A/N: hello again my lovely readers. A fast update this time! Another chapter with three days in one... as the title implies, we see a glimpse of what Blaise will do to fight back.
Chapter 26
Wednesday Morning, October 17th
Things were progressing nicely. Not forced or awkward... she was genuinely opening up to him, and even though nothing physical has happened since two days ago, he was certain, she was rather antsy of how to further things along.
The secret blushes when she didn't think he was looking at her, the sharp intake of breath whenever he neared her, or whenever she refused to keep eye contact for a very long time, it was all there. She wanted him - in every sense of the word.
He took a deep breath, resting his palms on his dresser, waiting. He never thought he would be doing this, but strangely he had no regrets. This was right. Calling it off, protecting her feelings was worth it.
"Theo said you wanted a word?" Blaise said as he strolled into Draco's room, glaring. It was clear Blaise was still upset for what happened Monday evening with Potter, as he had yet figured out who it was that slipped him the Amortentia. Not to mention almost everyone in the house (save for Pansy) taunted them relentlessly about it.
Draco looked over through the tops of his eyes before stepping away from the piece of furniture.
"No point prolonging this..." Draco began keeping his face set, trying not to let his emotions control him. "It's over. I'm done..."
"What is?" Blaise said, eyeing his house-mate curiously.
Draco rolled his eyes, "What do you think?" He felt his throat close up making it difficult for him to speak properly. "Granger... I... I'm not... I'm out" He knew how pitiful that sounded, but strangely enough, he did not care. This wasn't about pride. It was about doing what was right. Scamming a girl for selfish reasons was just... disgusting. Yes, it was the original plan, but now... after being more open about things... he couldn't bring himself to do it anymore. Hermione didn't deserve it.
The corner of Blaise's mouth twitched slightly, "Is that so? Because the rules are-"
"Oh to hell with your bloody rules!" Draco shook his head, "I don't want to do it anymore."
Blaise tilted his head to the side and folded his arms, "What did you grow a conscience or something?"
Draco took a deep breath, that was exactly what happened, but said nothing.
Blaise who was anxiously waiting for the answer, just laughed "Oh Merlin, that's rich!"
Draco's lip curled, "Just like how you deliberately tried to get her against me? Not that I didn't expect you to play dirty. In fact, I am astonished that it took you this long to finally crack," he felt impressed with himself for keeping his emotions in check.
"How did-" Blaise growled.
"Daphne of course, who else?" He lied, shrugging "You've seemed to have under-estimated my influence around here, Blaise."
Blaise's expression hardened, "If you think that I will let you-"
"What, don't you remember? I have quite the scandalous stories to tell the Ministry and the proof to back it up, so if I want to call it quits, then... it's over." Draco folded his arms and sighed. "Then again, I can just turn them in any way and earn my Galleons that way,"
"You-"
Draco raise a hand up to silence Blaise, "Then drop this. Turn your back and pretend it never happened."
Blaise gave him a disdainful look up and down, but said nothing. His eyes lingered on the bracelet. It was thanks to that, he was unable to use magic against him, or else he would use Occlumency to extract the memories from his sleep.
'Bloody old-bag and her-' and idea just struck him then. If McGonagall had been the one to put on the bracelet, she could take it off just as easily. His lips twitched into an evil grin at his own brilliance. If Draco thought putting Granger against him was dirty... then he was sadly mistaken.
"You speak so confidently..." Blaise mumbled, his mind quickly working on his next step.
Draco cupped his ear, "Sorry, didn't hear you, what was that? Going to try something against me?" He shook his wrist exposing the bracelet, for the first time, he felt proud to have it on him, as it nullified any magic against him. "Not possible,"
"Very well," Blaise said, his lips barely moving. "The deal is off,"
Draco smirked, "Thought so. Take care Blaise, it's been swell" he then strolled off with his head held high.
Draco was a fool to think he could walk away from this so easily.
Once the coast was clear, Blaise strolled back to his room, checking his wide range of books for help; from potions to spells.
Class went by smoothly, although he could tell she was rather apprehensive around him, jumping the odd time whenever he grazed her arm, trying to gain her attention, but she refused to meet his eye. She just kept her focus on taking notes McGonagall rattled on and on about Human Transformations.
"You know all this already," Draco whispered into Hermione's ear. He watched as her eyes fluttered and her quill stilled before she turned her head in his direction. "It's called being an Animagus"
"Actually no, it isn't" She turned away and resumed her scribbling. "If you were paying any attention at all, you would see that changing portions of ones actual body is not the same as changing into some animal!" She sneered at him in a low whisper.
He saw her lick her lips and swallow tightly, his eyes trailing to her hand stationed just to the side of the parchment she was writing on. He boldly reached over to take it in his grasp, "So feisty..."
Hermione gave him a sideways glance, "Enough..." She said trying to pull away. She glanced over her shoulder to see if anyone was looking at them - Blaise was. Pansy, who was next to him was busy doodling away on her parchment. The dark look in his eyes gave her body unpleasant chills. 'Did he find out about the potion switch?'
She turned back to face Draco, and then back to her notes.
He saw the flicker of worry flash in her eyes, "Still worried about what others think about us?" he spoke with a hint of humor, his eyes trailed over to where she had glanced over, spotting Blaise's passive expression. He greeted him with a smug grin and then inched himself closer to her before he faced her again. Watching as she physically shook when he brushed the back of her hand with his thumb.
"No," came her calm reply, as she dabbed her quill in more ink, "I just... really wish you'd stop bothering me and pay attention to the lesson"
Draco removed his hand from hers to brush back the strand of hair from her face, "What can I say, you're absolutely captivating,"
Hermione shook her head, and released an uneven breath, "Stop it," she said through gritted teeth. Her eyes went to McGonagall, trying to shut her brain off on how close he was sitting next to her. She did not want any distractions right now, as this was very fascinating information! She only read the first bit on her own, and was very anxious to know more about it. Yet with Draco so close to her, touching her, she couldn't bring herself to focus properly, her body was too high-strung and anxious.
Ever since she helped him with getting back at Blaise, he seemed to have grown a deeper likeness to her. Or perhaps it was because they reached an understanding after his apology? Whatever the case, things were comfortable and easy-going now and for Hermione, she couldn't feel more lucky - he was changing. He hardly sent her anymore derogatory remarks, and even stopped calling her kitten.
"I only speak the truth," he sighed, reaching over and taking her quill from her grasp.
"Hey!" She immediately tried to get it back from him.
"Problem, Miss Granger?" McGonagall drawled, her eyes hard as they stared her down through her square spectacles.
"N-No Professor,"
McGonagall's gaze lingered for a moment, which made the rest of the class rather curious and do the same thing. Hermione felt the heat building through her system as she sat herself up straight.
"Right, well as I was saying... it is not to your advantage to use more than one form of disguise, as it could give you deathly consequences..."
Hermione reached for her quill again, "Give. It. Back!" she snarled. She watched as he inspected her quill as though it were a rarity. Twirling it along his fingers, watching the colour change from different shade of blue to green.
"Is this a peacock feather?"
Hermione furrowed her brows at the odd question, "Yes," she watched him nod and then began writing away on his own piece of parchment and then slipped it over to her, resting her quill on top.
"It writes nicely,"
Feeling even more confused, Hermione looked down at the elegant script before her.
Blaise is out for blood. I suggest staying hidden in your Common Room for the day until I deal with it.
Hermione just stared at the parchment, feeling rather uneasy at the words. This was the third time he's warned her about Blaise's actions. Although she wasn't very keen on being told what to do, she felt flattered that he would be so concerned.
Hermione hastily wrote back before gathering her belongings at the class' end.
Although I appreciate your concern, but I'm just as capable of dealing with a lowly revengeful Slytherin as you are, thank you very much!
Draco groaned. 'Bloody hell' He pocketed the note to discard later and left the class shortly after.
Thursday Afternoon
The sight of them made him sick. Seeing him actually care for the girl made him sick. This wasn't how it was suppose to happen. And all because he didn't want her hurt? Blaise wanted to laugh. Malfoy Manor and wealth meant everything to Draco, how and why would he throw all that away for some Mudblood?! Because he had incriminating evidence against his mother? HA!
"Your arse is mine, Draco" Blaise grumbled as he adjusted his robes and then dropped the stray hair into the flask of Polyjuice Potion Daphne had stored in her room for some reason unknown.
He watched himself transform into the old-should-be-retired Slughorn. 'Step one, complete.' He stepped out of the bathroom he used and made his way to the Headmistress's Dorm carrying a bottle of a fine wine. 'Proceed to step two'
"Haven't seen him all day," Hermione said as she returned a book to the shelf and grabbed another one. Her Runes assignment was proving to be rather challenging.
Ginny looked up from her own studies, frowning "Really after your meals together and everything?"
Hermione let out a heavy breath as she planted herself at the table, and opening her book.
Ginny gasped when she saw the blush spreading along Hermione's cheeks, "You're lying!"
"No I'm not," Hermione flipped the book open to the index page, running her finger along the words as she read them.
"Yes I believe you are! Tell me what happened!"
"Oh for goodness sake Ginny, can't you see I'm busy here? Translating these books is challenging enough without you babbling away in my ear"
"Testy!" Ginny muttered, "What did you two have a fight?"
Hermione scoffed, "No! We only just talked and - I mean..." but it was too late, her little slip of the tongue, and Ginny's expression told her all she needed to know!
"Aha!" Ginny waved a finger at her, "So you were with Malfoy! I knew it!"
Hermione groaned before she turned to the Rune book before her, "Yes well, good for you. Now can you get to work? I would really like to get this assignment done today"
"My work can wait! Come on Hermione, I haven't asked you for two days! Can't you just give me a little something? I mean what's going on with the feeling front?"
Hermione put a hand to her head. It was useless. No matter how many times she avoided her or changed the subject, Ginny was relentless when it came to getting what she wanted.
Hermione sighed, looking up to the Heavens, 'I can't win...'
"Alright fine, but after this... you promise me to leave me alone about it?"
Ginny grinned wickedly, happy that she finally got through to her friend. "Absolutely!"
Hermione took a deep breath muttered a spell so they would not be overheard and then told her everything. From his apologies to their intense snogging session on the Monday, to physically wanting to be with him.
Ginny blinked, at hearing her friend's revelation, "You're joking..." It was one thing to hear her snog the life out of Malfoy but to actually want to shag him? That was a whole other story...
Hermione chewed her lip and shook her head, unable to put her response to words, she smiled awkwardly.
"Oh Merlin this is...big" Ginny muttered her eyes growing wider than ever. "I never thought it was that serious with you two!"
"Don't... I mean... it's only just happened... these feelings I mean..."
"So what... you mean to tell me, you have genuine feelings for him?" Ginny was beside herself. "Or is it purely physical?"
Hermione took a moment to answer, before shrugging, "Well going about this subjectively, yes it's purely physical. Yet..." she trailed off, not sure of how to put her thoughts into words.
"Yet, what?" Ginny pressed after a moment of silence.
Hermione shook her head, abandoning the topic altogether, "Nothing. That's just it. Purely physical."
Ginny wasn't convinced. "Hermione don't lie-"
"I'm not lying!" She said defensively, "I really thought there was something else to add, that... well if I take into account my feelings, they would be there, but..."
Ginny reached over to take a hold of Hermione's hand. "Listen, there's nothing to be ashamed of if you actually... fancy him"
"Please, it's confusing enough as it is!" Hermione moaned. She had to admit she felt a little relieved to have said it out aloud, at least this way perhaps Ginny could talk common sense to her. "Let's not complicate it by adding feelings! But in your honest opinion..." Hermione chewed her lip, "do you think I should to this? Or is it too crazy?"
Ginny snorted, "Of course it's crazy. I mean... really crazy! It's only been... how many days since he first put an interest in you? Not that long right? Then again, everyone in the school already thinks you are... so..."
Hermione fidgeted uncomfortably, "Ginny..."
"Look forget what I just said. He's been charming to you, and sort of respective to your feelings so... I can see why...you would want to..." Ginny felt the blush rushing to her cheeks, "I mean... if you are sure about this then... I'll help you"
"Help me?" Hermione blinked, confused.
Ginny nodded enthusiastically "You bet! I mean, this is the one of the important, and most private decision of your life, so... it makes sense that I offer you my assistance!"
But Hermione had no idea what to say to that, "Gee, I... um..."
"Look, I take pride in myself, and... you should too! Dress yourself up...and..."
"Or not?" Hermione muttered, feeling uncomfortable again.
"Right, you could just wear your under-clothes again... he would appreciate that very much. But come on. You must at least make him work for it" Ginny winked.
"Ginny!" Hermione cried, the blush rushing to her cheeks. "I can't believe-"
Ginny snickered at Hermione's reaction, "Sorry, I couldn't help it. But you understand my point don't you? Don't just throw yourself at him!"
She closed up her books and got up from the table, "Anyway, I must be off to Hagrid's class. Think about what I said okay?"
Hermione smirked, 'Trying not to,' "Right"
Ginny waved her wand to negate the spell around them and strolled off.
Evening
Blaise studied the details of the bracelet with secret glances whenever Draco reached for something.
His next culprit in his great plan, was Theodore Nott - as he was known for hanging around Draco a lot these days - so it was clear he wouldn't suspect a thing. He smirked as he watched Theo down the goblet in one gulp. 'Step three, complete'
She kept her word and watched Blaise for majority of the evening, however he never once looked over in her direction, as he seemed more keen on watching Draco.
'Perhaps I am not his target after all?'
Yet as she said the words, Blaise snapped over to her. Hermione squeaked and then turned her gaze to her dinner. She tried for a good five minutes until she heard a faint disturbance from the Slytherin table.
Blaise was barking at some other Slytherin, "Mention Potter one more time and you'll be spitting teeth, mark my words!"
Ginny snickered as she turned her back to face Hermione, "Well it's good to see them pick on their own kind for once!" She then moved her gaze to Harry, who just kept his head down. Obviously he had heard it too.
Ginny sighed, "Oh get over it Harry. As you can clearly see, Blaise is more a target than you are!"
Harry just winced, eating his dinner in silence.
Hermione however, paid the two of them no mind, she was more interested in watching Blaise. He was now whispering at Daphne and giving Draco the odd glance, before watching Theo stroll out of the Great Hall. He straightened his posture and then also headed toward the door.
'Strange...' she felt an overwhelming urge to go after him.
"Whoa you're leaving before dessert?" Ginny asked, her eyes wide. Drawing the attention of most of the seventh years at their table, including Parvati and Lavender.
Hermione gave a small shrug, ignoring everyone else as she kept a firm eye on Ginny, "I got a big Runes project to finish up on, actually, as I didn't get to finish up this afternoon"
Her eyes glanced back to Blaise, seeing him just leave the Great Hall. She turned back to Ginny and sighed, "So I'll see you back in the Common Room okay?"
Ginny gave her a knowing look, "Sure,"
She got about ten feet before someone stopped her.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you!"
Hermione felt her heart jump right to her throat as she whirled right around, her eyebrows skyrocketed once she saw Draco before her. She took two broad steps back in shock. He was just sitting in the Great Hall not a few seconds ago!
"Draco, you scared me!"
"Following him wouldn't be a good idea,"
Hermione fidgeted slightly, folding her arms over her chest protectively. Since her conversation with Ginny earlier that afternoon, she still felt rather shy. "Well if you wanna be sure he is up to something, that would be a good idea. A great idea actually!"
Draco shook his head, "Except you're going to get caught in a matter of seconds,"
"Pfft," Hermione pulled out her wand, "Nothing a simple Invisibility Spell can't solve," she was ready to speak the incanitation, until Draco reached out to take a hold of her wrist.
"Don't" Draco said firmly.
Hermione felt her blood in her veins rush right to her chest from his warm touch.
"He did something," Hermione said shaking her head, "I saw it,"
"Blaise did nothing but yell at some fifth year"
Hermione blinked, at his nonchalance, "No... he... he was watching... you"
Draco shrugged, not that surprised of the information, "He's not happy with me, so...that's nothing new"
"No you don't understand he-"
"Look, just stop okay?" Draco glanced around the corridor, before meeting her gaze, "It's what he wants!" Draco muttered, "What you saw back there, was on purpose. He wanted you to see that, so you can wander into his trap,"
Hermione sneered, "I am not stupid!"
"Just gullible," Draco shook his head.
Hermione tried to tug her arm free, "No I am not"
"Look as much as you claim to think he was watching me, he was also watching you. He was just a little more discreet about it, than you were"
She felt herself shake at being told she was being watched, "I-"
Draco pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her, "Trust me, it's what he wants. Your best bet is to let it slide"
Yet her insides were screaming not to listen to him. She glanced over the dark corridor.
Draco put his other hand on her shoulder and shook her slightly, "I warned you, to stay out of harms way and just..." he trailed off. It was useless trying to convince her. This girl can be quite stubborn.
Hermione snapped her gaze back to him, using the sudden silence for her advantage, "I am not a coward! I am not just going to sit by and just let-"
"Yes you will." He said more forcefully than he wanted to. "Take it from me, from someone who lived with him for most of my teenaged years - stay away!" He gripped a little rougher on her shoulder, "Please,"
"And if something happens to you, then what? What will you do then?!"
"Fight back," Draco sighed. He was growing impatient with this topic already, "It's how we Slytherins work, don't you remember me telling you that? You shouldn't get...involved"
"But I am! Because I... we..." Hermione sucked in a deep breath and shook her head, "This is my fault, I know it is. If it wasn't for me you wouldn't-"
"Don't even think about backing out now!" He said squeezing her shoulders lightly. Hermione closed her eyes from the contact before she stared at him, Draco offered her another smirk, "We only just got comfortable with each other,"
But she wanted more than just comfort...
Her heart was still pounding in her throat, her head felt a little dizzy, and she was growing warm all over, "This is absolutely crazy..." she murmured regarding her thoughts, "You are completely crazy!"
"Thank you,"
She went on, not having heard his response, "All of this... because you... you want it to work! Something that was completely off the wall and... insane at best, something that wasn't even supposed to-"
She got cut off because he kissed her. Hermione dug her nails into is arms as she slowly, kissed him back. It didn't last that long, as after a few pulls of her lips he broke it off.
"Done ranting?" He said, staring into her eyes.
Hermione welcomed the tingling sensation back to her lips and tongue, even her skin. She could've easily melted right then and there if Draco hadn't been holding her up right.
"Um... I should go," she said, but made no effort to break their contact.
Draco few his chest grow heavy when she refused to move. He tentatively moved his hand from her shoulder to cup the side of her face. His thumb grazed her cheekbone, revelling in the small shiver from her body.
"Not still nervous around me are you?"
And then she was kissing him again.
Not that far from them, Blaise, who had been watching them converse, just smirked. 'It's going to happen soon...'
Friday Morning
She felt like she was floating on a cloud. It was a given - today was the day. She was actually going to give herself to him tonight and she never felt more scared and excited in all her life.
She kissed Crookshanks on the head, "I know I'm making the right decision, Crooks. It feels right. He's shown me a side that... well, I never thought he was capable of, if you want the truth"
She giggled and then itched Crookshanks under his chin, making the feline purr loudly.
"I suppose I should let Ginny know,"
Draco emerged from the shower, rubbing his face in the towel. He got the shock of this life yesterday. Hermione was actually ready to sleep with him...
**flashback**
In the library
He was busy browsing the Restricted Section for his Transfiguration assignment, when he heard her voice whispering harshly at someone.
"I... I'm ready for...oh gosh this is so much easier to say in your head you have no idea!"
He heard more breathing.
"I want... him. Like... physically,"
"Physically?"
Red. She was talking to Red... about him once again! Draco stepped around the shelf, spying on the two girls huddled over the desk.
"You know...intimately?"
"Intimately? Bloody hell girl, stop using fancy words and just-"
But he understood quite perfectly of what Hermione was trying to say. His breath caught.
"Oh for goodness sake, Ginny!" Hermione muttered, "I'm talking about...sex." she had said the word so softly, he almost missed it, "I want... to have..." her voice seemed to have gone a few octaves higher from her nerves, "It. I want to be with him... naked! Get what I am saying NOW?!"
"You're joking..."
"Ah there you are, Mister Malfoy!" Hollered Madam Pince, holding a handle of books. "This is all I could find about Human Transformations!"
**end**
This was, in the words of her, insane at best. They just got to an understanding with each other and then this happens!
Sure he may have suspected that she wanted him, but after having heard her say the words... he felt amazing. Desired even. He would have to definitely proceed with caution with this newfound information.
He got dressed for the day and then tossed the towel in the laundry chute. He was greeted by Theo, who just left his own room.
"What's got you so cheery this morning?"
Draco smirked, "Things... are looking up,"
"You don't say?"
Draco shrugged, "Yeah it was a bit...surprising to say the least" That was all he was willing to say. He saw no reason to say anything else. He wanted to keep that matter private, after all he wasn't even supposed to know! Heck, he was surprised they were even discussing something so intimate so openly.
Theo folded his arms and sighed, "You're telling me! You know these Gryffindor birds are really... interesting creatures. What do you reckon I try on that flower girl?"
Draco raised one eyebrow, "Flower girl?"
"You know, her name is a flower... Lilac or Lily... bloody hell, the bint that's with Weasel-King, what is her name?!"
"How the hell do I know?"
"Well you are hanging around Granger... I would've thought. Oh well who cares? It's only going to be one night anyway. Ha!"
Draco shook his head, and then something sharp dug into the back of his neck. 'What the...?' He gave Theo a weary eye, before falling forward unconscious.
He heard a loud thump.
Blaise opened the door, of his room and then spotted Theo hovering over Draco. "Excellent," he said closing the door behind him.
Theo turned his head at the sound, facing Blaise just as he offered him a vial of a pink liquid, "Drink up, you look pathetic"
Theo took the vial without question, and downed it. Blaise looked over to Draco waiting for Theo to leave.
"I'm starving, what say we head down to breakfast?" He looked down, spotting Draco sprawled on the floor, "Whoa, what's with him?"
Blaise rolled his eyes. He was grateful that he still had about ten minutes before the potion took effect, so he still had control over him, "Just be on your way Nott, I've got this handled."
"Alright," Theo shoved his hands into his pockets and then strolled off. Now being on his own, Blaise pulled out a vial of a peach colour and poured it over Draco's wrist. Watching as the flashing stopped. He reached for his wand.
"Inretrio"
A bolt of yellow shot from his wand, and wrapped around the clear wired bracelet.
"Divellere"
The bracelet snapped right in half. Reaching into his pocket he retrieved the replica bracelet he made and snapped it on Draco's wrist. Closing his eyes, he thought carefully of what memories to replace the ones he is about the remove; from the incriminating evidence against his mother, to when they made the bet, and grinned maliciously.
"And as the Muggles say - payback's a bitch. Obliviate"
E/N: what a nasty boy, that Blaise! (I understand if some are disappointed in this) Also, the whole, Draco finding out she wants to sleep with him was just something I added when I was editing the chapter. Weird, but it fits - and before anyone asks, his bracelet nullified the magic, when he got close enough to Hermione and Ginny talking...
Interesting times ahead!
Words used were latin (according to google translate) for entangle and disengage.