Hermione walked quickly towards the Gryffindor common room. She had
convinced Madame Pomfry to let her go a day early, and she needed to speak
with the only person who could possibly help her out of the mess that she
was in; Ginny. Hermione said a quick hello to Harry and Ron, then proceeded
to walk straight up to the fifth year girl's dorm to find Ginny.
Hermione knocked on the door loudly
"Ginny! Gin! Open up, it's Hermione. Look Gin, I really need to - " Hermione was cut off by the door swinging open with a confused Ginny dragging her inside.
"Hermione? What's wrong, come sit on the bed." Ginny said in shock. Hermione was shaking slightly; her whole equilibrium seemed to be of balance, something which was unusual for Hermione. Hermione sat on Ginny's bed, the rest of the room was completely deserted. Ginny was wearing a white bathrobe, with her hair piled on top of her small, pixie like head. Hermione stared at her.
"I think I've made a big mistake Gin." Hermione said softly, her eyes finally tearing up. Ginny sat beside her and frowned.
"Whatever it is Herm, I'm here for you alright? Now just tell me what happened." Ginny said, trying to calm Hermione down.
"It's not anything I've done really, well, sort of, but it's not even really that. Oh dear, I'd better just explain." Hermione said in a very tired tone. Ginny nodded, urging her on.
"Well, there's this guy, and no one in their right mind likes him, but he kissed me, and it was - God, I can't even explain it Gin - it was wonderful and so much more. But now he wants me to meet him, and I think he wants to be like my boyfriend. I mean, that would be wonderful, I actually like him, but he's also been terrible to me and Harry, and Ron, and you for that matter, for years. I trust him, I actually do, but I'm not sure if he's worth it. Ron would never forgive me, and Harry and I - well that's a whole other story. I just don't know Gin." Hermione finally finished, leaving Ginny with a shocked look on her face.
"Hermione, I love you sweetie, I really do, your like a sister to me, but if you were just talking about Draco Malfoy - " Ginny cut herself off as she saw Hermione swing her head around and look at Ginny seriously through her tears.
"Oh my God, Hermione! Not Draco Malfoy, no no no! Hermione listen to me, he is totally evil, and you can't trust him!" Ginny sounded desperate.
"Don't you see Gin, that doesn't matter anymore. I've spent this last week trying to get him out of my head, but I can't, I just can't. I don't know why, but I've got to give this a chance, don't I?" Hermione was holding Ginny's hands in her own, as if holding on to sanity. Ginny opened her mouth soundlessly, but then snapped her jaw shut and nodded.
"Yes, your right Herm, you've got to give this a chance."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Draco paced the astronomy tower nervously. He had asked Hermione to meet him here at nine that night. It was five past and Draco was afraid that his plan for seduction wasn't working. He had thought it had been, but that kiss in the Hospital Wing had been odd. Not only had Draco enjoyed it immensely, he had felt something with it, not just mindless snogging.
"Hey there stranger." Said Hermione's small voice from the entrance of the tower. Draco stopped his pacing and simply stared; somehow Hermione looked even more beautiful in the moonlight, her curvy figure was draped gracefully in robes, her hair glowed and her skin looked luminescent. Hermione walked slowly towards Draco as he stammered out his next words.
"H-hi. I-I w-was just wondering when you were going to show up" Draco mentally hit himself, he had never sounded more stupid than he did right now. Hermione smiled as she approached him. She stood in front of him, looking up into his eyes which seemed to storm within themselves. Her lips curved into a smile. Draco smiled as well, looking down at her. He finally woke up from his trance and coughed slightly, coming back down to earth.
"I asked you here to ask you something kind of important." Draco said softly, leading her to two chairs that sat beside the large un-glassed window. Hermione sat down promptly, tired from the day, however relaxing it was. Draco sat down as well. He took her hand from it's resting place on her lap and held in tightly. Hermione met his eyes momentarily, before looking away and smiling.
"Hermione, I wanted to know if you'll go with me to Hogsmead this weekend, maybe for dinner and shopping or something." Draco asked quickly. He was trying to act nervous, going along with his goody good boy routine, only there wasn't much acting to it. Hermione met his eyes again.
"Yeah, actually I'd love to." Hermione replied quietly. Their intense gaze continued before Draco, no longer being able to control himself, swooped down and engulfed her in a kiss. This kiss was simple and sweet. Draco pulled away suddenly, looking at Hermione in shock. Since when have I kissed like that? Draco thought. The kiss hadn't been on top of a girl, or trying to get into her pants. It had been sweet and easy. Hermione looked shocked but smiled quickly Draco simply stared at her, trying to figure out why he couldn't make himself simply look at her like another girl.
"Mal - I mean Draco, what's wrong?" Hermione asked softly.
"Nothing, nothing at all. Look thanks for agreeing to come with me to Hogsmead, see you tomorrow at breakfast?" Draco said rather hurriedly standing up to leave. Hermione stood as well, frowning a bit.
"Alright. Umm, Draco, are we telling people? I mean like dating in the open or what?" Hermione asked softly. Draco simply grinned and dropped his head down for a kiss. Hermione was once again trapped in it. Draco smiled against her mouth, loving the feeling of it. He broke this kiss, moaning slightly.
"I guess you'll just have to see tomorrow won't you?" Draco smirked and walked out of the tower, leaving a smiling Hermione.
* * * * * *
The next morning Hermione woke with a feeling of complete happiness, though she couldn't remember why at first. The thought of Draco washed over her, even his name brought a small smile to her lips. She got up and quickly got ready, hardly being able to wait to see Draco.
Draco had been up for hours, thinking about Hermione. The reason behind his odd feelings for him was slowly becoming less of a mystery to him. He was now waiting outside of the Gyffindor common room, his hands in his pockets, hoping to catch Hermione as she came out for breakfast. He was in luck, for only after waiting for ten minutes, Hermione stepped out of the portrait door. She was carrying what seemed to be about a hundred books in her arms, making a tittering tower. Draco smiled and looked over the books at Hermione.
"Oh, hi!" Hermione said brightly.
"Hermione, umm, do you want some help with those books?" Draco asked, trying not to laugh.
"No, thanks I'm alrig-" and with this Hermione fell, collapsing under a pile of books. Hermione smiled up at Draco quickly.
"I guess I do need a little help." she said softly, blushing. Draco grinned indulgently and bent down to begin collecting the books. Hermione simply stared at him. He looked so innocent and sweet picking up those books. Suddenly Hermione grabbed the sides of his head and crushed her lips to his. Draco was caught off guard, but not upset. He moved slowly over Hermione, his arms bracing himself over her, leaning into the kiss. The books tumbled around them, Draco quickly moving some aside to lay Hermione on her back.
"What the hell is going on?" The two sprung apart instantly both heads turning towards Ron.
* * * * * *
"How could you be so insensitive, so stupid, so - so - wrong!" Ron yelled as Hermione sat and hung her head, wanting to cry. Draco had left shortly after the scene with Ron, and now Hermione felt very alone. Harry was sitting at the opposite end of the couch, and looking for all the world as if he hated her. Ron was pacing in front of her, yelling. They were the only people in the common room, and they were missing breakfast. Hermione sighed.
"I don't know Ron, I wasn't exactly - "
"You weren't exactly what? Thinking? That's right, you weren't thinking damnit. He's been a rat bastard to you since the day you met him and now you're, what? His girlfriend!?" Ron's face was nearly purple with rage. Hermione began to cry silently.
"I don't know Ron! Alright, I don't know what I was doing!" Hermione yelled back up at Ron, her face streaming. Harry hadn't said anything, not wanting to say something he would later regret. Ron's face softend slightly. She looked like the Hermione he knew, hell, she was even crying like the Hermione he knew, but her actions with Draco had been alien to Ron. He felt as if in only a minute he had lost his best friend.
"I'm sorry Ron, I really am. But he's different, he's changed. I know you can't believe that, but I need you to. You guys are my best friends, please try to believe me." Hermione quickly wiped a tear from her eye and looked up at Ron pleadingly. She loved Harry and Ron like her own brothers and their acceptance meant everything to her.
"I can't forgive this Herm. I love ya girly, like my own sister, but I won't accept this." Ron said firmly. Hermione quickly turned to Harry.
"Harry?" she asked softly, wanting to at least have him on her side. Harry stared at her.
"I won't accept it either." Harry said sadly. Hermione's eyes grew hard, holding back tears and anger. Hermione stood with a determined look on her face.
"It's too bad that it took this make me see it, but I don't need you guys to be complete or alright. You know that I love you, but if you can't get over something as little as who I'm dating, then we weren't really that close to begin with." And with this Hermione walked out of the common room, her tears and pain too much to bear, but her determination pulling her through.
She walked quickly to the dungeons. She hardly knew the way, but walked as if she were on a mission, as if she knew where she was going. She came to a large statue of what must have been Salazar Slytherin and simply stared. She knew this was where the entrance to the Slytherin common room must be, but the password was still a mystery to her. She quickly trailed her hands over the statue, looking for some kind of secret knob.
Eventually Hermione simply slide down the side of the statue and sat, waiting for someone to come out of the room. Her mind went through everything that had happened that day, from the kiss with Draco, to Ron's outburst. Part of her wanted desperately to take back the things she had said to Ron, and the other half of her knew that it was right to stay with Draco. Soon she heard footsteps and a pair of voices echoing down the hallway. They had not yet turned the corner, so Hermione was still hidden, but she wouldn't be for long. She listened intently to the voice, hoping to recognize Draco's.
"All I'm saying is that she's a Gryffindor, mudblood, know-it-all, muggle lover." Said Pansy Parkison softly.
"Look, I know all of that, trust me I do. But don't you get it? If I get her then Potter and that Weasel practically die. Nothing is sweeter than taking a virgin and hurting your enemy all at once. Besides, she's - " Draco's voice faltered as he turned the corner to see Hermione standing wide mouthed and eyes open in shock. Pansy and he stopped suddenly, a cruel grin coming over Pansy's mouth. Draco simply stared at Hermione, wanting instantly to take away his words. He hadn't meant them, and now pleasing Pansy by saying them seemed stupid. Hermione quickly regained her composure, for the second and perhaps last time that day, and began to walk past them with her head held high. Once she reached them Draco grabbed out for her, holding onto her waist and pulling her closer to him, trying to make her wait long enough for her to understand.. Hermione hit his arms away glaring at him with fury.
"You know, my mother always told me to walk out of a bad situation with your head held high. I suggest you do the same." Hermione's every tone quivered with rage and disgust. Draco let his arms fall to his side. Hermione continued to walk past him, holding back her tears somehow to Gryffindor tower.
Once inside the great common room she collapsed instantly into a chair and began sobbing. She hardly took notice of anyone around her, and she definitely didn't see Ron and Harry sit up in surprise. Ron looked at Harry, and as if in a silent agreement they walked slowly over to her. When it came down to it, they never wanted to see her cry, even if they were mad with her. Ron sat in the chair next to her and took her hand in his. Hermione looked up and sobbed even harder, flinging herself on to Ron.
"You were right Ron. He's a - sob - rat bastard - sob - and I never want to see him - sob - again." Hermione choked out. Ron smiled slightly and held her like nothing of the morning had happend. Harry grinned at Ron, but quickly made his face like stone as Hermione turned back to him.
"Harry? Please forgive me, I don't know what I was even thinking." Hermione said giving him a hug as well.
"Course I do Hermione." Harry said softly.
* * * * * *
The following Saturday, when Hermione should've been going to dinner with Draco, she went out with Harry and Ron. Ron had suggested going to the Hog's Head, a bar that had a dancing floor. The bar was open to all ages, though only butterbeer was given to minors. Hermione thought the idea was wonderful, especially a night of dancing with her best friends. The three entered the bar laughing and talking with a group of other's in their year.
After two rounds of butterbeer, curtsey of a Seamus and Dean, Harry asked a slightly giggly Hermione to dance. Hermione accepted instantly, hearing the sound of a soft slow Irish tune coming on. Once out on the dance floor, Harry wrapped his hands around her waist, keeping his hands on the back of her rib cage. Hermione settled her right hand in his and her left hand on the top of his broad shoulder. The two were close, but not smothered together. It was a bit dancing like her father to Hermione. Harry began to move Hermione on slow circles, their chatter upbeat and happy.
"So Mr. Potter, do tell me what your extracurricular points are going to be used on this semester?" Hermione said in a mock superior tone as if she were a Professor asking a student about his electives. She smiled at him a little and Harry grinned broadly.
"Well Miss. Granger, I have decided that my elective for this semester is going to be full time Hermione gazing, since there is no other more pleasuring event." Harry joked. Hermione's smile faltered slightly.
"Harry, don't say things like that." Said Hermione blushing profusely. She looked around to see if anyone had heard.
"Oh come off it Herm, it was just a joke." Said Harry teasingly
"Anyway, what do you think of catching some dinner later?" asked Hermione. "I'm starving."
"Sounds good. I think they have a menu here, but it's probably not-er- " Said Harry.
"Expansive?" Offered Hermione.
"Exactly! Peanuts and Popcorn is hardly a nutritious meal." Laughed Harry.
When the song was over Harry and Hermione broke apart and came back to a red in the face Ron, who was losing an arm wrestling game with Dean. Suddenly Dean grinned triumphantly as he slammed Ron's hand down on the table.
"Damnit!" said Ron loudly. Hermione giggled and Harry laughed.
"Ron, were pretty hungry, fancy some dinner?" asked Harry, still laughing slightly.
"And let Dean think he's got the better arm! Hell no, you two go on, I'll catch up later."
"Are you sure Ron?" asked Hermione uncertainly.
"Of course, go on, I'll see you later." Said Ron holding up his hand offering Dean another game. Harry smiled as he followed Hermione out of the bar. Outside Hermione was freezing. As she stood waiting for Harry she spotted a silver haired figure with his arm wrapped around some girl walk into The Wizard's Corner, a local restaurant. Harry took off his jacket instinctively and put it around Hermione's shoulders.
"Where's your cloak Herm? Your gonna freeze." Harry said as he put the jacket around her.
"I don't know must have forgotten it." Said Hermione, thankful for the warmth of the large cloak..
"Well, where should we eat?" Harry asked standing beside Hermione putting his now cold hands in his pocket.
"How bout the Corner?" asked Hermione innocently. Her motive however was not just for food.
"Yeah, I've heard it's good. Let's go." Harry said quickly, taking off for the restaurant.
Hermione caught up with him by the time he made it to the entrance. She shivered slightly as she stepped in to the warmth. Harry frowned.
"Are you still cold?" He asked in concern. Hermione smiled sweetly and said
"Yeah a bit."
"Well, do you want me to put my arm around you, it might help?" Harry said. His intensions were obvious even to Hermione, but she smiled again and nodded, wanting to paint the right picture for Draco. Harry strutted into the restaurant with Hermione at his side as if he had one the biggest prize at the fair. The restaurant was small and lit by candlelight. Hermione spotted Draco as he lifted his head to see who had just walked in. She looked up at Harry and smiled adoringly. Draco watched on in horror as Harry escorted Hermione to a nearby booth wear Hermione cuddled up to Harry. Harry was grinning like a fool, completely happy with the way the night was turning out.
"What are you getting?" asked Harry as he stared down at his menu. Hermione looked up at him smiling, making sure Draco had a good view of the whole thing.
"Oh, I don't know, maybe a dish of Harry Potter, with a kiss for desert." Hermione answered, using the old corny line she had used to say when they were going out. Harry looked down at her and smiled.
Draco meanwhile was grumpily trying to make Pansy decide what she wanted.
"The filet minion looks good, but I've had it before. The water crest salad really isn't much of a meal, but then again - "
"Damnit Pansy, just decide." Said Draco, not taking his eyes off of Hermione flirting with Harry.
"Ahhh." said Pansy following Draco's gaze. "The little Gryffindor slut caught your attention."
"Don't call her that Pans, she's not a slut." Growled Draco
"Then why is she sitting there, only a week after your fling with her, flirting with Harry bloody Potter?" asked Pansy, hoping to get a rise out of him. Draco looked over at her and sneered, pulling her to her feet.
"Come on, let's just get back to school." Said Draco, stalking across the room towards the exit at the back of the restaurant. Pansy simply smirked and headed to the exit at the other end of the room. Hermione stood quickly.
"Umm, Harry you keep deciding, order some butterbeer for me, I need some air." Said Hermione quickly, looking to the place were Draco had left.
"Alright." Said Harry slowly, looking at her. Hermione walked quickly to the back exit and pushed the door open. Sure enough she could she the retreating form of Draco walking towards the castle. Hermione ran quickly to catch up with him. Draco turned to see her and smirked, but kept walking.
"Hi." He said, trying to figure out why she was talking to him again.
"What was that!?" said Hermione rather loudly once she had caught up to him.
"Whatever do you mean?" said Draco in mock stupidity.
"Don't play dumb, it really doesn't suit you." Said Hermione softening slightly. Her eyes were traveling over his form and face.
"If you're referring to my dinner with Pansy, then that was nothing just a friendly dinner." Said Draco, resuming his walking. Hermione kept up his pace with some difficulty.
"Oh really? You two looked pretty cozy in there. God Draco, I knew you could be low, but that's and all time record, even for you." Said Hermione snidely. Draco stopped and suddenly, his rage from the past week coming over him, pushed Hermione into a nearby wall, pinning her.
"What do you want to hear Hermione? That I went out with Pansy to take my mind off of things, or that you've been all I can think about during the past week? Or that me and Pansey are now a goddamn item? Because all of them will do, don't you think?" Draco hissed. Hermione's eyes were wide. She looked into his eyes, feeling their power over take her again. Draco waited patiently for an answer, his want to kiss her growing by the minute. He had missed her, even if it was just for a week.
"I don't know what I wanted to hear." Confessed Hermione weakly. Draco smirked letting go of her.
"Besides, you and Potter looked pretty happy yourselves in there." Said Draco, turning his back to her. Hermione reached out and grabbed his shoulders, turning him to face her and kissed him hard. Draco sighed and leaned into the kiss, remembering her taste; so pure, like sugar and something else, something like the beauty that was all her own, the beauty that radiated from her like her intelligence. Hermione may have been and inexperienced kisser, but her fever made up for it. She held onto the sides of Draco's head, pulling him closer to her as she stood on tippi toe. She moved her tongue to trace his lips gently. Draco moaned as she pulled him back to lean against her as she leaned against a brick wall of a nearby shop.
The kiss was wonderful and intense but scared them both beyond belief. Hermione because this was the boy who had just called her terrible things to Pansy. Draco because his need for her, and not just her body, was incredible and new to him and his lack of control when around her was odd. Draco broke the kiss first pressing his forehead to her's as he breathed deeply.
"Hermione." He groaned out. "What are you doing to me?" Draco asked this as he held her body to his and sighed, his breathing heavy. Hermione clutched at his back and rested her head on his shoulder, still standing on the very tops of her toes.
Harry stood as he watched the scene with interest. Hermione seemed to be moved by Draco, and Draco was definitely affected by Hermione. Harry felt a wave of jealousy move over him. He had heard most of the conversation, and realized that it didn't seem as if Draco was using her. Watching them as the whole thing played out made him feel like a peeping tom, but he hadn't been able to tear his eyes away from the two. Harry's mind made the decision right then, he was going to have to share Hermione. He hated to have to give her up for a slimy Slytherin, but the look in her eye when she looked at Draco was inevitable. Little did they all know that her love for him was inevitable as well.
Hermione knocked on the door loudly
"Ginny! Gin! Open up, it's Hermione. Look Gin, I really need to - " Hermione was cut off by the door swinging open with a confused Ginny dragging her inside.
"Hermione? What's wrong, come sit on the bed." Ginny said in shock. Hermione was shaking slightly; her whole equilibrium seemed to be of balance, something which was unusual for Hermione. Hermione sat on Ginny's bed, the rest of the room was completely deserted. Ginny was wearing a white bathrobe, with her hair piled on top of her small, pixie like head. Hermione stared at her.
"I think I've made a big mistake Gin." Hermione said softly, her eyes finally tearing up. Ginny sat beside her and frowned.
"Whatever it is Herm, I'm here for you alright? Now just tell me what happened." Ginny said, trying to calm Hermione down.
"It's not anything I've done really, well, sort of, but it's not even really that. Oh dear, I'd better just explain." Hermione said in a very tired tone. Ginny nodded, urging her on.
"Well, there's this guy, and no one in their right mind likes him, but he kissed me, and it was - God, I can't even explain it Gin - it was wonderful and so much more. But now he wants me to meet him, and I think he wants to be like my boyfriend. I mean, that would be wonderful, I actually like him, but he's also been terrible to me and Harry, and Ron, and you for that matter, for years. I trust him, I actually do, but I'm not sure if he's worth it. Ron would never forgive me, and Harry and I - well that's a whole other story. I just don't know Gin." Hermione finally finished, leaving Ginny with a shocked look on her face.
"Hermione, I love you sweetie, I really do, your like a sister to me, but if you were just talking about Draco Malfoy - " Ginny cut herself off as she saw Hermione swing her head around and look at Ginny seriously through her tears.
"Oh my God, Hermione! Not Draco Malfoy, no no no! Hermione listen to me, he is totally evil, and you can't trust him!" Ginny sounded desperate.
"Don't you see Gin, that doesn't matter anymore. I've spent this last week trying to get him out of my head, but I can't, I just can't. I don't know why, but I've got to give this a chance, don't I?" Hermione was holding Ginny's hands in her own, as if holding on to sanity. Ginny opened her mouth soundlessly, but then snapped her jaw shut and nodded.
"Yes, your right Herm, you've got to give this a chance."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Draco paced the astronomy tower nervously. He had asked Hermione to meet him here at nine that night. It was five past and Draco was afraid that his plan for seduction wasn't working. He had thought it had been, but that kiss in the Hospital Wing had been odd. Not only had Draco enjoyed it immensely, he had felt something with it, not just mindless snogging.
"Hey there stranger." Said Hermione's small voice from the entrance of the tower. Draco stopped his pacing and simply stared; somehow Hermione looked even more beautiful in the moonlight, her curvy figure was draped gracefully in robes, her hair glowed and her skin looked luminescent. Hermione walked slowly towards Draco as he stammered out his next words.
"H-hi. I-I w-was just wondering when you were going to show up" Draco mentally hit himself, he had never sounded more stupid than he did right now. Hermione smiled as she approached him. She stood in front of him, looking up into his eyes which seemed to storm within themselves. Her lips curved into a smile. Draco smiled as well, looking down at her. He finally woke up from his trance and coughed slightly, coming back down to earth.
"I asked you here to ask you something kind of important." Draco said softly, leading her to two chairs that sat beside the large un-glassed window. Hermione sat down promptly, tired from the day, however relaxing it was. Draco sat down as well. He took her hand from it's resting place on her lap and held in tightly. Hermione met his eyes momentarily, before looking away and smiling.
"Hermione, I wanted to know if you'll go with me to Hogsmead this weekend, maybe for dinner and shopping or something." Draco asked quickly. He was trying to act nervous, going along with his goody good boy routine, only there wasn't much acting to it. Hermione met his eyes again.
"Yeah, actually I'd love to." Hermione replied quietly. Their intense gaze continued before Draco, no longer being able to control himself, swooped down and engulfed her in a kiss. This kiss was simple and sweet. Draco pulled away suddenly, looking at Hermione in shock. Since when have I kissed like that? Draco thought. The kiss hadn't been on top of a girl, or trying to get into her pants. It had been sweet and easy. Hermione looked shocked but smiled quickly Draco simply stared at her, trying to figure out why he couldn't make himself simply look at her like another girl.
"Mal - I mean Draco, what's wrong?" Hermione asked softly.
"Nothing, nothing at all. Look thanks for agreeing to come with me to Hogsmead, see you tomorrow at breakfast?" Draco said rather hurriedly standing up to leave. Hermione stood as well, frowning a bit.
"Alright. Umm, Draco, are we telling people? I mean like dating in the open or what?" Hermione asked softly. Draco simply grinned and dropped his head down for a kiss. Hermione was once again trapped in it. Draco smiled against her mouth, loving the feeling of it. He broke this kiss, moaning slightly.
"I guess you'll just have to see tomorrow won't you?" Draco smirked and walked out of the tower, leaving a smiling Hermione.
* * * * * *
The next morning Hermione woke with a feeling of complete happiness, though she couldn't remember why at first. The thought of Draco washed over her, even his name brought a small smile to her lips. She got up and quickly got ready, hardly being able to wait to see Draco.
Draco had been up for hours, thinking about Hermione. The reason behind his odd feelings for him was slowly becoming less of a mystery to him. He was now waiting outside of the Gyffindor common room, his hands in his pockets, hoping to catch Hermione as she came out for breakfast. He was in luck, for only after waiting for ten minutes, Hermione stepped out of the portrait door. She was carrying what seemed to be about a hundred books in her arms, making a tittering tower. Draco smiled and looked over the books at Hermione.
"Oh, hi!" Hermione said brightly.
"Hermione, umm, do you want some help with those books?" Draco asked, trying not to laugh.
"No, thanks I'm alrig-" and with this Hermione fell, collapsing under a pile of books. Hermione smiled up at Draco quickly.
"I guess I do need a little help." she said softly, blushing. Draco grinned indulgently and bent down to begin collecting the books. Hermione simply stared at him. He looked so innocent and sweet picking up those books. Suddenly Hermione grabbed the sides of his head and crushed her lips to his. Draco was caught off guard, but not upset. He moved slowly over Hermione, his arms bracing himself over her, leaning into the kiss. The books tumbled around them, Draco quickly moving some aside to lay Hermione on her back.
"What the hell is going on?" The two sprung apart instantly both heads turning towards Ron.
* * * * * *
"How could you be so insensitive, so stupid, so - so - wrong!" Ron yelled as Hermione sat and hung her head, wanting to cry. Draco had left shortly after the scene with Ron, and now Hermione felt very alone. Harry was sitting at the opposite end of the couch, and looking for all the world as if he hated her. Ron was pacing in front of her, yelling. They were the only people in the common room, and they were missing breakfast. Hermione sighed.
"I don't know Ron, I wasn't exactly - "
"You weren't exactly what? Thinking? That's right, you weren't thinking damnit. He's been a rat bastard to you since the day you met him and now you're, what? His girlfriend!?" Ron's face was nearly purple with rage. Hermione began to cry silently.
"I don't know Ron! Alright, I don't know what I was doing!" Hermione yelled back up at Ron, her face streaming. Harry hadn't said anything, not wanting to say something he would later regret. Ron's face softend slightly. She looked like the Hermione he knew, hell, she was even crying like the Hermione he knew, but her actions with Draco had been alien to Ron. He felt as if in only a minute he had lost his best friend.
"I'm sorry Ron, I really am. But he's different, he's changed. I know you can't believe that, but I need you to. You guys are my best friends, please try to believe me." Hermione quickly wiped a tear from her eye and looked up at Ron pleadingly. She loved Harry and Ron like her own brothers and their acceptance meant everything to her.
"I can't forgive this Herm. I love ya girly, like my own sister, but I won't accept this." Ron said firmly. Hermione quickly turned to Harry.
"Harry?" she asked softly, wanting to at least have him on her side. Harry stared at her.
"I won't accept it either." Harry said sadly. Hermione's eyes grew hard, holding back tears and anger. Hermione stood with a determined look on her face.
"It's too bad that it took this make me see it, but I don't need you guys to be complete or alright. You know that I love you, but if you can't get over something as little as who I'm dating, then we weren't really that close to begin with." And with this Hermione walked out of the common room, her tears and pain too much to bear, but her determination pulling her through.
She walked quickly to the dungeons. She hardly knew the way, but walked as if she were on a mission, as if she knew where she was going. She came to a large statue of what must have been Salazar Slytherin and simply stared. She knew this was where the entrance to the Slytherin common room must be, but the password was still a mystery to her. She quickly trailed her hands over the statue, looking for some kind of secret knob.
Eventually Hermione simply slide down the side of the statue and sat, waiting for someone to come out of the room. Her mind went through everything that had happened that day, from the kiss with Draco, to Ron's outburst. Part of her wanted desperately to take back the things she had said to Ron, and the other half of her knew that it was right to stay with Draco. Soon she heard footsteps and a pair of voices echoing down the hallway. They had not yet turned the corner, so Hermione was still hidden, but she wouldn't be for long. She listened intently to the voice, hoping to recognize Draco's.
"All I'm saying is that she's a Gryffindor, mudblood, know-it-all, muggle lover." Said Pansy Parkison softly.
"Look, I know all of that, trust me I do. But don't you get it? If I get her then Potter and that Weasel practically die. Nothing is sweeter than taking a virgin and hurting your enemy all at once. Besides, she's - " Draco's voice faltered as he turned the corner to see Hermione standing wide mouthed and eyes open in shock. Pansy and he stopped suddenly, a cruel grin coming over Pansy's mouth. Draco simply stared at Hermione, wanting instantly to take away his words. He hadn't meant them, and now pleasing Pansy by saying them seemed stupid. Hermione quickly regained her composure, for the second and perhaps last time that day, and began to walk past them with her head held high. Once she reached them Draco grabbed out for her, holding onto her waist and pulling her closer to him, trying to make her wait long enough for her to understand.. Hermione hit his arms away glaring at him with fury.
"You know, my mother always told me to walk out of a bad situation with your head held high. I suggest you do the same." Hermione's every tone quivered with rage and disgust. Draco let his arms fall to his side. Hermione continued to walk past him, holding back her tears somehow to Gryffindor tower.
Once inside the great common room she collapsed instantly into a chair and began sobbing. She hardly took notice of anyone around her, and she definitely didn't see Ron and Harry sit up in surprise. Ron looked at Harry, and as if in a silent agreement they walked slowly over to her. When it came down to it, they never wanted to see her cry, even if they were mad with her. Ron sat in the chair next to her and took her hand in his. Hermione looked up and sobbed even harder, flinging herself on to Ron.
"You were right Ron. He's a - sob - rat bastard - sob - and I never want to see him - sob - again." Hermione choked out. Ron smiled slightly and held her like nothing of the morning had happend. Harry grinned at Ron, but quickly made his face like stone as Hermione turned back to him.
"Harry? Please forgive me, I don't know what I was even thinking." Hermione said giving him a hug as well.
"Course I do Hermione." Harry said softly.
* * * * * *
The following Saturday, when Hermione should've been going to dinner with Draco, she went out with Harry and Ron. Ron had suggested going to the Hog's Head, a bar that had a dancing floor. The bar was open to all ages, though only butterbeer was given to minors. Hermione thought the idea was wonderful, especially a night of dancing with her best friends. The three entered the bar laughing and talking with a group of other's in their year.
After two rounds of butterbeer, curtsey of a Seamus and Dean, Harry asked a slightly giggly Hermione to dance. Hermione accepted instantly, hearing the sound of a soft slow Irish tune coming on. Once out on the dance floor, Harry wrapped his hands around her waist, keeping his hands on the back of her rib cage. Hermione settled her right hand in his and her left hand on the top of his broad shoulder. The two were close, but not smothered together. It was a bit dancing like her father to Hermione. Harry began to move Hermione on slow circles, their chatter upbeat and happy.
"So Mr. Potter, do tell me what your extracurricular points are going to be used on this semester?" Hermione said in a mock superior tone as if she were a Professor asking a student about his electives. She smiled at him a little and Harry grinned broadly.
"Well Miss. Granger, I have decided that my elective for this semester is going to be full time Hermione gazing, since there is no other more pleasuring event." Harry joked. Hermione's smile faltered slightly.
"Harry, don't say things like that." Said Hermione blushing profusely. She looked around to see if anyone had heard.
"Oh come off it Herm, it was just a joke." Said Harry teasingly
"Anyway, what do you think of catching some dinner later?" asked Hermione. "I'm starving."
"Sounds good. I think they have a menu here, but it's probably not-er- " Said Harry.
"Expansive?" Offered Hermione.
"Exactly! Peanuts and Popcorn is hardly a nutritious meal." Laughed Harry.
When the song was over Harry and Hermione broke apart and came back to a red in the face Ron, who was losing an arm wrestling game with Dean. Suddenly Dean grinned triumphantly as he slammed Ron's hand down on the table.
"Damnit!" said Ron loudly. Hermione giggled and Harry laughed.
"Ron, were pretty hungry, fancy some dinner?" asked Harry, still laughing slightly.
"And let Dean think he's got the better arm! Hell no, you two go on, I'll catch up later."
"Are you sure Ron?" asked Hermione uncertainly.
"Of course, go on, I'll see you later." Said Ron holding up his hand offering Dean another game. Harry smiled as he followed Hermione out of the bar. Outside Hermione was freezing. As she stood waiting for Harry she spotted a silver haired figure with his arm wrapped around some girl walk into The Wizard's Corner, a local restaurant. Harry took off his jacket instinctively and put it around Hermione's shoulders.
"Where's your cloak Herm? Your gonna freeze." Harry said as he put the jacket around her.
"I don't know must have forgotten it." Said Hermione, thankful for the warmth of the large cloak..
"Well, where should we eat?" Harry asked standing beside Hermione putting his now cold hands in his pocket.
"How bout the Corner?" asked Hermione innocently. Her motive however was not just for food.
"Yeah, I've heard it's good. Let's go." Harry said quickly, taking off for the restaurant.
Hermione caught up with him by the time he made it to the entrance. She shivered slightly as she stepped in to the warmth. Harry frowned.
"Are you still cold?" He asked in concern. Hermione smiled sweetly and said
"Yeah a bit."
"Well, do you want me to put my arm around you, it might help?" Harry said. His intensions were obvious even to Hermione, but she smiled again and nodded, wanting to paint the right picture for Draco. Harry strutted into the restaurant with Hermione at his side as if he had one the biggest prize at the fair. The restaurant was small and lit by candlelight. Hermione spotted Draco as he lifted his head to see who had just walked in. She looked up at Harry and smiled adoringly. Draco watched on in horror as Harry escorted Hermione to a nearby booth wear Hermione cuddled up to Harry. Harry was grinning like a fool, completely happy with the way the night was turning out.
"What are you getting?" asked Harry as he stared down at his menu. Hermione looked up at him smiling, making sure Draco had a good view of the whole thing.
"Oh, I don't know, maybe a dish of Harry Potter, with a kiss for desert." Hermione answered, using the old corny line she had used to say when they were going out. Harry looked down at her and smiled.
Draco meanwhile was grumpily trying to make Pansy decide what she wanted.
"The filet minion looks good, but I've had it before. The water crest salad really isn't much of a meal, but then again - "
"Damnit Pansy, just decide." Said Draco, not taking his eyes off of Hermione flirting with Harry.
"Ahhh." said Pansy following Draco's gaze. "The little Gryffindor slut caught your attention."
"Don't call her that Pans, she's not a slut." Growled Draco
"Then why is she sitting there, only a week after your fling with her, flirting with Harry bloody Potter?" asked Pansy, hoping to get a rise out of him. Draco looked over at her and sneered, pulling her to her feet.
"Come on, let's just get back to school." Said Draco, stalking across the room towards the exit at the back of the restaurant. Pansy simply smirked and headed to the exit at the other end of the room. Hermione stood quickly.
"Umm, Harry you keep deciding, order some butterbeer for me, I need some air." Said Hermione quickly, looking to the place were Draco had left.
"Alright." Said Harry slowly, looking at her. Hermione walked quickly to the back exit and pushed the door open. Sure enough she could she the retreating form of Draco walking towards the castle. Hermione ran quickly to catch up with him. Draco turned to see her and smirked, but kept walking.
"Hi." He said, trying to figure out why she was talking to him again.
"What was that!?" said Hermione rather loudly once she had caught up to him.
"Whatever do you mean?" said Draco in mock stupidity.
"Don't play dumb, it really doesn't suit you." Said Hermione softening slightly. Her eyes were traveling over his form and face.
"If you're referring to my dinner with Pansy, then that was nothing just a friendly dinner." Said Draco, resuming his walking. Hermione kept up his pace with some difficulty.
"Oh really? You two looked pretty cozy in there. God Draco, I knew you could be low, but that's and all time record, even for you." Said Hermione snidely. Draco stopped and suddenly, his rage from the past week coming over him, pushed Hermione into a nearby wall, pinning her.
"What do you want to hear Hermione? That I went out with Pansy to take my mind off of things, or that you've been all I can think about during the past week? Or that me and Pansey are now a goddamn item? Because all of them will do, don't you think?" Draco hissed. Hermione's eyes were wide. She looked into his eyes, feeling their power over take her again. Draco waited patiently for an answer, his want to kiss her growing by the minute. He had missed her, even if it was just for a week.
"I don't know what I wanted to hear." Confessed Hermione weakly. Draco smirked letting go of her.
"Besides, you and Potter looked pretty happy yourselves in there." Said Draco, turning his back to her. Hermione reached out and grabbed his shoulders, turning him to face her and kissed him hard. Draco sighed and leaned into the kiss, remembering her taste; so pure, like sugar and something else, something like the beauty that was all her own, the beauty that radiated from her like her intelligence. Hermione may have been and inexperienced kisser, but her fever made up for it. She held onto the sides of Draco's head, pulling him closer to her as she stood on tippi toe. She moved her tongue to trace his lips gently. Draco moaned as she pulled him back to lean against her as she leaned against a brick wall of a nearby shop.
The kiss was wonderful and intense but scared them both beyond belief. Hermione because this was the boy who had just called her terrible things to Pansy. Draco because his need for her, and not just her body, was incredible and new to him and his lack of control when around her was odd. Draco broke the kiss first pressing his forehead to her's as he breathed deeply.
"Hermione." He groaned out. "What are you doing to me?" Draco asked this as he held her body to his and sighed, his breathing heavy. Hermione clutched at his back and rested her head on his shoulder, still standing on the very tops of her toes.
Harry stood as he watched the scene with interest. Hermione seemed to be moved by Draco, and Draco was definitely affected by Hermione. Harry felt a wave of jealousy move over him. He had heard most of the conversation, and realized that it didn't seem as if Draco was using her. Watching them as the whole thing played out made him feel like a peeping tom, but he hadn't been able to tear his eyes away from the two. Harry's mind made the decision right then, he was going to have to share Hermione. He hated to have to give her up for a slimy Slytherin, but the look in her eye when she looked at Draco was inevitable. Little did they all know that her love for him was inevitable as well.