A/N: I can't thank you enough for your lovely reviews! That made my day when I was feeling under the weather, and I only just got better and thus I am able to give you the next bit! And I'll be honest, it was rather troublesome for me to write. I got stumped on how to go about it, but I think it is a step forward. Enjoy?!
Thanks for those who've followed, reviewed, and favourited :)
Chapter 25
Draco woke up with one goal in mind - approach Blaise. He strolled down the corridor to the door marked Seventh Years and pushed it open not bothering with a knock.
However upon his entrance, neither Blaise or Theo were in the room. This wasn't good. If he wanted to call it off, he would have to do it as soon as possible! He checked the clock on the wall noting that breakfast was starting very soon.
'Oh well, it'll just have to wait...' with that thought he left the Slytherin Common Room, and arrived at the Great Hall a few short moments later.
There on the end of the table was Blaise. He was hunched over the table and mumbling away with Pansy.
"We need to talk," Draco said as he reached the duo.
Pansy got up from the table, and pointed a finger at him, "You have a lot of nerve showing your face here! After what happened!"
Draco rolled his eyes, "For the last time I didn't do anything!"
For most of the evening, almost everyone in the entire Slytherin House was saying Draco was the one who gave Blaise the potion as he was one of the fair few the Italian actually spoke to on a daily occasion.
He rubbed his temples and scoffed, "I was busy,"
"A likely excuse I'm sure!" Pansy muttered, folding her arms, "But I know different! You are always jealous of Blaise!"
Draco scoffed, "Whatever Pansy,"
"I'm serious, just like Blaise is jealous of you!" Pansy shook her head, "Don't you realize nothing happens when you both are always at war with each other?! You know when I get married I would expect you both to be civil at the ceremony!"
Blaise groaned, "Please... stop talking about marriage"
Draco's eyes shifted over to Blaise. Oh yes that part of the evening was the highlight of all! Blaise had pestered both he and Theo of what would be the best way to propose to Boy Wonder after the Calming Draught Slughorn gave him wore off and he woke up screaming Potter's name. Who knew the fake Amortentia would be just as potent as the real deal? Clearly not Draco!
He was ready with his remark, but Pansy already beat him to it.
"Oh I'm so sorry Blaise honey!" she whined as she knelt back down to Blaise's side, "I didn't mean anything bad by it"
Draco blinked. This was a rare sight. Usually the girl is all over him, bothering him with stupid gossip and unnecessary affections.
"It's just... well you two are the only ones I ever want to keep in touch with!"
"Graduation is months away!" Blaise growled.
"Right, but you know, can't help but be prepared!"
Draco rolled his eyes. This was useless. There was no chance he was going to get Blaise alone enough to discuss their deal. It was just going to have to wait.
"Whatever," Draco said, stalking off back down the table, sitting near Daphne and plotting his next move to get Blaise on his own.
Hermione woke up well rested after a long consoling session with Harry. She couldn't believe that even now Harry was still sensitive. She didn't know how long she spent trying to convince him that he wasn't apart of the joke, but he wasn't having it. He went off the handle and started to get smart with her because she just happened to be 'dating' one!
She got herself ready for the day, combing her hair and tying half of it back into a small pony-tail at the back of her head so she wouldn't have to keep brushing it out of her eyes, adding a little touch-up to her make-up, the works.
She stroked Crookshanks on his back several times, "I sure hope the rest helped him Crooks."
Crookshanks mewed as he nuzzled his head into her palm, where she giggled. "But I suppose only time will tell. Anyway, I must be off to class now. Behave yourself"
Crookshanks just whirled his tail around as he stared her down.
"Love you," she kissed him on the top of the head gave him fresh food and water in his dish and then made her exit. She was greeted by Lavender and Parvati, who were walking side by side in the corridor chatting away.
"And then... well you know." Lavender gushed, blushing away. "My Ronald is so romantic!"
Parvati gasped, "Again? My goodness girl, you better be on a potion or something, you don't want to end up pregnant!"
Lavender stopped walking, "Of course I am on the potion!" she moaned defiantly. "How could you even suggest that I would be that irresponsible? Oh good morning Hermione"
Parvati's head turned around to face Hermione, who was pretending to be adjusting her robes.
"Morning," Hermione said politely before turning on her heel. Dealing with these two was not the way she wanted to start her morning!
"You know I saw Malfoy with Pansy last night, they looked a bit cozy didn't they, Parvati? Do you want help keeping a boyfriend, Hermione? Like make-up tips and hair maintenance perhaps?" Lavender purposely said tauntingly knowing that Hermione was still within an ear-shot.
'Ignore her...' said the voice in her head. Hermione tilted her head to the side, but made no motion to turn back around. She heard their high-pitched squeals and rolled her eyes before she walked on with her head held high.
She marched down and knocked on the door marked Seventh Years, where not that long after Ginny answered the door.
"Ready for breakfast?"
The Great Hall was on a crazy buzz about what happened last night. Almost everyone kept glancing over to the Slytherin table hoping to catch a glimpse of Blaise.
Hermione did catch him, looking like he was ready to Avada Kedavra the place. A small smirk played on her lips. Okay so it took a bit of convincing on her part, but she actually found enjoyment about it.
'Or maybe it's because Pansy is with him?'
"Uh-oh I know what that smile means!" grinned Ginny as she hooked an arm around Hermione's shoulders.
"Somebody's daydreaming!" Ginny said in a sing-song voice.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Oh stop it!"
"No you stop it! You need to tell me what's been going on! What happened last night? You like charged on out of here and..."
Hermione shook her head, "Nothing. I went after Harry. I left here to see Harry"
"Which you didn't end up seeing him did you because oh... I don't know... a certain boyfriend..."
"Oh my - would you stop it? Honestly what is the matter with you? And no you are wrong. I did see Harry! Spent nearly the entire evening with him until... well everyone else showed up."
Ginny pulled Hermione down the table, "Do you really mean everyone else? Or just my brother?"
Hermione scoffed as she sat down, "Please. I'm over and beyond what your brother thinks!" Not to mention he was actually off with Lavender for the night, not that she really cared! In fact the idea make her feel sick. She reached over and helped herself to a glass of water, keeping her face completely neutral, "Case in point, what happened Sunday night," she added a wink.
Ginny let out an exasperated sigh, "GAH! Stop torturing me about it and just... get on with it! Tell me what happened!"
"Now where is the fun in that?" Hermione said in mockingly before helping herself to some breakfast food. "Besides you've been quiet about your relationship with Dean!"
"Fine you want details I'll-"
Hermione waved her hand, "Nope sorry, that's not how it works." She brushed the hair from her face, "But you know... you did give me a good idea. I think I will go see him"
Ginny blinked, "No you will not! We are in the middle of something here!"
Hermione shrugged, "Yes we were, but frankly I am rather bored, so we're done." She put on her shoulder bag.
Ginny folded her arms and pouted, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say your boyfriend's bad influences are rubbing off on you!"
"They are not! You're just sore because I refuse to tell you anything about us!"
"Well it's what girlfriends do you know. Talk about their boyfriends! Share romantic stories and..." she broke out in a fit of giggles. "Oh no, wait... Malfoy... romantic? Oh goodness me that's hilarious!"
Hermione pursed her lips, "Okay now I am really leaving. Good bye!" She picked up her plate and flask of water and left the table. completely tuning out Ginny's out cries of wanting her to return. She sauntered down just as Seamus and Dean arrived through the main doors.
"Oh hey Hermione," Dean said with a bright smile, "Thanks for talking to Harry yesterday, but uh... he won't be coming down for breakfast."
Hermione groaned, she should have known! "That...boy I swear. The Ministry had everyone pinned against him for crying out loud and he still went with it! Pretty much started a fight with everyone who disagreed actually!"
Seamus nodded slowly, "We know, we were there when you told him! Speaking of, Neville is with him, so-"
"That shouldn't matter. He shouldn't be in his room sulking. I mean if Blaise can get enough strength to face everyone, which if you also notice they aren't paying much attention to him at all! Hell he faced Voldemort for crying out loud!"
"We know, we've tried Hermione. Honestly, we really tried!"
"I know and I am not blaming you, it's just... beyond frustrating! You have no idea. Anyway sorry to just... run off, but..." she pointed over to the Slytherin table. "I must go"
"Oh," Seamus said understanding, he pointed at her with his finger and winked, "Right. See you in Charms then"
"See you," she said and then stepped passed them to go toward her destination. She went over to the table, with her eyes set on the empty slot next to Draco.
First one leg and then the other before she was fully seated. She felt his hand on her back and then her shoulders. She turned her head and smiled at him, noting how surprised he looked, "Morning"
Draco bowed his head once. It was odd for him. Judging from the outcome of what happened last night - the girl couldn't leave the Great Hall fast enough - he was certain she would resort back to ignoring him. But now, seeing her right before his eyes... smiling even. Things are looking up!
"Granger," he said raising one brow, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Sleep well?" She raised her flask and took a sip of her water. To ease the tension she felt building in her chest, she decided to act casual as it was their first conversation after what transpired last night and the events earlier that same day. He had apologized after all, and wanted it to work, which was big in her books so she took the initiative.
Draco removed his hand from her back.
"Oh wait! This isn't anyone's seat is it?" She quickly looked about the Slytherin table, but stopped once she felt his hand on her shoulder. Her eyes moved back to his face.
Draco shook his head, "Well this is a bit of a shock, to say the least. I thought you were upset with me,"
Hermione matched his look by raising one eyebrow, "Well... not anymore." She said the last word purposefully slowly and exaggerated, as she was still reeling from her annoyance with Harry being locked in his room, and subjecting Neville to it. "I mean, yes it is a bit unfortunate that Harry was... targeted, but I later realized that well he was the subject for the Polyjuice Potion. So it wasn't really malicious - to Harry that is. However, he didn't see it that way." She sighed, picking up a few sausages. "Now that was a draining conversation to say the least, like fighting with a wall really. The boy is so bloody proud it is ridiculous! I swear there are times he rivals you when it comes to that sort of thing and that is saying something!" she tossed the pieces of meat into her mouth and began chewing away, completely unaware that Draco was just staring at her.
Upon catching his look, Hermione realized then that she had rambled quite a bit and at a rather fast pace, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. 'Oh God, did I really just ramble like that?'
"Sorry... bad habit, you probably didn't catch half what I said," she waved her hand and then took another sip of water. Rather, she hoped he didn't catch half of what she said.
Draco's eyes shot upward, as though he were recalling a memory, "No actually, I heard every word. You don't blame me, nor are you upset with me as what happened wasn't intended to hurt your precious friend. However, Potter still believes the world is out to get him - once again, which made your evening quite taxing."
Hermione was surprised, usually whenever she went into hyper-mode either Harry or Ron were ever responsive, they just stared blankly, and then had her repeat what she said. Draco on the other hand, did understand.
'Not the world...just you' she took a deep breath, and turned back to her meal, "Um...right"
"But I should say, there is hardly anything for me to be really proud of, aside a second chance at living a better life." Draco sighed. 'Where did that come from?'
Hermione turned to Draco with both eyebrows raised, "What did you say?"
"Um... I don't want to take my life for granted?"
"Wow... that is... very big of you to say that"
Draco shrugged, "Well when you have nothing..." he trailed off, as he wasn't really sure how to put it into words. "Forget it. I don't know how to say it. Just... eat okay? I rather not think of complex things at the moment..."
His mind was already on overload of how to get himself out of the bet with Blaise. He knew it would be rather difficult as he could kiss his only chance of ever gaining his house back from the Ministry goodbye.
After a while, neither of them said anything else. They just sat quietly and enjoyed their meal in silence. For Hermione, she couldn't help but recall just yesterday she was in his room enjoying breakfast... 'Well at the start of it at least...'
She could feel her lips tingling from the memory of the kiss. How intense it was, how close his body was, how much she wanted it again. She glanced at Draco out of the corner of her eye before turning to look at him properly.
"Yes?" Draco said, without turning to face her. Hermione could feel the heat returning to her face before she glanced away from being caught. She looked at her plate for a brief moment before she was ready to speak.
"Let's go somewhere, you know, more private" she heard herself saying, but didn't recall ever thinking of the words. It felt strange to her. She wasn't a demanding person, not unless it involved getting her house-mates to get their homework done on time!
'Did I really just-?' she stopped herself from saying the word, 'Oh please don't let him have heard me! Please just let it have been a whisper!' Yet once she was met with his ice-grey eyes, she knew her answer. He had heard her.
"Um... I mean..." she closed her eyes to summon an inner strength. Never one to really be after her needs, as most often enough, she chose to ignore them. Once she opened her eyes again she felt her chest grow heavy as the look on Draco's face changed into something resembling intrigue. "Did you say something?"
'Did she really just say what I thought she said?' He shifted slowly in his seat, as he was worried of any sudden movements would startle her. He saw her eyes flicker over his body before they returned back to his eyes. He saw his window and moved in closer, his nose almost touching hers.
"Would you repeat that?" His heart was pounding. Never once would he have guessed that she would be that forward. Did yesterday leave that much of an impression on her that she wanted to do it again? Well hell this crappy morning just turned promising!
Hermione sucked in her lower lip to stop herself from saying anything. She reached out, her hand landing on his shoulder to keep him from getting any closer. Her mind flashed briefly to that lovely morning. Feeling the rippling muscles underneath as he turned his head to follow the movement.
"No, sorry...you've been mistaken." She whispered, swallowing hard, "I - I didn't say anything." She knew her voice sounded weak, and she hoped, really hoped that he didn't notice it. She had to get out. To be as far away from him as possible. She turned her eyes to her half-eaten plate and then pushed herself off the table being sure to take her shoulder-bag along.
"Um... see you in class..." she said hurriedly before turning on her heel, almost colliding right into Theodore Nott who was sauntering his way over.
"Oh!" She cried, side-stepping to avoid contact, "Sorry," she adjusted her bag and then skipped on in high gear.
"Well that was strange," he said, catching the several onlookers watch her sprint off, "What's her hurry?" Theo turned to look at Draco for answers, completely unaware his friend was beside himself. "Draco?"
But the Slytherin Prefect did not answer him, rather he just grabbed his satchel and strolled off out of the room at a fast pace he nearly knocked him over.
"What the heck did I just walk in on?!" Theo muttered glancing at the table for answers, where Daphne was the only one present.
She had finished her meal and was now reading the Daily Prophet her owl must've sent her.
"The Granger girl asked Draco to go somewhere with her, obviously in private," Daphne said, looking up at him through the frames of her glasses. "But she got embarrassed from her command, so she lied and then ran off."
Theo whistled low before taking a seat, "Is that a fact? Well I suppose that explains why Pugsy isn't here. Bet she ran off in tears right?"
Daphne sighed as she flipped a page, "Pansy is actually over on the far end consoling Blaise for what happened yesterday evening..."
"You mean she was actually away from Draco? What has this world come to?"
"Ugh you are so stupid!" Hermione groaned to herself, practically running off toward where her Charms class was. "How could you let your hormones control you like that?" She put her hand to her head and frowned. She heard footfalls behind her, knowing without a doubt that it was Draco, and kicked it into high gear. She went down more doorways and stairwells than required in hopes of losing him.
With the class in sight, Hermione whirled around to be sure the coast was clear before she went onward. She took long, deep breaths to steady her pounding heart from all the running, pressing her hand to her chest to aid her breathing. The class was about ten steps away, however, she didn't get that far when someone grabbed her and carried her to the side in the shadows of the corridor.
Hermione gasped when her back collided with the wall. Her eyes widening once she saw his bright grey eyes.
"Nice try, but I win"
She tilted her head to the side, shooting her eyes down to his feet, as she wished herself invisible. She wanted to ask how he was able to get here before she did, but decided against it.
"This wasn't a game," she panted. Her chest swelling when she felt his hand tightening his grip on her forearm. She wanted to get away. To distance herself from the tension still hovering about them.
"Sure it is," he replied positioning his other hand just beside her head. Her eyes followed the movement, but still refused to meet his eye. Draco grinned as he watched her moisten her lips.
"You made a mistake," she said, her voice stronger now. "Whatever you think you heard, it was wrong."
With a count of three, Hermione shifted her eyes back to his, "Please release me" yet after she heard the words touch her ears, she knew it was useless.
Draco shook his head slowly, "If that were the case and you really did say nothing..." he cleared his throat and moved in toward her ear, "Why did you run?" His nose caught the slight fragrance of her sweet perfume, making him frown slightly as she no longer smelled like him, before he leaned back to look at her. "Not a very convincing liar..."
Her eyes twitched slightly as she saw him smirk. 'Damn him...'
"Why must you do this?" She said, rolling her shoulders to keep herself from being affected by the closeness of his body. "Why do you insist that we... that... it is worth talking about?" Her eyes drawn toward to his hand touching her arm as it slipped up toward her shoulder. She licked her lips and then moved her gaze back up to his eyes.
"Because if I didn't know any better," Draco moved in closer once again, "I'd say you wanted something from me," His voice dropped low, almost close to being a whisper. "And yes I consider that not only to be important but...extremely..." he paused searching his mind for the right word to use for the moment, "Fascinating"
Hermione felt her heart jump as she felt his chest graze against hers, "Well you were wrong," Her eyes drifted down to his mouth and then down again to his chest. 'God my heart is pounding like crazy...'
"No, I don't think I am" Draco replied with a hint of awe as he reached up to play with her hair.
"Stop it," she said, shaking her head to dislodge his hand from coming in contact with her face. She really didn't want to have another complicated conversation with the guy.
"Tell me what it is you want" he said with a gleam in his eye as he watched her trying to fight him off. He won the battle, however, as he slipped his hand through her hair to cradle her head. "A kiss? Or something else?"
She took in his expression and latched her hand on top of his shoulder out of instinct. It really was what she wanted, but she would be damned to say it. She tried not to pay attention to his gentle caress against her scalp. Her eyes slanting over to the empty corridor before them, hoping for someone to walk by.
His eyes flickered down to where her hand was still currently touching him. Knowing from the way her digits curled around the collar that was exactly what she wanted. 'Perfect.'
The look in his eye paralyzed her. Her breath caught in her throat, and before she could think about it, she nodded and then leant inward, pressing her lips against his. Her nails dug into his shoulder as she brought herself closer to him.
Draco groaned once he felt her body press against his. Both of her hands cupped his face as she kept on kissing him. She was dimly aware of his hands on her waist, and just like for yesterday, she couldn't get enough, she wanted more. Sure the kisses and light caresses were nice, but apart of her, couldn't help but wonder... what else Draco had to offer. Physically.
Upon that realization, she broke herself away from him. Panting.
"That's enough," her voice was soft. She felt warm all over and immediately went to adjust her own robes and being very thankful that the shadows were protecting her flushed face. "We should go to class,"
She cleared her throat and went on to leave him, but he grabbed her arm to turn her back to face him.
"Wait..."
Hermione closed her eyes and bowed her head, "Please Draco don't ask... just..."
"Did you get what you wanted?"
She could hear the lightness of his tone, her heart danced along with it. She didn't answer him. She felt him encroach in her space, but she didn't turn her head to verify it.
Hermione sucked in a breath, "You make this out to be some game... I don't like it,"
"There's no game, here, Hermione..."
"Of course it was! Baiting me, chasing me... this!" She gestured between the two of their bodies.
She finally face him and instantly stepped backward in shock once she realized just how close he was in her space. "I don't like it when you trick me! Or use me or... whatever else is mean!"
"This wasn't a trick or all those other things you said. It was an honest question, and in case you've forgotten that was all you. I didn't do anything either than... go along with it,"
Hermione went to speak but decided against it. She rolled her eyes and turned her head to the side. He was right. She did have the reins when she was kissing him. But that wasn't what made her so edgy.
He reached over and caressed her cheek as though to calm her nerves, before he dropped his hand down to take hers. "I said we should take it slow. I mean yes it is going a little quicker than usual..."
"Well not for you," she added, dropping her gaze to the ground. "I mean girls just... flock to you sometimes"
"Not... not really" Draco shook his head, not really sure what was compelling him to say this to her, "That's... a rumor"
Hermione scoffed, "Oh please. Everyone's seen you! They know that-"
"Well they are mistaken." Draco looked up to the high ceiling. This whole trust thing was new to him. Kind of...weird. He found no faults with sharing this part of his life with her, especially since part of this... connection they have would eventually lead down... that road.
"It's only been three" He said before meeting her gaze once again.
"Three what?"
Draco rolled a shoulder and cracked his neck, "Girls. Two were before the war, don't know if they were students or graduates, just the whole life or death thing, and then there was a girl from Ravenclaw. That was last month"
'Last month?' Hermione echoed in her head. He was with another girl not that long ago. 'Perhaps I should wait...' Her eyes widened at the words.
Draco nodded, catching her expression, "Not my...finest moment. But... that is all. You heard it from me. Anyone else, is a liar"
Hermione hummed her reply, not really sure how to put it into words. So he was... sort of experienced. And that thought unnerved her a little bit.
"Anyway enough of that. Let's go to class shall we?" He offered her his hand, to which she took it without question.
Charms was long. Or perhaps it was because she was still reeling from another kiss? One thing was certain, she could not concentrate at all and whenever Flitwick called upon her to answer a question, she either had him repeat the question or got the answer mixed up with another similar response. She was mortified. Most of the class didn't pay much attention to it, just Draco.
'Of course!'
He caught her gaze and winked.
She really hated that wink. She knew what it could mean. What it does mean. She chose not to look at his side of the room for the rest of the lesson. However, her mind kept nagging her of one thing...sex.
She thought she would need more time to think things through. To get her mind all ready to go. To sort out the pros and cons of it all. But oddly enough, she was okay with it. And that scared her.
E/N: it makes me sad a bit writing happy parts when we all know what is coming...