thirty eight
Chapter Thirty Eight
Later on during the same patrol night, Draco stirred in his sleep as serene as one could be while Millie laid wide awake in her side of the bed. It was clear to anyone conscious enough that Millie was resentful, traces of contempt festered openly in her harden face.
It was a slow silent night yet Millie’s mind was screaming in protest, kindled in rage.
She slowly sat up, carefully eyeing the boy who laid peacefully beside her. She uncovered herself, inching her legs of the side of the bed, doing her best not to twist the sheets under her as she moved.
She didn’t intend to leave, no.
Millie had restrained herself these past weeks, assuring herself that Draco was indeed in love with her. After all, he chose her didn’t he? He wanted her.
The thought alone that he was at her side, holding her hand in the library as they studied gave her enough peace to not question him. She also had been loyally at his side while he recovered from his minimal injury.
It was a thought that made her roll her eyes and smile. The big baby.
Millie assumed he was over exaggerating so that it gave her a chance to prove herself and that made her happy. She doted on Draco as he limped to and from class, carrying his books and soaking in every slow minute in between classes. Her chin would rise an extra inch at at the justified indignity she had when everyone doubted her. Draco still crawled back to her because it was simple. They were perfect. Everyone could see it and it annoyed them, Millie thought.
And yet, even when she settled in the comfort of their routine, the second that Hermione popped back up and seeing his puppy dog eyes regard her in a way Millie’s never had, her entire foundation shook.
It sent her back to square one, feeling the rumbles of insecurity and rage.
Simple rage.
It reminded her of hints, that gut feeling, that never made sense.
Her bracelet remaining green.
His empty, lovely words.
And worst of all, that first huge hint that was the catalyst of everything.
Millie glanced over her shoulder once more assuring that Draco was sound asleep before she reached out to that photo she gifted him. Her hands tightened over the frame, peering into the group of Prefects in all stages of sleep. Her photo self was right in the center. Photo Millie had her head resting on Draco’s broad shoulder for comfort and, just like she had fear, Photo Draco was not at all resting against her. His head was turned over to the corner of the photo, a long genuine half smile was sent over to rather weary looking Photo Hermione.
The look on her face was rather soft, almost longing, a look that Draco reciprocated and Millie just knew.
It was the exact fucking faces they had been flaunting in real life, right in front of her and she had been too stupid to see it before and, still, to this day.
Millie’s harden face recalling the first time she had noticed the photo only weeks after Valentines. It was hard to understand why Draco’s bracelet hadn’t been working. He was infamously skilled at charms but was unable to excel at a simple color changing spell? It was rather curious that even after Millie’s attempts to entice and seduce her own boyfriend, her precious bracelet would remain green.
One night, after a very lengthy attempt in March, Millie peacefully rolled over on her side of the bed, finally settled from the explosion of bed romping, pondering what could be the excuse to explain away her very green bracelet. By then, Draco had charmed the bracelet twice to ensure its effect.
Her eyes strained in the darkness, scanning over her surrounding until they settled on his desk and the photo was directly in line of her view.
She had seen it every time she came around but for some reason, that night, something in her told her to look and really look.
She gifted him this photo with the intention to see how their relationship is reflected to those around them and any time she’d see it, her photo self was always clinging on him, or causing mayhem but she was quick to notice that Photo Draco was never reciprocal and always distracted.
And the source of it was Hermione.
It forced her to recall of all the of the peculiar instances of them together in real life and Millie came to the quick and obvious conclusion that it was her.
It was always her.
Seething in her own silent rage, Millie began to look around his room noticing another picture pinned on his wall, Umbridge’s list of students to look out for. Millie never gave it much thought since he was in the Inquisitorial Squad. Ron and Harry were not on his wall, well, they were, but they were covered by other notices and scraps of paper Draco pinned in his wall. Hermione’s photo stood out.
Hermione was resting peacefully leaning her head against the edge of the photo, looking at ease in the very room of someone that was once known as her bully.
Millie finally saw the wool over her eyes of something amiss. She saw it as plainly as can be and she felt ashamed that as a Ravenclaw, she hadn’t seen it sooner.
Draco had clearly formed new relationships with unexpected people this year. She knew about that. Neville being one she truly didn’t understand but accepted because they were potions partners. Ron was another uncomfortable but acceptable acquaintance because of Daphne. Millie knew Draco took Daphne to the Yule Ball and that they were great friends, so it was not surprising.
Then there was the question of Hermione.
For the life of Millie, she didn’t see how they even connected despite the occasional gossip and it was further confirmed when she accused Hermione and swarms of people had to butt in and defend that stupid girl.They had been friends for quite some time, apparently, which should have shocked Millie but didn't.
It's not like her boyfriend turned a new leaf and was simply being polite. Draco actually enjoyed Hermione's company; Millie having witness them chatting both grinning ear to ear.
Despite the evidence hitting her square in the face, Millie leaned on the fact that Draco was still hers until the night when Millie foolishly let Hermione wear her bracelet and it turned the most beautiful shade of blue.
What more could Millie need to prove that it wasn’t her that resided in Draco's mind? She had been made a fool, even landing herself in detention, while the two of them went behind her back.
No. Millie shook her head.
Just Hermione.
Not Draco.
It was Hermione that was pulling him away from her.
Millie swallowed a hard lump in her throat, her mind settling once again in the present, in Draco’s cool room bathed in a dark green hue from the waters of the murky lake that glistened at his window. Her mind drifted to the deal she made with Umbridge.
Goosebumps rippled across her bare skin placing the photo frame back on his desk.
She promised to bring forth information to get herself out of detention. Her freedom in exchange for a solid lead. Millie refused to sit in detention with someone she absolutely hated.
Even if Draco happened to fall for Hermione’s tricks, it was up to Millie to remind Draco who had been the common enemy in the past and especially this year with Umbridge’s rule. It was the reason why Millie began to dig a little and to her surprise, it didn’t take long to find a hint that led her to a wealth of information.
Marietta, her own potions partner, had a lot of excuses to skip over set study schedules with Millie. Excuses that didn’t make sense at first until once day on her patrol she caught Marietta sneaking in their house past curfew and as a dedicated Prefect, Millie took away house points.
And then once more.
Twice in one week.
It wasn’t long before Millie put two and two together, feeling the grip of Umbridge’s rule and the fact that her own partner was disregarding the rules just like those stupid Gryffindors.
It only took one full day of observation for Millie to fan the flames of suspicions. It was her odd behavior that forced Millie to rummage through Marietta's things. There were a lot of notes and scraps of doodles and even a copy of a raunchy novel Curses and Kisses that she rolled her eyes at. When she turned to the bin, Millie paused, thinking it was a bit extreme going through Marietta's trash, but if she hadn't, Millie would have never found what she needed.
Millie had cornered Marietta immediately with nothing but a strong suspicion and a harsh threat to have her mother sacked from the Ministry (despite their parents not even working in the same department).
It was enough for Marietta, though. The fear struck Marietta considering her own mother was writing anxious letters every day to remind her to be good for the sake of their family. The letter's that Marietta had ripped apart and tossed away. Scraps that Millie magicked back together to read. All Millie really needed to do was pressure Marietta enough for the fear to eat her alive.
Marietta sang like a bird and sure enough Millie was dismissed from serving detention.
Umbridge’s suspicions were proven to be not far off, something that Millie took into consideration. If Umbridge’s crazed intuitions were right, then that funny gut feeling that Millie felt had to be correct.
Something was off and despite still being the one in Draco’s bed at three in the morning, she had to be the only one he focused on.
Millie had no clue if Draco was at all involved with whatever Harry Potter was up to, but Millie took it upon herself to make sure that whatever it was that Hermione was luring him into, was squashed.
It had to be the source why he was called to her side, right?
Millie was much too concerned about Draco to let him go down a path that his own parents wouldn’t agree with. If they knew who he was interacting with, surely, they wouldn’t approve.
The girl let a sigh escape her lips, placing down the frame and crawling back into the warmth of his bed. She snaked her arms around his bare torso, placing small kisses on his shoulder until Draco stirred out of sleep.
His groggy voice was her favorite part of quiet moments like this.
“Awake?” He sighed out, turned his body to face her, his grey eyes struggling to remain open.
Millie smiled but closed her eyes, “Just thinking.”
“About me?” Draco joked, his eyes now close and his voice softer leading him back to sleep.
Millie’s eyes flew open and gave him a long hard stare.
“Always,” She responded, making her mind up right then and there. It would be up to her to save Draco from himself.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
OWLs were upon them. It was only a night away and Draco was absolutely exhausted but ready to get two of his ten exams out of the way tomorrow. His eyes were dry and stung with every blink from the lack of sleep he’s had this past week.
He’d harp on how difficult it has been for him, but he knew nearly all the fifth years were suffering as equally as he had.
The second he had his fill of Arithmancy and Charms, Draco closed his book and yawned a hard yawn. He didn’t think much other than flopping himself on his bed to which he quickly floated off to sleep.
Sadly, it felt like he had just closed his eyes when his alarm went off precisely at five in the morning. Draco groaned; his face stuffed into a pillow his head feeling like a million pounds. He inhaled slowly and flopped over blinking off the sleep that was threatening to come back for him.
He succumbed to his duty and while rubbing his face, he stood up and stretched, getting rid of the aches and pains of sleeping wrong. He longed for a second longer on his bed but he knew a proper shower was in order.
Dragging himself over to his bathroom, he took a spare towel and remained there for the following fifteen minutes, the majority of it just standing under the spray of hot water cascading over him.
Draco went on and scrubbed his hair and skin clean, before stepping out, drying his soaking wet hair and swiping over his pale skin with a hand towel. He wrapped his towel around his waist and stepped out, mentally picking out his required uniform for the important day.
Once that was in order, he grabbed his bag and headed out, in hopes that the library would be clear so he could squeeze in a bit of studying before breaking his concentration with the buzz of breakfast.
It seemed like all of the fifth years had the same idea when Draco stepped into the library. He frowned seeing the best tables filled with books and half the students taking up space. He was about to give up on the library and find another quiet area to read but he remembered the Nook and wondered if it was-
“Oh for fucks- sorry!” Hermione pipped up nearly slamming into Draco’s back. A book happened to slip from her hand but she immediately caught it, slamming her the weight of her body into the wall to catch the book with her hip.
Hermione looked equally as frantic as he was feeling, except he was too tired to even smile earnestly at her.
“Morning,” Draco plainly said, hoping his dark circles weren’t too obvious.
Daphne and Ron soon came up from behind Hermione, peering over his shoulder to take into account how poorly the seating arrangements were.
“Is it full,” Daphne asked.
Draco shrugged, “No. But it looks like each one in there took the liberty to hog the table space for three."
"That's unfair!" Daphne whined, "Can't Madam Pince say anything to them?"
"She didn't even kick them out last night," Ron groaned, giving a pointed look at Daphne, “I told you they were not going to go to bed.”
Daphne yawned, “Well we needed the sleep! It’s only Monday, no need to crash out on the first day of exams.”
Draco cocked a brow at the couple. It was the first time he’d seen Ron truly worried about his exams usually taking a laid-back attitude in class.
“I was thinking maybe the Nook was free.” Draco shrugged and Daphne lit up. Hermione's hand shot straight to her neck were loose bits of baby curls peeked out of her hair line. Her hair was nearly French braided away from her face that she had paid extra attention to that morning. She didn't want to look dead so Hermione took a few minutes to conceal her own dark circles, curl her lashes, and soften her lip color with a balm. Thoughts of squeezing into the Nook with Draco was a thought that was dangerous enough to derail her focus on OWLs.
“Oh! That’s a great idea!” Daphne piped up.
“It’s not enough space for two people to study, let alone four.” Hermione pointed out.
"Un detectable extendable charm?" Draco suggested.
"Are you mad?" Hermione frowned but felt a tinge of hope, "It's barely feasible with small objects, and you want to do a room the size of a closet?"
"Has anyone actually used the Nook to study,” Ron asked under his breath discretely to Daphne who immediately tapped him.
“Draco!”
Millie’s voice cut straight through the air. He turned back into the library to see his girlfriend, rather fresh face and excitedly approaching them. She smiled widely at all of them and took his hand.
“Come!” Millie bit her lip quickly, “Sit at my table!”
Draco wanted to speak up or say anything but the words were caught in his throat as his visions swung back to his friends.
Millie waved her hand in the air dismissively, “Oh, don’t worry! Everyone can come. There’s enough room.”
Ron and Daphne hesitated, careful to respond as they eyed Draco and Hermione: the main characters involved in the year’s most scandalous gossip. Millie wasn’t stupid and took noticed of their pause. She rolled her eyes still very light hearted about everything and pulled at Draco.
“Oh, it’s all water under a bridge,” Millie lightly said, “Isn’t it Draco? Hermione? Plus, it’s not like we have to talk. I have a huge chunk of reading to go over for Arithmancy.”
Millie skipped as she pulled Draco along, the three others slowly following behind. Hermione tried to make up any excuse to leave or mention how she forgot something in her dorm but she was too far into the Library when she finally thought of an excuse.
By the time they were at Millie’s large table, Hermione still hadn’t gathered the confidence to excuse herself, especially in front of other very silent fifth years.
Ron and Daphne took their seats, apprehensively looking around to see if anyone at the table would object to the new additions.
They were all far too deep in their books to care.
Once everyone sat, all scattered around a table of ten, it was complete silence just like Millie promised. Hermione sat between Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones who were still wearing the same clothes they had worn the previous day. Ron and Daphne had to sit separate, leaving the only two available seats to Draco and Millie which happened to be right next to each other.
As promised, Millie did keep to herself, taking her studies very seriously in the remaining last hours they had before their first OWLs commenced later that day.
With the occasional cough and long drawn out yawn, there was no talking between them.
It was still not the most ideal for Hermione who sat with her legs crossed squeezing themselves anytime she was tempted to glance up at Draco.
It made it nearly impossible to concentrate but she knew if she stood up and left, it would be questioned.
Twenty minutes- no.
An hour would do before she could go grab a very early breakfast.
Hermione leaned her head against her hand that propped up by her elbow, staring into her book. She saw nothing but shapes and illustrations, half worried about OWLs and half anguished having to be so close in proximity to Draco and his girlfriend.
Across the table, Draco had his own struggles to go through. Millie had a firm hand placed on his upper thigh rubbing her thumb side to side distracting him from his book. He had to really remind himself to breathe so he could make out words in the text instead of holding his breath. He managed to glance over at Hermione, who had her smooth cheek smooshed against her hand as she idly pinched her bottom lip with her thumb and pointer finger, immersed in her book.
It struck Draco with an odd feeling.
A feeling of deja vu but not quite.
Like he had been there before.
Not at this location, but like he knew those lips.
Maybe it was the fact that he had taken many liberties to stare at them in class or, maybe, once (or a thousand times) in a forgotten dream had known what it was to kiss her.
The hand squeezed gently on his thigh.
Draco ripped away from Hermione to Millie, who hadn't noticed Draco’s distraction. She was still neutral as she turned the page of her books. It seemed like the squeeze was out of habit as she squeezed and rubbed her thumb again.
Hermione caught his attention once more, her eyes fluttering as they struggled to stay open. She sniffed, and rubbed her eyes. She had a slight pink tint to the rim of her eyes.
A small light bulb flickered in Draco’s head. He had a great way to help Hermione and it immediately gave him enough energy to look forward to the moment he was able to swoop in and help her minor inconvenience.
Their morning study session eventually gave way to hunger.
Ron, being the first to leave, took Hermione with him needing Hermione to clarify one more single question he had. Daphne stayed behind, happy with the proposal that Ron offered her. He’d bring her two scones and a piece of fruit for her, seeing how she wasn’t particularly hungry, sick with stress.
Millie also called it quits moments later, favoring a cup of tea and a plate full of eggs to fill her up. She gave Draco a tender kiss on his cheek before she walked off.
Draco waited a moment or two until he was sure Millie was gone. He abruptly rushed to gather his things, throwing his books haphazardly in his bag.
Daphne cocked a brow up, “Got somewhere to be?”
“Changing rooms.” Draco muttered, standing up and checking to see if his perfectly pressed uniform had a single wrinkle.
“Chang- you mean Quidditch?” Daphne said incredulously, “What on earth would- Draco? Draco!”
Daphne was unable to reach him because by the time she was able to formulate her question, Draco was halfway out of the Library, rushing to the Quidditch changing rooms.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The fifth years were all expected to line up alphabetically outside of the Great Hall at nine, on the dot, before being seated by Professor Vector. There was still a solid ten minutes of students making sure they were presentable under the strict guide of Umbridge who was at the door with a look of disgust at each nervous student who walked by her.
The doors of the Great Hall were closed while other Professors helped clear out the tables in favor of individual desks.
Fifth year students were beginning to line up, cramming the last bit of information into their heads while the clock ticked. Everyone else was already escorted away, well into their morning lessons, leaving the corridors wide and empty.
Draco was around the corner, bookbag in hand and a small vial in the other. His eyes were clear and bright and well rested. It helped him with the faces that were lining up already, fully aware that Hermione was not among them. He considered himself lucky positioning himself on the very same corridor that Hermione was walking, towards him, with Daphne at her side. They were discussing something between them with their wands out, as if they were practicing wand movements.
“Hermione?” Draco called out to no avail. That stubborn girl was too immersed in helping Daphne.
“Granger!” Draco shouted, jogging up to them. It was enough to catch her attention, Hermione’s shoulders tensing up at the sound of his voice.
Draco smiled at both girls and shook the small vial in his hand as he approached them happily, “I have something.”
“Whatever it is,” Hermione eyed him carefully, “Cheating is not tolerated.”
"Why do you automatically assume that I am one for cheating?" Draco rolled his eyes, “It’s an aid.”
“So cheating,” Hermione corrected. Draco opened his mouth about to retort when Daphne gave him a quizzical stared.
“What exactly is that?” Daphne asked.
“Beryl’s Blink Brights,” Draco smiled, “Eye drops. For Quidditch.”
Daphne immediately swiped it from his hands and took the dropper as she tilted her head back. She certainly had no qualms in having an aid.
“Genius,” She muttered, “Absolute, genius.”
Hermione stared on, completely lost.
Draco shrugged as Daphne blinked quickly, her own eyes finally feeling the relief from sleepless nights and a cooling effect that allowed her to be alert.
“Some seekers use it to help focus,” Draco explained, “Especially when there’s a lot of activity on the pitch and we have the single task of finding the snitch, it really helps clear up sight.”
“Harry's never used it.” Hermione pathetically repeated, glancing nervously at Daphne.
She snorted, “If it’s perfectly acceptable to use in quidditch, then why couldn’t it be used for exams? It’s not like it’s giving us the answers.”
Daphne, with a surge of confidence kissed Draco on his cheek, skipping away to tell Ron. Draco turned to Hermione and offered her the vial. She sighed, her eyes filled with apprehension.
“Are you sure?” She asked.
Draco nodded, “I saw you dozing off in the library this morning. It’ll help keep your eyes alert.”
Hermione gulped and took the vial from him, tilting her head back as she positioned her dropper close to her eyes.
She missed two fat drops, a small splash landing on her cheek while the other was blocked by her eye lid closing.
Draco laughed.
“Well don’t waste it!” Draco teased, “I need it to last for the rest of the week!”
“I’m trying!” Hermione huffed, tilting her head back once more, threatening another failed attempt judging by the way she was screwing her face up in anticipation.
“Here, let me help.” Draco insisted, taking back his drops. Without thinking, he hovered over Hermione, guiding her head back with his left hand. Hermione didn’t have time to react as Draco hovered over her, her eyes wide at the closeness.
“Wait Draco-”
“Don’t fuss,” Draco playfully chided, “Or else you’ll owe me another bottle of Blink Brights.”
Hermione stilled, clutching her hands together pressed against her chest. His hand and the way he cradled her, his eyes gently peering into her dead dry ones, Hermione’s heart didn’t pound.
It completely stopped.
Suspended in mid beat like it had frozen her in a slice of time she wanted forever. Draco was as close to her as the night he kissed Millie without realizing it was Hermione. And he wasn’t at all repulsed.
Hermione’s mouth parted unsure if she was breathing or not.
It didn’t matter. She was off in her own world and Draco was the only one anchoring her back.
Draco quickly squeezed two fat drops into her distracted eyes, blurring her vision. It burned for a fraction of a second before a cooling sensation came over Hermione’s eyes, squeezing in pain. Her eyes fluttered trying to adjust to the subsiding burn, tears collecting at her inner corners.
Draco’s other hand somehow found the other side of Hermione’s head, holding her still as her eyes began to feel the effects of the drops. His amused smile began to fade as his heart plunged into his stomach.
Hermione’s brown eyes sparkled with a glaze of freshness over them.
“I can see,” Hermione exclaimed, “I mean really see!”
Unfortunately, she saw him and only him. A tear rolled down her cheek from the drops and instinctively Draco’s thumb brushed it off that smooshed cheek he ached to...
His brows furrowed.
He was put off by a funny feeling. He knew he’d physically been closer to Hermione, but never this intimately and it all felt very familiar. Like he actually had been here before and not in dreams or a different universe. He could sense the way his heart was flip flopping around that he knew exactly what it would feel like to give into his wants and be able to have Hermione.
A devastating idea bloomed right at that moment, as he held Hermione, feeling all of what he had been trying to convince himself out of.
He would never be able to escape her orbit.
Draco had centered her so much in his decisions and life, it would be impossible to break away and even if he did manage to, how could anyone compare? She ruined him.
“Me too,” He gulped.
He was startled to find his hands cradling her so tenderly, ripping his hands back to him. There was a frown now pulling at the corners of his lips as he looked around, hoping no one saw their proximity down the empty corridor.
He glanced at his watch and forced a straight smile.
“Five minutes,” He announced referencing the time they had left to put themselves into line, “Good luck, 'Mione.”
Perplexed and lost in his own thoughts, he took a step away and then another.
The muddled mess his mind was now in was in need of a good organization. Draco began to breathe, recalling his training to get him grounded. As he reorganized the scramble in his head, Hermione’s light footsteps approached him, her hand pulling his shoulder back.
Her face screwed up like she was about to hate what she was about to do but she did it anyways.
“Thank you, Draco,” She squeezed her fresh new eyes shut before placing a kiss on his cheek, just like Daphne had done as friends. She had been lost in her own mind when Draco abruptly left. The interaction had been pretty minimal but it left a crater sized impact on Hermione. She didn’t want to it to end without telling him how much she appreciated it.
It might have been out of character for Hermione but Draco seemed comfortable enough to receive Daphne’s expression of fondness. He would be fine enough to accept hers then too.
Draco felt the burn of her lips on his skin. His face blanked.
“It was nothing,” He gulped and then, stupidly, returned her kiss right on the cheek that had been calling his name since early that morning.
He lingered on her soft skin for a second too long before pulling away to find Hermione’s face flushed in a tint of pink. They knew time was running out before they need to rush back to the line but they stood there, unable to move.
Afraid that if they ended it now, they’d never be able to revisit the very curious moment this was. It was endearing and soft and buddings of something was on the brink of blooming. But it could also be that it was not at all deep and could be simply a superficial gesture between friends.
Except Draco didn’t want it to be.
It could have been his courage gathering up or the foolishness winning over his tired logic. He wanted to kiss her. Draco heart ached, wondering how she tasted for that split second before he lost himself in a tangle of thoughts.
“Thank you, Hermione,” Draco blurted out, returning the thanks.
“For what?” Hermione quietly asked.
Draco shook his head stupidly, “I- I don’t know.”
Draco was well aware he might have misread Hermione’s actions, seeing how shocked she was with a simple peck on her cheek.
She was mirroring Daphne, Draco realized.
He felt mortified of the implications she was being friendly and he took it upon himself to return the gesture. Being sleep deprived was no excuse, he knew that but it didn't change that she looked so achingly beautiful. She left a burning mark on his cheek and he couldn’t simply just let her do that to him.
And all the while he internally battled with his stupidity, his bookbag slipped off his shoulder, when he was once more drowned in a blissful burn of elation.
Hermione’s lips had pecked his, her face still an inch away, watching his bewildered eyes carefully as her shallow breaths washed over his skin. He waited to hear why she had kissed him back, returning his gesture as if it was a simple friendly kiss.
It wasn’t to him. His entire body wanted to wrap Hermione up and escape into the forest so no one could find them and they’d be able to live happily ever after.
“I don’t know either,” Hermione whispered her admission taking a step away and Draco nearly came undone.
He cocked his head, leaning forward, ready to kiss her so they could find out together but a sound pulled them away from their moment.
Professor Snape cleared his throat, only a few feet away from them. His sallow face severe and sharp as he took in the two lovesick students.
“You both realize you have less than two minutes to situate yourselves in the line.” Snape hissed softly, “I reckon it’d benefit you to move along, Granger... Malfoy?”
“Yes Professor,” Hermione squeaked out, running away, rounding the corner to where the Great Hall was. Draco bent down to retrieve his book bag, glancing up at his Professor who gave him a long look.
It didn’t take much prodding or effort from Snape to find the plethora of incriminating memories Draco had hoarded. Snape found not only Hermione but the mess he was now in with Millie since he began his earnest pursuit of being with her.
Draco gritted his teeth and sighed.
“I know,” He muttered, “Save the lecture. Let me finish exams and then you can get on your soap box.”
He left his stunned professor, to join the line of fifth years, smiling to himself and it was a smile he would be unable to wipe off his face for the rest of the month.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
“Happy Birthday Draco!” Daphne cheered, placing a rather lopsided pancake stack, a foot tall, in front of him that morning. It was their final day of OWL’s and they were fortunate enough to have Potions and Astronomy that day. Snape wouldn’t dare having to schedule his exams in the mornings and Astronomy examination needed to be at night.
That meant their morning was free. Most used it to sleep in, using their morning as a long respite to reenergize from the grueling past four days, but for Draco, he was now miserably accustomed to waking up early.
However that maybe, it was their last day of OWLs and he couldn’t feel more grateful. He felt even more grateful that he had friends that remembered when when had forgot due to the mounting stress of OWLs. If he was honest, Draco was looking forward to wasting away in bed tonight, and not waking up until the evening after.
Draco looked up at Ron and Daphne as well as Harry who was eyeing his stack of pancakes looking sullen and skinnier. Draco didn’t blame Harry for drooling over his treat. There was a rich drizzle of maple syrup on top and cream in each layer with berries freshly mixed in. The single candle on top was lit, waiting to receive the wishes of the birthday boy.
“You knew it was my birthday?” Draco blinked, before sending a questioning look at everyone. It wasn’t like he advertised it, especially when he didn’t care much for it this year. Not when he was turning sixteen.
Daphne scoffed, “Of course we knew!”
“If it wasn’t for Her-”
Ginny elbowed her brother as she shoved her way to the front, holding a small box in her hands. Ginny was rather flamboyant and dramatic as she placed the box in front of Draco.
“We come bearing gifts, your greatness,” Ginny announced.
Ron placed a rather larger box in front of him alongside a more lumpy package.
“Mum sent some treats.” Ron sheepishly said, “And a knitted scarf. She’s under the impression we are all still five and still winter-”
“You’re not supposed to tell him what it is Ronald!” Daphne groaned.
Goyle and Crabbe came along to drop by a birthday card as Draco flopped some pancakes onto the plates of his friends to share. They both promised him they’ll be able to get him a better present for his Sixteenth Reception as the summer commences.
His friends all looked at him blankly.
“You’re having a Reception?” Ginny asked surprised. Draco shoved a forkful of pancakes into his mouth and nodded. Neville had just sat down next to Draco wishing him a happy birthday. Draco jumped at the opportunity to serve Neville.
“Wouldn’t it be more surprising if I wasn’t having one?” Draco lightly joked.
Neville grumbled, “You’re right about that. My Nan is insisting I have mine in the countryside.”
Draco cocked his head, “What’s wrong with the countryside?”
Neville took his time giving knowing looks to all the Gryffindors now sitting comfortably at the Slytherin table.
“Well it’s not your version of the countryside.” Neville explained.
“Daphne lives in the country,” Draco pointed at the blonde with his fork.
Neville snorted, “Well most of us aren’t ridiculously wealthy to enjoy that countryside. Spare me the pity but Nan wants a Garden Party for me.”
Before Draco could offer his condolences to a hopeless theme for a party, Theodore Nott appeared at Draco’s shoulder, giving himself the liberty to grab a few pancakes for himself.
“I’m led to believe that your Nan really wanted a girl for her grandchild,” Nott laughed before turning to Draco to ruffle his hair, “Same with me, mate. I’ll give you your gift at your Reception.”
Daphne perked up, “Are you all invited?”
Most of the fifth year Slytherin’s turned to Daphne who glanced around.
Draco paused and shrugged, “Sounds like mum and dad couldn’t help themselves.”
Theo laughed and pulled Hermione in who approached them with her own small box. Daphne scowled into her plate, sulking that she hadn’t received word of an invitation.
“Ah, there she is,” Theo mused, “Come for the pancakes, Ms Granger?”
Ginny snorted into her fork, “Oh she certainly wants her cake.”
Hermione clenched her jaw, wanting to murder Ginny.
“Why not,” Hermione smiled, “I’m sorry I missed the singing and everything. I was out cutting up our knotgrass for today’s OWLs. I managed to get enough for Goyle and a bit extra if anyone needs some for Potions.”
“That’s my present?” Draco asked, teasingly, "Knotgrass?"
Hermione flushed, pausing in her train of thought, “Oh, do you want it to be?”
“No,” He smiled.
The giddy awkwardness was held tightly by those watching the curious pair interact. Ginny bit down on her bottom lip. Daphne pressed her mouth into a thin line. Ron stupidly grinned, amused by the entertainment in front of him.
Goyle held his hand out, taking his bag of knotgrass from Hermione who was still fixated on Draco.
Draco had never had a special birthday but the way he felt appreciated and celebrated and loved, certainly placed this day on top of everything especially when Hermione was standing two steps away from him, holding a box that his name on it. He still had that urge to kiss her ruminating in his core, much like the memory of her quick lips on his. She had kissed him and the thought spread a lazy soft smile across his face
“Happy Birthday Dr-”
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!”
Millie came scooping in, screeching like an owl with her very own package for delivery. She looked frantic and tired, possibly from sleeping in through five alarms she had set for herself. Her hair was half up in a ponytail and her usual prim and proper clothes were haphazardly thrown on without a second look, as if she had just rolled out of bed.
Millie threw her arms around Draco’s neck from behind, smooshing her cheek on the top of his head.
“Why didn’t you remind me?” Millie whined, “I’ve ordered your gift ages ago!”
She pulled out her own gift, a bag filled with sweets and a pair of black leathered quidditch boots. It was a rather pricey and astonishing gift.
Draco’s brows pushed up in surprise.
“Is this-”
“Black Dragon hide,” Millie filled in, “Yes. And divots in the soles, it helps grip to your broom better.”
It’s not that Draco needed new shoes now that their season was over nor did he find it necessary but he was touched at the gesture. Millie shoved Crabbe and Goyle to the side, squeezing herself next to Draco as he admired the quality of the fine scales.
He would have been happy with just any kind of gift. He was stunned and he turned to kiss her earnestly in thanks.
“Wow, Millie,” He smiled, “I don’t know what to say.”
Crabbe, Goyle, and Parkinson (who now had no personal space at the table) rolled their eyes.
Millie beamed, soaking up the praise from the only person that mattered. Millie went on about next year’s quidditch season and how she hoped that Slytherin would win fair and square this time. Harry sat there, disgruntled.
“As if it wasn’t a fair match?” Harry asked, unable to help himself. Draco cleared his throat when Millie’s eyes flew over to Harry. Unable to defend her slight irritation toward the Gryffindor team (Ginny about to jump over the table to choke her), Millie looked around and paused at Hermione who was still standing by them, holding on to her gift.
“Oh Granger,” Millie smiled, “Didn’t see you there.”
There was an audible shift in attention now directed towards Hermione. Unlike Millie’s unusual tidiness, Hermione stood there in her pressed school blouse, pleated grey skirt and her Gryffindor cardigan. Her hair was in a high bun with not a curl in sight. Draco awkwardly smiled at her, unable to feel guilty for kissing her when Millie was right there.
“Came to wish Draco a Happy Birthday?” Millie asked, cocking her head to the side. Hermione glanced back down to her hands and gulped, reminding herself of her small gift. In comparison to some expensive quidditch boots, Hermione felt stupid for spending a few sickles on her gift.
“Yeah,” Hermione forced a smile, and handing Draco her small box, “Happy Birthday.”
She turned over to Goyle and proceeded to talk to him, handing over her second bag of knotgrass so he could give it to Crabbe.
The weight of the box was insignificant. Draco couldn’t imagine anything of worth being inside from how light it was. Millie, being the all to curious girlfriend, nudge Draco.
“Come now, let’s see what Granger gave you,” Millie smiled. She was more than sure no one would be able to top her gift. Draco took off the lid in the box and gulped.
Millie let out a sigh of relief that it wasn’t anything like jewelry.
“Beryl’s Bright Blinks?” Millie read out loud, as she peered into the box. Hermione’s back stiffened but didn’t dare to turn to witness Draco’s reactions. He stupidly smiled at Hermione’s gift.
She must be thinking of it too.
“Awh,” Millie sighed out with feigned kindness, “Cute. Anyways, Draco try them on! Let’s see if it fits!”
Draco felt himself brighten as he shook his head in response, “Actually I think I should do that later. I’m gonna go put all these gifts in my room, if you’ll excuse me.”
Draco stabbed the last piece of pancakes and shoved the fork into his mouth, he chewed as he pecked Millie on her cheek. Shoving his gifts under his arm, he took off feeling happier than ever.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
OWLs were over and although Draco was too drained to attended any kind of celebration, he did find his own way to mark the end of such a tough year. He slept a solid two days after they finished.
He made sure to lock his room properly to avoid anyone bothering his sleep, and when Draco came to, it was a slow dusk, coloring his room a dark murky orange. He inhaled sharply, stretching and cracking his limbs from lack of use. Draco groaned and held his heavy head up, his stomach growling and protesting from the lack of any kind of food.
He smirked and patted his stomach, glancing at his wrist watch. He had enough time to grab a quick bite for dinner, although his stomach was asking for more than just a bite.
There was a slight bit of hesitation when he sat up, his head feeling diszy, but that was quickly discarded when Draco’s stomach protested once more. He huffed, pulling a loose hoodie over his head and jumped into some trousers and trainers. He made good use of them by lightly jogging up to the Great Hall which was nearly empty. He sat alone, scarfing down his food in peace and before he knew it, it was now time to go back to sleep.
Unfortunately, Draco was now more than alert.
Fortunately, Daphne had spotted him at the last moment.
“Draco!” She shouted, trying to get his attention as he exited the Great Hall pleasantly full. Draco blinked lazily as Daphne popped into his line of vision. She rushed towards him looking apologetic.
“Mind covering my patrol shift today?” Daphne licked her lips, “Ron’s- Ronald is in the Hospital Wing, came down with kneazle pox from all the stress.”
“You’re going to visit?” Draco asked, perplexed, “Won’t you catch it?”
“I’ve been with him all this past week,” Daphne rolled her eyes, “I probably already have it.”
“Would Madam Pomfrey even allow-”
“Please,” Daphne bagged, clasping her hands together. Her light eyes rounded out, almost desperate.
That is how Draco found himself up at the top of the Astronomy tower late at night, staring up into the sky after trading spots with Daphne.
He was required to patrol but doing an awful job at it, sitting by the windows just star gazing.
There was an immense weight off his shoulders with exams, with their results pending and would be revealed two days before they leave for summer holidays. He didn't want to boast but he wasn't at all worried about his performance. Draco perhaps over estimated how much would be on their exams or perhaps he had been able to prepare sufficiently over the course of this year.
That said, exams were still exams at the end of the day, but Draco found them entertaining... and challenging, of course, but pleasant.
Draco humbly expected high marks.
Watching a shooting start streak across the sky, another though entered Draco head.
The Map.
He mildly groaned but at least this time he’s have enough time to help Ginny out considering Fred and George had ultimately resigned their help to the cause.
Deep in thought, Draco hadn’t noticed when a body entered until they were a few paces away.
He was joined by Millie who was exhausted having to climb all those stairs to find her boyfriend mindlessly looking up at the stars.
Millie inhaled and approached her boyfriend.
“There you are” Millie sighed, “I’ve been looking for you.”
“Have you?” Draco raised his brows.
“Yes, I heard Daphne was asking around... Since she wanted to help Madam Pomfrey with tending to Ron tonight,” Millie rolled her eyes up as if she couldn’t exactly criticize Daphne, “She’s lucky that Snape advocated for her.”
Draco blinked stupidly. Was he that bad of a friend to not piece two and two together.
“What do you mean?” Draco asked.
“Well since she’s focusing on the Healer selective courses for next year’s subjects, Snape already told Madam Pomfrey she’s a rather gifted at potion theory. I’m sure that she got an Outstanding in her OWLs considering she was the first to finish her exams today,” Millie huffed, “Snape was rather pleased with her, did you see? Probably told her what she should be expecting when results come in, which is not even fair! The rest of us have to wait. Why can't she? And to have her jump start in her interest because of Snape!”
Draco cleared his throat, “That and McGonagall loves Daphne.”
“What!” Millie snapped as if it was a secret she hadn’t known. It was a slight exaggeration considering the McGonagall never expressed any favoritism like Snape, but Daphne in Transfiguration often made the ol’ Witch crack a smile.
Millie let out a jealous scoff and crossed her arms, “Just because of that she’s already shadowing? Really? I thought we only got to do that in second semester, Seventh Year, and with proof of an internship acceptance!”
Draco shrugged and yawned.
“Well, Daphne's really proactive and pursuasive-"
"Am I not?" Millie scoffed.
"She's just worried about Ron," Draco grumbled, slightly amused that Millie's jealousy knew no boundaries. Nevertheless, Draco wanted to move on from this conversation, "I’m surprise I still have it in me to sleep in another twenty hours if I could.”
“Twent-” Millie repeated, “We still have lessons. They start back up tomorrow.”
Draco rolled his eyes, “I think professors will understand if we add an extra day to our weekend. Don’t you think you deserve it?”
“Will they really?” Millie questioned, “After what the Weasley Twins did, Umbridge is cooking something up.”
Draco paused, almost grinning at the reminder that both Fred and George had made their grand exit, dropping out of Hogwarts two days ago, mere weeks before they could complete their Seventh Year.
It was an insane idea but also, completely understandable once one took into consideration Umbridge and who the twins were.
Draco gave a half shrug, “I think there are worse things than getting detention.”
Millie let out a huff and sat next to Draco wrapping her arms around him, leaning her head against his shoulder.
“Well I think it’s better to spend our last weeks of June outside? Don’t you agree?” Millie asked.
Draco, once again, shrugged.
“I haven't received an invitation,” Millie sighed, moving on, “To your Sixteenth.”
Draco raised his brows, watching the two planets in the sky that had caught his attention during their OWLs Astrology charting earlier on: Saturn and Jupiter. He’d forgotten what he wrote for them but he did recall how wonderfully clear it was to see them after he used his brand new bottle of Beryl’s Blink Brights for his Astronomy exam.
It brought a rare smile to his face.
“Oh, no?” Draco murmured out of habit rather than ingesting their conversation. His aloofness to his own grand party did not go unnoticed.
“Do you not want me there?” Millie asked with an edge to her voice and Draco snapped back into the present. He gave her a sheepish smile.
Draco shook his head, “I have no say in who to invite. Besides, knowing my parents they probably invited the worst of their connections.”
“Like?” Millie raised her brows challenging and Draco let out a laugh not willing to tell Millie her parents will most likely be surrounded by the worst kind of Deatheaters.
“What I mean is that even if it’s my party, I do not get a say in it.” Draco rolled his eyes, “They’re in charge of everything. They’re quite old fashion in that way. Mostly family, maybe some of their friends, if I’m lucky enough to invite one friend, I’d probably invite Neville just to annoy them.”
Millie cocked her head, “But you wouldn’t invite me?”
Draco snorted and nuzzled his head against Millie frowned, pausing to think.
“You’re right. If there is anyone that would annoy my parents, it would be you. Considering their strong distaste for you.” Draco joked.
Millie nearly pushed herself off of Draco, giving him a stern look.
“What do you mean they don’t like me?” Millie glared, “What have I done?”
Draco, still smiling, cocked his head quizzically at her, “Mills, come on.”
He chided her, nuzzling his nose into her neck as he pulled her back in.
Millie stood up, fully in another rage that she had the energy for them since OWLs were concluded. She gave him a rather nasty look as she paced around, combing frustrated fingers into her hair.
“No seriously!” Millie scoffed, “Did you tell them all about our fights? Is that why I haven't been formally invited?”
Draco shook his head and blinked at her, “Tell- Millie, you know I hate people knowing anything about my life, much less my parents.”
Millie crossed her arms and scoffed again, “Oh, right. You hate everyone knowing anything about you. Merlin. It’s honestly not a wild thing that others speculate when a couple pairs up, they’re gonna have sex or fight, you know? But telling your parents? How hypocritical!”
Draco was not sure where this fight was going.
“Millie,” He slowly pieced together, “I’m completely aware that people will talk, but you know how my parents are.”
Millie closed her eyes, inhaling as if she was trying to control herself to not explode, and shook her head vehemently.
“How the fuck would I know anything about your parents when you’ve never spoken about them!” Millie raised her voice.
Draco stood up, regarding Millie, because this was the Millie he was used to which brought up a nagging question in his head.
This was the Millie he expected to face when he returned from Daphne’s. The Millie he knew would be exactly like this with small inconsistencies. Why hadn't Millie been like this at the party?
And now that he recalled Daphne’s party, it was like he was remembering a completely different Millie.
“Because I told you how much I hate them,” Draco narrowed his eyes suspiciously, “When you told them you wanted to be Minister.”
“Minis-” Millie cut herself off and let out a dry laugh, “When? When have I ever met your parents and said I wanted to be Minister? I said I wanted to have a family before I focus on myself. Merlin! It’s like your fucking float off into a fantasy world when I talk! You never listen to me...”
Millie’s voice trailed off, her body still animated on her rant, but Draco’s mind was miles away. Unbeknownst to Millie, Draco had a fantastic recollection of memory retrieval. Even if it was hazy or a while back, all Draco needed to do was focus and eventually he’d have the memory right there in the front of his head to relive it.
He had clear memories of Daphne’s party. All he had to do was breath and close his eyes and it was all there. Millie in Daphne’s stunning dress. Millie in front of his parents. The way Millie was nervous and still found a way to tick his parents off.
When they danced. Millie had been shy to admit she was a terrible dancer.
And that kiss...
The whisper of a truth hit him like a ton of bricks.
The more he recalled of the night he remembered a very specific detail.
The rampant use of Polyjuice potion right in front of his face.
Draco felt a very new feeling he hadn’t ever felt and that was on the same level of rage Millie was feeling as she paced around, counting off some list Draco hadn’t been paying attention to.
If his suspicions were correct, the way he suddenly was very attracted to Millie that night the way he hadn’t before...
Draco’s face twisted in pure utter shame.
There was no way.
Draco watched Millie still shouting and pacing around. He kept the burning question to himself in order to minimize Millie’s anger. If he’d ask her about Daphne’s party, he was sure that she would explode if she confirmed she wasn’t there.
He had confessed everything to the wrong person.
“I apologize for ignoring you.” Draco ducked his head, “And I understand if you refuse to forgive me. I must admit, I wasn’t sure how to address the situation nor did I want to. But you must know that Hermione and I...”
“Friends, you said, only friends. Right?” Millie nodded in confirmation, her hands opening up in Draco’s clutch, her fingertips brushing up against his and they slowly began to intertwine.
“H- have you ever...” Millie paused gathering her thoughts, “Thought of Hermione in any other way?”
“Yes,” He honestly said.
Had it been really Millie, Draco was a fool for thinking she would easily take him back or be calm after confessing her worst nightmare to her face.
Millie hated Hermione and it had only really sunk in for Draco because she was valid in her suspicions.
After that small kiss from Hermione, Draco pathetically kneeled at Hermione's beck and will.
He’d never admit to anyone but he had kept a rather close eye on Hermione this past week. He liked how the nape of her neck had bits of hair that curled at her hairline. He liked the way she would exhale when she found something on her exam rather challenging. Best yet, Draco loved how her brows fixated up when she was focusing, because that meant all her attention was there to pluck out every single detail that needed to be inspected and analyzed.
It was the same look she’d given him plenty of times, especially sharing that small kiss.
It gave Draco a flutter of hope to, somehow, open the conversation to Hermione but this...
The twist of narrative he wasn’t privy to...
When Draco shifted his thoughts to the polyjuice potion and Millie...
Draco let out a dry laugh.
And Ginny.
Ginny was at Millie’s side when they notoriously hated each other... Hermione in place of Millie made more sense.
He didn’t need to press Millie about her attendance. He was sure what her answer would be. All the blundering confusion and trying to make this relationship work based on a falsity, now made sense. It wasn’t OWLs that dampened their relationship nor the fact that he was miserable from an injury. He couldn’t even blame quidditch which had been his biggest mood ruiner.
The Millie in front of him now should have been the Millie in his memories. The real Millie would have slapped him for betraying her in such a way the second he admitted he loved Hermione and that her hunch wasn’t wrong.
He had led her on all the while having feelings for someone she clearly disliked now.
Draco inwardly groaned. Deep in his gut he knew but the anger in him that he had been fooled, confessing his love of Hermione right in her face without realizing it.
Her kiss felt even more pathetic them more he thought about it. How much he enjoyed it the way he had. Draco had been ready to drag “Millie” to his room and...
A soft scoff of disbelief left his lips, the same lips Hermione had kissed possibly out of pity. Draco couldn't see why else she would actually kiss him unless she felt sorry for him for falling for her, someone who would never return his feelings. It only made sense when Draco realized that Hermione was privy to his feelings for her.
What a set up...
The debilitating shame finally consumed him and without warning he turned on his heel and stormed away, leaving Millie shouting after him, the rest of her argument falling on deaf ears.