Something More Chapter 1, a harry potter fanfic

**Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter the amazingly talented JK Rowling does…I just enjoy playing with her characters.

**WARNING:* As this story progresses there will be smut, violence, trigger references such as suicidal thoughts and attempted rape. If this is not a story for you I understand and would encourage you to move on to something else.

**Please review.

Chapter 1: Fourth Year

"Next time there's a ball pluck up the courage and ask me before someone else does" Hermione huffed "and not as a last resort."

"Well that's…completely off the point" Ron stammered "You should never have gone with Krum…he…you…it's just not right!" he yelled as Harry came into the main entrance hall.

"Just get out of my sight!" she yelled back as tears started to prickle in the back of her eyes. Harry reached for her but she jerked away "You too! Go to bed before either of you ruins this night any further." Hermione turned her back to them as they rushed up the stairs to their dorms. Pain and anger welled within her at Ron's menacing words about Viktor. Everything had been perfect tonight…until now. She didn't want to head back to the common room so she turned and fled out the front doors to the fairy lit garden.

She wove her way through the paths until she found a secluded stone bench where she collapsed before giving into the tears. Ron had always managed to be a jerk, but tonight took the cake. He had the nerve to act as though Viktor Krum had asked her to the dance to find out about Harry? Really? No, it wasn't because he could have thought she was beautiful or intelligent or that he simply wanted to spend time with her…it was always about Harry!

Her arms were wrapped tightly around her chest as she gasped for breath between the tears. Her hair had started to come down and the tears were staining her periwinkle silk dress. She knew it was silly but she couldn't help feeling crushed by Ron's words.

He didn't see her as a girl…he said so himself when he had run out of viable options to ask. There was the crux, he hadn't even considered her as anything but a last resort. She was his friend and he could care less about her feelings. He was selfish, rude, and just…ugh!

Moonlight shown down upon her as she cried; Draco Malfoy tentatively walked forward in his dress robes trying his best not to scare her. He couldn't help but take in her beauty, though she was crying over a lout. As he entered the small clearing her head snapped up.

He could see her rich brown hair with honey tones was slipping from her elegant updo. Her face which minutes ago had been alight with happiness was now red and blotchy from crying so hard. However, he still noticed how her dress clung to her slender form, accentuating her long legs and graceful figure.

Draco had been extra careful that night, he did his best to leave her be and let her enjoy the night. She had awoken something inside him. His platinum hair and pale skin shown in the moonlit garden as his silver eyes sought out her deep chocolate ones.

"What do you want" she snapped, bringing him out of his thoughts while trying to suppress her sobs.

"You dropped this" he said tentatively as he held out her silver clutch. She eyed it warily before reaching out to take it from him, wondering what he might have done to it.

As if reading her thoughts, he said quickly "I didn't do anything to it, I understand if you don't believe me, but tonight I've left you alone. I mean, with the ball and everything...well...I just didn't want to ruin your night..." he finished quietly.

"Thanks Malfoy" she said after a few silent moments, unsure of what he was after.

She sat there with her arms wrapped tightly around herself, staring at the ground as the awkward silence stretched on, and the tears silently slid down her face. Draco stood nearby shuffling his feet, uncertain if he should walk away or stay. For some reason her tears seemed to bother him...it bothered him that he didn't understand why it got under his skin.

"Weasley is a moron" he huffed out, unable to take the silence any longer.

"Excuse me?" she asked jerking her head up to look at him again.

"Well, I won't lie seeing you come in with Krum tonight was...well...it shocked me...probably everyone. But I think it's because so many people thought Weasley or Potter would have asked you. The rest of us know you're a girl..." He bit his lip before continuing in a near whisper "I think they were moron's for not asking you."

He waited for her to say something but he could tell she wasn't sure if he was complementing her or not. Sighing he turned to walk away "You looked beautiful tonight Hermione, don't let that wanker ruin your night because he doesn't see you" he calmly stated before walking out of the garden and back into the school.

Hermione sat in shocked silence as a blush crept up her cheeks. Draco Malfoy had just complemented her. She sat outside for a little while longer, trying to sort out everything that'd happened this evening. After several minutes she surmised that outside of Ron, tonight was one of the best nights of her life...even Malfoy had been nice. With that in mind she made her way to her dormitory.

The library was quiet after dinner, the sun had long gone down and Hermione sat with a book on her lap near the fire in the back, away from prying eyes. The second task had been completed just over two weeks ago and she was still being relentlessly teased about being the one thing Krum would miss the most.

This was the only place she could find some solace. Thanks to the librarian, Ms. Pince, the other students could only whisper about her in here instead of openly torment her. But thankfully it was a Friday night so the other students were found in their common rooms or roaming about the halls with their friends.

Madam Pince had headed down to the great hall for dinner with the rest of the staff earlier and had yet to return. Hermione was so engrossed in her studies that she didn't hear the door open or the footsteps of someone walking up behind her.

"Why am I not surprised to find you here on a Friday evening?" drawled a familiar voice which caused her to jump and grasp her chest in fright.

"Malfoy! I hate it when you do that!" she exasperated.

He chuckled before moving to the chair across from her and falling into the seat. He smirked at her flushed state as she struggled to regain her composure.

"Still hiding from the article that Skeeter wrote?" he inquired. They had met like this periodically since the Yule Ball. He started by asking her about a potions assignment near the end of January, then a few weeks later he sat at her table to work on his own work. Each time these chance meetings happened they would be alone and mysteriously undisturbed.

"Evening Malfoy" Hermione said stiffly, brushing off his inquiry and side stepping the mentioned article. "Fancy seeing you here on a Friday night...don't you have better things to do? I am certain Parkinson is missing your presence."

He smirked at her coolness, Pansy was still going on about her and Krum, making it well known around the school how she felt about Granger...jealously did odd things to a person. "Probably but she will get over it I'm sure. And no, I didn't have anything better to do tonight, no more than you did. Plus, I know Parkinson was particularly nasty in potions today. I wanted to make sure you were alright."

Her eyes widened at his confession and she blushed slightly before mumbling a thank you and picking her book back up.

It was moments like these that confused her as to whether they were just classmates or friends...each meeting seemed to push them more towards the latter but she wasn't going to help it. He was still a right little swot in class but not towards her…not anymore...only to Ron and Harry.

"I'm sorry Granger, I don't think I heard what you said" he said with a feigned an innocent expression "Mind repeating it?"

"I said thank you" she blushed as he raised an eyebrow and she continued "for checking on me and not making it worse when that cow wouldn't quit quoting that wretched article. I swear if I could get my hands-on Rita Skeeter she wouldn't be writing anything else about me or my friends. I mean where does she get off thinking she can write about our personal lives. It's like she doesn't have her own to occupy herself. I mean really..." She had become flushed with anger as she rambled on about Rita Skeeter and Draco didn't stop her, he found her rants to be rather adorable. So, he sat and listened for a few more minutes before she cottoned on and blushed scarlet at her tangent. He chuckled as she began to apologize.

"Stop. Don't apologize. I understand you getting angry" shifting gears he asked "what are you working on anyways? I didn't think we had any arithmancy homework this weekend."

"We don't for this weekend but this is due in two weeks. Don't look at me like that...stop laughing" Draco knew that she worked ahead but two weeks ahead? He couldn't help but laugh at her over achieving nature. He noticed that she was getting angry at his mirth and stopped abruptly when she began to pack her bag.

"I'm sorry, I knew you worked harder than the rest of us...I...well I just didn't realize you were doing work so far in advance. Don't go...not yet" he pleaded. "I mean...I have some work to work on too and I know you...you'll want to finish that essay tonight but we both know the common room is going to be loud." He hoped she wouldn't see through him and know that he kind of fancied her. No need to get ahead of himself, they were just classmates...and kind of friends.

"Are you trying to get me to do your homework?" she asked after eyeing him skeptically for a minute. She couldn't think of any other reason why he kept coming around. He must be trying to butter her up so he could have free homework help like Harry and Ron...ugh for once she'd like to have some friends who didn't want to use her.

"Granger, I understand you are first in our year but I would appreciate you to keep in mind that I am second and it's not for lack of trying for first. I have yet to need your assistance to get to where I am. Unlike your so-called friends, I don't need you to pass my classes.

I just thought it'd be nice to do homework in a quiet place without being bombarded with questions and distractions." He paused "I mean if you'd rather I go...I mean...I could..." She was caught off guard by this. He wanted to do homework with her and not to have her help him? Well that's a first. She couldn't help feeling he still had an ulterior motive, but what could he do while working on homework?

"No, that's fine. What do you have left to do?" she asked with interest.

"I'm finished with most of my work, I just need to finish up Moody's essay and then take some time to revise the others."

"You revise too?"

"No need to sound shocked Granger, I can't afford to get low marks on any assignment...my parents...well they won't tolerate it." he finished lamely not wanting to explain the consequences of failing his father.

They spent the next hour working on homework in silence before Draco broke it and asked about her feelings on the tournament. This sparked a debate for a few hours on the new rules, the champions, and who they thought was going to win. Draco even admitted that he thought Harry had a good shot at winning but swore to deny it if she ever said anything.

After the pleasant evening, they each retired to their common room and though asked where each had been they only divulged the homework they had been completing not whom they were with. Neither thought their friends would take it well to find out who they were spending extra time with.

"Did you know what they were planning?" she asked in a flat voice which did little to hold back her hurt and anger.

"No! I didn't know anything...how could you ask me that after all the time we've spent together this year?" he snapped.

"All the time we've done homework and talked about the tournament you mean? I know we don't discuss our friends but I would have thought you would have told me if something this dangerous was happening...you knew I was helping Harry train...you..."

"So that's it is it? Because precious Potter was hurt I automatically knew what was happening and just used you to discuss potions and personal topics all while plotting against you?" he scoffed as an angry flush heated his cheeks.

"Your father was there!"

"You know I barely speak to him! It's my mother who writes me weekly, not him! Even if he did it's not like he would tell me what his plans were in a letter that could cross Dumbledore's desk!"

"You...I...but..." she stammered for words, needing to justify her anger at him...needing to blame someone for everything that'd happened that night, that year.

"I didn't know Granger! I thought after all this you would know if I was keeping something from you!"

"You knew about Rita Skeeter and you didn't tell me!"

"What? I...well...that has nothing to do with this!" he angrily stated.

"How do I know you're not lying about this too?"

His body seemed to deflate and the anger seeped out of him as he stared into her chocolate eyes "after all the evenings we've sat and talked you still question me. Maybe your right, if I had known I probably wouldn't have told you everything...but I would have warned you to keep Potter from winning. I can't stop what my father does and there isn't much I can do against him...but I would try to keep you safe. I mean...I thought that we were friends." He stared at her and she could tell by the soft expression in his silver eyes that he was telling the truth. She felt her anger subside as she took in what he said.

"I believe you, and...we are...friends Malfoy" without meaning to she giggled "I have no idea when that happened but you're right...I'm sorry...I was just...with everything...and Cedric..." Tears started to form in her eyes.

"I know...it's okay 'Mione, I'd blame me too if I were you. But I swear I didn't know...hell I don't even think my father knew."

He wasn't sure how to comfort her as she sat down on the floor with her arms wrapped around her knees and tears streaming down her face.

"It's just too much. Everything that's happened...this whole year, it's just progressively gotten worse. What's going to happen next year? Do you think he will start killing everyone? I mean I'm on that hated list you know...can I even go home?" she choked as she cried and Draco felt his stomach twist into knots at the thought of her being hurt.

"I won't lie to you Granger...I don't know what's going to happen. But...well...if there is any way I can help you I will. Just no one else can know, if my father found out...well..."

She looked up at him with red rimmed eyes "you mean that?"

He sat down next to her "Yeah, we're friends...I know we keep it between us because everyone else would...well they'd do everything to stop us from talking. But I find I enjoy our talks...even if we don't always agree. I'll do my best...I'm a Malfoy and we never go back on a promise." He smiled and nudged her shoulder "At least we have the now, right?"

She nodded and leaned her head against his shoulder "At least we have tonight" she whispered.

Summer Letters:

I hope you are finding your summer well. My plans for going to Italy have been changed due to extended family arriving unannounced. I do my best to keep out of the way and often find myself wandering the gardens or flying over the estate.

I was lectured once again by my father for coming in second, I swear if I didn't know any better I'd think he was trying to make up for his lacking in school. As you know I work hard, but you are simply brilliant. His prejudice…well it makes him angry that I am being out done by you.

The climate has changed since we last spoke and I hope you're safe where ever you are staying this summer. Hopefully, the days will pass quickly without more news. How has your summer been so far? I hope your quidditch buddies aren't giving you too much trouble. Looking forward to hearing from you.

I agree the climate has changed, but not as much as anticipated. I feel like we are standing on a cliff looking out at sea watching the storm brew, I only hope we don't get swallowed whole by it.

I'm sorry your father is treating you so poorly, but I am not sorry for beating you in class. If you wish to surpass me you'll just have to try harder.

Please, don't worry I am safe and sound. I have only seen one of my friends and he is the same...as always. I can't help but think how much has changed in just a few short weeks. I miss the warmth and safety of the Hogwarts fires...the company there was always excellent. Have you read the horrible things The Daily Profit has been printing? I hope they don't do anything drastic. Hope to hear from you soon.

I think the anticipation of the storm breaking is slowly driving me crazy. My parents have been fighting worse than ever, and I've been banished from their wing. I've never really cared much for The Daily Profit, but it seems worse than when Rita Skeeter was writing all last year…but I haven't seen an article by her in a long while. Did you have something to do with that? As for the fires, I must admit I miss those the most, second being quidditch.

What have you been doing this summer? Besides reading the fifth-year textbooks. Do you think the OWLs are going to be as bad as they claim? Zabini was here the other day with Crabbe and Goyle, we had a good four-man game of quidditch and enjoyed a few games of exploding snap. They couldn't stay more than the afternoon and I find the summer days endless.

Parkinson's still angry that I dumped her, she's sent me three howlers…which my mother over heard. It made for a wonderful argument as to why I wouldn't stay with such a wonderful pureblood. However, I think after explaining her lack of intelligence and shrill voice mother will finally leave me be. I really need this summer to be over. Can't wait to hear from you.

First, wing? How many wings does your house have? It must be massive. Why would they ban you? You aren't part of their fights, are you? I'm glad your friends were able to visit, I understand what it means to be lonely…though right at this moment I wish I could have some time to myself. I've been staying with Ron and his family. They're great, but I find myself missing having five minutes to myself. Ron has been incredibly nosy and thinks I am writing Viktor every time I sit down with a quill.

I've been busy in my own right, mostly reading, cleaning, playing cards with Ron and Ginny. Nothing too thrilling to report. I for one am not sorry you broke up with Pansy, she's foul and you can do much better I am sure…pureblood or not. I've got to run, dinner's ready and I want to finish chapter five of our new Transfiguration textbook…no laughing.

I hold every right to laugh…why am I not surprised you are already on Chapter five though we haven't even received our booklists yet. You still didn't answer my question about Rita Skeeter…don't think I didn't notice. What did you do?

As for the wings in our house there are two ends of the house, east and west. But, we have about five floors throughout. I have my own wing on the third floor with three bedrooms, a sitting room, three bathrooms, and a small potions lab. It's not much compared to the rest of the manor but it's mine. I wish you could come see it, but I know that's impossible with everything that's going on.

You're seriously staying with the weasel? Please tell me you have a bed to sleep in and aren't camped on the floor! Why are you cleaning a house that isn't yours? Better yet why are you cleaning at all? Isn't that the elves job? Wait, forget I mentioned the elves I do not need another lecture from you on this. I mean it, just scratch it from your memory.

Why does weasel care who you are writing? It's no one's business but yours. You're a very capable witch. He should mind his own business and be happy with what you choose to tell him. I don't understand how he is any better than Parkinson. I can tell you fancy him, but I truly don't think he realizes it. How's Potter? Saw he was in the papers…and father said he has a court hearing. Was he actually attacked?

P.S. Are you still writing to Viktor?

I thought you said it's my business who I speak to? This year's textbooks seem to be really intense…except the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. I wonder who assigned that joke of a book. Have you read it yet? Defensive Theory really? I wonder if they are trying to keep us from learning anything practical.

Of course, I'm in a bed, how dare you think that because they have a smaller house than your mansion that we all would sleep on a dirt floor. Sometimes you are such a snob. I understand you think owning a wing is completely normal, but normal people are lucky to have their own bedroom. You're right though, I don't think it would be a good time…or anytime soon…for me to come and see your Manor.

As for the comment on the house elves don't think you can write something like that and then tell me to forget it! You know they are slaves, right? You aren't paying them! Cleaning up after yourself is good character building.

Harry is fine, yes, he was attacked and the trial was held just yesterday. I'm sure you've already heard but he was acquitted of all charges…not that they had a right to charge him in the first place. Dementors shouldn't have been anywhere near him and he had every right to defend himself! I don't fancy Ron; really why would you think that? We are friends. That's all we will ever be.

Also, I have good news about me! I was made a Prefect! I've been working towards this since first year and I am so excited! Just a few more days until we go back to school! I can hardly wait to see you.

P.S. I wouldn't be bothered about Rita, it's my understanding that she won't be writing for at least a year. Said something was bugging her and she wanted some time off.

Congratulations on making Prefect…I guess we will be spending even more time together then, as I too received a badge. Am I right to assume boy wonder received one as well? No matter, you've earned that badge. I'm glad the train leaves tomorrow, this summer has been dull and it will be good to get back to all our friends.

I knew you had something to do with Skeeter, I'll do my best to never underestimate you again. I am not a sob to question if you are sleeping on the floor or not. And I know that the rest of the world is not as well off as I am…I am a Malfoy. Sometimes I think you forget that. Though I would never want something tiny like weasel's house, I do often feel like the manor is unnecessarily large. But it has always been my home.

I'm glad Potter once again broke the rules and wasn't held accountable…though this time I guess he shouldn't have been charged. But you can't tell me it's not irritating how he gets by so many rules without much punishment.

I don't know who assigned the book but I am sure we will find out tomorrow. I have only read the first two chapters and find it extremely dull. I thought that we would be learning practical spells in this course. However, it's getting late and I want this to reach you before morning. I'll see you tomorrow.

P.S. I know we haven't been friends long, but I am not blind to the fact you fancy the weasel, please don't insult my intelligence.

P.S.S. You never did say if you were still writing Viktor.