A/N: I don't own. All J.K.R.. Exactly how it should be.
Well, here is the first chapter of Enhanced Senses. I hope you like it.
"Any training that does not include the emotions, mind and body is incomplete; knowledge fades without feeling." -Anonymous
Hermione's alarm clock went off and she disarmed it with a groan, forgetting she didn't have classes until tomorrow. She made Head Girl this year along with Draco Malfoy making Head Boy. Who would've thought?
Sitting up in her bed, eyes still closed, she put her hair up into a ponytail, just a couple strands escaping and dropped her arms with a sigh. Opening her eyes she saw…
Nothing. Everything was black.
(Day Before)
The Golden Trio was reunited once again for another year at Hogwarts, and also their last. Giving hugs and telling about their summers' events, they felt carefree now that the war was over. However, they still stuck with their training tactics; they'd also taken up kick boxing, karate, Tai chi, and mediation sessions.
On the train, they were together in a compartment along with Ginny, Luna and Neville.
"So, Hermione, I heard you made Head Girl this year. That's fantastic," Luna said in her dreamy voice.
Hermione grinned, "Yes, I did." Ginny elbowed her.
"Why didn't you tell me?" The firecracker asked with a grin. "Congratulations!"
"Yeah 'Mione, that's great. Although, we could see that coming from a mile away," Ron said. Hermione rolled her eyes.
Harry chuckled, "But other than that, it's wonderful Hermione," he said with a smile. Neville let a small smile curve his lips.
"You've earned it Hermione. You are the greatest witch of our year," Neville admired.
"Thank you, all of you," Hermione said with a small blush.
Ron turned his attention to Harry and began a talk about Quidditch.
Ginny leant in closer to her older Gryffindor friend, "Hey, how's the wandless magic coming along?" She asked in a hushed tone. Hermione's ears perked up at this.
"It's going surprisingly well. I can do it for longer periods of times without getting as drained. It definitely isn't like it was before," she said with a grin. Ginny giggled.
"Same with me, it's getting much easier. It kind of surprised me, what with my power. But that's to be expected when your magic has a kick the way mine does," the red head said. Hermione nodded, agreeing. Ginny is very powerful.
Before the two could continue their talk, their compartment door slid open quickly and Draco Malfoy poked his upper body in while hanging on to the frame.
"Granger, McGonagall wants us in the Heads compartment," he said. She didn't get up. Instead, she looked shocked. No mudblood?
"Now, woman!" He exclaimed and left, leaving the door open.
"It seems Malfoy is our Head Boy this year," Luna stated. Hermione got up and walked out into the walkway.
"I guess I'll see you all later," she said as she walked out and closed the door, not giving the boys time to start acting like her big brothers.
Walking along one side of the compartment walls she looked for the Heads compartment. But, it seemed her vision was blurring up. Hermione stopped and placed a hand on the wall. She closed her eyes and shook her head a bit. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes again and her vision was back to normal.
"Strange…" she said to herself.
"What's strange?"
Hermione turned around quickly to find Draco Malfoy leaning out of the Heads compartment.
"Nothing…nothing," she said curtly while blinking a few times. She walked towards him and he let her through. She took a seat on one bench and he sat across from her after closing the door.
"You sure you're alright, Granger?" Draco asked with his head cocked slightly to the side. Hermione bit her lip.
Malfoy is actually being civil. She nodded. He shrugged.
They sat in silence.
Everything went by smoothly. McGonagall came and explained their duties and privileges, they arranged the prefects meeting and when they arrived at Hogwarts, everything went extremely well. No fights, no bickering, not one threat or degrading word.
The next thing Hermione knew was she was sitting with her friends in the Great Hall and Headmistress McGonagall stood to speak. The Great Hall went silent.
"Welcome to our new students and welcome back all!" Her voice echoed throughout the large room.
"As most of you all know, the Forbidden Forest is indeed forbidden. The war may be over, but the dangers that lurk in the forest are very dangerous. We want you all to be out of harms way," She explained.
"Our Head Girl this year is Hermione Granger." She stood up as the Headmistress introduced her into her role.
The Gryffindor house was the loudest for applause…and the Slytherins were the quietest. However, you could hear faint clapping in the midst of the snake pit.
"Our Head Boy is Draco Malfoy," McGonagall said after the applause had ceased a little and Draco stood, giving a little bow.
The Slytherins piped up immediately. Hermione, being Head Girl, clapped. She wanted to be an example for everyone that inter-house unity is possible, and she was willing to do it.
Hermione made eye contact with Draco, and he nodded at her with a smirk. It wasn't the usual smirk, it was…friendly? She returned the nod. The two sat back down.
After the new students, mostly first years, were sorted and the new teachers were introduced, the Headmistress raised her arms with a twinkle in her eyes, much like Dumbledore's.
"Let the feast begin!" McGonagall announced and the food appeared.
"'Mione, woo ohay?" Ron asked with his mouth full of mashed potatoes.
"Ronald, don't talk with your mouth full," she said with a mildly disgusted look. Ginny rolled her eyes at her brother.
"He asked if you were okay," Ginny filled her in. Hermione tilted her head.
"I'm fine, why do you ask?" she asked.
Ron swallowed his food this time, "You've just been kind of out of it. You were in a daze before McGonagall's speech."
Hermione sighed slightly, "I'm fine, I promise."
She added a little smile to prove she was alright. Seemingly satisfied with her answer, they went back to their plates. McGonagall stood once again near the end of the feast.
"It's almost time to get going to your rooms, so finish up and prefects will show the first years their rooms. Head Girl and Boy, come up here once you're finished.
Hermione stood without hesitation and left the table without another word. From the corner of her eye she could see platinum blonde hair. The two walked to Hagrid and McGonagall. Once they were standing in front of them, Hermione's vision once again blurred, but it was more intense this time. Blinking a couple times and shaking her head slightly, she tried to clear her vision. It worked.
"Granger, you alright?" Draco asked softly.
He's still being civil, in front of everyone? Hermione thought, nodding.
"Yeah, yeah, fine," she said. McGonagall held that stern look, but her eyes showed concern.
"Very well, I will show you to your room," the Headmistress said earning nods from the Heads. "But before you go off, it is your duty to show that inter-house unity is possible. You two will be held highly in the eyes of others and we are counting on both of you to be responsible for the role that has been bestowed upon you."
Draco and Hermione looked at each other and back to Minerva. They nodded.
"Follow me, please," McGonagall ordered.
They walked down hallways that the both of them have never seen before, but was easy to maneuver. A portrait appeared ahead of them down a hallway with a number of suited armors. In the portrait, there was a female centaur.
She was very beautiful. Her face was soft and she had almond shaped eyes which were a very vibrant green. Her hair was like black silk and was braided tightly over her shoulder. The human half of her wore a sort of corset with accents in the breasts. Black, green and gold ribbons and fabric along the sides and front, also lacing up the back went wonderfully together. The bottom half of her, her horse's body, was white with her legs were black up to the knee. Her tail was black silk, just like the hair on her head, a beautiful contrast with her white lower body.
"Hello, Danica, how are you?" McGonagall asked. The centaur trotted a little and grinned at the old woman.
"Minerva! I'm wonderful, it's good to see you," She said. Her voice was strong like a warrior, yet beautiful.
"Wonderful, dear. These two are the Head Girl and Head Boy this year, Hermione and Draco," McGonagall introduced them.
"I'm honored to meet you, Danica," Hermione told the centaur. Draco bowed slightly.
"Oh, as am I, you have quite a reputation," Danica looked at both of them with a smile on her lips, "Both of you. You two are quite the war heroes."
Hermione looked at Draco in confusion. He looked at her.
"Yes, I was on your side," he said. She opened her mouth to speak, but was too late.
"Well, I'll leave you to come up with a password. Get some rest." McGonagall said before she disappeared down the hall.
"How come I didn't see you?" Hermione asked Draco once she found her voice.
"I was there," He said, turning his attention back to Danica. "So how 'bout it Granger, what's the password?" Draco gave her the decision.
"Aphrodite?" She proposed. Aphrodite: also known as Venus, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. She thought it would fit because of how beautiful Danica was.
"Oh Hermione, that is wonderful," Praised Danica. She knew the stories. Draco nodded and their portrait opened. "Goodnight!" Danica said in farewell.
The two walked in their common room, gazing at everything with bright eyes. It was done in warm colors, to give that homey comfortable look and the fire was at its peek. There were plenty of furniture; two couches and three lounging chairs, a desk with fresh ink, quills and parchment placed on top. A bookcase went all along one wall, filled with anything you could imagine, including Greek mythology.
"Wow," Hermione breathed out. She glanced into the dancing fire and her vision jumped to black to blurry; back and forth. Grabbing on to the back of the couch she steadied herself with a hand over her eyes. Blinking her eyes once again, she cleared her vision.
Draco looked at her with a frown. He knew something was up.
"Granger, why don't we get some sleep," He suggested. She nodded, standing herself up properly.
"Of course," she said going to the room labeled 'Head Girl,' and Draco to the one labeled 'Head Boy'. They shut their doors behind them.
Gasping at the grandeur of her room, Hermione glided across the soft dark burgundy plush carpet. Her room was dark red and gold, a true Gryffindor room. A king sized bed with gold pillows and sheets and a red comforter that looked fabulously comfortable was placed against the wall in the middle of her room. All of her clothes were placed into her walk-in closet, all sorted. She immediately changed into a pair of black boxer shorts and a white tank top. She walked into her bathroom, ready to brush her teeth and to get ready to sleep in that wonderful looking bed of hers, when she stopped at the sight.
The bathtub looked like a pool! It had so many different bubble baths to try and had such beautiful intricate design. There was even a stand up shower next to the bath which was also huge. A simulation of a waterfall and beautiful forest trees and greens, even wildlife came to life in the large bathroom. Hermione wore a huge grin on her face. She couldn't wait to try this out! Although…the door on the other side? Does Draco use this bathroom too?
She brushed her teeth and left the bathroom. While closing the door, she heard the other door open. Her suspicions were confirmed to be true.
"He really was on our side in the war? How was it that I didn't know about this? Did the Order even know? What about Harry or Ron, did they know?" She rambled on in her head as she climbed into bed. However, those thoughts left her as she settled under the covers and turned off her light.
"This is amazing," she said to herself, closing her eyes. She fell asleep quickly.
(Present)
Hermione rubbed her eyes and blinked a couple of times. Still nothing, her vision wasn't coming back like all the other times. She started to panic.
"Oh Merlin, oh Merlin, oh Merlin!" she said, her voice getting louder and louder. She got out of bed cautiously. Her hands were reaching around her, to feel if anything was in front of her as she tried to maneuver around her room. She stubbed her toe against the bed before she could walk around it.
"Ow, shit! Damn it!" Hermione yelled leaning against the foot of her bed and rubbing her injured toe.
"Granger, what the hell are you doing?" Draco yelled from his room. She heard him enter the bathroom from his room and come in through her door.
"Bloody hell, I don't need him here!" She thought as she sighed. Her toe was just throbbing now.
"I just stubbed my toe, it's no big deal!" She sneered, looking to where she heard his voice from.
"Get over it! Doesn't mean you have to go and wake up everyone in Hogwarts!" Draco said with a particularly nasty voice. It seems Draco Malfoy isn't a morning person.
"Oh, if I could see you, I'd pummel you," she mumbled. Apparently it wasn't quiet enough.
"You can't see me? What do you mean you can't see me? I'm standing right here," He said with irritation.
Hermione sighed and sat at the foot of her bed. Draco noticed her long legs in the shorts she was wearing.
"I mean, I can't see you. I can't see a bleeding thing!" She yelled, starting to panic once again.
"Is everything blurry or just black?" He asked her. His voice was calmer, he seemed intrigued.
"Everything is black," she replied. "You don't suppose I went blind, just randomly…permanently?" Hermione said. Her voice shook.
Draco ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I'm sure everything will be alright. I'll take you to Madame Pomfrey and see if it's a curse or if you have, indeed, gone blind."
This surprised Hermione. Draco was actually…helping her? Being civil…again?
"O—okay, umm…I need to get dressed then…" She said with a quiet voice. Standing up she began to walk in the general direction of her clothes with her hands out in front of her.
Hearing Draco sigh, she felt him gently take her hands and guide her to her closet. He placed her hands on the wall of the closet opening and let go.
"Thanks…Draco," she said. She was surprised at his first name coming out of her mouth and how smooth it rolled off her tongue.
"Don't mention it," He said into her ear. She took a small, unnoticeable intake of breath at his close proximity. Nodding, she heard him exit the way he entered.
"That was weird…" she thought feeling through the fabrics of her clothes. Classes didn't start until tomorrow so she could wear a regular shirt and a pair of jeans. Feeling across the fronts of her shirts, she felt designs and lettering, trying to decide on which one to wear. Running her hands over a shirt she was sure was one of her favorites, she pulled it off the hanger.
The shirt was striped horizontally with red and black and the sleeves hugged her upper arms which stopped at the top of her elbow. It was fit enough to show her curves she gained over the years and yes…even her chest. The neckline came low, but not low enough to show cleavage. Putting that on, she felt around for a pair of jeans.
Pulling out a pair she was sure looked good, she put them on. They were dark, somewhere around the scale of a bluish-gray. She managed around her room to find a pair of socks and to also put on a pair of black chucks. Grabbing her toothbrush after searching for a while, she stumbled to the bathroom and brushed her teeth and used the toilet. Bumping into the sink, she washed her hands and went back to her room and felt against the wall until she found her bedroom door. She faced her room and held out her hand.
"Accio wand," Her wand flew into her hand and she put it through her belt loops under her shirt. Exiting her room she put her hands out in front of her once again.
"Malfoy?" She asked tentatively.
Draco was waiting outside her door, groomed and ready. He grabbed a wrist and guided that arm to loop through his, "I'm right here."
Hermione nodded gripping onto him a little tighter as they started walking towards the portrait. Draco noticed her outfit then.
"My Granger, you clean up well. Even when you're blind," He said truthfully with a little humor. The Gryffindor blanched.
"Thank you?" She questioned more than stated. His lips formed a small smile.
"It's true, I'm not lying," Draco affirmed. Hermione laughed.
"Why are you being so nice to me, I thought you hated me? Just this morning you were about to hex my knickers off," Draco chuckled at that. "Now, you're being very civil and actually helping instead of hurting me," She added.
"Well, I was thinking we could actually call a truce…and that I may apologize for what I've put you through all these years. I've never hated you Hermione, jealous yes, but never hate. I am really not a morning person," He said as they exited their common room. Hermione stayed silent, willing him to continue. Danica looked on without a word.
"I'm sorry for everything I've done to you," Draco said. "And now that the war is over, Voldy's dead, and my father in Azkaban, I'm free to show the real me."
Hermione turned her head slightly towards him, "And who exactly are you, Draco Malfoy?" She asked.
He smiled, "I'm Draco Malfoy, stubborn and sexy," he joked and she laughed.
"My favorite color is green and I have a pet dragon named Thaleron. One of my favorite things to do is fly, which I put to good use in Quidditch. I can play the piano and I love music, I can also ballroom dance. I'm not as big of a jerk as I seem, I just have a hard time trusting people. I have no problem with muggle-borns or muggle anything; I've just been putting up a front. My father would have tortured me even more if he knew what I really thought and Voldemort would have killed me and my mother. I would do anything for her," He explained. Hermione was shocked.
"I'm so sorry," she said sincerely. "Does that mean you trust me? You are telling me all this."
"Yes, I do trust you, as weird as that sounds," he said. Hermione giggled. Wind chimes. "But I am truly sorry and I hope you accept my apology."
Hermione smiled and gripped his arm closer, "Of course I accept your apology—as weird as that sounds," She giggled. "Nice to meet you Draco, I'm Hermione." She heard him chuckle.
"So, tell me about yourself, Hermione," Draco said. She could hear the smile in his voice.
"I love to read and write," she nudged him when she heard him snort. "Not school related, which I will probably never be able to do if I have gone blind permanently. My favorite color is red, my parents are dentists, and I have a cat named Crookshanks. I like to sing, I'm actually pretty good. I love to dance; dancing for me is such a release, and no, not ballroom. I'm afraid of heights and I can do some wandless magic," she said with a small grin.
"Wandless, eh? I can too," He said.
"Nice, maybe we could work on it together," she suggested. "Why am I being so trusting? I…I guess I can trust him. It's not his fault he was forced to hate me. He's actually not that bad."
"Good idea," Draco said with a slight nudge to her side.
Only a few people were up and about in the castle. They didn't have to be up today, they had no classes to go to. But those who wanted breakfast were slowly filling the halls. All of which were casting weird looks at the two supposed "enemies" walking down the hall, arms linked. Looks in which Draco saw and Hermione could not.
"C'mon let's get you to the Hospital wing," Draco said. They were there in no time. Madame Pomfrey was in her office.
"Madame Pomfrey?" Draco addressed. She turned to the two, surprise on her face.
"Mister Malfoy, Miss Granger?" She asked confused as to why they were here together. "What is the matter?"
"We have a problem," Draco started.
"I woke up this morning blind Madame Pomfrey, I can't see a thing. Everything is black," Hermione explained, feeling panic rise in her again. "We were wondering if you could tell if it was a curse or if I've really gone blind."
Madame Pomfrey hustled around to get things ready, "Oh dear, that's terrible. Mister Malfoy, please bring her here to sit down." He did as he was told.
Hermione sat on the edge of a bed. Madame Pomfrey began to examine her and gasped at her eyes, "Oh my…" the healer breathed out.
They had gone from a deep chocolate brown to a light, yet hypnotizing, golden color.
"What is it?" Hermione asked in a small voice. Draco was surprised as well.
"Your eyes, Hermione, they're gold. Much, much lighter than their regular color," He told her. Poppy checked her eyes to see if a curse had been placed on her.
"Oh Merlin, Miss Granger…I'm so deeply sorry," Poppy said quietly. Hermione froze with her pale eyes wide. Draco grabbed onto her hand and gripped it firmly. He'd never seen her so vulnerable before. It made him want to protect her. She squeezed back, her knuckles turning white.
"It's permanent."
Poppy backed up to give her some room, but Draco stayed as he was. Hermione's bottom lip trembled and she took a deep breath through her mouth.
"Hermione I'm sorry. But, let me say this—you will learn to see auras; others' magic, if you will. Different colors, different flows, you'll even be able to feel when someone is approaching. Your other senses will be heightened as well; this will all come to you soon. It will be natural once you get the hang of it," Draco said softly, rubbing her knuckles with his thumb.
Madame Pomfrey agreed completely, "This is true Miss Granger. Your powers will also be enhanced. We will do the best we can to train you, dear, and once you've succeeded in these, you will be very powerful and very successful."
A tear escaped Hermione's eyes. Draco, without thinking, wiped it away.
"All of that is fine, it sounds wonderful, I can do that," she said weakly. "But how am I supposed to do my school work? How am I supposed to read or write?"
"That's what charmed quills are for, they'll write for you. Now, about the reading issue…" Draco paused. "Well, I'll read to you."
Hermione chuckled. How he managed to be the one to make her smile, she had no idea. Madame Pomfrey smiled rather largely.
"That is a wonderful suggestion Mister Malfoy," she praised. "Now, I must tell the Headmistress what has happened and we can arrange to have special training for you, Miss Granger," Poppy said. Hermione nodded and scooted off the side of the bed.
"Thank you, Madame Pomfrey. I'll do the best I can," she said to the healer.
"Of course, dear, and I'm sure Mister Malfoy will be willing to help you in any way he can," she said hopefully.
Draco nodded, "Yes, of course."
Still holding hands, Draco led Hermione out of the hospital wing and the two walked slowly and aimlessly.
"Do you want some breakfast?" Draco asked. Hermione found his arm and dropped his hand, looping her arm through his instead.
"No, I've lost my appetite," she said in soft voice. "Can we just…go for a walk instead, outside?" She suggested.
"As the lady wishes," Draco said lightheartedly. Hermione managed a weak smile, but held nothing behind it.
Once outside, they were cast into silence. Draco wanted to let Hermione hear everything around her, feel the breeze and hear Mother Nature's music. He wanted to assure her.
"Hermione, I just want to let you know that I will do everything I can to help you," Draco said softly. Hermione stopped.
"Draco…" She released his arm and felt up his shoulders to his neck. Once she reached his face, she took a step closer while closing her eyes and placed feather light touches to his face.
"Hermione, what are you doing?" He asked quietly. She continued to feel around his face.
"I...I want to see you."
That was all that needed to be said. Draco closed his eyes.
Hermione's fingers traced over his forehead and smoothed over his eyebrows, down the sides of his face while her thumbs gently went over his eyes and cheeks. With two fingers from each hand, she went down his nose and to his lips.
Ah, those lips. She treated those with extra care as her fingers glided over them. They were soft to the touch. His upper lip was defined and curvy while the bottom was perfectly plump. Hermione went over his face again.
"Oh," Draco opened his eyes to find Hermione's eyes still closed and she wore a smile. Her hands cupped his face, her thumbs stroking his cheeks. "There you are."
Draco watched her smile fade and her eyes held a look of sorrow. He got a gentle hold on her wrists and tears welled up in her eyes. The full force of the situation finally hit.
A sob wracked her body as Draco pulled her into his arms. She hugged him tight as her knees gave out. Draco slowed down her fall yet still went down with her. Both now on their knees, Draco rubbed her back and rocked slightly back and forth. Hermione's sobs made his chest heavy and she gripped and pulled at the shirt on his back like her life depended on it.
"It's alright Hermione, I've got you," Draco said softly next to her ear. "I've got you, let it all out now. That's it," He continued. Hermione continued to cry on his shoulder.
Hermione listened to Draco's voice and felt the warmth of his body. He was strong and built perfectly. It was soothing and helping immensely. After a short while, she was able to calm down to a soft sniffle here and there.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to break down all over you," She said. Draco brought her in front of him and looked at her golden eyes, slightly puffy and pink. He wiped her wet cheeks with his hands.
"You shouldn't be," he said softly. "I told you I'd be here." Hermione nodded.
"Come on now, you should get some rest," Draco said standing her up with him. He led her back into the castle and to their dorm. He ignored the stares of many more students in the halls.
Reaching their portrait, Danica greeted them.
"Morning you two," she said with a worried look. "My, what has happened?" asked the centaur.
Hermione spoke up softly without emotion, "I've gone blind, Danica."
Danica gasped, "Oh dear, I am so sorry Hermione! Get inside and get some rest, you'll need it. From what I know, you'll be training very hard. Get some rest and eat well," she said. "You will get through this; everything will be clear in time."
"Yes, I will," Hermione said. "You can believe that."
"Aphrodite," Draco said the password. Danica nodded and swung open the portrait and the two Heads walked in while their centaur friend shut them inside.
"Oh Merlin, what about Harry and Ron…and Ginny, I have to tell them," Hermione rambled. Draco continued to lead her into her room.
"Later. You'll be able to let them know, once you're up to it," Draco said. "You need to rest and you are much too stressed. Let it slide for a little bit," he said as they walked into her room.
"Sure…sure," she said as he sat her on her bed. She immediately sighed. Draco pulled off her shoes and placed them by her bed. He swung her legs around and she laid back on her fluffy pillows.
"Now, sleep," Draco said covering her with a blanket from the foot of her bed. Hermione sighed again. He caressed her face and left without another word. She sunk into the comfort her bed offered and found it very easy to fall asleep.
Yes, I made Draco extremely nice and extremely OOC. BUT, he had his reasons for his earlier, meaner days.
I like it. Anyway, please let me know what you think.