"You're a foul creature, Malfoy. You know that?"
"Yes, Granger," he said, brushing past her. "I do."
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Chapter 4: The Yule Ball
"Uh! I can't take this anymore!" Hermione screamed, falling back onto the foot of Malfoy's bed. He sat propped up against his pillows, trying to do some homework. It was the only thing that seemed to keep his mind off their dire situation.
"Take what?" Malfoy mumbled, only half listening.
"We've been here for over a week. And if I have to have one more stupid conversation with a Slytherin I'm going to drown myself in the lake!"
"What'd'you know?" he laughed, lowering his book. "I'm a Slytherin, and I believe this is a conversation."
"Shut up, Malfoy."
"Why don't you go do your homework? That always seems to shut you up."
"It's done. That's what I've been doing all day. I've already been to the library twice, but I can't really focus on anything with all this other stuff on my mind. Draco," she sighed, rolling over to face him. "We have to figure this out soon. I don't know how much longer I can stay here."
"Well the great news just keeps coming."
"What do you mean?"
"The Yule Ball," he sighed. "Haven't you been paying attention to anything? It's tomorrow night."
"Bloody hell! The Yule Ball!…It's official, my life has reached its lowest point."
"Congratulations, Granger. It's been a whole day since you last complained. A new record."
"Have you been 'interviewing' people, too?"
"Yes, mudblood, I have."
"Have you found out anything new?" she asked hopefully. He shook his head and buried his eyes back in his work. Hermione was already dressed for bed, which meant she wore only loose-fitting green silk pajama bottoms and a tight black cotton tank top. It was more than difficult to keep his eyes off her. "Yeah, me neither. It's hard, you know? We're supposed to already know all this stuff, so we can't just come out and ask. We already look suspicious."
"I'm not the one who has a hard time holding hands in public, Granger. You can't flinch every time I touch you."
"Well I'm sorry if it's a little hard to get used to, Malfoy."
"You think I like it any better?" he snorted.
"You know," she teased, nudging him in the knee. "I'm beginning to think that maybe you do."
"Shove it, mudblood," he snapped. "And by the way, you're sleeping in here tonight."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me. The guys keep asking me why you don't sleep in here. They think I'm not getting any, so you're sleeping in here."
"I don't think so, Dragon Boy," she laughed, honestly thinking he was joking. "There's no way I'm getting back in that bed."
"Well I can't come in your room—"
"No, Malfoy. We're not sharing a bed. Period."
"You really do enjoy making this difficult, don't you? Honestly, it's only sleeping next to each other. Believe me, I don't want to touch you."
"Liar," she scoffed.
"What's that supposed to mean?" By now he had completely forgotten about his homework.
"You know exactly what I mean. You've done nothing but stare at me since I walked in here. Clearly I don't look as bad as you profess."
"Well if you weren't flaunting yourself around, then maybe I wouldn't stare!"
"Just admit that you're attracted to me."
"Well you're not so innocent of that yourself!" His cheeks were so red Hermione could almost feel the embarrassing heat he was giving off. "I've seen your eyes linger on me a little longer than necessary!"
"I'm comfortable enough to admit that, Malfoy. Yes, you're an attractive man. Hot even, but attraction means nothing to me. You're still a horrid person, and a Slytherin."
Malfoy grunted and sunk low into his pillows.
"Well?"
"Well what?" he snapped.
"Are you going to admit it or not?"
"Well you cover yourself up so much, how am I supposed to know you have a body under there?"
"Good enough," she laughed.
"But that doesn't mean I want to touch you, so technically I wasn't lying."
"Sure thing, Malfoy."
"Granger," he warned, pressing his foot into her side.
"See!" she laughed. She grabbed around his ankle and attacked his foot relentlessly with her fingers. By the time he was able to get free, his books and papers were scattered on the floor around the bed. Without thinking, he sprang up and tackled her, pinning her beneath him on the bed, and it was his turn to tickle her. "Malfoy!" she screamed playfully. "Malfoy, please!"
"Take it back," he said, continuing to assault her slim stomach. "Take it back and I'll stop."
"Never!" But when she tried again to get free, it proved to be impossible. He was simply too heavy and too strong for her. Exhausted, she gave up and squeezed out, "Ok! Ok! Mercy!"
"Are you ever going to say stuff like that again?" he asked, his hands still holding around her waist.
"No," she laughed, the feeling of being tickled still crawling through her.
"Are you sure?" He leaned in, their noses nearly touching, and his hands ready to pounce again.
"I swear," she whispered, the sight of his hypnotizing blue eyes almost too much to bear. She had always thought he was attractive, but, being this close, his warm body pressed to hers, he appeared impossibly gorgeous. His hair fell in his eyes at just the right places, and his lips were so welcoming she almost leaned in. "Mal—"
"Hey Malfoy!" came Goyle's unmistakenable voice as he opened the door. "What time did you say—Shit, sorry man. I'll ask you later." Quickly, he backed out of the room and closed the door, leaving the pseudo couple stunned and a little more than embarrassed.
"Well," Hermione said, sliding off the bed after Malfoy had sprung to his feet at the sound of another's voice. "I guess your goons won't think you're not getting any anymore." She smiled uneasily, biting her lip. She had been so close to kissing him, for real! Any more time here and she would completely lose her mind. "Good night Draco…" She slipped out of the room before he could response, and tiptoed into her own.
Tomorrow night was going to be even worse than she thought.
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"Oh Hermione!" Pansy squealed, clasping her hands together. "You look absolutely gorgeous! You HAVE to get that one!"
Hermione looked over her reflection in the mirror. They had been here for over an hour picking out a gown for the Yule Ball. Pansy had already purchased hers weeks before, but, ever studious, Hermione waited until the last minute.
It was a deep green silk, with a belled skirt and confining waist. At the top, it dropped off the shoulders, and there were no sleeves. A shimmering pearl necklace that Pansy insisted she try on with the dress adored her neck, as well as pearl colored silk gloves that went to her elbows.
"You think?" Hermione asked, tilting her head to the side. "What about the red one I tried on first? I liked that one."
"Red?" Pansy scoffed, wrinkling her nose. "That's a Gryffindor color. Slytherins do NOT wear red. Besides, you look much better in this one. Trust me."
"Really?"
"Of course, 'Mione. And Draco will love it too. You know how wild he gets for you when you wear green."
"Draco, right…" she sighed. She couldn't, for the life of her, get last night out of her head. All day it had been plaguing her, and, whenever she saw him, she couldn't get the image of their entwined lips out of her mind. She had to constantly remind herself that she was with Ron, and would be back with him any day now. But, the more time she had with her thoughts, the more she wondered if Malfoy was thinking about it too.
"Hermione?"
"Hmm?" She turned around and faced her 'friend', smiling apprehensively.
"What are you thinking about? You're all spellbound."
"I...err…Draco?"
"Well, yeah," Pansy laughed. "What about him?"
"Pansy," she said, her fingers fumbling with the expensive pearls at her neck. She would buy fakes for the outfit. As it was she was spending more than she should. "Do you remember when me and Draco first got together?"
"Remember? How could I forget? You and Weasley landed in detention for weeks."
"Ron Weasley?" she baulked. "What-What…What exactly do you remember about it?"
"I was late coming out of dinner that night, so I didn't see everything."
"What did you see?" Hermione pressed.
"Why are you asking me this? Hermione, you know I only saw McGonagall and Snape separate you and Weasley. You and him and Draco are the only ones who know what really happened."
"Sorry," she laughed uneasily, turning back to the mirror. "I forgot about that…Now, where should I go for fake pearls?"
"Fake pearls? Right, 'Mione. Like Lucius would ever let his future daughter-in-law wear fake pearls."
"L-L-Lucius?" she stuttered. "As in Draco's father?"
"Of course! He paid for your gowns and accessories at the Yule Balls the last three times. Why wouldn't he this time? Just have them bill him like last always. Honestly 'Mione, I'm beginning to think you're losing your wits."
"Why did you call me his daughter-in-law, Pan? Draco and I are not engaged."
"Not yet. Come on, there's no way he won't ask you. You're being paranoid. You're practically part of his family anyway. I mean, where else would you go for Christmas?"
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"Did you hear a word I just said, Draco?" Hermione snapped. She grabbed his chin and forced him to look at her.
"No," he admitted, as he examined himself in the mirror. His suit looked great, but there was just something missing. He couldn't put his finger on it.
"Come on, listen to me!"
"You said something about my father. What?"
"Draco, your father bought this dress," she said, almost frantically. "And these pearls. Pansy said we're practically engaged, and that I'm considered part of your family."
"And?"
"And! Draco! You're not hearing me!"
"I'm hearing you perfectly clear, Granger. But I don't see what this has to do with anything!"
"There's a reason I'm a Slytherin here. My parents are not dead, and I do not live with foster parents."
"And you have proof of this?"
"No," she admitted, lowering her eyes. "But I will. I'm going to speak with Dumbledore at the ball. Surely he knows the truth."
"Wonderful," Malfoy sighed, completely bored with her prattling. "Are you done now?"
"Yes," she sneered, turning on her heels. "I'll meet you in the common room when you're done beautifying yourself."
Before he could come up with a comeback, she was already out the door.
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Not five minutes after they entered the Great Hall, Hermione had ditched Malfoy and went in search of Professor Dumbledore. Slightly more than embarrassed, Malfoy sat at the nearest table with Slytherins, promising himself that he would curse her before they went back.
"Good evening, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said as she approached him with a group of teachers. "And might I say you look lovely in that gown."
"Thank you Headmaster," she said, blushing. "Would it be alright if I had a private word with you?"
"Of course." He excused himself from the facility members, and followed Hermione into the hall.
"I've come across some rather disturbing news, sir," she said, getting directly to the point.
"And what news is this?" he asked, genuinely concerned.
"Pansy Parkinson told Malfoy that my real parents were dead and that I live with muggle foster parents. This can't be true, I mean—"
"Of course it is not true, Miss Granger," he assured her. She gave way to a great sigh of relief. "But the reason she thinks this I cannot know. Perhaps further investigation would help. Forgive me for not being of more assistance."
"No, no, Headmaster. You've helped me very much. I was mainly concerned for my parents."
"Then I'm glad I could be of service."
"Thank you. You've been really great to me since I told you what I did. I thought for sure you would have been angry."
"Miss Granger," he sighed, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I have been waiting for you to come to me with your…problems for a long while. And while I know you are not the Hermione I knew, I am still very grateful that you felt comfortable enough to come to me."
"Hermione!" came the excited voice of Pansy. A second later she came barreling into the hall, out of breath.
"What?" Hermione asked, grabbing her shoulders in an attempt to calm her down.
"It's Draco! I'm so sorry! So, so sorry! He—" She looked over at Dumbledore suddenly, as if she had only just noticed him. "Headmaster, could you—"
"Yes, of course Miss Parkinson. Good evening ladies."
Pansy waited until he was completely out of sight before she continued.
"Hermione, please don't hate me for telling you this."
"What, Pansy? I'm listening." She was a little more than annoyed at her apprehension.
"I saw him kissing another girl in the hall when I left to go to the bathroom. And I gave him a right good earful too."
"I…er…" She had absolutely no idea how to respond. Of course she was not angry, why would she be? But then she was supposed to like him. "Who…Who was it?" she asked, conjuring up her best sad voice. She prayed it was convincing enough.
"I don't know her name. She's a Ravenclaw fifth year, I think. I'm so sorry, Hermione."
When Pansy tried to pull her into a consoling hug, Hermione brushed her off.
"Sorry," she sighed. "I just…I need to be alone right now…If anyone asks I felt sick and went back to my room."
"I understand completely. And don't you worry, I'll be sure to make Draco's night miserable. No one hurts my best friend and gets away with it."
"Thanks, Pan."
When Hermione was sure she was gone, she let out the laughter she had been holding in and headed off to the Slytherin common room. She would have to thank Malfoy when she saw him again. Now that he had ruined their 'relationship', they would no longer have to pretend to be a couple in public.
She was just about to round the corner, when she was pulled back and into someone's arms. With their hand over her mouth she could not scream, and instead opted to kick her captor in the shin.
"Damn it, Granger!" Malfoy hissed, pushing her away. "What the hell was that for!"
"Cheating on me," she snorted with a smirk. "What do you want?"
"I'm not staying at that dumb ball if you're not."
"Why not? I doubt we should be dating after that little stunt you pulled. Nice, by the way. I should have thought of that."
"I didn't kiss her!" he protested, startling her with his fervor. "She kissed me. I almost had her off when Parkinson showed up and got the wrong idea."
"Whatever. I don't care about the details. She saw and that's all that matters. Why are you so worked up about it?"
"Because," he sighed, unintentionally grabbing her arm. "I spoke with my father after you left me in my room before the ball. Apparently our relationship, or what-have-you, is very important for my family."
"And that matters to me because…?"
"Hermione!"
"What!"
"They were Death Eaters before I met you. But something changed in them when we started going together, and I am not—for the sake of your sanity or my own—going to jeopardize their future! Who knows how this time thing works. But if these…universes, or whatever, both exist—if I can save my parents in this time—then I will do anything to do that!"
"But I thought you were proud of your father." It was the only thing she could think to say. It was the first time since she'd known him that he'd shown concern for someone other than himself.
"Proud?" he laughed cynically, finally releasing her arm. "Would you be?"
"No, but I'm not like you Draco. I—"
"Go on," he sighed. "Say it. You're not evil."
"I don't think you're evil."
"I think being proud of Death Eater parents constitutes as evil," he snapped angrily. "How else am I supposed to act around them? If I say one wrong thing, one negative thing about him or my mother, then my life could be at risk. Do you have any idea what that feels like, Granger?"
"Draco, I'm—"
"Yes, you're sorry. Everyone is sorry. And that's supposed to make everything better, right?"
"I never—"
"Well it doesn't!" he yelled, clenching his fists tightly at his sides. It took all his willpower to keep from punching the stone wall beside him. "Dumbledore is always giving me these looks, like he pities me. Even Snape does it! But their pity doesn't do a damn thing, Hermione! I still have to pretend! Why do you think it was so easy for me to pretend here? I've done it all my life. I—"
"Draco, please!" she pleaded, pulling him to her. She knew comfort was the last thing he wanted, but it was the only thing she could think to do. "Please," she whispered, stroking the back of his head. He trembled uncontrollably in her arms, but she knew he would not cry, even if he wanted to. "I'm not going to tell you that everything is alright. You hear that enough. But you can't let your parents' mistakes run your life. You are not destined to be them. You can change your life when you leave here. Become something better."
"They'd find me."
"You're strong enough to fight back, Draco. I know you are."
"Right," he grunted. "My childish tantrum just proved my strength."
"Draco," she sighed. She pulled her head back and looked directly into his eyes. "You don't have to listen to a word I said. But just know—" She paused, trying to sort her words out. "—no matter what's happened, I will help you if you need me. No one deserves—" But she was cut off suddenly, as Malfoy captured her lips for their first real kiss.
"You didn't kick me this time," he said, his forehead pressed against hers.
"You didn't give me a reason to this time…"
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Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Romance for our couple! Wee!...But will it last?? I'm not telling! Muhaha!
Review, please! :) Or no more chapters! :o
Heeheeheeeeeeeee!