Chapter 5: Close Encounter

by:

YearofDragons

author's note:

HellOOOoooo here we are again! Yes, the previous chapter was shorter and some may even call it filler, but I really wanted to bring another side to this story. I know you all are anxious for Hermione and Draco to be in the same chapter, rest assured it's not on this one as well. Mwahahahh (evil laughter!)

I guess you just have to read on!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, if I did Malfoy definitely would have ended up with Hermione in the books duh this is a DRAMIONE! lol

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

There was no more tears, eyes bleary and dry, Hermione dusted herself off. The sun was setting lower and it was getting chilly, she knew she had to leave soon. It was hard to believe that it was just this morning Hermione Granger just found out that Draco Malfoy was released from Azkaban.

It was draining to stay strong, but then again why does she have to stay strong. Oh yes, it's because she's Hermione Granger, one third of the Golden Trio. The wind was picking up and Hermione cozied up to her jumper tighter. She wiped her eyes, although there was really nothing left to wipe away, she was literally dehydrated from all the crying.

Using her foot to stop her, Hermione got up and off the swing. Clutching onto the ropes, she closed her eyes and tried really hard to remember the last time she was here. If only for a moment she really wanted to remember the feeling, the warmth, and the joy. God, they were so naive back then. Thinking that the whole world was theirs for the taking, that they would be inseparable, that together they were unstoppable. The weather was nice then, not so cool but not warm, a soft glow of orange had started to creep across the sky. It was under this tree when they were laughing so carelessly making plans that neither fit in their future but nonetheless they both wanted to make. Promises they carelessly whispered, both believing they were truly attainable. He was wearing his light grey cardigan and slacks, Hermione remembered thinking he never looked so relax, and happy. Yes, they were both so happy that day. The wind blew his cologne over and she smelled a hint of peppermint and a subtle nutmeg, he smelled like Christmas morning, her favorite time of the year. His eyes was the window to her happiness and if she just keeps her eyes closed now she can keep that image of him forever.

"I love you Hermione…" Grey eyes met with warm hazel as Draco reaches over to hoist Hermione on top of him. "I would give you my world."

"I love you too Draco…"

Of course a lot of things have changed, Hermione shook her head, as if to shake her heart back to reality, and opened her eyes to her present. It didn't stop the unbearable pangs that was now gripping on her very soul. She takes one more look around the very spot they both shared, their very own secret from the outside world. The very spot they both timidly, and quiet awkwardly, told each other how much they mean to one another.

Just over the hill she can see the familiar turrets, the sky was now shifting to a soft hue of purple. Oh but it was beautiful and serene. Rolling hills littered with beautiful wild flowers to the East, majestic lake to her West, dense forestry behind her, and a magnificent castle just beyond the hill in front of her. It never fails to take her breath away.

Yes, Malfoy Manor was just as bewitching as she first saw it.

With a heavy heart, she once again made the decision to leave him behind. The memories, the longings, and what if's, it was time to go back to her own life. Hermione Jean Granger, one third of the Golden Trio, savior of the Wizarding World, Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Magic, a busy life, one with fulfillment, family, and friends. So why can't she stop reminiscing?

She knows why, but she's never going to admit it, she didn't admit it then and it was too late to admit it now. With that thought, Hermione walked a little further into the forest and turned to apparate home.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Hermione where have you been?!" A fiery red hair flew straight to Hermione as soon as she opened the door. Her tiny apartment was in such chaos she didn't know where to start or who to ask for some answers. "Oh my, your not even dressed! Where going to be late!"

"Ginny, hardly, how can we be late to our own party," a leggy blond makes her way to Hermione and gives her a good squeeze, she added in a whisper, "Hermione the nargles are quiet excited around you, is everything ok. If you want I can go ahead and distract Ginny so you can run to the loo."

Hermione was incredibly grateful of Luna's perceptive personality, however she knows there are times when she is completely off the rockers. She gave Luna a subtle nod and starts heading for her bedroom.

"Oh no you don't missy, you should have been ready," Ginny bee lines for Hermione and was just about to grab her elbow when there was giggling coming from the kitchen.

"Look Ginny, I've found Blaine!" Luna hollered from the other room.

"Blaine? What do you mean?" Ginny ran over to the kitchen, leaving Hermione to dash for her room and lock the door.

Hermione Granger was a truly brilliant, if not scarily brilliant, person. No details was ever missed and surely no facts unknown. The capacity within her brain was enormous! Many, and I do mean many, of her old school chums can attest to this. So it was regrettable to say the least that Hermione forgot about their plans tonight. The one's that her friends have been nagging about for months and took the scrutinizing time to organize with everyones hectic schedule, well really Hermione's tight schedule, but nonetheless.

It has been ages since she went out with her friends, and at this point Hermione can't make an excuse and back out. Hell if she did, she truly believes she will be left with no friends. As her mother used to say, friendships are like plants dear, you need to tend to them or they'll die. And let me tell you, Hermione does not have a green thumb contrary to public belief.

"Hermione what's going on," Ginny was banging on the door, wriggling it trying to pry it open. "Why is this door lock?"

"Ginny I'll be out in a sec, I'm just going to hop in the shower real quick and then we can head out." Hermione was really dreading going out tonight but she also doesn't want to bail on her friends yet again. She quickly got up off the bed and went straight to shower.

"Hermione you better were the slinky sequin dress and heels too!" Ginny shouted before heading back to the kitchen to talk to her son via floo. Luna had made it seem like Blaine was there in person but really she had flooed over to the burrow with Mrs. Weasley.

It wasn't long before Hermione came out and Ginny fused over her outfit one more time before she said it was ready.

A short dress was never Hermione's forte, any dress for that matter, but tonight was special and all of her girls were making the effort and so she thought she needs to as well.

"Ok, we're going to meet the rest of the girls at the pub, you ready Luna," Ginny does a final check on Hermione before doing the same with Luna.

"Ginny you look ravishing tonight, the wikonags says so, your bright red dress is truly magnetic for them." Luna touches Ginnys soft suede dress that clung to her like linen caught in the rain.

"That's nice Luna you look lovely yourself," she gave Luna a smile but turned around and rolled her eyes for Hermione to see.

The three girls then lined up in front of the fireplace and got ready to floo over Diagon Alley. This was going to be one hell of a night, and Hermione was going to find out just how crazy this night was going to be.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They arrived in Diagon Alley all in one piece, soot minimal and all. Ginny led the pack towards what's suppose to be the hottest pub in town. Her tall figure was easy enough to follow behind even with Hermione's mind all over the place. Her she goes again, having to put up a strong front because tonight is suppose to be fun, out with her girls whom she hasn't seen in a while, dressed up and looking pretty. That's right, Hermione thought, tonight is supposed to be fun.

They got in front of the establishment and Hermione can clearly see the line of people waiting to get in wrapped all the way around the building. Ginny strode up to the door and people moved out of the way, she was like Moses parting the red sea. Everyone knew Ginny, previous professional Quidditch player turn top fashion Mogul after a tragic game injury, but above all else they knew her company. It was really hard to miss their little entourage. Luna with her iridescent blond hair, flowing freely down her back, slowly swaying with her every move. Owner of her own printing company that was extremely popular to the millennials, yes she was odd, but she was also the wife of one very famous man. Did I forget to mention, Luna Lovegood, was married to Harry Potter, or should I say Mrs. Luna Potter. Last, but most definitely NOT the least, the slender brunette with legs for days, her usual unruly hair beautifully put up on a chiffon, the most recognized and sought after witch in the world; Hermione Jean Granger. A subtle grace always with her, humble towards public attention and yet attention always gets drawn back to Hermione.

Lines, what line, they never wait in lines. This was one of the many perks from saving the wizarding population to a certain nasty future with Voldemort.

They were escorted right away to their private corner and the girls were all already there. Padma who was happily married to Dean Thomas, her twin Parvati who was happily single and currently snogging yet another random fellow. Lavender who was also single, but not as open as Parvati as it may seem, yes shocker we all thought it would be her who was going to be more "friendly." Cho also came out which was really nice of her considering she and Hermione wasn't really that close. A bit of misunderstanding really, Cho thought the brief moment Harry and her was together that Hermione was trying to split them apart. Water under the bridge really, but it still feels a bit awkward at times.

Drinks were flowing freely and Hermione was really beginning to let loose and have some fun. Forget that today turned out to be horrendous, tonight it was going to turn around for her. There was some dancing, a few friendly flirtations (mostly on Lavender and Parvati) with some boys, and drinks were definitely lowering inhibitions.

Hermione decided she liked this club, at first she was skeptical. Rules were meant to be followed and if you knew Hermione she was a bit of a stickler, not counting of course when it came to breaking rules for Harry and Ron, but looking around she thoroughly enjoyed seeing muggles and wizards enjoying each other's company. No fights, no egos, and definitely no code of secrecy, it's about time Hermione snorted.

Liquor was definitely flowing through everyone at this point, especially Hermione, courtesy of one very demanding redhead. Firewhiskey upon firewhiskey was shoved ceremoniously in Hermione's face.

"Drink up Hermione it's your night!"

They all hollered and cheered as an already sloshed Hermione downed another one.

"Ok girls lets move on to the next pub yeah?" Ginny started herding the group towards the exit.

"But whhhyyyyyy I likeess this one," Hermione slurred a bit.

"Hermione my love, there's only so much one can do at a pub with muggles," she gently nudges the tipsy brunette out the door. "You need to see what a real wizards club is!"

Everyone else cheered and raised their glass for another round. How and where did those drinks come from, Hermione thought. It didn't matter, another drink was just that, another drink at this point.

They were all outside when they heard a commotion inside, Hermione thought 'typical a brawl.' The girls were all walking away ahead of her when she felt it, a pull, like someone whispering her name. She stopped and waited.

"Hermione hurry up!" Padma had waived her hand to Hermione.

"Coming," Hermione turned around and made her way towards her friends who at this point was rounding the corner. The Gods must truly be playing with her, this was Hermione's cursed thought, when her heel was caught in a particularly nasty cobblestone. She nursed her ankle and took off the blasted heels, fuck it, she was already drunk she doesn't need vertigo to also hit her.

Draco was livid, devastated, and above all else lost. It was all over the news, the whole bloody country was elated, but all Draco could think was bloody hell. The cold air cooling his sweat outside the pub felt good, it felt a bit calming, just a bit. He looked at the paper he was holding one more time before balling it and tossing it up the alley.

As Hermione was about to turn the corner, something caught her eye. Was her mind playing tricks on her, was that a figment of her very drunken imagination. The figure was the same, hair as pale as the moon, same regal posture, and definitely same angry stance. She turned, with every intention to follow him, just to be sure it wasn't who she thought it was, but then her rescue party arrived.

"Hermione come on!" Lavender grabs her arm and marches her towards the rest of the girls. "Hey guys I found her, let's go slow poke!"

Draco was stomping off when he heard her name, he froze. Turning around quickly he scans the streets to see if she can locate Hermione. A few drunks, peddlers, and some ladies celebrating what seemed to be a birthday, tiaras and sashes and all, but no Hermione. Or at least Draco thinks, he turned back around and continued to head no where in particular. All he knew was that he just needed to get out of there.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

author's note:

SoooOoo what do you guys think? I'd love to read some reviews just to see if you guys are liking the general direction of this story. The next chapter is going to be revealing a lot of my plot if you haven't figured it out yet.

THERE'S A HUGE BOMB THAT WILL BE ON NEXT CHAPTER! (again only if you haven't figured it out yet, but I know I have amazing readers so you probably already know.) I've dropped a few hints here or there, and if you do know please don't put it in the comment I don't want to spoil it for those that may still have doubts. Just PM me ;)

REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!

Thanks for staying with me this far =)