Chapter Eleven- Awkward
Hermione could hear Ginny's sharp intake of breath and as she turned around she saw the look of mixed surprise and shock on her friends face. If it hadn't been a serious moment she would've laughed, but she kept quiet as her face flamed hotter. They remained that way for several seconds before Ginny finally spoke, saying,
"I can't believe it."
Nodding she felt a sigh of relief as she looked over and saw Ginny shaking her head smiling.
"I always thought he hated you though?" she whispered as if he could hear them.
"I had too, but I guess he did that to cover up what he truly felt."
Remembering back to their conversation in the Shrieking Shack she couldn't help but smile. Although it was only hours ago when it had happened, it seemed like this afternoon had spanned several days.
"Wow." Ginny responded after a few moments of silence.
As the clock rang Ginny jumped up off the bed and said, "Let's head to dinner, I'm sure Harry is wondering what happened to both of us now."
Heading towards the Great Hall they were silent as people kept walking around. She was grateful for Ginny keeping quiet, she was surprised at all the late comers for dinner. As they walked she could see the surprise and irritation on Ginny's face as they weren't able to talk how they wanted to.
Reaching they doors they looked for Harry and spotting him starting walking towards him. She was debating if she should tell Ginny to not tell Harry yet when Ginny whispered to her, "I won't say anything. I'll let you tell Harry yourself."
Smiling her thanks they sat down on either side of Harry and Hermione couldn't help but notice her clear view of the Slytherin table. As she began to fill her plate she heard Neville, who was sitting across from her, ask,
"What happened to you Hermione?"
Before she could answer Ginny said, "She had to stop back at Honeydukes. It's my fault I forgot that I asked her to pick up some Chocolate Frogs for me."
Harry looked between both Ginny and Hermione, and as she tried to keep her cool she saw Neville nod and say, "Oh. Ok."
Continuing to get food she knew that Ginny had been able to convince Neville, but Harry did not look convinced. She tried not to look at him as they continued on with supper, but as it progressed and her glances from Harry were increasing. It wasn't until Ginny started a conversation with him that gave her the window of opportunity to scan the Slytherin table searching for Draco.
When she found him, he was looking at her smiling, and as she smiled back she felt her face grow warm once more. Looking down at her plate to hide her face she glanced up once more to see Draco smile slightly before continue eating.
Licking her lips she took a sip of pumpkin juice and as Ginny stood up to answer a friends question Harry leaned over towards her whispering, "What really happened Hermione?"
Her head quickly snapped up as she looked at Harry and knew her assumptions were right that he hadn't bought Ginny's lie about her getting Chocolate Frogs. Sighing, she looked down at her plate and feeling another set of eyes on her saw Draco frowning slightly as he glanced between her and Harry. Suddenly she heard Harry say, "Ah."
Looking at him she wondered what he meant when Ginny sat back down and they resumed eating. But she didn't feel hungry anymore. Pushing her food around on her plate she sighed heavily before pushing the plate away and looking over at her friends said, "I'm feeling tired. I'll see you guys in the Common Room."
Nodding Harry was the first to pipe up as he held Ginny's hand and said, "Alright. We'll meet you up there."
Confused about what her best friend knew, she started making her way towards the doors, and she didn't have to glance at the Slytherin table to know she had another set of eyes watching her.
Draco watched as Hermione left the Great Hall. He could tell her face was a little flushed. Looking over at Potter he frowned slightly wondering what had happened, but as soon as he looked over he caught Potter's gaze and after a few tense moments he saw him smile and nod towards the door where Hermione had left. He nodded once, and pushing his plate away got up and slowly followed after Hermione. He had to remember to thank Potter one day, not only for saving his life, but giving him a chance.
As he walked down the corridor he wondered where she could've gone. He kept his eyes keen on any slight movement and as if on a whim headed up towards the Astronomy Tower. It seemed all but too obvious, but he wasn't sure if she would be there or had indeed gone back to her Common Room.
Reaching the stairs he took two at a time as he climbed his way up. The air felt cooler the more he climbed and as he reached the top he found Hermione standing in front of the windowsill. Pausing he wondered if he should say anything, when she turned around and smiled at him. Closing the distance between them he wrapped her in a hug and holding her close couldn't help but worry if she was alright.
"Are you ok?" he whispered in her ear.
He felt her head nod, she looked up at him and said, "Just hold me."
Smiling he pulled he close and as they stood there he felt a little awkward, but as he gently stroked her back and cradled her head gently against his chest. He could feel her breathing slow and felt the gentle rise and fall of her chest. She felt so warm and perfect against him that it was as if she were made for him.
"I should go." She said softly after they had remained that way for awhile.
Nodding he knew that she must, he was sure the Weasley girl and Potter would be waiting for her, but he didn't want to let her go. After several minutes of heated debate within his mind he let her go and before letting go of her completely kissed her cheek and smiling at her surprised face said,
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight." She whispered softly, slowly making her way down the stairs.
Watching her retreating figure Draco waited until he could no longer hear her steps when he turned around and looked out over the grounds. Rain was starting to pick up again, and as the steady clink of rain fell down on the roof he slowly turned and headed down the stairs going to his dormitory.
As he walked down the corridors his mind got to thinking and as he reached the entrance to the Slytherin Common Room he smiled and as he walked inside after giving the password headed towards his room looking forward to the rest of the night.
Hermione took her time as she headed back towards the Common Room. A clock rang out in the distance and listening couldn't believe that it was after hours already. Hurrying along she made it to the Fat Lady and as she entered was surprised at the people still awake. Some had bags of candy that they had bought earlier on tables, others were singing, some playing wizard chess and other games.
Meandering her way around, she headed upstairs and as she entered the girls dormitory headed towards her bed. Changing once more behind the screen into her pajamas she laid down and as she pulled the covers up to her head, could still smell Draco on her. She didn't notice it before, but he smelled of spice and earth and something all of his own.
As he had held her earlier she had been breathing in his smells, taking in as much as she could about him, and as she laid there she could almost feel his arms still holding her, and his lips gently kissing her cheek.
A sudden bounce on the bed shook her from her musings as Star came up and snuggled beside her, stretching her long thin body next to her. Starting to feel sleepy she placed a hand on Star's soft coat and drifted off to sleep.
Trees and dried grass was surrounding her. Tall thick pines with long needles and heavy pine cones were everywhere, their dried old needles surrounding the base of the trees. Trees half covered with different colored leaves broke up the sea of green. Tall golden grass that was thigh high was thick and damp as it collected dried leaves from the trees above. Remnants of wildflowers and weeds were everywhere doting the landscape with their ranging dark brown hues.
There was a house in the distance. It was run down, but somehow seemed different. She walked towards it, coming up the lane towards the front door. The paint was peeling off of everything like bark on a tree. Shutters that had once looked to have been nailed shut were pried open, revealing the broken panes of glass windows.
Looking at the front door, she could see the way the weather had warped and weathered it as it looked ready to fall any minute. Reaching out she was surprised as she pushed it aside it swung freely open. Stepping inside the dark interior that once was dark and dusty seemed clean, and bright as the windows let in the light from the overcast day.
As she looked around she saw a roaring fire in the fireplace warming up the drafty room. Standing before it she reached out her hands warming them by the heat radiating from it. A sound came from her right, and looking towards the stairs saw a figure descending. He was wearing a white shirt that was unbuttoned at the collar, but tucked into his black pants. His hair was not slicked back, but was messy looking as if he had taken his hand and raked through it.
She smiled as he slowly came towards her. He raised his hand towards her motioning for her to take it. Feeling no hesitation she reached out and was met with a warm hand pulling her close. The other hand went around her waist as he put her hand on his chest and gently stroked her cheek.
Closing her eyes, shivers coursed through her body as he traced her jaw with his fingers and his thumb brushed across her lips. After a few seconds she felt him move as he bent down and softly placed his lips on hers. Wrapping her arms around his shoulders she pulled him close and all feeling of awkwardness left her as in her dreams Hermione kissed Draco in the middle of the Shrieking Shack.
