Disclaimer: No, I don't own Harry Potter or any of its characters.
~*~
Week 2: Draco Malfoy didn't show up to Potions class that Monday morning. Hermione sighed heavily as she gazed at the empty space right across from her. She should be happy, right? The war was over. Wasn't it? Hermione's brow scrunched in confusion over her own thoughts. No, it wasn't over. She only knew one thing: Draco was now one pissed off guy looking for revenge on anything or anyone.
Draco was gunning for her and once he got her, he wasn't going to stop there. Draco's big humiliation came with the ultimate payback price.
She shuttered at the sudden thought. Things were so fucked up now; she couldn't even manage the fact that she was scared to enter her own dorm room. At least all the girls that stood by her that night were not backing down. Well, maybe just Pansy was the outsider. Hermione could just tell by looking at Pansy from the corner of her eye. Pansy shifted noisily in her seat as Blaise looked at her strangely. Well, at least she wasn't the only one scared.
Hermione couldn't exactly allow herself to actually listen today as Snape's lesson on a Dragon's Eye Potion. His voice seemed to drone on and on.
" Before you leave, I want to remind you all that a three foot essay is due on the side effects of a Dragon's Eye Potion, tomorrow."
The class groaned as they prepared their things to leave as Snape dismissed the class with a wave of his hand.
" Class dismissed, except for Miss Granger."
She stood paralyzed from her seat as the rest of the class brushed past her. The now empty classroom stood in silence as Snape motioned her to him. Apprehensively wringing her hands together, she walked right up to his desk.
" Ah, Miss Granger, I noticed Malfoy wasn't present in my class today. Care to tell me why?" he asked leaning back his chair.
She felt like collapsing right on the spot, but she held her composure and stood up straight.
" I don't know exactly, Professor Snape, perhaps he's sick?" she meekly pointed out.
Snape casually raised his eyebrows.
" Perhaps, but I'm surprised that our school's own Head Girl can't even explain the condition of her significant other." He said.
" Significant other?" Hermione sputtered out surprisingly.
" You and Malfoy are together, right?" Snape asked calmly.
Hermione began laughing hysterically as Snape glared at her with his both of his brows arched.
" Um-um, I-I'm sorry professor, but Malfoy and I? Together? The idea is remotely preposterous!" she exclaimed still gaping at Snape.
He chuckled lightly. " Forgive me, Miss Granger, I just assumed. You and Malfoy do act like a bickering married couple on hiatus."
Hermione blushed as a smirk slowly crept on Snape's usually sullen features.
" That is all. Just please give today's assignment to Malfoy later on." Snape said escorting Hermione out.
She nodded politely and left the Potions classroom. Making sure that she was out of sight, she clutched her things and frowned annoyingly. Her and Malfoy? Together? The very thought made her angry. Draco Malfoy isn't exactly Prince Charming. Sure, he is very handsome, but his arrogance is a big turn off. She couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He may be cruel, but someone needs to show him how to love and accept people for who they are. Blood doesn't matter. It really was useless. That motto had been drilled into his head since the day he was born.
Hermione shook her head furiously. She would not think about Draco in any touching way. They are at war and surpassing him is all that matters.
~*~
" Hey Hermione." Said Millicent standing right next to her in the Care of Magical Creatures class.
" Hi, how's Pansy doing?" Hermione asked with a sympathetic smile.
" Not so good, she's terrified of him now." She said cringing at the thought of her best friend.
Hermione frowned. This was not how it was supposed to happen.
" Oh my god." Millicent said gaping in surprise over Hermione's shoulder.
Hermione turned around to see what the fuss was going on about when her mouth dropped open in surprise.
" I can't believe that he had the guts to show up today." Millicent said staring viciously at Malfoy and his smug smirk plastered all over his face.
Hermione did have to give him credit though. Malfoy was brave to show up to classes today. She could already hear Ron and Harry sniggering towards his direction.
" Shouldn't he be tied up somewhere?" Seamus said with a sloppy grin as the class sniggered.
Draco's head snapped towards Seamus's direction and the sniggering ceased.
" Goddamn it Seamus." Hermione muttered as Draco stalked to where Seamus was.
" You were saying Finnegan?" Draco growled as he hovered over the cowering young boy.
" No, Malfoy." Seamus said avoiding all eye contact with Draco.
Draco smirked in satisfaction as spied Hermione shaking her head disapprovingly at the scene. He averted his gaze in her direction and smiled inwardly as she looked away quickly.
" Shit, is he coming over here?" Hermione whispered nervously. Millicent nodded her head slowly as Draco walked up to them.
" Granger." He drawled lazily. She looked up briefly to meet his gaze and turned her head away.
" Why, Granger I was just merely greeting you, there is no need to get all bitchy." He said knowing which buttons to push.
" Go away Malfoy." Millicent said rolling her eyes.
" Was I talking to you? No! Sod off." He growled giving Millicent a warning glare.
" No! You sod off Malfoy! Nobody called you over here anyways." She challenged meeting Draco's glare.
" So Granger, got little miss wench here fighting your battles now? I'm surprised!" Draco said in mock concern.
" You know what they say, Draco, three's a crowd, so fuck off." Millicent said.
" Ever heard of a ménage a trois Bullstrode?" Draco replied with a seductive smile.
" Not when boys are involved in your liking Malfoy, so I suggest you go away." Millicent said hotly.
Draco's features darkened as the class sniggered at Millicent's last comment. Hermione continued to look at the ground the whole time as she waited for class to start. Suddenly, she felt a warm gust of air gently hit her neck.
" Get away from her!" she heard Ron yell from afar and pretty soon, she knew that the whole cavalry was heading her way.
" Meet me tonight in the Astronomy tower at midnight." He whispered in her ear.
Hermione reeled back to gaze at him bewilderedly.
" Please." He said firmly, but sincerely.
All of this was coming to her in a bit of a rush and all she could do was nod her head furiously.
Draco gave her one last look and walked away. Harry and Ron came running towards her in a hurry.
" What did he say? Did he hurt you?" They both yelled at the same time.
Hermione shrugged. " Nothing, just the same old crap he says all the time. The usual ' I'm a Mudblood ' and ' I don't deserve to even be in the same room as him.'" She said rolling her eyes in annoyance.
Harry and Ron shot menacing looks at Draco who smirked back at the sudden attention he was receiving.
" You're just boosting his ego every time you do that you know." Millicent said casting her own menacing glare at Draco.
Hermione sighed. Malfoy is up to something. After what she did to him, how could he be so enticingly calm? This was the perfect time to practice what he was thinking from a distance. She was reading all night long about how to conquer this and it could be pretty tricky, it also could lead to migraine like headaches if it went awry. All in all, it was fairly easy to get a pinpoint.
" Oy, class is startin' now," Hagrid said as he stepped out of the forest clearing. Ron and Harry gave her a sympathetic look and moved towards the front of the group to listen in on today's lesson. She sighed and narrowed her eyes in Malfoy's direction. She knew that he was bored already just by the way he was standing. She looked at him and focused her thoughts on just him. It was working as Hagrid's cheery voice drowned away and the river of voices from her other classmates all seemed to topple on one another. Then a brief silence entered and she resumed her concentration.
' Damn, when will this class end?'
A typical Malfoy answer, she saw him sigh and move uncomfortably. Aw, he looks so cute trying to concentrate. Okay, wait, where the hell did that come from?
Her first instinct was to turn away when he finally turned and looked directly at her. Cursing herself, she felt herself blush, but held her concentration. He smirked and continued to gaze at her.
' I hope this plan works.'
Hermione's eyes widened slightly. A plan? He was up to something because the war wasn't over yet.
Malfoy's smirk grew wider as he noticed that she never took her eyes off of him. Daringly, he motioned her to come towards him.
" Hermione? Hermione are you okay?" Millicent asked putting a hand on her shoulder.
She snapped back to reality as the wave of voices hit her all at once. Exhaustedly, Hermione sank to the ground. The class gasped as she saw two pair of legs rush towards her from the ground.
" 'Mione, oh my, you a' right?" Hagrid asked worriedly.
She instantly put her fingers to her temples and rubbed them in a circular motion.
" Granger, are you okay?" She heard as a pair of strong arms lifted her back to her feet. She looked up to meet the piercing hazel-eyed gaze of Blaise Zabini.
She nodded shakily. " Yeah, I'm fine, I couldn't sleep last night so I'm a bit tired."
Ron and Harry looked her worriedly as the class moved forward to see what was happening. " Do you need to go to the nurse?" Ron asked dusting off some dirt from her shoulder.
" No, I'm fine Ron. I'm just tired." She said giving the two worried boys an assuring smile. They nodded and motioned everyone else to return to the lesson.
" It's all right Hagrid! She's fine!" Harry said.
Hagrid nodded assuredly at Hermione and she mustered up a convincing smile. Damn Millicent! Well, it wasn't exactly her intention to screw up her concentration.
Hermione looked back over at Draco's direction and he arched an eyebrow at her.
" What does he want?" Blaise asked startling her.
" God, you're still there!" she said hitting his arm playfully.
He tried to give her his best Slytherin sneer, but he failed miserably and he gave her a lopsided grin.
" Well Granger, you're supposed to be setting an academic influence on the rest of the students, so pay attention. While you're at it, copy down any important notes, I'm going to sleep." He said yawning.
" You're going to sleep standing up?" she asked amazedly.
He smirked. " You should see the other things I can do."
Hermione shook her head in amusement and listened to the lecture on dragons.
~*~
" I didn't think you were going to show up." Draco said leaning against the wall. The moonlight cascaded in through the open window and hit the side of Malfoy's face. It seemed at that moment that he almost looked angelic in the angle he was facing.
" Well, I'm here aren't I." She said walking slowly in his direction.
" Look Granger, I just wanted to talk to you and about what's going on between us." He said tiredly and ran a hand through his silky white blonde hair.
" Before you start Malfoy, I give up." She said ashamedly.
He looked at her startled. " You give up?"
" Yeah, I guess things were going to get fucked up in the end. Especially after what you did to me in Transfigurations." She replied a little angrily.
Draco smiled. " Now that was pretty funny and you do have a good choice in lingerie."
Hermione fumed, but she laughed a little.
During the end of Transfiguration, Hermione was glued to her seat and she couldn't get up. It took almost half an hour to remove herself with the help of Professor McGonagall from her seat. Hermione walked into the Great Hall that day with dried glue plastered on the seat of her robes and unsuspected that there was something else.
The students were staring at her strangely and she did receive a few wolf whistles. Harry eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his sockets and Ron's face turned redder than his hair.
" Hey Granger! Nice knickers!" Draco yelled from his table and a few boys from other tables looked at her up and down.
" What the hell is he talking about? There better not be a hole in my robes." She groaned.
" Mione, take off your robe now." Ginny whispered giving Hermione a pensive glance.
Hermione did what she was told and gasped when she saw that her favorite pair of satin knickers were plastered to the seat of robe. She glanced over in Draco's direction and all he gave her was an innocent smile. Humiliated, she fumed out of the Great Hall.
" Well, it wasn't as bad as what I did to you." She said looking away.
She was surprised when she heard Draco laugh.
" You know Granger, I didn't think that you had it in you to pull a stunt like that. I must say I am impressed, so to speak." He said with his usual smirk.
Hermione grinned and leaned against the opposite wall away from Draco.
" I also wanted to tell you that too, I surrender." Draco said with an exasperated sigh.
" So, I guess it's even then, right? Nobody wins?" she questioned skeptically. Malfoy always did have another card up his sleeve.
" Oh, I have a plan." He said walking briskly toward her.
Hermione had a bad vibe run through her body like a brushfire. What kind of plan did he have in mind?
" What you did to me doesn't compare to the amateur stunt I pulled on you today, so why don't we make the stakes a little higher? How about, I don't know, a game of poker." He suggested with a nonchalant shrug.
" Poker? What are you playing at Malfoy? Running out of ideas already?" she countered with a grin.
" For your information Granger, I never wanted to do this in the first place. It was because of your bitchy attitude that pissed me off!" he exclaimed throwing his hands in the air in mere irritation.
Hermione frowned. This was her fault. He did apologize and admitted that it was all due to the heat of an argument in the first place.
" I'm sorry." She muttered looking at him directly in the eye.
" It's a little too late for that now, Granger!" he yelled.
" You aren't exactly the innocent one either! First, you tried to sexually harass me, violated my privacy by breaking into my room, snooping into my private property, stealing my knickers, embarrassed me in Potions, tormented me and my friends, and harassed my private life! Believe me Malfoy, being tied to pole for one night isn't compared to the pain and humiliation you bestowed on me for the past seven years!" she snapped almost on the verge of tears.
Draco's angered expression softened as he saw tears glass over her chocolate brown eyes. Her little soul confession struck him as a surprise.
" Granger, I don't know what to say." He confessed running a shaky hand through his hair for what seemed to be the millionth time.
" It'd be best if you didn't." she said trying to calm her wavering speech.
" Do we have a deal or not?" Draco blurted out trying to change the subject and the uncomfortable tension.
" How about tomorrow?" She said looking away from his silver blue orbs.
" Fine." He answered quickly.
" Then it's settled. Goodnight Malfoy." She answered sullenly and headed towards the door.
" Wait." He spoke softly enough for her to hear it.
She froze right in her place as she heard Draco's soft footsteps come towards her.
" About what you said before."
" I thought I told you not to say anything."
" I don't plan to." He said quickly whipping her around to face him and he swooped down giving her an intensive kiss.
She didn't know what to do. Malfoy, her enemy since day one was kissing her for the second time. Her first instinct was to knee him in the groin and make a break for it, but half of her brain was only working for the moment right now.
So instead, she responded gratefully right before the second he pulled away.
He looked at her breathlessly and leaned his forehead against her own.
" Tomorrow, you and me, and we'll settle this." He said leaving her with that as he strode out the doorway leaving her breathless and even more confused.
~*~
" When I meant you and me, Granger, I meant it. Not the whole goddamn school." Draco said exasperatedly as he dealt the pile of cards skillfully.
" We're here to see if you play fair, ferret." Ron snapped giving Malfoy his best menacing stare.
" Like you know how to play poker, Weasley? You already don't have enough money to spend let alone you gambling with it." Draco chuckled as he leaned back against the Gryfinndor couch casually.
Harry pulled back Ron as he lunged toward him.
" Boys, can we at least keep this civilized?" Hermione snapped looking at the crowd of people walking about.
" Whatever you say, baby." Draco said giving her a seductive smile.
Hermione pretended to look repulsed, but deep inside she wanted to reach over and kiss him again like last night.
" What are you waiting for Malfoy? Christmas? I don't have all night." She snapped again irritably.
Draco held up his hands in surrender. " By all means Granger, let the fun begin."
The small crowd whooped and cheered for the games to begin as Draco dealt the first hand out like a professional.
" You do know how to play, right Granger?" He said giving her a wry smile.
" I don't know Draco, but then again I'm probably lying." She said emphasized his name with a seductive tone. This only made him smirk.
" Well then, I'll have even more fun when you lose." He drawled looking at his hand with a grin.
" Are we only playing one game?" she said looking at her deal of cards.
Draco nodded and pulled out his leather wallet from his robes. He extracted fifteen galleons and put them on the table. Hermione followed suit and placed her own bet on the table.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny looked on in amazement as the two were piling up money like it was no big deal. A couple of minutes later, Hermione had all her money on the table as the crowd looked at them in complete amazement.
" How about we make things more interesting?" Draco suggested looking at his last card planted face down on the table.
" Hermione, don't do it." Harry whispered apprehensively.
" Yeah, he might screw you over." Ron said looking like he might burst into tears any second now.
" I know what I'm doing." She stated firmly.
" Well?" Draco persisted.
" Fine." She said with an exasperated sigh.
" After the game, loser has to jump into the lake." Draco said with a smirk.
" Okay." She said suspiciously.
" Naked." He added with a growing grin.
The crowd murmured and a few chuckles of laughter erupted around the room. Hermione's eyes widened. Fear started to spread through her veins the second he spoke those words. She was going to lose either way if she folded.
Hermione picked up her last card lying face down on the table and smiled as she added it into her hand. Maybe she had a chance to win after all.
" Well, I know I can't wait to see your knickers, Granger, so start unzipping. I got a straight in diamonds." He said with a triumphant smirk lying down his hand of cards proudly.
Hermione beamed elatedly. " Whatever you say, Malfoy, but I lay this deal of cards in your honor, a royal flush, sweetie."
Malfoy's triumphant smirk dropped into a look of sheer horror as she laid her cards down. The Gryfinndors cheered as Harry gave Hermione a big hug from behind. Draco growled as he stood abruptly almost knocking over the table.
" I'm not jumping into the lake." He stated firmly.
" Malfoy, it was your challenge! Is little Draco scared to show his, um, personal assets?" she said in a mocked baby voice.
Draco frowned. All he wanted to do was reach over and strangle her for everything that she did to him.
" I'm not seeing Malfoy jump into the lake naked!" Ron snapped looking repulsed.
" I don't plan for you to see the show Weasley because I'm not doing it." Draco fumed.
Hermione stood up. " You're doing it Malfoy, this whole thing was your idea and I won fair and square, but for your sake it will be for my eyes only." She stated the last part only for him to hear.
Draco raised his eyebrows in surprise, but nodded averting his eyes away from her own.
" Well? What's going to happen?" Ginny implied silencing the small crowd.
" I'm going to give Malfoy another price to pay for his loss. You'll find out tomorrow." She said and the crowd groaned.
" Screw it, I'm going to bed, I wouldn't want to see Malfoy naked in a million years." Seamus grumbled heading up the stairs to the boy's dormitory.
" Go fuck yourself Finnegan." Draco snapped in annoyance and smirked when Seamus flipped him off by not even bothering to turn around.
The crowd started to thin out while Ron and Harry told Hermione goodnight. Draco was already heading out the portrait hole. She sighed dramatically and followed him out.
~*~
" I can't believe I lost to you." Draco whined brushing back a stray piece of blonde hair out of his face.
" Oh, go cry a river Malfoy." Hermione said trying to hold back a giggle.
" You're that desperate to see me naked, huh?" he implied waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
" I didn't say I haven't thought about it." She remarked laughing at the mere astonishment crossing Draco's aristocratic face.
" Really?" he asked still in shock.
" It's called a joke, Malfoy." She said arching a brow.
" Yeah, you keep telling yourself that." He mumbled reaching the bank of the moonlit lake.
Hermione awkwardly stood next to him as he fumbled with the clasp of his cloak.
" Do I really have to do this?" he sighed waiting for her reply.
" It was your idea."
" For you! I wanted to see you naked." He pouted, crossing his arms over his chest in a childish manner.
" Too bad! Malfoy, if you don't like your ideas, then stop having them! Now get on with it! I'll cover my eyes." She said shutting her eyelids tight.
" Right, you know you want to take a peek." He remarked with a grin.
Hermione's eye immediately opened as she looked at Malfoy with a look of seething hatred. Deep down, she knew he was right.
Draco did not have a disappointing body and she knew that for sure. It was the countless days that she would see him stride in the common room with a towel clinging tightly to his waist after what seemed to be a good shower. Also, one day, when she came to see Harry and Ron practice for their upcoming match against Ravenclaw, Draco came out onto the field all by himself and he practiced long and hard trying to reach for the golden snitch that seemed so impossible to grasp within his reach. By the time Ron and Harry stepped out onto the field, Malfoy had finally caught it. His golden hair gleamed from the sunlight beaming down on him so graciously. He removed his shirt and Hermione felt her breathing hitch a notch. A Greek god would even envy him for his supreme beauty and he did use it well. A blush had risen in her cheeks as Draco watched her from above with a grin, but he didn't say anything, surprisingly. Thank god.
" Just hurry up Malfoy." She groaned.
Draco cursed silently as he fingered the clasp on his cloak, still debating if he should just curse her and then runaway or do it to get it over with. He looked at her and grinned at the annoyed expression painted all over her face. A smirk then played across his face as he came up with a little plan.
" I'm not doing it." Draco sat down in an Indian style position on the ground and looked up at her with a look of determination.
" Fine." She shrugged and turned to leave.
Draco rolled his eyes and got up to go after her.
" Wait a second." He grabbed her arm and turned her around.
" Why? So you can waste my time, Draco? You said you're not doing it, fine! I don't care! Goodnight!" she struggled to get away from his grasp, but he held on tighter.
" You said Draco." He said with a playful smile.
" No I didn't!" she snapped struggling harder.
" Yes you did!" he laughed not letting go of her arm.
Finally, she growled and stopped because she knew she wasn't going anywhere.
" Fine I did! So, what?" she fumed arching a brow.
" That's just the first time you said my name without any sarcasm or being really bitchy." He said thoughtfully.
She laughed. " This is a good way to consider people's feelings."
" Hey! I'm considerate is as considerate was." He pouted.
" What can I do for you, Draco?" She asked rubbing the part of her arm from where he grabbed her.
" I'm glad you asked, Hermione, because I will jump in the lake, only, if you help me undress." He smirked emphasizing her name.
She growled again. " You are such a pig Malfoy! Do you always think with your crotch?"
He held his hands up in defense. " Listen, you won, so you should get the pleasure of undressing me."
' Go for it!' she thought and frowned at her sudden sign weakness. Malfoy's eyes glittered dangerously as she hesitantly walked towards him.
" I don't know what you expect, Malfoy." She whispered cautiously, afraid of her own voice cracking. She could feel the tears wanting to well up in her eyes, but she held it down as she felt the familiar tightening in her throat.
" I don't expect anything, especially something you don't want to do, but-damn this is complicated-I realized that for the last two weeks, when I woke up alone, the quietness got to me. I know you got your little boyfriend Zabini as the whipping boy, but I guess I was kind of jealous." He muttered the last part, but she heard him clearly.
Jealous? He was jealous? He hated her all this time and now what? Right now, his words felt like a ton of bricks collapsing on top of her.
" Jealous of what exactly, Draco?" she questioned, having the urge to just reach out a run her hands through his silky blonde locks.
" That he had you. It's the middle of November and I feel that now every time I see you, it's hard. And no, I haven't just started to realize you this year, it's been awhile." He said carefully avoiding her seemingly attempt to gaze into his soul.
Yet he has one after all.
An awkward silence broke out over the two.
" Blaise isn't my boyfriend." She snorted.
Draco scoffed. " By the looks of it, you two look inseparable."
" He isn't my boyfriend." She persisted.
" Can I be your boyfriend?" he asked playfully reaching and figuring a stray curl framing her face.
" Right, Malfoy, so you can treat me like all the others and expect me to follow you around like a lost cause." She retorted.
Draco scoffed again. " If you're talking about Pansy, she was a mistake. By the looks of it Granger, you really don't know me."
" Will I regret it if I want to?" she pondered playfully.
" I'm serious," He snapped, " Nobody in this goddamn school knows the real me. Basically, everybody gives up before I even try to open up."
Hermione felt her heart sink. Daringly, she reached up and undid the button to his cloak. It fell to the ground in a swift motion while Draco stared at her disbelievingly.
" What are you doing?" he sucked in a breath sharply as she moved forward, their faces a few inches apart.
" Being serious." She answered gently putting her hands on the sides of his face and slowly pulling him in for a kiss.
This time it was Draco's turn to be completely off guard, so instead of trying to register what the hell was going on, he just responded.
Hermione felt the same tingling vibration just by cradling Draco's face, but his thoughts were unclear. It could be related to a static you her on the radio, but instead of hearing it, she felt it through pressure.
She suddenly pulled away and looked into the panes of his silver blue orbs. Draco sucked in a deep breath and sighed. His eyes did cast a jumble of mixed emotions such as confusion, lust, passion, and desire. She finally felt the pressuring feeling break through.
' Is she afraid of me?'
Hermione eyes softened with a look of compassion at his unspoken question. In a weird twisted way, she was afraid what he was capable of doing to her. Will she just be another conquest or something to talk about with the guys? Hermione relaxed and muttered a charm with out the consent of a wand. The charm was to briefly cast out unwanted thoughts. Right now, she didn't want to read Draco's thoughts, she just wanted to kiss him and silently begged him to ignite that passion that flared so dimly within her.
" What did you say? It sounded French." He pondered on what the translation was.
" It was, but it was something about an old saying about what a full moon could do to people." She grinned.
" Ah, moonlit madness." He grinned back gently nuzzling her neck.
She gently moaned in response. " Now Draco, about jumping into the lake naked?"
" I'll do it if you help me undress and if you join me."
" You didn't say that before." She answered in an astonished tone.
" Rules change, love." He said pulling her back for a breathtaking kiss.
Hermione felt oddly protected being in the arms of Draco Malfoy. She wrapped her arms around his neck deepening the kiss as she felt his arms snake around her waist to draw her closer. She moaned quietly as she felt his tongue carefully brush against her own lips, gently trying to coax her mouth open. Instantly, she responded by slightly opening her mouth just enough for him to push through. She was in a state of bliss when her own tongue eagerly met his.
Hermione's hand had a mind of its own as it lightly fingering the collar button of his oxford. She broke the kiss and smiled when he made a sound of protest. Hermione quickly silenced him when she placed a light, gentle kiss on the hollow of his neck
Draco felt like he was on fire and only she could put him out. He stared at her anxiously as she slowly undid the buttons of his oxford, kissing every part of visible skin oh so slowly. She knew what he was capable of doing right now, but she also knew that he wouldn't do anything drastic to scare her away.
Hermione was now down on her knees fingering the last button of his shirt. He looked down at her holding his breath, hopefully wishing that she wouldn't stop.
After successfully doing the last button, she slowly got up and slid his shirt off of him. Draco shuddered as the cool night air his exposed chest. Taking a deep breath, Hermione mindlessly slid her hands against his smooth, warm chest. He sighed in satisfaction, trying to regain of what was left of his senses.
Hermione dragged her nails over the exposed skin and teasingly over his responsive nipples. He shuddered at the sudden contact. They would have to lie down sometime because both of them felt like collapsing anytime soon. She craned her neck and inhaled his masculine scent. He smelled like cinnamon.
Hermione took his earlobe between her teeth and gently tugged causing Draco to gasp. She gazed at him with a longing look of passion as she pulled her head away and planted a light kiss on his lips. Her hand traveled swiftly across his chest and over his belly. She slowly kneeled down and her fingered moved gently across the trail of soft blonde hair disappearing into his slacks just below his navel. She teasing snaked out her tongue and dipped along the groove of his navel. Draco's self control was walking a fine line at that.
Her hand paused over the waistband of his slacks and Draco held his breath. She looked up and gave him a seductive smile as she teasingly fingered the button of his slacks. The heat from his arousal seemed radiating from her position, it was exhilarating.
She undid his pants in a matter of seconds and slowly slid them down as they pooled around his ankles. Hermione ran her fingers over the waistband of his navy blue silk boxers.
She gently blew out a gust of air at the opening of his boxers as Draco choked back a whimper. He was so turned on right now, he couldn't even think straight.
She placed both hands at the edges of his boxers to pull them down, but Draco's hand immediately shot out to stop her.
" It's your turn." He growled pulling her up by her upper arms to his eye level.
Draco instantly planted feverish kisses up and down her soft, inviting neck while Hermione quietly moaned in response. He impatiently tugged her blouse out of the waistband of her skirt and began unbuttoning them in a shaky manner. He couldn't think straight as he began fumbling with them buttons of her blouse.
It seemed forever, but he finally unbuttoned her blouse, slightly revealing a black lacy bra. Draco yielded in the sight as he took in a shaky breath. He gently eased down her blouse past her shoulders and forearms as it fluttered to the ground.
Mimicking her motions, he lightly fingered the band of her skirt and paused when he reached behind her lower back just right above the clasp. With a flick of his wrist, he undid the clasp as her skirt fell at a pool around her feet.
Draco smirked devilishly as she stood in a matching set of black lacy panties to match her bra. Kneeling down, he gently pressed a kiss right above her navel and inched downward to press another kiss right above the edge of her panties.
Hermione placed her hands on Draco's shoulders to steady herself as she waited in anticipation on what was to come. She was about to make a sound of protest when Draco stood back up again.
" I think you need to lay down for this." He said with a wolfish grin as he gently eased Hermione to soft, sandy ground of the bank.
Draco kicked off his shoes and removed himself from the constriction of his pants around his ankles. She looked so innocent with the moonlight casting a reflection on the clear lake on to her beautiful features. Graciously, he sauntered over to her like a lion about to pounce on their prey and carefully placed himself on top of Hermione.
She sighed as she felt Draco's warm breath hit the base of her neck. He daringly lowered his hand and carefully brushed it over her awaiting sex. She softly moaned as she arched her back in approval to his ministrations. Draco lowered his head placing a kiss on her lips, the base of her neck, the revealing cleavage made by the constriction of her bra, her navel and he paused.
He brushed his fingers over her panty line and gently parted her thighs slightly to stroke them teasingly. She moaned placing her hands in those golden, silky strands.
Hermione watched Draco thorough slits due to her aroused state. Would she regret this tomorrow? After all that has happened, was it worth it?
Hermione mindlessly pondered the aftermath of what was to come. Does she now trust him now? This was Draco Malfoy, the womanizer, the pureblood, the " Superior Prince."
Was he capable of feeling anything at all?
Hermione frowned at the sudden thought and stopped Draco just when he was about to take off her panties.
" What's wrong?" he asked breathlessly.
" You." She whispered feeling ashamed about what almost happened.
" What?" he pondered, gazing at her strangely.
" I'm sorry, Draco, but I can't do this." She said doing her best to cover herself up.
" Why? I mean you were enjoying this and wait a minute you kissed me!" he hoarsely yelled, getting up as well.
" I'm sorry." She mumbled.
" Hermione, wait, don't do this, I mean we were getting somewhere and now you're just going to stop? What is it now? Your precious Potty and Weasel? Or that idiot Zabini? And don't you give that "it's just me" crap because it's bullshit!" he yelled throwing his hands in the air.
Hermione frowned. " I just can't trust you, Malfoy, okay? Giving you my trust is just like me throwing myself into anybody's bed. I don't need you to hurt me, but most importantly, I won't let myself." She said pulling her skirt up and clasping it.
" I couldn't bring myself to hurt you." He said grabbing her hand and enlacing his fingers with her. He looked at their hands as if some connection was made.
" I'm sorry, Malfoy, I just can't." she said gently pulling her hand away and looked at him sadly.
Draco frowned. " Goddamn it, Granger! Do you ever get tired of being just a bitchy know-it-all?"
" Gee, I don't know Malfoy! Do you ever get tired of being a convenient asshole?" she snapped.
Both of them gave each other death glares as Draco angrily grabbed his clothes.
" Damn Granger, you won't ever change will you?" he snarled pulling up his pants.
" Like you should talk." She snapped buttoning up her blouse.
Both of them finished getting dressed occasionally giving looks that could kill at each other. Draco cursed under his breath when Hermione turned on her heel to leave. Then she left him with only silence.
He knew he would regret everything he said and letting her leave in the morning.
~*~
A/N: I'm so sorry about the long, long wait people, but all last month I was busy as hell. See my teachers thought it would be fun to put "last day is coming up so lets drown our students in work" assignments. Yeah, so that was fun. Also for the last chapter summary, it really didn't come out to the way I planned it to be and you guys would've hated me for posting it because it sucked! Then I got stuck, so that was a bitch. Not to worry because, I know you guys want the action to come up soon and it is because the next two chapters and the ones after are the ones you've all been waiting for! I'm not going to say much because I don't want to ruin the surprise. Thank you guys so much for your support and you reviews! You guys are the greatest! I really hope you guys liked this nice long chapter and I'll have the next one out ASAP because I'm out of school, stuck at home till the weekend, and watching T.V all day with the Texas heat kicking in. Also thank you so much for your reviews on my new story! I was so happy! I have a new fic in mind! Go me because I'm on a role! I've already decided to call it " A Fire That Burns" and expect to see it out soon!
Just a couple of thanks you to (Drum Roll!):
Draco's Secret Lover: Thank you! I'm glad you liked that scene because I had so much fun writing it and I hope you like this chapter as well.
Jade: Don't worry sweetie cause it's here! Thank you, I love you, and I hope you liked it!
Poison: Hey! I never get tired of new people reading my story because you guys make me keep writing! Thank you so much for your review!
Patliria: Thank you!
Baby Doll: Hey! Thank you so much for your reviews sweetie! You always were the cool one in our group! Heh, heh. Thanks again, love you baby!
Diane: All right! All right! It's here! Tada! Thank you so much for reviewing sweetie! I' m so glad that you like my story and I hope this chapter has satisfied your liking!
L'eau Goddess: Oh my god! You are so sweet! Thank you! Like I said this whole chapter was a big surprise to me in the end and I really hope you liked this one! So enjoy!
Alex'z Death Chic: I'm glad you thought my last chapter was funny because I thought it was funny too in the end! So thank you!
.:randie:.: Thank you so much! God, you are such a sweetie too! I'm glad you liked it and I hope you liked this chapter too!
Lifes-mysteries18- Okay, okay! It's here! Thank you and I hope you like!
Dedicated .x.- Thank you so much and tada! Here it is!
Innocent chocolate sauce- Oh my god! Thank you! I am a genius aren't I? Just playing, but thank you so much!
Dannysdashdollie- Don't worry, I am going to write more and I hope you like this chapter! Thank you!
Anna- Aw hell, you complain too much! So, here you go sweetie for your enjoyment! Thank you!
Vega- Thank you so much and girls do kick ass! Rock on!
Angelgurl06- Thank you! You're so sweet!
Sushinase- Thank you! Like I said there will be some H/D action in the next following chapters but as for H/D, they are just friends, so not to worry!
Fighter-kitten- Thank you! That's so sweet!
Wiredsisters- Okay! It's here! I know I do take too long but not any more! Thanks.
DrAcOgAL4Lyf- Thank you!
Time Bomb- Aww! Thank you! I'm glad you like the H/D scenes! Well, I try!
Skyleia- Thanks!
Jules- Thank you so much! I'm glad you cried you big baby. Anyways, here it is, in all its glory!
Thepaxilfairy- Aww! That's so sweet! Not worry, more steaminess to come!
Demongirl: Thank you! Yeah, it is going to be from hate to love, but I'm glad your liking it so far!
Leanne- You big roach! You knew about this story all along so don't say " somebody told you!" Ha! I'm glad you finally read it you lazy ass! Hope you like this chapter too! Love you!
Setsuna Bu- Thank you! Draco tied to a pole: Priceless. :: Sighs::
YAy! - Malfoy and Hermione are going to get together pretty soon, but you'll just have too see! Thank you!
Lollipozz- Yeah, she is going to improve her powers where they do become a little stronger and that's coming up soon with some new twists. Thanks!
Athene Saile- Thanks!
Pottersgirl- Hermione did get Draco good, right? Anyways, thank you so sweetie!
IceDragon- You're so right; it's not cool to mess with girl's hearts like that! Because in the end, they'll just end up getting their asses kicked! Rock on! Thanks so much!
Amy Jo- Aww, thank you darling! You are so sweet! I'm glad you've liked my story so far!
Cpaw87- Thank you!
Kate- Oh! Thank you!
Beau Porteur De Diamant- Aww, now I'm so flattered! I'm glad you like it!
Amora-Ryuko- I thought that it was funny too!
Flexi Lexi- Thank you so much for your reviews! Go Hermione!
Rubberducks- Okay, you really flattered me with your review! Thank you so much!
Sierra Nevada- Thanks honey! You are the best! Keep on reading and I'll keep on writing!
Babu4490- Thanks!
A reader- Thank you!
Fiery Slut- Not to worry sweetie, your action scenes are coming up soon so sit tight! Thank you!
Hyalite- Hey! I have no problems with blue hair! Thank you!
Rissa- Hey! Thanks for your review and yes H/D will get together.
EuphoniumGurl0- Now you are just the sweetest! I'm saying that with my Texan accent! I'm still thinking about writing a separate H/B story soon but we'll see how that goes. Thanks!
MoshiMoshiQueen- Okay, I know Hermione is a bitch in this story, but that's the way she usually is in the first place, but Draco will teach her something soon! Thanks!
Crystalline Lily- Thank you sweetie! You are the best! I'm glad you like my new story too! Anyways, hope you like this one too!
Princess-malfoy- Thank you!
KC- The action is coming up!
Raven- Thanks girlie! I love you!
Chigirl- Aw, thanks!
Dragonmiko Hannah- Thanks!
Angel of Wind-:: Grins:: Thanks!
Snapegirl- Thanks a lot sweetie! Hope you liked this nice, long chapter!
*~BECKY~* - Thanks a bunch!
Hermia- Thanks!
Angel's Luv- Thanks a lot luv!
Lillyanna- Thank you!
Hyper_shark- Thanks!
Firefly's Locket- Thank you, but poor Draco! Yes, I know, but I'll cut him a break soon.
Again thank you guys for all the reviews! You guys rock and keep the reviews coming and I'll keep the story coming! The most important thing that my story is getting read and you guys are enjoying it! I love you guys and kudos to all of you!
~Nikki
~*~
Next two chapter titles: " What A Beautiful Mess I'm In" and " Love from A Drunken Sky"
~*~
Week 2: Draco Malfoy didn't show up to Potions class that Monday morning. Hermione sighed heavily as she gazed at the empty space right across from her. She should be happy, right? The war was over. Wasn't it? Hermione's brow scrunched in confusion over her own thoughts. No, it wasn't over. She only knew one thing: Draco was now one pissed off guy looking for revenge on anything or anyone.
Draco was gunning for her and once he got her, he wasn't going to stop there. Draco's big humiliation came with the ultimate payback price.
She shuttered at the sudden thought. Things were so fucked up now; she couldn't even manage the fact that she was scared to enter her own dorm room. At least all the girls that stood by her that night were not backing down. Well, maybe just Pansy was the outsider. Hermione could just tell by looking at Pansy from the corner of her eye. Pansy shifted noisily in her seat as Blaise looked at her strangely. Well, at least she wasn't the only one scared.
Hermione couldn't exactly allow herself to actually listen today as Snape's lesson on a Dragon's Eye Potion. His voice seemed to drone on and on.
" Before you leave, I want to remind you all that a three foot essay is due on the side effects of a Dragon's Eye Potion, tomorrow."
The class groaned as they prepared their things to leave as Snape dismissed the class with a wave of his hand.
" Class dismissed, except for Miss Granger."
She stood paralyzed from her seat as the rest of the class brushed past her. The now empty classroom stood in silence as Snape motioned her to him. Apprehensively wringing her hands together, she walked right up to his desk.
" Ah, Miss Granger, I noticed Malfoy wasn't present in my class today. Care to tell me why?" he asked leaning back his chair.
She felt like collapsing right on the spot, but she held her composure and stood up straight.
" I don't know exactly, Professor Snape, perhaps he's sick?" she meekly pointed out.
Snape casually raised his eyebrows.
" Perhaps, but I'm surprised that our school's own Head Girl can't even explain the condition of her significant other." He said.
" Significant other?" Hermione sputtered out surprisingly.
" You and Malfoy are together, right?" Snape asked calmly.
Hermione began laughing hysterically as Snape glared at her with his both of his brows arched.
" Um-um, I-I'm sorry professor, but Malfoy and I? Together? The idea is remotely preposterous!" she exclaimed still gaping at Snape.
He chuckled lightly. " Forgive me, Miss Granger, I just assumed. You and Malfoy do act like a bickering married couple on hiatus."
Hermione blushed as a smirk slowly crept on Snape's usually sullen features.
" That is all. Just please give today's assignment to Malfoy later on." Snape said escorting Hermione out.
She nodded politely and left the Potions classroom. Making sure that she was out of sight, she clutched her things and frowned annoyingly. Her and Malfoy? Together? The very thought made her angry. Draco Malfoy isn't exactly Prince Charming. Sure, he is very handsome, but his arrogance is a big turn off. She couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He may be cruel, but someone needs to show him how to love and accept people for who they are. Blood doesn't matter. It really was useless. That motto had been drilled into his head since the day he was born.
Hermione shook her head furiously. She would not think about Draco in any touching way. They are at war and surpassing him is all that matters.
~*~
" Hey Hermione." Said Millicent standing right next to her in the Care of Magical Creatures class.
" Hi, how's Pansy doing?" Hermione asked with a sympathetic smile.
" Not so good, she's terrified of him now." She said cringing at the thought of her best friend.
Hermione frowned. This was not how it was supposed to happen.
" Oh my god." Millicent said gaping in surprise over Hermione's shoulder.
Hermione turned around to see what the fuss was going on about when her mouth dropped open in surprise.
" I can't believe that he had the guts to show up today." Millicent said staring viciously at Malfoy and his smug smirk plastered all over his face.
Hermione did have to give him credit though. Malfoy was brave to show up to classes today. She could already hear Ron and Harry sniggering towards his direction.
" Shouldn't he be tied up somewhere?" Seamus said with a sloppy grin as the class sniggered.
Draco's head snapped towards Seamus's direction and the sniggering ceased.
" Goddamn it Seamus." Hermione muttered as Draco stalked to where Seamus was.
" You were saying Finnegan?" Draco growled as he hovered over the cowering young boy.
" No, Malfoy." Seamus said avoiding all eye contact with Draco.
Draco smirked in satisfaction as spied Hermione shaking her head disapprovingly at the scene. He averted his gaze in her direction and smiled inwardly as she looked away quickly.
" Shit, is he coming over here?" Hermione whispered nervously. Millicent nodded her head slowly as Draco walked up to them.
" Granger." He drawled lazily. She looked up briefly to meet his gaze and turned her head away.
" Why, Granger I was just merely greeting you, there is no need to get all bitchy." He said knowing which buttons to push.
" Go away Malfoy." Millicent said rolling her eyes.
" Was I talking to you? No! Sod off." He growled giving Millicent a warning glare.
" No! You sod off Malfoy! Nobody called you over here anyways." She challenged meeting Draco's glare.
" So Granger, got little miss wench here fighting your battles now? I'm surprised!" Draco said in mock concern.
" You know what they say, Draco, three's a crowd, so fuck off." Millicent said.
" Ever heard of a ménage a trois Bullstrode?" Draco replied with a seductive smile.
" Not when boys are involved in your liking Malfoy, so I suggest you go away." Millicent said hotly.
Draco's features darkened as the class sniggered at Millicent's last comment. Hermione continued to look at the ground the whole time as she waited for class to start. Suddenly, she felt a warm gust of air gently hit her neck.
" Get away from her!" she heard Ron yell from afar and pretty soon, she knew that the whole cavalry was heading her way.
" Meet me tonight in the Astronomy tower at midnight." He whispered in her ear.
Hermione reeled back to gaze at him bewilderedly.
" Please." He said firmly, but sincerely.
All of this was coming to her in a bit of a rush and all she could do was nod her head furiously.
Draco gave her one last look and walked away. Harry and Ron came running towards her in a hurry.
" What did he say? Did he hurt you?" They both yelled at the same time.
Hermione shrugged. " Nothing, just the same old crap he says all the time. The usual ' I'm a Mudblood ' and ' I don't deserve to even be in the same room as him.'" She said rolling her eyes in annoyance.
Harry and Ron shot menacing looks at Draco who smirked back at the sudden attention he was receiving.
" You're just boosting his ego every time you do that you know." Millicent said casting her own menacing glare at Draco.
Hermione sighed. Malfoy is up to something. After what she did to him, how could he be so enticingly calm? This was the perfect time to practice what he was thinking from a distance. She was reading all night long about how to conquer this and it could be pretty tricky, it also could lead to migraine like headaches if it went awry. All in all, it was fairly easy to get a pinpoint.
" Oy, class is startin' now," Hagrid said as he stepped out of the forest clearing. Ron and Harry gave her a sympathetic look and moved towards the front of the group to listen in on today's lesson. She sighed and narrowed her eyes in Malfoy's direction. She knew that he was bored already just by the way he was standing. She looked at him and focused her thoughts on just him. It was working as Hagrid's cheery voice drowned away and the river of voices from her other classmates all seemed to topple on one another. Then a brief silence entered and she resumed her concentration.
' Damn, when will this class end?'
A typical Malfoy answer, she saw him sigh and move uncomfortably. Aw, he looks so cute trying to concentrate. Okay, wait, where the hell did that come from?
Her first instinct was to turn away when he finally turned and looked directly at her. Cursing herself, she felt herself blush, but held her concentration. He smirked and continued to gaze at her.
' I hope this plan works.'
Hermione's eyes widened slightly. A plan? He was up to something because the war wasn't over yet.
Malfoy's smirk grew wider as he noticed that she never took her eyes off of him. Daringly, he motioned her to come towards him.
" Hermione? Hermione are you okay?" Millicent asked putting a hand on her shoulder.
She snapped back to reality as the wave of voices hit her all at once. Exhaustedly, Hermione sank to the ground. The class gasped as she saw two pair of legs rush towards her from the ground.
" 'Mione, oh my, you a' right?" Hagrid asked worriedly.
She instantly put her fingers to her temples and rubbed them in a circular motion.
" Granger, are you okay?" She heard as a pair of strong arms lifted her back to her feet. She looked up to meet the piercing hazel-eyed gaze of Blaise Zabini.
She nodded shakily. " Yeah, I'm fine, I couldn't sleep last night so I'm a bit tired."
Ron and Harry looked her worriedly as the class moved forward to see what was happening. " Do you need to go to the nurse?" Ron asked dusting off some dirt from her shoulder.
" No, I'm fine Ron. I'm just tired." She said giving the two worried boys an assuring smile. They nodded and motioned everyone else to return to the lesson.
" It's all right Hagrid! She's fine!" Harry said.
Hagrid nodded assuredly at Hermione and she mustered up a convincing smile. Damn Millicent! Well, it wasn't exactly her intention to screw up her concentration.
Hermione looked back over at Draco's direction and he arched an eyebrow at her.
" What does he want?" Blaise asked startling her.
" God, you're still there!" she said hitting his arm playfully.
He tried to give her his best Slytherin sneer, but he failed miserably and he gave her a lopsided grin.
" Well Granger, you're supposed to be setting an academic influence on the rest of the students, so pay attention. While you're at it, copy down any important notes, I'm going to sleep." He said yawning.
" You're going to sleep standing up?" she asked amazedly.
He smirked. " You should see the other things I can do."
Hermione shook her head in amusement and listened to the lecture on dragons.
~*~
" I didn't think you were going to show up." Draco said leaning against the wall. The moonlight cascaded in through the open window and hit the side of Malfoy's face. It seemed at that moment that he almost looked angelic in the angle he was facing.
" Well, I'm here aren't I." She said walking slowly in his direction.
" Look Granger, I just wanted to talk to you and about what's going on between us." He said tiredly and ran a hand through his silky white blonde hair.
" Before you start Malfoy, I give up." She said ashamedly.
He looked at her startled. " You give up?"
" Yeah, I guess things were going to get fucked up in the end. Especially after what you did to me in Transfigurations." She replied a little angrily.
Draco smiled. " Now that was pretty funny and you do have a good choice in lingerie."
Hermione fumed, but she laughed a little.
During the end of Transfiguration, Hermione was glued to her seat and she couldn't get up. It took almost half an hour to remove herself with the help of Professor McGonagall from her seat. Hermione walked into the Great Hall that day with dried glue plastered on the seat of her robes and unsuspected that there was something else.
The students were staring at her strangely and she did receive a few wolf whistles. Harry eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his sockets and Ron's face turned redder than his hair.
" Hey Granger! Nice knickers!" Draco yelled from his table and a few boys from other tables looked at her up and down.
" What the hell is he talking about? There better not be a hole in my robes." She groaned.
" Mione, take off your robe now." Ginny whispered giving Hermione a pensive glance.
Hermione did what she was told and gasped when she saw that her favorite pair of satin knickers were plastered to the seat of robe. She glanced over in Draco's direction and all he gave her was an innocent smile. Humiliated, she fumed out of the Great Hall.
" Well, it wasn't as bad as what I did to you." She said looking away.
She was surprised when she heard Draco laugh.
" You know Granger, I didn't think that you had it in you to pull a stunt like that. I must say I am impressed, so to speak." He said with his usual smirk.
Hermione grinned and leaned against the opposite wall away from Draco.
" I also wanted to tell you that too, I surrender." Draco said with an exasperated sigh.
" So, I guess it's even then, right? Nobody wins?" she questioned skeptically. Malfoy always did have another card up his sleeve.
" Oh, I have a plan." He said walking briskly toward her.
Hermione had a bad vibe run through her body like a brushfire. What kind of plan did he have in mind?
" What you did to me doesn't compare to the amateur stunt I pulled on you today, so why don't we make the stakes a little higher? How about, I don't know, a game of poker." He suggested with a nonchalant shrug.
" Poker? What are you playing at Malfoy? Running out of ideas already?" she countered with a grin.
" For your information Granger, I never wanted to do this in the first place. It was because of your bitchy attitude that pissed me off!" he exclaimed throwing his hands in the air in mere irritation.
Hermione frowned. This was her fault. He did apologize and admitted that it was all due to the heat of an argument in the first place.
" I'm sorry." She muttered looking at him directly in the eye.
" It's a little too late for that now, Granger!" he yelled.
" You aren't exactly the innocent one either! First, you tried to sexually harass me, violated my privacy by breaking into my room, snooping into my private property, stealing my knickers, embarrassed me in Potions, tormented me and my friends, and harassed my private life! Believe me Malfoy, being tied to pole for one night isn't compared to the pain and humiliation you bestowed on me for the past seven years!" she snapped almost on the verge of tears.
Draco's angered expression softened as he saw tears glass over her chocolate brown eyes. Her little soul confession struck him as a surprise.
" Granger, I don't know what to say." He confessed running a shaky hand through his hair for what seemed to be the millionth time.
" It'd be best if you didn't." she said trying to calm her wavering speech.
" Do we have a deal or not?" Draco blurted out trying to change the subject and the uncomfortable tension.
" How about tomorrow?" She said looking away from his silver blue orbs.
" Fine." He answered quickly.
" Then it's settled. Goodnight Malfoy." She answered sullenly and headed towards the door.
" Wait." He spoke softly enough for her to hear it.
She froze right in her place as she heard Draco's soft footsteps come towards her.
" About what you said before."
" I thought I told you not to say anything."
" I don't plan to." He said quickly whipping her around to face him and he swooped down giving her an intensive kiss.
She didn't know what to do. Malfoy, her enemy since day one was kissing her for the second time. Her first instinct was to knee him in the groin and make a break for it, but half of her brain was only working for the moment right now.
So instead, she responded gratefully right before the second he pulled away.
He looked at her breathlessly and leaned his forehead against her own.
" Tomorrow, you and me, and we'll settle this." He said leaving her with that as he strode out the doorway leaving her breathless and even more confused.
~*~
" When I meant you and me, Granger, I meant it. Not the whole goddamn school." Draco said exasperatedly as he dealt the pile of cards skillfully.
" We're here to see if you play fair, ferret." Ron snapped giving Malfoy his best menacing stare.
" Like you know how to play poker, Weasley? You already don't have enough money to spend let alone you gambling with it." Draco chuckled as he leaned back against the Gryfinndor couch casually.
Harry pulled back Ron as he lunged toward him.
" Boys, can we at least keep this civilized?" Hermione snapped looking at the crowd of people walking about.
" Whatever you say, baby." Draco said giving her a seductive smile.
Hermione pretended to look repulsed, but deep inside she wanted to reach over and kiss him again like last night.
" What are you waiting for Malfoy? Christmas? I don't have all night." She snapped again irritably.
Draco held up his hands in surrender. " By all means Granger, let the fun begin."
The small crowd whooped and cheered for the games to begin as Draco dealt the first hand out like a professional.
" You do know how to play, right Granger?" He said giving her a wry smile.
" I don't know Draco, but then again I'm probably lying." She said emphasized his name with a seductive tone. This only made him smirk.
" Well then, I'll have even more fun when you lose." He drawled looking at his hand with a grin.
" Are we only playing one game?" she said looking at her deal of cards.
Draco nodded and pulled out his leather wallet from his robes. He extracted fifteen galleons and put them on the table. Hermione followed suit and placed her own bet on the table.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny looked on in amazement as the two were piling up money like it was no big deal. A couple of minutes later, Hermione had all her money on the table as the crowd looked at them in complete amazement.
" How about we make things more interesting?" Draco suggested looking at his last card planted face down on the table.
" Hermione, don't do it." Harry whispered apprehensively.
" Yeah, he might screw you over." Ron said looking like he might burst into tears any second now.
" I know what I'm doing." She stated firmly.
" Well?" Draco persisted.
" Fine." She said with an exasperated sigh.
" After the game, loser has to jump into the lake." Draco said with a smirk.
" Okay." She said suspiciously.
" Naked." He added with a growing grin.
The crowd murmured and a few chuckles of laughter erupted around the room. Hermione's eyes widened. Fear started to spread through her veins the second he spoke those words. She was going to lose either way if she folded.
Hermione picked up her last card lying face down on the table and smiled as she added it into her hand. Maybe she had a chance to win after all.
" Well, I know I can't wait to see your knickers, Granger, so start unzipping. I got a straight in diamonds." He said with a triumphant smirk lying down his hand of cards proudly.
Hermione beamed elatedly. " Whatever you say, Malfoy, but I lay this deal of cards in your honor, a royal flush, sweetie."
Malfoy's triumphant smirk dropped into a look of sheer horror as she laid her cards down. The Gryfinndors cheered as Harry gave Hermione a big hug from behind. Draco growled as he stood abruptly almost knocking over the table.
" I'm not jumping into the lake." He stated firmly.
" Malfoy, it was your challenge! Is little Draco scared to show his, um, personal assets?" she said in a mocked baby voice.
Draco frowned. All he wanted to do was reach over and strangle her for everything that she did to him.
" I'm not seeing Malfoy jump into the lake naked!" Ron snapped looking repulsed.
" I don't plan for you to see the show Weasley because I'm not doing it." Draco fumed.
Hermione stood up. " You're doing it Malfoy, this whole thing was your idea and I won fair and square, but for your sake it will be for my eyes only." She stated the last part only for him to hear.
Draco raised his eyebrows in surprise, but nodded averting his eyes away from her own.
" Well? What's going to happen?" Ginny implied silencing the small crowd.
" I'm going to give Malfoy another price to pay for his loss. You'll find out tomorrow." She said and the crowd groaned.
" Screw it, I'm going to bed, I wouldn't want to see Malfoy naked in a million years." Seamus grumbled heading up the stairs to the boy's dormitory.
" Go fuck yourself Finnegan." Draco snapped in annoyance and smirked when Seamus flipped him off by not even bothering to turn around.
The crowd started to thin out while Ron and Harry told Hermione goodnight. Draco was already heading out the portrait hole. She sighed dramatically and followed him out.
~*~
" I can't believe I lost to you." Draco whined brushing back a stray piece of blonde hair out of his face.
" Oh, go cry a river Malfoy." Hermione said trying to hold back a giggle.
" You're that desperate to see me naked, huh?" he implied waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
" I didn't say I haven't thought about it." She remarked laughing at the mere astonishment crossing Draco's aristocratic face.
" Really?" he asked still in shock.
" It's called a joke, Malfoy." She said arching a brow.
" Yeah, you keep telling yourself that." He mumbled reaching the bank of the moonlit lake.
Hermione awkwardly stood next to him as he fumbled with the clasp of his cloak.
" Do I really have to do this?" he sighed waiting for her reply.
" It was your idea."
" For you! I wanted to see you naked." He pouted, crossing his arms over his chest in a childish manner.
" Too bad! Malfoy, if you don't like your ideas, then stop having them! Now get on with it! I'll cover my eyes." She said shutting her eyelids tight.
" Right, you know you want to take a peek." He remarked with a grin.
Hermione's eye immediately opened as she looked at Malfoy with a look of seething hatred. Deep down, she knew he was right.
Draco did not have a disappointing body and she knew that for sure. It was the countless days that she would see him stride in the common room with a towel clinging tightly to his waist after what seemed to be a good shower. Also, one day, when she came to see Harry and Ron practice for their upcoming match against Ravenclaw, Draco came out onto the field all by himself and he practiced long and hard trying to reach for the golden snitch that seemed so impossible to grasp within his reach. By the time Ron and Harry stepped out onto the field, Malfoy had finally caught it. His golden hair gleamed from the sunlight beaming down on him so graciously. He removed his shirt and Hermione felt her breathing hitch a notch. A Greek god would even envy him for his supreme beauty and he did use it well. A blush had risen in her cheeks as Draco watched her from above with a grin, but he didn't say anything, surprisingly. Thank god.
" Just hurry up Malfoy." She groaned.
Draco cursed silently as he fingered the clasp on his cloak, still debating if he should just curse her and then runaway or do it to get it over with. He looked at her and grinned at the annoyed expression painted all over her face. A smirk then played across his face as he came up with a little plan.
" I'm not doing it." Draco sat down in an Indian style position on the ground and looked up at her with a look of determination.
" Fine." She shrugged and turned to leave.
Draco rolled his eyes and got up to go after her.
" Wait a second." He grabbed her arm and turned her around.
" Why? So you can waste my time, Draco? You said you're not doing it, fine! I don't care! Goodnight!" she struggled to get away from his grasp, but he held on tighter.
" You said Draco." He said with a playful smile.
" No I didn't!" she snapped struggling harder.
" Yes you did!" he laughed not letting go of her arm.
Finally, she growled and stopped because she knew she wasn't going anywhere.
" Fine I did! So, what?" she fumed arching a brow.
" That's just the first time you said my name without any sarcasm or being really bitchy." He said thoughtfully.
She laughed. " This is a good way to consider people's feelings."
" Hey! I'm considerate is as considerate was." He pouted.
" What can I do for you, Draco?" She asked rubbing the part of her arm from where he grabbed her.
" I'm glad you asked, Hermione, because I will jump in the lake, only, if you help me undress." He smirked emphasizing her name.
She growled again. " You are such a pig Malfoy! Do you always think with your crotch?"
He held his hands up in defense. " Listen, you won, so you should get the pleasure of undressing me."
' Go for it!' she thought and frowned at her sudden sign weakness. Malfoy's eyes glittered dangerously as she hesitantly walked towards him.
" I don't know what you expect, Malfoy." She whispered cautiously, afraid of her own voice cracking. She could feel the tears wanting to well up in her eyes, but she held it down as she felt the familiar tightening in her throat.
" I don't expect anything, especially something you don't want to do, but-damn this is complicated-I realized that for the last two weeks, when I woke up alone, the quietness got to me. I know you got your little boyfriend Zabini as the whipping boy, but I guess I was kind of jealous." He muttered the last part, but she heard him clearly.
Jealous? He was jealous? He hated her all this time and now what? Right now, his words felt like a ton of bricks collapsing on top of her.
" Jealous of what exactly, Draco?" she questioned, having the urge to just reach out a run her hands through his silky blonde locks.
" That he had you. It's the middle of November and I feel that now every time I see you, it's hard. And no, I haven't just started to realize you this year, it's been awhile." He said carefully avoiding her seemingly attempt to gaze into his soul.
Yet he has one after all.
An awkward silence broke out over the two.
" Blaise isn't my boyfriend." She snorted.
Draco scoffed. " By the looks of it, you two look inseparable."
" He isn't my boyfriend." She persisted.
" Can I be your boyfriend?" he asked playfully reaching and figuring a stray curl framing her face.
" Right, Malfoy, so you can treat me like all the others and expect me to follow you around like a lost cause." She retorted.
Draco scoffed again. " If you're talking about Pansy, she was a mistake. By the looks of it Granger, you really don't know me."
" Will I regret it if I want to?" she pondered playfully.
" I'm serious," He snapped, " Nobody in this goddamn school knows the real me. Basically, everybody gives up before I even try to open up."
Hermione felt her heart sink. Daringly, she reached up and undid the button to his cloak. It fell to the ground in a swift motion while Draco stared at her disbelievingly.
" What are you doing?" he sucked in a breath sharply as she moved forward, their faces a few inches apart.
" Being serious." She answered gently putting her hands on the sides of his face and slowly pulling him in for a kiss.
This time it was Draco's turn to be completely off guard, so instead of trying to register what the hell was going on, he just responded.
Hermione felt the same tingling vibration just by cradling Draco's face, but his thoughts were unclear. It could be related to a static you her on the radio, but instead of hearing it, she felt it through pressure.
She suddenly pulled away and looked into the panes of his silver blue orbs. Draco sucked in a deep breath and sighed. His eyes did cast a jumble of mixed emotions such as confusion, lust, passion, and desire. She finally felt the pressuring feeling break through.
' Is she afraid of me?'
Hermione eyes softened with a look of compassion at his unspoken question. In a weird twisted way, she was afraid what he was capable of doing to her. Will she just be another conquest or something to talk about with the guys? Hermione relaxed and muttered a charm with out the consent of a wand. The charm was to briefly cast out unwanted thoughts. Right now, she didn't want to read Draco's thoughts, she just wanted to kiss him and silently begged him to ignite that passion that flared so dimly within her.
" What did you say? It sounded French." He pondered on what the translation was.
" It was, but it was something about an old saying about what a full moon could do to people." She grinned.
" Ah, moonlit madness." He grinned back gently nuzzling her neck.
She gently moaned in response. " Now Draco, about jumping into the lake naked?"
" I'll do it if you help me undress and if you join me."
" You didn't say that before." She answered in an astonished tone.
" Rules change, love." He said pulling her back for a breathtaking kiss.
Hermione felt oddly protected being in the arms of Draco Malfoy. She wrapped her arms around his neck deepening the kiss as she felt his arms snake around her waist to draw her closer. She moaned quietly as she felt his tongue carefully brush against her own lips, gently trying to coax her mouth open. Instantly, she responded by slightly opening her mouth just enough for him to push through. She was in a state of bliss when her own tongue eagerly met his.
Hermione's hand had a mind of its own as it lightly fingering the collar button of his oxford. She broke the kiss and smiled when he made a sound of protest. Hermione quickly silenced him when she placed a light, gentle kiss on the hollow of his neck
Draco felt like he was on fire and only she could put him out. He stared at her anxiously as she slowly undid the buttons of his oxford, kissing every part of visible skin oh so slowly. She knew what he was capable of doing right now, but she also knew that he wouldn't do anything drastic to scare her away.
Hermione was now down on her knees fingering the last button of his shirt. He looked down at her holding his breath, hopefully wishing that she wouldn't stop.
After successfully doing the last button, she slowly got up and slid his shirt off of him. Draco shuddered as the cool night air his exposed chest. Taking a deep breath, Hermione mindlessly slid her hands against his smooth, warm chest. He sighed in satisfaction, trying to regain of what was left of his senses.
Hermione dragged her nails over the exposed skin and teasingly over his responsive nipples. He shuddered at the sudden contact. They would have to lie down sometime because both of them felt like collapsing anytime soon. She craned her neck and inhaled his masculine scent. He smelled like cinnamon.
Hermione took his earlobe between her teeth and gently tugged causing Draco to gasp. She gazed at him with a longing look of passion as she pulled her head away and planted a light kiss on his lips. Her hand traveled swiftly across his chest and over his belly. She slowly kneeled down and her fingered moved gently across the trail of soft blonde hair disappearing into his slacks just below his navel. She teasing snaked out her tongue and dipped along the groove of his navel. Draco's self control was walking a fine line at that.
Her hand paused over the waistband of his slacks and Draco held his breath. She looked up and gave him a seductive smile as she teasingly fingered the button of his slacks. The heat from his arousal seemed radiating from her position, it was exhilarating.
She undid his pants in a matter of seconds and slowly slid them down as they pooled around his ankles. Hermione ran her fingers over the waistband of his navy blue silk boxers.
She gently blew out a gust of air at the opening of his boxers as Draco choked back a whimper. He was so turned on right now, he couldn't even think straight.
She placed both hands at the edges of his boxers to pull them down, but Draco's hand immediately shot out to stop her.
" It's your turn." He growled pulling her up by her upper arms to his eye level.
Draco instantly planted feverish kisses up and down her soft, inviting neck while Hermione quietly moaned in response. He impatiently tugged her blouse out of the waistband of her skirt and began unbuttoning them in a shaky manner. He couldn't think straight as he began fumbling with them buttons of her blouse.
It seemed forever, but he finally unbuttoned her blouse, slightly revealing a black lacy bra. Draco yielded in the sight as he took in a shaky breath. He gently eased down her blouse past her shoulders and forearms as it fluttered to the ground.
Mimicking her motions, he lightly fingered the band of her skirt and paused when he reached behind her lower back just right above the clasp. With a flick of his wrist, he undid the clasp as her skirt fell at a pool around her feet.
Draco smirked devilishly as she stood in a matching set of black lacy panties to match her bra. Kneeling down, he gently pressed a kiss right above her navel and inched downward to press another kiss right above the edge of her panties.
Hermione placed her hands on Draco's shoulders to steady herself as she waited in anticipation on what was to come. She was about to make a sound of protest when Draco stood back up again.
" I think you need to lay down for this." He said with a wolfish grin as he gently eased Hermione to soft, sandy ground of the bank.
Draco kicked off his shoes and removed himself from the constriction of his pants around his ankles. She looked so innocent with the moonlight casting a reflection on the clear lake on to her beautiful features. Graciously, he sauntered over to her like a lion about to pounce on their prey and carefully placed himself on top of Hermione.
She sighed as she felt Draco's warm breath hit the base of her neck. He daringly lowered his hand and carefully brushed it over her awaiting sex. She softly moaned as she arched her back in approval to his ministrations. Draco lowered his head placing a kiss on her lips, the base of her neck, the revealing cleavage made by the constriction of her bra, her navel and he paused.
He brushed his fingers over her panty line and gently parted her thighs slightly to stroke them teasingly. She moaned placing her hands in those golden, silky strands.
Hermione watched Draco thorough slits due to her aroused state. Would she regret this tomorrow? After all that has happened, was it worth it?
Hermione mindlessly pondered the aftermath of what was to come. Does she now trust him now? This was Draco Malfoy, the womanizer, the pureblood, the " Superior Prince."
Was he capable of feeling anything at all?
Hermione frowned at the sudden thought and stopped Draco just when he was about to take off her panties.
" What's wrong?" he asked breathlessly.
" You." She whispered feeling ashamed about what almost happened.
" What?" he pondered, gazing at her strangely.
" I'm sorry, Draco, but I can't do this." She said doing her best to cover herself up.
" Why? I mean you were enjoying this and wait a minute you kissed me!" he hoarsely yelled, getting up as well.
" I'm sorry." She mumbled.
" Hermione, wait, don't do this, I mean we were getting somewhere and now you're just going to stop? What is it now? Your precious Potty and Weasel? Or that idiot Zabini? And don't you give that "it's just me" crap because it's bullshit!" he yelled throwing his hands in the air.
Hermione frowned. " I just can't trust you, Malfoy, okay? Giving you my trust is just like me throwing myself into anybody's bed. I don't need you to hurt me, but most importantly, I won't let myself." She said pulling her skirt up and clasping it.
" I couldn't bring myself to hurt you." He said grabbing her hand and enlacing his fingers with her. He looked at their hands as if some connection was made.
" I'm sorry, Malfoy, I just can't." she said gently pulling her hand away and looked at him sadly.
Draco frowned. " Goddamn it, Granger! Do you ever get tired of being just a bitchy know-it-all?"
" Gee, I don't know Malfoy! Do you ever get tired of being a convenient asshole?" she snapped.
Both of them gave each other death glares as Draco angrily grabbed his clothes.
" Damn Granger, you won't ever change will you?" he snarled pulling up his pants.
" Like you should talk." She snapped buttoning up her blouse.
Both of them finished getting dressed occasionally giving looks that could kill at each other. Draco cursed under his breath when Hermione turned on her heel to leave. Then she left him with only silence.
He knew he would regret everything he said and letting her leave in the morning.
~*~
A/N: I'm so sorry about the long, long wait people, but all last month I was busy as hell. See my teachers thought it would be fun to put "last day is coming up so lets drown our students in work" assignments. Yeah, so that was fun. Also for the last chapter summary, it really didn't come out to the way I planned it to be and you guys would've hated me for posting it because it sucked! Then I got stuck, so that was a bitch. Not to worry because, I know you guys want the action to come up soon and it is because the next two chapters and the ones after are the ones you've all been waiting for! I'm not going to say much because I don't want to ruin the surprise. Thank you guys so much for your support and you reviews! You guys are the greatest! I really hope you guys liked this nice long chapter and I'll have the next one out ASAP because I'm out of school, stuck at home till the weekend, and watching T.V all day with the Texas heat kicking in. Also thank you so much for your reviews on my new story! I was so happy! I have a new fic in mind! Go me because I'm on a role! I've already decided to call it " A Fire That Burns" and expect to see it out soon!
Just a couple of thanks you to (Drum Roll!):
Draco's Secret Lover: Thank you! I'm glad you liked that scene because I had so much fun writing it and I hope you like this chapter as well.
Jade: Don't worry sweetie cause it's here! Thank you, I love you, and I hope you liked it!
Poison: Hey! I never get tired of new people reading my story because you guys make me keep writing! Thank you so much for your review!
Patliria: Thank you!
Baby Doll: Hey! Thank you so much for your reviews sweetie! You always were the cool one in our group! Heh, heh. Thanks again, love you baby!
Diane: All right! All right! It's here! Tada! Thank you so much for reviewing sweetie! I' m so glad that you like my story and I hope this chapter has satisfied your liking!
L'eau Goddess: Oh my god! You are so sweet! Thank you! Like I said this whole chapter was a big surprise to me in the end and I really hope you liked this one! So enjoy!
Alex'z Death Chic: I'm glad you thought my last chapter was funny because I thought it was funny too in the end! So thank you!
.:randie:.: Thank you so much! God, you are such a sweetie too! I'm glad you liked it and I hope you liked this chapter too!
Lifes-mysteries18- Okay, okay! It's here! Thank you and I hope you like!
Dedicated .x.- Thank you so much and tada! Here it is!
Innocent chocolate sauce- Oh my god! Thank you! I am a genius aren't I? Just playing, but thank you so much!
Dannysdashdollie- Don't worry, I am going to write more and I hope you like this chapter! Thank you!
Anna- Aw hell, you complain too much! So, here you go sweetie for your enjoyment! Thank you!
Vega- Thank you so much and girls do kick ass! Rock on!
Angelgurl06- Thank you! You're so sweet!
Sushinase- Thank you! Like I said there will be some H/D action in the next following chapters but as for H/D, they are just friends, so not to worry!
Fighter-kitten- Thank you! That's so sweet!
Wiredsisters- Okay! It's here! I know I do take too long but not any more! Thanks.
DrAcOgAL4Lyf- Thank you!
Time Bomb- Aww! Thank you! I'm glad you like the H/D scenes! Well, I try!
Skyleia- Thanks!
Jules- Thank you so much! I'm glad you cried you big baby. Anyways, here it is, in all its glory!
Thepaxilfairy- Aww! That's so sweet! Not worry, more steaminess to come!
Demongirl: Thank you! Yeah, it is going to be from hate to love, but I'm glad your liking it so far!
Leanne- You big roach! You knew about this story all along so don't say " somebody told you!" Ha! I'm glad you finally read it you lazy ass! Hope you like this chapter too! Love you!
Setsuna Bu- Thank you! Draco tied to a pole: Priceless. :: Sighs::
YAy! - Malfoy and Hermione are going to get together pretty soon, but you'll just have too see! Thank you!
Lollipozz- Yeah, she is going to improve her powers where they do become a little stronger and that's coming up soon with some new twists. Thanks!
Athene Saile- Thanks!
Pottersgirl- Hermione did get Draco good, right? Anyways, thank you so sweetie!
IceDragon- You're so right; it's not cool to mess with girl's hearts like that! Because in the end, they'll just end up getting their asses kicked! Rock on! Thanks so much!
Amy Jo- Aww, thank you darling! You are so sweet! I'm glad you've liked my story so far!
Cpaw87- Thank you!
Kate- Oh! Thank you!
Beau Porteur De Diamant- Aww, now I'm so flattered! I'm glad you like it!
Amora-Ryuko- I thought that it was funny too!
Flexi Lexi- Thank you so much for your reviews! Go Hermione!
Rubberducks- Okay, you really flattered me with your review! Thank you so much!
Sierra Nevada- Thanks honey! You are the best! Keep on reading and I'll keep on writing!
Babu4490- Thanks!
A reader- Thank you!
Fiery Slut- Not to worry sweetie, your action scenes are coming up soon so sit tight! Thank you!
Hyalite- Hey! I have no problems with blue hair! Thank you!
Rissa- Hey! Thanks for your review and yes H/D will get together.
EuphoniumGurl0- Now you are just the sweetest! I'm saying that with my Texan accent! I'm still thinking about writing a separate H/B story soon but we'll see how that goes. Thanks!
MoshiMoshiQueen- Okay, I know Hermione is a bitch in this story, but that's the way she usually is in the first place, but Draco will teach her something soon! Thanks!
Crystalline Lily- Thank you sweetie! You are the best! I'm glad you like my new story too! Anyways, hope you like this one too!
Princess-malfoy- Thank you!
KC- The action is coming up!
Raven- Thanks girlie! I love you!
Chigirl- Aw, thanks!
Dragonmiko Hannah- Thanks!
Angel of Wind-:: Grins:: Thanks!
Snapegirl- Thanks a lot sweetie! Hope you liked this nice, long chapter!
*~BECKY~* - Thanks a bunch!
Hermia- Thanks!
Angel's Luv- Thanks a lot luv!
Lillyanna- Thank you!
Hyper_shark- Thanks!
Firefly's Locket- Thank you, but poor Draco! Yes, I know, but I'll cut him a break soon.
Again thank you guys for all the reviews! You guys rock and keep the reviews coming and I'll keep the story coming! The most important thing that my story is getting read and you guys are enjoying it! I love you guys and kudos to all of you!
~Nikki
~*~
Next two chapter titles: " What A Beautiful Mess I'm In" and " Love from A Drunken Sky"