 Chapter 14
Ashley, Hermione, and Draco missed out on Muggle Studies that day. For those 40 minutes they were in the Safe Room, calming down Hermione. She was close to hysterics, Draco was close to rage, and it appeared that only Ashley was trying to think logically.
"But why would Scott want to harass Hermione? He's never seen her before..." Ashley muttered to herself. Draco threw her a glare.
"Who cares? I just want to rip his throat out." He put his arm around Hermione, who was trying to gain control of herself.
"I care. If Scott wants to hurt Hermione, I think I have a right to know why. Now shut up and let me think." Ashley put her head on her fist and sat deep in thought.
"I-I don't know w-why. I'm n-not ev-even pretty." Hermione said, shuddering.
"Be quiet. You're beautiful, and if Scott can't control himself, I'll control him. Don't you worry." Draco comforted Hermione.
"Hm...Hermione, have you cared to look at yourself in the mirror lately?" Ashley asked, still deep in thought.
"N-no."
"Well, you should. You happen to be very pretty. Tall, pretty eyes, good figure, and smart...those are the qualities Scott demands from any potential girlfriend. He noticed your hair, your grades, your body...he lost his mind. AND you didn't know about his reputation as a flirt. You're the perfect candidate."
"That's nice. Now, where is he so I can throttle him?" Draco had a one-track mind.
"Hush up! You men are so violent! Can't you use your brain for once?"
"My what?"
"Never mind. Hermione, Scott's not going to give up. We need a decoy. Someone who's willing to date Scott to take his mind off you-"
"Hermione Granger?" A boy's head poked into the room.
"I'm Hermione Granger." Hermione walked over to him.
"Message for you ma'am." The boy gave Hermione an envelope and stood, waiting. Hermione opened it.
Hermione,
I was out of line this afternoon. Hearty apologies. Please accept my offer of dinner at Darton's. I'll pick you up at 6 tomorrow if you agree. Send reply by John.
Scott
Ashley gasped. "Dartons? That's the fanciest resturant in town! Is he crazy?"
"Out of his mind. You're not going." Draco made to rip the note up, but Hermione stopped him. "Oy, what's wrong?"
"Draco, you airhead. this is perfect. We can have a nice chat about why he likes me, and I can persuade him that I'm not the girl for him! I'll be there." She said to the boy. He grinned and went out of the room. Draco gaped at Hermione.
"And what, pray tell, will you do if he gets...frisky?" Draco was not pleased.
"I won't do anything. YOU two will." Hermione said firmly.
"What are you talking about?" Ashley joined Draco in gaping at Hermione.
"I need you two to be there as a couple to watch us. Just in case of...anything. Can you do that?"
"I don't know Hermione. Scott can get pretty....dangerous." Ashley began.
"Look, if you're my boyfriend and best friend, you'll do this for me. To protect me. Now, will you do this for me?"
Ashley and Draco exchanged hopeless glances. Ashley nodded.
"Fine, I'll do it...but Draco's buying."
"Hey!" Draco exclaimed, and Hermione and Ashley burst into giggles.
Katie
__________________  And someday, when the night is over and the dawn arrives, we'll reach up to the sky withour eyes turned toward our Lord, and all will become good and whole |