Chapter four

It took him a whole week to decide to talk to her again.

After the talk in the library he avoided her just like Alexey Alexandrovitch Karenin avoided his wife at one point in the book. At first, he thought his desire for distance was induced with her stupid persistence to make him admit his still there muggle prejudices, but later on, his pride still desired that reason, but his brain saw way through that transparent material of thoughts. He knew it was because he couldn't decide if those prejudices were still there, deep set on in depths of his mind or did he really stop caring about them.

For instance, when his gaze would catch a sight of Granger, his first thoughts weren't about prejudices and her dirty blood, but after few seconds, he would remember who he was and who she was and it all came back to him. All he knew is that his mind was on one hell of a rollercoaster, going up and down all the time. And he desperately wished for that rollercoaster to stop. Whenever, wherever, it didn't matter. He has left his stop long time ago and a new one would be nice to have.

And there was that goddamn book she left him with.

He read it, and had to admit, it was pretty impressive. The topic itself is very interasting to follow and Draco found the character of Anna very different from all female characters he encountered before. He had read it two days ago and wanted to talk to her about it. It's simply for the sake of literature discussion, he thought.

Even back in school, he enjoyed having a good argument with her in class. She just…always thought she's so right in everything. That annoyed the hell out of him, even more than Pansy's boring, fake stories he was forced to listen before. I wonder how she's doing. To be honest, he didn't care too much about her in a romantic way, but she was his friend and he wanted her to be safe and alright. When he asked Blaise and Theo about her all they knew was that she left school to be with her parents. She didn't even say goodbye to them. Simply left one night.

He just hoped she didn't join Voldemort and his comrades.

He's been here for two weeks already. A bit more. What gave him a great joy was the fact Weasel kept his distance the most he could. Draco did the same thing and so did Blaise and Theo. They had better business than bickering around with two Gryffindorks. And Potter…he seemed completely in his world, he didn't even pay attention to them. Blonde Slytherin couldn't decide is that a good or a bad thing.. Only female ginger head seemed to have power to reach him. They all seemed so lost in the wrath of war that they didn't even acknowledge each other in the same room.

But not Granger.

Draco didn't really understand how she could keep smile on her face all the time. He knew it wasn't real, of course. He saw her smile, truely and happily, enough times to know these fake ones were just for the sake of others. He just didn't know why she did it. How she had strength to try to look like everything's alright when every moment could be their last one. It greatly fascinated him…

'Draco? Mate, where have you gone to?', Blaise's voice cut his thoughts straight.

'Sorry, my thoughts just wandered.'

'Yeah well this guy here has just ruined me in chess', he popped his head towards Theo.

'Mate, I refuse to apologize for one of the easiest wins of my life', brown Slytherin smirked devilishly. That guy's a Slytherin through and through.

'Easiest win my ass. I had you almost.'

'Al-most, Blaise. Almost it was.'

'How can a goof like you be so good in something that actually requires brains?', Draco laughed at him, in good humour again.

'Draco darlin, there is no need to pretend I'm a goof when it's clearly obvious I'm the smartest and the hottest wizarding male in this room.'

'Chess winning does not make you smartest. Or the hottest.'

'You're right, it doesn't…But taking Parvati Patil to my bed does. High fives!', he raised both of his palmes and his friends only shook their heads helplessly and gave him high fives.

Theo always seemed like he didn't give a fuck about their current situation but nights gave him away. Screams, sleepless nights, nightmares. When he drank a bit too much of alcohol it would all slip away. But Draco and Blaise never mentioned it. And Theo was very grateful for that.

'So, now we got on the topic of xx chromosome creatures-

'You mean you got to-

'No, no mate. We did. So Blaise, how is little Loony Luna?'

'Hei, don't call her like that.'

'My apology man for dishonouring your girlfriends sacred name.'

'She's not my girlfriend, Theo', Blaise rolled his eyes, annoyed.

'Why not? Apart from the fact she's crazy, she's hot. Hot and crazy chicks are the best!'

'Theo-

'Alright, alright. You know I'm kidding. But seriously, why she's not?'

'We still didn't talk about it. And I certainly don't want to talk to you about it.'

'Oh come on. We're not that bad', said Draco, faking to be insulted.

'No..you're worse. We all Slytherin blokes are.'

'Ah, true that mate. True that', Theo settled more comfortabley in his chairs, 'but damn it all, chicks can not resist us.'

'Cheers to that.', Draco raised his cup of tea towards his fellow mate.

'What about you Draco? You got something on hook when you were away?'

'Yes Theo, that's all I did and thought about while runnig for my life.'

'Well, you should've stopped time to time and sell that 'I'm running for my life' story to some hot, stupid chick.'

'I'm not you Nott.'

'Yeah, you're right. It takes talent and handsome face to sell that story.'

'He's impossible', Blaise shook his head, looking at Draco.

'Wanna play another game Zabini?'

'No thanks. I think I'm never gonna play it against you again.'

'How about you Draco?'

'You'll have to accept my rejection Theo,', Draco said and got up on his feet.

'But I thought we had something…'

'It just won't work ,mate. I'm sorry', blonde said and walked towards the door.

'Call me?', Theo shouted after him and Draco didn't bother to answer.

His legs led him to the library, hoping to see a certain bushy haired Gryffindor, but she wasn't there. He stopped a bit, thinking where she could be. His gray eyes widened when he recalled her saying how she loves smell of the rain in the morning. His next destination was his room where he collected his black coat for he knew it was chilly outside. His cloudy gaze fell on the blue book lying on his bed and remained there for a couple of moments.

Wish I had a fucking cigarette.

Closing door behind him, he headed outside. Where he was certain she was.

….

Hermione enjoyed cold chivers running through her whole body as she sat outside in the garden, dressed in her favourite green pullover and simple coat her parents gifted her last year. Purple blanket was wrapped around her and it made her feel so cosy. Certain ginger head Gryffindor was seated next to her, arms crossed, lips set in a hard line.

'Do you think Harry is making a plan about…you know, everything that's going on?'

'I doubt it Ron. He lost so much in a last year and he needs a break. We'll think about something later', said Hermione thinking about her dear friend.

'I just still can't believe all this is going on. Like I'm in a bad dream and waiting for you, Hermione, to shake me and wake me up, like you always do.'

'I wish I could Ron. I really do.'

'You know, we didn't have much chance to talk these days eh, actually, ever since Malfoy came-

'What Draco has to do with our conversations, Ron?', Hermione said sharply, not wanting to discuss Draco topic with Ron, knowing he has nothing nice to say about their new lodger.

'Well, it's just, you seem to spend too much time with him lately. It kind of bothers me, Hermione', Hermione noticed how he chose his words carefully, not wanting to enter a discussion with her.

'So what if I do? I have right to talk to him if I want to. I only wanted him to feel welcomed here. And for your information, Ronald, he and I did not exchange a word for a whole week.'

'Does that bother you?'

'What is that supposed to mean?!', her brown eyes widened as she gasped, looking at him in disbelief.

'Nothing, nothing. I just wanted to-

'I do not care what you wanted! You will not speak negatively about him in my presence. He might be a git but he didn't have a wonderful life either Ron.'

He just laughed bitterly at that, 'Yeah right. He must have suffered from depression while swimming in all those galleons and recieving every little thing his eyes fell onto.'

'Life is not about money and wealth. It's about love and happiness and I doubt he had lots of that in his life.'

'Sure. His tears fell on the torn paper in which his gifts were wrapped up.'

'I just said- Gods Ron, you're hopeless.'

'I'm sorry, Hermione but I simply don't see him the way you do. For me, he was and always will be little spoiled, arrogant ferret.'

'Fine. I'll respect your opinion if you'll respect mine. Alright?'

'Alright.'

'Where did Harry go to?'

'I'm not sure. He doesn't tell me much lately…'

'Yeah…me neither.'

After that mournful silence came on the stage. Neither of them wanted to talk about their best friend behind his back, but this deafening silence he initiated started to leave effect on them.

'Why don't you go look for him. I don't think it's very smart to leave him to wander alone.'

'You're right', he replied, standing on his feet, 'see you later Hermione'

'Bye, Ron.'

After he left she was alone, or at least she thought she was. Sarcastic chuckle rose behind her and she jumped startled. But she let out a deep breath when she recognized her intruders blonde hair and tall frame.

'Draco…how long exactly have you been standing there?', she asked, annoyed by his behaviour.

'Long enough. I didn't want to interrupt anything, Granger', his voice was bitter and cold and eyes protected dark shadows which danced over them.

'You didn't have what to interrupt.'

'Didn't seem so. I mean, you and Weasel have always been an item-

'What do you want Draco?', her voice gave her desire for him to let go of that topic. He thought that over for couple of seconds but decided to respect her wish.

'Actually I just wanted to tell you I finished your book. You can take it back.'

'You came all the way outside just to tell me that?'

He stopped for a moment in his thought. Damn it, I didn't think of that.

'No, I also wanted to catch some fresh air. It's nicely chilly here.'

'Yes, I adore fall. Such pretty colours and fresh nature.'

'If you say so Granger.'

'So, did you like the book?'

'I think I see what you did there Granger.'

'What?', she laughed a bit.

'You know what.'

'Enlighten me.'

'Anna…mistakes she did, everything it cost her, it led her to later depression and suicide. I just felt like you were sending me a message, or a warning', his intelligent eyes sparkled a bit and it made her heart skip a beat.

'Maybe that was a little plan of mine after all…alright Malfoy, you got me', she smiled at him, honestly and truely, and Draco felt some kind of a strange tingle in his stomach.

'Very clever of you Granger.'

'Well, I am known for my brains after all.'

'And they say I'm cheeky…'

'Hei!', she punched him slightly in the arm as they both laughed. That one honest and pure moment was something she wanted from him all along.

'You know, there's nothing going on between Ron and I', she confessed quietly.

'It's alright Granger. It's your private business.'

'I know but I, want you to know that.'

'Why?'

'I…don't quite know.', she looked away, couldn't look at hi min the eyes anymore, 'Anyway, you didn't answer my question, how did you like the book?'

'I found it very intriguing. Vronsky's character is so good to read. I think he's one of my favourites.'

'Yes he's a very interasting character. But don't you find him leaving Kitty humiliated and shattered a bit offensive?'

'Not at all Granger. She's that foolish, stupid girl who fell for nice words and good looks. I'm not a big fan of those.'

'Unless you want to take them in your bed.'

He smirked devilishly, 'I'm glad we understand each other Granger.'

'Git…well I find Kitty's character much more than that. She grows through the book as a person and it's a quite nice journey to follow.'

'Yes but she still remains boring. I really don't see what Levin sees in her. Except looks, of course. His character is also boring to me. I know, if I met a bloke like that in person, I would come to dislike him within a second.', his silence was an indication for her to comment but when she didn't he went on, 'You surely like him. Girls tend to like blokes like him.'

'Blokes like him?'

'You know, good ones.'

She wanted to argument that but knew it would be useless. He was just too stubborn to listen. She knew, cause she was just the same.

'Would you like another book from my collection?'

'What do you have in mind?'

'Well, tell me what would you like to read, novels, poetry, comedies, tragedies-

'Tragedies?'

'Yes I have few very interasting ones. If you want of course.'

'Alright Granger. I accept the offer. What book do you have in mind?'

'Umm, I was thinking maybe…Hamlet?'

'That is a funny name. What is about?'

'A-a. Told you, I am not a book spoiler. You'll have to-

'Read it myself. Got it. Gods you can be annoying.'

'Well same to you blondie.'

…..