Pureblood Academy Host Club

Pureblood Academy Host Club

Chapter 3 Be Wary of Physical Examinations

Pureblood Academy is defined by one: prestigious families and two: wealth, and three: prosperous people who have a quantity of time on their hands. Therefore, the Pureblood Academy Host Club is all about shockingly handsome men with that same quantity of spare time giving comfortable hospitality to women of prestige who have such time as well. That is an elegant game unique to this incredibly wealthy school.

The blossoms had come and the bright pink of the cherry trees gave the garden of Pureblood Academy a gorgeous cloudy atmosphere. Tables with lovely, delicate tea sets over white table cloths were littered about the courtyard. In the midst of it all, stood seven youths of surprising beauty.

As the courtyard gates opened and a large group of young women filed in, the seven youths called out a echoing greeting of, "Welcome!"

It wasn't long before each table was filled with the gale and laughter of young women being catered to in their seats. Soft voices of quiet affection and endearment whispered their way over the tea cups as the cherry blossoms sprinkled the white lace of the tablecloths.

"My Princess, which cup would you like your tea in? This Foley cup; this Worcester one; or perhaps this Susie's Gardenia?"

"Ah, how lovely! These are British antiques, are they not? What type do you prefer, Draco?"

Draco raised the hand of his companion right then as he leaned close to her, staring ardently into her blushing, averted eyes. "Of course, I'd choose the princess here for my dessert, if you don't mind," he muttered, a small smile curling on the right of his lips.

"You've never been to the Covent Garden?"

"No, I've only been to Portobello as far as antique markets are concerned."

"The place is quite enchanting. These Victorian wares were all purchased from there-"

A crash rang out as Fred accidentally bumped into his brother. Hot tea splashed over Fred's left hand, and he stifled a cry. George whirled around in surprise, clasping his brother's hand quickly. Fred gazed bravely at his burnt index finger as George carefully, and very lightly, kissed his brother's finger.

Both girls at the table slid forward in their chairs, eyeing the scene with particular fascination.

George pulled away and gave his brother a half-exasperated smile. "It's because you were distracted," he sighed. "I should be your only distraction."

Fred looked at his twin with something like adoration as he whispered his name. "George," he sighed.

One girl fell back in a swoon. "Ahh, I can't take it anymore! It's too beautiful!"

The other girl grasped her arm. "No, no! Don't waste it; there's only a limited amount of time when we can see all this. Keep watching!"

A dark-haired youth stepped forward from behind them, his reading glasses low on his nose. "That is precise, my guests," he offered softly.

They turned and looked up in awe at Tom Riddle, his deep grey eyes gazed thoughtfully at the pink blossom in his hand. "Just like these cherry blossoms," he continued, "beauty is such an ephemeral entity. Indeed, it shall always look different each moment of the day." He carelessly dropped the petals and pulled out what appeared to be a pamphlet labelled Weasley's Wizard Wiles (perfect photobook).

Both girls jumped up in alarm as he presented them with it.

"I have made a photo collection that captures all these beautiful scenes that take place everyday," Tom announced, his eyes narrowing as he pulled out three others, each with a different photo of the host members on the cover. "By the way, while there's a version for each one of our members, if you buy them all, there is also a special set price."

"I'll buy them all!" cried the first girl desperately, fiddling for her money purse.

The twins watched this with some exasperation. "So that's how we fund ourselves," they said.

"However..." continued Fred.

"...I don't recall pictures being taken of us," added George.

There was a corner of the outdoor tea even dedicated to relaxation potion-making. Colin, Hermione and Theodore appeared to have taken charge of that corner. The guests sat on the mat with them as Colin took a mortar and pestle in his hand. He spilled the Oriental seeds into the mortar and began to grind. He ground with such dedication and energy leaving those around him only to watch.

Seconds ticked by.

Hermione watched with some trepidation. Should I tell him? she thought.

Colin continued as the rest of the group watched quietly, the tension rising with each turn of Colin's arm and the splash of each drop on the mat.

Finally, a soft, low voice rose in some admonishment. "Colin," Theodore muttered, "you've spilled too much."

Colin froze.

He said it! screamed Hermione in her head.

Colin raised his pestle and looked down into the tiny bowl where there lay only a splash of liquid. Horror seemed to still Colin as his wide eyes squinted with wetness and his lip trembled.

One guest seized the bowl with a quick movement. "Col, I'll take it! It's just fine like this!" She downed the liquid in one go as the other nodded, saying,

"Yes, this is exactly the amount I intended to drink! That's amazing, Col; how did you know?"

"Really?" cried Colin, his bright eyes shining with vindication.

Hermione breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

The cool Spring air seemed not to mind the presence of the sun flying high behind the clouds as the big clock struck four in the afternoon. Hermione looked up at the clock and gave yet another sigh of relief.

"Harry," said Draco. "What do you think?"

Hermione turned on her heel and looked at Draco, standing under the shade, his hand on his hip and his face cast haughtily away. "Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked.

Hermione shrugged.

Draco raised his right hand as he faced Hermione, indicating what may have been the entire courtyard. "A cherry blossom viewing banquet is not a bad idea either, am I right? Like a blossom in full bloom, indeed, in our case, we're busier being loved than spreading love to others."

Hermione remained impassive as she replied, "Draco, you're in 'full bloom' in many senses."

Draco gave her a fierce look. "Well said! Yes, today, I am blooming more proudly than anyone! Is it now that you shall fall for me?"

Hermione stared at him incredulously. This person is living his life without any knowledge of the hardships of living in this world.

Draco opened his mouth to continue, but the two twins jumped in. George wrapped his arm around her from behind and Fred took her hand in his. "Harry!" they sang. "Have you decided on what to take for your elective courses this semester?"

Draco raised a finger as if to interrupt.

"How about Ancient Runes?" suggested Fred.

"Hmm, maybe," speculated Hermione.

"We should just take the same courses," offered George before turning to Draco with a mean smile. "You know, since we're...."

"...in the same year!" both twins chorused with the same mean smile directed at Draco.

Draco's mouth fell open as he reached out a pathetic hand. With a sad sigh, he turned and faced a nearby tree as his knees gave out. He was working towards a Sprawl of Despair.

Tom stood nearby in case the occurring events backfired. Draco glanced at him wearily as he approached. "Mom," he sighed.

Tom gave Draco a disdainful look, but replied as he opened his clipboard. "What is it...Dad?"

Draco glared at the tree before him, but he went on. "This is just...yes, this is just conjecture, but compared to me, who only spends time with her in the club, do Fred and George, whom are in the same class as Hermione, spend more time with...and consequently, get more chances to get to know her more?"

Tom didn't look at Draco. "What? You're only noticing just now?"

Draco let out a sound which was the mixture of a soulful howl and a sob at the shattering moon.

Tom didn't notice. "In one day," he went on, "Fred, George, and Hermione spend nine hours together on the school grounds. However, your interactions with Hermione are limited to the one to two hour time period in this club. Another way to put it would be that the amount of time you actually take part in Harry's daily life is but a mere three percent."

Draco wailed. "I don't want to hear it! I don't want to hear it!"

Hermione turned at the noise at which Draco seized her. "Harry! You should not spend any more time with those sociopath twins anymore!"

"Sociopath?!" George exclaimed.

"How dare you!" cried Fred.

Draco gazed at Harry in a sudden horror. "Oh yeah! All faults lie on the fact that you're hiding your gender as a girl from everyone!" Here he clenched his fist in a representation of emotional agony. "You need to return to your normal female student life, surround yourself with female friends, and have a healthy student lifestyle; that is daddy's wish!"

"And who, might I ask, is daddy?" Hermione scoffed.

He seized her once again and began to shake her in the effort at casting out demons. "Revert back! You must revert back now!"

The twins were smirking. "There's no need to hurry," George quipped. "Besides, they'll find out in the near future."

"Remember, they day after tomorrow are physical examinations."

Hermione wrenched herself free of Draco's grip and turned on the twins. "Physical...examinations?"

There was a solid silence as the entire host club stared at Harry. She was beginning to get used to their looks of utter astonishment.

"Ah yes; it's in two days, isn't it?" Tom sighed loftily.

Hermione stared back. "So then..." she murmured, "they really will find out....that I'm a girl."

A crash of lightning could not have broken the hush that fell over the group just then. Colin cupped his hands over his mouth and the twins clasped each other's hands while the other two remained frozen. Tom returned to his clipboard.

Giggles and whispers wriggled their way into the air in one direction. The breeze was stealing the breath of those watching, as Hermione, stood there, forlorn in a soft, yellow dress, her short dark hair crowned with a white hair band. She seemed troubled at the stares around her.

"Hermione!" Draco called from a distance.

The lovely figure turned at the voice and faced Draco with worried, but relieved eyes. Draco, book-bag under his arm, hand in his pocket, hailed her with a casual flick of his wrist. The by-standers...by-stood with admiration and intrigue in their expressions.

"Waiting for me?" Draco tossed at her, his eyebrow raised.

Hermione dropped her eyes.

"What's the matter, dearest; you've such a gloomy look about you."

She bit her lip and looked away. "Because...because it's like everyone's looking right at me." A cute blush spread over her little nose. "Hermione is troubled," she pouted.

Draco reached out and took her face in his hands right before wrapping his hand about her waist. "They're looking at you because you're beautiful. Don't worry, I will protect you."

Hermione's small hands clutched at Draco's jacket as she rested her cheek on his shoulder. "If you would do that, Draco, then that's all Hermione asks for...."

Draco, wide-eyed and seated in an armchair at the back of the music room, gave a small significant smile to himself.

Colin and the twins, watching him nearby, raised their eyebrows as he uttered a mild giggle.

"Looks like Draco is enjoying himself!" Colin exclaimed complacently.

"I'd say he's pretty sad, myself," George remarked.

Draco, upon hearing their voices, jumped up from his daydream. "Don't be jealous, George! I knew all along that this would happen! Even without all your jealousies, I saw this result from the very beginning!"

The rest of the host club minus Hermione stood gaping thoughtfully at Draco as he gestured wildly.

"Yes! This story is a school-based, alternate-universe, romantic comedy to begin with! Hermione and I are the main characters of this romantic comedy!"

The twins were looking mutinous. "And what are we?"

Draco whirled on them, his grin quite complacent. "Obviously, the rest of you are the homosexual sideline characters. You handle the comic side of the romantic comedy!" He drew a quick invisible line across the floor. "So don't cross this line."

"We're getting a little pissed," both twins chorused.

"And besides...." said George.

"...do you really understand, my Lord?" Fred continued.

"If they find out that 'mione is a girl," Colin offered, "she won't be able to stay at the Host Club anymore."

Draco froze.

"Also, if 'mione wears girl's clothing, she'll look more and more cuter!" he continued.

"At her old school, she walked around in girl's clothing normally," Fred added. "She must have been popular with the blokes, eh?"

"Yes," Tom drawled. "According to my investigations, she usually received a confession of love from someone about once every month."

"Ahh," supplied Fred. "Then our Lord won't be able to get close to her anymore."

"Well, we don't mind since we're in the same class she is," George affirmed.

Draco gave an irritable twitch before bursting out. "How can that be?!"

It was just then that the music door opened and Hermione's head poked in. "Sorry, mates; I had to hand in my extra-credit assignment."

Probably for the third time that week, Draco seized her about the shoulders. "Don't worry, Hermione! At tomorrow's physical examination, your secret about being a girl will be protected by us! So please stay as our very own princess!"

Hermione blinked. "Sorry?"

George shrugged, looking at Fred. "It's true that we'd find it irritating if other guys spoke with Hermione."

"Then it's settled!" Fred replied.

"Well, then, fellow team members, please reconfirm your positioning in formation A for tomorrow's physical examination!" Draco barked, his hand gesturing at the nearby white board, labelled, "THE GREAT STRATEGIC PLAN TO HIDE HARRY'S GENDER. A.K.A HARRY IS ABSOLUTELY A GUY!"

The twins saluted as Colin broke into awed applause. Both Theodore and Tom remained impassive.

Harry, watching from a distance, seemed to have come to a realisation. "Oh, I see how it is! If they find out, I won't be able to be a host or be able to settle my debt!" She turned and looked out the wide window contemplatively. "The amount remaining that I have to repay is about five million three hundred and thirty-three thousand and three hundred and thirty-two pounds."

There was silence as Hermione seemed to think on this. Draco and the twins watched her from their end of the music room.

"Well," sighed Hermione with a half-shrug. "I'll think up some other method."

The twins, in shock, whirled on Draco. "Captain," they cried, "the target herself has no will to do this at all!"

Draco clenched his teeth. "What an uncooperative heroine..."

Hermione walked over to the nearest table and sat down quietly, not meeting the eyes of the other host members.

Draco brandished his finger at her in outrage. "Do you hate being a host that much?! Do you hate this club that much?!" he cried.

"Well, as you're asking, yes, I do," she returned shortly, folding her hands.

Draco's ability to recreate his Sprawl of Despair could only be admired as his own little corner appeared five shades darker.

Hermione snapped at him. "You really can't do anything about it if they find out I'm a girl!"

Everyone else stared at her with some incredulity.

"What a way to decrease our motivation," George muttered.

"What we should be taking care of is this lack of drive in Harry," Fred pointed out.

Theodore rubbed his chin speculatively before muttering the quiet word, "Lobster..."

Hermione jumped up from her seat and looked at the rest of the host club as they all seemed to think the same thing at once. Hermione paused in her apprehension.

Draco turned from his position against the wall, a slow smile curling over his lips. His eyes were bright with malice. "Ah, yes," he said. "At our last dance party, you didn't get to try any, am I right?"

The twins heads bowed together as George whispered conspiratorially. "Did you know?" He murmured loudly to Fred behind his hand. "That person there never had a taste of lobster before?"

"Oh my," returned Fred, his eyes lighting up with mock-pity. "What a pitiful upbringing."

Colin didn't look at Hermione, but addressed his little stuffed rabbit on purpose. "You'd be able to eat all kinds of delicious food if you stay in this club."

Hermione laughed quickly and waved her hand in dismissal. "Wh-what are you talking about? Just because I'm not as wealthy...and just because I'll be able to have lobster aren't reasons to keep on hiding my gender. I'm not completely obsessed with food..." Hermione paused, her eyebrows drawing together with concern. "How often do we get to eat it, though?"

Triumph gleamed on each of their faces as Hermione looked away, flushing.

The Next Morning...

The P.A. speaker rang out over the school grounds. "Physical examinations shall begin now! All students, please proceed to your respective infirmary according to your dormitory and/or homeroom."

The corridor's filled with the chatter of students as they moved down the hallways, their footsteps beating a loud drum against the pure marble floors.

"And?" said Hermione, trailing behind the two twins. "What's the formation A in our plan? And exactly what do you do for the physical examination at Pureblood Academy?"

George turned and walked backwards as Fred followed suit. "Standard procedure; a physical examination is the same anywhere."

Fred gave a laugh. "Wouldn't it be horrible if there was a difference in medical procedure between rich people and poor people?"

Both twins laughed as Hermione gave a weak smile. "I see. Yeah, you're right. That wouldn't make any sense," she sighed, as they approached the infirmary. She reached out and opened the door. As majority of the rooms at the academy were lined with high windows, the sun promoted a glare across the entrance and the blinding light added true effect to the line-up of several nurses at the entrance, singing, "Welcome!"

Hermione stumbled back onto George's foot, who complained loudly. "Wh-what is this?"

George walked past her, hands in his pocket and nonplussed. "Like we said; a physical examination."

Fred breezed by as well. "Yeah, standard procedure."

"Standard?" Hermione echoed faintly, following behind them. She watched warily as two nurses stepped forward with a curtsey.

"Weasley brothers, please come over here to measure your height," one of them instructed as a few others stepped forward.

" 'Kay!" they both chorused.

Hermione still found herself in a state of confusion as another nurse approached her. "Mr. Potter, sir, I shall be accompanying you."

"Okay...." She returned slowly as the nurse ushered her down the carpet.

The nurse smiled. "Yes, please follow me." Hermione felt her hand being taken as she walked behind the nurse past different cubicles where different examinations were taking place. As she walked, she caught sight of something out the corner of her eye. Colin and Theodore were standing side by side outside one cubicle, the both of them in doctor's jackets and thick spectacles. Several of the students were passing them, eyeing their attire suspiciously.

"Col? Theo?" Hermione hissed, stopping in her tracks. "What are you doing?"

Both boys raised their fingers and made shushing motions as they pointed to the students around them.

"Is this part of the plan? It's so glaringly obvious," Hermione muttered.

Tom approached her, ignoring the looks of adoration of the girls behind him. "Those two are there in case of emergency," he explained dispassionately.

"And what's the point of their disguise?"

Tom smirked. "Just helping with the atmosphere," he returned politely. "Do you not think that making things look like a real plan may heat things up?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and looked away to catch sight of a rather large girl on a scale with doctors and nurses surrounding her. "Lady Millicent! You've lost two kilos compared to last year!"

The nurses surrounding her broke into happy applause.

The girl called Millicent clapped her hands as well, grinning at the doctor. "Ahh, and I thought I definitely gained some!"

"No, no, in fact, I'd even suggest you get a bit healthier to keep up the progress," the doctor returned cheerfully.

Hermione's eyebrow's rose. "And what on earth is with this kind of reception?"

Tom delicately closed his clipboard as he eyed Hermione from the corner of his reading glasses. "It is in consideration of the superintendent's daughter. Everything is still about business even though this is a school. Making all the students happy is of utmost priority. And first of all, students at this school usually have their own family doctors already. This annual event is just formality."

"Rich bastards...." Hermione muttered.

Tom smirked as he watched Hermione follow after her nurse, but his train of thought was broken as a shoulder crashed into his. He looked around and met the gaze of a grey-haired, poorly shaven frightened-looking man. "I-I'm so sorry," he spluttered.

Tom watched him shrewdly, his gaze narrowing. "Quite all right," he replied slowly.

The other man rushed away; seemingly unaware of the fact that Tom was frowning at his back with a look of deep calculation.

"Messrs. Fred and George Weasley, please come over here for your chest measurements," a cheerful nurse called to Fred and George.

It appeared as if a large crowd of young women were standing nearby as the twins approached the infirmary curtain.

"Please take off your clothing behind those curtains," the nurse further instructed.

George turned his head haughtily as he shed his jacket. "That won't be necessary..."

"Even without curtains," Fred continued, unbuttoning his white shirt, "we don't mind undressing."

A huge raucous broke out from the large crowd of girls nearby as the two shed their shirts and raised their eyebrows at one another.

Hermione watched this with some apprehension.

"And actually," Tom offered with a new grin, "this physical examination has become quite popular. Many of the students have claimed that it has become a necessity. Girls, namely."

"Girls at this school are really..." Hermione thought as she watched George step sinuously toward Fred.

"This is intolerable," he was saying, just soft enough to sound sultry and just loud enough that the onlookers might hear. "Having others touch your body just because they're doctors...."

Fred closed his eyes as his brother's fingers grazed his cheek. "What are you saying?" he murmured back. "You always play doctor with me when we're at home and you have always played with my body to the fullest...."

A shudder of screams resounded throughout the infirmary and Hermione was shocked to see the doctors and nurses smile quite indulgently at this obscene behaviour.

It was in the din of those screams that Colin began to push Hermione sideways, whispering, "O.K, this way, 'Mione! Now!" Nott gave Hermione one last strong push and Hermione found herself being pushed backwards into a set of curtains. She stumbled back, her arms flailing and she fell straight into a pair of arms. A voice leaned very close to her as his words feathered across the back of her neck.

"I've been waiting for you, my princess," the voice said, and Hermione looked up. Draco looked down at her with a bit of a wicked smile. Gasping, she stumbled away and hit the floor, her eyes still wide from the sudden surprise.

"Malfoy!" she cried exasperatedly.

Draco looked pleased, ruining the affect. "Yes! You're cutest when you're surprised as well!"

Hermione managed to fill her next expression with an extra supply of disdain.

"Mr. Potter?" said a voice outside the curtain. "We'll be doing chest measurements now. Please come out when you're done removing your clothing."

A shriek was heard from outside the curtain as a girl squealed. "Oh! It's Harry's turn now! We'll finally get to see!"

Draco stood and gazed down ominously at Hermione. His eyes narrowed. "And finally, the time has come." His bright eyes affected a look of martyrdom. "Well then, you wait here, Harry."

Hermione blinked up at him as he quickly unbuttoned his shirt. "What are you going to do?" she asked worriedly.

His finger touched her lips to shush her. "Don't worry," he whispered. "I'll protect you."

Hermione watched him pass her to exit the curtain barrier.

"I...will protect you," he murmured once more.

"Mr. Potter? Are you done undressing?" called the nurse, not minding the scramble of several young student girls to get a closer look.

The curtain was abruptly pushed aside. A tall young man with jet-black hair, a lean, but lightly muscled figure stood, leaning against the curtain frame. His white shirt was unbuttoned half way as his chest lay exposed. Everyone stared blankly at the grey-eyed beauty.

"Yeah," he replied in a soft voice. "Harry Potter, here."

A movement of puzzlement ran through the crowd until finally one girl muttered loudly. "Isn't that Draco Malfoy?"

Draco's face fell.

"Yeah, that's Mr. Malfoy no matter how you look at it," said another voice.

"Is he role-playing?" whispered another.

"What is Draco playing at?"

Hermione, from behind him, slouched to the floor once more, completely overwhelmed at the stupidity of some of mankind.

That was when the twins, watching from nearby, burst out laughing. "I can't believe he actually did it!" George wheezed.

"There's no way anyone would have fallen for that!"

They were in tears on the floor as Draco gave them a look of abject horror and betrayal. With a sound like that of an angry cat, he pulled off the black wig and charged at the twins. "You two said they'd never find out this way!"

George still in tears, laughed loudly. "Ha ha ha! This is just a little revenge for calling us the homosexual sideline characters!"

Draco, his teeth set, threw George away from him and turned tentatively back to the curtain to see how Hermione felt about the situation. He pulled the curtain back a little. "Harry? Th-they saw through my disguise."

Hermione, standing with her back to him, turned, her eyes flashing with ill-concealed rage.

Draco only managed to escape with his sanity as he began to wail outside the curtain.

Why did I depend on him? He's just a person living in his own relaxed, pampered world, she thought angrily.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a hand on her shoulder. She looked up into Tom's shrewd gaze. "Now then, Harry; I've arranged for a special male student doctor in another room. I merely asked her to keep a secret."

The rest of the host club peeked in. One of the twins was smirking. "All the doctors that are here today," George said, "are from the Riddle hospital, apparently."

"He could've told us in the first place," Fred shrugged loftily.

Tom inclined his head in their direction. "You misjudge me; it is mainly that I do not take kindly to being called a homosexual sideline character, either."

Hermione had no clue as to what any of them were talking about. She frowned at Draco as she passed out into the hall. Draco could only look crest-fallen.

Hermione knocked on the door labelled, "Special Male Student Nurse's Office." A light voice called out, "Yes? Enter!"

Hermione stepped inside.

"Miss Potter, am I right? I'm aware of your situation. Just step behind that curtain and remove your clothes over there."

"OK," she answered, stepping over to the dressing room.

Tom, Colin, and Theodore walked along the infirmary where they'd heard a shout. A girl was crying, exclaiming things in harsh tones.

"It's true!" the voice cried.

They turned a corner and saw one young female student sitting in a chair. She was gasping, and in between sobs she explained, "There was a doctor that grabbed my shoulders, and I'm sure he was trying to do something improper! I could only fight him and run."

"Oh my, how scary!" exclaimed another girl.

"What a pervert!"

"So I was right after all," Tom sighed.

The others looked at him in askance.

"There was a man I just saw. He may have been wearing a white coat, but I know he most certainly doesn't work at Riddle Hospital."

"Why didn't you mention anything?!" the twins demanded.

Tom gave a flippant gesture. "Ah well, security guards will get him right away."

"Where did this guy head?" a doctor asked the girl.

The girl shook her head as if to remember. "Ah, he went towards the special male student nurse's office."

The group froze, and Draco could already be seen in quick recovery as he made for the door.

Hermione was only just removing her tie and shedding the loose white shirt when she heard the curtain behind her slip open and closed. She turned in inquiry as a man with bright, frightened eyes approached her.

"Erm...." She began.

His hand covered her mouth. "No! No! Don't make any noise!" he hissed desperately.

"Harry!" cried a voice.

The man only had time to turn as Draco's foot connected with his chest. Draco landed, his shirt flying up behind him. The twins, Colin, Theodore and Tom followed close behind. Draco removed his shirt and dropped it over Hermione's shoulders. His expression was predatory as he walked slowly towards the man, now scrambling away from the twins. The twins already had him by the arms in no time.

"Please spare my life!" the man cried.

Hermione was still in shock as she looked up to find the entire host club flanking her. She looked back at the pathetic man on the floor.

"I-I run a small clinic in the neighbouring town," the man stammered, now apparently sharing his sob-story. "My name is Quack. Dr. Quack."

The group looked incredulous at his name.

"They actually exist," one of the twins muttered.

"I really just wanted to see my daughter, who left the house with my wife last month so I came all the way to school."

"Why did your wife and daughter leave you?" Hermione inquired.

He looked up at her, tears in his eyes. "Yeah. That's because I wouldn't stop guarantying for loans. I promised my wife I wouldn't, but my friends would always approach me for them. We were soon broke. The truth is, I am really bad at managing my clinic, and I have a hard time saying no to other people. They just got tired of a life filled with debt. I just...want to see my daughter once more."

The host club stared at him with uncomfortable pity. Draco looked as if he would explode from sympathy.

"On my way here, I got caught in the rain, then I got lost. I finally reached the school and for some reason, they mistook me for a physical examination doctor."

"Well, you're wearing a white coat," Fred supplied.

"Anyone would take you for a doctor," George added.

"And so," the doctor said, ignoring them, "I approached one girl to ask her where my daughter was and she screamed. My only option was to become a fugitive!" He cried, half-sobbing.

Draco fell to the floor near him and cried in the same tone. "What an unfortunate man!"

Tom watched this expressionlessly. "Could it be...that the school you're looking for is the public school Purity High School?"

The doctor looked up. "Yes, and?"

"Then you've got the wrong school," he replied laconically. "This is Pureblood Academy, not your daughter's school."

The man blanched.

"You didn't even know what school your daughter goes to?" George exclaimed with some distaste.

"Maybe they got tired of that aspect of you instead of the debts," Fred supplied.

Colin looked up at Tom with some respect. "Tom, you actually figured out he was looking in the wrong school."

Tom gave what resembled a sneer, but not quite as vulgar. "There's no way a daughter from such a small clinic would attend this school."

Hermione gave him a sharp look, which he ignored.

"Tom," Draco said suddenly, not looking up. "Prepare a map with directions to the public high school in the neighbouring town for this person."

Both Tom and Hermione looked at him in surprise. Hermione more so as Tom turned with a faint, "Very well."

It was as the man turned and waved his good-byes at the host club from the pathway below that George said, "You sure it's all right to leave things as is?"

"Seeing as how it appears his daughter has given up on him," Fred nodded as they looked out the window down the cherry tree paths of the courtyard.

There was a pause before Draco gave a sigh.

"It's in this way, he'll know which direction to take. Whether it's from his daughter's motivation or ours, it doesn't matter. At least he has something to ascertain himself with."

Hermione looked at Draco, who didn't seem to notice. His smile was faint and her eyebrows drew together as she studied him for a moment. With a bite of her lip, she turned back to face the window.

"Pardon me, you guys," she said suddenly, and they all looked at her. "Would you all mind leaving?"

They all jumped back with expressions of disbelief. Draco choked, and then spluttered. "Harry? Are you still angry at me? Don't tell me you're going to quit the host club?!"

Her dark hair shone in the light from the window as she replied, "I have to continue my physical examination, right?" Here she turned with a faint smile in Draco's direction. "As a male student?"

They all grinned brightly as Draco stood before her, shirtless and trembling. His lips quivered as his eyes glittered with ill-concealed mirth.

"Ah, but I'm not doing this because of the food," she said sharply at them. "It's because I want to repay my debt."

Draco's cheeks flushed and his eyes widened. "Oh my God, you're too cute!" he cried, seizing her with his arms. The twins broke into glares and began shouting as Hermione, herself, let out a shriek of surprise.

"Be honest, you really just want to eat lobster with us!" Draco cried. "And the fact that you're hiding this is just too adorable!"

"Stop it!" Hermione shrieked.

"Stop him!" the twins ordered. "We have the real sex offender on our hands!"

"Who cares! Just, all of you, GET OUT!"

Overall, the day had been a successful one and Hermione could only smile as the door closed behind them.