GWTPT 21
{ 21 }
"You don't play fair, do you?"
Hermione was waiting for me at the bottom of the grand staircase when I got there. She was wearing her uniform in the same sloppy manner she had been all year. Her shirt was untucked under her gray sweater. The collar was open and her tie was knotted loosely below the clavicle. She wore the same clunky boots over her black socks. Her hair was pulled back on the sides in a braid that mixed the red and black strands together.
Her eyes were tired and there was a slight furrow to her brow. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she tapped her foot impatiently. The slight smirk on her lips told me that she was not angry, just giving me a hard time.
"I am a Slytherin, remember? We don't play fair, we play to win." I slid my hands around her waist and pulled her in for a quick kiss. "Now, what did I do that was unfair?"
She pushed me away.
"Really?" She raised her eyebrow and tapped her fingers against my chest. "You know I can't respond to your patronus with one of my own. How am I supposed to tell you good night as well?"
Oh. I did not even think about that. She waited a few seconds, then sighed and shook her head. She slipped her hand into her pocket and pulled out two gold coins.
"Here. Take this." She handed me one of the coins.
"What is this for?" I examined it. It was unlike any coin I had ever seen before.
"It's money, Draco. You buy things with it." She laughed. "It's an American muggle dollar."
I raised my brow and waited.
"Because I spend so much time across the pond with muggles?"
She rolled her eyes and pulled her wand, then tapped it against the coin in her hand.
The coin in my hand warmed immediately. I examined it again. The words "perhaps someday you will" appeared on the face of the coin.
Brilliant.
"You'll go with me, of course?" My lip tilted up in a smirk on one side.
"Of course. I'll introduce you to my aunt and uncle."
Did she just…does she really want to take you to meet her muggle family? The only family she has left?
She seemed to be holding her breath. Perhaps she realized the enormity of what she had just said at the same time I did.
"I would like that." I heard myself answer without any conscious thought on my part.
Neither one of us moved. My heart beat loudly in my chest while her eyes searched mine. She licked her lips and blinked quickly.
"This summer? After graduation?" She chewed on her bottom lip as she waited for me to accept her invitation.
Merlin and Salazar. I've never been to the muggle world before. I've never even thought about it before. How different would it be?
I've always been curious. How do muggles survive without magic, anyway?
She was still watching me, waiting for an answer. I cleared my throat and averted my eyes. Because as much as I would like to say yes, I can't.
"I have to wait until my probation is over." I squeezed her hand. "After that?"
Just like she had, I held my breath as I waited for her to respond.
"Sounds like a plan." She released a deep breath and wrapped her arms around me in a hug. My hands spread across her back and pulled her closer to my chest.
Right. Plans for the future.
"You do know I have never been around muggles before, right?" I stepped back and laced my hand with hers.
"Don't worry." Her lip tilted up on one side. "They won't bite."
Before I could respond, Professor Bones walked right up to us.
"Mr. Malfoy. Miss Granger. A word, please?" She motioned towards her office. Her eyes were hard. Her brow was furrowed. She was angry about something.
I glanced at Hermione. She squeezed my hand. This can't be good.
"Of course, Professor." Hermione answered first. She pulled me behind as she entered the empty office first. We each took a seat facing the desk.
Bones closed the door behind her. She stood between us, leaning back against her desk with her hands crossed over her chest.
"The Headmistress just told me about this project of yours." She tapped her fingers against her arm in agitation. "Do either of you have experience breaking through protective wards?"
My brow furrowed in confusion.
How could she have just found out about this? McGonagall told us all of our professors were in agreement.
I glanced over at Hermione to find that she had the same confused look on her face. She had to be thinking the same thing.
"I have done some research on wards. I can cast protective wards over an area or a room, but I've never tried on an object." Hermione leaned back against the wall. She tilted her head to one side and tapped her fingernails against the arm of her chair. "I have not attempted to break wards placed by someone else, no."
Bones nodded as though that was the answer she had been expecting. Then she turned to me and waited.
"No. I haven't either."
"Exactly as I thought." She rubbed her hand across her face. I'm certain she cursed into her palm before she turned away from us and placed both hands on her hips.
Hermione caught my eye. While Bones had her back to us, she slipped her coin out of her pocket and tapped her wand against the metal. I pulled my own coin out before it even warmed. I watched the words appear.
What the fuck?
I felt my lip curl up in a smirk. Then I slipped the coin back into my pocket before Bones turned back around.
"I am going to give you a list of books. You'll find most of them in the restricted section, which I'm told you have full access to now." She turned back around to face us. "Read these books before you even think about getting close to that damn book. Understand?"
She waited until we both acknowledged her. Then she leaned back against the desk again.
"After you have read these books, you need to practice. You each can set wards, yes? Try breaking through each other's wards. When you are able, set stronger wards. Got it?"
My eyes met Hermione's briefly before we both nodded again. That seemed practical enough.
"Then, I want you to come to me so I can test your abilities. And whatever you do, do not try to break wards alone. You are partners in this. Look out for your partner. If anything goes awry, you will need someone there to get help. I expect you to call for me if you need assistance. Any time. Day, night, during class or mealtimes. Alright?"
We were silent for a long moment. She was genuinely concerned. It took me by surprise. Not many people have ever been concerned about me before.
"With all due respect, Professor," Hermione cleared her throat. "What's the worst that could happen?"
Bones locked her gaze on Hermione. She hesitated for a moment before she took a deep breath.
"Miss Granger, the wards surrounding that book are both ancient and powerful. The worst that could happen? You could die."
Ice ran through my veins. That's just what I need. Another task that can kill me.
Hermione did not even flinch. In fact, she rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Do you have any clue how many times I've nearly died, Professor?" She tilted her head to the side. "I don't fear death. At times, I've even welcomed it."
A heavy silence settled over the room.
The color drained out of Bones' face. It took her a moment to reel in the surprise from Hermione's revelation.
"Is that why you requested this assignment, then? You crave that rush? Or do you just have a death wish?"
Her question took us both by surprise.
What the fuck did she mean, requested?
Hermione blinked repeatedly.
"Excuse me?" She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at the Professor. "That rush? You think I like being in danger?"
She stood quickly and turned towards the door. She had her hand on the latch when she stopped and turned back.
"Do you mind if I ask you a question, Professor?"
"Anything, Miss Granger." Bones focused on her, giving her full attention to whatever query she was about to receive.
Hermione took a deep breath. She seemed to be working her way up to the question she had in mind. Finally she cleared her throat and met the professor's gaze.
"Did you find me to be disruptive in your class?" Her voice shook, just a little. I have to wonder if Bones even noticed.
She blinked in response. Her eyes darted quickly from Hermione to myself and back.
"Of course not." Her brow crinkled in confusion. "Who on Earth told you that?"
McGonagall.
"It doesn't matter." Anger rolled off of her in waves. Well justified. "I'm just glad to hear it isn't true."
Bones watched her for a long moment. This entire conversation had only left me with more questions than I had before.
"Which room have you decided to use?" She asked abruptly.
"There is an empty room on the third floor." I answered her distractedly. "That is the one we've picked."
"The third floor? Are you sure? I don't recall…" Her eyes widened suddenly and a smile spread across her face. She laughed and shook her head. "Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. You are clever. I'll give you that."
She turned and paced back and forth across the room.
"That room is notoriously difficult to reach. You are almost guaranteed privacy. And if memory serves, it is a large room. It will be an excellent space to practice breaking wards." She nodded in approval. "Perfect. You should be off, then. McGonagall will be looking for you, no doubt."
"Thank you for your help, Professor." I held my hand out. She nodded at me and readily shook my hand.
I opened the door and stepped into the hallway. It took me several seconds to realize Hermione had not followed me out of the room. I turned to find that she hadn't moved. She was still standing with her arms crossed over her chest, chewing on her bottom lip. Professor Bones was watching her wearily.
"Just so you know, I did not request this assignment." Hermione spoke quietly. Her voice was tinged with sadness. "I was not given a choice."
The professor's eyes widened in surprise. Hermione held her gaze for several seconds.
"Hermione, we need to go." My hand rested against her arm, then slid down to her wrist. She shifted her arm and wrapped her hand around mine.
"Right." Her hand tightened around mine. We waited a few more seconds. It seemed that Professor Bones was speechless.
[ — ]
The meeting with McGonagall was quick. She had the parameters of our agreement written up in a contract of sorts. It detailed everything we had talked about in her office. All we had to do was tell her which classroom we chose and sign the bottom of the parchment. She made two copies, one for me and one for Hermione, and she kept the original copy. Then she arranged to meet with us on the third floor during second period.
We left her office shortly before first period was to start. That was where we parted ways. I had to go to Arithmancy. Hermione went on to the library.
"Is Granger ditching this morning?" Theo asked as I opened my textbook. The seat next to me was noticeably empty.
Damn. I forgot to tell them, didn't I?
"No." I kept my voice low. No one else needs to know about this. Not yet, anyway. "McGonagall gave her…us…a project to work on."
While Professor Vector's back was turned, I took the parchment out of my bag and slid it over so he could read it.
"You have got to be fucking kidding me." He snorted in disbelief. "You lucky bastard."
He slid the parchment back over to me and I rolled it up and put it back in my bag. I have been lucky lately, I suppose. I just have to make sure my luck doesn't run out.
Class seemed to last forever. I remember telling Hermione I would be able to pay attention in class if she wasn't distracting me. I was wrong. My mind was everywhere except on arithmancy.
"Mr. Malfoy. A word, please?" As class ended Vector stopped me.
I sighed to myself. I know my mind was wandering during class, but I still managed to take down all the notes and solve the final question she had given us.
Theo clapped my shoulder then left the room, along with the rest of the class. Once the room was clear, Vector walked towards me. She stood on the other side of the table, directly in front of me. Her fingers rested on the table and she leaned close.
"This project that you have taken on with Miss Granger." She spoke quietly. I had to pay close attention just to hear her. "Just be careful, alright?"
"Professor?" She is the second person to warn me of that this morning. Is this book truly that dangerous?
"I know that both of you have been through a lot. And I have no doubt that you are very capable." She sighed. "If you find that you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask."
Odd. Something isn't right here. She seems genuine enough. Why would she want Hermione out of her class, then turn around and be concerned for her at the same time?
She was waiting for a response, so I gave her a curt nod. I started to turn away, but that suspicion niggling at the back of my mind made me stop.
"Hermione asked me to give you a message." I turned back to face her. I want to see the look on her face, to gauge her reaction. "She apologizes for being disruptive in your class. That was never her intention."
Surprise followed by confusion flitted across her face.
That gave me everything I needed to know. She has no idea what I am talking about.
"Miss Granger has been a breath of fresh air in my classes since your first year, Mr. Malfoy. The way her mind works amazes me. She may distract you from time to time." Her lip tilted up in a knowing smirk that made my cheeks warm with embarrassment. "But she has never been a problem in class."
Which begs the question; why the hell did McGonagall lie to Hermione?
"I will let her know you said so." I picked up my bag and turned to go. I could feel her eyes on me as I left the classroom.
[ — ]
The corridors were empty as I moved through them. All of the other students were already in class. All except for me. And Hermione.
I descended through the castle, making my way to the library. She should be there, in the restricted section, looking for the books Bones recommended.
Why in the fuck would McGonagall lie to her?
The key in my hand turned easily. The iron gate opened into the restricted section. Restricted no longer. I stepped into the oppressive confines of the oldest section of the library.
Hermione was sitting at the table. Her eyes darted up to meet mine. Her lip tilted up on one side.
"How was class?" She pushed the book she had been reading away and stretched her arms up over her head.
"Boring." I sat down in the chair beside her. "After class was quite interesting, though. Vector told me to be careful with this project and come to her if we need help."
"Honestly, how incompetent do they think we are? First Bones. Now Vector?" She rolled her eyes.
"What if, and just hear me out…what if McGonagall wasn't being truthful when she told us about this project?"
Her eyes blinked quickly.
"You think she lied to us? Why?" She turned in her chair, propping one knee on the arm so she could look directly at me.
"I haven't figured that part out yet. Think about it, though. That is two of your professors that did not even know about this assignment until this morning." I leaned in a little closer and lowered my voice, even though, as far as I know, we are the only ones in the library right now. "Neither of them are in favor of this arrangement, and when I told Vector that you never intended to disrupt class, she had no idea what I was talking about."
Her brow furrowed as she assimilated the same information I had.
"And Bones said that we had requested this project. But, McGonagall said that all of my professors agreed."
"Did she?" I reached over and wrapped my hand around hers. "You asked her how many of your professors wanted you out of their classes."
Her eyes darted back and forth as she remembered back to the conversation in the Headmistress' office.
"She never answered me." Her voice was low, barely above a whisper. Her eyes widened as she reached the same conclusion as me.
"We assumed that meant all of them. But, what if it meant none of them?"
If none of her professors had actually complained about her behavior, then there would be no reason to take her out of classes.
She stood and started pacing back and forth between the table and the first row of bookshelves.
"It doesn't make sense. McGonagall insisted I come back here. Refuses to let me take my tests early. Tries to expel me. Then she takes me out of my classes and lies about the reason for doing so? Why?"
"That is the question, isn't it?" I stood and blocked her path. My hands settled on her shoulders and I waited for her to meet my gaze. "Until we figure out the answer, we need to be cautious."
"Right. Cautious." She rolled her shoulders back and took a deep breath. "I can do cautious."
"No foolish Gryffindor bravery." My lip tilted up on one side.
Her hands skimmed across my chest and looped around my neck.
"You like my Gryffindor bravery." She pulled me closer and brushed her lips across mine.
I may admire her bravery. That does not necessarily mean that I like it.
"I would prefer you not run head first into danger from now on." I pressed my lips firmly against hers.
She huffed a short laugh. Her lips pulled up in a small smile.
"Generally speaking, danger runs head first into me." She laughed. "I'm just saying."
Well. She isn't wrong.
"Fair point." This time when I kissed her, I took my time. Slow. Gentle.
After a moment, she pulled back and sighed.
"We need to go." She stepped back and started collecting her things. "McGonagall is meeting us on the third floor in a few minutes."
Right. I forgot about that. She wants to make sure the room is set up for our needs.
And she is going to bring us the book we have been tasked with reading.
"After you." I opened the gate for her and followed her through.
[ — ]
"Do you think it was a mistake, choosing this room?" Hermione asked.
We were standing in the doorway of the circular lecture hall on the third floor.
"Now everyone will know where to find us." Her arms were around my waist and her head lay against my chest.
She makes a good point.
McGonagall just left. She had two house elves bring in everything we would need. Work tables. Chairs. Parchment. Ink wells. Quills. Chalk.
In the center of the round room, there now sat a round table. In the middle of the table, there was a wooden book stand underneath a glass case. Sitting on the book stand was a blue leather bound book.
At first glance, you might think the glass case was there to protect the ancient book. Given the warnings from our professors that morning, I would guess the opposite to be true. The glass case is there to protect us from the book, not the other way around.
With a deep sigh, she took a step back.
"The whole time she was in here, I just kept thinking, why would she lie to me? What is she hiding?" She walked away. At the table facing Ravenclaw's book, she turned and sat on the bench. "I have a small, finite number of people that I trust in this world, Draco. If I was wrong about Professor McGonagall…who else am I wrong about?"
Her eyes rose up to meet mine. The uncertainty in them made me take a step back.
Me. She means to say she could be wrong about me.
I swallowed hard around the sudden lump in my throat.
This is it. She has finally come to her senses.
Except, she can't leave. Not now.
I'm not ready to lose her.
I never will be.
"That voice in my head is telling me that I need to protect my heart, before it's too late." She wasn't even looking at me. Her eyes were focused on the stone floor beneath her feet.
Will I even have a say in this? Does she know that if she ends things now, my heart will shatter into a million pieces?
Still, it's very Slytherin of her, isn't it? Self-preservation and all that.
"And yet?" I cleared my throat, although the lump of anxiety stayed lodged right there.
"And yet." Her hand lifted to rub at her heart. "It's already too late."
It took six steps for me to cross over to where she was sitting. I took both of her hands into mine and pulled her so she was standing. My eyes searched hers. The uncertainty that was there was quickly being replaced with something else.
"We are in this together, then." I lifted my hand and traced along the edge of her jaw with my thumb. My hand wrapped around the back of her neck.
Tell her you love her.
"For better or worse?" Her tongue darted out to lick her lips.
My heart is racing in my chest. She has to be able to feel it. Or hear it.
"Exactly." I captured her lips with my own. I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. "I'm not ready to lose you."
The words came out as a rough whisper against her ear. I cringed to myself at the raw desperation in my voice.
Her arms tightened around me. She buried her head against my chest.
"That isn't going to happen."
I held her even closer. It's a wonder she could even still breathe.
"You were thinking about it." I forced myself to relax my hold, just a little bit.
She took a shaky breath and pushed back far enough that she could look in my eyes.
I blinked quickly and tried to cover the insecurity I felt in that moment.
"I think a lot of things that I shouldn't think." She averted her gaze, staring at my shoulder rather than meeting my eyes. "I worry over things I should not worry about. I convince myself that bad things are going to happen. Because bad things always happen."
She squeezed her eyes shut. Her fingernails bit into my shoulders.
"What do you think will happen?"
She blinked her eyes. A few tears escaped and rolled down her cheek. Then she pushed away, stepped back and turned around. Her arms wrapped around herself.
"Have you told them yet?" She wiped her eyes as she turned back around to face me. "Your parents? Do they know about us? About me?"
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
"I have not spoken to my parents since my trial." I sighed. I know where she is going with this. The same place Theo had gone.
Fuck. She thinks you are using her to get back at your father.
"What will they say?" She doesn't expect an answer. We both know what they will say.
"It doesn't matter."
Truly, it does not.
"And yet?" She closed her eyes and took a breath.
Right. We spend so much of our time talking about the past. I suppose we do need to talk about the future. She obviously has reservations about my intentions, while I have concerns about hers.
I sat down on the closest bench, placed my elbows on my knees and clasped my hands together. I stared at the floor for a long moment, gathering my thoughts. Anxiety clawed at my throat. If she were going to reject me, this would be the time.
"I'm never going back to the Manor." I've already had this conversation once with Theo and Blaise. "No matter what happens with us. I don't have to worry about my Father disowning me. I have already disowned them."
I can feel her eyes on me. I waited several heartbeats before I looked up and met her stare. Her brow was furrowed and her arms were crossed over her chest. She tilted her head to the side and popped her hip out.
"What are you talking about?" She held my gaze for a moment, then she moved towards me and sat down beside me on the bench.
"At the beginning of term, I met with my Aunt." She nodded. She already knew that part. "She pointed out that I am the oldest living male descendant of the Ancient and Noble House of Black."
I turned to watch her reaction.
Her brow furrowed. I waited until suddenly her eyes widened.
"Wait." Her hand landed on my wrist. Her eyes darted back and forth, not focusing on anything. "You are, aren't you?"
Her eyes suddenly focused on me. My lip tilted up on one side because I knew that she understood. I flipped my hand over and laced our fingers together.
"I am the Head of House Black. I have already claimed the title and assumed the responsibilities. My Father has no say in the matter."
She huffed a short laugh and rolled her eyes.
"So you haven't told them yet…"
"Because it is literally none of their business." I released her hand and put my arm around her shoulders instead. My heart was pounding in my chest. "Black Castle is old. No one has used it for generations. I have no idea what kind of shape it is in. And the vaults are not nearly as full as the Malfoy vaults are."
My hand cupped her face. Her eyes glistened as they searched mine.
"I don't care about vaults or castles, Draco."
No, she probably doesn't.
I swallowed hard around the anxiety in my throat. It's time to put it out there.
"It means I can provide you with safety and security once we leave Hogwarts. I'm in this, Hermione. For as long as you will have me."
I held my breath. This is it. My intentions are out there.
She searched my eyes for what felt like forever. Then her lip tilted up.
"Did you just…ask me to move into an abandoned castle with you?" Her face lit up as she smiled up at me.
"I did." I skimmed my thumb along her jaw. "Would you consider it?"
She leaned into me. Her lips brushed against mine as she breathed, "Yes. I would consider it."
I captured her lips, breathing a sigh of relief even as she returned the kiss.
Merlin and Salazar.
It was the sound of a bell ringing that pulled us apart. I pressed my forehead against hers while we caught our breath.
"Just so you know, I have no intention of being a housewife that needs to be provided for." She bit her lip to hide her smile. "I'm going to work, you know."
My heart skipped a beat when she said that word.
Wife.
I should be worried about that.
"Of course you are." That was never in question. "You will probably be the bloody Minister for Magic one day."
"No," she laughed as she leaned her head against my shoulder. "Something more simple than that."
"Whatever it is, you'll be brilliant at it, I'm sure."
I took a deep breath.
"Speaking of work," Hermione sighed. "There is something we are supposed to be doing right now."
Right. Sitting in a corner, reading a book.
"Would they even notice if we don't?" I nudged her shoulder.
"Do you want to risk going to Azkaban to find out?" She countered.
Well, fuck. She would come up with an excellent point like that. I had to concede that she was right.
I didn't even have to say anything. She could tell by the look on my face. Her lip quirked up in a knowing smirk.
"You are going to be worse than any professor with homework, aren't you?" I joked. She lifted her shoulder and laughed.
"Would you rather be in class right now?" She raised her brow.
I didn't have to answer that one either. There is nowhere I would rather be.
"Besides that, I was thinking about it." She walked over to the round table and ran her hand over the glass case. "Whatever McGonagall is up to. Whatever it is she wants from me. It has something to do with this book."
A cold chill ran down my spine. That is a very real possibility. Which only made the warnings from two of our professors even more worrisome.
[ — ]
Hermione was able to locate two of the books that Bones recommended while she had been in the library during arithmancy. We spent the rest of the day reading them. It was actually fascinating. I had no idea that there were so many different types of wards.
I found myself making notes of some the wards that were referenced. I will need to return to the library to find instructions on how to cast them.
"Listen to this," Hermione cleared her throat. "Blood wards are the most difficult types of wards to set and to break. They require a blood sacrifice to seal the wards. Only a blood relative can break them with a blood sacrifice of their own."
"Nice." I rolled my shoulders back. "Let's hope Ravenclaw didn't use blood wards, then."
"Right?" She pushed the book away and rubbed her temples. "What time is it, anyway?"
I looked at my watch, and then had to look again.
"Damn. Dinner is almost over." No wonder I'm starving.
We packed our things quickly and made our way downstairs. The Hall was nearly empty. Theo, Blaise, Daphne and Pansy were still at the Slytherin table. The Gryffindor table was all but deserted.
"Do you want to join me?" I asked. It would be highly unusual, but otherwise she will be eating by herself.
She raised her brow and huffed a short laugh.
"You want me to eat dinner in the snake pit? Not likely."
I pulled her a little closer.
"What's the matter, Granger? Is the brave Gryffindor scared of a few harmless Slytherins?"
I am teasing her, yes. If the roles were reversed, I would much rather eat by myself than with Potter and Weasley.
"You told me to not run headfirst into danger, remember?" She glanced over at the Slytherin table, where my housemates had noticed us and were watching unabashedly. "Just know this, I will fight back if need be."
Oh, fuck. She's actually going to do it.
I should have known she would take my good natured teasing as a challenge.
"Shall we?" I placed my palm on the small of her back and motioned towards my table.
"I cannot fucking believe this." She mumbled under her breath, but took that first step.
"Relax," I muttered in her ear as we drew closer to where my friends sat. "They won't bite."
Maybe.
Probably.
Four sets of eyes followed us, tracking each step until we arrived at our destination. I sat between Theo and Blaise. Blaise moved down to allow Hermione to sit next to me. Pansy and Daphne were across the table.
"Draco. Where have you been all day?" Pansy was the first to ask.
Hermione's hand paused over her plate. Her eyes darted towards me.
"Working on a project for McGonagall." I answered.
"That was the official story." Daphne flipped her hair over her shoulder. "I heard you were caught staying out all night and McGonagall suspended you from classes for the week."
I rolled my eyes. Hermione huffed a short laugh.
"I think it's brilliant," she continued. "If you had pulled that stunt with any other witch in the castle, you would be in Azkaban by now."
I froze with my fork halfway to my mouth. What is she insinuating?
Hermione shook her head to herself and huffed another short laugh. I swear I heard her mutter "Slytherins." under her breath.
"It really is a project for the school." Theo interjected with a grin on his face. "They have a contract and everything."
Daphne focused on him. Her eyes narrowed, claws out.
"Are you telling me that they were caught breaking curfew and that is their punishment?"
"Who said we were caught?" Hermione asked with a bored tone. She picked a chip from her plate and popped it into her mouth.
Daphne and Pansy both stared at her as though they hadn't even realized she was sitting there.
"Everyone knows what the two of you are doing." Daphne curled her nose on the end. "It was only a matter of time."
Hermione raised her brow and smirked at the blonde witch.
"And if I told you that we have not been caught doing anything we are not permitted to do?" She had that innocent look on her face, like she has never broken a rule in her life or something. She blinked and tilted her head to the side.
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Beside me, Theo was trying not to laugh. Blaise was grinning from ear to ear. I kept eating to hide my own grin.
"It doesn't matter if you were caught or not," Daphne huffed. "Tracey told Bones what you have been doing."
I knew it was Tracey. That witch needs to stay the fuck out of my business.
"Tracey? Davis?" Hermione's eyes darted around the table.
I cringed. She saw it.
Her eyes narrowed and she tapped her fingernails against the table.
Pansy's eyes brightened. Her lips tilted up in an evil little smile.
"Didn't Draco tell you?" She leaned forward and glanced around. As though what she was about to say was highly secretive.
"Pansy." I glared at her.
"Draco. She needs to know." She twirled a lock of dark hair around her finger. "Tracey is obsessed with you, and she's escalating. It's only a matter of time before she goes after Hermione instead of you."
Cold dread settled in my stomach. I hadn't even thought of that. Would Tracey go after Hermione?
Yes. You know she would.
"Tracey wants Draco for herself." Pansy turned her attention back to Hermione. "She is so jealous of you, she can taste it."
"She doesn't want me." I rolled my eyes and took a long drink of pumpkin juice. "She wants the gold in the Malfoy vaults."
"Draco has, of course, turned her down at every pass." Pansy glared at me but continued. "Now, she is doing everything she can to get him in trouble. She wants him to go to Azkaban."
"Why would she want that?" Hermione wrinkled her brow in confusion.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" Daphne scoffed. "If he is in Azkaban, he won't be with you."
Hermione blinked a few times. She looked at each person at the table until her eyes rested on me.
"Is she serious?" She asked quietly.
"Most likely." I lifted my shoulder and let it drop. It sounded legit to me.
"Sounds like a great plan." She rolled her eyes and returned to her dinner. "Let's see how that works out for her."
Pansy and Daphne looked at each other, completely flabbergasted by her response.
I felt my lip tilt up in a smirk. My hand slid around her waist and pulled her closer.
"Are you saying you would wait for me if I were sent to Azkaban?" I asked her quietly, but I'm sure everyone in the group heard me.
She turned toward me. Her eyes searched mine.
"I'm not going anywhere."
I held her gaze for several heartbeats.
"Don't worry. Neither am I." My lips brushed against hers in a quick kiss.
A tense silence settled over the table after that. No one knew quite what to say. Pansy and Daphne left moments later without a word. Theo and Blaise followed behind soon after.
We finished eating and I walked her to Gryffindor Tower.
"You know, if something happens and they do send me off, you don't have to wait for me." I waited until she had turned to walk through the portrait hole.
She stopped and turned back.
"I never said I have to, Draco." Her lip tilted up on one side. Then she turned and disappeared, the portrait swung shut behind her.
On the way back down to the dungeon, I realized, we are not only making future plans, but planning a future.
Together.
[ — ]
AN: So seriously, I rewrote this chapter like ten times. Still not sure I'm happy with it, but I'm done over thinking it. I'm sure it will be alright.
Probably.
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Until next time.
-mezy