Chasing Reality

Where A Pureblood Shouldn't Be

"We need to go back to that manor."
Draco came downstairs the next morning a bit more calm and collected, only to hear a very sleep-deprived, deranged Hermione implicating that they go back to the same place where they became wanted criminals.
"You are stupid." Draco stated simply, looking at her with his brow raised.
"I'm not saying we should go immediately. Maybe after the aurors are done investigating the place and asking necessary questions around. But believe me when I say, they would never ask Blaise for any help around the manor. The ministry is hellbent on thinking that we killed McLaggen. They're only going to come after us."
Hermione stopped to catch her breath.
"What exactly are you suggesting?" Malfoy interrupted.
"I'm not finished." She said sternly.
"Blaise is your friend isn't he? He'd help us. He must have put some sort of charm around the manor to keep an eye on the place. Especially on such an occasion We could find out who the real murderer is!"
"You may not be as stupid as I thought you were." Draco complimented. "Alright. We'll go there tomorrow." He finalised.
"Too soon."
He scowled.
"Okay then. In two days." He said.
"Do you have to scowl for everything, Malfoy? It isn't necessary. And you need to stop!" She scolded.
"What makes you think I'll listen to you?" He countered.
"I'm trying to help you out here. If you don't want to change, go right ahead. Stay the same pompous prick you always were." With that, she walked into another room.
Draco stood there, pondering on what to do next.
He hesitantly walked in the direction he saw her go.
"I'm s..s-s...." Draco couldn't bring himself to say it. His ego was bigger than the bloody tower at Azkaban.
Hermione sighed, realising his difficulty.
"Just don't do it again."
He stayed sceptical.
"We need to stay safe. We have to go to muggle London till we return to Zabini manor." She said matter-of-factly.
"WHAT?!?! No way Granger! It's bad enough that I'm taking advice from you , and now your going to drag me into muggle lands?!?! That's the last place I'd wanna go!" He yelled.
"That's the idea, ferret!" She retorted.
He stared at her, comtemplating what she'd just said.
He huffed aggressively.
"Fine. Whatever, beaver!" He crossed his hands over his chest.
"Your such a child, Malfoy. Here, take my hand." She held out her hand.
He cocked his eyebrows in silent question.
"Don't flatter yourself Malfoy. The only reason I'm holding your hand is because we need to get out of here." Hermione said, a bit annoyed.
"And by the way, I meant to ask earlier... what is this shack?"
"A shack you needn't ask too many questions about."
His expression changed to one of annoyance.
Seeing as he would never give her his hand, she took it by force and apparated from the place.

When his nausea eased after they landed, Draco straightened himself out and pointed an accusing finger at Hermione.
"This is the second time your taking me against my will. It's kidnapping!" He stamped his foot dramatically and flailed his arms in the arm like a lunatic.
She rolled her eyes.
"Your welcome." And she started to walk away.
Then she turned abruptly to face him again.
"Oh! And don't worry about any traces we might've left at the house. I took the liberty to take care of that little problem, while you were snoring away to glory." She started to walk again.

Annoyed, Draco imitated her mockinglyand unwillingly followed her, looking around at the god-forsaken alley.
This was the last thing he could imagine himself doing.