DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.
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A/N: Thank you for the reviews. And yes, I included the song "Beauty and the Beast" because of Emma Watson. When I wrote Chapter 9 months ago, I found out that Tom Felton went to the movie premier with A SINGLE RED ROSE, probably for Emma. XD
I'm quite busy with my other story, SAVELIUS, but I appreciate your reviews.
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CHAPTER 11: A LETTER FROM HARRY
The following morning, when Hermione made her way out of the portrait hole, she saw Draco leaning his back on the wall, waiting. First thing she noticed was the satchel on his shoulder with embroidery of his constellation, the great dragon. It's the one she gave for his birthday months ago. He caught her looking at the bag, but said nothing. Instead, they just exchanged smiles.
"Morning," he greeted cheerfully, which is very unusual, Hermione thought. For six years, she has never seen Draco Malfoy speak with her cheerfully unless it comes after insults or bad news. But this man, this Draco Malfoy standing in front of her is a new man; a changed man.
"Morning," she greeted back. He reached out for her and took her satchel. He's now carrying two bags on his left shoulder. His right hand reached for Hermione's left.
"Thanks, but you don't have to carry my bag, you know," she said thoughtfully.
"I know. But I want to. So, where are we sitting today? Gryffindor or Slytherin?" he asked as they made their way to the Great Hall. There are already a lot of students by the corridor, also making their way for breakfast.
"Gryffindor," she answered.
Though they don't hear murmurs, Hermione can see the shock in her fellow students' faces, seeing her with Draco Malfoy. Some shot them curious glances, some girls giggled; some looked at Draco with disgust (and Hermione glowered at them). But it seems that Draco pretended as if nothing happened; as if there are just the two of them.
When they arrived in the Great Hall, she took led him to the Gryffindor table. They occupied the space at the end of the table, near the entrance door. As they settled there, most of the Slytherins were looking at her angrily. She guessed that perhaps, even if the war ended and Voldemort is dead, these Pureblood Slytherins still wouldn't dare to touch a Mudblood like her.
"Oh, shite!"
Hermione's attention returned to Draco. "Why?" she asked.
"The Heads are giving schedules. I should go to the other table first. Will be right back," he explained, giving her hand a light squeeze. Draco hurriedly sat beside Blaise Zabini who just arrived.
The new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor and Head of Gryffindor House, Hestia Jones came to their house table, giving away their schedules. Hestia gave her a friendly smile. Hermione met her three years ago in Grimmauld Place; she's a member of the Order of the Phoenix.
She studied her schedule carefully. She got Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Ancient Runes, Astronomy, Arithmancy and History of Magic.
"Wow, we almost have the same classes."
She turned to Draco who's now sitting beside her, holding his own class schedule. "I don't have Ancient Runes and History of Magic, though."
"Do we have the same schedule?" she asked, comparing the two schedules. "Yes, we have."
"Well, that's great. We can study together," he said casually. Draco pushed a bowl of porridge towards her. "Eat, love."
And she froze. What did he call her? 'Love'? It's like music to her ears, and the sweetest thing her ever said to her. She slowly tilted her head to face him. He started eating and realized that she was staring.
"Something wrong? Don't you like porridge?" He reached out for bacon and eggs. "Would you like bacon and eggs instead?"
"No, I'm fine," she promptly said.
Draco pushed the eggs and bacon away. "Then, what's wrong?" he asked in a concerned tone, placing both of his hands on her shoulder blades.
She beamed and met his concerned look. "Nothing. It's just that… you called me something. "
Draco smirked. "You mean, I called you 'love'?"
She nodded. "It's just so strange. For six years, you never sat here with Gryffindors. You never went to our tower. You never cared for me." There was no bitterness in her tone.
"I did. I cared for you, I just didn't want to admit it. Do you remember the Quidditch World Cup?"
She tried to recall which incident he's referring to.
"When I asked you to keep your head down, so that the Death Eaters won't see you?" he said.
Her eyebrows furrowed, trying to remember. "Oh, yeah… Er, sorry for talking about the past," she apologized, looking down to her lap.
Draco raised her chin gently. "No. I'm sorry. I gave you a hard time for six years. Now, why don't you eat and then let's get ready for Herbology?" he suggested.
She smiled and stroked Draco's nose with her index finger. "Sorry for the punch I gave you in third year."
Draco's eyebrows rose. "Do you see the scar?"
"What scar?" she asked.
He held her finger and pointed it to the space between his eyes. "Your remembrance."
Hermione stared carefully. Draco's skin is very pale. At first, she didn't see anything. But then, there was it, a very small round-shaped scar, between his eyes. "I did this?"
"Yeah. You're the first person in the world who damaged my flawless skin, you know."
"I'm sorry. You were very unfortunate that time because I wore the fancy ring Mum gave me. But I don't wear it anymore."
"That explains the scar."
She smirked. "Well, I have plenty of time to make it up to you, right?"
"Absolutely," he said and turned to his food again. She started eating, too. Ginny arrived and sat on her other side. Blaise Zabini approached Draco and they asked him to join. Hermione introduced him to Ginny and they seem quite friendly with each other.
After breakfast, Draco and Hermione made their way to the greenhouse for Herbology. On the way, several pairs of eyes were on them, particularly a gang of Slytherins, whispering, but enough for them to hear, that she used a love potion on Draco Malfoy.
Draco, whose right hand was wrapped around her shoulders, let go and turned to the Slytherin gang angrily. "Don't you know it's rude to stare and talk behind people?"
The younger Slytherins jumped at the sound of his voice, but they didn't show any shock or fear. They just stared at him blankly.
"Draco, that's enough!" said Hermione sternly.
Draco glared at the Slytherins once more before turning towards Hermione, placing his right hand on her right shoulder and pulling her closer. They continued to walk.
"Draco, you don't have to sneer or glare at every student who pronounces their dislike on our relationship," she said calmly.
"They bother you," he protested.
"No, they don't," she said with assurance. "And please don't get yourself in trouble. I can't stand weekends if you're in detention."
"If you say so," he sighed and gave in.
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Hermione,
I hope you are doing fine, before anything else.
Just so you know, I'm not really keeping tabs on you. But Ron is. Apparently, he's doing it by looking at the map and he saw your dot is always beside Malfoy's. By the look of it, you're always physically close.
Do I have to be worried?
Love,
Harry
Hermione let out a heavy sigh, re-reading Harry's letter for the third time. Does she have to tell them now about her relationship with Draco? It's been two weeks since the term started. Everything is going well between her and Draco. Most of their schoolmates were shocked, seeing Hermione Granger—the brightest witch of her age and a war heroine—with Draco Malfoy, a Slytherin Pureblood and former Death Eater. Of course, people are talking behind their back; some are saying that she used a very powerful Love Potion on Draco Malfoy to make him fall in love with her. Some would say that one of them is under the Imperius Curse, which was really more stupid than the Love Potion rumour. She throws them irate glances and they would look away—one of the perks of being a war heroine and member of what people called 'The Great Gryffindor Trio.'
On the other hand, Hermione is glad that more logical people believe that their love is true and that people can change for the better. All of their professors are pleased to see Draco on Hermione's side most of the time. They have almost the same classes and they always study together in the library. Surprisingly, Draco is also brilliant and grade-conscious, just like her. Sometimes, when they do their homework together in the library, they're just both immersed and wouldn't get up until it's closing time. One time, in their Potions class, Draco was able to beat Hermione by three points. Of course, she wasn't offended. She's glad that Draco is really doing well.
"Is everything all right?" Draco asked, not looking at the letter in her hand, but not reading. He's sitting beside her.
Hermione's thoughts drifted back to the present. Today, they're eating breakfast at the Slytherin table with Blaise Zabini—Draco's only real friend in the house—Luna (who is already hanging out with Blaise) and Ginny.
"Not really. But I can handle this, don't worry; just the boys," she answered and met Ginny's quizzical gaze who's sitting in front of her, beside Blaise.
"Harry and Ron?" she asked under her breath.
"Yes," she replied. "I thought, they assumed already that Draco and I are in a relationship?"
Ginny shrugged. "Only Ron assumed. But Harry thought, if you have a special relationship with Malfoy, you'll let them know."
"So, what do they think now?" she asked.
"You're just friends."
She gave a heavy sigh and reached for her bag to get a quill and parchment. "I'll just write a quick reply," she muttered.
Harry,
I'm doing fine so please stop worrying. And please tell Ron to stop keeping an eye on me on the map. Merlin, if he doesn't stop what he's doing and if his girlfriend finds out, I'll be in trouble and I won't speak with him for a while. I don't want to be the reason of their argument. Please, trust me. We've been through a lot already. Give me some credit. If I survived the war, well, I can take care of myself at Hogwarts regardless who I have been spending time with.
Love,
Hermione
P.S.
Ginny's fine with this whole Draco thing. Relieved? Say hi to Ron.
To her surprise, Pigwidgeon the owl is still waiting at the table, so she rolled the parchment and tied it carefully on the owl's leg. "Thanks, Pigwidgeon," she muttered to the owl and it left.
"Another telling off from your brothers?" asked Draco in a light tone.
Hermione gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry about that."
"I don't blame them for not trusting me. But I hope they will trust you enough to take your word," he remarked. "Did you tell them already about us?"
She shook her head. "Not yet. I wish to tell them personally."
"Yes, that's a good idea. If you put it into writing, they might come here unexpectedly," he smirked.
"Honestly, those two are treating Hermione as if she cannot handle herself!" Ginny frowned and looked at Draco, Luna and Blaise. "Well, if you take a look, all those years, Hermione's been taking care of them like an unappreciated mother."
Draco and Blaise laughed out loud while Luna just listened intently. Then Draco turned to Hermione. "Unappreciated mother? Seriously, love?"
She frowned and didn't say anything. Ginny answered. "Oh, she always monitored their study periods and revised their essays and other homework. When they planned the Horcrux hunt, she packed their things. She's the one who had been looking for something to eat for the three of them. She cooked for them and heals their wounds. She's a mother, a cook, a healer and a walking library."
The two men continued to laugh. Hermione blushed. This is quite embarrassing. "Ginny…"
"I think Hermione is just willing to do everything because she loves them," said Luna dreamily. Hermione nodded and smiled at her. She appreciated her words.
"And it doesn't bother you? You're Potter's girlfriend," Blaise asked Ginny.
"Never. Hermione and Harry's love for each other is platonic. They're like brother and sister and she's my best friend," Ginny answered. She turned to Draco. "Honestly, I'm glad you're taking care of Hemione; treating her like a princess, not an unappreciated mother."
Draco laughed again. "Seriously, Weasley. You're talking against your brother and boyfriend. Those two might hex me for brainwashing you."
"Ginny," she said quietly. "They're my best friends and I am happy to take care of them. They're just boys…"
"I know you love them, but my point is… they shouldn't be treating you like a kid. They should be glad that Malfoy here is looking after you, treating you like a lady. You don't have to check his homework or essays or his study habits."
"And now you're acting like a mother goose," she said a matter-of-factly. The two men laughed and she smirked. Ginny can really be sometimes like Mrs. Weasley.
"Well, apparently, Weasley, I want a girlfriend, not a mother," Draco said, still laughing.
While the four friends were engaged in a conversation, Hermione thought about Draco's proposal two weeks ago to visit Hogsmead on weekends. It never happened. She immersed herself in studying in advance for her N.E.W.T.s and doing homework. On the other hand, Draco left the school on weekends to meet his mother. Accodring to him, they were working on his inheritance and personal vault in Gringgots. Hermione felt sad. She really wants Draco to take her outside the school grounds, like on a date. But he never did ask her.
After that passionate kiss they had on the first day of the term, Draco didn't do it anymore. He only holds her hands, embrace and kiss her briefly. Though his touch and kisses were full of love and respect, it's not the way she wants. She wants him so badly. Does Draco still want her that much?
Hermione's starting to doubt. Maybe Draco didn't find her that attractive. Or maybe he is hesitant because she has no experience of love making? Or he thinks that she is that conservative? Well, there's only one way in her mind to know the answer. So when evening came, Hermione spoke with Ginny in their dormitory. She told her everything and said: "I need your help."
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For the past two days, Hermione managed to avoid Draco's physical contact as much as possible. In the morning, she whould engage herself in a cheerful conversation with Ginny while eating breakfast until they walk to their classes. During free periods, she would insist on studying in the dormitory, not wanting any distractions or in the Room of Requirement (without Draco's knowledge). Of course he asked if there's something wrong, or if she's mad or angry, or if he did something wrong. She assured him that nothing is wrong.
Friday, a night before Hermione's 19th birthday, she told Draco that she'll be studying again in the Gryffindor Tower. But the truth was, she went to Hogsmead with Ginny for a couple of drinks in Three Broomsticks. She was just intending to drink Butterbeer, but then, Blaise showed up and joined them after Luna Floo'd to her father's house. Blaise ordered Firewhiskey for himself, but even before he could touch his drink, Hermione drank it—to Blaise and Ginny's surprise.
It was bitter and she felt a burning sensation on her throat. Apparently, it is not her favourite drink, and will never be. But after she emptied the glass, she ordered for another one despite Ginny's protests. After two glasses, she felt dizzy and rested her head on the table.
I could sleep here until morning, she thought. She doesn't feel like getting up and going back to the castle and wake up in the morning of her birthday and come face to face with her boyfriend saying he's leaving the school grounds again without her. She never told him when her birthday is. He never asked her too. So perhaps, he won't know it until tomorrow.
"Come on, Hermione, let's go back," Ginny said, helping her on her feet. Ginny stood on her left, wrapping her right hand around Hermione's waist. Blaise did the same on her right. Together, they slowly made their way to the castle.
"What were you thinking, Hermione? Draco will be mad," Blaise mumbled.
"Let him be," she said absentmindedly in a hoarse voice.
"We should let him know," Blaise said again when they finally reached the steps to the entrance hall.
"I'll send him a Patronus," Ginny said. They stopped walking and Ginny held her wand from her pocket, raised it and muttered Expecto Patronum!
A silver horse erupted from the tip of her wand. Ginny spoke. "Draco Malfoy, meet Hermione at the seventh floor corridor. She's in a bad shape."
And when Hermione looked up again, the silver horse was gone.
"That was brilliant, Weasley! How did you learn that?" Blaise asked.
"Fifth year, Umbridge's regime… In Dumbledore's Army. Harry taught us to conjure a Patronus," Ginny explained.
They continued their way to the seventh floor. "Still a horse? Didn't change, eh?" she asked. "But you love Harry… horse doesn't compliment with his Patronus…"
"I don't know why. Maybe because I really didn't change my personality even if I love him that much," Giny said. "And yours is an otter, a part of weasel family."
"Yes… I think it's because of Ron. I don't know if it changed. But I like otters… It also compliments my personality."
"How do you cast a Patronus? Is it as simple as that, muttering 'Expecto Patronum'?" Blaise asked.
"No," Ginny said. "You have to think of a happy memory. Not everyone can cast a corporeal Patronus. Harry told me, among the Death Eaters, only Snape can conjure one."
"I think it would be lovely if I ask Luna to teach me."
"Yes, brilliant," Ginny muttered.
"And you, Hermione, you can teach Draco," Blaise said and she shrugged.
They finally reached the seventh floor corridor. "Hermione, concentrate and ask for the Room of Requirement," Ginny said.
Hermione, with the help of Ginny, walked back and forth thrice in the corridor. After a minute or two, double doors appeared on the wall. Then, they hears hurrying footsteps. Draco rushed to them. "What happened?" he asked anxiously, cupping her face. She met his gray eyes.
"Why are you drunk?" he asked, frowning.
"Ask later, Malfoy. Get her inside before Filch catches us. I can't bring her back to the Tower because the Fat Lady might do a telling-off," said Ginny.
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Draco carried Hermione like a groom carries his bride and muttered his thanks to Ginny and Blaise before entering the Room of Requirement. He was a bit shocked with what he saw. In the middle of the room was an elegant four-poster bed with scarlet hangings but the bed sheet and pillows are green. In the left side of the room was a fireplace. There were also shelves of books, lovers' seat and study table for two. On the right side of the table was the bathroom. He stepped towards the bed and laid his girlfriend carefully.
He noticed that she's still wearing her cloak, so she tried to pull it off carefully. But Hermione wrapped her hands over her chest, embracing herself and curling up in a fetal position. "What on earth were you thinking? Why didn't you tell me you're going to Hogsmead for a couple of drinks?" he asked with annoyance.
"You wouldn't want to know," she mumbled, her eyes still closed. She doesn't look drunk. Perhaps she's just too dizzy. Apparently, she's not used to drinking alcoholic beverages.
"What makes you say that? Of course I want to know!" he argued, pulling her cloak once more, so she can sleep comfortably on the bed.
"Stop pulling off my cloak!"she protested, hugging heself even more.
Draco frowned. "What's wrong, love?" he asked, sitting at the edge of the bed, holding her hand. "You've been avoiding me for two days," he said in a concerned tone. Of course, Draco was hurt when she started taking her hands off him when they walk in the corridors or during meal times. She always walks ahead with Ginny and avoids her touch and kisses.
At first, he thought it's because of Potter's letter which he happen to see in one of her books, lying on the table during Potions class. He asked Ginny what map Potter was referring to. She explained that it was a magical map of Hogwarts made by James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. Ginny sort of admitted that it's one of The Trio's tools in smeaking the past years.
So, Potter and Weasley can really monitor Hermione's whereabouts. They saw his dot always beside hers. "It this because of Potter's letter?"
She glared at him, much to his surprise. "No. It's all because of me," she said coldly.
"Merlin, Granger. Can you explain?! I want to know what's happening to us! As far as I can remember, I didn't do anything—"
"Well, that's the point! Nothing is happening since the first day of the term!" she almost yelled.
Draco was on his feet, looking stunned. He tried to recall the day she was referring to. Of course. Gryffindor Tower; the kiss; the agreement about going to Hogsmead or Diagon Alley on weekends. He combed his har with his fingers.
"I went to Hogsmead tonight without telling you because after two weekends, I thought you don't want to be seen outside Hogwarts with me," she said quietly. She is calm now and looking at the bedspread, hugging her legs.
So this wasn't about the kiss and not making love to her. Draco sat beside Hermione, also leaning on the headboard, pulling her to a hug. "I'm sorry love if you thought it that way," he whispered gently. "I really want to go out with you on weekends, but it's just that I have some things to settle concerning my inheritance and personal account. I want to do these things as early as now because if I do it later, I might juggle between exams and all. I haven't forgotten what we talked about that night. I still want you so badly that it hurts me when you avoided my touch, my kiss. I thought you don't want me anymore. It pains me, you know, because I really want to… uh…" He's lost for words. Was 'make love' the right word to use to Hermione?
She let out a heavy sigh. "I though you changed your mind about wanting me." And even if it's dark, he could see her blush.
He chuckled. "Oh, love. You don't have any idea how much I really want you," he whispered. "But I realized I don't want to rush because I remembered what you told me in Australia… You don't want someone just to snog and shag you. I managed to wait for four months for us to finally be in a relationship. I can wait even a year for you to be prepared with such thing; making love, I mean. I know it'll be your first so… uh, I don't want to, er, rush."
She turned to look at him with an appreciative smile. "Thank you." She brushed her lips against his cheek.
She pulled her closer and closed his eyes. He inhaled the scent of her hair—which smells like strawberries. He enjoyed the feeling of her skin, touching his. Oh, he really wants them to be one. But then, he wants to prove to Hermione that he's not that kind of guy anymore—the one who looks for a trophy girlfriend and shag different girls. He's a changed man, and he's willing to wait until the right time comes.
"Shall we sleep here tonight?" he asked.
"If you want to," she said shyly.
"Are you crazy? Of course, I want to. This is what I just really want—to see you beside me before I sleep and see you again when I wake up in the morning."
Hermione gave him a crooked smile. "I want that, too."
Then, the grandfather clock inside the Room of Requirement rang, announcing it's midnight. "Hey, it's midnight. Happy birthday, love."
"Thank you. This is my best birthday so far."
