Undeniable Truths

15~ Not So Happy Birthday

It's my birthday. Well, it's Draco's birthday. And let's just say, my day was crap.

I never liked birthdays to begin with, mostly because I didn't understand them. Why do we give people presents for being one year closer to dying? But I at least liked having people remember it was my birthday, but that's kinda hard to have happen when everyone thinks your birthday is August 27, and it's only June 5.

But it gets even worse when you get a cryptic letter.

I know your secret, and I'm not afraid to tell her.

Was all the letter said. No signature. No owl. Nothing. The letter wasn't even hand written, it was typed, so I couldn't use a spell to figure out who wrote it.

Someone knows my secret. They know who I am. And they're going to tell Hermione.

*ring ring ring*

I pick up the phone, "Hello?"

"Happy birthday, Draco Dear."

"Who's this?" I start panicking.

"Your mother?"

I let out the breath I wasn't aware I was holding in, "hello, Mother. Sorry, I've been busy, I forgot it was even my birthday today." I lie through my teeth.

"It's perfectly alright, dear. I just wanted to make sure you didn't go the entire day without being told happy birthday."

"Thank you, but it's a sacrifice I made by my plan."

"I know, it just doesn't seem fair. Why couldn't you have still used your same birthday?" Mother pouts.

"I couldn't keep anything, I didn't want anything to be suspicious. You know that. You, Father, and I sat up for days planning it all out so I could have a better life."

"But I never get to see you. I didn't know that when I buried a fake version of my son, I'd lose my real son."

"I know, I need to visit. It's just I've been working so much," I sigh.

"You need to get out more. Have some fun. You're only 23 once dear."

"I'm 24 today, Mother."

"Yeah, yeah, in my mind you'll always be three. What's your point?"

I chuckle, "I know. Maybe I'll come see you this weekend."

"Or tonight." I can hear the smirk on her face through the phone. "I can put the house elves to work on your birthday dinner."

"Mother."

"Please, I miss you so much."

"Fine, Granger won't mind. We don't have plans."

"Granger, as in Hermione?"

Shit. "Umm..."

"Draco Lucius, what aren't you telling me?"

"I dont know..." I rub my left forearm on my side.

"Did you finally tell that girl how you feel? Did you blow your cover? I swear to Merlin," she sneers.

"No, I did not tell her. And no, I didn't not blow my cover," I take a deep breath. "Granger and I have been seeing each other. But as far as she knows my name is Perceus Weinberg, just as we agreed."

"Oh, Draco, she's the smartest witch of her age, you really think she won't be able to see right through you?" She's panicking now.

"Mother, she doesn't suspect a thing," I reassure her. "At least that I know of..." I mumble under my breath.

"That you know of!? She could blow everything. Then what? You'll go to Azkaban and stay there for the rest of your life! You'll rot in that prison," she cries.

"I know. But I can't help it," I say defeatedly, "I love her. I've loved her for so long. And she's the only thing that can keep me from going insane. She is the only reason why I'm not insane."

"How is that so?"

"Because maybe, just maybe, she could fall in love with me, the real me, without knowing its me, so it won't be a big deal if I'm Perceus or Draco."

"I'm not sure if it works like that, dear."

"I know, but I've got to try."

"You really love her, don't you."

Without hesitation I respond, "Yes, bushy hair and all."

"What time are you planning to on being here?"

"How does 7:00 sound?"

"I'll see you then," she says as she hangs up.