A/N-First let me apologize for the delay. It's been quite awhile since I posted a new chapter and that is entirely my fault. When I'm not on my laptop typing my little fingers to the bone, I have a notebook and pen with me to write my fics. So, I will be updating much more frequently for you guys. So without further ado, chapter 3.

Scream

Chapter 3

Does giving into temptation make you a bad person?

It's so easy to lose yourself when you pretend to be someone else. The desire to leave everything behind and grasp new realities is like a drug that can't be ceased. When you're attacked from a hundred different directions, you dissolve into a shielding chasm; an unbreakable barrier, to protect yourself from the demons that tempt you.

When you allow demons their flesh, new demons are created from the ashes and the world is fueled by secrets and malice. Darkness befalls the day and remorse befits the night. There is no light in antipathy. The eyes of the sinner are coated in chalice, but they mask repentance through their impudence.

XO

On the following Monday, Hermione sat in class staring out the partially stain-glassed window. She had a glossy look over her eyes and had her chin resting on her elbow propped hand as many disturbing thoughts eroded her peace of mind.

She went rigid when she felt Ron's hand unexpectedly rest on her knee; below the surface of the desk they shared. Whiplashed out of her thoughts, Hermione mentally shuddered from the contact as Ron squeezed her knee gently; suggestively.

His hand was cold and clammy, making Hermione feel uncomfortable. It annoyed her more than it probably should have, but it felt like a trapping.

She crossed her legs; shifting awkwardly, hoping he could take a hint. He didn't.

Due to the recent consideration that he was likely using her for his own benefit, Hermione felt bothered by him and his presence in any room she shared with him.

She felt like a prize moron for dreaming that their happily ever after was finally beginning, but that's not what he wanted obviously. He kept them in the dark. He kept her a secret.

Draco keeps you a secret. The voice in the dark chimed.

That's true, but that's the way she wanted it too. Hermione didn't want to live a secret with Ron. Being the game and playing the game were two different things. When Hermione assumed, she really just made an ass out of herself and that was highly disconcerting.

After several minutes, Ron's hand finally pulled away and she was at last released from the suffocating ball and chain. When class ended, Hermione packed up her belongings and was eager to get some air; desperate to get some air, but Ron stopped her right outside the classroom; halting her from her much needed freedom.

"Hermione, is something the matter?" he asked. Staying quiet and pretending nothing was wrong was not an option. The ring around dizzied the poor girl.

Hermione waited for the last remaining students to get out of earshot before speaking.

"What is this between us?" she asked. She could feel herself getting emotional. "I mean, what are we? I don't want to wonder anymore. I'm so confused, Ron. We need to talk about this at last, because the silence is killing Me." she paused. "Are we ever going to be together?" she paused. "A real couple?"

The flash of apprehension and discernment on his face was enough for her to not need a verbal answer. She got the message; she saw the picture that was painted ever so meticulously before her.

"Hermione come on. We're young. We shouldn't be tied down. This is the time we should be having fun, before we leave Hogwarts and move on to real life."

Real life?

"So, what's been happening between us hasn't been real? It's been fake? Fake romance? Fake feelings?"

"Hermione, it's not like that. Don't be angry."

"Angry?" she gritted out, trying to keep the tears at bay. "Trust me unconditionally when I tell you how angry I'm not." Her heart pumped ferociously, her vision blurring yet became clearer than it ever was before. "I am not angry. I am disgusted. A good time is all you're after? I'll show you a good time."

Hermione turned on her heel and walked away from Ron with a strut that intimidated him even from behind. She marched down the halls, never losing speed, flying down many staircases until she found herself in the dungeons.

She strode down the cold corridors until she reached her target. With narrowed eyes, a straight shot, she had a bull's-eye.

"Now!" Hermione authoritatively demanded as she grabbed Draco's arm; not allowing him to walk into Potions. He waved Crabbe and Goyle into class, not wanting an audience for this show.

He was taken off guard, but was intrigued by the domineering advance. Pulled around the corner, Hermione shoved him against the wall and began the assault on his mouth. Her hands flew to his hair as she pushed herself against him; purposely digging herself against his most sensitive spot.

"Whoa." He jerked by reflex and Hermione took the opportunity to shove her tongue into his mouth.

Draco was trying to catch up mentally as she slowly began to unbutton the first few buttons on his collared shirt. Her fingers grazed the light hair on his chest; the contact electrified his skin and gave him chills.

"Maybe we should go somewhere a bit more private." He stated breaking the kiss. She pulled away and the fiery look in her eye took his breath away.

"Scared?"

"Kind of."

Malfoy was dumbfounded by her tenacity, but he didn't let it stop him from going along with it. Yet, the strain of curiosity poked him in the head repeatedly. What had gotten into her?

This was unlike the Hermione he knew and that excited him. What other tricks did she have up her sleeves? What other secrets did she possess?

Draco tried to take her lip between his teeth in a fight for dominance, but before he could she clutched his shirt and passionately ripped it fully unbuttoned.

His eyes lit up in amazement and his breath eradicated.

Looking innocently at him, she shrugged.

"Fuck!" he stated.

Draco felt like he was standing on a tight rope drenched in gasoline and Hermione was taunting him with a lit match.

"Shhh." She out her finger to her lips before moving back into him. Hermione began to kiss his chest slowly; intimately, and Draco tilted his head back overwhelmed by the full feeling in his chest.

She descended lower and lower until she was just above the waist band of his trousers. The brunette looked up at him asking without words. He bore the same lustful gazed, jagged breathing and parted lips.

Ron had vanished from her mind and instead a desire to please Draco took its place. It was strong and made her feel courageous and bold. It was a radical power and it felt…so satisfying.

Hermione started to unbutton his trousers and the buildup was unbearable. She pulled the zipper down, watching Draco in the process; never losing his gaze. Their temperatures increased, cheeks flushed, hearts pounded.

Her fingers were scorching as they touched the sensitive skin beneath the waistband of his black cotton briefs.

The thought of someone coming around the corner at any minute put them both on edge in an invigorating; enlivening, way.

The potions door slammed, echoing off the dungeon walls. Then there was silence. It was ratifying and would have been pure if not for the aberrant desperate pant of Draco when Hermione had freed him from his confining slacks.

Malfoy was in awe over her gallantry, stunned and speechless over the theoretical monster he had created and lastly, impressed from the unexpected assault from such an inconspicuous soul.

Draco whimpered weakly at the astounding sensation. The feel, the sight, the musing; it was all too much and a follow up look down at her made him combust with a gratifying wave of deliverance.

His knees gave out and he fell to the floor instantly; overwhelmed and staggered.

"What. The. Hell. Granger?" he asked. "Give a man a chance to catch up, will you?"

Draco could not catch his breath. His heart pounded like a drum; loud, deep and fast; he could hear it in his ears.

He looked over at Hermione who sat on the floor beside him and that's when the world so emphatically paused. Everything went mute; breathing ceased, heart rate faded into a bottom line that went on for miles. Time stopped and in that brink of timeless excursion, Draco saw the girl inside who hid behind the rough exterior of a brave and bewildering woman.

There was something in Hermione's eyes that told him something was wrong and he was her outlet for treatment.

What happened to her? Who did this to her?

He did, for starters.

He turned her into a famished animal. He was not her first, but he felt like her virginity was his.

Did he ruin this girl? Or was she broken before he got her?

He wanted to lean in and kiss her, but the intimacy frightened him. She was not his and he was not hers, so he had no right to claim her as such.

Comfort was not something he neither owed nor offered, but he took note that the wall he built had a fine crack riding from the top to the base.

Draco saw a screaming child in her that matched the little boy in him; scared, shaken and tired.

Maybe that's why it was so fun when they got to play together.

XOXO

"I missed Potions today, thanks to you. If I fail, I hold you utterly accountable." Draco announced to Hermione much later that day; as the two headed to their common room after supper.

Hermione smiled and nodded.

"Yes, because it's my fault that you decided we should rent the room down the hall for the next two hours."

"You're welcome." he replied amused. "It's not in my nature to leave a woman displeased."

"Oh?" she teased.

"You've got a complaint?" Draco asked.

"Forget it. It's small."

Hermione felt satisfied with her teasing when Draco began to argue with her on the judgment calls she made, until finally giving up on her and deciding to take her right there on the common room floor.

A/N-Review time? Review? Review? Review? Love you all.