"Teachings of Seduction"
By: Gemini
Chapter 7: The Apologies
Authors note: I don't own anything. And I hope this chapter won't take so long to write. I really hope you guys didn't care how I portrayed Pansy in the last chapter. I usually really hate her, but hey, I thought it'd be fun and useful to write her like that. So yup. Here's the next chapter! I hope you enjoy it.I know this update has taken WAY Forever, but my summer was just so BUSY ^______________^ I got a steady boyfriend, and schools started back up (which is so HARD .) but I hope you all accept my DEEPEST apologies *bows waaaay low*
~*~
"But Mione!" Justin's voice called to her, making her turn back to him. "I wanted to spend Saturday morning with you," he said, almost in a whiny voice.
She raised an eyebrow as she watched him walk toward her, and interlaced his fingers with her, but she couldn't help smiling back for a moment. She tugged her hands away and shook her head no. "I can't. I have a prior arrangement."
Justin crossed his arms over his chest, and pouted.
Hermione smirked, that smirk she had picked up from Draco, and ran a hand through her hair. She brushed it out of her eyes and shook her head no again.
"Ok.fine. Just send me a message. I'll be in the library," her told her, and turned on his heel, making his way through a bunch of first and second years.
Hermione let out a frustrated sigh, and ran another impatient hand through her hair, before turning in the opposite direction and going towards the Gryffindor tower.
"What's the password, Dearie?"
Hermione sighed, and tried to remember it. Oh yes. "Chocolate".
The woman in the painting got a dreamy look on her face as she swung open, and Hermione climbed through the portrait hole.
A familiar voice called out to her as soon as she walked in. She grinned as she saw it was her best friend Ginny. "Relationships suck," she said. Hermione grinned even more. "Fighting sucks even more," she added, sighing.
The next part Hermione and Ginny said in unison. "But remember: There will always be chocolate."
"What's up with you and Neville?" Hermione asked Ginny, as they sat down on opposite sides of the couch. Ginny rolled her eyes and ran a hand through her hair.
"What do you think? He went all depressed on me again last night. How does a girl deal?" She asks, sighing.
"I don't really know."
Ginny laughed. "Wow. Isn't that strange?"
Hermione lifted her eyes, being brought from her thoughts. "What? What's strange?"
"You." Ginny grinned at the look of confusion on Hermione's face. "Not knowing something."
"Oh shut up," Hermione laughed and then sat up, cracking her back. Ginny wrinkled her nose. "Hey, what time is it?"
"Almost ten forty," Ginny replied, looking at her watch.
Hermione stood up quickly. "Well that means I have to fly. I'm meeting someone at 11."
"Justin?" Ginny asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
Hermione laughed, biting her lip. "No, not Justin."
Ginny pouted somewhat. "Oh. Well, you still have to tell me the details of last weekend you know. You've been so busy! I wanna hear all about it!" she whined.
"Fine, fine," Hermione laughed again, picking up a pillow. "How about after dinner? We'll watch Harry and Ron act like trolls as they try and write that 8 roll potions essay."
Ginny laughed and Hermione threw the pillow at her, turning towards the portrait hole. "See you then."
Hermione climbed out of the hole, and turned back to look at her red haired friend before the portrait swung closed. She wished that she could tell her everything about Draco, but she knew better than that. Hermione sighed again, running another hand through her disheveled hair as she walked down the steps to where she and Draco usually had their lessons.
She looked around outside, over the green grass and felt a frown tugging at her lips as she noticed he wasn't there. She placed her hand over her knees, and hugged them to her chest, staring out at the lake. She closed her eyes and sighed softly, before opening them, and blowing a strand of fading blue out of her eyes. She grinned and ruffled her hair.
"Looks like you'll need to re-dye it soon," a slow drawl came from behind her.
Hermione jumped up quickly, and she turned around. "Draco!"
"Malfoy used to do nicely," he mused, half smirking, as he leaned against the steps.
"Things change," she told him, shrugging slightly. "People change."
"My my, yes they do." His usual smirk stayed on his lips, and she rolled her eyes. She bit back the doubt she felt, and stepped a few steps toward him, drawing him into her arms and hugging him. He stiffly held her, patting her back gently, and she soon pulled away and smiled softly up at him.
"Yes they do," he murmured gently, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. She blushed slightly, and bit her lip, taking a step back from him. "I saw you and Justin together. You didn't seem so happy, storming out of Zonko's like that. What had your knickers in a twist?" he asked her, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Don't ask me. Just one of those violent moments when you're filled with rage," she answered, scoffing. "What about you? You and the Pug looked awfully close there," she raised an eyebrow. "Something you're not telling me?"
"Oh, how I'm in deep for Parkinson?" Draco smirked again, running a hand up and over his hair. His smirk grew slightly as he noticed all of his locks were in perfect shape. That always was good news.
Hermione took another step backwards. "So you are?"
Draco sighed gently, his breathe fogging the air. "Course not." Hermione let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding in. "Parkinson and I have an agreement."
Hermione nodded, smiling softly at him. "That I think I can understand." She hoped she didn't look too surprised when he smiled back.
Draco took another step forward and sighed, reaching up to tuck another piece of hair behind her ear. "You're so good at that, Mione," he whispered, looking at her with a gentle look on his face.
"Draco," she whispered out softly, reaching a hand up to grasp the one that strayed on her cheek. "Don't," she whispered, looking at the emotion barely showing in his eyes. "Just don't," she whispered, turning around and moving quickly to the stairs, leading to the castle.
~*~
If I could say what I wanted to say
I'd say I want to blow you away
~*~
He reached out and grasped her arm, stopping her from moving anywhere. She stood and looked down on him from the stairs, where she stood a few feet above, and then looked over his shoulder, her eyes widening. "Draco," she murmured, willing him to let go of her arm. She saw Ron and Harry walking up the path from Hagrid's hut, and she pulled weakly to try and get out of his grasp again.
"Don't go, Mione," Draco said, pulling her down a step or two. She tugged again and his fingers tightened around her arm. "I didn't think you would come today," he said, oblivious to the two males nearing them. "I just wanted to apologize."
This stopped her movements, and she looked into his eyes with confusion plastered all over her face. The grip on her arm loosened considerably and Harry's laughing voice could be heard. "Why would you need to apologize?" she asked him, her voice quiet.
"Because you were right. You are ready. I should have seen that, but I'm just selfish." his voice trailed off and she wished she could have heard him continue, but Ron and Harry had shown up.
"Malfoy," Harry said, his voice darkening considerably. Ron looked at both Hermione and Draco, noticing the little red mark surrounding where Draco was still holding onto Hermione's forearm.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, ferret boy?" Ron asked, moving forward and ripping Draco's arm from Hermione's.
"None of your business, Weasel breath," he replied back coldly, glaring at him and Harry. "What I do with Hermione" he put emphasis on her first name, "Is none of your business."
"How about we ask Hermione that," Harry started, looking up into Hermione's eyes, and they filled with tears.
"Please," she responded, looking pleadingly at Ron. "Just leave it."
Ron's fist swung quickly, and Hermione leapt at him, trying to block the punch, but Harry grasped her around the waist. "You made her cry, you filthy inbred piece of." the list of insults went on, but Hermione didn't hear anything, fighting to get away from Harry to shove Ron off Draco's body.
Draco didn't fight back, and was soon knocked unconscious. Ron's knuckles were a bloody mess. Harry didn't know what to do, and Hermione was sobbing, her face planted in Harry's chest.
Hagrid was the one that finally tugged Ron off Draco, and Harry finally let Hermione go. She dropped to her knees, and felt a few more tears fall down her cheek. His face looked so cold and white, especially with blood running from his lip and nose. She stood quickly, her fists balled at her side, and she glared coldly at Ron. She turned quickly on her heel, her short hair flying behind her and raced up the steps to get back inside.
She walked quickly towards the library, thinking that if she could just get back to the way she used to be, the smart quiet girl, than none of this would have happened. She stopped walking as she neared it, and placed her back against the wall. She rested her head on the wall, and lifted it up hitting it repeatedly against it a few times, before sliding down it, and hugging her knees to her chest again.
She rested her forehead atop her knees and cried silently for a few moments, her sobs making her body tremulous. Soon they started to shake her whole body, and dry sobs could be heard. "God dammit," she whispered. "How could I have been so stupid? What was I thinking?"
"Hermione," she heard a voice call to her, and she tightened her eyes. That was why she was so stupid. Justin kneeled down and placed a hand on her shoulders. "Mione, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," she answered, standing quickly, and wiping her nose on her sleeve. "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine. I need to go."
She stood and quickly fled to the common room. "Ch- chocolate," she sniffled out the password, and the Fat Lady smiled apologetically and swung open for her. She stepped inside quickly, and looked around the common room for Ginny. She saw the bright shock of red hair, and started toward her, but then saw that red haired head leaning on someone's shoulder, and she saw Neville sitting with her. One of the few happy moments they still had together, and Hermione had to sigh a little, watching them.
The calm serenity of the common room was soon broken, as the portrait swung open again, and McGonnagal's sharp tone filled the air. Heads turned to watch as she pulled the 7th year Weasley in by his ear, yelling about his stupidity. "Put the poor young man in the hospital wing! And he didn't even lay a finger on you or provoke you in the slightest. I am disappointed in you, Weasley!"
Harry climbed in after them, and saw Ginny. He ran over to her, and grinned a huge grin. "Oh man Gin! You should have seen it! Ron just beat the bloody crap outa Malfoy! He has to stay in the hospital wing tonight to re-mend his broken nose and cheekbone. Part of your brother's punishment is that he has to let his hand heal on its own. Worth it, I say. He'll have wicked cool scars."
"Potter, shut your mouth before I give you detention as well."
"Professor," Hermione stood up and walked toward them, where McGonnagal had finally released Ron's ear, which was very red tipped. Almost slightly purple, when you looked at it from a certain angle. "Is Drac - Malfoy really in the hospital wing?" she asked, correcting herself quickly.
"Yes, no thanks to this riff raff. Now off with all of you. I suspect you have enough homework to keep you busy. I don't need to give you anymore, do I?"
"No Ma'am," everyone said quickly, turning back to their assignments.
"Good." She turned and left the common room and a few people jumped up to congratulate Ron. He smiled smugly and shook a few second years' hands.
"It doesn't hurt to bad, does it?" One first year asked, looking up in awe at him.
"Not nearly as bad as it should," Hermione interjected, glaring coldly at Ron. "It's his ego that needs to be deflated."
"What's your problem?" Ron asked, glaring back.
"Nothing. Now I need to go get some work done. You should all do the same."
"You don't have any power over us," one of the third years called out.
"Yeah!" another piped up. "You gave away head girl."
"Doesn't matter," Harry said to them, trying to make eye contact with Hermione. "You should still listen to her, as she's your elder. You know that you're supposed to respect your elders, right?"
One of them looked skeptical. "Sure, I guess."
"Good," Harry replied. "Then do it and get to work."
~*~
Hermione faked sick, not that anyone believed her. Ron had detention - with Snape, and she had no sympathy for him. She didn't go to dinner and feigned sleep when the girls all came up to bed. She felt slightly guilty about Ginny. The young girl understood though, and Hermione promised that they would talk tomorrow morning when she felt better.
Hermione tiptoed down the dormitory stairs, and looked around the common room. No one was awake, and the dying embers of the fire made shadows dance along the walls.
She moved towards the portrait and looked around again. She smiled fondly at her school colors, and pulled her robe tightly around herself. It was after hours, and she was going to have to be careful if she didn't want to be caught.
It took her a little longer than normal getting there, as she was trying to be quiet. She had one almost run in with Mrs. Norris, before she turned down a different corridor. But finally she neared the Hospital Wing. The door was cracked slightly open, so she slipped through. She winced as the door creaked when it opened a little more. "Ok, Mione, time to lose some weight," she whispered to herself and looked along the beds for a lump. The light the door crack created made her see one in the far left corner occupied.
She moved quickly towards it, almost tripping on the way. She finally made it to the bed side, and she saw Draco's face turned away. She felt sadness creep over her face and she walked to the other side of his bed and saw his face. She moaned gently and fell to her knees, bringing a hand up to trace lightly across his bruised cheek. "Oh Draco," she murmured and felt a tear slide down her cheek. "I'm so sorry. This is all my fault."
She looked at him a moment more, and felt a sob come up. She tried to say silent, but more tears crept down her cheeks and with those tears sobs came. She threw herself over Draco's chest, and cried into her arms and into his blanket. She cried because she couldn't control herself these days, tears coming all the time. She cried because her priorities were all out of order. She cried for Ron, and Harry, and Ginny, and all the lies she was telling them. But mainly she cried for Draco, and her hurt heart. "I'm so sorry Draco," she whispered again, bringing her head up to look into his bright gray eyes.
~*~
Be with you every night
Am I squeezing you too tight?
~*~
TBC
Authoress note: WOW!!!!!!!!!! Ahhh!! I FINALLY FINISHED!!! Yay. Go me. Lmao. Two nights ago I was up at midnight writing this (school night, mind you, lol) and Mom woke up.the computer is right next to her bedroom, and she lifted my head and was like "Alex, look at the time. Get off." It was sad because I was SO close to finishing, and now I've finally done it. Slight cliffy, but when are my chapters NOT that way? Well, I can't promise a quick update, although I ASSURE you it will be faster than this last one. It took me five months. Took me about a week to write all that. Maybe if I got off my lazy ass and found more time for my writing.*sigh* well, I hope you enjoyed it. Please review.
And for those of you who did review the last chapter ^_^:
offleewild1: Hiya hun. I hope you enjoy this update.and I like your idea about Crabb.that really should happen. *think think think* lol. I hope to put that in. I think it would make an interesting twist in the story (oh yeah, after all my twists so far, lol). I hope you enjoy this chapter.. :)
Hellothereperson: Hiya. I hope you really enjoy this chapter, and I will try to update more often.
Jen103: Lol. BuMp to you too, hehe. I like what I've done too, to an extent. I'm not sure that its very plausible at all (god knows, lol) and I hope you enjoy this chappy. its kind of interesting, and a lot more serious than any of the other ones. I think this story could have been better written, and I think I'll rewrite it eventually..I dunno. I hope you like it.
Hayley Potter: I hope you still like it, lol. I know there are SO many better written fics out there, but it really touches me that you stopped and read my story. You really have no idea. I love it when people read it and review, especially if they take a certain part of it away with them. This story does have some moral and point to it, as random as it is.and I wrote it on a whim with no prewriting at all, lol.so its all off the top of my head in PURE random thought ^^;;; but there are some nice points that people can take with them.
Skyleia: Lol. I plan to continue with it, actually.just it might take me a really long time. So look for more updates :)
The Goddess of The Demented: *huge blush* oh my god. That's so sweet!! Lol. Wow. Lol. I can't believe how amazed I was at your review, as simple and short as it was. Thank you very much ^_^;;;;;;;;; although I know its not perfection, it was really nice of you to say that. Thank you.
Lady Night: Lol. Sorry it took me so long to update, hun. I know this story must be to die for *rolls eyes* lol. But its not too bad, I hope.
Brandi: I hope I do well with the rest of this story. There are many lyrics left (yes, this is a songfic, lol.I forget quite often and its nice to remind myself) so I think this story is going to continue for a while. Especially since part of it is taken from "Red Haired Goddess" (other fic of mine. This is a prequel to it) so its gonna take a while to finish. I hope I do well with the rest of it. I love the support I get from people like you. :) Thanks a lot. You have no idea what it means to me.
Alexiel Elizabeth Granger: Hiyas, lol. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I hope the next update will come quickly. You said "Ja ne" Lol!! Yay!!! Go you ^_^ lol. I think its awesome. I lurve the Japanese language ^_____________^;;;
Rage: Thank you for that nice comment, lol. The plot is pretty interesting, although its probably been done to death. Now its my turn to just contribute to the cliché :)
Kerbi: Yeah, I have to do that a lot..rereading stories, I mean. Lol. I'm glad you took the time to reread it though ^___^;; makes me feel all special on the inside. Lmao. That reminds me of my Spanish class.theres this guy that wouldn't work with me and I told him it would touch me deeply if he did, and he grinned at me and was like "yeah? Well, what if I don't WANT to touch you deeply?" it was so great. Then we both cracked up laughing..and then he worked with me, lmao. Anyways. Nice little story of mine (I have a lot of those lol) I hope you enjoyed this.
And yet again, finally, my favoritist reviewer (although I'm not sure if she'll review again because she might have forgetted about me *sniffles*)
Akira Gown: Heh heh *sweatdrops* I don't have much control over the chars, actually.which makes me sad. Ronni is biding his time, as he really doesn't want to see exactly WHAT Duo can do in a closet.lol. *looks over at Ron, who's cowering behind Harry as Duo makes raunchy moves with his hips*
You apologize for taking a long time to review? Well, lemme apologize and BEG forgiveness for not updating for blooooody five months!! I feel like such a prat. But life has been SO hectic! I hope people will forgive me :(.. I just don't know how long it will be until the next update, as much as I'd like to say "Oh! I'll be tomorrow!" I so know better than that.
Happy Late birthday to you! Lol. Yeah..give me two months and then I'll be singing 'Happy Half way through the year birthday to you".. Holy crap, its my boyfriend's have birthday *looks at date* today ^^;;;;;;; lol. Yeah, remember how I said I had two loves? Well.I chose one *looks all sheepish and kicks dirt around* yeah. I love my Alex *grins huge*
It was so amazing! He came to visit in august and I completely fell in love with the boy. Maybe it was the way after playing video games and had a tickle war he leaned over and kissed my forhead, or maybe it was when we went to see a movie and Krista (friend of ours) was pissy in the car, and he said that he was happy, and that it filled him with a lot of joy to be able to go and finally see a movie with me.then he kissed my hand like they did in the movies!!!!!!!! *diiiies* Lol. I dunno. But he's been keeping me WAY up late at night. I dunno how many more of those three in the morning nights I can do and keep up my A in Spanish, lol.
Oh yeah. I absolutely loved the last chapter. It was so great! This one doesn't really compare, sadly enough. Its so serious and was really a guilt chapter because its taken me so long to get my head out of the sand and finally write. And oh I've tried. I had about the first part with Justin up there for ages, and then I FINALLY worked it all out. And then for the next two nights I was extremely busy. I just hope I can reply to all of your review before I have to go dancing tonight with Donovan and Krista ^_^ Oh yeah. And I'm getting the pictures of me and Alex together finally, ..not that you knew anything about that before, lol, so there's really no point to the "oh yeah".well, I'm having my blonde moment of the day. *looks sternly at Draco, telling him to shut up as he says "but..alex..what about that other time earlier today in spanish? And then again in choir? And what about with your history teacher?"* Oh Yeah, Draco, you better keep your mouth shut. Because I'm that almighty author that people sing my name in praise. Uh huh. Don't you dare roll your eyes at me young man, or it will be YOU with Duo in the closet. And Duo'd like that, wouldn't you. Of course you would sweetie! *pats Duo's head* you get a cookie now.
How could you NOT be dubbed my favorite reviewer? You are so awesome ^_^ You take the time to write me LONG reviews that are so meaningful and make me laugh. I look for yours after I update, lol. I don't feel complete until I read your review. sad, I know. Lol.
I found a Tamora Pierce book in my bathroom.lol. I think I'll read it later. I've been reading lots of other things lately. Have you ever read anything by Paula Dangizer (dunno the last name, lol) . she wrote "Remember me to Harold Square" and I finally found the sequel to that book. It was so awesome. Lol. You should check her out, because its really funny. It makes me so happy..so very happy. Lol
Oh man. One night at the END of the summer I was with my best friend Krista.and we were gonna dye my hair pink. I was in that mood, it was just. "ok, do it now, or I'll NEVER do it." and we almost did. And then Alex got online and he told me not to do it, lol :( he loves my long brown hair.because at night under the moonlight it flashes a beautiful red color. I dunno. I still want it purple or pink though, lol. I still haven't really decided what I'll do with it.
Hehe, waking up during the summer. When Alex was here (I'm SO full of stories and memories with him.excuse me if I've mentioned him a BAJILLION times already) he was staying at Donovan's house (his brother, my best friend.that's how I met him, lol) and I walked in at about ten thirty, maybe Eleven, and I walked in the bedroom and it was PITCH black. The stupid gits hadn't been to sleep until about five thirty that morning..so I walked in, Donovan threw a pillow at me, and Alex pulled me down in his arms (not wearing a shirt, gloriously half naked blonde haired-blue eyed god in front of me.. *drools*) and was like "hiya alex, I love you, now lets go back to sleep." it was so cute.
I listened to that evil French song for most of this chapter too. Its so sad that my reviews take about an eight of the chapter.lol. Well, this whole web page thing.but I like replying to them, especially yours because its so fun. Now if FF.net won't eat it this time.lol.
I can't wait to read your review for this chapter, and You are awesome. If I was your friend where you lived I would so love you forever, lol. I hope you liked it!
~*~
So my friends. These are the wonderful 11 souls that reviewed. So do please review, and it will fill me with so much joy. You have no idea. I hope you liked reading it ^_^
By: Gemini
Chapter 7: The Apologies
Authors note: I don't own anything. And I hope this chapter won't take so long to write. I really hope you guys didn't care how I portrayed Pansy in the last chapter. I usually really hate her, but hey, I thought it'd be fun and useful to write her like that. So yup. Here's the next chapter! I hope you enjoy it.I know this update has taken WAY Forever, but my summer was just so BUSY ^______________^ I got a steady boyfriend, and schools started back up (which is so HARD .) but I hope you all accept my DEEPEST apologies *bows waaaay low*
~*~
"But Mione!" Justin's voice called to her, making her turn back to him. "I wanted to spend Saturday morning with you," he said, almost in a whiny voice.
She raised an eyebrow as she watched him walk toward her, and interlaced his fingers with her, but she couldn't help smiling back for a moment. She tugged her hands away and shook her head no. "I can't. I have a prior arrangement."
Justin crossed his arms over his chest, and pouted.
Hermione smirked, that smirk she had picked up from Draco, and ran a hand through her hair. She brushed it out of her eyes and shook her head no again.
"Ok.fine. Just send me a message. I'll be in the library," her told her, and turned on his heel, making his way through a bunch of first and second years.
Hermione let out a frustrated sigh, and ran another impatient hand through her hair, before turning in the opposite direction and going towards the Gryffindor tower.
"What's the password, Dearie?"
Hermione sighed, and tried to remember it. Oh yes. "Chocolate".
The woman in the painting got a dreamy look on her face as she swung open, and Hermione climbed through the portrait hole.
A familiar voice called out to her as soon as she walked in. She grinned as she saw it was her best friend Ginny. "Relationships suck," she said. Hermione grinned even more. "Fighting sucks even more," she added, sighing.
The next part Hermione and Ginny said in unison. "But remember: There will always be chocolate."
"What's up with you and Neville?" Hermione asked Ginny, as they sat down on opposite sides of the couch. Ginny rolled her eyes and ran a hand through her hair.
"What do you think? He went all depressed on me again last night. How does a girl deal?" She asks, sighing.
"I don't really know."
Ginny laughed. "Wow. Isn't that strange?"
Hermione lifted her eyes, being brought from her thoughts. "What? What's strange?"
"You." Ginny grinned at the look of confusion on Hermione's face. "Not knowing something."
"Oh shut up," Hermione laughed and then sat up, cracking her back. Ginny wrinkled her nose. "Hey, what time is it?"
"Almost ten forty," Ginny replied, looking at her watch.
Hermione stood up quickly. "Well that means I have to fly. I'm meeting someone at 11."
"Justin?" Ginny asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
Hermione laughed, biting her lip. "No, not Justin."
Ginny pouted somewhat. "Oh. Well, you still have to tell me the details of last weekend you know. You've been so busy! I wanna hear all about it!" she whined.
"Fine, fine," Hermione laughed again, picking up a pillow. "How about after dinner? We'll watch Harry and Ron act like trolls as they try and write that 8 roll potions essay."
Ginny laughed and Hermione threw the pillow at her, turning towards the portrait hole. "See you then."
Hermione climbed out of the hole, and turned back to look at her red haired friend before the portrait swung closed. She wished that she could tell her everything about Draco, but she knew better than that. Hermione sighed again, running another hand through her disheveled hair as she walked down the steps to where she and Draco usually had their lessons.
She looked around outside, over the green grass and felt a frown tugging at her lips as she noticed he wasn't there. She placed her hand over her knees, and hugged them to her chest, staring out at the lake. She closed her eyes and sighed softly, before opening them, and blowing a strand of fading blue out of her eyes. She grinned and ruffled her hair.
"Looks like you'll need to re-dye it soon," a slow drawl came from behind her.
Hermione jumped up quickly, and she turned around. "Draco!"
"Malfoy used to do nicely," he mused, half smirking, as he leaned against the steps.
"Things change," she told him, shrugging slightly. "People change."
"My my, yes they do." His usual smirk stayed on his lips, and she rolled her eyes. She bit back the doubt she felt, and stepped a few steps toward him, drawing him into her arms and hugging him. He stiffly held her, patting her back gently, and she soon pulled away and smiled softly up at him.
"Yes they do," he murmured gently, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. She blushed slightly, and bit her lip, taking a step back from him. "I saw you and Justin together. You didn't seem so happy, storming out of Zonko's like that. What had your knickers in a twist?" he asked her, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Don't ask me. Just one of those violent moments when you're filled with rage," she answered, scoffing. "What about you? You and the Pug looked awfully close there," she raised an eyebrow. "Something you're not telling me?"
"Oh, how I'm in deep for Parkinson?" Draco smirked again, running a hand up and over his hair. His smirk grew slightly as he noticed all of his locks were in perfect shape. That always was good news.
Hermione took another step backwards. "So you are?"
Draco sighed gently, his breathe fogging the air. "Course not." Hermione let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding in. "Parkinson and I have an agreement."
Hermione nodded, smiling softly at him. "That I think I can understand." She hoped she didn't look too surprised when he smiled back.
Draco took another step forward and sighed, reaching up to tuck another piece of hair behind her ear. "You're so good at that, Mione," he whispered, looking at her with a gentle look on his face.
"Draco," she whispered out softly, reaching a hand up to grasp the one that strayed on her cheek. "Don't," she whispered, looking at the emotion barely showing in his eyes. "Just don't," she whispered, turning around and moving quickly to the stairs, leading to the castle.
~*~
If I could say what I wanted to say
I'd say I want to blow you away
~*~
He reached out and grasped her arm, stopping her from moving anywhere. She stood and looked down on him from the stairs, where she stood a few feet above, and then looked over his shoulder, her eyes widening. "Draco," she murmured, willing him to let go of her arm. She saw Ron and Harry walking up the path from Hagrid's hut, and she pulled weakly to try and get out of his grasp again.
"Don't go, Mione," Draco said, pulling her down a step or two. She tugged again and his fingers tightened around her arm. "I didn't think you would come today," he said, oblivious to the two males nearing them. "I just wanted to apologize."
This stopped her movements, and she looked into his eyes with confusion plastered all over her face. The grip on her arm loosened considerably and Harry's laughing voice could be heard. "Why would you need to apologize?" she asked him, her voice quiet.
"Because you were right. You are ready. I should have seen that, but I'm just selfish." his voice trailed off and she wished she could have heard him continue, but Ron and Harry had shown up.
"Malfoy," Harry said, his voice darkening considerably. Ron looked at both Hermione and Draco, noticing the little red mark surrounding where Draco was still holding onto Hermione's forearm.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, ferret boy?" Ron asked, moving forward and ripping Draco's arm from Hermione's.
"None of your business, Weasel breath," he replied back coldly, glaring at him and Harry. "What I do with Hermione" he put emphasis on her first name, "Is none of your business."
"How about we ask Hermione that," Harry started, looking up into Hermione's eyes, and they filled with tears.
"Please," she responded, looking pleadingly at Ron. "Just leave it."
Ron's fist swung quickly, and Hermione leapt at him, trying to block the punch, but Harry grasped her around the waist. "You made her cry, you filthy inbred piece of." the list of insults went on, but Hermione didn't hear anything, fighting to get away from Harry to shove Ron off Draco's body.
Draco didn't fight back, and was soon knocked unconscious. Ron's knuckles were a bloody mess. Harry didn't know what to do, and Hermione was sobbing, her face planted in Harry's chest.
Hagrid was the one that finally tugged Ron off Draco, and Harry finally let Hermione go. She dropped to her knees, and felt a few more tears fall down her cheek. His face looked so cold and white, especially with blood running from his lip and nose. She stood quickly, her fists balled at her side, and she glared coldly at Ron. She turned quickly on her heel, her short hair flying behind her and raced up the steps to get back inside.
She walked quickly towards the library, thinking that if she could just get back to the way she used to be, the smart quiet girl, than none of this would have happened. She stopped walking as she neared it, and placed her back against the wall. She rested her head on the wall, and lifted it up hitting it repeatedly against it a few times, before sliding down it, and hugging her knees to her chest again.
She rested her forehead atop her knees and cried silently for a few moments, her sobs making her body tremulous. Soon they started to shake her whole body, and dry sobs could be heard. "God dammit," she whispered. "How could I have been so stupid? What was I thinking?"
"Hermione," she heard a voice call to her, and she tightened her eyes. That was why she was so stupid. Justin kneeled down and placed a hand on her shoulders. "Mione, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," she answered, standing quickly, and wiping her nose on her sleeve. "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine. I need to go."
She stood and quickly fled to the common room. "Ch- chocolate," she sniffled out the password, and the Fat Lady smiled apologetically and swung open for her. She stepped inside quickly, and looked around the common room for Ginny. She saw the bright shock of red hair, and started toward her, but then saw that red haired head leaning on someone's shoulder, and she saw Neville sitting with her. One of the few happy moments they still had together, and Hermione had to sigh a little, watching them.
The calm serenity of the common room was soon broken, as the portrait swung open again, and McGonnagal's sharp tone filled the air. Heads turned to watch as she pulled the 7th year Weasley in by his ear, yelling about his stupidity. "Put the poor young man in the hospital wing! And he didn't even lay a finger on you or provoke you in the slightest. I am disappointed in you, Weasley!"
Harry climbed in after them, and saw Ginny. He ran over to her, and grinned a huge grin. "Oh man Gin! You should have seen it! Ron just beat the bloody crap outa Malfoy! He has to stay in the hospital wing tonight to re-mend his broken nose and cheekbone. Part of your brother's punishment is that he has to let his hand heal on its own. Worth it, I say. He'll have wicked cool scars."
"Potter, shut your mouth before I give you detention as well."
"Professor," Hermione stood up and walked toward them, where McGonnagal had finally released Ron's ear, which was very red tipped. Almost slightly purple, when you looked at it from a certain angle. "Is Drac - Malfoy really in the hospital wing?" she asked, correcting herself quickly.
"Yes, no thanks to this riff raff. Now off with all of you. I suspect you have enough homework to keep you busy. I don't need to give you anymore, do I?"
"No Ma'am," everyone said quickly, turning back to their assignments.
"Good." She turned and left the common room and a few people jumped up to congratulate Ron. He smiled smugly and shook a few second years' hands.
"It doesn't hurt to bad, does it?" One first year asked, looking up in awe at him.
"Not nearly as bad as it should," Hermione interjected, glaring coldly at Ron. "It's his ego that needs to be deflated."
"What's your problem?" Ron asked, glaring back.
"Nothing. Now I need to go get some work done. You should all do the same."
"You don't have any power over us," one of the third years called out.
"Yeah!" another piped up. "You gave away head girl."
"Doesn't matter," Harry said to them, trying to make eye contact with Hermione. "You should still listen to her, as she's your elder. You know that you're supposed to respect your elders, right?"
One of them looked skeptical. "Sure, I guess."
"Good," Harry replied. "Then do it and get to work."
~*~
Hermione faked sick, not that anyone believed her. Ron had detention - with Snape, and she had no sympathy for him. She didn't go to dinner and feigned sleep when the girls all came up to bed. She felt slightly guilty about Ginny. The young girl understood though, and Hermione promised that they would talk tomorrow morning when she felt better.
Hermione tiptoed down the dormitory stairs, and looked around the common room. No one was awake, and the dying embers of the fire made shadows dance along the walls.
She moved towards the portrait and looked around again. She smiled fondly at her school colors, and pulled her robe tightly around herself. It was after hours, and she was going to have to be careful if she didn't want to be caught.
It took her a little longer than normal getting there, as she was trying to be quiet. She had one almost run in with Mrs. Norris, before she turned down a different corridor. But finally she neared the Hospital Wing. The door was cracked slightly open, so she slipped through. She winced as the door creaked when it opened a little more. "Ok, Mione, time to lose some weight," she whispered to herself and looked along the beds for a lump. The light the door crack created made her see one in the far left corner occupied.
She moved quickly towards it, almost tripping on the way. She finally made it to the bed side, and she saw Draco's face turned away. She felt sadness creep over her face and she walked to the other side of his bed and saw his face. She moaned gently and fell to her knees, bringing a hand up to trace lightly across his bruised cheek. "Oh Draco," she murmured and felt a tear slide down her cheek. "I'm so sorry. This is all my fault."
She looked at him a moment more, and felt a sob come up. She tried to say silent, but more tears crept down her cheeks and with those tears sobs came. She threw herself over Draco's chest, and cried into her arms and into his blanket. She cried because she couldn't control herself these days, tears coming all the time. She cried because her priorities were all out of order. She cried for Ron, and Harry, and Ginny, and all the lies she was telling them. But mainly she cried for Draco, and her hurt heart. "I'm so sorry Draco," she whispered again, bringing her head up to look into his bright gray eyes.
~*~
Be with you every night
Am I squeezing you too tight?
~*~
TBC
Authoress note: WOW!!!!!!!!!! Ahhh!! I FINALLY FINISHED!!! Yay. Go me. Lmao. Two nights ago I was up at midnight writing this (school night, mind you, lol) and Mom woke up.the computer is right next to her bedroom, and she lifted my head and was like "Alex, look at the time. Get off." It was sad because I was SO close to finishing, and now I've finally done it. Slight cliffy, but when are my chapters NOT that way? Well, I can't promise a quick update, although I ASSURE you it will be faster than this last one. It took me five months. Took me about a week to write all that. Maybe if I got off my lazy ass and found more time for my writing.*sigh* well, I hope you enjoyed it. Please review.
And for those of you who did review the last chapter ^_^:
offleewild1: Hiya hun. I hope you enjoy this update.and I like your idea about Crabb.that really should happen. *think think think* lol. I hope to put that in. I think it would make an interesting twist in the story (oh yeah, after all my twists so far, lol). I hope you enjoy this chapter.. :)
Hellothereperson: Hiya. I hope you really enjoy this chapter, and I will try to update more often.
Jen103: Lol. BuMp to you too, hehe. I like what I've done too, to an extent. I'm not sure that its very plausible at all (god knows, lol) and I hope you enjoy this chappy. its kind of interesting, and a lot more serious than any of the other ones. I think this story could have been better written, and I think I'll rewrite it eventually..I dunno. I hope you like it.
Hayley Potter: I hope you still like it, lol. I know there are SO many better written fics out there, but it really touches me that you stopped and read my story. You really have no idea. I love it when people read it and review, especially if they take a certain part of it away with them. This story does have some moral and point to it, as random as it is.and I wrote it on a whim with no prewriting at all, lol.so its all off the top of my head in PURE random thought ^^;;; but there are some nice points that people can take with them.
Skyleia: Lol. I plan to continue with it, actually.just it might take me a really long time. So look for more updates :)
The Goddess of The Demented: *huge blush* oh my god. That's so sweet!! Lol. Wow. Lol. I can't believe how amazed I was at your review, as simple and short as it was. Thank you very much ^_^;;;;;;;;; although I know its not perfection, it was really nice of you to say that. Thank you.
Lady Night: Lol. Sorry it took me so long to update, hun. I know this story must be to die for *rolls eyes* lol. But its not too bad, I hope.
Brandi: I hope I do well with the rest of this story. There are many lyrics left (yes, this is a songfic, lol.I forget quite often and its nice to remind myself) so I think this story is going to continue for a while. Especially since part of it is taken from "Red Haired Goddess" (other fic of mine. This is a prequel to it) so its gonna take a while to finish. I hope I do well with the rest of it. I love the support I get from people like you. :) Thanks a lot. You have no idea what it means to me.
Alexiel Elizabeth Granger: Hiyas, lol. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I hope the next update will come quickly. You said "Ja ne" Lol!! Yay!!! Go you ^_^ lol. I think its awesome. I lurve the Japanese language ^_____________^;;;
Rage: Thank you for that nice comment, lol. The plot is pretty interesting, although its probably been done to death. Now its my turn to just contribute to the cliché :)
Kerbi: Yeah, I have to do that a lot..rereading stories, I mean. Lol. I'm glad you took the time to reread it though ^___^;; makes me feel all special on the inside. Lmao. That reminds me of my Spanish class.theres this guy that wouldn't work with me and I told him it would touch me deeply if he did, and he grinned at me and was like "yeah? Well, what if I don't WANT to touch you deeply?" it was so great. Then we both cracked up laughing..and then he worked with me, lmao. Anyways. Nice little story of mine (I have a lot of those lol) I hope you enjoyed this.
And yet again, finally, my favoritist reviewer (although I'm not sure if she'll review again because she might have forgetted about me *sniffles*)
Akira Gown: Heh heh *sweatdrops* I don't have much control over the chars, actually.which makes me sad. Ronni is biding his time, as he really doesn't want to see exactly WHAT Duo can do in a closet.lol. *looks over at Ron, who's cowering behind Harry as Duo makes raunchy moves with his hips*
You apologize for taking a long time to review? Well, lemme apologize and BEG forgiveness for not updating for blooooody five months!! I feel like such a prat. But life has been SO hectic! I hope people will forgive me :(.. I just don't know how long it will be until the next update, as much as I'd like to say "Oh! I'll be tomorrow!" I so know better than that.
Happy Late birthday to you! Lol. Yeah..give me two months and then I'll be singing 'Happy Half way through the year birthday to you".. Holy crap, its my boyfriend's have birthday *looks at date* today ^^;;;;;;; lol. Yeah, remember how I said I had two loves? Well.I chose one *looks all sheepish and kicks dirt around* yeah. I love my Alex *grins huge*
It was so amazing! He came to visit in august and I completely fell in love with the boy. Maybe it was the way after playing video games and had a tickle war he leaned over and kissed my forhead, or maybe it was when we went to see a movie and Krista (friend of ours) was pissy in the car, and he said that he was happy, and that it filled him with a lot of joy to be able to go and finally see a movie with me.then he kissed my hand like they did in the movies!!!!!!!! *diiiies* Lol. I dunno. But he's been keeping me WAY up late at night. I dunno how many more of those three in the morning nights I can do and keep up my A in Spanish, lol.
Oh yeah. I absolutely loved the last chapter. It was so great! This one doesn't really compare, sadly enough. Its so serious and was really a guilt chapter because its taken me so long to get my head out of the sand and finally write. And oh I've tried. I had about the first part with Justin up there for ages, and then I FINALLY worked it all out. And then for the next two nights I was extremely busy. I just hope I can reply to all of your review before I have to go dancing tonight with Donovan and Krista ^_^ Oh yeah. And I'm getting the pictures of me and Alex together finally, ..not that you knew anything about that before, lol, so there's really no point to the "oh yeah".well, I'm having my blonde moment of the day. *looks sternly at Draco, telling him to shut up as he says "but..alex..what about that other time earlier today in spanish? And then again in choir? And what about with your history teacher?"* Oh Yeah, Draco, you better keep your mouth shut. Because I'm that almighty author that people sing my name in praise. Uh huh. Don't you dare roll your eyes at me young man, or it will be YOU with Duo in the closet. And Duo'd like that, wouldn't you. Of course you would sweetie! *pats Duo's head* you get a cookie now.
How could you NOT be dubbed my favorite reviewer? You are so awesome ^_^ You take the time to write me LONG reviews that are so meaningful and make me laugh. I look for yours after I update, lol. I don't feel complete until I read your review. sad, I know. Lol.
I found a Tamora Pierce book in my bathroom.lol. I think I'll read it later. I've been reading lots of other things lately. Have you ever read anything by Paula Dangizer (dunno the last name, lol) . she wrote "Remember me to Harold Square" and I finally found the sequel to that book. It was so awesome. Lol. You should check her out, because its really funny. It makes me so happy..so very happy. Lol
Oh man. One night at the END of the summer I was with my best friend Krista.and we were gonna dye my hair pink. I was in that mood, it was just. "ok, do it now, or I'll NEVER do it." and we almost did. And then Alex got online and he told me not to do it, lol :( he loves my long brown hair.because at night under the moonlight it flashes a beautiful red color. I dunno. I still want it purple or pink though, lol. I still haven't really decided what I'll do with it.
Hehe, waking up during the summer. When Alex was here (I'm SO full of stories and memories with him.excuse me if I've mentioned him a BAJILLION times already) he was staying at Donovan's house (his brother, my best friend.that's how I met him, lol) and I walked in at about ten thirty, maybe Eleven, and I walked in the bedroom and it was PITCH black. The stupid gits hadn't been to sleep until about five thirty that morning..so I walked in, Donovan threw a pillow at me, and Alex pulled me down in his arms (not wearing a shirt, gloriously half naked blonde haired-blue eyed god in front of me.. *drools*) and was like "hiya alex, I love you, now lets go back to sleep." it was so cute.
I listened to that evil French song for most of this chapter too. Its so sad that my reviews take about an eight of the chapter.lol. Well, this whole web page thing.but I like replying to them, especially yours because its so fun. Now if FF.net won't eat it this time.lol.
I can't wait to read your review for this chapter, and You are awesome. If I was your friend where you lived I would so love you forever, lol. I hope you liked it!
~*~
So my friends. These are the wonderful 11 souls that reviewed. So do please review, and it will fill me with so much joy. You have no idea. I hope you liked reading it ^_^