(November 16, 2011)
Hello everyone! Sorry for the long delay! Anywho here's the next chapter! Hope y'all enjoy it! Please let me know in a REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!
Disclaimer: See chapter one
Chapter THREE
A few days pasted, and it was the evening of the masked ball. I had spent the past five days avoiding Draco Malfoy at all costs and spending even more time with Harry. We had gone on another ride with Monaco and Harry's mount Altair, spending all day by the lake just talking and laughing. Walking through the gardens, sitting next to each other at meal times and walking along the trails. But I couldn't enjoy it thoroughly, the entire time I couldn't help think about what Malfoy said; he hadn't approached me since that night, but I could see him staring constantly at me from across rooms or following me at a distance. He was planning something and I was terrified of what he was going to do. But tonight I had set my mind on not worrying about Malfoy and focusing all my energy on enjoying the company of Harry. One of my maids, Mary, tightened my corset, shaking me out of my thoughts and hitching my breath. I pulled a silk navy blue dress over my head and Mary laced the back and I smoothed the creases. The queen gave me this dress along with several others, but unlike the other one, this one harboured pearls and sapphires beaded along the portrait neckline of my dress. I smiled at myself in the mirror as pearls were placed in my curly bun resting on the back of my head. Mary handed a silver and black mask, adorned with silver flakes and black feathers; it covered my eyes and nose leaving my rosy lips exposed. Mary and the other maid Anne stepped back to gaze at me, their hands covering their mouths.
"Is something wrong? Do I look silly?" I panicked; I wanted tonight to be perfect. I wanted to be perfect. My maids shook their heads vigorously.
"No miss, you look like a goddess. Truly beautiful." I grinned and spun around my skirt waving about me, feeling like a princess. "Now, go! Dinner will start soon!" Anne gave me a little push playfully and I beamed back at them, rushing out the door. I could hear the echoes and music playing from the great hall. I made it to the large over-sized doors and stood in front of them, taking in the scene before me. There were dozens of people either sitting and laughing heartily or dancing with mysterious partners; all of them wore colourful masks. I smiled and strolled into the festive room; candles were everywhere and peacock feathers decorated the walls along with colourful ribbons.
I instantly recognized Ginny's red hair along with the entire clan of Weasleys around her; I waved but continued to look around for Harry hoping to see his messy black hair behind a mask. Unfortunately many men wore wigs or hats with their masks, making it impossible to decipher anyone in the crowds. Within seconds I was swept up in the arms of a man in a gold mask, a wig of scarlet hair attached to it, masking his true identity. From the way he held me I knew it must've been Harry, his hands gripped my waist and instead of the usual foot apart, we danced no less then three inches apart. I smiled and he spoke softly in my ear.
"You look divine tonight my sweet Artemis." I flushed and he continued, stroking my arm through the fabric. "You are truly stunning in that dress. It matches your skin... and your lips…" He trailed off rubbing my lower lip with his thumb. I pulled away, I had too; it was too intimate of a gesture for such a public place. True, he had touched my cheek or my hair on our outings but that was as far as I'd let it go. I knew that I couldn't let myself me compromised before an engagement was ensured; he knew this as well as I did, which is why he never too much offence at these rejections. He chuckled and we just chatted until the dance ended and he winked, disappearing into the crowds.
Another partner took his place as I continued to dance away the evening. After too many dances I sat down with Ginny to eat some dinner; I had to restrain wolfing down my chicken I was that hungry. Ginny had spent a lot of time with Neville who sat next to her along with Ronald, who I had danced with as well. Those had been awkward, and painful at times when he stepped on my toes or nearly ripped my dress. He was nice enough but he was just too clumsy for me, he infatuation was merely puppy love, nothing more. After I finished my meal and had many glasses of wine I received a tap on my shoulder and turned to see a man in a gold mask with a red wig holding out a large hand for me. I blushed and took it, letting him guide me to the dance floor, I stumbled a little, my head felt a little fuzzy from the wine. He squeezed my waist and I gasped at his closeness.
For some reason he seemed taller then he was before and his hands felt different; smoother less rough. Was it just me, or did something felt different between us, a want that developed just below my stomach. He gazed at me and lifted my hand, kissing my knuckles one by one. He looked back up and me, beckoning me with a long index finger. I looked around to see everyone engrossed in his or her escorts or too drunk to notice us slip from the room. He took my hand and led me up a flight of stairs and down the hallway to an empty study. I smiled coyly at him and he grinned pulling me so close I could feel his breath on my face. I closed my eyes and tilted my head up, enjoying the way he tickled my skin. His hand slid down my waist to my hip then to my bottom, where he squeezed it, making me squeal. He chuckled and covered my lips with his; I automatically arched my back into him craving more. His tongue begged entrance and I allowed it letting him explore my mouth, and I his. His other hand found it's way to my hair and released it from my tight bun; I sighed in relief savouring the feeling of his fingers massaging my scalp. A rush of blood from my toes to my head made me even dizzier; his lips left mine and caressed my jaw, my throat, my neck, my collarbone and the top of my breasts. He found his way back to my ear and nibbled on my earlobe; my legs nearly gave way, he held my hip, holding me up. He left my ear and trailed pressed his nose to the hollow of my throat, inhaling and pressing hot kisses to my soft skin. I moaned and he snickered then left my neck to my dismay and embraced my mouth, breathing heavily. I pulled back, panting trying to read his face.
"Does this mean what I think it means?" I said hoping he's finally giving me what I was looking for. He gave me a smirk and spoke huskily in my ear.
"I think you know what it means, but not what you're hoping for." I froze and ripped off the red mask. I stumbled back, hyperventilating; Malfoy stood there, grinning like he'd just had Christmas early.
"YOU! You... complete and utter moron! How…. H-how could you?" I stuttered, trying to put my hair back up on top of my head. Malfoy just grinned, shaking his head.
"You were so easy to deceive, believing me to be your precious Potter. All it took was a wig and a mask in matching colours; of course it helped to have you wine glass filled constantly. And now, you'll be ruined, going off with a man, loosing your virginity…."
"We did nothing of the sort! Nobody will believe you!"
"Oh really? Who will people believe? The newly arrived innocent Hermione Granger, who nobody knows anything about? Or me? The devilishly handsome Draco Malfoy who's known for de-flowering many society women, leaving them with absolutely nothing? Think hard Granger, do you want to be on my long lists of conquests?" I was speechless, I couldn't believe that I'd been here for less then a month and I was already ruined if this got out. Malfoy seemed to read my mind, sniggering he sauntered closer; I backed up until I hit a tall bookcase.
"I would watch your back from now on Granger, unless want this little incident to be the centre of the court's gossip for a very long time." He brushed my cheek with the back of his hand and I flinched away from him, disgusted. "Ah-ah-ah, now mudblood, don't be that way. Keep an eye out for me, I'll be waiting." " He ambled away, not before pinching my butt. Then he was gone; I slid down the wall and sat on the floor unable to think about what just took place, and the consequences that were to follow.
...
For the following few days I stayed in my room, not allowing anyone to see me except for my maids. I told them to tell everyone I wasn't feeling well and not to bother me; Mary and Anne told me they had turned down Ginny, Luna, Neville and several others, including Harry who stopped by every couple hours, begging to see me.
"I'm sorry your grace, but she's still feeling ill, she doesn't want anyone to see her this way." Of course, I was just sitting in my bed reading my philosophy book, but he couldn't see me. "Please your grace! She wouldn't want to pass on her illness to you! Please your grace!" I heard struggling then a commotion of footsteps then a knock on my door.
"Please Hermione, please let me see you. I'm in agony not being able to see your face. It's been too long. Please, I'm begging you. What do I have to do?" His pleading voice tore my heart; I could imagine him in my head, his face torn. I got up and slipped on a velvet red robe over my nightgown, by curly hair was loose around my shoulders. I checked my appearance in the mirror and quickly brushed some powder on my face, running my fingers to loosen the curls. Harry banged on the door again and I could hear Anne trying to get him to leave. I opened the door a crack and I could see Harry was surprised; he pushed the door open farther, taking in my appearance. I wouldn't have said I look bad, but I didn't look good either. I hadn't sleep at all, leaving dark bags under my eyes, my hair was curly but still a little damp from my afternoon bath and I was pale; even more so then usual. Just the thought of Malfoy exposing me and destroying my future stressed me so much I looked like a ghost. Harry stared, either at my gaunt appearance or my casual apparel I wasn't sure. I knew it was inappropriate from him to see me like this, but my front door was closed and my maids were in the room. We stood in silence then he closed the distance between us and enveloped me in a hug; no matter how wrong it was I hugged him back. He felt so warm and safe that I couldn't help but break down, tears started to fall as I pushed my face into his strong chest. He stroked my hair and calmed me down, speaking reassuring words into my ear; he was being so kind to me, I had to assume that Malfoy hadn't said anything yet.
"Is there anything I can do? Bring you any food? How about I get you "The Magdeburg Centuries" from the library? I know you haven't read it yet." He pulled me back and looked me in the face; smiling he pushed a curl out of my eye and tucked it behind my ear. I nodded weakly and he let go of me, kissing my hand. "I'll be back before you know it!" Then he was gone leaving me standing in my bedroom doorway in my rode and my maids looking thoroughly shocked. They bustled around when I glared at them and instructed them to help me into one of my dresses; the entire time I didn't know what to think, or even say. Even if I told him what happened he wouldn't believe that nothing serious happened. He'd leave me and never speak to me again. And that's the last thing I want. I want to marry him. Silly, yes I know. But it would make everyone happy; mother would approve of his high ranking and wealthy family, the king and queen would most certainly approve since we're both favourites and I love that he accepts me for who I am. All that stands in the way of that is Draco Malfoy. What a little snake.
My thoughts were interrupted by the door my front door opening; thinking it was Harry I walked out of my room, still in my robe. I was sadly mistaken as Malfoy strolled into the room. I crossed my arms over chest, stopping in front of him.
"You're not welcome here Malfoy. Leave. Now." He just shook his head, grinning maliciously.
"Is that how you treat someone who could potentially ruin your life Granger? Be nicer to me, I deserve better than that. Now try again." I gritted my teeth, restraining myself from slapping him across the face.
"Hello lord of imbeciles, would you please get out of my chambers before I call the somebody to remove you?" He rolled his eyes and moved closer, staring opening at my chest; I looked down to see that my nightgown had slipped showing too much skin. I hastily pulled it up and tightened my robe.
"Now, what did I tell you? In order for me to keep quiet, you have to do follow my orders. Tomorrow we will discuss this thoroughly, meet me at the stables just after sunrise, understand me?" He grabbed my arm forcefully and tried to shake his grip; he was holding so tightly I could feel the pain shooting up and down my arm.
"Malfoy let go! You're hurting me!" I kept trying to push him off with no luck, my maids stood in my bedroom doorway unsure of what do to.
"Hermione? What's going on here?" Harry's booming voice flooded me with relief as Malfoy turned in surprise. Harry strode over and grabbed Malfoy's hand off of me and shoved him backwards, standing protectively in front of me.
"Malfoy. I suggest you leave. Immediately. Before I call the castle guards."
"Oh really? And what would say when they asked you what you were doing here with a society lady, in her nightgown? Don't you know better then to risk a lady's reputation?" He looked directly at me when he spoke that last comment. Harry hesitated and Malfoy could see he'd won.
"Why are you here Malfoy?" Harry commanded; he sure was scary when he was angry.
"Ah, well, you see Hermione and I have an arrangement, I was just stopping by to make sure she fully understands the extend of how far I'll go if she doesn't hold up her end of the bargain. Now that she does, I'll be leaving you lovebirds to your… socializing." With that he left, leaving the room so silent you could hear a pin drop. Harry turned to me, looking thoroughly confused.
"Would you please tell me what that was about?" I looked at the ground, thinking about what to say; a few seconds later I spoke.
"Draco wishes me to accompany him on a hawking trip tomorrow. That's all." Harry eyed me sceptically.
"And that's why it looked like he was going to rip your arm off? Hermione, tell me the truth." I stared him squarely in the face, keeping my voice convincing.
"Really Harry, it's just a ride for a few hours. We were just having a discussion about the time. You know, if it were one of the Weasley men would you be concerned?" He faltered and I sighed. "My point exactly. Unless you have something else you wish to ask me?" I stated meaningfully; half hoping he'd proposed right then and there. Instead he kissed my cold hands and smiled.
"I don't know if you've heard but he has a bad reputation with women, I don't like seeing you with him. In fact I don't like seeing you with any other man. If he so much as lays a finger on you, I'll make sure he pays for it." He bowed and walked out; Mary quickly bolted the door and stood in front of me.
"Miss, are you alright?" I nodded slowly; I was puzzled.
"Why would I not be alright?" Anne came to my other side and steadied me as I swayed.
"Because you look like you might pass out. Here, let us get you to bed. Anne fetch her some tea." Mary helped me into my comfortable bed and they gave me mint tea that made me go to sleep within minutes. I dreaded the morning, not certain of what will happen with Malfoy.
I strolled towards the large dark mahogany stables, it was already hot out even though it was barely morning. I entered the stable doors to see two grooms; one with Monaco and the other with a black Hanoverian with a white blaze. Monaco butted his head against me and I stroked his face delicately. Without warning Malfoy stepped out of a stall wearing breeches and a green shirt; despite my conscious hate for him, I thought the colour looked amazing on him.
"Hello Granger, before we leave let's have a little chat shall we?" He motioned for me to come forward and I obeyed following him into a deserted stall. He leaned against the wall, piercing me with steel grey eyes. "Let's get some things straightened out. First of all, when we're in public you must pretend that you're enjoying my company. That means calling me Draco not Malfoy, dancing with me when I ask you and not sneering when I talk to you, that also means no arguing. Secondly, you mustn't make a scene like you did last night again." I opened my mouth to interject but he ploughed on, now walking in a circle around me. "Thirdly, follow these rules and don't make me do anything you may regret and finally, you really should stop thinking so much, because I know that deep down you want me, you're just too stubborn to let that part have any fun." He brushed his hand across my neck and I flushed, shivering involuntarily. I glared at him as he smiled.
"Why are you doing this? What benefit am I to you?" I spat at him wishing I could shoot daggers with my eyes.
"Because, hopefully I will improve my name by socializing with you; people will see me courting you and think I've changed, therefore I will get some of my ranks and titles back. As well as it's just fun to see you struggle; oh the dilemma! Potter will be so angry when he finds out he has some real competition, instead of that pauper Weasel." I hissed and that made him beam even more. "Now let's go for a pleasant ride on this wonderful summer morning, remember the rules now Granger or you're life might get more difficult." He flashed a smirk and gestured for me to take his arm. I hesitated wanting nothing more then to give him another good hard smack across his smug face, but I knew it would be pointless to try and fight him. I looped my hand through his elbow and he guided me back to my horse, giving me a leg up onto Monaco. Malfoy mounted his black steed, hawk on arm and gave the signal for the groom to open the south gates. Not waiting for Malfoy, I nudged Monaco into a trot through the gates into the rolling hills.
Our ride lasted all morning; we rode in silence, I would occasionally catch Malfoy staring at me. I ignored him, concentrating on my ride instead. After the ride we walked to the great hall together, when we entered the tall double doors everyone at the surrounding tables turned in their chairs and stared, silence filling the massive room. Malfoy guided me to a free seat with his hand at the small of my back. He sat beside me; I noticed that Ronald was sitting a couple chairs down his mouth gaping open. I saw him nudging Harry who was eating his chicken and point at us. My cheeks burned when his green eyes found mine, he was clearly displeased. Malfoy saw our exchange and pulled my face towards him, pushing a loose strand of hair out of my eye. His fingertips lingered on my cheek and I flushed involuntarily; as I did he stared directly at Harry, challenging him. I glared at him but he continued to brush my arm with one hand and the other held one of my hands. I snatched my hand away and a glint of annoyance flashed in his eyes; he leaned in his mouth centimetres from my ear, his breath warming me.
"What did I tell you Granger? Full co-operation remember?" His hand slipped under the table and traced circles around my knee. I finished my meal, ignoring him as much as possible but he was definitely getting to Harry because every time I looked over he looked as if he was going to rip Malfoy's head off.
For two weeks this continued; I spent my mornings and lunch meals with Malfoy and most afternoons I would spend with the Queen in her court. At balls I would be shared equally between my suitors, but Malfoy would take me away before Harry could find me again. Surprisingly, Malfoy didn't go past the appropriate public displays of affection. After a few days, I realized he wasn't going to ruin me as long as I co-operated I relaxed. When we talked we discussed neutral subjects, nothing personal. I was surprised at his depth of knowledge and, like Harry, seemed to enjoy talking about literature and other subjects.
The only issue was he put on quite the show for Harry making him insanely jealous when we were together. I still didn't trust him and occasionally he would push my limits, and then threaten me if I didn't comply. I would give in most of the time, but when it came to my reputation and virtue I put my foot down. That's what still made me angry with him, he had all the power and it killed me to have no control over my life.
One day I excused myself from lunch with Malfoy and I left the hall along to go find Ginny I heard footsteps behind me and I sighed.
"Really Malfoy? Can't I go anywhere without you following me?" I felt a hand on my forearm and turned around. Harry was there, his hand slipped into mine and he pulled me towards him. I looked around to see that the hallway was bare and then I let him pull me towards him. I looked up at him beaming, feeling everything else melt away. "Hey you." I breathed and he returned my smile with one of his heart-stopping grins.
"Were you looking for someone else? Malfoy perhaps?" His voice was tense, his frame was stiff. I rubbed his back leaning my head against his chest, taking in his lovely smell.
"Ummmm…. No of course not. Why would I be?" I was defensive and I didn't really know why. "I'm glad you're here though. I've missed you." He kissed the top of my head and hugged me tightly.
"I've missed you too. How about we go for a walk outside?" We linked arms and strolled out towards the Black Lake. We sat under a willow tree and talked about everything, that is, everything except for Malfoy. I knew it would come up eventually. I sat between his legs with my back pressed against his chest.
"So… how's is going with you and Malfoy?" I watched a ladybug with a newfound intensity, trying to stall my answer.
"Things are… fine. How else would it be?" Harry played with some of my loose curls, twisting them around his finger.
"Well do you fancy him?" Wow, way to be blunt about it I thought, trying to think of an answer that would satisfy both Harry and Malfoy.
"He's different." Is all I could say; it was true though.
"I don't like the way he looks at you, like you're a possession. He doesn't seem to treat you with respect."
"Don't be silly, Draco is a perfect gentleman." If gentleman means being an ass. Harry stiffened and I turned my head to look at him; he looked agitated.
"So you're on first name basis are you? Are you as friendly with him as you are with me?" I stared at him incredulously.
"What are you implying Harry?" I couldn't understand why he was acting so strange. Then it dawned on me that he's jealous. Even so, I didn't like his implications.
"Well do you act the same way around him as you do with me? Or even more so? He is Malfoy after all; I wouldn't be surprised if he'd added another conquest to his list." Anger boiled up inside of me and I stood up, hands shaking. I rounded on him, my voice cold and hard.
"For your information Draco has been nothing but polite to me, he's done nothing to deserve your hostility! And as your thoughts about me? It's nice to know you think so highly of me! You don't trust me at all do you? Since it's obvious you think I'm worthless I'll be leaving, your lordship!" I spun around and marched back to the castle, leaving a very stunned Harry behind. I stormed through the hallway and turned a corner to find my room only to run into Malfoy. He looked particularly good in a sapphire shirt and grey breeches today.
"In a hurry to find me Granger? Look no further you found me!" He smirked and I growled; he raised his eyebrows. "What now? Trouble in paradise?" He looked thrilled at the aspect of something wrong with Harry and I.
"If you have to know, which of course you will, yes." I walked around him heading to my chambers. He followed me, keeping him stride.
"Oh dear, what did you argue about?"
"YOU!" I yelled at him, reaching my door I flung it open and strode into my room, closing the door behind me. I threw off my dress and changed into my nightgown and robe. I pulled out my pins non-too-gently and shook out my hair sighing with relief. I opened the door to see Malfoy still leaning on my bedroom door. "Why are you still here? Can't you see I'm getting ready to sleep?" I was irritated, I just wanted to sleep and forget about the whole fight. He just stood there grinning like an idiot, he moved forward and ran his fingers lightly through my hair.
"Well Potter is a complete ass, can't say I didn't tell you so. He's insanely jealous of our chemistry, every time he sees us together he looks like he wants to slice me in half." He was beaming like this was a good thing.
"Harry is a good person. A much better person then you are! He doesn't have to blackmail me into spending time with him!" My face was inches from his now, my anger escalating beyond the point of return. His expression hardened and colour lit his cheeks.
"Harry Potter? A good person? You don't know the half of him! Maybe you should ask him how many women he's been with then! If he's such a good person." He hit a nerve and I pushed him away sending him off balance.
"Get out of my room. Now." I breathed pointing to the door.
"I think you forget who you're talking to mudblood. You don't get to tell me what to do."
"This is my room and I'm asking you to leave. Please." I lowered my voice but the venom was still there. He scowled at me and turned to leave.
"You're going to regret this, you can count on it." Then he was gone.
Oooooooo what will Malfoy do now? Only time will tell! Please please PLEASE review! I would love to know if anyone is enjoying the story :D
~FunkyMonkey
