Hello everyone, guess what. I'm writing this on my new laptop. Excited? I am!

Sorry I took so long to post this but… well I could rattle off a long list explaining exactly why I couldn't but I'll let you read the chapter instead.

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT MAY BE, POSSIBLY LEANING SLIGHTLY TOWARDS 'M' RATED CONTENT. I wont change the rating though unless someone asks me to.

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling all rights reserved.

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7. To the Gods

Hermione cradling her arm was attempting to get out of the landslide but a particularly awkward rock had her jammed in and she couldn't shift it. Above she heard Draco making a quick but careful descent.

"Hermione, are you alright? Hermione?" Draco shouted ' Please let her be ok.' He thought, his heart beating abnormally fast.

Hermione winced as she tried to turn to face him the rocks scraping against her fragile skin.

"I'm stuck." She croaked her throat full of dust.

Draco said nothing in reply as he wrenched the offending rock out of the way and cleared out a path for her. He offered her his hand to help her down, an unconscious gesture Hermione knew but she took it gratefully as her head and arm had begun to throb with pain. Bracing her Draco lead her over to a raise in the grass a little away from the debris. She gasped in pain as she sat down jolting her arm. Draco noticed immediately.

"What's wrong?"

"My arm," She winced, "I think it's broken." Hermione was on the verge of tears but she refused to cry in front of Draco.

He quickly and efficiently took off his robes tearing a long wide band. With more care than Hermione had ever thought that he had possessed Draco wound the fabric around the arm forming a sling, looking her over inconspicuously he found she was covered with dirt and leaf matter, scrapes covered her arms and face and a rather deep scratch was disconcertingly close to her left eye. He ripped up the remains of his over-robe to clean it. Dabbing the wounds as carefully as he could he wiped away the trickle of blood and dirt.

"There."

Leaning close he inspected Hermione's face, he could tell already that she would have a rather large bruise on her forehead and her large brown eyes were magnified by her unshed tears. Hermione caught his gaze and held it determinedly. He leaned in close, aware of how harsh his breathing had become. He felt her uninjured hand against his knee and looked down seeing the bandaged covering the cut on her palm from barely a few hours back. "Hermione," he whispered almost tenderly but Hermione could hear the arrogance in his tone. She was mesmerized by the sound of his voice and by his silver eyes that had now locked back onto her face. Hermione responded to him in a way she was at a loss to explain. She leaned towards him. Draco moved his body forward into her, tilting his head slightly. The gap between them closed the seconds trickled away reluctantly as time slowed. She could feel his breath on her cheek and her mind stopped all thinking and concentrated more on the sensations coursing through her.

A noise rented the air suddenly, making the two teenagers jump back quickly.

Staring around wildly Hermione looked for the source of the disruption. What she found was a young man about nineteen or twenty with curly brown hair, tall figure, Greek skin that burnished golden and, Hermione couldn't help but notice a very muscular chest. He all in all was a very devastatingly handsome man. He was leaning nonchalantly against a tree holding a scepter in one of his hand, which he twirled like a baton, and on his feet were sandals with what appeared to be tiny golden swan wings on the sides. Hermione stood up carefully and walked over to him not even aware of Draco keeping pace beside her.

"Hello." Hermione began uncertainly.

"Sorry did I interrupt something?" The mysterious man asked, his eyes on Hermione though he clearly was aiming the remark at Draco. Glancing in the younger man's direction he smirked. Both Hermione and Draco blushed and the man's smile grew.

Hermione cradled her arm against her carefully. The man noticed and with a wave of his scepter the break was completely healed. As Hermione removed the sling she twisted and turned her arm in awe. Draco scowled at the stranger.

"Who did you say you were again?"

"I didn't say. Allow me to introduce myself, I am…"

"Hermes." Hermione breathe, her cautiousness evaporating.

"A you've heard of me I see," He said, for the first time appearing genuinely pleased.

"You're the messenger god to Zeus." Hermione stated.

"A messenger boy?" asked Draco sneering his old personality beginning to reappear. Hermes didn't even bother to glance in his direction. He just pointed his scepter at Draco. An invisible bolt of energy struck him in the chest and he fell to the ground gasping for air.

Hermione it seemed was oblivious to Draco's collapse onto the ground. She continued to stare at Hermes, hypnotized by his brilliant green eyes. They were incredible- completely filled with glowing colour he had no pupils and no whites, his iris covered his entire eye.

"Why are you here?"

"I have come to ask you the same thing." He replied tilting his head questioningly.

"It's a very long story."

"My dear," Hermione felt a shiver up her spine. "I am an immortal, your concept off time has little meaning for me. You suddenly appear out of no where and wreck havoc among our people who dwell in the forests of the world disturbing them with your noise and barbaric magic."

His voice was threatening but the smile never left his face.

"We can explain. You see…"

Hermes raised a hand cutting Hermione's explanation short.

"What is your name?" He asked

"Hermione."

Hermes did a double take showing surprise, amusement and approval in a single glance.

"A very fine name indeed and this boy? Hermione looked confused for a moment and then she remembered Draco.

"Who? Oh him, he is Mal-Draco." The fact that she had forgotten Draco jogged Hermione out of her stupor. She looked for a reason for her bizarre behaviour. Was she possibly sick or what? She had never acted this way around anyone. She suspected that the god was doing this intentionally to her to put her off balance.

"Mal-Draco? What an odd name."

Draco by now had recovered and was on his feet. "It's Malfoy to you." He glared at the god.

"I see." Hermes drawled obviously amused at Draco's attitude, "Well, Regardless of your name I have been sent to fetch you and take you to Mount Olympus."

"What?" Cried Hermione, "Only gods can go to Olympus."

"Well congratulations you have been made into an exception. Zeus is very curious about the two Barbarian youths disturbing his forest. You created enough noise to nearly deafen the nymphs did you know that, they are quite put out with you."

"All right how do we get there?" Hermione asked taking a deep breathe and ignoring Draco's enraged expression.

"Leave that to me." Said Hermes as he once again pointed his scepter at Draco. Draco flinched expecting another attack but all that was happening was a bubble of green light emerged in a bubble. The bubble grew and grew until it enclosed Draco completely. Immediately Draco began to panic punching the enclosed sphere and yelling to be released.

Hermes ignored him.

Hermione gasped, "What are you doing?"

"Oh don't worry about him, this is perfectly safe. I would have borrowed a chariot for you but unfortunately Apollo was using his, I couldn't find Hades' and father is unfortunately very possessive of his.

He shrugged in an apologetic way and pointed his scepter at Hermione. As the green sphere enclosed her she shut her eyes, she didn't want to see herself trapped in the semi transparent bubble. Suddenly she felt movement and her eyes flew open. Despite Hermes reassurance of it being safe Hermione screamed as the bubbles rose into the air and flew over the ocean. Hermione hated heights and the speed in which they flew made her hide her face in her hands. Hearing her Hermes flew next to her bubble, his sandal wings nothing but a golden blur.

"Fear not Hermione, as I said this is safe."

They flew for four eternal days across the ocean and land. It was near Sunset on the fourth day when they approached their destination. Hermione could see a giant Mountain that dominated the scenery. Mt Olympus. The Journey was finally coming to an end and Hermione was filled with apprehension. Hermes had flown next to Hermione seemingly at ease making jokes and telling all about himself. Hermione notice that he didn't ask her any more questions she sensed that he really didn't care all that much about her despite his attention, another thing was that he was very careful to place Hermione so far away from Draco that they could not talk with out Hermes hearing. The bubbles began to ascend the dizzying heights of the mountain. About a third of the way up they hit clouds, which Hermione was grateful for because it hid the ground from view. After what seemed like forever they broke through the cloud cover. Hermione couldn't make a sound, she couldn't move, all she could do was stare at the Palace that awaited them. Growing right out of the clouds it stretched up to the sky so far that it was lost among the stars that at this height could be seen whatever the time of day. The whole structure was a glowing an iridescent Mother of Pearl. Hermes set the bubbles containing Draco and Hermione on the marble steps as soon as their feet hit the ground the bubbles vanished in a gentle 'pop.'

They entered through an archway of white marble to enter a fenced courtyard filled with strange plants and immense statues all appearing out of the smoky, swirling ground. Stepping-stones formed a path into the building. Being very careful to not fall through the clouds Draco lead the way, hopping from stone to stone until he reached the giant doors made out of what he suspected was solid gold. The doors open soundlessly onto a wide corridor. Following it the trio came to another door, this one Silver. Through this door was a huge hall

As she entered Hermione's head spun. Glorious statues and busts ringed the room, set at intervals in between sturdy pillars made of the same white marble. On the walls were intricate tapestries made of woven precious metals and silks depicting different Gods and Heroes. The marble floors were covered in exotic animal furs and pelts. There was a fire burning in a pit set in the ground. Long tables were placed in a rough semi-circle. The decadent chairs were empty but the tables were covered with the remains of a feast. Servants scurried about like ants clearing and cleaning the room. Walking across the room Hermes led them through a decorated archway into an open courtyard that was easily big enough to enclose Hermione's house. In the center of this courtyard was a raised pavilion. Hermes approached it with Hermione and Draco following somewhat reluctantly behind. The pavilion was lit by candles and glowing crystals which hovered in the air floating around aimlessly. Zeus was sitting on a throne there talking to a goddess with a bow leaning on her knee.

Hermione knew it was Zeus. She didn't know why she knew, perhaps it was the long white beard or perhaps it was the lightening bolts playing around his robes. She thought it was most likely she knew because of the sheer force he radiated. It blazed gold in her vision. She blinked furiously trying to get the faint sunspots to disappear. Zeus turned to face them his fierce gold eyes flashing in the crystal light.

"Greetings Father." Said Hermes cheerfully bowing low.

"Hermes." Replied the God acknowledging him with a nod. Zeus voice was deep and rough reminding Hermione of rolling thunder in the middle of a storm.

"These are the mortals you sent me for." Hermes explained gesturing to Hermione.

Zeus's powerful gaze turned on the two teenagers.

"Hmmph the servants will feed and wash your feet and hands then we will talk."

Hermione and Draco were then lead to a beautiful dining area. "You two have been causing a lot of trouble. Why have you been performing magic? You are neither gods nor are you creatures of magical birth. Therefore, the laws set down by my brothers and I centuries ago magic is forbidden to you. You have disrupted the natural course of affairs in the forests and for this you must be punished. What have you to say?"

Draco quickly told re-counted the last three days and the reasons for their use of magic. He glossed over a few parts such as the bit just before Hermes came and his less than noble prank which got them into this mess in the first place.

Zeus regarded him for a moment. "I can truthfully say that that is the most spectacular story I have ever heard. From the future."

Hermione spoke up. "Sir, it is not a story, we are from the future and we need to get back as soon as possible. We have come to beg to be sent back- we can't do it alone."

Zeus clapped his great hands together and the air inside the pavilion bent and twisted like water vapor in the air on a hot day. The air solidified into nine glowing entities each complete with a uniquely coloured nimbus that faded into nothing.

"Greetings my fellow gods" Zeus boomed, " It seems I have a dilemma. These mortals have performed magic, which is against our law but they are from a time ahead and have little understanding of our ways. I welcome suggestions as to how to handle this affair."

There was a moment's pause, which was shattered when the gods began to argue.

"They broke the law and must take the punishment." Said a one god. He was dressed in battle armor, a huge sword sheathed at his belt and his eyes were completely red. His voice sounded like the clash of weapons, the screams of war cries and the blowing of trumpets.

"Come now Ares we all know how you thirst for violence of any kind but these are bizarre circumstances we must think before we act." Replied a woman across the pavilion from him.

"Athene, listen to yourself. You are a goddess show some backbone. They must pay."

"What did you say to me?" Athene yelled her skin glowing as white as her eyes.

Ares was posed for a retort when a lightening bolt split the air.

"Calm yourselves or remove yourselves from my presence." Zeus growled his sparking robes flashing dangerously.

All was silent.

A graceful woman carefully crossed the room to the King. When she arrived she drew herself near him and faced the rest.

"My dear husband is right," she purred, her silver eyes were glinting metallic orbs that reflected the lavish pavilion. "I say we might as well have some amusement out of this affair."

"Explain Hera." Zeus ordered tersely.

"I say we play The Game."

The gods looked at each other murmuring sounds of approval.

Zeus looked about, "So we are agreed then, they shall face trail by The Game. If the win they will be granted a favour of the gods, if they lose they shall face the punishment."

Draco heard this exchange and was worried. "What is The Game?" He asked.

"It is a series of 12 trials, one task from each god. The first four are usually ones where you are required to leave Olympus. If you pass these then you progress to the next stage of the games. If you lose three of the challenges then you have lost The Game and will face punishment." Hermes explained.

"What is the punishment for losing?" Asked Hermione quietly.

"Death."

"And if we refuse to play your game?"

"Then you shall face the penalty for breaking the laws of the gods."

"Which would be?" Drawled Draco.

"Death."

Draco swore and Hermione covered her face with her hand.

"That's not fair." Draco yelled.

"We are not concerned with fair, boy. This is not negotiable. I care nothing for your suffering. Now make your choice." Hera snapped, a silver aura enveloping her briefly.

"May we have time to discuss this?" Ask Hermione trying desperately to think of a plan.

"You have till dawn." Zeus said dismissively

Hera snapped her fingers and a slave came to her. "Take our guests to the guest rooms and draw them baths, their smells are offensive." she explained wrinkling her nose.

The slave bowed low and beckoned to Hermione and Draco to follow.

xXx

After the bath Hermione was led to her room she was tired and yawned nearly the whole way there. She entered to find Draco perched on her bed.

"Draco." She said slightly surprised.

"Hermione. What can we do?" He asked bluntly.

Hermione sighed and sat beside him.

"I don't know there isn't much we can do. We have no option but to play."

This was not what Draco wanted to hear.

"I don't want to die."

"Do you think I do? On the upside Voldemort would have tried to kill me soon enough anyway."

Draco flinched at the name, "You are not the only one the Dark Lord would kill."

'I know that, at least you are safe."

"Is that what you really think? Well your wrong Granger I am far from safe. Did you know there is a coming of age for entrance to the death eaters? My father eagerly awaits my 19th birthday. That's when I will be pressed ganged into the Dark Lords service and be at his command on pain of death and torture. What I meant by before was that he would kill me too. Either when I refuse to become a death eater or w…"

"Refuse to become a death eater? You? You're a Malfoy. Your father is the biggest pure blood fanatic I have ever had the displeasure to meet. The entire school knows it is only a matter of time before you start to try kill every one off who does not fit the image of what a wizard ought to be."

Draco hissed and jumped off the bed.

"Don't you da…"

"Oh sit down Draco I think planning for tomorrow should be more important than another argument. I'm sorry about what I just said I shouldn't have."

"You shouldn't have but you did and you meant it,"

His eyes narrowed. "Tell me does every one else have such a low opinion of me as you do or is it just the Golden Trio."

" Oh I can assure you it is everyone and don't go on your high horse, you brought it on yourself. You have spent six years bulling me, I am entitled to hatred."

"Hatred?"

Draco sounded startled but Hermione expected it was just another trick of his.

Draco was silent for a moment turning the thought in his head then he smiled. It wasn't the usual malicious sneer but a very seductive pose.

"Hate? You don't hate me Granger," He walked slowly towards her. "You shouldn't lie to yourself. If you hated me you wouldn't have tried to kiss me that morning or be desperate for one now."

Hermione choked out a denial, "Don't flatter yourself, that morning was a mistake, a situation born from the stress of the circumstances and nothing happened anyway."

"Nothing happened but you wish it had."

"I wish nothing of the sort." Replied Hermione heatedly.

"No need for denial Granger, I have that effect on females."

"You're the one in denial. I…"

Hermione was cut off when Draco leaned into her and gently pressed his lips against hers.

"Draco if…"She started to protest but Draco leaned in further. His arms trapping her against the bed. She could feel his muscles against her shoulders. He kissed her again this time more demanding. Hermione went tense trying furiously to gain control of her conflicting emotions and ignore the fire that had started inside her stomach. Her lips tingled. He drew back his mouth curved back into the strange smile. When he began to stand straight Hermione felt disappointed. 'Don't be absurd.' She told herself crossly

She took a moment to calm down then opened her eyes to glare at Draco.

He met her gaze with a smug look of superiority. "Get out." She told him firmly her voice raised.

Whatever Draco had expected it was not this. His eyebrows sprung together in surprise. "Wha…"

"You heard me get out I will see you tomorrow at The Game but you need to leave now."

Draco was silent he stood up straight and left the room with out another word or backwards glance.

xXx

Draco lay in his bed staring at the ornate ceiling thoughts chased one another in his head. What had happened? He replayed the events in his head over and over. Little details stuck in his head. Like the way her eyes sparked when she was angry or the smell of the jasmine soap that she had just bathed with. The softness of her body as he drew close to her and the feel of her lips against his. He remembered how she had demanded he leave her hair was damp and framing her face, her lips were red but her eyes were clouded with what was what Draco was trying to think of. She fascinated him. He had never seen her that way before this adventure, never seen how complex and full of life she was. If Draco was honest with reason he was so enraptured by her was because she had rejected him. Draco was, to not put to fine of a point on it, not used to rejection. He sighed and closed his eyes willing the images to vanish and sleep to come. Sleep was a long time in coming.

Hermione spent a similar restless night having a huge argument with herself over Draco of all people. She examined his actions, She debated his motives, she questioned his sanity and near morning she was exhausted and still none the wiser to why he had kissed her or why they had nearly kissed that morning she fell from the cliff. She dropped off into a disgruntled sleep cursing Boys and Hormones in general.

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Wow that was long, (For me anyway) and hopefully good. It was an explaining chapter so kind of boring so I added the kisses in there to spice it up.

Ka kite Ano – Book Junkie from Beyond