A Love Like This

Chapter Nine

The days seem to bleed into each other. Same schedule every day. But the only thing that was slightly different was Draco. It's obvious that he heard from his parents about me and the fact that we're now legally siblings.

The biggest difference is that he's been actually talking to me. Now, not in the way that implies. He's being rude. And mean. He picks on me. Hermione said it's because he's likely upset he has to now share his parent's money with another sibling. He's used to being an only child.

There's been a few instances where he's even physically bullied me. Shoulder checking in the hallways or 'accidentally' knocking my books off of my table or out of my hands. I've discussed with Fred how much of a jerk Draco's been. And Fred's said a few words to him. But it hasn't done much.

I've learned to cope and ignore him anyway, but if it does eventually get to be too much, I will be confronting him myself. I just have a load of other things to be worried about right now. Not only are exams coming up for classes before break, but I've been ill.

Hermione is suspicious. She thinks it has to do with what Fred and I did and have been doing. I told her we've been careful but she's still convinced. I've decided not to tell Fred of my illness or of Hermoine's suspicions. He's been on a streak of happiness lately and I don't want to burden him.

I've tried to get my mind off of it. Because it's worrying me. But one night while I was studying late at night in the common room with Hermione, I fell asleep literally on top of one of my books. What I didn't know is that Hermione raised her wand at my stomach, and muttered "homenum revelio". And gasped.

I woke up the next morning on the couch, with a horrible headache. Fred had wandered down the stairs from the boy's dormitory and frowned. "Why'd you sleep on the couch, love?"

"Guess I studied too hard," I stood up and applied pressure to my temples. "Merlin, my head."

"Come on, I'll take you to Pomfrey," He took my hand and kissed my head. "I have something for you, by the way."

"Do you?" I hate it and love it when he gives me gifts. I love it, because it means he's always thinking about me. But I hate it because I know his family isn't the wealthiest, and he should be spending money on things that he needs, not things to make me personally happy. Nonetheless, he does it anyways. A lot.

"We'll get you feeling better first, then I'll give it to you at breakfast."

We made it to Pomfrey's nurse wing. She gave me a pain relief medicine and asked if I needed any more rest. I told her it was likely that I just needed to get up and get to doing things. So, to breakfast Fred and I went.

Hermione gave me a suspiciously bright smile as I sat down between Fred and George. I eyed her. "Hermione. I'm glad you're happy. But might I ask why the blinding smile is necessary?"

"I'm- excited about the Quidditch match tonight," She obviously fibbed.  "We're gonna beat Ravenclaw I know it."

Even Harry looked amused and unphased by Hermione's obvious fib. "Hermione, you're not fooling anyone."

"Okay, something is going on. I got information about someone last night and I'm happy about it. But I'm not allowed to tell."

"Okay?" I gave her a confused look. "You're scaring me, Mione."

"Just- nevermind it. How are you feeling by the way? You slept on the couch last night."

"Fine. Headache, but that's all really," I told her. "Thanks for asking?"

"Hey," Fred kissed my cheek, stealing my attention. He held a small box in his hand. I gasped softly.

"Fred... what's in the box?"