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Chapter 25
It was the strangest dream that Hermione had ever had, one of those dreams that leave you thinking about it all day long. As Hermione sat down for breakfast that morning, she thought about the dream.
She had been walking through a meadow, picking Gerber Daisies out of the ground. She was wearing the dress that George had given her the day he gave her his petition and she felt extremely happy. As she was leaning down to pick a green flower up and put it in the basket, she heard someone calling her name. She looked up to see who it was and smiled as a handsome blond walked toward her, his signature smirk playing across his face.
He walked up to her, gently moving a piece of hair behind her ear as it began to blow in the wind. She smiled up at him, instinctively leaning into his touch. He looked at her with a look of such love, it was almost tangible.
"Thank you for giving me a second chance," dream Draco said, smiling lovingly down at her. Just before he was about to kiss her, he vanished, causing her to be confused. But then the beautiful flowers caught dream Hermione's attention, and she was happy once more.
Moments later, a giggle caught her attention. She looked up and grinned when she saw one of her best girlfriends, who she hadn't seen in three or four years. It was Irina Krum, Viktor's baby sister. They hugged one another laughing and crying at the same time, happy to see one another after all this time. They looked through the flower Hermione had picked, examining and talking about each of her four flowers. One of the red ones she had picked had started to wither, so Hermione reluctantly took it out and placed it gently on the ground.
"Don't be sad, Nene," Irina said soothingly, using the name she had given her years earlier. The black haired girl looked along the path, searching for another beautiful flower. They both walked along quietly searching, when Irina suddenly squealed with delight, picking up a flower hugging it and running it over to her friend.
"I found a perfect one for you to add to your other flowers," the excited girl informed her friends. Hermione grinned, excited to see what was in her hand.
Irina showed the new flower off, grinning widely until she saw the scared look across Hermione's face. "What's wrong? Isn't it lovely?" the girl asked her, holding out the blue flower for her friend to see better.
"It's gorgeous," Hermione agreed sadly, almost touching the flower before catching herself and quickly pulling her hand back.
"Then what's the problem? It's perfect for you."
Dream Hermione sighed and sat down among the flowers. "The last time I had a blue flower, it flew away, leaving me heartbroken and all alone. I don't want to be broken again."
Irina smiled at her friend, taking a seat beside her. "I understand that you were hurt really bad, Nene. But he was good to you while he was with you. The choice to leave was one he regrets every day. He loved you then; he loves you still."
"I don't want to be hurt again. What's not to say he won't do it again?"
Irina stood, brushing off her back side. "What's to say he will? And if you can give a name calling snake a second chance to prove itself, why couldn't you give the man you loved one?" she asked, raising an eyebrow before walking off, disappearing.
She had woke with a start, but thankfully with no screams or anything to wake Ginny up. That gave her time to try and figure out the dream before class.
As she sat in the nearly empty Great Hall, Hermione was so confused. After leaving the twins last night, she was 95 percent positive that she was going to tell Viktor that she could not except his petition. Even after talking with Professor McGonagall, she had been leaning the same way. Apparently, though, her subconscious self did not think that was a good idea. It kind of makes sense though, she thought as she absently stirred her oatmeal. If I can give Draco Malfoy a chance to prove he's better then what he once was, why can't I do the same for a man that I once loved? A man I might still love just a little bit? Sighing for the billionth time, she took a sip from her goblet, silently wishing there was something a bit stronger in there. She didn't drink often (hardly ever) but at that moment, she really would enjoy having some liquid courage.
"'Ermione, what're you doin' up so early on a Sunday?" a familiar voice asked from behind her.
"Good morning, Hagrid. I just couldn't sleep. Wait, did you say it wad Sunday?" she wondered, completely confused.
Hagrid gave the brilliant witch a once over, noticing that she had her uniform on. "Yes, I did."
Hermione's eyes widened as she quickly pulled her Granger 2000 out of her pocket. Clicking it the appropriate number if times, she looked at the calendar. The second Sunday of October was lit up, stating that it was, in fact still the weekend.
"Bloody hell," she whispered, rubbing her temples. No wonder McGonagall and Ginny laughed so hard when I wondered about class last night, she thought shaking her head at her stupidity. I think I'm going completely bonkers.
"Maybe you should go get more rest, 'Ermione," Hagrid suggested, sounding concerned.
Hermione looked up at the gentle giant and smiled. "Thank you, Hagrid. I think I might after I finish my oatmeal."
He smiled down at the young lady, patting her shoulder affectionately before making his way to the staff table.
Sighing, Hermione pulled out her wand and warmed her now cold oatmeal. I need to figure out a way to stop worrying about everything and just go with the flow, she thought to herself. I'm going to end up giving myself a heart attack.
"Good morning, beautiful," a voice said close to her ear, causing her to shiver. She turned to see a smirking, gorgeous man standing behind her.
"Morning," she greeted Draco, smiling up at him. "Care to join me for breakfast?"
Draco grinned widely as he took a seat next to her. "I think I will."
Hermione grinned, happy to have some company. She was sure that she would put herself in the mental ward at St. Mungos if she didn't stop talking to herself.
Draco filled his plate, looking at Hermione out of the corner if his eye. She caught his staring and raised an eyebrow. "What?" she wondered.
"Nothing. Nothing." he quickly assured her, not wanting to ruin their time together. It was the first time in a week that they had been alone and he didn't want to say or do anything to jeopardize it.
Hermione grinned, knowing he was wondering why she had her uniform in, but grateful that he didn't say anything. It was embarrassing enough that Hagrid knew she thought it was Monday.
"Do you have any plans for the day?" Draco asked, wanting to change the subject before awkwardness took over their conversation.
"No. Not until later on this afternoon," she replied. "Do you have plans for the day?"
Draco grinned widely. "I do."
Slightly disappointed, Hermione forced herself to smile anyway. She had hoped to maybe spend the morning with him. "Really? What are you doing?"
Draco smirked, seeing a little disappointment on her face. "Well, I was thinking about walking down to the lake, enjoying the different colors of the season."
"That sounds brilliant and utterly relaxing," Hermione replied.
"It does, doesn't it?" Draco agreed, scooting closer to her. "I think it could be a little better, though."
"How so?" she wondered, inwardly grinning when she realized where this could be going.
Draco turned toward Hermione, trailing his hand down her arm gently, causing her to shiver. "Maybe if you accompanied me, it would be perfect."
Hermione grinned and nodded. "I think that would be brilliant."
Draco smiled, leaning over and gently kissing her lips.
"Do you have to do that at the breakfast table?" a voice asked from across the table, causing the couple to spring apart.
"Honestly, Ron, leave them alone!" his sister scolded him as she took a seat between Harry and her brother.
Blushing slightly, Hermione pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Good morning."
"Apparently it us for you," Ginny grinned, pouring herself a glass of juice. "How are you this morning, Malfoy?"
Draco smirked. "Better then I was earlier."
Hermione smacked him lightly, once again blushing, while Ginny and Harry laughed hysterically. Ron ate his food, watching the scene in front of him with a scowl on his face. He really, really didn't like Malfoy, no matter how much he may have changed.
"Mione, why are you wearing your uniform on Sunday?" Harry asked.
"I kind of lost track of days," she admitted, shrugging like it was no big deal. No need to be upset over it anymore, she thought to herself.
"With everything that happened yesterday, I'm honestly not surprised," Ron replied.
"What happened yesterday?" Draco asked, even though he had a vague idea.
Hermione and Ginny both shot death stares at the red head boy. "Well, I got another petition," Hermione answered quietly.
Draco grabbed her hand and held it gently in his hand. "Okay. May I ask who it was from?"
"Viktor Krum," she answered, looking at him to judge his reaction.
"Thank you for telling me," he replied. He gave nothing away, even though he was seething inside. He thought it was going to be rough having the Weasley twins after the girl he loved, but one Viktor Krum was a whole other thing entirely. Not only was he the best Keeper in all the world, but most importantly, he was Hermione's first love. And Draco knew that Hermione had loved the Bulgarian, a lot.
Hermione smiled, relieved at his reaction. "You're welcome."
"What are you doing today, Hermione?" Ginny asked.
Hermione raised an eyebrow at the red head, knowing exactly what she was asking. "I'm going to spend the morning with Draco. And this afternoon, I have a meeting."
Ginny's eyes grew wide for half a second, before fixing her expression back to one of mild interest. "Well, I hope you aren't going to be wearing your uniform while spending time with Draco."
Having forgotten what she was wearing for a moment, Hermione looked down at herself, quickly standing. "Merlin you're right. I'll be right back," she said before kissing Draco's cheek and running out if the Great Hall.
"She's meeting Krum, isn't she?" Draco asked Ginny as soon as Hermione was out of sight.
"I think so," Ginny answered.
"Bloody hell! She is?" Ron asked, shocked. "Is she going to accept it?"
"I don't think she's going to outright accept it, but she might consider it, like she's doing with Draco and George," Ginny replied.
"Might?" Draco asked. "And what about that other twin? Is she bit considering his petition, too?"
Ginny smiled, seeing how flustered Malfoy was. He must really like Hermione, she thought. "Fred and Hermione are writing back and forth, seeing if they have anything in common and if there could be anything between them. And I'm honestly not sure what she's going to do about Viktor. As of late last night she hadn't decided."
Draco nodded, accepting the answer.
"Is this better?" Hermione asked a few moments later. She had chosen a comfortable pair of jeans and a green sweater, accompanied by her favorite pair of nice boots. She also added a little makeup and put a quick straightening spell on her hair, causing it to be a bit longer.
Draco stood and took Hermione's hand, kissing it gently. "You would look beautiful in anything you wear."
Ginny grinned as she watched the pair walk out of the Great Hall, hand in hand. She knew Hermione was having a hard time deciding what she wanted to do about everything and everyone. But she was glad that it looked like Hermione had decided to take everything in stride. She just hoped that her friend didn't get hurt once again in the process.
Howdy. So, two chapters in one week. Who knew? LOL! Tell me what you think? Do you like it? Please review. Because of your reviews for last chapter, I was inspired to write another one this week. Don't get used to it though. :) LOL. Thanks to my beta, JustBeingSirius, for her speed in getting this back to me. You rock. Happy Reading.