Disclaimer: I own nothing, but maybe I can work out a deal with the Tooth Fairy? She can have all my baby teeth if I get all the characters, hee hee, no, of course, I'm just kidding, if ya didn't know, so, they're not mine, yadda yadda yadda, so don't sue, cuz I don't got anything to give ya if ya win!
Snape gets colorful and more A.J.
The next morning, Hermione awoke to see Draco sleeping peacefully in the chair. She also noticed the fact that they were holding hands. That's not something I ever thought I'd see him do with me, but I'm glad. I feel so much…calmer. And look at him, he even smirks in his sleep! She thought as she held back a giggle. Her efforts were futile, and when he mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like, "Not the bunny pajamas mother, I want the fire trucks." She let out a soft giggle. Draco awoke with a start and looked up to see Hermione laughing at him, or at least she was trying not to, although she wasn't succeeding. He too, noticed their hands together still, and he smiled to himself. Hearing another giggle, he looked at her again.
"Something amusing Granger?"
"I just never knew of your love of fire truck pajamas, that's all," she replied, becoming serious.
"Oh great! Fine, just don't tell anyone."
"Ok…" she said a little surprised that he was giving up without a fight, but she was even more surprised at his next question.
"How did you sleep? I mean with the nightmare and all. I came as quick as I could. We had the same dream, except I wasn't able to do anything to help you. We apparently have a mental and emotional or physical type of link or something. That's why whenever we're around each other, we're calmer, cause we share strength and comfort. We can also dream each other's dreams, share emotions, and according to Dumbledore, we can talk telepathically. But don't get any ideas about trying it just yet, it might wear you down. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape were hear last night with Pomphrey trying to calm you down from the nightmare, but potions and magic weren't working on you, so that's why I did this," he paused, motioning to their still clasped hands. "It helped you. Anyways, the Professors were talking about it after they thought I went to sleep, but of course I hadn't, so I listened."
Hermione had been listening to this recount of what happened and why with an eager look at hearing new information. Now she was just staring at him from where she was lying down with a quizzical look on her face.
"What? It's true. Dumbledore can tell you if you don't believe me." Draco said with indignation.
"No, I'm sorry, it's not that. I believe you."
"Then why the weird look?"
"Just… Thank you. You're right, I feel better with you here."
"Oh good! You're both awake!" came Madam Pomphrey's cheery voice as she bustled into the room and noticed them. She quickly headed to the fireplace, threw in some floo powder, and called in, "Professor, they're awake!"
A moment later, Professor Dumbledore stepped into the room via the fireplace.
"Ah, I'm glad to see you're both awake. Now Miss Granger, I have some information I'd like to share with you." He started to say.
"Professor, sorry to interrupt, but before you begin, Malfoy's already told me about what happened."
"Very well then. Since you know, I shall leave you two here. I also ask that of course, you stay here another night Miss Granger. Mister Malfoy, if you wouldn't mind staying also, at least during the night, in case of a repeat of last night, it would be appreciated."
"Of course Professor."
"Good," he said, and with that, he left, this time through the door.
With Professor Dumbledore's departure, an awkward silence filled the room. They just avoided each other's eye, sitting in silence. Suddenly the door to the infirmary burst open, and seeing who it was, they quickly dropped hands. With a nod at Hermione, Draco stood and left, ignoring Potter and Weasley completely. They rushed over to Hermione, enveloping her in gentle bear hugs and kissed her on the cheek.
"How are you feeling Mione?" asked Ron.
"I'm feeling much better, thanks. So what's been going on with you guys? Anything new?" she asked trying to change the subject.
"Hermione. You know nothing new is going on, other than the fact that you and ferret-boy have been missing a week. Well, that and there is going to be a Halloween ball. (A/N: Remember, it's only been like a little over a week, so it's like September 10. Okay?) But no changing the subject. What happened?"
Hermione knew she couldn't keep from telling them. I mean, they are her best friends, so she told them everything! So she complied, and told them what had happened, conveniently leaving out the parts about the death eaters, Voldemort's plan for his heir, and Draco and her holding hands. They seemed to absorb the story in a numb shock. When she finished, they just sat there.
"Guys? Really, I promise, I'm okay. I just got worn out, but I'm fine now."
"You're right Hermione, your story is just so incredible, it's hard to take in the fact that you went to hell. We're sorry for zoning out on you. Anyways, we have classes to go to, but we'll be back later this afternoon to check in on you and bring you all the homework you missed," said Harry, just as Hermione started to ask about that.
"Thanks. I'll see ya later guys," she said, giving them both another hug as they gathered up their books and left for divination. Hermione laid back down, trying to ignore the rumbling her stomach was making from lack of food. She looked up at the sound of a floorboard creaking, only to see the red-headed girl from that night that seemed so long ago. She was carrying a plate of food.
"Hi, you probably don't remember me. I'm A.J Edwards. Draco thought you might be hungry, and since he has class, I told him I'd bring ya some vittles." Said the girl, walking over to the bed and sitting down after placing the tray on Hermione's lap.
"No, I remember you. I'm Hermione Granger. And thank you SO much for the food. I'm starving. I don't think I've had a proper feel in a week!"
"That's the same thing Draco said while he was scarfing down a plate of food!" A.J. said laughing.
"What house are you in, and what year? And how do you know Draco?"
"Oh, that's right, I never told you did I? Sorry. Anyways, I'm a fourth year Gryffindor, and I know Draco because he and I have been neighbors and best friends our whole lives. Our parents have been friends for generations. But I'm the oddball of the family, since I'm a Gryffindor and all. Everyone in my family has been a Slytherin. But besides all that, Draco and I are still best buds. He's stuck with me. And I'm stuck in the same boat as you two are also." She said, pulling up her left sleeve to reveal a wrist guard.
"When did you get yours? And why, I mean you're so young!" asked Hermione in shock.
"I got mine the summer after my first year. My parents made me, since I was named a Gryffindor, and not a Slytherin, they wanted to assure themselves that I'd be loyal to Voldie dear. Well, in case you can't tell, I definitely have no interest in that, so I'm just having to go about carefully. I haven't had to do anything, or even attend a meeting yet, except for one, the initiation, where I was given this stupid thing. I want to be a spy when I graduate, just like Professor Snape is."
"Wow," was all Hermione could manage to say in reply.
"Yep, I know, it's crazy, but it's all good. I dealing, just like you are, so anyways, it's been fun, but I've gotta jet, I have a class starting in a half hour, and I need to finish some homework. I'm forever leaving things to the last minute. See ya!" She cried as she dashed out of the infirmary.
Hermione laughed again. She liked this girl. She had a cheery personality, and better yet, had known Draco her whole life, so she would be a great source for blackmail material. Oh the possibilities!
* * * * *
The night passed uneventfully, both Draco and Hermione sleeping soundly, holding hands yet again, from their beds which had been pushed closer to each other. The next morning, Hermione awoke to find Draco gone, and after getting permission from Madam Pomphrey, headed down to breakfast in the great hall. When she walked in, the hall was full, and everyone started applauding her, since they were all glad to have her back, save the Slytherins, who hated all other houses of course.
"Nice to see you out of the infirmary Granger, try not to make a habit of staying there. I miss my bed." Came a mocking voice inside her head.
"Malfoy?" she mind spoke.
"Who do you think it is? I was seeing if it really worked, which it obviously does. You know what, I forgot to tell you, that for some reason, we can do magic without wands."
"We can, but how do you know?"
"When we first arrived at the castle from hell, when you were practically passed out, you murmured 'Alohomora,' and the door opened, and you hadn't used the wand. And I've lit Dumbledore's fireplace by simply saying 'Incendio' without the use of a wand."
"Wow, this is so cool. Do you know how many people can do wand-less magic? Like no one! This is going to be great for cursing people who make me mad."
"Same thought I had Granger. Maybe you should've been put in Slytherin instead."
"Yeah right, I'm not that evil."
"You're right. Talk to you later."
"Ok."
Hermione shook herself out of the trance that she sort of had gone into when mind speaking, only to find Harry and Ron looking at her.
"Sorry guys, I was just thinking about a homework assignment I need to work on today."
"Okay… Anyways, Ron, did you see Snape to day, he looks even greasier than usual. Does he ever take a bath or a shower?" Said Harry, shaking his head in disgust.
"Probably not, but it's not like you can make him clean looking. He chooses to always wear the black robes and look grungy." Replied Ron.
Hermione heard them talking about Snape, and remembered what Malfoy had said earlier.
"We can do magic without wands."
Perfect she thought. This is my first chance to consciously try wand-magic. She turned slightly to look at Snape who was just standing up from the high table.
"Mirencia unika" she whispered, concentrating on Snape.
There was a cloud of smoke, and when it disappeared, everyone burst out laughing hysterically. Snape now had bright curly blond hair and neon pink robes.
"If I ever find out who did this, they will have detention for the rest of their lives!" Snape screamed, running out of the great hall.
"Your work Granger?" came Draco's voice.
"Yeah,"
"Nice job, pink's a good color on him."
Hermione looked over to the Slytherin table, who were all doubled up in laughter, like much of the great hall occupants were currently. After a moment of searching, her eyes met Draco's.
"Thanks." She said smiling.
He didn't reply, but he nodded his head and smiled. A real, genuine, and extremely sexy smile.
A/N: Okay, yea! Another chapter done. I thinks this is probably one of the chapters I had the most fun writing so far. Gotta love a blond Snape in pink robes. Haa haa, so great! Anyways, thanks for reading, I'll get the next one up in a few days.
