A/N ***EXCEPTIONALLY IMPORTANT NOTE! PLEASE READ!***
I'm gonna have an updater's mailing list. Put you e-mail in your review, or send me an e-mail, and I'll e-mail you whenever I update. I don't care if it's only like one person who takes up this opp; It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside ;o) Expect an E-mail from CrypticCoruscation@yahoo.com, I think my from name is 'Sprocket', and the subject is Flames Update. You guys will be termed my flamers. Go you!
This chapter, at least I think, is pretty good. Let me know what YOU think. I got only like two reviews for the last chapter. TWO. I don't know if that means it sucked, my fans are getting lazy, or if it's because of the site being down for two days, but the point is, when you're used to like ten, two is degrading. Anyway, this chapter is better than the last one anyway, so I'm hoping people will be nice and review.... but I'm not holding my breath.
Disclaimer: I do not lay claim to any of this, until you meet the Whizes. That's not for a while, don't get excited. But you know what? If you REALLY want to use them; go right the freak ahead. I don't give a rat's patootie. It's not like the story is any good, name one situation where I might actually need to prove that I wrote something saying I didn't own it. I dare you.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Vitreous Rapport
Hermione smiled as she looked at the pale boy who lay with his back against the ice. A cool breeze ruffled her hair and she shivered.
"Are you cold?" Draco asked and sat up quickly. She smiled at his concern.
"A little... and it's getting rather dark. Don't you think we ought to go back in?" He nodded and placed a kiss on the corner of Hermione's mouth.
Draco managed to get to his feet despite the slippery ice and his near inability to skate. He held out a hand to Hermione, who took it, but did not use it. She was sure that if she did, they would both end up back where they had started. Hermione stood and kept her grip on Draco's hand. They skated back to their spot on the bank together and sat back down. Hermione changed their skates into shoes and pulled her legs under her.
She looked up at Draco, who was looking out across the lake and didn't notice her eyes. He was grinning slightly and rather stupidly with blue tinted lips; his pale blonde locks falling over his eyes and brushing against his pink stained cheeks. Hermione sighed, **Why does he have to be so attractive all the time? Not that I'm really complaining, but...** Draco heard the sigh and looked at her, smiling.
"Ready?" he asked, grinning. Hermione nodded with a smile and they both stood, not long after they had sat. The walk back to the castle was a rather long one, but pleasant as well. The snow had changed from flurries of tiny flakes to larger wafers which fell heavily. Hermione sighed again blissfully and Draco placed an arm around her waist. She looked and him and he pulled her closer. "Still cold?" he asked as she placed her head on his shoulder.
"No," she whispered sweetly. Draco smiled and they walked slowly back to the castle. The dyad stepped in silence for about half the way before Draco spoke again.
"So is it what you thought it would be?" he asked sincerely. Hermione looked mildly confused, but was too caught up in the moment to actually think about what he was saying.
"What?" she asked, not knowing what he was talking about.
"Having everything you've ever wanted," he explained. Hermione smiled and closed her eyes.
"It's so much better," she said, hugging him. She let the silence last for a moment, then asked, "What do you want more than anything?" He paused for only a moment before answering.
"You," he said, truthfully. Hermione smiled; it made her feel unbelievably good when Draco said things like that.
"I'm flattered but really; what do you want?" she inquired, thinking he was buttering her up.
"I'm serious. Before you there was nothing; I was nothing. My future was already planned out for me, who was I to actually want something for myself? But then everything changed. I fell in love with you, Hermione, and you changed me. I've wanted nothing more than what we have right now, I couldn't ask for anything else." He paused and Hermione squeezed him. Draco didn't like being so sentimental, and couldn't help but speak again. "Except maybe a mug of hot butterbeer, it's freezing out here. Are you sure you're not too cold?"
Hermione giggled while looking at him in mock warning, an interesting combination. She pushed him playfully and he laughed.
"What?" he asked innocently. Hermione shook her head and rested it back on his shoulder. "But seriously, I don't think I've ever told you how long I've liked you. Years, Hermione. I went through a form of depression; I didn't think anything mattered, including myself. Then something happened... I think it was something as small as you apologizing to me after we bumped into each other in the hall, something like that...but it changed me.
I started to notice you, glancing over at meals or during potions. I discovered something; you mattered. You mattered to me, and that kept me going. I truthfully believe that you saved me from myself, love. I am forever in your debt." He was smiling and Hermione was silent. If there was one thing she could always expect from Draco, that was it. He had a habit of saying things that left her speechless.
"Why do you always have to do that?" she asked. Draco looked confused.
"Do what?" he asked and she sighed.
"You always say momentous things like that, and I know you mean what you say. I just never know what to say back," she stated simply. Draco thought for a moment, then smirked.
"And what exactly am I supposed to say to that?" he catechized. She smiled.
"Good point."
By now they were back to the castle, walking up the steps to the main doors. Draco took a step ahead of Hermione and opened the door for her.
"Here we are, Madame," he said, smiling. Hermione laughed and walked through the door.
"Thank you, Monsieur." Draco followed Hermione inside and was slightly taken aback by the rush of warm air that filled his lungs. Hermione took his hand and let him toward the doors of the nearby Great Hall.
"Where are we going?" he asked, although it was obvious. "I mean, why are we going there?"
"To get that butterbeer you wanted," she said, smiling. Before Draco could say anything, she opened the doors. There was one lone house elf shining one of the already gleaming tables. "Dobby!" Hermione shrieked in delight and ran toward her, dragging Draco behind her. The house elf looked up with a huge grin, but his happiness faded into fear as he caught sight of Draco.
"Ma-Master Malfoy?" Dobby asked when they were close enough. Draco grinned crookedly.
"Hello Dobby, You look different; it's been years," he said, holding out hand. The elf looked at him rather uneasily, but took his hand quickly and made as if to kiss it. Draco laughed and pulled his hand away. "There is no need for that; we are equals now, Dobby. And please, call me Draco." Dobby looked at Hermione, who was grinning widely. She nodded as if in reassurance.
"Alright then, Draco. What can Dobby get for you, Hermione?"
"Two hot butterbeers please, Dobby." The elf grinned and bowed, then hurried off toward the kitchens. Draco looked at Hermione some what strangely. She looked back, still smiling. "What?" she asked, confused at his look.
"Nothing...I thought you were against house elves as slaves and what not."
"I am. Dobby gets paid, this is his job. And besides, I'm gonna leave a tip," she said, not angry in the least.
"He gets paid? My father never paid him," Draco said, almost regretfully. Hermione smiled at that; he was showing concern for creatures most people considered below them.
"I know," she said comfortingly. Draco opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, Dobby returned with their drinks. Hermione thanked him and placed a galleon in his tiny hand. Dobby tried to refuse it, but Hermione insisted. Dobby gave in and took the money. He thanked her enthusiastically, then ran off to the kitchens again.
Draco smirked at her after they had seated themselves. Hermione looked back at him questioningly.
"Has anyone ever said no to you about anything?" he asked with a serious sarcasm unique only to Draco Malfoy. Hermione looked very serious as she answered.
"Nope," she said simply.
* * * * * * * * * *
The duo chatted while they warmed and drank their beverages. They didn't talk about anything very meaningful, as they seldom did. It was mindless chatter about themselves; funny little stories of things that had happened to them, why they studied so much, whether or not they liked brustle- sprouts, if they thought Snape and McGonagall had been doing any 'extracurricular activities'.
Draco and Hermione stayed in the great hall until the sky above them grew dark. It was still snowing, but, because they were inside, the flakes disappeared a few feet above their heads. Hermione looked up to the sky and sighed blissfully. Draco looked at her and couldn't help but smile as well.
"Why do you have to be so pretty?" he asked, not realizing he had said it out loud until it was too late. She looked back at him and smiled crookedly.
"I'm sorry, I'll try harder not to be," she said and Draco felt the thought repeat in his mind; she WAS very pretty.
"Thanks, I'd appreciate that," he said sarcastically, but sweetly. She smiled and kissed him on the corner of his mouth. "Just don't try too hard, okay?" he said and she nodded with a smile before kissing him again.
* * * * * * * * * *
The pair decided to go back to the common room not long after. They walked there together, hand in hand, both looking happy. They didn't talk much, there was no need. Suddenly, Hermione frowned; Draco was looking at her and noticed. She tried to cover it up again with a smile, but his eyes told her he had seen.
"I was just thinking about Ron; I don't think anyone's really thought about his feelings on this subject. I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have brought it up... but you were going to ask and you know it," she said and Draco nodded solemnly; she was right. She looked at him and saw that Draco was frowning and looking at the floor. "No! I'm not letting this get to us... damn Harry and his letter; let's forget it, just for today. I'm sorry." Draco looked at her and smiled.
"If you want to, I'm all for it."
By this time, they were very near their portrait and walked in smiles and silence. Everything was wonderful; they felt as if everything bad about the past two weeks hadn't happened. Not wanting their thoughts to settle back on Percy, Hermione suggested that they continue to study. Draco rolled his eyes.
"Hermione, I bet you know every textbook word for word by now," he tried, smirking. She smiled.
"Almost, but what else is there to do?" she said, taking off her gloves. Draco smirked again and took a step toward her.
"I'm sure we could think of something..." he said and kissed her. Hermione knew it was coming by the way he moved toward her; in that sense, he had become very predictable. She smiled into the osculation and kissed back. Their lips touched only very lightly, but it was wonderful; the perfect compliment to their evening.
Draco pulled away smiling, but Hermione wasn't finished with him yet. She pulled him closer, their mouths re-meeting hard. Hermione made a noise that sounded almost like pain, but then laughed into his mouth and began to kiss him. Draco kissed back, of course, glad she wanted it as much as he did.
* * * * * * * * * *
Draco stood from his armchair, which was in front of Hermione's and very close, their legs tangled together. Hermione smiled up at him and he looked down at her.
"I'm going to the kitchen, hoping the house elves will give me some coffee. Care to join me?" he asked, holding out his hand. Hermione was fairly tired and didn't really want to go, but this was Draco. And besides-- she didn't really want to be alone either. She closed her book and took his hand with a sigh.
"If you want me to, Draco," she said and he bent down to kiss her ear. When he straightened again, Hermione noticed his smile falter and knew she had given herself away.
"You don't have to, Hermione. I just thought I'd ask. I'll bring you back a cup, okay?" He didn't wait for her to answer, just dropped her hand, turned, and left. **Oh great, now he's mad at me; just what I need right now...**
Hermione plopped back down into her chair and curled up. She squeezed her eyes shut against the tears she knew she had no power over. They came, and she let them; maybe crying would do some good.
Draco returned about ten minutes later with two mugs and a large canteen of coffee. He walked through the portrait, smiling widely. Draco's eyes graced Hermione's huddled figure and his smile broke. He set the coffee down and walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Hermione jumped a little, but didn't look up.
"It's okay, love...it's just me. What's wrong, what happened?" he asked, sad and concerned. Hermione looked up when she heard him, a lone tear sliding down her face. Draco felt his breath catch in his throat; he didn't know she was crying.
"You're not mad at me?" she asked and Draco looked stunned.
"What?" he said as if it were preposterous, "No, of course not... why should I be?" he asked and was relieved to see her smile. She embraced him suddenly, but his arms tightened around her out of instinct. She wasn't crying anymore, just holding him. "Hermione, what are you talking about?"
"I don't know, I'm insane, don't pay attention to me," she said, pulling back a little to look at him. Draco smirked, however a little uneasily.
"I think it's impossible to ignore you, but I'm glad you finally agree with me about your insanity." She laughed, although it was a bit throaty. "But really, Hermione... what's wrong?" he asked, not joking anymore.
"I don't know, I thought you were mad at me..." Hermione started, but trailed off, realizing how much she had overreacted.
"For what, not wanting to come downstairs with me? Yes Hermione, I'm very angry that you still didn't do something, even after I told you that you didn't have to," he said with a sarcastic smile and a raised eyebrow. She smiled at him, feeling stupid.
"I know, I'm sorry. I think I'm paranoid or something," she said, not looking at him. Draco placed a gentle hand on her cheek, and she turned her eyes up to him.
"Perfectly understandable." He kissed her; possibly a bit longer than intended.
Draco pulled away and smiled at her. Hermione looked much better than she had when he walked in, and he just looked at her. Hermione felt a little self-conscious, which was odd, as it was Draco who was staring.
"So, how about that coffee?" he asked, smiling. Draco got up from his squatting position on the floor and went back to the table he had set the cups on. He poured them each a mug and walked back to where Hermione was sitting. Draco handed her one of the cups and she took it, smiling.
"How did you even get this? I thought all the house elves were afraid of you," she said with a raised eyebrow. Draco couldn't help but smile at how quickly she could change her mood. ** She's been through a lot of shit, it's kinda cute how she can be like this when it's all over....do I dare test her? ** he thought with a smirk.
"Oh, they are," he said as if it were common knowledge, "I just threatened them; they gave in rather easily," he told her in all seriousness. Hermione's jaw dropped, as he had expected. She looked furious; Draco just sat there, holding his coffee and watching it all play out. Hermione looked at him, blinked, and then expression changed drastically. The fire in her eyes was extinguished by threatening tears. She was hurt; deeply hurt. Hermione felt as if someone had run a dagger through her heart; she believed him.
It was not so much what he did, but only that he did it. Draco had done something he knew she wouldn't approve of and then made light of it when he told her. She tore her eyes away from him, disbelieving. ** How could he? Maybe people don't change as quickly as I thought...**
"My god, Hermione, I was just joking. I'm sorry," he said as he noticed how hard she was taking this. She looked at him as if surprised that he even dare speak to her. "I just told them that you sent me; they were happy to help. Hermione, I'm really sorry...I didn't think you'd take it like that, I..." She closed her eyes and turned away from him.
Draco was rendered speechless. **Nice, real nice. Great job, asshole..." he cursed himself as he waited desperately for her to speak. Draco had pushed her too far and was kicking himself for it. Their relationship was obviously fragile, and at that moment they both realized it.
**How could, within an hour, we have the same number of fights about stupid things like a trip to the kitchens, as we did in two weeks of living in fear? The closest things we had to fights were the one right after Dumbledore's meeting, and the argument after the 'do you want kids?' conversation. There were a few other petty things, but nothing that's ever made her cry... ** He though, not even realizing that all of the said arguments were caused by Hermione's over-reactions. She noticed, however.
**Why am I like this? Why am I doing this to him? He's been nothing but wonderful to me since this began, and this is how I treat him? Not trust him? Accuse him? Make him look that way; as if the world was destroyed at his own hand?**
She smiled weakly and Draco was visibly relieved. Draco had seated himself back in his chair across from her. She looked at him, at the emotions showing on his face like scars. She had done this to him, and she felt guilty. A tear rolled down Hermione's cheek and a slight quiver infested her upper lip. Then she stood. Draco looked up at her, his mouth open, prepared to give an apology. He was sure she would storm out of the room and close the door behind her, and he didn't want her to.
Then Hermione did something unexpected. She took a small step forward and turned before settling herself on Draco's lap. He was surprised; that was about the opposite of what he expected. Draco wasn't complaining, he was just surprised.
"Hermione?" he asked in an uneasy whisper. She kissed him lightly on the cheek before burying her head in Draco's neck and letting the tears fall. He said nothing more, just held her while she cried. It unnerved him that she was, but she obviously wasn't mad at him. **If it isn't me, what is it? I swear I'll never understand you, I just wish you would confide in me...**
"I'm sorry," she said. Draco looked utterly obliviant. Hermione held him tighter, but didn't otherwise move.
"What? Hermione, please tell me what's wrong, you scare me when you get like this," he pleaded, holding her tighter.
"That's just it," she said, sounding very calm, which felt rather eerie. "I know how I'm making you feel, and I'm sorry. I honestly don't know why I'm like this, I just feel very strange, I don't know what's wrong. I don't want to lose you, Draco; and if I don't figure this out, I'm afraid that I'm going to say something or do something that will break us. I'm scared, Draco. What we have is so very important to me, and I can't help but get the feeling it's barely there." She sighed. Draco had paled during her confession, as she had just confirmed everything he had been thinking. He hugged her closer to him.
"I know," he told her, "I feel that too, and it scares me more than you know." He paused, then whispered, "...but I love you, and I'll never let that happen." Hermione stayed silent for a moment, unmoving. Then she looked up at him. He was on the brink of tears himself and that scared Hermione even more. She had only seen Draco cry two or three times, all of which had been this summer.
"Draco, please don't cry. I know I'm contradicting a previous conversation, but it scares me. You only cry when things are really bad... everything is fine, except this whole me having unexplained emotional breakdowns thing." She smiled, causing Draco to do the same. She kissed him, then smiled again. A deep sigh brought back her frown, however, and she knew Draco would ask her why.
"Hermione?" he asked, not liking the look of this. The red hot flame in her eyes had returned; she was angry again.
"Dammit, why aren't we happy? Everything is perfect between us, and for the first time in our relationship, we're not constantly afraid for our lives. What the hell is happening? This isn't fair." Draco placed a hand gently on her cheek and Hermione turned to him.
"I'm not happy because you're not happy and that pisses me off a little, because I know why," he said, looking into her eyes.
"Well, I wish you would enlighten me, cause this is bugging the hell out of me," Hermione answered quietly, as if mesmerized by his eyes. Draco sighed; he didn't want to tell her what he was thinking, but he knew she would guilt it out of him sooner or later.
"Weasley," he said, then stopped. Hermione was looking at him in utter shock. "Ron is unhappy, and that makes you unhappy. You love him, Hermione, and don't try to tell me different."
Hermione was speechless for a moment, then looked away.
"You're right, that is why I'm not happy. I'm not going to lie to you, I do love him, but it's different. He's like a brother to me, not a boyfriend...it's the same with Harry." She turned her eyes to meet his. "I love you, Draco. They won't take me away from you, I won't let them." She once again rested her head in the nape of his neck. He held her close and kissed her head gently.
"I was hoping you would say that."
A/N I know, I know... another sappy OOC ending, but I wanted to exaggerate the fact that everything isn't gonna be all perfect and fairy-tale like just because the Percy thing is over. Everyone has problems; the world is never perfect. I don't know if you guys caught that, I'm not very good at expressing my feelings through the story, but I tried.
PRF This shouldn't take long...
DragonGirl- Haha, and thanx again.
Dracoluvr01- I think we ALL hate Percy. Luv the sn, lol
Hasapi- didn't they, though? Thanx 4 beta-ing. I guess I needed it more than I thought!
Lil-spitfire- Thanx, but you flatter me. You didn't think that was all a little....cliquey? Thanx anyway!
dEsTiNy- Wow, I'm glad you liked it enough to sit there and read the whole thing! I know what it's like when that happens, thanx to Slytherin Girl, so I apologize, lol. Thanx! Both Draco + tom are exceptionally hott, lol. Oh! Slytherin Girl's story is called 'I Won't Walk Away' and, icyc, is beta-ed by my good friend Hasapi, who also is beta-ing my story! Thanx!
*karly* - Thanx, but I don't think I deserve that much praise, lol.
Eliel Radragon- Thanx, and I always do!
I'm gonna have an updater's mailing list. Put you e-mail in your review, or send me an e-mail, and I'll e-mail you whenever I update. I don't care if it's only like one person who takes up this opp; It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside ;o) Expect an E-mail from CrypticCoruscation@yahoo.com, I think my from name is 'Sprocket', and the subject is Flames Update. You guys will be termed my flamers. Go you!
This chapter, at least I think, is pretty good. Let me know what YOU think. I got only like two reviews for the last chapter. TWO. I don't know if that means it sucked, my fans are getting lazy, or if it's because of the site being down for two days, but the point is, when you're used to like ten, two is degrading. Anyway, this chapter is better than the last one anyway, so I'm hoping people will be nice and review.... but I'm not holding my breath.
Disclaimer: I do not lay claim to any of this, until you meet the Whizes. That's not for a while, don't get excited. But you know what? If you REALLY want to use them; go right the freak ahead. I don't give a rat's patootie. It's not like the story is any good, name one situation where I might actually need to prove that I wrote something saying I didn't own it. I dare you.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Vitreous Rapport
Hermione smiled as she looked at the pale boy who lay with his back against the ice. A cool breeze ruffled her hair and she shivered.
"Are you cold?" Draco asked and sat up quickly. She smiled at his concern.
"A little... and it's getting rather dark. Don't you think we ought to go back in?" He nodded and placed a kiss on the corner of Hermione's mouth.
Draco managed to get to his feet despite the slippery ice and his near inability to skate. He held out a hand to Hermione, who took it, but did not use it. She was sure that if she did, they would both end up back where they had started. Hermione stood and kept her grip on Draco's hand. They skated back to their spot on the bank together and sat back down. Hermione changed their skates into shoes and pulled her legs under her.
She looked up at Draco, who was looking out across the lake and didn't notice her eyes. He was grinning slightly and rather stupidly with blue tinted lips; his pale blonde locks falling over his eyes and brushing against his pink stained cheeks. Hermione sighed, **Why does he have to be so attractive all the time? Not that I'm really complaining, but...** Draco heard the sigh and looked at her, smiling.
"Ready?" he asked, grinning. Hermione nodded with a smile and they both stood, not long after they had sat. The walk back to the castle was a rather long one, but pleasant as well. The snow had changed from flurries of tiny flakes to larger wafers which fell heavily. Hermione sighed again blissfully and Draco placed an arm around her waist. She looked and him and he pulled her closer. "Still cold?" he asked as she placed her head on his shoulder.
"No," she whispered sweetly. Draco smiled and they walked slowly back to the castle. The dyad stepped in silence for about half the way before Draco spoke again.
"So is it what you thought it would be?" he asked sincerely. Hermione looked mildly confused, but was too caught up in the moment to actually think about what he was saying.
"What?" she asked, not knowing what he was talking about.
"Having everything you've ever wanted," he explained. Hermione smiled and closed her eyes.
"It's so much better," she said, hugging him. She let the silence last for a moment, then asked, "What do you want more than anything?" He paused for only a moment before answering.
"You," he said, truthfully. Hermione smiled; it made her feel unbelievably good when Draco said things like that.
"I'm flattered but really; what do you want?" she inquired, thinking he was buttering her up.
"I'm serious. Before you there was nothing; I was nothing. My future was already planned out for me, who was I to actually want something for myself? But then everything changed. I fell in love with you, Hermione, and you changed me. I've wanted nothing more than what we have right now, I couldn't ask for anything else." He paused and Hermione squeezed him. Draco didn't like being so sentimental, and couldn't help but speak again. "Except maybe a mug of hot butterbeer, it's freezing out here. Are you sure you're not too cold?"
Hermione giggled while looking at him in mock warning, an interesting combination. She pushed him playfully and he laughed.
"What?" he asked innocently. Hermione shook her head and rested it back on his shoulder. "But seriously, I don't think I've ever told you how long I've liked you. Years, Hermione. I went through a form of depression; I didn't think anything mattered, including myself. Then something happened... I think it was something as small as you apologizing to me after we bumped into each other in the hall, something like that...but it changed me.
I started to notice you, glancing over at meals or during potions. I discovered something; you mattered. You mattered to me, and that kept me going. I truthfully believe that you saved me from myself, love. I am forever in your debt." He was smiling and Hermione was silent. If there was one thing she could always expect from Draco, that was it. He had a habit of saying things that left her speechless.
"Why do you always have to do that?" she asked. Draco looked confused.
"Do what?" he asked and she sighed.
"You always say momentous things like that, and I know you mean what you say. I just never know what to say back," she stated simply. Draco thought for a moment, then smirked.
"And what exactly am I supposed to say to that?" he catechized. She smiled.
"Good point."
By now they were back to the castle, walking up the steps to the main doors. Draco took a step ahead of Hermione and opened the door for her.
"Here we are, Madame," he said, smiling. Hermione laughed and walked through the door.
"Thank you, Monsieur." Draco followed Hermione inside and was slightly taken aback by the rush of warm air that filled his lungs. Hermione took his hand and let him toward the doors of the nearby Great Hall.
"Where are we going?" he asked, although it was obvious. "I mean, why are we going there?"
"To get that butterbeer you wanted," she said, smiling. Before Draco could say anything, she opened the doors. There was one lone house elf shining one of the already gleaming tables. "Dobby!" Hermione shrieked in delight and ran toward her, dragging Draco behind her. The house elf looked up with a huge grin, but his happiness faded into fear as he caught sight of Draco.
"Ma-Master Malfoy?" Dobby asked when they were close enough. Draco grinned crookedly.
"Hello Dobby, You look different; it's been years," he said, holding out hand. The elf looked at him rather uneasily, but took his hand quickly and made as if to kiss it. Draco laughed and pulled his hand away. "There is no need for that; we are equals now, Dobby. And please, call me Draco." Dobby looked at Hermione, who was grinning widely. She nodded as if in reassurance.
"Alright then, Draco. What can Dobby get for you, Hermione?"
"Two hot butterbeers please, Dobby." The elf grinned and bowed, then hurried off toward the kitchens. Draco looked at Hermione some what strangely. She looked back, still smiling. "What?" she asked, confused at his look.
"Nothing...I thought you were against house elves as slaves and what not."
"I am. Dobby gets paid, this is his job. And besides, I'm gonna leave a tip," she said, not angry in the least.
"He gets paid? My father never paid him," Draco said, almost regretfully. Hermione smiled at that; he was showing concern for creatures most people considered below them.
"I know," she said comfortingly. Draco opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, Dobby returned with their drinks. Hermione thanked him and placed a galleon in his tiny hand. Dobby tried to refuse it, but Hermione insisted. Dobby gave in and took the money. He thanked her enthusiastically, then ran off to the kitchens again.
Draco smirked at her after they had seated themselves. Hermione looked back at him questioningly.
"Has anyone ever said no to you about anything?" he asked with a serious sarcasm unique only to Draco Malfoy. Hermione looked very serious as she answered.
"Nope," she said simply.
* * * * * * * * * *
The duo chatted while they warmed and drank their beverages. They didn't talk about anything very meaningful, as they seldom did. It was mindless chatter about themselves; funny little stories of things that had happened to them, why they studied so much, whether or not they liked brustle- sprouts, if they thought Snape and McGonagall had been doing any 'extracurricular activities'.
Draco and Hermione stayed in the great hall until the sky above them grew dark. It was still snowing, but, because they were inside, the flakes disappeared a few feet above their heads. Hermione looked up to the sky and sighed blissfully. Draco looked at her and couldn't help but smile as well.
"Why do you have to be so pretty?" he asked, not realizing he had said it out loud until it was too late. She looked back at him and smiled crookedly.
"I'm sorry, I'll try harder not to be," she said and Draco felt the thought repeat in his mind; she WAS very pretty.
"Thanks, I'd appreciate that," he said sarcastically, but sweetly. She smiled and kissed him on the corner of his mouth. "Just don't try too hard, okay?" he said and she nodded with a smile before kissing him again.
* * * * * * * * * *
The pair decided to go back to the common room not long after. They walked there together, hand in hand, both looking happy. They didn't talk much, there was no need. Suddenly, Hermione frowned; Draco was looking at her and noticed. She tried to cover it up again with a smile, but his eyes told her he had seen.
"I was just thinking about Ron; I don't think anyone's really thought about his feelings on this subject. I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have brought it up... but you were going to ask and you know it," she said and Draco nodded solemnly; she was right. She looked at him and saw that Draco was frowning and looking at the floor. "No! I'm not letting this get to us... damn Harry and his letter; let's forget it, just for today. I'm sorry." Draco looked at her and smiled.
"If you want to, I'm all for it."
By this time, they were very near their portrait and walked in smiles and silence. Everything was wonderful; they felt as if everything bad about the past two weeks hadn't happened. Not wanting their thoughts to settle back on Percy, Hermione suggested that they continue to study. Draco rolled his eyes.
"Hermione, I bet you know every textbook word for word by now," he tried, smirking. She smiled.
"Almost, but what else is there to do?" she said, taking off her gloves. Draco smirked again and took a step toward her.
"I'm sure we could think of something..." he said and kissed her. Hermione knew it was coming by the way he moved toward her; in that sense, he had become very predictable. She smiled into the osculation and kissed back. Their lips touched only very lightly, but it was wonderful; the perfect compliment to their evening.
Draco pulled away smiling, but Hermione wasn't finished with him yet. She pulled him closer, their mouths re-meeting hard. Hermione made a noise that sounded almost like pain, but then laughed into his mouth and began to kiss him. Draco kissed back, of course, glad she wanted it as much as he did.
* * * * * * * * * *
Draco stood from his armchair, which was in front of Hermione's and very close, their legs tangled together. Hermione smiled up at him and he looked down at her.
"I'm going to the kitchen, hoping the house elves will give me some coffee. Care to join me?" he asked, holding out his hand. Hermione was fairly tired and didn't really want to go, but this was Draco. And besides-- she didn't really want to be alone either. She closed her book and took his hand with a sigh.
"If you want me to, Draco," she said and he bent down to kiss her ear. When he straightened again, Hermione noticed his smile falter and knew she had given herself away.
"You don't have to, Hermione. I just thought I'd ask. I'll bring you back a cup, okay?" He didn't wait for her to answer, just dropped her hand, turned, and left. **Oh great, now he's mad at me; just what I need right now...**
Hermione plopped back down into her chair and curled up. She squeezed her eyes shut against the tears she knew she had no power over. They came, and she let them; maybe crying would do some good.
Draco returned about ten minutes later with two mugs and a large canteen of coffee. He walked through the portrait, smiling widely. Draco's eyes graced Hermione's huddled figure and his smile broke. He set the coffee down and walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Hermione jumped a little, but didn't look up.
"It's okay, love...it's just me. What's wrong, what happened?" he asked, sad and concerned. Hermione looked up when she heard him, a lone tear sliding down her face. Draco felt his breath catch in his throat; he didn't know she was crying.
"You're not mad at me?" she asked and Draco looked stunned.
"What?" he said as if it were preposterous, "No, of course not... why should I be?" he asked and was relieved to see her smile. She embraced him suddenly, but his arms tightened around her out of instinct. She wasn't crying anymore, just holding him. "Hermione, what are you talking about?"
"I don't know, I'm insane, don't pay attention to me," she said, pulling back a little to look at him. Draco smirked, however a little uneasily.
"I think it's impossible to ignore you, but I'm glad you finally agree with me about your insanity." She laughed, although it was a bit throaty. "But really, Hermione... what's wrong?" he asked, not joking anymore.
"I don't know, I thought you were mad at me..." Hermione started, but trailed off, realizing how much she had overreacted.
"For what, not wanting to come downstairs with me? Yes Hermione, I'm very angry that you still didn't do something, even after I told you that you didn't have to," he said with a sarcastic smile and a raised eyebrow. She smiled at him, feeling stupid.
"I know, I'm sorry. I think I'm paranoid or something," she said, not looking at him. Draco placed a gentle hand on her cheek, and she turned her eyes up to him.
"Perfectly understandable." He kissed her; possibly a bit longer than intended.
Draco pulled away and smiled at her. Hermione looked much better than she had when he walked in, and he just looked at her. Hermione felt a little self-conscious, which was odd, as it was Draco who was staring.
"So, how about that coffee?" he asked, smiling. Draco got up from his squatting position on the floor and went back to the table he had set the cups on. He poured them each a mug and walked back to where Hermione was sitting. Draco handed her one of the cups and she took it, smiling.
"How did you even get this? I thought all the house elves were afraid of you," she said with a raised eyebrow. Draco couldn't help but smile at how quickly she could change her mood. ** She's been through a lot of shit, it's kinda cute how she can be like this when it's all over....do I dare test her? ** he thought with a smirk.
"Oh, they are," he said as if it were common knowledge, "I just threatened them; they gave in rather easily," he told her in all seriousness. Hermione's jaw dropped, as he had expected. She looked furious; Draco just sat there, holding his coffee and watching it all play out. Hermione looked at him, blinked, and then expression changed drastically. The fire in her eyes was extinguished by threatening tears. She was hurt; deeply hurt. Hermione felt as if someone had run a dagger through her heart; she believed him.
It was not so much what he did, but only that he did it. Draco had done something he knew she wouldn't approve of and then made light of it when he told her. She tore her eyes away from him, disbelieving. ** How could he? Maybe people don't change as quickly as I thought...**
"My god, Hermione, I was just joking. I'm sorry," he said as he noticed how hard she was taking this. She looked at him as if surprised that he even dare speak to her. "I just told them that you sent me; they were happy to help. Hermione, I'm really sorry...I didn't think you'd take it like that, I..." She closed her eyes and turned away from him.
Draco was rendered speechless. **Nice, real nice. Great job, asshole..." he cursed himself as he waited desperately for her to speak. Draco had pushed her too far and was kicking himself for it. Their relationship was obviously fragile, and at that moment they both realized it.
**How could, within an hour, we have the same number of fights about stupid things like a trip to the kitchens, as we did in two weeks of living in fear? The closest things we had to fights were the one right after Dumbledore's meeting, and the argument after the 'do you want kids?' conversation. There were a few other petty things, but nothing that's ever made her cry... ** He though, not even realizing that all of the said arguments were caused by Hermione's over-reactions. She noticed, however.
**Why am I like this? Why am I doing this to him? He's been nothing but wonderful to me since this began, and this is how I treat him? Not trust him? Accuse him? Make him look that way; as if the world was destroyed at his own hand?**
She smiled weakly and Draco was visibly relieved. Draco had seated himself back in his chair across from her. She looked at him, at the emotions showing on his face like scars. She had done this to him, and she felt guilty. A tear rolled down Hermione's cheek and a slight quiver infested her upper lip. Then she stood. Draco looked up at her, his mouth open, prepared to give an apology. He was sure she would storm out of the room and close the door behind her, and he didn't want her to.
Then Hermione did something unexpected. She took a small step forward and turned before settling herself on Draco's lap. He was surprised; that was about the opposite of what he expected. Draco wasn't complaining, he was just surprised.
"Hermione?" he asked in an uneasy whisper. She kissed him lightly on the cheek before burying her head in Draco's neck and letting the tears fall. He said nothing more, just held her while she cried. It unnerved him that she was, but she obviously wasn't mad at him. **If it isn't me, what is it? I swear I'll never understand you, I just wish you would confide in me...**
"I'm sorry," she said. Draco looked utterly obliviant. Hermione held him tighter, but didn't otherwise move.
"What? Hermione, please tell me what's wrong, you scare me when you get like this," he pleaded, holding her tighter.
"That's just it," she said, sounding very calm, which felt rather eerie. "I know how I'm making you feel, and I'm sorry. I honestly don't know why I'm like this, I just feel very strange, I don't know what's wrong. I don't want to lose you, Draco; and if I don't figure this out, I'm afraid that I'm going to say something or do something that will break us. I'm scared, Draco. What we have is so very important to me, and I can't help but get the feeling it's barely there." She sighed. Draco had paled during her confession, as she had just confirmed everything he had been thinking. He hugged her closer to him.
"I know," he told her, "I feel that too, and it scares me more than you know." He paused, then whispered, "...but I love you, and I'll never let that happen." Hermione stayed silent for a moment, unmoving. Then she looked up at him. He was on the brink of tears himself and that scared Hermione even more. She had only seen Draco cry two or three times, all of which had been this summer.
"Draco, please don't cry. I know I'm contradicting a previous conversation, but it scares me. You only cry when things are really bad... everything is fine, except this whole me having unexplained emotional breakdowns thing." She smiled, causing Draco to do the same. She kissed him, then smiled again. A deep sigh brought back her frown, however, and she knew Draco would ask her why.
"Hermione?" he asked, not liking the look of this. The red hot flame in her eyes had returned; she was angry again.
"Dammit, why aren't we happy? Everything is perfect between us, and for the first time in our relationship, we're not constantly afraid for our lives. What the hell is happening? This isn't fair." Draco placed a hand gently on her cheek and Hermione turned to him.
"I'm not happy because you're not happy and that pisses me off a little, because I know why," he said, looking into her eyes.
"Well, I wish you would enlighten me, cause this is bugging the hell out of me," Hermione answered quietly, as if mesmerized by his eyes. Draco sighed; he didn't want to tell her what he was thinking, but he knew she would guilt it out of him sooner or later.
"Weasley," he said, then stopped. Hermione was looking at him in utter shock. "Ron is unhappy, and that makes you unhappy. You love him, Hermione, and don't try to tell me different."
Hermione was speechless for a moment, then looked away.
"You're right, that is why I'm not happy. I'm not going to lie to you, I do love him, but it's different. He's like a brother to me, not a boyfriend...it's the same with Harry." She turned her eyes to meet his. "I love you, Draco. They won't take me away from you, I won't let them." She once again rested her head in the nape of his neck. He held her close and kissed her head gently.
"I was hoping you would say that."
A/N I know, I know... another sappy OOC ending, but I wanted to exaggerate the fact that everything isn't gonna be all perfect and fairy-tale like just because the Percy thing is over. Everyone has problems; the world is never perfect. I don't know if you guys caught that, I'm not very good at expressing my feelings through the story, but I tried.
PRF This shouldn't take long...
DragonGirl- Haha, and thanx again.
Dracoluvr01- I think we ALL hate Percy. Luv the sn, lol
Hasapi- didn't they, though? Thanx 4 beta-ing. I guess I needed it more than I thought!
Lil-spitfire- Thanx, but you flatter me. You didn't think that was all a little....cliquey? Thanx anyway!
dEsTiNy- Wow, I'm glad you liked it enough to sit there and read the whole thing! I know what it's like when that happens, thanx to Slytherin Girl, so I apologize, lol. Thanx! Both Draco + tom are exceptionally hott, lol. Oh! Slytherin Girl's story is called 'I Won't Walk Away' and, icyc, is beta-ed by my good friend Hasapi, who also is beta-ing my story! Thanx!
*karly* - Thanx, but I don't think I deserve that much praise, lol.
Eliel Radragon- Thanx, and I always do!
