A/N As promised, here is the next chapter with only a two day increment. It
probably wouldn't have been that long; but this site is being a booger.
Haha.
Disclaimer: If I cared as much about my homework as I do about this fic, I'd have straight A's. If JKR cared as much about her fans as she did her damn social life, she'd have written at least book six by now. If these characters belonged to me, I wouldn't have to spend my time talking about how much JKR pisses me off. I mean, seriously... these guys are a goldmine, and she's wasting them. It's like she doesn't even care. And now she's pregnant... jeez, just because you were getting it on, doesn't mean Harry should get turned off, have a heart!
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Icy Avocation
Hermione woke to find Draco still asleep. She was glad that he was, but it was very odd; she was used to finding him awake, only having seen him that way three or four times before. Hermione was happy that he was finally sleeping, Merlin knows he needed it, but she missed him. This situation gave her new insight on Draco, however. He looked so innocent adorable as he slept, she felt her stomach flip as she looked at him.
She sighed and squeezed closer to him. Her love for him was almost unbearable and being this close to him made her heart race. She wanted to desperately to kiss him, to touch him, to moan his name in the midst of passion... but she couldn't. He was asleep; she couldn't wake him now... he needed that sleep. Hermione had kept him awake for days; it was the least she could do to let him rest now. She planted a gentle kiss on his cheek, but that was all. She could wait a few more hours.
* * * * * * * * * *
Draco woke very late. He looked to his clock: it was 12:45. A sigh accompanied his change in gaze as his eyes moved back to the ceiling. It was a full ten seconds before Draco noticed something was wrong. **Hermione! ** He looked around the room frantically, searching, but to no avail; she was gone.
Draco tried to convince himself that she was fine...Percy was in the infirmary, there was no danger. Understandably, he couldn't help but be worried. He got out of bed immediately and entered the common room. She was neither there nor in the open bathroom. ** Déjà vu...** he thought nervously, ** I don't like where this is going...** as before, he walked to the door of Hermione's room and turned the knob slowly. This time, it wasn't locked. Draco opened the door slowly; half expecting to see her asleep in her own bed, half expecting not to see her at all.
He heard a gasp and felt relief wash over him.
"Hermione?" he asked, not wanting to scare her. He heard Hermione exhale deeply and then speak. It was like music to his ears.
"Oh, Draco... you're awake." He popped his head in and smiled. She smirked at him. "Ever hear of knocking?" she asked, not really mad at all. Draco looked at her with an 'are you kidding?' expression. She giggled and he raised an eyebrow.
"Have you?" he asked, remembering the night before. Hermione shrugged her shoulders and answered.
"Good point." Hermione got up from her perch on the floor; she was sitting cross-legged, surrounded by various books, quills, and parchment. **Typical...** he thought with a smirk. Hermione thought of asking why but decided it didn't really matter. She was glad he was awake.
She stood and made her way over to him. Draco took a step forward and into the room; as they met, Hermione slid her hands around his waist, then up along his back, pulling herself close to him. Their eyes were locked and they were both smiling. Draco let his hands go where they wanted, and they chose to snake around her hips, then move down a bit more, closer to her arse than they had ever been. Hermione made no protest but to let her lips connect with his in an awaited kiss. The kiss was long and passionate, but gentle.
Both were fighting the urge to jump at each other, wild love bubbling to the surface, but both were also unaware of the other's feelings. When the kiss ended, their eyes were locked again.
"I love you too," Hermione said, finishing an unfinished statement. Draco smiled and brought a hand to her cheek gently. For the first time since Draco had entered, Hermione noticed how pale he was and the subtle remnants of fear and worry in his eyes. **I wasn't there when he woke up....** she thought, eyes growing wide. "Oh my god, I'm sorry! Draco, I didn't want to wake you up, god knows you needed the sleep, I..." she began in apology, but he cut her off.
"Shh... it's okay, Hermione. You're alright, that's all I was worried about. I'm sure you've been up for hours, I can't rightly ask you to stay that long now, can I?" He was smiling, and she smiled back. Draco kissed her again, this time sweet and quick on the corner of her mouth. She buried her head into his chest and held him. "I love you," he whispered. Hermione said nothing for a moment, then smirked a little.
"Now Draco, remember what happened the last time I tried to answer to that?" Draco flinched and tightened his arms a little.
"That's not funny, Hermione," he said, but she knew he was smiling. **If I knew how and it was allowed, I could've apparated to the common room just now... THAT wouldn't have been funny. ** Hermione thought and was surprised at her evil will toward Draco. She held him tighter for a moment, then released him, arms still around his shoulders.
Then, Hermione thought of something and looked at Draco. Her assumption that he was smiling was proven correct, but his smile broke when he was her face.
"How did Percy get me to disappear?" she asked him, not really expecting him to know the answer. Draco looked at her, seemly scared again. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a deep and cheery voice.
"I believe I know the answer to that question, Miss Granger." It was of course, Dumbledore. Draco turned around, startled to see the old man in the doorway.
"Professor?" Hermione asked, equally surprised to see the headmaster in her quarters.
"I apologize for my interruption, Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy, but when I was informed that both of you had finally risen, I thought it appropriate to pay you both a visit." Draco looked at the headmaster a bit suspiciously, but the old man only smiled. He then turned to Hermione and began to answer her. "In answer to your question, Miss Granger, I'm afraid that Mr. Weasley placed a spell on the note he was asked by his brother to send you. The spell was specifically made for you, and when you made contact with the letter, was transferred. It allowed Mr. Weasley to transport you from one place to another one time, and he chose to do so last night." Hermione nodded in understanding, but Draco looked sick. That spell made him feel helpless; anyone could do that again, and he wouldn't notice until it was too late. He looked to Dumbledore.
"Professor, is there any way to know when this spell has been placed upon someone? For future reference, that is." Dumbledore smiled and Draco felt better; that was usually a good sign.
"In fact, Mr. Malfoy, there is. A fairly large tattoo-like mark will appear on the victims left should when subjected to the Singtransion Curse, and will shrink away, disappearing about a week after the transportation portion of the curse has occurred." He said calmly. Draco looked horrified, then looked to Hermione. Her head was down and her eyes were looking to the floor guiltily.
"You knew? Oh God, Hermione... why didn't you tell me?" he asked, not yelling but speaking louder than normally; he was shocked at her. Hermione took deep and ragged breath, then began to explain.
"I didn't even notice it until yesterday," she said and looked up at him, "I was going to tell you, I really was; but I assumed it was nothing and wanted to find out before I worried you. Draco, you were already a wreak, I didn't want to further upset you unless absolutely necessary." Draco pulled her head into his chest.
"It's okay... just tell me next time, god forbid there be one, alright?" She nodded into him and Draco smiled. Then he thought of something, ** Dumbledore!** Draco turned his head in the direction of the old man, only to be greeted by an empty doorway. "Professor?" he called, not expecting an answer. Hermione opened her eyes and looked up.
"Where did he go?" she asked, confused.
"I don't know, he just... disappeared," he answered and felt Hermione shutter against him. "Hey, no... it's alright. He's Dumbledore, he knows everything...I'm sure he's fine," he spoke softly and reassuringly. She felt better and nodded; Draco was right.
* * * * * * * * * *
There was a tap at the window. Hermione looked to Draco, who looked very pissed off; his face expressionless but his eyes giving him away. Hermione smiled and laughed a little. Draco looked at her like she was crazy.
"What?" he asked, confused.
"This happens like, every time we're together," she said and smiled.
"I know," he said, sounding as annoyed as he looked. She kissed him quickly before breaking away to go to the window. As expected, it was Hedwig. Hermione let the owl in and proceeded to take the note from him.
"Hermione,
I know you asked us not to write to you, but I'm hoping things have changed since then. Ron would not approve of this letter, but I felt that you and Draco should know about some things.
Percy will be sent to Azkaban, unless you choose not to press charges. Both Ron and I, and I'm sure Draco too, want you to do so. This is your decision, but remember that none of this is your fault and no one blames you. If you do press charges, Percy will be immediately taken to the prison and will remain there for an undisclosed amount of time. On behalf of Ron, the Weasleys, and myself, we will support whatever decision you make. You know our feelings on the subject.
Harry"
Hermione was facing Draco, unlike the last time she had received a letter. He watched her intently, hoping to catch a glimpse of emotion and know what to say. Hermione looked dispassionate, her expression unchanging. Her eyes told a different story, however; Draco saw remorse, guilt, and sorrow in her honey-brown orbs. He stepped closer to her, knowing she was upset.
"What is it, love?" he asked gently, putting a hand on her cheek. She closed her eyes for a moment, then spoke.
"Percy is going to Azkaban." Draco said nothing. He was glad that son of a bitch was going there, but he knew Hermione was not. She paused before continuing. "Unless I don't press charges."
"Are you going to?" he asked, not knowing what to expect. He hoped she would; it was bad enough that sorry ass tried to kill her, but look at what he was putting her through now. Hermione didn't answer right away; she simply looked away in thought. Then, almost to Draco's surprise, she nodded.
"Yes. It seems to be the best thing for everyone. He DID try to kill me, and..." she paled, then looked at Draco. "Oh my god," she whispered and threw herself at him, "I'm sorry, oh Draco... I'm so sorry...." Draco was taken off guard and simply wrapped his arms around her in an attempt at comfort.
"Whoa, what is it? What's wrong?" He was scared of her, this was not how Hermione acted.
"Draco, I've been so ignorant, I didn't even realize it until just now, I..." she was becoming hysterical.
"Calm down, Hermione... what are you talking about?"
"When Percy...when he... he put Crucius on you, that's not what he was going to do; he changed his mind at the last second. He almost killed you, he almost took you away from me." Her arms tightened. "Ron would have come in time to save me, but..." Hermione was sobbing and couldn't speak another word.
"Shh, shh... it's okay Hermione. I'm okay, you're okay...everything is going to be fine," he said, rubbing her back.
"I have to send Percy to Azkaban... how could I even have considered not? I'll never forgive myself for that, oh god Draco... I almost lost you," she said the last few words very quietly. Draco didn't know what to say, he felt exactly the same way about her. He said nothing, only rocked her and held her close.
"I'm not going anywhere," he whispered after a moment while Hermione cried into his shirt and he held her close to him.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Hermione?" Draco asked the brown eyed girl who sat across form him.
"Yeah?" she replied, looking up. The two sat in the common room, playing chess.
"Can I see your shoulder?" he asked, almost nervously. Hermione looked confused, but then it dawned on her and she smiled. She was wearing a black spaghetti strapped tank top, covered by an equally black zip hoodie. 'I like it when you wear black,' he had said that night in bed.
Hermione let the jacket fall off her shoulders to her elbows, then she shifted in her chair, exposing the tattoo-like mark that had been placed there. It was a replica of the intricate sun that was centered on the Tetrabric staff. Draco reached a hand out to her, gingerly running his fingers over the design. He gasped and pulled away suddenly. Hermione flipped the sweatshirt back over her shoulders and turned back to him.
"What is it?" she asked, concerned. Draco said nothing but held out a blackened fingertip to her. She saw a thick drop of blood slide through a slight abrasion that also lied there. Hermione watched, speechless, as the blood droplet fell to the chess board below. She looked back to Draco's face, she saw no pain in his eyes; in fact, they were empty. This scared her a little. In all the time that she had known Draco, his eyes had never been empty. "Did I do that?" she asked quietly, eyes locked on his. At the sound of her voice, Draco napped out of his trance and his eyes swirled with curiosity and contentment. Hermione sighed inwardly, glad for the life back in him.
"No, it was that mark... not you," he said, retracting his hand.
"Well, let me fix it, then..." she pleaded, reaching for her wand.
"No, I want to see what happens." Hermione looked at him suspiciously, but let it go. Draco had always been a little mysterious, why ask why now?
There was a long silence; neither moved a piece on the board, nor spoke. Draco was watching Hermione as she gazed out the window.
"Hey Draco, do you want to go for a walk? I haven't been outside in ages, with the exception of last night, and that doesn't really count. She asked, absent-mindedly, her gaze perpetually on the window.
"If you want to, Hermione." She smiled and looked at him; he was smiling as well.
Hermione stood and walked casually over to her room, then slipped inside. She searched in her trunk for a few moments, then came up with her Gryffindor scarf, some simple black gloves, and a tube of chap-stick. Hermione then grabbed her cloak and walked back through the door. A cloaked, scarfed, and gloved Draco Malfoy greeted her. She smiled **Great minds think alike, I suppose...**
The two exited the common room and walked to the main doors together. A cool breeze greeted them and an unexpected flurry of snow swirled into the vast lobby.
"It's snowing!" Draco said, sounding a little excited.
"I know, that's why I wanted to come," Hermione answered and Draco looked at her, rather surprised. She stared out into the swirling abyss for a moment before stepping into the cold December air. Hermione stopped for a moment, **It's December...**
Draco followed her outside and caught up with her quickly. She was walking slowly, her head tilted toward the sky, eyes closed. Hermione smiled as Draco clasped her hand in his.
"I love the snow," she said, absent-mindedly, facing the clouds. Draco smiled, it was another of those little things that he loved about her; she was so very pure and innocent.
"So do I, and the rain." She looked at him, slightly surprised. Hermione smirked and turned back away.
"What's this then? Draco Malfoy admitting to liking something as pure as precipitation?" she asked playfully. Draco stopped walking and Hermione looked back to him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, sounding hurt. Hermione felt a little uneasy; she had hurt him.
"No, Draco, I..." No more words came. Hermione was a little scared, that wasn't what she had meant, and she didn't want a fight. Not now, especially. She looked at the pale boy, cheeks rosy from the cold air, with pleading eyes. Then, unexpectedly, Draco smiled. Hermione was relieved and smiled back.
"Hey, I thought you were really mad at me!"
"I told you," he said, starting to walk again. "I can't be angry with you; I am not capable of it." Hermione sighed and tightened her grip on his hand.
* * * * * * * * * *
The couple walked to the lake, talking and enjoying the light snow. They sat on a bench together, huddled close for warmth, and just to be close. The two stayed that way for a while, talking mostly about themselves and asking each other questions; bonding.
Draco told Hermione about his father. She had known he was dead, of course, but Draco had neglected to tell anyone the details, until now. Hermione did not interrupt him as he told her how the premonitions had let him to witness his father's attempts at harming his mother, and how that was ultimately what had killed him.
"About a week after Voldemort was pronounced truly dead, my father blew up. He was angry and Mother was the only thing he could take it out on. There was me, of course, but I had almost become a match for him, and he was partial to harming weaker things. It was bad that time; he probably would have killed her had I not called the ministry.
He tried to fight them off too, and they killed him in self defense. I do feel a bit guilty, but I rather he die than Mum. I know that's a terrible thing to say, wishing death upon your own father, but Mum is a good person... he was evil and corrupted."
Hermione said nothing... she didn't know what she could possibly say. Draco noticed her discomfort and changed the subject, asking her about her muggle schooling. They talked for a while, then there was a long pause. It was a comfortable silence, but it was still quiet.
"Do you want to go ice skating?" Hermione asked suddenly, looking out to the frozen lake.
"My my, aren't we energetically spontaneous today?" he said with a smirk.
"Oh, come on! We haven't had any fun in like, forever."
"What? You don't think waiting six hours for me to wake up is fun?" he said sarcastically and she looked at him with mock warning.
"Please?" she pleaded sweetly. Draco didn't want to say no to her, so he looked away. Suddenly, Hermione understood. Her eyes widened and her lips curled into a smirk. "You don't know how, do you?" Draco shook his head slowly.
"Ice skating was one of those things my father liked to call 'Un-Malfoy like'" Draco said, then looked up, straight ahead. "Actually, just about anything considered fun was given that term; unless you call torture fun. And sex, sex is not 'Un-Malfoy like'." He smiled a little and looked to her.
"Is that why you don't want to go?" she asked innocently. He looked at her with a little surprise.
"I never said I didn't want to." Hermione beamed. She stood and pulled on his hand.
"Come on, please?" He reluctantly followed her. Hermione dragged Draco to the edge of the ice, then let go of his hand and fished in her pocket for her wand. She extracted it from its holster and sat down on the snowy bank. She looked up at Draco and he sat down beside her.
Hermione then pointed the want at her shoes and did the classic 'swish and flick.' The instantly turned into ice skates. Draco looked mildly horrified. Hermione saw this and laughed.
"Don't worry, you don't have to have figure skates." She smiled and he looked at her, a bit baffled. " I know you too well." He smiled back as she changed his shoes into very manly hockey skates, then tucked away her wand and stood on the ice. Hermione smiled at Draco then made a speedy lap around the not-so-large lake surface. Draco watched in awe.
Hermione slowed as she slid back to where Draco was seated.
"Are you coming?" she asked and Draco smiled uneasily. He stood, but on the bank, and looked at her. She held out a hand to him and he took it, stepping onto the ice.
Hermione attempted to explain the best way to go about skating, and Draco took to it surprisingly well. After only about twenty minutes, Draco was able to skate well enough to make his own lap around the lake. Although not as fast as Hermione, he did well for his first time on ice.
The pair skated for over an hour, and would have longer if the twilight had not brought with it a temperature drop.
"Hey, maybe we should go inside." Hermione called to Draco, who was about twenty feet away, trying to catch up with her. Draco had heard her speak, but didn't catch her words and attempted to speed up. His skates glazed over an unusually slick section of the ice and flew out from under him, sending him comically crashing to the ground.
Hermione came quickly to his rescue, skating up beside him.
"Are you alright?" she asked, trying to suppress giggles. Draco smiled stupidly.
"Oh yes, I'm fine. That was intentional, but thanks for your concern." She knelt down beside him with a smile.
"Oh, I'm sure it was, Mr. Malfoy," she said and quickly kissed him before he could speak again. When they broke away, she asked, more seriously, "But really, are you okay?" He smiled.
"I am now."
A/N AWW!!! With all that mortal paril, I think they deserved a fluffy after noon, don't you? Happy Christmas to them, although Christmas will be over by the time I get this up, but no matter....hehe.
PRF:
JoeBob1379: You've read other stories with evil Percy s? Damn, I thought that was original :o( No, I am so very far away from finishing this story... I don't know if they'll graduate in it... the rate I'm going that could be 50 notebooks away. The third one contains two whole days, lol, and just barely. Its sad, really.
SISSYOFSLEEPWALER-thanx, and here ya go!
Karly- mean? Me? I don't THINK so! Lol.
Twinklelf- Thanx!
Hasapi- Over? Not by a long shot, baby..... I have like twice that what's up already written, and half of it is typed and waiting to be posted, hehe.
Nikki- yep, and I totally agree....hehe
Artsgirl15- yep, Percy's CrAzY!!!
Purplerks- Ron commiting suicide sure would make me laugh, lol.....my story is addicting? I apologize; I hate it when that happens :o( Go HMWK GIRL! WOHOO!!! Haha.
Disclaimer: If I cared as much about my homework as I do about this fic, I'd have straight A's. If JKR cared as much about her fans as she did her damn social life, she'd have written at least book six by now. If these characters belonged to me, I wouldn't have to spend my time talking about how much JKR pisses me off. I mean, seriously... these guys are a goldmine, and she's wasting them. It's like she doesn't even care. And now she's pregnant... jeez, just because you were getting it on, doesn't mean Harry should get turned off, have a heart!
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Icy Avocation
Hermione woke to find Draco still asleep. She was glad that he was, but it was very odd; she was used to finding him awake, only having seen him that way three or four times before. Hermione was happy that he was finally sleeping, Merlin knows he needed it, but she missed him. This situation gave her new insight on Draco, however. He looked so innocent adorable as he slept, she felt her stomach flip as she looked at him.
She sighed and squeezed closer to him. Her love for him was almost unbearable and being this close to him made her heart race. She wanted to desperately to kiss him, to touch him, to moan his name in the midst of passion... but she couldn't. He was asleep; she couldn't wake him now... he needed that sleep. Hermione had kept him awake for days; it was the least she could do to let him rest now. She planted a gentle kiss on his cheek, but that was all. She could wait a few more hours.
* * * * * * * * * *
Draco woke very late. He looked to his clock: it was 12:45. A sigh accompanied his change in gaze as his eyes moved back to the ceiling. It was a full ten seconds before Draco noticed something was wrong. **Hermione! ** He looked around the room frantically, searching, but to no avail; she was gone.
Draco tried to convince himself that she was fine...Percy was in the infirmary, there was no danger. Understandably, he couldn't help but be worried. He got out of bed immediately and entered the common room. She was neither there nor in the open bathroom. ** Déjà vu...** he thought nervously, ** I don't like where this is going...** as before, he walked to the door of Hermione's room and turned the knob slowly. This time, it wasn't locked. Draco opened the door slowly; half expecting to see her asleep in her own bed, half expecting not to see her at all.
He heard a gasp and felt relief wash over him.
"Hermione?" he asked, not wanting to scare her. He heard Hermione exhale deeply and then speak. It was like music to his ears.
"Oh, Draco... you're awake." He popped his head in and smiled. She smirked at him. "Ever hear of knocking?" she asked, not really mad at all. Draco looked at her with an 'are you kidding?' expression. She giggled and he raised an eyebrow.
"Have you?" he asked, remembering the night before. Hermione shrugged her shoulders and answered.
"Good point." Hermione got up from her perch on the floor; she was sitting cross-legged, surrounded by various books, quills, and parchment. **Typical...** he thought with a smirk. Hermione thought of asking why but decided it didn't really matter. She was glad he was awake.
She stood and made her way over to him. Draco took a step forward and into the room; as they met, Hermione slid her hands around his waist, then up along his back, pulling herself close to him. Their eyes were locked and they were both smiling. Draco let his hands go where they wanted, and they chose to snake around her hips, then move down a bit more, closer to her arse than they had ever been. Hermione made no protest but to let her lips connect with his in an awaited kiss. The kiss was long and passionate, but gentle.
Both were fighting the urge to jump at each other, wild love bubbling to the surface, but both were also unaware of the other's feelings. When the kiss ended, their eyes were locked again.
"I love you too," Hermione said, finishing an unfinished statement. Draco smiled and brought a hand to her cheek gently. For the first time since Draco had entered, Hermione noticed how pale he was and the subtle remnants of fear and worry in his eyes. **I wasn't there when he woke up....** she thought, eyes growing wide. "Oh my god, I'm sorry! Draco, I didn't want to wake you up, god knows you needed the sleep, I..." she began in apology, but he cut her off.
"Shh... it's okay, Hermione. You're alright, that's all I was worried about. I'm sure you've been up for hours, I can't rightly ask you to stay that long now, can I?" He was smiling, and she smiled back. Draco kissed her again, this time sweet and quick on the corner of her mouth. She buried her head into his chest and held him. "I love you," he whispered. Hermione said nothing for a moment, then smirked a little.
"Now Draco, remember what happened the last time I tried to answer to that?" Draco flinched and tightened his arms a little.
"That's not funny, Hermione," he said, but she knew he was smiling. **If I knew how and it was allowed, I could've apparated to the common room just now... THAT wouldn't have been funny. ** Hermione thought and was surprised at her evil will toward Draco. She held him tighter for a moment, then released him, arms still around his shoulders.
Then, Hermione thought of something and looked at Draco. Her assumption that he was smiling was proven correct, but his smile broke when he was her face.
"How did Percy get me to disappear?" she asked him, not really expecting him to know the answer. Draco looked at her, seemly scared again. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a deep and cheery voice.
"I believe I know the answer to that question, Miss Granger." It was of course, Dumbledore. Draco turned around, startled to see the old man in the doorway.
"Professor?" Hermione asked, equally surprised to see the headmaster in her quarters.
"I apologize for my interruption, Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy, but when I was informed that both of you had finally risen, I thought it appropriate to pay you both a visit." Draco looked at the headmaster a bit suspiciously, but the old man only smiled. He then turned to Hermione and began to answer her. "In answer to your question, Miss Granger, I'm afraid that Mr. Weasley placed a spell on the note he was asked by his brother to send you. The spell was specifically made for you, and when you made contact with the letter, was transferred. It allowed Mr. Weasley to transport you from one place to another one time, and he chose to do so last night." Hermione nodded in understanding, but Draco looked sick. That spell made him feel helpless; anyone could do that again, and he wouldn't notice until it was too late. He looked to Dumbledore.
"Professor, is there any way to know when this spell has been placed upon someone? For future reference, that is." Dumbledore smiled and Draco felt better; that was usually a good sign.
"In fact, Mr. Malfoy, there is. A fairly large tattoo-like mark will appear on the victims left should when subjected to the Singtransion Curse, and will shrink away, disappearing about a week after the transportation portion of the curse has occurred." He said calmly. Draco looked horrified, then looked to Hermione. Her head was down and her eyes were looking to the floor guiltily.
"You knew? Oh God, Hermione... why didn't you tell me?" he asked, not yelling but speaking louder than normally; he was shocked at her. Hermione took deep and ragged breath, then began to explain.
"I didn't even notice it until yesterday," she said and looked up at him, "I was going to tell you, I really was; but I assumed it was nothing and wanted to find out before I worried you. Draco, you were already a wreak, I didn't want to further upset you unless absolutely necessary." Draco pulled her head into his chest.
"It's okay... just tell me next time, god forbid there be one, alright?" She nodded into him and Draco smiled. Then he thought of something, ** Dumbledore!** Draco turned his head in the direction of the old man, only to be greeted by an empty doorway. "Professor?" he called, not expecting an answer. Hermione opened her eyes and looked up.
"Where did he go?" she asked, confused.
"I don't know, he just... disappeared," he answered and felt Hermione shutter against him. "Hey, no... it's alright. He's Dumbledore, he knows everything...I'm sure he's fine," he spoke softly and reassuringly. She felt better and nodded; Draco was right.
* * * * * * * * * *
There was a tap at the window. Hermione looked to Draco, who looked very pissed off; his face expressionless but his eyes giving him away. Hermione smiled and laughed a little. Draco looked at her like she was crazy.
"What?" he asked, confused.
"This happens like, every time we're together," she said and smiled.
"I know," he said, sounding as annoyed as he looked. She kissed him quickly before breaking away to go to the window. As expected, it was Hedwig. Hermione let the owl in and proceeded to take the note from him.
"Hermione,
I know you asked us not to write to you, but I'm hoping things have changed since then. Ron would not approve of this letter, but I felt that you and Draco should know about some things.
Percy will be sent to Azkaban, unless you choose not to press charges. Both Ron and I, and I'm sure Draco too, want you to do so. This is your decision, but remember that none of this is your fault and no one blames you. If you do press charges, Percy will be immediately taken to the prison and will remain there for an undisclosed amount of time. On behalf of Ron, the Weasleys, and myself, we will support whatever decision you make. You know our feelings on the subject.
Harry"
Hermione was facing Draco, unlike the last time she had received a letter. He watched her intently, hoping to catch a glimpse of emotion and know what to say. Hermione looked dispassionate, her expression unchanging. Her eyes told a different story, however; Draco saw remorse, guilt, and sorrow in her honey-brown orbs. He stepped closer to her, knowing she was upset.
"What is it, love?" he asked gently, putting a hand on her cheek. She closed her eyes for a moment, then spoke.
"Percy is going to Azkaban." Draco said nothing. He was glad that son of a bitch was going there, but he knew Hermione was not. She paused before continuing. "Unless I don't press charges."
"Are you going to?" he asked, not knowing what to expect. He hoped she would; it was bad enough that sorry ass tried to kill her, but look at what he was putting her through now. Hermione didn't answer right away; she simply looked away in thought. Then, almost to Draco's surprise, she nodded.
"Yes. It seems to be the best thing for everyone. He DID try to kill me, and..." she paled, then looked at Draco. "Oh my god," she whispered and threw herself at him, "I'm sorry, oh Draco... I'm so sorry...." Draco was taken off guard and simply wrapped his arms around her in an attempt at comfort.
"Whoa, what is it? What's wrong?" He was scared of her, this was not how Hermione acted.
"Draco, I've been so ignorant, I didn't even realize it until just now, I..." she was becoming hysterical.
"Calm down, Hermione... what are you talking about?"
"When Percy...when he... he put Crucius on you, that's not what he was going to do; he changed his mind at the last second. He almost killed you, he almost took you away from me." Her arms tightened. "Ron would have come in time to save me, but..." Hermione was sobbing and couldn't speak another word.
"Shh, shh... it's okay Hermione. I'm okay, you're okay...everything is going to be fine," he said, rubbing her back.
"I have to send Percy to Azkaban... how could I even have considered not? I'll never forgive myself for that, oh god Draco... I almost lost you," she said the last few words very quietly. Draco didn't know what to say, he felt exactly the same way about her. He said nothing, only rocked her and held her close.
"I'm not going anywhere," he whispered after a moment while Hermione cried into his shirt and he held her close to him.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Hermione?" Draco asked the brown eyed girl who sat across form him.
"Yeah?" she replied, looking up. The two sat in the common room, playing chess.
"Can I see your shoulder?" he asked, almost nervously. Hermione looked confused, but then it dawned on her and she smiled. She was wearing a black spaghetti strapped tank top, covered by an equally black zip hoodie. 'I like it when you wear black,' he had said that night in bed.
Hermione let the jacket fall off her shoulders to her elbows, then she shifted in her chair, exposing the tattoo-like mark that had been placed there. It was a replica of the intricate sun that was centered on the Tetrabric staff. Draco reached a hand out to her, gingerly running his fingers over the design. He gasped and pulled away suddenly. Hermione flipped the sweatshirt back over her shoulders and turned back to him.
"What is it?" she asked, concerned. Draco said nothing but held out a blackened fingertip to her. She saw a thick drop of blood slide through a slight abrasion that also lied there. Hermione watched, speechless, as the blood droplet fell to the chess board below. She looked back to Draco's face, she saw no pain in his eyes; in fact, they were empty. This scared her a little. In all the time that she had known Draco, his eyes had never been empty. "Did I do that?" she asked quietly, eyes locked on his. At the sound of her voice, Draco napped out of his trance and his eyes swirled with curiosity and contentment. Hermione sighed inwardly, glad for the life back in him.
"No, it was that mark... not you," he said, retracting his hand.
"Well, let me fix it, then..." she pleaded, reaching for her wand.
"No, I want to see what happens." Hermione looked at him suspiciously, but let it go. Draco had always been a little mysterious, why ask why now?
There was a long silence; neither moved a piece on the board, nor spoke. Draco was watching Hermione as she gazed out the window.
"Hey Draco, do you want to go for a walk? I haven't been outside in ages, with the exception of last night, and that doesn't really count. She asked, absent-mindedly, her gaze perpetually on the window.
"If you want to, Hermione." She smiled and looked at him; he was smiling as well.
Hermione stood and walked casually over to her room, then slipped inside. She searched in her trunk for a few moments, then came up with her Gryffindor scarf, some simple black gloves, and a tube of chap-stick. Hermione then grabbed her cloak and walked back through the door. A cloaked, scarfed, and gloved Draco Malfoy greeted her. She smiled **Great minds think alike, I suppose...**
The two exited the common room and walked to the main doors together. A cool breeze greeted them and an unexpected flurry of snow swirled into the vast lobby.
"It's snowing!" Draco said, sounding a little excited.
"I know, that's why I wanted to come," Hermione answered and Draco looked at her, rather surprised. She stared out into the swirling abyss for a moment before stepping into the cold December air. Hermione stopped for a moment, **It's December...**
Draco followed her outside and caught up with her quickly. She was walking slowly, her head tilted toward the sky, eyes closed. Hermione smiled as Draco clasped her hand in his.
"I love the snow," she said, absent-mindedly, facing the clouds. Draco smiled, it was another of those little things that he loved about her; she was so very pure and innocent.
"So do I, and the rain." She looked at him, slightly surprised. Hermione smirked and turned back away.
"What's this then? Draco Malfoy admitting to liking something as pure as precipitation?" she asked playfully. Draco stopped walking and Hermione looked back to him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, sounding hurt. Hermione felt a little uneasy; she had hurt him.
"No, Draco, I..." No more words came. Hermione was a little scared, that wasn't what she had meant, and she didn't want a fight. Not now, especially. She looked at the pale boy, cheeks rosy from the cold air, with pleading eyes. Then, unexpectedly, Draco smiled. Hermione was relieved and smiled back.
"Hey, I thought you were really mad at me!"
"I told you," he said, starting to walk again. "I can't be angry with you; I am not capable of it." Hermione sighed and tightened her grip on his hand.
* * * * * * * * * *
The couple walked to the lake, talking and enjoying the light snow. They sat on a bench together, huddled close for warmth, and just to be close. The two stayed that way for a while, talking mostly about themselves and asking each other questions; bonding.
Draco told Hermione about his father. She had known he was dead, of course, but Draco had neglected to tell anyone the details, until now. Hermione did not interrupt him as he told her how the premonitions had let him to witness his father's attempts at harming his mother, and how that was ultimately what had killed him.
"About a week after Voldemort was pronounced truly dead, my father blew up. He was angry and Mother was the only thing he could take it out on. There was me, of course, but I had almost become a match for him, and he was partial to harming weaker things. It was bad that time; he probably would have killed her had I not called the ministry.
He tried to fight them off too, and they killed him in self defense. I do feel a bit guilty, but I rather he die than Mum. I know that's a terrible thing to say, wishing death upon your own father, but Mum is a good person... he was evil and corrupted."
Hermione said nothing... she didn't know what she could possibly say. Draco noticed her discomfort and changed the subject, asking her about her muggle schooling. They talked for a while, then there was a long pause. It was a comfortable silence, but it was still quiet.
"Do you want to go ice skating?" Hermione asked suddenly, looking out to the frozen lake.
"My my, aren't we energetically spontaneous today?" he said with a smirk.
"Oh, come on! We haven't had any fun in like, forever."
"What? You don't think waiting six hours for me to wake up is fun?" he said sarcastically and she looked at him with mock warning.
"Please?" she pleaded sweetly. Draco didn't want to say no to her, so he looked away. Suddenly, Hermione understood. Her eyes widened and her lips curled into a smirk. "You don't know how, do you?" Draco shook his head slowly.
"Ice skating was one of those things my father liked to call 'Un-Malfoy like'" Draco said, then looked up, straight ahead. "Actually, just about anything considered fun was given that term; unless you call torture fun. And sex, sex is not 'Un-Malfoy like'." He smiled a little and looked to her.
"Is that why you don't want to go?" she asked innocently. He looked at her with a little surprise.
"I never said I didn't want to." Hermione beamed. She stood and pulled on his hand.
"Come on, please?" He reluctantly followed her. Hermione dragged Draco to the edge of the ice, then let go of his hand and fished in her pocket for her wand. She extracted it from its holster and sat down on the snowy bank. She looked up at Draco and he sat down beside her.
Hermione then pointed the want at her shoes and did the classic 'swish and flick.' The instantly turned into ice skates. Draco looked mildly horrified. Hermione saw this and laughed.
"Don't worry, you don't have to have figure skates." She smiled and he looked at her, a bit baffled. " I know you too well." He smiled back as she changed his shoes into very manly hockey skates, then tucked away her wand and stood on the ice. Hermione smiled at Draco then made a speedy lap around the not-so-large lake surface. Draco watched in awe.
Hermione slowed as she slid back to where Draco was seated.
"Are you coming?" she asked and Draco smiled uneasily. He stood, but on the bank, and looked at her. She held out a hand to him and he took it, stepping onto the ice.
Hermione attempted to explain the best way to go about skating, and Draco took to it surprisingly well. After only about twenty minutes, Draco was able to skate well enough to make his own lap around the lake. Although not as fast as Hermione, he did well for his first time on ice.
The pair skated for over an hour, and would have longer if the twilight had not brought with it a temperature drop.
"Hey, maybe we should go inside." Hermione called to Draco, who was about twenty feet away, trying to catch up with her. Draco had heard her speak, but didn't catch her words and attempted to speed up. His skates glazed over an unusually slick section of the ice and flew out from under him, sending him comically crashing to the ground.
Hermione came quickly to his rescue, skating up beside him.
"Are you alright?" she asked, trying to suppress giggles. Draco smiled stupidly.
"Oh yes, I'm fine. That was intentional, but thanks for your concern." She knelt down beside him with a smile.
"Oh, I'm sure it was, Mr. Malfoy," she said and quickly kissed him before he could speak again. When they broke away, she asked, more seriously, "But really, are you okay?" He smiled.
"I am now."
A/N AWW!!! With all that mortal paril, I think they deserved a fluffy after noon, don't you? Happy Christmas to them, although Christmas will be over by the time I get this up, but no matter....hehe.
PRF:
JoeBob1379: You've read other stories with evil Percy s? Damn, I thought that was original :o( No, I am so very far away from finishing this story... I don't know if they'll graduate in it... the rate I'm going that could be 50 notebooks away. The third one contains two whole days, lol, and just barely. Its sad, really.
SISSYOFSLEEPWALER-thanx, and here ya go!
Karly- mean? Me? I don't THINK so! Lol.
Twinklelf- Thanx!
Hasapi- Over? Not by a long shot, baby..... I have like twice that what's up already written, and half of it is typed and waiting to be posted, hehe.
Nikki- yep, and I totally agree....hehe
Artsgirl15- yep, Percy's CrAzY!!!
Purplerks- Ron commiting suicide sure would make me laugh, lol.....my story is addicting? I apologize; I hate it when that happens :o( Go HMWK GIRL! WOHOO!!! Haha.
