
Blaise had wanted to take me out, and I had wholeheartedly agreed. I needed a good book, and had jumped at the first prospect of going out. With February arriving, it had brought raging water storms, making the thought of walking out a negative one. But it had calmed down, and I was glad to be out of the house.
I felt the tiny arms of someone hugging my legs, and knew without looking that it was Adrian. Unconsciously, I extended my hand and ruffled his silky hair, dropping Blaise's hand in the process.
"Hermione, you're here!" Adrian's excited voice echoed in the quiet store. I felt the stares of various people perusing the stacks before my eyes locked with those of Narcissa.
"Hey, Adrian. What are you doing here?" I kneeled so we could be at the same level.
"I'm here with Grandma Cissa," he responded brightly, pointing at the blonde woman sitting down.
Narcissa smiled in my direction, setting the book and tea on the table, before standing up. I smiled nervously at her, hoping my discomfort at seeing her wasn't as palpable as I felt it was. She made me so nervous, for no apparent reason.
"Hermione, dear. How wonderful to see you again!"
The genuine tone of her voice caught me off guard, as the smile that graced the older woman's face seemed to grow every step she took. I stood up slowly, still holding on to Adrian. Even though Narcissa seemed like a changed person, I still had my doubts as to why she was treating me so nicely.
"How are you, Narcissa? It's good to see you too." I made my voice sound as calm as I could, trying to subdue my emotions.
"I'm extremely happy, actually. I just love it when I get to spend time with Adrian." Narcissa looked me as she said this, almost as we were old friends.
"Well, he is a wonderful boy," I acknowledged. "Aren't you, sweetie?"
"Pardon if I may sound rude, but I didn't know you knew Adrian." There was authentic confusion in her face, and not the haughty look that I expected.
I only stared at Blaise, hoping he would take over. He nodded and answered her comment, putting a hand around my waist. I was slightly comforted, but still felt some slight panic in my system. Why was I feeling like this? There was no reason for me to feel on edge.
I watched as Narcissa smiled at Blaise, his smooth voice covering the space around us. My insides felt strange, as if some unknown force was putting pressure in my body. I felt like I was drowning; my head spun and pounded painfully, making me close my suddenly tired eyes.
"Hermione, dear, are you alright?" Narcissa's voice floated to my ears and I could only nod. I felt the strong hands of Blaise as he sat me in a chair, his scent floating around me. I tried to open my heavy eyes but gave up when the bright light of the store assaulted me. A wave of nausea came over and I did my best to control my unruly body. Even in my weak state, I knew that emptying the contents of my stomach would not be appreciated.
I don't know how long it was before I deemed it acceptable for me to finally open my eyes. It could have been seconds or minutes, but it suddenly passed, just as soon as it had come. I saw the worry on the three individuals in front of me and could only grimace.
Adrian was the first to approach me, his big grey eyes seeming on the brink of tearing up. His little hand caressed my hand tenderly before he put his head in my lap. The action spurred tears to my eyes, never before having a child show clear feelings towards me. I carefully raised his head, stroking his pale cheek with my thumb.
"You're crying," came his whisper of an answer.
I nodded my head, smiling at him. My heart clenched at the sight of his tears. "I guess I am."
"Hermione," I looked up at Blaise. "Do you want to go to a doctor?"
"No, can you just take me home?" He nodded his head, getting closer to grab me by the waist, only to have little hands slap them away. Blaise raised his eyebrows, looking down at the angry face of Adrian. He looked so cute with his mouth in a frown and his cheeks red.
"Adrian! We don't hit people," said Narcissa quietly.
"It's okay, Narcissa," Blaise said while retrieving his hands. I looked at Adrian, his body in front of me, as if to protect me. I suppressed the urge to giggle at him, finding his little display of protectiveness, cute.
"Adrian, could you perhaps let Blaise help me up?" He deliberated a moment before he nodded his head, crossing his small arms across his chest. Blaise helped me up and we made our way outside.
"Well, I'm sorry for ruining your evening, Narcissa."
"Nonsense, dear. You should go see a doctor."
"I'll do that," I said, even though I wasn't planning to, thinking it wasn't necessary.
"Bye, Adrian. I hope I see you soon." He nodded his head, still looking at Blaise darkly.
"Bye, Hermione." Adrian hugged my legs before walking back next to Narcissa.
"Take care, dear. And, maybe we can set up a date to have tea? I would really love it." Narcissa had a hopeful expression on her face and I had to smile.
"Sure, I'll like that."
I felt the pull when Blaise apparated us to my house, but then my eyes closed when my head hit my pillow. The last thing I remember was Blaise's lips on my forehead.
A/N: Hey there! I know it's a bit short, but I really wanted to update and give you guys something. There's no excuse for my behaviour, except that I got caught up reading other FanFics. But, I hope you guys liked the chapter.
Thank you to LydiaLovegood for beta-ing this chapter. And thanks to Kichou for giving the idea of Adrian being jealous of Blaise. And, thanks to numberoneklutz for adding me to her community; and Blueskymoon08 for being the only one who said anything about the new title concerning The Killers. (I just love that band!)
Can anyone guess why Hermione was feeling dizzy? Please review, thanks!
