A Future Uncertain

Chapter 4: Where are We?

"A Pensieve?" Hermione whispered.

Hermione had never used one before, and was slightly apprehensive of entering one with memories from only the Malfoy family. Hermione looked to Draco for an explanation and saw his wand dragging a silver string from his temple. He did this several times, each time placing the strings into the basin.

"You know what I'm doing right?"

"You want me to watch your memories," Hermione answered, feeling as if she were stating the obvious.

"Yes. I want you to watch a few specific memories." Draco cautioned, "memories about us."

Hermione was pleased he had cared enough to do this. Naturally, she wanted to know what had led up to them falling in love. Falling in love with Malfoy was definitely something she needed to see to believe. She had to admit it was clever for him to think of this.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yeah? I mean, the more I know about this future, the better right? I have little time here, and this is the fastest way."

"My thoughts exactly. Whenever you're ready Hermione, " he said, while taking his shoe off, transfiguring it into a large leather chair, and sitting down.

She took a few steps forward, and grabbed the side of the basin. Without glancing back, she dived into the first memory he prepared for her.

Hermione landed in a ballroom. It was grand in size, and had candles hovering over the finely dressed people. Then she heard a voice- her voice- asking for everyone's attention. Hermione looked up and herself on stage announcing the events itinerary. She looked professional, but not much different than she does now. She saw a flash of blond hair out the corner of her eye fighting his way through the crowd towards the exit. She wanted to stay and watch her speech, but this was Draco's memory, so, weaving through the crowd, she followed him out the door.

The night was warm, with various creatures making light noises in the background. They were on a small patio surrounded by large, neatly trimmed bushes. There was no one around, save for Draco. He reached in his pocket, opened his pack, and lit a cigarette with the tip of his wand. He took a long drag and walked over to one of three benches in the sitting area of the patio. He sat back with one arm on the back of the bench and the hand with the cigarette on the arm rest. He didn't look as if he was thinking anything of importance, if anything he looked bored.

His cigarette was half gone before the inside noise broke the silence and a door closed. Hermione watched as future-Hermione sat down on the bench across from them. The silence dragged on, and she had to wonder why she came out here in the first place.

Hermione decided to break the silence.

"Of all the Muggle inventions to use, and you choose cigarettes?"

Putting out the cigarette on on the ground, he rolled his eyes.

"I'm self medicating, Granger."

"How so?" Hermione inquired, looking genuinely interested.

Draco seemed skeptical. Of the conversation, or who the conversation was with, Hermione couldn't tell.

"They calm me. I haven't spent much time with large groups of people. Not many people have wanted to associate with me since Hogwarts, and these types of events make me... upset." He tilted his head from side to side, uncomfortable with the confession. "These events are fun for the people on your side of the war, but for people like me, we're not here for fun. We're here for money and so the ministry can keep an eye on us."