Disclaimer: Doo-Be Doo-Be Doo-Ba! Doo-Be Doo-Be Doo-Ba! Doo-Be Doo-Be Doo-Ba! WickedlyAwesomeMe! HAHAHAHAHA! Guess where I got that? :p
Anyway, this disclaimer is basically saying I'm not JK Rowling and I'm… Doo-Be Doo-Be Doo… okay, I'll cut it out. XD
A/N: Sorry about the disclaimer above. I'm just feeling a little hyper and all today. Anyway, ignore my grammatical errors. Again, this is unbeta-ed, and I'm too lazy to read it for the nth time. So, without further ado, I present to you, Chapter Twenty-Six!
Chapter Twenty-Six: Best Friends
Sunlight lazily broke all throughout the room, illuminating anything that it could reach. One sunray washed over Hermione's sleeping face, which prompted her to slowly open her tired eyes.
Blinking rapidly, Hermione slowly sat up on her bed, one hand vigorously rubbing sand off her eyes. She discovered that she was the only person in the room; the other three were probably in the Great Hall.
Her cheeks slightly colored as she stood up, remembering the events that had happened last night and early this morning. Her cheeks darkened as she remembered that she had embarrassed herself immensely in front of her roommates as soon as she broke into tears, her resolve finally breaking after being so close to her parents.
She never really knew why she suddenly wailed right there and then. Too many emotions overwhelmed her and seeing her roommates so worried was the final straw.
Hermione softly chuckled, despite the dread in her heart, as she recalled how Teddy seemed to grow panicky as more tears escaped from her eyes. He was endearing, with his eyes wide as saucers and nose scrunched up in slight horror. Blaise was even more hilarious, his typical cool and calm demeanor slipping off as he stared at her tearstained face.
Her smile grew wider upon remembering Draco's reaction. He seemed uncomfortable; horrified, even. There were a myriad of emotions swirling in his eyes, but she was too disoriented to delve deeper.
The brunette's eyes landed on the handkerchief he had offered to her yesterday, sitting innocently on her bedside table. It was crumpled and wet because of her constant wiping, but nonetheless, she gingerly grabbed it and handled it with great care.
This handkerchief was proof that even Draco Malfoy had a heart. Sure, he was mostly the reason why she had cried countless times in her years in Hogwarts before. But to finally give her something as a simple gesture of comfort… Hermione grew confused, though, grateful. She had seen another side of Draco Malfoy and she couldn't help but feel slightly special to be able to witness it.
She remembered the way his name sounded so… beautiful rolling out from her tongue. Pleasant butterflies fluttered in her stomach and she bounded for the bathroom, thinking of freshening-up.
"Draco," she whispered, feeling giddy all of a sudden. "Draco."
Merlin, his name sounded so good. Of course, she had called him that a few times before, all because she had to act like she had not hated his guts for all of her life. Saying his name a few times before would not fail to make her nose scrunch up in disgust. But now that she was calling him by his first name and he gave his permission, Hermione couldn't help but feel lightheaded all of a sudden.
Her reflection came into view as she stared at the mirror, ready to brush her teeth. The sight that she beheld was astonishing, to put it simply. Her cheeks were flushed into a lovely color of red. Her eyes were alight with so much brightness (despite the puffiness due to sobbing hysterical hours ago); her usual toffee-colored eyes were lighter than usual. Her lips were stretched widely into a grin. Merlin, all of her teeth was bared.
And all of these were because of Draco Malfoy.
She froze.
Because of Draco Malfoy.
The pinkness of her cheeks disappeared, replaced by a sudden paleness.
'Wow,' she thought, shaking her head to get rid of such thoughts. Her short hair bounced with her every move. 'How is it that Draco Malfoy suddenly changed from being the most loathsome git in the whole wide world to… ?'
Her mind instantly blanked out. Blinking, she charmed toothpaste to appear on her toothbrush and thoughtfully brushed her teeth.
What exactly was Draco Malfoy now to her? Sure, he was still an insufferable jerk at times but then, other sides of him would show and she would just stare at him, open-mouthed, and tried to convince herself that the blond standing in front of her was not someone from outer space.
He had changed, she reckoned. Drastically, even. Every time she looked at him, the spoiled bully was gone, replaced by a grown-up young man, who actually loved a few, selected people. He was not the cowardly boy who would constantly hide behind his father's shadow, but a man who had inconspicuously defied the said father's orders.
Spitting on the sink, she shook her head to get rid of thoughts about him. She had been awfully thinking about him lately and she had this feeling that it wasn't healthy.
She had to focus back on more important things, like saving her parents.
Last night was truly a… remarkable day. Seeing the door of the room where her parents were currently staying had sparked the dormant hope in her system. Standing outside of the room, tears clouding her senses, made her realize that saving her parents had not been a futile task after all. It gave her the much-needed hope that someday, she would be able to save her parents from the vile monster's clutches and they would once again be a one big, happy family.
Hermione's head then perked up. The door of their room had gently closed. Apparently, there was a newcomer. She hastily washed her face and magicked her clothes to change into today's outfit – simple green robes.
Grimacing, she opened the bathroom door and walked out. She could not believe this but she actually missed wearing a skirt.
Her frown then turned into a huge smile upon seeing Blaise, sitting silently on his bed.
"Good morning!" she happily cried, the huge smile still present on her face.
Blaise had scrutinized her first before hesitatingly returning back her smile. "It's actually a good afternoon now," he said, slowly standing up from his bed. "You've missed breakfast and lunch."
Upon hearing the words 'breakfast' and 'lunch', Hermione's tummy grumbled loudly. Chuckling in embarrassment, she rubbed her empty stomach and grinned at the amused Italian. "No wonder I'm famished," she said, walking towards her trunk to retrieve a black jumper.
"Lunch isn't served in the Great Hall anymore," Blaise said.
She shrugged. "It's okay," she commented. "I'll go to the kitchens, then." The brunette had swiveled around and was about to step out of the room when Blaise caught her elbow, halting her completely.
"Do you… do you want me to accompany you?" he asked, a hopeful smile on his face. Two pink patches formed on his cheek as he waited in anticipation for her answer.
She returned back his smile. "That's quite all right, I guess."
"Young Master Zabini!" Blinky squeaked, scrambling up from the stool he was sitting on as soon as Blaise and Hermione walked inside the kitchen. "Blinky is surprised!"
Hermione questioningly looked at Blaise, who merely shrugged as he smiled at the house-elf. "He used to work under my family," he lightly commented. "My mother got tired of him so he gave him clothes to set him free. Blinky was an emotional wreck so I told him to work in the Hogwarts kitchen. He'd never been happier after landing here."
"How… awful," she commented, looking sympathetically at the enthusiastic house-elf.
Blaise grinned. He figured that she would say something like that. After all, he knew about her SPEW during fourth year and how she fought stubbornly for the rights of poor creatures like these house-elves.
"It's good that he's working in Hogwarts now," he added. "The Headmaster gives them a galleon a month. They're not exactly thrilled, but accepted Dumbledore's kindness, nonetheless."
The brunette nodded and then smiled. Dumbledore never failed her expectations.
"What would you like to eat?" Blaise asked, directing her towards an empty table in the kitchen.
The brunette looked thoughtful for a moment. "Any kinds of pasta will suffice," she feebly said, looking around the kitchen. She subconsciously thought that it had been a while since she had last visited this room.
"You heard him," Blaise said, nodding his head towards his house-elf.
Blinky's mouth stretched into a huge smile. "Anything for Young Master Zabini's friend, Mister!" he cried happily.
"One more thing, Blinky," the Italian added. "Serve the usual, okay?"
The house-elf bobbed his head up and down excitedly before scampering away. He returned back after mere minutes, which had greatly surprised the brunette.
"They're used to working hastily, you know," Blaise said, answering her unspoken question. When Hermione looked at him, he was wearing his usual charming smile.
She hummed for reply, returning back his smile.
The spaghetti looked and smelled delectable. Her stomach grumbled once again and her mouth watered. Daintily, she grabbed her fork and started to wrap a few noodles around it. Blinky had stayed to witness her reaction, directing his huge eyes on her face. Hermione almost laughed at his ridiculous expression.
Finally, the spaghetti went inside her mouth. She munched quietly for a while, until she broke into the brightest smile she could muster. "This is… this is…" she blubbered out, eyes lit up in joy. "Oh, I can't even think of the right word to describe its taste. Thank you, Blinky. Thank you very much."
The little house-elf clapped his hands in joy. His huge ears were slightly bent with embarrassment. "It is Blinky's pleasure to make Young Master Zabini's friend happy, Mister Friend." He bent down so low his nose almost touched the tiled-floor. And then, he shot up straight and bounded back to his workplace.
"Wow, this is incredible, Blaise," Hermione said after a few more bites. "I haven't tasted this before. How come it doesn't taste like anything the house-elf had ever prepared before?"
Blaise had this huge smile on his face when he answered. "Well, Blinky doesn't usually cook for meals. He's assigned to wash the dishes and pots," he explained. "It's a huge waste, actually. The house-elf's an admirable cook. I'll take note of that and tell it to Dumbledore, if you like."
"That will be nice," Hermione said, a grin stretching on her face.
Blinky soon came back, this time with a tray of teapot and two cups on one hand and balancing another tray of treacle tart on the other.
Upon Hermione's inquisitive gaze, he answered, "I usually eat these on my nightly ritual. Since we're here, I might as well eat some." He grabbed one treacle tart on the tray and took a bite. He grinned. "Blinky's treacle tart are amazing, too, you should try it."
The brunette took one from the tray and also took a bite. "You're right," she said, nodding her head in the agreement. "It's amazing."
Blaise finished off the tart and clutched the handle of the teapot. He poured some tea on one cup and to the other before settling it back on the tray. "Here, drink this," he said, offering one steaming cup to the brunette. "It usually comforts me when I'm distressed."
Her fork halted in mid-air as she stared at Blaise, surprised. "We-well," she said, settling the fork down on the table. "Thank you, Blaise."
He gave her a small smile. "Was everything all right this morning?" he asked, absentmindedly grabbing another treacle tart from his plate. "I've never seen somebody cry that much before."
Two pink patches formed on her cheeks and she scratched the back of her neck in embarrassment. "Well… umm… I was…" She swallowed a forming lump in her throat. "I got so… sad for the… rats."
'Lame,' she thought, grimacing.
"Uh-huh," Blaise said, an amused smile on his face. This made her blush more. The smile on his face faltered and he settled the treat back on the plate. "I've never seen… Draco like that, too, you know."
Her heart skipped a beat upon hearing his name. "What do you mean?" she asked. The plate of spaghetti in front of her was now left untouched.
"I… don't know," Blaise said, frowning. "He hadn't looked very, very… bothered and angered at the same time before. What really happened?"
Hermione avoided his gaze. Her eyes landed on the plate and she unconsciously played with her fork. Oh, she wanted to tell Blaise really, really badly. But that also meant that she had to tell him the truth. She was not ready for him to know it. Not yet.
"I… can't," she finally said, meeting his unwavering gaze. She bit her bottom lip upon seeing huge disappointment in his eyes.
She had waited with bated breath for his reaction. What he soon said had astonished her beyond comprehension. "And Draco can know," he softly spat bitterly. Hermione's eyebrows shot up, her eyes widening for a bit. "I told you to approach me first when you're troubled, right?"
"I… I…" She clamped her mouth and swallowed. "I'm sorry, Blaise. I… can't tell you now. Maybe some time. But not now."
The Italian heaved a huge sigh, his eyes softening. She seemed sincere. Right then and there, he suddenly had the urge to confess that he had known about her secret all along, that the brunette sitting opposite from him was actually Hermione Granger in disguise. But, he stopped himself. Instead, he forced a small smile on his face and uttered a small, "It's okay."
Hermione looked relieved, even allowing herself to smile brightly. "Thank you, Blaise," she said. "You're really a good friend, you know. No, wait, scratch that. You're really a good best friend."
A wry smile flitted on his face and he looked away so that she wouldn't see the disappointment in his eyes.
'I've watched you ever since but you always choose another to comfort you,' was the last thought in his mind before looking back at her, bitter thoughts about a certain blond completely wiped away from his brain.
Hermione walked happily in an almost-crowded corridor in Hogwarts, one hand rubbing her stomach in satisfaction. She just had a delicious meal with Blaise Zabini and her mood had gotten better after. Blaise had left her since he had to serve detention with Argus Filch. She could barely hide her surprise when he announced his rendezvous.
"Your notion of my being a goody-two-shoes is absolutely preposterous, Hermes. There's a reason why I landed in Slytherin, after all," he had told her a few minutes before their parting, lips quirked up in an amused smile.
Chuckling with the memory, she continued her mindless journey. A huge smile stretched on her face as she greeted some of her few Housemates. She was even unfazed when a sixth year Gryffindor had forcefully shoved her aside, earning her a small scratch on her left arm. No, nothing could dampen her mood now.
"Her-mes!"
Teddy suddenly materialized in front of her and she backpedaled, astonished.
"Oh, seriously, Teddy," she said, softly chuckling. "You should stop appearing unexpectedly. You almost gave me a heart attack."
The smile on the carefree Slytherin's face did not falter. "Come with me," he said, gently grasping her right arm. "I'm going to bring you somewhere you will like."
"Wow," Hermione commented, eyes glazed with unadulterated wonder and awe. Her eyes landed on a triumphant Teddy, a huge smile settling on her face. "It's beautiful."
They were standing on the roof of the Gryffindor Tower, higher than the Astronomy Tower. Hermione had always liked going to the Astronomy Tower. Seeing Hogwarts and the other places from above had always been breathtaking for Hermione. But now that they were somewhere higher than the Astronomy Tower … it had really taken her breath away. The view from here was wonderful; from the vast green carpet of the treetops in the Forbidden Forest to the small, dotted figures, which are the stores in Hogsmeade, were seen by her own eyes.
"It's beautiful, yeah," Teddy commented lightly, eyes trained intently on the brunette.
Hermione slowly turned to him, the smile still present on her face. "Thank you for bringing me to this place, Teddy," she said, approaching him forward.
The carefree Slytherin shrugged, nonchalantly placing his hands inside his front pockets. "This is where I usually go when I'm distressed," he said. "Judging by your sudden… outburst this morning, I think it'll do you good to be brought here by me."
Her smile slightly faltered. "Not you, too," she teasingly said.
He pouted. "What do you mean?"
Chuckling, she ran a hand through her billowing hair. "Well, Blaise had brought me to the kitchen to offer me some tea for comfort after what had happened this morning," she said, amused.
"Oh," he said, not entirely pleased. He made a mental note to give Blaise a glare later for making a move first before him. "Well, it's not exactly our fault. I mean, I haven't seen a bloke cry his eyes out in my life. Ever."
Her cheeks colored and she managed to flash a small smile. "We-well," she stuttered out. She cleared her throat. "Um… like what I've said to Blaise earlier, I was just sad about those poor rats. They did not deserve to be our practice dummies, you know."
Unsurprisingly, Teddy had bought her lie. Hermione was actually eternally grateful to the great cosmic powers above for making Teddy a thickheaded git.
"I'm sorry," he said. And he really was. A ridiculous, yet adorable, pout graced his features as he gingerly clutched her right arm. "I truly am. I was sorry for those poor rats, too, you know. But, it's way better than using humans, right?"
He had a point, she reckoned. The brunette nodded her head and gave him a smile. "Thank you, Teddy," she said. "Really. You've made me happy today, you know."
His heart fluttered in happiness. "Hermes?" he asked.
"Yeah?"
"Can I hug you?"
Hermione looked up at him, surprised. A sheepish, yet hopeful smile was on his face. His cheeks were also inflamed in slight embarrassment. He looked, to put it simply, adorable. "Of course, Teddy," she said, slightly opening her arms.
She had gasped aloud when his arms wrapped around her torso very tightly. "Give me a little air, perhaps?" she asked, chuckling.
"Give me a little air, perhaps?"
Teddy, grinning in embarrassment, loosened his grip. "I'm sorry," he said.
Hermes merely laughed and fondly patted his back.
His feelings for this certain brunette had grown abnormally huge as more weeks passed by. The fact that his roommate was actually a boy did not faze him anymore, surprising him immensely.
When he started to bawl his eyes out a few hours ago, Teddy felt his heart breaking into two. Those sobs emitted from his lips were so heart-wrenching Teddy almost cried.
"I…" he started, his eyes drifting close. "I always hated to see the people I most care about depressed… I-I don't want to see you so sad, too, Hermes. It pulls my mood down."
Hermes slowly pulled away from his hug and looked at him squarely on his sapphire eyes. "Thank you, Teddy," he said, followed by the smile that always awakened the dormant butterflies in his stomach.
Merlin, he had it bad.
Really bad.
Hermione was trudging on the empty corridor of the seventh floor, a huge grin on her face. Being brought to Teddy's 'special place' (he dubbed) had made her happier than the time she woke up. Being on top of Hogwarts, literally, had been an amazing experience for her. No wonder Harry had always claimed that whenever he had a free time, he would fly with his broomstick and hover on it a few feet above the castle.
Speaking of Harry, she looked at the parchment she was currently clutching on her right hand in curiosity.
She and Teddy had talked about nonsensical things after the carefree Slytherin had claimed that he did not want her to see distressed. Just then, a school owl swooped down on Hermione's lap and offered its left leg, where a letter was attached to it.
Apparently, it was Harry's, summoning her to the Room of Requirement as soon as possible. She could sense his urgency and so, she was sorry to leave Teddy and his special place just to rush to the secret room.
Soon, she was facing the wall opposite the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy.
'I need a place to meet with Harry,' she thought, starting to pace. 'I need a place to meet with Harry. I need a place to meet with Harry.'
She then halted in her steps once a door materialized in front of her.
Bracing herself for whatever Harry would do to her on the other side of the room, Hermione opened the door and stepped inside.
As soon as she arrived, Harry's arms enveloped her into a surprising, yet warm hug.
"Harry!" she exclaimed in surprise, gently closing the door. After all, there could be some random eavesdroppers that could pass by (ahem – Malfoy – ahem).
"Are you okay?" he asked, pulling away from their hug, but not completely letting go of her waist. Apprehension was clearly etched on his face and he was unwilling to let go of her.
Hermione merely blinked. A disbelieving smile stretched on her face as she gingerly placed a hand on Harry's cheek and started to rub it. "What are you talking about, Harry Potter?" she asked, one eyebrow raised. "I'm perfectly fine."
"No, no, no," he said, shaking his head. He finally pulled away from her, his right hand enclosing around her arm, before leading her to their usual comfortable sofa.
As soon as she was settled, Harry started to pace in front of her.
Hermione had only watched him silently for a few minutes, amusement and curiosity mingling in her eyes. But then, Harry's pacing had started to give her a slight headache and so, she told him off. "Harry, sit down," she gently ordered, rubbing her temples. "Just looking at you gives me a headache. What's going on?"
Harry finally stopped his frantic walking. He halted right in front of Hermione and his apprehension came back in full force. "I heard about what happened last night," he confessed. He released a tired sigh before plopping down beside her on the couch.
The brunette's eyes widened in surprise. "You… knew?" she gasped out. "How?"
The Gryffindor released another sigh. "Dumbledore told me," he said. "And prior to that was Malfoy's complete report about what had happened on your training." He gave her a withering look. "Hermione… how could you? That was… that was dangerous! You could have at least told someone. Dumbledore… me."
As soon as she realized what he was talking about, guilt crept up into her heart. "I'm sorry, Harry," she sincerely said. The brunette gingerly reached for his right hand and was glad that he did not try to retrieve it back. "I do not want to make you worried of me. I'm sorry." She gave his hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it. Harry's hand fell limply on his lap.
The slight rage in his eyes mellowed and soon, he was merely staring at her in exhaustion. "I should have known that would have happened sooner or later," he said, dropping his head in his hands. "You tend to put yourself into dangerous situations as soon as your emotions cloud your logic. Oh Merlin, I was worried sick, Hermione. So much."
"Harry…"
"I don't want to lose you to that… that bastard, Hermione!" he suddenly exclaimed, raising his eyes to meet her surprised ones. Hermione slightly recoiled, which he pointedly noticed. The-Boy-Who-Lived calmed himself down before releasing a groan.
"Harry," she whispered once again, reaching for the Gryffindor. "Do you… do you want me to give you a hug."
Despite his distress, Harry chuckled. "Oh, Hermione, really," he said, but opened up his arms, nonetheless.
Grinning meekly, Hermione wrapped her arms around his torso and settled her head on his chest. Unbeknownst to her, her hug had completely evaporated all the frustration and anger Harry had felt for her minutes ago.
"I'm sorry, Harry," she murmured, lightly placing a kiss on his cheek. "I truly am."
Sighing, he closed his eyes and leaned his face against the top of her head. "Promise me that if you are to do something dangerous or something related to your current task, you're going to tell me, okay?"
Hermione bit her lip.
"Okay?" he emphasized once again, pulling away to stare at her eyes directly.
The brunette in disguise sighed and nodded her head.
"Say it."
"I promise," she said begrudgingly, frowning at him.
A small smile appeared on his face and he fondly patted her head. "There, there, no need to say that while looking like you've eaten something rotten," he teased.
She smiled, despite herself. The usual cheerful Harry was back once again.
"Oh, by the way!" Harry exclaimed, completely pulling away from her hug. Curious, Hermione watched as he retrieved a small material from his pocket. With the wave of his wand, the object grew until the size of a book.
"A book?" she asked, eyebrows raised in surprise.
"A photo album, to be exact," he corrected while gently laying it on her lap.
Hermione merely stared, recognizing the said photo album. "You're giving it to me?" Upon seeing him nod, she frowned. "But Harry… this is yours, is it not? Hagrid had given it to you in the end of our first year. Doesn't it contain pictures of your parents?"
He shrugged. "I've browsed through them for countless times, Hermione. I've practically memorized every picture in every page already! And besides, I removed them and left some pictures of you, Ron, and me. There are some random pictures with our other Gryffindor friends. A few photos of the Weasleys. Oh, even the Order of the Phoenix."
The brunette slowly opened the photo album and browsed through it. It was filled with pictures from their first year to their sixth year. Happy times, sad times, amusing times… By the time that she finally closed the book, Hermione was surprised to find herself crying.
"I figured you would need something to comfort you for a bit. After what happened last night, you know," Harry whispered, gently brushing off tears from her eyes. "Just to give you some assurance that there are still people who would be waiting for you. It… isn't much, Hermione. But I hope you appreciate it."
"Oh, Harry, this is wonderful," she softly cried, grinning up at him. She hugged the photo album by her chest and cried more.
"They miss you, you know," he said. "Terribly. Yesterday, my girlfriend just suddenly came running to me and throwing her arms around me. When I asked her what was wrong, she said that she had dreamt about you last night. Ginny was, is, still devastated."
She smiled, fondly remembering her girl best friend. "I miss them, too," she said, haphazardly wiping her face to remove her tears.
"With that photo album, you'll be able to know that we will always be beside you, 'Mione," he continued. "Even if we're not really there… physically."
Hermione nodded, her smile widening. "Thank you, Harry. I really mean it."
He returned back an equally wide smile.
'Wow, this day had been… eventful,' Hermione commented lightly as she trudged back to the Slytherin common room, her new photo album clutched against her chest.
Teddy, Blaise… even Harry, had greatly surprised her. They had comforted her in their own way but all of them had one thing in common – they had comforted her, indeed.
Chuckling, she stepped inside the common room after saying the password. She had cheerfully greeted Mina, who was doing her homework on one of the tables. She high-fived with Ivan Raft and offered him an easy smile. She even kissed Pansy on the forehead when she waved at her.
Her three friends should be blamed for her sudden good mood. It was as if everything that had happened last night was merely a dream… something that did not really happen at all. She had to clutch the photo album tighter against her chest to assure her that this was not a dream.
She arrived at their room and was disappointed to find it deserted. She actually wanted to have some company from her other roommates. A sudden loneliness washed over her features and she sighed, her rear end landing gently on her mattress, and she opened the photo album again.
Hermione got used to have the company of those people that mattered to her for the whole day and it had slightly dampened her mood to know that nobody was beside her now.
'Oh, really, Hermione,' she said, shaking her head as she settled the photo album on her bed. 'They have other things to do than to comfort you.'
She released another chuckle and ran a hand through her hair. Wow, for a moment there, she had acted like a true, selfish Slytherin. Ooh, she could already imagine Harry Potter's reaction.
A small yawn escaped from her lips and she decided to take a little nap before dinner. Because of her happiness a while ago, she did not notice how exhausted she was, too. She was about to settle comfortably on her bed when something caught her eye.
With burrowed eyebrows, she gingerly approached her bedside table.
"Oh," she said, two, dark patches forming on her cheeks.
There, placed innocently on the table, was a beautiful flower; a tulip.
She slowly looked from left to right before clutching the tulip gently into her hands. She had smelled it first before scrutinizing it once again. Like the other tulips she saw on top of her grave, it was not bewitched to be everlasting.
A small note was attached to its stem and she slowly pulled it away.
Crying is a dead giveaway, Granger. Stop it.
It was not signed, but Merlin, who else could it be? Rolling her eyes, she magicked the flower to be everlasting before hiding it inside her trunk.
A huge grin flitted on her face as soon as she closed the latch. The letter was short and simple but it was so… so… Draco-like. Her heart swelled and she had to stop herself from grinning goofily.
Sweet Merlin, she could not believe how lucky she was to have friends like… them. No, scratch that. Teddy, Blaise, and Harry were her best friends. Nobody could change that fact anymore.
And Malfoy… well, they finally surpassed the 'acquaintances' stage. She even regarded him as a 'friend' already.
'No, no,' she thought, shaking her head vigorously.
She now considered Draco Malfoy as one of her best friends, too…
… although, he did not need to know that. He might demand her to stop calling him 'Draco' anymore.
And she did not want that.
Review Responses:
: Aww, cooler, really? And yep, this story is somehow loosely based on a Korean Drama. The whole concept and plot, though, is mine :) I haven't checked out your story yet; I've been ridiculously busy for the past week because of review classes and all, but I might read some time. Anyway, thank you for reviewing!
CheshireCat23: A short review stating what you truly felt for the previous chapter makes me happy XD Thank you for your review!
NightworldSeeker: I know right! So, so close! Meh, who wouldn't freak out about that scene? Hehe, and the last part? I absolutely enjoyed writing the Dramione part there :D Draco is such a sweetie pie, yeah? Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
SLW-hp fan: And I'm so happy to be reading all of your reviews again! You have no idea how much I suffered last month. Gah, no internet connection still makes me very queasy. And Oh my geezer! You're a Boston Celtics fan, too? I AM SO PISSED THEY DID NOT WIN *throws a random thing into the wall* Sigh, well, I'll just watch their game during the next Playoffs. So, thanks for your review!
Jenna Linda: Sigh, I try my very best to make Draco the sweetest, foul-mouthed jerk that had ever graced on Earth. Haha, irony much? Aww, and poor Hermione. She was SO close. *grins widely* And thank you for saying that this story is definitely one of your favorites. That had made my day :D Thank you for reviewing!
Aussie Panda: I felt bad for Hermione, too, while writing that part :( I mean, who wouldn't. She had been deprived from her parents for months, and to almost finally save them was devastating. As for your wish for Hermione to get her parents… well, just stay updated for my future chapters then! And yeah, Draco's such a sweetie pie! Gah, I kept on saying that XD Anyway, thanks for your review!
semantics: You have no idea how much I longed to update Only a Pretense while I was on vacation last month. I'm as happy as you when I clicked that 'update' button XD And aww *pulls you and Draco into a huge group hug*. Blaise is a bloody Prince Charming, don't you think? Goodness gracious, his sweetness makes me melt, too! And adorable Teddy! And thank you for loving my character portrayals. I try my very best to give them the most suitable personalities and whatnot. Anyway, thanks for your review!
xodreamerskyes: Hehe, sorry about the summary. I know it's breaking a law in the fanfiction world, but I must confess that I'm always struggling to think of the right summary for my stories; in short, I suck at writing summaries. And, I am so happy you gave this story a chance. You have no idea how much that fact made me happy *flails arms in excitement* Sorry about that, I'm feeling extra hyper today. Lol, and all four of them marry and live together forever? Polygamy? HAHAH, that made me laugh, but the idea seems cute XD Well, thank you for reviewing!
flamingbunnies: All of your reviews makes me happy, too! As for your crying part, I hope they are tears of joy! I'm still working on my next story, but I hope it's promising for you guys *looks at her outline again* I'm so NERVOUS. I have no idea if you all will like it like my other stories. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
Megan Elizabeth York: Formulating seems like a right word for what you are trying to tell me XD And for someone to tell me that I'm quite 'successful' it putting both Draco and Hermione true to their character while falling in love? WOW, that brightens my day, too! Thank you for your awesome review!
Isabella120: I must say that the last chapter is one of my favorites, too :) And I'm so happy I'm updating again! Every Thursday of my vacation makes me want to cry, knowing that I'm supposed to updating and I cannot do a bloody thing about it! Haha, anyway, thanks for your review!
smileylol: *sheepishly smiles* Again, I know that it is breaking a rule in the fanfiction world, but I must say that I suck at thinking of summaries. *Loud, boisterous alarms ring* SEE! It's a huge no, no for a writer to say whether she sucked in writing summaries or not. AND TEDDY! His discovery of his roommate true gender is nearing, don't worry. You have no choice but to wait *blows raspberry* XD Good lord, your review so LONG and it made me all tingly inside just reading it. Thank you very much for your wonderful review!
beautifly92: Aww, I know right? I bet Draco had always been dreaming of getting close to her, huh? Haha, and your review made me happy, too! Make me happier by reviewing this chapter? Lol, thanks for reviewing!
TooLazytoLogIn: *Looks at name and laughs* Haha, I feel for you. There are times when I am too lazy to log in, too, and I'm eternally grateful to the authors who accepts anonymous reviews XD ANYWAY, back to your review, thank you! Short but really sweet :D
fantasia-49: I love this chapter, too! One of my favorites, if you must know. And the end… whew, thank goodness I was able to pull it off. I was afraid it would be way TOO cheesy for my readers, but I'm glad you like it! Aww, and yes, poor, poor Hermione, but her knight and shining armor – ahem – Draco was there to save her! Well, thanks for reviewing!
bumble-beeoncrack: Intense, huh? Wait for the future chapters and be prepared for more… um… intensities XD Haha, I also loved the scene when Draco's portrait momentarily distracted Hermione. And the ending! Still makes me turn into a goo every time I read it. Anyway, thanks for your review!
Kathy T: I know right? Lucky, lucky Hermione, being the object of the attention of the three most gorgeous Slytherins XD "And I like it even more how only two of them know she's a girl, and how she only knows one of them knows she's a girl." I loved it when you said that! It cracked me up :D Teddy will very soon discover Hermione's secret, don't worry. I'm just making him suffer a little more. His reactions are always priceless to me, and I can't help but imagine that I'm hugging him tight for just being plain adorable. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
fantacyluvr1: Teddy's crush on Hermione is adorable, don't you think? And yeah, yeah, fine, Draco's crushing on her is blatantly obvious, too. HAHA. Err… about your question if Blaise has a crush on Hermione, too, did this chapter answer your question? I hope it did *wink, wink* Anyway, thanks for your lovely review!
Fawzie: AND YES, I'M BACK! It's good to hear from you again XD Oh, I saw your last review, all right. And really? You read it from the very start again? *glomps Fawzie* HAHA, sorry about that. Haha, Hermione's blissful oblivion makes this fic a little more hilarious, don't you think? Haha, little hints of Dramione in every chapter wouldn't hurt, anyway. I mean, for goodness' sake, this is a DRAMIONE fic! Haha, I love how you're all being high and giddy after reading the last chapter. I hope this chapter made you all giddy, too! Anyway, thanks for your awesome review!
Reviewer with no Name: Aww, why didn't you give your username? I would love to hug you just because you named your pet dog, Ferb. *hugs you tightly* Haha, anyway, thanks for your review! I hope that the next time you review, you'll drop a name or at least your username XD
A/N: And, done! How was it? Huh, tell me! Tell me! XD
Aww, your reviews are as usual lovely, my dear readers, and I'm looking forward to hear from you again :D
Anyway, I'm still working on my latest story and so far I've written three chapters – the Epilogue and Chapters One and Two; which is, by the way, a little embarrassing because I had a week to work on it and I was expecting to finish chapters three and four, but that plan seemed a little impossible. You see, I found this IMPOSSIBLY awesome fan fic and that's not the end of it… it's Tom Riddle Jr./Hermione Granger XD Yeah, yeah, Dramione is already impossible, what more if it's Tomione. But the story, good Merlin, it was so unique reading it made me laugh and cry at the same time for just being plain awesome. If anybody is interested, it's entitled "Tied for Last" by Speechwriter. I swear, if you gave Draco/Hermione a chance, then you will not regret reading Tom/Hermione fics. I mean, I've found three awesome fics already and so far, Tomione is my second OTP :D
And… does anybody here watch the NBA Playoffs? I am so utterly pissed to know that the Boston Celtics had lost! And they were so damn good in the last season, even though they were in second place. Sigh, oh well, I'll be their fan through and through.
So, that's it for now. Again, please do leave a review!
With love,
Doo-Be Doo-Be Doo-Ba, WICKEDLYAWESOMEME! XD (Sorry, I can't help it)