A/N:
Hey! Everyone! This is the 7th chap! Hope you'll enjoy it! I've just
finished typing it! I just hope you'll like 'em! This chapter is dedicated
to my barx and those who reviewed the last few chaps of my fic! Well, here
it is! Ciao!
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Chapter 7- jealousy and distress?!
The next day was just too much to take. Draco was feeling really annoyed. He had seen them together everywhere he goes. It was as if they were inseparable. It's like they never want to leave each others sides. At least that was what Krum's been doing. He'd been following Hermione around, doing stuff for her. He even forgot to go back to his class one time.
Draco went to the Charms classroom for their next class. Professor Flitwick was teaching them some sort of incantation. Draco wasn't listening. Hermione was accompanied again by Viktor to their class room and he even saw her give him a peck on the cheek.
"Bloody hell! How am I supposed to stop these feelings if I always see them together?" He asked himself quietly.
He didn't want to admit it, but it was hurting him to see them together. It hurts to know that you have feelings for someone who despised you.
"Of all the girls at Hogwarts why granger?"
It was difficult to stop his feelings. He had never felt this way before. He had been withy many Girls, prettier than she was (or maybe not!) but they never made him feel everything all at the same time. It was painful to feel that way for her because he knew that she'll never have feelings for him. He had been cruel, indifferent and bad to her. He even wished she would die when they were in second year. It was all too much to think about. Draco was so taken by his thoughts and Pansy was watching him. Then she leaned against him "Hey baby! Can you teach me that incantation again?"
Draco was distracted.
"Huh- W-what?" he turned to her. "Pansy, later ok?"
Pansy just shrugged and sulkily leaned back in her chair.
Hermione was having a good time, Viktor had been very nice to her and he had been really caring. She liked the way he cared for her. No one ever cared for her that way. It was different from the friendly care Ginny and Cho gives her and the best-friendly concern Harry and Ron does. It was more of a more-then-friendly concern; you know the I-like-you concern. She sat down in her chair quietly and listened to Professor Flitwick's lesson. At the back of her mind, there was something aking her how Draco was. She knew she had feelings for him. Unwanted feelings that she had been trying to change, to forget. She thought she was almost over him, but seeing her today, with Pansy by his side triggered something in her. Was it Jealousy? She didn't want to think of it that way. She can't seem to understand why of all the people she had to fall for him. It was painful to know that you love someone and it's wrong to love him. It's painful too to know that you love someone but that someone will never learn to love you back. He hated her and her family. She was a muggle born and Malfoys and muggleborns are not allowed. He's disgusted with her; he had been so cruel to her. She knew that feeling that way for him was an illusion. It's going to destroy her and she didn't wasn't that to happen. She shook her head vigorously to shake all her thoughts and went back to reality. Professor Flitwick was now writing on the blackboard. She took her parchment and quill and began to write, forgetting all the things she had been pondering on.
****************
After class, Harry and Ron had Quidditch Practice, Harry was now the Quidditch captain (he was taken in consideration even if he's in sixth grade, besides he's good!) and Ron was the new Gryffindor keeper. Hermione was invited to watch so she hurriedly finished her homework and went down to the Quidditch field. She immediately spotted Ron and Harry sitting on the bench with Ginny.
"Hey!" she greeted them.
"Hey to you too!" Ron answered back.
"Where's Cho?" She asked, looking around. "Don't tell me you had another fight."
Ron just shrugged. "I dunno she's avoiding me! I think it's because of me being a Keeper."
Ginny turned to him.
"Ron, what's Quidditch had to do with you and Cho? I mean, you both like Quidditch!"
Ron stood up. "Yup! We both love Quidditch but what she doesn't want is for me to play Quidditch!"
Now Harry turned to him "And why is that?"
Hermione now sat down next to Ginny.
"Because she didn't want to me play against her. It'll weird. She said she can't concentrate with me around. She said she would be distracted by my lean physique and my very handsome smile. Besides she said I was very sexy"
Hermione giggled.
"Ok! Enough with the self flattering! Your head growing too big, careful it might explode."
Ginny giggled too and this time Harry's with her.
"Yeah! We don't want remnants of your brain sliming our robes!"
Ron glared at them. "Whatever! I'll just go and practice. Laugh if you want!"
He kicked off the ground and flew across the field. Harry followed him.
*************** After dinner, students went to their common room. Draco however was asked by Pansy to stay with her and wander for a moment.
"Pansy, we are not allowed to wander around school after bed time!"
He complained. Pansy gave him a quizzical look.
"Since when did you worry about school rules and all those stuff?" she asked.
Draco shook his head.
"I dunno,"
He saw Pansy glared at him
"Oh, ok! Fine! What ever you say!"
They separated from the group of Slytherins and sneaked out of the corridor to the stairs.
*********************
Hermione was almost up the Gryffindor tower, with Harry and Ron when Viktor Krum caught up with them.
"Hermione!" he called.
Hermione turned to him
"Oh! Viktor! Do you need something?"
Viktor smiled at her weakly and answered.
"No, Nothing. Uhm- it's just that, is it ok if you'd take a walk with me? I promise we won't get in trouble, I had Professor McGonagall's Permission."
Hermione stared at him for a moment and then agreed. Harry and Ron bid her good night and went on to the tower.
Viktor and Hermione went down and came across Pansy with Draco's arms draped around her shoulders. It was as though she wanted to be sick, but she pretended not to notice. They just walked pass them and to her surprise Viktor wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear
"Thank you!"
And then he placed his arms down to her waist and they walked out of the giant oak doors.
"What for?" she asked.
Viktor smiled at her. "For being there! For inspiring me, I know that there were things I should've said before, I know, you know that I have feelings for you, Ever since I had this inside me." He said as they reach the gardens.
Hermione took a deep breath, her heart pounding. This was the most serious conversation she had ever had with him.
"Hermione," he said and held her hands.
"I love you!"
Hermione's eyes widened.
"Viktor, I-."
But he placed a finger softly on her lips,
"Ssh. look, you don't have to say anything. I can wait. I'm just telling you this now so that you can think."
Viktor slowly put his arms around her and Hermione didn't protest. Somehow, it felt great! It felt warm and the coldness of the night seemed to fade and she felt true comfort.
******************
Draco was getting bored with Pansy, but somehow he thought it was better than to be alone wondering what Hermione and Krum are doing. He needed something to take his mind off her. He just saw the two a while ago, Viktor's arms around Hermione's waist. He almost choked at the sight; luckily she didn't seem to notice. Pansy was looking at him
"Are you ok? You seemed so quiet!" she asked him gingerly.
"Uhm, N-Nothing! I'm perfectly fine. Look, I'm getting tired maybe it's better if we go to bed now."
Pansy frowned a little but she knew she had no choice so she agreed.
******************
Draco went to his bed with loads in his mind. He was trying to recall the time since when he ever felt something for Hermione, and he knows the library incident was not the first. It was just the first time he ever had the courage to pay attention to his instincts and followed her.
He first felt it when they were in fourth year. The Yule ball was very significant for him. He saw her come out of the door with her arms around Viktor Krum's. He was speechless. He was appalled by her new look. She was so beautiful, so stunning. He wanted to take his eyes off her and give a snide comment but he couldn't find anything to throw at her. And that he was shocked to see her that way, his jaw practically dropped. Thankfully no one noticed it. He thought that it was just a physical attraction and it would eventually go away. But since that day he had seen Hermione in a whole new light. He had seen how kind she was, how patient and how affectionate she can be. Although it wasn't towards him and she always treats him differently, he knew what kind of person she was. He used to think what she was doing was absurd and that she was a fool for doing those things but then he can't deny the fact that she made her feel different things, things he can't explain. He had never tried to take notice of if until that day in the library. And he guessed it triggered the feelings in him.
******************
The next morning, Hermione was feeling really great. She woke up with a good start. She realized that since Viktor is now here, she can forget about Draco easily and go on with her life. And have a new life with Viktor. She can't predict what will happen but at least she can try. Their first class is Defense Against the Dark Arts with the Slytherins. Hermione came in the classroom early with Harry and Ron. They found Krum preparing the miliosch (a two headed fish!)
"Oh! Hi Viktor!" Ron and Harry greeted.
"Oh! Hi to you too! Good morning!"
Harry and Ron talked while Hermione reads for their next lessons. Every time their subject is DADA, they do that. Hermione got used to being with Harry, Ron and Viktor everyday before class and she had the routine of sitting on the table, (Krum's table) and she talked to the three of them until the start of the class.
One day, Harry and Ron forgot to finish their homework (again!) So they told Hermione to go ahead and they'll just see her in the room.
So she went.
******************
Draco was not in the mood to eat again, he had not been this past few days; He can't swallow anything because every time he would, Pansy would insist on feeding him herself. So he tried his best to get away from Pansy and just go early to class. He knows that deep inside him, what he was doing was wrong, he was using Pansy. He knew that, He was using Pansy to take his mind of the only girl that had invaded it. And he thought he had no choice. It was the only way he knows and he just has to deal with it.
Quietly, he went to the second floor to the DADA classroom. When he entered, he stopped dead at his tracks. He saw Hermione in the most unlikely position. (at least for him) she was sitting on the teacher's table, her leg crossed and was giggling softly, talking to Krum. He walked in quietly, careful not to make sound. He slipped through his chair and luckily they didn't seem to notice. The two were both laughing; Draco saw that every time Hermione would laugh, Viktor would do the same and touch her hand every chance he got. Draco couldn't stand the scene anymore and pretended to drop his book.
"BLAG!"
The two looked at him with surprise and Hermione immediately stood up. Draco however smiled innocently and said
"Sorry! Dropped my book!"
Hermione just rolled her eyes at him, sat on her chair and began reading her book.
*****************
When lunch came the trio met up with Cho and Ginny. Hermione found out that Ron and Cho are still mad at each other because of the fight between him and Malfoy.
"How will my parents like you if you've been being immature? What would they say if they find out your always fighting with Malfoy?"
Said Cho, feeling indignant. Since Cedric's death her parents never trusted her withy any other guy until Ron. They like him for the fact that his parents were good people but still furious about him.
Ron shrugged "I wouldn't count that as always"
Cho rolled her eyes at him. "Ron! Honestly.!"
Ron answered her in an ill-tempered tone "I can't believe your parents! When they can ever learn to trust me?" he asked throwing his hands up the air. "Don't worry," He continued "they will never know about it! I don't plan on getting another howler!"
They argued while walking down the stairs. However, Harry and Ginny were doing well and Hermione was accompanied by Krum. After a few minutes more, Ron and Cho are already making up. They finally resolved their problem and forgave each other. Harry asked Viktor and Ron to come with him to the Quidditch pitch to have the Quidditch meeting. Ron and Harry kissed Cho and Ginny goodbye, Viktor however hesitated and just held her hand for a while squeezed it a little and let go.
When the three boys left, Cho and Ginny stirred Hermione in to the corner of the hall.
"Hey! Tell us! What's up with you and Krum?"
They asked her giggling. Hermione raised her eyebrow.
"What do you mean? There's nothing between me and Viktor."
Ginny rolled her eyes at her
"Oh really. I don't think so. 'Viktor' happens to like you so much ever since fourth grade."
Cho smiling from ear to ear.
At that moment Draco was pacing along through the corridors looking for his two annoying minions. As he turned to the next hall, he heard them giggling and asking Hermione repeatedly.
"Tell us Hermione! What do you think of Krum? Do you like him? Don't tell us you don't because obviously there's something between you and him."
Draco knew that eves-dropping is really a very inappropriate thing to do especially on girl-talks but then, he's a Slytherin and he was born that way, so why control it?
They kept on giggling and Hermione did too.
"Look you guys, I don't know" she said smiling broadly. "But, yes, frankly I do! I do like him" Hermione answered "I like him because he's kind, caring, understanding and so sweet! And he respected me so well. It's like he so perfect and too good to be true."
Draco heard everything she said. Suddenly he felt like he regretted listening to what they were talking about. He didn't know why but he felt like something sharp struck him in the chest. It was so painful that he almost cannot breathe. If some other person felt the way he did, they would've cried or would've run away. But he was Draco Malfoy, and he was not supposed to do that. He was not supposed to feel the pain. He was raised up by his father to resist pain and now is the right time to show how good he is in being in command of his own feelings. He pretended he didn't feel anything and came out of the corner. He smirks at them as they look at him.
"Oooh. Little Mudblood fancies the Quidditch boy! How sweet!"
They whirled around and glared at him.
"Sod off Malfoy!" said Ginny looking annoyed.
"Yeah! Shut your trap" agreed Cho.
Hermione however, kept silent.
"Let's go! I don't want to be here with the stupid moronic bouncing ferret boy!" Ginny wailed and all three of them went down to the corridors and left Draco.
*******************
The dance was three weeks away for it has been moved. The teachers seemed to think it'll be better if all of them had been finished making the students' exams before they pursue the dance. No one seemed to worry about it for their exams will be after the dance. Even Hermione was somewhat going easy on studying her lessons. (Was that a miracle?) She and Krum had been spending more time together, considering the fact that they both like each other.
Draco himself is spending more time with Pansy; he's starting to like her though her constant giggling tends to bug him sometimes. Pansy was really sweet to him; she really took care of him. She never missed to kiss him goodnight and ask him if he had already eaten. She almost looked like the perfect girlfriend for anyone excluding her being materialistic. She seemed to be the perfect girl for anyone, except Draco, He knew Pansy was not the one for him. And for the first time in his life, he didn't get what he wanted. And he wanted Hermione. Although this was the truth, he willed himself to believe that it wasn't and strived to enjoy Pansy's company. Believe it or not, he liked the way Pansy takes care of him. He had not experience this when he was young. Yes, his mother was there and she loved her so much, but despite all her efforts and desires to show him, his father won't allow it. He hindered the love that his mother's trying to give and took her away from him. She was forbidden to show him care. Now, that he had Pansy, and he knew she cared for him and loved him; he tried his best to be happy with. It was like craving for the kind of care he never had when he was young. He then realized he could pull this off. He can stop all these rubbish and focus on Pansy. Then, everything will be fine!
*******************
Three days had passed and Hermione was doing well with Krum. They have no commitments to each other but they're both happy in their situation. He never complained to her, even when ever she wanted to go the library instead of roaming around the school grounds on week ends. He was so kind, understanding, respectful, caring and sweet to her. She must admit she liked him, just as she told her friends. She knew that what she said to them was true, she did like him. She liked him very much but she also knew that even so, she liked someone else more than him. And she felt like a fool for feeling that way towards Draco. It was as if reaching for the unreachable. He hated her, and he hated him. That was what everybody was thinking.
She recalled the first time she ever felt this way for him. It was two years ago after the Yule Ball. She was so pissed off with Ron that she left and went directly to the rose garden. The evening air smelled like pine and roses. It was quiet and peaceful. The wind blew silently as she took a deep breath trying to relax. From no where, she unexpectedly heard someone talking. She moved slowly and followed the sound, and it leads her to the mini -park near the rose garden. She saw Draco with Pansy sitting next to him. She was surprised when she saw she was crying. She listened closely to what they were saying.
"I can't believe they have to say that to me! They don't know me! They don't know who I really am! I maybe materialistic, yes! I admit! I maybe a bitch sometime, but I have a heart too!" sobbed Pansy.
"We are Slytherins indeed, but we can love too! I'm only human, I'm not perfect I make mistakes!" she continued still weeping.
Hermione didn't understand it at first until Draco spoke.
"Pansy, please stop crying, don't worry about Adrian, He's not the only guy in the world. Don't worry everything will be fine." He said, his voice soothing and comforting.
It was the noblest act she ever saw Draco do. It was very unbelievable. She had to shake her head three times to see that she was not dreaming. Draco was patting her back gently and was wiping her tears. Hermione's heart melted. She never thought there would come a time when he she will see him do that. After that night, Hermione started to see Draco differently. Although she knew that probably it'll be the first and last time he'll do that to anyone. She had felt different towards him ever since but she always ignored it. She willed herself to believe that she loathed him although it was the opposite. She knew it was wrong; it was beyond thinking that she ever felt that way for him. Btu every time she sees him and their eyes meets; everything seems to be so right. And that nothing can make her feel any better. But now, this was different. She finally realized that she felt something for Draco and that she has to fight it. She had to do something to resist it. And now that Viktor is with her. She knew everything will be alright. He will help her forget about him. She had to forget him. And he'll to what ever it takes to fight these wrong feelings inside her.
******************
After classes, the trio went to fetch Cho and Ginny. As they went down the great Hall they saw Krum and he joined them. They went to the rose garden. Suddenly Ginny and Harry suddenly disappeared, probably snogging somewhere and Ron and Ron were tickling each other and snogging once in a while too. Viktor stirred her in the nearby tree on top of the hill and they sat watching the sunset. He was watching her every move and her beautiful face reflecting the light of the sun sinking down the black lake.
"God! You're so beautiful!" he whispered under his breath. Hermione looked at him, her cheeks turning scarlet.
"Uh-oh! Thank you!"
Viktor suddenly took her hands and said
"Hermione, would you go to the dance with me?" he asked intently staring at her cinnamon eyes.
After what felt like forever, her lips curled into a smile and she finally answered him, and he held his breath.
"Yes! I'd love to Viktor!" She said cheerfully.
Krum's face was full of gladness.
"Really!? Thank you so much! You don't know how happy I am!"
He answered her back with a wide grin on his face.
******************
The issue about Hermione going with Krum was amplified through the whole school. And rumors about Krum and Hermione being together had been roaming around. No one seemed to mind even though Krum was a teacher and Hermione was his student. He was only a substitute after all and everyone knew that worrying about Krum being biased with her grades is pointless for she always gets the perfect score in every tests.
Draco saw Pansy approaching while he was reading his Dormiens Serpentine book, a gift from his mother when he was accepted in Hogwarts. She was talking to her friends who were clearly not pleased with the gossip she heard.
"I cannot believe this! Of all the people?" Pansy's friend grunted.
"I know! It's unbelievable! How could he pick her?" she said with a sickening look on her face.
Then, her face relaxed and said
"Well, lucky for me! I have Draco! I've got to go, he's waiting!"
She tore herself from her friends and approached Draco's table.
"Hi Baby!"
She said sweetly and gave him a peck on the cheek. Draco looked up at her and back at his book.
"What are you three talking about there? Did anyone of them have been shagged by Marcus Flint again?"
Pansy sat and frowned.
"No silly! Jadey's just upset!" She said while combing her hair.
Draco raised his eyes at her. "And why is that?"
"It's that Viktor Krum. Jadey fancies him! And she found out that he's already taking his girlfriend to the dance."
Draco smirk "Girlfriend? Krum has a girlfriend, who?"
He asked and took a sip of his pumpkin juice. Pansy rolled her eyes
"who else? Mudblood Granger of course!"
When he heard what she said Draco accidentally spat the juice and almost fell of his seat.
"WHAT? HERMIONE?!"
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Well what did you think?! Did you like it? Well, sorry if this is too long. much longer than the first few ones. I've been inspired! Hehe. please review! I'm open to any comments!
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Chapter 7- jealousy and distress?!
The next day was just too much to take. Draco was feeling really annoyed. He had seen them together everywhere he goes. It was as if they were inseparable. It's like they never want to leave each others sides. At least that was what Krum's been doing. He'd been following Hermione around, doing stuff for her. He even forgot to go back to his class one time.
Draco went to the Charms classroom for their next class. Professor Flitwick was teaching them some sort of incantation. Draco wasn't listening. Hermione was accompanied again by Viktor to their class room and he even saw her give him a peck on the cheek.
"Bloody hell! How am I supposed to stop these feelings if I always see them together?" He asked himself quietly.
He didn't want to admit it, but it was hurting him to see them together. It hurts to know that you have feelings for someone who despised you.
"Of all the girls at Hogwarts why granger?"
It was difficult to stop his feelings. He had never felt this way before. He had been withy many Girls, prettier than she was (or maybe not!) but they never made him feel everything all at the same time. It was painful to feel that way for her because he knew that she'll never have feelings for him. He had been cruel, indifferent and bad to her. He even wished she would die when they were in second year. It was all too much to think about. Draco was so taken by his thoughts and Pansy was watching him. Then she leaned against him "Hey baby! Can you teach me that incantation again?"
Draco was distracted.
"Huh- W-what?" he turned to her. "Pansy, later ok?"
Pansy just shrugged and sulkily leaned back in her chair.
Hermione was having a good time, Viktor had been very nice to her and he had been really caring. She liked the way he cared for her. No one ever cared for her that way. It was different from the friendly care Ginny and Cho gives her and the best-friendly concern Harry and Ron does. It was more of a more-then-friendly concern; you know the I-like-you concern. She sat down in her chair quietly and listened to Professor Flitwick's lesson. At the back of her mind, there was something aking her how Draco was. She knew she had feelings for him. Unwanted feelings that she had been trying to change, to forget. She thought she was almost over him, but seeing her today, with Pansy by his side triggered something in her. Was it Jealousy? She didn't want to think of it that way. She can't seem to understand why of all the people she had to fall for him. It was painful to know that you love someone and it's wrong to love him. It's painful too to know that you love someone but that someone will never learn to love you back. He hated her and her family. She was a muggle born and Malfoys and muggleborns are not allowed. He's disgusted with her; he had been so cruel to her. She knew that feeling that way for him was an illusion. It's going to destroy her and she didn't wasn't that to happen. She shook her head vigorously to shake all her thoughts and went back to reality. Professor Flitwick was now writing on the blackboard. She took her parchment and quill and began to write, forgetting all the things she had been pondering on.
****************
After class, Harry and Ron had Quidditch Practice, Harry was now the Quidditch captain (he was taken in consideration even if he's in sixth grade, besides he's good!) and Ron was the new Gryffindor keeper. Hermione was invited to watch so she hurriedly finished her homework and went down to the Quidditch field. She immediately spotted Ron and Harry sitting on the bench with Ginny.
"Hey!" she greeted them.
"Hey to you too!" Ron answered back.
"Where's Cho?" She asked, looking around. "Don't tell me you had another fight."
Ron just shrugged. "I dunno she's avoiding me! I think it's because of me being a Keeper."
Ginny turned to him.
"Ron, what's Quidditch had to do with you and Cho? I mean, you both like Quidditch!"
Ron stood up. "Yup! We both love Quidditch but what she doesn't want is for me to play Quidditch!"
Now Harry turned to him "And why is that?"
Hermione now sat down next to Ginny.
"Because she didn't want to me play against her. It'll weird. She said she can't concentrate with me around. She said she would be distracted by my lean physique and my very handsome smile. Besides she said I was very sexy"
Hermione giggled.
"Ok! Enough with the self flattering! Your head growing too big, careful it might explode."
Ginny giggled too and this time Harry's with her.
"Yeah! We don't want remnants of your brain sliming our robes!"
Ron glared at them. "Whatever! I'll just go and practice. Laugh if you want!"
He kicked off the ground and flew across the field. Harry followed him.
*************** After dinner, students went to their common room. Draco however was asked by Pansy to stay with her and wander for a moment.
"Pansy, we are not allowed to wander around school after bed time!"
He complained. Pansy gave him a quizzical look.
"Since when did you worry about school rules and all those stuff?" she asked.
Draco shook his head.
"I dunno,"
He saw Pansy glared at him
"Oh, ok! Fine! What ever you say!"
They separated from the group of Slytherins and sneaked out of the corridor to the stairs.
*********************
Hermione was almost up the Gryffindor tower, with Harry and Ron when Viktor Krum caught up with them.
"Hermione!" he called.
Hermione turned to him
"Oh! Viktor! Do you need something?"
Viktor smiled at her weakly and answered.
"No, Nothing. Uhm- it's just that, is it ok if you'd take a walk with me? I promise we won't get in trouble, I had Professor McGonagall's Permission."
Hermione stared at him for a moment and then agreed. Harry and Ron bid her good night and went on to the tower.
Viktor and Hermione went down and came across Pansy with Draco's arms draped around her shoulders. It was as though she wanted to be sick, but she pretended not to notice. They just walked pass them and to her surprise Viktor wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear
"Thank you!"
And then he placed his arms down to her waist and they walked out of the giant oak doors.
"What for?" she asked.
Viktor smiled at her. "For being there! For inspiring me, I know that there were things I should've said before, I know, you know that I have feelings for you, Ever since I had this inside me." He said as they reach the gardens.
Hermione took a deep breath, her heart pounding. This was the most serious conversation she had ever had with him.
"Hermione," he said and held her hands.
"I love you!"
Hermione's eyes widened.
"Viktor, I-."
But he placed a finger softly on her lips,
"Ssh. look, you don't have to say anything. I can wait. I'm just telling you this now so that you can think."
Viktor slowly put his arms around her and Hermione didn't protest. Somehow, it felt great! It felt warm and the coldness of the night seemed to fade and she felt true comfort.
******************
Draco was getting bored with Pansy, but somehow he thought it was better than to be alone wondering what Hermione and Krum are doing. He needed something to take his mind off her. He just saw the two a while ago, Viktor's arms around Hermione's waist. He almost choked at the sight; luckily she didn't seem to notice. Pansy was looking at him
"Are you ok? You seemed so quiet!" she asked him gingerly.
"Uhm, N-Nothing! I'm perfectly fine. Look, I'm getting tired maybe it's better if we go to bed now."
Pansy frowned a little but she knew she had no choice so she agreed.
******************
Draco went to his bed with loads in his mind. He was trying to recall the time since when he ever felt something for Hermione, and he knows the library incident was not the first. It was just the first time he ever had the courage to pay attention to his instincts and followed her.
He first felt it when they were in fourth year. The Yule ball was very significant for him. He saw her come out of the door with her arms around Viktor Krum's. He was speechless. He was appalled by her new look. She was so beautiful, so stunning. He wanted to take his eyes off her and give a snide comment but he couldn't find anything to throw at her. And that he was shocked to see her that way, his jaw practically dropped. Thankfully no one noticed it. He thought that it was just a physical attraction and it would eventually go away. But since that day he had seen Hermione in a whole new light. He had seen how kind she was, how patient and how affectionate she can be. Although it wasn't towards him and she always treats him differently, he knew what kind of person she was. He used to think what she was doing was absurd and that she was a fool for doing those things but then he can't deny the fact that she made her feel different things, things he can't explain. He had never tried to take notice of if until that day in the library. And he guessed it triggered the feelings in him.
******************
The next morning, Hermione was feeling really great. She woke up with a good start. She realized that since Viktor is now here, she can forget about Draco easily and go on with her life. And have a new life with Viktor. She can't predict what will happen but at least she can try. Their first class is Defense Against the Dark Arts with the Slytherins. Hermione came in the classroom early with Harry and Ron. They found Krum preparing the miliosch (a two headed fish!)
"Oh! Hi Viktor!" Ron and Harry greeted.
"Oh! Hi to you too! Good morning!"
Harry and Ron talked while Hermione reads for their next lessons. Every time their subject is DADA, they do that. Hermione got used to being with Harry, Ron and Viktor everyday before class and she had the routine of sitting on the table, (Krum's table) and she talked to the three of them until the start of the class.
One day, Harry and Ron forgot to finish their homework (again!) So they told Hermione to go ahead and they'll just see her in the room.
So she went.
******************
Draco was not in the mood to eat again, he had not been this past few days; He can't swallow anything because every time he would, Pansy would insist on feeding him herself. So he tried his best to get away from Pansy and just go early to class. He knows that deep inside him, what he was doing was wrong, he was using Pansy. He knew that, He was using Pansy to take his mind of the only girl that had invaded it. And he thought he had no choice. It was the only way he knows and he just has to deal with it.
Quietly, he went to the second floor to the DADA classroom. When he entered, he stopped dead at his tracks. He saw Hermione in the most unlikely position. (at least for him) she was sitting on the teacher's table, her leg crossed and was giggling softly, talking to Krum. He walked in quietly, careful not to make sound. He slipped through his chair and luckily they didn't seem to notice. The two were both laughing; Draco saw that every time Hermione would laugh, Viktor would do the same and touch her hand every chance he got. Draco couldn't stand the scene anymore and pretended to drop his book.
"BLAG!"
The two looked at him with surprise and Hermione immediately stood up. Draco however smiled innocently and said
"Sorry! Dropped my book!"
Hermione just rolled her eyes at him, sat on her chair and began reading her book.
*****************
When lunch came the trio met up with Cho and Ginny. Hermione found out that Ron and Cho are still mad at each other because of the fight between him and Malfoy.
"How will my parents like you if you've been being immature? What would they say if they find out your always fighting with Malfoy?"
Said Cho, feeling indignant. Since Cedric's death her parents never trusted her withy any other guy until Ron. They like him for the fact that his parents were good people but still furious about him.
Ron shrugged "I wouldn't count that as always"
Cho rolled her eyes at him. "Ron! Honestly.!"
Ron answered her in an ill-tempered tone "I can't believe your parents! When they can ever learn to trust me?" he asked throwing his hands up the air. "Don't worry," He continued "they will never know about it! I don't plan on getting another howler!"
They argued while walking down the stairs. However, Harry and Ginny were doing well and Hermione was accompanied by Krum. After a few minutes more, Ron and Cho are already making up. They finally resolved their problem and forgave each other. Harry asked Viktor and Ron to come with him to the Quidditch pitch to have the Quidditch meeting. Ron and Harry kissed Cho and Ginny goodbye, Viktor however hesitated and just held her hand for a while squeezed it a little and let go.
When the three boys left, Cho and Ginny stirred Hermione in to the corner of the hall.
"Hey! Tell us! What's up with you and Krum?"
They asked her giggling. Hermione raised her eyebrow.
"What do you mean? There's nothing between me and Viktor."
Ginny rolled her eyes at her
"Oh really. I don't think so. 'Viktor' happens to like you so much ever since fourth grade."
Cho smiling from ear to ear.
At that moment Draco was pacing along through the corridors looking for his two annoying minions. As he turned to the next hall, he heard them giggling and asking Hermione repeatedly.
"Tell us Hermione! What do you think of Krum? Do you like him? Don't tell us you don't because obviously there's something between you and him."
Draco knew that eves-dropping is really a very inappropriate thing to do especially on girl-talks but then, he's a Slytherin and he was born that way, so why control it?
They kept on giggling and Hermione did too.
"Look you guys, I don't know" she said smiling broadly. "But, yes, frankly I do! I do like him" Hermione answered "I like him because he's kind, caring, understanding and so sweet! And he respected me so well. It's like he so perfect and too good to be true."
Draco heard everything she said. Suddenly he felt like he regretted listening to what they were talking about. He didn't know why but he felt like something sharp struck him in the chest. It was so painful that he almost cannot breathe. If some other person felt the way he did, they would've cried or would've run away. But he was Draco Malfoy, and he was not supposed to do that. He was not supposed to feel the pain. He was raised up by his father to resist pain and now is the right time to show how good he is in being in command of his own feelings. He pretended he didn't feel anything and came out of the corner. He smirks at them as they look at him.
"Oooh. Little Mudblood fancies the Quidditch boy! How sweet!"
They whirled around and glared at him.
"Sod off Malfoy!" said Ginny looking annoyed.
"Yeah! Shut your trap" agreed Cho.
Hermione however, kept silent.
"Let's go! I don't want to be here with the stupid moronic bouncing ferret boy!" Ginny wailed and all three of them went down to the corridors and left Draco.
*******************
The dance was three weeks away for it has been moved. The teachers seemed to think it'll be better if all of them had been finished making the students' exams before they pursue the dance. No one seemed to worry about it for their exams will be after the dance. Even Hermione was somewhat going easy on studying her lessons. (Was that a miracle?) She and Krum had been spending more time together, considering the fact that they both like each other.
Draco himself is spending more time with Pansy; he's starting to like her though her constant giggling tends to bug him sometimes. Pansy was really sweet to him; she really took care of him. She never missed to kiss him goodnight and ask him if he had already eaten. She almost looked like the perfect girlfriend for anyone excluding her being materialistic. She seemed to be the perfect girl for anyone, except Draco, He knew Pansy was not the one for him. And for the first time in his life, he didn't get what he wanted. And he wanted Hermione. Although this was the truth, he willed himself to believe that it wasn't and strived to enjoy Pansy's company. Believe it or not, he liked the way Pansy takes care of him. He had not experience this when he was young. Yes, his mother was there and she loved her so much, but despite all her efforts and desires to show him, his father won't allow it. He hindered the love that his mother's trying to give and took her away from him. She was forbidden to show him care. Now, that he had Pansy, and he knew she cared for him and loved him; he tried his best to be happy with. It was like craving for the kind of care he never had when he was young. He then realized he could pull this off. He can stop all these rubbish and focus on Pansy. Then, everything will be fine!
*******************
Three days had passed and Hermione was doing well with Krum. They have no commitments to each other but they're both happy in their situation. He never complained to her, even when ever she wanted to go the library instead of roaming around the school grounds on week ends. He was so kind, understanding, respectful, caring and sweet to her. She must admit she liked him, just as she told her friends. She knew that what she said to them was true, she did like him. She liked him very much but she also knew that even so, she liked someone else more than him. And she felt like a fool for feeling that way towards Draco. It was as if reaching for the unreachable. He hated her, and he hated him. That was what everybody was thinking.
She recalled the first time she ever felt this way for him. It was two years ago after the Yule Ball. She was so pissed off with Ron that she left and went directly to the rose garden. The evening air smelled like pine and roses. It was quiet and peaceful. The wind blew silently as she took a deep breath trying to relax. From no where, she unexpectedly heard someone talking. She moved slowly and followed the sound, and it leads her to the mini -park near the rose garden. She saw Draco with Pansy sitting next to him. She was surprised when she saw she was crying. She listened closely to what they were saying.
"I can't believe they have to say that to me! They don't know me! They don't know who I really am! I maybe materialistic, yes! I admit! I maybe a bitch sometime, but I have a heart too!" sobbed Pansy.
"We are Slytherins indeed, but we can love too! I'm only human, I'm not perfect I make mistakes!" she continued still weeping.
Hermione didn't understand it at first until Draco spoke.
"Pansy, please stop crying, don't worry about Adrian, He's not the only guy in the world. Don't worry everything will be fine." He said, his voice soothing and comforting.
It was the noblest act she ever saw Draco do. It was very unbelievable. She had to shake her head three times to see that she was not dreaming. Draco was patting her back gently and was wiping her tears. Hermione's heart melted. She never thought there would come a time when he she will see him do that. After that night, Hermione started to see Draco differently. Although she knew that probably it'll be the first and last time he'll do that to anyone. She had felt different towards him ever since but she always ignored it. She willed herself to believe that she loathed him although it was the opposite. She knew it was wrong; it was beyond thinking that she ever felt that way for him. Btu every time she sees him and their eyes meets; everything seems to be so right. And that nothing can make her feel any better. But now, this was different. She finally realized that she felt something for Draco and that she has to fight it. She had to do something to resist it. And now that Viktor is with her. She knew everything will be alright. He will help her forget about him. She had to forget him. And he'll to what ever it takes to fight these wrong feelings inside her.
******************
After classes, the trio went to fetch Cho and Ginny. As they went down the great Hall they saw Krum and he joined them. They went to the rose garden. Suddenly Ginny and Harry suddenly disappeared, probably snogging somewhere and Ron and Ron were tickling each other and snogging once in a while too. Viktor stirred her in the nearby tree on top of the hill and they sat watching the sunset. He was watching her every move and her beautiful face reflecting the light of the sun sinking down the black lake.
"God! You're so beautiful!" he whispered under his breath. Hermione looked at him, her cheeks turning scarlet.
"Uh-oh! Thank you!"
Viktor suddenly took her hands and said
"Hermione, would you go to the dance with me?" he asked intently staring at her cinnamon eyes.
After what felt like forever, her lips curled into a smile and she finally answered him, and he held his breath.
"Yes! I'd love to Viktor!" She said cheerfully.
Krum's face was full of gladness.
"Really!? Thank you so much! You don't know how happy I am!"
He answered her back with a wide grin on his face.
******************
The issue about Hermione going with Krum was amplified through the whole school. And rumors about Krum and Hermione being together had been roaming around. No one seemed to mind even though Krum was a teacher and Hermione was his student. He was only a substitute after all and everyone knew that worrying about Krum being biased with her grades is pointless for she always gets the perfect score in every tests.
Draco saw Pansy approaching while he was reading his Dormiens Serpentine book, a gift from his mother when he was accepted in Hogwarts. She was talking to her friends who were clearly not pleased with the gossip she heard.
"I cannot believe this! Of all the people?" Pansy's friend grunted.
"I know! It's unbelievable! How could he pick her?" she said with a sickening look on her face.
Then, her face relaxed and said
"Well, lucky for me! I have Draco! I've got to go, he's waiting!"
She tore herself from her friends and approached Draco's table.
"Hi Baby!"
She said sweetly and gave him a peck on the cheek. Draco looked up at her and back at his book.
"What are you three talking about there? Did anyone of them have been shagged by Marcus Flint again?"
Pansy sat and frowned.
"No silly! Jadey's just upset!" She said while combing her hair.
Draco raised his eyes at her. "And why is that?"
"It's that Viktor Krum. Jadey fancies him! And she found out that he's already taking his girlfriend to the dance."
Draco smirk "Girlfriend? Krum has a girlfriend, who?"
He asked and took a sip of his pumpkin juice. Pansy rolled her eyes
"who else? Mudblood Granger of course!"
When he heard what she said Draco accidentally spat the juice and almost fell of his seat.
"WHAT? HERMIONE?!"
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Well what did you think?! Did you like it? Well, sorry if this is too long. much longer than the first few ones. I've been inspired! Hehe. please review! I'm open to any comments!