Author's Note:
Here is more Draco/Hermione action for all you fans! And of course, more drama. I really don't have much else to say—please review though!
I'd just like to say thank you to—
Jeni-Tall! My support from the start, thanks again for all your support. Keep writing!
No.1dracolover: Thanks for your always fast reviews! Really appreciate it!
Evil is Sexy 13: Thanks ever so much for your reviews!
Sherreithewriter: Thanks for reviewing! Nice to see a new screen name!
James: Really appreciate your review! Hope this chapter satisfies your curiosity!
BlackPetals: I really appreciate all your lovely reviews (even on my other story!) – you're great!
Sarah – Hope you enjoy this chapter! Thanks for the review!
Iluv2dance: Thanks for sticking with me! Hope you enjoy (when I get to it) my ending!
And of course, my wonderful friend Vadim – I got your message from Tim. You're brill. Thanks ever so much for reading my story ).
I sincerely plan to finish this before I go back to school—I have exactly 5 days left. That's not exactly a lot of time! For now, please enjoy the latest installment of the story.
Chapter 11: Teenage Theatrics
Draco's entire body felt like it was being scorched internally, the flames licking at him like a starving dog feeding off freshly cooked flesh. It was almost unbearable, the prickling sensations that trickled through his body. It was her magic that was inside him. Burning him. Even in the fading light of the halls as they walked side by side towards the Hospital Wing, Draco felt his face flush from the immense heat that was pooling out of his body like molten lava. He could feel the same immensity of heat pouring off from the girl beside him, but she continually ignored his gaze as they trudged towards the Hospital Wing. Draco felt that this thing (whatever this thing was) would surely be the death of him. If it wasn't the heat that got to him first, it would most certainly be the knowledge that he would continually swoon at the sight of Granger.
And Malfoy's do not swoon.
He ran his fingers through his already messy hair and was horrified to discover that his hair was drenched with sweat. He looked over at Hermione and saw no sign that she was being affected the same way he was. He silently cursed the twins, his father and of course, Harry Potter, because if it hadn't been for him, he probably never would have gotten involved with Granger.
This was probably why he felt some warped version of gratitude for Potter—he never felt more alive in his entire life.
During their walk to the Hospital Wing, Hermione had crept subtly closer to Draco, feeling her pulse quicken and her hands to shake. She tried to remain calm under his scrutiny, but failed when her body detected the long trailing gaze move over her body. She felt wreckless and out of control when she was with him. The dream about the two of them together had been proof of her longing for him. The mysterious lipstick only a catalyst to something that reached far deeper than any of them could have ever imagined.
She looked at him then. She saw him reach for his hair and run his fingers through the silken locks. The moonlight caught them as they always did and Hermione was reminded, rather painfully, that he was a Malfoy. What was a Malfoy doing getting caught up with someone like her? Why hadn't he already contacted his father about (what would have been, years ago) a travesty for Draco, and most especially his father. Had things really changed so much? Hermione could remember a time when she felt nothing but extreme dislike for this boy, who challenged everything about her, drove her to do the impossible, just to be known as top of the class in all of their subjects. There was a lot about this world that she was still unaware of, having grown up with Muggles herself. The knowledge that Draco possessed intrigued Hermione. He was as closer to nobility than any other individual she had ever met. He did make her feel inferior, or he once had, until she realized that having money and social status really meant nothing at all if you had no inner worth to speak of.
Hermione had always felt better, reminding herself that Draco Malfoy was, although ridiculously good-looking and having a rather intelligent mind, nothing more than a spoiled rotten aristocrat whose head was too small to hold his ego. As of late, she had been reminded of these annoying traits. But she also was shown a completely different side of him. One of which that had been eager to be seduced by Harry, not Potter, but Harry. Draco was not interested in Harry's fame—he had seem genuinely interested in Harry himself, and perhaps that was why Harry had been so confused with the onset of their relationship. If Harry was gay, and obviously single, then why wouldn't he be interested in Malfoy? They seemed quite the match if Hermione had anything to say about it.
Suddenly, Harry's words came back to her then, causing her insides to twist unpleasantly in realization,
"You should be happy that you've found someone who feels the same way about you. Because, and believe me, one sided things like that are not fun."
Hermione had been so concerned with her own sudden interest in Draco that she had never stopped to consider Harry's interests. It was obviously something a lot more serious than an interest, for he had seemed deeply hurt and painfully bitter in the library, not even an hour ago.
Hermione began running through a list of possible persons to distract herself from Draco's heated looks. She recalled the conversation she had with Fred earlier that day about George's interest in Harry, and how Fred wasn't sure that Harry felt the same way. It was obvious from the recent encounter that Harry had not been aware of George's feelings. Perhaps if he had, he would have informed George of them by now.
Yet that still made absolutely no sense. Surely Harry had sense enough to catch on to George's feelings, after spending the entire summer with him and Fred. If Harry had felt the same way, he probably would have been more in tune with how George reacted to him and therefore would have reacted accordingly. Hermione nodded slightly, crossing out George on her mental list of possible love interests for Harry. It was obviously not George. It couldn't have been Fred either for that matter. If Fred was paying that close attention to his twin and Harry, Fred would have obviously picked up something from Harry informing him that it was he, and not George, whom he was interested in.
That led Hermione back to the conversation she had overheard while standing on the stairs. George had assumed that Fred and Harry had…had an interesting encounter…with each other in Harry's room. Of course, it was a complete misunderstanding, and Hermione could see no reason why they wouldn't have just come clean with it then, since all of it was already out in the open.
Which led Hermione back to where she started. Nowhere.
Perhaps she was looking at this from the wrong perspective. When a person likes someone, how do they behave? Depending on the person, they either stay as close to them as possible, or they avoid them entirely, not wanting to be found out.
Unfortunately Harry was unlike every other person and therefore, he probably did everything backwards. Harry was shy when it came to things like that. Or was that only with girls? The whole "I like men" thing came as a bit of a surprise, now that she thought about it, considering that he had had a thing for Cho and a slight thing for Ginny that didn't last too long, especially after Ginny started going out with that boy from Hufflepuff. How did a gay man (a gay Harry Potter mind you) react to the person they most desired?
Hermione was still at a loss when they finally reached the doors to the Hospital Wing. She resolved to further address the matter later, when she had more time to herself and was not around a very distracting Draco Malfoy.
They both stopped in front of the doors, staring up at them as they held some unknown meaning. Hermione was the first to turn to Malfoy, eyes quickly scanning the halls to see if any other students were around.
"I think it would be best if I told her what happened, so she can immediately start checking you for other injuries. How are you feeling by the way?"
Hermione looked into his eyes as she asked the question and immediately regretted it, because in the next instant she was being assaulted by his mouth. She felt his teeth sink into her bottom lip and she immediately reacted by pressing her hips forward, enjoying the burning heat that shot through her at the contact. He moaned into her mouth when he felt her hands weave their way into his hands, all thoughts of how drenched his hair had been forgotten. He lowered his hand to her hip and sought out the contours of her thigh. When he felt the supple muscle beneath the pads of his fingers he gripped hard and tugged her leg up against him, thrusting his hips into her. Hermione shuddered at the motion and her legs almost gave out underneath her until he violently shoved her into the door. The door groaned against the onslaught of the pair of bodies being ground into its frame.
They both toppled to the ground when the door opened a minute later, revealing a very surprised Madame Pomfrey. Malfoy, having never been caught in this situation, stared wide eyed down at Hermione, whose lip twitched in amusement. Hermione gracefully rolled Draco off her and stood up. As she stooped down to give Malfoy a hand up, she murmured quietly to Madame Pomfrey,
"Malfoy has just suffered a broken nose and a few unpleasant curses. I healed his nose and took down the swelling. Professor Snape requested me to escort him to the Hospital Wing to be certain he has no other injuries. He seems to be a bit disoriented though."
Draco had kept his eyes to the ground while Hermione had launched into her explanation about the reason behind why they were there. He thought she had done an excellent job; her voice not wavering even for a fraction of an action. When he felt the heat between their hands when she bent to help him up, he felt a particularly pleasurable jolt of pleasure shoot straight to his groin. When he finally glanced up at Hermione's face, he almost scoffed at the rather obvious blush on her face.
So much for that.
Madame Pomfrey wasted no time however in casting charms over Draco, as she guided him towards one of the hospital beds. There was only one other student in the Hospital Wing, Hermione realized, but she seemed as though she was getting ready to leave. As Hermione got closer, she realized that it was Isabelle.
"Hello," Hermione said pleasantly as she walked over to the bed. The girl seemed to cheer up slightly at the sight of Hermione.
"Hello," she said quietly. When Hermione got close enough, she could see the girl had been crying again.
"Oh Isabelle, is that boy in Slytherin still bothering you?" Hermione asked, sitting down on the bed, next to the girl. The younger girl nodded hesitantly, wiping her eyes.
"I know I said I'd help you, but the only way I can is if you tell me his name."
Isabelle sniffed and got up from the bed, looking over at Draco, who was watching them while Madame Pomfrey checked him over.
"You can ask him. He looks up to him…he does everything that boy does." Hermione looked surprised but reluctantly nodded and said goodbye to Isabelle as she walked out of the Hospital Wing.
Hermione walked back over to Malfoy's bed silently. She heard pieces of their conversation as she approached.
"And was there any reason for this boy to strike you, Mr. Malfoy?"
The blond looked at her, his face looking as though he swallowed something foul. "Nothing that warranted a punch in the face, I assure you."
Madame Pomfrey did not look like she believed this statement and turned to Hermione.
"Is this true Ms. Granger?"
Hermione smiled sweetly at the woman and shrugged a shoulder delicately. "Unfortunately I only came at the end of the brawl. I came in time to…pick up the pieces."
Draco scowled at her and made a discontented sound at the back of his throat. Madame Pomfrey clicked her tongue disapprovingly.
"Mr. Malfoy, you should be very grateful that Ms. Granger's healing charms are as advanced as they are, or your nose might have been eventually crushed enough that even I may have not been able to set it back straight."
Draco looked horrified and his hand immediately reached up to touch his nose, reassuring himself that it was indeed still straight and undamaged. Hermione hid a smirk behind her hand when she reached up to cover her mouth when she coughed. She stepped closer to the bed, right next to Draco, whose eyes suddenly clouded over and he swayed upright in bed.
Madame Pomfrey looked slightly worried. "You said he experienced a certain amount of dizziness, Ms. Granger?" she asked, gently pushing Draco back against the pillows. Hermione nodded in reply. "Well, perhaps Mr. Malfoy should lie down for a while, until he gets his bearings back. I'll be in my office if there are any changes in his behaviour. You're welcome to keep him company Ms. Granger. We don't want Mr. Malfoy swooning all over the place now do we?" She began walking towards her office, Hermione's stifled giggles echoing behind her.
"Oy! Malfoys never swoon!" But Madame Pomfrey had already disappeared into her office, the black door closing behind her with a 'click'. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Malfoy, did you recognize that girl I was talking to just now?" Hermione asked, pulling up a chair beside his bed. Draco raised an eyebrow at her.
"She's a bit young for me, Granger."
Hermione made a face. "Ugh! Malfoy, you're revolting. That's not what I meant at all."
"No, Granger, I don't recognize her. Why? Does she have a thing for me? I wouldn't be surprised." Malfoy preened, laying his head back onto the pillows behind him.
"You're full of it, Malfoy. There's this boy her age in Slytherin who's been picking on her and harassing her. She refuses to tell me his name, but she did say that you'd know. Apparently this boy looks up to you—he does everything you do."
Malfoy sat up instantly. "That's the girl then? Interesting. Andrew—that's his name, by the way—told me about this girl that he liked. I didn't have much time to speak to him about it though; I've been too busy dealing with my own problems. Has he told her how he feels?"
Hermione goggled at him. "How he feels? Malfoy, the boy has been nothing but mean to her! I found her crying the other night, hiding from the other girls in the dormitory so they wouldn't see her cry."
"Well I'd never treat a girl that way," Malfoy huffed, sticking out his chest indignantly. "I'm very well mannered."
Hermione raised an eyebrow at him mockingly. "Oh, really?"
Malfoy's face heated in embarrassment. "Well…I usually am. I've never really really liked a girl. They usually just fawn all over me. I'm a Malfoy after all."
"Fawn all over you, hm? What happened just now—and the night before…I'd say you've been swooning, Malfoy," Hermione laughed softly, smiling teasingly at the boy.
"I do not swoon!" Malfoy nearly yelled, his eyes flashing.
Hermione smiled at the blond boy, as she leaned closer into his personal space. "Except over me."
Draco felt his face flush, his body shooting up another twenty degrees. "Shut up and kiss me."
Hermione looked affronted, but felt a sharp twist of desire pierce her stomach. "You practically assaulted me outside. What makes you think I even want to kiss you?"
Draco leered at her as he got onto his knees and raised himself so he was level with her face.
"Because I can see it in your eyes," he growled before his arm shot forward to wrap around her waist, tugging her forward roughly against his lips. She melted instantly; sliding her hands down his chest, grabbing fistfuls of cloth and pulling hard, bringing their bodies closer together. Behind closed eyelids, Hermione could see fleeting images of blue sky, soft grass, and cool water. She felt his lips against hers as though they were pressing over every inch of her body. She felt a tug around her navel and she toppled forward, onto the bed, and onto him.
When she opened her eyes, she was gazing down into liquid metallic blue, irises slightly dilated with pleasure. She could feel his arousal press against her thigh and she grounded against it, hearing him hiss in approval.
"Merlin, what are you doing to me?" he groaned, his neck arched, his eyes falling shut, his face a picture of absolute bliss. Hermione's mouth found his exposed neck and she began flicking her tongue against the pulse point, down to the base of his throat. He could feel her purr against his skin.
"I would have thought that would be rather obvious," she whispered teasingly in reply, as she bit down lightly on his skin. Malfoy bucked his hips upwards in response, his eyes opening wide in surprise.
"I don't suppose you realize that we're both acting out of character," he asked breathlessly, fingers entwining in her hair as he gazed up into her eyes, wonder and desire shining in them.
Hermione ignored the anxiety that seemed to weave its way into her stomach. The corner of her mouth quirked upwards in a mocking smile as she propped herself above him, her head tilted to one side.
"Scared, Malfoy?"
Draco's mouth twisted into a wicked smile. "You wish." He reached up to pull her mouth down to his but let out a strangled whine when she pulled away from him.
"Don't tell me you're scared, Granger."
Hermione tilted her head back and laughed softly, her hands pulling the hair out of her eyes. "No, of course not, Malfoy. But it's close to dinner and I've got to do damage control." Hermione wondered if she'd ever manage to convince Ron that their friendship was going to be alright after this. She prayed that he had already calmed down and would be in an agreeable enough mood to discuss the recent events. Merlin knows he'll be a force to be reckoned with, discussing the brief affair between Harry and Malfoy.
Draco scoffed, reaching for her hand as she began to pull away. "So soon? But we were getting along so well." Draco raised his eyebrows at her suggestively, feeling suddenly lighthearted as though he never before experienced the simple joy in teasing another person. He felt sick with it and cursed himself for making his feelings so obvious.
"You'll be ready for our rounds tonight, won't you Malfoy?" Hermione asked innocently, her eyes questioning. A slow grin formed on Draco's mouth, understanding flickering in his eyes.
"You bet, Granger."
"See you then."
"Looking forward to it."
Hermione smiled to herself as she began walking towards the Hospital Wing doors. She knew that getting involved with Malfoy was quite the risk. But remembering Harry's words gave her strength. After all, finding a person you can love was definitely a person worth taking a risk for.
Was it love though?
Before she opened the doors, she looked back at Malfoy briefly, to see if he was still lying there, to reassure herself that she had not been dreaming. Across the room, their eyes met and held and Hermione felt his arms around her once more, a calming sensation settling over her.
She knew the road ahead would be difficult, especially with Malfoy's shady and unknown ties to Voldemort. But, after knowing Harry, she had learned that it had been loved that saved Harry from the Dark Lord. Perhaps, it too, would save Draco Malfoy.
The journey to the dungeons was treacherously slow for Harry, as he walked wearily behind Snape who had steadfastly refused to glance behind at Harry. It seemed as though something was troubling the Potions Master and Harry raked his fingers through his hair, feeling a wave of anxiety rise to his throat, causing him to swallow painfully.
The encounter with Ron and Malfoy had been brutal and Harry knew that it had taken quite a toll on their friendship. Harry wondered if Ron's anger, jealously and feelings of betrayal would finally outplay Ron's own loyalty and dedication. The blood pounded in Harry's ears as he thought about the possibility of never having Ron in his life again.
The thing he'd miss most…
It was futile. Sleeping with Malfoy had been the most ridiculous thing he could have ever done. Surely he should have realized at the time that one day Ron would eventually find out about what happened between the two and reacted. Perhaps it had been better for him to find out now than years from now when things might have been different…
But Harry was fooling himself. In a world, in which he starred as the bane of Voldemort's existence, there was no chance at happily ever after. He had been deluding himself all along into thinking that he could one day have the one person he wanted more than anything at his side, for life. All of it seemed so far out of reach now that Harry couldn't even remember a time when he had been happy. It seemed as if all the happiness had been drained from his body, leaving him cold and seemingly empty.
But Harry was above such thoughts. He had an obligation to the wizarding world. He would destroy Voldemort and live the rest of his life out in peace. If his love wouldn't have him, then that would be that. He wouldn't risk finding anyone else. It wouldn't be the same.
If only it hadn't blown up in my face…
"Potter, if you're done agonizing over the theatrics that are your life, I would like you to step inside my office to avoid being seen."
Harry looked up, startled, realizing that they were now just outside Snape's office and Snape was looking down at him with something akin to disdain and a tinge of sympathy. Harry smiled bitterly and pushed open the door and walked inside the dimly lit room. He heard the door close behind him and let out a soft sigh. Perhaps talking to Severus would ease his tension, guilt and frustration.
Snape walked towards another door and Harry followed him. The door opened without a word or touch from Snape and it led directly into his private quarters. The fire was lit casting light shadows across the portraits on the walls. Tea was already being poured for them magically on the coffee table beside the fire. Snape took a seat in a large green chair and motioned for Harry to sit down across from him on a small couch that matched the colour of Snape's chair.
Harry picked up the tea with both hands, palms wrapping around the sides of the cup tightly. The warmth from the tea eased his tension slightly as he breathed in the familiar aroma. It was one of Snape's specialty teas and Harry often looked forward to tasting it. When he had stayed at Grimwald place, Harry often had the opportunity to sit down with Snape over the same kind of tea. It always seemed to take the weight he was feeling and turn it into nothing more than a memory. He was entirely grateful for Snape's extreme talent with potions.
"It was nice of you to give those points to Hermione, Sir," Harry said quietly. He wondered why he had chosen to begin their conversation with that. Though, it was a safe topic after all. He wasn't exactly sure if he wanted Snape to discuss Malfoy with him. He was definitely sure he did not want to think about Malfoy anymore that evening.
"I only took them away again, and more, Potter," Snape replied without his usual sneer. "And it's Severus, if you don't mind."
Harry smiled and formed his lips around the name, "Severus."
Snape nodded curtly. "Ms. Granger and Draco seem to be getting along much better these days."
"Thankfully. Now if I can just convince Ron that he's not so bad…" Harry trailed off, staring down into his tea, his anguish clearly written all over his face.
"Unfortunately Mr. Weasley lacks the ability to see beyond his prejudice."
"Bullocks," Harry said angrily, looking up at Snape. "Malfoy's only better because we're on good terms now. If we hadn't been, he'd still be at Ron's throat, and mine for that matter. Ron hasn't seen Malfoy's…better…side, like Hermione and I have."
"Would you suggest that Malfoy seduce Mr. Weasley as well then?"
Harry choked on his tea, his cheeks flushing in anger. "Of course not! I'd kill Malfoy if he ever so much as—" Harry broke off, grinding his teeth.
Snape raised an eyebrow. "Something you wish to share with me, Potter?"
"It's Harry if you don't mind," Harry gritted out, echoing Snape's earlier statement.
Snape gave him a placating smile. "Harry then. I'm sure Mr. Weasley will get over his anger in time and you two will be back to being 'buddy buddy' as always."
"Things aren't always that simple you know. Ron's very stubborn. And it's Malfoy. Merlin, what I was I thinking?"
"Obviously you weren't at all. I would have thought you had better taste."
Harry looked into Snape's eyes then. They were cautious and partially guarded in the firelight. Harry swallowed nervously. "He's your godson, Severus."
"Thank you for pointing out the obvious to me. I realize that he is my godson. My rich, good-looking, and obnoxiously charming godson," Snape sneered, sipping his tea, looking as though he were drinking something extremely bitter and distasteful.
"You're good looking," Harry said quickly, his cheeks flushing. Harry saw that Snape's pinked as well at the compliment. They both looked at each other uncomfortably.
"But not enough," was the Professor's soft reply.
"It's not about that Severus. I'm in love with someone else—I always have been. I've just been too thick to notice."
"Or do anything about it, for that matter," Snape said, rather unhelpfully. Harry sighed, as though it pained him to admit it.
"Yah, I know. But there's nothing for it now," Harry muttered, placing down his finished teacup, sitting back on the couch, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You insist on refusing to tell me the name of this individual that holds your heart. Why is it so difficult for you to tell me?"
Harry shrugged and stared into the flicking flames. "I haven't actually said it, you know? Fred knows, but I didn't tell him. He sort of put two and two together. Though I think he also thinks I have a thing for George. Though I suppose that's all settled out now. Not sure whether to be grateful about it, considering how it all happened. I had no idea how George felt though—at least not that strongly. Can't believe he attacked his own twin over it. Doesn't anyone bother to ask anymore?"
"I think your friends find you a rather unapproachable person these days."
Harry frowned, nodding thoughtfully. "Yah, I suppose I have been a bit of a git. It's just so stupid. All of this. I'd go and tell them if I knew for sure they felt the same way—"
Harry knew he had heard that phrased somewhere before—in the note that he had found under his pillow that morning, from some unknown person. He had wanted to ask Severus about it and now was his opportunity.
"What is it, Harry?"
"I got a note this morning—actually, I found it under my pillow," Harry began, fumbling through his robe pockets for the note. "I didn't recognize the writing, because I think it was written with some sort of charm to make it generic or something—aha!" Harry exclaimed, tugging the note out of his back pocket and thrusting it towards Snape. "I thought it might have been you, to be honest," Harry admitted, cheeks flushing once more. "Sorry—I mean, I don't know anyone else who'd be interested in me…and notes aren't really George's thing."
Snape shrugged it off as though it were nothing and took the note to read it.
"Don't suppose there's a charm to figure out who sent it, do you?"
Snape looked up at him and rolled his eyes. "Honestly Potter, have I taught you nothing?"
Snape pressed his wand against the piece of parchment. Harry watched Snape's face carefully, looking for signs of recognition, or in Harry's case, amusement.
There was a moment's pause before Harry asked, "Well? Do you know who wrote it?"
Snape's face was blank as he stared at the piece of paper.
"It appears to have been casted by someone in your House, in your dormitory."
Harry's eyes widened and his heart sped up till it was pounding against his rib cage.
"Who?" Harry breathed.
"Neville Longbottom."
Dinner was an interesting affair. By the time Harry booked it to the Great Hall, most of the students were already moving towards their respective tables. Hermione showed up not long after him and she gave him a reassuring smile and a light squeeze on the shoulder.
"How am I supposed to face him, Hermione? He probably wants to hex me," Harry said worriedly, looking over to the Gryffindor table where Ron was seated near Seamus and Dean; Ron's back was facing away from the Great Hall doors.
Hermione sighed softly and took a quick glance at the Slytherin table, where Draco was still not present. "Give him time to cool off a bit more, and I'll have a word with him about it as soon as I can."
Harry smirked at her. "Don't think I didn't see that, Hermione."
Hermione pointedly ignored his comment, the reddening of her face the only sign that she had heard him.
They approached the Gryffindor table, seeing the twins and Ginny and made a beeline for them. Harry sat down next to Hermione, facing the rest of the Great Hall while Ginny, Fred and George sat next to each other. Fred and George smiled at Hermione apologetically and she gave them a suspicious glance before returning the smile. Harry let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding and chanced a glance down the table where he could see Ron speaking quietly to Seamus and Dean, small traces of anger still present in his face. He seemed much more relaxed than he last saw him. Seamus and Dean seemed to be attempting to calm him down. From the cold looks Ron sometimes cast them when he didn't particularly like what he heard; Harry thought they weren't being much help.
When Harry turned back to his four dinnermates, Fred caught his eye. He seemed to be looking right through him and it made the hair on the back of Harry's neck stand up uncomfortably.
"So how come you and George are sitting with us and not at the Staff table?" Harry asked, trying to distract Fred from his thoughts.
George answered instead, "Because we need to make sure you don't get into anymore trouble!" Harry laughed slightly, still unnerved by Fred's intensive stare.
Harry did not want to play the scared boy who just lost his best friend. He wanted to be tough, stubborn and just as pigheaded as Ron.
"I don't suppose either of you have anything to make a best friend see reason, eh?" Harry said obnoxiously loud and it travelled quickly down the table. The other Gryffindors seemed to turn their heads one by one to look at Harry and then realized Ron was not sitting with him and immediately looked at Ron for his reaction. Harry was not looking at Ron, but straight at Fred, who was shaking his head in amusement at Harry's antagonizing tone. From the corner of his eye, however, Harry could see Ron's fists clench.
"Nope. Sorry Harry! Looks like you'll have to wait until he gets his head out of his arse!" Fred exclaimed, elbowing George to play along.
Harry dramatically covered his hand over his eyes and groaned loudly. "You're kidding! You don't have anything that could help?"
Fred and George looked at each other thoughtfully before turning back to Harry, grinning impishly.
"No, but you could always put spiders in his bed! That'll give him a nice wake up call!"
"YOU WOULDN'T DARE PUT SPIDERS IN MY BED!" Ron stood up and yelled down the table. Now all eyes in the Great Hall were turned to them, including most of the teachers. Snape, from what Harry could see, was entirely amused by the situation.
Harry looked at Ron and then suddenly he saw an arm reach up to pull him back down.
It was Neville. He was whispering in Ron's ear frantically, obviously trying to get him to relax. It seemed as though Snape had noticed him too. He raised an eyebrow at Harry as though questioning him on what he would do with this recently discovered information. It bothered Harry only slightly that Neville, despite liking Harry, was on Ron's side. Harry pushed that thought away roughly, grabbing a fork and violently stabbing his veal with it. He was becoming as childish as Ron—thinking that friends should choose sides over something as ridiculous as a crush.
A crush…
Harry's insides twisted and he immediately felt like such a fool. The boy he was in love with probably thought him a completely jackass after that display. Wasn't he though? Ron was hurting. It really was a betrayal in the literal sense. Harry had never told Ron about it and it was no wonder considering how Ron was reacting. But even still, they were best friends.
But were they still?
"I DON'T WANT TO BE YOUR BEST FRIEND!" echoed in his ears and Harry cringed and the memory of Ron's words. Harry regretted all of it then; he pushed himself away from the table, readying himself to stand up, but someone stopped him.
"Oy Harry! No need to go over there and apologize to Ron for being an absolute prat," Fred said loudly, winking at Harry, noticing the dejected look on Harry's face. Harry saw Ron's face perk up at this, craning his neck around the people beside him to get a better look at Harry.
"You think he'll forgive me?" Harry asked hopefully, playing along with their antics. Embarrassing himself in front of everyone in the school would surely get Ron to at least speak to him.
"Oh sure! What do you say Ron? Do you forgive Harry? Look at his face!"
Harry immediately put on his best puppy-dog face he could muster in front of the entire school. Ron's face was bright red and Harry could see Neville shoving him roughly to go speak to him.
"I'll…I'll think about it!" was Ron's rough and hurried reply before he twisted his body completely away from them.
Harry smiled and sat down again, reaching across the table to shake hands with Fred and George. When Harry had clasped George's hand, their eyes met across the table. George's eyes flickered with longing and Harry graciously pulled his hand away, giving George a small smile. It would do no good to encourage George's affection any longer. George knew that he was in love with someone, but if he realized who he was in love with, only more problems would ensue. The lies would have to stop eventually. He'd come out to the whole school if he had to. Though he supposed that might be a bit drastic.
He caught Hermione smiling happily, her face glowing with pleasure. Harry knew then that Draco Malfoy had entered the Great Hall and Hermione was doing her best to keep from glancing in his direction. But Harry was known for his constant glances in Malfoy's direction so he decided to chance a glance at Malfoy. Across the hall, Malfoy caught Harry's gaze and winked at him, a mysterious smile on his face. Harry grinned back despite himself, finally realizing the full extent of Hermione's good mood. They must have come to some sort of arrangement, which suited Harry just fine.
What Harry had not realized was that someone else besides them had noticed Malfoy enter the Great Hall. Harry was just about to turn back to his meal when he could feel a set of eyes on him. Instantly his insides filled with dread as he raised his gaze to where the person was sitting.
Ron was looking at him, his face inexorably perceptive and hard. Harry cursed inwardly when Ron turned away, the anger full force once more.
Harry sighed and almost dropped his head onto the table in frustration. Hermione laughed and patted his back reassuringly.
"At least one of us is getting somewhere!" she grinned foolishly.
Harry growled.
Ron was walking alongside Dean and Seamus as they exited the Great Hall after dinner. The twins had caught up with them and shooed Dean and Seamus away so they could speak to him.
"So little brother, are you going to speak to poor Harry later? He really is feeling down, you know."
Ron refused to answer, but stopped walking, glaring straight ahead.
"Yes little brother, our Harry is rather put out that you refuse to be his best friend anymore."
Ron looked at George. "You both seem to be on good terms now. How can you just forgive so easily?"
George looked at him sadly. "There are more important things, little brother. I care about Harry and I want to see him happy. Malfoy made him sort of happy for a short while. But they're not together anymore and Harry is just trying to live to see his eighteenth birthday. Don't you think you can cut him some slack?"
For a moment, the twins thought that Ron was going to argue the statement and tell them both to go straight to hell. They could see the struggle within him before the anger seemed to leave him and he slumped forward heavily, his head in his hands, his fingers gripping his hair tightly.
"I just wish he told me…if it was anyone else…why did it have to be Malfoy…the one person I hate…"
Fred looked up at George then. George looked back at Fred questioningly for a long moment, before understanding lit within his gaze.
"Merlin," he mouthed, eyes wide, bewilderment written across his face.
"Ugghhh…" Ron whined, ripping at his hair, tugging many ginger strands out of his head. He winced painfully as he watched them drop to the floor.
"I'm losing my hair over this. Over Malfoy. Merlin, it really is the bloody end of the world."
Fred and George broke their gaze and threw their arms around their little brother, telling him everything would be just fine.
When they disappeared, a figure walked out from behind a statue and bent down to pick up the strands of hair that Ron had dropped. They clutched them in their hand tightly and walked off towards the Slytherin dungeons.
Most Gryffindors returned to Gryffindor Tower after dinner (most likely to see if they could get a glimpse of the fight between Ron and Harry) so Harry and Hermione thought it'd be a good idea to wait until everyone had mainly gone to bed to approach Ron about the sensitive subject of Harry having an affair with Malfoy.
It was ridiculous.
Dean and Seamus sat near Ron at the table beside the window. Ron was playing chess against Seamus while Dean sketched charcoal images onto spare parchment. Harry and Ginny stood near the fireplace while Hermione spoke to the twins near the stairs.
"Look," said Fred, keeping his voice very low, "there's obviously a lot more going on than any of us realize and I was hoping that you could help us out a bit."
"Yah," said George, eyes darting to Harry, "we found out some pretty interesting information that you may be curious to hear about, in exchange for what you know about this whole situation."
"The thing is," began Fred, looking slightly uncomfortable, "the ingredients in your lipstick—"
"I already know all about that," Hermione cut him off immediately. "Snape told me about Lucius Malfoy." She felt relieved to be able to speak to them about it—she could not inform Harry because it was obviously some grand master scheme against him and if they told him too soon without knowing more details, Harry would probably go off and do something silly. At least Fred and George were part of the situation and she could discuss her anxiety about it.
Fred and George were looking at her with identical shocked faces.
"Why would Snape tell you?" they asked together.
"Because it concerns me," Hermione said angrily, glaring at them both. "And Malfoy. But I can't tell you about that."
"Draco Malfoy?" Fred asked, his face puzzled. "Why would Malfoy senior do something against his own son?"
"That's what we don't really understand."
"We?" the twins asked.
"Yes," hissed Hermione, looking around wildly. "Professor Snape and myself. This information is top secret; the only reason I'm speaking of it with you at all is because you're already aware of the mistake that you made in giving the lipstick to me. Though I am surprised—you normally test your products before you give them to unsuspecting victims."
Fred looked affronted. "Oy! I bloody well did have a go at that stuff. I had a few romps with a girl who visited us at the Burrow but nothing happened. Though, come to think of it, I've been having these dreams…"
Hermione looked at him, astonished. "What kind of dreams?"
Fred looked thoroughly embarrassed and looked reluctant to answer.
"Were you both in some sort of forest? In a brook? Did you make love?" Hermione questioned; her tone persistent and her eyes intent.
Fred looked more astonished than embarrassed now. "How on earth…"
"There's no time to explain. I don't think you and she will have to worry so much. I think this was more about Malfoy and I and finding some way to get to Harry."
"Well, I don't suppose it worked really," George said thoughtfully, looking over at Harry again.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, frowning. "You gave me the lipstick, didn't you?"
"Well, yes…but maybe Malfoy only gave it to us, telling us to give it to you for fun. What if he really meant for it to affect someone else? Through you. You kissed more than just Malfoy, you know."
Hermione looked horrified. "Harry and Ron…and Malfoy. But what purpose would Malfoy have to get his son and all of us involved?"
The thought that crossed Hermione's mind next was so startlingly obvious to Hermione that she took a step back from them, her face a mixture of complete awe and amazement.
Could it be possible? Were they…on their side? Did Snape know?
A grand scheme to get them all involved…have them bonded…protected. In the attempt to keep them all safe from Voldemort.
But it was only Malfoy and Hermione who seemed to be experiencing the effects of the lipstick. Harry and Ron were just…
"Hermione, what's wrong? You look like you've just swallowed an egg," Harry laughed, shoving her lightly. Hermione looked at him, eyes wide, a million emotions dancing within them. Harry looked at her worriedly.
"Hermione? Are you alright? You look pale…"
"I..I'm fine…I should have…why didn't I see this sooner…?"
"What's that, Hermione? What are you talking about? See what sooner?"
"N-nothing, Harry. It's nothing. I think it's safe to talk to Ron now. Excuse me."
Harry and Ginny looked at each other, eyebrows raised. Harry looked at the twins and crossed his arms.
"Alright you two, what do you know?"
"Us? Know? Why Harry, we know many things!" Fred and George said, circling around Harry and their little sister. "We know about the drama of adolescence…" said Fred, winking at him.
"…about the difficulty of love…" George added, sighing dramatically.
"And of course," began Fred, stepping out of their circular pattern,
"We know that it's time to go!" they both shouted as they ran towards the portrait hole and scurried out of it before Harry could even blink.
"Oh, I see how it is," muttered Ginny darkly, glaring after her brothers. "Well, a third can play at that game."
Harry wondered why he ever bothered to get mixed up with the Weasleys because they were ALL insane. He attempted to call Ginny back from leaving the Tower ("You're not allowed to go wandering around at night Gin!") but failed miserably. Then, from the corner of his eye, he saw Neville sitting in a chair by the fire. He was looking straight at him.
Harry glanced over at Ron and Hermione who seemed deep in conversation. Seamus and Dean were packing up their things and heading upstairs, probably to bed. Harry waved tentatively at them as they walked by. He got thumbs up from both of them as they passed.
Harry walked towards Neville, feeling suddenly nervous to be alone with him. This feeling also amused him because it was Neville for crying out loud. Though, considering he had had the guts to spell that note, Harry did have some reason to feel a bit anxious. He really wasn't in the mood to break anyone else's heart.
Too much drama, he thought before he sat down on the couch near Neville.
"Hullo Harry," Neville said quietly, looking strangely content. Harry gave him an awkward smile.
"Uh…hello Neville. How're you?"
"Could be better," Neville replied jokingly, winking at Harry. Harry, despite himself, blushed at how ridiculous he felt, knowing that it was Neville, and Neville obviously not realizing that he knew.
How could he broach the subject without offending him or making things incredibly awkward between them?
So much for Gryffindor bravery.
"Well I um…found something interesting under my pillow this morning." That definitely sounded strange, but Harry plowed on. "It was a note from someone. An unknown someone."
Harry couldn't have been more shocked when Neville looked extremely interested other than thoroughly embarrassed.
"Really? What did the note say?"
Harry quoted the note back to Neville, looking for signs in his face that would tell Harry it really had been Neville who wrote the note.
"Well Harry, it seems you have another secret admirer." Neville's face immediately turned pale and he clapped a hand over his mouth. "I uh…I mean…oh dear…"
"What?" Harry said in a strangled voice. "Another one? Neville, what do you know that I don't?"
"It's nothing Harry! I'm no supposed to say anything—oh damn—I mean, why do I always box these things up!" Neville looked extremely upset that he'd apparently put his foot in his mouth. But why wasn't Neville embarrassed? He just looked and acted like he ruined something…for someone else.
"Neville. Did you write that note?"
Neville looked up at him, eyes wide. "No…" and then realization dawned on his face. "Merlin Harry, you don't think I fancy you, do you?"
Harry was taken aback, his mouth half open. "B-but…the note…it was cast with your wand! It had to have been you!" Harry exclaimed, sitting upright in his chair, beginning to feel a wave of anxiety pass through him.
"They must have used my wand—"
"They? WHO!" Harry jumped out of his chair, his nerves on end. Neville looked up at him fearfully, glancing around for an escape route.
"Harry! Calm down! You'll find out eventually—"
"TELL ME GODDAMNIT!"
"What in bloody hell do you think you're doing?"
Harry whipped around and came face to face with a very livid looking Ron. Hermione was standing next to him, looking at Harry as though he'd gone mad.
"Me? What am I doing? Some person left a note under my pillow claiming their undying love for me and we all know that there's a crazy insane wizard out THERE looking to kill me! So when I find out that the note was spelled by someone in my own dormitory, and they claim to have NOT done it, I believe I have a RIGHT to know who the hell it was!"
There was a moment's pause, then:
"Spelled?" Ron asked quietly, his face blank, extremely calm. It seemed like such an oddly placed question coming from Ron that it knocked the wind right out of him.
"I…yes. Spelled. Someone spelled the note to make it generic handwriting. But Snape showed me a spell to reveal the caster. It was Neville's wand," Harry yelled, pointing his finger accusingly at Neville. "And now he's telling me it wasn't him. So who," Harry growled angrily, jabbing his finger at Ron's chest, "did it? Someone playing a practical joke? Well it's not funny!"
"Jab your finger at me one more time and I'll spell it off," Ron hissed threateningly. Hermione reacted then, smacking Ron's shoulder.
"Is that any way to behave? Your best friend is obviously upset. The least you could do is be nice."
Ron raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest. "Who says he's my best friend? And what the hell were you doing showing Snape that letter anyway? Don't tell me you've been shacking up with him too?"
Harry scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Look, what do you want me to do? Grovel?"
Ron smirked at the statement. "It'd be a good start, come to think of it." Harry's eyes narrowed.
"Oh honestly! Ron, Harry's sorry for not telling you about his little thing with Malfoy. And Harry, Ron's sorry for being such a prat about it. Now shake hands before I hex you both."
"A prat? If anyone's the prat, he's the prat. Going around with a Malfoy? What were you thinking? I didn't even know you were…you know!"
Harry almost stopped breathing. "I know what?"
Ron whispered, "That way."
"Why you—!" Harry lunged for Ron and tackled him to the ground. He regretted it instantly because, despite Harry's growth over the summer, Ron was taller and stronger. He had Harry pinned to the ground in a matter of instants. Harry struggled against Ron, wriggling to get out of his grasp, feeling more angry than he ever felt in his life. He couldn't believe Ron had said "That way" as though it were some curse.
"I can't believe you! I can't believe I ever thought you were my best friend!"
"What's that supposed to mean," Ron growled, slamming Harry onto his back once more.
Harry sucked in a sharp breath from the impact, ignoring Hermione and Neville's shouts of disapproval and worry.
" 'That way'", Harry mocked. "What the fuck do you mean by that anyway? You think I'm fucked up?"
Ron looked at him like he'd gone barmy. "W-what? What are you talking about?"
Harry glared up at him, slightly horrified at the feeling of tears prickling his eyes. "Gay," Harry whispered, his voice breaking.
"What? No...Harry, I meant…" Ron blushed bright red, looking as though he wanted the floor to swallow him up, and whispered very quietly, "…having sex…I didn't know you were like that…I thought you'd be more…less…"
Harry stared up at him wide-eyed, suddenly feeling the full weight of Ron's body against his and the unbearable heat that coursed through him. He knew that Ron suddenly felt it too for he pulled away a fraction of an instant later, refusing to look at Harry.
"m'sorry…for being a prat and…everything," he mumbled weakly, but Harry caught it.
"s'alright," whispered Harry softly, staring at Ron as though he'd never seen him before.
Hermione was looking back and forth between them with an interest Harry did not appreciate. Neville seemed, to Harry's increasing horror, extremely satisfied.
Oh, so they thought they had it all worked out, huh? Yah. Right.
"I think I'm going to go to bed now," Harry said feebly, getting up off the ground. Ron was getting to his feet as well and their robes brushed each other ever so slightly. Harry felt the electric shock of it immediately and almost jumped backwards from the impact.
"Oh dear! I have to do my rounds with Malfoy!" Hermione exclaimed looking slightly upset for having forgotten about the time.
"Maybe I should come with you," Ron muttered darkly. Harry's gaze whipped to him.
"If you go after Malfoy again, Ron, I swear…"
"No, I won't, I promise. But I don't like how he's been looking at you, 'Mione. I think he wants to…you know."
And they did know. Well, Ron didn't exactly know. Harry and Hermione refused to look at each other and Ron certainly didn't notice any change in them.
"Be careful, okay? I still don't trust Malfoy."
Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Goodnight guys, I think I'll pass out as soon as I hit the pillows." Harry began walking upstairs, casting a careful glance in Hermione's direction and he saw the slight nod she gave him. Neville followed him upstairs, leaving Ron and Hermione alone.
"Are you sure, Hermione? How did you find out?" Ron said quietly, glancing up the stairs.
Hermione looked impatient as she started tugging herself unconsciously, checking to make sure she looked alright.
"I'm sure, Ron. I just don't know who it is. Maybe you should talk to him?"
"Oh god, what if it's Malfoy?"
Hermione turned on him angrily. "It isn't Malfoy, Ron. They're over. Alright?"
Ron looked completely startled at her outburst. Hermione sighed and patted Ron on the shoulder.
"It really isn't Malfoy, Ron. I'm sure of it. Maybe if you got him to talk about it, you two could become…well…best friends again. He'd tell you things more…"
Ron sighed and nodded and waved goodbye to her, walking up the stairs, his eyes on the ground. Hermione watched him, feeling as if she handled that rather poorly but dismissed it immediately and hurried out of the portrait hole.
When Ron got up to the dormitory, Harry was, as he had said, passed out on his bed, sleeping soundly. Ron gazed at him for a few moments before quietly reaching down to the trunk in front of Harry's bed and opening it. His fingers grazed across the soft material of the invisibility cloak and pulled it out of the trunk. Ron looked down at it unseeingly, thinking about how angry Harry was going to be at him when he discovered what he was about to do. With a firm resolve, Ron walked out of the dormitory, circling the cloak around his body, concealing his tall frame.
He bolted out of the Common Room and out into the hallways, wondering to himself where Hermione and Malfoy started their rounds.
When Hermione arrived at their meeting place, she found Malfoy already there, his back partially against the stone wall as he gazed out of a window. His eyes were bright from the moonlight shining into them. Hermione had to slow her breathing as she walked towards him, partially in shadow. She watched him for a few moments before she spoke to alert him to her presence.
"Hello Malfoy," she whispered softly, stepping into the light. Draco turned his gaze from the moon and looked at her.
"You're late, Granger," he teased. She smiled at him and stepped forward. He reached forwards and ran a finger down her cheek and she leaned into the caress, her eyes falling shut.
"If we split up, we'll finish faster," he whispered quietly, watching her face. She nodded and made a move to turn away when his arms shot forward to wrap around her and bring her solidly against his chest. He kissed her hard, molding his lips against hers, sucking on them lovingly, digging his fingers into her sides, holding her tightly against him. She gasped softly against his lips and tried to pull away.
"Soon," her voice was husky and it went straight to Malfoy's groin. He licked his lips as he watched her try to regain control over her senses.
"We'll meet in the Astronomy Tower." The words were pressed hotly against the side of her throat and Hermione's knees almost buckled beneath her as he pulled away.
They both walked off in opposite directions; Draco heading towards the dungeons and Hermione towards second floor classrooms. She felt light headed and almost giddy and she scolded herself for being so ridiculous. This was just an infatuation brought on by a silly spell (dark magic to be exact) by none other than Lucius Malfoy in some pathetic attempt to make them all get along.
Well, Malfoy and she were certainly getting along alright…but as for Harry and Ron…
She knew a great deal more than most, to be sure. She would have to ask Professor Snape about what he knew already about Lucius Malfoy. If he was really on their side, or if this was all some elaborate plot just to think that they were…it confused Hermione to no end and she resolved to just forget the matter entirely (at least until after tonight) and then she would push harder for more information.
She wandered unthinkingly into an empty classroom, ready to turn around a moment later until she realized she heard sniffling. She immediately thought of Isabelle and hurried into the classroom.
"Isabelle? Is that you?" The crying stopped immediately and Hermione saw the pretty girl with violet blue eyes stick her head out from behind a desk, staring doe-like at Hermione.
"Oh, hello Hermione…I'm sorry I'm out again. You can take points away if you like." Hermione ignored that comment and proceeded to walk closer to her, her face a mixture of concern and worry.
"Are you alright, Isabelle? Was it Andrew again?"
"He told you then?" she asked quietly, shuffling from foot to foot.
"Yes, he did. He never even got the chance to give Andrew any advice."
"Advice for what?" Isabelle asked, stepping closer to Hermione, wiping her eyes. "Advice on how to make fun of me?"
Hermione smiled and put an arm around Isabelle. "No, Isabelle. Advice on how to tell you that he likes you."
Isabelle gasped. "You're joking! There's no way he could like me!"
"Well, if you don't believe me, you can ask Draco yourself. He should be up in the Astronomy Tower, I'll take you to him."
"Really? What about the points?"
Hermione looked sideways at her, smiling coyly, "We'll forget about the points this time."
Isabelle beamed.
Draco was up in the Astronomy Tower already, uncovering couples' hideouts and embarrassing the hell out of them.
"Oy, Smith, too much tongue."
"Jones, you're going to bite his face off!"
"Merlin's balls, Thomas and Finnegan?!"
It was after about fifteen minutes of solid criticizing that Draco took a good look around and let out a sigh of relief. Until he heard a loud crash ten feet away from him. Draco walked stealthily down the hall and noticed a door half hidden behind a curtain. He immediately pushed back the curtain, thinking he was going to find some half naked fifth years and almost yelped in surprise when a boy around third year came scurrying out of the closet, the helmet from a suit of armor plastered firmly on his head.
Draco told the boy firmly to hold still as he yanked roughly on the rusted thing. Finally, it gave way, and Draco yanked it over the boy's head and tossed it back into the closet, shutting the door. When he turned around, he could have burst out laughing at the red faced Slytherin boy.
"Andrew, what are you doing up here? You're not with a girl are you?" Draco asked, ready to open the closet door again for another peak.
"Uh…no," said Andrew quietly, trying to fix his hair. He had dirty blond hair and green eyes and was fairly tall for his age. Draco sighed and shook his head.
"Why are you up here then?"
"Well I was…wondering how it was done."
Draco sputtered, clutching his chest. "How what was done?!"
"Um…kissing. I wanted to see how it was done."
Draco took a deep breath and calmed himself down. Merlin, he did have a corrupted mind.
"Is this about that girl?"
The boy flushed slightly and nodded. "Isabelle."
"Aha!" said Draco, grinning proudly. "So you won her over then? Is she going to meet you up here?"
"Well no…not exactly."
"Not…exactly? I really should have talked to you about this sooner," Draco said thoughtfully, looking at the boy like he was a child.
"No, I mean. I still haven't told her about how I felt. I wanted to come up here to see…not just to see kissing…but to see how you tell a girl how you feel."
"I see. Well, I've met Isabelle actually. Well, Granger has actually."
"Granger? The Head Girl?" the boy asked immediately, looking up at him.
"Um…yes," Draco looked at him curiously. "Do you know her?"
"No. I heard some of your friends mention her actually, and Isabelle mentioned her though, the other day, when I was teasing her about her eyes."
Draco raised an eyebrow at him. "Her eyes? Why, are they crossed?"
"They are most certainly not!" Hermione's voice pierced through the semi-darkness, making both Draco and Andrew jump about a foot in the air. Draco looked towards Hermione who was glaring at Draco, then he noticed the small girl next to him, whose cheeks were tear-stained but whose eyes were a deep violet blue that Draco could find no fault in.
He turned to Andrew. "Well? What's wrong with them then?"
Andrew shook his head, looking towards Isabelle. "Nothing. They're the prettiest eyes I've ever seen."
"Oh," was the soft reply, that came from Isabelle's lips. "But then why do you always make fun of me…"
Andrew raked his fingers through his hair, looking ashamed. "My brothers are all like that. I got it from them mostly. And well…" Andrew looked up at Draco through his fringe. "Draco treats her that way too."
Hermione looked up at Draco, who in turn looked at Andrew questioningly. Understanding the look, Andrew continued,
"I overheard your friends in the Common Room, talking about it. One of them said that you had a thing for her—for Granger," Andrew nodded his head towards Hermione.
"My friends?" Draco echoed softly, wondering who on earth could know about his feelings for Hermione. Besides, did he even have any friends? Perhaps they needed to be more careful.
Isabelle looked up at Hermione. "He likes you?" Hermione blushed and looked at Draco, who smiled back at her. Hermione walked forward with Isabelle and stood behind her as she gazed at Andrew. Draco took her hands in his and brought them to his lips, gazing into her eyes.
"Yes, Isabelle. I like her very much."
Andrew smiled and turned his attention back to Isabelle, who was still looking at Hermione in Draco in awe. When Hermione broke her gaze from Draco's, she looked down at Andrew.
"Do you have something to say to Isabelle, Andrew?"
Andrew gulped , nodded, and stepped forward, wringing his hands nervously. "I teased you because I wanted to get your attention. I thought it'd be safer, considering I'm in Slytherin. It's been known that Gryffindors don't like Slytherins much…" he trailed off, shooting a glance at Hermione and Draco. He felt bolder, and pushed on, "so I thought I'd just do whatever I could instead…but I heard from a girl in Ravenclaw who overheard a girl in Gryffindor speaking to one of your friends that they had heard you crying the other day in the Girl's washroom…over me. I should have thought that it'd hurt you and I'm very sorry. I wish I could do it all over again really, I really—"
"I had a feeling you did," Isabelle said quietly. "I just wasn't sure." She smiled at him and he smiled back. Isabelle turned to Hermione and asked her quietly, "How long did it take you to get over all the insults? Can you really just forget that easily?"
Hermione looked at Draco who suddenly got a doubtful look on his face. Hermione rolled her eyes and bent down slightly. "Draco has been insulting me since our first year. It's now our 7th and final year. We're…together now," Hermione said softly, as though she too had a hard time believing it, "and he's still insulting me. It just gets old and you realize that there's more to life than bickering and feuds. We all need to work together in order to survive the upcoming war. Besides, when love hits you, you're not likely to let a history of childish adolescent fights get in your way."
Hermione stood up to her full height and leaned into Draco's embrace, placing a soft kiss on his mouth. "Wouldn't give him up for anything now."
The shock from the statement was obvious on Draco's face. She had admitted freely and openly, in front of witnesses no less that she wanted him and she'd even fight to keep him. Draco had never felt so bloody happy that he scooped her up in his arms and twirled her around. Andrew and Isabelle laughed happily for them, their hands intertwining automatically.
When Hermione and Draco broke apart and looked at their two young friends, they realized that they were sharing their first kiss. Hermione and Draco grinned cheekily at each other. When the two broke apart, they were both blushing and breathing heavily.
"Alright you two, it's past your bed times," Hermione said sternly, shooing them along.
"But Hermione! We finally worked things out and you want us to go to sleep?" Isabelle whined, gripping onto Andrew's hand tightly. Andrew looked put out as well. Draco grinned behind his hand at the frustrated look on his face. Oh he knew the feeling.
"Now Isabelle, I already said I wouldn't take points away," Hermione reasoned, moving between the two, her hands on each other their shoulders. "So I'll trust that you both can escort yourselves back to your respective dormitories," Hermione stressed, but the wink gave her away.
The two of them grinned like children and scurried away from the Tower and out of sight. When Hermione could no longer hear their footsteps, she turned around—
—Only to smack right into Draco's chest. She chuckled softly when she raised her face to his and he grinned at her, brushing his mouth across her jaw.
"I knew there was a reason I wanted you. You're crafty. And I think you're slipping, Granger—letting those two randy teenagers run around the castle at such a later hour. I don't think the Headmaster will be pleased."
"Well then what Professor Dumbledore doesn't know, can't hurt him, hmm?" she kissed him soundly and that shut him up for a good five minutes until they finally pulled away. They walked towards the ledge where they peered down into the darkness of the night. They looked up at the stars and sighed happily in each other's arms.
"It's a bit unbelievable if you ask me," Hermione murmured quietly, her head resting against Malfoy's shoulder.
"I didn't ask you," Draco whispered teasingly against her ear, nipping at it playfully.
"And no one thought to ask me!"
Hermione and Draco whipped around and their eyes locked on a familiar figure. Tall, red haired and an incredibly angry face.
Hermione took a moment to calm herself before saying, "Ron, I told you to stay in the Common Room. You told me you were going to bed!"
"Well I changed my mind." Hermione squinted, shaking her head slightly. The voice didn't sound like Ron's. It was all wrong. Hermione looked at Draco questioningly, but Draco was staring at the red head like he had grown two heads.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Draco asked voice cold as ice. Hermione looked at Ron, thinking he'd make some ridiculous comment like "Shut up Ferret!" and then a few stray hexes would be cast and they could all go to bed like nothing had ever happened.
"I love you! And you're with that mudblood."
Now that she wasn't expecting. "Ron, how could you—"
But Draco cut her off, "It's not Weasley! It's—"
"SHUT UP!" the figure screamed and before Hermione could do anything, a stunning spell hit Draco square in the chest and knocked him so far backwards that he toppled over the side and plummeted towards the ground.
"NO!" Hermione screamed, her shout echoing through the castle and onto the grounds surrounding the castle.
The shock of it was so powerful that she collapsed onto the ground, the sound of a speeding broom and two sets of footsteps behind her fading away into nothingness.
Please review!
Madi Black