The Malfoy Mystery

12 • why'd you choose him

Ron's whispers were still ringing loudly in Draco's head. Part of him wanted to tell Hermione, but the other half questioned whether the girl would believe the Slytherin over her best friend. He decided it was best not to think about it as he sat across from Hermione at the dining table.The Weasleys had gathered around for dinner, where Theo was assisting with the herbal spices in the kitchen. Theo had adapted very quickly to this place. If the boy had ginger hair, he could have passed as a Weasley, especially his eating habits. With a flick of her wrist, Molly levitated all the food to the table.

"Everyone at the table!" The remaining Weasleys assembled at the table, with Ron sitting next to Hermione. Harry and Ginny chose seats next to Malfoy, whereas Molly and Arthur sat at the head chairs.

Ron prompted a conversation, "So, Mione, what courses have you taken at Hogwarts?"Hermione was taken aback by Ron's sudden interest in academics, "I've not taken Divination, for sure. Arithmetics, Astronomy, Potions, Herbology as major courses, and Transfiguration as an elective."

Molly scolded, "Enough talk about work! Hermione, dear, tell us how you've been. Talk about studies can wait till dinner's over." Hermione tried to reply but was amusingly interrupted. "Mrs Weasley, the chickens are delicious! You need to teach me how to cook this!" Theo appeared as if he'd found a gem in his destiny.

"Molly's fine, dear. You've helped me with the herbs. That's the least I could do."

Ginny glided her head from Theo to Ron and saw both idiots' knuckles deep in their bowls. She nudged Harry to check whether she was hallucinating, and Harry confirmed that both men were alike in their habits. Ron grew frustrated with the subtle comparisons and glared at Theo."Nott, stop gorging on the chicken and talking simultaneously. It's disgusting!"

Harry chuckled, "Mate, aren't you doing the exact?" This statement earned him a playful punch from Ginny as the table tried to conceal their smiles. Ron glared at Harry as he turned several shades of red. He proceeded to have an uncomfortable supper till it was time for dessert.

While Arthur was bringing out the desserts, Blaise looked at Molly and complimented, "This is so much better than any meal I've had at Hogwarts." All the young adults nodded, unanimously agreeing Molly was the best cook. Molly was delighted that the youngsters appreciated her cooking, unlike her sons.

Before Molly could reply, Ron visibly took Hermione by her hand and kept it on the table. If the red-heads aim was to piss off Draco, he'd been successful. Didn't acknowledge the uncomfortable look on Hermione's features. He ignored Ginny's glares of disapproval, and Harry subtly shook his head. He just smiled.

Theodore and Blaise feared for their lives as a grin formed on Draco's face. It was never a good idea to mess with a Meta Wizard, let alone their Veela counterpart. A few shades of black appeared behind the blonde before he took control of his emotions. He picked up a fork to clean up his plate, accidentally dropping it on the floor.

"I'm so sorry! I'll pick it up."

Draco bent down to pick up the utensil underneath the table. He transferred it to his dominant hand and harshly jabbed Ron on his thigh. Pleased after hearing a high-pitched yelp, Draco got up with a dazed facade. Internally, he was ecstatic that Ronald got his hands off Hermione as the girl sent an appreciative glance toward him.

She mouthed, "Thank you."

Theo and Blaise were alleviated that Draco didn't have an outburst as he had in their 'control-the-veela' routine. He once smacked Blaise for pretending to take a bite from Hermione's apple pie. These feelings only emerged when Granger hadn't consented to people's actions. They may not have had romantic sentiments for each other, but nothing can obliterate that they were soulmates.

After supper, Harry decided to show the guests their room. It was a simple chamber with three mattresses. Molly decided Hermione to share with Ginny, whereas Ron and Harry took the last room. Before bidding goodnights, Draco and Hermione were casually completing their homework on the couch.

The fireplace ignited dim light with the fragrance of firewood. Orange glowed on the walls as Draco unintentionally glanced at Hermione's face, illuminated by the warmth. The brunette was immersed in her homework, lightly licking her lips as she solved yet another problem. Furrowing her eyebrows when a particular question was tricky, though it was a rare event. She hummed her favourite songs as her quill scribbled neatly on the parchments.

From far apart, Ron could make out the couple sitting together. The sight of Draco looking admirably at Hermione caused an unexplainable pang in his heart. Paying no heed to that emotion, he approached the duo. With every step, he reminisced each moment he cherished with Hermione. Humiliating the girl and himself was no way a Gryffindor should approach a problem.

"Weasley?"

Ron realized that he had stopped just behind the couch. Hermione looked behind her and greeted Ron with a smile.

Ron began to speak, "I'm sorry for how I behaved at dinner today. Good night." The redhead was surprised at the words he omitted. He quickly left for his room, leaving behind the couple. Hermione got up, "Malfoy, I'll catch up with Ron. Good night!" She quickly sped up and gently pulled on Ron's arm. A few moments of uncomfortable silence passed, and Ron whispered painfully.

"Why'd you choose him, Mione?"

Hermione blinked rapidly, "Ron, what are you talking about?"

Ron consciously grabbed his shirt and tugged it along when he muttered, "For someone intelligent, you're very dense when it comes to this. I'm talking about you and Malfoy."

Hermione ignored the jab at her wits, "Ronald, I'll explain when the time's right. You're my best friend. There's no way I-"

Ron scoffed as tears threatened to collect in his eyes, "Best friends? Don't kid with me, Mione. Since we kissed after destroying the Horcrux, you've been indifferent towards me. I bloody loved you!"

Hermione inhaled sharply and stepped back, "Don't talk about love. I wasn't the one changing the conversation every time I brought this up. I wasn't the one going on dates with Lavender. Don't you dare!"

Ron maliciously laughed, his voice increasing as each minute passed, "I should've known, Hermione."

Hermione failed to retort as Ron placed both his hands on her face and kissed her. He whispered gloomily, "It doesn't feel the same. You're not the Hermione I know."

Ron pulled apart to see the entire Weasley household on the stairs noticing the commotion. He stared at his shoes, shameful of his actions.

"Hermione, I'm sorry-"

Hermione cut him, "Save it. Say these words only when you mean it."

"Hermione, wait!" Ron attempted to pull her, but Hermione pushed him off. The ginger momentarily lost his balance, causing him to fall down. Seeing this, Harry tried to go downstairs to help, but Theo held his shirt, "Stay here, "You shouldn't get involved." As much as it hurt Harry to admit, the Slytherin was correct. Meddling would make it a bigger mess.

Their attention shifted towards the blonde, who was standing just behind Ron. Blood-red sparks were flying everywhere uncontrollably, causing the witnesses to flinch.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing, Weasley?"

"I said I'm sorry, Malfoy. I don't need your snarky comments- Oh, what? I'm sorry, dude." Ron's words changed their trajectory when he saw Draco's blank eyes. The red sparks threatened to fall on him, promising a painful encounter. He tried to get up, eager to find his wand. Draco effortlessly swiped his wand and threw it behind. Before the blonde could actually do anything, Ron fainted out of pure terror.

Harry was shocked at this revelation, "He's a Veela, isn't he?"