Chapter 2: Frisked and Falling
"Well I walked into the cabin thinking it was empty you know too much of Pansy before we even get to school." he shivered. "So anyway I came in to see Hermione sleeping, when she saw me she screamed and as she sat up I saw the." he finished pointing to his left cheek area. " She stood up to tell me to fuck off but fainted, I caught her and laid her down, her arm, the blood was just running down onto her hand I had to do something. I magicked some bandages and cleaned her up.
"Why exactly didn't you just leave after that?" Harry butted in.
"I intended to but she was looking so pale I stayed just to make sure she was okay. When she woke up I tried to go and get you because she was obviously in pain and I thought you would be the best person to help but she insisted I stay. I told her that she wasn't alone with the whole cut arm thing. So she demanded to see my arms and treated them. Then she was going to change into her robes when she said something I didn't hear and started crying I was just comforting her and she fell asleep that's when I changed into my robes and sat next to her she snuggled against me and so I thought she must be cold and laid the jacket around her that's you came in. I was just about to wake her up.honestly." He babbled incessantly trying not to forget or miss anything to keep him under Harry's scrutiny any longer.
"Ok Malfoy I believe you just stay away from her after all you've done to her in the past she's obviously messed up and doesn't need you to turn on her and."
"Wait Harry I've changed and anyway since when do I call you Harry or Hermione, Hermione?" he said practically pleading.
"Well let's just say until you prove yourself I will still hold you personally responsible for anything bad that comes of Hermione."
"Harry do lighten up.Draco really has changed and believe me who better to tell, remember that you did find me curled in his arms fast asleep when you walked in." Hermione startled the pair as she returned in her full school robes. "Well I think I am ready don't you or am I missing something.Harry?"
"Well just one thing comes to mind.that whole black cheek of yours might need a little covering up just until you can see Madam Pomfrey." He shrugged and mentioned lightly.
"Oh of course Draco you would happen to know any spells that might be more suited to my situation would you?" she stared longingly and pleadingly at him.
"Actually I might.SCARIFICUS SCRE-EMPTUOUS!" magic flowed freely from the tip of Draco outstretched wand like water settling like a second skin of silver before quickly matching that of her own skin colour.
"And just why do you know that spell Draco?" Harry asked with an interested hint to his voice. "Been studying up this summer like Hermione have we?"
"Oh no actually I picked it up after my mother cast them on herself after my father beat her. She would never let anyone know what really went on behind the scenes after the endless parties and dinners thrown for the Death eaters, my father uses our mansion as some sort of club house I guess you would say. I just want it to stop." He stated a tear forming in the corner of his eye. "He nearly beat her to death, I used a Death curse on her, her funeral was yesterday."
"Oh I'm so sorry" Harry sympathized "I guess you really have changed. I'm sorry I doubted you."
"Draco come here, if only I knew" Hermione gestured and wrapped him in a tight hug.
The train came to a sudden halt and the trio departed clambering into a horse-less carriage for the short ride to school. As they entered the Great Hall Hermione, Harry and Draco were forced to part meeting up with Ron at the Gryffindor table. Professor Dumbledore stood clinking a small dessertspoon against his solid silver goblet.
"Students please, I have an announcement to make, this years head girl and head boy." The crowd fell into a deathly silence. "This years Head Boy of Hogwarts is.Draco Malfoy." The Slytherin table erupted into screams and cheers, Draco receiving endless slaps and pats on the back. It's nice to see him so happy thought Hermione as he simply glowed.
"And this years Head Girl is none other than Hermione Granger!" The Gryffindor table was suddenly showered in red and gold glitter. Ron had sent off one of his brothers famous stick-for-seven-hours. The cracker contained glitter that was now permanently stuck to the students for seven hours from the time that it had been sent off. Low grumbles could be heard as Ron turned a furious shade of red. "That Mr. Weasley must have been compliments of your brothers no doubt."
"Dumbledore never misses a thing does he?" asked Ron his face even darker than before.
"Nope." Harry blatantly replied.
"Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger I would like a word after this if you please.Now let the celebrations begin!" Food flourished across golden plates lining the table, the students lunging at it to begin the feast. After the last announcements were finished the occupants of the hall slowly began to filter out.
"I'll see you up in the dorm later, bye." Hermione said as she waved to Harry and Ron as they and the rest of the house followed their designated leader.
As she was in no hurry to leave she sat back onto the long bench and flopped lazily onto the table head resting on her folded arms. She gasped as she felt a pair of arms fold around her, and with lightening reflexes elbowed the towering figure behind her. Turning quickly to see her assailant she saw Draco doubled over on the floor teeth gritted together in pain holding his stomach. She leapt from the chair to his side and coaxed him into a sitting position.
"Draco I didn't mean it I'm so sorry, I thought you were my father, you know I would never hurt you.Please can you forgive me?" and for the hundredth time that day she began to cry. Loud aching sobs came from her and her breaths came fast and shallow. Draco turned to her his stomach still screaming at him to stop the pain but was overcome by his brain telling him to do something.
He reached over through the pain and hauled her next to him settling her between his outstretched legs and wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. The he whispered in her ear. "Hermione I love you, what do I need to forgive you for, it was my fault. Come on we still have to go and see Dumbledore." He then stood flinching a little and pulled up Hermione. She placed an arm around his waist; careful not to touch his stomach and walking slowly they made their way to Dumbledore's office.
Hermione approached the door and said, "Sherbet Lemon.Berti Bots.Chocolate Frog."
"If you were hungry for sweets on the train you should have told me and I would have bought you something."
"No, no, no I'm not hungry but Dumbledore's password is usually his favorite sweet at the time but I just can't remember what it is."
"Why don't you try Licorice Bootlaces?" as he said so the door began to slide open and a staircase formed.
"Oh Draco you did it! But that's a muggle sweet how did you know about it?"
"Actually I was given some by a Muggle child when I visited London, quite nice actually."
"I shall just have to remember that." Hermione reached over to gently kiss him on the lips her fingers running through his hair. Draco responded placing his hand at the back of her neck and pulling her closer as they deepened the kiss. God she smells like vanilla and strawberries. Draco thought But then again she tastes like heaven. When they were finished Hermione placed her arms around his neck and snuggled into his chest, listening to the sound of his heart. He smells like peppermint and his kisses taste like ice cream. They took hold of each other's hands and climbed the stairs. When they reached the top Dumbledore was no-where to be seen although Fawkes was flying freely around the room settling on Draco's shoulder, Draco and Hermione both sat on the two vacant chairs In front of Dumbledore's desk still holding hands. Fawkes jumped from Draco's shoulder onto Hermione's using their outstretched hands as a bridge. He then began to cry the tears sliding down Hermione's aching cheek where there was sudden relief and the covering spell faded as the last of the bruising disappeared from her cheek, the flesh and bone grinding together until she was completely healed.
Draco stared at the mysterious healing bird, before gasping at Hermione's utter beauty now that she was free from pain. Her hair flowing down her shoulder's in chocolate brown tresses her doe eyes clear under full black lashes. Her skin the colour of peaches and cream glowed in the gentle candlelight. Neither noticed as Dumbledore entered, Draco feeding Fawkes a biscuit he had taken from dinner as a small snack or Hermione now holding her cheek in disbelief.
"Ah hmmm good evening" the sudden speech caused them both to jump before they rose in unison. Fawkes falling clumsily from Draco's lap. "I have asked you both to come here to announce that you will share your own dormitory as of tomorrow night. It is located on the east side of the castle you will have your own rooms and desks with a small library as the other is so far away. You although will have to share a bathroom and common room. Are there any problems with this arrangement?" Both shook their heads vigorously. "Excellent, enjoy your last night in your house Dormitories. The house elves will have moved all your belongings after lunch has been served tomorrow. As school will begin in three days hence this will be enough time for you to re-adjust to the school grounds and your new settings."
Both hastily said their goodbyes in a hurry to leave the room. As they stepped out of the winding staircase Draco grabbed Hermione and pulling her into a dip kissing her fiercely. Both closed their eyes savoring the moment. When they came apart Hermione broke into a run starting off the down the long hallway.
"If you ever want to kiss me again you'll have to catch me" she taunted as she ran hard and fast tearing down the empty hallways. Draco smiled viciously following closely in her wake. She suddenly dipped out of sight, Draco hearing a blood curdling scream turning the corner found her sprawled lying unconscious on the cobble stone floor at the bottom of a rather large stairwell.
He ran to her side and with a quick scoop over the ground had her in his sturdy arms. He carried her dead weight before passing the Gryffindor common room where two sleep tousled heads still covered in red and gold glitter appeared from the portrait hole.
It was Harry and Ron. He fought with himself whether he should run or ask them for help. But it was too late they had spotted him.
"MALFOY what the FUCK has happened here?!" screamed Ron hastily grabbing Hermione's lifeless form from his arms. Harry took the opportunity to slam him thoroughly into the wall.
"I knew what you were up to; all that bullshit with the caring for her it was all a lie wasn't it. You're a bloody fake you just wanted to take advantage of her didn't you. I thought you were better than that you haven't changed a bit have you, no you're just the same old Draco Malfoy." He spat the words at him like bullets.
"I can explain we were coming."
"I think you've done enough here, just fuck off before I really hurt you." He threatened Draco backing away, Hermione would set it all straight when she woke up, if she woke up, he couldn't be sure of anything at the present moment.
"Well I walked into the cabin thinking it was empty you know too much of Pansy before we even get to school." he shivered. "So anyway I came in to see Hermione sleeping, when she saw me she screamed and as she sat up I saw the." he finished pointing to his left cheek area. " She stood up to tell me to fuck off but fainted, I caught her and laid her down, her arm, the blood was just running down onto her hand I had to do something. I magicked some bandages and cleaned her up.
"Why exactly didn't you just leave after that?" Harry butted in.
"I intended to but she was looking so pale I stayed just to make sure she was okay. When she woke up I tried to go and get you because she was obviously in pain and I thought you would be the best person to help but she insisted I stay. I told her that she wasn't alone with the whole cut arm thing. So she demanded to see my arms and treated them. Then she was going to change into her robes when she said something I didn't hear and started crying I was just comforting her and she fell asleep that's when I changed into my robes and sat next to her she snuggled against me and so I thought she must be cold and laid the jacket around her that's you came in. I was just about to wake her up.honestly." He babbled incessantly trying not to forget or miss anything to keep him under Harry's scrutiny any longer.
"Ok Malfoy I believe you just stay away from her after all you've done to her in the past she's obviously messed up and doesn't need you to turn on her and."
"Wait Harry I've changed and anyway since when do I call you Harry or Hermione, Hermione?" he said practically pleading.
"Well let's just say until you prove yourself I will still hold you personally responsible for anything bad that comes of Hermione."
"Harry do lighten up.Draco really has changed and believe me who better to tell, remember that you did find me curled in his arms fast asleep when you walked in." Hermione startled the pair as she returned in her full school robes. "Well I think I am ready don't you or am I missing something.Harry?"
"Well just one thing comes to mind.that whole black cheek of yours might need a little covering up just until you can see Madam Pomfrey." He shrugged and mentioned lightly.
"Oh of course Draco you would happen to know any spells that might be more suited to my situation would you?" she stared longingly and pleadingly at him.
"Actually I might.SCARIFICUS SCRE-EMPTUOUS!" magic flowed freely from the tip of Draco outstretched wand like water settling like a second skin of silver before quickly matching that of her own skin colour.
"And just why do you know that spell Draco?" Harry asked with an interested hint to his voice. "Been studying up this summer like Hermione have we?"
"Oh no actually I picked it up after my mother cast them on herself after my father beat her. She would never let anyone know what really went on behind the scenes after the endless parties and dinners thrown for the Death eaters, my father uses our mansion as some sort of club house I guess you would say. I just want it to stop." He stated a tear forming in the corner of his eye. "He nearly beat her to death, I used a Death curse on her, her funeral was yesterday."
"Oh I'm so sorry" Harry sympathized "I guess you really have changed. I'm sorry I doubted you."
"Draco come here, if only I knew" Hermione gestured and wrapped him in a tight hug.
The train came to a sudden halt and the trio departed clambering into a horse-less carriage for the short ride to school. As they entered the Great Hall Hermione, Harry and Draco were forced to part meeting up with Ron at the Gryffindor table. Professor Dumbledore stood clinking a small dessertspoon against his solid silver goblet.
"Students please, I have an announcement to make, this years head girl and head boy." The crowd fell into a deathly silence. "This years Head Boy of Hogwarts is.Draco Malfoy." The Slytherin table erupted into screams and cheers, Draco receiving endless slaps and pats on the back. It's nice to see him so happy thought Hermione as he simply glowed.
"And this years Head Girl is none other than Hermione Granger!" The Gryffindor table was suddenly showered in red and gold glitter. Ron had sent off one of his brothers famous stick-for-seven-hours. The cracker contained glitter that was now permanently stuck to the students for seven hours from the time that it had been sent off. Low grumbles could be heard as Ron turned a furious shade of red. "That Mr. Weasley must have been compliments of your brothers no doubt."
"Dumbledore never misses a thing does he?" asked Ron his face even darker than before.
"Nope." Harry blatantly replied.
"Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger I would like a word after this if you please.Now let the celebrations begin!" Food flourished across golden plates lining the table, the students lunging at it to begin the feast. After the last announcements were finished the occupants of the hall slowly began to filter out.
"I'll see you up in the dorm later, bye." Hermione said as she waved to Harry and Ron as they and the rest of the house followed their designated leader.
As she was in no hurry to leave she sat back onto the long bench and flopped lazily onto the table head resting on her folded arms. She gasped as she felt a pair of arms fold around her, and with lightening reflexes elbowed the towering figure behind her. Turning quickly to see her assailant she saw Draco doubled over on the floor teeth gritted together in pain holding his stomach. She leapt from the chair to his side and coaxed him into a sitting position.
"Draco I didn't mean it I'm so sorry, I thought you were my father, you know I would never hurt you.Please can you forgive me?" and for the hundredth time that day she began to cry. Loud aching sobs came from her and her breaths came fast and shallow. Draco turned to her his stomach still screaming at him to stop the pain but was overcome by his brain telling him to do something.
He reached over through the pain and hauled her next to him settling her between his outstretched legs and wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. The he whispered in her ear. "Hermione I love you, what do I need to forgive you for, it was my fault. Come on we still have to go and see Dumbledore." He then stood flinching a little and pulled up Hermione. She placed an arm around his waist; careful not to touch his stomach and walking slowly they made their way to Dumbledore's office.
Hermione approached the door and said, "Sherbet Lemon.Berti Bots.Chocolate Frog."
"If you were hungry for sweets on the train you should have told me and I would have bought you something."
"No, no, no I'm not hungry but Dumbledore's password is usually his favorite sweet at the time but I just can't remember what it is."
"Why don't you try Licorice Bootlaces?" as he said so the door began to slide open and a staircase formed.
"Oh Draco you did it! But that's a muggle sweet how did you know about it?"
"Actually I was given some by a Muggle child when I visited London, quite nice actually."
"I shall just have to remember that." Hermione reached over to gently kiss him on the lips her fingers running through his hair. Draco responded placing his hand at the back of her neck and pulling her closer as they deepened the kiss. God she smells like vanilla and strawberries. Draco thought But then again she tastes like heaven. When they were finished Hermione placed her arms around his neck and snuggled into his chest, listening to the sound of his heart. He smells like peppermint and his kisses taste like ice cream. They took hold of each other's hands and climbed the stairs. When they reached the top Dumbledore was no-where to be seen although Fawkes was flying freely around the room settling on Draco's shoulder, Draco and Hermione both sat on the two vacant chairs In front of Dumbledore's desk still holding hands. Fawkes jumped from Draco's shoulder onto Hermione's using their outstretched hands as a bridge. He then began to cry the tears sliding down Hermione's aching cheek where there was sudden relief and the covering spell faded as the last of the bruising disappeared from her cheek, the flesh and bone grinding together until she was completely healed.
Draco stared at the mysterious healing bird, before gasping at Hermione's utter beauty now that she was free from pain. Her hair flowing down her shoulder's in chocolate brown tresses her doe eyes clear under full black lashes. Her skin the colour of peaches and cream glowed in the gentle candlelight. Neither noticed as Dumbledore entered, Draco feeding Fawkes a biscuit he had taken from dinner as a small snack or Hermione now holding her cheek in disbelief.
"Ah hmmm good evening" the sudden speech caused them both to jump before they rose in unison. Fawkes falling clumsily from Draco's lap. "I have asked you both to come here to announce that you will share your own dormitory as of tomorrow night. It is located on the east side of the castle you will have your own rooms and desks with a small library as the other is so far away. You although will have to share a bathroom and common room. Are there any problems with this arrangement?" Both shook their heads vigorously. "Excellent, enjoy your last night in your house Dormitories. The house elves will have moved all your belongings after lunch has been served tomorrow. As school will begin in three days hence this will be enough time for you to re-adjust to the school grounds and your new settings."
Both hastily said their goodbyes in a hurry to leave the room. As they stepped out of the winding staircase Draco grabbed Hermione and pulling her into a dip kissing her fiercely. Both closed their eyes savoring the moment. When they came apart Hermione broke into a run starting off the down the long hallway.
"If you ever want to kiss me again you'll have to catch me" she taunted as she ran hard and fast tearing down the empty hallways. Draco smiled viciously following closely in her wake. She suddenly dipped out of sight, Draco hearing a blood curdling scream turning the corner found her sprawled lying unconscious on the cobble stone floor at the bottom of a rather large stairwell.
He ran to her side and with a quick scoop over the ground had her in his sturdy arms. He carried her dead weight before passing the Gryffindor common room where two sleep tousled heads still covered in red and gold glitter appeared from the portrait hole.
It was Harry and Ron. He fought with himself whether he should run or ask them for help. But it was too late they had spotted him.
"MALFOY what the FUCK has happened here?!" screamed Ron hastily grabbing Hermione's lifeless form from his arms. Harry took the opportunity to slam him thoroughly into the wall.
"I knew what you were up to; all that bullshit with the caring for her it was all a lie wasn't it. You're a bloody fake you just wanted to take advantage of her didn't you. I thought you were better than that you haven't changed a bit have you, no you're just the same old Draco Malfoy." He spat the words at him like bullets.
"I can explain we were coming."
"I think you've done enough here, just fuck off before I really hurt you." He threatened Draco backing away, Hermione would set it all straight when she woke up, if she woke up, he couldn't be sure of anything at the present moment.