Disclaimer ~ Roses are red, violets are blue; I don't own Harry Potter,
there, now don't sue.
Chapter Twenty-Three ~ You have Visitors
"I am a man, of constant sorrow. I seen trouble all my days. I bid farewell to ole Kentucky. The place where I was born and raised. For six long years I've been in trouble, No pleasure here on earth I've found. For in this world I'm bound to ramble, I have no friends to help me now." ~The Soggy Bottom Boys
They each looked quizzically at the other and simultaneously asked, "Are you okay?" Draco blushed and urged her to answer first.
"Never better, you?"
"The same. It's kind of a weird bubbly feeling in the pit of my stomach and all my arms and legs are sort of tingling. Hermione, why are you glowing?"
Hermione looked at her hands to see what he meant, a pale white light shone meekly around her skin. She looked up to see the same halo around Draco. "I don't know but you are glowing too."
"Professor? Professor! Could you come here please?" Snape emerged from his office at the back of the class room.
"Yes? You didn't kill each other did you?"
"No, no, nothing like that. We were wondering why we are glowing."
"Are you?" he asked unconcerned.
"Just look at us-"
"We have white halos around are whole body."
He looked up and studied them. "I don't see anything."
'What?!"
"I wouldn't. The spell has just created a link between the two of you. No one else, beside you two can see it so don't worry. It just shows that you are connected. What color did you say it was?'
"White. Why? Did we do it wrong or something."
"Hmm. No, Miss Granger, you did not do it wrong I was just curious. The color of the auras carries a special meaning. There are the colors of blue, green, red, yellow, purple, gray, black and of course white."
"What do they mean?"
"I, unfortunately, am not entirely sure. Only a select few wise wizards no that, it is only on record in a half dozen books. The head master would like to see you now. I expect your papers to be perfect tomorrow."
"Excuse me sir?"
"You heard me Mr. Malfoy. The assignment from class today. I expect both of yours to be absolutely perfect."
"But, professor, can't we have tonight off. We've gone through a lot."
"Oh Draco stop complaining before he makes write another paper on this potion."
"You should listen to her, for a Gryffindor she usually knows what she is talking about."
Draco crossed his arms in a disappointed manner. "This is absolutely ludicrous. We put our life's on the line and all you two could think about is a stupid assignment; so typical, my ex-favorite professor and my ex- Gryffindor friend, thinking about books, literature, and potions."
"Malfoy, would you like to make it a two-scroll report due on my desk before breakfast tomorrow?"
"No, sir, I was just - oh never mind. You said Dumbledore wanted to see us?"
"Yes. The password is Jolly Rancher."
"Thank you sir." Hermione started, "For all your help I don't think we could have pulled this off with out you. I know you don't like me much, but I do hope you accept my gratitude."
"Come on Hermione," Draco said pulling her hand and dragging her out of the room. Hermione jerked her hand out of his grasp. "What?"
"Aren't you going to say thanks?"
"No."
"Draco, after all that he's done to help us you aren't going to thank him just because of a stupid assignment. I would have expected more."
"Do you have a point? Or are we going to go see Dumbledore?"
"Hmm. I'll walk by myself, thank you very much. I don't want to associate with those who aren't appreciative of those who help them." Hermione started walking off leaving a dumb founded Slytherin in her wake.
He let out a long groan, "Thanks, Professor," he said hastily and went after Hermione who has just rounded a corner. He called out to her, "Hermione? Are you happy now I stooped to your, wait I rose to your level and thanked him." He turned the corner and didn't see her. "Where'd you go?" He slowed his pace trying to figure out where she got to so fast.
"Gotcha!" she yelled jumping on his back from the shadows of the opposite bend.
"MY good, Hermione," he said, letting her slide to the floor. "Don't do that again."
"Sorry, I didn't think jumping on you would scare you that much."
"It didn't."
"But I thought you said-"
"You didn't let me finish. Don't disappear like that again. What if Lucius had taken you, or Voldemort."
"I'm sorry. I could see you the whole time if that helps. Should we go to Dumbledore's office now?"
"Yes, I suppose if we have to," he said allowing her to take his hand.
They walked silently through the darkened corridors of the now darkened castle with only a few strategically placed torches to light their way. "What was the password again? Jollie Ranches?"
"Jolly Ranchers."
The gargoyle sprang to life, widening it's birth to make way for the upwards spiraling staircase leading to the headmaster's office. Draco put his hand up to knock but before he could tap out a rap the door was pulled open.
"Come in, come in. I assume it all went well."
"Yes Professor. Well I guess it did. I didn't know what quite to expect."
"Nothing bad happened so I guess that means alls well."
"Yes, yes, I see. Care for some tea?"
"Please."
"Mr. Malfoy?"
"Um.do you just have some plain water?" the aging man passed over a magically cooled glass of water.
"Thank you sir." He took a small sip. "Is there a particular reason you wanted to see us?"
"Oh yes. I just wanted to discuss what you are currently going thought, what to expect and see if you have any questions." He too took his turn to pause and start at his tea. "So what do each of you feel like?"
The two teenagers looked at each other. Hermione took the initiative to begin first. "Well there's this great sense of I don't really know.inner peace?" Draco nodded his head in simple agreement. "My arms and legs are kind of prickly like there are waking up from loss of blood flow. I feel somehow whole. Draco?"
"Yeah. There's just one thing bothering me. We are both glowing. Snape wouldn't go into detail about it before he sent us to you."
"What color is it?"
"White." They answered simultaneously, with committal.
"Ah, white, the purest of the halos."
"Pure sir?"
"Yes. There are different color shields with different strengths and guidelines ranging on the spectrum from your brightest white to the deepest of blacks. I'm sure our Potions professor expressed the colors." They nodded in compliance. Dumbledore stood to retrieve an old text off the cultured shelves scattered around the spaciously cramped office. He handed it to Hermione. "Page 1365."
Hermione flipped through the pages carefully in an attempt not to damage the historical book. "Could you read that out loud for us."
"Yes sir:
If the Precarious Potions is combined with the Vis Charm
The castors will have created a link between themselves. This link, as well as the strength of the protection, depends On their heart, and how much of it they put into the spell, How much they concentrate on the construction of the potion And the connection they have established with the partner(s) They are trying to protect.
The Precarious shield has a variety of levels, which are demonstrated With the glow or halo around the persons it is performed on. As in most things some colors come as more of a rarity.
Black - you are bitter enemies at heart and this will only provide protection from week curses and mild poisons. The things to worry about are not necessarily out side forces, but instead each other
Gray - You do not trust each other, thus this spell is not much protection and you have wasted much time perfecting it. Beware, be warned, do not believe.
Purple - a political color for political people. At least one of you has lied to convince the other into something you wanted or thought you needed for you safety. Though the intention were good the misinformation backfired and left you final protection charm with only mild abilities.
Blue- An extremely common color. You both are well-mannered towards each but could never be more than just simple friend, though you both pretend to be more. You do not know each other well and are not suitable protectors for the other. It will be more of an effort to learn the weaknesses than it will be to ward off some average spells.
Green - The average, the median. You are friends: trusting, loyal, but not totally committed. You are at point where the relationship can slip either direction to acquaintances or sub-sibling. You will be spared against many common spells that are seen on day to day bases up into the regions of complicated enchantments.
Red- the best of friends and each other's secret keeper. You are extremely trusting of the other. You express of love of understanding and loyalty to the other. It is quite like a sibling relationship. Your bond is strong and so is your protection shield. You will fare well through strong levels of evil
Yellow- Oh you both believe you are meant to be lovers and the friendship runs deep and is mutual. You are an excellent and quite rare pair. Your love will survive, as well as you relationship and the protection charm will hold through most curse except for of course the Unforgivable curses.
White- Purity in it's true form. This is the rarest shield achieved. The castors have been able to overcome every other color shield before reaching this far. They have grown together after much turmoil to a simple understanding, and with out (most commonly) knowing it feel into love, the deepest and purest. Your bond is the strongest by far and will help you escape most curses unscathed. It will provide week protection against the Unforgivable curses as well but the damage will still be noticeable and will recover some recovery.
That's all it says about the shields, sir."
Dumbledore sat drinking he's tea for a moment letting the new information sink into their heads. Draco sorted out first, nearly spilling and spitting out his water. "Wait just a bloody second! Did that book say that Hermione were in love?!"
Hermione scanned the White profile again, with a gasp she covered her mouth. "Oh my gods."
"But, how could that be? We have just become friends this year and even that has been a struggle. No one really knows and I doubt many of them would except a friendship how can a book say we are in love?"
"It's the mysteries of the mind, body and soul Mr. Malfoy. Not everything has an explanation. The text also said you may not realize the state that your relationship has progressed to."
"But, but she's Gryffindor Muggleborn and I'm, well a Slytherin pureblood. We are hardly compatible."
"Opposites attract and from what I saw at the Concordia ball, you defiantly attract, or didn't you notice?"
"We just danced together!"
"And at the stroke of midnight?"
"HOW do you know about that, terry and Hannah were the only other ones in there?"
"I have sources."
"Was it boot of Abbot? I'm going to put them into a permanent silencing charm."
"It was neither of them. And you have nothing to fear Mr. Malfoy, no one will know of your relationship, or anymore than you want them too. Not even I can see the halo that binds you two."
"Hermione do you have anything to say to this?' He looked over to her. She was slouched into her chair; she had passed out from shock. "Hermione? Hermione? Wake up Mina. Come on am I that bad to think about?" he pinched her cheeks probingly.
"Perhaps you should take her up to the infirmary."
"Yeah, I knew that." Draco placed a hand under her knees and around her neck. She was practically weightless. "What's wrong with her? She hardly weighs anything."
"It's a side effect of the charm. Your bodies will conform themselves to help each other out if you are in need. You are going to carry Miss Granger here so her body made her lighter."
Draco was slightly taken aback. "Oh, as long as she's alright." He began to walk out of the room, but Hermione's body began to sag. "Thank you sir." Then he mumbles under he's breath "Typical Hermione."
~*~ (AN: I haven't even started the purpose of this chapter beware it's going to be long)
Draco had fallen asleep in the bed next to Hermione 's in the infirmary the previous night and was awoken by her soft murmurs. "Draco. Dragon wake up or we are going to miss breakfast. Draco." Her face was hardly an inch away from his faces and he Slytherin's eyes began to flicker open.
"Oh hey, are you feeling better. You sort of passed out on me up in Dumbledore's office last night."
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry about that. It wasn't you, I promise. You aren't that bad it was just kind of a lot to take in and after the prior week I guess I couldn't take it anymore. Hey did you ever get that potions essay done?"
"Oh shit. Don't worry I'll help you with it. We don't have it until after lunch and we have a free period before it. How much have you already done?"
"Um, half a scroll. It's basically the introduction and the thesis leading into some of the history, rules and touching on the ingredients. I still have to do the process, results, side effects, and my conclusion. Think that's enough to fill up the rest of the scroll?"
"Definitely. Was it my fault that you didn't get it done?"
"No not really. I was just to tired to go get from the common room and work on it here."
"Why didn't you summon it then?"
"Because I am an entirely brainless git, who was to tired to process the thought of using magic at such a late hour of the night. In other words I never even thought about it."
Hermione laughed, "Well let's go get some breakfast, that is after all why you woke up."
"Not entirely."
"Oh come one admit it. I have been friends with Ron and Harry enough that all you think about in the morning is food, and in Ron's case truckloads of the stuff. What do you have first?"
"Transfiguration."
"Okay I'll meet you in the common room when I'm through with charms."
(A while later.)
"Draco are you in here yet?"
"Yeah I'm over here. McGonagall let us out surprisingly early today. I only have about three inches left."
"Wow, what was the occasion for such an early dismissal? Is that about twelve lines?"
Draco was still writing as he spoke. "She never said. She just showed us the lesson of the day. She didn't even give us an assignment."
"Okay well I'll leave you alone since you almost done I don't want to disrupt you." Hermione walked over to the coach, made herself comfortable, and began reading a book. About fifteen minutes latter Draco surprised her by sitting next to her. "Finished already?"
"yep and that's as good as Snape is going to get it. He has given us so much extra stuff to do this week I think we deserve a break." Draco put his arm around her shoulders and while grabbing the book asked, "What are you reading?"
"Just one of my favorite books. It's a fairy tale."
"Wizards have fairy tales?"
"Um, they might but this is a muggle book. Beauty and the Beast."
"What's it about?"
"Oh you should read it sometime it's really good. This cruel prince is turned into an ugly creature and given a magical rose. If the rose wilts before he can get someone to love him then he will forever remain in his cursed state."
"So what happens in the end?"
"Read it." She shoved the book into his chest.
"Aren't you in the middle of it."
"Yes, but I have already read it half a dozen times."
Hermione leaned up against Draco and watched him look suspiciously at the book before it opened it to the cover page. To her surprise he began reading out loud. Entranced by the words she rested her head in his laps and he mechanically stroked her hair as he read. The made it through the intoduction of the prince and the village people with the odd inventor and his beautiful daughter before their peace was interrupt by five adults.
"Excuse me for disturbing your reading Mr. Malfoy," spoke the headmaster, "but your parents are here. They have come for a visit.
Draco protectively moved to keep Hermione out of their sights. He got up and walked over to them before they could get closer to the couch. "Mother, father, to what do I owe this surprise?" he asked nodding to them. He also accounted his head of house, and the Gryffindor head of house, Snape and McGonagall.
"Just coming to see how are son is doing this year, since he doesn't relpy to our letters." The voice was cruel, cold, and deep. It made Draco grimace slightly, though he would never let his father know.
"Oh I am sorry. I have just been rather busy as of late. We were working on the dance and now we are planning another event for the rest of the students. And of course I have my studies to occupy a lot of my time as well."
"You couldn't take two minutes to reply to us?"
"I'm sorry father, I should have. How long are you staying?"
"As long as we feel necessary."
"Oh well, professor Snape, I don't think I will be able to attend class today my essay is on the work table, if you want it now, or I could send it down latter."
"Thank you Malfoy." The Professor strode over to the table to grab the scroll. On he's return he saw the shielded figure of Hermione. He did not allow he's face to canvas he's shock and continued he walk back to the side of Minerva. He causally whispered into her ear what he saw as Draco tried to nonchalantly show he's parents out of the room along with Albus Dumbledore.
"Okay Miss Granger, they are gone now," came the drawl of the greasy professor.
She sat up slowly and as in disbelief quickly scanned the room. "Thank you professor. Do you know why the Malfoys are really here?"
"Not really. But I'm certaintly glad we finished that potion last night. I hear the Headmaster told you of what the color shield meant?"
"Yes sir."
"And with the news of you waking up in the hospital wing - it was quite shocking?"
"Rather shocking, actually. I was caught off guard."
"Do you want to enlighten us?"
"I think I should talk with Draco before I say anything more, it's he's secret too, I guess. Why? Didn't Professor Dumbledore tell you?"
"Do you think we would be interrogating you if he had?"
"I suppose not."
"What were you two doing in here anyway?" came the off handed question from her transfiguration professor.
"Well it was our free period. I was going to help Draco on he's potions essay. He didn't finish it because of me last night, but he only had a few lines left when I got here so I started reading -"
"Imagine that, " sorted Snape. Hermione chose to ignore the comment.
" he was interested in what the book was about so I gave it to him to read. He decided to read it out loud. I guess we lost track of the time."
"What book was it, Hermione?"
"Oh it's a muggle book, The Beauty and the Beast."
"You got Draco Malfoy to read a muggle book?" McGonagall asked in incredulity.
"Well yes, but he wanted to read it. It has some magic in the book; transfiguration actually." The headmistress looked absolutely delighted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm actually going to stop here and divide this chapter into two. I have another few pages to write and it will involve a lot more writing. I'm trying to get this done and dividing it will get this out to you faster.
What to expect in the next chapter: 1) More discoveries with Hermione and Draco 2) The (grown-up) Malfoy 3)Curses 4) Humor (Maybe?)
Chapter Twenty-Three ~ You have Visitors
"I am a man, of constant sorrow. I seen trouble all my days. I bid farewell to ole Kentucky. The place where I was born and raised. For six long years I've been in trouble, No pleasure here on earth I've found. For in this world I'm bound to ramble, I have no friends to help me now." ~The Soggy Bottom Boys
They each looked quizzically at the other and simultaneously asked, "Are you okay?" Draco blushed and urged her to answer first.
"Never better, you?"
"The same. It's kind of a weird bubbly feeling in the pit of my stomach and all my arms and legs are sort of tingling. Hermione, why are you glowing?"
Hermione looked at her hands to see what he meant, a pale white light shone meekly around her skin. She looked up to see the same halo around Draco. "I don't know but you are glowing too."
"Professor? Professor! Could you come here please?" Snape emerged from his office at the back of the class room.
"Yes? You didn't kill each other did you?"
"No, no, nothing like that. We were wondering why we are glowing."
"Are you?" he asked unconcerned.
"Just look at us-"
"We have white halos around are whole body."
He looked up and studied them. "I don't see anything."
'What?!"
"I wouldn't. The spell has just created a link between the two of you. No one else, beside you two can see it so don't worry. It just shows that you are connected. What color did you say it was?'
"White. Why? Did we do it wrong or something."
"Hmm. No, Miss Granger, you did not do it wrong I was just curious. The color of the auras carries a special meaning. There are the colors of blue, green, red, yellow, purple, gray, black and of course white."
"What do they mean?"
"I, unfortunately, am not entirely sure. Only a select few wise wizards no that, it is only on record in a half dozen books. The head master would like to see you now. I expect your papers to be perfect tomorrow."
"Excuse me sir?"
"You heard me Mr. Malfoy. The assignment from class today. I expect both of yours to be absolutely perfect."
"But, professor, can't we have tonight off. We've gone through a lot."
"Oh Draco stop complaining before he makes write another paper on this potion."
"You should listen to her, for a Gryffindor she usually knows what she is talking about."
Draco crossed his arms in a disappointed manner. "This is absolutely ludicrous. We put our life's on the line and all you two could think about is a stupid assignment; so typical, my ex-favorite professor and my ex- Gryffindor friend, thinking about books, literature, and potions."
"Malfoy, would you like to make it a two-scroll report due on my desk before breakfast tomorrow?"
"No, sir, I was just - oh never mind. You said Dumbledore wanted to see us?"
"Yes. The password is Jolly Rancher."
"Thank you sir." Hermione started, "For all your help I don't think we could have pulled this off with out you. I know you don't like me much, but I do hope you accept my gratitude."
"Come on Hermione," Draco said pulling her hand and dragging her out of the room. Hermione jerked her hand out of his grasp. "What?"
"Aren't you going to say thanks?"
"No."
"Draco, after all that he's done to help us you aren't going to thank him just because of a stupid assignment. I would have expected more."
"Do you have a point? Or are we going to go see Dumbledore?"
"Hmm. I'll walk by myself, thank you very much. I don't want to associate with those who aren't appreciative of those who help them." Hermione started walking off leaving a dumb founded Slytherin in her wake.
He let out a long groan, "Thanks, Professor," he said hastily and went after Hermione who has just rounded a corner. He called out to her, "Hermione? Are you happy now I stooped to your, wait I rose to your level and thanked him." He turned the corner and didn't see her. "Where'd you go?" He slowed his pace trying to figure out where she got to so fast.
"Gotcha!" she yelled jumping on his back from the shadows of the opposite bend.
"MY good, Hermione," he said, letting her slide to the floor. "Don't do that again."
"Sorry, I didn't think jumping on you would scare you that much."
"It didn't."
"But I thought you said-"
"You didn't let me finish. Don't disappear like that again. What if Lucius had taken you, or Voldemort."
"I'm sorry. I could see you the whole time if that helps. Should we go to Dumbledore's office now?"
"Yes, I suppose if we have to," he said allowing her to take his hand.
They walked silently through the darkened corridors of the now darkened castle with only a few strategically placed torches to light their way. "What was the password again? Jollie Ranches?"
"Jolly Ranchers."
The gargoyle sprang to life, widening it's birth to make way for the upwards spiraling staircase leading to the headmaster's office. Draco put his hand up to knock but before he could tap out a rap the door was pulled open.
"Come in, come in. I assume it all went well."
"Yes Professor. Well I guess it did. I didn't know what quite to expect."
"Nothing bad happened so I guess that means alls well."
"Yes, yes, I see. Care for some tea?"
"Please."
"Mr. Malfoy?"
"Um.do you just have some plain water?" the aging man passed over a magically cooled glass of water.
"Thank you sir." He took a small sip. "Is there a particular reason you wanted to see us?"
"Oh yes. I just wanted to discuss what you are currently going thought, what to expect and see if you have any questions." He too took his turn to pause and start at his tea. "So what do each of you feel like?"
The two teenagers looked at each other. Hermione took the initiative to begin first. "Well there's this great sense of I don't really know.inner peace?" Draco nodded his head in simple agreement. "My arms and legs are kind of prickly like there are waking up from loss of blood flow. I feel somehow whole. Draco?"
"Yeah. There's just one thing bothering me. We are both glowing. Snape wouldn't go into detail about it before he sent us to you."
"What color is it?"
"White." They answered simultaneously, with committal.
"Ah, white, the purest of the halos."
"Pure sir?"
"Yes. There are different color shields with different strengths and guidelines ranging on the spectrum from your brightest white to the deepest of blacks. I'm sure our Potions professor expressed the colors." They nodded in compliance. Dumbledore stood to retrieve an old text off the cultured shelves scattered around the spaciously cramped office. He handed it to Hermione. "Page 1365."
Hermione flipped through the pages carefully in an attempt not to damage the historical book. "Could you read that out loud for us."
"Yes sir:
If the Precarious Potions is combined with the Vis Charm
The castors will have created a link between themselves. This link, as well as the strength of the protection, depends On their heart, and how much of it they put into the spell, How much they concentrate on the construction of the potion And the connection they have established with the partner(s) They are trying to protect.
The Precarious shield has a variety of levels, which are demonstrated With the glow or halo around the persons it is performed on. As in most things some colors come as more of a rarity.
Black - you are bitter enemies at heart and this will only provide protection from week curses and mild poisons. The things to worry about are not necessarily out side forces, but instead each other
Gray - You do not trust each other, thus this spell is not much protection and you have wasted much time perfecting it. Beware, be warned, do not believe.
Purple - a political color for political people. At least one of you has lied to convince the other into something you wanted or thought you needed for you safety. Though the intention were good the misinformation backfired and left you final protection charm with only mild abilities.
Blue- An extremely common color. You both are well-mannered towards each but could never be more than just simple friend, though you both pretend to be more. You do not know each other well and are not suitable protectors for the other. It will be more of an effort to learn the weaknesses than it will be to ward off some average spells.
Green - The average, the median. You are friends: trusting, loyal, but not totally committed. You are at point where the relationship can slip either direction to acquaintances or sub-sibling. You will be spared against many common spells that are seen on day to day bases up into the regions of complicated enchantments.
Red- the best of friends and each other's secret keeper. You are extremely trusting of the other. You express of love of understanding and loyalty to the other. It is quite like a sibling relationship. Your bond is strong and so is your protection shield. You will fare well through strong levels of evil
Yellow- Oh you both believe you are meant to be lovers and the friendship runs deep and is mutual. You are an excellent and quite rare pair. Your love will survive, as well as you relationship and the protection charm will hold through most curse except for of course the Unforgivable curses.
White- Purity in it's true form. This is the rarest shield achieved. The castors have been able to overcome every other color shield before reaching this far. They have grown together after much turmoil to a simple understanding, and with out (most commonly) knowing it feel into love, the deepest and purest. Your bond is the strongest by far and will help you escape most curses unscathed. It will provide week protection against the Unforgivable curses as well but the damage will still be noticeable and will recover some recovery.
That's all it says about the shields, sir."
Dumbledore sat drinking he's tea for a moment letting the new information sink into their heads. Draco sorted out first, nearly spilling and spitting out his water. "Wait just a bloody second! Did that book say that Hermione were in love?!"
Hermione scanned the White profile again, with a gasp she covered her mouth. "Oh my gods."
"But, how could that be? We have just become friends this year and even that has been a struggle. No one really knows and I doubt many of them would except a friendship how can a book say we are in love?"
"It's the mysteries of the mind, body and soul Mr. Malfoy. Not everything has an explanation. The text also said you may not realize the state that your relationship has progressed to."
"But, but she's Gryffindor Muggleborn and I'm, well a Slytherin pureblood. We are hardly compatible."
"Opposites attract and from what I saw at the Concordia ball, you defiantly attract, or didn't you notice?"
"We just danced together!"
"And at the stroke of midnight?"
"HOW do you know about that, terry and Hannah were the only other ones in there?"
"I have sources."
"Was it boot of Abbot? I'm going to put them into a permanent silencing charm."
"It was neither of them. And you have nothing to fear Mr. Malfoy, no one will know of your relationship, or anymore than you want them too. Not even I can see the halo that binds you two."
"Hermione do you have anything to say to this?' He looked over to her. She was slouched into her chair; she had passed out from shock. "Hermione? Hermione? Wake up Mina. Come on am I that bad to think about?" he pinched her cheeks probingly.
"Perhaps you should take her up to the infirmary."
"Yeah, I knew that." Draco placed a hand under her knees and around her neck. She was practically weightless. "What's wrong with her? She hardly weighs anything."
"It's a side effect of the charm. Your bodies will conform themselves to help each other out if you are in need. You are going to carry Miss Granger here so her body made her lighter."
Draco was slightly taken aback. "Oh, as long as she's alright." He began to walk out of the room, but Hermione's body began to sag. "Thank you sir." Then he mumbles under he's breath "Typical Hermione."
~*~ (AN: I haven't even started the purpose of this chapter beware it's going to be long)
Draco had fallen asleep in the bed next to Hermione 's in the infirmary the previous night and was awoken by her soft murmurs. "Draco. Dragon wake up or we are going to miss breakfast. Draco." Her face was hardly an inch away from his faces and he Slytherin's eyes began to flicker open.
"Oh hey, are you feeling better. You sort of passed out on me up in Dumbledore's office last night."
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry about that. It wasn't you, I promise. You aren't that bad it was just kind of a lot to take in and after the prior week I guess I couldn't take it anymore. Hey did you ever get that potions essay done?"
"Oh shit. Don't worry I'll help you with it. We don't have it until after lunch and we have a free period before it. How much have you already done?"
"Um, half a scroll. It's basically the introduction and the thesis leading into some of the history, rules and touching on the ingredients. I still have to do the process, results, side effects, and my conclusion. Think that's enough to fill up the rest of the scroll?"
"Definitely. Was it my fault that you didn't get it done?"
"No not really. I was just to tired to go get from the common room and work on it here."
"Why didn't you summon it then?"
"Because I am an entirely brainless git, who was to tired to process the thought of using magic at such a late hour of the night. In other words I never even thought about it."
Hermione laughed, "Well let's go get some breakfast, that is after all why you woke up."
"Not entirely."
"Oh come one admit it. I have been friends with Ron and Harry enough that all you think about in the morning is food, and in Ron's case truckloads of the stuff. What do you have first?"
"Transfiguration."
"Okay I'll meet you in the common room when I'm through with charms."
(A while later.)
"Draco are you in here yet?"
"Yeah I'm over here. McGonagall let us out surprisingly early today. I only have about three inches left."
"Wow, what was the occasion for such an early dismissal? Is that about twelve lines?"
Draco was still writing as he spoke. "She never said. She just showed us the lesson of the day. She didn't even give us an assignment."
"Okay well I'll leave you alone since you almost done I don't want to disrupt you." Hermione walked over to the coach, made herself comfortable, and began reading a book. About fifteen minutes latter Draco surprised her by sitting next to her. "Finished already?"
"yep and that's as good as Snape is going to get it. He has given us so much extra stuff to do this week I think we deserve a break." Draco put his arm around her shoulders and while grabbing the book asked, "What are you reading?"
"Just one of my favorite books. It's a fairy tale."
"Wizards have fairy tales?"
"Um, they might but this is a muggle book. Beauty and the Beast."
"What's it about?"
"Oh you should read it sometime it's really good. This cruel prince is turned into an ugly creature and given a magical rose. If the rose wilts before he can get someone to love him then he will forever remain in his cursed state."
"So what happens in the end?"
"Read it." She shoved the book into his chest.
"Aren't you in the middle of it."
"Yes, but I have already read it half a dozen times."
Hermione leaned up against Draco and watched him look suspiciously at the book before it opened it to the cover page. To her surprise he began reading out loud. Entranced by the words she rested her head in his laps and he mechanically stroked her hair as he read. The made it through the intoduction of the prince and the village people with the odd inventor and his beautiful daughter before their peace was interrupt by five adults.
"Excuse me for disturbing your reading Mr. Malfoy," spoke the headmaster, "but your parents are here. They have come for a visit.
Draco protectively moved to keep Hermione out of their sights. He got up and walked over to them before they could get closer to the couch. "Mother, father, to what do I owe this surprise?" he asked nodding to them. He also accounted his head of house, and the Gryffindor head of house, Snape and McGonagall.
"Just coming to see how are son is doing this year, since he doesn't relpy to our letters." The voice was cruel, cold, and deep. It made Draco grimace slightly, though he would never let his father know.
"Oh I am sorry. I have just been rather busy as of late. We were working on the dance and now we are planning another event for the rest of the students. And of course I have my studies to occupy a lot of my time as well."
"You couldn't take two minutes to reply to us?"
"I'm sorry father, I should have. How long are you staying?"
"As long as we feel necessary."
"Oh well, professor Snape, I don't think I will be able to attend class today my essay is on the work table, if you want it now, or I could send it down latter."
"Thank you Malfoy." The Professor strode over to the table to grab the scroll. On he's return he saw the shielded figure of Hermione. He did not allow he's face to canvas he's shock and continued he walk back to the side of Minerva. He causally whispered into her ear what he saw as Draco tried to nonchalantly show he's parents out of the room along with Albus Dumbledore.
"Okay Miss Granger, they are gone now," came the drawl of the greasy professor.
She sat up slowly and as in disbelief quickly scanned the room. "Thank you professor. Do you know why the Malfoys are really here?"
"Not really. But I'm certaintly glad we finished that potion last night. I hear the Headmaster told you of what the color shield meant?"
"Yes sir."
"And with the news of you waking up in the hospital wing - it was quite shocking?"
"Rather shocking, actually. I was caught off guard."
"Do you want to enlighten us?"
"I think I should talk with Draco before I say anything more, it's he's secret too, I guess. Why? Didn't Professor Dumbledore tell you?"
"Do you think we would be interrogating you if he had?"
"I suppose not."
"What were you two doing in here anyway?" came the off handed question from her transfiguration professor.
"Well it was our free period. I was going to help Draco on he's potions essay. He didn't finish it because of me last night, but he only had a few lines left when I got here so I started reading -"
"Imagine that, " sorted Snape. Hermione chose to ignore the comment.
" he was interested in what the book was about so I gave it to him to read. He decided to read it out loud. I guess we lost track of the time."
"What book was it, Hermione?"
"Oh it's a muggle book, The Beauty and the Beast."
"You got Draco Malfoy to read a muggle book?" McGonagall asked in incredulity.
"Well yes, but he wanted to read it. It has some magic in the book; transfiguration actually." The headmistress looked absolutely delighted.
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I'm actually going to stop here and divide this chapter into two. I have another few pages to write and it will involve a lot more writing. I'm trying to get this done and dividing it will get this out to you faster.
What to expect in the next chapter: 1) More discoveries with Hermione and Draco 2) The (grown-up) Malfoy 3)Curses 4) Humor (Maybe?)
