**The Superior Quality**
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Chapter six:
"Who does?
When did it start?
Why?"
Deep thinking; Realizations of souls..
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Her eyes fluttering open, her ears rang from a loud distinct call from afar. Sudden realization struck her; she looked down at where her head was at, she swallowed hard. Draco was there.
Carefully pulling away her head from his chest, she struggled to slip out as she felt something weighing one of her hands down. She looked down to what it was, and smiled at the sight. Draco had promised her in the night that he wouldn't let her go, evidently he kept his word; his hand was still holding hers. She felt a nag of going back into the covers and join him in his slumber, but the voices and noises pulled her away from the thought.
"Mr. Malfoy?! Ms. Granger?!" -the voice, loud, and just outside her door. She heard the portrait swing closed, and gasped. Professor McGonagall was inside and looking for her.
She gave an inaudible curse, and studied her dilemma. What would McGonagall think if she saw her in room, with Draco sleeping on top of her bed? Hermione couldn't risk the thought, and decided to hurry as footsteps neared her door.
"Draco!" she shook him in desperation, her voice small and cracked, "Wake up! You need to leave now!"
Gray eyes met her brown ones, "What.." Draco muttered sleepily.
Hermione forced him up; he protested mildly, he was still half asleep.
"McGonagall is here!" Hermione shrieked to him, and his face soon became grave.
Flinging the sheets out of the way, getting up to his feet; Draco grabbed his slippers, "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?!" he asked silently; McGonagall's questing yells just yards away from Hermione's door.
"I've only woken up at the sound of her coming in!" Hermione fought back. She began to roughly push him towards the door to the bathroom they shared, "You go back to your room and come out first!"
Draco opened the bathroom entrance door and nodded, tossling his hair in front of his eyes at his rush.
Smiling at the boyish look in his face, Hermione gave him a quick kiss on his cheek, "And act like you've just woken up, and slightly confused!" she added.
Hinting a bit of pink on his cheeks, Draco perplexedly eyed her, "But I have just woken up.... and now I feel a bit confused."
Rolling her eyes at the short grin that soon appeared in Draco's face, Hermoine shut the door and heard his quick shuffling footsteps to his room.
"Ms. Granger? I know you are here, Lady Beatrix has told me you came in late last night!" McGonagall was now in front of her door; apparently she had figured she was here because of the portrait. Hermione was a little annoyed, the damn portrait told her off! She thought of the reason why McGonagall could just get the fact that she did not want to be helped by her.
A sudden click of a different door opening, and Draco's voice in his best 'half asleep' voice was now interoggating Professor McGonagall.
"Professor?" Draco said in a surprised demeanor, "What's all the ruckus?"
"Mr. Malfoy," McGonagall was now turning face to him and seemed to be stepping towards his side; Hermione sighed, "Ms. Granger is here, is she not?"
There was long pause; Hermione knew Draco couldn't think up of backing a reason for an answer as 'no', so it was fine if he said yes. She only hoped he'd make a good excuse to prevent her from coming in her room.
"Yes, she's here." Draco answered truthfully, "She's sleeping, as far as I know. She came in late last night, she couldn't take the hospital bed. I think it would be best to quiet down and leave her at peace. I don't think she had much sleep."
Hermione silently praised Draco.
"But," Professor McGonagall interveened, "did you not understand that she was under a spell yesterday evening? How could have she woken up?"
There was another eerie pause, Hermione took a deep breath, '.. a dream.. I woke up from that damn dream, I don't even know meant...' she shut her eyes tightly and opened them again. Before her mind could drift into more of the dream, she heard Draco's voice respond:
"I have no clue, Professor, maybe it wore off?" Draco sounded a bit nervous, "Anyways, it's best to keep her to herself in sleep for now."
The clicking of McGonagall's heels was soon drifting towards the portrait door, "Of course. I hope she is better?"
Hermione couldn't hear anything, but she knew Draco probably nodded to her.
"Well," McGonagall swung the portrait door open, "if that's the case, I shall leave then. But under a request," -Hermione's brain raced, What was she talking about?- "Mrs. Weasley is here now, and she will attend her when she wakes."
Hermione groaned at the what she heard, she bet everything that this was Ron's doing. Small footsteps soon passed through the portrait door.
"Hullo, Mr. Malfoy!" a cheery voice cried, a voice only belonging to the person Hermione could think of.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley." Draco's responded, "How's your day?"
"Fine, deary." Mrs. Weasley came closer in the room, "Where's Hermione? Is she up yet?"
Draco gave a small 'no'.
"Oh, alright. I'll wait out here then, you see, I'll be watching over her for the next few days. You don't mind now do you, deary?"
Hermione slumped to the floor, she was being watched once more. It wasn't that she hated Mrs. Weasley, in fact she loved the short, round woman; it was just that she suddenly felt like a pitiful child.
"Of course not." Draco answered slowly, "I'm sure it's for her own benefit."
"I must be off then," McGonagall stepped out, "Molly, please inform Hermione of her schedule, and Mr. Malfoy, I suggest you dress up for breakfast, it's a quarter to six." with that, she closed the portrait door behind her.
Hermione, walking briskly to her door, opened it slowly and peeked out. Her eyes widened as Mrs. Weasley soon spotted her. With a quick stride, Hermione was now crushed under Mrs. Weasley's arms.
"Oh my dear Hermione!" Mrs. Weasly cried out, tears forming at the edge of her eyes, "I was so worried, hun! When I heard what that awful man has done to you!" she began to grumble out the next few words.
Giving a small breathless laugh, Hermione smiled kindly to warm woman, "Hello Mrs. Weasley. Ron's request, eh?"
Mrs. Weasley gave a chuckle, "You know how stressed little Ronny could be sometimes. I suppose it was him, since Madam Pomfrey wasn't too happy to 'message' for my assistance."
Wrapping her arms around the round woman, Hermione almost let tears out, remembering what it was like to hug her mother. She pulled out quickly and asked her to sit.
Draco, on the other hand, told his excuse to Hermione, "I have to dress up, I've got to be there early you know?"
Hermione nodded and gave a smile, "Thanks again."
Returning the smile, Draco headed in his room with a quick, 'anytime'.
Looking back at Mrs. Weasley, she blushed at the look she was now giving her.
"You and Mr. Malfoy? You know Ron will snap?" Mrs. Weasley eyed her above her glasses, a smirk tugging her lips.
Hermione giggled, "Mrs. Weasley!" she egged, "Don't start it now."
Mrs. Weasley only smiled, "So how are you since yesterday?"
"I'm.. surprisingly fine. As you can see, I'm a little bit relaxed right now." she gave meak smile.
"I can see that." Mrs. Weasley replied, "Well, you might want to know more as to why I'm here." -Hermione nodded- "Well, Professor McGonagall, along with Professor Dumbledore, has thought that maybe you might want a little more privacy away from other students and... teachers for a while, is that not true?"
Hermione looked solemn, "I would have requested it, if not offered. I.. don't really want to face everyone right now.."
"That's quite alright." Mrs. Weasly brought a hand up on Hermione's back, calmly reassuring her, "They have offered that, if you'd like, you may stay here to do studies. I will bring your homework, among other things you may need, like meals."
"But Mrs. Weasley!" Hermione looked her in dismay, "That's asking too much of you!"
Laughing softly, Mrs. Weasley eased the girl down, "Not at all. I have been bored at home, what with Mr. Weasley spenting most of his days at the office, I don't mind this at all. Besides, who said I was doing this alone. We do have Ron to thank for all this you know; I suppose he can't get away with it without contributing himself?"
A wide smiled played on Hermione's lips, "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley."
Mrs. Weasley smiled kindly and wrapped her arms around Hermione once more, "You're most welcome, dear."
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-Draco Malfoy-
Another hectic and timid morning, much like the day before.
Here I am now, sitting dully on my seat up front of the Great Hall; swishing my porridge around my bowl, digging holes in the mush, only to have them fill back in. I gave a sigh, it was too much of a bore here.
I wish I was up in the my dorm now with Hermione. After last night... I gave a inward laugh; she actually understood. Somewhere, inside, I had imagined her to act differently. Somewhere along the lines of baffled, angry, frustrated; not at all like the reaction she gave me last night... and somehow, I was very pleased it was different. I even almost had a heart attack at her feeble request to sleep beside her.. I thought she was some sort of crazed-loony! Not that I didn't 'want' to sleep beside her on her bed; it was just such a 'un-normal' request, but then again she was Muggle. Those people are very odd and different.
Not that I still hate Muggles.. I mean, I'm in love with one for crying out loud!
I guess with Hermione, everything will be different for me. I think.. she was my first love? Well.. there was that little deal with Pansy.. but that's not the same. I enjoy being with Hermione, I enjoy the way she laughed, smiled; I enjoy being in love with her all together.
Smiling, I thought; I actually felt my love for her grow faster than ever; a simple smile, the peck on the cheek, these things make me want to sprout wings and fly. Although, I wasn't sure what she felt about me. Does she just think of me as a 'close' friend? Or does she think more? Either way, I was planning to ask her...
Grumbling, I brooded again, over the fact that I couldn't be with her right now. If I was, maybe then I would ask her and find out. She couldn't just think of me as a friend, could she? She flirts, for crying out loud! I gave long sigh; I do hope she feels the same.. otherwise I wouldn't know what would happen to me...
A sudden wave of silence made me look up; people from the other tables were peeking eyes at me over their glass of juice. What's their deal? Of course I knew the answer to that, the event that took place yesterday were now widely known around the school. As a result of this, the Slytherin house was now hated more than ever. Excluding, me. So they eyed me in concern, maybe waiting for me to ramble out loud about it.
A smile formed on my lips; I wasn't hated, which was actually a nice feeling. I've already had some of the Hufflepuff girls come up to me in worry over Hermione, and I was more than happy to explain that she was okay. This surprised me; they actually asked me before Harry and Ron.
What about those two? I turn my eyes to the Gryffindor table where both Harry and Ron ate in silence; they looked a bit, blank. Both not talking about Quidditch, Snape, Hermione, nothing. But then I thought, they don't know Hermione was up last night and had come back to her room. They must think that she's still in the infirmary.
I should tell them before class today... do I have class with them today? Let's see.. first hour.. we have Hagrid, so yes, I'll tell them then. I'll tell them Hermione is up and walking, and she's absolutely fine.
'Fine'? Now that I think about it, I don't think she still is. Last night, when Harry and Ron told me what exactly happened during her summer, I don't think I can believe every joyful detail her face and expressions hold. Harry did say she was a very good, 'faker', and I believe him. Never thought such a thing had happened to her when 7th year started.
Even if she did act a little bit relaxed and happy last night, I think.. no, I know! she was faking it! She was trying to hide it again, like when Harry told me how she changed her attitude so quickly before school started. She's trying to push her problem away, denying its presence.. which I know wasn't any good for her, but what could I do? I couldn't stand her looking so gloomy or in tears... should I just play along then?
No... I couldn't do that. Hermione has to get through this... she's strong enough, I know.
Then again... I wasn't sure if she was.
A flicker of movement moved my eyes to a figure leaning at the corner of my table; it was Pansy. She held a smirk in her face, her eyes intently to mine, and her cheap, French perfume surrounded the air around me.
"Draco, how's the Mudblood?" --I was annoyed enough, with her presence, but she had to bring up Hermione with spite-- "I trust Granger isn't doing too well? .. Let's only hope." she chortled with laughter at the last sentence.
I felt my hand squeeze the neck of the spoon, and my teeth gritting; I shot her with a furious look, "10 points from Slytherin, Pansy, and we have you to thank for this." I announced it loudly, for the whole hall to hear.
There were a few short laughs and giggles from the room. Pansy only scowled at my face, looking like she was ready to spit lava at me.
"I don't know what's up with you and Granger, but I know this!" --she was hissing at me, looking utterly displeased; like I care for what she had to say?-- "There is no way she'll take you away from me! I know your father, and if I tell him this little 'relationship' with that damn Mudblood--"
All I had to do was bring my hands up to her neck, and squeeze... but I kept my hands down and listened to her with no-cares for her words.
"I know you'll be in for it! So watch who you're hanging around, Draco!" --she finished scornfully.
I gave a chuckle, and eyed her with venomous eyes, "Pathetic. Pansy, really, threatening me by narcing to my father? Like hell, I care!"
This seemed to upset her more; her face twisting uglier with anger than ever, "I won't let her take you away from me!"
I eyed her back the same as before, and replied to her in a quiet and frightening tone, "Too afraid that I'm rejecting you, Pansy? I didn't like you before, any more than I do now. Right now, you are snot to me; snot that hangs irritatingly on the roof of my nose." --I offered her a napkin-- "Here, 'Snot', take it. I think you're starting to drip."
Her face was resembled that of pure, white, seething anger. I swear there would be smoke coming out of her ears, if it ever was possible.
"Now leave me the hell alone, before I take off more points that you're worth." --I was absolutely glad and relieved that she went on, staggering back to the Slythering table without another word.
The room was still filled with mild sniggering; I just smiled at my breakfast, took a piece of toast, and bit it.
-Harry Potter-
I had just witnessed today's most impressive act, (a surprise, really) of Malf-- I mean Draco, telling that ugly Pansy Parkinson off!
It pulled me right out of my glum mood, and I suppose it did the same to Ron and everyone else in the Gryffindor table!
Watching Pansy stomp to her seat, then casting eyes to Draco, I saw him wearing a smile--or was it a smirk? Was he 'proud' of embarassing his Slytherin friends? More off, was he actually subtracting points from his own House?
I think, it had just occured to me how much Draco had changed... though the reason I'm thinking why, is very... disturbing.
I know why he has changed..
I know why he is the way he is now..
And I can't help but feel.. jealous.
It wasn't that hard to notice he had fallen in love with Hermione. After all, what else could make him change other than a strong emotion such as love? I could tell, when he eyes Hermione, he is absolutely smittened and stunned.
And I have no doubt that.. Hermione might be feeling the same too.
Wow.. my 'glumness' is coming back. Over this? Well, yeah... Draco wasn't the only one who looked smittened at the sight of Hermione.
There was me...
When did it all start? I guess, during the summer.
I stayed over at Ron's since the end of the fifth year; ever since Voldemort became stronger than before, I knew staying with the Dursleys would only cause so much trouble to them since they were only Muggles. When I heard of the.. incident with Hermione, it was too late to rush by her side to comfort her because the Daily Prophet did not acknowledge the event, neither did the Ministry. So actually, it was a month after all of that before I found it out.
Anyways, of course Mr. and Mrs. Weasley both asked the Ministry to watch over Hermione, since she literally had no one else to go to, and had to stay in a hospital.
I really admire the Weasleys...
Well.. when the Ministry gave them permission, and Hermione was sent to the Burrow, she looked absolutely lifeless. Dead.
At the first night of her stay, she didn't talk at all. She looked like she wasn't even breathing! That frightened me, and sent chills down my spine at the sight of her eyes. They were so empty, shallow; they weren't the usual sparkling brown.
During the night, I heard muffled cries from her room and decided to see what was wrong. I opened her door and found her crouched on the floor, her sheets tangled around her, and sobbing.
I immedietly rushed by her side, finding her feverishly hot, and her nose bleeding with warm blood.
Helping her up to her bed, I wiped some of the blood off her nose and asked her what happened. She replied with nothing, just looked at me cautiously.
I asked her again, calling out her name over and over and asking if she even knew me. She never said a word.
Giving up, I sat beside her, watching her intensely and waited. It wasn't as easy to just sit there and watch, I was getting sleepy, and so was she. At one moment, she crawled up to a cornered side of her bed and wrapped her hands around her knees, casting her head down to rest, but kept her eyes opened. I followed beside her, and calmly continued my waiting.
As my eyes drooped.. I jumped the sound of her timid voice.
'I had a dream...' she said softly, staring at her knees, 'and I don't know what happened.. but it wasn't any good.. then I saw my mum.. dad.. and a lot of red.'
Tears were spilling aimlessly down her cheeks, and before I could comfort her or reach her, she moved into my arms in an instant, hiding her face and her grief.
And for the whole night, I cradled her in an embrace until eventually sleep overcame us. That morning, I opened my eyes to see her solemn face in front of mine, I knew I had a new feeling for her.
It's too bad though, I knew in the end of all this, it wasn't going to be me by her side forever. Draco seemed to be leading far from Ron and me.
Like yesterday, when he had managed to stop her from running into the Forbidden Forest; could I have done that? Could have I kept her from getting hurt? Could have I held her and calm her down? No.. I probably couldn't. I mean, yes I could do have ran after her; I'm not some weakling, but I wasn't sure if I was able to get her to calm down, or better yet, lead her back to where McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey, Ron, and I stood. Draco seemed to be helping out more than I could eversince the first night in the Burrow; I wonder if maybe it's because Hermione might be returning his feelings?
Well.. I'm glum again, poking my porridge like Draco was doing a few minutes ago. I turned to Ron; his eyes steely fixated on Draco. I bet he figured out the little something about Draco and Hermione too. Was he jealous also? From the looks of it... yes.
I slumped my shoulders down and gazed at my glass of pumpkin juice; it's half empty.. or is it half full?
I gave a pathetic sigh.
Although I am glad Hermione will soon find happiness, I just can't stand the fact that it wasn't going to be with me...
-Ron Weasley-
That Draco...
Always has to show off, doesn't he?
I kicked the small beam supporting the table underneath, it shook the table only slightly. I wish I could've kicked harder.. but that'll just bring curious eyes to me.
Back to that guy.. pfft, what a ego-maniac! So who cares if he took off Slytherin points, or poked fun of Pansy Parkinson? I don't! Draco's just a dumb, boastful Malfoy! Why, I would go up there right now and give him a punch in the face, because he's such a jerk!
.......
You know, I'm really not sure why I hate him: Either the fact that he thinks he's so cool, or... or the fact that he's attracted to Hermione.
I moved my eyes away from his view, and looked down at my empty bowl; maybe I hate him because of both? Ha.. definitely both.
Partially my fault, I guess. I have been 'crushing' on Hermione since fourth year, but I didn't say anything. Why? Because I was.. I was.. too proud? Too shy? One or both of those.
I was too proud to tell her I 'loved' her. She might have laughed at my face! Besides, we don't really get along well, and everyone knows that. I always had to be 'the-one-who's-right' when it comes to me and her. Then suddenly, we're paired together as a couple, what do you think the people will think? That I have given up on proving Hermione wrong? And I was too shy, to tell her, because it's my first time.. I might have ruined it! I might have made a fool at myself! Definitely, she'd laugh at my face for that.
Well, because I'm such a loser of not telling her sooner, it looks like my chances in the future are more slim now than ever. Draco's getting closer and closer to her heart than I could ever get near.. damn him.
Him and his 'I'm-so-cool' demeanor! Just because he's good looking, and every girl wants him, doesn't mean he's better than I am. He thinks just because he's a Head Boy and came from a wealthy family, he gets Hermione?!
I took a deep breath.. I know I'm overreacting, but it isn't my fault. I'm just really, really, angry that he's got a better chance with Hermione than I do.
And about Hermione.. why would she actually return feelings with that.. git? He's only been friends with her for a week, and I have for 7 years! And still, she doesn't return feelings to me; you know, the kind I want her to return.
I grumbled low, my foot ready to kick the beam underneath the table. When I was about raise my foot to kick, I noticed Harry (he was in front of me) look up above my head. What's he looking at? A shadow casted above my plate, just over the shadow of my head; someone was behind me.
I looked back at Harry's face, he seemed to form a scowl; this person isn't someone he was really thrilled to see. I peered to the front of the Great Hall, and suddenly I knew who it was...
Tilting my head to the side and slightly looking upwards, I faced Draco with a ungrateful tone..
- Great Hall -
"What is it, Malfoy?" Ron drawled, his tone confident and placid.
Draco eyed him with a scorn, "What's wrong with you? I came here to tell you and Harry about a little something I'm sure you'd both be glad to know."
For a minute, Ron didn't respond; "So.. what is it?" he finally replied, still the same placid tone.
Harry sighed and stood up, "Draco, you're bringing attention this way. Don't you think you should go back to your seat before we, especially you, get humiliated?"
It was true, many of the students, and a couple of the teachers, all looked their way. Draco shook his head, "So what?" he shot back angrily, "So you can't handle a little bit of embarrassment or suspicion for the sake of Hermione? I thought better of you," Draco looked down at Ron, "--and you."
With this new news, Ron's ears perked up and his face brightened, "Hermione? What about her? Did she wake? Is she okay?" he stood up now, in front of Draco, and eyed him in desperation, "Did Madam Pomfrey call my mother?!"
The room filled with silence before it gave a wave of giggles from the watching crowd.
Draco smirked, "Would you like share anything else, Ron? Do speak louder so everyone could hear."
Harry, who also was on his feet, got Draco's attention, "What were you going to say about Hermione, Draco?" he asked softly.
Turning to face Harry, Draco wiped his smirk, "I just wanted to tell you that she is awake, and that she's up in her dorm." he smiled and glanced at Ron, "And of course, Ronny's mother is there with her. I wouldn't dare forget to tell little Ronny that."
The giggles and chuckles spread around them like wildfire.
"Okay, shut up now!" Ron was surprisingly purple-faced, not red.
Draco stopped his chuckling and looked back at Harry, "I'll tell you more during Hagrid's class. There's something else, also. It's very important and I really need to ask you about it."
Harry nodded to him, and watched as Draco left the Great Hall.
The grumbling Ron slowly went back to his seat; purple-faced and irritated. Harry sat back down also.
"What do you think he wants to ask about?" Harry whispered towards Ron; glad that the eyes were now drifting away from the two of them.
Ron looked up at him with uncaring eyes, "How the bloody hell would I know... but I'm not answering his questions.. I'm still not sure about trusting him."
Harry's eyes softened in worry, "Yes, but... Hermione does, Ron."
At this, Ron intentively eyed him, "So?! Why should that matter to me? I don't have to agree with everything Hermione does, thinks, or says!"
"Ron, just understand.. he's only trying to help her." Harry added, his voice convincing and softer.
"Well, you know what? So am I!" Ron felt his voice squeeze, "And she hadn't noticed that, has she?! So why the hell should I care?"
Harry bit his lip, "Because, Ron... you aren't exactly helping when you get angry at her. You don't actually help when you scold her for every mistake she does. And you certainly don't help any if you treat her like she doesn't know any better, especially after all this has happened to her. Besides that, Ron, you can't help but care."
Ron became silent, his eyes downcast and focused on his bowl.
- Head Boy/Girl dorm -
As Draco entered the hall he had been headng to, he rushed forth to the beautiful portrait of Lady Beatrix, Mistress of Hope. Draco wasn't sure why she was one of the many pictures in Hogwarts, he had never heard her mentioned in books before. Stepping up to it, Draco gave a smile and Lady Beatrix reflected it.
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy! Fine day, neh?" she pushed aside a golden strand away from her eyes, and briskly patted down her silky, blue lace of a 'royal' dress.
Draco nodded, "Very fine, indeed. And yours; the same?"
"Yes." Lady Beatrix nodded, her curls bouncing up and down, "Here to check the lady, are we?" she asked in a teasing voice, "Are you afraid she might not be well in this fine day, sir knight?" she gave a small giggle.
Red creeped over his face, Beatrix was comparing him to the knight and Hermione to the princess; he looked up at her in innocence, "No.. I simply had forgotten something.." he lied, but Beatrix could see right through him.
"Whatever you say, fine knight. Ride your stallion and save the ill-ladened lady. No beautiful princess should ever be graced with sickness in such a wonderful day." she gave caring smile, "Password, good knight?"
Draco chuckled, "Superior Quality, my fine lady." he gave a bow.
Lady Beatrix slowly opened the portrait door and gave him a short wink before closing.
"Fine conversation you had with Beatrix, Draco." Hermione asked in glee from the couch; catching Draco unexpectedly, "So from what I understand, I am the 'ill-ladened princess' and you are my knight? How very... alluring."
Draco gave a scoff and smiled, "Don't get any ideas, I'm not about to 'kiss-ass' for you. Beatrix is always like that anyways."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Well of course she's always like that, Beatrix came from a nitwit family." the look Draco gave her in return looked as if he is accusing her of saying something nasty, "She did! She told me! Even ask her yourself."
"She told you she came from a 'nitwit' family?" Draco asked puzzled, "Why would she tell you something like that?"
"Simple," Hermione crossed her arms, "she's a nitwit herself."
Draco bursted into a laugh and walked towards a seat near Hermione. As he walked, he studied Hermione's looks. She was wearing, what looked like, Muggle clothing; a simple white shirt, and flannel shorts, revealing her long slender legs.
Catching Draco's eyes trailing down her waist, Hermione folded her legs in front of her, "Excuse you." she said haughtily.
His face shot to hers with a pleased smile; he sat down, "Hermione has slender legs much like a grown woman... a quality that can't be excused."
Hermione flustered, "You can shut it now!"
"What's wrong, Hermione? Am I embarrassing you?" Draco looked at her with satisfaction as she reddened, "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. You're beautiful."
Although her face was almost crimson red, she gave a smirk and covered her flattery, "Yeah I know. I'm such a 'guy magnet'. I mean, look at you, I caught you in my line without even trying."
Draco smiled, "Of course you did." he crossed his arms like she, and eyed her pensively, "Which brings me to a question for you. I know you know, and I know you aren't in at least bit 'worried' about it. But I don't know how you really feel about it."
Hermione looked to the side, "You mean... if I'm going to return your feelings?" she took a deep sigh, "I can't decide that now.."
"Why not?" Draco asked quickly, "Is it because you're a Muggle and I'm not, and my father's a Death Eater and-"
"No!" Hermine jumped in, "It's just that... I'm not really sure what I'm feeling right now. Actually, right now I'm feeling kind of blank.. but not because of you. It's from, you know, what happened yesterday." she looked at him with apologizing looks, "And I'm sorry, I just can't think straight about it, for now."
Hermione swore she saw Draco flash an angry look, but it disappeared before she could even notice it was really there. She sighed inwardly as his lips formed a small smile. Hermione smiled back, and watched as the man turned his eyes to his shoes; his platinum-blond hair cascading slightly over his eyes.
"I understand." Draco said softly, "I wouldn't force you to start something if you aren't ready."
"Yeah, I know." Hermione smiled, "If you want to know, there's definitely something about you that I can't seem to get enough of." Hermoine stood up and started to walk to her room.
Hearing this 'extremely good' news, Draco shot up from his seat, "You mean... you 'like' me now, right?!"
Hermione sauntered in her walk to her door. She opened it and turned a head to the side and grinned, "M-aybe." she said sweetly.
If Draco wasn't his usual proud and formal self, he could've been bouncing on the walls by now, but being a Malfoy, Draco reacted by keeping his cool. He cleared his throat and crossed his arms across his chest, which was puffed out proudly, "Well, I think I really needed to know that." he said coolly.
Seeing the 'trying-to-be-cool-about-it' in Draco's stance, Hermione giggled, "Well, you better get to class Draco. Mrs. Weasley will be in here in about 30 seconds. She'll scold you for visiting me at this time, when you should really be heading for class."
In an instant, Draco's eyes went to the hanging clock above the fireplace mantle, "Oh..." with that he quickly made his way to the portrait door, harshly swung it open, and clambered out. While he did, he tripped slightly and almost fell, he gave of a loud swear.
Hermione laughed when Lady Beatrix started to lecture him about the word he had said and Draco started to apologize quickly. Settling down her laughter, Hermione could suddenly hear Mrs. Weasley's questioning voice. Draco said something in a rush, and ran off.
As Mrs. Weasley stepped in, her hands carrying a tray of soup from the kitchens, she looked up to Hermione who was smiling widely, "I've got you soup, for later." she paused, "Hermione, do you know what that boy was doing here?"
Hermione looked up innocently, "Yes," she responded slowly, "he was here to, I think, deliver a message to the sickly princess. He wanted her to feel better, and also ask a question."
Mrs. Weasley pondered for a minute, "Ah.. and did he make the princess feel better, and did he get the answer he wanted?" a charming smile in her face as she placed the tray on the small coffee table.
"Yes, to the first one," Hermione stepped in her room, "and I guess, yes to the second too, by how well he took it." she shut her door.
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I'm very thankful for all you who have reviewed and enjoyed my fic! Thanks so much!!! I love you all!!!
Anyways, since I've been getting some requests, if you'd like me to email you when I update this story, please say so in your review or email me! Yup, you can!! If you do say it in your review, please put your email in it if you are not a ffnet author, or else if you are a ffnet author I could just look up your name and get your email from there if you'd like.
Other than that, I'd like to know if you think I'm getting *too* fluffy or *too* mushy with all the Draco/Hermione stuff. ^_^; Because I'm starting to think that I'm overdoing it... and I don't want to do that. So constructive critisicm please? If you have any?
Thanks again, much luv!!!
~Strife21
A little recommendation:
You've absolutely got to read "From Seclusions Sprouts..."
by glace. A very nice D/Hr fic!!!! It's so sweeeeet!!!! aWWWWW read
it please?! Here's a link : a href="http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=562763">From
Seclusion Sprouts..."/a>