Enchanted

Enchanted

Chapter 7: "Dinner and a Play: Starring one vengeful Hermione Granger and a duped Draco Malfoy"

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Sirius stopped short outside the ruby-red phone booth staring intently at the final footprint; Harry was by his side casually glancing around on the alert for overly curious Muggles; Ron and Elizabeth stood back casting sideways glances at each other, unsure what to do. Sirius sighed and crouched down by the lamppost, where the footprints vanished. He spotted a small, torn patch of periwinkle blue cloth and, picking it up, handed the tiny bit of evidence to Harry.

"That's Hermione's!" Harry exclaimed, eyes wide as he examined the material. "It's a piece of the robe I gave her for Christmas two years ago."

"You're right!" Elizabeth cried, snatching the cloth from Harry's grip. "She loves that robe; I've seen her in it at least a million times at work."

"I hate to be the bearer of reality, but Hermione's not here. How is that bloody bit of robe going to help?" asked Ron tiredly.

Elizabeth's sky blue eyes clouded over with disappointment. Ron wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, taking the periwinkle blue square from her and handing it back to Harry. Harry sadly slipped it into his pocket and glanced over at Sirius, who appeared very pensive at the moment.

"Well Sirius? Any ideas?" Harry prompted, studying the ragged ex-Marauder carefully.

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"No, no and NO! This is inhumane!" Hermione's protests sounded from behind the bathroom door.

Draco rolled his eyes as he leaned casually against the balcony door frame, arms crossed in boredom.

"Incase you haven't noticed, you're a captive. Inhumanity is apart of the packaged deal," Malfoy drawled from his spot.

"I am NOT wearing this!"

Malfoy sighed, glancing at his wrist watch.

"Did you see this neckline?"

The blonde released a low chuckle.

"Nevermind, don't answer that."

"Granger, I know it takes nothing short of a miracle to make you look presentable, but could you hurry it up in there? Dinner starts in five bloody minutes!" Malfoy shouted at the bathroom door, willing the witch inside to emerge ready to go.

"Somebody's impatient..."

"Bleeding hell, I'm just hungry. Now hurry your arse up!"

Draco turned around, expecting to see the white bathroom door. Instead, standing uncertainly in the doorway, was an enchantress. A deep rose-colored dress donned Hermione's petite figure. Two wide straps that thinned at the bottom connected to a modest, yet daring neckline. The dress hugged every soft curve, stopping above the ankles. One slit ran up the right side to mid-thigh. Black platform sandals adorned her feet. Hermione's hair was drawn partially back into a clip, allowing curls to escape to frame her face. She wore only minimal make-up: a little silver eyeshadow, a dab of blush, and lipgloss.

Draco pulled his mouth shut, staring.

"What? Do I look that horrid?" Hermione asked wide-eyed, turning as if to run and lock herself back inside the bathroom.

"You look fine for a prisoner," Draco whispered, attempting to regain his composure. "Come on then, we're already late."

Hermione trailed Malfoy's footsteps throughout the house, surreptitiously glancing at the décor. No matter how many times she looked--Hermione found--there was always a new painting to inspect or statue to admire; such as the portrait of a life-sized fairy shyly pecking a handsome (and remarkably clean) stable boy on the cheek. La Masion de Roses was a place filled to the brim with romanticism; passion and representations of love seeped from each and every part of the beautiful castle. Hermione was jarred from her thoughts as Malfoy stopped at a tall, wide oak door. Tiny roses delicately carved into the panels in a haphazard, yet orderly matter stood out like a Picasso painting that had some sort of method to it.

"Is there a door in this sodding castle that doesn't have roses engraved on it?" Malfoy muttered under his breath, sticking out his elbow to Hermione.

Hermione stared at the offered arm, confusion spread over her features. Malfoy rolled his eyes, taking Hermione's nearest arm and looping it through.

"We're hitched, remember Hermione? Do you want to give our identity away because you're being stubborn? Besides, it's not as if I actually want to touch you."

Shooting and icy glare--and attempting as much as humanly possible to ignore the giddy sensation shooting up her spine--Hermione stepped up to the doorway and entered with Malfoy.

"Ah! Monsieur and Madam Dantés! Welcome!" the butler from the reception greeted courteously, motioning with his white-gloved hnd to two places at the grand table. Hermione stared in awe. The dinning room was as grand as the rest of the castle. Elaborate crystal chandeliers hung from the high, rose-carved ceilings. Fine silverware and silver candelabras sat primly atop the lace tablecloth. Hermione peered closely at the utensils and the cloth, noticing the castle's characteristic logo carved and embroidered in them. Malfoy pulled out the high-backed chair out for Hermione then casually slid into the seat next to her.

Breaking out of her reverie, Hermione sarcastically replied "Thank you darling."

Malfoy eyed Hermione, daring her to continue. Tired of his meaningless threats, Hermione hardened her gaze. Steel clashed with cinnamon. Hermione refused to back down, openly challenging him.

"Hem-hem," a voice jarred them from their stare-down.

" 'Onestly, zees newlyweds. Can't take zeir eyes off eachother," an elderly French woman huffed, delicately placing the dinner napkin in her lap.

Hermione had the grace to blush; did everyone in the castle know of their "marital status?" She shot a side-ways glance at Malfoy: he appeared unaffected, obliviously placing a napkin in his lap as well. Grumbling under her breath, Hermione followed suit.

A bright round-faced maid brought out a large tray of toast and salted cakes.

Hermione smiled: the aperitif. Those many family holidays to France were beginning to pay off. The maid made her way around the long table, serving all eight occupants. One large man with a thick neck (Hermione was instantly reminded of Harry's Uncle Vernon) rubbed his hands together in anticipation as the maid set a small plate before him.

When the maid reached Hermione and Malfoy, she winked.

"Félicitations monsieur et madame! Je vous souhaite bien dans votre nouveau mariage,"she spoke cheerfully, her cheeks turning pink as she smiled broadly.

("Congratulations monsieur and madame! I wish you well in your new marriage!"

"Merci," Malfoy swiftly replied. "Nous sommes tout à fait heureux."

("Thank you. We are quite happy.")

All Hermione could do was smile, clueless as to their exchange of words. Mental note, she thought to herself, learn French. I am not relying on Malfoy to speak for me. Who knows what lie he'll be fabricating next?

"Ah! You're newly weds!" A young blonde seated across the table exclaimed. "We are too!" She squeaked bubblily, squeezing her brown-haired husband's hand. "Exciting, isn't it?"

Hermione forced a smile. "Quite."

"Isn't this place to die for? I mean, it's so romantic, perfect for honeymooning, isn't it honey?" the woman gushed, turning to her husband.

The sandy-brown haired man swirled his glass of wine, nodding nonchalantly.

"We're from California, in America. How about you two?" inquired the blonde, leaning forward and eagerly gestured towards Hermione and Malfoy.

"London," Hermione replied, smiling slightly; the woman reminded her a little of Lizzie.

"Ooo, such a wonderful city I've heard. Have you ever seen the Queen?"

Hermione stifled a chuckle.

"No, sorry."

"Oh," the woman sat back disappointed. She then proceeded to ramble on to her husband, who gave the customary nod every so often. He looked absolutely bored.

"Poor bloke," a gentleman seated to Hermione's right spoke up. "She's quite the chit-chat, that one."

Hermione turned to face her addresser, a tall, gray-haired gentleman in his late sixties.

"Suppose I should be thankful my wife converses with everyone but me," he chuckled motioning to a lady elegantly dressed in blues and pearls, engaged in a lively conversation with the Uncle Vernon look-alike.

Hermione giggled, picking at her salted cake.

"In bit of a spot with the new hubby?" asked the gentleman.

Hermione nearly choked on her food.

"I beg your pardon?" she gasped between coughs.

"Sorry, didn't mean to offend. Just thought you two were too quiet for a pair of lovebirds."

Hermione silently sent every known curse in Malfoy's direction for thinking this predicament up. Why couldn't he have told the reception they were cousins? Or brother and sister? Then a thought struck her. I think it's time for a little dose of revenge, Mr. Malfoy Hermione snickered evilly to herself.

"Oh, it's quite alright sir. I'm glad somebody's noticed something's amiss. My husband has been the biggest prat this side of the Atlantic since we arrived this morning," Hermione sniffed dramatically.

The whole table fell silent.

"Really dearie?" the lady in blue cried, glaring in Malfoy's direction. "What happened love?"

"He was...I caught him, this afternoon, eyeing up one of the maids!" Hermione cried dramatically, pointing an accusing finger.

Malfoy nearly dropped his glass, eyes widened in shock.

Hermione continued sniffling, drying her tears with the gentleman's offered handkerchief.

"Straying so early? The nerve!" the lady scolded, shaking her finger at the stock-still Malfoy.

"Cheating jerk!" the blonde exclaimed.

"Ooo, I've never seen such a display so horrible in all my life," the French woman (who had ironically scolded them for openly displaying their "emotions" earlier) remarked briskly.

Hermione hid her small smile behind the handkerchief. Take that Malfoy! When Hermione Granger is taken and held against her will, she fights back! Let's see how you weasel your way out of this one.

Malfoy shot a glare at Hermione; He knew exactly what she was up to. Suddenly, Hermione felt very unsure about her victory.

"Darling, how could you ever think such a thing!" Malfoy feigned hurt. "I would never! I swear upon my family's honor, my thoughts were filled with nothing but your loveliness!"

Oh no, Hermione thought frantically.

"My sweet," Malfoy said as he rose from his chair to kneel beside her, "You are all I can ever think of. At night, I lie awake, thanking the good Lord above for allowing me to be yours, for granting me my heart's one desire, for giving me you and your love!"

Hermione's eyes flickered around the placated room.

Oh no, no, no!

"Love," Malfoy cried, dramatically clasping her hand in his, "I apologize for you ever having to ponder such a notion. I must have been reflecting to myself, as I often do, on how I am the luckiest man alive! Please, my darling wife, forgive my carelessness! For no other woman could ever measure up to you!"

Merlin! They bought it! Hermione cried silently, inwardly groaning at the tears in every woman's eyes. Even the large man hiccupped, his small eyes brimming with tears.

"Oh, that was so beautiful!" the blonde exclaimed.

"Yes, so sweet and heartfelt. The man was truly being harmless," the French woman nodded sympathetically.

"Yes, quite emotional," the lady in blue sniffed. "Aren't you going to forgive him dearie?"

Hermione froze. A chorus of "Yes!" and "Go on, forgive the lad!" flew about the room. Hermione turned her gaze down to Malfoy. His face was a perfect mask of a husband seeking redemption forms his wife. But his eyes! His eyes danced in mirth, the liquid fire reveling in victory.

Hermione knew she had to act fast, or else He would win.

She sat back, smiling: the perfect idea had come to her. He was going to pay. Dearly.

"Oh, love," Hermione sniffed, "I'm terribly sorry for being so emotional. It's just...I was feeling insecure because...well, in a few months my figure won't be the same."

Malfoy's eyes widened in horror. Oh yes, Hermione grinned inwardly, I've got him.

Delicately placing a hand over her abdomen, she feigned a blush and fluttered her eyelashes innocently.

"Oh my!" the lady in blue cried, jumping from her seat. "A child, how wonderful!"

The blonde was happily crying, murmuring congratulations in between sobs of joy as her husband patted her on the back muttering "there-there's." The stiff lady bid the new parents good luck, and returned to her toast. The gentleman and the Uncle Vernon look-alike thumped Malfoy on the back.

Hermione reveled in her jubilation. The look of complete and total horror sprawled across Malfoy's flawless face was priceless!

Malfoy seemed to regain some of his composure, shook a few hands and returned a few smiles, then gripped Hermione by the hand. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the grand white doors swinging open.

"Le dîner est servi!" announced the butler, an array of waiters carrying goads of covered silver dishes in procession behind him. Each set down their tray and removed the cover. Hermione gasped; she had never seen such scrumptious entrées all in one serving!

Oh yes! I get one up on Malfoy and a tasty feast all in one day! Someone up there must love me.

As Hermione reached for one plate, Malfoy stopped her.

"What..." Hermione began to protest, but was promptly cut off.

"I think you should retire love, so much excitement in one day can't be good for you and the baby," Malfoy proclaimed, loud enough for everyone to hear every syllable.

"Est ce quevos envoyez notre repas á nos salle, s'il vous plaît," Malfoy ordered a nearby servant.

("Can you send our food to our room please,")

The waiter nodded, opening the door as Malfoy lead (Hermione felt dragging to be a more fitting description) out of the dining room.

Once they were half way up the stairs, Malfoy backed Hermione against the railing. Hermione gulped. Here it comes she thought.

"A little bundle of joy huh? I'm going to KILL you Granger."

"You asked for it Malfoy," Hermione spat back, wincing at the pressure the railing caused on her spinal cord. She fought to ignore the fluttering fit her stomach had engaged in.

"I asked for it? All I did was create a simple cover to alleviate suspicions, and you decided to seek vengeance in the middle of the first dinning experience! What if we're stuck here for more than a few months? How are you going to explain to the other guests why you aren't yet showing?" Malfoy thundered, throwing his hands up and backing away.

Hermione placed her hand over her heart as she regained conscious thought. Note to self: Malfoy in close proximity is not a good idea.

"Why are WE here anyway? If you're such a Death Eater, as you've alluded to practically all of our years at Hogwarts, shouldn't you be tying me to a chair and torturing information out of me, not playing house?"

Malfoy narrowed his eyes, advancing upon her. He roughly grabbed her wrist and twisted the poor witch around, so that her arm was caught behind her back causing her to forgo any movements of escape. His hot breath tickled her neck, and Hermione began to panic.

Oh, no. I had to go and open my big mouth. I think I went a little too far this time...she cried silently, scrunching her eyes shut in pain.

"So my actions have been a little un-Death Eater like, have they? Is this a little more in character?" Malfoy growled, jerking the twisted arm upwards.

Hermione yelped in agony. Harry's warnings came back to her in a flood:

"If you mean he didn't appear like the spoiled little brat that used to cower behind Crabbe and Goyle, then I'd say you're rather accurate in that observation. But dangerous....it's a possibility. I'm not sure what he's capable of now, Herm."

"I can't hear you..." He growled lowly, gripping her chin with his other hand and jerking her face around to him. Hermione had never seen such recklessness dancing in someone's eyes. Fear tore through her mind and set her heart racing. Tears fought their way into her eyes, and Hermione had difficulty keeping them at bay. She was now at the mercy of a malevolent Malfoy.

Unexpectedly, Malfoy froze, his eyes darkening in...was that guilt? Before Hermione could utter a word, he pushed her from him in disgust, like she was the embodiment of the plague. Hermione leaned against the railing, chest heaving, and gently caressing her assaulted arm. When she glanced up from her offended appendage, she found Malfoy had disappeared.

Hermione sank onto the marble steps, bringing her knees to her chest. Tears of fear and confusion streamed down her face, splashing onto her bare arms. The whole episode had forced a harsh reality to come to light: Malfoy was capable of harming her; an idea that had never been tangible until now. Before, his threats always seemed idle, and posed no real danger to her in her mind's eye. Now, she had just experienced quite a contradiction.

The sound of chatter drifted to Hermione's ears. Dinner must be over she panicked, not wanting to be stumbled upon by one of the guests in such a state and have t offer explanations. Gripping the marble railing, Hermione hoisted herself up and took the steps two at a time, wanting to escape; escape from the guests, form the set of the incident, from her captivity, from everything.

Hermione blindly tore down the hallways, paying no mind to where she was headed. Up ahead, she spotted a French door through her tears and proceeded to rush to it. Thrusting the doors open, she fell into a crumpled heap on the concrete floor. The chilly winter air bit at her bare skin, and Hermione scolded herself for neglecting to wear a coat. She curled up, reflecting on the past week's events.

My goodness, it's been a week. So much has happened. I went from leaving work late to meet Thomas for a date to being stuck in romantic paradise with Malfoy. Oh my God! Thomas! I wonder if he thinks I stood him up? His he worried? Does he care? Oh, and Harry and Ron and Lizzie! I miss them so much.

The tears fell in bigger drops and in quicker succession. Hermione felt herself sink into depression. The balcony became a blur of water and wind. She felt cold, tired, and confused. Worn out from her exertions, she succumbed to the lure of slumber.

No sooner had her head fallen to the pavement then did Hermione feel someone shaking her gently. Rubbing her watery-eyes, Hermione came face-to-face with the kind gentleman from dinner.

"Alright miss? It's dreadfully cold out here, wouldn't want you falling ill in your state," he coaxed gently, helping her to sit.

My state? Hermione pondered quite puzzled, then the evening's events flooded back. He thinks I'm with child!

"Oh, yes, how careless of me," Hermione whispered, accepting his offered hand.

"Where's that dutiful husband of yours? That wanker didn't abandon you, did he?" the gentleman growled.

Hermione was hit with nostalgia of Ron. The gentleman's personality reminded her too much of her red-headed best friend, a painful representation of love and friendship someone snatched her from. She fought back the springing tears.

"No," she replied weakly, clueless as to why she was defending Malfoy. "I told my husband I wanted some fresh air. He warned me not to stay out too long. Silly me, being so tired from the trip and all I must have drifted off."

The elderly man examined her for a moment, seeming unsure as to if that was the truth, but accepted the explanation and placed his overcoat over Hermione's slender shoulders.

"We best get you inside then," he prompted, gently prodding her in the small of her back.

The gentleman insisted he escort Hermione to her room, and did so in a companionable silence. Hermione did not feel up to conversing, and the elderly man did not push. They stopped before the grand carved oak doors that lead to her suite.

"Take care luv," the elderly man bided, placing a grandfatherly peck on Hermione's forehead.

"I will, thank you..." Hermione broke off, realizing she knew not this kind stranger's name.

"Johnston, miss. Alfred Johnston."

"Thank you very much Mr. Johnston," said Hermione with a slight smile.

The gentleman bowed, did an about face, and marched down the corridors like a soldier, causing Hermione to giggle.

But she sobered right up once she turned to the door.

I have to confront him sometime...Hermione reasoned silently, and reached for the handle.

THE END

I hope you enjoyed Chapter 7! Again, I apologize for the long delay, but greatly appreciate your patience. Any comments are greatly appreciated, so PLEASE review!

CheerPrincess