Potions,Poisons and Antidotes

Disclaimer: I still don’t own them. I never have and I never will.

A/N: Thank you to all the reviewers who have taken the time tell me what you think. It means a great deal to get any feed back at all.

Chapter 5

Blaise stared at his best friend in utter shock. Two days ago he had been his normal snaky self. What happened in just TWO days? Imperious? No.“Who are we discussing here?” he asked.

“You’re going to think I belong in St. Mungo’s. Hermione Granger.” Draco waited for the laughter or the incredulity to appear. Instead he got silence. ”Well go ahead; tell me I’m crazy or cursed or whatever.”

Blaise just smiled. “Well, that explains a lot. You spent six years obsessing over her in school. One year getting beat to bloody pulp trying to fit into her social circle. And two days realizing you love her.” Blaise just shook his head and snorted.

“Are you telling me I was slow on the uptake? Ok, yea, maybe I was.” The blonde said with a smile. “What is on my schedule today? I don’t feel like being here.”

“Both of our schedules are clear today. What did you have in mind?” Blaise looked at Draco expectantly.

“A trip to the jewelers for one, then maybe a talk with Potter about the team. Can my schedule be cleared for the rest of the week? Her new job at the Ministry doesn’t officially start until Monday.” Draco wanted to commission a ring for her and in the meanwhile work on making sure she said yes.

“Sure we can clear the week. Have you seen the Daily Prophet yet? She maybe a little busy with the Longbottom’s.” Blaise knew Hermione would be with her friend’s until they were out of danger. He took the paper out of Draco’s inbox and slid it over to him.

Frowning Draco opened the front page. There was picture of the Longbottom house in flames and off to one side you could see Snape talking to someone who was just out of the frame. Draco was willing to bet galleons that it was Hermione. He was sure now that she was an Unspeakable. Merlin, if she got into trouble following Potter around what would it be like with her following Severus around? Deadly was the only answer to that question. As if to confirm that idea the headline caught his attention.

War hero’s attacked in their own home. Is no place is safe from rogue Deatheaters?

Draco couldn’t get himself to read any further. She was going to be in the middle of all that. He couldn’t even ask her to be careful because he wasn’t supposed to know.

Hermione was having a really bad day in the Ministry. They hadn’t found a clue as to whose magical signature it was. “Where else can we look?” she asked her mentor.

“I suggest we check on the Longbottoms and see what we can find out.” the dour man replied. He led her to an apparition point.

Arriving at the hospital they were met by Harry. “No change. They are still unconscious. Any luck on your end?”

Snape answered, “None. Since we can’t do anything here I suggest we get lunch while we can.”

The other two agreed and they flooed to the Leaky cauldron. After getting a table in a dark corner and placing their orders the three began to talk. “Did you get settled in Ok last night?” Harry asked with a twinkle in his eye.

“Yes, thank you.” The witch answered. Not wanting to have this discussion right now. It seemed wrong to be so happy when two of her friends were fighting for their lives after being attacked in their own home.

“Are you going to enjoy being on the estate?” Harry prodded. He wanted to see Severus’ face when he heard where she was living.

The ex-potions master looked at her expectantly. When she did not elaborate he raised an eyebrow. “It seems you have found adequate lodging then?”

“Yes, Draco offered me his guest house. I’m renting it.” she answered waiting for the explosion. It never came.

Severus snorted and then sneered, “Are you my Godson’s latest conquest?” he had given the witch credit for more brains than that. Actually he felt as if his heart were breaking.

Draco and Blaise stepped out of the floo into the Leaky cauldron intending to grab a quick bite to eat and then head over to the jewelers. Blaise spotted the group in the corner and pointed them out to Draco who immediately started over to them.

As they stopped behind Severus Draco just caught his comment about Hermione being his latest conquest. The wizard looked enraged just as Potter looked up to see the two behind Severus. Seeing the look on Draco’s face his hand went to his wand.

“Actually she’s going to be the future Lady Malfoy if she will have me.” Draco said through clenched teeth. It was taking all of his patience and self restraint to not hex his godfather. It hurt to think that Severus thought so little of him. His eyes shifted to hers and they were bright with tears from the hurtful words.

Severus closed his eyes in frustration. His really put his foot in it this time. He let his jealousy take the upper hand. He wanted Hermione for himself but had been afraid to approach her. He didn’t think he could face rejection. He who hesitates is lost he reminded himself. Opening his eyes he looked at the witch. She was staring at Draco as if he were the only person in the room. I’m lost.

Standing with a sigh he turned to his godson and leaned close to his ear. “Forgive a jealous old man. I should not have spoken in such a manner.” He whispered. Turning back to the witch he said, “Please forgive me Hermione that was uncalled for. I shall be in contact later today.” With that he exited the room.

Draco’s face changed from anger to shock at Severus’ words. He couldn’t look away from the witches’ eyes. Why hadn’t she said anything? “Hermione?” he asked quietly.

Hermione’s brain was on overload. The stress of the day after only three hours of sleep made it hard to process everything that just happened. She should be used to comments like that from Sir Snarkalot but somehow he had made her feel like a common tramp. Then Draco appearing out of thin air to announce he wanted to marry her…….MARRY HER???? Oh Merlin, where did that come from? Did she want to marry him? Surprisingly yes, she did want to marry him. When did that happen? Hermione blinked once slowly and stood up to face Draco. “I think this is all a little much to process right now. Please give me sometime to think about this. Can we talk later tonight?” She felt as if she had run a mile, her heart was racing and she needed air. Without waiting for an answer she fled the building.

Harry stood up and said, “Somehow I don’t think that’s how anyone expected any of this to go. Give her a while to calm down mate. She’s had a very bad day and needs a minute to think things through. What provoked the git to react like that?”

Draco stopped staring at the door his witch has exited through and turned to Potter. “He asked me to forgive a jealous old man.” He said in almost a whisper.

“Oh bloody hell! I have to go after him. Where did he go Draco?” Harry exclaimed.

“Probably Spinner’s End. That’s where he goes to be left alone. What are you waiting for? Go.” Draco said with urgency. Harry apparated from the room. The blonde wizard threw himself into the nearest chair and looked at Blaise. “You’re awfully quiet.”

Blaise sat across from him. “Did you ever notice that it’s never a dull moment when Granger is around?” he said with a smirk. Both wizards burst out laughing breaking the tension.

“Yes I have. I hope I can keep up with her. I may need a few stamina potions at this rate.” Draco chuckled. “This is not at all how I planned this.” He said running a hand through his hair.

“What did you expect? In the six years we plotted and planned in school it never “went the way we planned”. Granger was always extremely lucky or one step ahead of us the whole time. Get used to it Draco because you just proposed to her.” he said with a wide grin.


A/N Just a quick chapter because it was rolling around in my head while I was baking pies and cakes for tomorrow.