Chapter Soundtrack - There Must Be So Much More by Pink Turns Blue
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Much like at the beginning of the year, Hermione started distancing herself from the other students.
She ate quick meals alone in the Great Hall. She woke early, did extra studying before classes and during breaks, went to bed early, rinse and repeat.
She waited anxiously, wondering if Ginny would tell anyone. Her friend- rather, ex-friend now- ignored her completely.
Hermione imagined people might have questioned Ginny about why she suddenly wasn't hanging out with Hermione Granger anymore though whatever answer Ginny gave, she didn't divulge anything about Hermione's secret relationship. Perhaps because, despite Ginny's disapproval, she didn't think it was right to air out someone else's business. Perhaps it was a last, merciful gesture to the friendship they once shared.
Either way, Hermione did not hear a single peep suggesting her and Draco were an item.
No, if people avoided her, it was because she was still studying with a group of Slytherins, which had now expanded to include Blaise and a very grumpy Daphne.
"I don't see why we need to study with them, we were doing perfectly fine on our own," Daphne scowled, eyeing Luna and Hermione distastefully.
Hermione opened her mouth to retort but Blaise beat her to it.
"Weren't you just griping about getting an A on your Wolfsbane essay? You need the help more than I do and, frankly, I'm growing tired of you pestering me to correct your work."
Theo sniggered while Daphne pursed her lips in disdain and haughtily tossed her blond hair over her shoulder.
Their suspension from the library had finally lifted though Draco and Ginny remained banned until the end of the month. This meant Hermione found herself surrounded by Slytherins and Luna, with no Draco.
It was…an interesting dynamic to say the least.
Theo was by far the most talkative, though Daphne came in close second. They complained together or bickered mostly. Tracey tittered every now and then, but didn't say much else. Blaise was always somewhere between bored and amused, though his amusement seemed to happen more in his head than by anything anyone said.
Every now and then, Luna would say something entirely out of left field that would make Tracey smile and everyone else stare.
Interesting was definitely the word for it.
They didn't address Hermione much, though she didn't feel left out either. No one asked her any questions about the war, nor made any unwelcome comments on her blood status, which was a huge relief. Topics gravitated around homework, school life and a bit of Slytherin gossip.
"I can't believe Draco had to go and get himself suspended from the library. He's been dodging me constantly and I was counting on cornering him here today," Daphne whispered to no one in particular.
Theo snorted.
"Give it a rest, Daph. He's not interested and, by the looks of it, Astoria's lost interest as well. Not following him around like a pathetic puppy anymore from what I've gathered."
"He can't just wiggle out of a betrothal- his mother will have a fit. Our parents are putting enough pressure on Astoria as is, and his parents were always worse than ours when it came to following traditions."
"Parent, you mean. He's only got one, now," Blaise murmured.
"Well, with Lucius gone, I expect Narcissa will be even more adamant that Draco find a nice, society lady to continue the Malfoy line and Astoria is the most eligible one on the market right now."
"I didn't realise we were still living in the eighteen hundreds," Hermiome grumbled, scratching out a botched sentence with her quill with more force than needed.
Daphne turned imperiously to Hermione for the first time since they'd all sat down.
"Well, of course you wouldn't understand. Pureblood customs are ancient and unless you grow up with them, there's a lot you just wont get. Even Tracey misses the mark sometimes, and she's half in."
Tracey blushed bright red, though Hermione saw Luna's arm shift. No doubt patting her reassuringly under the table. Hermione turned back to Daphne.
"Well, enlighten me, then. Is there a reason you need to pawn your women off like livestock?"
Daphne laughed lightly, studying her nails.
"For someone who's supposed to be smart, you certainly are clueless. Luckily for you, I'm feeling indulgent so I'll instruct you. Magic runs in our system, much like genetics. For instance, anyone can learn to run fast with practice, but if you're born with long legs, you'll have an edge. Strains of magic work in a similar way, passed down through generations. The further back you can trace wizards in your genealogy, the more chances you'll breed offspring with powerful, natural magic ability. This is why Squibs are seen as…disappointing. Imagine putting all your energy into finding a perfect match only to birth someone magically useless."
Daphne laughed prettily. Hermione scowled.
"There is nothing wrong with being a Squib and that doesn't justify forcing a love match. Besides, statistically speaking, there is a steady increase of notable Half-Blood and Muggle Born witches and wizards in the last century. Voldemort himself, for instance."
Everyone at the table flinched.
"Aren't you bold," Daphne said, composing herself. "Certainly yes, the more Muggleborns wizards there are, the more potential there is for strong magic to come out of it. But when you have an assured magical bloodline already, its tradition to marry into another equally strong one-"
"Wait, the Dark Lord was half-blood? Says who?" Theo interjected.
"Well it still sounds awfully outdated to me," Hermione snapped, ignoring Theo. "Shouldn't you want your sister to end up with someone who loves her for who she is, not how magic her blood supposedly is?"
"Love is overrated and misconstrued for passion. Once passion fades, if you haven't carefully selected your partner, you're left with nothing. Arranged marriages are planned carefully, taking both parties into consideration. Values, goals and families are aligned before the marriage itself is even discussed- unlike love matches where you find out these incompatibilities far too late. You learn to work with someone first and over time you'll gain the luxury of love. Finding a good partner is quintessential, especially when one comes from a wealthy family with high society responsibilities, and an expected heir. You can't just leave all that responsibility up to how you feel for someone."
"Sometimes, you can get lucky, like Blaise and I," Daphne batted her eyelashes at him, "and be immediately attracted to one another. Narcissa and Lucius were much like that. My parents however, and most pureblood couples, find love afterwards. Astoria will marry Draco and secure our magical bloodline, just like Blaise and I. I wouldn't be foisting her with Draco if I didn't think they wouldn't get along splendidly."
Hermione was grinding her teeth.
"And if love never blossoms? Nothing guarantees everlasting love, but I'd much rather choose my partner than be foisted and have it end badly based on what others have chosen for me. I want to decide who can make me happy."
Daphne shook her head.
"I trust my family to make smart decisions for me- they know me better than anyone. And anyways, the bride and groom always get the last word. My sister and Draco won't be forced together in a Petrificus Totalus marriage, but it is their duty to their lineage to marry suitably. They'll come around, I'm sure. They both risk their inheritance, their families and their reputation if they don't."
"Well, you'll be disappointed," Theo piped up, while Hermione spluttered with indignation, "Pretty sure Draco has his eye on someone else."
Five heads whipped around to Theo.
"Oh? This is news to me. Though Draco does keep to himself quite a lot these days," Blaise said slowly.
"Nonsense," Daphne retorted waspishly, "Who else could he possibly be after? Apart from us, he hardly spends time with anyone else. Unless…"
Hermione was clenching her quill so hard it snapped.
She felt every muscle in her body quiver with electricity. If Daphne put two and two together…It was all over. Everyone would know.
She'd always envisioned going public with Draco on their terms, though of course that was profoundly naive. Especially when more and more people were finding out about them.
She could feel herself start to panic. She sat on her hands so no one would see how sweaty they were. Was this how the secret was going to come out? Surrounded by Slytherins with the exception of the one Slytherin she needed the most? She was so wound up she barely caught the end of Daphne's sentence.
"-Not thinking about getting back with Pansy?"
Hermione almost collapsed with relief.
"He does talk about her a lot. All the time actually," Hermione supplied quickly, her voice higher than she'd like.
Daphne arched an eyebrow, taking the bait.
"Well, he'd better move fast. She's currently having talks with some rich bloke from Bulgaria I've heard."
Daphne prattled on about Pansy as Hermione quietly rose from her chair, muttering about getting a book.
She barely had a moment to calm her jitters in one of the aisles when Theo sauntered up next to her.
"Needed a break too. She's a bit much, isn't she?" Theo grinned, nodding in Daphne's direction.
Hermione clenched her fists, cast a hasty Muffliato, and rounded on him.
"Look, I know you know, all right? Tell the whole school if you want, I don't care, but I would much rather do without your little passive comments alluding to- to- well we both know what!"
Theo was smiling a sly smile, eyebrow quirked.
"Whatever are you talking about Granger? I have absolutely no clue."
She wanted to scream in frustration. He really was going to make her say it, the bastard.
"Draco and I!" she hissed.
"Yes?"
Hermione took a deep, steadying breath, reminding herself that murder was probably grounds for expulsion.
"We're dating."
"Well thank Salazar's arse, someone finally said it! D'you know how long I've been trying to nettle it out of the lad? He's been mooning over you in potions, in the Great Hall, everywhere. May as well had a great big sign that said 'I want to shag Hermione Granger' hovering over his big ol' head. I'm supposed to be his best mate and you end up spilling the beans instead of him. Can you believe it? Some friend he is."
"Shhh! Would you keep your voice down?"
"Don't fret, they can't hear. Muffliato, remember?"
He smirked. She fumed.
"You're not going to talk him out of it?"
Theo looked genuinely confused.
"Why would I do that?"
"I'm your natural enemy. Gryffindor. Muggleborn. Friend of Harry Potter. Both of your fathers tried to kill me."
"Yes, well, perhaps all those reasons are exactly why watching Draco squirm over you has been so dreadfully entertaining. As for my father…may he rot in Azkaban."
Before Hermione could question Nott further, he defly manoeuvered the conversation back to her.
"So you and Draco, huh?" Theo prompted, as if discussing weather, "I'll be honest, he's always had a bit of a soft spot for you. Constantly bringing your name up. 'Mudblood' this and 'Mudblood' that. Er- sorry, no offence. We were kids, you know. Quite fucked up ones I might add. Probably still are, to varying degrees."
He chuckled fondly.
"So is that why you wanted to study with us? To torment us?" Hermione snapped.
"Yep," Theo said cheerily, popping the 'p'. "Though I did want your help with my essays also. Two birds, one spell as they say."
Hermione sighed, resigned.
"Maybe I should just stand on a pillar and announce it to the world, Draco be damned. I'm so sick of walking around on eggshells, when people are guessing we're together all the same."
Theo snorted.
"Certainly, if you have a death wish, by all means, go right ahead."
"A death wish? Don't be dramatic."
Theo blinked.
"I'm being very serious. If I were Draco, I wouldn't want my saviour wizarding girlfriend to have an enemy target on her back either."
"What on earth are you talking about?"
"You do know what Draco has been dealing with, haven't you?"
"You mean being bullied? I've gone through much worse, I'm sure. I've been bullied by the whole school several times."
"Great Merlin, you have no idea what it's like, do you? He hasn't told you a thing. Classic Draco."
"Told me what?"
"This isn't normal bullying, Granger. It's covert warfare. There are students who've had family members die in Malfoy Manor. It's very personal. I get challenged to duels regularly and my father was a mere lackey. A high-ranked lackey, but a lackey all the same. Lucius Malfoy was the ring-leader for a while. People hate me but they loathe Draco. They challenge me to my face but they curse Draco in the back. And not silly little Jelly-Legs jinxes. Impedimenta. Stupefy. Spells for battle. He's been dodging them all year and it's a wonder he hasn't ended up in the Hospital Wing. Clearly he didn't spend last year with his finger up his nose. He's become quite the duelist, himself."
Hermione's jaw was almost unhinged.
"What?"
"Nah, 'course he wouldn't tell you. Wouldn't want to worry you. But if there's a reason he would want to keep things secret between you both, that'd be it. You're too high profile, everyone knows your name and you can be sure if word gets out that you're tumbling around in the hay with a Death Eater, they'll be after you next and your hero status won't be enough to protect you. If anything, it'll make you look worse."
Hermione sagged against the shelves.
He'd been dodging conflict all year and she had no clue. But how on earth was she supposed to guess if he wouldn't tell her? He was always keeping his problems to himself. Him and his damn Occlumency!
She felt a wave of incredible sadness wash over her. It felt like they were slugging along against the tide.
He couldn't have a public relationship because of her. Because they were on opposite sides. And her side was the bully.
"Am I going to make him happy?" Hermione suddenly asked.
Theo looked taken aback.
"Er…What makes you say that?"
"Daphne."
Theo rolled his eyes.
"Don't let her get to you. She wants the best for her sister and her parents are…zealous. Draco and I used to visit as children and we saw firsthand how strict it was. We were some of the only friends the Greengrass sisters had since their parents were extremely picky with who could enter their home. They're the kind of parents that wouldn't hesitate to kick their daughters out if they put a toe out of line. They've both grown up with a lot of pressure and Daph seems to be projecting some of that. She means well, though. I think the idea of being parted from Astoria is unimaginable to her."
"Maybe…Would it be easier if Draco was with Astoria? They could be public without a problem. Daphne mentioned the responsibilities of high society and I can certainly guess what that means. Fancy parties and balls and cocktails and garden parties and hosting events. I…I'm not built for any of that. But I know how important reinstating the Malfoy name is to Draco. What if that's what he needs? A woman like Astoria, who's been raised to fulfil exactly those demands? I…I don't even know if I want children!"
Hermione buried her face in her hands, the reality of everything crashing down on her.
Her parents hated magic.
His mum probably hated her.
She and Draco were both ambitious but their goals were vastly different. And while his values had come a long way to meeting hers, there were still some things that might never connect.
Had they been blinded by love? So blinded, they couldn't see that, logistically, their union made no sense?
"Hey…Hey now, let's not get carried away…"
Theo patted her awkwardly on the back. It reminded Hermione so forcefully of when Harry comforted her that she couldn't help but smile a little.
"Draco is a stubborn pig and not only does he not want Astoria, but he wants you. You getting out of the way wont change that. I've known Draco for a long time and I've never seen him this relaxed. He sits there with you, and he looks like there's nowhere else he'd rather be. And, don't tell Daphne this or she'll have my hide, but I much prefer your opinions on love than hers. If you're both happy, don't overthink it. Just be."
Theo winked.
"I just wish it wasn't so hard!"
"No epic, star-crossed lovers' tale is easy or that'd be boring," Theo teased. "Besides," his face grew sombre, "You have someone. Cherish that."
He looked away. She noticed his gaze linger on Daphne. Hermione understood.
"You…You like her."
Theo shrugged.
"Not anymore. She's betrothed to Blaise."
"But- You're Pureblood as well!"
"Doesn't matter. They signed the contract between families. It's been set in stone for ages. The Zabinis have more wealth, better political standing not to mention he's a head taller than me. He'll take good care of her."
"But what if she wants you? Have you tried telling her how you feel?"
"You heard her. It's her duty to find someone respectable. They'll no doubt grow to love each other one day. She'll have the life she wants."
Theo's expression looked pained. It felt wrong to see him without his usual crooked grin. It dawned on Hermione that not only did he have to see Daphne regularly, but all the members in their study group were coupled off. Nott must feel lonely.
"But what if…What if she only thinks she wants that? People can change their minds!"
Theo gave Hermione a pitying smile.
"Loving someone means letting them go sometimes."
Theo picked out a book right over Hermione's head.
"Think I'll go read this in the commons for a bit. 'Ta, Granger, see you 'round."
He sauntered out of the library, his step a little less jaunty than usual. Hermione could've sworn she saw Daphne's eyes flick towards him as he left.
/
Hermione started spending more and more time with her study group, particularly Draco and Theo.
Neither of them were keen on spending time with other people and not many people wanted to spend time with them either. To avoid unwanted stares, they would nick food from the tables during mealtimes and eat in vacant classrooms.
It was sort of like being with Harry and Ron again, but different.
Hermione would watch Theo and Draco and sometimes Blaise zoom around the Quidditch pitch, pelting each other with snowballs while she practised her Charms and kept their cocoa hot. Luna and Tracey kept her company oftentimes more than not.
On weekends they would wander the grounds, play cards and debate various topics. Only Daphne and Blaise enjoyed wizards' chess ("The turns take too bloody long," Theo complained), but on occasion they would crowd around and either egg them on, place bets or distract them.
When February arrived, Draco's library ban was lifted.
They hung out more frequently in the library, increasing their study sessions to almost daily. Whenever someone wanted to read in the evenings, they would go to the library and, chances were, someone else from their group would be there.
They were all excelling in potions and Slughorn proclaimed that he had never taught a more gifted N.E.W.T. class, making Hermione's spirits soar.
One warm Saturday, Hermione decided it was a good day to test Draco's promise of being kinder to her friends.
"We're going to visit Hagrid today."
Draco spat out his pumpkin juice, narrowly missing Theo.
It was shortly after breakfast and, for once, they were seated in the Great Hall, while most other students were out enjoying their day off.
"Excuse me? We?"
"Yes, we. You got off on the wrong foot with him and I think it's time you face him so we can all move on. Hagrid is one of my oldest Hogwarts friends and I'd like for you to try to get along with him."
"Does he know you've invited me?" Draco glowered.
"Er, yes. I've warned him we're on speaking terms and he said he's willing to move on as well."
This wasn't entirely true. When Hermione had visited him last week and updated the groundskeeper on her new friends, he was unsurprisingly far from pleased.
"Yeh can' be serious, Hermione! An' yeh bringin' tha' spoiled, good fer nothin' prat 'ERE? HAVE YEH GONE MAD?"
Draco was eyeing her suspiciously.
Hermione hurried on before he could read too far into her lie.
'I have some balms to bring him anyway, so we'll head over this afternoon, knock on his door, you'll apologise and then we'll have tea and-"
"Wait a second. Draco? Apologising? Oh please, may I join as well? May I? May I?" Theo asked gleefully.
Draco looked like he'd just eaten a Bogey-flavoured bean.
Hermione laughed.
"I asked about you, too, and Hagrid says it's fine."
She avoided looking Draco directly in the eyes.
Round one in the afternoon, the three of them trundled down the stone path to Hagrid's hut- Draco walking like a man to the Gallows and Theo skipping along.
Hermione rapped on the door and hid a smile as Draco jumped at the sound of Fang's barking.
"Get outta me way, yeh great dummy! How many times I got ter- Ah! Hermione! And…you."
Hagrid's bushy eyebrows sunk low on his face as he scowled impressively from behind the door, holding it open just enough to see all three of them. They could still hear Fang scraping about and whining behind him.
"Yes, hello Hagrid! I've brought some…some friends- you remember, I mentioned them? This is Theo Nott, say hello. And…well…you obviously know Malfoy?"
Hagrid snorted so loud it seemed to resonate in his throat.
"'Course I do, hard ter forget."
Hermione had to hand it to Draco- it was not an easy thing to stand before a half-giant that very visibly loathed you. But Draco, shoulders squared, did not flinch, though she did notice his arms were uncharacteristically rigid at his sides.
"Well? Go on, tell him what we said," she whispered loudly, nudging Draco's shoulder.
Draco spared her a quick glare before clearing his throat.
"Hello, sir. I wish to offer you my most sincere apologies for all my previous actions. My betrayal to the school was horrendous and I deeply regret it. I would take it back in a heartbeat if I could. I would also like to apologise for my appalling behaviour in your classes, as well as my intolerance towards Buckbeak the Hippogriff. I was young and stupid, though that is no excuse. I was blinded by pride and arrogance and I acted in an extremely cruel and disrespectful way. I do not expect your forgiveness but I offer you my deepest apologies all the same, as they are owed after everything I've done."
Draco bowed his head. Hagrid looked flabbergasted. Theo had stuffed both his knuckles in his mouth to keep from laughing.
"And?" Hermione insisted, prodding Draco in the back. She saw him bite his lip to keep from sighing in exasperation.
"And, I also apologise for snooping about your home in first year. Your dragon was none of my business and I now understand my actions were purely self-serving and egotistical."
"Wait, you have a dragon? Here?" Theo gaped in astonishment.
"Yeh…I had one alrigh'..." Hagrid grumbled.
"How about we come inside and we can tell Theo about it? Also I brought you the balms you were asking about, right here!" Hermione said quickly.
She held up a box with a generous amount of jars, filled with a magical balm to ease cuts and bruises that she'd brewed herself. They always came in handy, given Hagrid's penchant for training dangerous creatures.
Hagrid seemed torn.
"I dunno Hermione…Them two…Especially him…Would o' never thought…Here of all places…"
"Oh, please Hagrid, it's cold out! Just a quick cup of tea! I even brought tea leaves here..."
"A cuppa…Yeh, alrigh'. One cup o' tea. But I hear any word outta line an' out they go. Migh' be yer friends now, but they got a lot ter make up for, s'far as I know…"
Theo and Draco exchanged uncertain looks.
"One cup it is!" Hermione said in an overly cheerful voice, shoving Draco through the door.
Hermione set the balms on a nearby stool. Draco looked positively scandalised as Fang tried to jump on him and lick his face, getting dirt all over Draco's clean, black robes. Hermione stifled a laugh.
"Tha's enough, Fang!" Hagrid growled, though he didn't do much else to hold Fang back. Instead, he clanked about in his kitchen area, finding mugs and muttering to himself.
They finally all settled in around a plate of Hagrid's famous rock biscuits (it seemed he had done away with the cakes and was trying something new) each with a steaming mug of wildberry tea.
"Yeh aren' gonna have a biscuit?" Hagrid offered Draco a little aggressively.
Draco hastily took one. Hermione blew on her tea instead, an evasive tactic. She knew better than to try sinking her teeth into one of those, although it was extremely entertaining watching Draco nibbling on the edge of his biscuit like a squirrel, shaving off a thin layer of burnt rock.
Theo glanced at Draco before opting to place a biscuit politely on his plate which he proceeded to ignore for the rest of their visit.
"Mmm…tasty," Draco said tightly, looking far from delighted. Hermione hid her face in her cup, holding back a snort.
"So, how have you been, Hagrid?" Hermione asked, hoping to divert Hagrid's attention enough so that he'd forget to scowl at Draco.
"Been alrigh'. Doin' this n' that."
"Well, that's…nice…"
An awkward silence followed. Draco attempted another bite of his biscuit. The room was so quiet, Hermione could hear Draco's teeth collide with the hard surface as he tried to gnaw through it valiantly. Hagrid was clenching his spoon. Theo was warily watching Fang trot around the table.
"Er, so…So, Theo! You wanted to hear about Norbert? Hagrid's dragon?"
Theo's head whipped up, his eyes glittering with interest.
"Would I! Did you keep it here?"
Theo looked doubtfully around the small cabin.
Hagrid, still scanning Draco out of the corner of his eye, cleared his throat.
"Yeh, well, din' have it fer long, did I? Hatched on this very table. Funny, wee thing."
Hagrid's eyes began to mist over, as he remembered fondly.
"Feisty little Norwegian Ridgeback. Harry, Ron and Hermione 'ere all saw 'im hatch. An' this one did too-"
He glared back at Draco, who had the grace to look a little guilty.
Hagrid sighed.
"Prob'ly fer the best, Norbert couldn'a been 'ere long at any rate. He's all grown now, Charlie sends me photos every year."
Hagrid nodded at a frame over the mantelpiece depicting a dragon in the distance that looked very grown and very ferocious.
Theo gaped.
"But how on earth did you find a dragon egg? Aren't they extremely rare, especially in Britain?"
"Ah well, won it over cards in a pub, din' I?"
"In a pub?"
"Well, yeh, I mean, it was secretly You-Know-Who wantin' to know abou' Fluffy and er…Well, the rest's history."
"Wait, you got a dragon from You-Know-Who? And what's a Fluffy?"
"He's a giant, three-headed guard dog that Hagrid owned and-" Hermione began though Hagrid cut her off.
"Hey now, who's tellin' the story 'ere?"
Hagrid was clearly forgetting his hatred for Draco in light of an avid audience.
Theo's eyes were wide as saucers. Even Draco looked mildly intrigued, which was a large display of emotion for him.
"Let's see… So, yeh, Fluffy. I had him as a puppy. Wild, tha' one, but jus' play a bit o' music an' he goes righ' off ter sleep. Dumbledore'd asked me ter lend him ter protect a stone from You-Know-Who an'..."
The afternoon seemed to fly by as Hagrid and Hermione recounted the adventures of first year, talking over each other half the time.
Theo was an excellent audience. Much like everyone else, he had heard rumours and snippets of what had happened, but nothing near the full picture. He spent much of the story gasping and letting out loud cries of "No!". Draco didn't say much, but Hermione noticed his shoulders relaxing as the hours went by; a good sign.
Three cups of tea later, Hagrid was in a good enough mood to bring out a bottle of mead, which they all gingerly sampled and were relieved to find it was leagues better than his biscuits.
The sun had almost set and they were all tipsy, recounting their favourite bits- Theo's being when Draco was forced to do his detention in the Forbidden Forest with Harry, Neville and Hermione.
"Gah! I remember you griping about that detention, too! You were so sour about it! Complained for ages." Theo chortled, teetering in his chair.
Draco grumbled at the memory, gulping down the last of his mead.
"HA! I remember tha' one! Righ' skittish, yeh were! Jumped at ev'ry sound! Squirrels could'a chased yeh off, the way yeh balked 'round each corner!"
Hagrid chuckled, taking a hefty swig himself while Theo roared with laughter.
"I was twelve years old!" Draco protested, swaying a little.
"It is rather frightening when you- hic! - think of all the other things that were in there that we found out about later. Giant spiders and angry centaurs and- hic!- such," Hermione mused, her cheeks pink.
"Aragog was alrigh' back then!"
"Don't tell me you're friends with giant spiders too?" Theo exclaimed.
Hagrid chuckled.
"Yeh know, Snape was supposed ter oversee tha' detention but Dumbledore decided it was ter be me. I think he knew I'd gotten yeh all involved and t'was his way o' dealin' things. Brillian' man, Dumbledore. Always knew everythin'."
Hagrid filled his mug again and raised it, taking a generous gulp. Hermione raised hers in acknowledgement.
The room had gone quiet, everyone lost in their own thoughts for a moment. Draco shifted uncomfortably.
Hagrid broke the silence after a while.
"He always saw the good in everyone, Dumbledore did. Understood people. I think he'd be glad ter see us all 'ere."
Hagrid looked pointedly at Draco before taking another swig.
Hermione smiled and placed a hand on Draco's arm.
They looked at each other. His brow was furrowed. He stared at her with an intensity that startled her and made her flush.
"I think so, too. It's getting quite late, shall we head out? Thank you for having us Hagrid, this was lovely."
They said their goodbyes and Draco surprised Hermione when he gave a few curt pats on Fang's head.
Hagrid waved them off as they walked back up the hill, going on about how they should all come back and visit soon.
"Even you! Ain' so bad. Bit stiff, but yeh'r alrigh', Malfoy!"
When they were out of earshot, Theo gave a low whistle.
"Wow, what an event! You know, I feel sort of bad for not giving him more credit. Bit hard to understand him at first, but he's tamed a lot of rather impressive creatures, hasn't he?"
"I think it was a good idea to have him teach Care of Magical Creatures to the N.E.W.T students. Professor Grubbly-Plank has a more delicate approach, which suits earlier years much better but Hagrid really is a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to dangerous beasts. What about you, did you have fun?" Hermione asked, wrapping her arm around Draco's without thinking. The alcohol made her feel much more aloof.
"Yes, surprisingly so. Though next time, perhaps I can bring the biscuits," Draco added daintily.
Hermione admired how well he held his liquor. Both Hermione and Theo were wobbling on their legs while, apart from a pink tinge around his ears, Draco seemed perfectly sober.
They made their way to the front entrance, talking and laughing.
Hermione was just about to ask if they wanted to nip into the Great Hall and grab some food before supper wrapped up when she felt Draco yank his arm out of hers.
In a split second, he spun round and shot a nonverbal Protego from his wand.
A curse ricocheted off his shield, exploding against a column.
A burly-looking Gryffindor had his wand up, pointed at them. A couple other Gryffindors had his back. Hermione vaguely recognized Demelza Robbins, from the Quidditch team.
"Not too bright, throwing a curse in the Great Hall. If you're going to ambush us like milksops, do it in a secluded hallway at least," Draco drawled.
"This isn't an ambush. Theodore Nott, I challenge you to a duel!"
"And you are?" Theo asked calmly, straightening his collar and looking completely unfussed at being attacked only seconds ago.
"Geoffrey Hooper!"
"And which family member of yours did my father torture?"
"My- my cousin!" Hooper answered roughly.
"Alrighty then. Tomorrow, 10 p.m., dungeons," Nott responded easily, as if setting a bank appointment.
Geoffrey narrowed his little eyes with uncertainty, clearly not expecting Nott to be so blasé about it all.
"Good…Yes…Demelza will be my second."
"Malfoy's mine."
"I'm coming too!" Hermione said loudly.
"No, you won't!"
Draco glared down at her.
"It's a duel, Granger. You'll only be in the way."
"I won't get in the way and I'm coming! Nott is my friend!"
Draco gripped her arm and yanked her close, whispering harshly in her ear.
"It'll be dangerous and duels are illegal. I'm not risking you!"
She wrenched her arm from Draco's hand.
"You can't order me around! I'm top of the class in charms and potions! If it's as dangerous as you say then you'll need someone there who can do at least rudimentary healing and I'm the best there is!"
"It's settled then, 10 p.m. tomorrow," Hooper snarled impatiently. Demelza was looking at Hermione with mistrust.
The group of Gryffindors marched off.
Draco barely noticed their departure, his eyes fixed on Hermione's.
"This isn't a game, these duels can get nasty very fast. The more people who show up, the more chances someone will get hurt!"
"Oh and how would you know that? I vaguely recall you doing not much more than ferreting about!"
It was a bit of a low blow, but Hermione was frustrated. She'd spent a year planning the demise of the most notoriously powerful wizard of all time, she wasn't about to be shoo'd off like a defenceless child for a silly school duel.
Draco looked furious.
"You're not coming and that's final! If I have to tie you to a chair, so be it!" He hissed.
"It's more dangerous for you! You could be expelled over this! I won't sit by, waiting and worrying!"
"Oh, let her have her fun," Theo interrupted lazily, "She's more stubborn than you and 'sides, Bones does a good job overseeing things and making sure people keep quiet about it. Granger just has to keep her head down and she'll be fine."
"Bones? Susan Bones?" Hermione asked incredulously.
"Yeah, she's the mediator. Makes sure things go by the rules and does a right job of it, too. Probably gets it from her aunt."
Hermione had difficulty imagining the calm, friendly Hufflepuff sternly overseeing illegal dungeon fights.
"I'll leave you to your lovers' quarrel. See you tomorrow, Draco. Hermione."
With a last, cheeky grin, Theo sauntered away.
Hermione's head was spinning and she didn't want to deal with having an argument with Draco right now. It was a testament to how good the Hogwarts food was, that no one in the Dining Hall had seemed to notice a brawl almost breaking out next door.
"I'm tired, I'm off to bed."
"We're not finished here-"
"As far as I'm concerned, we are," Hermione countered. "This isn't up for debate. You're not my caretaker."
"Would that be so bad? Why not let someone take care of you for once? Weasel and Potter have done their fair share of endangering you but I refuse to indulge you in the same way."
Hermione pursed her lips into an upside down 'U' and grabbed Draco's arm, dragging him off to a secluded hallway. Diner would be wrapping up soon and she would not be caught in the middle of a row by half the school.
"How dare you- Harry and Ron haven't endangered me at all, I chose to get myself into dangerous situations because I knew I could be of help! Why can't you afford me the same trust?"
"It's not about trust! I love you and I forbid you from needlessly risking your neck for what doesn't concern you!"
Draco loomed over her until she was up against the wall. She angrily bared her teeth at him.
"Forbid me! Ha! How very archaic of you. Is this another pureblood thing? The women mope about while the men run off doing Godric knows what!"
"What in the blithering hell are you talking about?"
"Your customs! Your traditions! Clearly you've grown up in an environment where women sit around, waiting to be sold off to suitors and then sit pretty! I'm not like that Draco and I never will be! I'm going to the duel tomorrow and that's final. You can't talk me out of it. I'm going to bed."
"No."
His arms were on either side of her head. She tried to duck under but he slid a knee between her legs and pinned her to the wall with his hips.
"I'm not letting you leave angry when we have things to settle," he growled at her.
"Draco let me go! People will see us!"
"No they won't. The dorms are in the opposite direction."
She struggled but he held her tight. His face was so close to hers she was going cross eyed looking at him.
"I mean it, Draco, I'll scream!"
"What have my traditions got to do with any of this and who told you pureblood women sit around doing nothing?"
Hermione bit her lip.
"Well…Not…Not nothing per se…What does it even matter? Let me go to bed."
"You're always telling me I need to stop avoiding you when I'm in a mood. I want you to do the same for me. Talk to me."
Hermione sighed, slumping against the stone.
"It's just… Things are done a certain way in your world, aren't they? You're supposed to marry a girl who'll simper and curtsey and live in that great big home of yours. I won't ever be that person and I don't want to be that person."
Hermione took a deep breath and went on.
"I know you want to restore Malfoy Manor but I don't know if I could ever…live there and you'll need someone by your side to help you and have manners and say all the right things and what if I never want children? Our parents might not ever meet and what if we still have important values that don't align and we'll never know until it's too late because we rushed in to all of this!"
"Ah. You've been talking to Daphne."
"So what if I have!" Hermione retorted hotly, "Is she wrong? Is this not what your mother will expect of you? A respectable society wife?"
"Yes, well-"
"I can't change who I am. I wont change who I am."
Draco gave her a hard stare.
"Listen to me. If I wanted someone like that, I wouldn't be in love with you. You won't have to live in the Manor. You won't have to do any ridiculous simpering."
"And your heir?"
Draco's pale skin blanched.
"I am not in a position to want any at the moment. I need to get everything sorted first before thinking of bringing an innocent child into my mess of a family."
"But you would want one? One day?"
"It's required of me but I haven't exactly been following the rules anymore. The estate will pass to the next in line and no doubt my aunts and uncles will squabble over which cousin that will be."
"That doesn't bother you?"
Draco sighed heavily.
"That's ages from now, Hermione. I would be a complete dunce to drop someone like you for a tainted inheritance that I don't even want anymore."
"But you do want it. You want to dedicate your years after Hogwarts to restore it!"
"I want to restore my name, my honor. I want my mother to not receive Howlers from strangers anymore, calling her every slur under the sun. The Manor, the gold, all of it is besides the point. I want her to have it, so that she may continue to live the lavish lifestyle she is accustomed to. But to me, none of it is important. You're important."
"Do you want children?"
"I've told you, it's required but not absolute-"
"I don't mean is it required or not, I mean do you want them?"
Draco paused, studying her face.
"I can imagine myself living a happy life without children. I cannot imagine a happy life without you."
He took her chin in his hand. His eyes bored into her.
"I don't want you to change and I especially never want you to change for me. You're perfect."
Why was her heart beating so fast? Why did her face feel like a furnace? His mouth was inches from hers and he was looking at her in a way that made her want to cling to him and never let go.
"Then it's settled. I'll be at the duel tomorrow."
Draco let out a ragged breath. He looked like he wanted to say something scathing but instead, he pressed his forehead against hers.
"Fine. I'll allow you to- I mean…I won't stop you from going. But if even a hair on that bushy head of yours is harmed, there'll be hell to pay."
"Bushy? That's ru-"
Her protest was swallowed as his mouth pressed into hers.
She whimpered instinctively, her hands latching onto his collar and pulling him close.
She squirmed against him, fighting to push her body as close to him as she could. He crushed her harder against the wall and she felt his bulge press into her hip. She gasped in his mouth and he used the opportunity to sneak his tongue inside.
She circled her tongue with his three times until finally wrenching her lips off his mouth.
"We can't- Not here! We'll get caught-" She panted, though a low moan escaped her as he sucked on her neck.
He made a noise of frustration and took her hand. He pulled her along at a jog and skidded to a halt at the first door they approached.
Wrenching it open, Draco tugged them into what looked like an abandoned classroom, slamming and magically locking the door behind them. There were desks piled together haphazardly, no windows and a notably musty smell in the air.
Neither of them cared.
Hermione knew that right now, Draco was frustrated with her and was also feeling a certain loss of control.
This meant he was probably dead set on taking her hard and fast and woe to whatever would stand in his way.
Her pussy was throbbing painfully with anticipation.
Draco shot an aggressive Scourgify at the nearest desk.
"Bend over," he ordered.
Hermione squeaked and did as he said, arching her back so that her bottom was pointed up at him.
She felt him hike her skirt up and yank her panties down. Cool air brushed her lips. She shivered.
His index swiped across her labia and even this small action sounded wet. She moaned and deepened her arch.
"Dracooo…"
She heard him mutter a quick Silencio ward followed by a clatter that indicated he'd tossed his wand aside.
She felt his breath on her mound, giving her a split second warning of what he was about to do.
She gasped and then shouted as his tongue burrowed deep inside her. His hands clasped her hips and he shoved his face against her.
Her eyelashes fluttered and she made small keening sounds as he lapped at her, adding a finger and presently another when she was ready.
He ate her out and fingerfucked her with a familiar ease. He wasn't gentle, but then, he knew she liked it that way.
His other hand made good work of her clit and, without preamble, her body succumbed, giving her an orgasm that bulldozed her over.
It was only when her ragged breathing slowed and her thighs stopped twitching that she finally felt him pull his fingers out.
His fly unzipped and she heard the clink of a belt buckle being undone.
His hands ran over her backside, cupping her cheeks.
"You drive me up the wall sometimes, Hermione, you know that?"
"I-"
Before she could reply, his hand collided with her buttocks. She squealed shrilly in surprise. Her hips jumped at the contact and she scrambled to find a better hold on the desk. She needn't have bothered; Draco held her firmly in place with his other hand gripping her hip.
"Apples," he reminded her. She nodded, wriggling her hips. His hand was now rubbing the spot he'd just slapped. Hermione had barely recovered from her orgasm, yet her pussy was already heating up again.
He slapped her across the other cheek and she squealed again, though she'd anticipated it this time.
"Does it humiliate you when I paddle you like a child?"
He leaned over her as his hand rubbed her down again.
"Or do you like it?" He murmured right behind her ear.
She moaned hard, wiggling again.
Smack!
"Answer the question, Hermione."
Hermione's face was on fire.
"I…I…gnnn, Draco please! Please, please fuck me!"
Smack!
Even as he rubbed her down, she could feel her cheeks start to smart. She held on, however. It gave her a thrill to disobey him in this way. She was normally such a good student.
A good girl.
For once it pleased her to be a bit of a brat. She knew the longer she witheld what he wanted, the more he would want to fuck her. That alone made her clench her teeth and will the pain at bay.
The only problem was that she desperately wanted him to fuck her as well.
"I'm going to ask you one more time. Do you like it when I spank you, Hermione?"
"I- Yes! Yes, I do! Oh please, please, Draco, I need you so badly!"
He groaned at her words.
She cried out in relief and shock as he swiftly sheathed himself inside her. She hadn't realised exactly how wet she was until his head was rammed up against her cervix within the span of a half a second.
Wet was perhaps an understatement. She was sopping.
It was further confirmed as Draco went to town. His hips noisily slapped against her ass, her pussy squelching and squishing each time he slammed inside her mercilessly. The desk legs scraped on the floor each time he thrust forward.
"Oh! Oh! Yes!"
She cried out each time, her nails digging into the wood. He wasn't just fucking her. He was using her.
She barely recognized the feral yowl that escaped her. Her walls clenched
She trusted his silencing charm but it still gave her a thrill to be shouting her lungs out in a Hogwarts classroom.
Her pussy convulsed.
"Fuck! Fuck! Yes! Ahhnn, aaahnn I love you so much, Dra-!"
Her second orgasm cut her off like a soft blow to the stomach.
"Fuck! Cumming!" Draco barely had time to grunt as she felt him slam one last time inside her.
Her pussy convulsed, squeezing the cum from him.
They came together as the sound of their harsh breathing filled the room.
Long after he'd finished, she could still feel him twitch inside her. She gave him a small squeeze that elicited another groan from him.
"Was I good?" Hermione mumbled softly, her head lolling lazily off the desk as she smiled contentedly.
"So, so good," she heard Draco return from somewhere in her hair. He was slurring a little. Maybe he had been drunker than she'd thought. No doubt he had been Occluding to stay in control.
"Sleep with me," he urged. She caught the irresistibly small plea in his voice.
He wanted to be sure they were past their fight and that this wasn't some torrid interlude. She knew it because she felt the same.
"Of course."
They hurried off to the Room, not even bothering to take different paths. People knew they were potions partners and perhaps they were simply returning from a study session.
All the same, when they reached a deserted corridor, Hermione couldn't help slipping her hand into his. He looked around warily but, to her triumph, didn't shake her off.
She grinned to herself. He didn't care nor worry that she wasn't a high-society lady. He wanted her just the way she was. Brazen, bossy and bushy-haired; he wanted it all and she couldn't be happier about it.
Certainly, she got herself in dangerous, sometimes life threatening situations. But he trusted her to handle herself. It was who she was, after all.
Of course he didn't have to worry, she thought, as she knelt down in front of him in their "Home" inside the Room.
She sucked his cock with all the feeling she could muster, glancing innocently up at him like she knew he liked.
She would be just fine.