Part XII:
The Hiding Place:
Draco opened his eyes, briefly, and the first thing he saw was a wand pointed right at his chest. He sat upright so quickly, that he woke Hermione. It was so dark in the room, that he could not yet see who was at the other end. He instinctively put his arm across her body. "Get out of bed, quickly," the voice on the other end of the wand, said. The voice was familiar. It was Don Boot.
"What the hell is going on here?" Draco asked.
"I have to get you out of here. Take you somewhere safe. I am afraid even with Paul in a coma you are in danger here," he told them.
Hermione asked, "Where are we going?"
"Back to Shell Cottage, it's all arranged with Bill. He is sending his wife and daughter to his parent's house. We will be at the cottage as well, on the outside, protecting you," he said.
"How can we trust you?" Draco asked. He honestly wanted to know. He had been thinking about things for the last few days. He did not trust anyone anymore.
"Draco," Don said, "I know you have a lot of questions, and you deserve answers. I will give them to you, but for now, we have to get you out of here. It's almost 2:00 in the morning."
Draco asked, "How is that significant? Nothing has happened to Hermione in weeks."
Hermione looked down at the bed. He stood up and said, "Granger, are you still being woken up at 2:15 in the morning? Are there more injuries?"
"Listen, Draco, it just started again. Since I have been in the hospital. But there's been no injuries, just bad dreams, that I can't remember," she admitted.
"Why would this just start up again since you've been in here?" he asked.
Don answered, "Because, Paul has been the one guarding her at night. Nick believes, and I am sure he is right, that Salazar did not just leave you suddenly. We think he has been facilitating between you two. Paul was here each night, in the hall, guarding Hermione, so Salazar has had access to her."
"DAMN!" Draco yelled.
Don said, "Calm down, Draco. If I had known any of this, do you really think I would have put her in danger? I am concerned as well, for both Hermione and my brother. Now come on, it's almost 2:10!" He pulled Draco aside, and stepped up to the bed. He picked Hermione up effortlessly, and told Draco, "Meet you there."
They arrived at Shell Cottage in the dead of night. Don gave Hermione to Bill, who carried her into the living room. Draco followed. Don started walking the parameter of the yard. Draco asked Bill, "What is he doing?"
"Checking the wards, to make sure no one can enter," Bill said.
"Does that include spirits?" Draco shouted, "Because if it doesn't, I don't know what the point is."
"Draco, calm down, please," Hermione said. She seemed to be in pain.
Bill said, "Draco, take her up to our room. I have the bed ready for her. I am going back to Hogwarts tonight, and I will tell the Headmistress that you and Don will be absent for a while. If you don't mind, I would really like to fill Minerva in on everything."
"I don't give a rat's arse what you do," Draco said, plopping down on a chair. His elbows were on his knees, and his knees were shaking up and down. He was a bundle of nervous energy.
"Draco, take Hermione upstairs," Bill repeated.
"Go to hell," Draco said.
"Draco, will you please help me up the stairs. I think I can walk, I just need help," Hermione asked, swinging her legs around to the floor.
He walked up to the couch and said, "Make me feel guilty, will you?" He bent down and picked her up. He walked them up the stairs. Bill called out that he would return tomorrow afternoon.
Draco laid her gently on the bed. He sat beside her and said, "Why didn't you tell me that the dreams started again?"
"I haven't really seen you much. The worst thing is that I get so cold every night. I know it is close to winter, but it is not that kind of cold. It is the type of cold that starts on the inside, not the outside. I cannot explain it. The healers were beginning to think I had been cursed or something," she said.
"Are you cold tonight?"
"No, I'm not, and that's a good sign, don't you think?" she asked.
He stood up and went to the window. It was so black outside that he could not see a thing. It was raining. He continued to stare, at nothing at all. She said, "Draco, come to bed. I'm tired."
"I'm tired too," he said, not looking at her. He was not physically tired. He was mentally tired. He wanted this to end. He was afraid of how it might end.
"Draco?" she said again.
"Go to sleep, little one," he commanded. His voice did not sound soothing. She could tell there was an edge to his words. She felt like crying. She felt as if it was all her fault. The cup. It all went back to the cup. She could not keep the sobs inside any longer. She whimpered softly. Of course, he heard her. He just did not know what to do or say. He acted as if he did not hear. He continued to look out at the dark night.
Hermione finally closed her eyes and pulled the covers up to her chin. "Draco, do you ever regret falling in love with me?"
At that, he turned around. He looked directly in her beautiful brown eyes. "Truthfully?" he asked.
"Please," she begged.
"Never," he said honestly. "Please, get some sleep." He sat down in a chair that was in the corner of the room.
She shut her eyes. She started to cry again. She felt out of control, but mostly, she felt like she was losing Draco. He was so distant. He turned out the light. She cried louder. She could not help it. She felt his weight on the bed beside her. He kicked off his shoes. He stayed on the outside of the covers, but he pulled her closer to him.
"I love you, Granger. I am sorry I am behaving badly. I don't know what to think or feel right now, but I've told you before, never doubt my feelings for you," he said softly, caressing her hair.
"I feel like I'm losing you," she said, "and I feel just as confused and out of control as you do." It was almost as if she was chastising him. He deserved it. He kissed her forehead. She looked at him, trying to see his expression, but the room was too dark.
"Please, go to sleep now," he said.
"Will you stay in the bed with me?" Hermione asked.
Draco joked, "As long as you don't try to take advantage of me. I'm too tired for sex right now."
"Ha!" she said. "I bet you could abstain from sleep for a week, and not be too tired for sex." She had a point. He yawned. She followed. "Goodnight, Draco." He didn't return her goodnight, for he knew their good nights had possibly ended, and may never return.
Burnt Toast and a Bath:
That morning, Draco brought a breakfast tray up to Hermione. She stretched slightly and said, "Yum, breakfast."
"You had better taste it before you judge, for I'm a terror in the kitchen," he said. The breakfast did look odd. The toast burnt, the eggs runny, and the orange juice had more pulp then juice. She frowned and he said, "I told you."
"I think I can manage to fix us something," she said, trying to get out of bed. He put the tray down and put his hands on her shoulders.
"No, you are convalescing!" he almost yelled.
He picked up the tray, and walked out in the hall. He came back a second later with a tray of food that looked and smelled delicious. Two eggs, over easy, toast, just right, meat, jams, jellies, scones, perfectly squeezed orange juice, and a cup of tea.
"You didn't make this," she said, as he placed the tray on her lap.
"How do you know?" he said. She glared at him. "Fine, I really did make the first tray. Then, Mrs. Weasley stopped by and saw my feeble attempt at breakfast, and made you this. She fed me as well. I have to say, she's an excellent cook," he said, stealing a scone.
"What if I had started to eat the first tray?" she asked, taking a bite of egg.
"Then I would have known that you love me. Now I know you don't. It's good to know these things," he laughed.
"Maybe the fact that you tried to feed me that rubbish means you don't love me," she countered.
"Point taken, tuck in," he said. He walked out of the room and said, "I'm going to take a shower."
"Oh, that reminds me," Hermione said, "I might need help bathing. My leg is still weak, so I have trouble standing and walking, and my range of movement is terrible. I can wash myself, I just need help in and out of the tub."
"Come take a shower with me," he grinned.
"What if I said, okay?" she asked.
"I wouldn't mind," he said, adding, "Are you up for that?"
"Bathing?" she asked, taking a bite of her sausage now.
"No, sex," he frowned. Wasn't it obvious that he meant sex?
"You couldn't bathe with me without having sex?" she asked, smiling at him.
"I doubt it," he said.
"Then to answer your question, no, I don't think I'm up for that. Maybe Mrs. Weasley can come over and help me, or Ginny," she said. She felt full as a tick. She put the tray beside her on the bed, not able to take one more bite.
"No, I can help you, seriously. You should bathe first, though, for I will need a cold shower afterwards," he said.
"Okay, help me up," she gave him her hand.
He helped her to the bathroom. She said, "I need some privacy first. Maybe you could find me something to wear. I do not have any clothes here. Do you?"
"No, but Bill won't mind if I borrow something, however, we might need to modify Fleur's clothing. She is an Amazon next to you. You are so tiny," he grinned.
"Whatever," she said with a roll of her eyes. She was not that small. She was average, if anything.
She went to the loo, and found a new toothbrush in the medicine cabinet. She hoped that Bill would not mind her using it. She brushed her teeth and combed out her hair. She would not ask Draco to help her wash her hair. That was asking too much.
"Granger, may I come in yet?" he asked from the outside.
"Enter," she said.
He brought in two towels and washcloths. She sat on the lid of the closed toilet, as he turned on the faucets. He put the plug in the tub, and sat on the side, with his hand moving back and forth under the stream of water. He adjusted the faucets, more cold, and then more hot, until the water was just right. He put his hand back under the spigot, and splashed her with water.
"Hey!" she declared.
"You are going to get wetter than that," he reasoned. He removed his shirt and slacks. He was in his boxers. She looked at him oddly. He said, "Don't worry, I promise not to molest you. I just don't want my clothes all wet, all right?"
She nodded and started to unbutton her nightgown. There were so many little buttons. He turned off the water and kneeled down to help her. When the last button was unbuttoned, He helped her stand. He moved the material of the gown off her shoulders. She stood in all her glory, in only a pair of knickers. This would be difficult, he thought. He was already growing hard at the sight of her. He loved and desired her so much. Enough that he could do this, he could. He knew he could.
He bent down and removed her knickers. She blushed. He smiled widely and said, "I've seen you naked before, Granger. In fact, I have every mole, freckle, and dimple memorized."
She stepped over to the tub. He helped her step over the side. She sat down in the water, and he got on his knees, on the outside of the tub. He took the washcloth, and moved the soap back and forth over the wet terry cloth. When there were plenty of suds, he placed the washcloth on her bare back. He moved it in small circles. It felt heavenly. After washing her back, and shoulders, he told her to lean back. He washed her face, neck and arms. He put more soap on the cloth. He looked at her stomach. The scar was still present, but faded slightly. He washed under each breast, and then the tops. He paid special attention to them. With her eyes closed, he took the opportunity to lean in for a kiss. Her lips were soft and wet from the water. He continued washing her. He picked up one leg, washing it up and down, and then the other. The other leg still had some bruising, from the fracture. He was careful when he placed it back in the water. He put the cloth in the tub, and took a cup. Without warning, he put a cup full of water on her head. She opened her eyes and said, "Are you going to wash my hair?"
"Isn't that okay?" he asked.
"That would be wonderful," she admitted.
He stood up and removed his shorts. She opened one eye again and said, "You don't need that thing to wash my hair."
He looked down at his erection, and said, "I might." Then he laughed and said, "Scoot up. I'm getting in with you. I can reach your head better."
She doubted his intentions, and said, "It's not MY head I'm worried about."
He said, "Gee, Granger made a joke, will wonders never cease."
She would have said something smart back to him, but he was being unbearably sweet, so she shrugged, and moved forward. He came to sit behind her in the tub, the water swooshing around.
He put one more cup full of water over her head, and then took the shampoo, and worked it into a lather. He had always wanted to wash her hair. He didn't have a hair fetish, or anything. He had more of a 'Hermione fetish'. He just loved everything about her.
She rested her back against his chest. He said, "I can't wash your hair with you this close."
"Too bad, can't move, sleepy and relaxed," she answered cryptically. He smiled. He took one hand and pushed gently on her back, moving her up slightly. He rinsed her hair several times. When he finished, he reached forward, bending her body forward, and he turned on the water again. He took the cup and rinsed her hair three more times, with warm, clear water. He put the cup down, turned off the water, and reclined back, bringing her with him. He had his right arm across her chest, holding her shoulder. His left arm went around her waist. He kissed her neck, then her ear, then her cheek. She leaned her wet head on his shoulder and looked back at him.
"You give an excellent, bath, Malfoy," she said.
"I want extra credit for how much control I showed. If you were one hundred percent well, I would be shagging you into next week," he said, biting her ear.
"If we are careful, and you are gentle, I don't see the harm," she said, biting her bottom lip.
"Seriously?" he asked.
She turned around in the tub, so she faced him. He moved toward the middle, and she put her legs around him. She sat facing him. "I think we can manage."
Drowning:
She initiated the next kiss. She had missed him as much as he missed her. She felt his erection, hard and upright against her bare belly. He plunged his tongue deep in her mouth, and moaned.
"Hermione," he said, kissing her neck again. He sucked on the side of her neck; it tasted like the soap he used on her. Sweet and fragrant, he was in over his head. He said, "Are you sure?"
"Please," she said.
Please? "If you say please, well of course," he smiled. His left hand held her back, and his right hand went with his mouth to her left breast. He licked the wet skin, until her nipple was erect. He did the same to the other. As she sat slightly on his lap, with her legs sitting on top of his thighs, straddling him, he reached down and entered her with two fingers. She winced. He thought he caused her pain, so he withdrew.
"No, it's fine. It feels good," she assured him. He kissed her mouth again, warm, wet, and a little confused. He wanted her so much, but he was afraid of hurting her.
He removed his lips from hers and said, "We should wait until you feel better."
"Please," she said again. What was it with her saying please all the time, regarding sex? He could not refuse her. He kissed her and put both hands on her hips, raising her slightly, as well as pushing her slightly back on his thighs. He put his fingers back inside her, moving them up and down. She dropped her head back, and moaned.
"Oh, Granger," he said. He would not last long. He put his hands on her hips once more and placed her on his erect member. The water made for a nice connection. He moved her up and down, so she had to do very little work. She put her hands on his shoulders. Her head fell forward, and then back. He had a brief thought that the movement of her head, back and forth, could not be good on her healing neck.
That was his last coherent thought.
She moaned again, and he grimaced. It would be soon. Very, very soon. His legs shook, and he moved her up and down just twice more. She almost fell backwards in the tub when they climaxed. It took all his determination and strength to hold her upright. When finished, they embraced each other, his arms around hers, her arms tucked under his. His hands went up and down her back. Her cheek was on his shoulder. She looked at his scar. Thank goodness, it was fading.
He said, "We need another bath."
She said, "I think I would die if we had another bath."
He laughed and said, "A real bath."
"Oh, yes, sure, whatever. Do whatever you want. I, on the other hand, can't move," she said, pulling her legs out from around his waist, turning back around, and relaxing her back against his chest. He took his wand from the floor and warmed the water.
"Take a little nap," he suggested.
"I might drown, if I nap in the tub," she smiled.
"Would I let you drown?" he asked with a smile.
All of the sudden, she got a flash of one of her dreams. Drowning. Cold water. Going under the water, and darkness. She started hyperventilating. He had his eyes closed, and did not even realize at first. She said, "I can't breath." He opened his eyes, and looked down at her face. She looked scared.
He stood up quickly, and bent down and picked her up out of the tub. He wrapped a towel around her. She stood there, taking short, little breaths.
"What's going on with you?" he asked her, scared.
"Help me, Draco," she said, also scared.
What was he supposed to do?
