Chapter 4

Hermione stood by the fountain, arms folded, waiting for Ginny and Draco. She glanced up at the large clock above the door impatiently. Sighing deeply, she looked at the door and was met by a very flustered Ginny, hurrying towards her.

'Hermione! I'm so sorry I'm late! I was… busy.'

Hermione smirked knowingly.

'You were with Harry, weren't you?'

Ginny giggled and went pink. Smothering a grin, she calmly stated.

'I don't know what you're talking about. I was finishing my… uhh… Potions homework.'

The witches began to laugh loudly, clutching each other for support. Once they had recovered, Ginny looked around questioningly.

'Where's Draco? I thought you said he was coming.'

'He is. Or at least he said he would.'

Hermione stared at the floor, contemplating Draco's absence when Ginny pulled her out of her trance.

'What's going on with you two? I mean you've hated each other since you were 11 and now you're friends. Do you… do you like him?'

Hermione's head snapped up and she blushed.

'Of course not! I mean, I just broke up with Ron so I'm not particularly eager to jump into a new relationship yet, especially with someone who used to bully me and make me cry myself to sleep on a daily basis! He came and apologised and he seemed so sincere, so I gave him a chance, though now I'm starting to think it might have been a mistake.'

….

Draco sighed and walked out towards the fountain. He paused when he heard Hermione's voice and quietly hid behind a tree.

Hermione's regretting forgiving me?

Draco straightened up and strode out from behind the tree. Hermione and Ginny looked up in surprise. Hermione smiled with relief.

'You're here.'

'I'm sorry I'm late, Pansy had a bit of a mental break down. Did you think I wasn't coming?

Hermione averted her eyes guiltily.

'Yeah, sort of. It's fine though, you're here now. Are you both ready?'

'Yes, oh my gosh I'm starving! I worked up a serious appetite doing my… Potions essay.'

Hermione giggled at Draco's confused and slightly suspicious expression. He looked at her expectantly but she waved him off.

….

Draco pushed the door open and stood aside, allowing Ginny and Hermione into the Three Broomsticks. They sat down, Ginny and Hermione on one side, Draco on the other. Ginny cleared her throat.

'Do you want me to go get the drinks?'

'Thanks, Gin. I'll just have a butterbeer please.'

'I'll have butterbeer too, please.'

Ginny nodded and walked to the bar.

'So, why did Pansy have a mental break down?'

Draco chuckled.

'Her mum sent her an owl saying that she was now betrothed to Greg.'

Hermione laughed incredulously.

'Goyle? That's priceless!'

Draco laughed.

'She's really not happy about it. She screamed at me telling me if I wasn't a V- never mind.'

Hermione looked at him enquiringly.

'Draco? What were you going to say?'

'Forget it.'

Hermione slumped back in her chair. Draco realised that he had completely killed the mood.

'Um, are you still friends with Potter? You know after the fiasco with the Weasel.'

'Oh yeah me and Harry are still friends. He thought Ronald was completely out of line. No one in Gryffindor tower is speaking to him, except Lavender of course.'

Just as Draco was about to reply, a loud bang echoed through the pub. Everyone turned towards the door and saw a very angry Ron glaring at Hermione and Draco.

'WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING WITH HIM?'

Hermione narrowed her eyes and Ron, who was quickly advancing towards them.

'Ron I am no longer dating you, therefore I am perfectly within my rights to-'

SLAP!

The sound resonated throughout the room. A few gasps were audible as Hermione held her cheek in shock. Draco's eyes darkened and he growled loudly.

'No one… touches… MY... MATE!'

Draco rose from the table and lunged at Ron, teeth bared. His claws shredded Ron's shirt and scratched his skin. Ron yelped in pain and in a feeble attempt to push Draco off, hit the table leg.

'DRACO STOP!'

Through his anger, Draco registered that his actions were hurting his mate, so he ceased the attack. Slowly, he stood up and turned to face Hermione, his anger ebbing away at the sight of her.

Hermione stared at him for a moment before saying in a broken voice

'You're a Veela?'

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