Clandestine

Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me.

His grey eyes searched at the students milling inside the Great Hall for breakfast. This has been kind of a regular reflex of his every morning; search amid the sea of students, trying to lock his grey eyes with a certain brown one. And finally, he found her, chatting amicably with her two best friends, making their way to the Gryffindor Table. His insides twinged as he noticed the red-head put one arm around her and laughed hard at something she had said. He had the sudden urge to rise from the Slytherin Table and hex the living daylights out of him. But then,as the three of them sat down, he noticed the bushy-haired girl turn her head and search for something, her brown eyes scrutinizing the crowd. Finally...

Brown met Grey...

She didn't flinch and stared determinedly at him. He did the same, he held her stare. Even from the other side of the hall, he can still see her brown eyes clearly and the swirl of emotions in it. He understood, he always does. He understands her more than anyone, even more than her two best friends. And with an effort, he tried to put his emotion in his grey ones. It was hard to, considering that the only emotions that stayed in it was hatred and prejudice. But with a soft smile and a gentle nod from her, he knew she understood. She always does.

Feeling elated and quite glad, the two broke their stare and returned to their breakfast.

Her footsteps echoed as she treaded her way up the stairs to the Astronomy tower. She glanced at her wrist watch that read '7:30'...their meeting time. When she reached the tower, she found him leaning casually on the wall, staring into the horizon as if in a deep thought, the gentle wind caressing his platinum blonde hair. She couldn't suppress a smile and a blush as she looked at him. His refined features, slightly illuminated by the silver glow of the moon; he looked breathtaking. She quietly walked towards him but no sooner that she reached him, his eyes traveled to hers, leaving his gaze from the castle grounds. His grey eyes lingered, sending jolts down her spine. He always makes her feel this way, jittery, excited and warm. And she liked it.

"Hey..." She muttered softly and smiled.

"Hey..." He replied, giving her a very rare smile. A smile he meant for her and only for her.

She sighed and looked at to where he was gazing a while ago. She saw that it was the pathway down to Hagrid's hut. She wondered why he was doing so. She turned to ask him this and noticed that his eyes hadn't left her face. She tried to hide the blush...

"Uhm...What were you thinking?"

"Things..." He broke his stare and went back to where he was looking at a while ago.

"What things?"

A smile crept in his lips again.

"Well, do you remember? On our third year?"

"What about it?"

"You punched me."

She let out a giggle.

"That felt great."

"No it did not!" He scowled. "You broke my nose, I had to go to Madame Pomfrey."

"Well, you deserved it, you insulted Hagrid."

He shrugged. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But did you really have to strike me that hard?"

She didn't answer but just smiled. Silence engulfed then once again but this time, it was comfortable one. And so, they stood there, side by side, with the gentle wind still blowing. Each, staring into the horizon, lost at their own thoughts but still feeling each others presence.

He glanced sideways at her and felt his heart skip a beat as he saw her calm and pretty face, her brown curls gently swaying and her brown eyes bright. He moved his hand sideways, near to hers, hesitated and heaved a great breath before finally enveloping her small hands in his. She didn't look at him or flinch. She just smiled and squeezed his hand tenderly. He felt lightheaded at this simple touch. He loved being near her. Her mere presence brings him such comfortable warmth that he wished he can have forever.

But he can't. The only time he can have her as near as they are now is within this tower, every '7:30'. He hated it. Hated how he should insult her when they were out of the walls that secludes them from other people. He hates how he should call her 'mudblood' everytime just to make their façade believable. True, she had admitted to him that it never really hurt her, even before he had been using it on her as she never really knew the meaning before second year and that she couldn't care less because she knows that he doesn't mean it. But it's a different case for him because he'd known that word for practically all his life, all thanks to his father. And to him, that word meant a low-life, someone undesirable and filthy. And Hermione is very far from that. But still...

He still wished that this can come out in the open. He wanted these secret meetings to end. He wanted everyone to know. He doesn't give a damn anymore at what other people may say. Because right this moment, as he feels their hands entwined together; as he marvels at the fact that they actually fit perfectly, all he knows is that he is indeed in love with Hermione Granger.

And that's all that matters. That's all he needs...

"Hermione..." He started.

She turned to look at him but he didn't speak further. Instead, his eyes flickered in different directions, as if deciding whether he should say what's on his mind.

"Draco, what is it?" She asked, half worrying because he rarely looked anxious.

He heaved another breath to steady his nerves. Maybe, just maybe, this time, she'll agree. But what if she doesn't and if he insist, she'll get mad and leave him. That, he could not afford.

"Draco?" She called again.

That's it, he would ask her. But he would not insist that much that it would drive her off the wall.

"Let's tell them..." He quietly stated.

At this, she paused and stared at him. Then, she lowered her eyes to the cobbled floor.

"You know we can't..." She sadly replied.

At this, something constricted in Draco's chest. Why not? Maybe it's because people will flock at them, disbelieving and insulting them. But no. He knows her, she's a strong girl. She can withstand those kind of things. But then...

Could it be that the reason she didn't want to tell everyone is that she's actually embarrassed of him?

"Are you ashamed?" He asked, somewhat coldly.

Hermione looked at him, eyes suddenly ablaze.

"No I'm not!" She said, her voice rising slightly, sounding a little scandalized. "How can you even propose such thing?!"

"It's the way you move. The way you react when we're outside." He let go of her hand and crossed his arms on his chest. "Your very careful not to let anyone know."

She scoffed, her face looking furious. "Well, that's the whole point now is it? For them not to find out! Honestly Malfoy, how thick can you get?"

Ah, so they're in their last name basis now.

"I know that Granger but sometimes, it's as if you're very careful, too careful if I may say that I think, you're actually embarrassed if somebody would find you in my presence."

"It's not that!" She's practically shouting now.

"Then what is it?!" He shouted back. "Pray tell me the reason for such actions." He sardonically stated.

"No I will not!"

"What?!"

"You told me before you trusted me, no questions asked! And I'm not going to explain to you everything of my actions!"

"This does not only involve you! It involves the both of us! So if you don't mind, I don't appreciate you making all the decisions by yourself."

They glared at each other, both panting and red in face. Hermione took a calming breath and crossed his arms on her front too.

"Why must you be an insistent arrogant prick all the time Malfoy?" She asked coldly. "Would it do you any harm just to trust anyone?"

"I'm not saying that I don't trust you! But would it hurt that just for once, you'd tell me your reasons?!" He violently shrugged. "You know what? Fine! I don't care! Don't tell me if you don't want to! Let's just...just forget about it. The curfew's almost over and I don't want to spend it biting your head off. You know, as this is the only time I get to spend time with you." He bitterly added.

Uncomfortable silence enveloped them. She shifted slightly as she stole glances at him. His face was stoic and he's looking faraway again. This isn't the first time that he proposed that they should tell everyone about them. But she refused everytime. Maybe that gave him the idea that she's ashamed of their relationship. But that's not true! The reason is very far from that. Sometimes, she would fathom at how much he wanted to expose them to everyone. Since this started, their relationship, she thought she would be the one to suggest precisely the same thing he's been suggesting just a while ago. She thought she'll be the one persuading and he would be the one resisting. But then, it came the other way around.

"It's not that I'm ashamed Draco." She mumbled, breaking the ice.

"I said drop it. I don't care about it anymore." He said, still not looking at her.

"No, you're right, it's unfair for you not to know as this involves us."

"I told you, it doesn't matter. Look, just stop-"

"I-I'm scared..." She muttered quietly that it was almost incoherent but he heard it anyway.

He had been truly surprised at her reply. Never before had Hermione admitted that she's afraid of something.

"Of what?"

"Of them."

"But you told me you don't care whatever they say."

"I-I don't. I'm not afraid at what would say. Draco..." She looked at him, her brown eyes slowly welling in tears. "I'm...I'm just afraid at what they might do..."

His stoic feature softened as he gently wiped a stray tear that fell in her eye with his thumb.

"I told you, I'll never let anything happen to you."

She shook her head. "No, I'm not worried about me." She sniffed and wiped her face. "I'm afraid at what they might to to our relationship. I'm afraid at the lengths they'd go to separate us. I'm not just talking about your fellow Slytherins. Draco, Harry and Ron dislikes you to an extent. I don't know how they'll react. And it'll be hard for me that everytime we go out together, they'll always be tailing us, trying to hex you. Or maybe, they'll be mad and they'll hate me. Don't get me wrong Draco, but they're my best friends and I love them. And the Slytherins, I know how nasty they can be. They'll make your life miserable. I've witnessed how some pureblood lot treat the Weasleys; calls them blood-traitors and treats them like low life scums-"

Draco shifted uncomfortably. He used to be one of those "pureblood lots"...

"-and I know they'll treat you the same. Probably even worse, seeing as they see you as the prefect Slytherin embodiment; like their leader. They'll feel betrayed and will make your life a nightmare!"

"I don't care about them. And if I have to stand in front of Potter and Weasley and explain to them that my intentions are clean, I'll do that."

"D-Draco, it's not just that. There's one more thing."

He saw fear flash in her eyes.

"What is it?"

"Your father...your family Draco. You're a pureblood and I know that you only marry purebloods to retain your bloodline. I-I'm a Muggle-born, they'll think I'll taint you."

Draco lips thinned, he gripped Hermione's shoulders. "Father's in Azkaban Hermione, and I don't give a damn what my family says. You know I don't care about the goddamn blood anymore!"

"He'll not be there forever. What if he forces you to abandon me? Or what if he threatens to disinherit you? What if he threatens to kill you?" She choked out, more tears fell down. "He's not the only Death Eater Draco. There're more on the loose. If Voldemort finds out about us; he'll call upon his followers to kill you!"

"Hermione..." His voice sounded firm. "I will not...I will never, abandon you whatever happens. No one, not even Voldemort, can separate me from you, believe me. And I don't give a damn about my inheritance. If I have to work to earn a living, I don't care. I don't want to loose you...You're all I need..."

Hermione didn't respond but tears continued to fall. Draco pulled her in his arms and made comforting circles on her back...

"I love you...you know that..." He whispered on her ear.

Hermione nodded, her face buried on his chest. "I love you too..."

"I just hate it when I have to act like I hate you. I know that it hurts you Hermione, and it hurts me too..."

They stayed embracing for a long time. Both enjoying the feeling to be in each other's time. But like every night they meet, it had to end...

"Draco, it's time..."

Draco nodded but still hadn't let go of her.

"Draco..."

"You know, this is the moment when I wish time will just stop, so we don't have to part." He smiled bitterly.

"Me too..." She gently pulled away and looked him in the eye. "But we'll meet gain tomorrow right?"

Draco forced a smile. "You're right. I'll walk you to your dorm."

"No, someone might see you. I'll be fine on my own."

Draco responded with a stiff nod.

"Till tomorrow..." She stood on her toes and gave him a kiss on the lips then descended the stairs, leaving him looking after the place where she disappeared.

"Till tomorrow..." He repeated sadly and headed for his own dormitory.

"Watch it Mudblood!" Pansy Parkinson shrieked as Hermione bumped to her.

"You watch it Parkinson." Hermione glared at her and turned to her books that fell on the ground.

Pansy looked mutinous and kicked the book she's about to pick. "You better learn to respect those who're superior to you, you filthy Mudblood, right Draco?"

Draco, who was averting his eyes from the scene, was forced to look at Hermione who was resolutely avoiding his eyes and still picking her fallen books. But before he can respond, Hermione spoke.

"Surely you don't mean yourself Parkinson. Surely with your I.Q., the only thing you can be superior of is a flobberworm." Hermione scoffed.

Pansy flared.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Hermione smirked. "I didn't mean to insult the flobberworm."

With a flash, Pansy whipped her wand and pointed it at her. But Hermione was as fast as Pansy, her wand already pointing on her throat.

"Don't try me Parkinson." Hermione coldly stated.

"You afraid Mudblood?" Pansy sneered, she pushed the tip of her wand on her throat, creating a round burn there.

Draco had had it. He was about to knock Pansy's wand from her hand when two voices interrupted them. Harry and Ron were running in their direction, looking very angry, their wands drawn and pointing at him and Pansy.

"Expelliarmus!" Harry bellowed. Pansy's wand was thrown away.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Ron shouted as he pulled Hermione to stand behind him.

"Ah, the Mudblood's two boyfriends came to the rescue." Pansy scowled.

"What did you do to Hermione you scum?!!" Harry glared, wand still pointing at him. Draco glanced briefly to Hermione's direction, she nodded a little, assuring him she's ok. But his chest still constricted at what he's about to do, to what he's about to say...

"Just scared the wits out of the Mudblood!" Draco sneered nastily. "C'mon Pansy, let's not waste out time with these low lives."

Draco Accioed Pansy's wand and handed it to her. With a last glare, the two of them departed, with Pansy clinging in Draco's arm.

"Bastard." Ron muttered darkly, then turned to Hermione. "Are you ok?"

"Yes." She pointed her wand at the burn and it mended, but there was still a visible, round burn mark. "It'll fade away in a few days, don't worry." She gave them an assuring smile.

"Those Slytherins really are gits." Harry said as he picked up the rest of the books on the ground and handed it to Hermione. She nodded and didn't reply.

After a moment of silence, Ron said. "We need to go, we'll be late for Herbology."

Without a word, she followed her two best friends outside.

Hermione ran up the stairs to the Astronomy Tower; she was late, it was already 8:15 pm. She had trouble shaking Harry and Ron off. They were begging for help with their current Potions assignments. So she had no choice but to lie that she had left her book at the library to get them off her back.

When she reached the tower, she found Draco leaning on the wall as usual.

"I'm sorry I'm late." She panted and halted beside him.

Draco looked at her and nodded. "It's ok." He reached out and touched her neck. "I'm sorry about this. I should've-"

She gently removed his hand from her neck but didn't let it go. "I'm fine. It's not your fault." She smiled warmly at him but Draco didn't look convinced.

"I wanted to hit her at that moment-"

"Good thing you didn't, it would've exposed us-"

"I don't care! She hurt you! Do you think I give a damn what-"

She cupped his face in her hands; that shut him up. She leaned forward and gave him a kiss.

"I'm fine Draco..." She smiled.

"Yes, but-" But he suddenly stopped, looking at something behind Hermione, his eyes wide.

"Draco, what is it?" Hermione anxiously asked. But her question was answered as she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Hermione?"

She turned around, her heart throbbing in her chest. There, just above the stairs, was Harry Potter, looking confused and angry. An old parchement with moving dots fell from his hand.

NOTE OF THE AUTHOR: This will not be long, probably just a 2 or 3 shot. Ah, I haven't submitted for a long time:) Ok then, push the review button and tell me what you think:)