My Life is a Movie

Chapter 4: I'm Not Crazy

It had been three days since the meeting with Dumbledore at the Burrow, and Hermione was sitting on her bed staring at the laptop in front of her. It had taken her over half an hour, but she finally finished typing up her latest email to Todd.

Since they met a little over a week ago, they had sent several emails back and forth and seemed to have developed some sort of friendship. Hermione realised that he was kind and considerate and always willing to lend a hand by answering her questions or sending her links, even when he was busy filming for the movie. She was still not 100 percent sure if he could be entrusted with such an imperative secret, but something in her gut told her that he could be. Hermione scanned the message again, making sure it sounded okay.

To: ToddW2000

From: Gryffinpride99

Subject: Thanks again!!!

Hi Todd! How are you? Well I hope. Anyway, I'm writing to say thanks for those latest links you sent me. They really helped with the project I'm doing. Also, I was wondering if it was possible for us to get together again. I want to thank you for all your help, and I know just the place to take you. I'm sure you've heard of it, but I know for a fact you haven't been there yet. Besides, I have something really important I wanted to tell you. So, if you can go out sometime this week or something, just reply back, OK? Well, see you soon (I hope), bye!

Sincerely,

Hermione

P.S. Have fun shooting the Yule Ball scene, I'm sure you'll make it look splendid!

Hmm... I guess that looks alright. Hermione thought to herself. She clicked the send button, and the email was on its way. I hope he answers soon. She closed the laptop and slumped back against the headboard to relax. Her mind drifted and she found herself reflecting back to the night at the Burrow and the interesting conversation she had with Ginny.

After the twins had ceremoniously dubbed Ron the Half-brain Prince, the conversation was somehow detoured towards a subject neither of the girls were interested in at the moment.

Quidditch.

*flashback*

The girls shared an annoyed look as Ron started his enthusiastic play by play account of the Chudley Cannons' latest win (which coincidently was also their first win in over a year) against the Falmouth Falcons.

"You won't believe the mind-boggling moves Gudgeon pulled off. It was incredible, I'm telling ya." Ron began. "Hey, where are you going?" he asked when the two girls got up from the table and made their way to the door.

"Away," Ginny informed straightforwardly.

Unaffected by their sudden departure, Ron shrugged and continued, "Anyway, first he was fouled for skinning the other seeker, but that didn't stop him..." his voice faded away when the girls entered the living room.

"You know, that particular game Ron is talking about was actually rather exciting," Ginny informed as they walked up the stairs towards the third floor. "But after hearing about it, oh let's say, approximately twelve or thirteen times, the thrill tends to waver a bit," she informed nonchalantly. When they reached Ginny's room, a loud yell could be heard from downstairs.

"They actually pulled off a Woollongong Shimmy! Can you believe it?" Ron's voice boomed from below them.

Ginny shook her head slightly and shut the door behind them. "Anyway," she started, sitting herself down on her bed as Hermione chose to sit at the window seat. "What do you think about Dumbledore's plan of telling Todd about us?"

Hermione thought for a moment then answered, "I guess it's a good idea." She shrugged slightly. "I mean it's the only way we can find out about the author isn't it?"

"I suppose it is," the redhead replied thoughtfully. "But what about Todd? Do you think he could be trusted? I mean, not only does he look an awful lot like Malfoy, but he does play him rather convincingly in the films. Do you think he's really like that?"

"No, I thoroughly doubt that he is. When I met him at the café he was very affable and indulgent. He didn't get annoyed when I was asking all those questions, and he even offered me his email address incase there was something else I wanted to know. He hasn't been anything but polite and helpful so far."

"Wow that was thoughtful of him," Ginny said, amazed by Todd's consideration and generosity.

Hermione nodded, a wistful smile coming over her as she remembered the cute look on Todd's face when she had inadvertently hugged him at the café. After agreeing to tell her all he could about Harry Potter, she was caught up in the excitement so much that she didn't even realise she was hugging him until he cleared his throat for the second time, and mentioned something about a scone.

Ginny, noticing her friend's smile and glazed over look, asked playfully, "He is pretty cute isn't he?"

"Yeah, he is," Hermione replied dreamily. Ginny giggled, disrupting Hermione's musings. The brunette shook her head, trying to get her thoughts back in order. "I mean erm... what?"

Ginny grinned lightheartedly. "Oh, I was just asking if you noticed how hot Todd looks."

"Oh really? No, I haven't really noticed." Hermione shrugged, trying to act as blasé as possible.

Ginny laughed at her friend's pathetic performance. "Don't worry Hermione," the younger girl replied. "I won't tell anybody you think the Malfoy wannabe is cute," she teased.

"Hey, he's nothing like Malfoy," Hermione huffed. "He's refined and thoughtful and selfless and clever and funny, and... and he's nothing like Malfoy. Nothing," she defended.

Ginny just smiled. "That may be true, but he looks exactly like Malfoy, and you just admitted yourself that you thought he was cute."

"Yes but... but..." Hermione stuttered. It was no use, she knew she was caught. She frowned; annoyed that she had no idea how to retaliate. Leaning back against the window, she muttered, "Whatever."

"Don't feel bad Hermione," Ginny said sympathetically, the mischievous smile still dancing on her lips. "I know you like him, and it's okay. I mean, he's really hot, even if he does look like Malfoy."

"Can we please change the subject now?" Hermione groaned. "I'm starting to wish we stayed downstairs. Ron and his little Wallowing Skimmy thing is starting to sound more appealing than this."

"Woollongong Shimmy," the younger girl corrected.

*end flashback*

Hermione shook her head and laughed to herself, I never will get those nonsensical Quidditch terms. She began to think about what Ginny had said. She's crazy. I do not like Todd. He's just a friend. Besides, she's right about one thing, he looks way too much like Malfoy. That's a little weird for my taste. Hermione thought sensibly. He's really nice though, and he's fun to hang out with, she reminded herself. She brought her head back against her headboard, thinking about her new found friend, and eagerly anticipating his reply. Who knows, given time, maybe he can be more than just a friend.

***

Another week later, Hermione would be found pacing the length of her living room, waiting nervously for Todd to show up. He had replied to her email the day she had sent it, but since he was away on location they had made arrangements to meet up the following week.

She looked at her watch. It was already ten to one. He said he would be there by one o'clock to pick her up. She had the perfect place in mind to take him in return for all the assistance he had given her, but she had kept it secret in order to surprise him. She also decided that it would be a good idea to introduce him to her friends. They were really interested in meeting him because they had all sorts of questions about how Muggles perceived them and the whole magical world in general. Ginny of course, just wanted to meet Todd because she thought he was kind of hot.

First, however, she would need to tell him all about their 'big secret'. She heaved a sigh, anticipation and dread overcoming her at the same time. This was all so nerve-wracking for her. In ten minutes she would be revealing the secrets of the Wizarding world to a Muggle. In some aspects, she couldn't wait to tell Todd the truth. Once he knew about everything, they could get more beneficial information for the Order and finally find out about the author. Then again, the actual task of telling him was something she wasn't exactly looking forward to.

I wonder how he'll handle it, she thought as she walked the length of the room once more. Well, he pretty much knows everything about it. All I have to say is, 'Oh yeah, you know that whole made up Harry Potter realm that you were telling me about, you know with the witches and wizards and all that magical rubbish? Well you see it's not made up. Actually, it's all real. Even Harry Potter himself. Oh and I'm his best friend Hermione Granger, you know, like from the movie.' Yeah that would go over well. She flung herself dejectedly onto a stuffed arm chair. I'm sure he'll handle it just fine, she thought sarcastically. Right after he runs out of the house thinking I'm a nutter or something. Hermione shook her head dolefully, worried about how she should go about telling him this whole situation.

Just then the doorbell rang, Hermione jumped as she was brought out of her deliberation. Her heartbeat began to quicken, panic creeping over her. Oh crap, I still don't know what I'm going to say, she was thinking as she made her way to the front door. OK, just calm down, everything will be fine, she reassured herself, trying to slow her beating heart, I'll just go with the flow... just let it come to me.

She opened the door to see Todd standing on her front porch, looking very much like Draco Malfoy, except for the friendly smile plastered on his face. She gasped, Whoa, Ginny was right, he is hot, was the first thought that came to Hermione's mind. Especially with that endearing smile he's wearing. Smiling like an idiot herself, Hermione greeted him. "Hey Todd, it's so good to see you again."

"You too. You look really nice today," he commented sincerely.

Hermione blushed slightly. "Thanks, so do you. Why don't you come on in," she said, stepping back and gesturing for him to come in. He nodded his head politely and walked into the foyer. She shut the door quietly behind him and led him to the living room. "Have a seat," she told him, pointing to the couch.

"Thanks." Todd walked over to the couch and sat down. "You know, I can't wait to get to that place you've been so secretive about. I've been wondering about where it could be for the last week," he admitted.

Hermione bit her lip apprehensively, Might as well get this over with now, she told herself. "Yeah, about that," she started uncomfortably. "There's something really important I have to tell you before we go."

He sat on the couch looking at her curiously. Taking note of her nervousness and discomfort he nodded his head encouragingly for her to continue and replied "Sure, what is it?"

She took a deep breath. "OK, let's see, erm..." Hermione paused, her face scrunched up in thought. Oh Merlin, how do I say this? she asked herself. "Well, you know how I told you that I needed your help for a project I'm doing on the whole 'Harry Potter world' and all that?" she asked. Todd gave her an odd look but nodded once more. "Er, you see, it wasn't actually a project per se..." she said, pausing again.

Todd looked at her confused. "What do you mean it wasn't a project?" he asked innocently.

Hmm... what do I mean? she questioned herself. She looked at Todd, searching his face, hoping desperately that the answer to how she should tell him about the Wizarding world would somehow be there.

It wasn't.

Hermione sighed again, her eyes glancing towards the fireplace behind him. All of a sudden a thought came to her mind. She grinned madly, excited that she had come up with such a marvelous idea.

She walked quickly over to the couch and grabbed Todd's hand. His brow furrowed with confusion at her sudden movement and the crazy smile on her face. Hermione pulled the startled young man up and led him to the fireplace. "You know what, it's better if I show you," she told him. "But you've got to trust me."

Todd looked at her cautiously. He was curious about what she wanted to tell him, but he was also a little terrified of her right now because, well honestly, the look of insanity that was now present on her face would probably even scare Voldemort himself.

Hermione caught the uncertainty in his eyes and her smile grew. She couldn't help but notice how adorable Todd looked when he was scared. "Don't worry, I won't hurt you," she guaranteed. She grabbed a small bag off the mantle and pulled him into the fireplace with her.

He looked around anxiously, hoping this was all some type of joke. If it wasn't that would mean Hermione was probably some kind of mad woman, who was obsessed with Harry Potter and believed they could actually travel through a fireplace.

Still smiling like mad, Hermione winked at him and said, "Don't worry, I'm not crazy." She took some glittering powder out of the bag and threw it onto the ground. Todd turned to look at her, his eyes wide with panic. Oh my god, she is crazy, he thought to himself. However, before he could make a run for it, green flames shot up around them as she yelled "The Burrow." Suddenly he felt like he was being sucked into a gigantic drain, spinning so fast he was sure he was going to be sick.