Disclaimer: Refer to the previous chapters, please, because WickedlyAwesomeMe is currently too lazy to come up with a creative disclaimer. Thank you :D
A/N: Yup, I'm back. And I'm feeling lazy. Yeah… that's extremely random, but whatever. Well, I'm not going to deprive you anymore. I present to you, Chapter Twenty-Seven of Only a Pretense, and I swear it has a lot of Dramione goodness.
Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Another Side of Draco Malfoy
The scowl she was sporting was so huge and dark, even Teddy seemed terrified.
"Calm down," Blaise assured, although there was also a tinge of fear in his eyes. Hermione would have laughed, if she could. But she was beyond angry she couldn't even crack a small smile. "It's Weasley, what do you expect?"
Upon hearing his name, her anger flared. "I thought Snape favored Slytherins!" she cried, balling her hands into fist. "How… how could he?"
"Err… well…" The Italian ruffled his hair and looked at Teddy beseechingly. The carefree Slytherin merely widened his eyes, indicating that he would not say anything in fear of provoking her more. "NOTT!"
"What?" he whispered bitingly, glaring at Blaise. "He's… he's going to kill me!"
Hermione ignored the fearful looks on her friends' faces. All she could focus on about was the fact that she, of all people, was paired to Ron-Freaking-Weasley for the rest of the semester for their Potions project. Not that she loathed Ron. Of course not! He was, after all, her best friend for years. But for Merlin's sake, she wasn't Hermione Granger. She was Hermes Austen, and a Slytherin, no less. And Ron loathed Slytherin bastards (since he was prejudiced and all) especially those who hang-out with the likes of Draco Malfoy.
She actually did not mind at first. Truthfully, she was thrilled. This was a great opportunity for her to interact with Ron and somehow get to see for herself how he was coping with Hermione Granger's 'death'. But the first moment when they sat together, Ron had made sure it would be hell to be partnered with him.
Apparently, he hadn't forgotten about the time when she hexed him for purposely adding a pound of belladonna in Blaise's cauldron, ruining his potion with an explosion. All throughout the period, they had bickered. A part of her heart swelled, missing these moments with Ronald Bilius Weasley. But she was not exactly thrilled to conclude that if they were to bicker incessantly every single time they meet, their potion might fail. She might fail. And Hermione Granger hated failing.
Realizing that had brought her to Snape's desk, pleading for him to partner her with another student. But the greasy-haired teacher merely raised his eyebrow and ordered her to go back to her seat and continue taking down notes. It was enough for Hermione to think that maybe, just maybe, Severus Snape suspected Hermione of something. Of what? She did not know.
'All right, Hermione Granger, calm down,' she told herself. 'This is ridiculous. You've known Ron for years! You, of all people, should know how he acted around people he disliked.'
It was true, yet, it wasn't comforting at all.
"I'm sorry," she suddenly blurted out, running an exhausted hand across her face. "Shouldn't have blown up like a kid having a tantrum."
She raised an amused eyebrow when both Blaise and Teddy visibly released a sigh of relief.
"S'alright," Teddy lightly commented, nonchalantly swinging an arm around her shoulder. "Your reaction was perfectly understandable." He shivered in disgust. "Merlin, I wouldn't know what to do if I was the one who was partnered with the Weasel."
"Not helping," she said in a sing-song voice, throwing a glare into his direction.
The carefree Slytherin merely smiled sheepishly and absentmindedly ruffled his hair.
The three had finally arrived at the Great Hall for lunch. They were welcomed by the delicious aroma of the whole hall and Hermione's stomach softly grumbled.
"Merlin, I'm famished!" she declared, sitting on her usual place in the Slytherin table. She watched in amusement as both Teddy and Blaise wrestled to claim the vacant seat beside her. In the end, Teddy was the victor and he plopped down on the bench, throwing Blaise a triumphant smile. The Italian merely rolled his eyes and sat down opposite Hermione, scowling.
Hermione released a soft chuckle and started to pile food on her plate. Both Teddy and Blaise were being ludicrous as more days passed by. Goodness, she could not believe that even her Italian best friend was starting to grow a bit immature. And Teddy… well, he had always been immature.
Her eyes landed on the empty seat beside Blaise and that was when she noticed that Malfoy was nowhere to be found. "Where's Draco?" she voiced out. Her eyebrows drew together as she looked around the Great Hall. "Isn't he supposed to be here now?"
"He said he had to meet someone. Urgently," Blaise said distractedly. "Though, he never told me who he'll meet."
A frown graced her features but brushed it off. Just then, an owl surprisingly swooped down in front of her, narrowly missing Teddy's glorious bowl of chicken soup.
"Filthy bird," Teddy muttered, glaring at the offending owl. The school messenger hooted at him in return and directed his circular eyes at Hermione. He stuck out his right leg and waited for Hermione to untie the small note, which she did. She absentmindedly fed him some crumbs before he flew away back to the Owlery.
"He didn't need a reply," Hermione said, frowning, as she opened the letter.
Mister Austen,
Please meet me in the Headmaster's Office as soon as possible.
Professor Dumbledore
"Who's it from?" Blaise asked, eyeing the parchment suspiciously.
Teddy looked over Hermione's shoulder and frowned. "It's a fairly short note from the old nutcase," he commented, a frown forming on his face. "He's asking Hermes to meet him in his office now."
The brunette rolled her eyes and lightly glared at Teddy. "It's rude to read someone else's letter, Teddy," she scolded. "And please, stop calling the Headmaster as an 'old nutcase'. He's anything but."
"Draco calls him that," he pointed out matter-of-factly.
"Yes, I'm quite aware of that," Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "But that doesn't give you the permission to call him that, too, Teddy. Breaking news, not everything Draco Malfoy says is true."
He merely grinned and shrugged his shoulders.
Hermione finished her pumpkin juice before standing up and shouldering her back. "You're leaving?" Blaise asked, frowning. "Already? I thought you're hungry. You've barely touched your food."
"Well, Professor Dumbledore asked me to meet him in his office as soon as possible," she said, putting an emphasis on the last words. "And besides, I have to come back early. I still haven't finished my Transfiguration essay."
"Hermes, that's due on Friday!" Teddy whined.
She raised an eyebrow and stepped over the bench. "I know, that's why I want to finish it now."
Blaise released a charming chuckle, which prompted Hermione to flash a huge smile. "Later," she waved and then walked out of the Great Hall.
"Headmaster?"
Draco poked his head inside the office of the said man, a frown marring his handsome face. Upon seeing the aged man behind his desk, he completely opened the door and stepped inside.
"Ah, Mister Malfoy," Dumbledore said, giving him his usual smile. Draco looked away so that he wouldn't see the scowl that formed on his face. "Have a seat, Mister Malfoy."
Once he was comfortably settled on the chair opposite Dumbledore, he looked expectantly at the old man. "Not that I'm being rude, Professor, but… why am I here?" His frown deepened upon feeling his stomach grumbling. 'Damn it all, I'm starving!'
Dumbledore merely chuckled and waved a dismissive hand. "I'm sorry, my dearest student, but this meeting is extremely urgent," he said. His eyes seemed to twinkle more brightly than before and it had made the blond more curious.
"Urgent, you say? How sir?"
"Well, Mister Malfoy," he started, stacking his messy papers into a clean pile, "I've received a fire-call from St. Mungo's" – the Slytherin's eyes widened in alarm – "and do not worry, it is not distressing news, I assure you. But of course, it does concern your mother."
He released a sigh of relief. The alarm in his eyes was replaced by curiosity. "My… mother?" he asked slowly. "What about her?"
Draco was taken aback when the old nutcase offered him the brightest smile he had ever seen since he came crawling into his office and beseeched him to help him and his mother. "Narcissa, to put it simply, is quite well, Mister Malfoy. In actuality, your mother is asking for you."
His heart jumped into his throat. "She's… asking for me?" he asked, almost breathlessly. It was a first. Ever since Narcissa was confined in St. Mungo's, she had never, ever, asked to see her son. She was either too delirious or in a comatose to do so. "Why?"
"Ah, that is for you to find out, is it not?" Dumbledore asked, his electric blue eyes shining with mirth. Indeed, seeing his students so happy and relieved had always put the old man into ease. "I am granting you the privilege to leave Hog - ."
"Professor, you wanted to see me?"
Both Draco and Dumbledore looked at the door in surprise, only to see an equally dumbfounded Hermione Granger incognito.
"Oh," she said, frowning in confusion, "I… did not know that you have a meeting with someone, sir. I'll just come ba - ."
"Nonsense, Miss Granger, please come inside and take a seat," the Headmaster said, gesturing at the vacant chair opposite Draco.
Hermione eyed her roommate in curiosity but then followed the Headmaster's order nonetheless.
"Pardon me, Miss Granger, I have completely forgotten that I have a meeting with you. Please, wait for a few moments. My meeting with Mister Malfoy is about to end."
The brunette nodded, her chocolate-brown eyes now landing on the Headmaster. "If you must," she murmured, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious. Draco was blatantly staring at her.
"Mister Malfoy," Dumbledore said, recapturing Draco's attention, "as what I've been saying, I am granting you the privilege to leave Hogwarts and visit your mother in St. Mungo's."
Draco nodded understandingly.
"Visit Mrs. Malfoy?" Hermione butted in, followed by a small gasp.
The blond gave her a withering look. "Yes, nuisance, I'm visiting my mother," Draco confirmed with a slight sneer. "No need to look so surprised. I usually visit my mother, for your information."
"But…" Hermione faltered, growing somber. Of course she knew he usually visited his mother. After all, the effects of those visits to Draco had been tremendous and prominent at the same time. She was afraid he might come back extremely exhausted once again. Or worse… he might probably be sobbing his eyes out once he come back, just like what he did the first time she discovered he had visited his mother.
An idea formulated in her mind and she pushed it desperately into the deepest, darkest recesses of her mind. She already knew what his answer would be to her proposition; it was glaringly predictable. But a niggling voice inside her head encouraged her to try and maybe… Just maybe…
Determined, Hermione looked at the old Headmaster. Was she just imagining it or did a knowing look just flashed into Dumbledore's eyes. 'Oh well,' she thought, heaving a huge breath, 'The least I can do is to try.'
"Professor," she started, breaking the silence that had formed in the whole room, "I know this is preposterous but… I want to accompany Draco to St. Mungo's."
"What?"
Widened eyes, slack-jawed, inflamed cheeks… 'See, his reaction is so predictable,' she thought, allowing herself to quirk up a little smile.
"You heard me right, Malfoy," Hermione said, directing her eyes into his mercurial orbs. "I want to come with you to St. Mungo's."
He sneered. "No bloody way, Granger. You're staying here," he said. "I'm not allowing you to come with me."
She scoffed and crossed her arms. "I'm not asking for your permission. I asked for the Headmaster's." Hermione swiveled her head around and stared expectantly at the older man. "What do you think, Professor Dumbledore? Will you allow me?"
Draco also swiveled his head around and threw a slight glare in his direction. "No," he said through gritted teeth. "I'm the one who is going to St. Mungo's. I'm the one who has the right to say who should and shan't go with me."
The Headmaster stared at his students in plain amusement. A small smile spread on his lips and he calmly entwined his fingers and placed his elbows on top of his desk. "Miss Granger's offer is not exactly bad, Mister Malfoy."
A triumphant smile appeared on Hermione's face, which she carelessly threw into Draco's direction. The blond glared.
"But… Mister Malfoy is right. He is the one who is going to St. Mungo's. He has the right to allow anyone to come with him."
It was Draco's turn to look triumphant and Hermione was not exactly thrilled.
"But Professor," she beseeched, averting her eyes away from the annoying blond. "I want to come because… because…" She faltered and stared at her lap, embarrassed. Would she voice out her reason? Draco was also in the room and she had this feeling he would not be very happy once hearing her reason.
"Because what, Miss Granger?" Dumbledore encouraged.
Hermione released a frustrated sigh and stared at the blond. "Let me come with you, Malfoy, please?" she cried. "I've been cooped up in this school ever since summer. I haven't gone out for ages and I'm not exactly the most common figure in the whole Wizarding World, seeing that I'm apparently 'dead'."
"No," Draco firmly said, his eyes hard with finality. "You said it yourself, nuisance. You're not exactly the most common figure in the whole Wizarding World. It might be dangerous for you."
She scowled. "I'm a big boy – girl." A small laugh escaped from her lips. "I can take care of myself."
"Really now?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. He was remembering the time when he saved her from the grotesque hags and the time when she carelessly fell off her broomstick.
Apparently, she remembered it, too, because a scowl flitted on her face. "Please," she said. "Let me come with you."
"No."
"Professor!" Hermione cried, looking at the Headmaster.
Dumbledore merely shrugged. "It's Mister Malfoy's decision, not mine."
Her eyes flared because of obvious frustration. "Ferret, let me come with you," she begged. "Come on."
"Austen, do not let me repeat myself," he growled threateningly. "I will not be swayed by your disgusting pleas. My answer will stay the same. No."
"Please, Draco," she softly said, peering up at him through her long eyelashes. "Please allow me."
He gulped and looked away. 'Fuck,' he thought, running a hand through his hair. 'Stop looking so ridiculously adorable, Granger. I'm going to… to… KISS you!" His pale cheeks were soon splattered with red. "N-no."
Both Hermione and Dumbledore smirked simultaneously. Draco's resolve was slowly crumbling down.
"Please," she once again begged, this time almost inaudible. "Please, Draco, please."
The blond glared blindingly into the air. He slowly turned his head and stared at the brunette. She, in return, gave him a small, innocent smile. His glare darkened. "Must you be so persistent?" he growled, mentally beating himself for not staying strong and succumbing to the wishes of the witch he had been in love with since freshman year. And damn, should she really address him by his christened name? And countless times, no less?
She smirked triumphantly and leaned a little. "That's Hermione Granger to you, Draco Malfoy," she said. "By now, you should know that already."
"Unfortunately," he said, releasing a defeated sigh. He peered at her hopeful face once again and scowled. "Fine." The smile she flashed had practically lit the whole room. "But… on one condition."
Hermione smile faltered. "What condition?" she asked, sounding almost apprehensive.
This time, he flashed his infamous Malfoy smirk. "Remove your disguise," he plainly said. "Be Hermione Granger for a day… though, wear that magical spectacles of yours. Then, you can come with me."
By the look on her face, she was not exactly delighted with his condition. "Why?" she asked. "You perfectly told me it is dangerous for me to gallivant around. Removing my disguise makes me all the more vulnerable."
"Again, you can wear the magical spectacles of yours," he said.
Hermione looked at Dumbledore, expecting him to disagree with Draco, but was surprised to see a pleased smile on his face. "It is not exactly a bad idea, Miss Granger," he said. "After all, you are wearing your bewitched glasses. People will not recognize you if you are to grace their presence."
"But…"
"If you disagree, then forget about accompanying me to St. Mungo's," Draco piped in.
Hermione gave him a contemptuous look before releasing a small sigh. "Fine," she spat in defeat.
"Very well," the Headmaster said, clapping his hands in finality. "I'm only giving you twenty minutes to change into your clothes, Miss Granger. Most students are still probably in the Great Hall, eating their lunch."
The brunette stood up, followed by Draco.
"Oh," she said, turning around, "what about the… urgent meeting you wanted to have with me."
Dumbledore gave her a reassuring smile. "That can wait," he said. He then gestured them out of his office. "Go now, before the bell rings. Do make haste. I am going to alert your next teachers that you might probably arrive late for the afternoon classes."
"Thank you, Professor," the Slytherin blond said, inclining his head in thanks.
"You are most welcome, Mister Malfoy," he said.
Draco nodded and ushered Hermione out of the room. Once they were completely out of the room, Dumbledore allowed himself to smile brightly.
"I think, my dearest Fawkes," the Headmaster said, directing his eyes to his beloved pet, "that Miss Granger's task will be more… interesting now."
The phoenix made a distinctive sound of agreement.
"I do not know what possessed you to suddenly volunteer to accompany me, nuisance," Draco gruffly said, talking to Hermione outside the bathroom. Once they went back from the Headmaster's Office, she bolted into the bathroom to change. She hadn't come out ever since. "I prefer to go alone, if you must know."
"Really now?" he heard her say, voice slightly muffled. "Say that to me once again without grimacing, Malfoy, as if you've eaten something rotten."
The grimace on his face disappeared, replaced by a surprised expression on his face. "How did you know?" he demanded, staring at the bathroom door in shock.
He was met by silence at first then, "That's for me to know and you to find out, Malfoy."
His scowl came back full force and crossed his arms against his chest. "Move faster," he growled. "You have five minutes left."
A loud gasp escaped from inside, followed by a few, muffled curses. Despite his frustration, Draco smirked. Hermione rarely cursed before and now that she seemed to say them without flinching anymore made him so proud. Apparently, Slytherin influences had really rubbed off into her.
His musings were cut short once the door flew open, revealing a slightly flustered Hermione Granger. It took all of his willpower not to gawk at the brunette. Merlin help him, but she looked… presentable.
'Biggest understatement of your whole life, Draco Malfoy,' a voice inside his head mocked him as he absentmindedly stepped aside to allow her some room. 'Good Salazar, the girl is gorgeous.'
"Shut up," he growled.
"I'm sorry?" she asked, tucking a stray hand behind her ear.
He shook his head and gestured her out. "Come on," he said, voice a little panicky. "Lunch is almost end - " His voice faltered as his eyes settled on her curls. She was using the butterfly hairclip he had given to her as his Christmas gift.
"What?" she asked, absentmindedly pushing up her glasses up the bridge of her nose.
He shifted his eyes away from her and blushed. He had been right in thinking that the hair accessory would look good on her. "Nothing," he excused. "Come on."
"Wai - ."
"No more time, Granger," he said through clenched teeth. He absentmindedly grabbed her wrist and started to pull her out of their room. "Slytherins might arrive soon."
"No! WAIT!" she cried as he successfully pulled her out of their room and down a few flight of stairs. "My wa - ."
"No time!" he repeated, distinctively hearing a few voices from the opposite hallway. "They're coming."
He dragged her as fast as he could towards the Headmaster's Office, oblivious to the fact that he was still holding her hand in the process.
Hermione pointedly noticed it but kept her mouth shut.
Merlin forbid her but his hand felt… nice. And warm.
A blush crept on both of her cheeks and she had to stop herself from grinning like a silly fool.
She did not want him to let go of her hand.
And good lord, he did not need to know that.
"I will never get used to Flooing," Draco snarled as soon as he stepped off the fireplace and brushed off ashes that unfortunately landed on his immaculate jumper.
Hermione rolled her eyes at his melodrama but chose to be silent. Instead, her eyes roamed around St. Mungo's and instantly, her nose scrunched up in disgust. She had always hated hospitals, Muggle or Wizarding. Their disgustingly clean smell had always turned her stomach and she had to take a few steady breaths to alleviate her nausea.
"And I will never get used to hospitals," Hermione said, following the blond as he started to approach the reception area. "Merlin, it's reeking here."
"Exactly!" Draco cried, looking at her over his shoulder. A look of disgust was also seen on his face. "I do not know how the Healers can stand the smell."
"Mister Malfoy!" the Welcome Witch, Ellen Stone, suddenly exclaimed. Draco's head snapped to the elderly witch and smiled.
"Mrs. Stone," he politely greeted. She flashed him her usual smile.
"I'm assuming you're here to see your mother, eh?" she asked. "I heard she's… doing quite well. If not brilliantly, but still well."
He only nodded his head for his reply.
Just then, Mrs. Stone noticed the unnamed brunette hiding slightly behind the blond, her wide, brown eyes behind spectacles staring at her a tad shyly. Surprise clearly settled on the elderly woman's face as she stared back at Draco. "You brought a… lady?"
The Slytherin blond frowned at her reaction and shrugged. "Stubborn woman, I tell you, Mrs. Stone," he commented. "Wouldn't back down when I clearly told her she couldn't come."
"I said I wanted to accompany you," Hermione interjected, scowling in return.
"I said I prefer to visit her alone," he grumbled back.
Then, "I said that the next time you utter those words to me, do not grimace like you've eaten something rotten."
"And I say it's the perfect time to visit Mrs. Malfoy, don't you think?" she said, cutting off their bickering. Mrs. Stone looked from the blond to brunette and an amused smile settle on her face. She couldn't help it. After all, the bickering two looked ridiculously adorable.
Draco colored for a bit before clearing his throat. "Of course," he said. "Thank you, Mrs. Stone."
"Always a pleasure, my dear boy," she commented back. "Although, I must say that you look perfectly… radiant today."
His eyebrows creased together. "I don't understand," he said.
The Welcome Witch shot Hermione a meaningful look, which had entirely baffled the brunette. "Never mind the hopeless romantic, Draco dear, just go," she said, ushering him out of her sight.
"O-kay…" he said, eyeing the elder witch with mixed concern and confusion. He then turned to the brunette and glared. "Stick with me, nuisance. I don't want you losing your way."
"Who are you calling nui - ." Hermione closed her eyes and counted from one to ten. She told herself again and again that Draco Malfoy was here to visit his mother and he was probably feeling apprehensive. Being extra cranky was perfectly excusable.
As soon as she opened her eyes, she looked at Mrs. Stone. "It's nice meeting you," she said pleasantly, complete with a pretty smile.
"The pleasure is all mine," she said.
"Let's go," Draco piped in, grabbing her elbow and directing her away from the reception area. "I'll see you later, Mrs. Stone."
"Likewise," the elderly woman said, giving both of them a wave of her hand. "And a word of advice, my dear lass – take care of the boy."
A look of confusion settled on Hermione's face but nodded nonetheless.
As soon as both of them were out of earshot, the elderly woman placed a hand against her chest and sighed. "Ah, young love."
"Stop fidgeting, Draco," Hermione lightly reprimanded, an amused glint in her eyes.
The said blond scowled at the brunette. "I'm not fidgeting," he said, toying nervously with his collar. Hermione pointedly stared at his collar and his scowl darkened, letting his hand fall limply back at his side.
"And you were saying?" she innocently asked, stepping out of the moving staircase and continued to follow Draco.
He threw her a half-hearted glare before continuing their small journey.
They were on the fourth floor of St. Mungo's, the floor where patients suffering from some spell damages were currently residing. She remembered being here before, together with Harry and Ron. She remembered coming across with an Obliviated Gilderoy Lockhart ('I can't believe I used to fancy that fraud') and of course, Neville Longbottom's parents, Frank and Alice Longbottom.
The two had finally reached a secluded area somewhere on the floor, with a small, rusting plaque saying 'Dark Curses'. The signage looked foreboding Hermione had to look away.
'Narcissa Malfoy had really been hit by a dark curse, huh?' she thought, furtively glancing at the blond standing a few inches in front of her.
That was when she noticed the obvious change in Draco's demeanor. His jaw seemed tightly clenched, his shoulders a little tensed. His back was ramrod straight; Hermione bet that if she were to place a ruler at his back, it would be perfectly straight. And his hands kept on clenching and unclenching.
Seeing him like that was so… unnerving.
"Relax," she meekly offered as he finally stopped in front of a door. "Everything will be all right."
Some old him came back as he stared at her, eyebrow raised in amusement. "I do appreciate your assurance, Austen. But keep it to yourself. It's not helpful," he said.
Instead of being affronted, a small frown marred her face. "I'm just trying to be… supportive," she said.
He searched her eyes for a few moments before sighing. And then, to her surprise, he cracked a grin. "To tell you the truth, I lied back there. I think it isn't bad at all for you to tag along, eh?" he said, eyes returning back to stare at the door. "I think I do need some moral support."
Hermione's heart swelled for the blond and she tried her best not to grab and hug him so tightly. Seriously, he looked like he needed a hug for comfort.
She shook her head when Draco gingerly grabbed for the doorknob and turned it, opening the door of his mother.
He stepped inside and she slowly followed. A gasp escaped from her lips upon seeing Narcissa Malfoy, sitting silently on a chair next to the window as she stared unblinkingly outside. The last time she had seen the said woman was during the Quidditch World Cup and ever since that day, she used to think that the Malfoy matriarch possessed such an awe-inspiring beauty. And now, seeing her so sickly and vulnerable… she chanced a glance at Draco and swallowed. She did wonder how he could cope with it.
"Mother," he said, breaking the silence within the room. The broken, yet still beautiful woman slowly turned her head around to stare at the newcomers. Hermione pointedly noticed that her beautiful blue eyes seemed almost… empty. But upon seeing her son, they seemed to light up in joy.
"Draco, my son," she said, making a move to stand up.
The blond was immediately beside Narcissa. Hermione's jaw slightly opened in shock. He moved like the speed of light.
"Don't exert too much effort, Mother," the blond said, his tone surprisingly gentle. "You know it's not good for your health."
Her soft, melodious chuckle rang all throughout the room. Hermione actually felt goosebumps growing on her arms as Draco assisted his mother back to her bed.
"It's good to see you, love," Narcissa said, kissing Draco's forehead as he gingerly tucked her mother into her bed. "How have you been?"
"I'm perfectly fine," he whispered back, giving her his infamous Draco smile.
Hermione had to look away, overwhelmed with the scene unraveling in front of her. She felt like she was intruding. This was, after all, a sweet reunion between mother and son. She made a move to leave ('Draco wouldn't mind') but was then stopped by Narcissa's voice.
"Oh, how rude, darling," Narcissa said in a reprimanding tone as she stared disapprovingly at her son. "Introduce me to this young lady."
The brunette slightly blushed as she stared back at Draco, who seemed to suddenly remember he had company.
"Mother, she's…" His forehead scrunched up in worry. "… Minnie."
Her breath hitched in her throat and looked away. 'Minnie? How did he…?' Tears clouded in her eyes but she forced them away before looking back at Narcissa and giving her a small smile. "Mrs. Malfoy, it's a pleasure to meet you," she said, inclining her head in greeting.
Narcissa seemed surprised and looked back at Draco, confused. "Minnie, you say?" she asked.
"Yes, Mother," he said. His mercurial orbs were glued intently on Hermione and she swore a mischievous glint flashed through his eyes. "And she's my… girlfriend."
Huh?
Hermione blinked, five times to be exact, before releasing a huge breath. "G-girlfriend?" she sputtered out, embarrassed that her cheeks colored. She clearly did not expect such… introductions from Draco Malfoy, no less.
"You okay, sweetheart, you seemed flustered?" A teasing grin flitted on Draco's face and she had to glare. The glare instantly vanished from her eyes as soon as Narcissa looked at her, amusement evident on her tired face.
"I'm perfectly fine, darling." Her nose scrunched up in disgust for a bit. "But I think it's best for me to leave the two of you alone for a bit."
"Nonsense, Minnie, dear," Narcissa said, ushering her closer. Hermione gingerly obliged and was soon standing a few meters away from the older witch's bed. "I've finally met the girl that had captured my son's heart." The brunette blushed and shyly tucked a stray curl behind her ear.
"Oh Draco, I should be awake more often!" Mrs. Malfoy cried, looking at her son. "A lot of things had happened while I'm cooped up in this room."
"Mother, you need to rest," Draco said, brushing her fringes away from her almost-clammy forehead. "The Healers said they've finally found the cure for the dark curse Lucius had placed upon you but still, you need to rest."
Her eyes momentarily darkened in pain.
"Lucius," she said, voice slightly cracking. "How is he, my son?"
Hermione was taken aback by the sudden animosity that appeared on Draco's face. "Never mind about him, Mother," he said. "There are more pressing matters than speaking about that sad excuse of a - ."
"Draco," Narcissa said gently, almost warningly.
The blond closed his eyes and sighed. "I'm sorry," he said.
"He's still your father," she said, cupping his cheek into her hands and gently rubbing it. "He's still your father, don't forget that."
"A f-father," he blubbered out, his cheeks inflaming once again in fury, "does not hurt his wife."
The pain settled once again in Narcissa's face and she had to look away. Her heart broke into two for the mother and son and unknowing tears once again gathered at the corner of her eyes.
'No, you must be strong, Hermione,' she scolded herself. 'Don't be silly.'
She was saved when the room suddenly opened, admitting a middle-aged Healer, complete with the usual lime-colored Healer robes and a clipboard clutched tightly in his hand.
"Mister Malfoy," Healer Watson said, inclining his head for greeting. "It's been a while."
Draco inclined his head. "My sincerest apologies, Healer Watson," he said earnestly. "I don't know what had possessed me to act so… rashly the last time we had seen each other. But I am hoping that you'll forgive me."
The Healer sighed and fixed his skewed glasses. "Your actions were perfectly excusable, Mister Malfoy. You do not need to apologize," he said.
Draco offered him a small smile before returning back beside Narcissa.
"How are you feeling, Mrs. Malfoy?" Healer Watson asked, retrieving a quill from his pocket.
"Splendid, Charlie," Narcissa said, with a small smile on her face. "Although, I must say I've been feeling a little tired these past few days."
"Don't worry, fatigue is one of the side-effects of the potions we are giving you," Healer Watson assured her whilst writing furiously on his clipboard. He looked up then stared straight into Draco's eyes. "And I'm sorry but the patient needs to rest now, Mister Malfoy. I'm afraid you and" – his eyes landed on Hermione for the first time – "your companion need to depart now."
A rueful sigh escaped from Draco's lips but he nodded nonetheless. "I understand," he said, turning back to look at his mother. He gave her a kiss on her forehead and whispered a soft, "Goodbye, Mother. I'll be seeing you as soon as I can."
Narcissa smiled and before Draco could even completely pull away from her, she gave him a butterfly kiss on his cheek. "I do love you, my son. Please remember that," she said.
Hermione's eyes momentarily widened upon seeing that affectionate gesture Draco had given to her during Christmas. Her hand shot up to the place where he sweetly fluttered his eyebrows and blushed. She swore that her heartbeat was almost audible for all of the occupants to hear.
The mother and son seemed oblivious to Hermione's sudden drastic change in behavior. Instead, Draco gave Narcissa a lingering kiss on her forehead before muttering, "Me too, Mother. Me too," He brushed off the fringes from her face and helped her lie down on her bed. He then turned to Healer Watson and offered him a polite smile. "I'll be leaving her under your care, Healer Watson."
"I'll do my best," he said.
The blond then turned to Hermione, who had been silent the whole interaction, and gestured her to follow him out of the room. He was completely gone when Narcissa suddenly grabbed her arm and gently asked her to lean down slightly.
"Take care of my son," she whispered.
Hermione blushed darkly and nodded her head vigorously, not wanting to disappoint the woman. "Yes, yes I will, Mrs. Malfoy," she said.
A beautiful smile appeared on her face. "Please, Narcissa is fine."
The brunette smiled back. "Goodbye… Narcissa."
"I'll be seeing you soon, my dear," she said.
Hermione nodded her head before completely walking out of the room.
The Slytherin in disguise blatantly stared at his back as he stepped on the moving staircase, oblivious to his roommate's sudden attention.
Hermione reckoned that once again, Draco Malfoy had revealed another side of him to her. She did not know whether he knew it or not but she, being Hermione Granger, had been keeping records.
For the past few months, she had at least seen five surprising sides of the blond, whether he unknowingly or knowingly showed it. And now, his interaction with Narcissa Malfoy had triggered another side of him to manifest and to be obvious to Hermione's scrutinizing gaze.
She thought that by far, this side of him was her absolute favorite. Hands down. This side of him almost seemed… dreamlike. Hermione had to blink her eyes countless times to convince herself that here she was, walking with Draco Malfoy in St. Mungo's.
A secret smile appeared on her face and she gingerly tucked a stray curl behind her ear. His son-mode had been outrageously adorable. He had acted like a truly loving son upon seeing his mother doing well after months and months of seeing her lying almost lifelessly on the bed. He had been tensed before his meeting, yes, but the change in him was so drastic upon seeing Narcissa Malfoy radiantly smile just for him.
Hermione fondly remembered the times when she would be home for holidays. A huge spark of love would happen every time she would see her parents in King's Cross, waiting for their daughter to come home for Christmas. And once she saw them smile and hug her tightly as their way of greeting, the love would spread from her head to toe.
"You're walking too slowly for my own liking, Austen," Draco suddenly commented, breaking her off from her musings.
The brunette, distracted, merely blinked her eyes at him, still processing what he just said.
Intrigued, Draco slightly inclined his head and stared at her. "Is something the matter? You seemed awfully quiet after meeting my mother," he asked.
Hermione merely shrugged and continued walking, overtaking the blond so that he wouldn't see the blush that surprisingly appeared on her cheeks.
"You're limping," he pointed out, which completely halted her from walking.
"Ten points for Slytherin for suddenly noticing, Draco Malfoy," she sarcastically spat. Now that he had pointed it out, her feet had been absolutely killing her for hours. She glared threateningly at the shoes Harry had given to her for Christmas and made a mental note to give the Gryffindor a piece of her mind.
"You do realize that you're a so-called witch and you have a so-called wand, don't you?" he asked, amused.
Hermione rolled her eyes and placed both of her hands against her waist. "I know I can do that, Malfoy," she snarled. "But apparently, some ferret out there had been so eager to go to St. Mungo's and ignored my pleas to stop just so I could retrieve my wand from the loo."
Instead of being irritated, he merely quirked a little smirk. "No need to be so cheeky, sweetheart," he said, his smirk changing into a teasing smile. "Go sit down and let me help you with that."
Her mind caught the word 'sweetheart' and she darkly glared, but followed his command, nonetheless. She sat on a nearby bench and watched as he slowly knelt down in front of her, his teasing smile still present on his face. His actions made her more infuriated.
"You know," she started through clenched teeth, "I've been thinking, Draco Malfoy. What had bloody possessed you to introduce me as… as… such? And to your mother, no less!"
"Because," he said, brandishing out his wand, "you had been insufferable for the whole day, especially in the old nutcase's office. And so, for revenge, I wanted to see you embarrassed. And sweet Merlin, Granger, you should have seen your face!"
A few chuckles escaped from his lips as he absentmindedly removed both of her high-heeled shoes and gently placed them on the floor.
Hermione mimicked his chuckles, seeming to grow more annoyed. This just made him laugh harder and shakily produce band-aids out of thin air.
"You are enjoying this, aren't you?" she asked, peering down at him through her spectacles.
"Oh yes, Granger, I absolutely am."
The brunette made a disgruntled noise at the back her throat. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that in public?" she asked, looking from left to right to make sure that nobody was eavesdropping.
"Relax, nobody would care, Granger," he said, opening a band aid.
She hissed.
An innocent smile graced his handsome face as he stared squarely into her eyes. "You prefer to be called 'sweetheart' by me?" she asked.
Affronted, her cheeks inflamed. Whether it was because of embarrassment or fury or both, he did not know. "MALFOY?" she whispered furiously.
He chuckled once again as he gently placed the bandages on the blisters on her feet. "No need to get so fussy, nuisance," he lightly commented.
To his surprise, her glare mellowed. "There, that's better," she said.
Draco raised an eyebrow in amusement. "I've been awfully calling you that for ages now. I bet it's getting old," he exclaimed with a sigh, standing up from his kneeling position before plopping down beside her on the bench. "See, you're not being annoyed by it anymore!"
Hermione merely chuckled and shook her head, her soft curls bouncing lightly against her shoulder. This simple movement of hers had mesmerized Draco and it took him a great effort to look away so that he would not be tempted to run his hand through her hair.
Silence then ensued and Hermione took that as an opportunity to wear her shoes once again. As soon as she comfortably settled back on her seat, a huge realization came into her mind.
"We've missed all the afternoon classes," she blurted out in a gasp. "Oh no, Professor Flaxworth promised to teach us a new lesson today!"
"That's so typical of you, Austen," he said, his lips curling up into an almost smile. "Can't you think of anything but studies right now?"
She sighed, absentmindedly tucking a stray curl behind her ear. "Eh, hospitals drive me insane, you know," she said. "Ugh, Merlin, the smell is so nauseating. The only thing that keeps me sane right now is by recalling all of the basic numbers in Ancient Runes in my head."
He chuckled and stared at his shuffling feet. Why did the air around them suddenly turn a little… uncomfortable? Silence had passed between them for minutes and it was the brunette who broke it.
"Draco?"
His head perked up and stared at her, a little wide-eyed. He still wasn't used to be called by his first name by the brunette. "Yeah?" he asked, slightly distracted.
"You okay?" she asked, slightly narrowing her eyes to scrutinize him.
He looked away from her eyes and stared blankly at the wall opposite the two of them. "Yeah," he said.
"You sure?"
"Absolutely." And he meant it. That sudden realization had caught him completely off-guard. He was so used to visiting his mother and returning back to Hogwarts, exhausted and almost hopeless. Sure, his mother had looked better than the last time he had visited her. Hell, she looked way better compared to the time when he and Dumbledore rushed her to St. Mungo's.
But maybe he was not so tired and miserable today because…
He chanced a glance at Hermione and finally allowed himself to smile genuinely. Goodness, they had gone really far now, hadn't they? He still couldn't believe that here he was now, sitting beside Hermione Granger, the same girl he had been hopelessly in love with for ages, as she stared at him, eyes slightly shining with unadulterated worry.
His heart swelled and his smile grew.
Indeed, he had never felt this… light and happy ever since the start of the school-year.
"Nuisance?" he said, averting his eyes back to the opposite wall.
"What is it, Malfoy?" she asked, mimicking his action and was now also staring at the opposite wall.
"Thank you."
Her head whipped around so fast Draco swore he heard her neck crick. "Did you just…"
He slowly turned to her and glared. "Yes, yes, and don't you dare make me repeat it." A gorgeous smile flitted on her face. "And don't get used to it, Austen. Hearing those words from me will be extremely rare from now on."
She chuckled and tucked another stray curl behind her ear. "You're welcome, Malfoy," she said, averting her gaze back to the wall.
His glare disappeared, replaced by a small smile. "You want to know something else, Granger?" he asked.
She sighed in exhaustion, wanting to reprimand him for carelessly calling her that name again but was too tired to repeat it once again. "What is it?"
"I don't want to really go here alone today," he said.
He had heard her gasp in surprise, but he did not dare look at her.
Silence had settled between the two after Draco's confession. It was Hermione who broke it yet again. "I… guess you should be thankful I'm stubborn then, eh?" she asked, slight humor in her voice.
Draco chuckled and nodded. "I guess you're right," he said.
"Draco?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm glad I accompanied you today," she said. "I mean it. I really do."
He slowly turned his head to look squarely into her eyes. He smiled, showing off his adorable dimple, then said, "Me too, Hermione. Me too."
She gave him the biggest, most beautiful smile she could ever muster to him. She looked absolutely happy. She looked absolutely breathtaking.
He couldn't help it if he fell in love with her more that day.
Review Responses:
deator11: Yay! So you're a Tomione fan, too? "Tied for Last" was extremely good. All the adjectives in the dictionary could not describe how awesome it was, right? Aww, and thank you! I try to make my own "Teddy Nott" as adorable as possible :D Oh, and don't worry. Hermione's secret will be revealed soon. Very, very soon. Haha, thank you for reviewing!
eoz16: They'll found out soon, don't worry. And I'm somehow nervous how people will react with her roommates' reactions after finding out that Hermes is really Hermione Granger. And thank you for giving my story a chance. I know, I know. The first few chapters were not really THAT good, yeah? But I think the story keeps on getting better and better as the story progresses. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
bbyebiebercozoftattoo: Eh, don't worry. I was actually lol-ing in front of my computer after coming up with Hermione's lame excuse. Haha, and Draco's letter… well, it was so much like him, right? But I'm so thankful that someone out there got "kilig" after reading it. I was actually hoping that some would, despite Draco's obvious arrogance XD Yeah, poor Blaise. Wait 'til I posted THAT chapter. EEP, no spoilers! Haha, anyway, thanks for the review!
smileylol: Oh, I'll be continuing this 'til the end XD The point of the last chapter was for them to really comfort Hermione in their own special ways :) I mean, ways that are so like them. And, aww! *hugs you tightly* You've read it thrice again? Now, I'm really feeling extra special. Haha, anyway, thanks for your review!
CheshireCat23: If ending up with the three of them was possible, then I would have gladly done that before. I'm not really planning to get THAT attached with Blaise and Teddy. I mean, this is Dramione! And I was planning to just get focused with their budding romance. In the end, I made their other roommates likeable, even I felt really bad when I finally made Draco and Hermione together. Sigh, anyway, that's fanfic to you! Thanks for reviewing!
Isabella120: This chapter has more Dramione moments. What did you think? I mean, this chapter's quite sweet for the two of the, don't you agree? Draco's such a sweetie pie, although still a bloody bastard. And Hermione's so oblivious as ever XD Aww, and thank you for saying this story's your absolute favorite. That made my day! Thank for reviewing!
NinaFelton229: You noticed, huh? I adore Phineas and Ferb and it's all thanks to my little brother. And, you can't blame me for staying in a place where internet's not available and all I could do was watch TV. Haha, but seriously, I love the cartoon, it's almost hilarious, seeing that I'm turning seventeen soon. Anyway, I love the Tulip Scene, too. GAH, Draco Malfoy sometimes does things that are so ridiculously adorable; I just want to hug him (hehehe) Oh, and don't worry, Teddy will know about Hermione's secret very, very soon. Hahaha, thanks for your review!
beautifly92: Aww, you did make me happy by reviewing and saying that you liked the previous chapter! I KNOW RIGHT? I mean, I do love my friends and all, but I think life would be way cooler if I'm friends with people like Teddy, Blaise, and Harry XD And Hermione loves Draco? Wow, really (evil grin) Well, err… no comment XD Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
NightworldSeeker: It feels so good inside to see that Hermione's greatly cared for, no? And Teddy, ever adorable Teddy… what can I say? Just saying his name makes go all "aww… he's so adorable". HAHAHA, anyway, thanks for your review!
Aussie Panda: Eep! I love pandas. Lol, now that was just random. Err… um, well, I think our favorite brunette is starting to realize things now, huh? As for Teddy's and Blaise's reaction if Hermione finally revealed her secret to them (I mean, officially to Blaise), you'll find out very, very soon :D Thanks for reviewing!
miaspotter: Sigh, Hermione's one lucky, lucky girl. It's really great to have friends like the three Slytherins and Harry! And of course, to be the object of the affection of the three gorgeous Slytherins. Aww, and thank you! I try my best to make it a good drama and formulate good conflicts. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
onehighpeanut: Haha, yeah. Hermione's one evil, evil witch just for being plain clueless when her roommates were being blatantly with their feelings. Aww, and Teddy. Don't worry, he'll know very, very soon and I cannot wait to see how people will react. Anyway, thanks for your review!
bumble-beeoncrack: Sigh, Hermione did deserve everything that her best friends did to her. Haha, and I can see you all smiley while reading the previous chapter. It made me smile, too XD Ooh, you're the umpteenth reviewer who voiced out her curiosity over Blaise and Teddy's (oh especially the latter) reaction once they find out that Hermes is actually Hermione Granger. Again, they'll know soon *wink* *wink* Thanks for your great review!
B.S: *blushes furiously* You know, comparing my story with the Harry Potter series makes me so damn flattered. Haha, sorry I cursed back there. BUT SERIOUSLY XD My goodness, a review full of compliments makes me feel so… so… you know. LOL, I mean, it's good to see that typing these stories and spending grueling hours in front of the computer, even during the ungodly hours of the morning and night, is not put into waste. I'm immensely happy that people like you appreciate what I do. Oh darn… now, you're making me sob. Sigh, as for being a professional writer… I'm not really that sure. I mean, writing is my passion, but I'm not planning to take up a course of being a writer in college. But, nothing's impossible. XD So yeah, thank you for that (tear-jerking) review!
allthatfangjazz: You mean the disclaimer of the previous chapter? Eep, nope, sorry XD It's actually from "Phineas and Ferb". I mean, the part where Perry the Platypus' theme song plays every time he's on a mission. Gah, I just love Perry 3 Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
Sweet(dot)Night(dot)Lock: HAHAHAHA, sorry about those (dot) things. is acting strange right now and doesn't want me to properly write your name... so yeah. So... on to your review; Aww, Teddy and Hermione would be extremely adorable. But then again, this is Dramione. *resurrects you* DON'T DIE! HAHAHA, aww, a heartbroken Teddy? Oh, you have no idea… now, I'm getting ahead of myself. Sorry, honey, no spoilers for you :D Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
SLW-hp fan: Haha, yeah, Draco is such a sweetie pie, yeah? I would love it if he's actually real. XD AND HELL YEAH, LET'S GO CELTICS! I'm still a little sore with Miami Heat for beating them *rolls eyes* I mean, come on, they were darn good during the playoffs last year. Sigh, but I'll always be a Celtics fan, through and through. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
fantasia-49: Haha, they're all good friends, right? And yes, even though all of them wanted more. Well, of course, excluding Harry because he got Ginny. But still XD Sigh, what's with you guys and giving compliments easily. You're making me blush so furiously! Haha, forgive me. I'm just a little flushed because of your constant praising. So, anyway, thanks for your review!
SpontaneousQuack: *looks at name* What an adorable username XD Ha, anyway, I adore "Phineas and Ferb". I think it's one of the greatest cartoons Disney had ever made. Well, the classics were still wonderful, but "P and F" is just plain awesome. Aww, and dressed up as them for Halloween? That's so cute :D And yay! A Celtics fan! Don't worry, since they're not in the playoffs now, I'm rooting for the Bulls, too XD They're my second fave (yay, Derek Rose!) Aww, I feel bad for Teddy, too. And Blaise… well, he has reasons :) Anyway, thanks for your review!
semantics: AND YES, when I saw my email, I was like "YAY, THEY REVIEWED!" Haha, I can imagine both of us having the same reactions every time we look at our emails and see what we wanted to see XD And once again, I would like to thank you for the compliment. I mean, I try my best to make my characters the best they could be. So, thank you for reviewing!
contusions – stigmata: I. KNOW. RIGHT? Oh my gosh, I'm still furious at Dwayne Wade for being the cause of Rondo's elbow injury. And Rondo's one of my favorite Celtics player! Gah, I'm still annoyed that the Heat had beaten them. *blushes* Yup, I still watch "Phineas and Ferb" even though I'll be turning seventeen – almost legal XD Aww, and your little cousins watch awesome cartoons. Haha, anyway, thanks for reviewing!
Nocturnal Rose: Well, here's the next chapter. What did you think? Especially because it's so full of Dramione moments? Haha, tell me XD Thanks for reviewing!
flamingbunnies: Hmm… I haven't really thought about that. But I imagine that Harry will be all scowls and claim that the Slytherins are really trying to steal his best friend away. You know Harry… what a darling XD As for my new story, I am still not willing to try a new pair; hence, it's still Dramione. I mean, I read other pairings besides Dramione, but I don't trust myself to write a story besides that pair. Maybe some time… I'm not sure. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
for heavens sake: Well, I guess the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" is actually true, huh? Well, in this case, don't judge a story by its summary. I know, I know. Even I am not appealed by my summary *rolls eyes* But I can't think of anything now. And yes, I know Ouran. In fact, I adore that anime. What if they make a live action of that manga… Now, now, I'm getting side-tracked again. Anyway, thanks for reviewing and giving my story a chance! I do appreciate it :D
Really Cinderella: Aww, that's awesome. One of your favorite top three? Well, did this chapter of my made it at least one of your top two? OH, BAH, now I'm being conceited. XD I'm sorry, I'm just toying around. Haha, anyway, thanks for reviewing!
Fawzie: Yep, little bits of Dramione never hurt. BUT, this chapter how so much of Dramione moments now, huh? I bet you were jumping up and down for joy XD Meh, and I try to make Draco in character as much as possible; hence, his "so like him" letter. And Teddy? Well, he'll find out soon, don't worry; thus, you'll be able to read his reaction *laughs maniacally* Haha, yeah, and Hermione's one cruel, cruel girl for taking advantage of their friendship when she just quote go around breaking people's hearts unquote. Oh, and this is Dramione. Of course Draco will be SO MUCH MORE to Hermione in the future XD Pssh, I reply to everyone. Your reviews make me feel special; hence, I try my very best to make my readers feel special, too XD P.S. WHOA, I was planning to do that, too! Well, if I'm busy, then I might just read the whole DH book again before watching the movie. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
OotoriDreams: Yay! You made yourself known. Now, I can properly thank you :D Anyway, oh wow, you've got some guts! Haha, I can't afford to read fanfictions in school in fear of getting scolded. You know school *rolls eyes* They actually have a way of detecting sites that are forbidden, and annoyingly, is a forbidden site. Oh, and good luck? I think I still need it, so thanks. Haha, anyway, thanks for reviewing!
elf girl: Oh, I'll be updating every Thursday, don't worry. Well, it actually depends on my mood. Pray that I'll be extremely happy so I can update earlier than the schedule XD Haha, anyway, thanks for your review!
A/N: Eep, it's done! How do you like it, huh? Tell me in your reviews.
Speaking of reviews, oh my shizzlegums (err… what? XD), twenty-nine reviews for the previous chapter? You've got to be kidding me! *dances a happy jig* Aww, I want to glomp each and every one of you 'til water is discovered in Mars XD
Haha, eh, sorry. I'm feeling a little light-headed because it's so darn hot in here. I swear, I'm tempted to dump huge blocks of ice in this mini kiddy pool we have and just stay there. FOREVER… which then would give me hypothermia. Which, sucks. DAMN.
O-KAY, enough of my gibberish. So, what did you really think of this chapter? It's full of Dramione and good Merlin Almighty! Draco's such an adorable thing, I want to bloody kiss him.
Anyway, back to the story. I've noticed a lot of you had been asking when Teddy will know that Hermes is really Hermione Granger and he's really crushing on a girl. Well, my answer to that is very, very soon. Ooh, I'm so excited. *reads future chapters and then sobs* Oh, but it will be soon, too. What is it? Aww, too bad, I hate spoiling people. Just wait for my updates, okay?
So, that's about it for now. Again, drop a review and make me happy :D
With love,
WickedlyAwesomeMe