HUNTED
~.~
Chapter 14: Fragile.
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Surely he's joking...
"Please," Hermione forced a patronising chuckle. "You're kidding-
"I seldom 'kid,' Granger," he said, irritated by her words. "You can't go home-
"Well I certainly can't stay here," she scoffed.
"Why not?"
"I think it's pretty obvious why," she eyed him sternly.
"If you're referring to what I think," Draco replied slowly. "Then you are overreacting."
"That depends," she tilted her head in thought. "What do you assume I'm referring to?"
"Don't try and head-fuck me, Granger," he scowled at her. "You know what I'm talking about; our kiss."
Hermione cringed at his blunt words. She found it rather fascinating how he could do that, sound calm and agitated at the same time. It was certainly a talent that she envied. She was articulate and brilliant, but he had the ability to frighten away her intelligence when it suited him. Bastard.
I hope I'm not blushing.
"Well," she started in a strangled voice. "Then obviously you can see the problem-
"There's only a problem if you make one," he scolded. "I expected a bit more maturity from you, Granger."
"I just don't think it's appropriate," she frowned, evidently offended by his comment. "I could always stay with Ginny, or at the Burrow-
"But you came here instead," he reminded her. "Look, I have spare rooms, all with en suites, there really should be no issue with my offer."
"Malfoy-
"Unless," he stopped her, frustrated by her reluctance. "Your embarrassment about that accident outweighs your concern for your personal safety?"
"Of course it doesn't," she sighed in defeat.
"Then it's settled," he smirked in victory. "I'll show you to a room."
With a resigned breath, she followed him with a secret smile of gratitude. His thought for her well-being stirred something close to flattery in her stomach, but she quickly ignored it. He led her upstairs in silence and she admired his home, noting with a little pout that his house was larger than hers. Still, it wasn't dark and traditional as she's expected, and she definitely approved of his colour choices; neutral colours with some inevitable flashes of deep green.
He guided her to a room with a queen-sized bed, cream walls and expensive furniture, including a writing desk and a couch. It was elaborate and stylish, and she could only imagine what his room was like if this was a guest-room. He flicked on a light and she offered him a small nod of consent.
"There are some books in the desk if you want to read something," he informed her with a dull tone, making his way into the room. "I'm pretty sure there's a copy of Hogwarts: A History."
She remained in the doorframe as he withdrew a few texts from a drawer and placed them within reach. He opened a door at the other end of the room to show her the promised en suite, before he made his way to the wardrobe. She couldn't see what was inside, but he shuffled through the contents for a moment before he selected a loose shirt and tossed it carelessly on the bed.
"That should be fine for you to sleep in," he supplied with a vague shrug before he neared her. "You are welcome to help yourself to a drink or anything-
"I'm fine," she offered him a tired smile, deciding that the duvet looked irresistibly comfortable. "This is perfect."
"My room is the door at the end of the hall," he explained, pointing to it just to clarify. "Knock if you need something."
"I will," she nodded, and he turned to leave her alone. She wasn't satisfied with the end of their conversation, and even though she knew she would regret the decision in less than a minute, she called his name anyway. "Malfoy?"
"Yes?" he stopped and turned back to her, cocking a wary brow when she nervously approached him.
She paused and studied his features for a shadow of a second, reading his confused expression with a sad look. He contemplated asking her another question to stop her disconcerting behaviour, but anything he would have said drowned in his throat when she leaned up to offer him a gentle peck on his cheek.
"Thank you, Draco," she breathed as she pulled away, catching his curious eyes for a second before she retreated into the room. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Granger," he muttered, just before she closed the door.
.
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Hermione waited to hear his retreating footfalls, holding her breath until she heard a door close. She removed her shoes and slipped out of her clothes, realising his shirt smelled like him; fresh and virile. The whole house smelled masculine and crisp actually, and she couldn't help but inhale as she fastened up the buttons of his shirt, feeling a little mischievous as the fabric tickled the skin high on her thigh.
She dragged her fingertips over his desk before she eyed the books he had left out for her. She decided that some Shakespeare would possibly help her sleep, and she plucked Titus Andronicus from the small stack before settling in the bed.
After Act II, and the rape and mutilation of Lavinia, Hermione decided that she probably wasn't as tired as she had initially thought. Her body felt weary and slow, but her mind was alive with questions. She couldn't believe she'd been attacked! And she was an Auror! She should have been able to deal with one bloody man.
But no, she'd been caught off-guard, and she'd been tired. She was a decent Auror, she'd proved that many a time. Perhaps Flint's behaviour had teased her instincts, and she had needed to know his part in the case.
She glanced nervously at the door, just like she had seven times before. She couldn't help but think of those films and tales where the handsome protagonist disturbs the heroine in her sleep with bold pillow-talk. Not that she wanted that of course, she had simply considered it. Possibly expected it. Maybe waited for it.
She groaned in a rather undignified manner and threw off the heavy duvet before she silently tread over to the door and very carefully left the room. She tiptoed like a rebellious teen along the corridor and down the stairs, realising she probably should have brought her wand to chase the darkness. After bumping into a dresser and almost tripping over her own feet, she found herself in the kitchen.
After the fourth cupboard, she found a glass, and poured herself some water. Leaning against the worktop, she shuddered when a chill ran up her bare legs, and kissed the small lick of perspiration at the base of her back.
She heard a small shuffle and tensed as a faint glow seeped through the door, followed by a rather confused Malfoy, wearing more than clothes than her. A t-shirt and loose pyjama bottoms to be exact. Damn, now she definitely felt...revealed. He directed his wand towards her and a small look of understanding stole his face, quickly followed by an arched brow. His eyes went from her naked ankles to her flushed cheeks, and she knew she had never felt more exposed, but she felt that sensitive area below her stomach twitch when he smirked at her.
"Did I wake you?" she breathed, bringing up her glass to hide the tremble of her lips.
"Yes," he stated simply, allowing the bead of light on his wand to disappear. "Everything okay?"
"I was thirsty," she lied, unsettled by the dark. "Could you create more light, please?"
"I was thinking you would be self-conscious," Draco muttered, ignoring her request. "Scared of the dark, Granger?"
"No," she said defensively. "I just find it a bit unsettling that I can't see you."
"I see," he sighed, and she heard him move. "Why should that bother you, Granger?"
"It just does," she whispered, closely watching his nearing shadow. "I'm sorry for waking you."
"It's fine," he said, and she could just make out a shrug.
"I couldn't sleep," she admitted quietly, sensing him getting closer. "I was thinking about Flint. Do you suppose-
"We can discuss it in the morning," Draco insisted, leaning over her to grab a glass.
"Okay," Hermione nodded breathlessly as his body brushed against hers. "What are you doing?"
"Getting a drink," he replied, moving closer to her to reach the tap. "You're in the way, Granger."
"I guess I am," she agreed, moving a little but possibly not enough.
"You should go back to bed, Granger."
He was close enough now that she could just make out the lines and shadows of his face. Perhaps it was because he had offered her a bed for the night, or been surprisingly decent when she'd come to him feeling shaken. Only Merlin knew why she decided it would be a good idea to lift her fingers and gently stroke the tips over his cheekbones. And then his forehead, and down his nose.
She could feel his steady breaths against her palm, and her delicate touches landed on his lips. If he was affected by her actions in any way, she couldn't feel or see it. He just stood there, proud and indifferent. She felt like pushing boundaries tonight.
Draco watched her shadow as she slowly leaned towards him, tilting her head. It took every iota of his restraint to not throw her against the worktop and either surrender to his lust, or scream at her for daring to tempt him. Just when he could feel her breath against his chin, he decided to speak the words that he would undoubtedly regret when he next nursed an inappropriate erection.
"Go to bed, Granger," he scolded harshly, and he immediately felt her withdraw from him. He fought the disappointed sigh that threatened to betray him and listened as she hastily retreated out of his kitchen.
He slammed down his glass on the counter, uncaring if the noise startled her, and braced his hands against the worktop. Bowing his head, he released a groan that was a little heavier than he would have liked.
"Fuck all," he muttered to himself, waiting until he heard her door close before he made to leave. "I deserve a bloody sainthood for that."
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When Hermione woke, the morning was still dark with November's hold, but a quick glance at a clock told her it was almost seven. She was pretty certain Draco would still be sleeping, and the dryness in her throat definitely needed quenching. She contemplated throwing on her jeans but decided it wasn't worth the effort.
She'd only stolen a few hours rest and she didn't want to waste her energy.
She opened her door and listened for any noise, hearing only Draco's light breathing from down the hall. Convinced that she could manage to grab a drink and make it back up before he stirred, she grabbed her wand and headed down the stairs, casting a quick Lumos to lead her way.
She flicked on the kitchen light and cringed as the glare irritated her sleepy eyes. She rubbed them as she wandered into the kitchen and headed straight to the sink for a glass of water, totally oblivious to the guest sitting at the table.
"Well, this is an interesting development."
Hermione allowed a startled scream to escape her lips as she whirled around to aim her wand at the familiar voice. The fragile glass shattered somewhere behind her but she ignored it as she realised just who had given her such a scare.
"Zabini," she breathed in relief, lowering her weapon and placing her palm over her chest to calm the racing beats. "What are you-
"Hold on a second," he stopped her, smirking a little as he regarded her. "Let's just wait for Draco-
"He's asleep," Hermione explained, still catching her breath.
"He'll be here in a second," Blaise insisted, his amusement strong on his handsome face.
She was about to protest until she heard the mild but hurried footsteps from the upper floor. In a matter of seconds, Draco was in the room, bare-chested and clutching his wand. His frustrated eyes instantly went to her, absorbing her nervous stance, before he eyed the glass shards beside her.
"Bloody hell, Granger," he muttered, massaging the bridge of his nose. "I never thought you would be so clumsy-
"My fault, Draco," Blaise spoke up, finally gaining his friend's attention. "I gave her a bit of a scare."
Malfoy's eyes shot over to his companion questioningly before he looked back at Hermione and noted her revealing attire. He took a subconscious step forward to try and block some of her figure from his friend's sly and animated look.
"Blaise," Draco greeted finally. "What are you doing here?"
"You forgot?" the dark wizard stole another glance at Hermione. "I told you I had a day off and you said we should get an early breakfast and have a game of Qudditch. Some of my mates from work are meeting us later-
"Shit," the blond frowned, remembering that conversation now. "I forgot-
"I can see that," Blaise grinned, daring another bold glance at the silent Muggle-born. "I assume seven was too early for you?"
"Seven isn't early, Blaise," he scoffed, folding his arms over his chest. "Seven is just fucking stupid."
"Depends on your preference," Blaise shrugged. "Would you like to reschedule?"
Draco turned his head to eye Hermione for a moment, his eyes lingering on the bruises marring her throat. The little violet fingerprints stained her olive skin and reminded him that she could still be shaken about her encounter with with Flint, and he still didn't know the whole story. He turned back to his friend's entertained expression and exhaled.
"Perhaps we should postpone-
"Don't be silly," Hermione stopped him, earning his attention again. "I should go home-
"You think it's okay?" he asked her, cocking a hesitant eyebrow.
"I'm sure it's fine now," she assured him, telling herself that she wouldn't walk alone in the dark again until this was all over. "Besides, I need to explain everything to Harry and pick up Penelope. My house is safe, I just need to remember not to go strolling alone at night-
"Obviously," Draco rolled his eyes at her. "It wouldn't kill you to use some that of intelligence, Granger."
"Noted," she frowned at him, feeling a little embarrassed when she heard Blaise chuckle. "I'll owl you later so we can talk about everything properly."
"Alright," he agreed with a small nod, risking another peek at her shapely legs.
"I'll just get dressed then," she blushed as she moved past him and out of the room. Draco watched her leave with a nonchalant look before he slowly turned to to his companion, who was wearing a very smug smile.
"What?" Draco snapped, flicking his wand to clear the shattered glass.
"Well," Blaise chuckled, resting his chin against his palm. "Colour me intrigued."
"Don't start," the blond warned, taking a seat opposite his friend. "She needed a place to stay-
"So you offered your bed-
"She was attacked last night," Draco told him slowly, and Blaise's eyes widened in surprise. "She came here-
"Who attacked her?" Blaise questioned.
"Flint-
"As in Marcus Flint?" the dark-haired man confirmed. "So he's the one who killed Pansy and the others?"
"Granger doesn't think so," Draco shook his head. "Apparently he was a little paranoid and he told her he thought he was next. He figured out Potter was watching him so he threatened her, said he needed to leave."
"And you two believe him?"
"She does," Malfoy sighed. "I'm not so sure."
"Bloody hell," Blaise breathed, before his smirk returned. "So then I can assume the marks on her neck aren't from your mouth?"
"No," Draco growled, impatiently eyeing his companion. "I'm guessing he grabbed her throat at some point-
"So you didn't shag her?"
"No," he repeated, his anger rising.
"Well I have to say I'm a little relieved for that," Blaise admitted. "I know you're a changed man et cetera, but I can't see you shagging Mud...Muggle-born Granger."
"That's enough," Draco hissed, scowling at the other male, trying to ignore his mate's comment about Hermione's heritage. "I didn't fuck her, let's just leave it at that."
"Fair enough," he agreed, knowing the limits on Draco's temper, especially at seven in the morning. "Sorry mate, this whole equality thing still throws me every now and then."
"You're doing better than most," Malfoy sighed, knowing it was the truth. It was probably the main reason they had remained close over the years, even if Blaise slipped-up occasionally. If it hadn't been for the Ministry's hands-on approach to his prejudiced thoughts, he would probably be doing a lot worse than his schoolmates.
"You find it easy though," Blaise told him, a strange look stealing his features. "Funny, I bet most people would have thought you'd have struggled-
"I have worked with too many capable Muggle-borns to believe it any more," Draco admitted, not for the first time. He'd had similar discussions with Blaise before. "Plus my mother was never really a that into the whole blood purity thing. I think her and the Ministry have successfully un-brainwashed me-
"That's not a real word," Blaise chuckled, although Draco thought it sounded rather forced.
"I think that's enough for today," Draco sighed, still uncomfortable with discussing the War. "What time are we meeting your mates?"
"About nine."
"Shall I make us some breakfast?" the blond asked. "Or do you want to go out for food?"
"Why don't we go that café you always go on about?" Blaise suggested. "The Cambria?"
"Alight," he agreed, just as he heard Hermione's feet make their way down his stairs.
Fully-clothed and a little less nervous, she entered the kitchen and offered Blaise a polite smile before she turned to Draco.
"I'll owl you later," she nodded to her colleague. "Could you bring your notes on the suspect list in on Monday?"
"Will do," he nodded, wondering for a moment if she even remembered her affectionate displays last night, but a quick look at Blaise reminded him he couldn't exactly ask her now. "You remember where the fireplace is?"
"Yes," she graced him with a small smile. "Thank you, again."
"It's fine," he dismissed quickly, just knowing that Blaise would be smirking at his obvious discomfort.
"Enjoy your game," she said as she turned away from him, offering the other wizard a small nod. "Nice to see you again, Zabini."
"Always a pleasure, Granger," Blaise grinned as she departed, waiting for the hum of the Floo before he spoke again. "I think I preferred her in your shirt. Never would have guessed the little bookworm would have-
"Zabini," Draco warned in a low tone. "It's too early for you to be a twat. Give me an hour and some breakfast and I can deal with it then."
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Hermione had decided to see Penelope first and it was pushing nine o'clock by the time she returned home, having had to explain everything to Leandra. When Flooed back to her house with her fellow Muggle-born, Harry was already waiting for her, seated on her sofa with a concerned look on his face.
"I'm going back to bed," Penelope excused herself, sensing the two needed privacy.
"Who's watching Flint?" the witch questioned as Penelope wandered off to the room Hermione had provided.
"Terry will be there in half an hour," Harry explained, reaching up to study the blemishes on her neck. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she assured him, smiling at his consideration.
"Tell me everything."
So she did, she explained how he had grabbed her. How Flint had known he was being watched and how he had neared begged her to to tell Harry and Terry to stop watching him. How he'd been convinced he was the next victim, and even how he had seemed petrified. She told her best friend that she believed Flint, and she'd received scepticism that rivalled Draco's after that little confession. The only thing she left out was that she'd stayed the night at a certain blond wizard's house.
The conversation was finally diverted to Ginny's pregnancy, although Harry still managed to throw in a few 'be careful' comments.
"You're obviously going to be the Godmother," he told her.
"I just can't believe you're going to be a father," Hermione smiled at him, stifling a yawn and realising she'd barely managed four hours sleep last night. She was heading straight to bed once he left, her body was craving it.
"I know," he sighed happily. "I'm glad Ginny seems to be confident because I don't have a clue."
"Nonsense," she hushed his doubt. "You're great with Teddy."
"We'll see," he replied with a slow yawn. "Do you think-
But he was cut off when Terry's patronus charged into Hermione's living room. The fox-shaped charm paused its ghostly steps in front of Harry, and Terry's voice filled the room.
Flint is dead. Come asap.
The beautiful spell dissipated as the pair absorbed the information. Hermione was on her feet first,dragging her trembling fingernails through her hair. How could it be possible? Flint had barely been alone for thirty minutes, but then Justin had barely been alone for thirty minutes in his office. She was angry, despising the guilt she felt.
You could have brought him in for questioning.
You could have offered him some protection.
He told you he was next, and you did nothing.
"Fucking hell!" she swore, grabbing one of her vases and hurling it against her wall. Her breath hitched as she watched ceramic rain sprinkle down her wall. It was stunning.
"Hermione," Harry reached for her, placing a reassuring palm against her back. "Calm down-
"No!" she shook her head furiously, throwing his hand away from her. "How could he have possibly known you had gone, and managed to kill Flint in half an hour? It's just not possible. Did you have any idea he knew you were watching Flint?"
"No," Harry shook his, his tone trained and calm. "Hermione, we know this guy is smart. He managed to kill someone in the Ministry for Merlin's sake. I should have waited for Terry to come-
"Don't do that," she sighed. "It's impossible to watch someone all the time. You couldn't have known."
"Then don't you dare blame yourself," he said sharply. "I know that look on your face, Hermione."
"What should I do?"
"Get some sleep," he suggested, patting her shoulder thoughtfully. "You look knackered. Do your work after you've had a nap."
"Okay," she nodded, doubting she would obey his words.
"I need to go and deal with this," he turned away from her, rushing to the Floo. "I'll owl you as soon as I can."
Hermione barely had a chance to nod before the emerald flames engulfed him and she was left alone. She stood still for a few moments, staring at the fireplace before her eyes wandered over to the fractured vase. She was about to withdraw her wand and clean up the mess but decided against it.
She preferred it broken.
She moved over to her desk and scribbled a note to Draco. The quill felt so heavy in her hand, and she wondered briefly if she could apply the phrase 'light as a feather' to add a bit of irony to her situation.
Draco,
Flint's dead.
Come over when you can.
H. Granger.
With sluggish movements, she attached her letter to May's leg and watched as the pretty bird flew away from her. The guilt pushed the tears past her lids and she let them fall silently down her cheeks. She counted them. One, two, three, four, and then they stopped. Weary determination seeped into her pores and she clenched her jaw.
She'd be damned if she let this get the better of her. No, she'd dealt with enough blood-thirsty psychopaths to let this one beat her.
But, Merlin, she felt exhausted.
.
.
They'd been playing for an hour now, and Draco was starting to grow bored, and the winter wind wasn't helping.
Draco was swarming around on his broom with his new acquaintances when he noticed Hermione's owl approaching. He lowered himself to the ground and dismounted his Firebolt to allow the familiar bird to rest on his arm. As soon as Malfoy had managed to remove the small parchment from the owl's limb, it took off, leaving him a little perplexed. He read the few words with wide eyes, groaning as the new information settled in his brain.
"Draco," he heard Blaise's voice call him. "Everything okay?"
"Problem at work," Malfoy told his friend as he landed next to him. "Flint's dead."
"Shit," he muttered as Draco showed him the note. "Do you need to leave?"
"Sorry, mate," the blond explained, receiving a nod of understanding before he Apparated to Hermione's home. She was by the window, so engrossed in her thoughts she was oblivious to Draco's arrival.
"Granger," he spoke carefully, watching her as she slowly turned to face him. "Are you alright?"
"I've had enough of this," she muttered, and he could just make out the damp remains of tears between her lashes. "We need to do something."
"Hermione," he sighed her name, frowning as she moved away from the window with lethargic movements. "We're doing everything within our power-
"No," she interrupted, her voice husky with exhaustion. "He's winning and we have to stop it."
Draco watched her as she practically dragged herself towards him. He could almost sense the guilt radiating from her, and he knew she had barely slept at his house. That, combined with the new stress, was evidently sucking the energy out of her.
She looked fragile as she stumbled towards him, grasping desperately at the arm he'd offered to steady her. Her eyes fluttered, battling her fatigue with little success.
"You need to sleep, Granger," he told her sternly, scowling when she accidentally nuzzled her nose against his chest. "You can hardly hold your head up."
"We need to work on this," she argued, but her voice was empty and quiet. "We need to-
"You need rest," he insisted, and with a dejected moan, she nodded her acceptance.
His arm reached around her back, and the other caught the backs of her knees. He tried to make the hold as impersonal as possible, but it was rather difficult with her leaning pliantly against his chest. He carefully carried her to her bedroom, relieved that she'd been conscious enough to tell him which door it was.
He settled her gently on the large bed and draped a blanket over her form as she allowed her pillows to embrace her. Satisfied that she was comfortable and would actually allow herself to sleep, he headed for her door, but her voice stopped him.
"Will you stay?" she mumbled, her eyes drifting open for a moment. "So we can work on this the moment I wake up?"
"Just go to sleep," Draco ordered, quickly leaving the room with every intention of making a quick exit via the fireplace. Instead he settled on her couch, realising he was indeed going to wait until she roused.
Merlin, help him. He couldn't bring himself to disappoint her.
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a/n: apologies for the short chapter, but I intend to make things a bit more interesting in the next instalment and it needs to end there for now. I hope Blaise's part in this chapter came across okay!
Let me know your thoughts! Massive thanks to Quello Bella, VioletDhaliwal, Tiadorable for your long reviews and to everyone who reviewed, especially the people who took the time to reveal their theories. So happy I'm past the 100 review mark! I'm very grateful.
Also, if anyone has any suggestions for making my summary a bit better, I wold appreciate it!
I assure you that things will get more interesting from here.
Thanks for reading.
Bex-chan