Chapter Three.
It was an afternoon morning as Hermione rose herself from her bed and peered through her private Head Girl window. The view was exotic, being at the top of the Gryffindor tower overlooking the lake and mountains. She opened her window and inhaled a breath of fresh air.
After getting ready, Hermione took her bag, much lighter than usual since all her textbooks weren't in, and headed for the library. As she entered, she greeted Madam Pince a good morning and walked to her usual table, only to find an unfamiliar scene.
Draco Malfoy was already there. Moreover, he was writing something down on a pad of paper.
Gawking in disbelief, she threw her bag at the table, startling the unwelcomed boy.
"What the hell are you doing, Granger?" he said.
"I should ask you the same question. What are you doing?" she hissed.
He closed his notebook. "Not for your eyes, I'm afraid."
"Like I care. What are you doing here?" she asked again.
"Well, if I'd have known you'd be here so early in the day, I wouldn't have been here, don't you think?" he said, looking up at her.
She stood there, one hand on her hip and another on the table to support her balance.
"Well, sit down." Malfoy directed to the three empty chairs surrounding the table
"What are you doing here?" she asked again without noticing his gesture.
"It's a library, isn't it? I came here to get a bit of peace and quiet," he said as he leaned against his chair, tipping it back slightly.
"You're using my table." Her voice was firm.
Malfoy stood up and snarled, "Does it have your name written on it?"
"You know it's my table. Leave."
They glared. He was taller than her, that was obvious. He overshadowed her. Their breathings unsteady, their heartbeat growing faster.
"This is childish," Malfoy finally said.
"No, its not. This is my table-"
"Unofficially."
"-and you know it. There are plenty of other tables in this place. Get your own."
"No." he said.
Hermione was taken back. She really wasn't expecting him to say that. She really though she was intimidating just then, but clearly she wasn't intimidating enough.
Huffing and puffing, she snatched her bag and stormed before, while saying, "you know that's my table, and I want it back."
Frustrated with herself and Malfoy, she stalked to the table near the window, which left her many a distances away from the blondie. She supposed this was a better location, but the area was not secluded at all. She could see Madam Pince who was staring at her. Hermione waved a little and Madam Pince walked away.
The old bat, Hermione thought.
Malfoy. Why does he have to be such a bastard? She was the one who introduced him to her area, and he was the one who stabbed her in the back with it and made it his own! What ever gave him the idea he was allowed to use it without her permission in the first place?
But all thoughts of Malfoy disappeared when she took out her book, In His Eyes, and started reading it.
So far, the bad boy Kevin had taken to liking the Ace student Pearl and tries to talk to her, but she just shuts him down. He feels disappointed but gets back on his feet to try again. After a while, Pearl gets used to him and starts falling for him. They have not shared a passionate kiss, as Malfoy had predicted, but in all these romance story, there's bound to be at least one, and Hermione knew it.
But when she's settled down in her book and captured into its world, Malfoy sat down across her.
Hermione closed her book and banged her head on the table, not caring to raise it up.
"Ouch," he said as Hermione's head kept in contact to the table.
"What now?" she asked in annoyance.
"I'm bored," he replied.
"Go talk to your buffoons. They'll give you entertainment," she said in a muffled voice, and raised her hand with a shooing gesture. "Go on."
Malfoy chuckled. "They're sleeping still, unfortunately for you."
Hermione looked up. "Whoopie. Look, go talk to your girlfriend, then? Or better yet, go snog her. I'd bet you'd like that, right?" she asked lazily. But when he didn't move, she asked, "what?"
"I didn't see Pansy this morning, so I don't know where she's at. And if I did know where she's at, she'll probably just talk about the dullest things."
"Things aren't going as well with her?" she asked through gritted teeth, hoping Malfoy would take this as a sign to leave.
"Let's drop that subject, eh? How's this table working out for you?" he asked, surprising Hermione on the sudden change of subject.
She stared at him a while before looking at the window. "It's alright, although I much preferred my old table. You know, the one you stole from me?"
"I didn't steal, for the billion times," he said. "You weren't there, I sat down. I admit, you chose a good hiding place. I liked it, and I didn't want to be disturbed." Then he added, "I can't believe you're still mad at me for that."
"Why are you talking to me, Malfoy?" she questioned bluntly.
He was hesitant to reply, but said, "I told you, I'm bored."
"But you were just writing in your notebook. You could have done that in your room instead of going all the way down to the library."
"Perhaps I like it here. Besides, you're here just reading a book. What's the difference?"
She turned from him and gazed back through the window. "Nice view isn't it?"
The two had a perfect view of the courtyard, in which they could see fellow Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs in this spring weather.
She peered more closely through the window, when she heard someone yell her name from below.
"Hermione!"
It was Ron, yelling from the courtyard and waving his hand. He was with Harry, who was talking with Ginny.
Hermione just waved back nervously and went out of view.
"Was that Weasel I heard?" he asked and attempted to look out the window, but Hermione reached across the table and pulled his tie back, causing his head to jerk. "What was that for?" he hissed, rubbing his neck.
"Nothing," she replied, looking as relaxed as ever.
"Nothing, my arse," he muttered.
Ignoring him, she turned back to her book. "Why aren't you at my table?"
"I am at your table, Granger." He was writing something in his book.
"No, you're using an ordinary table. Remember the table in the corner? Why aren't you there? You were so keen in using that one, or did you forget?"
He sighed. "Perhaps I didn't feel like being alone anymore."
"Then go to talk to Zabini," she said. "I'm sure he's a funny guy."
"He is," he said. "He is. But I think he's preoccupied with some chick right now. "
"Well, go find something to do. I want to read my book," she said quietly. "Go practice quidditch or something. Prepare for your match against us Gryffindors. I'm sure you'll need it." She placed a small grin on her face, hidden from Malfoy's view.
Malfoy ignored her comments and stayed put. "So about the kiss," he said, in which Hermione finally lifted her eyes off her book and unto his, "you never finished telling me."
"No, I was," she said. She suddenly picked up her book and got up. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to read. In peace."
Hermione didn't turn around to see Malfoy's head hung off his chair in disappointment as she left. But she kept walking and didn't stop till she reached the common room. There, she sat comfortable near the fireplace as small muffles came from the chatters of students nearby. She opened her book and began to read, only to find another distraction coming.
The portrait door swung allowing Harry and Ron to enter. Hermione hoped they wouldn't spot her, for she really wanted to read her book, but alas she wasn't trying all that hard to be unnoticed. They sat on the remaining seat, glancing at each other while Hermione acted as if she hadn't seen them arrive.
"Hiya Hermione," Harry finally said, when it was clear they wouldn't receive a greeting.
Hermione growled inwardly. Perhaps her dorm is the best suitable place, she thought. "Hey guys, I didn't see you come in," she lied as she looked at Ron then Harry.
"Oh, yeah. It's okay," Harry shrugged. "How was the library?"
"It was okay, but I couldn't concentrate," she said, giving a cover up for Malfoy.
Hermione could sense that Harry was giving Ron a look but she pretended not to notice. When no one said anything, she said, "I'm going to go lunch. Anyone else hungry?"
The guys nodded and the three walked to the Great Hall. They met up with Ginny and began talking aimlessly once more about Quidditch and their match against Slytherins. Hermione, being always left out of these discussions, buried her head in her book and munched a little on a spaghetti sandwich.
In the story, Pearl had finally agreed to go out with Kevin, in a form of a Winter Dance. She had a surprisingly good time, although Kevin didn't really know how to dance, since it was against the bad-boy code to know how to. Unfortunately, the night ended in distress as their peers peered at them in annoyance and disbelief.
Suddenly, a hand was shaking between her face and her book.
"Hermione!" Ron cried. When Hermione looked at him with such annoyance, in which Ron took no notice, he continued, "finally! We've been trying to get your attention for while now."
Her face then relaxed, feeling slightly guilty in being in such a mood. "Sorry. What is it?"
"Well, Harry and I are going to go study for NEWTS. Want to come? We could always use your help, you know."
Hermione shut her eyes, closed her book firmly, and wished she could just finish her book in silence. She took a deep breath and realized that without her help, the two guys across her would be stressing a lot. Without opening her eyes, she nodded stiffly. Once she did open them, she gave a small goodbye to Ginny and returned back to the Gryffindor common room to start studying the crucial test soon to come.
"You know, I'm surprised you wanted to study," Hermione said in a friendlier mood. "Usually I have to pry you to do your homework."
He shrugged, "mum sent me an owl telling me if I do good, I get to have a new broom."
Hermione smiled. Good one Mrs. Weasley, she thought. She went back to her room to retreat the pile of study aid she had bought in Flourish and Blotts before going back to her friends. However, an hour into rereading materials regarding charms, they decided to take a nap. Hermione rolled her eyes. Typical.
It was Sunday afternoon when Hermione finally finished her book in the library. She sat at her 'table', and have been since after lunch. The book was decent, she thought, although it did have its flaws. But she enjoyed it nonetheless. She recollected parts of the book and analyzed them in terms if they were good parts or bad parts.
But her thoughts were interrupted by her sudden vision of Draco Malfoy. He was leaning against a bookshelf staring at her.
She jumped a little. "Merlin! Stop startling me like that!"
"Did I make your pants jump off?" he smirked and advanced toward her. He pulled out a chair and sat down.
Hermione scorned. "No, fortunately. What do you want?"
"Just wanted to ask how our potion research is going." He said.
She grimaced. "Sorry, I haven't had time to work on it yet."
"What, are you captured once more into your romance world?" he sneered. "Did the bloke finally kiss the lucky lady? Is that it?"
"Stop making fun of the book. I mean it," she said sternly while glaring at him. "You don't know anything about romance."
"What are you talking about, Granger? I'm the most romantic guy you'll ever meet." He said mockingly, holding a hand against his mouth. "I'm sure you've heard already by now."
Hermione scoffed. "Oh yeah, you're doing really well with Parkinson, aren't you?"
His face paled a little, if that is even possible. "She's different."
"Riiiight," Hermione said through squinted eyes. "And you ignoring her is just one the more romantic ideas you've come up with, I suppose?" She raised her eyebrows and continued, "you're good, Malfoy. Really, you are. I mean, I'm really surprised at this talent you have with the ladies."
"I'm sorry, Granger, that I haven't had time to inflict the romantic tricks I have up my sleeves, but you don't have to be jealous," he teased.
"Please, Malfoy, don't flatter yourself. It's not becoming," she said, while starting to rise, "Besides, what do I have to be jealous of? Your pureblood name? Your intelligence? Your oh-so-smirk and sneer smile? Oh, that's it isn't it? You've seen through my front and realized I'm madly in love with you. How shocking!
"See you around, Malfoy," she added and started to walk away.
But something caught hold of her wrist. Hermione turned, facing Malfoy, who was inches away from herself.
"Wha- what are you doing?" she asked in surprised.
Malfoy said nothing but pulled her to the nearest row of book shelves.
"Let go of me!" Hermione hissed, unsure if she had really made Malfoy mad with her comment. "I demand you let go or I'll curse you and I know you don't want me to do that!"
He didn't release her. On the contrary, his grip tightened. When they were securely hidden by common viewers, especially Madam Pince, he gently but firmly shoved her against a bookshelf behind her.
Hermione looked scared as she stared into his mesmerizing gray eyes. Yet his looked calm but pleading, in a way. Her heartbeat grew faster. His hand loosened around her wrist. "Malfoy calm down. Look I'm sorry if I made you mad, but please don't take it personal-."
Her words were cut off when Malfoy presed himself against her and planted his lips against her. Hermione's eyes widened only to be met with a pair of closed ones. What the hell was happening? She tried to do something, but she just couldn't move as if paralyzed. Seconds later, she felt his tongue creeping out and tasting her lips.
She heard him groan. Yet she didn't do anything to kiss him back. His hands let go of her wrist and made its way to her waist.
This gave Hermione an opportunity to put her hands against his chest, trying to push him away, but his hands kept hold of her waist, not letting her escape. He tried to force his tongue through her stern lips, but she was too stubborn for him. His face made contact to her cheek as he subtly breathed near her ear.
"Relax, Hermione," he whispered, "I won't hurt you."
His saying her name triggered something in Hermione. She let herself get caught up in the moment, hesitantly. Shivers ran up her spine. Her eyes slowly closed. Although she was still as stiff as a board, her face became less tense. She parted her lips, experiencing for the first time someone else's tongue touching her. He sucked her bottom lip slowly and pleasurably. His hands rubbed the side of her waist.
"WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?" shrilled a voice.
Hermione's eyes snapped wide open as she jumped a little, startled by the female who was sternly looking at them in disgust. Malfoy, however, stood as close to Hermione as if nothing happened, hands still where it was, though his head hit Hermione's shoulder as he grumbled.
"WELL?" the female asked once more, also known as Madam Pince, the librarian.
"I-uh, well, we were," Hermione stuttered, trying to get Malfoy off of her. He finally did when she hit him hard in the ribs.
"THIS IS A LIBRARY! I WILL NOT TOLERATE ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR!" Madam Pince cried. "AND I EXPECTED MORE FROM YOU, MS. GRANGER! A HEAD GIRL, FOR MERLIN'S SAKE! I MUST ASK YOU TWO TO LEAVE. NOW!"
Without hesitation, Hermione gave an apology to the librarian and headed to out as quickly as possible while fixing her robe and wiping her lips. She didn't think about looking back over her shoulders. Students looked at her rush out with questioning faces but she didn't care. She just wanted to go back to her room.
Once out the door, Hermione sprinted to the Fat Lady portrait, practically yelled out the password, and went to her personal dorm. She shut her door quickly and made her way to her bed, lying down hard. Her body had produced a mass amount of sweat during her running around everywhere, but she didn't care. She didn't even realize just how damp she was.
Hair sticking to her neck and face, Hermione's chest rose up and down heavily as she tried to calm herself down by staring at the stone ceiling. Unconsciously she brushed her index finger against her lips; the lips that was taken in by Malfoy… Her stare was blank, but her mind was racing.
What the hell just happened? Why did Malfoy do that to me? Why did he kiss me? He has a girlfriend, for Merlin's sake.
But that's beside the point!
This goes against everything he's believed in and acted upon for all these years in Hogwarts; the matters of blood, the matters of being teacher's pet, the matters of being best friends with his archenemy Harry, and the matters of being a Gryffindor.
Then WHY did he kiss me? Surely he doesn't like me. I know he doesn't like me…
…But I wouldn't mind him liking me, would I? Not after the last few months. Not after talking to him and working with him during the different projects in Potions. Not after we've been able to actually talk without the side remarks.
And those eyes. Those beautiful gray eyes that just capture attention. I wouldn't mind staring into those any day.
And those lips. Those lips that kissed me today. Those lips that let through words of amiable conversation.
And his skin. His skin that felt so soft and rough at the same time. Those skin that touched mine today with care and aggression…
Her heart thumped harder and harder against her chest, her breathing not in the least calmer than when she dashed to her room.
But I'm getting too ahead of myself. No one would approve of their relationship. Not Gryffindor, definitely not Slytherin, and who knows how the other two houses would react. Even more so, what would my friends say when they find out I'd kiss Malfoy, a son of a highly dangerous Death Eater?
They'd kill me and then disown me, I know it.
But what makes me think he's even interested in me in the first place, huh? It was just a kiss that I got and nothing more. Just a stupid, simple kiss…
Hermione pursed her lips as she thought that.
Perhaps he made a bet with his friends…a bet involving me. Perhaps it involved him being able to persuade him to kiss me…maybe even bed me…
Her face twitched.
That was highly possible considering he's pretty well known with the females in this school, even a few of the ditzy ones in the other houses. Perhaps he thought he could get to me and woo me, thinking I was one of those girls, thinking I was inexperienced and therefore would be honored to have him notice me…
It would explain why he'd been keen on talking to me without uttering a disgusting word for the past few months. And why he gave me a Christmas card.
No, it can't be for a bet! It just can't!
But that's the only logical reason for his actions. Why else would a Death Eater's son befriend a Gryffindor he's despised for years and the best friend of Harry Potter only to like her and kiss her in a secluded part of the school library?
Her fist tightened to the point it had turned very pale.
Malfoy had better not made a bet. And if he did, he would have known better than to mess with Hermione Granger, damn it.
Disclaimer: The Characters and World of Harry Potter is owned by the Master herself, J.K. Rowling! Woot Woot!
AN:
I know, I know… third chapter. Isn't that pretty quick for Hermione and Draco to already be kissing? Well, if you've read my last AN, I sort of explained the system of flashbacks. So, hopefully, you've caught on. Review please! I want to know how the story is doing so far for you readers.
I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter! And don't forget to tune in to the next chapter of 'Unfamiliar Territory'!
Deasy
