Chapter 2: Irresistible
Hermione still couldn't stop thinking about Draco as she accompanied Krum outside into the garden. She had already forgotten half the words Ron said to her. All that occupied her mind was Draco Malfoy. He was so puzzling, mysterious and intriguing. Once something or someone catches Hermione's attention, she tends to ponder about it for a long time. Hermione and Krum sat on a bench that was concealed by bushes. A strong breeze blew and Hermione shivered.
"Arr you vreezing?" Krum asked.
Hermione nodded, hoping he would lend her his coat but the no offer came.
"Vell, withstand it. In Bulgaria, itz very cold der and ve do not mind." he said bitterly.
"Y-yeah…" Hermione stuttered. She rubbed her hands together.
"Vell, Herm-own-ninny…I've really veen waiting for this moment..." Krum began.
"Yes, V-Viktor?"
Krum moved closer to her and started to kiss her vigorously. Hermione tried to push him away but he had wrapped his arms tightly around her.
"S-stop, Viktor...Please!" she cried as he kissed her neck.
"STUPEFY!" somebody shouted from behind. Krum flew into the air and hit the ground. "Didn't she tell you to stop? Stay away from her!" the person commanded.
Krum crawled and tried to stand up but was unsuccessful. Hermione looked around to find her savior and saw Draco with his wand pointed at Krum. His face was filled with fury. Hermione ran to his side.
"Don't go any closer to her or I'll stun you again." Draco sneered.
"What is going on here?" Snape appeared out of nowhere. "Dueling on the night of the ball?"
"N-nothing." said Hermione. Her lips were trembling.
"Liar!" Snape retorted. " Malfoy kindly explain how you are involved in this situation."
"That git over there is who you should be talking to. He attacked Granger here so I have to curse him in order to save her."
"Really now? Since when did you play hero, Malfoy?" said Snape. "You may leave now and take Granger with you. I'll have a word with Krum and Karakoff about this…"
Draco and Hermione immediately left the area.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"I think I'll be fine." Hermione muttered. She couldn't believe what just happened. "Uhm, I'm headed to the Gryffindor Tower now. I don't think I can enter the Great Hall anymore." said Hermione.
"I'll take you there. You know just incase…" he suggested.
"Well-"
"Draco! What are you doing with her again?!" Pansy screeched from the Great Hall's entrance. She marched toward Draco and pulled him by the wrist. "I need an explanation, now! Twice this night I caught you with her."
Draco pulled his arm away. "Didn't I answer that question already? I wanted too okay."
"What did you do outside?" she demanded.
"Nothing! So can't you just leave us alone?" said Draco.
Pansy was in utter disbelief. She with drew into the Great Hall.
"Liar." Hermione whispered. "I think you owe Pansy and I two explanations why you're talking to me."
Draco smiled.
"Well, I seriously got to go." said Hermione.
"Are you sure you dont want me to escort you?" he asked sweetly.
Hermione nodded. "It's okay."
"Goodnight then." Draco waved.
Hermione walked slowly to the Gryffindor Tower. This night was so unbelievable that she wanted to pinch herself and make sure she wasn't dreaming. The two encounters with Draco were so mind-boggling she couldn't understand what had happened. She entered the common room feeling a little dizzy. She spotted Harry and sat behind him, intentionally not noticing Ron.
"How are you?" Harry asked.
"Okay." Hermione said. But what she really wanted to say was left unspoken. She wanted to keep all that she experienced to herself. If she shared it to Harry and Ron, they would break out angry out bursts. And also she didn't want to tell Ron that he was right about Krum.
"Really now?" Ron sneered. He sounded like Snape. "Had a good time with Krum, outside?"
Hermione bit her lip. "Actually...no."
"Did you guys break up? Alleluia! He's such a sluggish moron, isn't he?" Ron mocked.
"Yeah, he is."
"I was just kidding! So it's true! You really split up with Krum?" rejoiced Ron. "I can't believe it!"
"Yes Ronald." Hermione said irritated.
"Why?" he asked.
"None of your business. I'm going to bed now. Goodnight!" Hermione stormed into the girls dormitory.
"You actually listened to my advice! You're not mental anymore!" Ron called out chuckling.
Hermione stopped half way and smiled to herself. "You're right, I'm not mental... I'm completely mental." she said to herself recalling all that had happened in the Yule Ball. As she thought about it, she also remembered that Ron was absolutely correct about Krum, so she kept this all in mind and would be careful in trusting Draco.
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Draco unwillingly returned to the Great Hall. Pansy had her arms crossed and was seated alone in a corner. Thought twice if he should go to her but decided not to. He saw Zabini and Jessica dancing on the ballroom floor. Draco couldn't focus. He head was spinning with thoughts of Hermione Granger; her beautiful face, her smile... What was wrong with him? It was very unlike him to save someone, especially a Mudblood! Draco ran a hand into his hair and sighed.
"Oi, Malfoy!" said Zabini as he approached Draco.
"What, Zabini?"
"I can't believe you actually endured your dare!" exclaimed Zabini.
Draco clenched his jaw. What if Zabini found put that he actually enjoyed the challenge?
" Anyways I spotted Goyle." continued Zabini pointing at two skulking figures in opposite corner of the room; one was Crabbe and the other was Goyle. "Wish me luck." joked Zabini.
Draco nodded in reply.
"What is he babbling about?" Jessica wondered.
Draco shrugged his shoulders. "No idea." Draco wasn't in the mood to watch Zabini and entertain any questions regarding the stupid dare he made. All that matter at the moment was Hermione. He stood up and left the Great Hall, retreating to the Slytherin dormitory.
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It was Saturday the next morning. Hermione went down to the Great Hall for breakfast. She left ahead of Harry and Ron for they were still asleep. She sat down at the Grffindor's table next to Ginny.
"How was the ball? Had a great time with Krum?" Ginny piped up.
Hermione cast her a glum look and explained what had happened. Ginny put her hand over her mouth and gasped. "I can't believe Krum did that...Then Malfoy saved you..." she said in shock.
Just then Dumbledore walked up front and called everyone's attention. Harry and Ron entered the Hall and took there seats beside Hermione.
"What's going on?" Ron asked as he sat down.
"Shhhh." said Ginny.
Dumbledore commanded everyone to listen to him because he had a very important message. "Greetings and good morning! I have an announcement. Sadly to say Viktor Krum will not be participating any longer in the Triwizard Tournament." Dumbledore paused because of the loud out break from all the Durmstrang students. "Viktor Krum has harassed a Hogwart's student and by the rules of the competition, he is thereby disqualified."
The Durmstrang students continued shouting and making booing noises.
"Thank goodness." Ron laughed. "Now Harry's biggest threat is eliminated. This is great!"
Hermione ignored Ron and glanced over at the Slytherins side. She caught Draco's eye and he winked at her. She turned around quickly and avoided his gaze. Remember, no matter how charming and alluring Malfoy is...I have to be exorbitantly careful and I should not trust him right away... Hermione told herself.
"What's the matter?" Harry asked.
"Nothing, I'm fine." said Hermione. She could feel that Draco was still looking at her.
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Draco continued to stare at Hermione. He hate himself for liking her. But she couldn't get out of his mind. Draco ditched his Slytherin friends and followed Hermione out of the Great Hall. He stalked her all the way to the library. He watched as she chose a book from the shelf and sat down before approaching her.
"Hey Granger." he said.
Hermione looked up from her book. "Yeah?"
"What's up?" He asked pulling out a chair and taking seat beside her.
"I'm reviewing for our exams." she replied.
"But these topics weren't yet discussed..." said Draco. "Hey, aren't these for OWL's?" he took the book and examined the cover.
"It's called advanced reading, Malfoy." said Hermione as she snatched the book back. "Anyways, why are you here? I rarely see you in the library."
"Why so bitter, Granger?" he said with a mischievous grin on his face. "Remember what I said after we danced that I'd see you around?" Draco paused. "And besides you never thank me."
"You forgot to explain to me."
Draco crossed his arms. "I saved you!"
"Fine. Thank you!"
A smile drew across Draco's face. "Now, you want an explanation?" he said.
"Yes, please."
"You're irresistible, Granger, and you know that." he looked straight into her eyes." You are like a magnet. I'm attracted to you and will always draw near you."
Hermione raised her eyebrows then laughed. "You can't be serious."
"I'm dead serious."
Hermione stood up and slowly returned the book to the shelf.
"Hey I know you're avoiding my gaze right now. I bet your blushing, aren't you?" Draco teased.
"I'm not!"
"Then face me."
Hermione turned around and Draco was one inch away from her face. His hands were leaning on the shelves near each side of her head. "Hermione Granger, you are certainly different from the others." Draco whispered softly. "And you," he hesistated. "You belong with me."
Hermione stared into his gray eyes. "Maybe I do."
Draco leaned closer and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Yes you do." he smiled.
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A/N: Hey! I really do hope you like this chapter. I didn't study for my exam just to finish this! Please review! My happiness depends on it. I know I'm not that great at writing but what's wrong with trying? I'm only going continue my story if I get at least 10 affirmative reviews telling me I should. I need motivation. :D
Anyways, I changed the title of the story from: "Love Drunk" to "Dear Hermione, Count Me In." (You know that song by All Tome Low? 'Dear Maria, Count Me In'?)
Oh yeah, wish me luck that I get an okay score for my test.
Love,
.Alessandra Weasley.