-Chapter Eight-
Some Help & News
Everyone in the Great Hall was whispering excitedly to each other, including some of the teachers along the staff table. Dumbledore stood up, and held up a hand for silence.
'Welcome, students, to the Halloween feast,' Dumbledore beamed. 'As for those of you who are new, I will explain how this works; you will dance with the people you wish for however long you want, and then we will eat. As a special treat tonight, Head Boy and Girl get to share the first dance with each other.
'So, though some of you first-years may be nervous, try to thoroughly enjoy this. I do love it when people are happy!' he smiled. 'Without further ado, I give you our Head students, Miss Hermione Granger, and Mr Draco Malfoy!'
The cheers and roars from the crowed were echoing in Hermione's head, as though it were bouncing off walls with every sound they made. Draco and Hermione made their way to the middle of the dance floor, and began to dance to the lovely music that the Spinning Unicorn Chairs were playing. The Spinning Unicorn Chairs were a wizard band, who played dance music of all types. This time, however, was a slow dance, and Draco was holding Hermione very close to himself.
'He looks as if he's enjoying it,' Ron said, surprised, to Harry. Harry just glared at the dancing couple.
'That should be me,' he thought to himself. The dance between Hermione and Draco was soon over, therefore, Harry rushed over. 'May I have this dance?' he asked.
'Please, I don't want to dance with you,' Draco smirked.
'Not you, Malfoy,' Harry grunted. 'I wish to dance with Hermione. Would you do me the honour, miss?'
'Sure,' Hermione said politely, taking his hand, and walking onto the dance floor once more. Draco clearly didn't like this, but he knew that her and Harry were just friends, as she had told him so many times, so he just stood back and put an expression on his face that he hoped would convince anyone that he was all right with this.
'You look beautiful tonight,' Harry whispered while they were dancing. 'And to think I thought that was impossible, since you're always so gorgeous.' Hermione flushed pink.
'Thanks,' was all she said. Then Harry kissed her on the lips-IN FRONT OF DRACO! Hermione's eyes were wide, and she smacked him across the face. Harry staggered backwards, almost knocking Colin Creevey (one of Harry's greatest admirers) off his feet. Draco looked as though he were about to go mad.
'He kissed her! On the lips! Right in front of me!' his mind kept screaming. Before he knew what he was doing, Draco deliberately poured a whole cup of punch on Harry's head. Harry opened his eyes, finding Draco inches from him, ready to pour another cup of punch on him once again.
'Hey, hey! Hold on!' Harry said, his arms risen above his face to cover the punch from hitting him-but it never did. Instead, a cold voice from in front began to speak.
'Mr Potter...' It was clearly Snape's voice. 'Well, well...detention, for showing public displays of affection. Hmm...make that 40 points from Gryffindor, too.'
'But-no, wait!-Malfoy's the one who should get detention! Punch-he poured it-my glasses-destroyed my dress robes!' Harry spluttered. Hermione stood, glaring at him.
'How could you just do that in front of the whole school?!' she shrieked. 'I mean, I know you like me, but that was just ridiculous!' She ran out of the hall, bumping into Peeves the Poltergeist, who was running with a knife, which cut her forearm, causing her robes to tear. She went into an empty classroom, and shut the door.
Hermione was getting light-headed, thoughts of embarrassment creeping over her. The door burst open; Draco marched in, looking extremely tempermental.
'That idiot!' he shouted. Draco pounded his fist against the wall. 'Yeeouch! Shouldn't have done that...' He looked down to Hermione, who was leaning against a wall, nursing her injured arm. 'Hey, your arm is bleeding. I should take you up to the hospital wing.'
'I'm fine,' Hermione said abruptly. 'No need to worry about me.'
'Please, you are not fine,' Draco said firmly. 'You have a pretty deep cut there, Hermione, and it could get infected! How did you hurt yourself, anyway?'
'I ran into Peeves, who was running with a knife in his hands,' Hermione mumbled. 'But like I said, I'm fine.'
'I can take points away from Gryffindor for you not listening to me, you know,' he threatened.
'I can take points away from Slytherin for you not listening to me,' she retorted. 'But if it matters to you so much, fine! I'll go upstairs to the hospital wing!' She stormed out of the room, clutching her arm.
'Tsk, tsk,' Madam Pomfrey said. 'This will take a little while, dear. You can go and sit down on one of the empty beds. Perhaps beside Mr Longbottom.' Hermione stared around the room, until her eyes fell upon Neville, who was clutching his stomach.
'Hiya, Neville,' Hermione smiled. 'What's wrong?' Neville frowned.
'I accidentally swallowed a fake cockroach cluster, you know, one that Fred and George invented,' Neville sighed. 'Madam Pomfrey's going to have to de-cockroach cluster me.'
'Those boys'll do anything to embarrass someone!' Hermione tutted. 'I'm here because I ran into Peeves, who was running with a knife in his hand.' She showed Neville her arm. Neville went pale. Apparently, the sight of blood made him nervous.
'P-p-please don't show that to me,' he pleaded.
'Sorry,' Hermione said apollogetically. 'So, how long have you been up here? I very much hope that you didn't miss the dance (though I wish I'd've missed it...she thought).'
'No, I was there for awhile, dancing with Ginny Weasley. She was the only one who wasn't afraid to dance with a squib like me,' Neville frowned.
'Neville, you're not a squib,' Hermione said thoughtfully. 'You're considered a very good wizard compared to others, you know.' Neville smiled lightly.
'Thanks,' he said. 'Oh yeah, and sorry to hear about you and Harry. I thought you liked him, though.'
'I already have a boyfriend,' Hermione whispered, trying not to think back to the events that took place a short while ago. Neville's eyes widened in surprise.
'Who is it? Dean Thomas? Seamus Finnigan?' he asked anxiously.
'No, er-he's not in Gryffindor,' she replied nervously.
'Really?? Oh, oh! Is it someone from Hufflepuff? It is, isn't it! Oh, that's so cool!' Neville squeaked.
'No, um...he's from...he'sfromSlytherin,' she said quickly, hoping that Neville didn't catch a word she said.
'Sorry, Hermione. You'll have to speak slower than that,' Neville said.
'He's-from-Slytherin!' she whispered loudly. Neville looked as though he were about to faint.
'S-s-s-s-slytherin?!' he shrieked. 'Are you out of your m-mind?'
'No! Of course not!' Hermione said. 'Look, he's sweet, and funny...he's perfect...'
'It better not be Crabbe or Goyle,' Neville frowned. 'Or Draco Malfoy, for that matter.' Hermione paused, and went beat red in the face.
'Actuall-'
'NO!' Neville squeaked. 'It's Draco, isn't it?'
'Yeah...but you can't tell ANYONE!' Hermione said loudly, causing Madam Pomfrey to "shhh!" her.
'What's he got that Harry doesn't?' Neville asked nervously. 'Or what does he have that I don't...' he thought to himself.
'I don't know...just that special something,' she smiled thoughtfully. 'Not that I don't like Harry, of course. He's just a best friend.'
*
Hermione returned to her Head dormitory, in which she lay down in front of a fire, that was crackling and fluttering with beautiful red flames. She looked up at the ceiling, and was only put back on Earth when someone knocked on the door.
'Come in, Draco,' Hermione mumbled, assuming it would be him. Instead, a tall, red-headed figure came in-Ron.
'Hermione?' he asked, in barely more than a whisper. 'Are you OK?'
'Only if you consider being kissed by your best friend in front of the whole school OK,' she murmered, sitting up to meet his gaze.
'You, uh...' Ron pointed to her arm, which was wrapped in bandages.
'It was Peeves. Nothing serious,' Hermione replied. 'What are you doing here, anyway? And how do you know the password?'
'Oh, I met Malfoy in the halls, and he told me the password...though, rather reluctantly, I must say,' Ron smirked, stretching out his arms. He looked a little stiff. 'And the reason I'm here, is to explain about Harry.'
'Oh, sheesh!' she said abruptly. 'What, he couldn't say anything to my face, so you are?!'
'Erm...' Ron blushed. 'Actually, it wasn't even Harry who kissed you...Fred used a Polyjuice potion, and kissed you as a practical joke.' Hermione didn't even have to say the way she felt-her eyes alone expressed her anger.
'I OUGHT TO KILL HIM!!' she shrieked. At first, it began with the yelling, and pulling out her hair, followed by some loud cursing, which Ron swore anyone could have heard all the way from Hogsmeade. Eventually, Hermione was so worn out from crying, screaming, and cursing, that she collapsed in Ron's arms. Ron, not wanting to disturb her, wrapped his arms around Hermione, and stayed like that.
'Just until she wakes up,' he thought. Ron looked down at the sleeping figure; the beautiful young woman, who once had bushy hair, and was a know-it-all. 'She's quite different from what she used to be...certainly attractive....and not as obsessed with homework...' It was about three hours, when Draco opened the door, and was not at all expecting the scene in front of him.
'What the hell do you think you're doing?!' he shouted, causing Hermione to wake up. Ron jumped to his feet in a hurry.
'What the hell am I what?' Ron said angrily. 'Herm fell asleep, and I didn't want to wake her by moving!'
'Draco, it's true; he didn't hurt me or anything, if that's what you're thinking,' Hermione said sincerely. Draco glared at Ron.
'Just go!' he yelled. Ron went red in the face with anger, and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
'So, why did you "just so happen" to fall asleep in Ron's arms?' Draco asked, in a somewhat more clam voice, more like his own.
'I really don't even remember doing it, honest to goodness,' Hermione replied, scratching her head. 'Wait-Ron had said that Fred made a Polyjuice Potion to turn into Harry, and kiss me as a practical joke. I guess I yelled so much that I collapsed...'
'Well...as long as you're all right...' Draco said coolly, pulling Hermione into a hug. One of his hands was around her waist, the other combing through her chocolate-brown hair.
*
The alarm sounded; it was time to get up. Hermione fastened a hand over the alarm clock, and threw it into the wall. Hermione sat up; she looked to her right to see the sleeping face of Draco Malfoy.
'Must be having a peaceful dreams,' she thought, noticing the gentle smile on his face. Hermione nudged him gently. 'Draco, it's time to get up.'
Draco's sleepy eyes opened a crack. 'Good-morning,' he said softly, kissing one of her hands that was close to him. He rolled over onto his back, rubbing his eyes.
'Get a good sleep, then?' Hermione smiled.
'Yes, thank-you,' Draco replied, sitting himself up next to Hermione. 'Especially since all of my dreams were about you.' He placed an arm around her, smiling all the while.
'I wonder what time it is?' Hermione said contently.
'Well, where's the clock?' Draco asked. Hermione pointed to the broken clock on the ground.
'I couldn't stand the beeping, so I chicked it at the wall,' she giggled.
'Well, let's just see then, shall we?' he grinned, taking his wand off the bedside table. 'Timolo!' A beam of light formed the numbers 7.05.
'We still have time, then,' Hermione whispered. 'But better get ready anyway; better early than late!'
*
'There will be absolutely no fooling around today!' Snape roared. 'Today, we will have a quick test to see how much you have learned. The test is on a Laughter Potion. Complete it correctly, and you will pass. Do it wrong,' he shot a dirty look at Neville, 'and you will undoubtedly fail.' Snape stood up and walked around the room. 'Although it is against my authority, and I hate to admit it, you will be choosing your own partners. This is only happening, because the Headmaster said so, and I dare not disobey him.
'So then! You may begin partnering up. Any noise, and there will be detention for the whole lot of you. Go!' Neville chose Hermione, as she knew that if he failed, he'd be kicked out of school. Harry and Ron worked together; Draco was with Pansy Parkinson, even though he abhored her in every possible way.
'How many squid tentacles d-do we need?' Neville asked.
'Seven tentacles, and then three bat eyes,' Hermione replied. 'Oh! I nearly forgot the troll saliva!'
'A-a-are you s-sure we're doing this properly?' Neville squeaked. 'Not to insult your better judgement, or a-anything.'
'Yes, of course I'm sure, Neville,' Hermione said dryly. 'Now, just two spider legs and we're done...' Hermione glanced over to Draco, who was clearly trying to pry Pansy off of himself.
'If you stop bugging me,' he began, 'I'll pay you 250 galleons!' Pansy let go of her tight grip on his arm, owing, of course, to the bribe she so reluctantly accepted. Professor Snape went round the room once more, before settling down at his desk, arms crossed.
'You should all be done by now,' he said coldly, looking around at the nervous faces that filled the room. 'I would now like one of each group to drink the potion. In a few seconds, you should start to laugh. If not, well-of course, you already know the outcome of that.'
All around the room, one of the two partners drank their potions. Everyone, except for Crabbe and Goyle, burst out laughing. Hermione was rather surprised to hear Neville laugh-not stutter, or act nervous, but laugh happily.
'Crabbe, Goyle, 5 points from each of you,' Snape said disgustedly. 'Two of my own who didn't do it right...sheesh...' he added coldly. Then he spotted Hermione and Neville, and his face contorted into a twisted smile. '50 points from Gryffindor, as you, Miss Granger, did all of the work. Mr Longbottom, you fail.' Neville went really pale, and Hermione even stopped laughing, and looked quite terrified herself.
'Professor, you can't do that!' Hermione shrieked. 'We were partners-if one of us succeeds, we both succeed!'
'Yes, well, like I said-you did all the work, Miss Granger, and Longbottom did nothing whatsoever,' Snape grinned maliciously. Draco stood up.
'To Miss Hermione Granger, for standing up to a nasty git like you, I award Gryffindor 50 points,' Draco said. 'And to Mr Neville Longbottom, for working as best he good, I award Gryffindor with 10 more points. So you see, Professor, no matter how many times you try to take away points, I can always add them back.' Snape's smile consisted, but he looked slightly more troubled.
'You dare insult me, Mr Malfoy?' he inquired. 'Well then, perhaps a little visit with the Headmaster would do you well.'
'Do as you wish,' Draco said coolly. 'But who do you think he'll believe-a student, or the lowest, most foul Professor in the school? I leave the answer up to him, of course...' Hermione bit her lip nervously.
'Ohh! He's going to end up in detention with Filch again!' Hermione thought to herself. Snape then began to speak, which distracted her from her thoughts.
'Class dismissed,' Snape frowned. 'Well, go on! All of you!' Snape shooed them out of the room, and everyone headed back to their common rooms.
*
It was after dinner; everyone was relaxing in their common rooms. Hermione was slouched in an easy-chair, and Harry was flattened on the ground, staring up at the ceiling. Ron wasn't there yet; he said he had to go to the library, and that he'd catch them up.
'So, what you're saying is that Fred transformed into me and kissed you at the dance on Halloween?' Harry asked. 'That's bloody mad of him...'
'I know,' Hermione replied. 'The most embarrassing part was when Dr-er, my boyfriend poured punch all over Fred. That's when Snape showed up. Since then, Fred's been avoiding me. Can't blame him, though. He'd get the snot kicked out of him if he tried.'
Harry stared up at her and laughed. 'So, if you don't mind my asking, who is this boyfriend of yours?'
'I can't tell you...' Hermione said flatly. 'I'm sorry, Harry, but I can't. But it's someone you know.'
'Interesting...is it Seamus Finnigan or Dean Thomas? Or maybe Neville!' Harry blurted out. 'Nah, you didn't go to the Yule Ball with him last year, so I can see that you would much less want to be his girlfriend.'
'It's none of those people, but like I said-it's someone you know,' Hermione teased. 'Wish I could tell you, really, but I can't.'
'Well, OK. I won't force you,' Harry said. Ron burst through the door.
'HARRY!' he shouted. 'You'll never believe what I just heard!'
'What is it?' Harry asked, sitting up quickly. 'Is it about You-Know-Who or sometihng else?'
'It's about the stolen item from Gringotts!' Ron cried. 'It's a gem!'
'A gem? What gem?' Harry asked anxiously. 'Is it, like, important, or is it just something cool that he or she wanted to take?'
'Dunno...' Ron sighed. 'But I just thought I'd tell you. Oh,' he stopped dead. 'Hello, Hermione.'
'Yes, thank-you for noticing I was here,' Hermione said, rolling her eyes. 'I'm going back to my Head dormitory. I'll see you guys later.'
'Yeah, OK,' Harry said. 'Good-night, 'Mione!'
'Good-night, boys,' she replied, and slipped through the portrait hole into the Head common room.
*
It was only about 8 o'clock at night, when Hermione went and laid down on the couch to practice some simple spells that she would have to review soon in Charms. She started off with a simple Lumos spell, and progressed all the way to a Cruciatus curse on a fly that was bothering her. Draco came through the portrait hole on the left of her, from the Slytherin common room. He looked troubled, too.
'What's wrong?' Hermione asked.
'Nothing,' Draco sighed, taking off his jacket, and sitting on the floor in front of the fire. Hermione crept down beside him.
'Don't do that,' Hermione pouted.
'Do what?'
'Avoid me,' she replied. 'You and I both know there's something wrong. I want to know what it is.'
'Just Pansy going on about things....you, for one...' he frowned. 'Of course, I stood up to her, eventually calling her a-well, something bad-and she punched me in the back, that's all.'
'Well, are you all right?' Hermione asked, a concerned note in her voice. Draco looked at her reassuringly.
'I'm fine, just a little sore,' Draco confirmed. 'It will probably leave a bruise is all...'
'If you need anything, just tell me,' she whispered. He bent her chin upwards and kissed her soft, moist lips. They only pulled apart when Hermione insisted that they were too close to the fire, and that the flames would catch their clothes on fire.
'I love you,' Hermione said, after they had moved onto an easy chair to nestle up together. She laid her head on his shoulder region, and her arm sprawled out across his stomach. They fell asleep like that, and didn't wake until a loud BANG occurred, and smashed the windows behind them...
Some Help & News
Everyone in the Great Hall was whispering excitedly to each other, including some of the teachers along the staff table. Dumbledore stood up, and held up a hand for silence.
'Welcome, students, to the Halloween feast,' Dumbledore beamed. 'As for those of you who are new, I will explain how this works; you will dance with the people you wish for however long you want, and then we will eat. As a special treat tonight, Head Boy and Girl get to share the first dance with each other.
'So, though some of you first-years may be nervous, try to thoroughly enjoy this. I do love it when people are happy!' he smiled. 'Without further ado, I give you our Head students, Miss Hermione Granger, and Mr Draco Malfoy!'
The cheers and roars from the crowed were echoing in Hermione's head, as though it were bouncing off walls with every sound they made. Draco and Hermione made their way to the middle of the dance floor, and began to dance to the lovely music that the Spinning Unicorn Chairs were playing. The Spinning Unicorn Chairs were a wizard band, who played dance music of all types. This time, however, was a slow dance, and Draco was holding Hermione very close to himself.
'He looks as if he's enjoying it,' Ron said, surprised, to Harry. Harry just glared at the dancing couple.
'That should be me,' he thought to himself. The dance between Hermione and Draco was soon over, therefore, Harry rushed over. 'May I have this dance?' he asked.
'Please, I don't want to dance with you,' Draco smirked.
'Not you, Malfoy,' Harry grunted. 'I wish to dance with Hermione. Would you do me the honour, miss?'
'Sure,' Hermione said politely, taking his hand, and walking onto the dance floor once more. Draco clearly didn't like this, but he knew that her and Harry were just friends, as she had told him so many times, so he just stood back and put an expression on his face that he hoped would convince anyone that he was all right with this.
'You look beautiful tonight,' Harry whispered while they were dancing. 'And to think I thought that was impossible, since you're always so gorgeous.' Hermione flushed pink.
'Thanks,' was all she said. Then Harry kissed her on the lips-IN FRONT OF DRACO! Hermione's eyes were wide, and she smacked him across the face. Harry staggered backwards, almost knocking Colin Creevey (one of Harry's greatest admirers) off his feet. Draco looked as though he were about to go mad.
'He kissed her! On the lips! Right in front of me!' his mind kept screaming. Before he knew what he was doing, Draco deliberately poured a whole cup of punch on Harry's head. Harry opened his eyes, finding Draco inches from him, ready to pour another cup of punch on him once again.
'Hey, hey! Hold on!' Harry said, his arms risen above his face to cover the punch from hitting him-but it never did. Instead, a cold voice from in front began to speak.
'Mr Potter...' It was clearly Snape's voice. 'Well, well...detention, for showing public displays of affection. Hmm...make that 40 points from Gryffindor, too.'
'But-no, wait!-Malfoy's the one who should get detention! Punch-he poured it-my glasses-destroyed my dress robes!' Harry spluttered. Hermione stood, glaring at him.
'How could you just do that in front of the whole school?!' she shrieked. 'I mean, I know you like me, but that was just ridiculous!' She ran out of the hall, bumping into Peeves the Poltergeist, who was running with a knife, which cut her forearm, causing her robes to tear. She went into an empty classroom, and shut the door.
Hermione was getting light-headed, thoughts of embarrassment creeping over her. The door burst open; Draco marched in, looking extremely tempermental.
'That idiot!' he shouted. Draco pounded his fist against the wall. 'Yeeouch! Shouldn't have done that...' He looked down to Hermione, who was leaning against a wall, nursing her injured arm. 'Hey, your arm is bleeding. I should take you up to the hospital wing.'
'I'm fine,' Hermione said abruptly. 'No need to worry about me.'
'Please, you are not fine,' Draco said firmly. 'You have a pretty deep cut there, Hermione, and it could get infected! How did you hurt yourself, anyway?'
'I ran into Peeves, who was running with a knife in his hands,' Hermione mumbled. 'But like I said, I'm fine.'
'I can take points away from Gryffindor for you not listening to me, you know,' he threatened.
'I can take points away from Slytherin for you not listening to me,' she retorted. 'But if it matters to you so much, fine! I'll go upstairs to the hospital wing!' She stormed out of the room, clutching her arm.
'Tsk, tsk,' Madam Pomfrey said. 'This will take a little while, dear. You can go and sit down on one of the empty beds. Perhaps beside Mr Longbottom.' Hermione stared around the room, until her eyes fell upon Neville, who was clutching his stomach.
'Hiya, Neville,' Hermione smiled. 'What's wrong?' Neville frowned.
'I accidentally swallowed a fake cockroach cluster, you know, one that Fred and George invented,' Neville sighed. 'Madam Pomfrey's going to have to de-cockroach cluster me.'
'Those boys'll do anything to embarrass someone!' Hermione tutted. 'I'm here because I ran into Peeves, who was running with a knife in his hand.' She showed Neville her arm. Neville went pale. Apparently, the sight of blood made him nervous.
'P-p-please don't show that to me,' he pleaded.
'Sorry,' Hermione said apollogetically. 'So, how long have you been up here? I very much hope that you didn't miss the dance (though I wish I'd've missed it...she thought).'
'No, I was there for awhile, dancing with Ginny Weasley. She was the only one who wasn't afraid to dance with a squib like me,' Neville frowned.
'Neville, you're not a squib,' Hermione said thoughtfully. 'You're considered a very good wizard compared to others, you know.' Neville smiled lightly.
'Thanks,' he said. 'Oh yeah, and sorry to hear about you and Harry. I thought you liked him, though.'
'I already have a boyfriend,' Hermione whispered, trying not to think back to the events that took place a short while ago. Neville's eyes widened in surprise.
'Who is it? Dean Thomas? Seamus Finnigan?' he asked anxiously.
'No, er-he's not in Gryffindor,' she replied nervously.
'Really?? Oh, oh! Is it someone from Hufflepuff? It is, isn't it! Oh, that's so cool!' Neville squeaked.
'No, um...he's from...he'sfromSlytherin,' she said quickly, hoping that Neville didn't catch a word she said.
'Sorry, Hermione. You'll have to speak slower than that,' Neville said.
'He's-from-Slytherin!' she whispered loudly. Neville looked as though he were about to faint.
'S-s-s-s-slytherin?!' he shrieked. 'Are you out of your m-mind?'
'No! Of course not!' Hermione said. 'Look, he's sweet, and funny...he's perfect...'
'It better not be Crabbe or Goyle,' Neville frowned. 'Or Draco Malfoy, for that matter.' Hermione paused, and went beat red in the face.
'Actuall-'
'NO!' Neville squeaked. 'It's Draco, isn't it?'
'Yeah...but you can't tell ANYONE!' Hermione said loudly, causing Madam Pomfrey to "shhh!" her.
'What's he got that Harry doesn't?' Neville asked nervously. 'Or what does he have that I don't...' he thought to himself.
'I don't know...just that special something,' she smiled thoughtfully. 'Not that I don't like Harry, of course. He's just a best friend.'
*
Hermione returned to her Head dormitory, in which she lay down in front of a fire, that was crackling and fluttering with beautiful red flames. She looked up at the ceiling, and was only put back on Earth when someone knocked on the door.
'Come in, Draco,' Hermione mumbled, assuming it would be him. Instead, a tall, red-headed figure came in-Ron.
'Hermione?' he asked, in barely more than a whisper. 'Are you OK?'
'Only if you consider being kissed by your best friend in front of the whole school OK,' she murmered, sitting up to meet his gaze.
'You, uh...' Ron pointed to her arm, which was wrapped in bandages.
'It was Peeves. Nothing serious,' Hermione replied. 'What are you doing here, anyway? And how do you know the password?'
'Oh, I met Malfoy in the halls, and he told me the password...though, rather reluctantly, I must say,' Ron smirked, stretching out his arms. He looked a little stiff. 'And the reason I'm here, is to explain about Harry.'
'Oh, sheesh!' she said abruptly. 'What, he couldn't say anything to my face, so you are?!'
'Erm...' Ron blushed. 'Actually, it wasn't even Harry who kissed you...Fred used a Polyjuice potion, and kissed you as a practical joke.' Hermione didn't even have to say the way she felt-her eyes alone expressed her anger.
'I OUGHT TO KILL HIM!!' she shrieked. At first, it began with the yelling, and pulling out her hair, followed by some loud cursing, which Ron swore anyone could have heard all the way from Hogsmeade. Eventually, Hermione was so worn out from crying, screaming, and cursing, that she collapsed in Ron's arms. Ron, not wanting to disturb her, wrapped his arms around Hermione, and stayed like that.
'Just until she wakes up,' he thought. Ron looked down at the sleeping figure; the beautiful young woman, who once had bushy hair, and was a know-it-all. 'She's quite different from what she used to be...certainly attractive....and not as obsessed with homework...' It was about three hours, when Draco opened the door, and was not at all expecting the scene in front of him.
'What the hell do you think you're doing?!' he shouted, causing Hermione to wake up. Ron jumped to his feet in a hurry.
'What the hell am I what?' Ron said angrily. 'Herm fell asleep, and I didn't want to wake her by moving!'
'Draco, it's true; he didn't hurt me or anything, if that's what you're thinking,' Hermione said sincerely. Draco glared at Ron.
'Just go!' he yelled. Ron went red in the face with anger, and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
'So, why did you "just so happen" to fall asleep in Ron's arms?' Draco asked, in a somewhat more clam voice, more like his own.
'I really don't even remember doing it, honest to goodness,' Hermione replied, scratching her head. 'Wait-Ron had said that Fred made a Polyjuice Potion to turn into Harry, and kiss me as a practical joke. I guess I yelled so much that I collapsed...'
'Well...as long as you're all right...' Draco said coolly, pulling Hermione into a hug. One of his hands was around her waist, the other combing through her chocolate-brown hair.
*
The alarm sounded; it was time to get up. Hermione fastened a hand over the alarm clock, and threw it into the wall. Hermione sat up; she looked to her right to see the sleeping face of Draco Malfoy.
'Must be having a peaceful dreams,' she thought, noticing the gentle smile on his face. Hermione nudged him gently. 'Draco, it's time to get up.'
Draco's sleepy eyes opened a crack. 'Good-morning,' he said softly, kissing one of her hands that was close to him. He rolled over onto his back, rubbing his eyes.
'Get a good sleep, then?' Hermione smiled.
'Yes, thank-you,' Draco replied, sitting himself up next to Hermione. 'Especially since all of my dreams were about you.' He placed an arm around her, smiling all the while.
'I wonder what time it is?' Hermione said contently.
'Well, where's the clock?' Draco asked. Hermione pointed to the broken clock on the ground.
'I couldn't stand the beeping, so I chicked it at the wall,' she giggled.
'Well, let's just see then, shall we?' he grinned, taking his wand off the bedside table. 'Timolo!' A beam of light formed the numbers 7.05.
'We still have time, then,' Hermione whispered. 'But better get ready anyway; better early than late!'
*
'There will be absolutely no fooling around today!' Snape roared. 'Today, we will have a quick test to see how much you have learned. The test is on a Laughter Potion. Complete it correctly, and you will pass. Do it wrong,' he shot a dirty look at Neville, 'and you will undoubtedly fail.' Snape stood up and walked around the room. 'Although it is against my authority, and I hate to admit it, you will be choosing your own partners. This is only happening, because the Headmaster said so, and I dare not disobey him.
'So then! You may begin partnering up. Any noise, and there will be detention for the whole lot of you. Go!' Neville chose Hermione, as she knew that if he failed, he'd be kicked out of school. Harry and Ron worked together; Draco was with Pansy Parkinson, even though he abhored her in every possible way.
'How many squid tentacles d-do we need?' Neville asked.
'Seven tentacles, and then three bat eyes,' Hermione replied. 'Oh! I nearly forgot the troll saliva!'
'A-a-are you s-sure we're doing this properly?' Neville squeaked. 'Not to insult your better judgement, or a-anything.'
'Yes, of course I'm sure, Neville,' Hermione said dryly. 'Now, just two spider legs and we're done...' Hermione glanced over to Draco, who was clearly trying to pry Pansy off of himself.
'If you stop bugging me,' he began, 'I'll pay you 250 galleons!' Pansy let go of her tight grip on his arm, owing, of course, to the bribe she so reluctantly accepted. Professor Snape went round the room once more, before settling down at his desk, arms crossed.
'You should all be done by now,' he said coldly, looking around at the nervous faces that filled the room. 'I would now like one of each group to drink the potion. In a few seconds, you should start to laugh. If not, well-of course, you already know the outcome of that.'
All around the room, one of the two partners drank their potions. Everyone, except for Crabbe and Goyle, burst out laughing. Hermione was rather surprised to hear Neville laugh-not stutter, or act nervous, but laugh happily.
'Crabbe, Goyle, 5 points from each of you,' Snape said disgustedly. 'Two of my own who didn't do it right...sheesh...' he added coldly. Then he spotted Hermione and Neville, and his face contorted into a twisted smile. '50 points from Gryffindor, as you, Miss Granger, did all of the work. Mr Longbottom, you fail.' Neville went really pale, and Hermione even stopped laughing, and looked quite terrified herself.
'Professor, you can't do that!' Hermione shrieked. 'We were partners-if one of us succeeds, we both succeed!'
'Yes, well, like I said-you did all the work, Miss Granger, and Longbottom did nothing whatsoever,' Snape grinned maliciously. Draco stood up.
'To Miss Hermione Granger, for standing up to a nasty git like you, I award Gryffindor 50 points,' Draco said. 'And to Mr Neville Longbottom, for working as best he good, I award Gryffindor with 10 more points. So you see, Professor, no matter how many times you try to take away points, I can always add them back.' Snape's smile consisted, but he looked slightly more troubled.
'You dare insult me, Mr Malfoy?' he inquired. 'Well then, perhaps a little visit with the Headmaster would do you well.'
'Do as you wish,' Draco said coolly. 'But who do you think he'll believe-a student, or the lowest, most foul Professor in the school? I leave the answer up to him, of course...' Hermione bit her lip nervously.
'Ohh! He's going to end up in detention with Filch again!' Hermione thought to herself. Snape then began to speak, which distracted her from her thoughts.
'Class dismissed,' Snape frowned. 'Well, go on! All of you!' Snape shooed them out of the room, and everyone headed back to their common rooms.
*
It was after dinner; everyone was relaxing in their common rooms. Hermione was slouched in an easy-chair, and Harry was flattened on the ground, staring up at the ceiling. Ron wasn't there yet; he said he had to go to the library, and that he'd catch them up.
'So, what you're saying is that Fred transformed into me and kissed you at the dance on Halloween?' Harry asked. 'That's bloody mad of him...'
'I know,' Hermione replied. 'The most embarrassing part was when Dr-er, my boyfriend poured punch all over Fred. That's when Snape showed up. Since then, Fred's been avoiding me. Can't blame him, though. He'd get the snot kicked out of him if he tried.'
Harry stared up at her and laughed. 'So, if you don't mind my asking, who is this boyfriend of yours?'
'I can't tell you...' Hermione said flatly. 'I'm sorry, Harry, but I can't. But it's someone you know.'
'Interesting...is it Seamus Finnigan or Dean Thomas? Or maybe Neville!' Harry blurted out. 'Nah, you didn't go to the Yule Ball with him last year, so I can see that you would much less want to be his girlfriend.'
'It's none of those people, but like I said-it's someone you know,' Hermione teased. 'Wish I could tell you, really, but I can't.'
'Well, OK. I won't force you,' Harry said. Ron burst through the door.
'HARRY!' he shouted. 'You'll never believe what I just heard!'
'What is it?' Harry asked, sitting up quickly. 'Is it about You-Know-Who or sometihng else?'
'It's about the stolen item from Gringotts!' Ron cried. 'It's a gem!'
'A gem? What gem?' Harry asked anxiously. 'Is it, like, important, or is it just something cool that he or she wanted to take?'
'Dunno...' Ron sighed. 'But I just thought I'd tell you. Oh,' he stopped dead. 'Hello, Hermione.'
'Yes, thank-you for noticing I was here,' Hermione said, rolling her eyes. 'I'm going back to my Head dormitory. I'll see you guys later.'
'Yeah, OK,' Harry said. 'Good-night, 'Mione!'
'Good-night, boys,' she replied, and slipped through the portrait hole into the Head common room.
*
It was only about 8 o'clock at night, when Hermione went and laid down on the couch to practice some simple spells that she would have to review soon in Charms. She started off with a simple Lumos spell, and progressed all the way to a Cruciatus curse on a fly that was bothering her. Draco came through the portrait hole on the left of her, from the Slytherin common room. He looked troubled, too.
'What's wrong?' Hermione asked.
'Nothing,' Draco sighed, taking off his jacket, and sitting on the floor in front of the fire. Hermione crept down beside him.
'Don't do that,' Hermione pouted.
'Do what?'
'Avoid me,' she replied. 'You and I both know there's something wrong. I want to know what it is.'
'Just Pansy going on about things....you, for one...' he frowned. 'Of course, I stood up to her, eventually calling her a-well, something bad-and she punched me in the back, that's all.'
'Well, are you all right?' Hermione asked, a concerned note in her voice. Draco looked at her reassuringly.
'I'm fine, just a little sore,' Draco confirmed. 'It will probably leave a bruise is all...'
'If you need anything, just tell me,' she whispered. He bent her chin upwards and kissed her soft, moist lips. They only pulled apart when Hermione insisted that they were too close to the fire, and that the flames would catch their clothes on fire.
'I love you,' Hermione said, after they had moved onto an easy chair to nestle up together. She laid her head on his shoulder region, and her arm sprawled out across his stomach. They fell asleep like that, and didn't wake until a loud BANG occurred, and smashed the windows behind them...