A/N- About one week! I've been beyond busy, and I'm really sorry. I don't even have any tests or anything! I just have so many extra-curricular activities going on. But enough about me, onto the story. Here it goes.
~Recap
I went into my room, straightened it out, and climbed into the nice, warm bed. "Goodnight Draco," I muttered. "I'll tell you tomorrow," I said, thinking of my new dress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I woke up, so early, it was still dark. I stretched out, and yawned really wide. "Woah, it's still dark, I wonder what time it is," I turned around and looked at my clock. "4:13," I whispered. 'I wonder why I got up so early,' I thought. I sat up in bed, and swung my legs over the side, reluctant to get out. I staggered to the door, and opened it. I made my way to the prefects bathroom, and when I got there, I mumbled the password, and the door swung open.
Somebody had obviously already been in there. The pool/bath tub was still draining, and there were towels scattered around on the floor. I picked one up, and smelled it. It smelled strongly of coconuts, and I smiled at that. Hermione's favorite scent was coconuts. She always used the coconut taps in here. 'I wonder if she was here," I thought. 'Probably not, and sane person would be asleep," I told myself.
I undressed, and climbed in the tub. I closed my eyes, and took in the smell. I've always been a softy when it comes to good-smelling scents, such as, flowers, fruity smell, and, of course, coconuts.
I was half-asleep, absorbed by the smell, when a sudden shriek let me know I wasn't alone.
"Draco?"
'Oh no, not her," I groaned. "Pansy?" I asked, not bothering to turn around.
"Yes," she asked, sweetly.
"What the heck are you doing here?" I nearly yelled.
"I came to take a bath," she said innocently.
"At 4:00 in the morning?" I questioned, unbelievingly. How does she even know the password? Forget the password, how does she even know where the door is?
"Well, you're here, aren't you?"
"Yes..." I said. "But that's not the point! You're not even a prefect. How do you know where this is? How long have you been coming down here?" I said, just about fuming.
"Stop with the third degree!" she exclaimed. "I've known about this place since, like, forever," she said stupidly.
"Like, forever?" I mocked her, and she just glared. "Look Pansy, you can leave now. I'd like to finish my bath," I told her.
"No."
"No? Pansy get out, now," she still didn't move. "NOW!" I shouted.
"Shut up, will you? And I'm not leaving. I think I'll just take advantage of this situation," she said, grinning slyly.
I looked around, and noticed the bubbles were slowly, but surely, fading away. Pretty soon, they would be gone, and Pansy could get an eyeful. That's something I really don't want. Pansy was smart when it comes to this kind of stuff, you know, guy stuff. She knew there was no way for me to get out without her seeing anything, and she knew the bubbles wouldn't forever. She hit me right where it hurt, and she recognized it. I stared wide-eyed at her, and she smirked.
"I guess I should be a prefect then, huh? I figured that all out on my own. I'm happy, you're not. I guess that's what I want. And seeing you exposed, well I could do with a laugh. Mind you, I wouldn't mind," she finished with relish.
I flared up. "PANSY GET THE HECK OUT OF HERE NOW, OR I'LL HEX YOU!"
"How? I've got your wand," she said, picked it up, and starting twirling it between her fingers.
"Get your filthy hands off that," I raged.
"There's nothing you can do about it, is there, Draco dear? I mean, I've got the wand, and oh look! Your clothes, and towel. Well, well, well. Look who has the power now," she laughed evilly.
I thought hard. 'What was I supposed to do now? I had no way of getting my clothes, or towel back. Right now she couldn't see anything, the bubble were so thick. But in a matter of time, well, that's another story. 'Great...' I was thinking deeply, when I new voice cleared my thoughts.
"Draco? What are you doing here? With her?" Hermione asked.
She looked genuinely shocked. I could only imagine what the scene looked like. Pansy, holding my clothes, towel, and wand, while I was here, in the bath, with nothing on. It didn't help that Pansy was leaning in flirtatiously. My clothes, and towel, were dangling from her hand.
"It's a long story," Pansy interrupted.
"That she deserves to know," I spat to Pansy.
"Well, somebody tell me! I want to know what in the heck is going on?!" Hermione was on the verge of tears, and she was really angry.
"OK, I woke up early and came down here for a bath. So, I get down here, and climb into the tub," I looked at her anxiously. She was just glaring daggers. "I'm in there for five minutes, and Pansy shrieks. We yell, and then she decides to be a little, you know. She tantalizes me, and comes up with this conception. I can't get out of the tub. I'm stuck in here until the bubbles run out, and then she'll give me my towel. After she gets the eyeful she wants," I said, scowling at Pansy. "Then you came in, and here we are."
"You forgot the part about when you saw me behind the curtains, and still undressed in front of me," Pansy said, grinning horribly.
At that point, Hermione's eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. "No! Hermione, don't listen to her, she's lying!" I yelled.
"Oh yes, we also can't overlook the fact that you invited me to come here tonight, 'for a good time,' remember?" Pansy said, a look of distinct satisfaction on her face. "You've come at a bad time Granger, we were just about to have some fun, right Draco honey?"
"No, never! I, I lo--, I would never do that! Pansy, stop lying, or else," I threatened.
"Or else what? You don't have a wand, remember Draco?" Pansy said.
I just scowled at her, that famous Malfoy scowl that Hermione had received so many times years ago. Pansy smiled teasingly, and said, "you don't have a wand, and I do, now what are we going to do? Too bad Draco, you didn't luck out this time, sorry."
"Hermione please don't believe her," I pleaded. "It's not true. You know me, and you know Pansy. Come on Hermione, you can trust me. I swear I didn't do that."
"I don't know, Draco. I mean, I just don't know," Mione said, stuttering a bit.
"I can't say anything else except the truth, which I've already told you. I don't know what else to say," I concluded.
She just looked at me, and suddenly grabbed my wand from Pansy. "Hey!" Pansy shrieked.
"Hope you can catch," she said to me, and threw my wand towards the tub. I reached up and caught it before it hit the water, and smiled at her. She just stared at me, and then hurried out of the room.
I watched her, and heard Pansy breathing. I turned my wand onto her. "Get out of here now, or else I'll curse you."
She glanced around nervously, and then dropped my clothes and towel. I kept my wand pointed at her back as I watched her walk towards the door. "You'll get your remorse, Draco, oh you'll get it," I heard her whisper under her breath as she left.
I finished washing my hair, and got out of the tub as quickly as possible. I dried off, and changed quickly. By this time, it was almost breakfast, so I headed straight for the Great Hall. I didn't see Hermione when I got there, but then again, I wasn't expecting too. I probably really hurt her again, and I can't afford that. Especially right before the dance. At the dance, I'll tell her my true feelings, even if she is still mad at me. Just one week, and then she'll know. I have to make her see the truth in what happened this morning. Somehow, I will.
*Hermione's POV*
"How could he? HOW COULD HE?" I screamed between tears. " I hate him! I can't believe he did it again!" I screamed in fury.
"Calm down, Hermione. He said he was telling the truth, don't you believe him?" Ginny asked me.
"I thought I trusted him. But this isn't exactly the first time! I don't have to remind you of 'the incident', do I?" I asked somewhat rationally.
"No..." Ginny started. "But he apologized for that, remember? Hermione, give him a chance, I'm sure he's still not the old Draco Malfoy."
"He'll probably begin calling me mudblood now. Mark my words, he's going back to his old self. I bet his dad had something to do with it," I snarled.
"Hermione, give him a chance. Please. He deserves it, and you know it," Ginny said.
"I don't know," I moaned. "You don't know what the scene looked like. I mean, there she was, holding his wand, clothes, towel, everything. It killed me. He lost my trust once, why'd he do it again?" I wondered out loud.
"Hormones," Ginny answered. I smiled a little bit, and she said, "See that? Now that's a start. Just smile some more, and don't let Draco know you're upset. Hold your head high. I, for one, think Draco's telling the truth. I mean, come on, this is Pansy we're talking about. It's not like she has a perfect, clean record. If it was Lavender, or Parvati or someone, then you might want to worry. But this is Pansy. Come Hermione, wake up and smell the potions," Ginny said, with a sort-of finality tone of voice.
"All right, all right. Let's go eat, I'm starving," I said. "You know Ginny, you're a really good friend. Thanks for being there for me. I really appreciate it," I said, smiling.
"No problem, you were there for me when I had Harry problems. I'm just paying back my dues."
I chuckled, and rolled out of bed. I looked at myself in the mirror and grumbled. "I look like crap," I said, giggling. My hair was really bushy, as usual, and my eyes were especially blotchy. "Let's just wait until my eyes clear up. Is that OK Gin?" I waited for an answer. "Gin?" I looked around, and figured she already left. "I guess I'll just go alone then," I said, and waited five minutes before heading down to the Great Hall.
I entered the Hall, and quickly spotted Draco's platinum, blonde hair sitting at the Gryffindor table. I figured he hadn't told Harry or Ron anything, seeing as they were talking to him. Or trying to at least. He looked depressed, and he was playing with his food. I took a deep breath, and started walking towards Draco. "Ahem," I said when I got there.
"Hermione!" Draco jumped up. "You, you surprised me."
"Well, that seems to happen a lot, doesn't it? Like I surprised you in the bathroom this morning. Was I interrupting something then?" I asked, getting a little mad.
Draco looked nervous. "Mione, please, just hear me out," he begged.
"Herm? Draco? What's going on?" Harry asked.
I glared at Draco for a second and said, "Let's just say history repeats itself sometimes."
Ron and Harry looked at each other, and then at us. "Do you want us to stay out of it?' Ron hesitated.
"For now," I said. "Draco, come on. I need to talk to you."
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"Where do you think?" I retorted.
"Lead the way," Draco said, and got up.
He knew where I was going. Our room. The Astronomy Tower. That's where the biggest, most traumatic, and significant events happen between us.
When we got there, I sat down on our couch. Draco sat next to me, and I edged away from him. "Come on Hermione, this isn't fair. You have to let me talk," he said,
"So talk," I told, with my arms crossed, and staring straight ahead.
"Look, I told you the truth in the bathroom. I don't know what more you want. I thought you trusted me," he said those last words like he was really hurt.
"I do Draco! But this is two times now. Twice I caught you with her in uncivil places for you two. I mean, a nice bathroom, where we first got together, and here, in our room! God Draco! Why do I keep catching you like this?" I finished with anger.
"Please, Hermione. There's nothing I can do except tell you the truth, which I already have. Please don't be mad at me. I promise I told the truth. I don't what else to do," he pleaded.
"I guess I believe you, but you going to have earn back my trust to the fullest extent. Is that clear?" I said.
"Crystal. I promise Hermione, I'd never do anything to hurt you like that."
"OK, let's get to class. I don't want to be late for Potions. What a way to ruin a morning," I said, smiling.
"Hey, Snape isn't that bad, is he? At least he isn't to me."
"Well, you're you, aren't you? He's always favored you."
"That would be true...but it's still just the Malfoy charm," he said, grinning.
"I'm sure it is, Draco. But anyway, let's go. I don't have the kind of Granger charm to work on Snape," I said, smiling.
"All right, let's go," he said, and we made our way towards Potions.
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A/N- This chapter was shorter than usual, but I just wanted to get it up! So it's a short chapter, but it's up. Happy? Hope so. Lol
Much thanks...
SnickleFritz- Our little secret, yes! No one else will know. I love making trouble, as I have a lot in this chapter! I wasn't expecting to write that though, I just sat down at the computer, and that's what happened. It really fits in quite nicely though with what's going to happen. Hee hee hee...
Cyropi- Draco was in a lot of this chapter! Yes I love writing about him. He's the best character, don't you agree? I think I deserve a angry hedgehog in my armpit *blushes shamefully* I took way to long to update. Well, at least its not a *looks off into space* insane porcupine in my um...belly-button! lol
damsalndistress-asif- Thank you so much again! I'm so flattered, and honored. I hope you got my summary, it might change though as the story goes along.
SaNdY- I can't wait til Draco's shocked face either! Hopefully it will be soon, right? I decide that though. Thank you!
~Recap
I went into my room, straightened it out, and climbed into the nice, warm bed. "Goodnight Draco," I muttered. "I'll tell you tomorrow," I said, thinking of my new dress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I woke up, so early, it was still dark. I stretched out, and yawned really wide. "Woah, it's still dark, I wonder what time it is," I turned around and looked at my clock. "4:13," I whispered. 'I wonder why I got up so early,' I thought. I sat up in bed, and swung my legs over the side, reluctant to get out. I staggered to the door, and opened it. I made my way to the prefects bathroom, and when I got there, I mumbled the password, and the door swung open.
Somebody had obviously already been in there. The pool/bath tub was still draining, and there were towels scattered around on the floor. I picked one up, and smelled it. It smelled strongly of coconuts, and I smiled at that. Hermione's favorite scent was coconuts. She always used the coconut taps in here. 'I wonder if she was here," I thought. 'Probably not, and sane person would be asleep," I told myself.
I undressed, and climbed in the tub. I closed my eyes, and took in the smell. I've always been a softy when it comes to good-smelling scents, such as, flowers, fruity smell, and, of course, coconuts.
I was half-asleep, absorbed by the smell, when a sudden shriek let me know I wasn't alone.
"Draco?"
'Oh no, not her," I groaned. "Pansy?" I asked, not bothering to turn around.
"Yes," she asked, sweetly.
"What the heck are you doing here?" I nearly yelled.
"I came to take a bath," she said innocently.
"At 4:00 in the morning?" I questioned, unbelievingly. How does she even know the password? Forget the password, how does she even know where the door is?
"Well, you're here, aren't you?"
"Yes..." I said. "But that's not the point! You're not even a prefect. How do you know where this is? How long have you been coming down here?" I said, just about fuming.
"Stop with the third degree!" she exclaimed. "I've known about this place since, like, forever," she said stupidly.
"Like, forever?" I mocked her, and she just glared. "Look Pansy, you can leave now. I'd like to finish my bath," I told her.
"No."
"No? Pansy get out, now," she still didn't move. "NOW!" I shouted.
"Shut up, will you? And I'm not leaving. I think I'll just take advantage of this situation," she said, grinning slyly.
I looked around, and noticed the bubbles were slowly, but surely, fading away. Pretty soon, they would be gone, and Pansy could get an eyeful. That's something I really don't want. Pansy was smart when it comes to this kind of stuff, you know, guy stuff. She knew there was no way for me to get out without her seeing anything, and she knew the bubbles wouldn't forever. She hit me right where it hurt, and she recognized it. I stared wide-eyed at her, and she smirked.
"I guess I should be a prefect then, huh? I figured that all out on my own. I'm happy, you're not. I guess that's what I want. And seeing you exposed, well I could do with a laugh. Mind you, I wouldn't mind," she finished with relish.
I flared up. "PANSY GET THE HECK OUT OF HERE NOW, OR I'LL HEX YOU!"
"How? I've got your wand," she said, picked it up, and starting twirling it between her fingers.
"Get your filthy hands off that," I raged.
"There's nothing you can do about it, is there, Draco dear? I mean, I've got the wand, and oh look! Your clothes, and towel. Well, well, well. Look who has the power now," she laughed evilly.
I thought hard. 'What was I supposed to do now? I had no way of getting my clothes, or towel back. Right now she couldn't see anything, the bubble were so thick. But in a matter of time, well, that's another story. 'Great...' I was thinking deeply, when I new voice cleared my thoughts.
"Draco? What are you doing here? With her?" Hermione asked.
She looked genuinely shocked. I could only imagine what the scene looked like. Pansy, holding my clothes, towel, and wand, while I was here, in the bath, with nothing on. It didn't help that Pansy was leaning in flirtatiously. My clothes, and towel, were dangling from her hand.
"It's a long story," Pansy interrupted.
"That she deserves to know," I spat to Pansy.
"Well, somebody tell me! I want to know what in the heck is going on?!" Hermione was on the verge of tears, and she was really angry.
"OK, I woke up early and came down here for a bath. So, I get down here, and climb into the tub," I looked at her anxiously. She was just glaring daggers. "I'm in there for five minutes, and Pansy shrieks. We yell, and then she decides to be a little, you know. She tantalizes me, and comes up with this conception. I can't get out of the tub. I'm stuck in here until the bubbles run out, and then she'll give me my towel. After she gets the eyeful she wants," I said, scowling at Pansy. "Then you came in, and here we are."
"You forgot the part about when you saw me behind the curtains, and still undressed in front of me," Pansy said, grinning horribly.
At that point, Hermione's eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. "No! Hermione, don't listen to her, she's lying!" I yelled.
"Oh yes, we also can't overlook the fact that you invited me to come here tonight, 'for a good time,' remember?" Pansy said, a look of distinct satisfaction on her face. "You've come at a bad time Granger, we were just about to have some fun, right Draco honey?"
"No, never! I, I lo--, I would never do that! Pansy, stop lying, or else," I threatened.
"Or else what? You don't have a wand, remember Draco?" Pansy said.
I just scowled at her, that famous Malfoy scowl that Hermione had received so many times years ago. Pansy smiled teasingly, and said, "you don't have a wand, and I do, now what are we going to do? Too bad Draco, you didn't luck out this time, sorry."
"Hermione please don't believe her," I pleaded. "It's not true. You know me, and you know Pansy. Come on Hermione, you can trust me. I swear I didn't do that."
"I don't know, Draco. I mean, I just don't know," Mione said, stuttering a bit.
"I can't say anything else except the truth, which I've already told you. I don't know what else to say," I concluded.
She just looked at me, and suddenly grabbed my wand from Pansy. "Hey!" Pansy shrieked.
"Hope you can catch," she said to me, and threw my wand towards the tub. I reached up and caught it before it hit the water, and smiled at her. She just stared at me, and then hurried out of the room.
I watched her, and heard Pansy breathing. I turned my wand onto her. "Get out of here now, or else I'll curse you."
She glanced around nervously, and then dropped my clothes and towel. I kept my wand pointed at her back as I watched her walk towards the door. "You'll get your remorse, Draco, oh you'll get it," I heard her whisper under her breath as she left.
I finished washing my hair, and got out of the tub as quickly as possible. I dried off, and changed quickly. By this time, it was almost breakfast, so I headed straight for the Great Hall. I didn't see Hermione when I got there, but then again, I wasn't expecting too. I probably really hurt her again, and I can't afford that. Especially right before the dance. At the dance, I'll tell her my true feelings, even if she is still mad at me. Just one week, and then she'll know. I have to make her see the truth in what happened this morning. Somehow, I will.
*Hermione's POV*
"How could he? HOW COULD HE?" I screamed between tears. " I hate him! I can't believe he did it again!" I screamed in fury.
"Calm down, Hermione. He said he was telling the truth, don't you believe him?" Ginny asked me.
"I thought I trusted him. But this isn't exactly the first time! I don't have to remind you of 'the incident', do I?" I asked somewhat rationally.
"No..." Ginny started. "But he apologized for that, remember? Hermione, give him a chance, I'm sure he's still not the old Draco Malfoy."
"He'll probably begin calling me mudblood now. Mark my words, he's going back to his old self. I bet his dad had something to do with it," I snarled.
"Hermione, give him a chance. Please. He deserves it, and you know it," Ginny said.
"I don't know," I moaned. "You don't know what the scene looked like. I mean, there she was, holding his wand, clothes, towel, everything. It killed me. He lost my trust once, why'd he do it again?" I wondered out loud.
"Hormones," Ginny answered. I smiled a little bit, and she said, "See that? Now that's a start. Just smile some more, and don't let Draco know you're upset. Hold your head high. I, for one, think Draco's telling the truth. I mean, come on, this is Pansy we're talking about. It's not like she has a perfect, clean record. If it was Lavender, or Parvati or someone, then you might want to worry. But this is Pansy. Come Hermione, wake up and smell the potions," Ginny said, with a sort-of finality tone of voice.
"All right, all right. Let's go eat, I'm starving," I said. "You know Ginny, you're a really good friend. Thanks for being there for me. I really appreciate it," I said, smiling.
"No problem, you were there for me when I had Harry problems. I'm just paying back my dues."
I chuckled, and rolled out of bed. I looked at myself in the mirror and grumbled. "I look like crap," I said, giggling. My hair was really bushy, as usual, and my eyes were especially blotchy. "Let's just wait until my eyes clear up. Is that OK Gin?" I waited for an answer. "Gin?" I looked around, and figured she already left. "I guess I'll just go alone then," I said, and waited five minutes before heading down to the Great Hall.
I entered the Hall, and quickly spotted Draco's platinum, blonde hair sitting at the Gryffindor table. I figured he hadn't told Harry or Ron anything, seeing as they were talking to him. Or trying to at least. He looked depressed, and he was playing with his food. I took a deep breath, and started walking towards Draco. "Ahem," I said when I got there.
"Hermione!" Draco jumped up. "You, you surprised me."
"Well, that seems to happen a lot, doesn't it? Like I surprised you in the bathroom this morning. Was I interrupting something then?" I asked, getting a little mad.
Draco looked nervous. "Mione, please, just hear me out," he begged.
"Herm? Draco? What's going on?" Harry asked.
I glared at Draco for a second and said, "Let's just say history repeats itself sometimes."
Ron and Harry looked at each other, and then at us. "Do you want us to stay out of it?' Ron hesitated.
"For now," I said. "Draco, come on. I need to talk to you."
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"Where do you think?" I retorted.
"Lead the way," Draco said, and got up.
He knew where I was going. Our room. The Astronomy Tower. That's where the biggest, most traumatic, and significant events happen between us.
When we got there, I sat down on our couch. Draco sat next to me, and I edged away from him. "Come on Hermione, this isn't fair. You have to let me talk," he said,
"So talk," I told, with my arms crossed, and staring straight ahead.
"Look, I told you the truth in the bathroom. I don't know what more you want. I thought you trusted me," he said those last words like he was really hurt.
"I do Draco! But this is two times now. Twice I caught you with her in uncivil places for you two. I mean, a nice bathroom, where we first got together, and here, in our room! God Draco! Why do I keep catching you like this?" I finished with anger.
"Please, Hermione. There's nothing I can do except tell you the truth, which I already have. Please don't be mad at me. I promise I told the truth. I don't what else to do," he pleaded.
"I guess I believe you, but you going to have earn back my trust to the fullest extent. Is that clear?" I said.
"Crystal. I promise Hermione, I'd never do anything to hurt you like that."
"OK, let's get to class. I don't want to be late for Potions. What a way to ruin a morning," I said, smiling.
"Hey, Snape isn't that bad, is he? At least he isn't to me."
"Well, you're you, aren't you? He's always favored you."
"That would be true...but it's still just the Malfoy charm," he said, grinning.
"I'm sure it is, Draco. But anyway, let's go. I don't have the kind of Granger charm to work on Snape," I said, smiling.
"All right, let's go," he said, and we made our way towards Potions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N- This chapter was shorter than usual, but I just wanted to get it up! So it's a short chapter, but it's up. Happy? Hope so. Lol
Much thanks...
SnickleFritz- Our little secret, yes! No one else will know. I love making trouble, as I have a lot in this chapter! I wasn't expecting to write that though, I just sat down at the computer, and that's what happened. It really fits in quite nicely though with what's going to happen. Hee hee hee...
Cyropi- Draco was in a lot of this chapter! Yes I love writing about him. He's the best character, don't you agree? I think I deserve a angry hedgehog in my armpit *blushes shamefully* I took way to long to update. Well, at least its not a *looks off into space* insane porcupine in my um...belly-button! lol
damsalndistress-asif- Thank you so much again! I'm so flattered, and honored. I hope you got my summary, it might change though as the story goes along.
SaNdY- I can't wait til Draco's shocked face either! Hopefully it will be soon, right? I decide that though. Thank you!