Chapter Six:
(A/N. Hey people. I'm so happy I've gotten reviews but I'd REALLY like to here some more feedback! Okay? Gambit Gurl Isis: Okay so no bended knee but still thanks for your great reviews. And I agree with you on our favorite ditz, Pansy. Moonstar87: Thanks for your review. Don't scream though, you'll harm my ears. ;P. Dawn Bridges: I aim to please! Ha ha. Sorry! Well yeah I'm glad you like my plot. Some1: You have a very original nickname thing…Anywho, I wil update soon if you review, please? Muaw! Heehee. Baby T:Yes, I try to keep it as in character as possible. As sad before I update when I get reviews. Or else my confidence goes away and I can't write. So the solution is REVIEW IF YOU WANT MORE! Heehee. Kiana: Draco sadly has a mean streak but don't worry he gets better. By they way if Kiana is your actual name it's very pretty. J. Okay people. Read on and PLEASE READ AND REVIEW Your comments go a long way!)
It was several hours later when Hermione woke up to find Draco reading her book, which she had left on the table. He apparently hadn't seen that she had woken. Hermione paused to study him. She could see what almost all the girls at school saw in him. He had grown tall. He had a broad muscular chest but a slim waist. His hair was shorter than it had been when she had first met him all those years ago and he had it normally slicked back but some strands hung loose giving him a messy, sexy look. Most people called him intimidating but she had never felt intimidated by the handsome young man before her. His silver-grey eyes continued to fly across the page before him. She was amazed he liked the book. It was 'The Count of Monte Cristo' written by Alexander Dumas, who was a muggle.
"Good book?" She asked. He looked up startled but only his eyes betrayed even the smallest hint of that emotion. "Didn't have you marked as a muggle-written-book-reader. Wonder why?" She said sarcastically. He frowned and threw the book back at her. Then he smirked.
"They say know your enemies right?" He retorted. She rolled her eyes. She suddenly felt hungry and she said so. Draco shrugged.
"Alright. Let's get something to eat." She said urging her companion to get up and go to the Mess Hall with her. It wasn't like she could go without dragging him. He got to his feet reluctantly and they walked down to the Mess Hall. As they walked Hermione admired his fluid graceful strides. She sighed and focused her attention on not bumping into anyone which was hard considering the crowded hallways and the number of giggling girls that stared enviously at Hermione and adoringly at Draco. They got to their table and Hermione and Draco sat down carefully. Hermione looked at the sandwiches and groaned. They were peanut butter and jelly. Draco grabbed one and studied it.
"What the hell is this, Granger? There's mud and jam in the bread." He snarled. A boy next to them frowned. Hermione moved closer to Draco.
"Draco! Keep your voice down. You're supposed to be a muggle remember?" She hissed. He looked over at the boy who was still staring at them.
"What're you looking at?" He growled. The boy's eyes widened in fright and he scampered away. He looked back at Hermione. "Now will you tell me what these are?"
"There peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I hate peanut butter, but the jelly's usually good." Hermione said splitting two sandwiches and squishing the two jam sides of the bread together. Draco reached over and took a piece of peanut butter from the other halves on his finger. He considered it before raising it to his lips and licking it thoughtfully. He stared at his finger in disbelief.
"This is good!" He cried. He grabbed her two discarded halves, lumped them together and started to eat them. Hermione laughed. They finished their meal, talking pleasantly.
"So what do you love to do beside drawing and reading?" Hermione asked as they walked back to their room. She heard him mumble something and she leaned closed. "Sorry didn't catch that?"
"Never mind."
"I'm sorry you've intrigued my curiosity. What did you say?" Hermione asked unwilling to let the subject go. He glared at her.
"Fine. I like to read to children. I like to watch their faces light up as their imagination takes them to places they've never been before." Draco said. Hermione was surprised at the gentleness she heard in his voice. "I always wanted a younger sibling that I could take care of but my parent's don't want anymore children. I think even I'm too much for them most times." Draco said.
"My, my. Draco Malfoy does have some humanity in him after all." Hermione said half teasing. His eyes met hers and she almost gasped. She had never looked directly at him from so close. Looking into his eyes was like staring up at the sky in the middle of a blazing storm. It was filled with grey, silver and black. But the occasional hint of blue would appear promising clear skies behind the raging thunderstorm. She could get lost in his eyes, fall into their ethereal light. She turned away from him. They finished their lunch and went back to their room in silence. Hermione grabbed her book from the floor and raised it to her brown eyes. After a while Draco grabbed his drawing pad. She reread the same paragraph three times before giving up and laying her book down. She was about to attempt conversation when a snowy white owl came flying in through the still open French doors. It dropped a letter into Hermione's lap. She opened it.
Hey Hermione.
Ron and I were hoping to hear from you but when no mail came we decided to send you this. I hope your doing well. The Weasleys have been really great. Well I have to go now. Take care and write back soon.
Harry Potter
Hermione smiled at the letter. She missed her friends. She reached over and snagged the pencil from Draco's hand.
"Hey!" He cried indignantly. She laughed and stuck out her tongue at him. He rolled his eyes.
Hi Harry. Thank you for your letter. I'm fine. Have a nice summer.
Hermione
She wrote quickly, tied the return to Harry's owl, Hedwig, which hooted and then fluttered away. She watched it go before turning back to Draco who was looking at her expectantly.
"Who was it? The red head or the boy-who-lived-to-be-a-pain-in-my-ass?" He asked. She didn't know whether to laugh or to get angry. She chose the first.
"How long did it take you to come up with that one?" She demanded. He had a devilish twinkle in his eyes.
"How long would make you think I was amazingly witty?" He said slyly. She laughed and swatted his arm with the pencil.
"In your case?" She asked and he glared at her playfully. A knock on the door made them both start guiltily.
"Come in!" Hermione called. The same man who had led them to their rooms on the first day walked in.
"Well, Bon gave me the keys to your handcuffs." He said holding up a pair of silver keys. He came over to them and carefully unlocked them. Hermione rubbed her wrist gratefully. The man smiled when Hermione thanked him and walked out. Hermione turned to Draco.
"Yes, Granger?" He snapped. She was surprised. It was strange just a minute ago she could have sworn she had seen something in him that she had never seen before.
"Nothing, Ferret boy." She growled. He always ruined her good moods. She yawned and stretched lazily. "Well, I'm going to bed. Good night." She said. She walked over to her door not expecting him to answer.
"Sweet dreams, Hermione." Just as she was closing the door behind her she heard a soft voice whisper into the night.
