Hermione had fled up to her bedroom straight after dinner. She had thought about letting the boys know about what was going to happen, but knew that she shouldn't. They would immediately start acting like they were her brothers, and insist on spying in some way, which would put her even more on edge. She muttered something about being tired, and decided that she would tell them that she and Malfoy had talked some last night. No mention of firelight or fire whisky. It was for their own safety – they would probably have a heart attack if they knew the truth.
Pulling open her wardrobe door, she looked through. Nothing remotely slutty, but that was the way that she liked it. Still, if she needed to talk to Malfoy (Draco, Mione, call him Draco) she needed something more revealing. Grabbing a black pair of shorts, she pulled them on, with a black camisole. Too dull, and too revealing. Hmm. Grabbing a hip length purple t-shirt, she pulled it on. Perfect. And not in Gryffindor colours, so I shouldn't provoke him. Brushing her hair, she put on a layer of lip balm and padded downstairs to the Common Room.
Malfoy (Draco!) was already sitting in front of the fire. His head snapped around as she crossed the room.
''Miss Hermione!'' he doffed an imaginary hat to her.
''Kind sir.'' She batted her eyelids briefly and plumped into the armchair.
''No, no! Come and sit next to me.'' He moved up to one end of the sofa, and Hermione reluctantly moved to the other end, tucking her legs up under her chin. ''So, where shall we begin?'' He asked with a small smirk.
A couple of hours later, things were far more relaxed. The fire was glowing softly, instead of blazing intently. Hermione's legs were curled underneath her, rather than pulled up close to her chest, and Malfoy was sprawled across the carpet, his head at the same end that she was sitting at.
''So, Mione, we've covered families, hobbies, childhood memories, favourite things, least favourite things. What does that leave us with?''
''Very little. Thank Merlin we have a free morning tomorrow – I don't think I'd be able to sit through a lesson.'' She laughed quietly.
''It is late isn't it?'' He rolled onto his back and looked at the clock on the wall. ''Do you want to go to bed?''
''No! I'm having fun!'' Hermione protested. Then realising what she was meant to be doing, she felt slightly guilty, and then quashed it. It's all vital information. Or at least, I'm sure we can use it in some way. Maybe. Ah well. I'm…bonding? Yeah, bonding is a good word.
''And we haven't even touched this.'' Malfoy sat up and grabbed the bottle of alcohol off of the table. ''I know what we haven't talked about yet Mione.''
''Which is?''
''This hidden aspect of your personality.''
''Which should remain hidden at all costs.'' Hermione told him firmly.
''I think not!'' Malfoy tipped the bottle into the glasses. ''Come on, have a drink, and then tell me about it. I promised you fire whisky and fire whisky you shall have.''
''I don't know Draco…''
''One drink. Tell me all your secrets and have one drink, that's all I ask.'' Draco pushed the drink at her with a sweet smile.
''Fine.'' Hermione resigned herself to the idea of drinking with him, and took the proffered glass. Draco raised his glass to her, and then to his lips. Once Hermione thought she saw him drinking, she too tipped her head back and took a gulp. While she was grimacing at the harsh taste, Draco quickly tipped his drink back into the bottle. ''Come on! I've finished mine'' he told her, and watched her knock the rest back.
Quickly, her pupils dilated slightly, showing that the sedative was taking effect. An amazingly subtle potion, melange subtil, was designed to relax the drinker to the point at which they would respond positively and truthfully to any question or suggestion that was made to them. This suggestion would remain with them until they stopped regularly taking the potion, thus ensuring an entirely new character or perspective. It was basically the Imperius curse mixed with Veritaserum but without the side effects that were now becoming rather obvious, such as the dazed expression. Draco's job was to infiltrate the idea of joining Voldemort into Hermione's head. There was no doubt among the Deatheaters that Hermione was far too strong to ever just drop everything and join. She had to be changed gradually, and Draco would start by pulling her away from her friends and towards him. It shouldn't be too difficult. Hermione wouldn't feel like she was changing, and would be unable to understand why Harry and Ron were pushing her away. Draco would be there to pick up the pieces. Simple, Draco told himself.
Of course, there is the small problem of how I'm going to make sure that she has a regular dose of the potion. That was the only flaw in the plan. Hermione had to have one dose of the potion every day, without fail. If she didn't have it, then she would immediately revert to normality, with full awareness of what had been done to her. Draco had no doubt that if she went to Harry and Ron, telling them that Draco had poisoned her, he would find himself in rather a lot of trouble. Oh well. I'll burn that bridge when I come to it. For now, business.
''So, darling Mione. What is this hidden aspect?''
''Nothing big. It's just that, you know, everyone seems to think of me as this little bookworm. And I'm not really. I'm so much more than that.''
''Of course you are. Anyone can see that. But in what way?''
''That's obvious! I have relationships. And it's so normal. For any teenager it's totally normal, but it's become this hidden part of me because I can't acknowledge it.'' Why on earth did I let him know that? Hermione wondered, and then just shrugged.
''So what you're saying is that you want to be someone's girlfriend but you can't because everyone thinks that you're above that?''
''Completely!''
Draco smiled. He could mix business with pleasure. ''But Mione, you're utterly gorgeous. It's not fair on the entire male population of Hogwarts for you not to be on the dating scene! You shouldn't deny anyone that! You shouldn't make yourself less sexy – that's not fair on you!''
Hermione blushed and reached out a hand to stroke the blond hair that was resting so near to her knee. ''You're so lovely.''
''I aim to please.'' Draco sat up and pulled her down, so that she was sitting next to him. ''You aren't so bad yourself.'' He slung an arm around her shoulder again, and Hermione's skin tingled as she felt the warmth course along her nerve endings. The fire had almost died now, and she was beginning to get cold. ''You're freezing, do you know that?''
''Uh-huh.'' Without even thinking about it, Hermione dropped her head to rest it on Draco's shoulder. He shrugged her off quickly, but as she looked at him in bewilderment, he whipped off his jumper and passed it over to her. She pulled it on, relishing the warmth and the gorgeous smell that now surrounded it her.
Hermione, what the hell are you doing? Come on, it's Malfoy! Nasty boy! Don't be swooning over him, that's way too predictable! But…he is gorgeous, and I did say that I needed to be a little bit like those girls that he kisses…so…maybe…
Draco put his arm back around Hermione, completely unaware of the little dialogue going on that was gradually persuading her to throw caution to the wind. He felt her small body quivering slightly, and he slid a hand under the mass of soft hair and rubbed the back of her neck. She sighed delightedly and nestled slightly closer. He smirked. The Dark Lord wouldn't mind. In fact, it would make it easier to persuade her. And she was so desperate to be kissed that the small flame of attraction that was burning in her would flare up immediately.
Hermione dropped her head down to his shoulder, but he gently took hold of her chin and raised it so that she had to look into his eyes. She almost gasped. The eyes that had been so cruel and hard for so long were now filled with lust. They were gazing at her as though she was the most beautiful thing that they had ever seen. Slowly, Draco ran his thumb across her lower lip and then bent down and placed a small kiss directly on her mouth. She inhaled slightly in shock, and he slid his hands around the back of her small head and raised her up to press another kiss more firmly on her. Before he could move away, Hermione was kissing him back quickly. He smiled into her mouth, and kissed her properly, their mouths moving against each other. He nibbled gently on her lower lip, and then when she opened her mouth slightly, slid his tongue inside. She almost fainted as she felt his tongue touch hers, the taste of his mouth filling hers entirely. She pulled away slightly and opened her eyes. His were already open and looking at her filled with concern. She smiled shyly and leaned forward again, her hands around his neck as she tugged his mouth down to hers.
Merlin. This is everything I've been waiting for. Everything. Her head spun and she felt dizzy with longing.
Not too shabby Granger. Not too shabby at all. Draco moved forward slightly, and pushed gently on her shoulders until she lay back on the carpet. Covering her body with his, he carried on kissing her and then began to make his way down her neck. Just at that moment, the fire flickered out. Draco cursed quietly – he intended to see exactly what he was doing. He reached for his wand and then realised he'd left it on the table. Kissing Hermione quickly, he stood up and walked over to where the table was and groped around for his wand. By the time that he'd found it he walked back over to where Hermione was and found her asleep.
Merlin, she must have been tired. He looked down at her and smiled. Her hair was spread out behind her, and her lips and cheeks were flushed. Bending down, he hooked a hand under her knees and under her arms, picking her up gently. She moaned slightly and slid her small hands around the back of his neck. He grinned and carried her up the stairs to her bedroom, and laid her on the bed. I suppose I shouldn't really undress her. Shame. Well, I can take my jumper back, at least. He reached out, and pulled the jumper off her, not worrying about disturbing her – she seemed pretty comatose. He looked at her; shapely legs stretched out, trim waist, fantastic cleavage (he would know, he'd been admiring it all evening), hair fanned out over the pillow and a serene face while she slept. Without all the energy that she had while awake, she seemed unbelievably calm. He shrugged, pulled the cover over her, and left the room.
Well, that defied expectations. A cold shower may be in order.
Hermione woke up the next morning and stretched luxuriously. Wondering why she was still wearing last night's clothes, she blushed slightly as she thought about what she had done. Well, that's going to be awkward. Glancing at the clock on her bedside table, she yawned and swung herself out of bed, moving towards the shower.
Fifteen minutes later she was pulling on her uniform. Looking in the mirror, she frowned and tipped her head to one side. What's wrong with this picture? Nothing. My skirt's knee length and pleated. The top button of my shirt is done up and my tie's done up. So what's wrong with it? Maybe, I should make myself look a little more appealing…Without thinking about it anymore, she reached up and undid her top button, pulling the neck of the shirt open and her tie down. That's better. Now what? She looked at her skirt. She didn't want to look too slutty, so the length was fine, but what about the shape? Flicking her wand at it, she changed it into a clinging pencil skirt. She smiled slightly, and then pointed her wand at her shoes. These were fine but kitten heels would be much nicer. Slinging her robe on over the top, and flicking her hair back, she looked in the mirror again. Fantastic. A girl with a nipped in waist and long legs, with slim ankles looked back at her, with the robes slung around her shoulders like a mantle. Slicking a layer of Vaseline on her lips, Hermione grabbed her bag and went down to lunch.
Ron stared as Hermione came up to their table. Swinging her hips slightly, she slipped into the seat next to him and smiled. ''Mione, what happened to you? I mean, not in a rude way or anything, but you look really different.''
''I just felt like a change. More leeway with uniform at our age, why not make the most of it?'' Hermione grabbed a bread roll and began buttering it.
Harry turned around and smiled as he saw that Hermione had undone her top button. ''You rebel Mione!''
''I know…living on the wild side.'' She laughed and carried on with their conversation, forgetting all about Draco until he walked into the hall surrounded by his cronies. She looked up and caught his eye, and instantly remembered kissing him, how his lips had felt against hers, how his hand had felt so strong against the base of her neck. Breathing in deeply, she turned away from him. Thank Merlin I undid my collar otherwise it would be rather hot under there right now.
''How is it living with ferret-face?'' Harry asked, noticing where Hermione's eyes had been directed.
''He was being really nice last night,'' Hermione told them, but then raised her hand to stop them as they both opened their mouths to protest ''But I'm still on my guard. I'm not stupid, he's probably trying to lull me into a false sense of security.'' They nodded approvingly, and Hermione quashed her conscience – They wouldn't understand why I kissed him. They might think that it was just because I was drunk and in the position to admit that yes, I rather felt like kissing someone, whereas I know that it was to lull him into a false sense of security. Oh, give it a rest Hermione; you know that you just have a crush on him. Although that doesn't mean that you don't want to bring him down. Bastard, he killed Dumbledore. The argument going back and forth in her head was leaving Hermione extremely confused, and it didn't help that she could see Draco out of the corner of her eye. Did she fancy him, or just want to bring him down? Could she do both?
Before she spontaneously combusted, she grabbed her stuff and stood up quickly. ''I've…I've just remembered that I have to speak to Professor Sinistra before we go to Defence Against the Dark Arts. So, I'll see you in class.'' Not waiting for an answer, she quickly walked out of the hall. Harry looked after her, at her swaying hips and slim legs, and turned to Ron.
''I can't see Malfoy failing to appreciate her new image.''
''If he lays a finger on her…'' Ron went red and turned back to his lunch, glancing every so often in the direction that Hermione had gone.
As her friends discussed what they would do to Malfoy if he took advantage of her, Hermione clicked along the corridors, not entirely sure where she was going, but determined not to stop. In the worst case scenario, she would end up walking around like a tool for five minutes before going to her class, so there wasn't that much of a reason to stop. Suddenly, she saw Stuart, a Ravenclaw standing ahead of her. Recognising him from her Runes class, she walked towards him, smiling slightly. Not expecting his eyes to light up as he saw her, and run the length of her body. Normally, she would have just blushed, but Hermione found herself exaggerating the movement of her body slightly, flicking her eyes to the ground and then back up to his face. Leaning her body slightly towards him, she chatted away, toying with a strand of her hair. It was only when she was sitting down safely in her class ten minutes later that she realised that she had been flirting with him. It had seemed perfectly innocent at the time, but on reflection she could see how it must have looked. What on earth made me do that? I'd better be careful or I'm going to end up with a reputation. Although, the bookworm thing might work in my favour in protecting me from that kind of thing.
At that moment, Professor Felmer entered the classroom, wearing black robes that outlined his body so well that there was a mass flicking back of hair among the girls in the class. Introducing himself, he moved around the classroom, looking at each of them in turn, as though he was determined to imprint each of them on his memory. Immediately, he began teaching a lesson that deviated slightly away from the syllabus in order to take into account recent events.
''After all, while it is necessary for you to be aware of the aspects that are traditionally taught, I want to make sure that you are going to be able to defend yourself in the battles that are likely to be coming. I mean, it's all very well being able to deal with a Hinkypunk, it isn't going to be much use to you when you're trying to deal with a curse that's flying your way.''
Harry was nodding approvingly, and Hermione smiled indulgently. He must be grateful to have a teacher that understood what was actually needed after the disappointment that he had had: one who was actually carrying Voldemort in his body, a fraud, one forced into early retirement, one who was a Deatheater in disguise, a government official determined not to teach them, and Snape. Focusing on Felmer, she began to take notes as he detailed what he was planning to teach them about curses, counter curses and protection against the various creatures and methods that Voldemort tended to use. Nodding as she realised how detailed the lessons were going to be and how much they were going to learn, she flinched in shock as a small note landed next to her.
So, is the new outfit to impress Malfoy? Lavender.
Oh Merlin, no! I just woke up this morning, and thought that I needed to change the way I wear my uniform. Weird, huh?
Not really. It's about time you realised what needed to be done though. I like the pencil skirt though, different to the micro minis that the rest of us wear, but still sexy.
I just wanted something different.
What's it like, sharing with Malfoy?
Awful. He's so arrogant.
Hermione shoved the note back to Lavender and focused on the lesson again. Good Gryffindor Princess. She knew what she was meant to say about sharing with Draco – what would everyone say if she turned around and said ''Absolutely divine, he's gorgeous and we spent about half an hour just kissing yesterday''?
No, it was much simpler to keep it to herself. She was getting closer to Malfoy, and she could share everything that didn't concern their 'intimate' relationship (like whether or not he was still a Deatheater). She could just enjoy the 'getting closer' bit. Fine. No ethical dilemmas at all, no sir.
Making it through the rest of her lessons in a bit of a daze (not that it mattered, she was still light years against everyone else in her class) and through dinner, where she managed to maintain normal conversation, and finally through doing her homework in the library, Hermione fled to her bedroom. Changing out of her robes, she grabbed a book and pattered down to the sitting room.
About half an hour later, the door to their rooms opened, and Draco came in, holding his bag close to his side. A flush instantly rising to her cheeks, Hermione smiled at him. ''Hey.''
''Hi…erm, I'll be down in a minute, ok?''
''Ok.'' She smiled and turned the page in her book, instantly immersing herself back in the story.
Draco immediately hurried up the stairs and chucked his bag in the corner. That had been bloody risky; he hadn't been expecting her to be downstairs. Rubbing at the Dark Mark on his arm, which was still sore from where he had been summoned, he hid the Deatheater uniform in his cupboard, disguising it as an old towel with a flick of his wand. Pulling on a long-sleeved black t-shirt, and a pair of jeans, he grabbed the bottle of Melange Subtil and put it in his pocket. The meeting hadn't even seemed that important, he reflected, as he checked his appearance. All he had been required to do was say how far he had got with the plan regarding Hermione and then listen to the others bragging about how many people they had killed. He still couldn't think about murder without feeling slightly nauseous – probably from that disastrous attempt to finish off Dumbledore. Shaking his head, he wandered downstairs and straight into the kitchenette that he and Hermione shared. ''Fancy a hot chocolate?''
''Yeah, that would be nice.'' She stuck her nose straight back into her book. Perfect. Now she isn't going to be hanging around asking me what the hell I'm spiking her drink with. Walking back to the sofa, he handed her the steaming drink and watched her take a sip and lick her lips. ''That's really good, thank you.''
''What's your book about?'' Draco picked it up from where she had left it sitting on the sofa.
''People falling in love despite the circumstances.'' As soon as she'd said it, Hermione could have kicked herself. She hadn't meant it to sound like the blatant hint that it had, but thankfully Draco didn't seem to have picked up on it.
''Any good?''
''Really. I love it.''
''Good. So, how was your day?''
''Kinda weird. I woke up and decided that I didn't like my uniform and changed it, and you would not believe the response that I got from the guys.'' She took another sip of her drink, and Malfoy smiled slightly.
''I noticed that when you were in the Great Hall. When you left, every guy was watching you.''
Hermione laughed and stared at the fire. ''It was weird. But good weird.''
''So, how come you haven't had a boyfriend before?''
''I went out with Victor Krum!''
''Mione, that was three years ago.'' He reminded her.
''It was just, after the arguments that that caused, I didn't really see the point of going through all that again, for something that wouldn't really last that long.'' She was completely relaxed now, snuggled into the side of the sofa.
''So, you're basically saying that Weasley and Potter stopped you having a boyfriend?'' Draco felt a small twinge of anger. Ok, so I wouldn't have looked at her, she's a Mudblood, but that doesn't mean other fools wouldn't have found her attractive. I can't believe she cares about the Wonderboys so much that she would throw away relationships for them. I mean, she's bearable. Quite pretty. Fantastic kisser. Draco caught himself before he went too far.
Hermione looked at him seriously, ''they didn't know that I felt like that. I chose to do it.''
''Still. Hermione, don't you resent them for making you feel like that?'' As she began to shake her head, Draco corrected himself ''I mean, you must resent them for that.''
''I guess…maybe a little.''
''Well, you deserve to have some fun now.''
''I don't want my grades to go down!''
Draco couldn't help grinning. It was so sweet that she was under a sedative and she still cared about her grades. ''You don't have to let your schoolwork go. Just get the balance right, that's what you haven't been doing. So do your work, do it well, and then have fun the rest of the time.''
I wonder if he would flirt with me? Hermione's dopey brain thought, still thinking about wanting to be more attractive, and now dealing with the idea of having fun. I bet he would.
''So is that what you do?''
''Of course.''
''How do you unwind?'' Hermione scooted over from where she had been sitting, so that she was sitting next to Draco. He grinned at her. How the hell has she suddenly got the nerve to do this?
''I like back rubs.''
''Like one now?''
''Depends. How good are you with your hands?''
''Fantastic.'' She moved behind him and placed her palms on his shoulders. Slowly rubbing along his shoulder blades and down his spine, she felt him groan slightly and arch his back.
''You are actually quite good.''
''You don't need to sound surprised.''
''Maybe I should return the favour.'' He suggested, amazed that Granger – bookworm Granger! – was letting it get this far.
''Maybe you should.'' She smirked and flopped onto the carpet, lying on her front, about to start reading again and clearly not expecting him to touch her. So she was slightly shocked when he suddenly straddled her lower back.
Oh Merlin! What now? I didn't think he'd actually do this! Then the drugged part of her mind cut in. Relax, just go with the flow and enjoy it. You've been denied this for so long, you deserve this. Harry and Ron aren't here to stop you after all.
''Mmm.'' Hermione wriggled slightly as Draco's fingers gently kneaded at her neck. Then he bent down and began kissing her nape instead, occasionally flicking it gently with his tongue. Refusing to let her turn over until he had kissed every inch of her smooth neck, he enjoyed the cool satiny texture of her skin, and the way that her hair smelt of papaya. Finally, he turned her over, at which point she lunged up and pushed him back, pinning him to the floor. Giggling, they rolled across the floor together until he ended up on top again, pinning her down. Kissing each other madly, their hands flying over each other, they only stopped when Hermione caught sight of the clock over his shoulder and pushed him off her.
''Shit, Draco! I've got Arithmancy first thing tomorrow morning.'' With one final kiss goodnight, she fled up the stairs to her room, although in the end she might as well have stayed with him, as she only lay awake, thinking of him.