Disclaimer: really?
thanks to qnadia7 for editing and the constant help!
Chapter 9: Start of Something New
Draco sat in his room the day after New Year's, thinking back to the hour of midnight, to the moment when his lips had touched Hermione's. He didn't know what the feeling deep inside him was, but he knew he wanted to find out. He was still weak from getting out of the coma, so he opted for writing Hermione a letter. He summoned his quill and parchment and began to write. He scraped a few drafts before finally having the perfect one.
When he was done writing, he held it in his hands and stared at it. He argued with himself on if he should send it or not before he was brought out of his thoughts at the knock on his door. He quickly hid the letter before answering.
"Come in."
"Hey. How are you?" Hermione peeked her head around the door before walking in.
Draco smiled. "I'm feeling just fine."
"Good. I wanted to do a check on you to see how we are progressing." Hermione smiled as she walked in the room.
Draco smiled at the sight of her. He never noticed her fully before. The way her eyes shined when she smiled, how her hair flowed down her back and over her shoulders. She was beautiful in her own way. Draco sat up straighter as Hermione neared him.
"Okay, a quick wave and we will see what is happening." Hermione waved her wand over Draco's body. She pointed to an empty space on the wall to observe her findings. "Wonderful."
"What is it?" Draco asked, hopeful.
"It looks like the potion is finally taking effect. The mass that once showed up is now shrinking down. It has left your right side and is almost complete in the left. It looks like you have full use of your legs again. We will see once we stand you up. I think by the end of the week, I can reverse the curse."
Draco smiled widely. "Really?" he asked hopefully.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, looks like Ginny was right. It was her idea to give you the potions through a tube, you know. I do believe she will do perfectly in the potions division if she wasn't playing Quidditch," Hermione giggled.
"Where is she, by the way? Blaise and Harry as well?"
"Passed out in Blaise's room. They celebrated until the early hours. Let's just say they will need a lot of Hangover Potions when they wake."
"Sounds like Blaise." Draco chuckled. He wanted to ask her about their kiss, but opted to wait until a later date.
"So, how about I unhook you for awhile and we try and get you standing?" Hermione asked, sounding cheerful.
"Good idea. I need to get out of this bed. I need fresh air."
Hermione began the task of unhooking the tubes from Draco. She taped gauze over his wounds as she pulled the needles out. Once done, she walked back around the bed and put her arm around his waist.
"I will help you as long as you need it. You can put your weight on me if you need to."
Draco gave a quick nod and slowly started to stand. It took a few minutes for him to catch his legs, seeing as how he hadn't used them in a few weeks. He used Hermione as leverage while his legs caught up. He finally took his first step and then another. Before he knew it, he had let go of Hermione and began walking freely on his own.
"Wow. This feels great!" He exclaimed.
Hermione laughed. "Good. Now, try and shower then meet me downstairs in an hour. I have just the thing to get you feeling better."
Hermione left the room to leave Draco to his business. He took it slowly, making his way to the bathroom. He turned on the shower, letting the water warm. He stripped down and stepped in. The water running down his back was a wonderful sensation to him after not being able to have a proper shower in a while. He stayed under the water for a few minutes before scrubbing himself clean. He rinsed before getting out and wrapping a towel around his waist.
He walked back to his room and dressed. He chose his khaki slacks and grey sweater for the day. He ran his fingers through his now growing hair and decided to let it fall around his face. He looked at his nightstand where the letter to Hermione was. He decided see how things progressed between the two of them first before giving it to her.
He walked out of his room and bumped into Harry and Blaise on his way out. "Watch it, you two," he joked.
"Whoa, when did you start walking again, mate?" Harry asked, rubbing his eyes.
"I only started this morning, actually. Hermione said the potion has helped and the curse has moved away. You two look like hell."
"Feel like it too. Where do you keep the Hangover Potions?" Blaise asked groggily.
"Same place as always, in the kitchen. Come on."
Draco, Harry and Blaise made their way to the kitchen to find Goria, Tontey, Hermione and Ginny busying themselves.
"Good morning. About time you two woke up. Here." Ginny shoved a vial in each of their hands.
The two gladly took the vials and quickly shot them back, instantly feeling better.
"Now, go shower and meet us out back. Harry you can use 'Mione's room. Go." Ginny waved her hands at them.
The two did as they were told and walked back upstairs. Draco took a seat at the bar and poured himself a mug of coffee.
"Glad to see you back on your feet, ferret," Ginny joked.
"Thanks, Weaslette. I'm glad for myself too."
"I see old names die hard," Hermione laughed. "Come on, let's go set up."
"For what?" Draco asked.
"A day outside, of course. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served outside today. Didn't you say you needed fresh air?" Hermione turned to him.
"I did." Draco smiled. Hermione truly was incredible. He helped carry food outside to the gardens. Hermione transfigured the small table into one large enough for the four of them and the food.
Half an hour later Blaise and Harry made their way back down and joined them. They all savored the wonderful breakfast while talking.
"So, Hermione, when can you do the reversal on Drake?" Blaise asked, sitting back in his chair.
"Well, from what his results showed this morning, he will be ready at the end of the week. Just a couple more potions and he will be set." Hermione smiled confidently.
"And it's thanks to Weaslette." Draco grinned.
"Me? How is it thanks to me?" Ginny was confused.
"Hermione said it was you who suggested running the potion through me. That's why it is thanks to you."
"Oh, well, okay." Ginny laughed.
Hermione sat and looked around the garden that had been charmed to stay warm, watching the snow fall around them. She put the charm on herself and snuck out. She made herself a snowball and snuck around behind the others.
"Hey, where's Hermione?" Blaise asked.
At that moment a snowball came hurling towards his head, hitting him hard. He turned to see Hermione laughing hysterically. Blaise jumped up and hurled one back. Hermione was caught dead on in the face.
"Zabini! I will get you!" Hermione made more snowballs and threw them, one catching Ginny's head and another one in Draco's face.
Before they knew it, all five were in an intense snowball fight amongst themselves. Snow began to melt into their clothes from the warming charms and body heat. Hermione targeted Draco while his back was turned. She hit him in the middle of the back and was met with one to her chest. Draco began to chase Hermione around the gardens.
He finally caught her and wrapped his arms around her. She laughed and struggled to get free from his grasp. She managed to face him, only to be met with Draco's face close to hers. They stared at each other, slowly getting closer.
"Well, I think it's time to dry off before we catch colds." Hermione quickly said, pushing away from him as quick as she could.
Draco backed away. "Yeah, guess we should," he said with a tinge of hurt in his voice.
Ginny and Hermione made their way to Hermione's room while the boys went to Draco's. Ginny closed the door and cast a Silencing Charm.
"Okay, spill it. What is going on with you and Malfoy?"
Hermione stopped in her tracks. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, Hermione, the two of you have been avoiding what happened on New Year's. It's driving us crazy with the tension in the air." Ginny sat at the vanity.
"What do you mean what happened at New Year's?" Hermione was nervous. She didn't want Ginny to know that she kissed Draco.
"Blaise and I saw the two of you share a kiss. Don't deny it. I know you harbor feelings for him. It shows all over your face and actions."
Hermione sighed. "You're right. We kissed. And yes, I do like him. I just don't know Gin." Hermione sat in her bed after she dried herself.
"I knew it! So, tell me, why don't you tell him?"
"Seriously? Me tell Draco I like him? Please, Gin. The guy didn't even know I existed unless he was torturing me. He is my patient. My job is to heal him, not fall for him."
"So you are falling in love?" Ginny smiled.
"Who said anything about falling in love?" Hermione spat out, surprised at Ginny's accusations.
"No one did. I can see it in your face. Come on Hermione. I can see it when you look at him. Trust me, you are falling in love. I wouldn't doubt if he is, too."
Hermione scoffed. "Yeah, right. A pure blood falling in love with a Muggle- born is something of fairytales, Ginny."
"Not really. Trust me, 'Mione. He feels something for you, too. Just wait. You'll see."
Draco, Blaise and Harry had dried off and were sitting by the fire drinking a glass of firewhiskey. Draco was staring into the fire, thinking of the closeness he and Hermione had shared just moments ago. He was so deep in thought that he was startled when Harry spoke.
"Just tell her already."
"Tell who what, Potter?"
"Hermione. Tell her you love her already."
"Why would I tell her that?" Draco questioned, nervously.
"We all know you do. Everyone does except you and Hermione." Harry laughed. "I can tell you know. That she loves you."
Draco gave Harry a confused look. "What do you mean?"
"By the way she talks about you, the way she acts when she is near you. I could tell she had some feelings the day she asked me for help. Now I see them ten times as strong. The look in her eyes when she looks at you says it all. And it's bad when her best guy friend figures it out before her."
Blaise and Draco laughed. "Seriously, mate. You need to tell her how you feel." Blaise said.
"Right. Me, tell Hermione I have feelings for her? She never gave me one look back then. How can she love someone like me who tormented her most of her life? Pure bloods and Muggle-borns just don't fall in love."
"Who cares? Really? Does it matter that you have different bloods? Only society says that. She matches you equally in magic. She is your opposite, mate." Blaise said, taking a sip of his drink.
"Look, if it makes you feel any better, I will accept that Hermione is with you, so long as you don't hurt her." Harry said seriously.
"Potter, I couldn't hurt her now if I tried." Draco said honestly.
Harry, Ginny and Blaise stayed for lunch, each of them watching their friends closely. Hermione and Draco were oblivious to each other's glances. After lunch, the three said goodbye for the day, saying they had business to take care of and they would be back later in the week.
Hermione sat by the fire in her room, a book in hand. She stared intently at the pages, but not reading the words. Her mind kept drifting to Draco and what Ginny had said. Maybe she was falling in love with Draco Malfoy. She sighed and put her book down, looking at her watch. It was getting close to dinner so she decided to walk down.
When she walked out of her room, she was met by Draco coming from his.
"Hey." She said.
"Hey. Dinner?" Draco asked.
"Yes."
"Well then, after you." Draco bowed slightly and waved his hand in front of him. Hermione gave a soft giggle and began walking.
Draco walked beside her, stealing glances. He finally gathered the courage to reach for her hand. He gently slipped his into hers; releasing the breath he was holding when she didn't pull away. Hermione smiled as he took her hand. She couldn't help the feeling that was swelling inside of her. The two walked back to the warm gardens and sat opposite each other.
They ate in silence, neither knowing what to say. Finally Hermione spoke.
"I wanted to let you know I will be leaving after I reverse the curse. I will stay a few days after to make sure nothing goes wrong. Once I know you are completely cured, I am going back home."
Draco looked up at her, the slightest saddened expression made its way across his face. "Of-of course. I understand. You have a life and job to get back to."
Hermione sensed the sadness in his voice. "I will be back. Doing my check ups. It won't be the last time we see each other." She reached for his hand.
Draco looked at her hand on his. "Yeah. I suppose not. Hermione, I want to tell you that, um, well you see, I kind of…"
"You kind of what?" Hermione asked.
"I kind of like you. Maybe it's because you have been here healing me or maybe it's because of how I used to feel in school, but I like you." Draco said in one big breath.
Hermione looked at him in shock. She couldn't believe her ears. Draco Malfoy had just told her he liked her! "Oh, um, well, I guess that I kind of like you as well."
Draco couldn't believe it. She felt the same for him. He gave her a smile as he stood. He summoned her music and played a romantic piano song. Hermione took his hand. Draco placed an arm around her waist as she placed hers around his neck. As he led her around the small area, he couldn't help but stare into her eyes.
"You have beautiful eyes."
"Thank you." Hermione blushed. "You have beautiful eyes, too."
"Thanks." Draco smirked.
Hermione couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach at Draco's touch. She wanted so much to kiss him again, but was afraid. As if he read her mind, Draco spoke.
"So, about New Year's at midnight. I've been thinking of that kiss we shared. Did you enjoy it?" Draco smirked.
Hermione smirked back. "Maybe I did. Did you?"
"Yes, I did. Although, it runs a bit hazy in my mind. Think we could refresh it?" Draco said quietly.
Hermione's heart leaped. "I think we can."
Draco bent his head down and closed the gap between them. As before, they felt fireworks go off in their heads. Draco deepened the kiss, thankful Hermione didn't object. His tongue ran across her bottom lip, begging access. Hermione gave a slight moan at the feel of his tongue. She opened her mouth for him.
Her knees went weak at the feel of him kissing her. She joined him in a battle of dominance, until finally she gave in. The kisses got heated until Draco moved from her lips down to her jaw and slowly to her neck. Hermione gasped at the feel of his lips on her pulse point.
"Draco," she breathed out slowly.
"Yes?" Draco whispered.
"I can't."
Draco looked up at her. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just can't. Not now. I'm sorry." She turned away from him.
Draco sighed. "Hey, it's okay. I'm sorry. I got caught up." Draco turned her to face him. "Finish this dance with me?"
"Okay." Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her head on his chest.
Draco wrapped his arms around her waist and placed his chin on the top of her head. The song finished and the two decided to call it a night. They walked hand in hand back to their rooms. Draco stopped in front of Hermione's door.
"Goodnight then." He said.
"Goodnight."
Draco leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips before parting from her. Hermione watched him walk into his room and disappear behind the door. She smiled as she walked into her own room.
That night they both slept with smiles on their faces.
Draco woke the next morning feeling great. He sat up in his bed, smiling at the memory from the night before. He walked to the bathroom to relieve himself and slipped his shirt on. He walked across the hall and knocked on Hermione's door.
"Good morning," he said cheerfully as Hermione opened the door.
"Good morning. Come on in." Hermione moved aside so he could enter. "What brings you over?"
"Just thought I'd see if you wanted to go hold ourselves hostage today somewhere and talk."
"Alright. Where?" Hermione asked, walking into her bathroom.
"Library."
"That sounds wonderful! I'll be out in a moment." Hermione yelled from the bathroom. She came back moments later in her lounge pants and long sleeve. "I'm staying comfortable today."
"Same here. Let's have a quick breakfast before we talk." Draco took her hand and led her to the dining room.
The two ate and talked idly before Draco showed her the way to the Library. Hermione marveled at the size. She only wished for one this big at home. Draco gazed fondly at the look of excitement and wonder on Hermione's face. He showed her to the couch by the fireplace and sat down with Hermione opposite him.
"So, you wanted to talk?" She asked.
"Yes. I know we don't know each other well, so I thought why not now, especially after last night." Draco winked.
"Of course. How about we do '20 questions'?"
"Okay, easy enough. I'll go first. Favorite color?"
"Lilac. Yours?"
"Blue. Favorite book?"
"Magic, Hogwarts: A History. Muggle, Pride and Prejudice. Yours?"
"I'd say mine is Dragons: A guide to Winged Beasts. Now, who was your first kiss?" Draco smirked.
"I never really had one. I could say Victor Krum back in Fourth Year; he did kiss me briefly at the lake. So I guess the mash of lips that I had with Ronald would be my first. What about you?"
"It was Pansy. Only due to a dare, mind you. Now, what is your secret ambition?"
"Hmm…well, my secret ambition is to one day have my own paint studio. I have always wanted one. Full of any and every kind of paint there is. What about you, any secret ambitions?" Hermione pulled her feet under her.
"I do. It is to one day fill this place with happiness and laughter. I was an only child and never had anyone to play with. I want to have children running around everywhere." Draco blushed at his admittance.
"Well, my my. Draco Malfoy. I'd say you're going soft."Hermione laughed.
The morning and afternoon went on with questions. They talked about everything from their favorite foods to their biggest dreams. Draco found out her favorite subject was Potions above Charms, just like him. They came to realize that they were more alike than different, surprising each other with their answers.
"So, I have one last question, Granger. Did you ever crush on me in school?" Draco wiggled his eyebrows at her.
Hermione laughed. "I did. I think it started in Third Year when you hit your growth spurt. I thought you were the most devilishly handsome boy in school." She could feel her cheeks growing pinker at her confession. "Now, you tell me, Malfoy, did you ever crush on me in school?"
"Yes, I did, on more than one occasion. The first one being in Third Year, when you punched me, and the other in Fourth Year, at the Yule Ball. I couldn't keep my eyes off of you."
Hermione smiled at Draco. He returned her smile and pulled her to him. This was the start of something new for him, and he wasn't going to stop it. He wanted to see where this led him, and he desperately hoped it led him into Hermione's heart.
A/N: Here is everyone a smack of Dramione! Hoping next chapter I can do the BIG scene! I think it will all play out nicely. And i know what some of you are thinking.."where is ronald?" well my lovelies, just you wait! and i have t o give credit where it is due to my awesome go to pla...qnadia7! who has very much helped with writers block and wonderful ideas to make this story better! now, please review and let me know how we do! ;)
