Well, I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
After a lengthy day of classes that were rather cautious as everyone seemed frightened of another high danger attack, Hermione found herself exhausted as she lay on the couch in her common room yawning.
She had patrol till very late last night and had nearly drifted off to sleep in the middle of lunch.
N.E.W.T.'s were beginning on Wednesday rather than Monday due to the recent dragon attack.
Tomorrow was her date with Draco and to be frank, it was not only a getaway from this difficult life but her only sanctuary and safehouse was with Draco. And her heart told her she would only ever find it with him.
Whatever his devious mind had cooked up for their date, she was too tired to think about. She would just let him handle it.
She began revising feverishly when she realized she had been lying around for half an hour without doing anything productive.
By 7:30, she had gone over every subject several times and was reciting a few charms when Draco swooped in looking just as exhausted if not more tired.
He was carrying a heavy load of books as he traipsed into the room kicking the door shut behind him.
"What have you been loading up on reading?" Hermione asked eyeing the large volumes of books.
"Pureblood marriages." he muttered dropping them onto their small kitchen table.
"What?! You were supposed to be studying." Hermione accused standing up.
"I was Mya. But I wanted to take out some books on the subject before I left the library. I had to study there mind you because when I study with you, you always distract me!" he panted collapsing into a chair.
"Distract you?!" Hermione repeated incredulously shaking her head and sitting back down muttering things under her breath.
"Did you eat?" he asked narrowing his eyes in suspicion. Hermione flushed and began hastily reviewing her Transfiguration. "Hermione!" he said sounding exasperated.
"I lost track of time." Hermione mumbled fumbling with her notes.
"That's always the same excuse." Draco sighed rubbing his forehead. "Come on, let's go to the kitchens." he held out his hand.
She took it contently with his little knowing look he cast her whenever she forgot to eat.
"I don't know how you forget to eat Mya." he said shaking his head with exasperation.
"I've done it before. Harry and Ron just never really noticed." she shrugged as he tickled the pear and they entered.
"Oh Mr. Malfoy, I thought you said you needed your meal for tomorrow-" a little house elf squeaked.
"Er ACTUALLY!" Draco yelled drowning out the elf with a panicked look. "That's separate. It's for a date, with….her." he stressed jerking his head to Hermione. Hermione smiled at his panic. The house elf's face showed realization dawning on him.
"Ah...sorry sir. What can we get you?" it asked as many others surrounded them with interested looks.
"Can we have a small dinner for one please?" Draco asked looking relieved. They nodded and scuttled off preparing.
"And you sir?" the house elf asked politely.
"No thanks I've eaten." he replied not unkindly as he led Hermione over to a counter.
"If only the house elf had finished his sentence. Then I would know your plans for the date." Hermione grinned sipping the pumpkin juice a house elf handed her.
"Yeah well….you keep dreaming lovely." Draco smirked slightly as the house elves carried over a large plate of roasted potatoes, bean sprouts, some pork chops and treacle tarts.
"Now eat." Draco commanded pointing at the dish. Hermione rolled her eyes and began eating.
"Why did you really take out so many volumes of pureblood marriages?" she asked swallowing some potato.
Draco looked at his hands. "I didn't want it to seem like I was just expecting you to do all the research. I wanted to put more effort into this."
Hermione grasped his hand. "You've helped a lot Draco. And I found this volume mentioned in 'similar books' on the last page of one of the books. It looked quite dark and serious. It's not at the library unfortunately but I ordered it from Flourish and Blotts. Should be here soon." Hermione said quite pleased as she finished eating.
They returned to their commons late at night to continue studying a little. Much to Hermione's disapproval, Draco was reading more on pureblood marriages that night rather than on their exams. But no amount of her protests affected him in the slightest.
"What's this?" Hermione asked after a moment as she found a brochure slip out of one of the big volumes Draco brought back.
It was a colorful brochure on how to become an auror. She raised an eyebrow and he blushed slightly. He moved to sit beside her.
"I told you." he whispered in her ear taking it out of her hand and wrapping his arms around her. "I am going to do whatever it takes to make us safe again."
Hermione woke up to the light flitting into the room through a space in the curtains. She tried to get up but found herself trapped in Draco's arms. He had them wrapped securely around her and was still sleeping heavily.
She tried to slip under them but they only tightened. She bit back a smirk as she watched his tufts of hair frame his face handsomely even in his damn sleep. His strong arms were holding her tight simply refusing to release her. His bare chest was snug against her back and he was still snoozing along pleasantly.
Because of course that's how Draco Malfoy slept. Shirtless, in boxers and using Hermione Granger as his body pillow.
She attempted to shove a pillow into his arms to replace her but there was simply no room to shove the pillow. Hermione growled in frustration. She was dying to pee.
She heard him stirring behind her and turned to glare at him. He grinned back.
"Finally decided to wake up have we?" she snapped although there was a playful glint in her eye.
Draco smirked. "Your body curves perfectly into mine. It's only natural to want to keep you there." he drawled. Hermione blushed red and scooted out of bed.
He laughed as she stalked towards the bathroom.
She exited dressed in her favorite comfy muggle jeans and a cropped top for their date outside. He was clad in tan khakis and a dark polo tshirt.
Her eyes raked him up and down drinking in every inch of him. He met her eyes at the top. His eyes were a fiery grey-lustful.
"Shall we head down to breakfast?" she asked holding out her hand.
"Can I have you for breakfast?" he asked and then realizing what he said his eyes widened and so did the bulge in his pants.
Hermione giggled. "Come on." she grabbed his hand and they walked down to breakfast. Everyone watched as the unlikely couple made their way into the great hall and parted to their respective house tables.
"Is it just me or is Draco turned on?" Ginny asked as she flipped over a page of the Daily Prophet.
Hermione blushed and mumbled incoherently and began eating eggs. Ginny laughed and bumped her shoulder against Hermione's. "Are you going to Hogsmeade?"
"Draco's planning a date for us here." Hermione said sipping her coffee. "Are you visiting Harry?"
"Yes. We're meeting in Three Broomsticks but only for an hour and a half. He's really busy." Ginny sighed before departing for Hogsmeade with most of the school.
She looked around for Draco and couldn't find him. Strong arms wrapped around her waist and lifted her up and off the bench.
"Hey beautiful." Draco whispered huskily. "Ready for our date?" she nodded and he led her slowly out to the grounds. As the crowds thinned out, they made their way out into the sunny bright day.
The younger kids and older ones who didn't feel like Hogsmeade or students studying were milling around on the grounds. Draco led her to the edge of the Forbidden Forest and muttered a spell.
His broom came soaring towards them. He caught it and mounted and offered his hand. She shook her head pursing her lips thinly.
"No way. You got me on once but not twice Mister." she said stepping back slightly.
"Oh come on. It's a short ride. And it's the quickest way to get us to our destination." he said smiling as her curiosity was attracted once more.
"You know me too well." Hermione said slowly boarding the broom. He grinned as she wrapped her arms around his waist pressing herself close.
"You know, curiosity killed the cat." he commented as they rose into the air. Her grip tightened as they began flying smoothly over the grounds.
"If you don't slow down, Hermione will kill Draco." she gasped as they continued their flight. Draco's laughter ringed out in the air as they soared majestically over the grounds.
"Nearly there love." Draco said more gently as they finally touched down in a spot she'd never been to before.
It was in the extreme corner of the grounds that was always overseen due to the massive quidditch hoops and large trees that were not apart of the forest. The trees created a small circle behind the hoops.
There was a small worn in pathway that led to a pair of willow trees that happened to grow towards each other their trunks curving in the other's direction. The thick green leaves were hung over elegantly and swayed with the wind. There was a space between them that had a perfect view of the trees surrounding.
Hermione spotted an engraving on one of the trees with the label-"Amour Circle"
Hermione was shocked at this small garden type place right on the grounds of Hogwarts that she had failed to notice over the many years.
Draco led her in between the trees and pulled her close. "I love you." he murmured all laughter gone from his face and simply love that she could feel reverberating from him.
"I love you too." she replied pulling him from behind his neck towards her so she could press her lips firmly on his. His hands were warm as they pressed her against one of the willows and began trailing kisses on her neck. She leaned her head back as she wrapped one leg around his waist pulling him against her tighter, as to leave no space between them.
His lips left searing marks and a burning wonderful sensation wherever they touched.
She moaned as his lips reached hers again. His eyes were more fiery than he had ever seen them. But they had a warming depth to them and knew it wasn't just lust but love too.
She began moving her hands up and down his chest as he pressed either of his hands beside her head against the trunk. His breath was matching hers in a fast paced rhythm as he looked penetratingly at her.
He lowered his lips painfully slow back onto hers. She kissed him back urgently and was desperate now for his touch that rendered her speechless, his kisses that made her heart soar, his eyes that gazed lovingly at her bringing her into an all new high.
There came a shout of cheering and whooping from the pitch that made them both jump. Draco scowled as he glared mockingly at the pitch.
"Those damned kids." he said turning back to face her. She smiled and pushed him against the other tree which was not that far apart.
"I told you they would be here." she murmured running a hand up and down his body, her fingers lightly brushing his bulge.
Draco groaned and gripped her hair. She kissed just behind his ear, teasing him as she kissed everywhere but his mouth. In his impatience he lifted her up by the waist and kissed her passionately on the mouth. She squealed as her feet left the ground. She wrapped them around his waist and kissed him back.
"That's not fair." she breathed as they both broke apart breathing heavily. "You're stronger than me and can get what you want faster."
Draco chuckled. "I still haven't explored all of you."
Hermione blushed. "I need to be safe. I need to only give myself to my husband. I can't give up my virginity and the next day turn to be alone in bed. I need finality, Ron made me realize that." she said hoping he would understand.
He didn't say anything because there was nothing to be said. He kissed her sweetly before leading her forwards from the tree. He used his wand to transfigure a blanket they sat on in the circle of trees.
"Marshie?" Draco called into the air. A tiny house elf appeared in a clean white table cloth and had the cutest face Hermione had seen on a house elf.
"Yes Master Draco? Master Draco called?" the elf squeaked bowing.
"Can you bring the meal?" he asked politely and Hermione grinned knowing he was putting an effort specifically for her.
"But of course Master." Marshie replied disappearing with a bow.
"Marshie belongs to the Malfoy's but mother sent him to work at Hogwarts until I leave to help me. Although I suspect it's to make sure I do not return home or get into trouble until school's over." Draco explained wrapping an arm around Hermione.
"I see you treat them better than Dobby." Hermione said softly remembering the free house elf.
"I didn't know Dobby. He was my father's personal house elf." he responded looking at the trees.
"Are we having lunch? Is that the meal?" she asked changing the subject.
"A picnic yes." Draco smiled kissing her forehead as Marshie appeared.
"Here you are Master." she squeaked as she and three other house elves placed the trays of food on the blanket.
"Thank you Marshie and the rest of you." Draco spoke to them as they disappeared. They began eating the best meal Hermione had ever eaten. It was nothing she had ever eaten before in the wizarding or muggle world.
"What is this?" she asked as Draco grinned and leaned over. He wiped a little food from the corner of her lips and kissed that spot.
"It's actually traditionally old wizarding food. I know no one eats it now because it takes so much more preparing and effort but it's really my favorite. There are four, one is Primentineé the meat stuff, the second one the soup was Lavorittle Bisque, that colorful one over there is Richardo and the desert was actually just Creme Brulee." he blushed after finishing explaining it in one breath. "I just thought you would've liked to taste a little bit of wizarding history. If you're still hungry I can get Marshie to bring-"
"I love it Draco. I love the food Merlin it's the best thing I've ever eaten, I love the thought you put into this and I love you. Now shut up and pass me the bisque." Hermione grinned at his flabbergasted face.
He handed over the bisque and watched as she spooned it into her bowl. "You are all kinds of amazing." he said smiling.
Hermione smiled as she drank the soup eagerly. "This really is the best thing over. Even if it's more effort it tastes hella good. Why doesn't anyone bother to make it?"
"The recipe was not only complicated but it got lost over the years when several families argued over the only copy. It was found later on by someone and they finally got the brains to duplicate it. But not many people realized it was the traditional recipe, people just thought it was some complicated old recipe." Draco smiled slightly at the interest on Hermione's face.
"Well do you have a copy?" she asked setting her bowl down.
"Yes." Draco responded laughing at the delighted look on her face. "It really is my favorite."
"Mine too. I expect you to make some more for me soon." Hermione smiled crawling to sit in between his legs.
He laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist. "The effort is worth it to see that little kid happy face you make."
"You clearly haven't seen your face on Christmas morning." Hermione scoffed.
"That's how I look every morning when I see you beside me." he corrected craning his neck to give a small bite on her neck.
"Did you see my annoyed face when you used me as your personal body pillow?" she demanded trying to sound exasperated but only managing it in tones of soft breaths for his lips were beginning to overcome her sense of self control.
"Yup, still sexy as ever." he whispered huskily. She turned to face him and pushed him onto his back.
He pulled her higher up on him and she could feel every part of him. His hand wound itself in her hair and captured her lips softly. She relished his every touch for a part of her was terrified that one of them would be the last.
Draco was at quidditch practice as it was the final one before the finals tomorrow against Gryffindor. She sought a comfy lounge chair in Gryffindor common room thinking she would study there while he was at practice but how wrong she was.
Ginny was holding a big white board and was explaining things as she drew out a game plan and pointed at important parts. The team surrounded her like a well behaved class and took in her every word.
"This is really the danger point. If we can't defend here, they gain advantage on our turf and then our offensive have no change. Defense need to be supremely strong at this point never mind, the whole match. And-" Ginny instructed before she was interrupted by Cormac McLaggen who was their sub Keeper. Ginny couldn't handle his personality on the team.
"She's here." he warned in hushed whispers that travelled around the common room and everyone spotted her sitting in the chair shuffling papers. "The lion in the snake's cave! The lion in the snake's cave!"
"She is my best friend. So you keep your trap shut or I'm kicking you OUT! I don't have time for this and neither do the rest of us." Ginny snapped her face contorted with rage and irritation. Hermione shot her a thankful glance before she decided she couldn't handle any more tactic talk as she had heard enough last night with the whole Slytherin team who were listening just as attentively to Draco.
She sighed as she made her way to the library and sat down for revision.
The next day she woke up and walked down to the great hall where there was the usual buzz the games created. No Slytherin's jeered at her as she passed probably now that Draco was her boyfriend.
The Gryffindors were all chatting merrily, excited for the game.
"Who are you supporting?" a snobbish voice asked. She turned to see McLaggen looking at her with contempt.
"Both." was her short and simple reply.
"But you said that you wouldn't give away our secrets!" he half yelled earning a few eyes to watch them.
"And I haven't. Now if you'll excuse me…" she said standing to leave. He was truly a leech that liked to annoy the hell out of her wasn't he? To her shock, he jerked up and grabbed her wrist painfully tight. "What do you think you're doing?" she asked glaring at him.
"You can't support both….it's either Slytherin the slimy snakes or Gryffindor, your own house." he said frowning.
"And why can't I support both?" she countered wrenching her wrist out of his grip. Everyone was watching now and she felt her cheeks go hot. She turned to leave but was stopped yet again by his painful grip on her waist.
To her disgust, he crushed her against him and his face was mere inches away from hers.
"Get the bloody hell away from me." Hermione snarled trying to shove herself away. People were watching intently now. She felt his hand grope her butt and she snapped. She slapped him hard across the face and he screamed.
"I knew it! Mudblood you traitor! You are siding with the snakes! Your own house member and fellow quidditch team keeper wants to go out with you but you refuse! What is ruddy hell WRONG with-" Mclaggen
BANG!
McLaggen went crashing into the opposite wall and went sliding down in a heap.
"Get your filthy hands off my girlfriend McLaggen. If I so much as see you use that language and tone, that close near to her I will personally kill you." Draco growled his wand still pointing at McLaggen.
"Now Gryffindor has no sub Keeper! SABOTAGE!" a fourth year wailed.
Before Draco could respond Ginny did. "He deserved that! Did you not see him groping Hermione when he knew she had a boyfriend sitting right there?" Ginny snapped and the fourth year immediately went silent. Hermione felt all eyes on her, thankfully teachers were out setting up extra defenses for Slytherin was beginning to get angry.
"You watch your mouth kid! That was Draco's girl and he went groping her in the middle of the damn great hall!" Theo yelled as the rest of the team stood defensively.
"Enough!" Draco said loudly over more sneers from the Slytherins. "Stay away from her McLaggen. I'm warning you." he said in a dangerous voice before he grabbed Hermione's hand and led the Slytherin team out.
Hermione gripped his hand tightly and he was squeezing back just as tightly.
"I'll meet you in the changerooms." Draco said in clear dismissal of the Slytherin team. They exited wordlessly each still grumbling about that fourth year. Draco turned to face her with a stormy face.
"Draco I-" Hermione began before he tugged her into a little alcove off the side of the hallway.
"I want you to stay away from him." he said simply looking at her. Hermione was lost for words.
"He's a Gryffindor, I'll see him everywhere, we may share classes-" she said furrowing her brows in confusion.
"He's an arse Hermione and I don't like the way he yelled at you and called you a traitor in front of the whole school. Just avoid him, ignore him and stay clear of him. I have a feeling he still likes you even though he called you those vile names." Draco said with a dark look on his face.
Hermione looked deeply into his eyes to see care and concern shining in them and despite her dislike for being told what to do, she did respect his wishes and they weren't hard ones to comply. She did rather dislike McLaggen…
"Alright." Hermione sighed.
"It's only because he is plain trouble. And I don't like him one bit." Draco said softer caressing her cheek.
"And you're jealous." Hermione muttered kissing his cheek. He scoffed and brushed away his hair.
"I don't get jealous." Draco huffed crossing his arms. Hermione laughed.
"I'll keep that in mind when I go see if say….Theo is free for a drink tonight?" she asked raising an eyebrow.
Draco scowled. "Like hell. Remind me to give Theo some acne potion."
Hermione continued to laugh as they made their way down to the pitch. She bid goodbye and goodluck to Draco and found herself a seat in the Gryffindor stands.
The crowd was packed with every student in the school. Teachers alike were eager to see the outcome of the match. Neville and Seamus had conjured a massive wave of people each holding a letter spelling out "GO GRYFFINDORS GO" in big flashy letters that shone across the pitch in startling shades of gold and bright bold red.
"And here we are….the final match between Gryffindor and Slytherin for the quidditch cup." Luna said carelessly as players marched out with their brooms in hand. "The Gryffindors Seekers-Thomas, Robins and captain Weasley. Beaters Peakes and Coote. Keeper-Nobles and seeker-Brand. And the Slytherins-chasers-Zabini, Nott and Flint. Keeper-Bletchley, beaters-Plow and Harris. Seeker and captain Malfoy." Luna said gazing elsewhere.
The captains shook hands Ginny sticking her tongue out and squeezing hard. Draco raised his eyebrow and squeezed back harder.
The players mounted their brooms and took off on the whistle. The players soared into the air and the quaffle was immediately taken by Demelza Robins. She was tearing towards the Slytherin hoops dodging a bludger and diving beneath two Slytherin chasers.
"Robins of Gryffindor speeds to the hoops. She is aiming but no! Flint checks her and takes the quaffle and heads towards the Gryffindor hoops in a horizontal line formation with the rest of his team chasers. Weasley and Thomas are standing strong blocking their way but the Slytherins are well practiced. Flint passes to Nott who flies over while Flint and Zabini fly diagonally knocking both Weasley and Thomas sideways. Nott shoots he scores! 10-0 to Slytherin." Luna drawled without any raise of excitement at climaxing points.
There were cheers booming from the Slytherin end as Nott punched the air and tore back to clap his team mates.
"Weasley-Thomas back to Weasley across to Robins she is really speeding fast there between all three chasers and one bludger! She's taking aim but no...Robins has lost possession of the quaffle when a well aimed bludger from Plow has knocked it out. And it's back to Zabini." Luna continued reciting the match without much effort or care. "Ooh some dirigible plums are those? Hanging by the Whomping Willow?"
People laughed as Luna's face lit up. Hermione smiled and continued watching the match. It was clear how much Draco wanted to win this. It had been ages since Slytherin had had the cup before Harry came along. He had sheer determination on his face as the match went on and he had clearly trained his team to the top form as he could in hopes to restore Slytherin's former glory. Every move was performed flawlessly and cleanly that even McGonagall looked grim as she watched not shaking her fist and cursing like previous matches against Slytherin had led her to.
They had taken a health break 45 minutes in when Ginny flew down terribly sick as she vomited violently into the grass. The team flew down to check on her and Hermione had raced down to see if she was alright. Pomfrey had come bustling out too to see what was wrong.
"The nerves! The pressure and stress! What with exams and this dangerous sport too? Ridiculous!" Pomfrey shrieked as she patted Ginny's back.
Ginny didn't play as good as usual after that. She seemed unsteady and unsure during movements. Hermione kept a close eye on her.
The match was a very invigorating one. Although Slytherin held the lead all throughout. They were currently leading 420-360.
"Merlin this match is long. And I think the Herecaloopus Bronkolonta has bit me! Oh now I really must pee." Luna commented to more rounds of laughter.
"He's seen the snitch!" Seamus screeched as Draco was racing towards the sky rocketing upwards at high speeds.
The Gryffindor seeker was chasing along but he had been flying low on the pitch and was flailing behind.
When the uproar of the Slytherin crowd overcame Luna's take on the match and groans from Gryffindors, it was clear that it was over. Slytherin had won.
Hermione was cheering one out of the many many slightly irritated Gryffindors as McLaggen shot her a dirty look she ignored.
When Draco flew down he was surround by a huge crowd of cheering and celebrating Slytherins and team members.
"The new quidditch cup champions!" Luna cried as McGonagall reluctantly handed over the trophy to a beaming and surprised Slughorn who was merrily content and personally went over to congratulate the Slytherin team.
Hermione found no entry in the horde of Slytherins but there was no need for her to go pushing through. Draco had already found her and had lifted her and turned gleefully in a circle. She was beaming as she kissed him hard on the lips and hugging him close.
"WHOOHOOO!" Theo screamed jumping up and down, utter glee and victory etched on his sweaty face.
The Slytherin team marched back to their common room with shouts of triumph and glory. Draco was laughing and shouting with his friends and teammates, leading her along by holding her hand as they walked.
When they entered people immediately began setting up a bar and dance floor. Slytherins' seemed to particularly enjoy club type parties.
Draco and the team ran up to shower and change and Hermione sat awkwardly on the couch watching the Slytherins milling around in victory. Some shot disgusted looks at her and she didn't hesitate to glare back.
A hand lay on her back gently. "Come on Mya. Come up with us." Draco said softly so only she could hear. He must have noticed the unpopularity she still held amongst some certain Slytherin's.
Hermione wordlessly took his hand and they ascended the stairs together. Draco rubbed his thumb soothingly on her hand as they reached the 7/8th year boys dorm. Theo cat called as they passed jokingly still in his aura of victory. Blaise smirked as Hermione stretched out on the bed as Draco found some clothes.
He kissed her forehead before walking into the boy's bathroom. Once he was clean and changed they headed down to the celebrations.
People stared but Draco lead her on fearlessly. They sat together on the couch, Draco's arm around her shoulders. Theo was drinking firewhiskey and holding the cup proudly. Blaise was off somewhere with Lara.
After a while of celebrations, Hermione stood. Draco's confused grey eyes followed.
"I should go console the Gryffindors. Show my support. You go have fun." Hermione said squeezing his hand before exiting and going to console the mournful Gryffindors.
When she entered, they were all sitting in the common room, sadness on their faces. She looked around and Ginny was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Ginny?" she asked sitting down beside Neville.
"She went to the hospital wing with Harry and Pomfrey." he responded looking miserably down at his mug.
Hermione went around congratulating the Gryffindor team anyways on their hard work. She then headed straight to the Infirmary.
She walked in to see Ginny looking awestruck on the bed as Harry looked like he'd been slapped across the face. Pomfrey was bustling about smiling to herself.
"Gin? Harry? What's up?" she asked worriedly sitting on a chair beside Ginny's hospital bed.
"I….we….Merlin, bloody hell! We're having a baby!" Ginny suddenly exclaimed slapping the mattress in her excitement. "Harry!" Ginny gasped hugging Harry close. He kissed her sweetly when Ginny whirled towards Hermione.
"That's why you threw up during the match!" Hermione gasped. "Congratulations!"
"Thanks Hermione. Oh my god this is amazing….two months along…." Ginny said tearing up. "What will mum and dad say?"
"They love Harry." Hermione laughed patting Harry on the back.
"Yeah…." Harry said still looking gobsmacked as he sat down beside Ginny too. "No more quidditch for you." he said more sternly.
As N.E.W.T.'s arrived the following Wednesday, students were going into anxiety with the thought in mind.
Hermione was frantically flipping through her Transfiguration notes quickly before the written exam in 5 minutes.
Draco looked harassed too as he muttered incantations under his breath, waving his wand in complicated motions.
As soon as the 5th years exited the great hall, they were ushered in for their turn.
After time was up, they were all shepherded towards empty classrooms for the practical. Hermione was shaking as she sat down and withdrew her wand.
After lunch they headed to write their Astronomy tests and had dinner to revise before the practical.
"JUPITER LOVES SATURN!" Theo gasped as he jerked awake from where he had fallen asleep on the Slytherin dinner table.
People roared with laughter as half of his kidney pie was smeared on his face.
"I told you lot to study earlier." Hermione said eyes on her paper.
"But Hermioneeeeeee, it's booooring. And soooo much work." Theo groaned.
"And I told you to eat properly." Draco said loudly waving a hand in front of her face. "You haven't eaten anything except a sip of juice!"
"I will! I will!" Hermione mumbled reaching out for a piece of bread. A couple of rolls entered her hand and she finally looked up to see Draco looking at her expectantly tilting his head to the side. Hermione huffed as she munched through them fast still scanning her notes.
The next day after the Astronomy exams that carried on long into the night, Hermione's year were fussing over their next exam. Potions was coming up and Hermione was simply drowning in notes she had everywhere in the room.
She sat in the middle of the couch with dozens of papers around her as she muttered things under her breaths.
"Sometimes I think you love studying and reading more than me." Draco sighed as he rubbed his forehead and picked up a random sheet and scanned it lazily.
Hermione ignored him and continued muttering.
As they finished their potions exam they were beckoned to the classrooms to concoct potions.
Halfway through, Theo's produced the most foul potions that wafted around the room. It was so intoxicating, Parvati threw up into the empty cauldron beside her.
Theo was given a new cauldron and the examiner looked severely annoyed as he cleared his old potion.
After lunch most students headed to Divination while Hermione rushed to her Ancient Runes exam.
The next day was Charms written then practical, lunch, Arithmancy. The day after, DADA written then practical, lunch, History of magic written then Herbology written and practical. Their House Unity exam was to be given after everything else was done.
Draco and Hermione lay on the couch exhausted after the hard week of exams.
"And we still have House Unity exams. We still have 5 more challenges!" Draco complained as he played with Hermione's curly hair.
But their answer came after dinner. Giurbin looked utterly bored as he held back the 7/8th years for their exam dates.
"Since this year was rather hectic and there were many interruptions, rather than 5 more challenges, we will have one massive last challenge as your exam. Something we will not have done as a lone challenge. On Monday till Wednesday, three days, you and your partners will be camping out in a forest that we've determined. You will be living like muggles and you will have to work together to get everything you need. Food, water, shelter...whatever. No wands, no money. Simply handwork." Giurbin announced to many groans and complains. "You may take one backpack each with clothes and necessities, no food or water, we will check your bags. So be ready for Monday." he finished waving them off.
Theo was cursing so loudly, McGonagall whacked him on the head hard. This caused him to simply cuss under his breath as he stormed to the dungeons.
"We have to win." Hermione insisted as they entered the common room.
"We will. There's no way we're losing to Blaise." Draco assured wrapping an arm around her waist.
Author's Note
Thanks for support! Sorry for late post.
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