Chapter 7

I'm just frustrating, aren't I?

~Chimera~

Merlin I can't believe I am saying this, but I have to admit, Malfoy is not as dumb as I previously thought he was. In fact, as I pear from underneath my hair as he circles the 25th answer on my test, I have to say that not only is he not stupid, but he is in fact bloody brilliant.

He finishes his test and hands it to me. I take it and put it over the pile of books at my left.

'Why?' I ask.

He looks at me, sighs and looks back at the test.

'Aren't you going to look it over?' he says rubbing at his eyes again.

'No, it's fine. I checked it while you were answering.'

'And did I live up to your expectations?'

His voice is husky. He's clearly beat. I don't understand it, what could take up so much of his time? From what I've heard, his playboy escapades are not that frequent lately, so on the contrary, he should get more rest. Maybe abstinence is the answer, but why would he, when Pansy flings herself at him every time?

'I don't understand, Malfoy. You have a gift, you...'

'Yeah, Granger, I have a gift, but you know nothing about that particular gift.' he smirks.

'I was talking about your learning abilities. Us mere mortals have to spend twice the amount of time learning something, you just have to read the stupid notes once, and you remember everything.'

'Granger, I hardly think you qualify as a mere mortal.'

'Oh, I don't, do I? Then what am I Malfoy, dirt, scum, a rug you can wipe your precious pureblood feet on?'

'Well, yes, granger, you are all of that' he mumbles sleepily 'but at that particular moment, I was trying to give you a compliment. You have top marks in every class, Granger.'

My lips form a small "o" just as the grandfather clock chimes 10.

'That's my cue to leave, Mudblood, it's not my fault you were late.'

As he bends down to take his bag off of the floor, I put a bunch of my notes over the book, hoping he will not notice.

'Same time next week?' I say trying to distract his attention from gathering his things.

'Yeah, whatever, Granger.' he shrugs his shoulders, flipping the strap of his book bag over his neck.

I watch him walk out of the library, my heart thumping. I could feel beads of sweat gathering on my forehead. As soon as the door closes, I throw everything in my bag and hurry out of the library and into my dorm. I make my way up the stairs, ignoring everyone around me. I don't know if it's because of the fact that I did something outside of my comfort zone, but it sure feels good.

I discard my Mary Janes at the leg of my bed and dig for the book inside my bag. My hands have been itching to touch it since the first time I saw it.

'Let's see what dark, hidden secrets you have, Mr. Malfoy.'

I'll have you know that I did ponder for a couple of seconds whether I've gone completely mad, but I decided to put it aside for the moment.

My attention being brought back to the book, I open it, hopping to find something incriminating, like Malfoy's diary for instance. But, to my utter amazement, it s not. On the first page, in green sparkling letters it says 'wizard's guide to mending anything.' I scrunch up my nose in distaste an flip to the page his quill marked. On the left corner of the page, written with the same green letters it says 'Chapter 5. Mending furniture'. Well, that explains a lot.

As I make my way to breakfast the next day, I see him standing by the girl's bathroom on the third floor. I look around me, and thank Merlin for keeping the boys up till morning. I make my way to the bathroom and shove the book in his hand.

'This is bull.'

'Yes, I am quite sure.' he replies smiling. 'Necessary bull though.'

'Why would you need me to steal that crap? It makes absolutely no sense.'

'Such language, coming from a prefect!' he says smiling boyishly and my legs turn to jelly. His ability to undo me never ceases to amaze me.

'Why do you need this?' I ask trying not to think of his luscious lips.

Another smile 'Now why would I tell you that?' seeing my eyes flash dangerously, he adds quickly in a more serious, yet caring voice 'You trust me. I know you do. And you should. Just…trust your instincts.'

'And how do I know you're not messing with my instincts?' I mumble, not sure if he was meant to hear it or not, but he does, so I lift my eyes and look into his deep black ones. 'How do I know you're not using any spell?' My voice quivers slightly. I'm really close to breaking down again.

He takes a step near me and looks down at my face, taking my left cheek in the palm of his hand. I exhale sharply and for a moment forget to inhale. My oxygen deprived brain manages to process his words: 'Because I'm not.'

And it's that simple. Four words, totally lacking knowledge, and it's enough for me.

'I have to go to breakfast.' I say.

'Hermione. Just…keep an eye on Malfoy.' I hear him 'But don't tell Potter.'

I spin and look at him intensely. 'What do you mean?' I almost spat.

He sighs 'I just don't think you…we should jump to conclusions just yet. I'm just being cautious.'

I measure him with a thoughtful look and nod. 'Oky.' I turn around again, but stop, with my hand on the door handle. 'When will I see you again?' I ask.

There's a pause, but then he says, as if he checked an appointment in his mind. 'Two weeks from now. On the second floor bathroom.'