Chapter 7
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the story.
Hermione couldn't breathe. She knew that it was hard for Draco to get his feelings out in the open, especially his feelings about his family. She knew it wasn't a topic he always talked about. I don't think he even tells Crabbe or Goyle much about his family. She felt a bit surprised when he began telling her what he feels when the reporters make stories about his kin. He acts like he doesn't care, like he's some being that doesn't feel, but deep inside he's hurting. She felt sympathy towards him and hugged him tight. She knew that it was hard when people always watched what you do and judge you when they don't really know what really took place. She meant what she said about him being nice, sweet and loving. She meant it because she felt it. Even though Draco didn't tell her that he cared for her, he showed her through his actions that he did.
As Hermione hugged him, she felt his arms wrap tighter around her as if he didn't want to let her go and didn't want the moment to end. She had to admit; she sort of felt the same way. She felt so protected when she was in his arms. It was like as long as she stays here with him, nothing could go wrong because he will guard her and keep her from harm.
And now, he was looking at her lips as if he wanted to kiss her. She simply looked back at him and took all of his appearance in, his silvery blond hair, his gray eyes that seemed to darken when he feels intense emotion, his pointed nose and his lips. The lips that looked so soft and so smooth and so luscious. Hermione mentally smacked herself. What am I thinking? I have a boyfriend and I'm in love with him (Harry)! She suddenly became aware of how close they were to each other. Too close. She looked away and began to slowly move back. Draco felt confused at this sudden resistance. They were still looking at each other's eyes when they were interrupted by the sound of the door opening and Marlon stepping in. Hermione's eyes flickered to the door and looked almost horrified at his sight. She immediately stood up.
"I'm sorry," Marlon began. "I didn't mean to barge in on anything." Though he didn't really know what he just barged in on.
"That's okay, Marlon," Hermione said, bowing her head so that her hair covered her face to hide the blush that was creeping to her cheeks. "I was going anyway."
"Are you all right?" Marlon asked, trying to get a look of her face.
Hermione looked away and quickly went to the door. "I'm fine. I'll see you both tomorrow," she said. And without a backward glance left the room.
How can I let that happen? That was way too close for someone who are only just friends. She sighed and shook her head. I only got carried away. That was nothing. Maybe I should look for Harry and patch things up with him. Yeah, that's probably it. I'm just missing him too much. She decided to go to the kitchens for three cups of hot chocolate and proceeded to the Gryffindor common room and see if Harry was there. And she was right. As soon as she went in, the room quieted as the students watched when she walked over to Harry and Ron, who were situated at a table by the window.
"Hi!" she said, smiling at both of them and putting down the cups on the table.
Ron looked at Harry, who was staring at Hermione, clearly surprised that she was there and talking to him. "Hermione," Harry breathed, "what are you doing here?"
She smiled. "Seeing how my best friend and boyfriend are, of course," she said, ruffling Harry's hair. "I got these from the kitchens. I thought you guys might need it. I can see you're studying very hard." She gave them each a cup of hot chocolate and glanced at books and pieces of parchment that were scattered on the table.
Harry only continued gaping at her and she smiled at him. He must've been so miserable without me. She sat on his lap and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "How was practice?" she asked.
"It was fine," Harry said. "Hermione, I'm really sor--."
Hermione didn't make him finish and instead gave him a really deep kiss. "It's okay," she said. "Let's forget about it. I know that you only want what's best for me."
He smiled at her. "You know I do, Hermione." He kissed her again.
"You know, as much as I'm happy that you guys are okay now, will you please do the mushy acts somewhere else?" Ron said, his eyes covered with his hands. Hermione giggled.
"Sorry, Ron," she said. "You can look now."
"Thank you," Ron exclaimed, removing his hand from his eyes and grinned. "But you know, I'm really glad that you guys are okay now. I hope you stay that way forever. It pains me to see two of my best friends fighting." He pretending to be hurt and put a hand on his chest. Harry and Hermione laughed.
"Whatever, Ron," Harry said.
Harry and Ron continued doing their homework, which was for Divination and throughout the night people kept on coming up to them, congratulating them because they're finally back together. It was making Ron irritated already. Just now, Lavender and Parvati approached them.
"I'm really happy you guys are back together," Lavender said. "I was so devastated when I found out that you guys fought."
"Yeah," Parvati added. "I thought that the world was already going to end. But now that you guys are fine, I know that it won't."
"Thanks, Lavender, Parvati," Hermione said politely, trying to fight back a laugh.
"We're really happy for both of you," Lavender said.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Ron said impatiently. "Will you guys leave now? I'm trying to study here."
Lavender and Parvati glared at Ron then smiled sweetly at Harry and Hermione, who gave each other knowing glances, and left them to themselves.
"Now, the whole world is rejoicing because Harry Potter and his beloved Hermione Granger are back together," Ron said with a grimace.
"You're exaggerating, Ron," Harry said.
"Well, it's true," Ron told them. "Fine. The whole of Hogwarts is rejoicing. I bet the teachers are having a party in the faculty room right this very moment."
"That's really silly," Hermione said with a chuckle. "So how's your practice coming along?"
"Great!" Harry said enthusiastically. "I have no doubt that we will win this time."
"Yeah," Ron said. "Just remember what I told you. Don't allow Cho to distract you and look for the snitch."
"Excuse me?" Hermione said. "And why would Harry be distracted by Cho? I believe he has a girlfriend."
Ron sniggered as he saw Hermione's eyebrows went up. "I didn't mean it that way, Hermione. I simply meant that Harry might be too nice to her since she's a girl and everything."
"I see," she said, finally smiling.
"You know no other girl exists now that I have you," Harry said, pulling her close to him.
"Oh, please," Ron said, closing his book and standing up. "I'm going to bed. I assume you guys would want to go, too." He smirked at them and then went up to the dormitories.
"What do you say we do?" Harry asked her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Hermione hesitated. "I don't know, Harry. We have a prefect meeting tomorrow morning and well. I don't want to be late again," she said.
"But we haven't. you know, in a long time," he said, playing with her hair. He looked into her eyes and tried pleading with them. She smiled playfully. "Um, you know that as much I want to, we can't. I mean, I can't risk being late again. McGonagall will be furious if that happens again and I might be out of the running for head girl. You understand, don't you?"
Harry sighed. It was clear that he was disappointed. After all, he and Hermione haven't done it in a good long time. But he nodded. "I understand," he said. "I know that that's really important to you."
She smiled at him. "Thank you, Harry!" she said, circling her arms around his neck, making their faces only inches away from each other. Harry smiled at her and whispered, "I love you." Hermione looked back at him and smiled. I am so in love with Harry. I can't imagine being in love with anyone else.
Gryffindor won the match against Ravenclaw and Harry couldn't feel any happier. Finally, he redeemed himself again from the shame that happened when he lost the snitch to Malfoy.
"That'll show him!" Harry said as they sat on the couch in the Gryffindor common room, where most of the students were drinking Butterbeer or eating some sweets from Honeydukes. Everyone kept on drinking and drinking until almost all became drunk or even just tipsy. Hermione looked at Harry, confused.
"Him?" she asked.
"Him," Harry repeated. "Malfoy."
Hermione frowned at this. She still couldn't understand why, after all this time, after all that she said about Draco, after all the defenses she had given them about him, they still couldn't accept him as someone who is like them. Someone who is normal and human. Ron noticed her frown.
"Aw, Hermione, don't start now," Ron said. "We won! So just be happy and enjoy it. You're the Gryffindor prefect. You should be proud."
"I am proud," she said with a smile and forgetting Harry's comment. "Especially of my baby."
Harry grinned at her, took another swig of Butterbeer, and gave her a sticky kiss. Hermione pulled away. "Harry!" she said. "You're all. Butterbeer!" Harry didn't listen to her and just leaned forward again and gave her another sticky kiss. She tried moving away to avoid being more stickied up but he just kept on kissing her, until she finally gave up and kissed him back with more fervor.
The people around them cheered as Harry and Hermione kissed passionately on the couch. The guys were howling and the girls were giggling. As their kiss progressed and became more heated, Harry untied Hermione's robes and it shrugged off her shoulders. The guys encouraged Harry to do more. And Harry was more than happy to. He was feeling light headed now and didn't know much of what he was doing. His hand went inside her blouse and Hermione was startled and she pushed him away. The crowd booed and Harry moved towards her again. But Hermione jerked her head away. Harry was confused and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulled her closer and tried to kiss her again. Hermione put a hand to his chest and pushed him away again with all her might.
"Harry," she said, "that's enough."
"I don't think so."
"Harry!" Hermione said loudly and slapped him on the cheek as he tried to undo her blouse in front of everyone. Harry looked back at her, feeling confused.
"Hermione, what.?" he began, trailing away.
"You're drunk," she said, standing up and fixing her robes.
"What?!" Harry said, also standing up. "I'm not drunk!"
"Yes, you are. You're obviously not yourself," she said knowingly. She looked at the crowd. "This party is over. Everyone in the dormitories. Now!!"
The students groaned with disappointed and sadly shuffled towards their respective dormitories. Ron turned to Hermione. "Hermione, where's your party spirit?" he asked.
"Been fed to the basilisk," she snapped. "I suggest you two get some rest. I assume you're tired from the match."
Ron yawned. "Fine. I'm going up. You coming, Harry?"
"In a minute."
Ron went up to the dorms, while Hermione tried to clean up the place manually. Harry waited until everyone was out of sight then turned to her. "Why did you do that?" he asked coldly, his voice unsteady.
She faced him, an eyebrow raised. "Why did I do what?" she asked indifferently.
"Embarrass me in front of everyone!" Harry yelled. He didn't care whether the other students hear. He didn't like being embarrassed in front of everyone, especially his friends.
"I did nothing of the sort," she said. "I merely put you in your place."
"What?! Hermione! I'm your boyfriend!" he said.
Hermione fumed at this but didn't yell. She knew that Harry was drunk. "Just because I'm your girlfriend doesn't mean that you can do whatever you want with me."
"Oh yes I can!" he shouted. "Next time, Hermione, please don't humiliate me again."
Hermione put down the plates she was holding on the table with a crash and turned to Harry again. "And I suppose you trying to undo my blouse in front of everyone did not humiliate me?! For heaven's sake, Harry! We were in public. Do you think I'd just let you have sex with me when everyone's watching?!" Hermione shouted back. She was feeling very upset now. "I don't know what has gotten into you, Harry. You never used to be like this. I don't understand. Why are you being this way?"
"Being what way?"
"Being so angry easily and being so possessive."
"Possessive?! You think I'm possessive?" Harry said, grabbing her arm. "The answer to that would be natural, wouldn't it? You're my girlfriend! You're mine." Hermione whimpered, tears glinting on her eyes, threatening to come down. He was gripping her arm so tight.
"Harry," she said, trying to release her arm from his hurtful grasp. "You're hurting me." Tears fell down her face.
Harry immediately let go of her arm and stepped back, looking stunned. She rubbed her arm gently and felt the pain. More tears streamed down her face as she looked at him. He looked back at her. "Hermione, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," he said and moved towards her. Hermione stepped back and signaled him to stop. "Stay away from me, Harry."
"But, Hermione--." He tried to hold her hand but she jerked it away from him. She shook her head. She was very pained because Harry hurt her. It wasn't just the physical pain. It was also the pain knowing that her trust in Harry would forever change. She had always thought that he would never hurt her. But now he did.
Hermione left the common room in a run. She just couldn't believe that Harry had hurt her. Tears clouded her eyes as she made her way to her own dormitory. She just wanted to lie down on her bed. She wanted to sleep and even just temporarily forget what had happened.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the story.
Hermione couldn't breathe. She knew that it was hard for Draco to get his feelings out in the open, especially his feelings about his family. She knew it wasn't a topic he always talked about. I don't think he even tells Crabbe or Goyle much about his family. She felt a bit surprised when he began telling her what he feels when the reporters make stories about his kin. He acts like he doesn't care, like he's some being that doesn't feel, but deep inside he's hurting. She felt sympathy towards him and hugged him tight. She knew that it was hard when people always watched what you do and judge you when they don't really know what really took place. She meant what she said about him being nice, sweet and loving. She meant it because she felt it. Even though Draco didn't tell her that he cared for her, he showed her through his actions that he did.
As Hermione hugged him, she felt his arms wrap tighter around her as if he didn't want to let her go and didn't want the moment to end. She had to admit; she sort of felt the same way. She felt so protected when she was in his arms. It was like as long as she stays here with him, nothing could go wrong because he will guard her and keep her from harm.
And now, he was looking at her lips as if he wanted to kiss her. She simply looked back at him and took all of his appearance in, his silvery blond hair, his gray eyes that seemed to darken when he feels intense emotion, his pointed nose and his lips. The lips that looked so soft and so smooth and so luscious. Hermione mentally smacked herself. What am I thinking? I have a boyfriend and I'm in love with him (Harry)! She suddenly became aware of how close they were to each other. Too close. She looked away and began to slowly move back. Draco felt confused at this sudden resistance. They were still looking at each other's eyes when they were interrupted by the sound of the door opening and Marlon stepping in. Hermione's eyes flickered to the door and looked almost horrified at his sight. She immediately stood up.
"I'm sorry," Marlon began. "I didn't mean to barge in on anything." Though he didn't really know what he just barged in on.
"That's okay, Marlon," Hermione said, bowing her head so that her hair covered her face to hide the blush that was creeping to her cheeks. "I was going anyway."
"Are you all right?" Marlon asked, trying to get a look of her face.
Hermione looked away and quickly went to the door. "I'm fine. I'll see you both tomorrow," she said. And without a backward glance left the room.
How can I let that happen? That was way too close for someone who are only just friends. She sighed and shook her head. I only got carried away. That was nothing. Maybe I should look for Harry and patch things up with him. Yeah, that's probably it. I'm just missing him too much. She decided to go to the kitchens for three cups of hot chocolate and proceeded to the Gryffindor common room and see if Harry was there. And she was right. As soon as she went in, the room quieted as the students watched when she walked over to Harry and Ron, who were situated at a table by the window.
"Hi!" she said, smiling at both of them and putting down the cups on the table.
Ron looked at Harry, who was staring at Hermione, clearly surprised that she was there and talking to him. "Hermione," Harry breathed, "what are you doing here?"
She smiled. "Seeing how my best friend and boyfriend are, of course," she said, ruffling Harry's hair. "I got these from the kitchens. I thought you guys might need it. I can see you're studying very hard." She gave them each a cup of hot chocolate and glanced at books and pieces of parchment that were scattered on the table.
Harry only continued gaping at her and she smiled at him. He must've been so miserable without me. She sat on his lap and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "How was practice?" she asked.
"It was fine," Harry said. "Hermione, I'm really sor--."
Hermione didn't make him finish and instead gave him a really deep kiss. "It's okay," she said. "Let's forget about it. I know that you only want what's best for me."
He smiled at her. "You know I do, Hermione." He kissed her again.
"You know, as much as I'm happy that you guys are okay now, will you please do the mushy acts somewhere else?" Ron said, his eyes covered with his hands. Hermione giggled.
"Sorry, Ron," she said. "You can look now."
"Thank you," Ron exclaimed, removing his hand from his eyes and grinned. "But you know, I'm really glad that you guys are okay now. I hope you stay that way forever. It pains me to see two of my best friends fighting." He pretending to be hurt and put a hand on his chest. Harry and Hermione laughed.
"Whatever, Ron," Harry said.
Harry and Ron continued doing their homework, which was for Divination and throughout the night people kept on coming up to them, congratulating them because they're finally back together. It was making Ron irritated already. Just now, Lavender and Parvati approached them.
"I'm really happy you guys are back together," Lavender said. "I was so devastated when I found out that you guys fought."
"Yeah," Parvati added. "I thought that the world was already going to end. But now that you guys are fine, I know that it won't."
"Thanks, Lavender, Parvati," Hermione said politely, trying to fight back a laugh.
"We're really happy for both of you," Lavender said.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Ron said impatiently. "Will you guys leave now? I'm trying to study here."
Lavender and Parvati glared at Ron then smiled sweetly at Harry and Hermione, who gave each other knowing glances, and left them to themselves.
"Now, the whole world is rejoicing because Harry Potter and his beloved Hermione Granger are back together," Ron said with a grimace.
"You're exaggerating, Ron," Harry said.
"Well, it's true," Ron told them. "Fine. The whole of Hogwarts is rejoicing. I bet the teachers are having a party in the faculty room right this very moment."
"That's really silly," Hermione said with a chuckle. "So how's your practice coming along?"
"Great!" Harry said enthusiastically. "I have no doubt that we will win this time."
"Yeah," Ron said. "Just remember what I told you. Don't allow Cho to distract you and look for the snitch."
"Excuse me?" Hermione said. "And why would Harry be distracted by Cho? I believe he has a girlfriend."
Ron sniggered as he saw Hermione's eyebrows went up. "I didn't mean it that way, Hermione. I simply meant that Harry might be too nice to her since she's a girl and everything."
"I see," she said, finally smiling.
"You know no other girl exists now that I have you," Harry said, pulling her close to him.
"Oh, please," Ron said, closing his book and standing up. "I'm going to bed. I assume you guys would want to go, too." He smirked at them and then went up to the dormitories.
"What do you say we do?" Harry asked her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Hermione hesitated. "I don't know, Harry. We have a prefect meeting tomorrow morning and well. I don't want to be late again," she said.
"But we haven't. you know, in a long time," he said, playing with her hair. He looked into her eyes and tried pleading with them. She smiled playfully. "Um, you know that as much I want to, we can't. I mean, I can't risk being late again. McGonagall will be furious if that happens again and I might be out of the running for head girl. You understand, don't you?"
Harry sighed. It was clear that he was disappointed. After all, he and Hermione haven't done it in a good long time. But he nodded. "I understand," he said. "I know that that's really important to you."
She smiled at him. "Thank you, Harry!" she said, circling her arms around his neck, making their faces only inches away from each other. Harry smiled at her and whispered, "I love you." Hermione looked back at him and smiled. I am so in love with Harry. I can't imagine being in love with anyone else.
Gryffindor won the match against Ravenclaw and Harry couldn't feel any happier. Finally, he redeemed himself again from the shame that happened when he lost the snitch to Malfoy.
"That'll show him!" Harry said as they sat on the couch in the Gryffindor common room, where most of the students were drinking Butterbeer or eating some sweets from Honeydukes. Everyone kept on drinking and drinking until almost all became drunk or even just tipsy. Hermione looked at Harry, confused.
"Him?" she asked.
"Him," Harry repeated. "Malfoy."
Hermione frowned at this. She still couldn't understand why, after all this time, after all that she said about Draco, after all the defenses she had given them about him, they still couldn't accept him as someone who is like them. Someone who is normal and human. Ron noticed her frown.
"Aw, Hermione, don't start now," Ron said. "We won! So just be happy and enjoy it. You're the Gryffindor prefect. You should be proud."
"I am proud," she said with a smile and forgetting Harry's comment. "Especially of my baby."
Harry grinned at her, took another swig of Butterbeer, and gave her a sticky kiss. Hermione pulled away. "Harry!" she said. "You're all. Butterbeer!" Harry didn't listen to her and just leaned forward again and gave her another sticky kiss. She tried moving away to avoid being more stickied up but he just kept on kissing her, until she finally gave up and kissed him back with more fervor.
The people around them cheered as Harry and Hermione kissed passionately on the couch. The guys were howling and the girls were giggling. As their kiss progressed and became more heated, Harry untied Hermione's robes and it shrugged off her shoulders. The guys encouraged Harry to do more. And Harry was more than happy to. He was feeling light headed now and didn't know much of what he was doing. His hand went inside her blouse and Hermione was startled and she pushed him away. The crowd booed and Harry moved towards her again. But Hermione jerked her head away. Harry was confused and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulled her closer and tried to kiss her again. Hermione put a hand to his chest and pushed him away again with all her might.
"Harry," she said, "that's enough."
"I don't think so."
"Harry!" Hermione said loudly and slapped him on the cheek as he tried to undo her blouse in front of everyone. Harry looked back at her, feeling confused.
"Hermione, what.?" he began, trailing away.
"You're drunk," she said, standing up and fixing her robes.
"What?!" Harry said, also standing up. "I'm not drunk!"
"Yes, you are. You're obviously not yourself," she said knowingly. She looked at the crowd. "This party is over. Everyone in the dormitories. Now!!"
The students groaned with disappointed and sadly shuffled towards their respective dormitories. Ron turned to Hermione. "Hermione, where's your party spirit?" he asked.
"Been fed to the basilisk," she snapped. "I suggest you two get some rest. I assume you're tired from the match."
Ron yawned. "Fine. I'm going up. You coming, Harry?"
"In a minute."
Ron went up to the dorms, while Hermione tried to clean up the place manually. Harry waited until everyone was out of sight then turned to her. "Why did you do that?" he asked coldly, his voice unsteady.
She faced him, an eyebrow raised. "Why did I do what?" she asked indifferently.
"Embarrass me in front of everyone!" Harry yelled. He didn't care whether the other students hear. He didn't like being embarrassed in front of everyone, especially his friends.
"I did nothing of the sort," she said. "I merely put you in your place."
"What?! Hermione! I'm your boyfriend!" he said.
Hermione fumed at this but didn't yell. She knew that Harry was drunk. "Just because I'm your girlfriend doesn't mean that you can do whatever you want with me."
"Oh yes I can!" he shouted. "Next time, Hermione, please don't humiliate me again."
Hermione put down the plates she was holding on the table with a crash and turned to Harry again. "And I suppose you trying to undo my blouse in front of everyone did not humiliate me?! For heaven's sake, Harry! We were in public. Do you think I'd just let you have sex with me when everyone's watching?!" Hermione shouted back. She was feeling very upset now. "I don't know what has gotten into you, Harry. You never used to be like this. I don't understand. Why are you being this way?"
"Being what way?"
"Being so angry easily and being so possessive."
"Possessive?! You think I'm possessive?" Harry said, grabbing her arm. "The answer to that would be natural, wouldn't it? You're my girlfriend! You're mine." Hermione whimpered, tears glinting on her eyes, threatening to come down. He was gripping her arm so tight.
"Harry," she said, trying to release her arm from his hurtful grasp. "You're hurting me." Tears fell down her face.
Harry immediately let go of her arm and stepped back, looking stunned. She rubbed her arm gently and felt the pain. More tears streamed down her face as she looked at him. He looked back at her. "Hermione, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," he said and moved towards her. Hermione stepped back and signaled him to stop. "Stay away from me, Harry."
"But, Hermione--." He tried to hold her hand but she jerked it away from him. She shook her head. She was very pained because Harry hurt her. It wasn't just the physical pain. It was also the pain knowing that her trust in Harry would forever change. She had always thought that he would never hurt her. But now he did.
Hermione left the common room in a run. She just couldn't believe that Harry had hurt her. Tears clouded her eyes as she made her way to her own dormitory. She just wanted to lie down on her bed. She wanted to sleep and even just temporarily forget what had happened.