CHAPTER 5
STARTED AS A JOKE.
Hermione went straight to the dormitory, she was crying so hard that she can hardly breathe. She heard a soft voice called her.
"Hermione? Is that you? Are you ok?" Ginny sneaked at their room again.
Hermione wiped her tears. "I'm ok!"
Ginny wasn't convinced. She poked her head in Hermione's curtains. "No your not! What happened?"
Hermione sighed and began to tell her about the bet Malfoy and his cronies did to her.
"That foul, good for nothing git!" Ginny exclaimed. "Don't worry! He will never get away with this!"
Hermione kept on crying until she fell asleep. Ginny comforted her until she felt drowsy and she too went back to bed.
The next morning, Hermione can't open her eyes; it hurt from all her sobbing last night. She saw that the sun was already up and everyone is already down at the great hall. She hurriedly hit the showers and went directly to Transfiguration, not even bothering to eat breakfast. Her eyes were still puffy and hurting from all the crying she did last night. As she climbed up the stairs, she came across Draco who immediately noticed her. She didn't want to him, not now, maybe not ever. Draco looked at her but she avoided his eyes. She turned away and went directly in the classroom. Luckily, she was the first one in the classroom. She sat down and remembered what happened last night; she remembered what Malfoy and his cronies did to her. At that moment she couldn't think of anyone she hated more. She tried her best to ignore him and forget everything that had happened. She closed her eyes and relaxed. The anger and hatred within her suddenly drained away. But the relief she felt didn't last long. When Harry and Ron came in they approached her right away.
"We heard what happened! That foul evil git! He'll never get away with this!" Harry snapped.
Hermione stood up.
Ron placed his book down "That Fucking bastard! Wait 'till I get my hands on that jerk I'll tear him from limb to limb!" He shouted with an outraged expression on his face.
Some students who are already there heard him.
Hermione's eyed narrowed; she turned to the two boys with a worried look on her face.
"Guys! Please! Don't do anything that will get you in trouble! I'm ok, don't worry about me!" she pleaded.
But when Ron spotted Malfoy coming in the classroom he immediately felt the rage on anger swept all over him.
"That! That bastard! You'll pay for what you did Malfoy!" Ron snarled pointing his fore-finger at Malfoy. He plunged forward and landed a punch on Malfoy's jaw. Draco fell on the floor.
"What the f*ck!"
He stood up and hit Ron back with all his might, his clenched fist is connected solidly with Ron's abdomen. Ron could feel Malfoy's fist jabbing painfully across his ribs, he struggled to get better leverage. He mustered all of his strength and delivered another blow at Malfoy's face. Draco could hear Hermione and Harry shouting.
"Ron! Stop it! Get off! Let go! Malfoy! You bastard! Let go of Ron! Stop it!"
Harry forcibly dragged Ron away from Malfoy as the other students tried to stop them.
"Damn you two! This is enough!" Hermione suddenly exploded, stepping in between them.
Draco and Ron stopped, both surprised at her sudden outburst. Hermione looked angrily at the both of them.
"Will you two stop? You're making everything worst!"
Draco and Ron both goggled at her for a moment dumbfounded. Malfoy wiped the blood on his lips with the back of his hand. The sullen expression on his face melted into a cold, forced sneered. Without another word, he strode out of the classroom to the hospital wing. Ron however, sat down as Hermione tried to wipe the blood on his forehead. He was breathing hard.
"That coward ferret boy! He's lucky! I didn't give him a knock-out!"
Hermione glared at him. "Shut up Ron! You're lucky that could've been worst! Let's go to the hospital wing, your bruises must be cured!"
Ron stood up and muttered. "Cho's gonna kill me!"
Harry smiled. "Yeah! I know!"
So, they went to hospital wing, they came across Professor Mcgonagall. "What happened to you Mr. Weasley?"
Hermione stepped forward. "It was nothing professor." She lied. "He just accidentally fell off the stairs.
Professor raised her eyebrow. "Funny you should say that! Mr. Malfoy said the same thing about his bruises."
The three of them stood frozen in front of professor Mcgonagall, waiting for her to shout at them. But instead she said calmly "Oh! The spring dance shall be moved next week, before the spring ends. The teachers have a lot to finish. We'll if you'll excuse me, I'll go to your class right now. You three are excused but only for now!" And she walked past them to the stairs.
They sighed with relief and went to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey immediately attended to them and treated Ron. In madam Pomfrey's desk, they saw pictures of Mr. Filch and Mrs. Norris waving vigorously and smiling. (It frowned when it saw them looking at it.)
"Alright!" said Madame Pomfrey "He'll be ok in a minute or two. He just needs a little rest. Mr. Weasley you can lie in the 2nd bed next to Mr. Malfoy's."
Then she turned to Harry and Hermione "The two of you can now go back to your class."
So they agreed that they were going to fetch Ron after transfiguration. Draco However was visited by his cronies. They talked him into doing another joke on her by getting her trust and making her believe that he's changed. They said this is to seek revenge to her friends. Of course they were particularly careful of talking loudly, because Ron might hear them.
After class, Harry was asked by professor Mcgonagall to carry the free Hogwarts map for everyone to her office. So Hermione was forced to fetch Ron alone. Draco was preparing to stand up when the door suddenly creaked open. Hermione poked her head in.
"Ron?!" she said softly and looked around. Her sight landed on Draco "Has Ron left?" She asked flatly.
Malfoy looked up at her and sneered. "No! I swallowed him whole and threw him up on the garbage can so you can find him there!" He said sarcastically.
Hermione entered "Very funny Malfoy! Would you please stop being a jerk arse even for once!? You'll never change! You're nothing but a mean, arrogant prat who doesn't know anything but to pester everyone!"
Draco bowed his head. He knew a part of it was right and he thought this would be the right time to start the joke on her.
"OK! Hey, look! I'm sorry about everything that had happen."
Hermione was mildly shocked at what Malfoy said.
Then he continued "I know I've done a lot of damage to you and your friends, I'm sorry." He stood up and opted for the door.
Hermione spoke "Why are you saying that? How can you apologize to me?"
Draco curled his eyebrow "Excuse me? What do you mean by that? Just because I'm mean it doesn't mean, I can't swallow a little of my pride even for once. Besides, I don't want you to think I'm too insensitive"
With that he walked away out of the hospital wing leaving her with a question in her head.
What did he meant by that?
**************************
Days had passed and surprisingly the trio barely saw Malfoy. He stopped picking on Ron and Harry and he didn't do anything weird or bad against Hermione lately. One day, when she was running to her History of Magic class. She was running so fast that she did not see what's coming her way. or rather who.
"Oh! What the-"
Draco bumped into Hermione and all her things scattered on the floor. He saw her crouch and stated picking it up. Remembering the prank he immediately dropped down to her knees and helped her.
"Sorry! Here, let me help you!"
Hermione was shocked but she didn't say anything. They all gathered her things until there was only one book left. He reached for it but Hermione's hands got there first and his hands brushed against hers. They both felt a jolt of electricity and a certain tingling sensation swept through them. He didn't understand why but his hands stayed there for moment. Hermione's eyes met Draco's eyes. She tried to think but her mind went blank. Draco was stunned; he didn't know he would ever touch her like that. He knew it was just a prank but somehow, something tells him that something is going on. HE suddenly took off his hands realizing what he was doing. Hermione stated to move.
"S-sorry about you books" he stammered.
Hermione answered him back "oh. yeah! Thanks for the help!" she smiled at him weakly and walked away.
**************** The next day, Hermione walked briskly down the stairs to her next class. (As usual she went ahead because the two are cramming to do their homework.) She thought that she should go to their classroom already, so that she can be alone. When she entered, she saw Draco sitting on Snape's desk with his feet on the chair. He was reading a book aloud.
"The tumblewaxboar is a potion used for-." He stopped at the sight of Hermione "Oh. Good Morning Hermione!" He said casually.
Hermione stopped at her steps.
"What did you call me?" She asked unable to believe he called her by her first name.
"What?"
"I said. what did you called me?" Hermione repeated.
Draco felt nervous; he called her by her name.
"What do you mean call you? I didn't call you anything!" he stuttered, avoiding her eyes. "Honestly granger, you're not really that grateful to people when they greet you!"
Hermione raised her eyebrow. "Of course not! I'm a very grateful person!" she spat.
"Oh! Really." he said as he shook his head. "Yeah! Whatever you say Granger!"
They kept quiet for few minutes. Draco gazed at her. He knew that he didn't not just called Hermione by her first name because he just slipped but he did it because he had always wanted to. He always thought she was beautiful because she's changed a lot since fourth year. Not to mention this year's Yule ball. She took his breath away. Even Pansy who had so much accessories and make-up had no match for her. He always liked her beautiful skin and cinnamon eyes. He found himself gaping at her and eying cautiously every part of her face. Her eyes, her rosy white chicks, her red lips. He knew too well that this was not part of the prank they planned. This time he was serious and this was true. Everything he had been thinking about her was true. He can't stop this anymore or it'll drive him crazy. He doesn't care anymore if she's not pure-blooded or a Gryffindor. And then it hit him! He can't believe it. He realized it just then!
"Oh my God! I think I'm in love with her!" he thought.
****************
Hermione couldn't study. She's being conscious because Draco is in front of her. She doesn't know why but every time she's alone with him, she feels conscious. She knew she feels something for him but she always ignores it, thinking it was nothing. But she had been dreaming of him for four consecutive days now and was being hunted by thoughts of him. She often found herself thinking of where he could be or how he was because she hadn't seen him for the past few days. And even if she doesn't admit it, at the back of her mind she felt relieved to see him. She lifted her head and saw him looking at her.
"What are you looking at?" She asked raising her eyebrow.
Draco snapped out of his trance. He couldn't answer her. Luckily groups of people burst into the room. Harry and Ron came to her and took her attention away from him.
*******************
Lunch came and everyone was in the Great Hall, enjoying their liver and potatoes. Suddenly a loud screeching sound was heard. And sure enough a pack of owls were flying towards the students and give their letters. Ron and Harry got one. It was addressed to both of them. It was from Viktor Krum. Ron and Harry became closer to Viktor last year after they watched the Quidditch Cup. Ron had gone easy on him when he realized that he didn't like Hermione for girlfriend after all. They read the letter silently.
Dear Harry and Ron,
Hey! I want you to know, I will be coming to Hogwarts soon. I'll tell you both all about it when I get there next week. Meet me at the Quidditch field next Saturday. And please don't tell Hermione yet. I want to surprise her.
Viktor Krum
They both grinned at each other and of course Hermione asked them.
"Who's that from?"
"Oh! It was from Charlie! He said hi!" Ron lied.
That night Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny were all in the common room. Ron and Harry were playing wizard's chess and Ginny and Hermione were having a little chat and drinking a few butterbeer Harry and Ron brought from their secret trip to Hogsmead awhile ago.
"What's up with you lately?" Ginny asked.
Hermione took a sip of her butterbeer and answered.
"Oh.., not much. It's still the same! How about you?"
Ginny frowned. "Me? Urgh! I just hate Malfoy's stupid side-kicks! They always play jokes on me!"
At the sound of Draco's name Hermione's thoughts went flying back to the past few days. She couldn't decipher what lies between the kindness he's been doing. She didn't know the reason behind all the generosity and the why she would always catch him gaping at her. But despite of all the confusion, she liked it. She liked the sensation that sweeps through her body every time they would lock eyes. She didn't want to think it meant something but she can't help but think that there really is something inside him she had to know, she can't just hide the confusion within.
"Hermione. Hermione! Are you ok?!" Ginny asked waving her hand in front her face.
"Uh-oh. yeah!" she answered quickly.
They continued chatting and after few more bottles they decided to retire for the night. Although not yet sleepy, Hermione changed to her pyjamas and lay quietly at her four-poster, staring at the canopy of her bed. She was thinking again about all the good things Malfoy has done for her. He was not like that before. He was an arrogant, self-centered prat. /Why did I even like it? Could it be? Could it be that he likes me? What if I like him as well?/ No! It's not right! The last person she would like to fall in love with is Malfoy! All these thoughts were swimming through her mind. She was really curious about what Malfoy's been up to. But all her feelings turned to anger. She remembered the last time she trusted him. He played a trick on her that made her, Ron and Harry very angry. How could she forget? She realized this must have been another joke too! She decided that she would never ever believe and fall for anything Malfoy say or do. But then something inside, was telling her to give it a chance. What if he does like me? I know it's impossible but I can't help but think about that. She told herself that she would just have to go with the flow. Come what may. She's just gonna have to deal with it.
The next day was fun for all the students. It was Friday and classes were cancelled to give way for the Faculty Day. Every one can do what ever they want. Neville, Dean and Seamus played a few games outdoors. After a few minutes they were forced to go back in because Neville had forgotten to meet Sheen at the Great Hall, which made Sheen so mad at him and told Jana and Desiree, Seamus and Dean's girlfriends not to talk to the three of them. Parvati and Lavender decided to stay indoors and show each other their Dress robes.
Harry, Ron and Hermione, went out to the gardens near the Quidditch field to have a small picnic. They also invited Cho and Ginny but they said they will just finish their entire job. Cho had a meeting with her teem mates and Ginny had to teach Collin with his transfiguration homework.
Draco didn't have a very good sleep, he had been thinking of Hermione. When he woke up Crabbe and Goyle were gone to pig-out in the great hall. They had been there all morning. Draco however had nothing to do and was getting bored. He tried to divert all the thoughts of Hermione somewhere else, but unfortunately, he can't. He stayed in the common room half of the day and played a few games of wizard's chess. After he finished his game with Jonathan Warlock, the new Slytherin keeper, he decided to go out of the castle to relax play in the Quidditch field for a while. So he took his broom and went immediately to the Quidditch pitch and then lifted himself up the air. The wind blew through his hair as it touches his face. After few hours of riding, he felt his head become lighter and the thoughts of Hermione and all his woes slowly drained away. It wasn't the best feeling but at least, all the worries that have been troubling his mind would disappear even fore a while. He felt more relaxed than he had been for the past few days.
But it didn't last long. On the corner of his eye eh spotted Harry, Ron and Hermione. They were sitting on a blanket, having a little picnic. Then, two girls emerged from the bushes, Cho and Ginny joined the trio. They looked so happy together and they all enjoyed being with each other. Draco watched Hermione. He watched her every move. The sight of her made him feel weird; he had this exciting feeling inside him. It's like having ten butterflies in his tummy, doing cartwheels. He floated there gaping at her as Ron and Cho sat by the lake and Harry and Ginny went up the hill to watch the sunset, leaving her alone, reading a book. He looked at her so intently. He lowered himself to have closer look, the sun had almost set but there was still light outside. He was about to get down beside her when her friends called upon her.
"Hermione! Let's go back in the castle!"
Hermione smiled at them. "You guys go ahead! I'll just finish this."
So the four went back and left her there. She was quietly reading and Draco was still staring at her. He must admit she had grown into a very beautiful lady. He never though there would come a time that he'll appreciate her but now he knows and now he understands. He likes her. He can hide it from others but he can never hide to himself. He felt the wind blew stronger and colder. So he went down on the bushes near Hermione. She was shivering slightly at the cold blow of the wind.
Hermione was not wearing her usual robes but instead a sleeveless dress, so she can really feel the cold. Suddenly she felt a cloak warmed her and covered her up followed by a hand rested on her shoulders. She looked up and saw Malfoy.
"You might need this; it's getting cold out here." He whispered.
She was speechless; she didn't expect him to do such thing. Even he didn't know he would do that too. He watched Hermione's curious expression.
"Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me? Is this another one of your jokes? Are you playing another trick on me?" She asked him simultaneously.
He was not able to answer as she flooded him with questions. Her curious expression was now turning to anger.
"Why? Answer me!" she continued staring at him.
Just as he was about to tell her the truth, Pansy came trotting down the gardens.
"Draco, baby! Here you are! I've looking all over for you!"
She immediately placed her arms around his neck and gave him soft kiss on the cheek. Draco on the other hand was dumbfounded.
"What...- are -.?" Draco wasn't able to finish his words.
Pansy's eye's fell on Hermione. "Oh! Its you! What she doing here?"
She asked in a very annoying tone, obviously not noticing Draco's cloak draped on her. She continued "Draco, you are so smart. I see you've tricked her again. Sorry dear!" she turned to Hermione. "But you see, you've been fooled again. He just played a terrible joke on you. Poor little muggle- born!"
Draco glared at Pansy, "Stop it Pansy!" he said.
But she kept right on.
"I thought you were smart enough to know a joke when you see one. stupid Mudblood!"
Draco's face redden, he felt his temper rising. "Pansy that's enough!" he gripped her arms tight.
"Ouch! Well it's true! You played her because you want to get back at Potter and Weasley for beating you up!"
At that, Hermione felt the anger rise through her body, her nose was flaring but the most dominant feeling inside her was hurt. So much hurt! She felt like crying but she fought back her tears and asked
"Is that true? All this things you did? Was it all a lie?"
Draco wasn't able to answer; he couldn't even look at her. He knew it all started with at lie, a joke. But now, it was different. This was true! He's doing it because he wants to.
Pansy was smiling devilishly. Hermione was almost into tears. She waited for him to answer but when he didn't speak. She said in a very quiet voice, but loud enough to be heard by Draco.
"I thought so!" and then she ran away, crying.
Nobody knew about what happened. She just didn't want Harry and Ron to get in trouble. When she went back to the castle, she headed straight to the girl's dormitory. She realized she was still wearing Draco's cloak. She took it off and threw it hard on the floor. She lied on her bed, buried her face on her pillows and cried quietly.
She though "How could I be so stupid? Pansy's right! I maybe smart but I believed in too much and trust too much! How could I even think he had changed? How could I even think he liked me? And how could I even feel something for him? This is all wrong!"
For a minute there she thought he had changed, she believed him. But this has got to stop! She's got to put an end on this somehow. So she didn't feel like eating so, she just lied there until she feel asleep.
***********************
Draco didn't eat that night. All the thoughts of Hermione were racing through his mind. It was bad enough that she hated him but the worst of all is that he didn't even come to her rescue when Pansy totally wrecked her dignity and he didn't even try to explain. There was confusion inside of him. he cannot decide on what he should feel about anymore.
"Damn! I'm so confused! Father will kill me if he finds out about all these things that's been bothering me! All these feelings about her! I'm not supposed to fall for her. Mudbloods are not half the worth of a Malfoy! She's not worth my time. I cannot continue this. This is nonsense! This is just a fixation. just a mere feeling that should not be nurtured!"
He continued saying that to himself until he finally came to a decision that he will just have to divert all her feelings to his own kind, and his own kind means Pansy. He dozed off just as though of him spending time with Pansy was dissolved.
It was a lazy Saturday and they have Saturday classes today, to make up for the day they had spent on Faculty Day. Hermione's classes were all with Slytherin and if that wasn't enough, she always runs in to Pansy and Draco. After that, she would see them holding hands, walking with his arms around her waist or her shoulders or worst she would see them snogging at the corridors. She couldn't understand why but all those things kept bothering her so much. She must admit there was something inside her that was hurting. It hurts her to see them together. Maybe she is jealous and maybe she had feelings for him. But she knew this had to go! It just got to. but how? She kept on thinking until night falls.
She joined Ron and Harry at the great hall; she did not tell them about all the things that have been troubling her mind. After dinner she went directly to her bed and lied there with her mind blank. she had never felt so down in her life. So down that she didn't know what to do. She tried her best to sleep leaving a question unanswered. how can she stop thinking about him? Little did she know that the Help she needed will soon to come!
To be continued..
STARTED AS A JOKE.
Hermione went straight to the dormitory, she was crying so hard that she can hardly breathe. She heard a soft voice called her.
"Hermione? Is that you? Are you ok?" Ginny sneaked at their room again.
Hermione wiped her tears. "I'm ok!"
Ginny wasn't convinced. She poked her head in Hermione's curtains. "No your not! What happened?"
Hermione sighed and began to tell her about the bet Malfoy and his cronies did to her.
"That foul, good for nothing git!" Ginny exclaimed. "Don't worry! He will never get away with this!"
Hermione kept on crying until she fell asleep. Ginny comforted her until she felt drowsy and she too went back to bed.
The next morning, Hermione can't open her eyes; it hurt from all her sobbing last night. She saw that the sun was already up and everyone is already down at the great hall. She hurriedly hit the showers and went directly to Transfiguration, not even bothering to eat breakfast. Her eyes were still puffy and hurting from all the crying she did last night. As she climbed up the stairs, she came across Draco who immediately noticed her. She didn't want to him, not now, maybe not ever. Draco looked at her but she avoided his eyes. She turned away and went directly in the classroom. Luckily, she was the first one in the classroom. She sat down and remembered what happened last night; she remembered what Malfoy and his cronies did to her. At that moment she couldn't think of anyone she hated more. She tried her best to ignore him and forget everything that had happened. She closed her eyes and relaxed. The anger and hatred within her suddenly drained away. But the relief she felt didn't last long. When Harry and Ron came in they approached her right away.
"We heard what happened! That foul evil git! He'll never get away with this!" Harry snapped.
Hermione stood up.
Ron placed his book down "That Fucking bastard! Wait 'till I get my hands on that jerk I'll tear him from limb to limb!" He shouted with an outraged expression on his face.
Some students who are already there heard him.
Hermione's eyed narrowed; she turned to the two boys with a worried look on her face.
"Guys! Please! Don't do anything that will get you in trouble! I'm ok, don't worry about me!" she pleaded.
But when Ron spotted Malfoy coming in the classroom he immediately felt the rage on anger swept all over him.
"That! That bastard! You'll pay for what you did Malfoy!" Ron snarled pointing his fore-finger at Malfoy. He plunged forward and landed a punch on Malfoy's jaw. Draco fell on the floor.
"What the f*ck!"
He stood up and hit Ron back with all his might, his clenched fist is connected solidly with Ron's abdomen. Ron could feel Malfoy's fist jabbing painfully across his ribs, he struggled to get better leverage. He mustered all of his strength and delivered another blow at Malfoy's face. Draco could hear Hermione and Harry shouting.
"Ron! Stop it! Get off! Let go! Malfoy! You bastard! Let go of Ron! Stop it!"
Harry forcibly dragged Ron away from Malfoy as the other students tried to stop them.
"Damn you two! This is enough!" Hermione suddenly exploded, stepping in between them.
Draco and Ron stopped, both surprised at her sudden outburst. Hermione looked angrily at the both of them.
"Will you two stop? You're making everything worst!"
Draco and Ron both goggled at her for a moment dumbfounded. Malfoy wiped the blood on his lips with the back of his hand. The sullen expression on his face melted into a cold, forced sneered. Without another word, he strode out of the classroom to the hospital wing. Ron however, sat down as Hermione tried to wipe the blood on his forehead. He was breathing hard.
"That coward ferret boy! He's lucky! I didn't give him a knock-out!"
Hermione glared at him. "Shut up Ron! You're lucky that could've been worst! Let's go to the hospital wing, your bruises must be cured!"
Ron stood up and muttered. "Cho's gonna kill me!"
Harry smiled. "Yeah! I know!"
So, they went to hospital wing, they came across Professor Mcgonagall. "What happened to you Mr. Weasley?"
Hermione stepped forward. "It was nothing professor." She lied. "He just accidentally fell off the stairs.
Professor raised her eyebrow. "Funny you should say that! Mr. Malfoy said the same thing about his bruises."
The three of them stood frozen in front of professor Mcgonagall, waiting for her to shout at them. But instead she said calmly "Oh! The spring dance shall be moved next week, before the spring ends. The teachers have a lot to finish. We'll if you'll excuse me, I'll go to your class right now. You three are excused but only for now!" And she walked past them to the stairs.
They sighed with relief and went to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey immediately attended to them and treated Ron. In madam Pomfrey's desk, they saw pictures of Mr. Filch and Mrs. Norris waving vigorously and smiling. (It frowned when it saw them looking at it.)
"Alright!" said Madame Pomfrey "He'll be ok in a minute or two. He just needs a little rest. Mr. Weasley you can lie in the 2nd bed next to Mr. Malfoy's."
Then she turned to Harry and Hermione "The two of you can now go back to your class."
So they agreed that they were going to fetch Ron after transfiguration. Draco However was visited by his cronies. They talked him into doing another joke on her by getting her trust and making her believe that he's changed. They said this is to seek revenge to her friends. Of course they were particularly careful of talking loudly, because Ron might hear them.
After class, Harry was asked by professor Mcgonagall to carry the free Hogwarts map for everyone to her office. So Hermione was forced to fetch Ron alone. Draco was preparing to stand up when the door suddenly creaked open. Hermione poked her head in.
"Ron?!" she said softly and looked around. Her sight landed on Draco "Has Ron left?" She asked flatly.
Malfoy looked up at her and sneered. "No! I swallowed him whole and threw him up on the garbage can so you can find him there!" He said sarcastically.
Hermione entered "Very funny Malfoy! Would you please stop being a jerk arse even for once!? You'll never change! You're nothing but a mean, arrogant prat who doesn't know anything but to pester everyone!"
Draco bowed his head. He knew a part of it was right and he thought this would be the right time to start the joke on her.
"OK! Hey, look! I'm sorry about everything that had happen."
Hermione was mildly shocked at what Malfoy said.
Then he continued "I know I've done a lot of damage to you and your friends, I'm sorry." He stood up and opted for the door.
Hermione spoke "Why are you saying that? How can you apologize to me?"
Draco curled his eyebrow "Excuse me? What do you mean by that? Just because I'm mean it doesn't mean, I can't swallow a little of my pride even for once. Besides, I don't want you to think I'm too insensitive"
With that he walked away out of the hospital wing leaving her with a question in her head.
What did he meant by that?
**************************
Days had passed and surprisingly the trio barely saw Malfoy. He stopped picking on Ron and Harry and he didn't do anything weird or bad against Hermione lately. One day, when she was running to her History of Magic class. She was running so fast that she did not see what's coming her way. or rather who.
"Oh! What the-"
Draco bumped into Hermione and all her things scattered on the floor. He saw her crouch and stated picking it up. Remembering the prank he immediately dropped down to her knees and helped her.
"Sorry! Here, let me help you!"
Hermione was shocked but she didn't say anything. They all gathered her things until there was only one book left. He reached for it but Hermione's hands got there first and his hands brushed against hers. They both felt a jolt of electricity and a certain tingling sensation swept through them. He didn't understand why but his hands stayed there for moment. Hermione's eyes met Draco's eyes. She tried to think but her mind went blank. Draco was stunned; he didn't know he would ever touch her like that. He knew it was just a prank but somehow, something tells him that something is going on. HE suddenly took off his hands realizing what he was doing. Hermione stated to move.
"S-sorry about you books" he stammered.
Hermione answered him back "oh. yeah! Thanks for the help!" she smiled at him weakly and walked away.
**************** The next day, Hermione walked briskly down the stairs to her next class. (As usual she went ahead because the two are cramming to do their homework.) She thought that she should go to their classroom already, so that she can be alone. When she entered, she saw Draco sitting on Snape's desk with his feet on the chair. He was reading a book aloud.
"The tumblewaxboar is a potion used for-." He stopped at the sight of Hermione "Oh. Good Morning Hermione!" He said casually.
Hermione stopped at her steps.
"What did you call me?" She asked unable to believe he called her by her first name.
"What?"
"I said. what did you called me?" Hermione repeated.
Draco felt nervous; he called her by her name.
"What do you mean call you? I didn't call you anything!" he stuttered, avoiding her eyes. "Honestly granger, you're not really that grateful to people when they greet you!"
Hermione raised her eyebrow. "Of course not! I'm a very grateful person!" she spat.
"Oh! Really." he said as he shook his head. "Yeah! Whatever you say Granger!"
They kept quiet for few minutes. Draco gazed at her. He knew that he didn't not just called Hermione by her first name because he just slipped but he did it because he had always wanted to. He always thought she was beautiful because she's changed a lot since fourth year. Not to mention this year's Yule ball. She took his breath away. Even Pansy who had so much accessories and make-up had no match for her. He always liked her beautiful skin and cinnamon eyes. He found himself gaping at her and eying cautiously every part of her face. Her eyes, her rosy white chicks, her red lips. He knew too well that this was not part of the prank they planned. This time he was serious and this was true. Everything he had been thinking about her was true. He can't stop this anymore or it'll drive him crazy. He doesn't care anymore if she's not pure-blooded or a Gryffindor. And then it hit him! He can't believe it. He realized it just then!
"Oh my God! I think I'm in love with her!" he thought.
****************
Hermione couldn't study. She's being conscious because Draco is in front of her. She doesn't know why but every time she's alone with him, she feels conscious. She knew she feels something for him but she always ignores it, thinking it was nothing. But she had been dreaming of him for four consecutive days now and was being hunted by thoughts of him. She often found herself thinking of where he could be or how he was because she hadn't seen him for the past few days. And even if she doesn't admit it, at the back of her mind she felt relieved to see him. She lifted her head and saw him looking at her.
"What are you looking at?" She asked raising her eyebrow.
Draco snapped out of his trance. He couldn't answer her. Luckily groups of people burst into the room. Harry and Ron came to her and took her attention away from him.
*******************
Lunch came and everyone was in the Great Hall, enjoying their liver and potatoes. Suddenly a loud screeching sound was heard. And sure enough a pack of owls were flying towards the students and give their letters. Ron and Harry got one. It was addressed to both of them. It was from Viktor Krum. Ron and Harry became closer to Viktor last year after they watched the Quidditch Cup. Ron had gone easy on him when he realized that he didn't like Hermione for girlfriend after all. They read the letter silently.
Dear Harry and Ron,
Hey! I want you to know, I will be coming to Hogwarts soon. I'll tell you both all about it when I get there next week. Meet me at the Quidditch field next Saturday. And please don't tell Hermione yet. I want to surprise her.
Viktor Krum
They both grinned at each other and of course Hermione asked them.
"Who's that from?"
"Oh! It was from Charlie! He said hi!" Ron lied.
That night Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny were all in the common room. Ron and Harry were playing wizard's chess and Ginny and Hermione were having a little chat and drinking a few butterbeer Harry and Ron brought from their secret trip to Hogsmead awhile ago.
"What's up with you lately?" Ginny asked.
Hermione took a sip of her butterbeer and answered.
"Oh.., not much. It's still the same! How about you?"
Ginny frowned. "Me? Urgh! I just hate Malfoy's stupid side-kicks! They always play jokes on me!"
At the sound of Draco's name Hermione's thoughts went flying back to the past few days. She couldn't decipher what lies between the kindness he's been doing. She didn't know the reason behind all the generosity and the why she would always catch him gaping at her. But despite of all the confusion, she liked it. She liked the sensation that sweeps through her body every time they would lock eyes. She didn't want to think it meant something but she can't help but think that there really is something inside him she had to know, she can't just hide the confusion within.
"Hermione. Hermione! Are you ok?!" Ginny asked waving her hand in front her face.
"Uh-oh. yeah!" she answered quickly.
They continued chatting and after few more bottles they decided to retire for the night. Although not yet sleepy, Hermione changed to her pyjamas and lay quietly at her four-poster, staring at the canopy of her bed. She was thinking again about all the good things Malfoy has done for her. He was not like that before. He was an arrogant, self-centered prat. /Why did I even like it? Could it be? Could it be that he likes me? What if I like him as well?/ No! It's not right! The last person she would like to fall in love with is Malfoy! All these thoughts were swimming through her mind. She was really curious about what Malfoy's been up to. But all her feelings turned to anger. She remembered the last time she trusted him. He played a trick on her that made her, Ron and Harry very angry. How could she forget? She realized this must have been another joke too! She decided that she would never ever believe and fall for anything Malfoy say or do. But then something inside, was telling her to give it a chance. What if he does like me? I know it's impossible but I can't help but think about that. She told herself that she would just have to go with the flow. Come what may. She's just gonna have to deal with it.
The next day was fun for all the students. It was Friday and classes were cancelled to give way for the Faculty Day. Every one can do what ever they want. Neville, Dean and Seamus played a few games outdoors. After a few minutes they were forced to go back in because Neville had forgotten to meet Sheen at the Great Hall, which made Sheen so mad at him and told Jana and Desiree, Seamus and Dean's girlfriends not to talk to the three of them. Parvati and Lavender decided to stay indoors and show each other their Dress robes.
Harry, Ron and Hermione, went out to the gardens near the Quidditch field to have a small picnic. They also invited Cho and Ginny but they said they will just finish their entire job. Cho had a meeting with her teem mates and Ginny had to teach Collin with his transfiguration homework.
Draco didn't have a very good sleep, he had been thinking of Hermione. When he woke up Crabbe and Goyle were gone to pig-out in the great hall. They had been there all morning. Draco however had nothing to do and was getting bored. He tried to divert all the thoughts of Hermione somewhere else, but unfortunately, he can't. He stayed in the common room half of the day and played a few games of wizard's chess. After he finished his game with Jonathan Warlock, the new Slytherin keeper, he decided to go out of the castle to relax play in the Quidditch field for a while. So he took his broom and went immediately to the Quidditch pitch and then lifted himself up the air. The wind blew through his hair as it touches his face. After few hours of riding, he felt his head become lighter and the thoughts of Hermione and all his woes slowly drained away. It wasn't the best feeling but at least, all the worries that have been troubling his mind would disappear even fore a while. He felt more relaxed than he had been for the past few days.
But it didn't last long. On the corner of his eye eh spotted Harry, Ron and Hermione. They were sitting on a blanket, having a little picnic. Then, two girls emerged from the bushes, Cho and Ginny joined the trio. They looked so happy together and they all enjoyed being with each other. Draco watched Hermione. He watched her every move. The sight of her made him feel weird; he had this exciting feeling inside him. It's like having ten butterflies in his tummy, doing cartwheels. He floated there gaping at her as Ron and Cho sat by the lake and Harry and Ginny went up the hill to watch the sunset, leaving her alone, reading a book. He looked at her so intently. He lowered himself to have closer look, the sun had almost set but there was still light outside. He was about to get down beside her when her friends called upon her.
"Hermione! Let's go back in the castle!"
Hermione smiled at them. "You guys go ahead! I'll just finish this."
So the four went back and left her there. She was quietly reading and Draco was still staring at her. He must admit she had grown into a very beautiful lady. He never though there would come a time that he'll appreciate her but now he knows and now he understands. He likes her. He can hide it from others but he can never hide to himself. He felt the wind blew stronger and colder. So he went down on the bushes near Hermione. She was shivering slightly at the cold blow of the wind.
Hermione was not wearing her usual robes but instead a sleeveless dress, so she can really feel the cold. Suddenly she felt a cloak warmed her and covered her up followed by a hand rested on her shoulders. She looked up and saw Malfoy.
"You might need this; it's getting cold out here." He whispered.
She was speechless; she didn't expect him to do such thing. Even he didn't know he would do that too. He watched Hermione's curious expression.
"Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me? Is this another one of your jokes? Are you playing another trick on me?" She asked him simultaneously.
He was not able to answer as she flooded him with questions. Her curious expression was now turning to anger.
"Why? Answer me!" she continued staring at him.
Just as he was about to tell her the truth, Pansy came trotting down the gardens.
"Draco, baby! Here you are! I've looking all over for you!"
She immediately placed her arms around his neck and gave him soft kiss on the cheek. Draco on the other hand was dumbfounded.
"What...- are -.?" Draco wasn't able to finish his words.
Pansy's eye's fell on Hermione. "Oh! Its you! What she doing here?"
She asked in a very annoying tone, obviously not noticing Draco's cloak draped on her. She continued "Draco, you are so smart. I see you've tricked her again. Sorry dear!" she turned to Hermione. "But you see, you've been fooled again. He just played a terrible joke on you. Poor little muggle- born!"
Draco glared at Pansy, "Stop it Pansy!" he said.
But she kept right on.
"I thought you were smart enough to know a joke when you see one. stupid Mudblood!"
Draco's face redden, he felt his temper rising. "Pansy that's enough!" he gripped her arms tight.
"Ouch! Well it's true! You played her because you want to get back at Potter and Weasley for beating you up!"
At that, Hermione felt the anger rise through her body, her nose was flaring but the most dominant feeling inside her was hurt. So much hurt! She felt like crying but she fought back her tears and asked
"Is that true? All this things you did? Was it all a lie?"
Draco wasn't able to answer; he couldn't even look at her. He knew it all started with at lie, a joke. But now, it was different. This was true! He's doing it because he wants to.
Pansy was smiling devilishly. Hermione was almost into tears. She waited for him to answer but when he didn't speak. She said in a very quiet voice, but loud enough to be heard by Draco.
"I thought so!" and then she ran away, crying.
Nobody knew about what happened. She just didn't want Harry and Ron to get in trouble. When she went back to the castle, she headed straight to the girl's dormitory. She realized she was still wearing Draco's cloak. She took it off and threw it hard on the floor. She lied on her bed, buried her face on her pillows and cried quietly.
She though "How could I be so stupid? Pansy's right! I maybe smart but I believed in too much and trust too much! How could I even think he had changed? How could I even think he liked me? And how could I even feel something for him? This is all wrong!"
For a minute there she thought he had changed, she believed him. But this has got to stop! She's got to put an end on this somehow. So she didn't feel like eating so, she just lied there until she feel asleep.
***********************
Draco didn't eat that night. All the thoughts of Hermione were racing through his mind. It was bad enough that she hated him but the worst of all is that he didn't even come to her rescue when Pansy totally wrecked her dignity and he didn't even try to explain. There was confusion inside of him. he cannot decide on what he should feel about anymore.
"Damn! I'm so confused! Father will kill me if he finds out about all these things that's been bothering me! All these feelings about her! I'm not supposed to fall for her. Mudbloods are not half the worth of a Malfoy! She's not worth my time. I cannot continue this. This is nonsense! This is just a fixation. just a mere feeling that should not be nurtured!"
He continued saying that to himself until he finally came to a decision that he will just have to divert all her feelings to his own kind, and his own kind means Pansy. He dozed off just as though of him spending time with Pansy was dissolved.
It was a lazy Saturday and they have Saturday classes today, to make up for the day they had spent on Faculty Day. Hermione's classes were all with Slytherin and if that wasn't enough, she always runs in to Pansy and Draco. After that, she would see them holding hands, walking with his arms around her waist or her shoulders or worst she would see them snogging at the corridors. She couldn't understand why but all those things kept bothering her so much. She must admit there was something inside her that was hurting. It hurts her to see them together. Maybe she is jealous and maybe she had feelings for him. But she knew this had to go! It just got to. but how? She kept on thinking until night falls.
She joined Ron and Harry at the great hall; she did not tell them about all the things that have been troubling her mind. After dinner she went directly to her bed and lied there with her mind blank. she had never felt so down in her life. So down that she didn't know what to do. She tried her best to sleep leaving a question unanswered. how can she stop thinking about him? Little did she know that the Help she needed will soon to come!
To be continued..