Disclaimer: I do not own any characters in this story.
A/N: I am super duper sorry... My computer crash for so long and I finally got the laptop. The first thing I did was to come to Fanfiction, and check on my story... If you people have read my story before, just to inform you all that I have added new content here and there to make my story longer. But it will not make a difference to the storyline. Without further ado, I present the much coveted Chapter 10!!
The silence was deafening. The sun was merciless and shone brightly. The dead leaves fall onto the ground where there were a lot more leaves there. The fountain there was dry and birds stood on its edge, cocking their heads. Suddenly, the silence was disrupted. The birds moved their heads to the source of the disruption and took flight immediately.
A young couple was walking towards the mansion. Draco was finally discharged from the hospital and Hermione was overjoyed. She had waited so long for that moment. They stopped in front of the Malfoys' Manor, and Hermione looked at it in awe. Turning to Draco, she wasn't surprised to see his face.
"Is this my house? I live here last time?"
Hermione nodded and walked to the front door. She was about to open the door when Dumbledore appeared behind her.
"Miss Granger, I suddenly realised that I have to check on the safety of this house before you can step foot inside. What Malfoys are known as, I believe you do not need reminding, so I have to check that your safety is not compromised."
Hermione was grateful to Dumbledore, stood aside and waited for a while.
"I believe the house is alright now, and some of its magic was lifted so that you can enter. I hope both of you will enjoy your stay." Dumbledore nod at Draco before disappearing.
Hermione opened the door and was amazed. At the sides of the hall, statues were lined there. The velvet curtains were deep purple and had gold trimmings. There were many portraits hung on the wall. The tinted windows let in a bit of sunshine, softly illuminated the interior of the hall.
As the both of them walked around the house, Hermione could not stop noticing the number of Dark artefacts. She was scared that Draco may revert back to his old self because of all those. However, she need not worry.
"Hermione, I don't like it in here. It gives me an eerie feeling."
Hermione sympathised him. But she knew he had to stay here in order to regain his memories.
"Draco, I know you don't like it here, neither do I. But you can only regain your childhood memories if you are here."
"If I stayed here during my childhood, I will not want to get back my childhood memory. I rather it remained lost." Draco pouted in a way that made Hermione want to run to him and give him a quick peck.
"I am sorry, but Professor Dumbledore did so much to let the both of us come back here. We will only be here for a few days and after that, we will be back at Hogwarts."
Draco agreed reluctantly. "I am going to my bedroom; I don't want to stay here for so long."
Hermione accompanied him back and when he opened the door, she was surprised for the umpteen times in a day. His achievements and certificates plastered the wall, and there was a gigantic picture of him on one part of the wall. On the other side of the wall, there were pictures of him when he was young etc.
"This is the perfect place for you to regain your memory."
"But I don't want to regain my memory! I just want to stay with you for as long as possible. Tell me more about Hogwarts!" Like a spoilt brat, Draco pestered Hermione until she gave up.
"Oh alright, you are so I don't know how to describe. Basically, you are a Slytherin, and I am a Gryffindor and Slytherins and Gryffindors are like enemies; rivals."
"So can I change houses? I want to be with you. I don't want to be in a rival house of yours."
"It is not my decision. I doubt you can change house."
Draco look dejected but he cheered up once more. "Then the both of us shall be the bridge. We will be the ones who will end this animosity. Slytherins and Gryffindors shall be friends from now onwards."
Hermione smiled at him to humour him but she knows the journey is going to be a long and tough one.
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"Lucius, I am utterly disappointed in you! After what I told you the previous time, you failed to communicate to your son."
"Master, how am I supposed to communicate to him, when I am stuck in Azkaban?"
"Lucius, Lucius. I thought you would have learnt a thing or two from me. If not, I believe those traditional wizards still have owls."
"Yes master. I will do as you command."
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"You know what? I am quite worried about Hermione. I mean she is at Malfoy's house. What will happen to her? What if Malfoy cannot control himself and..." Ron shuddered at the thought of that, accidentally adding one more drop of dew into the potion.
Harry was about to answer when Snape marched towards them.
"I believe Potions are not for chit-chatting and I do not want to waste my time teaching people not worthy of learning Potions. 20 points from Gryffindor because their Prefect is talking during lessons." Snape smirked.
Harry stood up immediately. He was no longer able to control his emotions, what with Hermione gone and the stress of a sixth-year. The Slytherins jeering faces didn't make it better for him.
"Deduct the points for all you want. Since when have you been nice to us Gryffindors? You only adore your own house, protecting them from everything. Of course, it is expected. I mean you all are from the same kind. Evil, scheming, cunning, selfish..."
"That is enough! 50 points from Gryffindor and you are down for detention with me for every Saturday!" Snape snapped. Behind him, the Slytherins were cracking their fists, standing up and approaching Harry. But Harry couldn't care less.
"Harry, don't worry!All of us Gryffindors are behind you!"
The tension between the Gryffindors and Slytherins have just gotten worse.
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(Nearing the end of the holidays)
"We are going back to Hogwarts tomorrow right? I can't wait to get out of this horrid place."
Not taking her eyes off the book, Hermione nodded. Draco snatched the book away from her,and she jumped up immediately.
"Hey, give it back! I have yet to finish reading!"
"Come chase me then!" Draco yelled and rushed out of the room, laughing as he raced down the stairs.
Hermione giggled as she followed him. Draco was no longer his usual self. He was no longer reluctant to show his feelings, emotions. All of a sudden, Draco ran out of nowhere, bumped into her, and together, they fell onto the floor.
Laughing, Hermione tried to push Draco off but he did not budged.
"Although I lost my memory, i can somewhat sense that this was probably the best time I ever had in my life."
He leaned towards and Hermione and kissed her, a powerful feeling surging through him. When he looked at her, she had tears at the edge of her eyes.
"You silly girl, why are you crying?"
"I had a dream yesterday, that you left me when you regain your memory."
"Silly girl. Believe me. Given a chance, I don't want to ever regain my memory. I want to stay by your side forever and trust me, I will." Draco hushed her up, and embraced her.
Elsewhere in the world, a storm was brewing...