Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 32
Hermione knew she had been wrong. On the first front, most of the material she had furtively copied was never supposed to leave DHG. She had done it because she could. Secondly, when she realized the nature of the material, she should have destroyed it all. But she hadn't, because…. because it made her feel good to read about purebloods at their worst.
"It wasn't my intention to hurt or embarrass anyone," she offered, trying to bring some calm to the situation.
The rage had gone out of Draco, but hurt, embarrassment and humiliation, especially for his mother, had taken over. With steely, gray eyes fixed on Hermione, Draco told her it was best if he left before he said things he wouldn't be able to retract. Which is exactly what he did. Without even a backward glance.
/*/
Hermione was drained. Everyone was trying to move forward, yet she was spending time dragging out the worst that had happened. For a whip smart woman, she had fucked up big time, and perhaps lost her wizard in the bargain.
As Hermione laid back down in the bed, her mind went into overdrive. She hadn't gotten to be the top female prosecutor in London by backing away from a hard job. She could fix this. Maybe not the next day, or even the next after that, but she would bring everything back to normal after Theo and Draco calmed down.
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 33
Theo landed at home and was banging around so loudly that a timid Esther appeared at the doorway to the hall.
"Cely," she called out. "Mr. Theo is in need of a fortified tea."
Cely appeared three minutes later with a large tea service and a bottle of brandy on the side.
"Are you upset over something I've done Theo? I am trying to stay out of your way."
Theo didn't say anything as he poured maybe an inch of tea in his cup filling up the remainder with brandy.
"Thank you Esther. I needed this. My mood has nothing to do with you. I think I overreacted to something that was said at the dinner table tonight. I may have come off looking like a fool."
Esther remained quiet as Theo drank the tea and made the exact thing again.
After the second cup of brandy tea, Theo told Esther that a nose in the pot, know it all had brought up Declan's name.
Esther's breath caught in her throat. She knew Theo didn't want outsiders knowing anything about Declan. It was a filthy family secret meant to be held close to the chest.
"I'm not trying to upset you more than already has been done, but how does anyone besides you, myself and the family in Ireland know about him? I mean, there's no one alive except for Lucius who is aware of a baby. Beyond that, even Lucius doesn't know name, gender or anything else."
"That's the question. Isn't it? I could have dealt with the questions more readily had the person taken me off to the side to make her inquiries instead of over a Beef Wellington."
Theo poured another cup, this time he held back on the tea. "Have a nice brandy tea Esther. If you are going to commiserate with me, you might as well join me in a drink," offered her slightly tipsy nephew. "I've promised Padma, and I plan to keep that promise. However, be aware that there may be times when something you do irritates me. I apologize beforehand for those times."
Esther gazed at her nephew responding in a very soft voice. "And I apologize for things I have done and was made to do in the past. I am fortunate that your wife could see past the hate."
"Ah," said a now very tipsy Theo. "My Padma. She was and is one of the most beautiful, most kind and most loving witches to have walked Merlin's good earth. I love her so much."
Seeing that Theo was in distress, Esther quietly excused herself. When she reached her room, she called for Cely who appeared with a pop.
"Yes Miss Esther."
"Mr. Theo has not had a good night. Please see that he gets to bed safely. Thank you. When you are finished with him, please come back. I'd like to have another soak. This time, I'd like to use scent."
"Yes Miss Esther. Cely be coming back after she help Mr. Theo."
/*/
Like Theo, Draco was on his third drink. The only difference was Draco didn't dilute good liquor with tea.
Draco was feeling all sorts of things as he paced the floor. He was hurt, aggravated, annoyed, disappointed and humiliated. All of it. The witch he cared about had done something so heinous it was hard for him to wrap his head around it. He was embarrassed for Theo, but knew there wasn't anyone at the table who was aware of who Declan was, or what the name meant. It would pass.
What he knew might not pass was him finding out that Hermione was keeping notes on his family. He was supposed to be the wizard she cared for. It was true she didn't have to like or respect his parents, but why go the next step to collect information on the foul shite that had gone on during the war. Behind his back. Her actions spoke of dubious and unprincipled behavior. And then, to top it off, she was carrying the information around in her bag. For what purpose? It hurt Draco to his heart thinking she would pull it out to have a laugh with Potter, even worse, that piece of shite Boot.
At this point in time, Draco wasn't sure he could trust Hermione, or if he wanted to trust her.
Draco paced more then stopped to have another drink. He'd made a decision. The fucking bull shite Hermione was carrying around in her bag. The information that was so easy to access. That shite was going to be reported to the proper authorities. He didn't want to hurt Hermione, but she had stepped into the shite on her own. She would have to get out on her own.
Plopping down on the couch, Draco sighed. "I care about Hermione, but she has crossed a line. Right now, I'm out of sorts. Perhaps after a good sleep, I'll think differently."
It would be several more hours before Draco fell asleep in his clothes, on the couch with a glass clutched tightly in his hand.
/*/
After Draco walked out, Hermione had lain in the bed for all of twenty minutes before getting up. She needed advice. She needed to talk with the one person who hadn't ever steered her wrong, or failed to call her out when she was wrong.
Padding to the study, Hermione pulled pen and paper from the drawer.
Severus,
I've stepped out of line yet again. I've done something that has upset Draco, Theo and Blaise all in one. I need to find a way to rectify my faux pas as quickly as possible. If you are available tomorrow (Sunday), would you please stop by my flat around 10:00 am? I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important.
Hermione
With a cracker in her hand, Hermione walked out back to her owl pen. She attached the note to her medium sized tawny owl, handing him the cracker which he literally snatched from her hand before lifting off.
Hermione felt a little better after sending the owl, but not much. The burning sensation in her stomach and chest that had briefly subsided was now coming back with a vengeance. She pulled a piece of Severus' heartburn gum from her drawer to try and alleviate the distress.
The last thing she did before lying back down was vanish the entire folder of information into nothingness. She was already on the bad side of three wizards. There was no way she would let Severus know she had found information on him as well.
With a loud sigh, Hermione closed her eyes only to find herself staring at an image of Draco's stormy gray eyes.
Whispering to the air, she made a promise to her wizard. "I'll do everything in my power not to lose you."
/**/
Sunday April 25th, dawned rainy and chilly. Severus would have preferred to remain under his blankets, but he had been summoned. Actually, his presence had been requested at Hermione's flat. Her message from the previous night had been intriguing.
He and Hermione had had a peer to peer relationship for several years, so he was quite aware Hermione often alienated people. She wasn't a witch who beat around the bush. If she had her ducks in order and was sure of the facts, she could elucidate all day. He had often cautioned her about being selective in the information she foisted on others.
Moving quickly about his suite of rooms, Severus slowed down long enough to have a quick breakfast juice.
At 9:55, Severus donned some Basic clothing which he covered with his cloak. Then he Apparated to the front of Hermione's flat.
Hermione had invited him to visit not intrude. He didn't want to Apparate in to find that Draco and Hermione had made amends and he was an unwelcome intruder.
/*/
Hermione opened the door on the first knock. It was evident she was expecting him.
Severus took a quick look at Hermione. There was evidence she had been crying or unable to sleep. Either of which could cause red eyes.
"Good morning Hermione. Am I too early?"
"You are right on time Severus. I would have asked you to come earlier, but even those recently risen from the dead need sleep."
"Humorous Hermione. Sarcastic, but humorous. However, it is much too early for you to expect me to engage in humor. Tell me what's happened so I can get back to my bed."
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"How often have I told you that rolling your eyes is a very infantile response which doesn't affect me one way or the other. Please bring me a breakfast tea and let's get down to business."
"Cranky, are you? How much help will you be to me if you are in a mood? I'll get the tea, but I need you to relax. You will only be able to help if you have a clear mind."
/*/
Over tea, Hermione disclosed what she'd done.
"I've had some juice, but for this I'll need additional fortification."
Hermione got up from the chair to get Severus' fortification. "Will soft boiled eggs and toast suffice?"
"If it isn't too much trouble, I'd like a few pieces of bacon and sausage. Soft boiled eggs are your choice of breakfast. You may be the only person in the Wizarding World who can stomach them. Put a rush on it Hermione. I have some thoughts."
"Fine, sausage and bacon it is. Far be it for me to try to foist Muggle breakfast on a wizard."
"Was that some sort of Muggle humor? If so, I've already mentioned it is too early for any kind of humor. Bring the despicable information that has caused all this when you come back through."
Hermione froze. Of course Severus would want to see it for himself. Too late. The information had been vanished. "I won't be able to do that Severus. After my telling off from Draco, I vanished all the material. Sorry."
Severus began tapping his hand on the arm of the couch. I'm here at near crack of dawn because she requested my help, and she is trying to hide something from me. Rather than shout, Severus waited until Hermione came through with his sausage and bacon.
"Here you are. Hot out of the pan." Hermione didn't look Severus in the face, because she wasn't being entirely truthful.
"Over the years Hermione, you and I have had a decent relationship because we have been honest with each other. If you want my help, I expect the same now. I believe you might have vanished the information into nothingness. However, I also know you to be very careful and thorough. I'll ask again. May I please see the copy of the vanished material I know you have. If you choose not to show me, I feel as though I'm not the person who can help you."
With a sigh, Hermione summoned the extra copy from the hidden shelf in her closet. "I was not trying to deceive you Severus." She said handing him a folder. "I just didn't want you to see the information that has gotten me to this point."
Severus held the folder up in the air as he gave Hermione an appraising look. "I'll take your reluctance to show me the information as a warning that portions of my life are included in this folder."
"Yes," Hermione whispered softly. "There is information about you included in the file."
Severus tensed up. Here he was back in London with one foot on solid ground and the other on a banana peel, and a witch he thought of as his champion was holding on to information which would do nothing more than resurrect hateful feelings.
Severus suggested to Hermione that she give him a few minutes to review the documents.
/*/
The sausage and bacon lay untouched as Severus reviewed the contents of the file. Being the person he was, Severus remained inscrutable even as his insides began to boil.
With his eyes locked on the documents in front of him, Severus quietly asked Hermione why she would even gaze upon some of the filth that was included in the folder.
"You know me Severus," replied Hermione cautiously. "I am always interested in finding new facts. Dolores Umbridge and her commission were some right foul gits who were doing things even their pureblood friends didn't know about. I have the proof."
"You're smarter than that Hermione. Who do you think wants to see or be reminded of this? Are you trying to play this off as something good? It has taken me six years to be able to return to my roots. The same for Draco and others who are finding their way home. Do you think we want all this dredged up again? What were you thinking? Shite like this may have to exist for the sake of history, but is not meant to be pulled out and discussed as some type of party novelty. I'm disappointed you would do this."
Hermione was rapidly losing her patience. She had stepped over a line, but she hadn't murdered anyone. Even Severus seemed to be against her. "I made a mistake. I collected information that should have remained in storage, and I spoke out of turn. I don't need to hear how disappointed you are. I've heard that. I need help in fixing this."
Severus laid the folder down on the table in front of him, and hesitated for several seconds. When he responded to Hermione, it was not nice.
"Be careful how you speak to me Hermione. I consider you a colleague not a wife. I respect you and your work. However, in this case you are dead wrong. I agree with your choice to vanish the one copy, but I abhor your decision to keep the additional copy. We've spoken about things along this line on several occasions. You've always needed to be the one who knows all. This time is no exception. My suggestion is for you to head this thing off before it blows up into something you can't control. You are a lessee at the Ministry. The only standing you have is what Kingsley allows. If something of this nature reaches his ear, you may find yourself without premises. Take action as quickly as possible. Do not let Kingsley or Anthony be blindsided, because no matter how brilliant you think you are. There is always someone more brilliant. I'm going back to the Manor. I have things to do."
/*/
Hermione was four for four. Severus didn't get upset with her often, but when he did, it was hard to dispute. The one thing Hermione did recognize was she would have to get rid of her back up copy for good and for all. Summoning her wand, she vanished every page. Even though she knew it was for the best, Hermione was bummed that she hadn't had time to go through the entire set of documents. She stood in the middle of the room feeling as though she had missed out on something. However, what was done was done. It was time to move on to the most important problem.
Hermione wanted to settle with Draco before anything else. She didn't like that Theo had an issue with her, but she loathed the fact Draco had an issue with her as well. He had been so angry she wondered if he would even allow her to explain.
The vile parts had been just that, vile. Had Draco not demanded to see everything, they wouldn't be in this spot, and she would have kept everything private.
Plopping down on the couch, Hermione brought her hand down forcefully on the arm of the couch.
"Fuck!"
Then, the voice of reason set in. She could keep blaming everyone but herself if she wanted, but the truth was she was the catalyst for everything. Had she not opened her big, bloody mouth, no one would have been the wiser.
"Alright, alright," she chided herself, bringing her hand down the arm of the couch once again. "It's almost noon. I'll Apparate over to Draco's and hope he'll talk to me."
/*/
Hermione continued speaking out loud as she got her wand, jumper and bag.
"I did not mean to come across as cunning, or calculating, but I have, and at the moment, that's the way Draco sees me. I humiliated him. It's up to me to get our relationship back on solid footing. I need to fix us before I can even think about approaching Theo."
/*/
With Draco as angry as he was, Hermione decided against Apparating directly into the house. Instead, she landed in front of the house. Her nerves got the best of her as she climbed the few steps to the porch. Taking a very deep breath, she knocked on the front door.
Draco didn't come to the door.
She knocked again. This time with a little more force.
Still no Draco.
Hermione was convinced Draco was inside just choosing not to open the door.
This will not do, she thought. I understand he is angry, but I'm here to get this settled. If he won't open the door, I'll Apparate in.
Which is exactly what she did.
/*/
"Draco. I was outside knocking. I'm coming through."
No answer.
Hermione walked through the house. It was empty. Draco wasn't home.
"Now what? Hermione asked of the air around her. "Where can he be at this hour on Sunday?"
Normally, they would just be finishing up brunch. Obviously, this wasn't a normal Sunday.
After another walkthrough of the house, Hermione went into Draco's study to get a pen and paper to leave a note, which she placed in the middle of the bed. On another day, she would have crawled into bed to wait for Draco, but not this day. Not when she was unsure of her welcome.
There was nothing for Hermione to do except return to her flat and hope Draco would come over after he read the note.
/*/
Draco was a bit hung over and a bit disoriented when he woke. He didn't remember falling asleep fully clothed. Five seconds later, he remembered. Hermione. Then he pitched the glass that had fallen from his hand during the night, across the room. The humiliation of finding out someone had written down something so private and damaging about his mother and father was ripping across his gut. He hadn't felt this dirty since his run in with Hermione and her team at the conference in France. He needed a shower.
Draco felt a bit better after his shower. He had then decided to get out of the house. As angry as he was with Hermione, he had become so accustomed to them being together, he was a bit lonely. There wasn't a chance in hell he was going to bother Theo or Blaise. His alternative was to stop by the Manor in hopes of having a few games of chess with Severus to take his mind off things. Severus was an early riser, so he should be up and about at 11:30 in the morning.
/*/
Immediately after landing in the front hall of Malfoy Manor, Draco called for Elder who immediately popped up in front of him.
"Hello Mr. Draco sir. Glad yous home. What you be needin'?"
"I'd like you to check to see if Mr. Severus is awake. If he is, please ask if he would join me in the den for a game of chess."
Elder had an immediate answer. "Mr. Severus be awake. He be going out and back already. I'll give him your message."
Draco felt his stomach rumble. He was starving. While he waited for Severus, Draco had Missy fix a brunch, telling her to bring it to the den.
Draco reached the den only seconds before Severus appeared in the doorway.
"Good afternoon Draco. A game or two of chess would be most welcome."
/*/
Missy appeared with a lovely brunch that Draco and Severus finished before settling down to the chessboard.
As the board was being set up, Severus kept casting furtive glances in Draco's direction.
"You seem a bit unsettled today godfather. I've never known you to be short on words. If you have something to say, please just say it."
"Hermione."
Draco didn't look up from the chessboard as he continued setting up his pieces. "Hermione what Severus?"
"She sent me a note yesterday asking if I would stop by her flat this morning. I complied."
"That's interesting," replied Draco who was intently inspecting his chess pieces."
Severus didn't want to get too far into Draco's business, but felt they should have a conversation about the contents of the files Hermione had poached from DHG.
"Our meeting was fairly contentious. She asked me over to help straighten out a mess she's gotten herself into. She didn't like my suggestions which led to an argument between she and I. I ended up leaving without getting anything settled."
Draco finally looked up at his godfather. "You've seen the files then?"
"Listen Draco….."
"Have you seen the files godfather?" Repeated Draco as he jumped up to begin pacing the floor. "It's a simple question. I've been deceived enough over the past…. actually, I don't know how long the wool has been pulled over my eyes. I don't expect that from you."
"I have seen the files Draco, and I am as appalled as you. I cannot imagine what Hermione was thinking. Her explanation made no sense."
"It would seem not only has Hermione been deceiving me, she has also lied. I was under the impression she would be discarding all that rubbish, so no one else would see it. It would seem my heart and my dick overrode my good sense."
"Have a seat Draco. Pacing is for weak men. You are not weak. Hermione did vanish a copy of the files. However, knowing Hermione as I do, I correctly surmised she would have made extra copies. She had. You know as well as I. Those were turbulent times. We cannot change what went on back then, but we can move forward. I suggested that she was on dangerous ground and should get in front of any problems that might arise if someone reports her misappropriation of Ministry records."
"That person will be me godfather. I've told Hermione to her face I will be reporting maybe not her behavior, but the ease of which certain information can be accessed."
Severus stopped with his glass halfway to his mouth. Setting the glass softly down on the glass table, Severus shared some advice.
"That is not the Malfoy way Draco. You are overwrought. I'll suggest to you what I suggested to Hermione. She should speak to either Kingsley or Anthony about what has transpired and how the files should be handled in the future. Her best bet would be to leave this in Anthony's capable hands. If he can fix it without getting Kingsley involved, the better for Hermione. You should do nothing except reiterate to Hermione what I've just said."
Draco remained silent thinking over what Severus had just said. His godfather's words made sense. Of course his words made sense. He was Severus Snape.
Draco picked up his own drink, taking several sips before responding. "You're right on three accounts. I am overwrought, reporting on anyone isn't the Malfoy way and Hermione should clean up her own mess. Right now, the only thing I want to happen is all the bloody, divisive information be handled more discreetly, or not at all."
"That's the way I would go," remarked Severus, moving his first chess piece. "Your move."
/*/
Draco and Severus played several more games with Severus smartly beating Draco three to one.
"Thank you for the games Severus. I enjoyed myself. We'll have to have a rematch soon," Draco commented as he reached out to shake his godfather's hand. "Thank you as well for the advice. Outside of, maybe five of us, nobody really knows what has gone on. As long as we keep it like that, this will pass. Goodnight Severus."
"Goodnight Draco. I'll be in touch after I've spoken with Kingsley about the telecommunications plan.
With a wave, Draco Apparated home.
/*/
When he arrived home, Draco sat on the couch mulling over what he and Severus had discussed. Severus was definitely on point. It would be up to Hermione to get it settled once and for all.
Removing his jacket, Draco walked into the bedroom wondering when would be a good time to have a discussion with Hermione. He was in the process of unbuttoning his shirt when he saw the note laying in the middle of the bed. Hermione wanted to talk.
How fortuitous, he thought. I want to talk as well.
Draco finished unbuttoning the shirt and changed into a long sleeved tee. Even though it was damp and chilly, he wouldn't be out in the air very long. Grabbing his wand, he Apparated to Hermione's flat.
/*/
Hermione opened the door almost before he finished knocking. "You got my note then? Thank you for coming. Chilly out there, yes? Come on through. Would you like tea or coffee?"
She was rambling.
A normal response from Draco when Hermione began rambling was to smile, tell her to slow down and kiss her. This afternoon was different. He settled himself in a chair and let her ramble. The only thing Draco knew at that point was he would walk out if Hermione came out of her mouth the wrong way.
Hermione slowed herself down when she realized Draco hadn't said anything. This was where the rubber met the road. If she couldn't convince Draco….
Draco broke into her thought process. "You wanted to see me. What can I do for you?"
Hermione shivered. Not the shiver she experienced when they were being intimate. This was a cold shiver, an awkward shiver. All she could do was push on.
"What I wanted to speak to you about is my behavior. I regret the choices I made over the last week and want to make amends. It hurts when you look at me with those eyes."
Draco wasn't there to talk about his eyes. "They're the only eyes I have Hermione. As for how I look at you, that might have something to do with what's gone on."
Hermione wanted to puff up over Draco's response, but decided arguing with him would only exacerbate the situation.
"Yes, of course," she replied. "I want you to know that tomorrow I intend to speak with Kingsley. I plan to explain what I've done and suggest the steps that need to be taken so it doesn't happen again. Sometimes I get so caught up in things, I don't think of the consequences. I am truly sorry for offending you and Theo."
"Anthony Goldstein."
"Excuse me," said Hermione not sure she'd heard right.
"Kingsley has his hands full at the moment. Wouldn't it be wiser to have a discussion with Goldstein? Have him shut down a portion of DHG and be done with it. Anthony is a wise man who wields a great deal of power. Perhaps he can remedy this without going directly to Kingsley. I'm sure he'll have to report to Kingsley at some point, but he may have rectified the situation by then."
Hermione offered a strained smile. "I believe I've heard this scenario. I spoke to Severus this morning, albeit it was a bit contentious, he suggested I take the same avenue you've just suggested. I think you are both right. Thank you. I'll speak to Anthony in the morning. Would it be alright if I message you with the outcome of the conversation?"
"No problem Hermione. I'll look for your message."
Draco stood. They had reached a conclusion on what to do next about the situation. They hadn't reached a conclusion about their relationship.
When Draco stood to leave, Hermione asked for a favor.
"If I can Hermione. What is the favor?"
"I'd like to see Theo to apologize. Since I'm not very high on his list right now, I'd like you to accompany me."
Draco thought about Hermione's request for several seconds. He actually respected the step she wanted to take. "I can do that. However, let me say this. If you try to run over him, or start talking out of turn, I will drag you out of his house and leave you on the sidewalk. Theo has enough shite on his back. Are we clear?"
Keeping her voice level, Hermione responded to Draco's tart remarks. "I understand you are angry with me, and rightly so. However, do not talk to me as though I'm some arse who's gotten in your way."
"Right now Hermione. You are some arse who's gotten in my way. Do you still want me to accompany you to Theo's, or would you rather me and my tart tongue leave? Your choice."
Hermione felt tears welling up, but she steeled herself. It had come to this. This was the wizard who had spoken about them being together forever. The sad truth was she might have lost his trust forever.
Hermione answered in a tiny voice. "I would like to speak to Theo, and I would like for you to accompany me."
"Perfect. Take my arm."
/*/
Seconds later, they landed on Theo's front porch where Draco immediately removed his arm from Hermione's grasp and stepped up to the front door.
Cely opened the door before Draco even had a chance to knock. "Good evenin' Mr. Draco sir," said the elf giving a slight bow in Hermione's direction. "Please come in. I'll tell Mr. Theo you and Miss Hermione is here."
Draco and Hermione remained standing in the foyer while the elf went to get Theo.
"It would seem Theo isn't all that angry with you. Elves have their own ways. If Theo thought poorly of you, Cely would know and she would not have been so solicitous. A small step in the right direction."
"I hope you're right Draco," replied Hermione softly. "I want to make amends to Theo, so I can begin to make amends to you."
Draco didn't reply. He simply stared in the direction of the living room. He didn't know if he wanted Hermione's amends.
/*/
Theo came down the hall with a smile on his face. Reaching out, he shook Draco's hand, clapped him on the back then turned to nod in Hermione's direction. "This is unexpected. Come on through. Jay and I were having a conversation."
Hermione spoke up as Theo turned to lead them to the living room. "Theo, may I speak with you privately?"
When Theo turned back to face Draco and Hermione, a small frown had replaced his previous smile. Shooting a sharp look at Draco, Theo answered. "It's Sunday Hermione. A day of relaxation. If you are here to question further aspects of my family history, I decline the conversation. As I mentioned at Viglio's, I am quite aware of my family history. Although, I am interested in knowing how you found out about one of the most closely held, private matters in Nott history."
"I…I," stammered Hermione.
"Give her a listen mate. She will explain everything."
Theo gave Draco another sharp look. "You were both there when I spoke out of turn to Esther at the Repast. I just didn't expect my unfortunate outburst to have repercussions. Are you involved in dredging up my private matters as well Draco? I realize Hermione has no filter at times, but you Draco. I thought better of you."
Hermione started to speak, but an irate Draco spoke first. "Yes Theo. I am entangled in this, but not in the way you think. Give a listen."
"Bloody, fucking hell," Theo spit out. "Every way I turn I'm being inundated. I'll listen after I tell Jay I have to step away for a moment. Wait for me in the den. I'll be right back."
As soon as Theo walked away, Draco snapped at Hermione. "My long time mate now believes, because I'm dating you, I have become you. How lovely. My Sunday is now complete," Draco added sarcastically.
Hermione remained silent in her own thoughts on the short walk to the den.
All this from one slip of the tongue. What was I thinking?