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Nature's Cruelty: Sequel to Earth Shattering	By : Luckycharms Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 4870 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. That right goes to the AMAZING JK Rowling. No profit is made off this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Prologue
- 2-Flight
- 3-News
- 4-Secrets
- 5-Fireworks
- 6-Broken
- 7-Zoo
- 8-Tremble
- 9-Danger
- 10-Loss
- 11-Cruelty
- 12-Hope
- 13-Epilogue
- 6
- 7
- 8
Chapter 7- Zoo
Wednesday, July 5th, 2006 10:26am
“That is so stupid!” Draco stated in frustration. “He has to be one of the worst evil villains I have ever seen!”
“But you have to admit Plankton’s F-U-N song is brilliant!” Steven retorted as the group waited in line for entry tickets.
“That song is probably the only thing evil about him.”
“That’s not true! He has created a lot of evil things to try and get the Krabby Patty recipe.”
“That’s another thing! Who in their right mind is willing to spend their whole life trying to steal a secret recipe? Why not just make a better one, a different one? Way easier than trying to steal something that is already known to the mass of fish that live down there. ”
“I,” Steven began but paused and put a finger to his chin “I never really thought about it that way. It would make sense that if he actually stole the recipe and used it, than the fish would know.”
“Exactly!” Draco smirked and crossed his arms.
“Are you two proud of your argument over a kids show?” Hermione giggled.
“Hey!” Steven turned his head to face her “This is a very important argument!”
“And it’s not just for kids!” Draco cut in.
“Okay Draco,” She smiled widely “Whatever you say.”
“It’s not…” He turned his head back to Steven and slumped his shoulders slightly “Right?”
“Of course not! Adults watch it too and love it just as much, if not more than kids! After all I am almost an adult and I watch it.”
“Steven you just turned fifteen. That is hardly an adult.” Jason chimed in with a laugh.
“In the wizarding world, seventeen is considered an adult and the trace gets removed….So really I am only two years away from that!”
Jason looked to Draco for help, but Draco just shrugged and pursed his lips.
“He has a point. He is closer to being an adult in wizarding law than in muggle law.”
“You’re no help!”
“Sorry.” Draco replied with a laugh and turned to follow the now moving line to the ticket stands.
Once everyone was set with their entry tickets, the group moved into the front area of the San Diego Zoo.
“We should do the safari tomorrow.” Hermione announced as she looked at the map of the zoo. “I didn’t realize it wouldn’t be in the same area.”
“Not to worry.” Jason stated as he wrapped an arm around his little brother. “There is plenty to see here. I doubt we will even be able to see everything today anyway.”
“I wanna see everything!” Steven yelled out in excitement “Where should we start first? Can we see the reptiles?”
“Um, you guys can go see the reptiles.” She laughed with a slightly disgusted look. “Although, it looks like it would be last to visit on the map. We start that way,” She pointed to the right “then make our way around to the reptile exhibit over there.” She then pointed to the left and looked up from the map.
“I’ll pass on visiting it too. Was never big on those slimy animals.”
“They aren’t all slimy. That is a misconception.” Draco stated a little annoyed.
“Okay well,” Hermione interrupted “If we take Front Street then that will take us to the Koalas then to the Elephants. But if we take Treetops Way then we can see the monkeys and-”
“Hermione,” Draco cut in “Let’s just have fun. Pick a path at random and we will go from there.”
“I choose this way!” Steven yelled out and started running down Treetops Way; dragging Jason along with him.
Hermione looked at Draco with a defeated expression and he knew it was because she hated not having a set plan. He walked over to her, placed his hands on her hips, and lowered his forehead to hers.
“Love, just let loose and have fun. Sometimes the best times, are ones not planned…Like this morning for instance.” He winked.
“I know. I just wanted to make sure we saw everything.” She stated rather sadly.
“And we will; even if I have to pay the Zoo to stay open a little longer just for us. I will make sure you get to see every animal.”
“Really?” she asked lifting her eyes to his.
“Really.” He smiled.
Hermione released a soft sigh and half smiled up at him.
“I guess I can let you do that. But just his once!” She held up a finger to add to her point “At least it’s better than a boat I would never use.”
Draco let out a light laugh before kissing the top of her head and took her hand in his.
“ARE YOU SLOWPOKES COMING OR NOT? I COULD HAVE CAUGHT A SNITCH BY NOW AND STILL HAD TIME TO SEE THE WHOLE ZOO!” Steven shouted at them.
Draco turned his head to the teen and raised his free hand to his mouth.
“WHO ARE YOU CALLING SLOWPOKE? I CAN OUT FLY YOU ANY DAY!”
“BRING IT ON OLD MAN!”
Draco scuffed and looked back to Hermione who looked to be trying not to laugh.
“Don’t you dare laugh.” He stated with a smirk.
“Come on,” She giggled as she began walking away from him “wouldn’t want to prove how much of an old man, you are.”
“You’re older than me!” He shouted back, but she just shook her head and continued to walk.
Draco dropped his shoulders in defeat and placed his hands in his pockets before catching up to the rest of the group.
After twenty minutes of walking, the group stopped in front of the Gorillas in the Lost Forrest. Draco was already bored of half the animals they have seen already, but he was determined to at least pretend to be interested.
“Why are there only three Monkeys in this enclosure?” he asked after they stopped in front another exhibit.
Hermione looked at the information board before smiling widely and looked back to the primates.
“They are called Bonobo’s,” she began “They are endangered, but they are known for their ability to get along, and unlike humans or chimpanzees, they have never been observed killing one of their own. They are also very clever; much like Slytherin’s. Very family oriented as well.”
“Huh,” he crossed his arms and watched as a baby Bonobo nestled itself into its mothers arms. “I actually think I like these guys; they’re kind of cute.”
“You don’t have to keep pretending to be having fun, Draco.”
He looked down at his wife and met her bright amber eyes.
“I’m not pretending-”
“You are…but it’s okay.” She began, turning away from him “I know you would rather go see the reptiles.”
“Hermione,” he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and turned her slightly back to him “I was pretending at first, but I’m not pretending anymore. Some of the animals here are actually pretty interesting.”
“So it’s not because these primates are also known for having a lot of sex?” she smiled and pointed to the enclosure with her thumb.
“I-what-no…they have a lot of sex?” he asked while arching a brow.
Hermione let off a light laugh and wrapped her arm around his neck.
“A lot.” She grinned before standing on her tip-toes and placed a small kiss upon his lips.
“Get a room!” Steven announced as he stepped up to them.
The couple lightly laughed before stepping away from each.
“So when are you two having kids?” Jason questioned with a wide smile. “Bet they are going to be a handful. Adorable, but a handful.”
Draco’s face fell as his body went rigid and Hermione looked down to the floor.
“What? Did I say something wrong?”
“Oh no, of course not.” Hermione began “It’s just…I just…we just-”
“It’s a long story.” Draco was finally able to say, cutting Hermione off.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to be contentious. I was just asking.”
Hermione waved a hand in the air and stepped away from Draco.
“No, it’s okay. We just…have a lot to talk about. But now is not the time.” She faked smiled through her sadness.
“Can we go see the Elephants now? I’m bored of the Monkeys.”
“Yes, Steve.” Hermione began as she looked at the map “And we can even go see the reptiles before we leave. I think we have enough time for everything if we head there now…Oh.” She slumped her shoulders and brought the map closer to her face.
“What?” Jason asked while putting his hands in his pockets.
“The reptile house is closed for renovations. It says here they are moving the animals out tomorrow night.”
Draco’s face fell to disappointment but it was nothing compared to the sadness Steven looked to be feeling.
“I’m sorry.” she stated sadly.
Steven shrugged his shoulders and turned to walk down the pathway. Draco knew that sort of disappointment and he felt obligated to make it up to the poor teen.
After about two hours of walking around and taking a break for lunch, the group found themselves in the Norther Frontier area, staring at Polar Bears. Steven seemed to have perked up a bit but he still looked pretty down from not being able to see the reptiles.
“Hey Steven!” Draco called out.
Steven moved away from the glass where he and a bunch of other people were watching a female Polar bear swim, and walked over to Draco, Hermione, and Jason.
“Why don’t you and I go take a look at the Koala’s while Hermione and Jason go to the Lions.”
Hermione looked up at him in confusion and excused them both before dragging Draco a few steps away.
“What are you doing?” she asked in a whisper.
“The kid needs some cheering up. I figured since neither of us really cares to see the Gryffindor mascot, I would take him to see something else.”
“You mean something else closer to the Reptile House?” she questioned crossing her arms.
“No.”
“You used to be a better liar.”
“Okay fine, yes. I just think it would cheer him up.”
“Draco, you can’t sneak into that exhibit.” She yelled in a whisper.
“Why not? He really wanted to see them and he doesn’t have anyone his own age to hang out with here. I am also the closest thing to the wizarding world that gets him.”
“I’m from the wizarding world too.” She stated a little dejected.
“But you’re not Slytherin, Hermione. He needs someone who actually wants to see reptiles with him.”
“But sneaking in? Why can’t you take him to see the reptiles back in London?”
Draco tilted his head and let out a sigh as he stared Hermione down.
“What? Why are you starting at me?”
“Because you’re being a hypocrite.”
“I am not!”
“Mione, you invited them on our honeymoon for the day and told me it was a way to repay Jason for saving your life. So why can’t I do this one thing for his brother to cheer him up?”
She opened her mouth to retort but stopped and appeared to think about it for a moment. She then slumped her shoulders and looked up at him.
“Fine…but use the disillusionment charm, okay? I don’t want you getting kicked out because you couldn’t properly break in to a closed exhibit.”
“Do you not know me at all? Besides, it’s not like I am breaking in to Gringotts or anything.” he smirked as he back away from her and started making his way over to the brothers.
“You had to bring that up didn’t you?”
Draco winked at her before turning on his heels and putting his attention back on Steven.
“So,” he continued speaking while ignoring Hermione’s glare. “What do you say? I mean, if it’s okay with Jason.”
“I’m okay with it.” Jason shrugged.
“I don’t really want-” Steven started, but stopped when he saw the expression Draco was giving off. “to see the Lion’s anyway, so sure.”
“Great!” Draco clapped his hands together “Let’s go!”
He turned to Hermione and kissed her forehead before waving a hand at Jason and walked away with Steven in tow.
After making it to Park Way, Draco turned right and began head back down the previous way they came.
“The Koala’s are that way.” Steven pointed out as Draco turned around and began walking backwards.
“Oh I know.”
“So why are you going that way?”
“Because we are not going to see the Koala’s.”
“So where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” He smirked and turned back around.
Steven caught up to Draco and continued to walk beside him until they got to the primates again.
“Is it just me,” Steven started “or do the Monkeys seem to be acting weird?”
“They are Monkeys, they always act weird.” Draco replied as he continued to walk.
Steven caught up to him and grabbed his arm, stopping him mid stride and catching him off guard.
“No, look.”
Draco turned his head and instantly saw the Orangutans jumping from branch to branch, but not in a playful manor, as the birds in the Aviary behind them, were also acting very strange; almost as if they were in fear of something.
“Huh, that’s a little outré.” He mentioned as he put his hands in his pockets and looked on at the bizarre scene before him.
“That is putting it lightly.”
“Whatever, they are just animals.” Draco shrugged before he turned on his heels and resumed his pace down the path.
Once they made it to the exit, Steven once again stopped Draco in his tracks.
“We are leaving? Just because I was a little upset about the reptiles being closed, doesn’t mean I wanted to leave.”
Draco turned around and faced the young Slytherin.
“Who said anything about leaving?”
“Well that is the exit.”
“And your point?” Draco asked crossing his arms.
“I really have to spell it out for you? We are here,” Steven pointed to the ground with both his hands “and the exit it right there, which is the direction we are headed in. So unless you are planning to go to the car for some sun screen-”
“Do I look like I need sun screen?” he questioned with a raised brow.
“Draco, where are you taking me? If we are leaving, I would rather go back to see the Lion’s with Hermione.”
“We aren’t leaving; just taking a detour.”
“Detour to where?”
“Just…trust me.”
Steven rolled his eyes but seemed to trust Draco and continued to follow him. Once Draco got them to the area he wanted, outside of the Zoo, he pulled out his wand and looked around to make sure no one was looking.
“What are you doing? Are we even allowed to be back here?” Steven asked while also looking around.
“Have you ever used a disillusionment charm before?” Draco began, ignoring the boy’s questions.
“No, we didn’t learn it yet…Why?”
“Because we are about to sneak into the zoo.”
“What? Why? We were just in there.”
“You ask a lot of questions...Just hold still.”
Draco tapped his wand on Steven’s head and wordlessly cast the charm, turning Steven practically invisible. The effects were not as good as having Harry’s invisibility cloak, but Draco figured it was better than nothing. Once the spell fully took over the young muggle-born’s body, Draco then waved his wand around himself and repeated the charm.
“Wicked!” Steven claimed in excitement.
“Keep your voice down.” Draco whispered “We don’t want to raise suspicion.”
“Sorry…But um Draco?”
“Yeah?”
“Where are you?”
“Hold out your hand.”
Draco assumed he did as he was told and reached out his hand to grab Steven’s. Luckily neither of them moved from the spots they were originally standing in so it wasn’t hard for him to find the teen.
“I am going to levitate us over the gate and bushes, okay; just follow my lead.” They both stood there for a few quite seconds before Draco continued “If you are nodding your head I can’t see it.”
“Right, sorry. Okay.”
Draco led them both over the wall of the Children’s Area and into the Zoo, just like he said he would, and guided Steven to the front of the Reptile House.
“What are you doing? This place is closed.” Steven whispered.
“Alohomora.” Draco whispered as he pointed his wand at the handle, and the door to the house creeped open. “Come on.”
“No, are you crazy? We are going to get in trouble. The sign says it’s closed.” Steven stated as he pulled Draco’s hand back.
“We are Slytherin’s Steve. We follow our own rules. Besides, I have done a lot worse when I was your age then sneaking into a muggle building; come on, let’s go.”
Convincing the boy to follow him inside was the easy part for Draco, keeping him safe after they entered however, would be a hell of a lot harder.
01:36pm
Hermione let out a deep sigh as she watched Draco leave with Steven before turning back to look at the Polar Bear still swimming gracefully in the icy water.
“Are you okay?” Jason asked, interrupting her thoughts.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine. Something is bothering you.”
“I’m fine!” She claimed; harsher than she wanted “Can we just go see the Lions now…Please.”
“Sure,” Jason replied, a little thrown back “uh, this way.” He pointed to the right with his finger as he kept his perplexed gaze on her.
The duo walked out of the Norther Frontier area and made their way to Elephant Odyssey. They stopped and looked at an intimidating Mountain Lion, before heading down the path to the ‘King of the Jungle’.
Once they got there though, Hermione seemed almost instantly drawn to the large beast that was pacing back and forth on an enormous rock. Jason was talking to her but Hermione could no longer hear him as she stared at the feline with curiosity. When the lion turned, their gaze connected, preventing her from looking away. It was almost like the warm golden embers of the lions eyes were sucking her in while also staring deep into her soul; reading her.
Hermione couldn’t understand what was happening, but it was like she knew the Lion; like she grew up with him as part of his pride; felt all his pain and failures, but also his love and his triumphs. She felt safe as the intensity of its energy swept through her.
She took a step forward while tilting her head, and the lion followed suit; its large brown shaggy mane billowing in the breeze as it took a step closer to the glass that many families where standing in front of.
But the lion seemed oblivious to the small children yelling and screaming in excitement and continued to stare deep into Hermione’s eyes.
“Hermione?” Jason touched her shoulder when he realized she wasn’t listening to him. “Hermione, are you okay?”
Hermione still didn’t hear him as she took another step, then another, then another, as she got closer to the enclosure. She couldn’t pin point what it was exactly that put her into the trance she was in, all she knew was that she had to get closer to the African King. She lightly pushed passed a few children and adults and stepped up to the glass pane separating her from the wild beast. Not once did their eye contact break as the Lion did the same.
They were inches from each other with nothing but a clear wall of heated liquid sand between them. Hermione slowly crouched down and raised a hand, placing her palm against the cool glass; and to her surprise, the lion lifted a paw and placed it in the same area her hand rested. Her eyes momentarily directed away from his, to his paw, which matched up with her palm perfectly.
The family’s that were surrounding the Lions habitat, backed away while watching in amazement of the scene happening before them. Jason took a few steps forward, placing himself only a few feet away from the Gryffindor witch.
Hermione lifted her gaze back up to the male lions, whose eyes were now glowing a beautiful golden brown; eyes she was so sure she recognized. A thought entered her mind that forced her to lightly gasped in astonishment while her mouth parted in shock. A single tear escaped her eye and trickled down her rosy cheek as she took one last look into the animal’s eyes.
“Ron?” she whispered gently.
The lion lowered it paw and bowed its head; pressing its forehead against the glass.
Hermione quickly removed her hand from the glass and clasped it over her mouth. She stood back up and backed away in fear and surprise.
She knew it was impossible but the proof was right there in front of her. She couldn’t deny that she felt a very strong connection to the creature before her, nor could she deny what just happened. Quickly turning on her heels, Hermione rushed passed a very confused Jason and ran to the closest bathroom.
Hovering over the sink, she rocked back and forth on her heels while trying to get her breathing under control. She turned on the faucet and began splashing cold water on her face to help calm her down but it only worked a little. Grasping the sides of the sink, Hermione ignored the women walking behind her and looked up at her reflection in the mirror.
“It wasn’t him, he’s dead, he is dead and he is not coming back.” She claimed to herself. “Get it together Hermione, it couldn’t be him. Ron is dead.”
“Ron Weasley?” Jason asked, not seeming to care that he just walked into the woman bathroom. “Ron is dead?”
Hermione’s head snapped to him in shock. Her breathing became heavy again as she tried to hold back the tears she knew would come. Jason looked to have known that she was about to break down in the small lavatory and quickly pulled her into a hug. Her face sunk into his plain blue tee and she could no longer hold back the pain she was feeling.
Jason hugged her tighter for a few more seconds as they both ignored the stares that were coming from irritated women trying to use the rest room.
“Come on, let’s get out of here.” Jason whispered as he reached over and grabbed a few paper towels before guiding them both out of the bathroom to a bench just outside.
Hermione calmed down slightly as she sat down on the bench and took the paper towels Jason handed her. He took a seat beside her and inhaled a deep breath.
“I won’t pretend to understand what you are going through,” he began “but I do know that it can’t be easy to lose a best friend.” he sighed heavily before turning to face her “I don’t know what happened back there, I am assuming it had something to do with magic, but I know a connection when I see one Hermione, and you definitely had one with that Lion. As strange as that may sound.”
Hermione wiped her nose and lifted her head to look at the young man sitting next to her.
“I don’t know what happened.”
“You don’t have to talk about it. I am sure I probably wouldn’t be able to comprehend the magic behind…well whatever that was.” He took one of her hands in his “But if you want me to go get Draco I will. He should know what happened. You look like you really need him right now.”
She shook her head and once more wiped her nose.
“I don’t want to burden him. He is already going through a lot.”
“What do you mean? Last I heard only two-thirds of the Golden Trio are friends with him. I thought he and Ron hated each other. Besides, he is your husband, I am sure you would never be able to burden him even if you tried.”
“That’s…It’s complicated.”
“So let’s uncomplicated it.” Jason stated as he released her hand and fully turned towards her.
He lifted a leg and tucked it under the other while resting his arm on the back of the bench.
“I don’t want to bother you with our problems.” She claimed, lowering her head to look at the paper towel she was fidgeting with in her hands.
“Hermione,” he tilted his head to look at her face “we are friends aren’t we? And you let us come with you and Draco today even though you didn’t have to. I also know you let Draco take my little brother to the reptile house just to cheer him up. I couldn’t help over hearing you two bicker about it…I owe you at least a listening ear for that.”
“You don’t owe me anything. You helped-”
Jason held up a hand and stopped her.
“Please don’t say I helped save your life. I am not a hero. Not like you or your friends. I was a trainee, and a terrible one at that. I only did what I was told and your husband actually had to walk me though taking his blood to help you. If anything Draco is the hero…not me. I was simply there because emergency services were short staffed during that chaos.”
“But-”
“But nothing. I wish I could take credit for saving you, Hermione, I really do, but I can’t; that was all Draco’s doing, and the help of actual qualified firefighters and paramedics…Look, I know we don’t know each other, well I mean I know all about you because my brother idolizes Draco, but I would like to get to know you. Tell me what is bothering you. Let me actually be helpful.”
Hermione lowered her head back down as she contemplating telling a perfect stranger about her marital problems.
“I know there is something,” he continued “you both seemed rather odd today and when I brought up children you both acted very outré.”
Hermione took a deep breath in and looked out to the mass of people wondering around Zoo like life was great; oblivious to the fact that her world was falling apart and they didn’t even care. They laughed and felt joy as they looked at the animals in wonderment, while she barely held her emotions together.
“Can we go see the Elephants now…please?” she asked, ignoring Jason’s plea to help her.
She could see Jason eyeing her skeptically from the corner of her eye, but she stood up and began walking away. She heard him sigh but he got up and followed her as she made her way over the Elephants. She knew she should have talked about what she was going through but she didn’t feel up for it right now. The last thing she wanted was for her to break down again in the middle of the Zoo and have the poor man comfort her, when really, it should have been Draco. She just wanted her husband, but even more so, wanted her husband to want the child growing inside of her.
Hermione lowered her head and touched a hand to her belly as she continued to walk; completely unaware, that she would soon have to fight to keep herself, her baby, and muggle friend, alive.

AN- Sorry this chapter is shorter, I was actually planning on making it longer but it didn't fit the timeline I wanted for each chapter. Anyway I hope you still enjoyed it. I researched the Zoo's map and watched live cams to try and get everything right. Now since this story is based in 2006, not everything will be accurate since I couldn't get a map from that year lol but I tried my best and did have to make a few changes. If you see any errors about the location please let me know so I can fix it! :)

@saxman66- They have calmed down slightly but I promise...next chapter it will pick back up ;)
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Nature's Cruelty: Sequel to Earth Shattering