A/N: Thank you to everyone who has made it this far. I promise, you will
find out at least one secret in this chapter. I also promise that they
will actually get to school, and the plot will actually show up soon.
Major thanks to everyone who has reviewed, and Kelly. If you want to be
alerted when I put up chapters, send an e-mail to bonbonzai@animail.com The
same if you'd like to volunteer to be my beta reader, as I currently don't
have anyone see this before Kelly posts.
Disclaimer: The characters still aren't mine, Persephone is Draco's sister if you didn't catch that, but she won't be showing up for a while. The spells (except the badge and beauty ones) also aren't mine. Anything you recognize mostly isn't mine. All jewelry still belongs to Kelly.
Chapter 4-Start of Term
When she got back, Harry and Ron had already gone through the barrier, leaving her trunk and bag piled up next to it. Hermione pointed through a lost looking first year, and picked up her things to carry on. Once on the platform, she identified the prefects' car and was attempting to drag her luggage over to it when she heard a semi-familiar polite male voice.
"Would you like some help with that?" She turned in the direction of the sound and got a good look at the speaker. It was the boy from her dream, looking even better in person. He had taken her trunk from her arms, making his muscles stand out, greatly enhancing his slender torso. His legs were nice looking as well, in tight fitting Muggle jeans. It wasn't until he adjusted her trunk, waiting for her, that she saw something silver on his shirt.
"Draco? Is it you? I hardly recognized you," Hermione said in shock. "The summer certainly treated you well."
Draco smiled. He had seen the way she was staring at him, and most certainly liked it. "Hermione," he started, in a gentle voice, "The summer doesn't seem to have treated you to badly either," he said, discretely looking her over. She was gorgeous. Good job Persephone! "Listen, I was thinking. As we are going to be working together a lot this year, will you accept a peace offering? A token of my forgiveness, for six years of maltreatment?" Somehow, he had found the perfect words there, and won her over easily.
"You didn't have to do that, Draco. How could anyone stay mad at you?" she replied, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks.
"Oh, but I did. When I think of how horrible I was to you these last years at Hogwarts, I feel just awful. Please, take this," and he handed her a small gold pouch.
She opened it up and found a ring inside. It was silver, and one side was wide with two starts and a crescent moon cut out. "Ooh!" she squealed. "It's beautiful!" She slipped it on her finger, and it fit perfectly. It was tight enough not to move, but it didn't hurt.
"That's not all it does," Draco whispered in her ear. "I'll show you the rest tonight." Hermione giggled at the feeling of his warm breath on her ear.
"We should probably go get our robes on," Draco said, startling Hermione. "We want to set a good example for the younger students, don't we?"
It was then she realized where they were: in a small private compartment in the prefects' car, sitting right next to a boy who had been her enemy half an hour before. A quick glance out the window gave a fleeting view of the outskirts of London. She had blindly followed him all the way onto the train and into this compartment.
"Yes, of course. I'll go to the washroom down the hall, and you can change here." Hermione said, breaking out of her trance and grabbing one of her new robes and wand out of her trunk.
In the washroom, she changed into the robe she had brought. It was a fancy one, for the sorting feast, midnight blue velvet with silver trimming.
"Shoot," she said. "My badge. Accio letter." Hermione heard the sound of a few doors opening and closing on their own, and soon it was in her hand. "Transfemium."
The paper grew warm in her hand, and started growing thicker, then it was a silver badge with the Hogwarts crest and 'Head Girl' across the top. Hermione muttered a spell and the badge stuck to the left side of her chest. It was cold inside the train, and raining hard outside, so she pulled her hood halfway up her head. Trying to clear her mind of dreamy visions of Draco, she headed back in the train to look for Harry.
"Hermione!" Harry shouted all the way across a car. "I haven't seen you in almost an hour and a half! You look beautiful!" He ran over to her and twirled her in a hug, to the amusement of the watching second year girls, and to her chagrin. They started giggling when Harry didn't put her down, leaving her suspended four inches too high to be able to reach the floor.
"Put me down!" she cried indignantly.
"Just trying to keep an eye on my girl," he said innocently, setting her softly on her feet and attempting to lead her back to his compartment in the rear of the train. "Before some attractive young blonde with a Head Boy badge can steal her away from me. I can see why you didn't want to tell us. You know, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Ron killed him out of jealousy before the end of the year. He probably would have knocked him out if he had seen what I saw on the platform earlier, and getting onto the train, and in a dimly lit locked private compartment."
"Harry! Nothing happened! Nothing was going to happen! Nothing will happen! Besides, how'd you know?"
"I was watching you. I've got eyes, you know. Did anyone ever tell you you talk in your sleep?"
"So you mean this summer . . . ?"
"I knew as soon as you did."
"And about the-"
"I knew. And yes, I still am going to convince everyone at school we're going out. (A/N: that was his threat) Because you didn't tell me. And I know the history. And I know that I will marry you myself before I let that stupid git do anything to my Hermione."
"Possessive, aren't we. Harry, as much as I appreciate your devoted protection, I am almost 18. I'm practically a year older than you. I know more than enough to be able to take care of myself."
"Fat lot of good that will do you if something happens to your wand. I just don't want to let anything happen to you."
"And I love you for it, but could we just return to a private compartment and find Ron so we can talk? There are some things I need to talk to you guys about. Seriously."
"All right, all right. We'll do down to the prefects' car, find Ron, and have a real serious talk. Will that do?"
"Sounds good. Harry!" she squealed, for he had just scooped her into his arms. [A/N: sorry for interrupting, I know this seems like a hard deal for Ron, but he has accepted that Harry and Hermione just play flirt with each other, and I promise it is, and will remain, meaningless]
"I never said I'd be serious on the way. Besides, we're going out."
Hermione rolled her eyes and blushed as Harry insisted on carrying her all the way through the train. By this time most of the school knew her, and the younger ones at least recognized the Head Girl badge on her chest. Thus, they proceeded through the train amidst much teasing and catcalling.
They reached the prefects' car only to find Ron on his way out to look for them. Harry finally set her down, and they quickly found a private compartment and locked themselves in. Hermione began to tell them about Draco's odd behavior.
"I came onto the platform, and I was having a lot of trouble with my things, 'cause you two ran off with the cart. Anyway, he just offers all nice and gentlemanly to help me with my things. I didn't even believe it was him at first, but he just sort of took my trunk for me. He said he wanted to apologize for how he'd acted. He was being really nice to me and . . . I think he was hitting on me."
Hermione knew as soon as she said it that it was the wrong thing. She watched Ron's muscles tense up and his fists clench. Harry just stared at him, and slowly shook his head. Gradually, Hermione saw Ron's brain take over, and his muscles relaxed into a very forced calm. She reached over and put her hand over his, pulling it out of her sleeve as she reached.
"'Mione?"
"Yes?"
"What's this?" he asked, pointing to the ring.
"Oh, that. Umm . . . well, draco gave it to me. As a peace offering."
"I don't trust Malfoy. That thing's probably hexed. Remember Harry's Firebolt?" She looked down at it, staring deeply, and then started pulling at it with her right hand.
"You're probably right, Ron. I have been the gullible one in the past, and this would be a perfect way to trick me. It's just, well, he seemed so honest. He was saying how, since we will be together a lot this year, it would be easier if we were nice to each other."
"Wait, what's this about you two working together? Did I miss something?"
"Ron, I'm sorry, I should have told you earlier. I guess I was just sort of sorry, and sort of ashamed. Draco is Head Boy."
The look on Ron's face was reminiscent of the time Hermione had put the full-body bind on Neville. He just stopped-stopped moving, stopped talking, and simply stared at her, slightly open-mouthed.
Harry knew that Ron would probably do something rash if given the time how to actually comprehend what he had just heard. "So, 'Mione, as you've probably noticed, you look a little different. Actually you look a little familiar, but not really like yourself. I mean, you look great, but isn't there some rule against beauty spells?"
That was another thing which had been weighing rather heavily on Ron's mind, and it was enough to distract his from his trance.
"I'm not sure about you," she replied rather coldly, "but I didn't perform any beauty spells on myself."
"Okay, but someone did. You can't grow three inches, change your hair length and color, lose a tan, and change your, um, shape overnight without the use of magic. Who else would want to put a beauty spell on you?"
"How should I-" and the impending argument was postponed by a knock on the door. Hermione went over and opened it. She was met by Draco, looking just as impressive in his green and silver dress robes as in the Muggle summer clothing.
"Ah, Hermione, I've been looking all over for you." At this, Harry and Ron stood up behind her, rather like bristling guard dogs. "Harry, Ron, I am afraid I must steal Hermione away from you." Ron looked ready to hex him, and Harry was slowly putting a charm on him to prevent his doing so. "Dumbledore is up front; he needs to speak with the Head Boy and Girl privately."
"Oh. I suppose for some last minute instructions." Draco shrugged. "Harry, Ron, I'll see you at school."
So Hermione went out the door and accompanied Draco silently to the compartment they had been in earlier. Dumbledore was sitting on one side waiting for them.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, you were able to find Ms. Granger. I am glad to see both of you looking quite well. The dress robes will set a good example for the other students. Ms. Granger, you look a little different. Did you do something to you hair over the summer?"
She shrugged. "What did you want us for, sir?"
"Just a few last minute instructions. First, outside of your private rooms you will be expected to keep your badges on."
"Outside of our what, Headmaster?" Hermione blurted out, badly hiding her shock [A/N: to those who read chap. 2 earlier, that mention wasn't supposed to be there]
"Private rooms, Ms. Granger. The Head Girl and Boy have a dorm of their own, with a shared study and bath and private bedrooms. It allows them to have more flexible study hours as well as allows the staff to reach them in case of emergency without disturbing the other students."
"Well, I suppose that makes sense." What she was thinking, however, was more along the lines of 'Hold it right there. I just stopped hating this guy two hours ago. I do not think I am quite ready to live with him.'
Dumbledore continued. "The rooms are enchanted so no students besides you can enter. There is a new policy at Hogwarts that I'd like to discuss with you. With the recent return of Voldemort, and the tendency of some students to wander the halls at night, all the portraits will be locked after hours, from both sides. Only the members of the staff have the keys, and they will only work for them. In case of emergency, a small amount of Floo Powder has been placed at every fireplace. That is all for now, I will see you at the feast." With that, Dumbledore left out the door and down the hall.
Hermione sighed. "Draco, I have had a rather long day. I am pretty sure we have at least another hour left, so I think I'm going to take a bit of a nap. Would you mind waking me up when we are nearing Hogsmeade?"
"Not at all. Just lie down here, and I'll go do some quiet studying on the other side."
Hermione lay down on her stomach, crossing her arms under her head. Draco whispered a strong locking charm for privacy, and grabbed one of the books from his trunk. He had gotten some of his classes changed this year, and would be taking Arithmancy in place of Ancient Runes. His father had discovered how badly he was doing in that class and gotten him switched out.
He was struggling though page fifteen of Arithmancy for Beginners when he heard a noise. Hermione had started moaning, as if in pain. He put a silencing charm on the walls, and knelt by her side.
Hermione screamed and called out his name. In a minute she stopped, but her breathing was hard and ragged, and she was shaking all over. Draco lay his hands on her back and gently massaged, singing a song that he had heard in a Muggle shop.
[A/N: Shameless plug, I'm a die-hard Beatles fan, and Mom used to sing this to us when we were little]
Once there was a way, to get back homeward.
Once there was a way, to get back home.
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry,
And I will sing a lullaby.
Golden slumbers fill your eyes.
Smiles awake you when you rise.
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry,
And I will sing a lullaby.
Slowly, her breathing calmed and she lay still. Draco stayed half on the seat next to her,
gently rubbing her back until he was sure she was all right.
He glanced out the window, and saw the dim light of Hogsmeade in the distance. 'I'll give her a few minutes. She looks like she could use them.' He slowly stood up and began busying himself organizing the contents of his trunk. When they were just minutes from the station, he went back to where she lay, and began gently shaking. "Hermione, Hermione, it's time to get up."
She didn't move, and his movements and voice soon lost their gentleness. Finally, impatient, he picked her up and stood her on her feet. Hermione woke up feeling a pair of strong arms around her waist. She opened her eyes rather unexpectedly, and found a green velvet-covered chest.
She groggily fell forward, and Draco's arms moved to her shoulders. "Hermione, wake up! We are almost at the station!" he half-shouted at her.
"I'm awake!"
"Oh. Sorry then." He let her go and she quickly sat down.
"Would you ming explaining why I woke up in your arms?"
His old self broke out. "Yes."
The train stopped suddenly, and Draco caught himself with his arms on the wall on both sides of her. Their faces were about an inch apart, but he quickly pushed off and brushed his robes with his hands and unlocked the door.
By the time they got out, there was only one carriage left. "Impervious," Hermione whispered, and a small bubble formed around them so the could enter dryly. Both were feeling rather awkward about the events of the evening, so they sat quietly thinking to themselves.
'Okay. I know I was supposed to make her like me, but it seems like she already does. And I like her. Back there on the train she sounded like she was in trouble, and all I wanted to do was hug her and make the pain go away. This is so weird. And why do I keep staring at her? Sure, she's pretty, but pretty girls are a dime a dozen. This is more than mild lust. Why can't I keep my eyes off of her?'
'What is going on here? I'm dreaming of Draco, he acting totally out of character, Harry saves my life again, Ron likes me . . . I woke up in Draco's arms, but I didn't want to get out. I'm going to be practically living with this guy all year, and I'm not sure I know who he is anymore. And why do I keep staring at him? Sure, he looks good, but since when did appearances ever mean anything? Why can't I keep my eyes off him?"
Draco continued the ride in dreamy thought of Hermione. Her hood had fallen back on her head, revealing thick auburn hair. Her eyes seemed to sparkle in the dim light, with little flecks of green and gold. Her skin seemed to be a pale ivory about even with his own, and her figure was, to say the very least, nice, with soft gentle curves. He tried not to look at her eyes so she wouldn't be able to tell he was staring.
Hermione continued her confused inspection of Draco discreetly for the remainder of the trip. His rich green velvet robes were fitted, so as to complement his slender, muscular frame. His eyes were impossible to see, as his face was hidden by shadow, but they seemed to glow in the dim light. His white-blonde hair was neatly tucked behind his ears, reaching just to the bottom of his neck. He had pale ivory skin that made him look rather delicate, adding an aura of classiness to his body. Once he caught her looking at his eyes, and she blushed pink and pulled her hood back up, hiding her own face in shadow.
After what seemed an eternity, they reached the castle. "Impervious," muttered Draco and once again they were encased in the bubble of dryness. He gave her his hand as she was getting out, and helped her down. "Come in, the sorting will be starting any minute now," a familiar voice spoke up from in front of them.
"Professor Lupin!" Hermione exclaimed, running over and enclosing her friend in a hug. "You won't believe how much has happened! We missed you, and we were all so worried about you while you were gone."
Remus and Hermione went toward the castle together, talking and laughing. Draco was left alone, glaring at their silhouettes in the darkness. 'Wait, what am I doing? It's not like I like her or anything. Besides, he's about twenty years older than she is. And he's a werewolf. It's not like they're in love or anything.'
Draco finally made his way into Hogwarts, and through the doors of the Great Hall. The ceiling was a billowy gray, with occasional flashes of white, blue, and purple. He was heading for his usual place with the Slytherins when he saw Professor Lupin leading Hermione to a seat next to him at the staff table. 'Well, well. At least I won't have another year of attempting conversation with Pansy, Vincent, and Gregory.' He seated himself between Professor Sinistra and Madam Hooch.
Soon the first years were ushered in. McGonagall set the Sorting Hat up. It began to sing, but few people were really listening to it. The first years were looking around nervously, trying to look less queasy than they felt. Hermione was scanning the first years, trying to find familiar faces. Professor Lupin was staring at Hermione, and mentally reprimanding himself for doing so. Draco was glowering at Professor Lupin in slow- burning jealousy. Most of the girls were staring at Draco, who looked beautiful now, almost effeminately so. Ron was surveying the girls in room, and deciding that Hermione really was the prettiest one there. Gabrielle Delacour was staring at Ron, who had helped rescue her three years before. Harry was gazing at Gabrielle, who shared he sister's part- veela entrancing beauty. Ginny Weasley was peeking at Harry, still to shy to hope he would ever look her way. Colin Creevey was trying to catch Ginny's eye, as he had recently become infatuated with her. The rest were looking for friends, distracted in their own minds, or impatiently waiting for the feast. They mostly managed to clap politely for all the newly sorted students, and faked enthusiasm for those sorted into their house.
At the end of the sorting, Dumbledore stood up. "I have a few announcements to make. First I'd like to congratulate and introduce this year's Head Boy and Girl, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger." They stood up as their names were called to more enthusiastic applause. [A/N: why do the attractive people get all the nice attention? Sorry] "Continuing, as a precautionary measure, all portraits will be locked in the evenings one hour before curfew. Only members of the staff will have the keys to unlock them. Finally, as Hagrid is currently involved in personal business, I am pleased to introduce to you your new Care of Magical Creatures professor, Charles Weasley." After he said that, Charlie entered to much applause, [yes, he's attractive too-you get good muscles from working with dragons] especially from the Gryffindor table. He walked up to the staff table and seated himself on Hermione's other side. After the Gryffindors stopped clapping, Dumbledore continued. "To quote a Muggle book, 'O be wise, what can I say more?'"
The feast appeared on their tables, and the air was soon filled with much animated conversation. Hermione and Draco were both oblivious to the many eyes watching them during the meal. Hermione did notice Professor Lupin avoiding eye contact with her, and twice caught Charlie staring at her rather intently, which made him blush, but noticed nothing out of the ordinary.
When the plates were cleared, Dumbledore concluded the feast and excused the students to the guidance of the prefects. The staff were standing up to leave when Dumbledore called Draco and Hermione to him.
"Yes, Headmaster?" Hermione replied in her special teacher's pet voice, already by his side.
"Ms. Granger, Mr. Malfoy, come. I need to show you to your quarters." They both followed him wordlessly to a well-hidden corridor on the fourth floor. There was a painting next to where he left them, with pictures of four people who appeared to be in their mid-forties, two men and two women. Hermione was about to ask it a question when one of the women, with raven hair and a blue dress, spoke.
"I suppose it's my turn to make the introductions. I'm Rowena Ravenclaw, that is Salazar Slytherin, she is Helga Hufflepuff, and he is Godric Gryffindor. And you two in the Head badges are?"
"Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger," he replied quickly.
"Welcome, Draco and Hermione. As you two will be the only students using this door this year, there is no need for a password. We will simply recognize you and allow you to pass."
"That seems convenient. For the present, as we are recognized . . . "
"Oh, of course dear." The painting slid open to reveal a doorway. The two went in, and got a good look at their room. The study was spacious, yet cozy. There were shelves of many books on the walls, two identical desks with chairs, a small wooden table, a short scarlet velvet chair that was apparently for Hermione, a high-backed green one Draco claimed, and an extremely comfortable blue couch. Those sectioned off part of the room around a small fireplace, with a thick rug on the floor. There was one door in the back or the room with they discovered opened into a private toilet and bath room, and one door on each side with their names above them that led into the bedrooms.
They each entered their respective bedrooms. In them were their belongings, a dresser, a high curtained four-poster bed, and a small night- stand by its side. Neither felt like saying much to the other, so Hermione settled down on her bed to finish memorizing her course books, and Draco got into the bath. Hermione was up late finishing Advanced Arithmancy, so they didn't see each other before they fell asleep. Draco came out and went straight to his room, changing into pajamas and conjuring up a glass of water before bed.
A/N: It will start to make more sense soon. A lot of things get explained in Chapter five, though some secrets will last until the end of the fic, and some will never be revealed. Bwa ha ha ha ha. In case you hadn't noticed, I like maniacal laughter. Thanks to all who've reviewed, please continue, and continued thanks to Kelly for posting. Tell me in reviews if you have a story I should read.
To my reviewers-
muchacha-I'm glad you like it so much. I will post as quick as I can , but it takes a while to get the chapters typed up. I am hand-writing this story. I have a friend upload it. Thanks.
jen20069-Thank you much. What do you mean, you think you know who gave her the necklace? This will be mostly explained in Chapter 5. It will be up as soon as I can.
Shirow-Here is some more Draco for you, and we get a lot more as it goes on. I do not guarantee it will be a Hermione/Draco, because I haven't finished writing it, but the Hermione changing part will be explained soon too. It came from Harry's dream.
Disclaimer: The characters still aren't mine, Persephone is Draco's sister if you didn't catch that, but she won't be showing up for a while. The spells (except the badge and beauty ones) also aren't mine. Anything you recognize mostly isn't mine. All jewelry still belongs to Kelly.
Chapter 4-Start of Term
When she got back, Harry and Ron had already gone through the barrier, leaving her trunk and bag piled up next to it. Hermione pointed through a lost looking first year, and picked up her things to carry on. Once on the platform, she identified the prefects' car and was attempting to drag her luggage over to it when she heard a semi-familiar polite male voice.
"Would you like some help with that?" She turned in the direction of the sound and got a good look at the speaker. It was the boy from her dream, looking even better in person. He had taken her trunk from her arms, making his muscles stand out, greatly enhancing his slender torso. His legs were nice looking as well, in tight fitting Muggle jeans. It wasn't until he adjusted her trunk, waiting for her, that she saw something silver on his shirt.
"Draco? Is it you? I hardly recognized you," Hermione said in shock. "The summer certainly treated you well."
Draco smiled. He had seen the way she was staring at him, and most certainly liked it. "Hermione," he started, in a gentle voice, "The summer doesn't seem to have treated you to badly either," he said, discretely looking her over. She was gorgeous. Good job Persephone! "Listen, I was thinking. As we are going to be working together a lot this year, will you accept a peace offering? A token of my forgiveness, for six years of maltreatment?" Somehow, he had found the perfect words there, and won her over easily.
"You didn't have to do that, Draco. How could anyone stay mad at you?" she replied, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks.
"Oh, but I did. When I think of how horrible I was to you these last years at Hogwarts, I feel just awful. Please, take this," and he handed her a small gold pouch.
She opened it up and found a ring inside. It was silver, and one side was wide with two starts and a crescent moon cut out. "Ooh!" she squealed. "It's beautiful!" She slipped it on her finger, and it fit perfectly. It was tight enough not to move, but it didn't hurt.
"That's not all it does," Draco whispered in her ear. "I'll show you the rest tonight." Hermione giggled at the feeling of his warm breath on her ear.
"We should probably go get our robes on," Draco said, startling Hermione. "We want to set a good example for the younger students, don't we?"
It was then she realized where they were: in a small private compartment in the prefects' car, sitting right next to a boy who had been her enemy half an hour before. A quick glance out the window gave a fleeting view of the outskirts of London. She had blindly followed him all the way onto the train and into this compartment.
"Yes, of course. I'll go to the washroom down the hall, and you can change here." Hermione said, breaking out of her trance and grabbing one of her new robes and wand out of her trunk.
In the washroom, she changed into the robe she had brought. It was a fancy one, for the sorting feast, midnight blue velvet with silver trimming.
"Shoot," she said. "My badge. Accio letter." Hermione heard the sound of a few doors opening and closing on their own, and soon it was in her hand. "Transfemium."
The paper grew warm in her hand, and started growing thicker, then it was a silver badge with the Hogwarts crest and 'Head Girl' across the top. Hermione muttered a spell and the badge stuck to the left side of her chest. It was cold inside the train, and raining hard outside, so she pulled her hood halfway up her head. Trying to clear her mind of dreamy visions of Draco, she headed back in the train to look for Harry.
"Hermione!" Harry shouted all the way across a car. "I haven't seen you in almost an hour and a half! You look beautiful!" He ran over to her and twirled her in a hug, to the amusement of the watching second year girls, and to her chagrin. They started giggling when Harry didn't put her down, leaving her suspended four inches too high to be able to reach the floor.
"Put me down!" she cried indignantly.
"Just trying to keep an eye on my girl," he said innocently, setting her softly on her feet and attempting to lead her back to his compartment in the rear of the train. "Before some attractive young blonde with a Head Boy badge can steal her away from me. I can see why you didn't want to tell us. You know, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Ron killed him out of jealousy before the end of the year. He probably would have knocked him out if he had seen what I saw on the platform earlier, and getting onto the train, and in a dimly lit locked private compartment."
"Harry! Nothing happened! Nothing was going to happen! Nothing will happen! Besides, how'd you know?"
"I was watching you. I've got eyes, you know. Did anyone ever tell you you talk in your sleep?"
"So you mean this summer . . . ?"
"I knew as soon as you did."
"And about the-"
"I knew. And yes, I still am going to convince everyone at school we're going out. (A/N: that was his threat) Because you didn't tell me. And I know the history. And I know that I will marry you myself before I let that stupid git do anything to my Hermione."
"Possessive, aren't we. Harry, as much as I appreciate your devoted protection, I am almost 18. I'm practically a year older than you. I know more than enough to be able to take care of myself."
"Fat lot of good that will do you if something happens to your wand. I just don't want to let anything happen to you."
"And I love you for it, but could we just return to a private compartment and find Ron so we can talk? There are some things I need to talk to you guys about. Seriously."
"All right, all right. We'll do down to the prefects' car, find Ron, and have a real serious talk. Will that do?"
"Sounds good. Harry!" she squealed, for he had just scooped her into his arms. [A/N: sorry for interrupting, I know this seems like a hard deal for Ron, but he has accepted that Harry and Hermione just play flirt with each other, and I promise it is, and will remain, meaningless]
"I never said I'd be serious on the way. Besides, we're going out."
Hermione rolled her eyes and blushed as Harry insisted on carrying her all the way through the train. By this time most of the school knew her, and the younger ones at least recognized the Head Girl badge on her chest. Thus, they proceeded through the train amidst much teasing and catcalling.
They reached the prefects' car only to find Ron on his way out to look for them. Harry finally set her down, and they quickly found a private compartment and locked themselves in. Hermione began to tell them about Draco's odd behavior.
"I came onto the platform, and I was having a lot of trouble with my things, 'cause you two ran off with the cart. Anyway, he just offers all nice and gentlemanly to help me with my things. I didn't even believe it was him at first, but he just sort of took my trunk for me. He said he wanted to apologize for how he'd acted. He was being really nice to me and . . . I think he was hitting on me."
Hermione knew as soon as she said it that it was the wrong thing. She watched Ron's muscles tense up and his fists clench. Harry just stared at him, and slowly shook his head. Gradually, Hermione saw Ron's brain take over, and his muscles relaxed into a very forced calm. She reached over and put her hand over his, pulling it out of her sleeve as she reached.
"'Mione?"
"Yes?"
"What's this?" he asked, pointing to the ring.
"Oh, that. Umm . . . well, draco gave it to me. As a peace offering."
"I don't trust Malfoy. That thing's probably hexed. Remember Harry's Firebolt?" She looked down at it, staring deeply, and then started pulling at it with her right hand.
"You're probably right, Ron. I have been the gullible one in the past, and this would be a perfect way to trick me. It's just, well, he seemed so honest. He was saying how, since we will be together a lot this year, it would be easier if we were nice to each other."
"Wait, what's this about you two working together? Did I miss something?"
"Ron, I'm sorry, I should have told you earlier. I guess I was just sort of sorry, and sort of ashamed. Draco is Head Boy."
The look on Ron's face was reminiscent of the time Hermione had put the full-body bind on Neville. He just stopped-stopped moving, stopped talking, and simply stared at her, slightly open-mouthed.
Harry knew that Ron would probably do something rash if given the time how to actually comprehend what he had just heard. "So, 'Mione, as you've probably noticed, you look a little different. Actually you look a little familiar, but not really like yourself. I mean, you look great, but isn't there some rule against beauty spells?"
That was another thing which had been weighing rather heavily on Ron's mind, and it was enough to distract his from his trance.
"I'm not sure about you," she replied rather coldly, "but I didn't perform any beauty spells on myself."
"Okay, but someone did. You can't grow three inches, change your hair length and color, lose a tan, and change your, um, shape overnight without the use of magic. Who else would want to put a beauty spell on you?"
"How should I-" and the impending argument was postponed by a knock on the door. Hermione went over and opened it. She was met by Draco, looking just as impressive in his green and silver dress robes as in the Muggle summer clothing.
"Ah, Hermione, I've been looking all over for you." At this, Harry and Ron stood up behind her, rather like bristling guard dogs. "Harry, Ron, I am afraid I must steal Hermione away from you." Ron looked ready to hex him, and Harry was slowly putting a charm on him to prevent his doing so. "Dumbledore is up front; he needs to speak with the Head Boy and Girl privately."
"Oh. I suppose for some last minute instructions." Draco shrugged. "Harry, Ron, I'll see you at school."
So Hermione went out the door and accompanied Draco silently to the compartment they had been in earlier. Dumbledore was sitting on one side waiting for them.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, you were able to find Ms. Granger. I am glad to see both of you looking quite well. The dress robes will set a good example for the other students. Ms. Granger, you look a little different. Did you do something to you hair over the summer?"
She shrugged. "What did you want us for, sir?"
"Just a few last minute instructions. First, outside of your private rooms you will be expected to keep your badges on."
"Outside of our what, Headmaster?" Hermione blurted out, badly hiding her shock [A/N: to those who read chap. 2 earlier, that mention wasn't supposed to be there]
"Private rooms, Ms. Granger. The Head Girl and Boy have a dorm of their own, with a shared study and bath and private bedrooms. It allows them to have more flexible study hours as well as allows the staff to reach them in case of emergency without disturbing the other students."
"Well, I suppose that makes sense." What she was thinking, however, was more along the lines of 'Hold it right there. I just stopped hating this guy two hours ago. I do not think I am quite ready to live with him.'
Dumbledore continued. "The rooms are enchanted so no students besides you can enter. There is a new policy at Hogwarts that I'd like to discuss with you. With the recent return of Voldemort, and the tendency of some students to wander the halls at night, all the portraits will be locked after hours, from both sides. Only the members of the staff have the keys, and they will only work for them. In case of emergency, a small amount of Floo Powder has been placed at every fireplace. That is all for now, I will see you at the feast." With that, Dumbledore left out the door and down the hall.
Hermione sighed. "Draco, I have had a rather long day. I am pretty sure we have at least another hour left, so I think I'm going to take a bit of a nap. Would you mind waking me up when we are nearing Hogsmeade?"
"Not at all. Just lie down here, and I'll go do some quiet studying on the other side."
Hermione lay down on her stomach, crossing her arms under her head. Draco whispered a strong locking charm for privacy, and grabbed one of the books from his trunk. He had gotten some of his classes changed this year, and would be taking Arithmancy in place of Ancient Runes. His father had discovered how badly he was doing in that class and gotten him switched out.
He was struggling though page fifteen of Arithmancy for Beginners when he heard a noise. Hermione had started moaning, as if in pain. He put a silencing charm on the walls, and knelt by her side.
Hermione screamed and called out his name. In a minute she stopped, but her breathing was hard and ragged, and she was shaking all over. Draco lay his hands on her back and gently massaged, singing a song that he had heard in a Muggle shop.
[A/N: Shameless plug, I'm a die-hard Beatles fan, and Mom used to sing this to us when we were little]
Once there was a way, to get back homeward.
Once there was a way, to get back home.
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry,
And I will sing a lullaby.
Golden slumbers fill your eyes.
Smiles awake you when you rise.
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry,
And I will sing a lullaby.
Slowly, her breathing calmed and she lay still. Draco stayed half on the seat next to her,
gently rubbing her back until he was sure she was all right.
He glanced out the window, and saw the dim light of Hogsmeade in the distance. 'I'll give her a few minutes. She looks like she could use them.' He slowly stood up and began busying himself organizing the contents of his trunk. When they were just minutes from the station, he went back to where she lay, and began gently shaking. "Hermione, Hermione, it's time to get up."
She didn't move, and his movements and voice soon lost their gentleness. Finally, impatient, he picked her up and stood her on her feet. Hermione woke up feeling a pair of strong arms around her waist. She opened her eyes rather unexpectedly, and found a green velvet-covered chest.
She groggily fell forward, and Draco's arms moved to her shoulders. "Hermione, wake up! We are almost at the station!" he half-shouted at her.
"I'm awake!"
"Oh. Sorry then." He let her go and she quickly sat down.
"Would you ming explaining why I woke up in your arms?"
His old self broke out. "Yes."
The train stopped suddenly, and Draco caught himself with his arms on the wall on both sides of her. Their faces were about an inch apart, but he quickly pushed off and brushed his robes with his hands and unlocked the door.
By the time they got out, there was only one carriage left. "Impervious," Hermione whispered, and a small bubble formed around them so the could enter dryly. Both were feeling rather awkward about the events of the evening, so they sat quietly thinking to themselves.
'Okay. I know I was supposed to make her like me, but it seems like she already does. And I like her. Back there on the train she sounded like she was in trouble, and all I wanted to do was hug her and make the pain go away. This is so weird. And why do I keep staring at her? Sure, she's pretty, but pretty girls are a dime a dozen. This is more than mild lust. Why can't I keep my eyes off of her?'
'What is going on here? I'm dreaming of Draco, he acting totally out of character, Harry saves my life again, Ron likes me . . . I woke up in Draco's arms, but I didn't want to get out. I'm going to be practically living with this guy all year, and I'm not sure I know who he is anymore. And why do I keep staring at him? Sure, he looks good, but since when did appearances ever mean anything? Why can't I keep my eyes off him?"
Draco continued the ride in dreamy thought of Hermione. Her hood had fallen back on her head, revealing thick auburn hair. Her eyes seemed to sparkle in the dim light, with little flecks of green and gold. Her skin seemed to be a pale ivory about even with his own, and her figure was, to say the very least, nice, with soft gentle curves. He tried not to look at her eyes so she wouldn't be able to tell he was staring.
Hermione continued her confused inspection of Draco discreetly for the remainder of the trip. His rich green velvet robes were fitted, so as to complement his slender, muscular frame. His eyes were impossible to see, as his face was hidden by shadow, but they seemed to glow in the dim light. His white-blonde hair was neatly tucked behind his ears, reaching just to the bottom of his neck. He had pale ivory skin that made him look rather delicate, adding an aura of classiness to his body. Once he caught her looking at his eyes, and she blushed pink and pulled her hood back up, hiding her own face in shadow.
After what seemed an eternity, they reached the castle. "Impervious," muttered Draco and once again they were encased in the bubble of dryness. He gave her his hand as she was getting out, and helped her down. "Come in, the sorting will be starting any minute now," a familiar voice spoke up from in front of them.
"Professor Lupin!" Hermione exclaimed, running over and enclosing her friend in a hug. "You won't believe how much has happened! We missed you, and we were all so worried about you while you were gone."
Remus and Hermione went toward the castle together, talking and laughing. Draco was left alone, glaring at their silhouettes in the darkness. 'Wait, what am I doing? It's not like I like her or anything. Besides, he's about twenty years older than she is. And he's a werewolf. It's not like they're in love or anything.'
Draco finally made his way into Hogwarts, and through the doors of the Great Hall. The ceiling was a billowy gray, with occasional flashes of white, blue, and purple. He was heading for his usual place with the Slytherins when he saw Professor Lupin leading Hermione to a seat next to him at the staff table. 'Well, well. At least I won't have another year of attempting conversation with Pansy, Vincent, and Gregory.' He seated himself between Professor Sinistra and Madam Hooch.
Soon the first years were ushered in. McGonagall set the Sorting Hat up. It began to sing, but few people were really listening to it. The first years were looking around nervously, trying to look less queasy than they felt. Hermione was scanning the first years, trying to find familiar faces. Professor Lupin was staring at Hermione, and mentally reprimanding himself for doing so. Draco was glowering at Professor Lupin in slow- burning jealousy. Most of the girls were staring at Draco, who looked beautiful now, almost effeminately so. Ron was surveying the girls in room, and deciding that Hermione really was the prettiest one there. Gabrielle Delacour was staring at Ron, who had helped rescue her three years before. Harry was gazing at Gabrielle, who shared he sister's part- veela entrancing beauty. Ginny Weasley was peeking at Harry, still to shy to hope he would ever look her way. Colin Creevey was trying to catch Ginny's eye, as he had recently become infatuated with her. The rest were looking for friends, distracted in their own minds, or impatiently waiting for the feast. They mostly managed to clap politely for all the newly sorted students, and faked enthusiasm for those sorted into their house.
At the end of the sorting, Dumbledore stood up. "I have a few announcements to make. First I'd like to congratulate and introduce this year's Head Boy and Girl, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger." They stood up as their names were called to more enthusiastic applause. [A/N: why do the attractive people get all the nice attention? Sorry] "Continuing, as a precautionary measure, all portraits will be locked in the evenings one hour before curfew. Only members of the staff will have the keys to unlock them. Finally, as Hagrid is currently involved in personal business, I am pleased to introduce to you your new Care of Magical Creatures professor, Charles Weasley." After he said that, Charlie entered to much applause, [yes, he's attractive too-you get good muscles from working with dragons] especially from the Gryffindor table. He walked up to the staff table and seated himself on Hermione's other side. After the Gryffindors stopped clapping, Dumbledore continued. "To quote a Muggle book, 'O be wise, what can I say more?'"
The feast appeared on their tables, and the air was soon filled with much animated conversation. Hermione and Draco were both oblivious to the many eyes watching them during the meal. Hermione did notice Professor Lupin avoiding eye contact with her, and twice caught Charlie staring at her rather intently, which made him blush, but noticed nothing out of the ordinary.
When the plates were cleared, Dumbledore concluded the feast and excused the students to the guidance of the prefects. The staff were standing up to leave when Dumbledore called Draco and Hermione to him.
"Yes, Headmaster?" Hermione replied in her special teacher's pet voice, already by his side.
"Ms. Granger, Mr. Malfoy, come. I need to show you to your quarters." They both followed him wordlessly to a well-hidden corridor on the fourth floor. There was a painting next to where he left them, with pictures of four people who appeared to be in their mid-forties, two men and two women. Hermione was about to ask it a question when one of the women, with raven hair and a blue dress, spoke.
"I suppose it's my turn to make the introductions. I'm Rowena Ravenclaw, that is Salazar Slytherin, she is Helga Hufflepuff, and he is Godric Gryffindor. And you two in the Head badges are?"
"Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger," he replied quickly.
"Welcome, Draco and Hermione. As you two will be the only students using this door this year, there is no need for a password. We will simply recognize you and allow you to pass."
"That seems convenient. For the present, as we are recognized . . . "
"Oh, of course dear." The painting slid open to reveal a doorway. The two went in, and got a good look at their room. The study was spacious, yet cozy. There were shelves of many books on the walls, two identical desks with chairs, a small wooden table, a short scarlet velvet chair that was apparently for Hermione, a high-backed green one Draco claimed, and an extremely comfortable blue couch. Those sectioned off part of the room around a small fireplace, with a thick rug on the floor. There was one door in the back or the room with they discovered opened into a private toilet and bath room, and one door on each side with their names above them that led into the bedrooms.
They each entered their respective bedrooms. In them were their belongings, a dresser, a high curtained four-poster bed, and a small night- stand by its side. Neither felt like saying much to the other, so Hermione settled down on her bed to finish memorizing her course books, and Draco got into the bath. Hermione was up late finishing Advanced Arithmancy, so they didn't see each other before they fell asleep. Draco came out and went straight to his room, changing into pajamas and conjuring up a glass of water before bed.
A/N: It will start to make more sense soon. A lot of things get explained in Chapter five, though some secrets will last until the end of the fic, and some will never be revealed. Bwa ha ha ha ha. In case you hadn't noticed, I like maniacal laughter. Thanks to all who've reviewed, please continue, and continued thanks to Kelly for posting. Tell me in reviews if you have a story I should read.
To my reviewers-
muchacha-I'm glad you like it so much. I will post as quick as I can , but it takes a while to get the chapters typed up. I am hand-writing this story. I have a friend upload it. Thanks.
jen20069-Thank you much. What do you mean, you think you know who gave her the necklace? This will be mostly explained in Chapter 5. It will be up as soon as I can.
Shirow-Here is some more Draco for you, and we get a lot more as it goes on. I do not guarantee it will be a Hermione/Draco, because I haven't finished writing it, but the Hermione changing part will be explained soon too. It came from Harry's dream.