Chapter Eleven

Fairytales

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I heard the distant click-clacking of hills, giving me the signal that Madam Pince is once again on the prowl, scavenging for any wrong-doers trying to destroy the peace and tranquility of her beloved library. But too bad for her. Everyone's busy being comfortable in their own common rooms and chatting with their friends since schoolwork has decreased into a minimum. As far as I know, I'm the only inhabitant of the library. Just here, flipping through random books, trying to kill time.

Sigh. I'm waiting, of all the things to do in this world. I am waiting for him. Even after seeing him with that girl in his arms. Even after knowing that I and he … it's never going to happen. I …

I still hope.

I have never hated myself this much. I am such an idiot. There he is probably, squandering off with some pretty girl while here I am, sitting in (supposedly) 'our' table, reading the procedures on how to grow your nails three times faster than normal, hopelessly waiting for him to ditch her and run to me, sweep me off my feet, take me to some distant castle (via his 'shining stead') and we'd live happily after.

Personally, I blame all those childhood fairytales for this impossible notion of a love life. They have brainwashed me. But no matter. I am a fool, and I will continue to be a fool, waiting for my Prince Charming to give me my fairytale ending.

I can't believe I'm giving up to this … this feeling so easily. I hate myself!

And so here I am, second day in a row, wallowing in self-pity and burying my head in an open book depicting long, wrinkled, curly toenails.

Suave. Real suave.

I heard another set of distant click-clacking from somewhere in my far left and then the noisy swinging of the double doors of the library. Ugh. Even the librarian has something more important to do than sticking her face in an open book and pondering about how miserable her life is.

Thinking that over, I must really look like a sad, sad person to anyone who could just see me right now.

I'm just a lonely, lonely creature. Sigh.

"Why hey there! Didn't expect anyone to be here." said a voice. All of a sudden, my heart started beating in a rapid pace. Could it be? Him?

I lifted my head urgently and look at the towering figure standing before me. And as fast as hope and happiness had entered my being did full-on disappointment take over.

It wasn't Draco. It was just –

"Seamus. Hi." I greeted my sudden visitor.

"Hi to you, too." He replied, smiling. "What are you doing in the library in an evening like this?" He looked at the books scattered on the table and let out a little laugh. "Reading I see. Don't you ever get tired of reading books?"

I didn't get to respond right away. I was still held captive by my fallen hope. Darn it. Why is he here anyway? "Umm … no … not really. I … I really like reading books."

"That's quite obvious, seeing as you're the top of the class. You must've read at least three-fourths of the library's collection already!"

Unbelievably, he's actually right. "Oh don't exaggerate things. I'm notthat of a wide reader." I stood and started collecting all of the books that had served me with dull entertainment for the past hour, giving an especially grimaced look when I closed the book with thefascinating picture of the toenails.

"Here, let me help you with those." said Seamus, getting most of the books piled on the table.

"Oh, thanks." And so, we sought out the proper place for each book. It didn't take that long though.

Despite the fact that Seamus had more books in his hand, he finished ahead of me. What was left for me to bring back was the 'toenail book'. I can't quite remember where I took it from. I walked a few more steps further into the ginormous bookcase, trying to find a void between books. Not long after, I saw a space in a shelf quite out of my reach.

Not wanting to ask help from Seamus (wherever he was), I stood on my toes and stretched my arm as high as possible. After a second or two of struggling, I shifted the book into its proper place with a triumphant smile.

"There." I mumbled to myself. I turned around, preparing to say my farewell to Seamus when I collided with a solid figure. "Ooof!"

"Ooh. Sorry Hermione." said the solid figure, Seamus.

I looked up, quite annoyed inside that he kept popping out of nowhere. "Umm, it's okay. Well it seems I'm done with the returning of the books. Thanks for the help by the way." Why is he standing so near me? "I'm gonna go ahead and leave now. Harry and Ron must be worried about my whereabouts already." Is it me or is Seamus still not backing away? "Well um, goodby –"

"Wait." said Seamus, his voice rough and deep. "Hermione …"

What … what is he doing? He's stepping towards me. Oh my God.

"I … I really like you Hermione. It's been a long time since I've had a crush on you. Just didn't think you'd actually like me back."

What is he saying??

"Hermione." I could almost feel his breath on my cheek. I tried to step away from him only to be met by the bookcase.

"Seamus, I really think you need to back off –" I gasped. He trapped me with his hands leaning on the bookcase at both of my sides and started to kiss my neck.

"What the bloody hell are you doing? Back off!" I tried pushing away but he won't budge. He caught my hands and pinned them over my head.

"What's your problem? Don't you like me too?"

"NO!" He darted towards my lips and started kissing me, biting my lower lip ferociously. "I've wanted you for so long. And now …" he was pressing himself against me.

"Get off me!! HELP!! HELP!!" I started screaming, squirming, thrashing. Anything to stop what he was doing to me, but nothing worked. He continued harassing me so brutally.

He held my wrists with one hand and with his free one, started to make its way beneath my shirt. I was crying like mad now. "Please … please stop. Please!" He won't listen to me. "Stop it! Stop!! STOP!! Get away from me!!" My screams echoed through the walls of the library. But I knew no one would hear me.

I couldn't breathe. I kept sobbing and sobbing, telling myself this was the end for me.

I was going to be raped.

"OI! You!"

A voice. A somebody.

I heard a deafening crack and a second later, I saw an unconscious Seamus lying on the floor with a bloody nose.

I was shaking all over. I still kept on crying. My knees couldn't take it and I slid off the bookcase and sat on the cold, marble floor. I closed my eyes, wishing that this didn't really happen. A moment later, I felt the warmth of a cloak envelope me.

"Granger …"

That voice. I know that voice.

I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was grey eyes. And then blonde hair. And then the whole worried face of Draco Malfoy came into view.

Prince Charming. He finally came.

A tear slid down my cheek and without shame, I leaned on his shoulder, calling out his name. "Draco." I sobbed.

He cloaked me with his arms, giving me comfort. "Gra … Her-Hermione." He was all I needed. Nothing else. Just him. His voice, his warmth, his everything.

"Shhh … stop crying. I'm here now. No one will hurt you … I'm here." I smiled.

I know, Draco. I know.

And with that last thought, I drifted into nothingness.

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"She's still unconscious. What she needs now is some rest and quiet. Do you understand me?" floated a voice inside my head.

"Yes, I do Madam Pomfrey but –"

"No 'but's'. Out. Before I call the Headmaster on you two."

There was a groan. "C'mon Ron. I think it's best if we follow Madam Pomfrey's instructions for now." said another voice.

"Mr. Potter is correct. At least one of you has the decency enough to follow a matron's orders. Now out you go."

There were some shuffling of feet, another groan, a creaking of doors and then total silence.

"Honestly. Doesn't anyone get any respect from students anymore?" complained the voice of Madam Pomfrey. "One whole day of not seeing their friends. It's as if they haven't seen each other in years!"

What? I've been knocked out for a whole day?

I stirred a little, trying to sit up. I heard a door at the other end of the room close.

Opening my eyes slowly, I was surprised to be not met by blinding sunlight. Instead, I saw the illumination of the moon in the velvet sky. Sitting up fully, I looked around my surroundings.

Well, there was nothing much to see really, considering that curtains were drawn around my bed. I lifted my hand to draw the curtains apart when I saw a violent color of dark purple encircling my wrist. And just like a huge wave, it all came crashing down on me.

The library. Seamus. Me being pressed against the bookshelf, powerless, screaming for help. And then …

Draco.

I continued on my task, looking for the gap between the curtains. When I finally found it, I slowly opened it, secretly hoping that he would be there amidst the moonlight glory, waiting for my awakening. But alas, there was nothing there but lines of hospital beds ahead of me and get well cards arranged on the bedside table.

I picked one up with a pink bow on it and smiled. It was from Ginny.

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Hey 'Mione!

I told you all that studying would do you no good! Now look! Your brain is in overdrive and it has gotten you fainting all over the place.

But don't worry, I have a nice little treat for you when you get back. Finally got the latest make-up set from Witch Weekly! Yipee!! I know you're not really into this stuff but hey, maybe with a little help you could get the attention of 'ahem' your little crush. (I think I've got the 'attention-getting' part a little too well already.)

I hope you get well soon. Miss you already!

Love lots,

Ginny

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Hmm. Fainting all over the place?

I was about to pick another card to read when suddenly I heard my stomach grumble. Uh-oh. Is there any food in this place?

I scavenged amongst the cards and flowers for something edible. Needless to say, my scavenging proved futile. Sigh. I guess I need to go down the kitchens for some food.

My stomach grumbled a second time. "God, I'm really hungry." I took my wand from the bedside table, put on the fuzzy slippers that were at the side of my bed, and walked as quietly as possible towards the doors. I already got my hand on the doorknob when I suddenly remembered a spell of Harry's.

I lifted my wand and pointed it to Madam Pomfrey's office. "Muffliato."

Pausing for just a few seconds after the spell, I twisted the door knob ad heaved the door open.

Freedom!

I stepped outside through the open space between the doors and started walking towards the nearest stairs downwards.

"Haven't you learned your lesson, Granger?" I jumped.

"Who's there?" I looked around and saw a lone figure standing just outside the Hospital doors. My heart skipped a beat. "Draco."

"It's the middle of the night, you've just come from the hospital wing and you've decided to go out on your own." said Draco, standing quite still, his hands on his pockets, his eyebrows knit together and his lips forming a small frown.

"I … I was hungry and so I … I decided to get some food from the kitchens." I replied weakly. I looked up at him and was slightly scared of his demeanor. "I'm sorry." I added.

After hearing those words, he seemed to soften a bit. Sighing, he walked towards me, took his right hand from his pocket and touched my forehead with the back of his fingertips. "You sure you're okay now Granger?" he asked me in a gentle yet firm voice.

Oh I could just feel my face heating up. "Y-Yeah. I'm fine."

Most disappointingly, he then removed his fingertips from my forehead and returned his hand inside his pocket. "Well, come on then." He turned around and started walking away.

Where is he going?

"H-hey. Where are you going?" I asked him. He didn't look back. He didn't even stop.

"To the kitchens. I thought you were hungry. You are, aren't you Granger?"

"Yeah. Well wait for me then!" I said, running towards him. He was already at the end of the corridor.

"Hurry up!" he said, already turning to his left towards where the staircases were.

Some gentleman he is! He wouldn't even stop to wait for me!

After a few more moments of running in fuzzy slippers, I caught up with him and started walking beside him. I was breathing rather heavily now.

"Couldn't … you … just stopped … and …and waited for me?" I said, taking in air in between words.

"Well you caught up anyways, didn't you?" he said, looking straight ahead.

I threw him a glare. "Git."

Surprisingly, he smirked at this.

By the time we reached the bottom of the stairs, I've regained my regular breathing. I kept stealing glances from time to time, curious of what expression Draco was wearing. But his facial expression never seemed to change. It's always neutral.

And so, we walked the rest of the way towards the kitchens in total silence. With me walking side by side with Draco Malfoy.

Aah … I'm the happiest girl alive all over again.

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"Hi Dobby!" I greeted the house-elf.

"Miss! Good evening." greeted Dobby back, his big, wide eyes growing even wider in delight. He was wearing, as far as Hermione could count, at least twelve caps, seven scarves (one even looking like a Gryffindor scarf), and a pair of mismatching socks. One was bubbly pink with frills on its end and the other was covered with pictures of a broomstick and a snitch. "Would Miss be eating here tonight?"

"Er, yeah." I laughed a little. "Got really hungry when I woke up in the hospital."

"Okay Miss. Dobby will serve you food now." And with that, he scattered away, an eager smile on his face.

House-elves. They're really the most hardworking creatures I have ever known.

"You should sit down now. Take some rest." said Draco behind me, his hands still in his pockets. "You've walked for quite a long time. I'm quite sure your stamina won't hold up any further, seeing as you just came from unconsciousness."

He's … he's worried about me. "Umm … okay." I said, sitting myself down on a chair near me and resting my arms on the table next to me.

We were plunged into another cloak of silence. I didn't know what to do and so I started tapping my fingers to a random beat. Draco just continued walking around, looking at the different house-elves working.

Should I bring up what happened in the library …?

"House-elves. Silly little things, aren't they?" he said to me, still not taking his gaze off the elves.

"Silly little things? No they're not. They work really hard in serving us and providing for our every need. And even without payment!" I said, outraged by his comment.

"Exactly. They do all this labor and for what? For the mere pride of having to serve us?" He shook his head. "Pathetic."

"Well,you're a git. Can't you even be a bit nicer to everyone around you?"

"Like how nice and kind you are to everyone?" He laughed cruelly. "No thank you. I'd rather be cold to people than trust a pervert to be my friend who, in the end, would end up trying to harass me within the confinements of the library."

I stood up, walked over to where he was, and swung my hand towards his slimy good for nothing face, ready to slap him out of oblivion. My palm was nearing its destination when he caught me by the wrist. I flinched a little. My bruises haven't healed yet.

"Ihate you." said I, loathe etched in my face.

He held my gaze for a long time and then, he slowly let go of my wrist. "Well good then, Granger. But it would've been more effective if you've just used your wand on me. Aren't you a witch? Can't you do magic to protect yourself from that creep Finnigan?" There was a pause. I couldn't say anything. He was right. "Well, Granger?" he said in a deep and low voice. We were so close to each other, I could hear him breathing calmly.

"I …" I started, my hands curled into fist.

"Miss, your food is ready. Should I get you hot chocolate, pumpkin juice, or something else?" piped in the squeaky voice of Dobby who was carrying a large tray full of assortments of food.

I looked at him straight in the eye and felt my eyes water. "Fine. I'm an idiot, okay? I didn't use my common sense and ended up getting almost raped by one of my friends." I was shaking. "I, Hermione Granger, am a down right idiot. There. Satisfied?" My vision was blurred by oncoming tears.

I hastily turned around and went to the table, blinking away the tears. There's no way I'm going to let Draco Malfoy see me breakdown again.

I sat, my back facing him, and started biting on a freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie.

"Miss?"

"Just … just give me a mug of hot chocolate, Dobby."

"O-okay Miss. And you … sir?" I felt my hands curl even more.

His voice floated through the silence. "The same." And with that, Dobby bowed to both of us and scattered away.

We were left on our own once again. I could just feel the tension.

I was about to grab another cookie when I heard his voice, nearer to me than last time. "Look Granger, I-I'm sorry, okay?"

I mentally snorted at this. Yeah right.

"It's just that I … you got hurt because you didn't respond right away. You're the smartest witch in our class. I thought you'd be better than that."

There was another pause.

"If … if you want me to leave, that's okay. I was the one who started all of this anyway."

He's apologizing for what he'd done. Do I really want him to leave?

I didn't utter a word for a long time, trying to sort out my feelings. My mind was still amidst chaos when I heard him sigh and started walking away.

My eyes went wide. He's leaving.

He was almost at the door when I called out. "Wait!" He stopped walking and turned around to look at me. His face, it wasn't neutral anymore. Instead, it carried a slight expression of hope. "Yeah?"

I stood up from my chair and looked down a bit before I met his gaze once more. "I guess we could call it a truce. I'm sorry too. You're just concerned about my safety." I gave him an apologetic smile. "I'm really sorry."

At these words, he smiled. "Truce?" I asked.

"Truce."

I smiled fully and he started walking towards the table. "C'mon." he said. "I'm getting hungry myself." He was about to get himself a chocolate chip cookie when I spoke. "Hey Draco." His hand stopped in midair and he looked at me. "Yeah?"

"Thank you."

He smiled at me and then returned to his current task.

And so there we were in the kitchens all evening, munching on delicious chocolate chip cookies, drinking our hot chocolate (which was mysteriously already at the table when Draco and I went there), and just enjoying each other's company.

Well, I guess you could say this wasn't the fairytale ending I was hoping for. No knight in shining armor, no heroic adventure on his trusty stead, no big and extravagant feasts to honor my Prince Charming's long awaited arrival from journeying across the country to search for his damsel in distress.

No. There weren't any of those things at all. Instead, there's Draco Malfoy, a trip to the kitchens by foot, and some freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies and a mug of hot chocolate.

Hmmm. Looks good enough of a fairytale ending to me. In fact, it's really not that bad.

As long as there's Draco in the fairytale, it's not bad at all.

a/n: Woohoo! Chapter 11! Now, let the fluffiness begin! (brings out box full of fluff)

And oh, I've just thought of something last night. Well since all of my reviewers had been so caught up with the story line, I've come up with a way to give you guys a treat. It's called the … BEST REVIEW AWARD!! Confetti!

Every chapter, I will personally pick amongst your reviews the best review I've read starting from this chapter. I'll state the lucky winner whenever I update. Now, if a reviewer had received three best review awards, I will grant him or her the opportunity to read the next chapter in advance!

Ooooh! So waddya think? Great, huh? Well now all I could say is: let the competition for the best review … BEGIN!!!!

XD

And oh, don't forget: the best part then the not-so best part. Okay?

SociallyDriven