Sing, My Angel Chapter 14: Stronger?, a harry potter fanfic

(A/N: Hey guys! Before I start, I want to thank the following users for staying with the story so far and taking the time to leave a comment for almost every chapter: Shorses and LovegoodLaLaSian! I also want to thank the ones who left nice comments because they really make me feel all happy and stuff. You guys are amazing and I can't thank you guys enough for liking my very first fanfic! I love you guys 3 I'm so awks.

I was supposed to post the new chapter yesterday, but the wi-fi went out. Sorry, but the next chapter is here! Idk how I feel about this chapter, but I hope you guys like it. Not sure if I like the title, but whatevs. School is starting on Monday, so I probably won't be able to update frequently. Another reason the updates won't be frequent is because I have two other stories, which are both on Wattpad. I wish I could give you guys a definite duration in between updates, but the last time I did that, I didn't fulfill my promise. So I guess I'll just update whenever I can. I hope you guys make the best of your remaining days of summer! Remember to follow, favorite, and leave a comment! Enjoy! ^_^)

Chapter 14: Stronger?

Throughout lunch, Hermione remained silent, unless someone asked her a question. Thank goodness she had no other classes for the rest of the day; otherwise she would've spent class time replaying the events of what happened after DADA instead of paying attention to the professor.

Harry turned his head and noticed Hermione staring at her plate as she absent-mindedly twirled her pasta with her fork. "'Mione, you feeling okay, you haven't touched your food," Harry inquired, a look of concern grazing his features.

Hermione couldn't tell her friend what had happened between her and Deogol; Harry would most definitely get into a row with the professor. It's unlike Harry to get into those kinds of situations at school, but when his friends are involved, he will go to great lengths to defend them, a trait that his friends admired about him.

Hermione's eyes shifted in all directions, hoping to come up with a valid excuse. "I'm just not all that hungry," Hermione lied. She looked up at her friend and hoped that he believed her lie.

"Maybe you should go see Madam Pomfrey in the Hospital Wing to make sure it isn't anything serious," Harry suggested.

She silently smiled, satisfied that he bought it. "I'll be okay, honestly. I just have to rest up," she added. "Do you guys have any other classes after lunch," she asked, wanting to change the subject.

"We have Divination," Harry and Ron groaned.

"So do we," Luke added, gesturing to his best friends.

Hermione shook her head and scoffed, "That class is a waste of time. Why bother taking it?"

"It was either that or History of Magic with Professor Binns," Ron countered, shrugging.

"I think I'd rather take a class that I can actually stay awake in," Harry chuckled.

"But there's absolutely no logic in Divination," Hermione boomed.

"True, but listening to Professor Binns makes me want to bash my head into a brick wall," Ron exclaimed, helping himself to another serving of chicken.

"Since I have a break, I'll just do some work," she started, getting up and leaving her friends. "What time are you guys going to stop by my place," she asked Harry, Ron, and Ginny.

"After dinner sound okay," Ginny answered.

Hermione confirmed with a grin, "Yes." She took one last sip of her water and bid her friends goodbye.

As she walked to her dorm, she convinced herself that she was okay and that she needed to relax. She kept telling herself that he probably didn't mean anything by what he did. But that still didn't explain his little situation. Maybe that was an accident-they can happen randomly and for no apparent reason. Going through the possibilities somewhat eased her mind, but she became more determined to keep her guard up.

With a spring in her step, she reached the portrait of the three men. "Shut up, Luke," she spoke to the three men in the portrait before bursting into a fit of giggles. The men stopped played their instruments and bowed their heads before letting Hermione in. She could hear the men cackling as she entered the portrait hole.

The bright sunlight shined through the window, illuminating the common room. The Gryffindor had to squint her eyes and hold her hand over her face to protect herself from the burning rays.

Once Hermione's eyes were used to the light, she made her way over to the desk and too k out some rolls of parchment. She already finished her Defense Against the Dark Arts homework, which left her with assignments for Charms and Ancient Runes, and nothing for Herbology. Hermione was determined to finish her homework before dinner, which would give her an opportunity to start studying for her N.E. .

After gathering the books she needed from the nearby bookshelf, she started on her Ancient Runes translations. Satisfied with her work on Ancient Runes, she moved onto Charms.

Three hours later, she finished with all of her homework picked up a book on advanced charms. While reading the contents of the book, she jotted down notes from the text. She reviewed her notes as she finished reading the first two sections of the book. As she was reading the section on sound charms, she decided that she needed to take a break. At that time, she decided that each week, she would devote the days to studying a particular subject and studying another subject the next week.

Feeling content, she smiled as she felt the urge to sing. Hermione took out her wand, pointed it at the coffee table, and muttered, "Arcessentes piano."

In the spot where the coffee table used to be, a black, sleek, grand piano magically appeared. Hermione took a seat at the piano bench and let her fingers glide over the smooth white keys. Playing a few chords, she took a big breath and started singing.

You know the bed feels warmer
Sleeping here alone
You know I dream in color
And do the things I want

You think you got the best of me
Think you had the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone
Think you left me broken down
Think that I'd come running back
Maybe you don't know me, cause you're dead wrong

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

You heard that I was starting over with someone new
They told you I was moving on; over you

You didn't think that I'd come back
I'd come back swinging
You tried to break me
But you see

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

Thanks to you I got a new thing started
Thanks to you I'm not a broken hearted
Thanks to you I'm finally thinking bout me
You know in the end, the day you left was just my beginning

In the end

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I,
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
I'm not alone

Singing that song made Hermione feel a lot better about what happened earlier. Now she felt, she could move forward. After all, one little mishap isn't enough to kill her, right?

A soft clapping noise came from the doorway, causing Hermione to snap her head in that direction. "Professor Dumbledore," she greeted excitedly, getting up from the bench.

The Headmaster beamed, making his eyes crinkle behind his glasses. "Hello, Miss Granger, it's wonderful to see you," he spoke, walking over to the piano. His slender, bony fingers grazed the keys. "May I," he asked Hermione as he continued feeling the keys on his fingertips. Hermione grinned, and nodded.

He lifted his hands and played the first few notes of "Chopsticks."

The Head Girl watched as the professor played the song elegantly on the piano. Dumbledore grinned as he finished half the song. A few seconds after he sped up the tempo, he hit the wrong key.

He turned back to Hermione and spoke again. "Out of practice, I'm afraid," he chuckled, adjusting his spectacles.

"That's okay, Professor."

He began walking around the room and looked closely at the furnishings. "I came by to discuss some things regarding Head duties, but I couldn't help but become entranced by the euphonious beauty of your voice," he complimented. "'In all the years I've had you as a student, I never knew you had such a strong passion for music."

"It was something I picked up during the summer," she explained. "But I've played the piano for years."

The Headmaster stepped up to the bookshelf and inspected the books. Dumbledore exclaimed, "Wonderful! It brings me joy to see a bright witch like yourself have a hobby that keeps you focused and grounded. In fact, a lot of the most brilliant people in the world have a hobby that just makes life," he took a pause as he thought about how to phrase his sentence, "worth living." He grinned as he made his point.

Hermione added, "It's like an escape from reality."

"Exactly," Dumbledore confirmed, walking back to Hermione.

"What was it that you wanted to tell me," Hermione questioned.

"Ah yes," the Headmaster began. "Thank you, Hermione." He cleared his throat before speaking. "It is my goal this year to initiate inter-house cooperation, specifically between Slytherin and Gryffindor," he explained with a critical tone.

Hermione listened carefully and waited for him to continue.

"Seeing as how Mister Malfoy is not here I trust that you will relay the information given," Dumbledore proclaimed. "I would like you and Draco to meet with the prefects and come up with ways to promote unity among the houses."

"I won't let you down, Professor," she promised with her head held high.

"Excellent! I have to meet with some of the professors in a few minutes, so it's best I be on my way," Dumbledore informed.

"See you at dinner, Professor," Hermione called as he left the common room. She entered her room to unpack more of her belongings. First, she took out her clothes and neatly arranged them in the walk-in closet. Next, she took out a small bag from the trunk and reached inside. She took out pictures-muggle and magical-and placed them on the bottom two shelves of the bookshelf in front of her bookshelf.

About an hour later, Hermione's room was complete. Her bookshelf was filled with pictures, books, and DVDs. Using magic, she erected a compartment for her TV and a DVD player. All of her toiletries were placed in the bathroom and her walls were furnished with Gryffindor pennants.

"Yeah, Lavender kept giving me these dirty looks all day," Ron claimed, cutting his steak.

"Just ignore her, mate," Harry advised.

Hermione rolled her eyes and took a bite of her baked potato.

Ginny changed the subject. "So how's living with Malfoy?"

"It's exactly how you'd imagine it," Hermione replied, giving a glare at Draco. "But I'm not going to let that prick get to me," she concluded optimistically.

"Just say the word and we'll kick his arse," Ron declared with his mouth full.

Hermione cringed, "Can't you swallow your food before you speak?"

"What? I'm hungry," Ron countered, food still in his mouth.

Seeing Ron talk with his mouth full made Hermione lose her appetite. "Thank you, Ronald, for making me lose my appetite."

Ron shrugged and served himself more food.

"Give me forty minutes and you guys can stop by my room any time after that," Hermione chimed. "Just look for the painting of three men playing instruments on the fourth floor."

The group muttered their "okays" and Hermione left.

She got to her room and gathered her comfort clothes-shorts and an old graphic shirt- and her iPod. Shortly, she walked to the bathroom and locked her door. Hermione turned on the water in the tub, plugged the drain, and filled the tub with bubble bath when the water reached an appropriate level. She stripped down and put her hair in a bun before going into the tub. After putting her ear buds in her ears and playing her music, she closed her eyes and got lost in the music.

Draco grabbed two large spoonfuls of green jello from the serving bowl in front of him and poured the wiggly food on to his plate. He smiled as the delectable dessert entered his mouth. Chewing slowly, he savored the taste.

"Drakie," a familiar nasally voice cooed., latching onto Draco's arm.

"What do you want, Pansy," Malfoy sighed.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go out again for old time's sake," she asked, desperate for him to give the time of day.

"Pansy, I'm not interested," Draco growled. "Now, please get off."

Blaise and Theo offered their blonde friend sympathetic glances.

"But Draco-"

Draco cut her off, "I'm going to stop you right there, Parkinson. Whatever we had, it's over. Can't you get it through your thick head that I don't want anything to do with you?"

Pansy sat and stared at Draco dumfounded, but her expression turned to rage. "You don't mean that."

"Yes, I do. Now leave me alone," he warned, feeding himself green jello.

A thought hit Pansy as she stared Malfoy down. "Oh I get it."

Zabini and Nott looked between each of the fighting Slytherins when they spoke.

"You're seeing someone, aren't you," Pansy interrogated.

Draco scoffed, and shook his head as he continued eating his dessert.

"Is she good," Pansy continued.

"What?"

She repeated, "Is she good?"

"You're being ridiculous," Draco dismissed.

"Just answer my fucking question," Pansy seethed through gritted teeth, her voice becoming louder.

"It's none of your concern, hag," Draco shouted, causing the Slytherin table to focus their attention on him.

His two best friends exchanged amused looks with each other and snickered.

"For the last time, leave me alone," Draco barked, throwing his spoon on his plate. He stood up and stormed out the Great Hall.

Why won't Pansy leave him alone? How can she even stand to hear her own voice? Well, maybe that's why no guy ever wants to be around her. That and she's really clingy.

Draco fumed as he walked through the Grand Staircase to his room. He cracked a small smile as he said the password to the three men. When they allowed him entrance, he stomped into his room and removed all his clothes-he needed to take a bath to cleanse himself of Pansy. He walked into the bathroom and locked the door.

A soft humming noise made Draco freeze where he stood. Slowly, he turned around and caught sight of something he thought he'd never see-Hermione completely nude in the tub with her eyes closed, completely oblivious to Draco's presence due to her music.

Hermione took a deep breath, and sighed.

Draco's mind was reeling with what he had just intruded on. He turned on his heel and unlocked the door.

But wait, the tub is big enough for the both of them, right? Maybe if he kept very still, she won't notice him.

With a furtive look etched on his face, Draco turned back around, tip-toed to the tub, and gently dipped himself into the water.

Once he was in the water, the same furtive look was still plastered on his face, but as the seconds rolled by he relaxed. Draco was surprised when the girl in front of him didn't stir in her serene state.

He exhaled the breath he had been holding in and let the foamy, bubbly water ease his stress. Closing his eyes, the Head Boy laid his head back and let his arms rest against the edge of the tub. After a few moments, he sprawled out his legs under the bubbly water.

As he relaxed, Draco began softly kicking underwater. The two managed to sit in the water completely relaxed.

Hermione's soft humming soothed Draco's aching head, making him beam. He opened his eyes and looked at the girl in front of him with a look of admiration. His eyes lingered on her facial features-soft, brown hair, prominent cheekbones, thick eyebrows, long eyelashes, freckles, and soft lips that Draco desperately wanted to kiss.

Suddenly, Draco's foot brushed up against Hermione's leg under the water. Draco could've sworn his heart leapt out of his chest when he saw the raging fire in Hermione's eyes. She abruptly took out her ear buds and stared Draco down.

"Malfoy, what the fuck," she shrieked. "Haven't you heard of privacy?" Realizing that she was sitting in the tub naked in front of her nemesis made her cover up her private assets.

Being the full embodiment of a cunning Slytherin, he masked his panic and fear using a cheeky smirk.

He began smugly , "If I recall correctly, this is my bathroom ,too."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately yes, but-"

"And that means that I can come in whenever I please," he indicated, the same sly grin on his face.

She paused to think of something to rebut his statement, but sighed in defeat as she drew a blank. Gathering more bubbles to cover herself, Hermione gave in. "Fine," she sighed.

"Glad we've come to an understanding," Malfoy finished, throwing his arms back.

Hermione eyed him suspiciously as she put on one ear bud. An awkward silence ensued, and the Heads didn't say a word for a while.

"You're burning a hole in my face, Granger" Draco remarked sarcastically, breaking the silence.

She emitted a soft "humph" and shrugged.

Draco initiated a new conversation. "Y'know, Granger, you need to learn how to lighten up."

Hermione looked offended and scoffed in protest. "I most certainly do not. I'm completely fine."

He joked sardonically, "Really? 'Cuz it seems like you have a bug so far up your arse, Medi-Witches won't be able to probe it out."

"I do not," she snarled, pausing between each word to create emphasis.

Draco's grin grew into his signature smirk and swam toward her, almost touching her as he got closer. "Whatever you say, Princess," he whispered coyly. In the back of his mind, he knew he shouldn't have come as close to her as he did. She's probably going to hex my balls off, he thought. That's it-this is the end of the Malfoy line!

Normally, Hermione would back away or even hold him at wand-point, but she wanted to show Malfoy that she wasn't backing away without putting up a fight. Since she didn't have her wand with her, she had no other option but to stay where she was. Of course there was the option of running away, but what good would that do her? What could she say? She is a Gryffindor, after all.

Slowly, his grin faded into an expressionless face as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She could feel his hot breath on her skin as he moved closer to her face. Soon, their lips were mere millimeters apart. It came to the point where they were teasing each other to see who made the first move.

Hermione's breath hitched as one of Draco's hands softly caressed her bare stomach underwater.

Draco tried to contain his amusement, but he couldn't stop himself when he formed a small grin at the Gryffindor's reaction.

Her body surged with electricity as he slowly ran his hand up her tummy. As her eyes fluttered closed, she felt Draco's hands move to her sides and ran them up and down tenderly. She almost let a moan escape her mouth, but she stopped it by biting her lip.

It took every ounce of Draco's self-control to stop him from losing himself as he saw her bite her lip. He liked Hermione a lot, but he couldn't help but smile silently as he made the Gryffindor Princess into putty in his hands.

His hands started to go down towards her hips, but he stopped before reaching her hip bones. After Draco, ceased teasing her she opened her eyes slowly.

He winked as he smirked and backed away from Hermione. "Til' next time, Granger," he said huskily.

She averted her eyes as he got out of the tub and waited until he left. A mix of feelings swam around in her mind as she registered what had occurred between her and Malfoy. Four minutes after Draco left, she sat in the still full bathtub with a dumbfounded look.

What the hell just happened? Did hell freeze over?