CHAPTER 2~ Surprises
"You are a Death Eater? Since when? I never saw you at any of the meetings."
Hermione smiled a little. "It was only a small initiation for me. I didn't want everyone to know. After I was initiated Voldemort taught me the concealing charm so my mother wouldn't see it. Oh, and I believe he gave you the task of seducing me and getting me pregnant?" Draco nodded and blushed a little, which was very out of character for him. "I bet he never told you that it was I who came up with the idea just to see how grossed out you would get. I must say, your father's face was quite hysterical when Voldemort broke the news to him. I was there, but under my invisibility cloak. I knew it would be too good for me to miss."
"So let me get this straight. You are heir of Godric Gryffindor. You are a half-blooded witch. You decided to go against your mother and your friends and become a Death Eater. And you told Voldemort to give me that task for your own sick pleasure. Is that correct?"
"Yup."
"You're my kinda girl." He smirked and brushed his lips against hers. Before either of them could deepen the kiss, Draco broke away. "How 'bout that concealing charm first?"
Hermione pulled her wand out of one of the large pockets of her baggy pants. "Concealium!" Most of her strength left her as the sparks hit Draco's arm and hid his mark. She began to breathe deeply and rushed to the window to suck in some fresh air. When her breathing had slowed, she said, "That's probably why they didn't tell you. It uses up most of your strength and makes your lungs close off for a few seconds."
"You're alright now?"
"Yeah, fine." She sat back down next to Draco, and their lips connected again. It was deeper than the previous kiss. Draco let his tongue run over Hermione's bottom lip, and she opened her mouth to allow him access. He pulled her gently onto the bench, but the door slid opened, and instead of two people, five walked in-Lisa, Justin, Harry, Ron, and Blaise.
"Tell me I did not just see what I think I did," Ron pleaded. "First Harry, now you, 'Mione? At least Zabini's alright, but Malfoy?"
Hermione looked at Ron. "Yes, Ron. He's not so bad either."
Blaise suddenly got an idea, and she smirked to herself. "So, Draco, what is it that you were gunna tell me earlier?"
"That you're a dirty whore and I'd much rather be with Hermione than you any day."
Blaise's smirk disappeared as she glared at him.
"Okay, anyone who's not a Prefect leave," Justin demanded.
Surprisingly, they all left without a fight.
"Now care to explain?" Justin asked. "Last year I remember your last conversation before break had something to do with, 'I hope you die' on both sides."
Hermione smiled sheepishly and Draco put on an innocent look. "Are you crazy? I do not remember that conversation. Do you, Hermione?"
"No, of course not. I think you've been knocked in the head a few too many times. Draco and I have always been tight with each other." She coughed at the end of her statement and they all started laughing.
"So what, did you guys just like decide to put your pasts behind you and work things out?" Lisa questioned.
"Something like that," Hermione responded, not really wanting to go into too much detail.
They talked about school for most of the remainder of the trip. It wasn't the most exciting conversation, but it was one thing they could all actively participate in without putting anyone in danger.
~
As they neared Hogwarts, they changed into their robes and waited for the train to stop moving. They all rode in the same horseless carriage and only when they arrived in the Great Hall.
Harry and Ron sat on either side of Hermione and stared intently at her. "Can I help you?" she asked sweetly.
"So what's with you and Ferret Boy?" Harry asked.
"What's with you and Zabini?"
"We're dating. Now answer my question."
"I don't know. We're not anything. I don't think so anyway." She sighed and peered over toward Draco, who appeared to be talking to Blaise.
~
Blaise sat next to Draco and Pansy Parkinson sat on the other side of him.
"What's with you and Granger?" Blaise demanded.
"What's with you and Scar-head?"
"He's my boyfriend. You and Granger?"
He sighed. "I don't know yet. I was planning on asking her out when you and everyone else barged in on us."
"So you like the Mudblood? Ain't that sweet? The ultimate Mudblood hater has fallen for one himself. Ironic."
"Don't call her that," he snarled. "And yes, I have fallen for Hermione."
Blaise looked at him disbelievingly, but didn't argue with him since Dumbledore stood to make his announcements.
"Welcome to Hogwarts for what is sure to be another great year! As always, the Forbidden Forest is off limits to everyone. Now we will sort the first years into their Houses."
Professor McGonagall called out the name of each first year and placed the hat on each of their heads. Hermione paid careful attention. She always wanted to know everybody's name; she felt it was her duty as a Prefect.
Draco, on the other hand only clapped unenthusiastically when someone was sorted into Slytherin. A girl named Melissa smiled sweetly at him as she sat down across the table from him.
"Hi, I'm Melissa," she said as she held her petite hand out.
"Hi, I'm Draco Malfoy. I'm too old for you and I'm taken." He smirked at her and she would've fainted if he hadn't made her feel so stupid.
"You're mean, Drakie," Pansy hissed in his ear.
"No, I'm a Malfoy. You're just jealous because I learned long ago not to waste my time on you. I mean what was I, fourteen when I lost my virginity to you. After that night I realized that you were nothing but a dirty whore."
Pansy frowned and faintly heard Dumbledore announce that it was time for dinner.
"You're just mad 'cause you think I used you."
"You did. And then you were mad when I told you it was the worst experience of my life and that I felt like I was fucking an elephant. You took up half the bed! Then you got madder when I didn't cum or have an orgasm. You know why, don't you? It's 'cause I was sick at the sight of you."
Tears slid down Pansy's cheeks as he finished. She stood and walked out of the Great Hall. "What did you do to her?" Blaise asked harshly.
"I told her what happened after the Yule Ball in fourth year. Some people just can't handle it."
"And some people don't know when to keep their big mouths shut."
Draco rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I only tell the truth-when I want to."
"You're such a goddamn prick. I can't believe I ever liked you."
"I can't believe I ever liked you. You're such a stuck-up bitch, just like every other girl in this house. And now you're dating someone just because of his stupid scar. Very nice. I applaud you," he finished sarcastically.
Blaise huffed loudly and folded her arms angrily over her chest. "I am not dating Harry because of his damn scar!"
"Oh really? Why then?"
She shifted uncomfortably in her chair, an action that did not go unnoticed by Draco, as she searched for the right words. "I-I'm dating him because I- I like him.a lot. He's a nice guy."
"Right, I believe you," he said. "You wanna know what I think? I think you're dating him for his fame, his small fortune that his parents dumped off on him, and to make someone jealous."
She scoffed. "Who would I want to make jealous?" Draco raised his eyebrow suggestively. "No! Not even! I know that you wouldn't go out with me now. Plus, you've got your precious Mudblood bitch over at the Gryffindor table."
"What did I say about that?" he snarled. "If anyone's a bitch, it's you."
She shook her head. "You started being civil to each other like what, today? How can you possibly like her already? It takes time to get to know a person."
"It doesn't take as long as you might think."
Blaise kept quiet for the remainder of the meal and shot glares toward Hermione now and then.
Draco watched Hermione as she ate. He wanted to make sure that Scar-head and Weasel weren't pissing her off.
Hermione was becoming very annoyed by the questions from her so-called friends, but she decided that it was probably best not to show what she was feeling because she noticed Draco's eyes on her.
After dinner, the four Prefects led their Houses to the common rooms, gave them the password then headed back toward the common room they shared.
Draco was the first to return since the dungeons were closest. He greeted the fairy in the portrait then gave her the password, "cocker spaniel". He didn't know where Dumbledore had picked it from, but he was sure that no one would ever guess it.
He sat down in the familiar grey-painted common room. His hair fell lightly across his pale forehead as he looked up to stare at the enchanted ceiling. It was just like the ceiling in the Great Hall, and he found it rather intriguing to look at.
Hermione entered a few minutes later, and Draco beckoned her to him. She gladly obliged and sat on his leg with her head rested in the crook of his neck.
"Hermione, what do you think of me?" he asked as he twirled some of her hair around his finger.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, do you like me, I guess? Do you think I'm a bad person? An evil, rich bastard who only wants to please his father and only cares for himself?"
She thought for a moment so she could process all her thoughts. "I have to say, I do like you based on how you've been treating me today. The fact that we're both working together on the same side for once is definitely a plus. Last year I would've said that you're a daddy's boy, but I don't think so as much anymore. And no, I don't think that you care only about yourself."
Draco smiled; the first true smile Hermione had seen him wear. "You really think that? I'm glad someone does."
Hermione couldn't help but smile too. "Now I think that's the first time I have ever seen you really smile."
"No. It can't be. I've smiled before."
"You may have, but I've never seen you. You're always wearing that infamous smirk of yours. I'm not complaining, it is very sexy, it's just that you have a beautiful smile."
"Really?" His smile was once again replaced with a smirk.
"You have a very large ego. You know that?"
He nodded and kissed her lips gently. "Hermione, do you-"
The portrait to the common room opened just then and Justin and Lisa walked in. Draco drew in a sharp breath and Hermione fell back onto his chest. They were both annoyed by the second interruption of the day.
"I'm sorry. Did we interrupt something?" Lisa asked softly.
"No, no, nothing at all," Draco answered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Actually, we were just headed upstairs to write a letter to my father. Weren't we, Hermione?"
She got the hint and said, "Yeah, we should get moving on that. I'll see you two tomorrow."
"'Night," Justin and Lisa said together with confused expressions on their faces.
There were two staircases in the common room. The one on the right led to Draco and Hermione's rooms, and the one on the left led to Lisa's and Justin's.
Draco and Hermione headed up the right staircase. He opened his door and stepped back to allow Hermione to enter. She looked at him quizzically as she stepped into his dimly lit room. "This is a first. If I walked past your door last year, you would yell at me."
He shrugged as he closed the mahogany door behind him. "Yeah well things change. I was serious about writing to my father. He doesn't know that you're a half-blood, right? I really should tell him so he doesn't freak out over anything."
Hermione nodded. "That would probably be a good idea." She looked a little downcast, and Draco noticed right away.
"He what's wrong?" He put his arm around her comfortingly.
"Nothing's wrong. I was just wondering, what were you gunna say before?"
"You mean when they walked in?" She nodded and bit her lip. "Okay, since I'm pretty sure no one's gunna walk in this time and since third time's a charm: Hermione, will you be my girlfriend?"
"Of course!" she exclaimed with a bright smile.
Draco kissed her, but broke it off soon after. "I should write that letter soon."
"Oh, do you want me to leave?"
"No way! You're gunna read it over once I'm done to make sure I cover everything that I need to."
She gave him a small smile. "I see how it is. You just need me for my brain. Typical."
He smirked, but shook his head. "Nah, I actually got a pretty good one, I think. I just really, really like you, and I want him to see that."
"Well I'm glad someone likes me for me and not my grades."
Draco became confused. "What about Potter and Weasley?"
"Nah. They keep me around for homework purposes. I haven't told them yet, but I think I'm gunna tell them that if they don't stop using me, they're gunna lose a good friend."
"Don't forget, they're gunna lose you anyway. Stay close to them for now. You can't tell them anything about your heritage. Not until Potter's in Voldemort's hands at least. Hey, what do you think about sending him a Christmas gift?"
"You mean sending Harry to Voldemort during break? I say it's a great idea!"
"Good. Now let's get moving on the letter." He sat at his desk and pulled out a piece of parchment, a quill, ink, and a small box out of his drawer.
"What's that?" Hermione asked.
"What does it look like?"
"Parchment, a quill, ink, and correct me if I'm wrong, glasses?"
He nodded. "Bingo."
She furrowed her brow in confusion. "Since when do you where glasses?"
"Since third year, actually."
"You don't wear them in class."
"Nope. There's a twelve-hour spell I use everyday. Usually from seven to seven. Just don't tell anyone. You're the only person who knows."
"I won't. Go on. Let me see. It can't be that bad."
He snorted. "That's what you think." Hermione looked at him expectantly. "Fine, fine." He took the frames out of the case and put them on. They were thin and silver and were shaped as rectangles. "There. Tell me I look like an ass."
"You don't look like an ass. You actually look really good with them on. How 'bout that letter?"
"Right." He smirked at her then started writing.
Dear Father,
Our Lord gave me an assignment-one I plan to fulfill-most of it anyway. You see, there is one thing that you are not informed of. Hermione Granger is not a Mudblood like everyone originally thought. She is actually a half- blood and heir of Godric Gryffindor. You know what that means, which is good news for me since I have fallen for her. Our Lord's plans should go on as planned, and you might want to let him know of a Christmas present. Hermione and I will give him Potter. Let mom know that I will be home for Christmas along with Hermione.
Draco.
He handed it to Hermione, who read it over quickly. She found no mistakes and told him that it sounded good. He then whistled for his eagle owl, Talon, who swooped in through the open window. He tied the letter to the bird's leg and sent it off into the starry night sky.
"You are now committed to spend Christmas at the Malfoy Manor. Consider that a privilege. I have never asked a girl to spend Christmas with me before."
"Well, Mr. Malfoy, you never asked me either. You told your father that I would be going. I never agreed to it."
Draco looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, Ms Granger, you never complained. But.since I do wish for you to spend the holidays with me, will you come to my house for Christmas break?"
"This is a bit in advance, however, as I have nothing planned, I would love to spend Christmas with you in the Malfoy Manor."
They both started laughing and fell onto Draco's bed. Draco looked down into Hermione's eyes and kissed her passionately. His hands traveled up her shirt as he massaged her breasts through the thin material of her bra. He pulled her shirt over her head and was about to unclasp her bra, but Hermione stopped him. She pulled away from him slightly.
"Do we have to do this now? We just started dating like twenty minutes ago. I know that it's for Voldemort, but can't we at least wait a little bit? I want this just as much as you do, but not so soon," she whispered.
"Do you want this for us or do you just want to help Voldemort?" Draco asked with a hint of anger in his voice. "I know that the last person I am doing this for is Voldemort. Are you just doing this to 'help our cause' or do you want this for the child that will be ours?"
Hermione was surprised by his sudden outburst and her lip quivered as her mind tried to process everything he said. "Wha-what do you mean exactly?"
He let out an exasperated sigh. "Do you really like me or are you just putting on some damn act so you can have the hell child?"
Hermione was furious. "I like you Draco! I like you more than you probably know. I want this child, and not for the fact that it will be Voldemort's heir, but for the fact that it will be yours and mine. I hope you figure out real soon that you are not the only person with emotions here!" She snatched her shirt off the floor and headed toward the door.
"Don't go," he pleaded. "I didn't mean to upset you. It's just that I thought you were implying something else at first. Please stay a while longer?"
She looked at him then down at her feet. "I don't know. We do have class tomorrow and I don't think I wanna fall asleep in any of them on our first day back."
"Just a bit longer, please? We'll get enough sleep. I don't think I'd be able to sleep anyway knowing that you're mad at me." His voice was gentle yet held a desperation that Hermione had never heard before.
"I'm not mad at you, Draco," she said as she sat back down next to him on his four-poster bed. "I just don't like the fact that you thought I only wanted the baby for Voldemort. That is about the farthest thing from the truth. I know we've had our problems in the past, but I do like you. It's like there's this undying force drawing me to you and there's no way it can be stopped. I can't explain it."
Draco knew exactly what she meant. He felt it too. There was definitely something brining them closer with each passing minute.
"Draco?"
"Yeah?"
"Was there a spell placed on us as children so that we would fall in love or something like that? Or maybe it wasn't even placed on us at all, but like a curse on our families?"
He shook his head. "I'm not sure. When my owl comes back, I can write back to my father and ask him. The thing that I wonder about is why Slytherin and Gryffindor? I thought they didn't exactly like each other because of their different views. So why these two families? Don't you think it's a bit odd how things played out?"
"I do. And why is it you and I that are destined for each other? Why couldn't it have been another Slytherin or another Gryffindor? Why us?"
Draco pondered his answer. It was a very good question. "Maybe it's because, if you think about it, our mothers were the last to carry the name Gryffindor and Slytherin. They were both female, so it's obvious why it couldn't be them, and we're next in line."
"I don't know. It still doesn't seem to make any sort of logical sense to me. I guess we'll just have to wait and find out. Can we please change the topic now though? I can't stand thinking about this anymore."
"Sure. What do you wanna talk about?" he asked.
"I don't know anything." She thought for a moment then said, "Have you ever dated Blaise?"
"No. I was actually thinking about asking her over the summer, but I accidentally let slip that I'm a Death Eater and she left. She is totally anti-everything we stand for. Why'd you ask?"
"You were glaring at her and Harry on the train, and I was just curious that's all."
"Oh. Well Potter is not my favorite person in the world, and I know that the only reason she's dating him is for fame and money, and that kind of person just pisses me off."
"That doesn't sound nice. It's a horrible reason to be in a relationship."
"Nah, she's actually a downright bitch is what it all comes down to. How 'bout you? You ever date Scar-head or Weasel?"
She visibly shuddered. "No way! They are complete jackasses. Neither of them has much common sense, and they are terrible when it comes to school. Why?"
"Ah. They both seemed pretty angry with you."
"Yeah, well they're way over-protective of me for some unknown reason. They don't think that I can take care of my self, which I am perfectly capable of doing."
"Look, don't let them get to you," he said, putting a comforting arm around her shoulder and drawing her closer to him. "They'll see soon enough that you are capable of much more than they give you credit for. How do you propose we get Potter to Voldemort anyway?"
Hermione smirked. This is where being smart, common sense, and quick thinking came in handy. "I figure that you act all civil toward them and become 'friends'. You can invite the two of them to spend Christmas at your house, and Voldie gets what he wants, plus two extras. Ginny won't want to be left out now, would she?"
His eyes held an evil gleam. "It's brilliant! You're brilliant! Did you just think of that?"
"Yup. What can I say? I'm quick on my feet."
Draco kissed her quickly then wrapped her in a tight hug.
"Uh, Draco, I realize that you're happy, but to you think you could uh loosen up a little so I can breathe?"
"Right," he mumbled as a hint of pink rose to his normally pale cheeks. "I guess I just got a little too excited. It won't happen again."
"Don't worry about it. It's not like you killed me, or something like that. Besides, you look cute when you blush."
"I'm not blushing," he defended himself. "I'm a Malfoy, and Malfoys do not blush!"
She rolled her eyes and kissed his cheek softly. "Believe what you want. I'm going to bed. Goodnight."
He pouted. "Do you really have to go? Why can't you just stay here for the night?"
"Number one; it's against the rules. Number two; it's probably not a good idea since we do share a common room with two other people who happen to think it's weird that we're even talking to each other. Can you imagine what their reactions would be if I walked out of here tomorrow morning? I reckon it would be a good laugh, but we can wait a little while before we see that. Goodnight."
"Alright. Goodnight." Before she could even think about moving, he kissed her passionately. She smiled at him when they broke apart and headed out of his room into hers.
Draco smiled and fell back onto his pillows. After performing a quick charm to change into his pajamas, he fell into a deep sleep with dreams of Hermione.
"You are a Death Eater? Since when? I never saw you at any of the meetings."
Hermione smiled a little. "It was only a small initiation for me. I didn't want everyone to know. After I was initiated Voldemort taught me the concealing charm so my mother wouldn't see it. Oh, and I believe he gave you the task of seducing me and getting me pregnant?" Draco nodded and blushed a little, which was very out of character for him. "I bet he never told you that it was I who came up with the idea just to see how grossed out you would get. I must say, your father's face was quite hysterical when Voldemort broke the news to him. I was there, but under my invisibility cloak. I knew it would be too good for me to miss."
"So let me get this straight. You are heir of Godric Gryffindor. You are a half-blooded witch. You decided to go against your mother and your friends and become a Death Eater. And you told Voldemort to give me that task for your own sick pleasure. Is that correct?"
"Yup."
"You're my kinda girl." He smirked and brushed his lips against hers. Before either of them could deepen the kiss, Draco broke away. "How 'bout that concealing charm first?"
Hermione pulled her wand out of one of the large pockets of her baggy pants. "Concealium!" Most of her strength left her as the sparks hit Draco's arm and hid his mark. She began to breathe deeply and rushed to the window to suck in some fresh air. When her breathing had slowed, she said, "That's probably why they didn't tell you. It uses up most of your strength and makes your lungs close off for a few seconds."
"You're alright now?"
"Yeah, fine." She sat back down next to Draco, and their lips connected again. It was deeper than the previous kiss. Draco let his tongue run over Hermione's bottom lip, and she opened her mouth to allow him access. He pulled her gently onto the bench, but the door slid opened, and instead of two people, five walked in-Lisa, Justin, Harry, Ron, and Blaise.
"Tell me I did not just see what I think I did," Ron pleaded. "First Harry, now you, 'Mione? At least Zabini's alright, but Malfoy?"
Hermione looked at Ron. "Yes, Ron. He's not so bad either."
Blaise suddenly got an idea, and she smirked to herself. "So, Draco, what is it that you were gunna tell me earlier?"
"That you're a dirty whore and I'd much rather be with Hermione than you any day."
Blaise's smirk disappeared as she glared at him.
"Okay, anyone who's not a Prefect leave," Justin demanded.
Surprisingly, they all left without a fight.
"Now care to explain?" Justin asked. "Last year I remember your last conversation before break had something to do with, 'I hope you die' on both sides."
Hermione smiled sheepishly and Draco put on an innocent look. "Are you crazy? I do not remember that conversation. Do you, Hermione?"
"No, of course not. I think you've been knocked in the head a few too many times. Draco and I have always been tight with each other." She coughed at the end of her statement and they all started laughing.
"So what, did you guys just like decide to put your pasts behind you and work things out?" Lisa questioned.
"Something like that," Hermione responded, not really wanting to go into too much detail.
They talked about school for most of the remainder of the trip. It wasn't the most exciting conversation, but it was one thing they could all actively participate in without putting anyone in danger.
~
As they neared Hogwarts, they changed into their robes and waited for the train to stop moving. They all rode in the same horseless carriage and only when they arrived in the Great Hall.
Harry and Ron sat on either side of Hermione and stared intently at her. "Can I help you?" she asked sweetly.
"So what's with you and Ferret Boy?" Harry asked.
"What's with you and Zabini?"
"We're dating. Now answer my question."
"I don't know. We're not anything. I don't think so anyway." She sighed and peered over toward Draco, who appeared to be talking to Blaise.
~
Blaise sat next to Draco and Pansy Parkinson sat on the other side of him.
"What's with you and Granger?" Blaise demanded.
"What's with you and Scar-head?"
"He's my boyfriend. You and Granger?"
He sighed. "I don't know yet. I was planning on asking her out when you and everyone else barged in on us."
"So you like the Mudblood? Ain't that sweet? The ultimate Mudblood hater has fallen for one himself. Ironic."
"Don't call her that," he snarled. "And yes, I have fallen for Hermione."
Blaise looked at him disbelievingly, but didn't argue with him since Dumbledore stood to make his announcements.
"Welcome to Hogwarts for what is sure to be another great year! As always, the Forbidden Forest is off limits to everyone. Now we will sort the first years into their Houses."
Professor McGonagall called out the name of each first year and placed the hat on each of their heads. Hermione paid careful attention. She always wanted to know everybody's name; she felt it was her duty as a Prefect.
Draco, on the other hand only clapped unenthusiastically when someone was sorted into Slytherin. A girl named Melissa smiled sweetly at him as she sat down across the table from him.
"Hi, I'm Melissa," she said as she held her petite hand out.
"Hi, I'm Draco Malfoy. I'm too old for you and I'm taken." He smirked at her and she would've fainted if he hadn't made her feel so stupid.
"You're mean, Drakie," Pansy hissed in his ear.
"No, I'm a Malfoy. You're just jealous because I learned long ago not to waste my time on you. I mean what was I, fourteen when I lost my virginity to you. After that night I realized that you were nothing but a dirty whore."
Pansy frowned and faintly heard Dumbledore announce that it was time for dinner.
"You're just mad 'cause you think I used you."
"You did. And then you were mad when I told you it was the worst experience of my life and that I felt like I was fucking an elephant. You took up half the bed! Then you got madder when I didn't cum or have an orgasm. You know why, don't you? It's 'cause I was sick at the sight of you."
Tears slid down Pansy's cheeks as he finished. She stood and walked out of the Great Hall. "What did you do to her?" Blaise asked harshly.
"I told her what happened after the Yule Ball in fourth year. Some people just can't handle it."
"And some people don't know when to keep their big mouths shut."
Draco rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I only tell the truth-when I want to."
"You're such a goddamn prick. I can't believe I ever liked you."
"I can't believe I ever liked you. You're such a stuck-up bitch, just like every other girl in this house. And now you're dating someone just because of his stupid scar. Very nice. I applaud you," he finished sarcastically.
Blaise huffed loudly and folded her arms angrily over her chest. "I am not dating Harry because of his damn scar!"
"Oh really? Why then?"
She shifted uncomfortably in her chair, an action that did not go unnoticed by Draco, as she searched for the right words. "I-I'm dating him because I- I like him.a lot. He's a nice guy."
"Right, I believe you," he said. "You wanna know what I think? I think you're dating him for his fame, his small fortune that his parents dumped off on him, and to make someone jealous."
She scoffed. "Who would I want to make jealous?" Draco raised his eyebrow suggestively. "No! Not even! I know that you wouldn't go out with me now. Plus, you've got your precious Mudblood bitch over at the Gryffindor table."
"What did I say about that?" he snarled. "If anyone's a bitch, it's you."
She shook her head. "You started being civil to each other like what, today? How can you possibly like her already? It takes time to get to know a person."
"It doesn't take as long as you might think."
Blaise kept quiet for the remainder of the meal and shot glares toward Hermione now and then.
Draco watched Hermione as she ate. He wanted to make sure that Scar-head and Weasel weren't pissing her off.
Hermione was becoming very annoyed by the questions from her so-called friends, but she decided that it was probably best not to show what she was feeling because she noticed Draco's eyes on her.
After dinner, the four Prefects led their Houses to the common rooms, gave them the password then headed back toward the common room they shared.
Draco was the first to return since the dungeons were closest. He greeted the fairy in the portrait then gave her the password, "cocker spaniel". He didn't know where Dumbledore had picked it from, but he was sure that no one would ever guess it.
He sat down in the familiar grey-painted common room. His hair fell lightly across his pale forehead as he looked up to stare at the enchanted ceiling. It was just like the ceiling in the Great Hall, and he found it rather intriguing to look at.
Hermione entered a few minutes later, and Draco beckoned her to him. She gladly obliged and sat on his leg with her head rested in the crook of his neck.
"Hermione, what do you think of me?" he asked as he twirled some of her hair around his finger.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, do you like me, I guess? Do you think I'm a bad person? An evil, rich bastard who only wants to please his father and only cares for himself?"
She thought for a moment so she could process all her thoughts. "I have to say, I do like you based on how you've been treating me today. The fact that we're both working together on the same side for once is definitely a plus. Last year I would've said that you're a daddy's boy, but I don't think so as much anymore. And no, I don't think that you care only about yourself."
Draco smiled; the first true smile Hermione had seen him wear. "You really think that? I'm glad someone does."
Hermione couldn't help but smile too. "Now I think that's the first time I have ever seen you really smile."
"No. It can't be. I've smiled before."
"You may have, but I've never seen you. You're always wearing that infamous smirk of yours. I'm not complaining, it is very sexy, it's just that you have a beautiful smile."
"Really?" His smile was once again replaced with a smirk.
"You have a very large ego. You know that?"
He nodded and kissed her lips gently. "Hermione, do you-"
The portrait to the common room opened just then and Justin and Lisa walked in. Draco drew in a sharp breath and Hermione fell back onto his chest. They were both annoyed by the second interruption of the day.
"I'm sorry. Did we interrupt something?" Lisa asked softly.
"No, no, nothing at all," Draco answered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Actually, we were just headed upstairs to write a letter to my father. Weren't we, Hermione?"
She got the hint and said, "Yeah, we should get moving on that. I'll see you two tomorrow."
"'Night," Justin and Lisa said together with confused expressions on their faces.
There were two staircases in the common room. The one on the right led to Draco and Hermione's rooms, and the one on the left led to Lisa's and Justin's.
Draco and Hermione headed up the right staircase. He opened his door and stepped back to allow Hermione to enter. She looked at him quizzically as she stepped into his dimly lit room. "This is a first. If I walked past your door last year, you would yell at me."
He shrugged as he closed the mahogany door behind him. "Yeah well things change. I was serious about writing to my father. He doesn't know that you're a half-blood, right? I really should tell him so he doesn't freak out over anything."
Hermione nodded. "That would probably be a good idea." She looked a little downcast, and Draco noticed right away.
"He what's wrong?" He put his arm around her comfortingly.
"Nothing's wrong. I was just wondering, what were you gunna say before?"
"You mean when they walked in?" She nodded and bit her lip. "Okay, since I'm pretty sure no one's gunna walk in this time and since third time's a charm: Hermione, will you be my girlfriend?"
"Of course!" she exclaimed with a bright smile.
Draco kissed her, but broke it off soon after. "I should write that letter soon."
"Oh, do you want me to leave?"
"No way! You're gunna read it over once I'm done to make sure I cover everything that I need to."
She gave him a small smile. "I see how it is. You just need me for my brain. Typical."
He smirked, but shook his head. "Nah, I actually got a pretty good one, I think. I just really, really like you, and I want him to see that."
"Well I'm glad someone likes me for me and not my grades."
Draco became confused. "What about Potter and Weasley?"
"Nah. They keep me around for homework purposes. I haven't told them yet, but I think I'm gunna tell them that if they don't stop using me, they're gunna lose a good friend."
"Don't forget, they're gunna lose you anyway. Stay close to them for now. You can't tell them anything about your heritage. Not until Potter's in Voldemort's hands at least. Hey, what do you think about sending him a Christmas gift?"
"You mean sending Harry to Voldemort during break? I say it's a great idea!"
"Good. Now let's get moving on the letter." He sat at his desk and pulled out a piece of parchment, a quill, ink, and a small box out of his drawer.
"What's that?" Hermione asked.
"What does it look like?"
"Parchment, a quill, ink, and correct me if I'm wrong, glasses?"
He nodded. "Bingo."
She furrowed her brow in confusion. "Since when do you where glasses?"
"Since third year, actually."
"You don't wear them in class."
"Nope. There's a twelve-hour spell I use everyday. Usually from seven to seven. Just don't tell anyone. You're the only person who knows."
"I won't. Go on. Let me see. It can't be that bad."
He snorted. "That's what you think." Hermione looked at him expectantly. "Fine, fine." He took the frames out of the case and put them on. They were thin and silver and were shaped as rectangles. "There. Tell me I look like an ass."
"You don't look like an ass. You actually look really good with them on. How 'bout that letter?"
"Right." He smirked at her then started writing.
Dear Father,
Our Lord gave me an assignment-one I plan to fulfill-most of it anyway. You see, there is one thing that you are not informed of. Hermione Granger is not a Mudblood like everyone originally thought. She is actually a half- blood and heir of Godric Gryffindor. You know what that means, which is good news for me since I have fallen for her. Our Lord's plans should go on as planned, and you might want to let him know of a Christmas present. Hermione and I will give him Potter. Let mom know that I will be home for Christmas along with Hermione.
Draco.
He handed it to Hermione, who read it over quickly. She found no mistakes and told him that it sounded good. He then whistled for his eagle owl, Talon, who swooped in through the open window. He tied the letter to the bird's leg and sent it off into the starry night sky.
"You are now committed to spend Christmas at the Malfoy Manor. Consider that a privilege. I have never asked a girl to spend Christmas with me before."
"Well, Mr. Malfoy, you never asked me either. You told your father that I would be going. I never agreed to it."
Draco looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, Ms Granger, you never complained. But.since I do wish for you to spend the holidays with me, will you come to my house for Christmas break?"
"This is a bit in advance, however, as I have nothing planned, I would love to spend Christmas with you in the Malfoy Manor."
They both started laughing and fell onto Draco's bed. Draco looked down into Hermione's eyes and kissed her passionately. His hands traveled up her shirt as he massaged her breasts through the thin material of her bra. He pulled her shirt over her head and was about to unclasp her bra, but Hermione stopped him. She pulled away from him slightly.
"Do we have to do this now? We just started dating like twenty minutes ago. I know that it's for Voldemort, but can't we at least wait a little bit? I want this just as much as you do, but not so soon," she whispered.
"Do you want this for us or do you just want to help Voldemort?" Draco asked with a hint of anger in his voice. "I know that the last person I am doing this for is Voldemort. Are you just doing this to 'help our cause' or do you want this for the child that will be ours?"
Hermione was surprised by his sudden outburst and her lip quivered as her mind tried to process everything he said. "Wha-what do you mean exactly?"
He let out an exasperated sigh. "Do you really like me or are you just putting on some damn act so you can have the hell child?"
Hermione was furious. "I like you Draco! I like you more than you probably know. I want this child, and not for the fact that it will be Voldemort's heir, but for the fact that it will be yours and mine. I hope you figure out real soon that you are not the only person with emotions here!" She snatched her shirt off the floor and headed toward the door.
"Don't go," he pleaded. "I didn't mean to upset you. It's just that I thought you were implying something else at first. Please stay a while longer?"
She looked at him then down at her feet. "I don't know. We do have class tomorrow and I don't think I wanna fall asleep in any of them on our first day back."
"Just a bit longer, please? We'll get enough sleep. I don't think I'd be able to sleep anyway knowing that you're mad at me." His voice was gentle yet held a desperation that Hermione had never heard before.
"I'm not mad at you, Draco," she said as she sat back down next to him on his four-poster bed. "I just don't like the fact that you thought I only wanted the baby for Voldemort. That is about the farthest thing from the truth. I know we've had our problems in the past, but I do like you. It's like there's this undying force drawing me to you and there's no way it can be stopped. I can't explain it."
Draco knew exactly what she meant. He felt it too. There was definitely something brining them closer with each passing minute.
"Draco?"
"Yeah?"
"Was there a spell placed on us as children so that we would fall in love or something like that? Or maybe it wasn't even placed on us at all, but like a curse on our families?"
He shook his head. "I'm not sure. When my owl comes back, I can write back to my father and ask him. The thing that I wonder about is why Slytherin and Gryffindor? I thought they didn't exactly like each other because of their different views. So why these two families? Don't you think it's a bit odd how things played out?"
"I do. And why is it you and I that are destined for each other? Why couldn't it have been another Slytherin or another Gryffindor? Why us?"
Draco pondered his answer. It was a very good question. "Maybe it's because, if you think about it, our mothers were the last to carry the name Gryffindor and Slytherin. They were both female, so it's obvious why it couldn't be them, and we're next in line."
"I don't know. It still doesn't seem to make any sort of logical sense to me. I guess we'll just have to wait and find out. Can we please change the topic now though? I can't stand thinking about this anymore."
"Sure. What do you wanna talk about?" he asked.
"I don't know anything." She thought for a moment then said, "Have you ever dated Blaise?"
"No. I was actually thinking about asking her over the summer, but I accidentally let slip that I'm a Death Eater and she left. She is totally anti-everything we stand for. Why'd you ask?"
"You were glaring at her and Harry on the train, and I was just curious that's all."
"Oh. Well Potter is not my favorite person in the world, and I know that the only reason she's dating him is for fame and money, and that kind of person just pisses me off."
"That doesn't sound nice. It's a horrible reason to be in a relationship."
"Nah, she's actually a downright bitch is what it all comes down to. How 'bout you? You ever date Scar-head or Weasel?"
She visibly shuddered. "No way! They are complete jackasses. Neither of them has much common sense, and they are terrible when it comes to school. Why?"
"Ah. They both seemed pretty angry with you."
"Yeah, well they're way over-protective of me for some unknown reason. They don't think that I can take care of my self, which I am perfectly capable of doing."
"Look, don't let them get to you," he said, putting a comforting arm around her shoulder and drawing her closer to him. "They'll see soon enough that you are capable of much more than they give you credit for. How do you propose we get Potter to Voldemort anyway?"
Hermione smirked. This is where being smart, common sense, and quick thinking came in handy. "I figure that you act all civil toward them and become 'friends'. You can invite the two of them to spend Christmas at your house, and Voldie gets what he wants, plus two extras. Ginny won't want to be left out now, would she?"
His eyes held an evil gleam. "It's brilliant! You're brilliant! Did you just think of that?"
"Yup. What can I say? I'm quick on my feet."
Draco kissed her quickly then wrapped her in a tight hug.
"Uh, Draco, I realize that you're happy, but to you think you could uh loosen up a little so I can breathe?"
"Right," he mumbled as a hint of pink rose to his normally pale cheeks. "I guess I just got a little too excited. It won't happen again."
"Don't worry about it. It's not like you killed me, or something like that. Besides, you look cute when you blush."
"I'm not blushing," he defended himself. "I'm a Malfoy, and Malfoys do not blush!"
She rolled her eyes and kissed his cheek softly. "Believe what you want. I'm going to bed. Goodnight."
He pouted. "Do you really have to go? Why can't you just stay here for the night?"
"Number one; it's against the rules. Number two; it's probably not a good idea since we do share a common room with two other people who happen to think it's weird that we're even talking to each other. Can you imagine what their reactions would be if I walked out of here tomorrow morning? I reckon it would be a good laugh, but we can wait a little while before we see that. Goodnight."
"Alright. Goodnight." Before she could even think about moving, he kissed her passionately. She smiled at him when they broke apart and headed out of his room into hers.
Draco smiled and fell back onto his pillows. After performing a quick charm to change into his pajamas, he fell into a deep sleep with dreams of Hermione.