And you whisper up to me in your life of tragedy, but I cannot grow, till
you eat the last of me, oh, when will I be free? And you, a parasite. Just
find another host, just another fool to roast, cause you... my tapeworm
tells me what to do.(System of a down, needles) You guys are my tapeworms;
telling me to write all the time! Well, here's what you get for that!
vvvvvv
CHAPTER THRITY: A Strawberry Scented Breath of Relief
Draco started to walk to the great hall, a smile on his lips and relief in his heart. Hermione was seemly fine, and that was all he could hope for. About half way there, he decided to run. Usually he only ran when he was angry, but now he was just doing it for fun. Draco made it to the icy lobby in seemly no time and paused to catch his breath and once again admire Hermione's handiwork. He smiled as he remembered the day before and their hours of decorating, then entered the great hall. To his surprise, but not disappointment, Draco found the great hall meagerly occupied. Dumbledore and McGonagall sat at the head table, talking and having a late dinner. The two teachers looked up when they heard Draco enter and smiled almost simultaneously.
"Good evening, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore said as he took a step in, "Do join us for dinner." Draco smiled and approached the head table.
"Thank you, Sir," he said and seated himself beside the old man.
"It's rather late for your usual evening meal, is it not, Mr. Malfoy?" he asked as Draco spread some pumpkin butter on a slice of bread.
"Indeed it is, Sir. I wouldn't have come at all, really, but Mia forced me," he explained. Dumbledore smiled, but McGonagall looked a bit confused.
"Mia? Don't tell me you have ANOTHER stow-away in the castle, Mr. Malfoy," she said and Draco smiled.
"No, of course not, Professor. I meant Hermione. Sorry; habit," he explained and she smiled.
"Oh, yes, and how is Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked. Draco sighed a little.
"She seems fine, but Madam Pomfrey won't tell us what's wrong or let her leave. She's letting me stay with her, though, so it can't be too bad," he told them and both teachers smiled and nodded reassuringly.
"I'm sure she will be perfectly fine, Mr. Malfoy; you needn't worry. Miss Granger is in good hands," the old man assured him, sounding very wise and convincing.
"Thank you, Sir. I apologize for my brief appearance, but I should get back to the hospital wing. When Hermione's condition changes it does so dramatically and I'd like to be there if something happens," Draco added, grabbing an apple and slipping it into his pocket.
"Of course, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore said and Draco turned, then jogged back to the doors.
* * * * * * * * * *
Hermione watched Draco leave with a smile, but it fell when he was gone. She kept her gaze on the doors for a moment, then sighed and closed her eyes. Looking wearily at the empty vile, still laced with a few drops of purple poison, she smiled, thinking of the Seattle trip and the time he called her Juliet.
Her eyes grew heavy and Hermione knew she wouldn't be able to stay awake until Draco returned. It was strange to go to sleep without him there, and Hermione was almost surprised that she could even accomplish it.
He would be gone for at least half an hour and Hermione didn't kid herself; she would be forced into sleep within minutes. Instead of battling herself, Hermione gave into the potion and closed her eyes, trading Draco-clad thoughts for Draco-clad dreams. He would be there when she woke up; might as well bring him back faster.
* * * * * * * * * *
Draco left the great hall, half a pumpkin butter sandwich in his hand, and veered into a semi-familiar corridor. He hurried along, munching on his handheld meal, and didn't stop until he found himself in front of the kitchen portrait. Draco went through the pear tickling ritual and was warmly greeted as the door swung open to reveal a kitchen full of house- elves.
"Master Draco!" Dobby called as he recognized the tall intruder.
"Hello Dobby, I told you not to call me that," Draco reminded him with a friendly smile and Dobby blushed.
"Dobby is sorry sir. What can Dobby get for Mr. Draco?" he asked and Draco smiled.
"I am here at the request of Hermione; do you have any chocolate?" he said with a mediocre laugh. A large smile spread across the little man's face and he practically jumped up and down.
"For Hermione? Yes, just a moment, Sir," Dobby said and spun. He, literally, ran- deeper into the kitchens- and came back in minutes with a large box. Draco shook his head with a smile.
"Thank you, Dobby. You're too kind," he told the elf as he took the box. Dobby smiled.
"Anything for Hermione, Sir," he said. Draco smiled and sighed semi- happily.
"It's Draco, and I agree wholeheartedly," he said and waved his sandwich as he exited the kitchens, carrying the box in his other hand. Dobby waved in return and Draco closed the door, pausing a moment before turning on a course to the hospital wing. What he had said to the professors was starting to get to him; what if something DID happen while he was away? Draco couldn't run; not with the box, but he wanted to. Forgetting the half eaten sandwich, Draco concentrated on getting back to Hermione, walking as quickly as he could without dropping anything.
When he arrived at the hospital wing, Draco moved immediately to open the door, but was stopped by a small note spell-o-taped to the glass.
"Mr. Malfoy,
I have gone to run an errand. Miss Granger is asleep; if you wake her, I just might be admitting you after all.
Madam Pomfrey"
At first, Draco just re-read the note and cursed the nurse for threatening him, but then he thought of something and his eyes widened. **You left her there alone; what the hell were you thinking!?** he screamed in his head, heart pumping subtle fear through his body. Draco opened the doors, as fast as he could without making noise, and entered. He set the box and sandwich on the closest bed and practically ran to Hermione's curtain enclosed cubical. Draco moved the curtain away slowly, still trying not to make too much noise. He brought his eyes to Hermione's sleeping form and sighed in relief when he saw that she was there, and fine.
Once sure she was alright, Draco relaxed his gaze and noticed the sneering man who occupied his chair. He felt the rage come up like vomit and the hatred burn across his scalp.
"Why are you here, Snape?" he asked in an angry whisper. Snape just smirked evilly, glad he had angered the boy.
"I'm babysitting the girl, Malfoy, what does it look like I'm doing? Visiting?" Snape replied, spitting the last word out like poison. The professor stood and Draco took a protective step closer to Hermione. "Now that you're here, I can finally leave. I thought you'd never return," Snape complained, much unlike him.
"I've only been gone for fifteen minutes, Snape," he informed him, a smirk playing on his lips.
"That's fifteen minutes of my day wasted," he said and stepped past Draco, robes billowing behind him as he burst through the hospital doors. Hermione made a small peep as the noise startled her awake. Draco, who had been watching Snape leave with anger in his cold eyes, turned to her with concern and hastily attempted to calm her.
"No Mia, go back to sleep," he whispered and ran the backs of his fingers over her cheek. Hermione, who hadn't actually opened her eyes, smiled at his touch.
"Draco..." she said dreamily and Draco smiled.
"Shh..." he whispered. Hermione sighed and settled back into a sweet slumber, now reassured by Draco's presence. When she was asleep again, Draco reseated himself in his chair and moved it closer to Hermione's bed, taking her hand in his and leaning against the old hospital mattress.
For forty-five minutes, Draco just watched the girl who was angelically lost in somewhere closer to Narnia than Hogwarts and finally realized how she did it. If he looked anything like she did when asleep, Draco didn't blame her for watching him. She was so incredibly beautiful that it was unbelievable. Draco had silently decided that he never had and never would see anything more fantastic than Hermione looked at that moment.
(A/N: See DragonGirl! Narnia! I used Narnia!)
As if she had heard the thought, Hermione smiled and Draco was proven wrong. He tried to take a deep breath, but quietly, as not to wake her. There was a span of about five minutes where all Draco did was watch Hermione and struggle to breathe. She looked so peaceful; as if nothing bad had ever happened and everything was right in the world. Then, her eyes popped open and Hermione just stared at the ceiling for a moment, her mouth falling into a frown.
Hermione fluttered her eyes a bit and looked around, smiling when she saw Draco. He was sitting in his chair, pulled close with his legs under the bed; as if it were a dinner table, and had his head propped on one elbow, eyes closed and smiling. Hermione sat up stealthily and reached a hand out to touch his cheek, finger treading over his unruly hair. Draco's eyes opened immediately, followed by a warm smile, and Hermione looked even happier.
"Ace," she said in greeting. Draco blinked and seemed to regain reality, but he kept his smile.
"What are you doing up, Mia? Pomfrey will have my head on a stick if she finds you awake," he said and straightened himself. Hermione smiled.
"I had a bad dream; it wasn't your fault," she said and Draco sighed, but didn't drop his smile.
"Yes and no. More Snape's than mine. Scary as it may sound, he was here when I came back from the great hall. Pomfrey had to go do something somewhere and somehow Snape was recruited to stay with you until I came back. He lectured me for wasting fifteen minutes of his time, then stormed out and woke you enough to break the spell of the dreamless sleeping potion," he explained.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... back up. Did you just say that Snape. Was here. With me. Alone. While I was sleeping?" she asked and Draco's smile finally was broken. He nodded. "Well, who the hell's idea was THAT?" she demanded and Draco shrugged.
"Not mine, I assure you. I'm meaning to talk to Pomfrey about that when she returns," he said and paused for a moment. "Mia, at least lay back down; she'll kill both of us if she finds you awake AND sitting up." Hermione rolled her eyes but laid back and slid down a little to be closer to him. Draco smiled again and leaned in to kiss her. Hermione greeted his lips gratefully and kissed back, letting the kiss get fairly deep. When he pulled away, Hermione looked at Draco with a smirk and he smiled. "What?"
"Pumpkin butter is not an adequate dinner, Ace," she told him and Draco smiled.
"That has got to be the most disgusting thing I've ever heard you say, love," Draco pointed out and Hermione laughed. "Oh, but that reminds me," he said and stood. Hermione looked up at him with a smile, but she felt about the opposite of happy. **Is he leaving?**
Draco walked around the bed and started toward the doors. Hermione felt her heart sink, now she was sure he was leaving her alone, and for the first time wondered why she was so dependant on his company. She had spent the past six years of her life isolating herself and being quiet and closed, but now, Draco always was with her and whenever he wasn't, she felt as if something important were missing.
Draco walked to the very first bed on the end of the row opposite Hermione and picked up a white box and half a sandwich. Hermione giggled and Draco smirked as he tossed it in the trash on the way back to the bed.
"Compliments of Dobby and the elves of the kitchens," he said and placed the box delicately on her lap. Hermione smiled and sat up enough to comfortably open it, but paused before doing so and turned to her boyfriend.
"Draco; I think we spend too much time together," she said, sounding happy, which to Draco didn't make sense. He looked at her fearfully, but Hermione was looking down and tracing her finger over the side of the box, a smile on hr face.
"What are you saying, Hermione?" he asked, obviously scared. Hermione's smile didn't drop, but she looked at Draco and took a semi-deep breath.
"Draco, when I saw you walk over there, I though you were leaving. Which is fine; you can leave if you want to, but I missed you before you even left. What am I going to do when classes start? We'll hardly ever see each other; that's a big change from twenty-four hour contact," she said, her grin only dropping a little. Now Draco was smiling; he had thought she meant something totally different.
"Come on, Mia... we'll see each other. We'll still share a common room and the heads always have the same time-table," he assured her, along with himself. He hadn't thought that far into the future, but now that the matter had been brought to his attention, Draco was a little worried too.
"Not when they're in training," she reminded him. Draco smiled in an attempt at comforting her.
"That just mans we'll have to spend as much time together as possible now, doesn't it?" he said and leaned over for a kiss. Hermione gave one back gratefully and smiled.
"I guess," she said and turned back to her box. She smiled and lifted the lid carefully. Draco looked in and was surprised to see a bowl of strawberries. Hermione smiled warmly and the bowl, but Draco frowned.
"Oh, I'm sorry love; I didn't open the box. Somehow, Dobby must have misunderstood me," Draco said, disappointed, but Hermione smiled and picked up one of the imposter berries.
"No, he didn't," she said and held it out to him. "Open," she commanded, holding a hand under his chin. Draco was a bit confused, but smiled and did as she asked. Hermione smirked at his obedience and slid the strawberry into his mouth, letting her fingers brush his lips. Draco closed his mouth around the piece of fruit and kissed her fingertip as Hermione pulled her hand away. To Draco's surprise, the item placed behind his lips tasted not of strawberries, but of a rich dark chocolate. Hermione smiled as she read his happy surprise.
"Good, right? It's an inside joke of sorts; the house elves have a good sense of humor," she said and placed a savory berry in her mouth. Draco finished his morsel and kissed behind her ear.
There was a creek from a way away and both Hermione and Draco looked to the door. Madam Pomfrey entered quietly and attempted to sneak back to her office. Draco looked at Hermione and she smiled.
"Madam Pomfrey, would you come here for a moment?" Hermione called, moving the bowl from her lap to the bed table. Madam Pomfrey only hesitated a moment before shuffling quickly over to Hermione's bed.
"Miss Granger? Are you alright, dear?" she asked as she approached the bed.
"Yes, I'm fine, but --" Hermione began, but Pomfrey cut her off to speak to Draco.
"Mr. Malfoy, I'm disappointed; perhaps it would be best if you didn't stay the night." Draco opened his mouth to defend himself, but Hermione beat him to the punch.
"No, Madam, Draco didn't wake me up. Snape did," she explained and Madam Pomfrey sighed.
"I knew I shouldn't have let him stay with you," she said, almost to herself. Both Hermione and Draco looked up at her in surprise.
"What do you mean, 'let him stay'? You didn't ask him to?" Draco asked, almost scared. **Why would Snape want to stay with her, of all people?**
"No, of course not. I was going to wait for you to return, Mr. Malfoy, but Professor Snape insisted that I go; said he didn't mind waiting for you. Rather strange, actually; Snape's not one for good deeds," she explained, lifting a chart from the wall next to Hermione's bed.
"Why was he even here, Madam Pomfrey?" Hermione asked, not paying attention to the strawberries anymore.
"I'm not sure; he just came. We got into conversation, I let slip of my errand, and he offered to sit with you," she explained and flipped a page over the clipboard. Pomfrey smiled as her eyes scanned the data before her. "You're doing very well, Miss Granger. If nothing goes wrong, you should be able to leave by late tomorrow morning." Hermione smiled and turned to look at Draco. He looked relieved and subtly excited as well.
"And Draco can stay?" she asked, turning back to the nurse. Pomfrey smiled at the couple and sighed.
"I don't see why not; but the rules still apply."
"Of course," Draco spoke up, wanting to have a say in something.
"Madam Pomfrey, what's wrong with me, anyway?" Hermione asked, shifting a little. The nurse smiled warmly and placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"I'm not exactly sure, Miss Granger. You seem perfectly fine, but my guess, and Dumbledore's as well if it's any consultation, is stress. And rolling around in the snow couldn't have helped much either," she said with a warning glance at Draco. Hermione smiled.
"We weren't rolling; we were lying. And we were only out there for maybe twenty minutes," she pointed out. Pomfrey laughed and took her hand from Hermione's shoulder.
"Very relaxing," Draco said, trying to hide the guilt he couldn't help but feel. If the snow was what made her sick, then it was his fault. He threw her in it, after all.
"Yes...well. Be expecting another potion in about an hour, Miss Granger, then I want to see you both getting along to bed," she all but commanded and took a step back.
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey," Hermione said and the witch turned to leave, walking down the aisle and back to her office. Hermione turned to Draco, who was smiling, but his eyes shown hidden emotion. Hermione reached out and placed her palm gently on his cheek. "Hey," he she said and he smiled.
"Hey," he returned. "Do you want anything, love?" Draco asked and Hermione smiled, then shook her head.
"Why do you think Snape came?" she said, moving her hand from Draco's face to his palm, which was laying face up on the bed.
"You don't want to know what I'm thinking, Mia," he said, trying to keep a little of his smile.
"I was thinking exactly the same thing. I can't believe she left me alone with him; I feel so... dirty," Hermione said and shuddered. Draco looked up at her and squeezed her hand.
"Hermione, he didn't..." Draco started, but found himself unable to finish. Hermione sighed and brought her knees up.
"No, I don't think so. I would have woken up, and you weren't gone very long; he couldn't have, right?" she said, asking for reassurance.
"Right," Draco said with a forced smile and leaned in to kiss her. He wasn't as sure as he sounded, but he couldn't let Hermione know that.
* * * * * * * * * *
True to her word, Pomfrey returned to the couple, however almost three hours later, toting a small blue vile.
"How are you feeling, Miss Granger?" she asked with a smile. Hermione, who was sitting up, but leaning against an array of white hospital pillows, her knees drawn up, sighed. Together, Draco and Hermione had consumed almost half the bowl of strawberries, although Draco only allowed himself one or two more. Unlike his Gryffindor girlfriend, he had not built up a chocolate immunity due to over consumption and he couldn't take much more of the intensely rich substance.
"Like I need a hot shower," she said, but with a smile. Hermione hadn't showered since the day before and hadn't really stood up either. She had eaten two meals and half a bowl of strawberries, however, which was one up on Draco, whom all day had consumed half a pumpkin butter sandwich, two or three strawberries, and less than half of the apple he had salvaged.
"In due time, dear. I've brought you another potion, as promised," Pomfrey said and held the vile out to the bedridden girl, who took it rather reluctantly.
"Will this taste better than the sleeping poison?" she asked, smiling as she purposely fumbled the last word. Draco smiled as well, also noticing her choice of words. He was still seated in the chair, pulled close to the bed with his legs tucked under, head propped sleepily on his elbow.
"No," Pomfrey said without emotion. "Now; it's off to sleep with both of you. Eleven o'clock is late enough for the ill to remain conscious," she said sternly.
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey," Draco said, obediently. The nurse smiled a little at both of them and turned to leave. Draco sat and dreamily watched Hermione. She smiled at him and lifted the blue vile, shaking it lazily.
"What an array of colors I seem to be consuming today," she commented, then sighed. "I better take this before she goes postal on me," she said and Draco laughed shortly, made even less enthusiastic by the sleepiness he felt. Hermione looked at him expectantly, but Draco just wore a stupid smile.
"What?" he asked and Hermione sighed.
"Well, some boyfriend you are, Ace. Aren't you even going to kiss me goodnight? I don't want you admitted either," she said and Draco's smile switched emotions.
"Of course, love," he said and stood, leaning over to kiss her potion-free lips. Hermione made sure the kiss was good, knowing it would be the last of the evening.
"Mmm..." she said as it ended. "That's much better," Hermione added with a smile and Draco kissed her again, this time short and shallower (a/n: Yes, shallower is a word. More shallow is grammatically incorrect. I checked. Anyway...) . "I love you, Ace," she reminded him and Draco smiled.
"And I, you, Mia," he said and kissed her one last time. "Do you want anything?" he asked as she slid down into her sleeping position of choice, curled into a semi-circle around the area where Draco's elbow now rested.
"No, I'm alright." Hermione brought the blue potion to her lips and emptied the vile in one gulp. The face she made was utterly laughable. "Damn, she wasn't kidding." Draco laughed and moved in to kiss her again. Hermione curled in her lips and shook her head. "Mm-mm; I warned you."
"Come one, let me share your torment," Draco pleaded with a smile.
"Nope," she said, smiling wickedly. Draco sighed and moved his head down, kissing her neck.
"Please?" he said as his lips lingered on her skin. Hermione reached a hand to meddle his hair and kissed his head with a smile.
"Sorry," she whispered. Draco took a deep breath and sighed in defeat.
"Fine," he breathed and pulled away, sitting back in his chair. Hermione yawned, already feeling the effects of the potion.
"Draco, why don't you take one of the beds? You'll never get any sleep if you stay in that chair." Draco half smiled, placing his hand over hers.
"I'll never get any that far away, either," he pointed out and Hermione smiled. She reached behind her for one of the unused pillows and sung it forward, hitting her boyfriend in the head. "Ow! Hey! I don't remember pillow fighting being in the job description."
"Sure it was, in the fine print; next to fashion coordinator and manicurist," Hermione said with a giggle. "For you, my love," she said and leaned up to kiss his cheek. Then Hermione collapsed back onto the bed and let her heavy lids fall. Draco smiled.
"Gee, thanks. Goodnight, Mia," he whispered and Hermione smiled, but didn't answer. Draco placed his head on the pillow and his hand on Hermione's.
For a while, Draco just watched her sleep, once again awestruck by her beauty. As the last time, his eyes betrayed him by closing and his mind by not letting him notice. It wasn't long before he fell asleep, head on an arm curled over his pillow.
A/N She seems fine... but IS she? Guess we'll have to wait and find out, won't we? And what the HELL is up with Snape? That guy is just creepy. More to come, like: forth year detention, adult 'friends', sick mental pictures, and another look at the decorations. Read ON baby!
PRF:
Tom Felton's Babe: No, I didn't explain why she's sick, and I didn't explain about Snape.... I just made everything even MORE mysterious! Don't worry! I have a super spiffy surprise coming up!
Envision: It's not because she doesn't eat right, I'll tell you that right now... that was just an added thing to make Draco worry, hehe. You'll find out soon; she does in either the next chappy or 32, I can't remember which....
Karly: I agree. French sucks. Their food sucks too; who wants to eat something with a mantle? Ew... hey, I like the plot line too! Lol... and it gets better!
SnapeGirl: Soon enough? Hehe....
For those of you who don't know; the reason this is up is because today was a SNOW DAY and I felt like celebrating.... so what do I do? Edit and post a chapter. Sounds like a plan!
CHAPTER THRITY: A Strawberry Scented Breath of Relief
Draco started to walk to the great hall, a smile on his lips and relief in his heart. Hermione was seemly fine, and that was all he could hope for. About half way there, he decided to run. Usually he only ran when he was angry, but now he was just doing it for fun. Draco made it to the icy lobby in seemly no time and paused to catch his breath and once again admire Hermione's handiwork. He smiled as he remembered the day before and their hours of decorating, then entered the great hall. To his surprise, but not disappointment, Draco found the great hall meagerly occupied. Dumbledore and McGonagall sat at the head table, talking and having a late dinner. The two teachers looked up when they heard Draco enter and smiled almost simultaneously.
"Good evening, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore said as he took a step in, "Do join us for dinner." Draco smiled and approached the head table.
"Thank you, Sir," he said and seated himself beside the old man.
"It's rather late for your usual evening meal, is it not, Mr. Malfoy?" he asked as Draco spread some pumpkin butter on a slice of bread.
"Indeed it is, Sir. I wouldn't have come at all, really, but Mia forced me," he explained. Dumbledore smiled, but McGonagall looked a bit confused.
"Mia? Don't tell me you have ANOTHER stow-away in the castle, Mr. Malfoy," she said and Draco smiled.
"No, of course not, Professor. I meant Hermione. Sorry; habit," he explained and she smiled.
"Oh, yes, and how is Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked. Draco sighed a little.
"She seems fine, but Madam Pomfrey won't tell us what's wrong or let her leave. She's letting me stay with her, though, so it can't be too bad," he told them and both teachers smiled and nodded reassuringly.
"I'm sure she will be perfectly fine, Mr. Malfoy; you needn't worry. Miss Granger is in good hands," the old man assured him, sounding very wise and convincing.
"Thank you, Sir. I apologize for my brief appearance, but I should get back to the hospital wing. When Hermione's condition changes it does so dramatically and I'd like to be there if something happens," Draco added, grabbing an apple and slipping it into his pocket.
"Of course, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore said and Draco turned, then jogged back to the doors.
* * * * * * * * * *
Hermione watched Draco leave with a smile, but it fell when he was gone. She kept her gaze on the doors for a moment, then sighed and closed her eyes. Looking wearily at the empty vile, still laced with a few drops of purple poison, she smiled, thinking of the Seattle trip and the time he called her Juliet.
Her eyes grew heavy and Hermione knew she wouldn't be able to stay awake until Draco returned. It was strange to go to sleep without him there, and Hermione was almost surprised that she could even accomplish it.
He would be gone for at least half an hour and Hermione didn't kid herself; she would be forced into sleep within minutes. Instead of battling herself, Hermione gave into the potion and closed her eyes, trading Draco-clad thoughts for Draco-clad dreams. He would be there when she woke up; might as well bring him back faster.
* * * * * * * * * *
Draco left the great hall, half a pumpkin butter sandwich in his hand, and veered into a semi-familiar corridor. He hurried along, munching on his handheld meal, and didn't stop until he found himself in front of the kitchen portrait. Draco went through the pear tickling ritual and was warmly greeted as the door swung open to reveal a kitchen full of house- elves.
"Master Draco!" Dobby called as he recognized the tall intruder.
"Hello Dobby, I told you not to call me that," Draco reminded him with a friendly smile and Dobby blushed.
"Dobby is sorry sir. What can Dobby get for Mr. Draco?" he asked and Draco smiled.
"I am here at the request of Hermione; do you have any chocolate?" he said with a mediocre laugh. A large smile spread across the little man's face and he practically jumped up and down.
"For Hermione? Yes, just a moment, Sir," Dobby said and spun. He, literally, ran- deeper into the kitchens- and came back in minutes with a large box. Draco shook his head with a smile.
"Thank you, Dobby. You're too kind," he told the elf as he took the box. Dobby smiled.
"Anything for Hermione, Sir," he said. Draco smiled and sighed semi- happily.
"It's Draco, and I agree wholeheartedly," he said and waved his sandwich as he exited the kitchens, carrying the box in his other hand. Dobby waved in return and Draco closed the door, pausing a moment before turning on a course to the hospital wing. What he had said to the professors was starting to get to him; what if something DID happen while he was away? Draco couldn't run; not with the box, but he wanted to. Forgetting the half eaten sandwich, Draco concentrated on getting back to Hermione, walking as quickly as he could without dropping anything.
When he arrived at the hospital wing, Draco moved immediately to open the door, but was stopped by a small note spell-o-taped to the glass.
"Mr. Malfoy,
I have gone to run an errand. Miss Granger is asleep; if you wake her, I just might be admitting you after all.
Madam Pomfrey"
At first, Draco just re-read the note and cursed the nurse for threatening him, but then he thought of something and his eyes widened. **You left her there alone; what the hell were you thinking!?** he screamed in his head, heart pumping subtle fear through his body. Draco opened the doors, as fast as he could without making noise, and entered. He set the box and sandwich on the closest bed and practically ran to Hermione's curtain enclosed cubical. Draco moved the curtain away slowly, still trying not to make too much noise. He brought his eyes to Hermione's sleeping form and sighed in relief when he saw that she was there, and fine.
Once sure she was alright, Draco relaxed his gaze and noticed the sneering man who occupied his chair. He felt the rage come up like vomit and the hatred burn across his scalp.
"Why are you here, Snape?" he asked in an angry whisper. Snape just smirked evilly, glad he had angered the boy.
"I'm babysitting the girl, Malfoy, what does it look like I'm doing? Visiting?" Snape replied, spitting the last word out like poison. The professor stood and Draco took a protective step closer to Hermione. "Now that you're here, I can finally leave. I thought you'd never return," Snape complained, much unlike him.
"I've only been gone for fifteen minutes, Snape," he informed him, a smirk playing on his lips.
"That's fifteen minutes of my day wasted," he said and stepped past Draco, robes billowing behind him as he burst through the hospital doors. Hermione made a small peep as the noise startled her awake. Draco, who had been watching Snape leave with anger in his cold eyes, turned to her with concern and hastily attempted to calm her.
"No Mia, go back to sleep," he whispered and ran the backs of his fingers over her cheek. Hermione, who hadn't actually opened her eyes, smiled at his touch.
"Draco..." she said dreamily and Draco smiled.
"Shh..." he whispered. Hermione sighed and settled back into a sweet slumber, now reassured by Draco's presence. When she was asleep again, Draco reseated himself in his chair and moved it closer to Hermione's bed, taking her hand in his and leaning against the old hospital mattress.
For forty-five minutes, Draco just watched the girl who was angelically lost in somewhere closer to Narnia than Hogwarts and finally realized how she did it. If he looked anything like she did when asleep, Draco didn't blame her for watching him. She was so incredibly beautiful that it was unbelievable. Draco had silently decided that he never had and never would see anything more fantastic than Hermione looked at that moment.
(A/N: See DragonGirl! Narnia! I used Narnia!)
As if she had heard the thought, Hermione smiled and Draco was proven wrong. He tried to take a deep breath, but quietly, as not to wake her. There was a span of about five minutes where all Draco did was watch Hermione and struggle to breathe. She looked so peaceful; as if nothing bad had ever happened and everything was right in the world. Then, her eyes popped open and Hermione just stared at the ceiling for a moment, her mouth falling into a frown.
Hermione fluttered her eyes a bit and looked around, smiling when she saw Draco. He was sitting in his chair, pulled close with his legs under the bed; as if it were a dinner table, and had his head propped on one elbow, eyes closed and smiling. Hermione sat up stealthily and reached a hand out to touch his cheek, finger treading over his unruly hair. Draco's eyes opened immediately, followed by a warm smile, and Hermione looked even happier.
"Ace," she said in greeting. Draco blinked and seemed to regain reality, but he kept his smile.
"What are you doing up, Mia? Pomfrey will have my head on a stick if she finds you awake," he said and straightened himself. Hermione smiled.
"I had a bad dream; it wasn't your fault," she said and Draco sighed, but didn't drop his smile.
"Yes and no. More Snape's than mine. Scary as it may sound, he was here when I came back from the great hall. Pomfrey had to go do something somewhere and somehow Snape was recruited to stay with you until I came back. He lectured me for wasting fifteen minutes of his time, then stormed out and woke you enough to break the spell of the dreamless sleeping potion," he explained.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... back up. Did you just say that Snape. Was here. With me. Alone. While I was sleeping?" she asked and Draco's smile finally was broken. He nodded. "Well, who the hell's idea was THAT?" she demanded and Draco shrugged.
"Not mine, I assure you. I'm meaning to talk to Pomfrey about that when she returns," he said and paused for a moment. "Mia, at least lay back down; she'll kill both of us if she finds you awake AND sitting up." Hermione rolled her eyes but laid back and slid down a little to be closer to him. Draco smiled again and leaned in to kiss her. Hermione greeted his lips gratefully and kissed back, letting the kiss get fairly deep. When he pulled away, Hermione looked at Draco with a smirk and he smiled. "What?"
"Pumpkin butter is not an adequate dinner, Ace," she told him and Draco smiled.
"That has got to be the most disgusting thing I've ever heard you say, love," Draco pointed out and Hermione laughed. "Oh, but that reminds me," he said and stood. Hermione looked up at him with a smile, but she felt about the opposite of happy. **Is he leaving?**
Draco walked around the bed and started toward the doors. Hermione felt her heart sink, now she was sure he was leaving her alone, and for the first time wondered why she was so dependant on his company. She had spent the past six years of her life isolating herself and being quiet and closed, but now, Draco always was with her and whenever he wasn't, she felt as if something important were missing.
Draco walked to the very first bed on the end of the row opposite Hermione and picked up a white box and half a sandwich. Hermione giggled and Draco smirked as he tossed it in the trash on the way back to the bed.
"Compliments of Dobby and the elves of the kitchens," he said and placed the box delicately on her lap. Hermione smiled and sat up enough to comfortably open it, but paused before doing so and turned to her boyfriend.
"Draco; I think we spend too much time together," she said, sounding happy, which to Draco didn't make sense. He looked at her fearfully, but Hermione was looking down and tracing her finger over the side of the box, a smile on hr face.
"What are you saying, Hermione?" he asked, obviously scared. Hermione's smile didn't drop, but she looked at Draco and took a semi-deep breath.
"Draco, when I saw you walk over there, I though you were leaving. Which is fine; you can leave if you want to, but I missed you before you even left. What am I going to do when classes start? We'll hardly ever see each other; that's a big change from twenty-four hour contact," she said, her grin only dropping a little. Now Draco was smiling; he had thought she meant something totally different.
"Come on, Mia... we'll see each other. We'll still share a common room and the heads always have the same time-table," he assured her, along with himself. He hadn't thought that far into the future, but now that the matter had been brought to his attention, Draco was a little worried too.
"Not when they're in training," she reminded him. Draco smiled in an attempt at comforting her.
"That just mans we'll have to spend as much time together as possible now, doesn't it?" he said and leaned over for a kiss. Hermione gave one back gratefully and smiled.
"I guess," she said and turned back to her box. She smiled and lifted the lid carefully. Draco looked in and was surprised to see a bowl of strawberries. Hermione smiled warmly and the bowl, but Draco frowned.
"Oh, I'm sorry love; I didn't open the box. Somehow, Dobby must have misunderstood me," Draco said, disappointed, but Hermione smiled and picked up one of the imposter berries.
"No, he didn't," she said and held it out to him. "Open," she commanded, holding a hand under his chin. Draco was a bit confused, but smiled and did as she asked. Hermione smirked at his obedience and slid the strawberry into his mouth, letting her fingers brush his lips. Draco closed his mouth around the piece of fruit and kissed her fingertip as Hermione pulled her hand away. To Draco's surprise, the item placed behind his lips tasted not of strawberries, but of a rich dark chocolate. Hermione smiled as she read his happy surprise.
"Good, right? It's an inside joke of sorts; the house elves have a good sense of humor," she said and placed a savory berry in her mouth. Draco finished his morsel and kissed behind her ear.
There was a creek from a way away and both Hermione and Draco looked to the door. Madam Pomfrey entered quietly and attempted to sneak back to her office. Draco looked at Hermione and she smiled.
"Madam Pomfrey, would you come here for a moment?" Hermione called, moving the bowl from her lap to the bed table. Madam Pomfrey only hesitated a moment before shuffling quickly over to Hermione's bed.
"Miss Granger? Are you alright, dear?" she asked as she approached the bed.
"Yes, I'm fine, but --" Hermione began, but Pomfrey cut her off to speak to Draco.
"Mr. Malfoy, I'm disappointed; perhaps it would be best if you didn't stay the night." Draco opened his mouth to defend himself, but Hermione beat him to the punch.
"No, Madam, Draco didn't wake me up. Snape did," she explained and Madam Pomfrey sighed.
"I knew I shouldn't have let him stay with you," she said, almost to herself. Both Hermione and Draco looked up at her in surprise.
"What do you mean, 'let him stay'? You didn't ask him to?" Draco asked, almost scared. **Why would Snape want to stay with her, of all people?**
"No, of course not. I was going to wait for you to return, Mr. Malfoy, but Professor Snape insisted that I go; said he didn't mind waiting for you. Rather strange, actually; Snape's not one for good deeds," she explained, lifting a chart from the wall next to Hermione's bed.
"Why was he even here, Madam Pomfrey?" Hermione asked, not paying attention to the strawberries anymore.
"I'm not sure; he just came. We got into conversation, I let slip of my errand, and he offered to sit with you," she explained and flipped a page over the clipboard. Pomfrey smiled as her eyes scanned the data before her. "You're doing very well, Miss Granger. If nothing goes wrong, you should be able to leave by late tomorrow morning." Hermione smiled and turned to look at Draco. He looked relieved and subtly excited as well.
"And Draco can stay?" she asked, turning back to the nurse. Pomfrey smiled at the couple and sighed.
"I don't see why not; but the rules still apply."
"Of course," Draco spoke up, wanting to have a say in something.
"Madam Pomfrey, what's wrong with me, anyway?" Hermione asked, shifting a little. The nurse smiled warmly and placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"I'm not exactly sure, Miss Granger. You seem perfectly fine, but my guess, and Dumbledore's as well if it's any consultation, is stress. And rolling around in the snow couldn't have helped much either," she said with a warning glance at Draco. Hermione smiled.
"We weren't rolling; we were lying. And we were only out there for maybe twenty minutes," she pointed out. Pomfrey laughed and took her hand from Hermione's shoulder.
"Very relaxing," Draco said, trying to hide the guilt he couldn't help but feel. If the snow was what made her sick, then it was his fault. He threw her in it, after all.
"Yes...well. Be expecting another potion in about an hour, Miss Granger, then I want to see you both getting along to bed," she all but commanded and took a step back.
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey," Hermione said and the witch turned to leave, walking down the aisle and back to her office. Hermione turned to Draco, who was smiling, but his eyes shown hidden emotion. Hermione reached out and placed her palm gently on his cheek. "Hey," he she said and he smiled.
"Hey," he returned. "Do you want anything, love?" Draco asked and Hermione smiled, then shook her head.
"Why do you think Snape came?" she said, moving her hand from Draco's face to his palm, which was laying face up on the bed.
"You don't want to know what I'm thinking, Mia," he said, trying to keep a little of his smile.
"I was thinking exactly the same thing. I can't believe she left me alone with him; I feel so... dirty," Hermione said and shuddered. Draco looked up at her and squeezed her hand.
"Hermione, he didn't..." Draco started, but found himself unable to finish. Hermione sighed and brought her knees up.
"No, I don't think so. I would have woken up, and you weren't gone very long; he couldn't have, right?" she said, asking for reassurance.
"Right," Draco said with a forced smile and leaned in to kiss her. He wasn't as sure as he sounded, but he couldn't let Hermione know that.
* * * * * * * * * *
True to her word, Pomfrey returned to the couple, however almost three hours later, toting a small blue vile.
"How are you feeling, Miss Granger?" she asked with a smile. Hermione, who was sitting up, but leaning against an array of white hospital pillows, her knees drawn up, sighed. Together, Draco and Hermione had consumed almost half the bowl of strawberries, although Draco only allowed himself one or two more. Unlike his Gryffindor girlfriend, he had not built up a chocolate immunity due to over consumption and he couldn't take much more of the intensely rich substance.
"Like I need a hot shower," she said, but with a smile. Hermione hadn't showered since the day before and hadn't really stood up either. She had eaten two meals and half a bowl of strawberries, however, which was one up on Draco, whom all day had consumed half a pumpkin butter sandwich, two or three strawberries, and less than half of the apple he had salvaged.
"In due time, dear. I've brought you another potion, as promised," Pomfrey said and held the vile out to the bedridden girl, who took it rather reluctantly.
"Will this taste better than the sleeping poison?" she asked, smiling as she purposely fumbled the last word. Draco smiled as well, also noticing her choice of words. He was still seated in the chair, pulled close to the bed with his legs tucked under, head propped sleepily on his elbow.
"No," Pomfrey said without emotion. "Now; it's off to sleep with both of you. Eleven o'clock is late enough for the ill to remain conscious," she said sternly.
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey," Draco said, obediently. The nurse smiled a little at both of them and turned to leave. Draco sat and dreamily watched Hermione. She smiled at him and lifted the blue vile, shaking it lazily.
"What an array of colors I seem to be consuming today," she commented, then sighed. "I better take this before she goes postal on me," she said and Draco laughed shortly, made even less enthusiastic by the sleepiness he felt. Hermione looked at him expectantly, but Draco just wore a stupid smile.
"What?" he asked and Hermione sighed.
"Well, some boyfriend you are, Ace. Aren't you even going to kiss me goodnight? I don't want you admitted either," she said and Draco's smile switched emotions.
"Of course, love," he said and stood, leaning over to kiss her potion-free lips. Hermione made sure the kiss was good, knowing it would be the last of the evening.
"Mmm..." she said as it ended. "That's much better," Hermione added with a smile and Draco kissed her again, this time short and shallower (a/n: Yes, shallower is a word. More shallow is grammatically incorrect. I checked. Anyway...) . "I love you, Ace," she reminded him and Draco smiled.
"And I, you, Mia," he said and kissed her one last time. "Do you want anything?" he asked as she slid down into her sleeping position of choice, curled into a semi-circle around the area where Draco's elbow now rested.
"No, I'm alright." Hermione brought the blue potion to her lips and emptied the vile in one gulp. The face she made was utterly laughable. "Damn, she wasn't kidding." Draco laughed and moved in to kiss her again. Hermione curled in her lips and shook her head. "Mm-mm; I warned you."
"Come one, let me share your torment," Draco pleaded with a smile.
"Nope," she said, smiling wickedly. Draco sighed and moved his head down, kissing her neck.
"Please?" he said as his lips lingered on her skin. Hermione reached a hand to meddle his hair and kissed his head with a smile.
"Sorry," she whispered. Draco took a deep breath and sighed in defeat.
"Fine," he breathed and pulled away, sitting back in his chair. Hermione yawned, already feeling the effects of the potion.
"Draco, why don't you take one of the beds? You'll never get any sleep if you stay in that chair." Draco half smiled, placing his hand over hers.
"I'll never get any that far away, either," he pointed out and Hermione smiled. She reached behind her for one of the unused pillows and sung it forward, hitting her boyfriend in the head. "Ow! Hey! I don't remember pillow fighting being in the job description."
"Sure it was, in the fine print; next to fashion coordinator and manicurist," Hermione said with a giggle. "For you, my love," she said and leaned up to kiss his cheek. Then Hermione collapsed back onto the bed and let her heavy lids fall. Draco smiled.
"Gee, thanks. Goodnight, Mia," he whispered and Hermione smiled, but didn't answer. Draco placed his head on the pillow and his hand on Hermione's.
For a while, Draco just watched her sleep, once again awestruck by her beauty. As the last time, his eyes betrayed him by closing and his mind by not letting him notice. It wasn't long before he fell asleep, head on an arm curled over his pillow.
A/N She seems fine... but IS she? Guess we'll have to wait and find out, won't we? And what the HELL is up with Snape? That guy is just creepy. More to come, like: forth year detention, adult 'friends', sick mental pictures, and another look at the decorations. Read ON baby!
PRF:
Tom Felton's Babe: No, I didn't explain why she's sick, and I didn't explain about Snape.... I just made everything even MORE mysterious! Don't worry! I have a super spiffy surprise coming up!
Envision: It's not because she doesn't eat right, I'll tell you that right now... that was just an added thing to make Draco worry, hehe. You'll find out soon; she does in either the next chappy or 32, I can't remember which....
Karly: I agree. French sucks. Their food sucks too; who wants to eat something with a mantle? Ew... hey, I like the plot line too! Lol... and it gets better!
SnapeGirl: Soon enough? Hehe....
For those of you who don't know; the reason this is up is because today was a SNOW DAY and I felt like celebrating.... so what do I do? Edit and post a chapter. Sounds like a plan!
