Chapter 6: Bathrooms and Owls
Draco blinked as he saw white everywhere. Looking closer, he found out that they were curtains. Pulling them back, he scanned the room. As his eyes adjusted to the light from the window he found out he was apparently the Infirmary. But how'd he get there?
There was another bed blocked by curtains. Draco tried to get up but then the Infirmary doors flew open. Madame Pomfrey bustled in along with Potter and Weasley. Draco quickly pulled back his curtains and pretended to be asleep.
They were quiet as they went to Hermione's bed and pulled back the curtain to see her. As the light hit her, she shifted position to avoid the light, but to no avail. She slowly opened her eyes to find three people looming over her, and she freaked out.
"Aaaahhh!!!" she cried out, jumping. But then she got a better view of the people around her.
"Ms. Granger, are you feeling any better?" Madame Pompfrey asked her.
"Umm.. yes except for a little headache. Harry, how did I get here?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Well, during Potions, we were creating that thinking potion or whatever-"
"Thought Speaking Potion" Hermione interrupted.
"Yeah, and then as everyone was finishing Neville's potion blew up," Harry continued.
"The explosion caused a bookcase to fall and it happened to be the one behind you and Malfoy."
"The books fell and hit you on the head, which caused you to black out, but Malfoy covered you and up to now he's still unconscious." Harry finished.
Ron grinned and said, "Who would have thought, Mione, that books could also be your worst nightmare!" At this the boys doubled over, while a frowning Madame Pompfrey and a confused Hermione looked on.
"Boys, I think you should leave and let Hermione rest," Madame Pompfrey said, shooing the boys out of the Infirmary. Ron then said, "Hermione, we'll see you later! Don't worry, we won't forget your homework."
Hermione sighed and thought to herself, yeah, I'm sooo worried about my homework! She thought sarcastically.
Draco jumped when he heard a voice ring in his head. It was clear and loud, as if someone was whispering in his ear. He looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. There was no one in the room besides Granger. Granger! That's it! The potion! It worked!
Hermione jumped at the sound that rang in her ears. Then she calmed down and thought. there are only two people in this room and Malfoy is asleep, who could it be? Unless…
Hermione's eyes widened at the thought of their potion working, like what the voice said.
Draco?
Granger.
Hey! I thought we were on first name terms!
Sorry. Hermione, I guess the potion did work.
Yeah, I guess it did…
Sooo… how long do you think the potion will last before it wears off?
I don't know… probably in a few hours. Many people took the potion too, you know.
I know, I know. So when are we gonna be released?
Probably later, probably tomorrow. What bout tonight?
Tonight?
Tonight as in the prefect's bathroom.
Ooohh… well, if we're going to be released tonight, wanna still go?
Hhhmm… alright.
Draco smiled, although he knew she didn't see it.
Draco, I'm sleepy, talk to you later, alright?
Alright. Sleep tight.
******
They were released that day and continued on with their lessons. But usually people would suddenly giggle or frown because of the potion. But luckily for Hermione Harry and Ron were partners so she wouldn't have to listen to their conversations of Quidditch.
Sighing, she walked towards the Great Hall for dinner. Nothing eventful happened, other than Draco and Hermione sneaking glimpses at each other, although both didn't speak to each other telepathically. Other than that it was a particularly boring dinner.
******
As soon as Hermione settled on her bed for the daily chat with the cat a voice rang in her head.
Are you still going to the prefect's bath?
"oh, my gosh! I totally forgot! Sorry, Luna, I gotta go somewhere. See ya later!"
Gee, and we haven't even started yet…
"Sorry! Anyways, I think I'm late. Bye!" Hermione ran out the door, grabbing her cloak on the way out of her dorm.
Yeah, I'm headed there already.
Alright. Meet you there.
Hermione ran through the corridors, trying not to be seen by anyone as she tried to get to the prefect's bathroom. Then a thought hit her. She hit her head at this thought. The prefect's bath was connected to her room! Damn. But she didn't turn back because she was almost there.
Hermione reached a painting of a young girl, around ten, on a hill, playing with her puppy. Looking up, she saw Hermione and smiled, asking politely, "what are you doing here so late at night?"
Hermione smiled at this and replied, "what are you doing staying up late at night?"
"Well, prefects might come here to do things, and when they wake me up I can't get back to sleep, so it's become a habit." The little girl answered her, stroking her puppy.
"Oh, my gosh, are you gonna use the bathroom?" the little girl asked, a look of shock on her cute face. At this Hermione giggled.
"Yes I am." She replied.
"Oh, I'm sorry for making you wait. Password?" she apologized and asked.
"Paradise" Hermione said.
The girl nodded and opened the door.
Hermione wasn't surprised though to see Draco there already, waiting patiently by the bathtub which was rapidly filing up. Draco looked up from what he was doing and smiled one of his friendly smiles. Hermione blinked at this. She still wasn't used to it. It was always the cold smirk.
"What took you?" Draco asked, curious to why she was late in getting there. All prefects had the bathroom connected to their rooms.
Hermione blushed and said," umm.. I was a bit preoccupied and I didn't think about the portrait leading to here." Draco just nodded in response and started taking his robed off. Hermione turned her head away and closed her eyes, not wanting to appear perverted in any way, especially to this boy who is an enemy-turned-not-quite-friend.
When she looked back at Draco she found him looking at her, in his swimming trunks. "I'm guessing you forgot that we were going swimming, right?"
"Oh, yeah. Wait a sec." Hermione said and got her wand. Pointing it to herself and muttering a few words, her robed vanished and a black bathing suit with white streaks down the sides. Smiling at her work, she walked towards the tub where Draco was already in.
Testing the water with her toes to check the temperature Hermione didn't see Draco get out of the tub and step behind her. In a few moments Hermione Granger was seen totally drenched in lavender scented water.
"Hey!! That was totally uncalled for!" Hermione exclaimed as she peered from her suds soaked hair. Draco was laughing and jumped after her, causing more water to splash onto Hermione.
Hermione slashed water on Draco as well and there was a water fight. This went on for some time until they got tired and decided to swim around, and talk.
"Can you tell me why you really want to be friends with me? I still don't really believe that 'I just want to be friends' thing. I need a better explanation." Hermione said.
Sighing, Draco thought he might as well tell her. He had the chance before but he was too scared of what her reaction would be, whether he would reject him or accept him.
"Hermione, ever since third year I saw you in a different light. You were always a bookworm, a know it all and a teacher's pet. But I only saw it because you had it better. You had friends that cared for you. They were there when you need them, when you want someone to talk to. For that I envy you. And also because you were Potter's friend. The Boy who Lived. He was always trying to avoid the press, but ended up in it by doing so. I always wanted to be where he is now, but some people don't get what they want."
"So I also envy Potter. But every time I think of you, the more I admire you. Before every time I saw you three I thought,' here's my chance to apologize for being a git the first day of Hogwarts' but when I open my mouth something else comes out. Whatever my father taught me is what comes out and instead of getting your good side, I do the exact opposite."
Hermione nodded and smiled, thinking of all the encounters they experienced. Draco then shook his head and said, "After all I told you I'm guessing you still don't guess my point." Hermione said, "Well, sorta."
"Hermione, do you really know why I asked you, of all girls here in Hogwarts, to stay with me for some time? Enough time to do anything to anyone?" "Anything?" Hermione raised an eyebrow at this.
"Not like that! I mean, all I want to say is Hermione, I love you."
Hermione was shocked at this. Draco Malfoy, her former archenemy just poured out his feelings for her. Draco Malfoy, Slytherin. Draco Malfoy, son of a death eater. Death eater.
"Are you a----" "Death eater? NO!!!" Draco sounded like he was trying to convince himself. Hermione nodded but asked, "Why do you torment us then?" "Didn't I just tell you? I envy you people and I do that because that is what my father expects of me."
"Why?"
"He…he wants me to be one. A death eater."
"But why do you act so arrogant and self-centered?"
"Because that's my rep in this school. And they're always keeping an eye on me."
"They?"
"The other Slytherins. If they find out I turn away from what my father wants me to be the news is sent straight away to my father and I don't even want to think about what's going to happen to me when he does." He swallowed.
Hermione reached out to touch his arm, eyes saying he doesn't have to continue. Draco stood up and reached for a towel and got out of the tub. Hermione reached for her wand. Muttering a spell she soon found herself dry and in pajamas.
Draco looked at her and muttered under his breath, "Why didn't I think of that." Moments later he also was in his pjs.
"Ummm… So I guess this is good night?" Draco asked.
""Umm… yeah, I guess so. It's late. Night, Draco." Hermione said, walking towards her door.
In a moment Draco pulled her arm to make her face him.
"That's it? Night?" Draco said, eyebrow raised.
"What else? Kiss good night?"
A smile formed on Draco's lips.
'Why did I have to say that?!' Hermione mentally slapped herself.
"Really? Try one."
Hermione hesitated but managed to give a peck on the lips.
"There, so night night!" Hermione walked toward her door again, her hand going up to touch her lips when the same arms reached out and wrap her again.
"That wasn't what I had in mind." He said, a glint of mischief in his silver eyes.
"Show me." Hermione played along. What happened next was something she didn't expect.
Draco's arm circled around her waist and the other hand pushed Hermione's chin up towards Draco. Slowly he closed the gap between their lips. When they touched, he slightly opened his mouth and licked her lips. Hermione opened her mouth in surprise and Draco's tongue slipped in between her lips. Hermione closed her eyes and followed what he was doing.
Soon they were panting hard because of lack of air.
"That was a little more than I expected." He smirked.
"Well, I guess you got your kiss. Now can I go to bed?" Hermione said, standing up with a little smile on her face.
"Bed? With who?" Draco grinned.
"Not like that! Sleep! You know, rest?"
"Oh. Alright. Good night, Hermione."
"Night, Draco."
Hermione walked toward her door and pushed it open. Once landing on her bed, Luna jumped up and barraged her with questions.
Okay, okay. Answer this question first. What did you really do?
"First we met at the prefect's bath, then we swam, then had a nice little chat, then we kissed then I'm here!"
Swam? Chat? Kiss?! You didn't even tell me where you went! I cant believe you! Me, your cat, your diary, your closest friend! Why didn't you tell me?!... How was the kiss?
Hermione swore she saw a grin appear on the white cat's furry face.
"Hmm.. you know, it's pretty late and I got a couple of exams tomorrow. Gosh! I forgot to study! I gotta cram tomorrow at breakfast!" Hermione lied, feigning shock.
Hermione drew the covers close to hide her grin from the frowning cat.
What about your friend?
"What friend?" Hermione peeked from the covers.
You know, that Kevin guy…
"Oh, him... Well, I haven't heard from him in a long time and once in a while he disappears. Now that you mention him though… Night!" Hermione pulled the covers so hard and quick that Luna fell off the bed and landed with a yowl.
*****
Breakfast was boring as usual. Mornings were never usually appreciated, especially if you didn't get more than five hours of sleep, in Hermione's case.
Looking to her left, Ron was babbling about Quidditch to Seamus and Dean while Harry just listened. Hermione sighed and returned her attention to her bacon and eggs.
Harry noticed that Hermione hasn't been her usual self. She isn't hanging out with them as often as usual and she's quiet most of the time.
"Hey, Hermione . what's up?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked up and found Harry beside her.
"Hey, Harry. Oh, nothing really. I'm just looking at the nice blue sky. It's so cheerful, not like how I'm feeling at the moment." Hermione said, smiling slightly.
"I didn't know that eggs are the sky. Why so gloomy?"
"I slept late last night. Again."
"Why? Don't tell me you were studying. You don't have any exams until next week!"
At that moment Owl Post came. Hundreds of owls came round and dropped letters to students.
A big tawny owl came over to Gryffindor table and circled the table before hovering above Hermione and dropping three letters.
One was the Daily Prophet. Another was the monthly letter from home. The last one wasn't labeled. Curious, Hermione opened this one first.
Scanning the page, Hermione's eyes widened as she reached the bottom of the page and looked as if she was about to scream. Harry turned to the sound of mumbling.
"Oh God, oh God, oh God…."
*****
A/N: Sorry about the other chappie!!! This stupid excuse for a computer deleted most of the pages! Thanx to all who reviewed. Especially to Audry14 who infrmed me about the chappie prob.!!!
Draco blinked as he saw white everywhere. Looking closer, he found out that they were curtains. Pulling them back, he scanned the room. As his eyes adjusted to the light from the window he found out he was apparently the Infirmary. But how'd he get there?
There was another bed blocked by curtains. Draco tried to get up but then the Infirmary doors flew open. Madame Pomfrey bustled in along with Potter and Weasley. Draco quickly pulled back his curtains and pretended to be asleep.
They were quiet as they went to Hermione's bed and pulled back the curtain to see her. As the light hit her, she shifted position to avoid the light, but to no avail. She slowly opened her eyes to find three people looming over her, and she freaked out.
"Aaaahhh!!!" she cried out, jumping. But then she got a better view of the people around her.
"Ms. Granger, are you feeling any better?" Madame Pompfrey asked her.
"Umm.. yes except for a little headache. Harry, how did I get here?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Well, during Potions, we were creating that thinking potion or whatever-"
"Thought Speaking Potion" Hermione interrupted.
"Yeah, and then as everyone was finishing Neville's potion blew up," Harry continued.
"The explosion caused a bookcase to fall and it happened to be the one behind you and Malfoy."
"The books fell and hit you on the head, which caused you to black out, but Malfoy covered you and up to now he's still unconscious." Harry finished.
Ron grinned and said, "Who would have thought, Mione, that books could also be your worst nightmare!" At this the boys doubled over, while a frowning Madame Pompfrey and a confused Hermione looked on.
"Boys, I think you should leave and let Hermione rest," Madame Pompfrey said, shooing the boys out of the Infirmary. Ron then said, "Hermione, we'll see you later! Don't worry, we won't forget your homework."
Hermione sighed and thought to herself, yeah, I'm sooo worried about my homework! She thought sarcastically.
Draco jumped when he heard a voice ring in his head. It was clear and loud, as if someone was whispering in his ear. He looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. There was no one in the room besides Granger. Granger! That's it! The potion! It worked!
Hermione jumped at the sound that rang in her ears. Then she calmed down and thought. there are only two people in this room and Malfoy is asleep, who could it be? Unless…
Hermione's eyes widened at the thought of their potion working, like what the voice said.
Draco?
Granger.
Hey! I thought we were on first name terms!
Sorry. Hermione, I guess the potion did work.
Yeah, I guess it did…
Sooo… how long do you think the potion will last before it wears off?
I don't know… probably in a few hours. Many people took the potion too, you know.
I know, I know. So when are we gonna be released?
Probably later, probably tomorrow. What bout tonight?
Tonight?
Tonight as in the prefect's bathroom.
Ooohh… well, if we're going to be released tonight, wanna still go?
Hhhmm… alright.
Draco smiled, although he knew she didn't see it.
Draco, I'm sleepy, talk to you later, alright?
Alright. Sleep tight.
******
They were released that day and continued on with their lessons. But usually people would suddenly giggle or frown because of the potion. But luckily for Hermione Harry and Ron were partners so she wouldn't have to listen to their conversations of Quidditch.
Sighing, she walked towards the Great Hall for dinner. Nothing eventful happened, other than Draco and Hermione sneaking glimpses at each other, although both didn't speak to each other telepathically. Other than that it was a particularly boring dinner.
******
As soon as Hermione settled on her bed for the daily chat with the cat a voice rang in her head.
Are you still going to the prefect's bath?
"oh, my gosh! I totally forgot! Sorry, Luna, I gotta go somewhere. See ya later!"
Gee, and we haven't even started yet…
"Sorry! Anyways, I think I'm late. Bye!" Hermione ran out the door, grabbing her cloak on the way out of her dorm.
Yeah, I'm headed there already.
Alright. Meet you there.
Hermione ran through the corridors, trying not to be seen by anyone as she tried to get to the prefect's bathroom. Then a thought hit her. She hit her head at this thought. The prefect's bath was connected to her room! Damn. But she didn't turn back because she was almost there.
Hermione reached a painting of a young girl, around ten, on a hill, playing with her puppy. Looking up, she saw Hermione and smiled, asking politely, "what are you doing here so late at night?"
Hermione smiled at this and replied, "what are you doing staying up late at night?"
"Well, prefects might come here to do things, and when they wake me up I can't get back to sleep, so it's become a habit." The little girl answered her, stroking her puppy.
"Oh, my gosh, are you gonna use the bathroom?" the little girl asked, a look of shock on her cute face. At this Hermione giggled.
"Yes I am." She replied.
"Oh, I'm sorry for making you wait. Password?" she apologized and asked.
"Paradise" Hermione said.
The girl nodded and opened the door.
Hermione wasn't surprised though to see Draco there already, waiting patiently by the bathtub which was rapidly filing up. Draco looked up from what he was doing and smiled one of his friendly smiles. Hermione blinked at this. She still wasn't used to it. It was always the cold smirk.
"What took you?" Draco asked, curious to why she was late in getting there. All prefects had the bathroom connected to their rooms.
Hermione blushed and said," umm.. I was a bit preoccupied and I didn't think about the portrait leading to here." Draco just nodded in response and started taking his robed off. Hermione turned her head away and closed her eyes, not wanting to appear perverted in any way, especially to this boy who is an enemy-turned-not-quite-friend.
When she looked back at Draco she found him looking at her, in his swimming trunks. "I'm guessing you forgot that we were going swimming, right?"
"Oh, yeah. Wait a sec." Hermione said and got her wand. Pointing it to herself and muttering a few words, her robed vanished and a black bathing suit with white streaks down the sides. Smiling at her work, she walked towards the tub where Draco was already in.
Testing the water with her toes to check the temperature Hermione didn't see Draco get out of the tub and step behind her. In a few moments Hermione Granger was seen totally drenched in lavender scented water.
"Hey!! That was totally uncalled for!" Hermione exclaimed as she peered from her suds soaked hair. Draco was laughing and jumped after her, causing more water to splash onto Hermione.
Hermione slashed water on Draco as well and there was a water fight. This went on for some time until they got tired and decided to swim around, and talk.
"Can you tell me why you really want to be friends with me? I still don't really believe that 'I just want to be friends' thing. I need a better explanation." Hermione said.
Sighing, Draco thought he might as well tell her. He had the chance before but he was too scared of what her reaction would be, whether he would reject him or accept him.
"Hermione, ever since third year I saw you in a different light. You were always a bookworm, a know it all and a teacher's pet. But I only saw it because you had it better. You had friends that cared for you. They were there when you need them, when you want someone to talk to. For that I envy you. And also because you were Potter's friend. The Boy who Lived. He was always trying to avoid the press, but ended up in it by doing so. I always wanted to be where he is now, but some people don't get what they want."
"So I also envy Potter. But every time I think of you, the more I admire you. Before every time I saw you three I thought,' here's my chance to apologize for being a git the first day of Hogwarts' but when I open my mouth something else comes out. Whatever my father taught me is what comes out and instead of getting your good side, I do the exact opposite."
Hermione nodded and smiled, thinking of all the encounters they experienced. Draco then shook his head and said, "After all I told you I'm guessing you still don't guess my point." Hermione said, "Well, sorta."
"Hermione, do you really know why I asked you, of all girls here in Hogwarts, to stay with me for some time? Enough time to do anything to anyone?" "Anything?" Hermione raised an eyebrow at this.
"Not like that! I mean, all I want to say is Hermione, I love you."
Hermione was shocked at this. Draco Malfoy, her former archenemy just poured out his feelings for her. Draco Malfoy, Slytherin. Draco Malfoy, son of a death eater. Death eater.
"Are you a----" "Death eater? NO!!!" Draco sounded like he was trying to convince himself. Hermione nodded but asked, "Why do you torment us then?" "Didn't I just tell you? I envy you people and I do that because that is what my father expects of me."
"Why?"
"He…he wants me to be one. A death eater."
"But why do you act so arrogant and self-centered?"
"Because that's my rep in this school. And they're always keeping an eye on me."
"They?"
"The other Slytherins. If they find out I turn away from what my father wants me to be the news is sent straight away to my father and I don't even want to think about what's going to happen to me when he does." He swallowed.
Hermione reached out to touch his arm, eyes saying he doesn't have to continue. Draco stood up and reached for a towel and got out of the tub. Hermione reached for her wand. Muttering a spell she soon found herself dry and in pajamas.
Draco looked at her and muttered under his breath, "Why didn't I think of that." Moments later he also was in his pjs.
"Ummm… So I guess this is good night?" Draco asked.
""Umm… yeah, I guess so. It's late. Night, Draco." Hermione said, walking towards her door.
In a moment Draco pulled her arm to make her face him.
"That's it? Night?" Draco said, eyebrow raised.
"What else? Kiss good night?"
A smile formed on Draco's lips.
'Why did I have to say that?!' Hermione mentally slapped herself.
"Really? Try one."
Hermione hesitated but managed to give a peck on the lips.
"There, so night night!" Hermione walked toward her door again, her hand going up to touch her lips when the same arms reached out and wrap her again.
"That wasn't what I had in mind." He said, a glint of mischief in his silver eyes.
"Show me." Hermione played along. What happened next was something she didn't expect.
Draco's arm circled around her waist and the other hand pushed Hermione's chin up towards Draco. Slowly he closed the gap between their lips. When they touched, he slightly opened his mouth and licked her lips. Hermione opened her mouth in surprise and Draco's tongue slipped in between her lips. Hermione closed her eyes and followed what he was doing.
Soon they were panting hard because of lack of air.
"That was a little more than I expected." He smirked.
"Well, I guess you got your kiss. Now can I go to bed?" Hermione said, standing up with a little smile on her face.
"Bed? With who?" Draco grinned.
"Not like that! Sleep! You know, rest?"
"Oh. Alright. Good night, Hermione."
"Night, Draco."
Hermione walked toward her door and pushed it open. Once landing on her bed, Luna jumped up and barraged her with questions.
Okay, okay. Answer this question first. What did you really do?
"First we met at the prefect's bath, then we swam, then had a nice little chat, then we kissed then I'm here!"
Swam? Chat? Kiss?! You didn't even tell me where you went! I cant believe you! Me, your cat, your diary, your closest friend! Why didn't you tell me?!... How was the kiss?
Hermione swore she saw a grin appear on the white cat's furry face.
"Hmm.. you know, it's pretty late and I got a couple of exams tomorrow. Gosh! I forgot to study! I gotta cram tomorrow at breakfast!" Hermione lied, feigning shock.
Hermione drew the covers close to hide her grin from the frowning cat.
What about your friend?
"What friend?" Hermione peeked from the covers.
You know, that Kevin guy…
"Oh, him... Well, I haven't heard from him in a long time and once in a while he disappears. Now that you mention him though… Night!" Hermione pulled the covers so hard and quick that Luna fell off the bed and landed with a yowl.
*****
Breakfast was boring as usual. Mornings were never usually appreciated, especially if you didn't get more than five hours of sleep, in Hermione's case.
Looking to her left, Ron was babbling about Quidditch to Seamus and Dean while Harry just listened. Hermione sighed and returned her attention to her bacon and eggs.
Harry noticed that Hermione hasn't been her usual self. She isn't hanging out with them as often as usual and she's quiet most of the time.
"Hey, Hermione . what's up?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked up and found Harry beside her.
"Hey, Harry. Oh, nothing really. I'm just looking at the nice blue sky. It's so cheerful, not like how I'm feeling at the moment." Hermione said, smiling slightly.
"I didn't know that eggs are the sky. Why so gloomy?"
"I slept late last night. Again."
"Why? Don't tell me you were studying. You don't have any exams until next week!"
At that moment Owl Post came. Hundreds of owls came round and dropped letters to students.
A big tawny owl came over to Gryffindor table and circled the table before hovering above Hermione and dropping three letters.
One was the Daily Prophet. Another was the monthly letter from home. The last one wasn't labeled. Curious, Hermione opened this one first.
Scanning the page, Hermione's eyes widened as she reached the bottom of the page and looked as if she was about to scream. Harry turned to the sound of mumbling.
"Oh God, oh God, oh God…."
*****
A/N: Sorry about the other chappie!!! This stupid excuse for a computer deleted most of the pages! Thanx to all who reviewed. Especially to Audry14 who infrmed me about the chappie prob.!!!