A/N: Hello dearies! As you'll see, this is a very short chappie. This is for two reasons. One, if I added any more, it would be forced and mess with the flow of the next chapter, especially since I wanted to keep this a fun chapter that doesn't have Hermione or Draco directly in it. I've been writing them for so long that it's nice to have a little change before I go back to them. Rest assured, there will be plenty of Dramione goodness next chapter! I'll just let you imagine what kind of goodness. Two, my boyfriend has kindly informed me that, since he has all next week off of work because of U.S. Independence Day (the lucky bastard), he demands I spend most of next week with him after I get home from work. This means almost zero writing time to myself, so I figured you'd all hate me less if I gave you a short chapter now to tide you over and then a longer chapter in two weeks, rather than waiting three weeks to give you a short and a long chapter. Lastly, just to clarify, the scenes in this chapter are separate, and therefore not necessarily happening right after the previous scene. Some of them, like the letters at the beginning, happened a while ago. I think they're pretty clear which ones are directly connected and which aren't, but let me know if you get confused.
Reviews:
missshannonwhite - I hope that was a good type of 'wow'. Like, 'wow that was so amazing', as opposed to 'wow, that was so terrible my brain hurts'. So, thanks, I think? =P
viola1701e - Ah, but making things worse is what makes these types of stories interesting, no? It wouldn't be much of an exciting story if I said: Once upon a time there was a sexy beast named Draco Malfoy and an intelligent bookwork named Hermione Granger. They had mind-blowing sex, fell in love, got married, and made lots of babies, living happily ever after with the Malfoy fortune. The End. Not only is that incredibly short, but also predictably boring. Harry and Ron will of course cause a little mayhem, but I see Ginny as more of a supportive, nurturing character, so she's going to help more than hinder. But I shan't say any more lest I give too much away!
nikki98 - Thank you! I like possessive Draco, too. The funny thing is that, even when I'm writing him, I can't help but think that if he were anyone else, he'd be so incredibly creepy that no girl would want to be in a 100 mile radius of him. There's just something about that arrogant Malfoy smirk that makes him sexy instead of creepy. I still haven't figured out why, but it's funny to think about. In any case, yes, if Hermione bothered to wonder how Malfoy had known she was at Devon's mother's house, she could probably put two and two together, but she always lets her emotions and insecurities get the best of her whenever he's involved. As for Devon, I tried to express how very terrified he is of confronting his own mother (much like the Weasley children are with Molly), but you are right. He knows better, and hopefully he'll redeem himself in your eyes this chappie.
racethom - As I mentioned in the disclaimer at the beginning of the story, this is more like a take off of a take off of one of Julia Quinn's books. I haven't read any of them, but I probably will soon enough just out of curiosity.
Divess - It's true. Devon was rather selfish in avoiding confrontation with his mum, but hopefully you'll forgive him after this chappie. Draco isn't exactly a traditional knight in shining armor, as he is a very passionate person. As such, he can seem wishy-washy like that to those who don't know what's going on in that crazy head of his because his goals can change from moment to moment. I don't want to give too much away, but I can tell you that he does indeed have a few reasons for being away so much, so if he seems to be reverting back to Emotionless!Draco, it's only because there is so much to be done and so very little time to do it in.
cloudy rains - Thank you! Not gonna lie, I'm super happy that my story gives you such a physical reaction! It's easy for me to say I get caught up in the story as I'm writing it, but it's so lovely hearing someone else say that they get just as into it. Thank you again for telling me!
~~~\~~~
Meanwhile...
Bluebird,
Does Blackbird truly insist on us using these ridiculous monikers? If the mandrake finds one of these and has any sense at all, he'll know exactly who we are whether we use our actual names or not. You are the only women in his life who would dare meddle so intricately in his affairs, which, I remind you, I have been completely against ever since I let that damned comment slip. Whatever you do, do not let the cub's research be affected by this. If it is, I will be very displeased, friendship or no. She is one of the few students I have had that isn't a complete dunderhead, and my name will be attached to hers in the public eye. Do. Not. Mess. This. Up.
King Snake
***/***
King Snake,
Don't be silly. Blackbird and I would never let her name be tarnished in the public eye, as you very well know that would also put a damper on our aspirations. Things are going along as planned, and I think it will not be long now before the next phase begins. The tension between them is palpable enough to eat, so I am not worried at all. Keep your end of the bargain, and all will be well.
Bluebird
~~~\~~~
Blackbird,
Mandrake is finally ready for the next phase. He asked me about marriage prospects, claiming that you had sent him a letter asking for my advice. Now I know it's complete rubbish as we've been communicating this whole time, but I think he was particularly interested in knowing whether I approved of his pursuing the cub. I gave him the approval he sought and his eyes lit up like Christmas. She is definitely the one and I think he knows it, too. He already knows King Snake approves of her, at least to an extent, so my guess is you'll be next. Shall we arrange for you to stop by for tea?
Bluebird
***/***
Bluebird,
Oh, that's just lovely! I would love to, but not quite so soon. He will get most suspicious if I do not have a legitimate reason to see him. He's just as quick as his father, and he's grown so much that I have to use my most subtle tactics to do anything anymore. We ought to wait a bit to see if he'll come to me first, and then step in if anything seems amiss. In the meantime I shall plan my first impression of her so as to convince him the idea hadn't even crossed my mind. Thank you for your constant vigilance in this matter.
Blackbird
***/***
"FOLEY CATCHES THE SNITCH AND THE TORNADOS WIN BY A SINGLE GOAL!"
Everyone in the stadium who was wearing blue rose up from their seats and cheered themselves hoarse.
Everyone else in dark green was either groaning, swearing, or booing.
Ginny Weasley went through the motions that were required at the end of every game, but couldn't decide if she was relieved or depressed. On the one hand, she had had such high hopes for the team. The Holyhead Harpies had been practically cruising through, beating almost all the other teams with a clear buffer of at least five goals. She had never felt better than the times she made score after score, effortlessly outwitting the other team's Keeper. Only Ron had been a real challenge during the Harpies-Cannons game because her brother had watched her play all her life. He knew her tactics and the way she thought. That was a game the Harpies had just squeaked by because their Seeker had been quicker. In addition, Puddlemere United was still in the running, so she would no longer be able to spend as much time with her fiancé.
On the other hand, while she immensely enjoyed messing around with her teammates, whom she had quickly become very close to, she greatly missed her best friend. Hermione Granger had been her first true female friend, as she hadn't really appreciated Luna Lovegood until she went to Hogwarts, so she desperately wanted updates on Hermione's love life (hopefully no longer a lack thereof) and the new potions mistress she was studying under.
She, Harry, and Ron had pestered every gossip they could find about news of Hermione, since they hadn't wanted to make owls fly back and forth across the whole continent all the time. They settled for sending her letters once a month, knowing she would always be in the same place, patiently waiting for them to return so she could tell them all about her potions research.
Of course, there was never a shortage of rumors about the Brightest Witch of the Age, especially since she was one-third of the Golden Trio, and best friend of the Boy-Who-Conquered, or whatever they were calling Harry these days. They had heard an absolutely ridiculous rumor not that long ago that she had been spotted in Diagon Alley shopping with none other than Draco Malfoy, the boy that had bullied her and her friends relentlessly throughout school. Rumors like those they ignored immediately. Malfoy had only gotten more obnoxious as the years passed due to his ever-increasing bank accounts and social influence. They knew Hermione would never voluntarily spend time with him. What had probably happened was they spotted each other in the same shop, got into an argument, and then left at the same time, going in opposite directions to get away from the other. They hardly ever crossed paths without making some sort of scene.
In any case, it was high time she returned home to Grimmauld Place for some relaxation and quiet. Maybe she could even convince Hermione to stay with her to keep her company until Harry came home. Yes, that's exactly what she would do. It would be hard to tear Hermione away from her work, but Ginny was confident she could wheedle her best friend into submission.
On that note, she immediately pulled out a piece of parchment and started writing her letter to Hermione. Once she got back home, she'd owl it over just so the owl wouldn't have to travel so far, but it would be enough warning for Hermione to clear her schedule the following day. They were going to have a girls day whether the bookish brunette liked it or not!
***/***
"Mona, I'm sorry," Devon blurted, impulsively grabbing her pale hand across the table.
Mona smiled sweetly and rubbed her thumb on his. "What for?"
He sighed. "You know, for...for not telling my mum. About you, I mean. For being too scared to tell her the truth. I'm so sorry."
She shrugged and squeezed his hand affectionately. "It's alright. I know how she is. I don't care as long as you still want me."
He shook his head. "I still don't understand why you aren't mad at me. Any other bird would have my head for it."
"Devon, I've waited for you to notice me for five years. I don't mind waiting a little longer, knowing that you'll get around to it eventually."
He leaned forward. "But that's what I don't get! You're not giving me any time limits or ultimatums or...anything! You're just...fine with it? You don't care if she never knows?"
Mona chuckled lightly. "Well, you'll have to tell her eventually. I hope you wouldn't get married without her knowing," she teased.
Devon rolled his eyes, smiling a little. "You know what I mean."
Mona leaned in, too, catching his gaze with her soft one. "Like I said, now that we're together, I don't care about anything else. Your mother has known me since I was four. I have no concern that she won't like me. I'm already like the daughter she never had. While Hermione is a wonderful person, she's too headstrong for you. You need someone nurturing, not argumentative."
He chuckled. "And why is that?"
"Because I've watched you tear yourself apart trying to be perfect for these other girls, and you only make a mess. You aren't anyone but yourself with me because you know I like you the way you are. You don't have to have the best job or the best pay or go to the fancy restaurants. You and I have been having fun playing in mud, shoving each other into ponds, and just enjoying each other for so long. I like to think you don't know how to be anyone else but yourself with me. I know who you are, Devon Robert Winchester, and I wouldn't have you any other way."
He took a shaky breath and squeezed her hand. "Bloody hell, I love you so much, Mona. I'm so sorry I didn't notice sooner."
"I know, Devon. I love you, too, and you have the rest of our lives to make it up to me," she smiled cheekily.
Devon pushed himself further over the table to give her a chaste kiss on the lips. "I don't deserve you," he whispered.
"Of course you do. Like everything else, you just haven't realized it yet," she whispered back with a grin.
A loud, fake cough made them both turn.
"As relieved as I am that you two crazy kids finally saw sense, it's time for my break. Let her get back to work, yeah Devon?" the blonde said pointedly.
He sat back into his seat. "Yeah, yeah. You know, for someone who just got back from vacation, you're not pulling your weight around here, Trish, making Mona work all the time."
Trish slapped him upside the head.
"Oi!" he exclaimed, rubbing his head.
"Now I know your mother taught you better than to be rude to your elders. You can stay if you behave, but she has customers to tend to, so don't you distract her, or I'm ringing your mother."
Devon huffed, pouting. "There's no need for blackmail."
She gave him a no-nonsense look. "My little boys give me that same pout and you know I'm immune to it, so don't even try."
Mona laughed. "Oh, it's alright, Trish. He won't bother me, I promise. He'll be quiet as a church mouse, won't you, Devon?"
He nodded on cue. "Silent as the grave."
Trish pursed her dark red lips. "Alright, but one slip and I'm sending you home."
He nodded, and she relaxed, satisfied. She turned to Mona. "Mr. Winston is asking for his special tea again, so keep an eye on him, and stop him after two. You know how he gets."
Mona nodded. "Of course." She got up and walked over to her boyfriend, bending down to kiss him on the forehead. "Tea?"
He smiled. "Please, love."
She started to walk toward the counter when he suddenly stood up and stopped her by grabbing her hand.
She smiled. "Devon, I need to work."
"I know, I just..." he took a deep breath. "I want to deserve you, so, I was just thinking...can we stop by my mum's after your shift?"
She grinned, eyes shining with happiness. "Of course."
~~~\~~~
Edna Winchester was a force to be reckoned with. He had been instilled with a healthy fear of her moods, but he also knew that she only wanted him to be happy. He reminded himself of it over and over again as his mum searched his face like she was reading cooking directions. Sometimes he wondered if she was using magic on him without him even knowing it.
"So Miss Granger was never your girlfriend?" she asked with an edge to her voice.
He nodded, clutching Mona's hand for dear life. She squeezed back and he made a mental note to apologize for hurting her hand afterward.
"She has instead been dating that...boy all this time?"
He nodded again. "But when you told her to kiss me, she only did so because they're on a break. If she had been officially dating him, she would have refused." There was no sense in alienating his now good friend from his mother when it hadn't been her fault. He was finally ready to take responsibility for his mother's opinions.
His mum let out a sigh of relief. "Oh thank goodness. You know how much I detest disliking people. It takes such a toll on my energy. Well, I am very disappointed in you for deceiving your own mother like this, but...Mona, dear. I am so sorry for my son's despicable behaviour. Please don't give up on him. You know how he gets when he has a silly idea in his head."
Mona smiled. "I know. Don't worry, Edna, he always comes around eventually."
The older woman nodded fondly. "He does, doesn't he? Fortunately, he managed to get my good sense and his father's guilt complex. Lord knows he needs one with all the lies he's told me." She shot another glare at her son, but was all smiles when she turned back to Mona.
"Will you be staying for dinner, dear? I've made Tuesday roast."
Mona grinned. "You know very well I never pass up your Tuesday roast. What a silly question."
The women stood and walked to the dining room together as they chatted.
Devon let his body sink back into the sofa, praising whatever power had allowed this to go so smoothly. Hermione would be so proud of him when he told her the good news.
~~~\~~~
A/N2: One last thing. Because this chappie was so short, I couldn't fit in all the words from last chappie's assignment, so there's no assignment this week. I'll include all the words from last time in the next chapter. For those in the U.S., Happy 4th in advance! For everyone else, I hope you have a fantastic week anyway! See you next time!