The next day was pretty boring without Draco. He had left the very next day when he received the letter and I haven't heard from his since. I wrote to him once or twice, knowing that I shouldn't expect a lot from him in times like these.
I mean I know it's only been a day, but still, I was worried.
"Any word?" Hermione asked and I shook my head.
"He'll write back" Ginny consoled me and I let out a loud sigh.
I was worried for him, but excited too. I was going to start living at the Burrow. It has been so long since I saw Fred and George. They said they were busy with their shop opening.
We left for the holidays on Monday after breakfast.
I was greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley with huge hugs.
"Oh, we are so glad that you are going to staying with us, Liv" Mrs. Weasley said as we entered the door.
"Yes, yes. Finally, someone in the house who will talk to me about muggle things" Mr. Weasley said putting a hand on my shoulder.
"So, tell me, Liv. What is the function of a cellphone?" he asked as we sat down in the kitchen.
"Oh, there aren't one, but plenty. Here, I'll show you" I said pulling it out of my bag and showed him it's functions and everything.
"Is it the voice of our favorite girl we hear?" the twins said in unison.
I stood up and jumped into their arms.
"I missed you guys so much" I said into the hug.
"Sorry" I said when I realized that I left Mr. Weasley hanging.
Mrs. Weasley knew about her husband's obsession with Muggles and muggle things. It was kinda cute. Harry once told me, that at his trial they went through the Muggle entrance and how Mr. Weasley acted.
Ron, Ginny and the twins were also listening carefully to what I was showing and telling. It was like they were babies.
"Oh, erm, Mrs. Weasley, I will not be having dinner at home. I am going to start working at a friend's this summer. It's gonna be night shift, so I'll have dinner at the restaurant" I said as Mr. Weasley started to use the phone.
"Oh, ok dear. Just be careful" she said knowing the risk of me being alone in the muggle world.
"Alright, let me show you our room" Ginny said as I picked up my bag.
"I hope it's fine, dear. Since the Burrow is small, you'll have to share the room with Ginny" Mrs. Weasley said with some embarrassment.
"Of course not, Mrs. Weasley. It'll be just like Hogwarts" I said smiling and we went up to her room.
I unpacked and spend the rest of the day with Ginny in her room. I got ready for work and went down.
"Mrs. Weasley, do you need anything from there. Like groceries and stuff?" I asked as I saw Arthur playing a game on my phone.
"No, no. Arthur will pick up some when he gets back from work. Right, Arthur?" she asked but he didn't reply as he was too engrossed in the game.
"You will spoil him, Liv" Molly said and I smiled at the sight.
"I'll get some" I said sitting down at the dining table for tea.
"Liv-"
"No, Mrs. Weasley. No arguments. You are letting me live here, it's the least I could do" I said sipping my tea.
"Oh, you're like our daughter" she said kindly and I looked up.
"Then good. Your daughter will bring the groceries" I said smiling at the thought of family.
I apparated to my house. Filled up my bag with things that were there and that I would need to stay at the Burrow. I packed the bag and took my car and went to Celeste.
I had already called Andy and told him that I'll be starting today.
I went to the receptionist. "Hi, I'm Olivia Montgomery. I'll be-" I said and Andy cut me.
"Starting today" he completed my sentence and hugged me.
"How are you, Andy?" I asked and he said, "Good now that my sales are gonna go up, since you'll start singing here"
"Let's begin, shall we?" he asked and I nodded.
It was a high-class restaurant so I had to dress like that and I had to cover my marks. So, I wore a silk dress that went below my knee and had a thin belt at the waist with long balloon sleeves and high heels.
I sat down beside the piano and started singing. Andy had made sure that my voice would be heard at every corner of the restaurant and even outside too. Not too loud, just to attract the right customers.
A/N – Please play 'Great One' by Jessie Reyez (A/N - I am dedicating this song to Mr. Weasley and fathers like him around the world. They are underappreciated. They do a lot for their children. More than we can ever think and know of. Love you dad)
I wanna be a great one
I wanna be a great one
I wanna make a million dollars
Making all my days count
Clowning with my day ones
Before, I hid the grey sun
Louis V, don't chase none
I wanna make a billion dollars
Bring it to my pops
Say, "Daddy what you prayed for"
What is life? What is love?
What are lies? What is trust?
What is everything?
Everything is nothing without you
What is life? What is love?
What are lies? What is trust?
What is everything?
Everything is nothing without you
Nothing, nothing, nothing
Everything is nothing without you
Without you, without you
Running, I'm running
I'm running outta patience
I wanna be a great one
And when the spirit calls me
I wanna throw my hands up
Ready to be saved, yeah
And when my day's done
I hope I die faded
Wanna take me way up
I hope I fly faded
What is life? What is love?
What is time? What is choice?
What is everything?
Everything is nothing without you
What is life? What is love?
I hope I am enough
What is everything?
Everything is nothing without you
Nothing without, nothing without you
Nothing without you (Everything is nothing without you)
The crowd erupted with applause and I smiled. I kept playing soothing piano and throwing in a few songs here and there.
I was done with my job and went home, changed into some sweats and went to the grocery shop to buy. I was pushing the cart and looking through some items when a guy behind me gasped.
I turned around and he said, "I just wanted to ask. Are you wearing astronaut pants? 'Cause your ass is out of this world"
Lame.
I rolled my eyes and I said, "No, I'm wearing baseball pants, cause my ass is out of your league"
"Damn" I heard someone say and I smirked knowing well it was Hermione's voice.
The guy's mouth dropped and he said, "Whatever, you're ugly anyways"
"No, she's not" Hermione said and I smiled.
"What are you doing here?" she asked as I picked up some cheese.
"Just shopping for the Burrow" I said and her mom came.
"Oh, hi Mrs. Granger" I said and she pulled me in for a hug.
"Hi, love. How are you?" she asked and we continued to shop together.
"So, any word?" Hermione asked as we stood in line for check-out.
"No" I said sadly.
Hermione didn't say anything this time, because even she knew that it was a lost cause. If he wanted to talk then he would've owled me by now.
I knew what was happening. Well, not exactly but I knew what. I couldn't tell Mione or anyone as a matter of fact.
I went home and went straight to bed.
The next week went by pretty quickly. I was always very tired, since my mark was burning and I was working.
On Sunday morning, I was in the kitchen reading the Daily Prophet when I saw the headline.
Fallen from Grace. Malfoy's wife and son leave the trial.
I looked at the picture and Draco looked totally different. He had pushed his hair back and was wearing an all-black suit. But that's not what caught my attention. He had bags under his eyes, prominently seen. He looked drained. He was filled with sadness. He had no expression on his face. But to someone who was close to him, it was easily deductible. It looked like he was one hug away from breaking down.
I sighed after reading the article. I couldn't help but feel bad for them, not Lucius but Narcissa and Draco. How they were caught up in this. How they had to hide because of what Lucius did.
A month passed and I had no word from Draco. I was getting worried, I wanted to write to him. But the thought of Voldemort finding out about me, had me at a pause.
I was leaving for work when I told Ginny, "I don't know what to think Ginny. Oh, and please remember-" and she cut me off.
"I will read any letter that your owl carries and will give you the message" she said petting Nyra.
I went on with my day and came home soon.
I entered my room and Nyra was waiting for me. I quickly opened the window and let her in. It was a green colored letter with an M as the wax seal. I smiled at hearing some news from him.
I teared the seal and opened the letter. It wasn't from Draco; it was from his mother.
My Sweetheart Olivia,
How are you, my child? I hope at least you are okay. You might be wondering why I am writing to you. For one, I'd like to apologize. I am sorry for how I behaved with you at the Ministry. I was only protecting my family. I hope you would understand and forgive me.
For two, I'd like to say thank you. I am thankful that you didn't tell Draco that I was there and I did all of that to you.
He is dying to see you. We'll be visiting Knockturn Alley soon. So, let's meet at the entrance of it. Be careful, we don't want you to risk your identity for us. And as always, burn the letter after you read it.
Love,
Narcissa Malfoy
I smiled after ages from the hint of just seeing him.
I went down to the hall to see that we had received our Hogwarts letters, before we could open it, Mrs. Weasley lost it. She said that Ginny, Ron and I were not to go to Hogwarts. She was worried that it wasn't safe anymore. But lucky for us, Mr. Weasley stepped in and calmed her down.
"Mum" I said because it was her wish that I should call her that, since I already considered her children my siblings.
"It'll be fine" I said kneeling next to her. "And don't worry, I will protect these dumdums before I protect myself" I said earning a scowl from Ginny and Ron.
We opened our letters and I read the content.
"Dear Miss Montgomery,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry for another year.
And we are very pleased to let you know that you have been chosen as a prefect for Gryffindor this year.
Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1st September. We await your owl by no later than 31st July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall."
The second page had the list of books that I will be needing in 6th year. But something was off, there were rather too many subjects for Year 6.
"Ron, can I see your letter?" I asked and he handed me the letter.
"This can't be right" Ginny said looking at my letter.
"I know right" I said as I handed the letter to mum and looked at the envelope. There was another letter in it and a badge. The badge said 'Prefect'
The other letter read,
Dear Ms. Montgomery,
As you might have read your letter, you may have seen subjects that aren't in your year. We would like to inform you that you will be taking advanced classes this year.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
PS – This is very unprofessional, but I am very proud of you, Olivia.
"Bloody hell. If Hermione finds out that you got pushed to advanced classes and she didn't, hell will break lose" Ron said and we started laughing.
At the end of the break, Hermione came over to the Burrow, so that we would leave together for Hogwarts. Hermione and I were brushing our teeth when we heard some commotion downstairs.
"Me, nosy. Is he in your room?" Ginny asked and I said, "Who he?"
"I would've known if my best friend was in my room" Ron replied sarcastically.
"Harry's here?" Hermione asked.
"Apparently, he wandering about the house" Ginny said from the hall.
"Really?" Mum asked and Harry replied, "Really"
"Harry!" Ginny said and we all went down.
When I reached downstairs, Harry was hugging Ginny, but when she realized I was down, she pulled away.
I didn't mind. But if this time he breaks her heart, I'm gonna break his face.
"Harry" Hermione exclaimed and hugged him. Ron and Mum followed.
"Harry frikin' Potter" I said and hugged him tightly.
"Language" Mum warned.
"Why didn't you write that you were coming?" Mum asked from beside Ginny.
"I didn't know. Dumbledore" Harry said as I was still standing beside him, holding his arm.
"Oh, that man" Mum said smiling.
"But what would we do without that man?" I said sarcastically. Luckily, Harry was distracted by Ron who was about to touch Hermione's chin to let her know that she had toothpaste.
"Got a bit of toothpaste" Ron said and Hermione laughed awkwardly.
I mentally face palmed myself.
I got to do something and get these love birds together.
"Congrats on making Prefect, Liv" Harry said as we walked to Ron's room.
"Thank you, Harry" I said sweetly.
"So, when did you get here?" Harry asked as we sat down in Ron's room.
"A few days ago. Though for a while, I wasn't sure if I was coming" Hermione said looking at Ron.
"Mum, sort of lost it last week. She said that we had no business going back to Hogwarts. That its too dangerous now" I said and Ron sighed loudly.
"Luckily, dad and Liv stepped in and calmed her down" Ron said looking at me.
"She's not alone. Even my parents, they're muggles, even they know that something bad is happening" Hermione said as Crookshanks crawled into her lap.
"Dumbledore's there. What could be safer?" Harry said and I rolled my eyes.
"You wish to say something, Liv?" he asked as he saw me roll my eyes.
"Yes, to be very honest. I don't like Dumbledore. And even when he was around, we were all in danger. Need I remind you? First year - Professor Quirrell, then the Chamber of Secrets, then all the fuss with Sirius, then the Triwizard Tournament, then last year the Ministry. We've almost fought him like 5 times. He even..." I said and Ron placed a hand on my back and rubbed it gently.
"Those people with whom I lived for 10 years. Austin wasn't my mother's brother. Dumbledore left me with some random muggles. Random muggles, Harry" I said angrily.
"Maybe he had a reason-"
"You're still defending him? Really?" I asked standing up.
"Sit down" Ron said as he pulled me down.
"There's a bit of a talk going around, that he's got a bit of old" Hermione said playing with Crookshanks.
"Rubbish, he's only... What is he?" Harry asked looking at us.
"Hundred and fifty" Ron said and I completed him, "Give or take a few years"
We all burst out laughing. We talked for a few more hours and called it a day.
I couldn't sleep the whole night. I was excited to meet Draco after months and the shop was opening. I was very happy.
We all got ready and went to the twins' shop in the evening. It was the only shop running in Diagon Alley. All the other shops were destroyed by the Death Eaters.
We went into the shop and it was mind blowing. The twins were selling their products and children, lots and lots of children were trying out the products.
Hermione, Ginny and I were near the love potions aisle, when the twins came in and said, "Love potions, ladies"
"Do they really work?" I asked rolling my eyes and picking up a vial.
"Yeah, they really do work" Fred said nodding.
"Then again, the way we hear it, you won't be needing it, sis" George said looking at Ginny.
"Meaning?" Ginny asked offensively.
"Are you not currently dating Dean Thomas?" Fred asked and I looked at Harry, he was shocked.
"It's none of your business" Ginny said putting the vial down.
I was helping out the twins at the reception. Not particularly handling the register, but whatever needed help with. I was restocking and taking orders, helping the customers find stuff.
"You coming, Liv?" Hermione asked as they were about to go check out the Alley.
"Erm, no you guys go on. I'll be helping them" I lied, I had to go see Draco. The twins knew I was going to meet him. They were the only ones who knew everything.
They left and I went to the twins. "I'm going, they might be there already" I said and kissed them on their cheeks.
"I was here the whole time" I said and they put a finger on their lip and nodded.
I went the other way to the entrance that I knew for Borgin and Burke. I wasn't going to stand at the entrance of a shop that would be possibly filled with Death Eaters.
So, I waited near the shop, careful not to be seen by anyone. I was waiting when I heard footsteps, so I hid behind a wall, waiting for them to go. I looked and I realized that it was Draco and Narcissa.
"Draco!" I whisper yelled and they turned around. I ran up to him and jumped in his arms. He hugged me back and spun me around, kissing my shoulder and cheeks during. I pulled away and kissed him.
I heard Narcissa giggle and Draco put me down. He started to look around.
"Mrs. Malfoy" I said and hugged her tightly.
I heard a familiar voice say, 'what the hell'. I was about to look from where the voice came but Mrs. Malfoy spoke.
"How are you, sweetheart?" she asked cupping my left cheek.
"Very happy now that I saw Draco. And you" I said and added her quickly.
"No, no. You are happier to see Draco" she said and I blushed, while Draco still had a concerned look on his face and was looking around.
"Draco" she said softly and put a hand on his forearm.
"I'll be waiting for you" she said and left us.
I hugged him back and he grabbed my face and kissed me.
"I missed you so much" he said and I shook my head, "I missed you more"
"Were you waiting for us alone, darling?" he asked and I nodded.
"It's not safe, don't you know that?" he asked and I pouted.
"Don't do that, it'll make difficult to what I am about to do" he said and looked around.
"What are you going to do?" I asked cupping his cheek.
"There's- there's something that I would like for you to know" he said swallowing thickly.
"Sure, what is it?" I said trying to stay calm at the thought that he would show me his mark.
"Erm, this is our last night together" he said and I dropped my hand from his face.
"W-What do you mean?" I asked furrowing my eyebrows.
"I mean that we can't be together now" he said blankly.
"What?" I asked and before he could say anything, Narcissa called him.
"Draco"
"I have to go" he said and kissed me for one last time and entered the shop.
He looked pleased when I hugged and kissed him just two minutes ago. He said he doesn't wanna be together, but he still kissed me. Did that boy break up with me or not?
I went back to the shop and helped the twins. My mind still couldn't process what had happened, I wasn't focusing at the shop.
Fred shook me and said, "Hey, pay attention" and I nodded.
I went up to the flat they had above the shop and sat down on their bed with my head in my hands.
Wild thoughts ran through my mind. Draco would never do that out of the blue, I knew that much. And I knew him well enough to know that he wasn't doing this on purpose. That he had to had a reason behind this.
Is Voldemort making him do this? Or did his father? His mother wouldn't, I knew that for sure.
I was sleeping on Fred's bed when I heard the door open.
"I hope you don't mind, I slept-" I said and was cut off by Harry.
"What were you doing in Knockturn Alley?" Harry asked accompanied by Hermione and Ron. Ron looked very angry.
"How do you know-"
"Answer him!" Ron shouted.
"Ronald" Hermione said trying to calm Ron down.
"And what was that with Malfoy's mum? It looked like you knew her well and she knew you well" Harry added.
"That's none of your business" I said as I stood up from my bed.
"And since when are you so aggressive, Ron?" I asked as I stood in front of them, hands folded over my chest.
"You fucking know that his father is a Death Eater rotting in Azkaban but you are still with him. I let it go at school, because he was being nice and cared about you. But by the looks of it, I'm glad he broke up with you" Ron rambled on and I realized.
"You guys were eavesdropping" I said and looked at Hermione.
"We were just following Malfoy and his mum but saw you-" she said and I cut her off.
"And eavesdropped on my private conversation" I said shaking my head in disbelief.
"And Ron, you're my brother. Don't you think you should be sympathetic that your sister just got dumped? And Mione, you too? And Harry, well, I expected a behavior like this from you sooner or later" I said rubbing my temples.
"Fine, if you wanna know and are so invested in other people's life rather than yours. Then let me enlighten you. My mother and Draco's were best friends at Hogwarts" I said angrily.
"Now if you would like to excuse me, I'm going to help the twins and I'm letting you know where I am going so that you can come and eavesdrop on more of my conversations" I said pushing past Harry and Ron.
I apparated to the Burrow without letting anyone know, slammed my door shut and started crying. I cried for hours and hours. When I heard everyone come home, I pretended to be asleep, I turned my back at the door.
The door of my room opened and I heard Hermione say, "She's asleep, Ron"
"Good, then I'll just apologize like that" Ron replied coming into the room and sat next to me.
"I'm sorry, Liv. I should've been considerate. But you should know that I just worry, that's it. I don't want to see you hurt. You've been hurt way too many times. Too many times for a girl like you. I'm sorry that Malfoy broke up with you" he said quietly, careful enough not to wake me. He stroked my hair for a while and left.
Little did he know that I wasn't asleep and I heard everything and I quietly sobbed while he said those words.
The next day, I woke up and wore my outfit. To quote Ginny from last night, 'Make his sorry ass jealous. You go girl'.
We all went at Kings Cross and waited for the train to arrive. I was standing with my bag looking for Draco, when a hand rested itself on top of me. I turned around,
"Chris!" I said hugging him and dropping my bag. He graduated last year. Ron took the bag and stood away from us.
"Hello, darling" he said kissing my cheek.
"Oh, Chris. You're gonna be missed so much" I said with tears in my eyes. I was accustomed to see Chris at the Slytherin Table.
"You would think I would let my baby sister start another year without me seeing her off?" he said and kissed my forehead.
"I really thought that"
"Though you weren't looking for me, were you?" he asked and I shook my head.
"Malfoy" he said and I gave a small smile.
"Uh-oh" he said furrowing his eyebrows.
"He broke up with me" I said with tears in my eyes.
"I don't believe it. And even if he did, he's bound to come around. A little tip, just get close to a guy he hates. No, it's Malfoy we're talking about. Just talk to any guy and that'll straighten him up" he said and I chuckled a little.
"If he doesn't want me, then I'm not going to force myself on him. Let bygones be bygones" I said smiling a little and the train arrived.
"Alright, visit me in the break or when I'm in Hogsmeade, I'll let you know?" he said and I nodded.
"See you soon, darling" he said and I hugged him tightly.
I sighed and stepped into the train.
Hogwarts awaits the Gryffindor Queen.