(A/n – Okay I'm super disappointed with this chapter, I've had a lot going on in the last few weeks, and I've been finding it hard to focus. But I felt so guilty not updating, so I sat down and forced myself to write this out. I promise that my updates will be faster again, and I hope you guys aren't too mad at me for this really awful chapter.)
Chapter nine
Hermione seemed to forget what had happened those moments before as she kissed Draco Malfoy, all memory of Harry's down fallen expression faded out of her mind, and all she seemed to be able to focus on was the tauntingly handsome Slytherine who she felt intoxicated with. Everything about him seemed to pull her in, every since she had seen him on the train this year. He was arrogant, cruel, manipulative and ruthless, yet Hermione was beginning to see more to him. Despite this new view of Draco Malfoy, Hermione was struggling to ignore the unsettling feeling in her stomach, and in the back of her mind, that kissing him was probably not the smartest move she had made in a while.
She felt his hand twist into her hair, and for a moment it felt nice, before she felt the painful tug and grip of his steel-like hands. She let out a small gasp from pain, which Draco took as an invitation. He deepened the kiss, whilst twisted his hand tighter into her hair, and gripping his hand tighter on her waist. Hermione had to admit to herself that she was enjoying his ''passion'', but he was beginning to hurt her. Finally, she managed to pull away from him, and forced him away from her by pushing him in the chest. Both stood a foot apart from each other, gasping and their faces slightly flushed, their eyes seemed to glisten as they locked.
''What the hell do you think you're doing?!'' Hermione demanded, her voice harsh but in a whisper, she feared an innocent student would stumble across them.
''Excuse me? What exactly do you think you are doing?'' Draco Malfoy snarled back, quick to defend himself against her accusations.
''You're – you're taking advantage of me!'' Hermione whispered fiercely, her cheeks burning. Draco simply smirked, and brushed down the front of his robes.
''Do you honestly believe that, Granger?'' His tone was suddenly calm, and slightly mocking. He raised his eyes to look at her, they were lit up with amusement and torment. All trace of the passion he had just shared with her had vanished, and Hermione felt glued to the spot with humiliation. She tried to think of something to respond with, but her mind for once was blank. Draco smirked.
''Can't think of anything to say, can you?'' He chuckled, before tsking and shaking his head in mock pity. Hermione opened her mouth to give a cutting response, but it simply fell open and no words were spoken. Draco Malfoy simply grinned in response, and ducked his head down to kiss her once again. Before she could respond to his kiss, he had pulled away and walked away. She gave a small frustrated sound, and put her face in her hands. She stood in the spot for a couple of moments, before a small group of Ravenclaw girls shuffled past, whispering and pointing at Hermione. She was usually kind to the younger children, especially in her Prefect position, but she had enough humiliation for one day.
''Don't you girls have a common room to be in? Loitering in the hallways is unacceptable. Move along, before I remove points!'' She said harshly, causing the girls to look at each other in shock, before quickly moving along. A few looked back at Hermione, and she simply glared back. It was extremely unlike Hermione, and she herself knew this, but she was tired of being walked over by her friends, fellow students, and especially Draco Malfoy. She picked up her bag, swung it over her shoulder, and stormed upstairs to the tower. She didn't smile or wave like she usually did as she passed her Ravenclaw study friends, or her Gryffindor companions. They looked confused as their friendly greets went snubbed, looking at each other. Hermione Granger was rarely in a mood so savage.
She finally arrived at the common room, to find Ron and Harry sitting on the large sofa. Ron looked over at Hermione, his eyes accusing. Hermione simply glared in return, before storming up into her dorm, slamming the door behind her. Despite the loud sound of blood rushing in her eyes, she easily heard Ron say,
''Blimey, she must have the painters in.''
Hermione could feel the butterflies grow more fierce in her stomach as time grew closer to her lesson with Draco Malfoy. She hadn't left her dorm in a few hours, she simply ignored her dorm mates when they flounced in and out. She had been studying on her bed, or at least trying to. Her mind kept wandering away from her, so much so that she thought she had read an entire chapter of her book, and could not remember what it had been about. Lavender had come in, babbling on about a nice Hufflepuff boy who had helped her find her new kitten, but Hermione hadn't even bothered to reply. Lavender, being the sensitive girl she is, stormed out of the room after feeling Hermione snubbed her. But Hermione didn't care right now, she was too busy deciding whether to actually go to the lesson with Draco, or go straight to Dumbledore and outright refuse. But she remembered what Professor Snape had said, and she mentally made the decision that she had to ''suck it up''.
She decided to tie her hair back into a loose ponytail, and splashed her face with cold water. She felt emotionally drained, and as she descended down the stairs to the common room, she noticed Ron and Harry were still in there. Both turned to look at her, Harry quickly turned back to stare at the fireplace when he realised it was her. She felt that she should say something, but couldn't think of anything. Hermione was frustrated with herself, never before had she been so tongue tied. Perhaps she should tell them? She contemplated telling them what had happened with Draco, contemplated the pro's and con's of this. When she met eyes with Ron, and realised how much venom was being thrown at her currently, she decided that right now – blaming somebody else was not the best idea. She gave a weak smile to her best friends, who simply ignored this, and exited the common room. She hoped they would be in their dorm when she returned, but her luck seemed to be disappearing in front of her over the last few days. She passed by several students who were returning from dinner, and she realised that she had skipped it. Sighing, she decided she would have to go without.
She reached the classroom where they had been last time, and was relieved that she was the only one there. She quickly sat down on a chair which was against the wall, and watched the door. She could hear passing students, discussing the upcoming Quidditch match and their lessons that day. She knew they were relieved that it was Saturday tomorrow, therefore had no lessons. Hogsmeade was tomorrow, and she had planned to go with Harry and Ron, but she was unsure if she would be on speaking terms with them by noon. She leaned back in the old chair, wondering how she could fix things with Harry. Perhaps she would treat him to a Butterbeer tomorrow, he usually gave in to that sort thing. Her train of thought was cut off when they door opened, and Draco Malfoy stepped into the room. He didn't look at her as he swiftly closed the door behind him, and dropped his bag next to the door. Hermione suddenly forgot about Harry, Butterbeer and Hogsmeade. Her mind was clouded by the intense attraction she suddenly had towards Draco Malfoy, who she knew was forbidden fruit. Yet, she had already broken those boundaries twice in the last two days. She had seen a side of him that he had never expressed openly before, where he seemed passionate and empathetic, and this was only making her feel even more drawn to him.
She noticed that he looked tired, which confused her as they had had free lessons for the rest of the day. He didn't smirk, or even look at her as he pulled his wand out. Hermione remained in her seat as she watched him prepare himself. She took in his entire physique, his strong shoulders, his sharp jawline, and his slim waist. She caught herself almost sighing in admiration, much like Lavender would when she was watching the boys train for their Quidditch match. His robes were expensive looking, they were made of rich looking material with silver clasping buttons. He was one of the few people in the school who dressed in such fine robes, many students wore ordinary robes from Madam Malkin's, but it looked as if Draco shopped elsewhere. His hair, no matter how many times he seemed to run his fingers through it, never seemed untidy. She was still drinking in Draco, when he finally looked at her, a bored expression on his face.
''Are we going to start?'' He inquired, his tone questioning, with no hidden sarcasm or mockery. Hermione was startled for a moment, before quickly nodding and standing up. Draco's mind seemed to be elsewhere, and he seemed to be genuinely interested in improving his skills. They began, and Hermione was relieved that he seemed to be focusing on what they were doing. She smiled and nodded as he began to get the hang of what he was doing, and when he finally managed to cast a decent counter-curse, she gave a small clap. She stopped herself quickly, frightened he would feel she was patronising him. But he smiled weakly, and nodded.
''It's not that difficult.'' He said after a few more attempts, the spell becoming stronger.
''Well, it's only a basic counter-curse.'' Hermione nodded, then regretted it. He looked at her with a mild hint of resentment, before looking down at his wand. He flicked it weakly, causing small sparks.
''Well, we can't all be great at everything.'' He spoke, his brow deepening.
''Oh, I didn't mean to-'' Hermione tried to take back what she said, but Draco shook his head.
''I know that you probably find it quite amusing. What Gryffindor, especially a member of the Golden Trio, wouldn't love to see a Slytherin, never mind Draco Malfoy, in this position?'' His words laced with venom, his expression blank.
''I don't find it amusing. I mean, it's helping myself improve.'' Hermione tried to reason.
''Of course. Show me again.'' He ended their conversation, and they didn't speak again for the rest of the lesson. After a few more attempts, Draco gave up, and departed without speaking to Hermione. Whilst she was relieved slightly, she felt a small longing as she watched him leave. She sighed and picked up her bag, before exiting the classroom.
Hey guys, sorry about the huge delay. I've been super busy the last few days. Also, a great man has passed away, Michael Jackson was a huge part of my life as I grew up, and I'd totally appreciate if people did not take part in the mocking of such a brilliant man. I am in favour of his innocence, and my heart goes out to his three young children. I've witnessed horrible Michael Jackson ''Copy and Pastes'' on profiles on here, and I am disgusted people can be so cruel. Anyway, I love you Michael, goodnight sweet prince. :3
Anyway, the reason it took me so long to update was that I had major writers block, so I'm so sorry guys. I'm hoping that it doesn't happen again, any time soon, I hate not being able to update. So reviews and favouriting really helps, so thanks guys.
Happy reading.
- Amy.
