Part X:
Sing for your Supper:
After Draco, Hermione and Justin had talked to the Headmistress, she agreed with Hermione; she too thought the notes and the threats were aimed at Malfoy, not at Hermione or Justin. The thing that bothered her, however, was the fact that Hermione was attacked on the path to Hogsmeade, and that Michael Corner had never been a troublemaker or a liar in the past. She told the trio she needed to talk to Michael, and then if she needed to speak to them again, she would.
Draco had a headache, and his stomach was growling. He just wanted to go down for dinner and forget this day ever happened. Draco and Hermione sat at the table with the other eighth years, and their eyes travelled along with everyone else's gaze, as Michael Corner entered the Great Hall. He walked up to Draco Malfoy, and just stood there, staring at him. Draco continued to eat, deciding to ignore the git. Hermione kicked him under the table, and he kicked her back, hard.
She kicked him again, to which he said, "Kick me again, Granger, and lose a foot."
Hermione looked at Michael and said, "May we do something for you, Michael?"
"I need to talk to you and Malfoy, out in the hall," he said with a set look on his face.
"What is this about?" Hermione asked.
Draco asked, "No, the question is, can't this wait until after dinner?" He went back to his meal.
"Listen, Malfoy, I just came back from speaking with the Headmistress, and she asked me to talk to you, explain some things, but if you would rather not, I'll let her know," he said, heading to the other end of the table to sit down.
Hermione looked at Draco, who looked up and glared at her. He actually glared. He took a bite of bread, but then threw the rest of the bread on his plate and stood up. He yelled, "It's now or never, Corner, come on!" Draco stormed out of the Great Hall, with Hermione running after him, and Michael striding right behind.
They all went down the hallway, so not to be heard. Michael began. "I think we are all being played here, and I can't reveal to you why at the moment, because Professor McGonagall has asked me not to, but I swear, I was told by what I assumed was a reliable source that you had plans to ruin Granger's reputation, there by getting back at Potter." He paced around them and then stood against the wall, to continue, "I was also told by a seventh year Slytherin that you paid him to attack Hermione, and he was also the one who told me about the notes. Every time I called Hermione or Justin a Mudblood, I did it because I wanted you to know I was on to you, not because I think that way about them."
He turned to Hermione and said, "That's the truth, believe it or not." He turned back to Draco and said, "When McGonagall called the Slytherin boy, Smith, to her office to question him, he said he was actually paid to lie to me, not to attack Granger, and he claims he didn't know who did it, although he really assumed it was you. I don't know what they hell is going on here, either, but if I've been wrong in my assumptions, or if I acted inappropriately, then I am sorry, to both of you. I've already apologized to Justin." Michael turned to leave, apparently not worried if they accepted his apology or not.
Hermione ran up to him and said, "Michael, who was your reliable source?"
"I can't say, not right now. That's the most troubling thing, because I would trust this person with my life, and now I don't know what to believe, sorry, I can't say more," he said, holding out his hand to her. She shook his hand. Draco came and stood behind Hermione. He wasn't ready to shake the prat's hand quite yet, but it didn't matter, as the prat never extended it to him anyway.
Hermione's head was spinning, not just from all that Michael said, but also as to whom he meant by his "reliable source". She also desperately wanted to get to the bottom of who might hate Draco enough to not only want to discredit him, but who didn't give a damn who else got hurt in the process. Hermione, Justin, Harry, Michael and even that Smith kid, were already innocent victims of either a vicious prank, or a duplicitous act of vengeance.
Draco started back in the dining room, and didn't notice Granger hadn't followed until he had already sat back down. Fine, let her wonder and worry her pretty little head over the events of the day. He had more pressing things to worry about, like his hunger.
He ate the rest of his meal, feeling guilty only once, when he looked over at her empty seat, and full plate. He wrapped an apple, a piece of bread, and three biscuits in a napkin, and decided he would take it up to her, for her to eat in her room. He started upstairs, when he saw her sitting at the top of the Grand Staircase. He sat next to her and opened the napkin on his lap. "I thought you might be hungry," he stated. Hermione reached for one of the biscuits and Draco said, "Those are mine, the apple and bread are yours." She sighed and took a big bite of the cookie anyway, and put it back on the napkin, and then took the apple and started eating it.
"I was joking, you can have the biscuits, especially the one that has your teeth marks on it." He smiled.
"Afraid of Mudblood germs?" she asked lightly.
"Yes, I'm afraid of Mudblood germs. That is why I want to trade saliva with you every chance I get," he said with fake disdain.
"Malfoy, aren't you worried about all this stuff?" she asked.
"Stuff? You're not usually short of appropriate words. Look in your big book of vocabulary that is stored in your head and give me a better word, and I might tell you if I'm worried, but until then, sorry." He stood up and started up the stairs.
They walked together upstairs to the fifth floor. Hermione stopped for a moment. "I can't think of a better word right now, my brain is wet from all the rain," she said, looking out a window on the fifth floor corridor.
He walked up to her and said, "Don't worry, the rain has to stop soon." She looked up at him and then walked down the hall, leaving him by the window. He knew that wasn't what she wanted to hear, but truthfully, he couldn't tell her not to worry about the other 'stuff', because he didn't know if that would ever end.
Rain, Rain, Go Away, Draco and Hermione Want to Play:
Hermione had a headache. She felt under the weather, whatever that expression meant. In reality, she thought either she was getting a cold, or perhaps all the rain was beginning to depress her. It was doing wonders for her hair that was for sure.
She had at least received a care package as well as a letter from her parents that morning, her first since her birthday. She wanted to take the time to look at them, so she completely shived off DADA that morning, something she rarely ever did. She knew she was slightly ahead of everyone, and since they mostly all worked at their own pace, what would be the harm?
Now, she was late for Astronomy. Oh well, it's not like they have professors at each class to take attendance. She walked in the classroom, and to make her bad day worse, Professor Stephens was sitting in on the class that day. 'Wonderful', she thought. "I thought you were skipping two classes this morning, Hermione," the professor said. "It seems Professor Weasley stopped by to see how everyone was coming along during your DADA class, and he was concerned that you weren't here."
Hermione offered a small apology and sat at the only empty seat, next to Draco. Professor Stephens started walking around, talking to each student, finding out where they were at, and asking if they needed any help. Hermione and Draco were finishing their Astronomy star charts, and Draco looked up at the clock on the wall. He leaned over to her, whispering in her ear so the other twelve students in the classroom and their instructor would not be able to hear him, and said, "Hey, Granger, guess what? I have a secret."
"Hey, Malfoy, guess what? I need you to be quiet, I'm trying to work," Hermione said back, also in a whisper.
"Yeah, I'm trying to work as well, so be quiet," Neville said, leaning over to Draco from the table in front.
Draco glared at the back of Neville's head, then he put down his quill and pulled on Hermione's star chart and said, "You have that constellation wrong, little one." She glowered at him, but saw that he was right, and she made the correction.
Professor Stephens walked over to them at that precise moment and said, "I need everyone to hand in what they're working on, oh don't forget that next week, it's time for your evaluations. I'll meet with each of you personally, we'll talk about your work thus far, and I will tell you if I have any recommendations for you. Then we will just make sure everyone is on track and up to speed."He saw Hermione's frown and added, "Don't worry, Miss Granger, I'm not going to suggest you drop any more classes, although if you keep skipping them, I might." All the other students laughed, including Draco. Hermione was slightly put out, and looked down at the table, frowning. Draco stopped laughing, since she seemed embarrassed.
The students all started leaving, and as Hermione was packing up her things Draco said, "Now may I tell you my secret?"
"Yes, tell me," she said, less than enthused.
"It's stopped raining," he said, raising his eyebrows.
"Are you the weatherman now?" she asked.
He frowned and asked, "What's a weatherman?"
"Never mind," she said, with a smile. "Just tell me, why is that a secret?"
"Oh, right." He had forgotten what he was saying. "Well, the rest of my secret is that I received a note from our esteemed Potions Master this morning, saying our services would not be needed today, which means, my dear little one, that we are free for the rest of the afternoon, and it's no longer raining."
"Draco, please, cut to the chase," she said, rubbing her forehead with her fingers.
"Well, it means we can have our second date today, if you're agreeable, that is," he concluded.
She felt better already, so she said, "What do you have planned for our second date?"
"Go to your room, change into jeans and a heavy jumper, grab your waders and a coat, and meet me outside, by the castle's south entrance, in let's say, one hour," he said, absolutely giddy.
"Why do I need boots?" she asked, but he was already out the door. She gathered the rest of her things and started down the hallway by herself.
She walked out of the classroom and she accidentally dropped her star chart. She tried to pick it up, and she dropped the rest of her things. She sighed, for she was not having a good day. She hoped that her date would bring up her spirits. She was bending down to pick up her things, when she saw someone walking beside her. She looked up, not yet alarmed, and saw Terry Boot. Good, she still didn't need to be alarmed.
"Need a spot of help?" Terry asked, amused, and already bent over to pick up her belongings.
"I'm having a seriously bad day, so far," she confirmed.
She reached for her things and he said, "I'll carry them, you just walk on, and try not to fall." He smiled at her and then said, "I hope you have managed to forgive Michael. I know he was badly mess up in what he did, and he won't really confide everything to me at the moment, but I know he feels just rotten about it. He was being played as well, you know?"
Hermione thought it was sweet of Terry to look after his friend. She said, "I'll come around. I don't really hold grudges."
They reached the portrait hole, and Hermione uttered the password. Terry walked with her to her room and said, "Can you handle it from here?" He passed her books and papers to her.
"I think so, thank you," she said.
She deposited her things on her bed, and turned to shut her door, when she saw he was still standing there, outside her threshold. "Was there something else, Terry?" she asked.
"No, I'm sorry, I think I blanked out for a moment, sorry again, goodbye," he smiled again and walked away. Hermione felt like he had wanted to talk to her about something else, but she couldn't be concerned about that right now. She had a date to get ready for, and to top it off, she was getting a headache.
I've had a Bad Day Again:
Even though the rain had stopped, and the sun was making a feeble attempt to shine, though the sky was still mostly grey, with even darker grey clouds. The wind was fierce and the temperature biting cold. Hermione had the good sense to bring not only her gloves this time, but also her hat, her scarf, and her winter coat.
When she walked down the back staircase and out the south entrance doors, she saw Malfoy already waiting for her. He smiled at her when he saw how bundled she was. He came up and hugged her, noticing apparently for the first time, how small she was compared to him. "You're really quite titchy aren't you?" he laughed, as he got some wool from her hat in his mouth.
"Did you ask me out her to make fun of my stature?" she inquired.
"No, come, Granger, let our second official date commence," he said, holding her hand and leading her across the grounds. They were heading toward the stables.
"Malfoy, are we going horseback riding?" she asked, somewhat eager, and yet somewhat afraid.
"Yes, that is indeed what I have planned. I already have two horses saddled and waiting for us," he said back to her, gleaming.
"I've never been on a horse before," she stated.
He dropped her hand and said, "Really, that's odd."
"Why is that odd? It's not like horses are a viable means of transportation these days," she lectured.
He shook his head and said, "Just come on." He did not want to debate the matter now.
They walked into the stables and a small elf was holding the bridle of their respected horses. She looked up at the two horses, as Draco took the reins of the black one. She assumed the brown horse was hers and said, "I don't think I can do this. He's so large."
Draco was about to make a crude comment, but resisted, realizing she was somewhat of a prude and would disapprove, so he held his tongue. "Would you like to ride with me, instead of on your own horse?" he asked. On further inspection, he wished he had thought of that from the beginning. That would be much nicer. Please, say yes.
"Yes, I think so," she said timidly.
He smiled. He put his boot in the stirrup of the black horse and hoisted himself onto the saddle. He held his hand down for her and said, "Grab my hand, and put your foot on top of mine. You'll have to sit in front of me, there won't be much room."
She did as he instructed and was soon in front of him on the horse.
They started with a slow trot out of the stables, and onto a well-worn path, which was caked with mud. Once Malfoy cleared the area around the stables, he kicked the side of the beast with his foot, and they started to gallop. "Hold on, Granger," he said.
"To what?" she asked. She was holding on to the saddle, but moved her hands up to his.
They broke out into a full run. Hermione shut her eyes, somewhat terrified. He leaned his cheek next to hers, and saw that her eyes were shut. "Open your eyes," he commanded.
She did, but she was having trouble enjoying herself. This was almost as frightening as riding on a broomstick. She felt Malfoy's warm breath on the side of her neck, and his biceps enveloping her body as his hand were on the reins. She put her hands on his forearms, and tried to relax her body into his. She was just starting to enjoy herself when he did the unthinkable. He had the horse jump a small fallen tree, which littered the path.
She screamed, let go of his arms, and put her hands over her eyes. He laughed aloud and put his left arm suddenly around her waist, still holding the reins with his right.
"Having fun, Granger?" he asked.
"Not really," she confessed. It was a small lie. She was starting to enjoy herself.
He led them from the wide-open field where they were sailing along, to a path that was lined with trees, and slowed the gallop down to a trot again. They came to the top of a hill and he pulled on the reins to stop the horse completely. He slid off the back of the horse and tied the reins to a nearby branch. He reached up for her and she slid into his arms. He let her body slide between his body and the horse.
Even through her many layers of clothing, he could feel her body pressed against his, and it felt heavenly. He could not wait, for he didn't want to, so he dipped his head, with his arms still tight around her, and kissed her sweet lips. He could not be satisfied, as he drank in her warmth and passion. He continued to kiss her, boldly moving his hands under her unbuttoned coat. He slipped his hands around to her back, and slid them under the back of her jumper, feeling the soft cotton of the t-shirt underneath.
Hermione let her hands fall from his chest down to around his waist. He only had on a cable knit fisherman's sweater, no coat, and a turtleneck underneath. She put her hands under his jumper as well, but instead of sandwiching them between his jumper and his shirt, she slid them directly on to the skin covering his stomach, which shocked them both.
They continued to kiss, and he moved his lips from her mouth to her neck. He pressed harder against her, and the horse, which whinnied loudly, moved away from the pair, not wishing to be imposed upon any longer. With no horse behind them to steady them, and with his weight pressing harder against her standing body, she started to fall backward, almost free falling, and landed on her backside in the mud, with the man that was beside her now completely on top of her, his full weight pressing on her small body.
Her eyes opened as wide as saucers, and so did his. He started to laugh, as she struggled to push him off her and to stand, looking down at her muddy hands and even muddier pants. Hermione looked back at her backside and saw it too was covered completely in wet, brown, mud.
He remained on the ground, laughing hysterically, and pointing at her. She narrowed her eyes, bent down and picked up a glob of mud, which brought him quickly to his right mind.
He stopped laughing and said, "What do you think you're going to do with that mud?"
"I think I'm going to plop it in your hair," she said matter of fact.
"Listen, I'm just as muddy as you, look at me." He looked at himself, as he was still sitting in the mud. "So don't you dare think of throwing that mud at me."
She knew he had a point, so she made like she was going to throw it on the path instead. He started to stand, thinking it was safe to do so, and she suddenly hit him full in the face with her muddy hand, like it was an old vaudeville show, and she was throwing a banana cream pie in his face. She broke out in a run, hearing him yell after her.
She started down a long, winding path, slipping twice on the muddy earth beneath her feet. She could hear him scream for her, telling her she was in trouble, so she picked up speed, dashing underneath a tree limb. She meant to crawl under the limb, but her mud soaked boots slips on the wet path and she slid down a hill. As she was sliding, she yelled for help.
He couldn't see her on the path, but he knew she couldn't be that far ahead. Suddenly he heard her yell for help. He ran faster, but still could not find her.
"Where are you?" he shouted.
"Draco?!" He heard her yell back.
"Granger?!" he also yelled.
"I'm down here, in the ravine!" she yelled again.
He stepped over to the side of the embankment, and saw that she had slid roughly fifteen yards down a mud soaked hill, landing into a gorge, which because of all the recent rain, was flooded. She was holding onto a tree root, trying to keep her body from being washed away in the rapid current of the makeshift creek.
He took his wand, fashioned some fallen tree limbs into a rope, and threw it down to her. "Can you take a hold of this rope?" he asked.
"I think so, throw it on down," she said.
He threw down the rope, and she reached for it, grabbing it the first try. When she let go of the tree root with her other hand, however, she lost her grip on both and proceeded to be washed down the flooded ravine, almost as if she were riding the rapids.
Draco swore under his breath and started running along the top of the hill. He yelled out at her, "Grab something!"
"What?" she yelled back, having enough trouble keeping her head above water. What was she supposed to grab? She finally grabbed a small shrub, but she knew she wouldn't be able to maintain her grip for long. Her coat and boots were weighing her down, as were the rest of her sopping wet clothing. There was no way she could get her wand from her pocket!
She knew she wouldn't drown, as the water wasn't very deep, but there was always the danger of this makeshift waterway leading to an actual river or stream. She looked up the hill and didn't see Malfoy. Great, he left her to die alone.
She tried to pull herself back up on the muddy bank, but she couldn't. She was afraid if she let go of the shrub, she might be washed away again. Where was Malfoy? She was about to yell for him when she saw him manoeuvring his body down another transfigured rope, which he had secured to a large tree. He reached for her hand, and without words passing between either of them, she reached up and he grabbed her hand. He almost pulled her glove off, but determined not to lose her again, he moved his hand from her hand to her wrist, and pulled her up the embankment.
When they reached the path, both mud soaked and Hermione completely wet, they both realized that what started as a wonderful second date, had turned into a disaster. Hermione hung her head in despair. She almost wanted to cry. He came up and embraced her wet muddy body and she looked up and said, "Seriously, I don't know why, but I'm having a rotten day, perhaps one of the worst days in the history of bad days."
He wanted her to put it all in perspective, so he said, "Even worse than all you went through last year?" He wasn't about to clarify; he wouldn't say, worse than being tortured by my Aunt Bella, worse than the final battle, worse than facing Voldemort, worse than being stuck out in the woods for days on end with Potter, worse than kissing the Weasel?
She leaned her tired body into him and conceded. "Fine, it's not the worst, but it's in the top twenty, that's for sure." She actually closed her eyes. He didn't know what to do with her, so he picked up her and carried her back to the horse, which was patiently waiting for them in the same place he was left.
Draco helped her to climb the horse first this time. As she sat in the saddle, he said a spell to clean them both up, and dry her off the best he could, although it didn't help much, and then he climbed on the horse behind her and steered them back toward the castle.
On the journey back, he could tell she was defeated. She was almost limp in his arms. He leaned down and kissed her cheek, and promised her they would be back to the castle soon, where she could spend the rest of the day in a warm bed, and he would read to her if she wanted.
Hermione glanced back at him and said, "I ruined our second date, didn't I?"
"No, the inclement weather did that, not you," he reasoned.
They reached the stables and he slid off the horse. She almost fell into his waiting arms.
As promised, he took her upstairs, where she went into the girl's bathroom to shower and change. He did the same. He finished before she did, and was waiting for her in her room with a cup of hot cocoa, a plate of sandwiches, and a book. She practically fell on her bed, and he covered her with a blanket. She took a bite of sandwich and a drink of the warm cocoa, letting the velvet warmth of the drink fill her body with its kindness.
She cuddled down in the bed, and he did not know if she would think he was forward if he lay next to her, so he brought the chair from her desk by the bed, and he sat down in it. He picked up the book, to start reading, and she said, "Come, lay next to me." He looked at her, a little shocked, but pulled back the covers to recline his body next to hers. She turned to her side, leaning against his body, using his chest as a pillow, one hand resting beside her head, on his chest. Hermione started playing with the buttons of his shirt as he picked up the book with one hand, (his other arm was around her shoulders) and he started reading aloud. He continued reading aloud even after he heard the steady sounds of her breathing, denoting sleep. He continued reading aloud until the day light turned to evening. He only stopped reading aloud when his own eyes felt like lead, and he was finally forced to abandon the book for sleep. He dropped the book beside the bed, turned slightly to his side, wrapped her in his arms, and welcomed the slumber that was waiting so eagerly for him.